stargateficrec | Sunny, California by Mystic [NC-17]

Show: SGA

Rec Category: Alternate Universe
Characters: John Sheppard, Rodney McKay
Pairings: John Sheppard/Rodney McKay
Categories: Slash, Alternate Universe, First Time, Romance
Warnings: Slash
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author's Website: Mystic on Wraithbait and MysticMcKnight on AO3
Link: Sunny, California

Why This Must Be Read: Once again another long novella length meaty fandon story and something I can really sink my teeth into to.

Rodney McKay is a distinguished veterinarian who has a dream to also run a marine emergency clinic. John Sheppard is former world champion surfer who has retired after a close friend is killed. When John cat-sits for a friend he ends up having to take Taffy, the cat to the local vet who happens to be Rodney. Not only does it show how much Rodney is soft at heart especially with animals but it’s a romance too and I love a good romance.

John looked up when he heard the double doors that lead to the treatment area fly open and saw a man, about his age, not quite heavy-set, and with thinning hair, storming out. His electric blue eyes scanning the almost empty waiting room until they settled on him, and for some reason having that intense glare turned on him did things to John he wasn't about to even BEGIN to try and analyze at this hour.

"You," the man said, his face full of anger, which also didn't set well with John. "Did you bring in the tabby?" he demanded, his thin lips pulled even thinner as if he was just barely managing to keep from losing control.

"How is Taffy?" John asked, daring to stand up and approach the man. "What's wrong with her?" he asked, for he was sure he had done everything that was on the care list.

"Where do you get off asking if she's alright after almost KILLING HER, by giving her high amounts of sugar and alcohol," Rodney snapped.
"Whoa," John said, holding his handed up before him. "What the hell are you talking about? I didn't give Taffy any alcohol...and what do you mean by sugar?" he asked, more than ready to defend himself in this matter.

"Well how do you explain...Taffy did you say?" Rodney asked, seeing the man nod yes continued, "Taffy, having such a high blood-alcohol level and as for sugar, don't you know that most human foods are BAD for animals?" he challenged the man.

"Ah...no," John said sincerely, as he'd never had a pet before. "It was hot and though she had water, she seemed to crave the ice cream I was eating...I...I didn't know."

"How can you have a full grown cat of THAT size and NOT know?" Rodney challenged again, not caring about the looks the others in the room were giving him.

"I DON'T own Taffy, I've never owned a pet, Marion just asked me this morning to watch her and then left," John protested.

"Oh," Rodney said, seeming a bit lost as if he'd gotten sidetracked from his lecture. "Well, didn't she leave you instructions?" he asked, wanting to know if he should be giving this lecture to whomever Marion was.

"Yes, and I THOUGHT I was following them, there was no list of don'ts..." John replied, feeling a bit vindicated with the truth. "You still haven't said, how's Taffy?"

"Ah...oh, yes, she's going to be a very sick kitty and the next few hours will tell, though you'll have to approve the treatment or...well, I don't think there should be an or, especially since she's not yours, then you'd have to call this Marion and ask her, but..." Rodney was rambling. He always did when he had to provide the option of putting any animal down, which he was dead set against, but the law said he had to provide ALL options of treatment or lack of to the owner.

"Look, Doc," John interrupted. "Bottom line it for me. If you can save Taffy, do it. I understand that somehow it was my fault, and I have NO intentions of calling Marion and telling her that Taffy is dead because I'm too damn cheap to cover her medical bills. So?" He gestured at Rodney to get on with it.

"Okay, good," Rodney said, thinking more of the man before him as he was willing to take responsibility for his ignorance. He waved toward the young woman behind the administration desk. "I'll have Emily here give you the papers, Mr....ah...?"

"Sheppard, John Sheppard," John replied and offered his hand, "Doctor...?"