Things To Do In Denver When You're Dead by Speranza [NC17]

[dajaje.livejournal.com]

Show: Stargate Atlantis
Rec Category: John Sheppard
Characters: Rodney McKay, John Sheppard
Pairing: Rodney McKay/John Sheppard
Slash
Warning: None
Author on LJ: cesperanza 
Author's Website: http://trickster.org/speranza
Link: http://trickster.org/speranza/cesper/Denver.html

Why this must be read:
Although this story is from Rodney’s POV, Speranza’s portrayal of a distraught John awaiting his fate at the hand’s of the SGC after first season’s “The Siege” is brilliant.

While Rodney occupies his downtime going out to dinner and the symphony, John spends his time moping around his hotel room watching ESPN and eating out of the mini-bar. Once Rodney realizes this, he makes an effort to get John out and about, which in turn leads to the two men discovering -- and then acting upon -- their newfound feelings for one another. The author is spot on with the characters' reactions to this new development:

"This is a bad idea," Rodney mumbles, between kisses.
"Hi, I'm John Sheppard, have you met me?" and all right, yes, he has a point.

"Things To Do in Denver When You're Dead" is funny, touching and a great character study. If you haven't read it yet, you are in for a treat; if you have, then you deserve to revisit it.

ETA: Correction of author's livejournal name.