FIC: Out Of Bounds - John/Rodney - who knows how many parts.

[icarus]

When you find a story that hits your kink, and hits it again, over and over for thirteen chapters, it makes for a happy day.

General & Dr. Sheppard by xanthelj, NC-17.

This is what I love about fanfiction.

Plausible? Oh heck no! Gloriously, gleefully inplausible. An Alternate Universe full-time-BDSM John and Rodney are drawn into this universe (complete with Rodney in a collar and leash). Yeep! This universe's Rodney is freaked. Laughter, romance, self-discovery and lots of kinky sex ensues. Lots of kinky sex. The story delivers the goods.

The best scene is John training Rodney. You'll know the one when you read it.

---

You know you've been watching too much of the Olympics when...

I now want to read an SGA AU where John's a skater and Rodney's either a judge or his coach. *facepalm* My humiliation knows no bounds.

ETA: You can read the whole story thus far here -- Out Of Bounds.



Out Of Bounds
by Icarus


John slowly glided to edge of the rink, hands on his knees as he panted, the black jumpsuit a stark contrast to the ice. He cut a sharp edge when he reached Rodney, spraying him with ice, clearly more pissed off than hurt. Several other early morning skaters cast him a curious glance, then went about their business.

"Get back out there," Rodney said quietly, in his calmest, brooks-no-nonsense sort of voice.

"No. I'm taking up hockey. It'll hurt less." John glared at him, eyebrows drawn together over hazel eyes.

"Aw. Did baby fall down and go boom?" Rodney mocked him. "You're not good enough. You're nothing more than a gymnast on skates. Skate, skate, jump! Skate, skate, jump! Have you even noticed there's music playing?"

"At least I'm not a fifth-place failure, washed out at seventeen."

Rodney looked sucker-punched, but he took it in stride, chin out. John always lashed out after a bad practice. He counted to ten. "At least I made it. And I know what it takes to get there."

John dug in harder, his voice dry and mean. "You couldn't lay down the big moves. Couldn't take the pressure."

"And yet, strangely enough, somehow I got there. You've been competing for ten years and haven't even touched what I reached in grade twelve."

Rodney pulled off his jacket and adjusted his gloves with a long-suffering sigh. He stepped onto the ice and skated backwards, forcing John to reluctantly follow. Gaining some speed, Rodney laid down the pattern of footwork he'd asked of John.

John stopped, arms folded. He shouted to Rodney halfway across the rink, "It's easy."

"Prove it!" Rodney shouted back.

With an eyeroll, John picked up speed with two quick strokes, then turned around and repeated Rodney's pattern. Sloppy edges, hands careless, all elbows, he didn't point his toes, ice spray everywhere... then he threw in a perfect triple at the end. He skated back to Rodney with a bright grin.

"That was shitty," Rodney said about everything but the jump.

"Whatever."

John stretched one leg behind him, touching his skate nearly to his shoulder in an enviable display of careless balance and flexibility. Anyone watching would think he was a great skater, could see his potential, that effortless stregth and grace. Rodney stared.

Then John let his leg fall. "I'm giving hockey some serious thought." He nodded to himself as if this were a great idea.

"You'll look better with all your teeth," Rodney answered with a little wave. "Besides, the thought of you cooperating in a team is ludicrous: you don't even cooperate with me, and you're paying me to listen to you whine." Rodney didn't let John get a word in edge-wise, gliding closer to skate in a tight circle around him. "But you're right, it is easy. Why can't you do it?"

"Fuck your transitions. They throw everything off! I never missed a Quad until you showed up."

"Your coaches were all morons and should be shot. They let you get away with murder and they've almost ruined you as a skater. You're lucky I showed up."

Rodney pursed his lips and thought very quickly.

"All right. New rule: you're not to do any jumps."

"What?!"

"You are to only skate to music -- pick something you like -- and I want you to skate in a pair." Rodney ticked his rules off on gloved fingers.

"What? How am I supposed to keep in form on my jumps, pairs are a completely different type of skating, where am I supposed to find someone to skate with -- and are you out of your mind?" John growled, leaning closer. "The jumps are all I've got."

Rodney blinked. He hadn't realized John knew that. Even though everyone knew.

It suddenly made sense why he'd hired Rodney McKay, who had a reputation as an artist who couldn't keep up as the jumps progressed from triples to quads, becoming more and more important to the sport; John's total opposite. McKay's a solid skater, Frank, not a single wasted motion. His sense of timing is like a metronome. And look at that gesture, completely unique, wonderful choreography, great speed... he's so smooth you hardly know a jump is coming.

Oh-! That was supposed to be a triple and he doubled it.

That's going to cost him.

He's just not built for the jumps, Anne. He's stockier than the other skaters and it works against him. Those broad shoulders; I tell you, he's built more like a middle linebacker!

I remember him from the Nationals two years ago. He was fourteen, so light on the ice, such fire! But Frank, and this happens to a lot of young skaters: as they grow their bodies just change. And there's nothing you can do about it.

Rodney's spectacular falls and litany of injuries had made news for the next two years. He'd never landed a quad in competition. Photos of his miserable expression as he finished fifth, the sweat plastering longish curls to his forehead, had made Sports Illustrated. It was the most common photo to turn up if you Googled his name. Rodney hated that picture.

"I don't believe that's true." Rodney's voice came out a little hesitant, but he squared his shoulders in defiance against John's reputation. He added a little desperately, "You have to try. If it's true, then you're wasting your time and you might as well get your teeth knocked out in hockey."

"I thought you said I'd look terrible without my teeth."

John skated away from him a moment and threw a quick rebellious single jump.

Rodney watched him, shaking his head with an exaggerated huff. "Coaching is the sixth circle of hell. The Catholics were right. This is payment for something I did horribly wrong."

"How's not-jumping supposed to help?"

"Just... trust me? For once?" Rodney complained, letting his arms fall to his sides in frustration. "As for who you'll skate with: I'll skate with you."

John's eyebrows raised as he glided backwards with tiny little pushes, heading for the edge of the rink. "Are you hitting on me?"

"You'll have to pay me a lot more for that." Rodney skated behind him. As they reached their stuff, John threw Rodney a towel and Rodney mopped his forehead. "Besides -- and more to the point -- you're out of my league."

John frowned. "What makes you think I'm..."

"Oh, please. A straight figure skater is about as common as a straight dancer."

John tipped his head and conceded the point.

"Breakfast?" Rodney suggested, brightening.

"You like food too much. You probably only lost because you gained weight," John noted. He slung his skates over his shoulder.

"I'm off the clock, therefore not coaching, therefore I don't have to put up with your crap now, thank you very much," Rodney pointed out. "And bear in mind that if you don't improve I'm your only brush with greatness, so show some respect."

John made a face.

Heeeeere's part two, because I just can't resist this silliness.

Comments

[not-sally.livejournal.com]

You evil wench. You cannot write John and Rodney as figure skaters and leave out the bit in which they fall in love and win the finals!!! It's not fair!

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

I'm working on it! We have to get to the sensual learning curve.

Rodney surprised me by being so blunt and honest about John being out of his league. *blinks* What am I supposed to do with him? He never cooperates in a fic, always moves things into hyperspeed. Or, er, speed-skating or something....

Icarus

[millefiori.livejournal.com]

I love the skating story, and I could almost *hear* the announcer (he sounds like Dick Button in my head). Rodney's failure as a skater is sadly reminiscent of his failure as a pianist. It seems odd to think of him never realizing a scientific career, but it makes sense for him to coach. I'm looking forward to more!

Re the recced story, I read one chapter, but it was not my thing. If you don't mind indulging my curiosity, though, ever since I read the bit I did I can't stop wondering if she planned to have this universe's John and Rodney enter into a BDSM relationship--do you mind telling me if that's what happens?

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

Thank you, yes, I was imagining Dick Button when I wrote that. I can really see Rodney's miserable face, hair longer the way he wore when he was younger, clear blue eyes full of wounded pride as he skated off the ice -- knowing that he he didn't make the podium.

General & Dr. Sheppard reminds of Seeker to Seeker by Baron Nomaw.

To avoid spoilers (gosh I hope this works) I have the following in a white font on my white background:



If you read nothing else, you should read this chapter (http://xanthestories.livejournal.com/7519.html). This universe's John training Rodney in combat is just exquisite.

Icarus

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

I am curious why it's not your thing, the recced story I mean. The BDSM theme, the references to 'husband,' overuse of dashes, the overwhelming machinae? I should probably have warned, but really, people who love BDSM have so little to choose from, to find the bottom's viewpoint written so well is nearly impossible to find.

Icarus

[millefiori.livejournal.com]

What do you mean by 'machinae'? *feels stupid* That might be it. The bit I read had a vibe I dislike--sort of self-congratulatory. Or maybe it's the telling why this (whatever 'this' may be) is right and good, instead of just showing what happens and letting the reader draw her own conclusions, letting the characters be/act/think human instead of perfect. (In this case it was sub!Rodney going on and on about how the way dom!John treated him was exactly what he needed and perfect and wonderful and so on.) I don't know if I'm describing it well. It's just something I recognize when I see it and I hate it--in any story, not just a BDSM story.

I also have weird personal issues with BDSM, non-con, etc. I avoided several (very nice!) people, their LJs and their stories in the HP fandom because their favored topics upset me. This is the first BDSM story I've encountered in SGA fandom and I find myself getting upset just thinking about it. (Seriously, I feel like I'm on the verge of a panic attack typing this comment!) I think the thing is that I'm drawn to many D/s/BDSM dynamics, but I also have huge trust issues. And a huge humiliation squick. And I believe that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. And even the best people under the best of circumstances are fallible and make mistakes. I thus find the idea of one human having absolute power over another horrific. OTOH, descriptions of true BDSM, with all the contracts, limits, safewords, scene planning, etc. bore me to tears. (I think that's wonderful for real life, but it kills the mood to read about it. Though I suspect readers truly into RL BDSM probably love stories that detail all that stuff.)

I suppose it's kind of ironic that I've written stories with D/s SM themes, and I guess I'm okay with that because as the creator of the story I have ultimate power and can make everything be the way I like it. I don't know. It's very weird! I had to really steel myself to click on the link I did, and it felt like I was reading through my fingers. The story was well written, and I might've given it more of a chance if it weren't for that tone. And my curiosity about what happens between 'our' John and Rodney was because 1) I can't imagine either John or Rodney being comfortable or happy in such a relationship and 2) I wondered if she did go there, if she'd be to write it in such a way that it was believable anyway.

Sorry--this is probably *way* more than you wanted to know!

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

Oh, this is fascinating. I understand your writing D/S and not enjoying reading it. I've written (semi-consensual) incest as well as non-con, both of which I don't ever read and squick me to no end. Writing it is different. I love amanuensis1's writing (and think she's great, personally) but I can't take her non-con. But in writing you don't experience it they you do in reading it. You challenge yourself and question it.

What do you mean by 'machinae'? *feels stupid* That might be it.

New word I picked up in my literature classes a couple of years ago.

The classic example is the Illiad where the gods' will is enacted on the humans in the story. Usually it means you have at least one character who "makes things happen" the way the writer wants, often in an obvious way. Hermione telling Ron, "You and Harry are meant for each other" is a classic example of fanfiction machinae.

The annoying "our lifestyle is better than yours" aura is fixed later as the characters in "real" Atlantis (I feel silly calling it real) react against their attitude and are rather offended by it.

White print for spoilers:



There you go. That should do it for the things you'd enjoy about the fic, minus all the uncomfortable elements. *snickers*

Icarus

[millefiori.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for the enjoyable synopsis!!

[j00j.livejournal.com]

Yay! Okay, I've been craving a skating AU. And this is definitely *just* the thing. The characterizations make a disturbingly perfect sort of sense. John is totally all about the jumping.

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

He so is! He gets to flyyyyyy. WG doesn't buy John as a skater at all ("Skeleton, more like. And Rodney's sport would be Curling") but when I read him the part about how terrible John would be as team player he cracked up and agreed wholeheartedly.

And he said, "Sounds like you're having fun."

Yes I am.

Icarus

[j00j.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I could see Skeleton. Or Aerials, or snowboarding. heh. But figure skating amuses me more, personally.

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

LOL! Snowboarding! How could I have missed that one? WG suggested Aerials, too. *g*

But yes, I want some sensuality so skating it is. So there.

Icarus

[lillian78.livejournal.com]

You are evil! EVIL I SAY. Write more, please. :-D

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

Hah. I'm cracked I think. This piece is solely for fun and is not meant to be taken seriously under any circumstances. Especially the beginning of the next part.

Icarus

[iibnf.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you recced that story - someone else on my friends list flamed the author for it, and proudly posted that on their friends list, and that makes me feel dirty, like I'm a party to their bad behaviour. (I haven't read the fic yet, so have no opinion either way, other than the author has the right to write whatever they want).

Liked your snippet, too, although I admit I'd just love to see those two in ice dancing (don't call it ice dancing!) gear. Mmmmm tight...

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

Flamed? Whatever for? Admittedly the machinae is rather obvious, but we do this all the time fanfiction.

Don't worry. We'll have John and Rodney in sexy gear one way or another. I'm having fun with this playful little story.

Icarus

[iibnf.livejournal.com]

You know what I love in this fandom? My shameful addiction? Post Trinity fics. Oh, man, they're bad. Of all that I've read, and I've read more than 60, about five were actually good (one or two, really good), but oh boy, CRAP! Crapola fic. Beyond bad fic. And I LOVE them. I need them like herion. I can't write that, but oh, I want everyone else to write it. With the angst and the trama and the spelling mistakes! And writing so bad they can't even spell Duranda! Sigh. So yeah, I cannot comment on any one else's bad fics or obvious machinae or whatever. I just trawl wraithbait for 'trinity' every few days. Sigh.

And now, I'm going back to writing Rodney McKay: Teenage Prostitute.

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

You're writing Rodney McKay: Teenage Prostitute? *wantses!*

I have another piece of this silly self-indulgent fic coming shortly. :D

Icarus

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

Ah. I found out who dissed it. This involved: hunting unsuccessfully through your f-list, then going to the actual story and reading comments until I found one that was quite negative, then checking her LJ, then going to your user info to check and see if she was on your f-list.

Me? Obsessive and insatiably curious? Heck no! *shame-faced grin*

*does vague hand-wavy gesture* She doesn't write, or at least there's no sign of it, and she seems to be down on a lot of SGA fanfic. Why should xanthelj be an exception? I thought Xanthe was pretty classy in her response.

Icarus

[iibnf.livejournal.com]

Ha, that is obsessive! Specially as her posts are mostly friends only. Mind you, that's exactly the kind of thing I'd do, too. She does write I think, although the only thing of hers I've read was a SGA/Boyband Fusion - it was quite funny. I have no idea if she writes serious stuff.

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

The silliest fic I've ever not-written (it's in my head and has never hit paper, not even as notes) is a Boston Legal crack!fic where some of the cast from Star Trek beam into James Spaders' office. Denny Krane (played by William Shatner) thinks that Captain Kirk (played by William Shatner) looks just like himself, and no one believes him.

Spader enquires if the Star Trek team require legal services and, by the way, would you mind terribly using the door next time? Captain Kirk desperately contacts Scotty because wherever the alien device sent them, oh my god, there are lawyers which is not a good sign. Scotty panics and says we'll get you out of there as soon as we can, but I'm not a miracle worker! Spock is puzzled, so Kirk tries to explain lawyers in none-too-flattering terms, which insults Denny Krane -- "I don't think I like myself," Denny says in shock -- and Denny off his jacket and challenges Kirk to a fistfight. They circle each other, fists up and ready.

Spader explains to Spock that as the person who has what appear to be intergalactic trespassers, he would be the one to get them into trouble, while as their attorney he would be the one who'd defend their rights and get them out of trouble.

"It is illogical that you would do both."

"It is an illogical world. That's why we need lawyers."

"I take it you have no lawyers where you come from?" Spader says to Kirk, who's stripped off his shirt and is still circling Denny.

"We have eliminated all injustice."

"How nice for you."

Right when Candace Bergman shows up and stares at the scene, Kirk and Spock are beamed out. Denny takes a swing through midair. "Damn! I had him."

Candace asks in her surprised but amused voice, "What is going on here?"

"They were potential clients, but they seem to have resolved their situation on their own," Spader explains drily. "A pity. I would have to have seen what our Illegal Aliens policy would have done with some actual aliens where there was no possibility of sending them back where they came from."

Bergman has no clue what Spader is talking about, but she accuses, "Does Denny have anything to do with this?"

"I haven't ruled that out." Spader smirks.

Later on the balcony, Spader and Denny get together for their nightly cigar, and Spader asks Denny why he started a fistfight with the alien visitor?

Denny explains, "I always thought I looked good with my shirt off."

"Ah. So you do," Spader nods.



Boston Legal deserves a slash fandom with tons of crack!fic. The show is insane and they make it so easy to write slash one would think the writers were aiming to build a fandom.

Icarus

[stentoriansista.livejournal.com]

. . .I . . .I think I might love you.

::dies of the funny:::

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

I really ought to write that - fully-fleshed - someday.

Icarus

[ellex42.livejournal.com]

*worships you*

You have made my deepest, darkest fantasy come true. Boston Legal crossover with...really, any sci-fi series.

I desperately want to see Denny go to Atlantis. With Alan. And wow, you write them perfectly.

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

I'm not the only one who's thought of this?

Truly, we are all insane.

Icarus

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

*does a spit-take*

I have a habit of leaving out important words in a sentence:

Kirk tries to explain lawyers in none-too-flattering terms, which insults Denny Krane -- "I don't think I like myself," Denny says in shock -- and Denny off his jacket and challenges Kirk to a fistfight.

That should probably read "takes off his jacket." *clears throat*

Icarus

[malnpudl.livejournal.com]

TGADS is not my cup of tea, but I enjoyed the heck out of your skating AU and hope you'll be moved to continue it.

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

I already have the next part written. This is silly, self-indulgent stuff. *g*

Icarus

[malnpudl.livejournal.com]

I already have the next part written.

Yay!

This is silly, self-indulgent stuff.

Ain't it grand? *g*

Sometimes you just have to lighten up and have some fun with it.

I'm glad I get to enjoy the results. :-)

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

Next part: actual skating and terrible music choices. Hee. I was listening to music last night, picking out pieces.

Icarus

[millefiori.livejournal.com]

Ooooh, I've always thought the Arabian dance from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker would be beautiful, sexy music to skate to.

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

Ooooo! Wonderful choice!

Actually, I privately think that for his own routine Rodney would do the incredibly difficult "Danse Infernale" from Stravinsky's Firebird Suite. It would suit someone who's a stocky powerful skater. The announcers would call the routine "Explosive!"

Icarus

[(Anonymous)]

Hey there. This is a fun fic - great Rodney voice. I'm looking forward to the next bit.

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

Thank you! This is pure silliness, and I fully intend to write a cliche. *big grin*

Icarus

[celestialseason.livejournal.com]

Oh geeze, that was me, I never remember to make sure I'm still signed in when I post!

[arlessiar.livejournal.com]

Ah yes, Xanthe's latest story - I loved it! Good that you recommended it, I really think it's a good and well-written story. I understand it that some people don't like what it's about, but nonetheless, Xante is still a very talented writer.

And you made a dream come true for me with this skating fic - because I also wanted to read a SGA skating fic when I saw the Winter Olypmics! :) I watched Stephane Lambiel skating and thought: "Wow, from a distance he looks a little like a young John. Hmm, I think Sheppard would look good on the ice! We need a fanfic for that!" So thanks for writing one! :)

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

Xanthe's story was great, and I read the section where John was teaching Rodney wrestling holds several times. It's a wonderful set-up when you get to read long-term I've-known-you-forever-and-know-what-you-want kinkfic in the same story that you have a lovely slow-build romance.

I thought of John too when I saw Stephane Lambiel! I am really enjoying this absurd Olympics AU.

Icarus

[annephoenix.livejournal.com]

Xanthe, previously of X-files fandom?

Just finished reading this and it confirms everything we discussed :D.

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

Xanthe, previously of X-files fandom?

The one and only.

Just finished reading this and it confirms everything we discussed :D.

Fun is in. Fun is the new black. Fun is the way to go. ;)

Icarus

[shoemaster.livejournal.com]

...I wish I could google "Rodney McKay" and find that sweaty seventeen year old shot. Oh crack fic, how I love thee.

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

I can see it, I can so see it... I could practically paint the thing.

Icarus

[cesperanza.livejournal.com]

I adore this beyond reason. It's just--god!--it's like everything I ever wanted as a teenager! if you could put in a unicorn, I might explode. And it's so well CHARACTERIZED, dammit!

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

*explodes into tiny little fan-girly pieces that all run around and squee!*

Once I have myself put back together again I'll thank you in some dignified fashion. And you're tempting me to add a unicorn, just so you know. ;)

Ah, the indulgence. I'm not as bummed out as I was last week so the last part grew a little more serious, but I'll get back to self-indulgent nonsense, I promise.

Icarus

[cesperanza.livejournal.com]

Don't really do a unicorn *g*--what's KILLER about this story is how it's simultaneously OMG wish fulfillment and, otoh, the perfect gritty sniff-your-pits realism. I believe in this universe UTTERLY. And it ISN'T nonsense, and I absolutely didn't mean my last comment in any way to imply that it was; rather, it's more like this story completely satisfies my inner teenager while allowing my *adult* self to look herself in the mirror, what with the good prose and the note-perfect adult touches (like I 100 percent BELIEVE in Rodney's relationship with Zelenka, that they are exes and that they talk over the phone while making pasta.)

I have inhaled this whole thing during the last hour and am distraught beyond the telling that it isn't finished yet! I have been lured into a WIP! I haven't read a WIP since--fuck--Emily Bruson back in Sentinel, and so you must seriously understand that if you don't finish this, I'll--I'll--

Something, something! But I'm Sicilian, so watch out!

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

gritty sniff-your-pits realism

Let me stop and admire the prose.

Don't really do a unicorn *g*

Too late! The unicorn is there to stay. It will turn up, and there's nothing you can do about it -- bwahahaha! (Actually, I was thinking about how I could feasibly do this and it was just going to turn up in the scenery but then it became invested with meaning and... anyway, you'll see.)

A WIP is something that someone writes as a source of torment, adding to it about once a month, leaving their hapless readers dangling, desperate for just a few more words before the writer gives up midstream. This is being updated pretty much every day (has been the last seven days) and it should be done around the end of next week.

Icarus