stargateficrec | Benched by Speranza (NC-17) (Reply)

Show: SGA
Rec Category: Sheppard/McKay
Characters:: Rodney McKay, John Sheppard
Pairing: Sheppard/McKay
Het/Slash/Gen: Slash
Author on LJ:

cesperanza
Author's Website: Speranza's Fiction
Link: Benched

Why This Must Be Read: Rodney gets to be brave. John is forced to wait behind while someone else goes to rescue Rodney. John goes a little batty.

I'm a sucker for emotional angst, and this fic definitely delivers. John's characterization is spot on, his restless, guilty frustration is exactly the way I would picture him reacting to a situation like this. And added to that frustration is his endless worry and wonder over what may have been the last time he ever sees Rodney. The banter and the dialogue are so perfect, even through all the angst I was smiling because of it.

Excerpt:
"Put him on," John heard himself saying. "McKay. I want to talk to McKay."

Teyla sounded surprised. "He is not—John, there is not time for—"

"Just for a second," John interrupted. "I want to hear him say a complete sentence," and a moment later, he heard Rodney say, in a voice that was weak but reassuringly full of sarcasm, "This spaceship you sent me, what is it: the hotel courtesy van?"

John felt relief so strong it nearly knocked him over. "Yeah," he said, his voice sounding strange to his own ears. "Yeah, you're taking the bus; it was cheaper."

"Go Greyhound," Rodney sighed, and then, obviously straining for menace: "I'll get you for this, Sheppard." His voice broke a little bit on "get," but John appreciated the effort.

"Yeah, yeah," John said, lightly punching the radio console. "Just get your ass home, all right?"
...