Here's Looking at You, Kid

Summary: A solar flare sends John back in time, and only one person is capable of sending him back. Unfortunately, he's currently 16 years old, and as always, Rodney has a lot of issues to work out…

Disclaimer: I think I can reasonably say that absolutely nothing in this story is mine.

Takes place after McKay and Mrs. Miller.

A/N: This fic was inspired by an absolutely lovely SG-1 one I read…oh, years ago, on this site, where Jack goes back in time and meets an Air Force Academy-era Sam, and straightens her out a bit. If this sounds familiar— I apologize for not remembering the title and I'm not trying to copy your work…it was just such a nice idea that I wanted to try it out with some of my favorite characters. And if you can, send me the title—I would love to re-read it!

And continuing the author's note, because it doesn't seem to able to end…everything I know about wormhole physics was learned by watching either Sam or Rodney psychobabble. And I didn't understand much of that, either. This means that my science is sketchy at best, and is far more likely to be completely wrong in every way possible. Anyway, this is far more about the characters than the science, so please take it as such.

Enjoy!

"So, Rodney. Your sister was interesting."

"Oh, god. If you even try Kirking her—"

"You know, you're the one obsessed with sex all the time, not me. I was talking about her stories. You were really a nerd, weren't you?"

"Yes, colonel. I was a nerd. It's not like I tried to hide it…I did tell you about the chess team, right?"

"Yeah, yeah, they could all make nuclear bombs, I remember. But seriously, getting tripped up in the cafeteria? I didn't know they still did that anymore."

Rodney glared and sped up as he walked down the hallway. John, being in much better shape, matched his pace effortlessly. "Really, was your school mean or did you just reach new levels of geekdom?"

"Um, both. Look, it's not important, okay?"

"It's interesting!"

"Oh, yes, fascinating. Let's all mock the unfortunate, shall we? Football jerk."

"Hey!"

"Oh, you so were. The hair, the attitude, the jock-ness in general. If you didn't date a cheerleader I'll…I'll tell Zelenka he's right about something."

John paused, and then continued, looking vaguely guilty. "Yes, well. That doesn't automatically mean I was a jerk."

"Hm. Whatever."

Sheppard shook his head, looking indignant. "Really! Not all football players were terrible, Rodney."

McKay snorted. "Yeah, right. Although…" he trailed off, looking pensive. "Never mind. Point taken. I'm sure you were—tolerable. Maybe."

John blinked. "Wait, what? Why? I mean—you know what, I'm not even gonna try and keep up with your train of though. Go. Be confusing and obtuse, while I'm on Earth hitting on Colonel Carter."

"Bravo, you know what obtuse means. I didn't think you had it in you. And you do know that Colonel Carter can kick your ass, right?"

"Yeah, probably. I just want to rub it in your face that I get to talk to her and you don't. Stalker."

"You brought her up, not me, which would then make you the stalker. Which I'm not, anyway."

"Yeah, yeah. Keep trying, McKay. I know you own a pair of high-powered night-vision binoculars."

"Would those look like the ones you spy on Teyla with?"

"Hah hah. Geek."

"Jock."

And, arguing companionably, they made their way to the jumper bay.

Up on the balcony, Rodney checked over the dialing before being waved away by the technician, and went over to stand by Elizabeth. "How come he's the one that gets to fly the jumper back to Earth?"

"Because he's the only one we can rely on to not crash it into the wall at the SGC," she replied, amused. "We're trying to get into their good books by sending them things to play with, Rodney, not destroying their base. Besides, he's due for a vacation. So are you, actually."

"Fine, fine." They fell silent for a moment, and McKay yawned.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, just tired. And hungry. Do you have any food?"

"No."

"Yeah, didn't think so. You need to eat more."

"And you need to sleep more, Rodney."

"So maybe we can both—" he cut off, looking horrified. "No. Oh, no. Oh, no, no…what day is it? I made Kusanagi take down her calendar and then we had the plumbing emergency and I totally forgot—what day?"

Elizabeth blinked, looking at him oddly. "Does it really matter?"

"Yes! Yes, it matters! Tell me!"

And now her look could be reliably pinpointed as worried. "It's the 28th, Rodney. September 28th."

"Oh, no. Shit—Sheppard!" he yelled out over the balcony, making everyone's head turn towards where he stood, leaning frantically over the railing…but John and the jumper were already through the 'Gate, and all that was left was the wormhole, glistening innocently under the light.