Happily Ever After (the Pegasus remix), by Cupidsbow (PG-13)

[incidental-fire.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: John Sheppard/Rodney McKay
Pairing: John Sheppard/Rodney McKay
Category: Slash, humor, first-time
Warning: Slash
Author on LJ: cupidsbow
Link: Happily Ever After (the Pegasus remix)

Why This Must Be Read:
This is an incredibly sweet first-time fic, written for the recent Fairy Tale Challenge at sga_flashfic. The basic idea is that Rodney gets a bracelet that can only be removed by his true love; John, of course, goes out of his way to make sure that doesn't happen. For the easily confused (like me), the 'remix' in the title is referencing that the story is a Pegasus Galaxy remix of a traditional fairy tale, not that it's a remix of another fandom fic. All of the character voices are spot-on, and their reactions are just perfect, ranging from adorable to (slightly) heartbreaking. As it's a fairy tale (and not one of the Brothers Grimm sort), you can imagine the ending, but the journey to it is delightful.

Also, the cover art, drawn by tardis80 and posted at the beginning of the fic, is absolutely adorable and just perfect for the story.

Excerpt:
"This could turn out to be a blessing," Teyla said, touching Rodney's hand. "You have long said, Rodney, that you wish to find a wife."

"Not like this!" Rodney said, but he was looking less freaked out and more curious now. "How does it work?"

Ronon grinned, showing all of his teeth. "You court the one you love until they love you back. Then it comes off."

John toyed with his butter knife. It wasn't like they'd tried brute force yet.