stargateficrec | A Hundred Happy Things (by busaikko, read by such

Show: SGA
Rec Category: Podfics (featuring kidfic)
Characters: John (Jona) Sheppard/Rodney McKay, Madison Miller, Jeannie Miller, Teyla Emmagan, Ronon Dex
Categories: F/M
Length: 02:52:14 (30,000 words)
Warnings: Notes from author: reference to the verbal abuse of a child and physical violence; Ford and Jeannie misbehave. Additional notes from such_heights: transphobia, misgendering. (mostly resolved by the end of the fic)
Reader & Author on DW:

busaikko and

such_heights
Author & Reader's Websites: busaikko on AO3, and such_heights on AO3
Links:
Podfic on the Audiofic Archive with streaming link
Text version on AO3

Why This Must Be ~~Read~~ Heard: Such_heights recorded an excellent podfic of busaikko's marvelous story about John (now Jona) accidentally meeting Rodney, and their developing, somewhat rocky, relationship. In this Earth-based no-Stargate AU Jeannie went on to be a genius physicist and is living in Africa long-term, working on developing ZPM energy, while Rodney, a disgraced academic, parents Madison. Jona Sheppard (previously John) meets Rodney at a martial arts class and they fall for each other. There are complications when Jeannie finds out, and a fair bit of angst, but never fear, it all works out in the end. A great AU story and a fluid, nuanced reading - both highly recommenced.

Rodney McKay hadn't thought he was the sort of person who would enjoy an exercise programme called Discover Your Inner Power! But within a few weeks, the Saturday morning class was one of the highlights of his (admittedly pathetic) life. He enjoyed the quiet kick-ass style of the instructor, Teyla Emmagan. He liked the mix of adults and children in the class: just enough that both he and Madison always had someone to talk to or to hit with sticks. He felt comfortable and accepted (and, possibly, inwardly powerful).

He even confessed this to Madison's counsellor, who'd recommended that he take Madison to the class in the first place. Dr Dex gave him a feral grin and said, "Told you so."

Most of all, however, Rodney felt like he wasn't drowning anymore, and he wasn't dragging Madison down with him. You have the power to change your life, Teyla said, during the cool-down and visualisation exercises. He was starting to believe that.

Which was why he sidled up to the new girl (woman, he reminded himself: he was trying not to be sexist these days) during the after-class refreshments. Not because of the skilful way she'd sparred with Teyla — more because of the way she moved with grace but still projected prickly awkwardness. She was also one of the few members unencumbered by children, and he didn't want her feeling left out. He was being altruistic. Really.