Breaking Up in Three Easy Clichés by xparrot (PG)

[astridv.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Rodney McKay/Jennifer Keller
Pairing: Rodney/Jennifer
Category: angst, character study
Warning: spoilers for "The Last Man" and "The Shrine"
Author on LJ: xparrot
Author's Website: xmagicalx.net
Link: Breaking Up in Three Easy Clichés

Why This Must Be Read:
This story does exactly what it says on the label, and still I think it makes a great addition to the McKay/Keller category. Xparrot says in the story notes that she doesn't like this pairing much and wrote this fic to come to terms with it; you couldn't tell from reading it. As someone who does like the pairing, I could only hope the show's writers could pull off writing a relationship this believable and respectful to the characters. (~3,300 words)

Fault Lines by Greyias (PG-13)

[xparrot.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: John Sheppard & Rodney McKay friendship

Pairing: none
Category: gen, hurt/comfort, angst
Warning: none
Author on LJ: greyias
Author's Website: Shades of Grey
Link: Fault Lines

Why This Must Be Read:
Great banter, a wonderful Sheppard voice, and delicious Rodney h/c make for a thoroughly enjoyable read. I don't usually care for first person in fanfic, but Greyias's John voice is so spot-on that the story wouldn't be nearly as successful in a different POV. It's set in fifth season, post-"The Shrine," and the John-Rodney relationship here is an evolved, solid friendship - the guys don't talk much about their feelings, but they understand each other well enough that they don't need to. Still, they've got some issues to work out, and this story handles that with a deft touch that's not overly light, but never too heavy for the characters.

Story of My Life by busaikko (PG)

[astridv.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Rodney McKay/Jennifer Keller
Pairing: Rodney/Jennifer
Category: drama
Warning: Spoilers through The Shrine (some quotes taken verbatim from Quarantine and The Shrine)
Author on LJ: busaikko
Author's Website: fan fiction by busaikko
Link: Story of My Life

Why This Must Be Read:
Author's summary: Bravery doesn't always come in action-hero packaging. (Or, my take on the end of S5 *cue evil laughter*) (Written for artword; 1,685 words)

Somewhere in there I can see an epic fic looming, and I'd love to read that... but even these snapshots are intriguing and fun to read.