A/N: This is why I finish stories before posting them. It's been two weeks and all I had to do was edit this chapter. Hope everyone is enjoying the story. Reviews are appreciated thanks!
When Rodney and Jennifer got back to Atlantis the gate room had a vast amount of objects tagged and labeled. He found Sam, John, Teyla, and Ronan, as well as various other SGC staff and Atlantis crew members, were all looking over pieces and putting them in "like piles"
"Holy crap!" Rodney claimed.
Sam smiled.
"Welcome back McKay, Keller I guess that means my help crew is switching out," Sam stated.
"Thank God if I look at 1 more of whatever these things are, John pointed at a large pile of small circular plates I'm going to lose it," John said rubbing his neck and looking at all the unsorted objects.
"I didn't realize it was to this multitude," Rodney exclaimed.
"Well it wasn't until yesterday, we've been going through the rest of the area John and your team were investigating and found 2 more rooms like the first," Sam explained.
"Well, then I guess we should get busy," Rodney claimed.
Richard Wolsey came out.
"Glad to see you back, and yes back to work this is the largest find since well Atlantis itself. Colonel Carter and the rest of the scientific team have just scratched the surface of what all this is." Wolsey explains.
"Right right, okay Jennifer I guess I'll see you sometime," Rodney claims.
"This is all hands on deck we're asking people who don't have the ancient gene or haven't researched ancient objects to simply put like objects together. We think a lot of this just may be utilitarian but you never know." Richard explained.
"Well then, I will get sorting," Jennifer claimed. She kissed Rodney on the cheek and went to work with the group she saw sorting.
Rodney had a glow about him John couldn't help but laugh and Sam and Teyla looked amused.
"Good couple weeks I take it," John asked.
"The best of my life," Rodney claimed.
John whistled and Sam rolled her eyes before getting Rodney up to speed.
That night Sam joined Teyla, John Ronon, Jennifer, Carson, and Rodney for dinner. The table was full as they were eating grilled chicken, peas, and mashed potatoes.
The blandness of the food was off-putting as Rodney and Jennifer played with their food more than actually eating it.
"Come on now, you guys were already out weeks ago, are you saying 2 weeks of Earth food already ruined you," John asked.
"Technically this is Earth food, has nothing to do with where we are, has anyone heard of salt and pepper here?" Jennifer asks.
Rodney nodded but did take a bite of the mashed potatoes.
"So, what are you introducing Teyla and Ronan to this time?" Jennifer asks.
"Well, we missed the movie theaters last time, I think the beach will be the easy bet. I also can't let them leave earth without trying decent food there's so little time so I've been getting fast food but the next two weeks are all about the sit-down meal, a nice steak, and some seafood. Oh! Korean Barbecue!" John suddenly remembered.
"What did you two do?" John asks.
Everybody glared at the man wondering why on Earth he would ask.
"We had a lot of time in," Jennifer claimed with only a slight blush on her face.
"Mmm, Rodney did say it was the best weeks of his life sounds like the perfect vacation," John said.
John wasn't sure how McKay had landed someone like Jennifer, young, smart, beautiful a literal lifesaver. He wanted that, John had been with Nancy but they had both admitted in the divorce that it was a marriage of convenience. John had cared deeply for the woman and she did care for him but in the end, they both agreed that they were both young, and just did what they thought was the next logical step. John didn't regret the relationship or end it. He understood why she left and although he told himself never again, he would love the opportunity to have what Jennifer and Rodney had.
"So Sam, how long are you with us?" Jennifer asked.
"I don't know depends on how important all this stuff is. Daniel is out on a mission but is expected to join soon." Sam claimed.
"Any major finds yet?" Carson asks.
"Well, not it does seem that these may be early items from the ancients may be similar to things we collect from history. Who knows if these are relics of the past or maybe even failed experiments? Time will tell." Sam explains.
The group continue to talk about what happened in Atlantis the past two weeks. Rodney was hoping to hop right in first thing tomorrow. Sam had given him the rundown. Jennifer sorting as Rodney and Sam talk privately, well semi-privately in Wolsey's office as he is ordering people to go here and there.
When Sam finished her short version of what's transpired and gave Rodney the full mission report Sam is about to go back to a large green glowing object that was sitting on Richard's desk. Although they had plenty of lab space other scientists had other items they were looking at and this seemed to be the largest item they'd come across.
"Sam, just to let you know, I know we've been good since you were leader here and all but I wanted to let you know I'm sorry," Rodney claimed.
"Sorry for what Rodney?" Sam asked.
"All those years ago, my crush on you, I had just put myself out there because I know you'd never go for it. I had this huge ego, well I know, I still have that huge ego but it was all-encompassing and I hope enough time has passed that we could be friends, like actual friends, not just friends because we work together friends." Rodney said. He suddenly regretted the mini-speech as Sam gave him a look for just a moment.
"I'd forgiven you a long time ago. Rodney, I can see how Atlantis changed you, how Keller changed you. I know that a lot of that showed Rodney, I grew up in an all-boys club with both the military and scientists. I wasn't your fan but I understood it. I'm glad you realize that everything is changing for the better." Sam stated.
"Oh yeah and by the way I may have accidentally let the cat out of the bag…" Rodney claims.
"What are you talking about?" Sam asks
"Well, Jennifer asked me why I still wasn't attracted to you, and not that you're beautiful and all, but I kinda sorta told her you have a thing for someone else besides the multiple other issues that would never make us compatible," Rodney claims.
"Rodney we have 3 more months." Sam huffed.
"Will be here before you know it." Rodney smiled.
"Yeah well, it's not like it hasn't been the gossip mill for the past how many years now?" Sam asks.
"It's about time if I do say so myself," Rodney stated.
"Thanks, Rodney I more than anyone would know that." Sam retorted.
"Right, sorry just a few more months and we'll be betting on when a little General O'Neill will grace us with their presence," Rodney claims.
Sam smiled not taking the bait. "You mean Carter-O'Neill it would be hyphenated I'm keeping Carter," Sam claims.
"Oh! Well then, a little Carter-O'Neill. WAIT, WHAT, You've already discussed a wedding?" Rodney asks a little loudly.
"Shh, for your information it's going to be July 27th on top of the mountain, you and Jennifer have an invite," Sam claims.
"Wow. Seriously?" Rodney claims.
"Yes now shh keep it down will you, and no bets that is insider information," Sam claims.
"Do you know how much I could win?" Rodney asks.
"Doesn't matter Rodney friends don't bet on each other," Sam claims.
"Fine!"
Just then he hears Jennifer laughing with a group she is working with. He looks down at the group there are 1-2 people he knows but the rest are from the SGC random men and women he's never met and Jennifer already has them wrapped around her finger.
"She's beautiful Rodney. I'm happy you have someone to share all this with." Sam claimed.
"Thank you, it's been a long time coming, but Sam I think this is it. I think she's the one." Rodney claims.
"Wow, Rodney McKay settling down." Sam giggled.
"I finally understand Jeannie after all this time. I was such an idiot in a lot of ways but I'm glad I'm finally seeing past it all." Rodney mentioned.
"When you work at a place like this you tend to know what you want and what you don't. I'm not surprised you've fallen so fast. She's a genius, she is utterly in love with you, and she's blonde just how you like it." Sam stated.
Rodney smiled and looked back at Sam, for the first time since he has met Sam he now is beginning to understand her as well. It's been a long time coming but Rodney McKay is finally figuring out why relationships matter and feels good to have people in your corner.
Rodney gets to work helping Sam with the new item and occasionally glances down at Jennifer as she makes small talk with her new friends.
John held Torren as Teyla carried both her bag and the bag she'd needed for him for two weeks.
"Who knew a baby needed so much?" Ronon claimed.
"He has more stuff than I do," John commented.
Teyla smiled and ensured that all she brought was needed.
John had rented a car. When Teyla got to the SGC there was a ton of baby stuff all collected just for Torren and one of those items was a car seat. John had no idea how to install one and had Ronon read the directions. Both men had put it in but still didn't look right. Teyla quickly fixed the mistake of the anchor hook being upside down and then she assured it was safe for Torren. Torren had never been pinned in a seat belt he seemed confused but Teyla had sat in the back with him and he seemed to be doing just fine. The Ocean was in view as they headed up the coast. John started explaining California and Hollywood. They had seen maps of the world and specific countries, especially the United States. Ronon and Teyla both admitted it was very odd and overwhelming to see so many people all at once.
John hadn't thought of the population of Earth before but realized most planets they went to even Advanced societies had a small population. Ronon and Teyla had been quick to comment about how many people were around and how dense the buildings were. They were also shocked at the size of single-family homes as they went through the California coastline. John had booked a hotel on the Beach in Santa Monica. He had been a few times in his younger years he loved to surf and although the Ocean was frigid there was nothing like catching a wave.
He didn't have a board anymore and questioned if he should get one and teach Ronon. There was so much he could show them. When they got into the large suite there were 2 rooms John offered Teyla the bigger room. He and Ronon shared a room with 2 twin beds. Teyla had packed a pack-n-play and had found the earth's invention invaluable for Torren. She had put away her clothing. She wasn't averse to wearing Earth's clothing it was quite comfortable but it was different than she was used to. Ronon also seemed to look funny wearing Earth's designs. John had said something about not needing to blend in as much where they were because there were all kinds of people in Los Angles. She wasn't sure what that meant but hoped people were a bit more accepting.
Another thing Ronon and Teyla were shocked by, was the fact that Earth did not know about inhabitants of other worlds. For the planet to be so evolved and to come from the Ancients it was odd and backward to both Ronon and Teyla the general populations of Earth did not know of the Stargate. They didn't know how many times they had been in danger. After a long time reading Earth's history and religion, which Teyla did in her free time she wasn't sure how Earth's population could be so arrogant.
John had tried to explain to Teyla and Ronon why and how Earth's major leaders came together and decided it was best to keep the Stargate quiet but without being immersed in Earth's culture Teyla was sure she would never exactly understand. She was excited though to interact with the people of Earth and see what it was like for the short two weeks they would be there. The little bit of Colorado she saw reminded her of home in ways she couldn't imagine and wondered if Los Angeles would do the same.
John had figured a lot of known tourist places would be lost on Ronon and Teyla so he had kept it simple, a trip to the aquarium, time on the beach, some amazing food and he thought maybe for Torren a special trip to see the Mouse. They had gotten several movies, TV shows and video games for all age ranges since landing in the bay. He had introduced Ronon to several action movies, including Rambo, Die Hard, and Mission Impossible. Teyla had seemed to enjoy Start Trek: The Next Generation and Torren was obsessed with Mickey Mouse Club House. He laughed and giggled every time he saw it.
The first day of the two-week-long adventure had them on the beach by afternoon. Torren wasn't too fond of the sand and cried every time his mother tried to set his feet down insisting to stay on the blanket Teyla had brought out. John made sure the child was slathered in sunscreen and wearing a rash guard and shorts to limit his sun exposure as well as an umbrella propped up for shade. Teyla had been grateful for John's precautions with her baby. She had of course given him the moniker Uncle John. Although she also said Uncle Ronon and Uncle Rodney it wasn't as consistent as John. Although Teyla had left Torren with various people while she was out on missions she didn't quite have the trust of others to care for him as much as she did John.
John had taken them to the pier for dinner. There was nothing like a dull roar of happy people, the ocean waves crashing, and good food. John had wanted the first day to be as relaxing as possible and he felt he had succeeded. By the time they got back to the room, Torren was asleep. John had a 6 pack of beer and had the adults sit on the deck and overlooking the waves and people as the sun began to set.
The second day came with an Early start although, they were used to waking up early Torren had alarm duty waking all the adults at 6:30 am with his loud cries. Teyla was feeding the boy when Ronon and John finally came out of their shared room. John wished he could be as excited for what looked to be pureed carrots. He quickly made coffee and had a cup. After Teyla was done feeding the boy, they went down to the lobby to get some breakfast. John had decided to take them shopping that day. He was taking them to the Farmer's Market and then where ever Teyla had wanted to go. Several women had suggested places Teyla would be interested in. As they walked around the Farmer's Market John insisted on taking Torren into the toy shop. Ronon had started playing with some of the train sets and asked John about numerous items. John had slowly started filling his small basket with things he wanted and passing them off as "needed toys" for Torren. When it was all said and done John had gone a little wild spending over $150 in the shop. Teyla had rolled her eyes knowing that the toys were for both men more so than her baby boy who wouldn't be able to put a lego set together. She thanked John all the same and he ran the packages out to the rental car before rejoining his friends to look around some more. Teyla had ended up having the men all over town at various shops. She had fallen in love with a medicinal shop selling herbs, crystals, and salts. John knew the place was overly priced but also knew Teyla had never really bought much with her pay. John had made sure that Teyla and Ronon got fair pay for their services and now was the time, for Teyla to spend it. After a trunk became full of various wears they ended the day back on the beach and ordering a pizza.
On the third day, John had decided that they needed a break, and he quickly realized he was out of practice with the hustle and bustle of a big city. He decided that they would just take a drive north. Teyla and Ronon were once again talking about houses and how they weren't sure how or why people needed so much space. John did explain that in large metro areas such as New York City, people lived in very small spaces as well as people in LA, Tokyo, and parts of India. So then Teyla asked, what about average people? As they found their way to a small dinner north of LA it just so happened a Home's and Land catalog was sitting out and John begins flipping through the pages while sitting at a table with various food that they were all trying.
John found a home that he thought was "normal." and showed the pictures. He then decided for the hell of it to call the number on the listing. It was close to where they were in Santa Barbra. The price was ridiculous but it wasn't like they were going to buy it. So he calls the real estate agent
who says they can meet in about an hour. John tells Teyla and Ronon they will get to see what it's like how an average family lives in America. The two were kind of confused but nodded their head.
When they pulled into the driveway they were facing a small 3 bedroom 2 bathroom single story home. The lady was already there at the door to show them inside.
"Hello, you must be John." The woman greeted.
"Yes, thanks for showing us on such short notice," John claimed.
"Of course, this must be your wife and son, and what a brother-in-law?" The woman asks.
Ronon and Teyla are about to tell the woman she had it all wrong but John looked quickly at them and turned back around, "You're good at this." John smiled acting as though what the woman said was true.
She kind of blushed before unlocking the door.
"You know this hasn't been on the market too long. There has been some interest already." The lady said.
"So, you're looking at the homes in the area?" The lady asks.
"Yes, well I'm in the military you see, and looking at my options, we're not entirely sure where we want to settle down. My wife and brother-in-law aren't from around here and they aren't used to this kind of living arrangement." John stated.
"Oh, so you met while on deployment?" The woman asks.
"Yes, yes we did so now we're just trying to settle down."
"Oh, I see. Well, this house has a new roof, and a new HVAC just installed. You'll get all the appliances. It's a good deal. The family is moving to the East Coast so they're very motivated.
John nodded.
"Um, can we just look around?" John asks.
"Oh, yes, of course, I'll just be waiting um, here in this entryway if you have any questions.
The entryway had a bench where the lady sat and hoped that John would make an offer. It lead into a large open-concept living room, dining room and kitchen. The house still had some furniture which gave a better feel.
"So this would be the kitchen, John explained and showed off the fridge, and oven. He explained a few other items. This would be the living area, you know like to watch movies, or TV. A place to play games or just have a chat with friends." John explained as they went into the next room it had dark blue carpeting and a loveseat in the room. There was a fireplace more for looks than actual heat. There was a narrow hallway that had 4 doors. The first was a small empty bedroom, then the opposite side was a large master bedroom with a large bathroom attached with a whirlpool tub. Then to the right was another large bathroom and straight ahead was another bedroom about the size of the first. The house was nice John had to admit and could see himself one day living in a home like this. The place he has now was a bachelor's pad if he had ever seen one. He had hoped that after Atlantis if there was life after Atlantis he could settle down in a home like this.
When they got back to the entrance Teyla thanked the lady and she talked in depth about the home hoping to make a sale. John also thanked her and told her straight out this wasn't what he wasn't interested in but appreciated her time.
As the group drove off in the car Ronon and Teyla better understood the housing layouts but still weren't quite sure why it seemed like single-family units were the answer of choice than a more communal network for living together. John had tried his best to explain people being neighborly but he wasn't sure if they could grasp the concept. They ended up back at the hotel right after sunset. Torren was out for the night and John felt lucky he slept through the night. The 3 of them had once again sat out on the deck this time watching in the darkness as people hunted for snails, clams, and other creatures through the night.
On day three they end up in tourist traps on purpose, John keeps warning Ronon and Teyla not to take anything from anyone. They end up going to Hollywood that afternoon walking the Star walk and going to the Dolby Theater going through shops. John had picked up some t-shirts. Teyla had found a natural oils store and talked in depth to a lady who had sold her various blends. Ronon had been bored the whole time until the walked into a shoe store and he was shocked by how comfortable some of the shoes were and bought 4 pairs.
Torren was enthralled by Dave and Busters even though he couldn't play any of the games the flashing lights were exciting and John let him push the big buttons on the prize wheels. Between the group, they had enough tickets to get the little guy a stuffed dog that he had pointed to when they entered the prize room.
Day four came and they headed down south towards the Aquarium of the Pacific. The day was unusually cold and rainy. John was glad that school is still in session and that middle of the week would hopefully mean it wasn't busy. When they walked in, Ronon looked bored but Teyla and Torren both lit up seeing the sea creatures. Torren was pointing and laughing which made John smile. John also had always enjoyed sea creatures. He guessed it came from the few times his parents took him to the aquarium. They walk through and see a giant eel. Ronon finally seemed to enjoy some of the larger sea creatures. John told him what he knew of the sharks. Ronon thought Jellyfish were the weirdest things he had ever heard of. They slowly walk through the large rooms and tanks. Torren was excited he had never seen anything like this and is pointing. John would tell the little boy what he was pointing at. Although Torren wasn't exactly saying words yet, every once in a while he'd attempt to mimic John's voice.
The adults were taking the Aquarium kind of slowly Teyla would allow Torren to toddle around putting his hands on the glass and smiling at various fishes. She was glad it had made her little boy happy and she couldn't help but see the smile on John's face as well when certain fish or creatures appeared in front of him. Teyla hadn't realized that hours had passed them by, and the afternoon feeding in the large tank had started. There was a scuba diver in the tank and the few people who were wandering around gravitated to it. John sat down like an overly excited child on the floor listening to them go on about the large stingray in the tank. He had taken Torren in his lap and repeated what the people were saying as if Torren hadn't heard the first time. Torren's eyes were wide as some of the animals ate their food. The show went on for about an hour and Teyla by this time was ready to leave although from time to time Ronon did look impressed with the larger creatures in the tank, he would have been done in about 45 minutes but he grinned and bared it there was a lot worse they could be doing.
John had talked to Ronon about boats. Ronon liked the idea of going out on a ship so John got them tickets for a whale watch the following day.
The next morning the group was up early, for the cruise that John had booked. He had never been on a whale-watching tour before so it was something new for all of them. Ronon wasn't sure what was in store but as the boat sailed out into the water a group of dolphins followed jumping out of the water playing and showing off. Torren wasn't quite sure what to look at and a lot of the time, went on with Teyla trying to show her little boy the animals but he was always looking in the wrong direction. Off to the side that they were on a huge whale leaped out of the water. Ronon and Teyla both were fearful simply because of how large it was. Torren started to cry. John was explaining that was the targeted animal to see. Teyla and Ronon went on and on about how big it was. The staff on the boat explained it was a rare sight for this time of year. They headed back in and Ronon was disappointed he didn't see more of the large beasts. Ronon didn't quite believe John when he said they were not threats to humans. He also thought John was lying about the fact that some whales only eat the smallest food in the sea.
Day six came and John had decided that Teyla had a fairly decent lay of the land around the hotel. He told Teyla that he really wanted to give Ronon some time to do something he would find entertaining and nothing he could think of was safe for Torren. Teyla easily excepted this and claimed she still had a few places she wanted to see that they had yet to explore near the hotel well within walking distance, so she would meet back with them for dinner.
John had found a place where you can play with heavy machinery. He didn't have much experience but it sounded fun to break some stuff. It was far out of town but when they got there, plenty of people had driven the journey to play. After the safety tutorial and waiver signings John picked a bulldozer and Ronon picked an excavator, The two pushed dirt broke giant boulders and scooped huge amounts of Earth. They had two hours to do as much as they wanted but time seemed to go by too quickly. They decided another 2 hours wouldn't hurt. Ronon had seemed to have a little bit of fun and John hoped that was a way to show Ronon he was thinking about the whole team and not just Teyla and Torren.
Ronon had admitted on the car drive back that overall he was not averse to anything they had done so far but did feel that Torren did hold them back. He had no ill will towards the growing baby. He wasn't upset that Teyla brought Torren with him, he just knew things would be very different and even more enjoyable if the baby wasn't around. John understood perfectly well but admitted to Ronon that Torren was his excuse to revisit his childhood. A baby gave the excuse to go look at the marine life, to take the little boy to see Mickey Mouse. John knew it was hard for Ronon to understand the popular culture of Earth. The more John admitted though, the better Ronon seemed to accept John's reasons for the spots he had picked for them all.
When they arrived for dinner John had to admit Teyla looked more relaxed than she had all week. He was sure she was slightly on edge especially when she wasn't sure of all the things going on around her. She trusted John to keep Torren out of danger but the fear of the unknown was strong this trip and she hadn't let her guard down at all the whole time. Knowing the beach and the street the hotel was on allowed Teyla to go to a few shops and try some food that John had said was "too healthy." Torren loved the beach so they spent a decent amount of time playing at the local park but not in the sand. Teyla had figured out, that Torren was fine with wet sand right where the ocean's waves touched. So she let the boy enjoy. She also had time to take a nap the first one where she and Torren both slept. She felt lighter on her feet and had confidence about her she hadn't had before. John had warned her of Earth's people, common scams, and such. Overall she never felt in danger. There were a few questionable people but overall despite the hoards of humans that seem to be in all corners most of them meant well and had even given her advice and help.
Teyla was sitting at the hotel restaurant, they hadn't eaten yet. John insisted that they try some seafood but after seeing a lot of majestic animals in the aquarium Teyla had an aversion to it and ordered a beef dish instead. Teyla had nodded and laughed at John and Ronon as they explained to her what they did that afternoon. She wondered if the men were just kids playing adults sometimes. She had found that with Earthmen especially they seemed to always need a distraction. Ronon wasn't as bad when he first came to Atlantis but, after years with John and several other staff they rubbed off on the former runner.
Day seven. This was the day John had declared would make Torren the happiest 1 year old in the galaxy. They were going to Disneyland. John had touched on the subject of it being a theme park for Disney creations. Teyla had watched a few of the animations and thought some of them were quite gruesome for kids, especially The Lion King. John had to admit that a lot of the Disney franchise had a way of killing off children's parents. He explained they were based on fairy tales.
The drive from their hotel was well over an hour to Disneyland so John started rambling off all he knew.
"So this place we're going is Disneyland, it's a theme park it opened in the 1960s. Walt Disney created it as a place for his kids to go and for families, in general, to seek out entertainment. They have rides that throughout the years have gotten more and more complex but they still have a lot of the originals as well. Most of the rides are based on movies or shows that Walt Disney or later the Disney company came up with. Mickey Mouse is Walt Disney's most well-known cartoon. We should be able to see him today, John said.
"MMMM," Torren shouted.
John laughed as the boy attempted Mickey Mouse.
"I really appreciate you taking Torren to this place but he won't remember it, will Ronon and I enjoy ourselves?" Teyla asks.
"You don't care if I enjoy myself?" John asks.
"I already know you will, or you wouldn't be taking us," Teyla claimed.
"Okay fair point, but it's for adults and kids alike." John insisted.
They had missed the rope drop. John had been reading up on the place for the past few days now and had the map laid out in his mind. John hadn't been to Disneyland in years since then they had built a whole new park, but that would be for another day in the trip.
John weaved in and out of traffic. He had forgotten how odd it was that Disney was smack dab in the middle of a city. He had carefully found parking that was easily over a mile from the park. Teyla and Ronon said nothing as they walked through the entrance. They got their tickets which were a lot more than John remembered. He had expected the steep fee but still wasn't sure how they got away with it.
The group walked through the entrance. The shops line the small street and John explains the options as they look at a map. The day is filled with rides that Torren instantly loved and a few that made him cry including Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Ronon was humming "It's A Small World," the whole day after they got off the ride. Ronon very much enjoyed Pirates of the Caribbean. He also loved Jungle Cruise. John was concerned that Ronon would absolutely hate the day so he was glad that a few things made the man happy. Teyla was shocked by the immersive experience and had never seen anything quite like it. She was happy that her child would know of many worlds.
They ignored the Mad Hatter's Tea Cups and a few of the longer lines. Although the whole place was meant for young children they went back towards Mickey's Toon Town. There were several characters to take pictures with. Torren finally had the chance to meet Mickey, Donald, and Goofy. He had a blast and was constantly giggling when he met another cartoon he'd been watching on TV. Teyla thought the boy would get scared but with John constantly showing Torren all kinds of things she found him easily excited.
They slowly meandered back toward the front of the park. Torren had fallen asleep in a stroller they had rented at the beginning of the day. John had suggested people-watching and the adults genuinely had fun guessing what people would order at the hot dog stand. They watched as parents fought with their kids, and watched as people got yelled at by cast members for jumping the line. They loved hearing the people laugh and scream out enjoying their time at the parks. The best though was watching as people got their pictures. It was fun to watch people as they followed the photographers in every direction. Some pictures they knew would turn out great, others not so much.
They ended up eating a meal at Cafe Orleans and all of them filled up after a warm day in the sun. Torren had woken up just in time for dinner and Teyla was glad to offer him pieces of her meal as well as some of his food. Disneyland was a literal walk in the park but all three adults had grown tired and were ready to end the day at 7 pm and take their hour-long trip back to the beachfront property they'd been staying in.
Day eight came and with it the thought of going back to Atlantis. Teyla had admitted she had enjoyed this outing but would be glad and more comfortable in the place she had called home for the past 5 years. John couldn't help but agree. He loved showing them all the different food, and stores. It was the little things like showing them the house that he enjoyed most. He hoped that they would like Earth so that if one day they would ever have to call it home they could easily adapt. John agreed that today should simply be a beach relaxing day, they never even left the hotel room. John was flipping through channels showing Ronon live sports. Teyla was asking John about a few of the toys he had picked up days ago. The group was happy to just enjoy the day. The balcony to the beach was open and they often would go out and sit watching the waves and the people at the beach. Teyla insisted that before they go back to Atlantis, another day of staying in was needed.
Day nine had led to rain, all day and they decided that another day minus lunch and dinner would be perfect. The group used to staying together found it all too easy to just enjoy each other's time.
On day ten, the sun was shining bright and another trip to the pier and a day at the beach were in order. They had moved down to Venice beach, John wanted Ronon to show off his muscles and didn't disappoint. Teyla had also impressed a few people. John couldn't help but be proud of her as she lifted a weight a man almost double her size couldn't seem to do. John just kept pointing as Torren watched and said
"That's your mommy."
John made sure Torren got ice cream that day. He also rented two surfboards. He was out of practice and Ronon was still confused about Earth's idea of fun. He didn't think this was fun. He thought it was a possible death trap, but John insured the man it wasn't a death trap and he had been able to ride a wave without standing up.
Day 11 lead them back to Disney World to California Adventure. John quickly realized that there were some rides Torren wouldn't be able to get on, but wanted Teyla and Ronon to experience. So he was on baby watch and took Torren to see some of the acts while the other two stood in line at various places. Torren once again fell in love with meeting characters he recognized. There were several photos of the little boy with people dressed up. John hoped that Teyla would allow the boy to come back to Earth more often than not, because John couldn't wait until they did this all over again. The joy Torren had the sugary food, the atmosphere. Here was a place that by far wasn't peaceful, but was magical all the same.
Day 12 lead to going to downtown LA, looking at the sights and sounds getting meals from food trucks a history tour, and once again a toy store for Torren.
Day 13 arrived, the last full day and the team expected to be back the next day. John made the priority to get various products back to rental car was packed to the brim barely fitting everyone in. Teyla was excited about the new reading material and helped John pick books for various people. Teyla had been a real people person. John felt he could easily make friends. He felt at this point in life he was close to all his teammates but he didn't even know where to start other than Batman comics. He found out through Teyla that Rodney loves history books, and Ronon has become obsessed with a series called 30 days. Teyla had found herself liking various mystery novels. Carson of all people loved Stephen King. John had always enjoyed reading but found it more comforting than ever when on Atlantis. He thought that maybe it was due to so many different languages on the ship and out in the Universe at least he could understand what the books were telling him.
They also stopped at a grocery store where John hoarded Coke, Oreos, and Beef Jerky. Teyla had gotten a few bags of potato chips, and different baby foods for Torren. Ronon had fallen in love with cheese balls and pork rinds. The checkout girl eyeballed their cart but didn't say anything. John was happy the lady had no words as they walked out with their food. After all day of running around the group went to a steakhouse where Ronon got the largest steak on the menu, a Porterhouse. John went with the slightly smaller bone-in ribeye and Teyla had went with a Prime Rib cut. Torren was given tiny bites of all smiling happily has the beef touched his tongue.
With an early morning ahead the group watched the sunset one more time along the waves. They packed up and went to sleep. They were expected back to Atlantis by 4 pm. The drive wasn't long but packing everything up and with a baby, on tow, they knew they had to leave sooner rather than later.
John closed his eyes hoping his friends had enjoyed their short time on the mainland. He wasn't sure when or how often they would get to go to Earth. John assumed they'd need a "babysitter" he was happy to oblige but with the new setup on the moon, he wasn't sure how long Ronon or Teyla would stay. He hoped beyond means that they would just want to be part of Atlantis forever no matter where the city was. He hoped that Atlantis had become their home. He knew though that at least for Teyla even if she considered Atlantis her home, she would insist on returning to her family and her people. If she had a choice of going back and never coming back to Atlantis John feels, in the end, she would be gone. He hoped he was wrong though. He wasn't sure he could bare her leaving.
John then felt bad for not feeling the same way about Ronon. He loved Ronon just as much as any other part of his team. Ronon had saved him on countless occasions, and he owed the man his life. He didn't want Ronon to go either but there had always been some kind of understanding after being a runner that Atlantis was the home he never had. Ronon didn't have a lot in Pegasus and it would be a little easier for him to stay. John shut his eyes trying to forget about the "what ifs" and close his eyes knowing this was the last day on his soft comfortable bed, and he would be returning to the stone-like slab known as his bunk.