Things To Do In Denver When You're Dead by Speranza [NC17]

[dajaje.livejournal.com]

Show: Stargate Atlantis
Rec Category: John Sheppard
Characters: Rodney McKay, John Sheppard
Pairing: Rodney McKay/John Sheppard
Slash
Warning: None
Author on LJ: cesperanza 
Author's Website: http://trickster.org/speranza
Link: http://trickster.org/speranza/cesper/Denver.html

Why this must be read:
Although this story is from Rodney’s POV, Speranza’s portrayal of a distraught John awaiting his fate at the hand’s of the SGC after first season’s “The Siege” is brilliant.

While Rodney occupies his downtime going out to dinner and the symphony, John spends his time moping around his hotel room watching ESPN and eating out of the mini-bar. Once Rodney realizes this, he makes an effort to get John out and about, which in turn leads to the two men discovering -- and then acting upon -- their newfound feelings for one another. The author is spot on with the characters' reactions to this new development:

"This is a bad idea," Rodney mumbles, between kisses.
"Hi, I'm John Sheppard, have you met me?" and all right, yes, he has a point.

"Things To Do in Denver When You're Dead" is funny, touching and a great character study. If you haven't read it yet, you are in for a treat; if you have, then you deserve to revisit it.

ETA: Correction of author's livejournal name.

The Care and Feeding of a CO by Domenika Marzione (Unrated)

[dajaje.livejournal.com]

Show: Stargate Atlantis
Rec Category: John Sheppard
Characters: John Sheppard, Evan Lorne, several OCs
Pairing: None
Gen
Warning: None
Author on LJ: miss_porcupine  
Author's Website: The DMZ
Link: The Care and Feeding of a CO

Why this must be read:

If you aren't familiar with miss_porcupine's SGA fic, then you need to get over to her website right away. Aside from being a great writer, her stories tend to focus on the military side of Atlantis. And since John is the military commander, it's refreshing to see him actually get to do more of his job than we were ever allowed to see on the show.

"The Care and Feeding of a CO" is from Lorne's POV and it takes place after the episode "Conversion." Although John has returned to his human form, he has yet to be officially cleared for active duty. Lorne, being the ever-perceptive XO, knows that his boss is going stir crazy so he invites the Colonel to tag along on a routine search of Atlantis with Lorne's team. In addition to seeing John interact with miss_porcupine's wonderful OCs, we also get a close up view of his unique connection with Atlantis.

"So, then," [Lorne] said with a smile. "Atlantis would love to help you disappear."
"She likes me," Sheppard agreed.

"So take her up on the offer and show her a good time because you get all your paperwork back at the end of the month."
It was a silly thing to say, maybe, but only if you didn't see the way Sheppard adored Atlantis right back.

Sheppard grinned at him, a boyish grin people rarely saw. "I think I will."

If you like character-centric fics showing the everyday lives of our favorite people, then treat yourself to one of the best.