Fix, by chrysothemis (NC-17)

[darsynia.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: John/Rodney
Characters: John Sheppard, Rodney McKay
Pairing: John/Rodney
Category: slash, first time, humor, romance
Warning: slash
Author on LJ: crysothemis
Author's Website: Chez Crys
Link: Fix: Rodney's PoV | Fix: John's PoV | Fix: CYO


Why This Must Be Read:
Hands down, one of my all-time favorite 'genres' in this fandom is the whole 'Ancient technology/aliens made them do it' thing. This takes that concept and turns it a little on its ear, while at the same time having a wickedly fun story structure and one hell of a reread value. The first thing I want to suggest, from reccer to potential reader, is this: don't read the 'choose your own adventure' version first. Part of the charm of this story is getting to read it without knowing what the other half of this pair is thinking--and then getting to go back and find out exactly what he was thinking. As the author herself puts it:

• If you like a bit of mystery, choose Rodney's PoV (25,000 words).
• If you like dramatic irony, choose John's PoV (33,000 words).

It's a rare story that can prompt a reader to reread immediately and voraciously, but this is definitely in that category. "But, Darsy--what is it about?" those of you who are still here are asking me. Well, dear readers--it's like this: John and his hyperactive ATA gene find an Ancient sex room. It turns out to be addictive, and after casting about for other options, John turns to Rodney, who stoically helps out, as the good best friend he is. Pretty soon, the Rodney-as-Methodone idea morphs into... well, you can imagine, I'm sure. It's hot, it's funny--I mean, they initially don't WANT to have sex (and crysothemis is excellent at not hitting embarrassment squick, while at the same time not writing them both as instant experts at gay sex), which makes it all the more delightful when they each realize they DO want it, while simultaneously knowing that the other was just as opposed to the idea at first.

Personally, I suggest reading Rodney's PoV first, because if there's one thing more awesome than a fabulous, funny, well-written story, it's getting more of it, the second go-round.