Place Your Hand, by chelle (NC-17)

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

Fandom: STARGATE ATLANTIS
Pairing: Sheppard/McKay
Author on LJ: mmmchelle
Author Website: Chelle's Nightstand
Why this must be read:

This is the moving story of John and Rodney dealing with the aftermath of sexual violence. It's an absorbing, heart wrenching depiction of the healing process, and extremely honest in it's emotions. Much pain and anger accompanies the healing. There's no easy fix, love and sex does not cure all, yet there is hope and comfort and reaching out as their relationship progresses. The issues are dealt with in a sensitive and thoughtful manner, something that is not often found in fanfiction. (FYI, there are no explicit descriptions of the assault.)


"I can't think, that's what's going on. I just space out." Rodney stopped wringing his hands and waved them in the air. "I can't concentrate. I used to be able to think for hours. Now, I just sit there. Staring." Rodney stood, pacing the three feet to the window and then coming back. "I sleep all the time. Yesterday, I slept for 12 hours."

Rodney stopped pacing, looking at John expectantly, clearly thinking that John was going to be as appalled as he was at 12 hours of sleep.

Knowing it was best not to suggest that Rodney's body was making up for years of sleep deprivation, John asked, "What does Heightmeyer say?"

Rodney snorted. "Give it time. How much time am I supposed to give it? I want my life back."

John wanted Rodney to have his life back, too. He wanted Rodney's life not to have changed. "A month isn't very long," he said, standing.

Rodney responded with his "you're an idiot" look, which John was perversely happy to see. He hadn't been on the receiving end of that look in what felt like forever.

Something flickered in Rodney's eyes, then it was gone. He crossed his arms in front of his chest. "If you don't want to help, just say so."




Read Place Your Hand