stargateficrec | This One Thing by esteefee (PG)

Show: SGA
Rec Category: Rodney McKay
Characters: Rodney, John
Pairing: John/Rodney
Het/Slash/Gen: slash
Warning: none
Author on LJ:

esteefee
Author's Website: AO3
Link: This One Thing

Why this must be read:

Another look at an insecure Rodney who strives so hard for perfection in one discipline that he doesn't see the artistry he achieves in another. This is a refreshing look at the case that Rodney can't do everything brilliantly; there are some things in this world that just aren't meant to be. But as we all know Rodney, he doesn't want to accept this limitation and strives oh so hard for that mastery of the emotional side to music. Unfortunately, it's just not in the cards. Esteefee has got his characterization down so well, that striving, striving, striving, that yearning for perfection. And John's there to comfort and give some perspective as well. Rodney may not be a musical genius, but there's nothing wrong with his engineering and scientific ones. The comfort quotient balances the pain of failure so well. Esteefee will draw you and not let you go; you won't see Rodney the same way again.

Story Summary: You can't have everything; maybe you shouldn't even try.

"If I just keep trying—I'm almost certain..." Rodney's voice falters into silence.

John gets wanting something that bad, he really does, but he thinks maybe Rodney's missing something. He doesn't see he's already an artist, taking the raw materials around him and creating miracles of engineering, and that there's artistry in that—it's the magic of making things real. Just like Rodney walked into John's life and told him to look inside and imagine, and John did. Just like Rodney made them real by walking into John's quarters and grabbing him by his vest and—

He's just not going to get this one thing.