Semaphore by Helen (NC-17)

[sweetvalleyslut.livejournal.com]

Fandom: SPORTS NIGHT
Pairing: Dan/Casey
Author on LJ: helenish
Author Website: helenish.net
Why this must be read: I'm thrilled that this hasn't been recced yet, as it's one of my absolute favorite Sports Night stories. Helen has a rare gift for dialogue, and it's best put to use in a fandom like this one, where the way the characters speak is their most defining characteristic. Helen's slash stories are always interesting in that they tend to highlight the *worst* parts of the relationship--in this one, they spend a lot of time hating each other. Ironically, the device in this story that causes the tension between them--a "top fifty" list in a sports magazine--was something employed by Sorkin himself in the latter half of the second season, after this story was written. And like the episodes that deal with the aftermath of that list, this story has plenty of angst, and a happy ending. But with more sex.

"My point being that--," he shook his head "Casey: were you aware that Dan's whipcord lean form moves with the grace of a jungle cat?"

"Not as such, no," Casey said.

"There, see? It's false report."

"Am I going to be allowed to know what's going on at any point? I realize it's not standard policy," Casey said, "but. jungle cat?"

Semaphore