The next week pretty much consisted of going to class and then meeting up with Harry Mayborne, the drama director, after school and discussing the play that they would be doing. They had agreed upon Arsenic and Old Lace, and were now securing the rights to do the play. The local community center had agreed to donate the used of the stage for the performance once they learned what the proceeds would be going towards. The local copying center also agreed to print all the posters and programs for free. Various community business and members were going to be donating all the set pieces, props, and costumes needed. All in all, everyone was very pleased and surprised with the support the community was showing. More than once, John had to leave the room when he learned that someone else was donating something.

It was the third week of October when they had auditions. A majority of the school showed up, wanting to be a part of raising money for one of their own. It was the Friday of the big game against the Genii that the cast list went up. John had been a nervous wreck for the past few days between the pressure Coach O'Neill was putting on him and wondering if he made the cast. In the end, he made Rodney look for him.

"I'm sorry, John," Rodney started. Before John could look too crestfallen, he continued with, "But you're playing Jonathan."

"You ass!" John shouted as he punched Rodney on the arm.

"Hey, that's my bugle blowing arm, I'm going to need that!"

"You're going to be Teddy?"

"Rodney nodded. "Will you look at the cast list now?"

John hurried over and looked at the piece of paper posted outside Mr. Mayborne's door.

Arsenic and Old Lace

Cast List

In order of appearance:

Abby Brewster: Teyla

Dr. Harper: Halling

Teddy Brewster: Rodney

Officer Brophy: Bates

Officer Klein: Kavanagh

Martha Brewster: Elizabeth

Elaine Harper: Laura

Mortimer Brewster: Carson

Mr. Gibbs: Radek

Jonathan Brewster: John

Dr. Einstein: Ronan

Officer O'Hara: Peter

Lieutenant Rooney: Steven

Dr. Witherspoon: Jon

"Hey, with Carson playing Mortimer, that means that we'll be brothers!"

"In the play, John, in the play."

"Yeah, yeah," he answered with a wave of his hand. "How the hell did Kavanagh get a part?"

"That's what I'm wondering. I'm not looking forward to working with him."

"Oh, Coach is going to be a little upset now."

"Why?"

"Both his quarterback, his running back, and his center are involved."

"Well, I'm sure both Jon and Mr. Jackson can convince him it will be a good thing," Rodney said.

"Well, at least he knows he won't have to make us choose. The rehearsals have been scheduled around football practice and the games."

"Lets go see if the others know the news," said Rodney as he went in search of their friends. To his and John's surprise, they found Carson rather quickly as he was walking right at them with a worried look on his face.

"Carson, you don't have to worry. You're Mortimer," John started.

"Oh, I know that. Is she behind me?" he asked, looking behind him.

"Is who behind you?" asked Rodney.

"Laura."

"Laura? Laura Cadman? Why are you worried if she is behind you?" John asked looking around for the blonde.

"Once she found out that she was playing Elaine and I was Mortimer, she came up to me and said that we should start working on some of our scenes right away. And then she mentioned that Mortimer and Elaine were engaged so we should start rehearsing the kissing. I've been trying to avoid her ever since then," Carson finished, looking around him once more.

"She what!" Rodney yelled, drawing the attention of everyone around him. "That little! That's it. You are not to go anywhere by yourself again. Either myself, John, Elizabeth, or Teyla must be with you at all times. I'm sure they will agree with me on this one, right John?" Rodney asked looking at his friend.

John just looked at him with a smile and then looked over at a still very worried Carson, who was now looking just a little shocked and amused. "Oh yeah. We have to protect our new Scottish friends virtue here. Can't be letting just anyone here take advantage of him like that. Only his good friends should be able to do that."

"Exactly. Glad you're in agreement. Would you mind keeping Cadman at bay while I go talk to Mr. Mayborne about this?" Rodney asked as he hurried back towards the drama room.

"Should I be insulted at this?" asked Carson now looking decidedly less worried.

"Nah. He shadowed Teyla around for a while when he learned that Bates had a crush on her." Carson looked at John. "Okay, granted he didn't ask us to look after Teyla as well, and he didn't react so strongly, but I really don't think you have anything to worry about."

Just then Laura appeared out of nowhere. "Hi Carson! John."

"Laura. I hear you're going to be Elaine. You must be excited."

"Oh very. I'm excited to be working with everyone." She then turned to Carson. "So, when did you want to get together and start rehearsing?" she asked with a glint in her eyes.

"Uh, actually," Carson looked over at John for help.

"Why don't you guys wait until we actually get the scripts and start rehearsals before you see if you need extra ones?" John said.

Laura turned and glared at him but was prevented from answering when Rodney ran up and stood very close to Carson, something that both John and Laura did not miss. "Cadman."

Laura looked a little shocked at that. They had normally been on good terms since they were partners for an English assignment last year. Looking over at Carson, she quickly realized the reason for the recent turn. A quick look at John confirmed her suspicions. "Rodney. John, good luck on the game tonight. I'll see you there?" she asked.

"Of course you will, he's the damned quarterback. Little hard to miss if you go to the game," said Rodney very sarcastically.

But John understood the hidden question and nodded his head. She wanted to discuss this latest turn of events and possibly see what she could to do help. Because contrary to what Rodney believed, he had a lot of friends in Atlantis. Friends who only wanted to see him happy. And if he became mellower and didn't snap at people because he considered them idiots, well, so be it.

The football game was an exciting one, just like every other year. The rivalry between Atlantis and Genii was always intense since they were the only high schools in the district. The Genii always beat Atlantis in basketball, but Atlantis always won the football games.

For Carson, this was his first football game. He was sitting between Teyla and Rodney and was trying to learn the rules. Even though by the end he still didn't know exactly how the game was played, he had a good time.

"You're all coming to my house for the annual post game movies, food, and sleepover, right?" asked Teyla.

"Of course, wouldn't dream of not attending," Elizabeth answered.

"What's this?" Carson asked.

"Every year after we trounce Genii, we go over to Teyla's house and watch movies, eat bad food, and fall asleep in the early hours of the morning. I think it's to help John unwind after the game," Rodney explained.

"So, are you coming?" Teyla asked Carson.

"I'll have to ask me mum, but hopefully."

"Great. We can stop by your house on the way to mine. John will meet us there after O'Neill gives his 'We did good today' speech." With explanations out of the way, they all headed towards Elizabeth's car to get the second part of their evening started.

They received a "get out of here and I don't want to see you until tomorrow" from Peg and were then off to Teyla's.

"What movies are on the schedule for tonight?" asked Rodney as they got out of the car.

"The traditional Princess Bride and Wizard of Oz. Then we have to choose between a number of movies."

"Which ones?" asked Carson.

"We have The Wedding Singer, Century Hotel, Goldfinger, X-Men, Meaning of Life, and Love Actually."

Carson just looked at Teyla. "That's quite a varied selection."

"Well, John's favorite movie is Goldfinger, Rodney's is Meaning of Life, Elizabeth's is Love Actually, and mine is Princess Bride. We didn't know what yours was, so we couldn't add that one to the list," replied Teyla.

"Meaning of Life?" asked Carson to Rodney.

"It's a very good movie," he replied defensively.

"Aye, it is. One of my favorites, actually. Just didn't know you were into Monty Python is all."

"So what is your favorite movie?" asked Elizabeth as they settled on the couches in the family room.

"Not quite sure I have one, really. There are a lot I like, but to choose a favorite would be hard."

"If you had to choose," Rodney started.

Carson thought about that for a bit while Teyla ordered the pizza and started getting drinks for everyone.

"Monty Python and the Holy Grail," he finally said.

"Really?" Rodney said. "You like Monty Python as well?"

"Used to watch it all the time with me dad.

"I think that's the first time you've ever mentioned your father," Elizabeth noted as she took a cup from Teyla who had re-entered.

Carson looked over at Rodney. "He died when I was eight," was all he said on the subject.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean," Elizabeth started before Carson cut her off.

"Its all right. Me mum and me just went through a tough time after and it's not something I care to talk about." Rodney put a hand on Carson's shoulder in support.

Just then John came through the door. "Started without me?"

"No. Took you long enough," Elizabeth shouted back.

"I had to talk to someone," he answered as he entered the room. "Pizza ordered?"

"It should be here within a half hour."

"Excellent. Hey, I have an idea. Since Carson is new, why don't we spend a bit of time telling some things about ourselves so he can get to know us a little better and we can get to know him," said John, like this was the best idea in the world.

"That's a great idea!" Elizabeth added. "If you're alright with that, Carson."

Carson shrugged. "I guess. I'm not the most open person, so I guess you might not get some things out of me any other way then if you just asked."

"Excellent. Why doesn't someone just ask a question and then we all have to answer. Including yourself," he added with a glare at Rodney.

"What?"

"I'll go first," said Elizabeth. "Where were you born? I was born in Sacramento, California."

Teyla: "San Diego, California."

John: "Seattle, Washington."

Carson: "Glasgow, Scotland."

Rodney: After a pause. "Vancouver, British Columbia."

"I always thought you were born in Vancouver, Washington!" exclaimed Elizabeth. Rodney just shrugged.

"Okay, next question. Any siblings?"

Elizabeth: "Younger sisters Megan and Jessica."

John: "Younger brother Josh."

Carson: "Only child."

Teyla: "Older brother Mark."

Rodney: "Older sister Jeannie."

Carson looked over at Rodney who answered the unasked question. "She goes to school in Seattle."

"What do you want to be when you grow up?"

Rodney: "Astrophysicist."

Elizabeth: "Translator."

Teyla: "Teacher."

John: "Pilot."

Carson: "Doctor."

John then got an evil look on his face as he asked his question. "Sexual orientation." Rodney gave him a glare. Elizabeth and Teyla gave him smiles as they caught on what he was trying to do.

Teyla: "Straight."

Elizabeth: "Straight."

John: "Straight."

Rodney: After a slight pause, "bi."

Carson: After a pause and a look towards Rodney, which everyone but Rodney caught, as he was pointedly not looking at Carson, "bi, but mainly attracted to guys."

John did a victory dance in his head as Rodney's head shot up. "You never told me!"

"And you never told me!" was Carson's retort. They semi glared at each other until Teyla broke the silence with her next question.

"What do your parent's do for a living?"