Rodney's first month in the Sheppard household had flown by all too quickly for the young boy, he was learning to become part of a family, although he still hadn't related much to John or Luke, but both tended to be gone a lot. They had given him opportunities to join them out father son outings, but most of the time, Rodney stuck by Lauren.

Lauren didn't much mind, she enjoyed the attention rather than sitting at home. It had worked out well, because Rodney now had plenty of clothes for the winter, his room was now a comfortable room to be in, he had placed up some pictures, including one he and Lauren had taken at one of the photo booths they had in the mall.

Rodney had been having a lot of fun so far, however his favorite night had been when Luke came home with John, declaring a new movie had come out, and instantly offered to take his wife and both boys to go see.

Star Wars: A New Hope had quickly sky rocketed to number one, in both Rodney and John's favorite movie category. Lauren had been pleased to watch the two of them bond quickly over that, although it was still rough, John was uncomfortable around Rodney and visa versa, the two didn't get along all the time, and when they argued they really argued loudly. Luke and Lauren had already split them up twice from a screaming match.

However for the most part the family was getting along just fine; Rodney was proving to be a handful even at ten, he was full of energy as well as John and they both tended to find trouble easily within moments.

Elaine had stopped by twice already to take Rodney out to lunch, pleased to know that the boy was getting along. He still had his moments, and he didn't speak about his father much, mostly his sister and his mother. Lauren was fairly sure that was one reason why Rodney had attached to her so quickly.

Rodney wasn't used to male bonding, the only man in his life had torn him down, beaten him physically, emotionally and verbally. Rodney feared if he got close to any man they would only do the same thing to him that his father had done. In a way, Rodney didn't feel worthy of a father's love, so he shied away from it, which was bothering Luke more than he cared to admit, at least to his wife.

However Lauren had to admit she was nervous about today, because today was the first day back to school, which left John back in fifth grade with all his friends, and Rodney in a fifth grade class with his foster brother. Neither one was very used to this, and it made Lauren a little more than apprehensive. She kept praying there wouldn't be a phone call in the middle of the day saying her foster son had been suspended or sent to the principal's office for a smart mouth.

It was like most mornings, rushed, she had to practically pull both boys out of bed that morning, they quickly showered in turn then came downstairs, where Luke was already busy getting ready to leave for work.

Lauren readied the boy's lunches as well as breakfasts, "now, you know the rules of school now, behave and please don't get into any trouble," she said.

"Don't worry mom, it's us," grinned John.

"That's what she's afraid of," spoke Luke as he pressed a kiss to his son's head and ruffled Rodney's hair. It was obvious the boy still wasn't sure about his foster father's open affection, so Luke still gave him the needed space, hoping that in time Rodney would warm up to him.

"With my luck they'll pop some test on us," grumbled John as he finished up his breakfast. Rodney watched the boy head back upstairs to brush his teeth.

"What's wrong Rodney?"

"Nothin', I just…I hated being around the other students, but I love to learn…I can't imagine not learning."

"I know, I've watched you read nearly every book in Luke's library this summer," she stated simply.

"Am I weird?"

"Rodney, heavens no, you're just ahead of most of the kids in your class, that's not your fault."

"Thanks," he whispered.

School began as any other class day did, they did their usual study of math, history, English, and other various courses, but Rodney was quickly finding himself bored.

"Mr. McKay, could I please speak to you," the teacher called from up at the front of the room. Rodney could feel everyone's eyes on him as he walked up to her desk.

"Son, you're not paying attention."

"I know…I'm sorry…but I'm bored."

"Rodney…"

"Honest Mrs. Kaufman, the math is easy, and I've read books about this history for years…the English…"

"Rodney, have you taken any placement tests?"

"Yes ma'am, I took one last year, it told me I was supposed to be in the fifth grade."

"What grade did you skip?"

"Fourth…"

"Rodney, I don't usually do this, and I certainly don't tolerate students not paying attention in class, but I'd like you to stay inside for recess okay?"

"Yes ma'am," he whispered as if he were in trouble.

When recess rolled around Rodney watched everyone file out of the room, it was no more than ten minutes later when Mrs. Kaufman was leading him down to the principal, "Stay here okay, I'll be right back, don't worry you're not in trouble."

Mrs. Kaufman moved into the office of the school, Mrs. Peterman looked up at the younger woman and smiled warmly, "someone isn't giving you trouble on the first day…are they?" she said grinning.

"Mrs. Peterman, I have a young student, he's supposed to be in the fourth, but he passed a test that placed him in my class. We've done several things today alone…I don't think he belongs in my class."

"You want me to put him back into the fourth grade class?"

"No…I want to put him in the sixth grade class, Mrs. Peterman, he's the smartest kid I've seen in years, and I've only known him half a day. He told me he was bored, I looked over all of his math problems on the little quiz we took to see what I needed to cover, he passed it and then some."

"I'll have to give him another placement test."

"It's the least he deserves Mrs. Peterman, he doesn't belong in this class."

"Leave him with me, I think I have a few extra tests floating around, no sense in keeping him in your class longer."

"Thank you Mrs. Peterman," Mrs. Kaufman opened the door and looked at Rodney. "Rodney, come in here a moment."

Twenty minutes later Rodney was sitting at a small desk in the principal's office taking a placement test. They had explained that he didn't need to know all the answers, but he had to do his best. Mrs. Kaufman returned to her class shortly after Rodney started the class.

"Mrs. Kaufman…where's Rodney?" John asked.

"He's down in the office son, don't worry about it okay," she smiled softly.

John eyed her then calmly returned to his desk, curious to where his foster brother had disappeared to. It was nearly another hour before Rodney rejoined the class, he slunk into his seat and eyed Mrs. Kaufman, trying to decide if he was thankful or terrified. He had a note in one hand to take to his foster mother. Would they hit him, would they yell and scream at him.

Rodney spent the rest of the afternoon being terrified out of his mind, he and John rode home on the bus, although he said nothing to John. They were met but Lauren at the front door, that's when Rodney held out his hand and looked at her honestly.

"What's this?" she asked looking at him.

"A not from the principal," he murmured.

Lauren turned pale, she was worried, praying it wasn't what she thought she opened up the note. Her eyes went from terrified to relieved in a matter of seconds. She then looked up at the ten year old.

"You know what his means?"

"Um…yeah sorta…."

"It means you're starting the sixth grade tomorrow Rodney."

"Yeah…that's what I thought…I don't know what to do?"

"Your best honey, that's all we'll ever ask of you. According to Mrs. Peterman…you did quite well on your test."

"Just shy of the seventh grade," he whispered.

"You're going to be the youngest sixth grade, are you ready for that?"

"I was already the youngest fifth grader, might as well take a step up," he said shrugging.

"Come here honey," she pulled him into a tight hug, one which gladly accepted.

"Wait a minute, are you telling me that he's going to be ahead of me in school?" John was stunned, apparently this geek was more of a geek than he ever thought possible.

"John, be nice."

"He's going to make me look like an idiot!" growled John.

"John!"

"You are suck a geek!" yelled John as he ran up the stairs in a huff.

Rodney looked at Lauren, sadness filled his eyes, "I don't wanna be smart…"

"Of course you do sweetheart, John's just having a rough time believing this. He's very smart, almost as smart as you…the difference he doesn't apply himself because he doesn't want to, you had nothing better to look forward to but school most of your life. You two grew up in very different circumstances. In one way your life was worse because what you had to deal with was harsh, but it made you apply yourself to get ahead of everyone. In one way John's life has been tough too, because he has to work for everything. He is very smart."

"He's good at math. He doesn't see it, but I do, he can spout off numbers within seconds of getting the numbers, I noticed it today in math class."

"I'm very proud of both of my geniuses."

"Really?" Rodney sounded surprised.

"Of course I am," she pressed a kiss to his forehead and smiled, "want to call your foster father?"

"He won't be mad at me?"

"He'll be thrilled, come on," Lauren led him over to the phone. She dialed the number, she spoke to Luke for a moment before handing the phone over to Rodney who was now sitting on the countertop.

"Hi Luke," Rodney grinned.

"Hey kiddo, Lauren tells me you have good news?"

"I took a test today…I tests outta elementary school," he said grinning.

"Wow! That's pretty smart, cool, so when do you start middle school?"

Lauren smiled softly as she watched Rodney speak with Luke animatedly. Sighing she headed upstairs to take care of her other unruly child. She opened the door slowly, where John had thrown himself on his bed.

"You know, you could be in the sixth grade too if you applied yourself more."

"I know…I'm sorry for acting like such a jerk mom…he's…it's so easy for him, he didn't have to try on any of our tests today. He was done within five minutes of like all of them."

"I know, and while I realize it's frustrating you have to think about how Rodney feels. He just started here at school with you, and now he has to go to middle school. At least he was safe with you. But you can also imagine it like this, if you ever have trouble in math, now you have a super genius to help you out."

John grinned a chuckled softly, "mom…are we adopting Rodney?"

"I don't know, your father and I have spoken about it…what do you think?

"I think he's an annoying pain in the…butt, but I'd like a brother."

"Good, because you may get one someday."

"I love you mom," John looked over at his mother, how deeply he adored her.

"Sweetheart, I love you too," she pressed a kiss to his forehead, then headed back down the stairs, grinning when she heard their ten year old foster son talking animatedly still with his foster father.

Perhaps this was just what they needed, she smiled when she heard Rodney bid a goodbye to Luke and hang up the phone. The ten year old hopped down form the countertop and grinned at her.

"He says he'll be home in an hour."

"Good," she said grinning as he ran upstairs, no doubt to talk with John.

Lauren was making dinner when her husband finally arrived home, she had been listening to the laughs from her two boys most of the afternoon. She grinned as she felt a pair of strong arms slip around her waist, "where's our resident genius?" he asked grinning.

"Upstairs, talking with John, they've been up there for hours talking about everything I can possibly think of. He was so happy after he got off the phone with you," she said turning around in her husband's arms.

"He's a good kid, I'm very proud of him, and I told him so."

"Good, he deserves to hear it."

"Dad!" John yelled as he and Rodney ran down the stairs, Luke chuckled and grabbed both of them up in his arms.

"How are my two favorite kids today?"

"We're your only kids dad," stated John.

"I sure hope so, hey, I have an idea, how about this weekend we go to the Air pad again."

"Can I come?" Rodney asked.

"Sure can kiddo, wouldn't dream of going without asking you if you wanted to come."

"Is Lauren coming?" Rodney asked.

"No sweetheart, why don't you three go out and make it a guys day out thing," Lauren replied, knowing this was exactly what Rodney needed.

"O…okay," Rodney hadn't been alone with either Luke or John for very long, he still seemed nervous around them, but Lauren was determined to get Rodney to feel comfortable around her other two favorite men.

Saturday arrived quickly for the three Sheppard men; Thursday and Friday proved to Luke and Lauren that Rodney was truly a talkative child when given a reason to talk. Coming home after middle school both days he had been a giant ball of energy, more than willing to tell both his foster mom and dad all about school that day.

Lauren wasn't oblivious to the way her husband was relishing in the attention from his young foster child, he was loving every moment, knowing he was getting closer to the boy everyday.

Saturday morning came, and Lauren was already wide awake by five when she heard the door creek open, she was expecting it to be John, who would do his usual pouncing on his dad. But to her surprise it was both of them. John was hanging back eyeing his dad, as Rodney crept close. Seconds later the frail body hurled himself on Luke.

There was a fit of giggles from both boys and from one grown man, as he lifted his foster son into the air as though the boy was flying. John joined Rodney on sitting on top of their father as they eyed him.

"Luke I love you dearly, but if you don't get those two boys out of our room, you won't be sleeping here tonight," she joked softly.

"Got it," he reached over and pressed a kiss to his wife's cheek, then ushered his two boys out of the room.

Lauren smiled to herself, glad that Rodney was beginning to feel like a part of the family. It was another hour before Luke left with his two boys in tow.

The Air Force strip in California was beautiful, right by the ocean, Greg Marlow raised his hand in a wave to Luke, "Luke, what's happenin' bring Johnny back for another fly?"

"I did, but I brought my son Rodney with me this time. He's a little nervous Greg, so if you don't mind, I'd like to take him up."

"Sounds good to me, I can probably take this squirt up in my jet, you ready to go Johnny?"

"Can I drive Greg?"

"We'll see," Rodney watched the two hurry off to one of the jets. He turned and looked up at Luke who smiled, holding his hand tightly Luke grinned.

"Do you trust me?" Luke asked calmly.

Rodney nodded and smiled a reassuring smile, small but reassuring none the less. Smiling Luke led him over to one of the many jets in the hanger, "when I was eighteen I joined the Air Force, my dad was in the Air Force, so it seemed like the right thing to do…"

"John wants to be in the Air Force," Rodney said as Luke placed him on the near by countertop.

"I know he does, something Lauren hasn't quite forgiven me for just yet. I retired shortly after John was born, and then became a Police Captain, but I used to fly one of these jets nearly every day of my life before John was born."

"Is it safe?"

"Pretty safe, everything is dangerous, driving, flying in planes, walking across the street."

"I won't get sick?"

"You shouldn't, this will be a real easy ride, I promise, I won't pull any thing mean on you…this time, if you like it…maybe I will next time, so wanna fly with me?"

"Um..yeah," grinned the boy.

"All right, put this on your head and strap it down, then we'll strap you into the suit."

"Can I tell you a secret?" the boy asked as he settled the helmet over his head.

"Sure buddy," Luke replied.

"I wanna be a member of NASA, you know the program that goes into outer space. Ever since I saw a video of Neil Armstrong walk on the moon…I've wanted to do that. I wanna go into outer space."

Luke grinned and put a hand on Rodney's shoulders, "I don't doubt for a single moment that you couldn't do it son."

"Can I tell you somethin' else?"

"Sure thing," Luke said as he began to help Rodney into his suit.

"Dad hit me when I told him…said I wasn't smart 'nough for it…but I think he's wrong…he is…ain't he?"

Luke sighed and knelt down in front of the boy, zipping up the suit he looked at his foster son and grinned, "he was never more wrong in his entire life. Rodney, I believe if you put your mind to it, you can do anything you want to. You're going to go far in life, you and Johnny both."

"Can I call you dad?" it was a sudden question. One Luke hadn't been expecting for a long time, if ever. He looked up at the boy, stunned to silence. He had to bite his lip to keep from tearing up. He allowed a broad smile to cross his features.

"If you're comfortable with calling me dad, then I'd be honored."

"My father…wasn't a dad, he was a father, a man who kept me at arms length to protect himself…and perhaps me. You're a dad, you aren't afraid to hug me or John…I want you to be my dad."

"Well good, because I wouldn't be prouder to call anyone son but you and Johnny."

Rodney simply grinned, Luke chuckled and lifted the boy up into the cockpit, "okay buddy, strap yourself in, real tight now, let me get into my jump suit, then I'll be up to check it."

Luke suddenly couldn't wait to get home and tell his wife about this, about being called ad by two little boys now. He hoped John would be okay with this, after all they had planned on asking to adopt Rodney next year sometime. Perhaps this was a sign from the boy that it was okay.

Moments later Rodney and Luke were rolling, Luke pointed to the jet already in the sky, "there's your brother."

"Can he fly the plane already?"

"Well…legally, no I've been trying to get Greg to stop letting him pilot, but I'm afraid that boy has other ideas. He wants to be an Apache fighter," Luke said smiling, "ready?"

"I guess…" Rodney lot out a joyful laugh as his new dad took the plane up into the air, and together they enjoyed the moment of beauty in the sky.