The Chair by Xanthe (NC-17)

[georgiesmith.livejournal.com]

Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing: McKay/Sheppard
Length: 17,586
Author on LJ: xanthestories
Author Website: xanthe.org
Why this must be read: "...are you saying I exist merely to be John Sheppard's plaything?" Whee! xanthe's first foray into Stargate Atlantis fan fiction is still one of my all-time favorites. Set immediately after the events of "The Siege, Part 3", Major Sheppard discovers an interactive hologram that reveals some home truths about key members of the expedition, how their paths to the lost city were pre-destined and information about a weapon that could destroy the Wraith; but it's a weapon that can only be used under specific conditions. This story is just delightful from beginning to end and contains all of hallmarks of xanthe's marvelous writing style: fantastic characterizations, humor, action, angst, romance and it's a plot-driven story with a smokin' hot sex scene that is integral to the plot. (Plus, I'm a sucker for top!John and our cocky flyboy does not disappoint! *fans self* Phew!) I find myself going back to read this one a couple of times a year. I have a feeling that you're going to fall in love with this one too.

The Chair

Comments

[popkin16]

I love this fic so much ♥ I loved the idea of their arrival being pre-destined, their assigned roles (so fitting!), and how the weapon works ;)

(Top!John is my favorite!)

[georgiesmith.livejournal.com]

I'm constantly surprised by how many great stories haven't been rec'ced yet and terrific authors who still have stories left to recommend for SGA here. I'm just so happy I got to rec this one because it's just so fab.

In my head it just makes more sense for Rodney to be a bottom, mostly because his ass is glorious and who wouldn't want to worship it, but partly because John had to be very careful about being caught and doctor/patient confidentiality only goes so far. Besides, the first SGA fan fiction I read was xanthe's and she set the standard for me, which is also why I cannot see Rodney as a Dom. Gosh, she certainly has a lot to answer for! *g*

[popkin16]

It must be pretty exciting to know there are SO MANY possibilities :D I confess I'm not familiar with the crack_van comm, but I'll have to check it out more.

Wow, your experiences has pretty much mirrored mine. I agree that Rodney's ass is glorious, and how can John not want to show his...appreciation for it ;) I've always thought Rodney made more sense as a bottom, because he's such a hedonist. I can see him loving being the bottom, loving how good it feels. xanthe has totally influenced my fandom preferences too, and now bottom/sub!Rodney is my favorite, and I'm sad that it doesn't get more love.

This is how I see Rodney attempting to be dominant going.

[georgiesmith.livejournal.com]

Since popkin16 was having trouble replying here (it kept being marked as spam for some reason), we're continuing the conversation over at her LJ. You're welcome to come over and join in if you like.

http://popkin16.livejournal.com/120152.html

[xanthe.livejournal.com]

Wow - thanks for the wonderful rec! I had so much fun writing The Chair - I think I realised as soon as I started writing what a fun pairing this was going to be to write - and you could go ANYWHERE with them because the SGA universe lent itself to all kinds of crazy happenings - as this fic shows *g*.

PS Couldn't access the link to the discussion on Popkin's journal :-(

[georgiesmith.livejournal.com]

I'm always stunned when a story of yours is left for me to rec! I was so glad that "The Chair" was though because it was your SGA fic that I first read when I got into the show.

I've double-checked with Popkin and she's made sure it's not friend-locked. If the link doesn't work you can go to her journal and it's the "Thinky Thoughts II" discussion. I'd love your insight on our silly ramblings.