'Beholden' by Tielan (R)

[lacylaces.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Sheppard/Teyla

Pairing: Sheppard/Teyla, John/Teyla
Category: Angst, H/C, Post-episode, smut
Warning: Het, smut, spoilers for "Common Ground"
Author on LJ: tielan
Author's Website: Tielan's Fanfic
Link: Beholden

Author's Summary:  He can't have one without the other.

Why This Must Be Read:

'Beholden' is an interesting exploration of John's feelings and thoughts about the events in "Common Ground," and Teyla's as well,  written from the prompt - death.  I lovetielan's description and the tone she sets with her use of words and narrative structure.  Her John and Teyla voices are excellent, and she beautifully captures the give and take of their relationship.

The interaction between the characters here - believable, serious conversation in the midst of a hot, angsty, life-affirming, intimate connection - is intense and emotionally stirring. She reverses the roles here between Sheppard and Teyla, I think, by having the character's taking unexpected sides on the events and aftermath of "Common Ground."

There's also an intriguing exploration of the Wraiths, their motives and behavior, and how it affects the Atlantis team that really got me thinking about the episode again and wishing that the show explored these things, as well as the internal motivations and emotions of the characters, especially Teyla and Sheppard, more often and in greater depth.

It's a little angsty and dark, but the tone perfectly suited the subject matter and doesn't detract from the very real chemistry/connection and heat between John and Teyla in this fic.