Lust and Fame by Angel Leviathan (M/R)

[silver_galaxy]

Category: Alternate Universe

Pairing: John Sheppard/Elizabeth Weir, Ronon Dex/Teyla Emmagen, Carson Beckett/Laura Cadman
Category: AU, het, friendship, character study
Warning: Sexual scenes at the beginning of chapter 10
Author on LJ: timeboundpythia
Author's Website: By the Light of a City
                                lust_and_fame(LJ community)

Link: Lust and Fame

Why this must be read:

‘People always think you’re acting, manipulating…’ 

This line describes what this whole AU is about, each of the characters, especially John and Elizabeth, using acting and the stage to avoid revealling who they really are. Most of the characters started off in their original ocupations (John in the air force, Elizabeth as a diplomat, Carson as a doctor etc) but they've all turned to the theatre as a way to hide. Through out the story, Elizabeth and John question whether they are ever really able to turn off the actor inside and be themselves

The author has managed to weave little bits of each character into their Lust and fame persona, without it seeming like its there just to remind you that these are the Atlantis characters. For example Rodney, who is the stage manager, is just as egotistical here as he is in Atlantis. Caldwell is also really well written as he comes in and immediately starts ordering everyone around, with the cast being ready to commit mutiny

The developing relationship between John Elizabeth is a focus of this piece, and it is a difficult journey for the characters, especially Elizabeth is is wary to get involved with anyone after her last relationship with a co-star (Simon). But the rest fo the cast and crew sees what she can't, that for the first time she is truely happy with John

Also look for Zelenka for the more humourous and light hearted moments

As the rest of the cast began to chatter around them, John and Elizabeth moved a little further away.

“…About earlier…” John began.

She shook her head and smiled slightly, “…I should have warned you, I’m sorry. I get a little too in character at times. I even answer to my stage-name when it gets that bad.”

He nodded, “Sounds perfectly reasonable. I figured it had to be something like that,” he lied.

“Sorry,” she repeated.

“Hey, don’t worry. Happens to the best of us.”

Elizabeth dared to joke with him, “Well, if that example was anything to go by, then you’re certainly one of the best, John Sheppard. Very…” she paused, regretting continuing, “Convincing.” She touched his arm and smiled, “I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

“Bye,” John nodded, trying a false smile, kicking himself for hoping, even for a moment, that the woman before him hadn’t been acting. Just what was he thinking anyway? She was off-limits. Getting involved with colleagues was a dangerous option. And what would she see in him anyway?

As Elizabeth walked away, she suddenly desperately wished she wasn’t such a brilliant actress after all…