"Breathe" by witchofthedogs

[anuna-81.livejournal.com]

Subject: "Breathe" by witchofthedogs 

Pairing: John Sheppard/Elizabeth Weir
Category: het, drama, angst
Warnings: dark themes
Author on LJ: witchofthedogs 
Author's web site: N/A
Link: Breathe

Why this story must be read: I like the stories focused on darker themes, which push the characters to their limits and provide a different glimpse into who they are and how much it takes for some of them to break. This fic explores Elizabeth's dark side, while John is the person who provides the moral guidance and it's a role reversal I find interesting and somewhat refreshing. The author uses simple, but powerful words to paint a picture everyone can understand and relate to. My favorite thing about this story is the connection between John and Elizabeth the author presents us with - one that runs deeper than interpersonal liking or even love: it's the fact that someone is there to make sure you don't forget who you really are.


Suddenly, she was tired. She was tired of the running and the killing and the deaths of innocent people she could never hope to save. Her people were fighting the Wraith, the remaining races were fighting each other, and no meal at a table or gathering of village leaders would hide the fact that, at the edge of the galaxy, there was only death and destruction. Beneath her sorrow and fatigue lay a small ember of rage that fueled itself on thoughts of what she – what they – had sacrificed to save Atlantis and its surrounding peoples from certain death at the hands of nameless enemies. Her people had died so that people like him could kill women and children in a tiny village by a stream – for bragging rights and a handful of coins.

The sound of the door opening behind her brought Elizabeth back to the present and caused her to straighten. She turned to find John looking at her with curiosity, his face drawn and lined in ways she had never before noticed. Perhaps the city, in its ever organic and shifting flow of energy had told him she was there. Perhaps he was doing a security check for the evening. Perhaps he was simply curious about their new resident. Whatever the reason, it made no difference.

Walking swiftly past him, she stepped toward the door.

"Kill him."