Title: Coming Home
Fandom: SGA
Pairing: McKay/Sheppard
Categories: Romance, h/c, BDSM, AU
Length: Epic (~185,000 words)
Warnings: none

Author on LJ:xanthestories
Author Website: http://www.xanthe.org/

Review:
I've heard that this story (along with the other long fic that Xanthe wrote in this AU, The General and Doctor Sheppard) created a huge bruhha in fandom, sparking lots of debates and 'homages' and righteous indignation about how a universe where BDSM is the societal norm could not possibly exist. As a result, I feel I should warn you that if BDSM really offends you, do not read this story. Trust me, you'll thank me later.

Now then, for everyone else: OMG, this story rocks! Typically I don't read BDSM because BDSM stories are usually PWPs about...well, BDSM. I'm much more interested in characters and plots and relationships than in how two characters choose to show their affection for each other. Fortunately, this story is *not* about BDSM. It's about two men who meet and fall in love and it just so happens that these two men are living in a universe where BDSM is the norm, rather than a subculture (and let's face it, is such a universe any more odd than one where humans can turn themselves into energy beings or where walking through a ring of stone transports you to another galaxy?) You will find intense scenes of BDSM in this story (see above warning), but it never feels like the lifestyle is more important than the characters.

The relationship between John and Rodney is what makes this story work for me. John is his usual closed-off self and Rodney is self-destructing (which, when you think about it, is just like canon: how many people manage to piss off their superiors so much that they get exiled to the *enemy's* camp?) and it's hard to imagine any two people who need each other more. Their relationship develops naturally over the story (which loosely follows season 1 canon) and I defy anyone not get get all mushy inside as John starts to open up and Rodney learns how to trust again. Even better, you have excellent showings by virtually all of the first-season SGA cast (Carson is especially good) and the plot ties in bits of canon and an original storyline to create a deeply engaging and very well written story.

Final verdict: This is a fascinating AU with excellent characterizations and more shmoopy romance than you can shake a stick at. Beautiful, touching, and highly recommended.

Coming Home (index)
Coming Home (direct link to story)