Fic: When I Sorrow Most (McKay/Sheppard, NC-17)

[sgasesa-admin.livejournal.com]

Title: When I Sorrow Most
Author: the_cephalopod
Recipient: sheafrotherdon
Pairing: McKay/Sheppard
Rating: NC-17
Word Count: ~55,000 words
Warnings: Angst, but I can guarantee a happy ending.
Spoilers: Set early in season 3, so nothing for anything recent.
Author's notes: Happy Christmas Cate! Thank you for your lovely multi-optioned prompt; I tried to encompass as much as possible - I hope you enjoy! Many thanks to my amazing betas - you know who you are - and to moonlettuce and alyse for organising such a wonderful fic exchange!

Summary: "Hey," John said, trying to lighten the tone a little. "The IOA are getting better," he said, reaching across the bed to flick the little Canadian flag on Rodney's jacket before nodding his head towards Ronon and Teyla.

"Yes, well, I suppose so," Rodney sniffed. "It's not as if they could do without me, anyway."

"Or indeed any of us," Teyla added with a smile.

"Well, I hope you all realise that our success is entirely down to the exceptional talent and expertise of your team leader," John said.

"Oh, yes, of course," Rodney replied sarcastically. "We'd be nothing without you."

When I Sorrow Most

Please note, due to the size of this story, it is being hosted offsite.

Comments

[d_odyssey.livejournal.com]

Brilliant! This felt like reading a well researched novel. The richness of the detail is amazing. The Cataran world is so well developed that it seems real. The science in this one is outstanding, love how it is broken down and explained and so plausible, at least to this non-scientist. Ack, poor John in complete darkness, unable to move and even remember was terrifying. My heart broke for Rodney, desperately trying to find John, who is so much more than his team leader, while keeping all his emotions bottled up. Excellent job of showing how sympathetic everyone is to Rodney, especially Lorne and Radek. The team unity, loyalty and love shown through in this. Excellent. Adored the love between John and Rodney, particularly the end where Rodney was re-adjusting and wanted John for himself and John appeared and wouldn't leave, knew what was going on in Rodney's head. Nice bits of humor ie John wanting a gun when he couldn't walk or him trying to get out of the device without any help.

Wonderfully layered with so much emotion - love, angst, loyalty, trust, stubbornness and anger. Speaking of anger, enjoyed seeing Ronon helping out with the scanners and tech instead of just the requisite fighting. Although I did enjoy him towering over and intimidating Trin. Love the world you built and that it was technologically advanced. The changing time line and POV was a great device to build the tension and mystery of what was happening. I couldn't read it fast enough; I needed to know what was going on and where was John. Wow, just a fabulous read! I'd buy the book for this. Excellent story, well thought out, well written and spot on voices for the characters. Thank you!

[the-cephalopod.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for your *lovely* comment!

I love writing science into my stories, so it is truly lovely to hear that you enjoyed reading it and that it didn't detract from the story. The team interaction is also something I love to read, so again it is so nice to hear you felt that everyone worked for you. The relationships between the characters, between John and Rodney themselves, but also between the boys individually and the rest of the people on Atlantis, was something I worked hard to depict. Strong emotional storylines always captivate me in totally when I'm reading, so I am really pleased to hear you were drawn into the story and wanted to find out what was happening. I wanted to use the dual timelines so that I could bring John into the story throughout and so I'd also have the counterpoint of a happier 'past' to work with the angst-filled 'present' as the plot slowly revealed itself. I'm really thrilled that you enjoyed it so much; thank you.

cep xxx