Fic: Motivation is Key (First Strike) by neevebrody

[neevebrody.livejournal.com]

Fic
Title:  Motivation is Key
Author:neevebrody
Episode and type of story:  First Strike - Episode Tag
Additional spoilers:  this episode only
Rating:  G
Categories:  Gen
Pairing:  McKay/Sheppard - assumes an existing relationship
Warnings:  None
Word Count:  391
Summary:  John had lost track of Rodney amid the chaos.  He didn't have time to search Atlantis room by room, but, by God, he would if he had to.

Motivation is Key

John had lost track of Rodney amid the chaos.  He didn't have time to search Atlantis room by room, but, by God, he would if he had to.  Finally, opening the door to one of the abandoned labs, he heard the sound of computer keys clicking.  He walked in, his eyes adjusting to the dim light.  "McKay?"

No answer.

He stepped around a column of boxes stacked well above his head and saw Rodney seated at one of the lab tables, his laptop in front of him.  Walking over, he stopped a few feet from the table.  Rodney didn't look up or acknowledge him in any way.

"Why didn't you answer me?"   

"How's Elizabeth?" was his only reply.

"Keller doesn't know anything yet, but-I think it's bad."

Rodney did look up then.  John felt something tighten in his chest as he held Rodney's gaze, felt Rodney's frustration and resignation before he looked away again.

"What do you want?"  Rodney asked, spinning around on his stool to check something on the computer behind him.

"I want to know what went wrong.  Why'd we drop out of hyperspace so soon?"

"I told you, I don't know yet," he said curtly.

"Well, I thought you were just saying that 'cause you didn't want to speak in front of the others."

Rodney turned back to him.  "And why would I do that?"

John shrugged.  "Then, when are you going to know?" he asked.

"How the hell should I-when I know, that's when.  Who do you think I am, anyway?"  John could feel the rancor in his voice and noticed Rodney's face beginning to redden.

John closed the short distance between them.  He reached out and grasped Rodney's chin roughly, turning his face up to his.

"You're Dr. Rodney McKay-you're the Human Torch-you're my hero, and if you can't figure this out, nobody can."  Leaning over, he kissed Rodney just as roughly - a needy, desperate kiss that begged Rodney to fix this, to make it better, to give them some hope, because for maybe the third - or fourth - or fifth time, since stepping through that stargate, John felt a real flicker of fear.

He pulled away quickly and headed for the door.

"Oh, now-now that is so not fair," Rodney called after him.  "Sheppard!  Take that back.  C'mon.  Sheppard! John!"

Comments

Motivation is Key (First Strike) - story

[maxinemayer.livejournal.com]

Oh, this is excellent! Just a perfect piece, beautiful John, beautiful Rodney! Wow! Thank you for sharing. Love, max

Re: Motivation is Key (First Strike) - story

[neevebrody.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for your lovely comments. I'm really glad you enjoyed this.

[thrace-adams.livejournal.com]

Oh this was funny! I liked it!

[neevebrody.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much. Yes, John is a master motivator. I'm glad you liked it.

[sunnyd-lite.livejournal.com]

Yup John's got motivation down pat!

"Then, when are you going to know?" he asked.

"How the hell should I-when I know, that's when. John's just lucky McKay was too tired to throw things at the morons! Pure canon.
Loves it!

[neevebrody.livejournal.com]

I agree. John knows just how to motivate Rodney. I'm really glad you enjoyed this.