I am trying not to make this angsty every chapter. The angst shall return though. Hi-jinx ensue. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: not mine. but I wrote Romeo and Juliet so nergh.

Rodney was released a few days later; he was shown to his quarters. Elizabeth accepted that it was still Rodney, and although he could go down to the labs he wasn't to be hassled or forced into working. He did that by choice. It seemed that since he had absolutely no responsibilities he was completely relaxed and almost completely himself. Once he got talking to Zelenka, he wasn't to be dragged away and Zelenka seemed all too happy to have power above Rodney for once. It seemed the small Czech had a soft spot for the boy though and did appreciate a new way of looking at things. This McKay was ego-centric, but who wasn't when they were 17 and a complete genius? The sarcasm was there too, no as biting as he could be but he had an evil sense of humour. It fitted in with Zelenka's perfectly. Working on a new idea which would re-route power from a puddle jumper to a naqudah generator to recharge it, they had made steady progress. When it came to the end of the evening, the Czech decided a celebratory drink was in order. Quite possibly the best or worst idea he had ever had. McKay quickly agreed and only after the third shot of Prime A Patented Zelenka Still Gin, the effects were becoming a little more noticeable. After the fifth shot and much more hi-jinx a thought hit the Czech.

"You're not old enough to drink!" he stated with all the seriousness he could muster.

"I am too! Time is relative…in Atlantis, I am 37, at home I am not allowed to drink, here, its fine!" Rodney replied and it took Radek a second to think.

"Your body 17, your mind 17, your team…don't have to know! Major Sheppard would not be so happy, nor Carson I fear…and Elizabeth." with that the Czech shook his head in sadness. "No I fear she would not be pleased either."

"I have been in college for two years, drinking is part of life…I drink, I got to lectures I work. I am perfectly capable of learning with a hangover, 17 or no." He took another swig to prove his point.

"Yes, I start college at 18, body not so prepared, I drink before but not on that…consumption, erm…word, ah ha level of consumption." he looked thoughtful for a moment and they seemed the have hit a slump in the conversation until, "AH!" Radek shouted making Rodney jump, "Legal drinking age in Czech Slovakia…"

"What's Czechoslovakia?" McKay asked.

"You do not know, no it is still Czech Socialist Republic! Czechoslovakia, new name. More politics involved but it's as you say, soft science, too complicated. But as I was going to say legal drinking age in Czechoslovakia…"

"Is 18." McKay supplied.

"No your are wrong my young friend…wrong, the legal drinking age is as soon as you can get to the bar! Ha, you are tall enough and is no bar. You're drinking…meh, fine!" Radek said with a swish of the arm and a smug smile. Then his head started to droop, eyes closing. At that point he was poked in the side with one of Rodney's crutches. Abruptly he woke and stared at his companion. "What?"

"You were falling asleep."

"I am tired."

"Lightweight."

"I have much work, I am tired."

"Old. I suppose not all of us are blessed with youth and ox like constitutions." McKay said smugly.

"No, I suppose we aren't, so I sleep now. In quarters. I see you tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I'll drop by. Hey Radek?" the Czech turned. "Thanks. For today, showing me around the labs, I appreciate it"

"No problem my friend. Time seems to be on your side more now." and with a small wave he turned and left.

Rodney knew it was no good going to bed with this much alcohol in his system. He looked towards the door Radek had exited through then turned to grab his crutches. He wasn't a sad drunk, when he was drunk he usually got funny and open. The biting sarcasm turned into God humour and sociability. Food came into mind, and drink of the non alcoholic type. Making his way to the mess, there was no one in the corridors and it occurred to him that Atlantis was a pretty spooky place at night. He didn't know his way around yet, he knew his way to the mess, because really, food is the first thing you remember how to get. As long as you fed you were happy.

Turning right he saw the entrance in all its glory and walking through the door and into the room he saw it was completely empty. Making his way over to the fridges/cupboards/freezers he leaned the crutches against the work top and looked for a snack. Coming across a bag of crisps and some chocolate bar type things he seemed happy. Moving over to the fridge he opened it and looked for something to drink, suddenly he heard a sound and stood up fast looking for the origin. Deciding he imagined it he turned back to the fridge and grabbed a can.

"Whatcha up to?" Rodney nearly jumped out of his skin.

"Jesus Major, you scared me. Damn it. That was not good, not funny either stop laughing." The can in his hand momentarily forgotten.

"You ok Rodney? You look a little off."

"I'm fine." He waved airily then turned back to the can a frown forming on his face.

"You sure?"

"NO! What the hell is this!" Rodney asked alarmed. John leaned over and saw what young McKay was holding. A grin eased onto his features.

"Of course you haven't seen Coke's new marketing campaign. Lemon Coke is all the rage now."

"It's ridiculous. Why would they do this? It's just wrong. You have coke…its Coke flavoured, its not fruity its just sugar and caffeine and nice. Why tamper with that? It's WRONG!". The flow of conciousness ended with a sway and McKay sat down heavily.

"Are you drunk?" John asked incredulously.

"No." Rodney replied shiftily. Then mumbled something under his breathe that Sheppard couldn't make out.

"What was that?"

"I said maybe a little. But just a little mind." he said with a frown opening his crisps beginning to munch away.

"Where did you get alcohol?" the Major asked though he had a pretty good idea.

"No where. Do you have anything to drink that doesn't have citrus in? I'm deathly allergic." Came from Rodney who had resumed rummaging through the fridge. John had to hold back a laugh. It was just getting too good.

"You're drunk. And you're 17. It's very amusing by the way."

"Legal drinking age is as soon as you can get to the bar in Czechoslovakia." Hook line and sinker.

"So a certain Czech enigneer sleep you the booze?" Knowing full well it was Zelenka.

"No. It was a was a Czech…botanist. His name was Felenka." Giving John the butter wouldn't melt in my mouth look. He didn't know if he was really trying to be serious or whether he was winding him up.

"Well I'll have to have words with this botanist. But between you and me. I don't mind, just make sure Elizabeth doesn't find out. She's not really strict, but she might find it irresponsible." Rodney just nodded deep in though looking at the chocolate like bar he held in his hand, holding it up he said:

"What's this?" John smiled.

"That my friend is a power bar. You live on them. And coffee."

"Can't taste too bad." He took a bite and looked mildy surprised. "that is so good."

"They are quite disgusting."

"Are not." Rodney replied petulantly.

"Are too." John made a note a drunk Rodney was a funny playful Rodney.

"Are not."

"Are too."

"Are not."

"Are too."

"Are not, no returns. HA."

"Okay McKay you got me there. I accept defeat in you're or so mature game."

"I am mature. Who's the older one here?" At that point John decided he'd had enough.

"Oh shut up. You should get some sleep, its way past your bedtime."

"Oh haha Major. My side you slay me." It lost all effect as Rodney yawned widely and his eyes began to droop.

"Come on off to bed with you." As he stood he heard a mumble come from the now still figure.
"what was that?"

"I have absolutely no idea how to get to my quarters from here." McKay stated.

"Come on Sparky, Ill show you the way." Handing McKay the crutches the two men slowly made their way to Rodney's room. When they reached it they said their goodbyes and Rodney walked in and slumped onto his bed. Looking around the room in taking it all in he saw various degrees and awards. It was a great feeling to be able to see his achievements laid out in front of him. With a smile on his face he lay down and drifted off to sleep.