A Glimpse Into the Past

By Andie O'Neill

Summary: It's been years since John Sheppard was thrown into the future, and now it seems to be Lieutenant Colonel Jason Sheppard's turn to take a little trip in time, only this time it's the past… but what is he supposed to be fixing, and why were his friends sent along with him?

A/N: Hey guys, sorry this took so long, but it's been pretty busy on my end. Then my computer broke down. :sigh: Oh well, it's here now! Enjoy! ;)

Part Three "Gotta Lay Off That Athosian Ale"

Present Timeline

"Say something," he finally said, unable to take the awkward silence anymore.

Elizabeth shook her head, getting up and walking around in the room. "What do you want me to say, John? You just told me in some future timeline that we had sex! That I'm supposed to be married to you! What exactly do you SAY to something like that?"

"I don't know!" John stood up, staring back at her. "I just… I had to tell you, I knew if it was true that I'd have to tell you the truth. Elizabeth… I know this is all pretty crazy, but I have a feeling… that we have a future together, a good one. I've been there, and there may be quite a few things I don't remember, but I do remember that night, as foggy as it was, I remember you. More than anything else… I remember you."

Elizabeth took a few steps back, trying to put some space in between them. "John, I… what exactly are you telling me here? Because I don't understand?"

"I told her that I loved you because it was true, Elizabeth. I do… love you. I can't exactly explain it, but this past year… it's been… well it's meant more to me than you know. Spending time with you… even before I was thrown into the future… I'd fallen for you, and now… I'm not even sure there was ever a woman that I could come close to comparing you to. There's a future between us. You can't deny it."

"Yes I can, and so can you. Whatever you saw… it could never happen. The leaders who've worked at the SGC… Hammond, O'Neill, Landry… even me, we all had to deal with a magnifying glass over our heads. The ZPM allows us contact with Earth on a regular basis, and I will not have some review board blame every decision or mistake either of us make on our relationship."

"Elizabeth, we can do this. I know we can. If they could do it, so could we… hell, we're them!"

"John, you barely remember anything that happened in that future! I will not base your unclear memories as the reason why we belong together."

John frowned, shaking his head. "You know what, fine. Let your fears control you, but I've spent my whole life afraid! Afraid to be close. Afraid to trust. Afraid to love someone and inventing idiotic reasons why… and let me tell you something Elizabeth, I won't do it anymore. I can't be afraid anymore when every time I go through that gate, I risk never coming back. I can't live my life afraid, and sooner or later you'll realize the same thing. Just hope I'm around when you figure it out!" John grabbed his tray of food and walked to the door.

"John-"

"See ya later," he muttered and walked out the door.

Elizabeth sighed, running a hand through his hair. Well that went well.

It was incredible. Her body against his. The way they moved. The love that they each expressed with every caress, and every kiss. It was magic. The connection between them was so strong, it was almost scary, and John knew now more than ever that what they had was fate and nothing but. Nothing had ever felt more right, more real. What they had was beyond some meaningless roll in the hay… it was more than that. This was a melding of flesh, two becoming one. The melding of heart and soul. This was what life was all about. He'd loved her from the moment his eyes had met hers. He'd never known… how could he? But it was there.

Women came and women went, but none like Doctor Elizabeth Weir. No one could match her. She was, and always would be… to him… perfect. His one and only. His life. When the moment came, and he'd felt her tighten around him, felt himself let go he'd never felt so completely at peace. The moment it ended, he felt himself give out, too exhausted. Nothing had ever felt that intense. He lay on top of her, trying to control his breathing, shaking from the tidal wave that had just run through him. "God," he'd whispered as he'd kissed her hard, using all his strength, unable to leave her warmth, her arms. He wanted to stay just like this forever, and surprisingly, Elizabeth didn't seem to bothered by his obvious intention never to let her go. "I know you still have doubts, about me… about us. But God Elizabeth, how could this not be right?"

Elizabeth smiled against his lips, stroking his hair gently. "Nothing's ever felt more right in all my life, John. Every time I'm with you… every time we've done this, it's always been the same."

"So it's always been this strong?"

"Always," she told him, resting her forehead against his. "Every single time…."

"Looks like I have a lot to look forward to then. I mean… I get married; have three kids… and great sex with my beautiful wife… so far, not seeing a real downside here."

Elizabeth laughed at that, sighing. "Oh believe me, there have been plenty downsides, but somehow… we always get through."

"And this time?"

"I would definitely say… even if there's still some times I need to work through, that we'll be okay. I just can't seem to let you go."

"Good. I'd never want you to."

Elizabeth smiled, her eyes holding his. "I think your actions for the past few days have proved that, John."

John laughed, kissing her softly on the forehead. "Yeah well, my father always said I was stubborn…."

John opened his eyes, turning to see he was alone in bed. It must have been a dream, but it felt so real… maybe not a dream… maybe a memory. Sheppard sat up, rubbing his face as he tried to clear his mind. It was hard to tell what was what anymore… what was real or just his imagination. So unclear… so foggy. He just wished he knew what'd happened while he'd been thrown into the future. He just wanted the truth. Was that so bad?

God… why did he have to fall in love with Doctor Elizabeth Weir?

It was then that he experienced yet another flashback.

Flashback

"I'm a bad father… aren't I?"

"Never."

"Jason said I didn't fight for her… that I just let Elizabeth go. Why would I do that?"

"Because you thought she didn't love you anymore… that you'd lost her and it was over, seeing her kiss Simon was kinda the nail in the coffin. She said things… things that really upset you."

"And was I right, about those things I believed?"

"No. It's always been you, Dad. Always."

End Flashback

He was a father? John moved out of the bed and walked into his bathroom, splashing some cool water on his face to clear his head. He was a father. He remembered that. The young girl… her name had been Anika… would be Anika, but he usually called her Ani. Jason was the oldest, and most like John, passionate and a born leader. The youngest was Noah, a smart young boy who shared many of the same qualities as Elizabeth. Even at a young age the boy had been level-headed, and wise… the same went for Ani. He remembered. He remembered them. In fact, he was slowly beginning to remember a lot of things. Oh dear god, they had kids! And now Elizabeth Weir probably hated his guts after their fight earlier… great, just great. What the hell was he going to do? If he'd altered the timeline enough, those three would never exist, and everything he tried to put back would be for nothing. "It's official… John Sheppard you are a complete and total screw up."

Future Timeline

It was late when he found himself walking through the Atlantis hallways, thinking of the past and better times. So many memories in these corridors. He'd had his first kiss in this hallway… her name had been Ellie Kavanagh. She'd been a complete bitch, but he hadn't cared. She was hot. That had been what mattered. Of course during the kiss Lena had walked in on them… and quickly had told his father, who'd been both angry and perhaps a little grossed out, after all, she was a Kavanagh. Ellie's father had said something about the kiss being evidence that someone else should run Atlantis since Doctor Elizabeth Sheppard obviously couldn't watch even her own kids, how could she take care of a city? Still, he hadn't regretted it… after all… HOT! The girl was seriously hot! He'd been ten at the time, and couldn't wait to brag to Ian and Malcolm about his kiss with the smokin' Ellie Kavanagh. Lena had been less than amused and the funny and enjoyable encounter.

Finally he reached the gateroom, noticing only a few technicians around. He walked through the gateroom until he reached the balcony, surprised to see someone else standing there. "Lena?"

Lena jumped, turning around quickly. "Jason! Uh… hi," she greeted, an awkward look on her face. Slowly her expression changed, a small smile appearing on her face.

"Lena… I'm surprised to find you hear."

"Just taking a walk down memory lane… or in this case a stand down memory lane." Lena's smile grew as Jason walked over beside her. "I was just thinking of your parents… I never did understand why it was so important to them… this balcony."

"Well, they actually kinda discovered this place together. They needed a place to talk privately and the doors opened… and it was peaceful… beautiful. It kinda became their shared sanctuary, I guess."

Lena nodded a wistful look on her face. "You know I don't think I've ever met two people more perfect for each other. They went through the hardest times… almost gave up, but in the end I guess fate wasn't done with them. I still wish I could have been there, to help get your parents back together. It must have been weird… seeing your dad, but knowing he wasn't exactly the same person."

"Well, Atlantis never has had the reputation of all things normal. It wasn't that hard to get through the idea. He was still the same guy who's raised me since the day I was born… he just hadn't actually experienced it yet. What made you think of that anyway?"

"I don't know… I guess I just wonder what huge mistakes are in my future. That device… it saved your parents from making one of the biggest mistakes of their life. I mean, isn't there anything in your life that you'd have changed?"

Jason looked away, staring out at the ocean. "One…" he whispered, unable to look at her.

"Ani told me about Grace… the way things were going, I never thought… it's just you two were good together."

"Yeah well… maybe it just seemed like we were. The fact is we both knew something was missing. I mean we loved each other and everything… but it was bound to fail. Anyway, she's happy now, and frankly so am I. I'm just glad we were able to salvage our friendship after what happened."

"And what DID happen?" Lena asked, turning to face him.

Sheppard turned and looked back at her. "Maybe we should talk about something else."

"Why?"

"Lenny, please. I'd rather not… just yet. Let's talk about something else."

"Okay, how about the fact that since you left all those years ago, I've gotten what, like seven letters," she began, folding her arms.

"On second thought… why don't we talk about what happened between me and Grace."

Lena grinned at that. "Thought so."

"Jay! Hey Jay!"

Jason groaned, moving the covers over his head, but the person would not stop knocking.

"Jason Sheppard! Get your tired ass out here now!"

"Ian, get the hell outta here! I'm trying to sleep!"

"Shoulda gone to sleep earlier, now get the hell out here. It's time to celebrate!"

"Celebrate what!" Jason asked, shouting from his room.

"Celebrate your return you idiot! I got Athosian ale," he explained.

Jason frowned. "I haven't had Athosian ale in years…."

"I know how much you like the stuff. Get your butt outta bed. Lenny and Mal are already in my dad's old lab waiting for you. Come on, Jay, get out here!"

"Just give me a sec to get dressed."

"Fine, just come on out when you're ready."

"Yeah whatever," Jason muttered, slowly getting out of bed. Sometimes it sucked having close friends.

"Wow, you look like hell."

"Thanks, I didn't sleep well if you must know. Now let's get going. I'm supposed to be reporting in for duty in the afternoon."

"Jay, will you stop it! You're embarrassing me! I know how excited you are, but please calm yourself down."

Jason rolled his eyes, closing the door to his room, and began his walk toward McKay's old lab, which now belonged to their lead astrophysics Doctor Andrew Lorne, another born and raised Atlantis citizen. "You invited Lenny and Malcolm, but you didn't invite your own wife?"

"Hey! I invited Noah too… he said he'd meet us there. Besides, Ani couldn't make it. She was too tired, so she chose to rest up. I asked if she was okay with me going, and she said yes. Don't worry buddy, I covered all the bases. Nero couldn't make it either, though, apparently he has to get ready for a date…."

"You're kidding me! Nero must really like this one if he's getting ready this early in the morning. What the hell is he up to?"

"Something about getting the room ready. He's apparently cooking too."

"Jesus… we gonna see a ring soon? What the hell is her name?"

"You really don't wanna know."

"Whatever, Ian, just tell me."

"Ellie Kavanagh."

Sheppard laughed at that. "Good one."

"Actually I'm serious. That's her name."

"You mean-"

"Yup."

"And they're-"

"That's right."

"Oh my god!"

"I know, but she has changed a lot over the years. She's not the butthead her father was."

"Dad still doesn't even know how he reproduced…."

"It's a mystery to all of us."

Jason shook his head, walking into Doctor Lorne's lab to see Noah, Malcolm, and Lenny. "We ready to do this thing?" asked Noah as he eyed the Athosian ale sitting on the counter.

Ian laughed grabbing the bottle and went to get glasses. "Let's get this show on the road!"

"Aw damn!"

"What's up, Noah?" Jason asked, turning to look over at his younger brother still sitting on the counter drinking more ale.

"I promised Caroline that I'd meet her for lunch, and I still have tons of reports to write first."

"Caroline? THE Caroline? Jeez! I leave for five minutes and my brother's already getting all the hot girls!" Jason complained.

"Nurse Caroline Yates… the hottest girl in town! Good score buddy!" said Ian, taking a sip of his drink.

"Second hottest," Lena corrected.

"I was talking about a SINGLE woman, Lenny."

"Whoa… wait a second! What you talking bout Ian!"

Everyone looked over at Jason, frowning. Suddenly all effects of the alcoholic beverage had disappeared, realizing they'd let a rather big secret slip… or rather Ian had. For years they'd always considered her off limits. Although many men had been interested, even Ian before he'd married Anika had thought about it, none had dared try except for Nero, but in the end it hadn't lasted very long. Everyone in Atlantis knew where her feelings lied, and although she'd claimed time and time again that she was over him, they all knew better. The joke about her never being single would carry on for a long time yet. Lena would never really be single, not when her heart lied with Lieutenant Colonel Jason Sheppard. "It's nothing, Jay, just a private joke he likes to tease me about," Lena told Sheppard, glaring at Ian.

Ian just frowned, and poured the rest of his ale into the sink nearby. He knew. He knew. No more ale for him. He knew that glare quite well after the years he'd known her. "Well, I'm outta here. I'll catch you guys later." Noah jumped off the counter and gave his brother a pat on the back. "It's good to have you back, Jay. It wouldn't be Atlantis without you," he told Jason then walked out the room. Suddenly the doors opened once again and Noah looked back at the bunch. "Oh and be careful guys. Andrew said something about some research he was doing and he didn't want us to touch anything."

"Got it Noah," said Malcolm as he waved goodbye.

Noah rolled his eyes and once again left.

Present Timeline

He seriously did NOT feel well. Sheppard groaned, slowly opening his eyes, feeling the hard hitting headache beginning to gain in strength. "Great… just great," he muttered, slowly sitting up as he tried to recall the day before. They must have taken the hard stuff. Athosian ale had a pretty big bite to it, but this seemed much worse, and since the Athosians never labeled the strength of their ale… well, there had been times when people on Atlantis had paid the price. This seemed to be one of those times. It was then that he noticed he was in an unfamiliar room. "What the hell?" The Colonel slowly moved out of bed and headed towards the bathroom to wash his face when he tripped. "God Damn it!"

"Jay?" came the pained words of none other than Ian McKay. "Where the hell are we?"

It was then that he noticed Lena lying on a couch nearby. And finally there was Malcolm, lying on the floor beside her. "We must have seriously gotten wasted! Damn it! I was supposed to report for duty in the afternoon! What time is it!"

"How the hell should I know? I just woke up!"

Jason rushed toward the clock near the bed he'd been sleeping on and noticed it was nine o'clock… they'd slept through the entire day! "I'm dead… I am soooo dead. Shit! Shit! Shit! This is a complete and utter disaster!"

"Jesus! We slept through the entire day!"

Finally Ian was up as he checked the clock for himself. Jason rushed out the door, heading towards General Reynold's office to explain himself and take his punishment. He was soooo dead! His head was spinning, but he ignored the pain, taking the transporter and running down the hallway as fast as he could before running smack into… Doctor Radek Zelenka! "Oh! Excuse me! I guess I wasn't paying attention!"

"Radek!" he questioned, a surprised look on his face.

"Uh… that's me… and you are?"

"Jason… Jason She… uhhh Sheridan. I'm kinda new here."

"Ah, I see. Well, I hope you like your new posting so far?" he asked, a pleasant smile on his face.

Jason had seen and been through some crazy stuff in his time on Atlantis and at the SGC, but nothing held a candle to this. For cryin' out loud! He was seein' dead people here! "Uh yeah… it's a great city. One of a kind."

"It's certainly that. Well, you seemed to be in a hurry, I'll let you go. It was nice meeting you Mr. Sheridan."

"Uh yeah… same to you." Jason watched Zelenka turn the corner and he quickly bolted off, practically jumping down the steps towards the gateroom to see none other than Doctor Elizabeth Weir in her office working. "I seriously need to stop watching Doctor Who." Obviously the time travel shows were affecting his brain. When a technician walked back, he quickly grabbed the woman's arm. "Excuse me… what day is it?"

"July 17, 2007," she told him before walking away. It was at this moment that he felt his mind begin to catch up with him, bringing the headache and the dizziness right along with it.

"Oh sh-" and that's when he passed out. He seriously needed to lay off the ale….

To Be Continued….

A/N: I thought I'd give you a big chapter this time around… hope you enjoyed it!