cassiope25: Close-up from Rodney looking sad and depressed in front of the stairs in the gateroom (Rodney sad)
[personal profile] cassiope25 posting in [community profile] stargateficrec
Show: SGA
Rec Category: Rodney McKay
Characters: Rodney McKay, John Sheppard,
Pairings: Rodney McKay/John Sheppard
Categories: slash, feelings realization, emotional hurt, episode related
Warnings: No warnings apply
Word count: 6,923
Author's Journal: [personal profile] sgatazmy
Author's Website: Tazmy on AO3
Link: Festering Wounds, Hurting Souls, Loving Hearts

Author’s summary:Rodney knows John cares about him and doesn't mean any harm, but it still hurts. So how exactly does one go about saying, ‘You’re my best friend and mean the world to me, but I also kind of hate the way you treat me?'

Why This Must Be Read:
This is a wonderfully written, thoughtful fic and podfic that focuses on Rodney's complex neurodivergent issues, his interpersonal dealings over the years, in everyday life — professional, as well as relationship concerns. Starting with Woolsey as a sensitive observer, Rodney is not only made aware of the subtle, but ongoing, bullying - which culminated in the "Lemon Incident" - but learns to take care of himself, to stand up to bullying and supposedly ‘funny’ remarks, and to call out his friends, especially John, on it.
It's a fic about personal character growth, addressing hurt feelings, and asking for respect and understanding.
And it's a wonderful story about caring about each other, creating an equal relationship and ultimately finding perfect love.
I highly recommend this outstanding, empathetic, sensitive exploration of mindfulness, acceptance, appreciation, and fulfillment.

“I’m sorry, what exactly is this meeting about? I wasn’t kidding about having work to do and frankly everything you’ve talked about is none of your business.”

“On the contrary. The well-being of my expedition members is very much part of my official duties. Now, last week in the cafeteria I heard your team commenting on your food choices. They made several comments about your weight.”

Noticing McKay was going to try and bolt again, Woolsey talked fast, leaning forward, determined to present the rest of his proof before McKay could leave.

“When you complain about any kind of sensory overwhelm from itching, loud sounds, etc, they always dismiss your discomfort. Don’t you find that problematic? Can you really tell me it doesn’t hurt?”

“I have a lot of annoying quirks. It’s part of what makes me me.”

“So what happened on your last mission?”

“Nothing. It was successful. I saved everyone, just like I always do, and then we came home.”

“You came back angry at Colonel Sheppard.”

“Oh please! Are you blind now? We were laughing and smiling. That’s hardly—”

“Were you? Were you really?”

He didn’t miss the way McKay gulped, leaning back against the chair while he breathed heavily, his eyes darting back and forth. “Again, what is this meeting about? If you’re asking me to complain about my team, I’m not going to do that. We rib each other. It’s what teammates do. It’s not a problem.”

“So you’re okay when they insult your weight? Or make fun of how hard things are for you? When they make offhand comments about how you’re off your game? Or when they wave lemons in your face?”

McKay shook lightly, glancing at the floor. “I admit it bothers me a bit, but—”

“And you’ve told the Colonel as much. I’ve heard you.”

“Yes. But—”

“But what? This is unacceptable behavior. It should have stopped the first time you told him that it was a problem.”

“I’m really not comfortable with whatever this conversation is we’re having. Can I ask for this to stop? Or did you decide to join my team in being jerks, huh?” Rodney stood up and began pacing, his arms flailing in typical McKay annoyance. “I get this enough from them without having to relive it with you. I get to say what’s a problem and I say this isn’t one, so back off.”

Woolsey noted Rodney sweating, wringing his hands together, glaring back, all while slightly shaking.

“Hear me out first. Please. I’m guessing you’ve spent most of your life being told that you’re not allowed to feel the way you feel or be the way you are.”

“...”

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