The Silent Art of Watching, by takfar (NC-17)

[darsynia.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Rodney McKay
Characters: Rodney McKay, Teyla Emmagen, John Sheppard
Pairings: Rodney McKay/Teyla Emmagen (/John Sheppard)
Category: het, hint of slash, angst, h/c, first time
Warning: slash, adult
Author on LJ: takfarfanfic
Author's Website: Takfar.net


Link: The Silent Art of Watching

Why This Must Be Read:

The setup for this story is that of almost hopelessness--it's shortly after season two begins, and John, Teyla, and Rodney are hostages to Wraith worshippers. Each is to take their turn fighting for a night, and while John is gone for his turn, Teyla and Rodney turn to each other. The story is primarily het, and the rapport Takfar writes between Rodney and Teyla is just fabulous--sexy and almost joyful, despite their situation. Rodney is convinced he is going to die the following day, and there's a sense that he wants to enjoy what little time he has left. As the pairing indicates, John shows up toward the end of the story, shifting the dynamic onto a darker path.

One of the things I liked so much about this story was the author's ability to set a scene that trends toward despair and yet show the characters overcoming this reaction as well as submitting to it. There's a wide range of emotions we get to see here, and it all feels very human--rough, and very slightly broken.

( Adult rated excerpt )