All The Way To The Bone by respoftw [PG-13]

[popkin16]

Show: Stargate Atlantis
Rec Category: John Sheppard/Rodney McKay
Characters: John Sheppard, Rodney McKay, Ronon Dex, Teyla Emmagen,
Pairings: John/Rodney,
Categories: Alternate Universe, First Time, Romance
Warnings: None
Author on LJ: N/A
Author's Website: Ao3 Page
Link: All The Way To The Bone

Why This Must Be Read: An AU where Rodney is a tattoo artist who customizes his tattoos for each customer. John is newly discharged from the Air Force and feeling a bit lost. I love the author's take on what Rodney would be like as a tattoo artist, and I love that it's Ronon who directs John to Rodney's parlor. I love the relationships in this - John's with Teyla and Ronon, Rodney's with his sister - and I love reading about John settling in, making a life for himself post-military. This fic will definitely brighten your day, and it's not a typical AU setting.

"You must be McKay."

"That's Dr. McKay to you," the man, McKay , sniped.  "And if you can read, you'll know that I don't want any time wasters here so,"  McKay waved a hand towards the door without looking up from his laptop,  "be off with you."

John felt the corners of his mouth tug upwards.  Today was looking a lot more interesting than it had been a moment ago.

"I didn't realise that you could get a doctorate in tattooing," he smirked.

McKay finally looked up from his laptop and John grinned as intelligent blue eyes turned on him.  Oh yes, much more interesting.

"You're still here," McKay sounded genuinely surprised and John remembered Ronon's words on the phone.  Just how many people did this guy run out of his studio on a daily basis?  It seemed an odd way to run a business.

"Well, I haven't got my tattoo yet," John shrugged.