For the next week, Rodney and Carson's life consisted of sleeping, eating, watching movies, and sex. They had a brief reprise when they took Jeannie to the station so she could go home a bit earlier than scheduled (realized she had a ton of things she needed to get done before classes started back up), but that was the only time they ventured outside of the house.

"You boys need to get out and breathe some fresh air," Peg commented on the last day of the year.

In response, Rodney reached over and opened the closest window and took a deep breath.

Peg slapped him upside the head. "Git. Don't you need to go to the store to get food for dinner tonight?"

Carson lifted his head from Rodney's lap. "I'd forgotten about that."

"I figured as much. You'd better leave now so you can be back and have it ready before your friends get here."

Carson scrambled to go get ready. When he saw that Rodney was still on the couch with no thought to moving anytime soon, he asked, "Are you coming with, luv?"

"Do I have to?"

"Its either that or stay and help me clean," Peg supplied from the kitchen.

"I'm coming," he answered as he shot up off the couch.

"Oh, mum, did you get," asked Carson as he headed for the car.

"Yes, don't worry about that."

"Thanks."

"What did she get?" Rodney asked as he jumped in the car.

"You'll find out later now won't you?"

"But you can tell me now."

"I could. But I won't."

Rodney glared at his boyfriend. After fuming in silence for a bit, he asked, "What time is everyone coming over?"

"Teyla, Ronan, Radek, and Jon are coming over at about six for dinner. John and Elizabeth are coming over later since they have family obligations until then. Aiden called before you got up and said he wasn't sure he could make it since he wasn't feeling all that well and his parents wanted to keep him close."

"Have you noticed how John is around Elizabeth lately?" asked Rodney as they pulled into the parking lot of the grocery store.

"You mean him staring at her longingly? No, I hadn't noticed."

Rodney ignored the sarcasm. "I think he likes her."

"You're probably right, but he doesn't want to act upon it for loosing her friendship and breaking up the group."

"Breaking up the group? What about us?"

"What about us? If we were to ever break up, which isn't going to happen, they would be on your side."

"What? No they wouldn't. They only tolerate me because I fill the void Aiden left and they like you."

"Rodney, they're your friends. They would stick by you through thick and thin."

"But they're your friends too. What's to say they wouldn't be on your side?"

Carson glanced over at Rodney. "You have a history with them. And as much as you deny it, they do care about you in their own weird way."

"I think there was an insult in there somewhere."

"You would probably be right."

Carson had just finished dinner when the doorbell rang. "Could you get that luv?"

"Fine, I'll be your slave, see if I really care."

Carson just raised an eyebrow at Rodney's retreating back.

"That smells delicious," Teyla commented as she entered the kitchen. "What is it?"

"Chicken chou mien. I've been wanting to make it for a while."

"Would you like me to do anything?" Teyla asked.

With a glare directed at Rodney, Carson replied, "If you would bring the plates over to the table, that would be grand."

Teyla nodded and picked up the plates. Rodney escaped Carson's glare by the sound of the doorbell.

"Is dinner ready yet?" Ronan asked as he barreled into the kitchen.

"Just waiting for Jon," said Carson as he brought the food over to the table.

"I still can't believe you go all formal when it is just us," Radek commented as he took his place in front of his nameplate.

"He takes his meals very seriously," Rodney replied.

"If ye are going to be like this, I can stop making food for ye," Carson said as he stormed back to the kitchen.

"I do love making him a little upset. Did you notice how his accent got a little thicker? Sexy."

Ronan shuddered. "So didn't need to hear that."

Radek looked a little worried. "Is that why you anger me so much?"

Rodney waved his hand. "Of course not. I just like arguing with you. You actually know what you are talking about and have valid arguments."

Teyla and Ronan exchanged a glance.

Just then Jon burst through the door. "Sorry, barely escaped with my life."

"Why yes, just come on in," said Rodney with just a hint of sarcasm.

"What happened?" asked Teyla.

"Apparently my parents failed to tell me that they were throwing a New Year's Eve party as well. I'm sure all the teachers from school were there. Very awkward and just a little frightening. I can stay the night here, right?" he asked a little worriedly.

"Yes you can," answered Carson as he came in from the kitchen carrying a covered plate, which he sat at one end of the table.

"What's that?" asked Jon.

"Sweet, sweet goodness," answered Rodney as he followed the plate with his eyes.

"If that's a powerbar casserole, I'm going to be very disappointed and a little scared," Jon said as he took his place at the table. "I'm already a little scared by the place settings. Carson, do you ever chill out?"

"You should see him after," started Rodney.

"That's alright. Rhetorical question," Jon quickly interrupted, not wanting to hear the end of that particular thought.

Carson just glared at everyone and went back into the kitchen for another dish.

"You really didn't need to do all of this," Teyla commented as she saw the amount of food that had been prepared. "We would have been happy with just sandwiches."

"Speak for yourself," Jon commented as he saw what was for dinner. "I think I'm in love."

"Well, you're a little too late. He's mine and I'm not giving him up for anything."

"I can see why."

"If I were to say dinner was up, would it get ye to stop talking about me?" Carson asked as he brought out a pitcher of some mysterious liquid and poured it in everyone's glasses.

"For a bit while we stuff our faces," Ronan replied as he sat down.

"Where is your mother?" asked Teyla as she realized there was an empty stop at the table.

"Mum! Dinner's up!" shouted Carson as he sat down.

"You mean I actually get to partake in this fabulous meal that you have been taunting me with all day?" Peg asked as she exited from the den.

"Of course. Why wouldn't you?"

"I thought you would want to have a nice meal with your friends," Peg commented as she took her seat. As she saw a nameplate in front of her, she sighted. "Carson, you didn't."

Carson blushed and busied himself in filling his plate.

"Rodney, why didn't you stop him?" asked Peg, gesturing to her nameplate.

"I thought it was cute. And he distracted me!"

"I'm sure I don't want to know," Ronan said.

"I don't even want to know," Peg replied.

"Can't we just enjoy the last meal," started Carson

"It had better now be the last meal!" interrupted Rodney.

Carson glared at his boyfriend. "As I was saying. Can't we just enjoy the last dinner of the year without everyone ganging up on me? I did make the bloody thing!"

"We can try," Radek answered honestly. "But I think once you actually let us eat we might stop."

"Only because our mouths are full," added Jon.

"I did say dinner was ready. I don't know why ye all are just sitting there flapping your lips."

Chaos reigned.

"That was probably the best cooked meal I've had since, well, the last time I was over here," Jon commented as they moved into the living room after dinner.

"That was most excellent," Teyla added.

"There is dessert, right?" Ronan asked.

"How can you think of more food?" asked Radek.

"Just thinking ahead. And have you had his desserts?"

Radek was silent for a moment. "There is dessert, right?"

"Of course. Carson made fudge, cookies, I think a cake and or pie," answered Rodney as he entered from the kitchen. "I think he's going to put those out after John and Elizabeth arrive."

"When are they coming?"

"John can't make it until after nine and Elizabeth should be here shortly."

"What are the plans for the rest of the evening?"

"I want to play Carson at foosball," said Ronan.

"Have fun while he kicks your ass," Rodney said shaking his head.

"We'll see."

"Oh, no, he will kick your ass. There is no seeing. It will occur," supplied Jon as Carson joined them in the living room.

"Who's kicking whose ass?" he asked.

"Ronan wants to play you at foosball."

"Ah. Can it wait until I have digested more of my food?"

"Sure. Why don't we pop in that movie that you got for Christmas?"

"That sounds like a great idea. We haven't had a chance to watch it yet. Still don't understand why Elizabeth got if for you though," Rodney said as he got up to put in the movie.

"You will just have to watch it and find out," Teyla supplied with a smirk.

"Have you seen it?" asked Radek.

"Elizabeth and I watched it when she was going through her only foreign movie phase. This was one of the better ones she made me watch."

Just then Elizabeth walked in. "Are you watching a movie?"

"Where did you come from?" asked Rodney.

"Peg let me in. I was finally able to escape the terror of middle school sleepovers. We were never like that, right?"

"I think you were worse," Jon replied.

"Okay, going to start the movie now. No talking."

"Yes master Rodney."

"That's what I like to hear."

Jon groaned. "I didn't need to hear that!"

Rodney looked strangely over at his friend. "You have a very sick mind."

"You live with my parents and try not to have one! It's impossible!"

"Even Mr. Jackson?"

"He's the worst since he's a linguist! Knows many dirty sayings in many different languages!"

"Shh!" hissed Rodney as he started the movie.

"Oh excellent, I love this movie!" said Elizabeth as she realized what movie it was.

"Shh!"

When the movie was over, Elizabeth turned to Carson and said, "Now do you understand why I bought this for you?"

"Aye. There is a certain likeness. But I think Rodney has a much nicer ass."

Jon groaned again and covered his eyes. "I didn't need to hear that. Just like I didn't need to see that."

"Me think you doth protest too much," Radek said with a smile.

"I just don't need to hear about the sex lives of my friends. I get more than enough of the sex life of my parents."

"I thank you for introducing me to this movie, Elizabeth. I think I'm going to have to show it to Jeannie when I see her next."

"You will not!" protested Rodney. "And there was no likeness."

Everyone snickered. "Sorry luv, but there was. Even mum thought so when she came in."

Rodney moaned and buried his head in Carson's lap.

"I do enjoy the fact that she entered during the naked scene," Ronan commented.

Just then the doorbell rang. "I'll get it," Rodney said very quickly.

"John always has wonderful timing," commented Jon.

"Okay, what's got Rodney in such a fit?" John asked as he entered the living room.

"I am not!"

John just rolled his eyes and looked around.

"We just finished watching Century Hotel," explained Teyla.

"Ah," John nodded in understanding.

"You've seen it?" asked Elizabeth.

John nodded. "My grandparents gave it to my parents on their anniversary as part of a collection of international movies to 'broaden their cultural experience.' Josh and I watched all of them during spring break last year when they went on vacation without us. That was one of the ones we both really liked, surprisingly enough."

"Okay, foosball time," Ronan said. "I want John on my team."

"Who are we playing against?" asked John as he headed towards the den.

"Carson."

"That's it? That seems never mind," John said as he remembered how badly he got his ass kicked the last time he played Carson.

"My money's on Carson," Rodney said as he got up to watch the game.

"Thanks for your vote of confidence," John said with a sarcastic air about it.

"I'm sorry, but Carson has been playing for a hell of a lot longer than the two of you combined."

"My money is also on Carson," said Teyla.

"Does anyone think Ronan and I can take him?" asked John as they prepared to play.

There was silence for a bit before Elizabeth said, "I think you have a chance. Not a very good one, but a chance."

"Thank you very much for the vote of confidence. But lets see the master go down!"

And so the game commenced. There was never any question on who would win once Carson scored the first two points in a minute. In the end, the score was ten to six; a lot closer than either John or Ronan had been able to get on their own.

"Anyone else want to get their ass kicked?" asked Carson.

"Teyla and I want to play the losers," Elizabeth said.

"Finally, someone we can beat!" exclaimed John as he prepared for another go. He never saw the look of doubt on Ronan's face at that statement.

While the foosball game was going on, Carson snuck out to the kitchen, followed closely by Rodney when he realized Carson wasn't there.

"I'm just getting a little something for everyone to drink," Carson said without looking at who came into the kitchen. Which could be part of the reason why he was very startled when a pair of arms encircled his waist. "Rodney?"

"If anyone else were to do this to you, I would have to kill them."

Carson turned around without breaking the grip of the arms around him. "Only you, luv, only you." He then placed a gently kiss on the lips before him which quickly turned into something with a bit more passion.

"I think you will, ah geez!" started Radek as he walked into the kitchen.

Rodney jumped back with a start and looked a bit embarrassed. "Just helping Carson get the drinks."

"I think you were helping him with a bit more," Radek answered with a raised eyebrow.

"Radek, could you carry some of these glasses into the den?" asked Carson as he grabbed three bottles. "Rodney, if you could grab the rest of the glasses and bottles?" Without another word, Carson left leaving Rodney and Radek in awkward silence.

"Right, I'll just grab this, Champagne!" Rodney exclaimed as he looked at the bottle. "Peg bought us Champagne? I love her."

"We should go and partake in this, should we not?" Radek asked as he grabbed a few glasses and hurried to the den with Rodney quickly behind.

"Finally, the merriment can begin!" exclaimed John. He then proceeded to turn on the stereo and grab the glasses out of Radek and Rodney's hands. "Pop the cork, Carson!"

Radek leaned over and whispered in Rodney's ear, "Bet you wish he would pop your cork, eh?"

He was very shocked when after Carson had started to pour the champagne he said very loudly, "Carson, since you did such a good job with popping that cork, want to pop my cork later?"

Everyone who was drinking promptly chocked and anyone who wasn't just gapped at what their normally very reserved, when it came to anything sexual, friend had just said. Carson on the other had didn't stop from pouring the next glass. When he had finished, he calmly said, "Was their any question about that?"

"I don't know if I want to stay the night anymore," Jon said.

It was only two hours until the New Year when Ronan brought up a very important topic. "Wasn't there dessert?"

"Of course," Carson said as he headed towards the kitchen. "Could someone help me bring it all out?"

Ronan and Jon hurried to help, much to the surprise of everyone. The surprise was cleared up when they came back with their mouths and hands full of goodness.

After everyone had tried everything that was brought out, did Rodney remember that Radek and Ronan had something that they were going to tell everyone.

"Radek. Wasn't there something you and Ronan wanted to share?"

"What?"

"That's right. You said you were going to share tonight," remembered Carson.

"A secret? We can't be having this!" John said, very interested.

"Its not that big of a deal, our parents are dating," Ronan supplied as he reached for another piece of fudge. "You really need to make these more often, Carson."

"What? When did this happen?" Jon asked.

"Summer. We did not think they were very serious," answered Radek.

"They told us a few days ago that they were thinking of moving in with each other when the lease it up on our apartment in May," added Ronan.

"That's just, weird," said John.

"You're telling me."

"Wow. If you think about it, it is kinda cool, though," Jon said.

"Just goes to show you that live likes to throw you curve balls. You never know what the future might hold," Elizabeth said philosophically.

"Appropriate that you should bring that up with about an hour left in the year," drawled Rodney.

In the last hour of the year, the eight friends discussed what the future might hold for them.

At midnight, quiet "Happy New Year" salutations were exchanged and silent promised were made. Whether they would be kept, only the future would know.