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What if the Stargate program never existed, and neither Rodney nor John had the benefit of their experiences in Atlantis?
John still doesn't quite understand how one crazy assumption completely turned his life upside down. But that's okay. He's pretty happy, all the same.
As the members of the Atlantis expedition wait for the order to return, Rodney struggles with his relationship with Jennifer and his own expectations. Spending much time with John does nothing to clarify his feelings, but in the end he still finds the answers to his questions.
When John Sheppard and Rodney McKay meet, they both want to leave their old lives behind and start over. John is determined not to enter another relationship. Rodney has to finish his latest book. They agree to share a house for practical reasons, but as their house turns into a home, they have to realize that their relationship is turning into much more than that of roommates.
An accident with an Ancient machine forces John to adjust to a life that doesn't feel like his own any longer. The most difficult part to figure out is what role Rodney will play in it.