Fic : Through Dreams Revealed (McKay/Sheppard, Sheppard/various)
Title: Through Dreams Revealed
Author: kimberlite
Pairing: McKay/Sheppard, Sheppard/various
Rating: NC-17, slight kink
Word count: ~6,425
Disclaimer: SGA and other media characters are so not mine, I'm just having fun.
Note 1: sga_santa fic for gwendolen who requested: McKay/Sheppard slash with a dominant McKay. Doesn't have to be BDSM or anything like that. Just more submissive, needy John who outside the bedroom is still his usual kickass self. Maybe a kink or two (bloodplay for example). I love AUs and cross-overs (for example, X-Files, Torchwood, Supernatural, Smallville etc.). I like darkish to dark stories. Snark. First Time or established relationship, both are fine with me.
Note 2: AU stemming from Doppelganger. The first scene is paraphrased and modified but a few lines will be recognizable.
Summary: Sheppard is compelled to face his feelings for Rodney.
Note 3: Thanks, as always, to splix for encouragement and beta.
Through Dreams Revealed
"Rodney, there's nothing here," Sheppard said, carefully picking his way through the underbrush.
"It's not like you to give up so easily, Colonel."
"It's not like you, Rodney, to be so enthusiastic," Teyla said.
"What's up, McKay?" Ronon asked, slashing at another overhanging branch.
Rodney looked at his scanner. "Nothing."
Teyla arched her eyebrow. "You have a bet with Zelenka."
"Rodney," Sheppard groaned. "After the last time, I thought we agreed you wouldn't do that."
"It's not like -- hey, I'm getting strange energy readings," McKay said smugly.
Ronon snorted. "You always say that. Which direction?"
"The jungle's pretty thick, I can't localize it."
"Perhaps that is because it is not significant," Teyla suggested gently.
Sheppard stepped down from a fallen tree and his foot sank into muck. "All right, that's it. I'm calling this one." He pulled his foot up and turned to head back to the jumper.
"Wait, look at this!" McKay pointed at a suddenly glowing crystal attached to a tree. "I think it's causing the energy readings."
"Pretty," Teyla said, moving closer.
Sheppard approached the crystal. "Looks like one of those toys you play with as a kid."
"Commodore 64?"
"Triple barrel shotgun?"
Sheppard gave Rodney and Ronon a withering look. "A kaleidoscope." He looked back at the multifaceted crystal and reached out to touch it. A small shock raced up his finger. "Ow!" He instinctively stepped back, sticking his finger into his mouth and sucking on it.
"Are you all right?" Teyla asked.
"Why did you touch it? I told you it was giving off energy."
Sheppard nodded 'yes' at Teyla, then frowned at McKay. "Honestly, I don't know why I did that."
"Well great, it's not registering now. What is it with you always touching pretty...things?"
"Sorry," Sheppard drawled, holding up his hands. He looked at the darkened crystal "Do you want to take it back and see if you can figure it out in the lab?"
"Yes, yes, at least that way we won't return empty-handed."
*****
"Hey, Rodney, how's it coming with the crystal?" Sheppard asked, sliding onto the chair next to McKay.
"The what?" McKay looked up from his computer screen to see Sheppard pointing at the crystal. "Oh, that, it appears to be ordinary quartz. It's been three days and I haven't picked up anything unusual."
"Oh well, it's still pretty." Sheppard reached out to stroke the smooth surface. "Mind if I put it on my windowsill?"
McKay rolled his eyes but pushed the crystal at Sheppard. "Far be it for me to interfere with your grand decorating scheme."
Sheppard's fingers brushed Rodney's as he took the mineral. "Thanks. We're still on for team movie night, right?"
"Barring unforeseen disaster."
"What are you in the mood for?"
Rodney thought for a moment. "Torchwood went over pretty well before."
"Cool." Sheppard waved haphazardly as he headed for the door. "Later."
*****
Sheppard rolled into bed feeling pleasantly relaxed from a couple beers and an evening among friends. The two moons bathed his room in pale light, refracted by the crystal to create intricate patterns on the sill. He closed his eyes and listened to the sound of the waves breaking against the city as he drifted to sleep.
When he opened his eyes, Sheppard stood perfectly still, scanning the windswept rooftop until his gaze fell on a lone figure near the edge. He wanted to call out but was afraid his voice would startle the man. Before he could decide what to do, the man turned and beckoned him closer. He felt drawn to the man even before he recognized him.
"Well hello there, Colonel." Captain Jack Harkness smiled blindingly as he reached out to shake hands. "I just love a man in uniform."
Sheppard gulped as Captain Jack gave him a thoroughly appraising once-over. He looked down and realized he was in his dress blues. "Hello?" The hand beneath his was solid and warm. "This must be a dream."
Jack squeezed Sheppard's hand briefly before letting go. "A dream come true, I hope."
Sheppard grinned despite himself. "Does that actually work on anyone?"
Stepping closer, Jack said, "Only if you want it to."
"I can't risk wanting to."
Jack ran his fingers over the commendations on Sheppard's uniform. "Here it's safe. You can allow yourself freedom without losing the sky."
Sheppard shuddered, but it wasn't due to the brisk wind blowing over the Cardiff rooftop. "I've suppressed it for so long."
"But now there's Rodney and you don't want to keep fighting it." Jack smiled gently and ghosted his thumb over Sheppard's lips. "It's okay to let go."
Sheppard allowed himself to be drawn into warm arms and wet kisses. Pleasure burst through him like a dam breaking. "Please..."
"Come fly with me." Jack took Sheppard's hand and tugged him toward the edge.
"Yeah, okay." Sheppard gasped as they stepped off the building. He blinked and found himself sitting at the controls of a biplane, Jack snug against his back, arms wrapped around his waist, wind in his hair and acres of countryside below them. "Neat trick."
Jack nuzzled Sheppard's neck. "I know. Have some fun."
Sheppard looked over the primitive dials and dove in, putting the craft through her paces. After a particularly exciting loop-the-loop, he leveled out and let himself feel Jack's hand on his hard cock. "Wow."
"You're a natural," Jack said, grinning against Sheppard's ear. "Let me make you feel good."
"You're already doing that," Sheppard gasped, trying to keep from squirming as Jack's thumb circled the head of his dick.
"I'll make it even better," Jack promised. "Lean forward."
Sheppard braced his arms on the control panel and tried to breathe deeply. "I've never..."
"Just relax." Jack stroked his hands over Sheppard's ass as he pushed down the pants. "I won't hurt you."
"Okay." It would be ridiculous to say he trusted Jack, but Sheppard knew he could let this happen without fear. He felt Jack's cock nudge his ass and wasn't even surprised to find it slick. He was surprised when Jack pushed in and there was no pain or discomfort, just an overwhelming fullness and then sparks that exploded through his body.
"How does that feel, John?"
"Good," Sheppard grunted and pushed back, grinding himself on Jack. "Very good."
"Mm, you're beautiful," Jack murmured into Sheppard's ear. "You were meant for this." Jack thrust hard and tightened his grip on Sheppard's cock. "Rodney's a lucky man."
He'd been right on the edge, but hearing Rodney's name tipped Sheppard over and he came with a harsh cry of pleasure. He relaxed, riding out Jack's final thrusts until they were both spent.
Jack turned Sheppard enough that they could exchange a deep kiss. "Don't let him go."
Sheppard bit his lower lip and nodded.
The room was bright when Sheppard opened his eyes. It took him a moment to realize where he was and that, as real as Jack had seemed, it had been a dream. An incredibly vivid, hot dream. Then he noticed that his boxers were damp and sticky. Groaning, he dragged himself into the bathroom to get cleaned up.
*****
He had missed their informal team breakfast and was late for the mission planning meeting as well. Sheppard stopped in front of the conference room door and took a deep breath. He hadn't seen Rodney since the dream. He forced himself to relax and then entered the room, sliding into his usual spot next to McKay. "Sorry," he said to Teyla, who had stopped speaking when he came in.
Teyla nodded and then continued her report. "The people grow a type of grain..."
Sheppard zoned out, unable to concentrate on the information. He was acutely aware of Rodney shifting next to him but was afraid to look directly at him. He'd told himself a relationship with Rodney was so far out of the question that he couldn't even fantasize about it. He didn't understand why, after all this time, his subconscious had decided to tempt him. He'd just have to work through this --starting with paying attention to the conversation.
"...obviously a jumper flyby would be the logical first step," Rodney said.
Sheppard tensed when he heard the tiny catch in Rodney's voice at 'flyby.' He tried not to think of the freedom he'd had in the dream-plane. Clearing his throat, he looked across the table instead of turning to McKay. "Obviously. I'll get it scheduled first thing."
They went on to other issues, and when Sheppard finally turned to catch Rodney's eyes, they were focused on his data pad.
*****
The week had been relatively quiet, all things considered. After a couple anxious nights waiting to see if the vivid dream would return, Sheppard finally relaxed and wrote it off as a weird fluke -- until the next movie night when they watched Supernatural.
Sheppard opened his eyes and found himself in an open meadow surrounded by forest. The sun was setting in a brilliant display of reds and oranges. He almost wasn't surprised to see Dean Winchester sitting on the hood of the Impala.
"Want one?" Dean asked, holding out a beer.
"Sure." Sheppard closed the distance between them and accepted the cold glass bottle. "Thanks." He took a drink and then stood uncertainly by the front tire.
Dean stroked the hood next to him. "Sit."
"Okay." Sheppard sat, noting that his jeans and a black t-shirt mirrored Dean's. He really hoped there wouldn't have to be a conversation about like recognizing like.
"Yeah, real subtle," Dean laughed. "Mind if we skip the whole 'we're so alike -- you protect your family, you'd sacrifice yourself for them, wow, me too,' yadda, yadda?"
Sheppard grinned. "Not that there's anything wrong with that."
"Of course not, I'd just like to avoid the chick flick moment."
They drank the rest of their beer in companionable silence, watching night begin to settle over the field.
"So," Dean began, absently taking the empty bottles and dropping them onto the ground next to the cooler, "Rodney."
Sheppard turned to look at Dean. "Sam," he countered.
"Yeah." Dean sighed. "You can't always get what you want."
"This is where I'm supposed to say 'but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need,' right?"
Dean shrugged. "Doesn't sound too bad."
"No, it doesn't."
They leaned into a kiss that rapidly went from polite getting-to-know-you to wild fuck-me-now. Sheppard pulled back, panting, and raised a questioning eyebrow.
"Okay, you lazy bastard, I'll top." Dean stood up, reached into his back pocket and placed lube and a condom on the hood of the Impala. "But you're taking off your own clothes."
Sheppard stared at the supplies, then shook himself and got moving, stripping off his boots and socks before wiggling out of his jeans and boxers. He'd just finished with his shirt when an equally naked Dean grabbed him, kissing and biting his lips and neck before pushing him onto his back. He groaned encouragingly and didn't resist. Being manhandled had always gotten him hot.
"You're so easy. I'm going to fuck you good." Dean wrapped his lips around Sheppard's cock and started to suck.
Sheppard arched up when Dean's fingers slipped inside him. He'd been concentrating on the blowjob and forgotten about the main event. "Sorry," he rasped, trying to keep his hips still.
Dean pulled off with a wet pop. "No problem. Wrap your legs around...yeah, that's it...oh my god, that's so good."
Sheppard's eyes rolled back and he bit his lips to keep from yelling as Dean's cock slid deep inside him. After a moment, he demanded, "Hard, fuck me hard."
"Sure thing, sweetheart."
They clashed, hungry and desperate, teeth and nails leaving marks, fucking rough and dirty, explosive.
"You need to talk to Rodney," Dean murmured into Sheppard's neck, licking at the cooling sweat.
Sheppard groaned, still working on trying to get enough oxygen to his brain so he could think. "It could be a huge disaster."
"Or it could be everything you want," Dean insisted. "Are you too scared to take the risk?"
Sheppard tugged on Dean's hair until they were looking directly at each other. "Are you?"
"Touche."
He woke up with phantom bruises on his body and an ache in his heart.
*****
Sheppard breathed in time with his pounding footsteps. He loved this part of running, when he was warmed up and feeling light and free and like he could go on forever. It didn't hurt that the view of Atlantis was spectacular.
"So what's up with McKay?" Ronon asked, sounding like he was strolling.
"Rodney?" Sheppard asked, jarred from his thoughts. Ronon was giving him a look but he was uncertain what the issue was now.
"Yeah, he's been avoiding you."
"No he..." Sheppard began but fell silent as he thought about the past few days. They'd had a mission that had fallen apart but they'd all gotten back in one piece, so that counted as a win. They'd planned to play chess but Rodney had called at the last minute to cancel, saying an experiment was in a critical stage. Surely that hadn't been an excuse. "I don't know."
"Might be a good idea to find out."
"Sure."
*****
"I want to see this Xena," Teyla stated.
Ronon took a step closer to Teyla, as if in solidarity. "You showed us Conan."
Rodney had the grace to look embarrassed. "Okay, I'm sure we have it somewhere."
"Popcorn, anyone?" Sheppard asked.
****
Sheppard opened his eyes. Lit only by torches on the stone walls, the throne room was dim and stark. The powerful aura of the man in black leather lounging on the throne drew all attention. Ares, God of War.
Ares looked down at Sheppard, assessing. "Ah, a ruthless soldier come to worship me."
Looking at his flak jacket and P-90, Sheppard flinched. "No."
Ares stood and walked down the steps to tower over Sheppard. "Yes, you are one of mine."
In a flash, they were standing in a room richly appointed in silks of brilliant colors. Sheppard wanted to laugh at the excess but Ares was circling him, watching his every move. "That's not all I am."
Ares ran his fingers up one of Sheppard's arms and down the other. "Look and try to deny me," he whispered into Sheppard's ear.
The wall dissolved and Sheppard watched as scenes from the storm played out before him. Ares continued to touch and nuzzle him, commenting on technique and strategy.
Pulling away, Sheppard hissed, "They were threatening Ro -- my people. They wanted to take my city."
"Exactly. You fought for what was yours." Ares smiled, stroking his thumb over Sheppard's lips before pushing him to his knees. "Worship me."
Compelled, Sheppard undid the leather pants and took Ares into his mouth. It had been a long time since he'd sucked cock, but Ares apparently didn't need finesse. Sheppard choked as Ares pushed down his throat.
Then they were back in the temple. Sheppard was naked and bent over a massive stone altar, the rock cold and rough. As Ares thrust into him, Sheppard cried out. He could feel the rock scratching his skin as Ares dragged him backward and pushed him forward.
"You're mine, Colonel," Ares said, biting the nape of Sheppard's neck.
"No," Sheppard yelled.
"Yes." Ares stroked Sheppard's flank. "Would Rodney really want a killer?"
A sharp pain burst through Sheppard, overwhelming the pleasure of his climax.
*****
Sheppard crouched, ready to defended himself. Teyla's sticks twirled through the air and he raised his, feeling them connecting with a solid thump that reverberated up his arms. He moved back, circling as she stepped to one side.
Last night had shaken him. Before, the dreams had seemed harmless fantasy, if perhaps more vivid and direct than normal. But seeing a side of himself that he kept firmly compartmentalized, thinking how Rodney might feel...
He suddenly saw the stick coming directly at his face and reacted, twisting away while raising his own stick. He didn't counter it completely and his shoulder took the brunt of the impact. "Ow!"
"John, are you all right?" Teyla asked with concern.
Grimacing, Sheppard nodded. "Must have lost focus for a moment."
"I know that you realize I could have seriously injured you." Teyla retrieved their towels and handed one over. "It is not safe to spar when you are so distracted."
"Sorry." Sheppard stowed his sticks away before sitting on the bench. "I didn't think it would be a problem or I never would have put you in such a position."
Teyla joined him on the bench. "I trust not. Is there anything I can do to help?"
"It's just some dreams," Sheppard said, feeling himself flushing even from that admission. "I don't really want to talk, but if it gets worse I'll do something about it."
Teyla patted his hand and smiled reassuringly. "Don't wait too long."
*****
"I do not understand this expression, 'jump the shark,'" Teyla said seriously.
Rodney launched into a detailed explanation while Sheppard just sat back and grinned.
*****
Sheppard opened his eyes and found himself in BDUs standing next to Mulder and a handcuffed Krycek in a darkened hallway outside an apartment. Mulder pounded on the door and a moment later, they heard Skinner ask, "Who is it?"
"I need to speak with you, sir," Mulder said.
Skinner sighed and opened the door, standing in front of Mulder bare-chested. "What do you want, Agent Mulder?"
Mulder pushed Krycek and Sheppard into the apartment. "I brought you presents."
Skinner closed the door and turned to Krycek, slugging him in the stomach. "We're not even yet, boy."
Krycek dropped to the ground, groaning out, "Yes, sir."
Meanwhile, Mulder had taken off his coat and was kneeling with his head bowed. Skinner patted his head. "Good boy."
Sheppard stared at the scene before him. "This isn't how it's supposed to happen," he blurted out, realizing how ridiculous he sounded as soon as he'd spoken.
Skinner focused his attention on Sheppard. "I didn't hear a 'sir,' Sheppard."
Sheppard bristled. "I don't think you've earned it yet."
"Don't get smart with me, boy, we both know you're fighting not to drop to your knees."
"Screw you," Sheppard spat, trying to seem unaffected.
Skinner got into Sheppard's face. "I don't want to hear about your problems with authority figures or your daddy issues," he sneered. "Right now, I can think of a lot more pleasant ways to use your mouth."
"I don't think so."
"You don't need to think, just behave." Skinner stared into Sheppard's eyes. "Boys, help Sheppard out of his clothing."
Mulder got up and started unbuttoning Sheppard's shirt, dropping random kisses, nips and pinches to the exposed skin. Krycek stayed on the floor and worked on the boots, his cuffs rubbing against Sheppard's calves. Sheppard wanted to resist, but he was mesmerized by Skinner's unwavering gaze. He let them strip him and push him to his knees.
Skinner held eye contact as Sheppard went down. "Very good." He slid his belt out of the loops and let it slide along Sheppard's cheek before handing it to Mulder. Then he undid his pants and pulled out his cock. "Suck me."
"I'm doing this for me, not you." Sheppard took a deep breath and lowered his eyes.
Running his hands through Sheppard's hair, Skinner said, "We'll see."
He could hear Skinner directing Mulder and Krycek, sense movement around him, but Sheppard's entire focus was Skinner's cock. Eventually, Skinner drew him off, pushing him into the hands of the other boys. Dazed, he followed them to Skinner's desk. They positioned him over the end of it, each standing on one side, gently restraining his arms.
Skinner stood behind Sheppard and snapped his belt against his palm. "You need to show more respect, boy." He brought the belt down across Sheppard's ass.
"Corporal punishment didn't work before," Sheppard gasped.
Skinner smiled and delivered another strike. "I doubt those lessons were followed up in quite the same manner this one will be."
"No, they weren't." He jerked as a third and fourth blow landed. Mulder and Krycek stroked and patted him even though they didn't let him move.
After the fifth stripe, Skinner dropped the belt and ran his hands over Sheppard's reddening skin. "You will submit to me."
Sheppard couldn't help struggling. The desire to give in was so great that it frightened him. "Make me," he panted.
Skinner placed his hand on the small of Sheppard's back and held him still. "Not a problem." He pushed in with one long stroke and began a driving rhythm.
Sheppard arched his back, trying to escape, but with Skinner's other hand digging into his hip and Mulder and Krycek holding his arms, he wasn't going anywhere. And he really didn't want to. With that realization, he went boneless, letting Skinner take everything.
"Very good," Skinner grunted. "Now lift your head, the boys are going to come on your face."
"Yes, sir." It was a struggle to move, but Sheppard followed the command, his cock hard and aching at the thought of what was going to happen.
"If you can come without having your cock touched, you have permission," Skinner said. "Now, boys."
Sheppard watched Mulder and Krycek stroking each other's cocks. They were obviously familiar with what they liked and in minutes he shut his eyes as hot come landed on his face. Skinner gave a strong thrust and a twist with his hips and Sheppard tensed, falling off the edge into orgasm.
"Be sure to tell Rodney about your kinks, boy."
*****
At breakfast, Sheppard sat next to Rodney so he didn't have to look him in the eye. For his part, Rodney's face looked unusually pink and he shoveled his food into his mouth silently instead of ranting his way through the meal.
Ronon gave Sheppard a look, but then concentrated on cleaning his plate.
Teyla sighed and attempted to break the ice. "Have you ever noticed that Skinner looks disturbingly like Colonel Caldwell?"
Both Sheppard and Rodney choked, and there was a great deal of coughing and backslapping before either one could escape.
*****
"Sorry I'm late," Sheppard said quietly, slipping into his spot on the couch. After spending the week studiously pretending that nothing was wrong, he'd had something of a freak-out in the shower. His dreams were obviously abnormal and the fact that they correlated with the topic of movie night each week was significant. He'd almost decided not to show up tonight but he knew someone would check on him.
"That's okay," Ronon said, reaching for the candy bowl. "Didn't miss anything."
McKay sputtered, but Teyla rested her hand on his arm. "Only a very interesting discussion of vampire mythology in Earth culture and cinema," she said smoothly.
Sheppard's eyes widened. "Great," he said weakly.
*****
The living room was bright and airy, modern and expensively decorated, with a gorgeous view of the ocean. Sheppard relaxed imperceptibly, noting that he was dressed in jeans and a casual button-down shirt. He'd fought sleep but as he'd drifted off he'd half-expected to find a dark dungeon and chains. There was laughter from the bedroom and then two naked men came out arm in arm.
"About time you got here," Angel said. "Lindsey and I had to start without you."
Sheppard swallowed hard. "Sorry?"
Lindsey kissed Angel then slipped from his arms and padded over to Sheppard. He started unbuttoning Sheppard's shirt. "Relax, you work too hard, have too much on your mind. Here you can take a break, rejuvenate."
Sheppard stared at Lindsey's skin. It was covered with glyphs --tattoos, brands and intricate silver scars from knife cuts. It was as beautiful as it was disturbing.
"He's breathtaking, isn't he?"
Angel's fingers drew patterns on Sheppard's back and he shivered in response. "Yes." Something about this didn't fit and it was giving him a very bad feeling.
Lindsey finished with Sheppard's clothes and stood up, looking to Angel. "Now?"
"Sounds good." Angel took Sheppard's elbows and tugged them gently behind him.
Sheppard felt cool metal slip around his wrists and heard the cuffs snick in place before he even thought to struggle. Turning to face Angel, he said, "This how you treat all your houseguests?"
Angel leaned down and kissed Sheppard, using his tongue to explore. Then he bit down on Sheppard's lower lip, drawing blood.
Sheppard's eyes flew open at the pain and he drew back, feeling the trickle of blood running down his chin. He worried about staining the carpet for half a second but then he saw Angel lick his lips and suddenly the face was changing and Angelus stood before him. "Oh shit."
Angelus laughed. "You have no idea."
Lindsey ushered him into the bedroom, and Sheppard rolled his eyes when he saw the dungeon motif. "Real classy. The ceiling mirror adds a certain je ne sais quoi," he paused, looking Angelus up and down, "but I can't say it's all that practical."
Angelus snarled and struck Sheppard across the face. "Let's lose the smart mouth."
Sheppard smirked. "I get that a lot."
"Do you want to gag him?" Lindsey asked.
"Not right now. I want to hear him scream."
Sheppard laughed. "You know, once you've faced real life-sucking vampires, it's hard to get too scared by the likes of you."
Angelus grabbed a handful of Sheppard's hair and yanked his head back. "I think I can change your mind." He shoved Sheppard to Lindsey. "Tie him."
Lindsey undid the cuffs and pushed Sheppard onto the bed on his back. "Spread-eagle," he directed, using thick rope to tie Sheppard's wrists and ankles to the wrought iron bedposts.
"Very nice. Look at yourself, Sheppard," Angelus commanded.
Sheppard gazed into the mirror, horrified and fascinated to see how helpless and open he looked. His cock was achingly hard and his eyes glittered with need.
"And now look at me."
He focused on Angelus, tensing when he saw the silver flash of a knife. He bit down on a whimper.
Angelus ran the flat of the knife up and down the insides of Sheppard's legs, letting the cool metal warm. "You are at my mercy."
Sheppard's breath caught as the knife scratched thin lines on his thighs and up, circling his nipples. He glanced at the mirror, weirded out that Angelus really wasn't visible in it. His attention was drawn back to his skin as the knife drew along his neck. The sensation of pleasure tinted with pain had him balanced between fear and excitement.
"I'm going to leave you with something," Angelus murmured, stroking the knife over Sheppard's chest.
Surprised, Sheppard held still, breathing in controlled pants as his chest was shaved. He flinched when the knife first sliced his skin, blood welling up from the shallow cut.
Lindsey lapped up the blood and then Angelus made another cut, and another.
Slowly, Sheppard realized the patterns were Ancient symbols. He looked up at the mirror, trying to puzzle out the meaning. He paled when he realized Angelus had written 'guilty' on his chest. "You bastard," he ground out.
"But it's the truth," Angelus whispered in Sheppard's ear, gently licking the whorls. "You woke the Wraith. All those innocent lives forfeited because of you."
Sheppard pulled on the ropes, struggling to escape. How could he argue when he knew it was true?
"And Rodney knows it, too," Angelus taunted. "It's all your fault."
"Stop it!" Sheppard demanded. He'd done his best to live with the guilt, to help make things better, but there was no way to undo what had happened.
Angelus waved his hand and the ropes disappeared. Turning Sheppard onto his hands and knees, Angelus thrust into him. "How can Rodney possibly forgive you?"
"No!" Sheppard flailed wildly, trying to throw Angelus off. "Stop."
"It's too late." Angelus ran his fangs along Sheppard's shoulder. "And in a moment, you won't even care."
"No!" Sheppard screamed, fighting in earnest as the sharp points of Angelus' fangs penetrated his skin. "Rodney -- help me!"
Suddenly the pressure on his neck was gone and the unforgiving force of Angelus' thrusts eased; Sheppard instinctively knew it was Rodney inside him instead. He could live with this. "Please, Rodney, fuck me."
"John?"
"Yes, please." Rodney's voice had sounded strained but not shocked or disgusted. Sheppard melted into his touch, letting relief and pleasure wash over him in healing waves.
They held each other afterwards until the silence became uncomfortable. "Thanks," Sheppard offered. He felt vaguely foolish talking with dream-Rodney so he added, "You had to pick vampires."
"So not my fault," Rodney argued. "Ronon and Teyla asked and maybe I started talking and got a little excited and...sorry."
"It's okay." Sheppard kissed Rodney, willing to enjoy the connection even if it wasn't real. "I'd harass McKay but I'm not talking about my dreams."
"I'm right here, but I'm not talking about mine either," Rodney agreed.
"Wait, you you?" Sheppard flushed.
"Well of course...oh no." Rodney pulled away, frantically searching until he found the blanket and covered himself.
Figuring there was no point in being modest now, Sheppard just sat up and started trying to put the pieces together. "Calm down, Rodney, we need to think. You're in my dream."
"You called to me," Rodney said defensively, breathing too rapidly. "And I thought it was my dream, although they've all been about you and I was never actually involved until now, and god, this is messed up and..."
"Hey, it's okay, buddy." Sheppard put his hand on Rodney's arm and patted reassuringly. "Take deep breaths. I'm not blaming you, just trying to understand what's happening." And not die of embarrassment, he added silently.
"Okay." Rodney calmed slightly. "I've got to figure out how this could happen."
"Yeah," Sheppard paused as Rodney disappeared, "you do that."
*****
Sheppard was in the shower, trying to decide what to do about the latest turn of events. He trusted Rodney would figure out what was going on and the dreams would stop. Since they had become darker, they had interfered with his focus so this wasn't a bad thing. But, he didn't know how Rodney felt about all this and he couldn't actually ask if Rodney wanted the same things he did.
He had just finished dressing when the door chimed. "Come in."
"It's probably the crystal," Rodney announced from the hall, shifting from foot to foot.
"The crystal?" Sheppard motioned Rodney inside. "I thought it wasn't giving off energy."
Rodney ran a scanner over the crystal. "It isn't now, but I'm willing to bet the regular frequency of the dreams correlates with a cycle of energy build up."
"That would explain it," Sheppard agreed, not asking why Rodney had been subjected to his dreams or been able to enter them. He was amazed yet again at his own ability to avoid having to deal with personal emotions.
"I'll just set up a monitoring device and we'll watch it through a cycle, just to confirm." Rodney began working. "It's not complicated so there's...no need to make a report or anything."
"Okay," Sheppard said, silently thanking Rodney for his discretion.
*****
The movie ended and the team said goodnight. Rodney walked with Sheppard down the hall. "I think it would be a good idea if I monitor the crystal while you sleep. It hasn't shown an increase in activity so far, but it should spike tonight."
They had pretty much avoided discussing anything about the dreams so Sheppard hadn't been sure how Rodney intended to play this. "That's fine."
"Is ten minutes okay?"
"Sure." Sheppard opened his door and stepped inside. "Just come in whenever you're done."
Sheppard got ready for bed, waffling over what to wear until he got disgusted with himself, stripped to boxers and got in bed. Rodney, even at his most socially inept, should have been able to pick up the underlying theme of his dreams. So it was up to Rodney to decide if he wanted to ignore it or act on it.
Rodney knocked quickly before entering the room. "All set?" he asked nervously, glancing at Sheppard in the bed and then focusing on the crystal.
"Yup." Sheppard noted that Rodney was in sweats and a 'Friction's a drag.' t-shirt. "Feel free to make yourself comfortable."
After taking off his shoes, Rodney dragged a chair over to the windowsill and sat down. "Okay, go to sleep."
Sheppard laughed and lowered the lights. "Unless you were using a Force suggestion, it might take a minute."
"Ha, ha." Rodney crossed his arms over his chest. "Good luck."
*****
Sheppard opened his eyes and found himself in the gardens of the Jedi Temple with Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi. "Cool."
"Welcome, Colonel Sheppard," Qui-Gon said, bowing his head slightly.
Obi-Wan grinned and offered his hand. "Greetings. Please be at ease."
"Thank you." Sheppard shook hands and smiled, hoping he looked more relaxed than he felt.
"Would you like to walk about the gardens while we talk?" Qui-Gon suggested.
"Yes," Sheppard agreed, scanning the lush, exotic vegetation. "It's very beautiful."
"I'm afraid there are some thorns," said Obi-Wan, slipping his hand into Qui-Gon's.
"But that is true of everything, is it not, John?" Qui-Gon asked gently.
Sheppard tensed, hoping the idyllic landscape and peaceful Jedi weren't going to go dark side on him. When nothing changed, he thought about the question. "I'm afraid my thorns will be too much for anyone else to deal with."
"Underestimate him, you do," a familiar voice said from behind a boulder.
Smiling, Sheppard peered over the rock and saw green pointed ears and large blue eyes. "Master Yoda."
"Don't let fear keep you apart," Obi-Wan said.
Qui-Gon ran his fingers down Obi-Wan's braid. "Life is too uncertain to waste time. Find the courage to talk with him."
Sheppard closed his eyes and concentrated. "Rodney, I need you."
"Wow, it worked," Rodney said, taking in the surroundings. "Once you fell asleep, the crystal started to glow. Now it seems to be tapping into your dreams and gaining energy from you."
"You mean it's feeding off me?" Sheppard said warily.
"It's fairly low energy." Rodney waved his hand dismissively. "I think all we need to do is return it to its home planet."
"Excellent news," Qui-Gon said. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Dr. McKay."
"We were just telling John that you two need to talk," Obi-Wan added, nudging Sheppard closer to Rodney.
Yoda cackled loudly. "Pretty you are, but audience need you do not."
"Master, behave for our guests," Qui-Gon admonished good-naturedly, slipping his arm around his padawan.
"Please excuse us," Obi-Wan said, smiling up at Qui-Gon. "We will leave you to work things out."
Qui-Gon leaned down to kiss Obi-Wan's lips, then looked back at them. "Trust your feelings."
There was a flash of light and the Jedi were gone.
"Not very subtle matchmakers," Sheppard observed. To him, Rodney looked hopeful and yet strangely vulnerable. Wanting to reassure, he put his hand on Rodney's shoulder and said, "You do know I...how I feel, right?"
"Yes." Rodney took a step closer. "Me, too."
"What about all the dream stuff?" Sheppard asked, still worried about freaking Rodney out.
"People in glass houses," Rodney said, tapping the side of his head.
"We're good, then?" Sheppard touched Rodney's cheek, stroking lightly.
Rodney closed the remaining distance between them. "We're good."
Sheppard fell into the kiss, trying to express all the things he couldn't say. When he opened his eyes, he gasped. They were floating in space, protected from vacuum by a clear sphere. "Spectacular view, Rodney."
"Come on, use your imagination -- it's our chance to have completely impossible but fabulous zero-g sex."
Sheppard pushed off the shimmery side, flying halfway across before rolling and flipping several times, delighting in the freedom of movement. Grinning at Rodney, he zoomed back. "This is great."
Laughing, Rodney caught Sheppard. "I should be getting space sick watching you do that."
Kicking out so they started a leisurely spin, Sheppard said, "But this is a dream. You don't have to be sick." He concentrated on making their clothes disappear. "And we don't have to struggle to get naked."
"I can't believe you..." Rodney said with a hint of embarrassment.
"You look so good." Sheppard nuzzled Rodney's neck, moving down to lick and suck his nipples. "Please touch me."
"I've wanted this for a long time." Rodney ran his hands over Sheppard's back, stroking from shoulders down to waist and up again. "Just never thought...god, you're like a cat."
Sheppard arched into the touch, purring his approval. He'd spent years trying not to torment himself with something he couldn't have, but now it was happening and he couldn't get enough. He closed his hand over Rodney's cock and stroked. "Hey, wanna sixty-nine?"
"Oh yeah." Rodney put his hands on Sheppard's hips and rotated him so they were floating head to toe.
"Cool." Sheppard licked Rodney's cock, taking his time before closing his mouth around it. He felt Rodney exploring in return and the dual sensations made his toes curl.
"Can I?" Rodney rubbed a slick finger around Sheppard's hole.
Sheppard pulled off only long enough to say, "Fuck, yes."
Rodney worked two fingers in, stretching until he was satisfied Sheppard was ready. "You've shown a distinct preference for being bent over objects. Do you want me to imagine...something?"
"Jeez, McKay," Sheppard laughed, "way to spoil the romance." He twisted until he was facing Rodney. "Let's do it this way first." They kissed and he wrapped his legs around Rodney's waist.
Rodney rolled his hips, effortlessly holding Sheppard as he pushed inside. "Wow, I knew you and zero-g would be a winning combination."
Groaning, Sheppard grabbed Rodney's hands, leaned back until they were almost perpendicular, and met Rodney thrust for thrust.
Sheppard was close. He bit his lip and tightened around Rodney. "Come on, harder."
"Yes," Rodney panted, pounding into Sheppard. "Now."
The stars blazed around them as they came.
Sheppard opened his eyes to find Rodney curled up in his arms. Dawn was just breaking but the room was lit by the pulsing light of the crystal. They must have given it enough energy to last a long time. He kissed Rodney, gently waking him. "Hey."
"Hey." Rodney blinked sleepily, fumbling for Sheppard's hand. "It wasn't just a dream."
"It was one hell of a dream," Sheppard said, squeezing Rodney's hand. "And much more."
They kissed slowly and thoroughly, grounding themselves in reality.
Author: kimberlite
Pairing: McKay/Sheppard, Sheppard/various
Rating: NC-17, slight kink
Word count: ~6,425
Disclaimer: SGA and other media characters are so not mine, I'm just having fun.
Note 1: sga_santa fic for gwendolen who requested: McKay/Sheppard slash with a dominant McKay. Doesn't have to be BDSM or anything like that. Just more submissive, needy John who outside the bedroom is still his usual kickass self. Maybe a kink or two (bloodplay for example). I love AUs and cross-overs (for example, X-Files, Torchwood, Supernatural, Smallville etc.). I like darkish to dark stories. Snark. First Time or established relationship, both are fine with me.
Note 2: AU stemming from Doppelganger. The first scene is paraphrased and modified but a few lines will be recognizable.
Summary: Sheppard is compelled to face his feelings for Rodney.
Note 3: Thanks, as always, to splix for encouragement and beta.
Through Dreams Revealed
"Rodney, there's nothing here," Sheppard said, carefully picking his way through the underbrush.
"It's not like you to give up so easily, Colonel."
"It's not like you, Rodney, to be so enthusiastic," Teyla said.
"What's up, McKay?" Ronon asked, slashing at another overhanging branch.
Rodney looked at his scanner. "Nothing."
Teyla arched her eyebrow. "You have a bet with Zelenka."
"Rodney," Sheppard groaned. "After the last time, I thought we agreed you wouldn't do that."
"It's not like -- hey, I'm getting strange energy readings," McKay said smugly.
Ronon snorted. "You always say that. Which direction?"
"The jungle's pretty thick, I can't localize it."
"Perhaps that is because it is not significant," Teyla suggested gently.
Sheppard stepped down from a fallen tree and his foot sank into muck. "All right, that's it. I'm calling this one." He pulled his foot up and turned to head back to the jumper.
"Wait, look at this!" McKay pointed at a suddenly glowing crystal attached to a tree. "I think it's causing the energy readings."
"Pretty," Teyla said, moving closer.
Sheppard approached the crystal. "Looks like one of those toys you play with as a kid."
"Commodore 64?"
"Triple barrel shotgun?"
Sheppard gave Rodney and Ronon a withering look. "A kaleidoscope." He looked back at the multifaceted crystal and reached out to touch it. A small shock raced up his finger. "Ow!" He instinctively stepped back, sticking his finger into his mouth and sucking on it.
"Are you all right?" Teyla asked.
"Why did you touch it? I told you it was giving off energy."
Sheppard nodded 'yes' at Teyla, then frowned at McKay. "Honestly, I don't know why I did that."
"Well great, it's not registering now. What is it with you always touching pretty...things?"
"Sorry," Sheppard drawled, holding up his hands. He looked at the darkened crystal "Do you want to take it back and see if you can figure it out in the lab?"
"Yes, yes, at least that way we won't return empty-handed."
*****
"Hey, Rodney, how's it coming with the crystal?" Sheppard asked, sliding onto the chair next to McKay.
"The what?" McKay looked up from his computer screen to see Sheppard pointing at the crystal. "Oh, that, it appears to be ordinary quartz. It's been three days and I haven't picked up anything unusual."
"Oh well, it's still pretty." Sheppard reached out to stroke the smooth surface. "Mind if I put it on my windowsill?"
McKay rolled his eyes but pushed the crystal at Sheppard. "Far be it for me to interfere with your grand decorating scheme."
Sheppard's fingers brushed Rodney's as he took the mineral. "Thanks. We're still on for team movie night, right?"
"Barring unforeseen disaster."
"What are you in the mood for?"
Rodney thought for a moment. "Torchwood went over pretty well before."
"Cool." Sheppard waved haphazardly as he headed for the door. "Later."
*****
Sheppard rolled into bed feeling pleasantly relaxed from a couple beers and an evening among friends. The two moons bathed his room in pale light, refracted by the crystal to create intricate patterns on the sill. He closed his eyes and listened to the sound of the waves breaking against the city as he drifted to sleep.
When he opened his eyes, Sheppard stood perfectly still, scanning the windswept rooftop until his gaze fell on a lone figure near the edge. He wanted to call out but was afraid his voice would startle the man. Before he could decide what to do, the man turned and beckoned him closer. He felt drawn to the man even before he recognized him.
"Well hello there, Colonel." Captain Jack Harkness smiled blindingly as he reached out to shake hands. "I just love a man in uniform."
Sheppard gulped as Captain Jack gave him a thoroughly appraising once-over. He looked down and realized he was in his dress blues. "Hello?" The hand beneath his was solid and warm. "This must be a dream."
Jack squeezed Sheppard's hand briefly before letting go. "A dream come true, I hope."
Sheppard grinned despite himself. "Does that actually work on anyone?"
Stepping closer, Jack said, "Only if you want it to."
"I can't risk wanting to."
Jack ran his fingers over the commendations on Sheppard's uniform. "Here it's safe. You can allow yourself freedom without losing the sky."
Sheppard shuddered, but it wasn't due to the brisk wind blowing over the Cardiff rooftop. "I've suppressed it for so long."
"But now there's Rodney and you don't want to keep fighting it." Jack smiled gently and ghosted his thumb over Sheppard's lips. "It's okay to let go."
Sheppard allowed himself to be drawn into warm arms and wet kisses. Pleasure burst through him like a dam breaking. "Please..."
"Come fly with me." Jack took Sheppard's hand and tugged him toward the edge.
"Yeah, okay." Sheppard gasped as they stepped off the building. He blinked and found himself sitting at the controls of a biplane, Jack snug against his back, arms wrapped around his waist, wind in his hair and acres of countryside below them. "Neat trick."
Jack nuzzled Sheppard's neck. "I know. Have some fun."
Sheppard looked over the primitive dials and dove in, putting the craft through her paces. After a particularly exciting loop-the-loop, he leveled out and let himself feel Jack's hand on his hard cock. "Wow."
"You're a natural," Jack said, grinning against Sheppard's ear. "Let me make you feel good."
"You're already doing that," Sheppard gasped, trying to keep from squirming as Jack's thumb circled the head of his dick.
"I'll make it even better," Jack promised. "Lean forward."
Sheppard braced his arms on the control panel and tried to breathe deeply. "I've never..."
"Just relax." Jack stroked his hands over Sheppard's ass as he pushed down the pants. "I won't hurt you."
"Okay." It would be ridiculous to say he trusted Jack, but Sheppard knew he could let this happen without fear. He felt Jack's cock nudge his ass and wasn't even surprised to find it slick. He was surprised when Jack pushed in and there was no pain or discomfort, just an overwhelming fullness and then sparks that exploded through his body.
"How does that feel, John?"
"Good," Sheppard grunted and pushed back, grinding himself on Jack. "Very good."
"Mm, you're beautiful," Jack murmured into Sheppard's ear. "You were meant for this." Jack thrust hard and tightened his grip on Sheppard's cock. "Rodney's a lucky man."
He'd been right on the edge, but hearing Rodney's name tipped Sheppard over and he came with a harsh cry of pleasure. He relaxed, riding out Jack's final thrusts until they were both spent.
Jack turned Sheppard enough that they could exchange a deep kiss. "Don't let him go."
Sheppard bit his lower lip and nodded.
The room was bright when Sheppard opened his eyes. It took him a moment to realize where he was and that, as real as Jack had seemed, it had been a dream. An incredibly vivid, hot dream. Then he noticed that his boxers were damp and sticky. Groaning, he dragged himself into the bathroom to get cleaned up.
*****
He had missed their informal team breakfast and was late for the mission planning meeting as well. Sheppard stopped in front of the conference room door and took a deep breath. He hadn't seen Rodney since the dream. He forced himself to relax and then entered the room, sliding into his usual spot next to McKay. "Sorry," he said to Teyla, who had stopped speaking when he came in.
Teyla nodded and then continued her report. "The people grow a type of grain..."
Sheppard zoned out, unable to concentrate on the information. He was acutely aware of Rodney shifting next to him but was afraid to look directly at him. He'd told himself a relationship with Rodney was so far out of the question that he couldn't even fantasize about it. He didn't understand why, after all this time, his subconscious had decided to tempt him. He'd just have to work through this --starting with paying attention to the conversation.
"...obviously a jumper flyby would be the logical first step," Rodney said.
Sheppard tensed when he heard the tiny catch in Rodney's voice at 'flyby.' He tried not to think of the freedom he'd had in the dream-plane. Clearing his throat, he looked across the table instead of turning to McKay. "Obviously. I'll get it scheduled first thing."
They went on to other issues, and when Sheppard finally turned to catch Rodney's eyes, they were focused on his data pad.
*****
The week had been relatively quiet, all things considered. After a couple anxious nights waiting to see if the vivid dream would return, Sheppard finally relaxed and wrote it off as a weird fluke -- until the next movie night when they watched Supernatural.
Sheppard opened his eyes and found himself in an open meadow surrounded by forest. The sun was setting in a brilliant display of reds and oranges. He almost wasn't surprised to see Dean Winchester sitting on the hood of the Impala.
"Want one?" Dean asked, holding out a beer.
"Sure." Sheppard closed the distance between them and accepted the cold glass bottle. "Thanks." He took a drink and then stood uncertainly by the front tire.
Dean stroked the hood next to him. "Sit."
"Okay." Sheppard sat, noting that his jeans and a black t-shirt mirrored Dean's. He really hoped there wouldn't have to be a conversation about like recognizing like.
"Yeah, real subtle," Dean laughed. "Mind if we skip the whole 'we're so alike -- you protect your family, you'd sacrifice yourself for them, wow, me too,' yadda, yadda?"
Sheppard grinned. "Not that there's anything wrong with that."
"Of course not, I'd just like to avoid the chick flick moment."
They drank the rest of their beer in companionable silence, watching night begin to settle over the field.
"So," Dean began, absently taking the empty bottles and dropping them onto the ground next to the cooler, "Rodney."
Sheppard turned to look at Dean. "Sam," he countered.
"Yeah." Dean sighed. "You can't always get what you want."
"This is where I'm supposed to say 'but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need,' right?"
Dean shrugged. "Doesn't sound too bad."
"No, it doesn't."
They leaned into a kiss that rapidly went from polite getting-to-know-you to wild fuck-me-now. Sheppard pulled back, panting, and raised a questioning eyebrow.
"Okay, you lazy bastard, I'll top." Dean stood up, reached into his back pocket and placed lube and a condom on the hood of the Impala. "But you're taking off your own clothes."
Sheppard stared at the supplies, then shook himself and got moving, stripping off his boots and socks before wiggling out of his jeans and boxers. He'd just finished with his shirt when an equally naked Dean grabbed him, kissing and biting his lips and neck before pushing him onto his back. He groaned encouragingly and didn't resist. Being manhandled had always gotten him hot.
"You're so easy. I'm going to fuck you good." Dean wrapped his lips around Sheppard's cock and started to suck.
Sheppard arched up when Dean's fingers slipped inside him. He'd been concentrating on the blowjob and forgotten about the main event. "Sorry," he rasped, trying to keep his hips still.
Dean pulled off with a wet pop. "No problem. Wrap your legs around...yeah, that's it...oh my god, that's so good."
Sheppard's eyes rolled back and he bit his lips to keep from yelling as Dean's cock slid deep inside him. After a moment, he demanded, "Hard, fuck me hard."
"Sure thing, sweetheart."
They clashed, hungry and desperate, teeth and nails leaving marks, fucking rough and dirty, explosive.
"You need to talk to Rodney," Dean murmured into Sheppard's neck, licking at the cooling sweat.
Sheppard groaned, still working on trying to get enough oxygen to his brain so he could think. "It could be a huge disaster."
"Or it could be everything you want," Dean insisted. "Are you too scared to take the risk?"
Sheppard tugged on Dean's hair until they were looking directly at each other. "Are you?"
"Touche."
He woke up with phantom bruises on his body and an ache in his heart.
*****
Sheppard breathed in time with his pounding footsteps. He loved this part of running, when he was warmed up and feeling light and free and like he could go on forever. It didn't hurt that the view of Atlantis was spectacular.
"So what's up with McKay?" Ronon asked, sounding like he was strolling.
"Rodney?" Sheppard asked, jarred from his thoughts. Ronon was giving him a look but he was uncertain what the issue was now.
"Yeah, he's been avoiding you."
"No he..." Sheppard began but fell silent as he thought about the past few days. They'd had a mission that had fallen apart but they'd all gotten back in one piece, so that counted as a win. They'd planned to play chess but Rodney had called at the last minute to cancel, saying an experiment was in a critical stage. Surely that hadn't been an excuse. "I don't know."
"Might be a good idea to find out."
"Sure."
*****
"I want to see this Xena," Teyla stated.
Ronon took a step closer to Teyla, as if in solidarity. "You showed us Conan."
Rodney had the grace to look embarrassed. "Okay, I'm sure we have it somewhere."
"Popcorn, anyone?" Sheppard asked.
****
Sheppard opened his eyes. Lit only by torches on the stone walls, the throne room was dim and stark. The powerful aura of the man in black leather lounging on the throne drew all attention. Ares, God of War.
Ares looked down at Sheppard, assessing. "Ah, a ruthless soldier come to worship me."
Looking at his flak jacket and P-90, Sheppard flinched. "No."
Ares stood and walked down the steps to tower over Sheppard. "Yes, you are one of mine."
In a flash, they were standing in a room richly appointed in silks of brilliant colors. Sheppard wanted to laugh at the excess but Ares was circling him, watching his every move. "That's not all I am."
Ares ran his fingers up one of Sheppard's arms and down the other. "Look and try to deny me," he whispered into Sheppard's ear.
The wall dissolved and Sheppard watched as scenes from the storm played out before him. Ares continued to touch and nuzzle him, commenting on technique and strategy.
Pulling away, Sheppard hissed, "They were threatening Ro -- my people. They wanted to take my city."
"Exactly. You fought for what was yours." Ares smiled, stroking his thumb over Sheppard's lips before pushing him to his knees. "Worship me."
Compelled, Sheppard undid the leather pants and took Ares into his mouth. It had been a long time since he'd sucked cock, but Ares apparently didn't need finesse. Sheppard choked as Ares pushed down his throat.
Then they were back in the temple. Sheppard was naked and bent over a massive stone altar, the rock cold and rough. As Ares thrust into him, Sheppard cried out. He could feel the rock scratching his skin as Ares dragged him backward and pushed him forward.
"You're mine, Colonel," Ares said, biting the nape of Sheppard's neck.
"No," Sheppard yelled.
"Yes." Ares stroked Sheppard's flank. "Would Rodney really want a killer?"
A sharp pain burst through Sheppard, overwhelming the pleasure of his climax.
*****
Sheppard crouched, ready to defended himself. Teyla's sticks twirled through the air and he raised his, feeling them connecting with a solid thump that reverberated up his arms. He moved back, circling as she stepped to one side.
Last night had shaken him. Before, the dreams had seemed harmless fantasy, if perhaps more vivid and direct than normal. But seeing a side of himself that he kept firmly compartmentalized, thinking how Rodney might feel...
He suddenly saw the stick coming directly at his face and reacted, twisting away while raising his own stick. He didn't counter it completely and his shoulder took the brunt of the impact. "Ow!"
"John, are you all right?" Teyla asked with concern.
Grimacing, Sheppard nodded. "Must have lost focus for a moment."
"I know that you realize I could have seriously injured you." Teyla retrieved their towels and handed one over. "It is not safe to spar when you are so distracted."
"Sorry." Sheppard stowed his sticks away before sitting on the bench. "I didn't think it would be a problem or I never would have put you in such a position."
Teyla joined him on the bench. "I trust not. Is there anything I can do to help?"
"It's just some dreams," Sheppard said, feeling himself flushing even from that admission. "I don't really want to talk, but if it gets worse I'll do something about it."
Teyla patted his hand and smiled reassuringly. "Don't wait too long."
*****
"I do not understand this expression, 'jump the shark,'" Teyla said seriously.
Rodney launched into a detailed explanation while Sheppard just sat back and grinned.
*****
Sheppard opened his eyes and found himself in BDUs standing next to Mulder and a handcuffed Krycek in a darkened hallway outside an apartment. Mulder pounded on the door and a moment later, they heard Skinner ask, "Who is it?"
"I need to speak with you, sir," Mulder said.
Skinner sighed and opened the door, standing in front of Mulder bare-chested. "What do you want, Agent Mulder?"
Mulder pushed Krycek and Sheppard into the apartment. "I brought you presents."
Skinner closed the door and turned to Krycek, slugging him in the stomach. "We're not even yet, boy."
Krycek dropped to the ground, groaning out, "Yes, sir."
Meanwhile, Mulder had taken off his coat and was kneeling with his head bowed. Skinner patted his head. "Good boy."
Sheppard stared at the scene before him. "This isn't how it's supposed to happen," he blurted out, realizing how ridiculous he sounded as soon as he'd spoken.
Skinner focused his attention on Sheppard. "I didn't hear a 'sir,' Sheppard."
Sheppard bristled. "I don't think you've earned it yet."
"Don't get smart with me, boy, we both know you're fighting not to drop to your knees."
"Screw you," Sheppard spat, trying to seem unaffected.
Skinner got into Sheppard's face. "I don't want to hear about your problems with authority figures or your daddy issues," he sneered. "Right now, I can think of a lot more pleasant ways to use your mouth."
"I don't think so."
"You don't need to think, just behave." Skinner stared into Sheppard's eyes. "Boys, help Sheppard out of his clothing."
Mulder got up and started unbuttoning Sheppard's shirt, dropping random kisses, nips and pinches to the exposed skin. Krycek stayed on the floor and worked on the boots, his cuffs rubbing against Sheppard's calves. Sheppard wanted to resist, but he was mesmerized by Skinner's unwavering gaze. He let them strip him and push him to his knees.
Skinner held eye contact as Sheppard went down. "Very good." He slid his belt out of the loops and let it slide along Sheppard's cheek before handing it to Mulder. Then he undid his pants and pulled out his cock. "Suck me."
"I'm doing this for me, not you." Sheppard took a deep breath and lowered his eyes.
Running his hands through Sheppard's hair, Skinner said, "We'll see."
He could hear Skinner directing Mulder and Krycek, sense movement around him, but Sheppard's entire focus was Skinner's cock. Eventually, Skinner drew him off, pushing him into the hands of the other boys. Dazed, he followed them to Skinner's desk. They positioned him over the end of it, each standing on one side, gently restraining his arms.
Skinner stood behind Sheppard and snapped his belt against his palm. "You need to show more respect, boy." He brought the belt down across Sheppard's ass.
"Corporal punishment didn't work before," Sheppard gasped.
Skinner smiled and delivered another strike. "I doubt those lessons were followed up in quite the same manner this one will be."
"No, they weren't." He jerked as a third and fourth blow landed. Mulder and Krycek stroked and patted him even though they didn't let him move.
After the fifth stripe, Skinner dropped the belt and ran his hands over Sheppard's reddening skin. "You will submit to me."
Sheppard couldn't help struggling. The desire to give in was so great that it frightened him. "Make me," he panted.
Skinner placed his hand on the small of Sheppard's back and held him still. "Not a problem." He pushed in with one long stroke and began a driving rhythm.
Sheppard arched his back, trying to escape, but with Skinner's other hand digging into his hip and Mulder and Krycek holding his arms, he wasn't going anywhere. And he really didn't want to. With that realization, he went boneless, letting Skinner take everything.
"Very good," Skinner grunted. "Now lift your head, the boys are going to come on your face."
"Yes, sir." It was a struggle to move, but Sheppard followed the command, his cock hard and aching at the thought of what was going to happen.
"If you can come without having your cock touched, you have permission," Skinner said. "Now, boys."
Sheppard watched Mulder and Krycek stroking each other's cocks. They were obviously familiar with what they liked and in minutes he shut his eyes as hot come landed on his face. Skinner gave a strong thrust and a twist with his hips and Sheppard tensed, falling off the edge into orgasm.
"Be sure to tell Rodney about your kinks, boy."
*****
At breakfast, Sheppard sat next to Rodney so he didn't have to look him in the eye. For his part, Rodney's face looked unusually pink and he shoveled his food into his mouth silently instead of ranting his way through the meal.
Ronon gave Sheppard a look, but then concentrated on cleaning his plate.
Teyla sighed and attempted to break the ice. "Have you ever noticed that Skinner looks disturbingly like Colonel Caldwell?"
Both Sheppard and Rodney choked, and there was a great deal of coughing and backslapping before either one could escape.
*****
"Sorry I'm late," Sheppard said quietly, slipping into his spot on the couch. After spending the week studiously pretending that nothing was wrong, he'd had something of a freak-out in the shower. His dreams were obviously abnormal and the fact that they correlated with the topic of movie night each week was significant. He'd almost decided not to show up tonight but he knew someone would check on him.
"That's okay," Ronon said, reaching for the candy bowl. "Didn't miss anything."
McKay sputtered, but Teyla rested her hand on his arm. "Only a very interesting discussion of vampire mythology in Earth culture and cinema," she said smoothly.
Sheppard's eyes widened. "Great," he said weakly.
*****
The living room was bright and airy, modern and expensively decorated, with a gorgeous view of the ocean. Sheppard relaxed imperceptibly, noting that he was dressed in jeans and a casual button-down shirt. He'd fought sleep but as he'd drifted off he'd half-expected to find a dark dungeon and chains. There was laughter from the bedroom and then two naked men came out arm in arm.
"About time you got here," Angel said. "Lindsey and I had to start without you."
Sheppard swallowed hard. "Sorry?"
Lindsey kissed Angel then slipped from his arms and padded over to Sheppard. He started unbuttoning Sheppard's shirt. "Relax, you work too hard, have too much on your mind. Here you can take a break, rejuvenate."
Sheppard stared at Lindsey's skin. It was covered with glyphs --tattoos, brands and intricate silver scars from knife cuts. It was as beautiful as it was disturbing.
"He's breathtaking, isn't he?"
Angel's fingers drew patterns on Sheppard's back and he shivered in response. "Yes." Something about this didn't fit and it was giving him a very bad feeling.
Lindsey finished with Sheppard's clothes and stood up, looking to Angel. "Now?"
"Sounds good." Angel took Sheppard's elbows and tugged them gently behind him.
Sheppard felt cool metal slip around his wrists and heard the cuffs snick in place before he even thought to struggle. Turning to face Angel, he said, "This how you treat all your houseguests?"
Angel leaned down and kissed Sheppard, using his tongue to explore. Then he bit down on Sheppard's lower lip, drawing blood.
Sheppard's eyes flew open at the pain and he drew back, feeling the trickle of blood running down his chin. He worried about staining the carpet for half a second but then he saw Angel lick his lips and suddenly the face was changing and Angelus stood before him. "Oh shit."
Angelus laughed. "You have no idea."
Lindsey ushered him into the bedroom, and Sheppard rolled his eyes when he saw the dungeon motif. "Real classy. The ceiling mirror adds a certain je ne sais quoi," he paused, looking Angelus up and down, "but I can't say it's all that practical."
Angelus snarled and struck Sheppard across the face. "Let's lose the smart mouth."
Sheppard smirked. "I get that a lot."
"Do you want to gag him?" Lindsey asked.
"Not right now. I want to hear him scream."
Sheppard laughed. "You know, once you've faced real life-sucking vampires, it's hard to get too scared by the likes of you."
Angelus grabbed a handful of Sheppard's hair and yanked his head back. "I think I can change your mind." He shoved Sheppard to Lindsey. "Tie him."
Lindsey undid the cuffs and pushed Sheppard onto the bed on his back. "Spread-eagle," he directed, using thick rope to tie Sheppard's wrists and ankles to the wrought iron bedposts.
"Very nice. Look at yourself, Sheppard," Angelus commanded.
Sheppard gazed into the mirror, horrified and fascinated to see how helpless and open he looked. His cock was achingly hard and his eyes glittered with need.
"And now look at me."
He focused on Angelus, tensing when he saw the silver flash of a knife. He bit down on a whimper.
Angelus ran the flat of the knife up and down the insides of Sheppard's legs, letting the cool metal warm. "You are at my mercy."
Sheppard's breath caught as the knife scratched thin lines on his thighs and up, circling his nipples. He glanced at the mirror, weirded out that Angelus really wasn't visible in it. His attention was drawn back to his skin as the knife drew along his neck. The sensation of pleasure tinted with pain had him balanced between fear and excitement.
"I'm going to leave you with something," Angelus murmured, stroking the knife over Sheppard's chest.
Surprised, Sheppard held still, breathing in controlled pants as his chest was shaved. He flinched when the knife first sliced his skin, blood welling up from the shallow cut.
Lindsey lapped up the blood and then Angelus made another cut, and another.
Slowly, Sheppard realized the patterns were Ancient symbols. He looked up at the mirror, trying to puzzle out the meaning. He paled when he realized Angelus had written 'guilty' on his chest. "You bastard," he ground out.
"But it's the truth," Angelus whispered in Sheppard's ear, gently licking the whorls. "You woke the Wraith. All those innocent lives forfeited because of you."
Sheppard pulled on the ropes, struggling to escape. How could he argue when he knew it was true?
"And Rodney knows it, too," Angelus taunted. "It's all your fault."
"Stop it!" Sheppard demanded. He'd done his best to live with the guilt, to help make things better, but there was no way to undo what had happened.
Angelus waved his hand and the ropes disappeared. Turning Sheppard onto his hands and knees, Angelus thrust into him. "How can Rodney possibly forgive you?"
"No!" Sheppard flailed wildly, trying to throw Angelus off. "Stop."
"It's too late." Angelus ran his fangs along Sheppard's shoulder. "And in a moment, you won't even care."
"No!" Sheppard screamed, fighting in earnest as the sharp points of Angelus' fangs penetrated his skin. "Rodney -- help me!"
Suddenly the pressure on his neck was gone and the unforgiving force of Angelus' thrusts eased; Sheppard instinctively knew it was Rodney inside him instead. He could live with this. "Please, Rodney, fuck me."
"John?"
"Yes, please." Rodney's voice had sounded strained but not shocked or disgusted. Sheppard melted into his touch, letting relief and pleasure wash over him in healing waves.
They held each other afterwards until the silence became uncomfortable. "Thanks," Sheppard offered. He felt vaguely foolish talking with dream-Rodney so he added, "You had to pick vampires."
"So not my fault," Rodney argued. "Ronon and Teyla asked and maybe I started talking and got a little excited and...sorry."
"It's okay." Sheppard kissed Rodney, willing to enjoy the connection even if it wasn't real. "I'd harass McKay but I'm not talking about my dreams."
"I'm right here, but I'm not talking about mine either," Rodney agreed.
"Wait, you you?" Sheppard flushed.
"Well of course...oh no." Rodney pulled away, frantically searching until he found the blanket and covered himself.
Figuring there was no point in being modest now, Sheppard just sat up and started trying to put the pieces together. "Calm down, Rodney, we need to think. You're in my dream."
"You called to me," Rodney said defensively, breathing too rapidly. "And I thought it was my dream, although they've all been about you and I was never actually involved until now, and god, this is messed up and..."
"Hey, it's okay, buddy." Sheppard put his hand on Rodney's arm and patted reassuringly. "Take deep breaths. I'm not blaming you, just trying to understand what's happening." And not die of embarrassment, he added silently.
"Okay." Rodney calmed slightly. "I've got to figure out how this could happen."
"Yeah," Sheppard paused as Rodney disappeared, "you do that."
*****
Sheppard was in the shower, trying to decide what to do about the latest turn of events. He trusted Rodney would figure out what was going on and the dreams would stop. Since they had become darker, they had interfered with his focus so this wasn't a bad thing. But, he didn't know how Rodney felt about all this and he couldn't actually ask if Rodney wanted the same things he did.
He had just finished dressing when the door chimed. "Come in."
"It's probably the crystal," Rodney announced from the hall, shifting from foot to foot.
"The crystal?" Sheppard motioned Rodney inside. "I thought it wasn't giving off energy."
Rodney ran a scanner over the crystal. "It isn't now, but I'm willing to bet the regular frequency of the dreams correlates with a cycle of energy build up."
"That would explain it," Sheppard agreed, not asking why Rodney had been subjected to his dreams or been able to enter them. He was amazed yet again at his own ability to avoid having to deal with personal emotions.
"I'll just set up a monitoring device and we'll watch it through a cycle, just to confirm." Rodney began working. "It's not complicated so there's...no need to make a report or anything."
"Okay," Sheppard said, silently thanking Rodney for his discretion.
*****
The movie ended and the team said goodnight. Rodney walked with Sheppard down the hall. "I think it would be a good idea if I monitor the crystal while you sleep. It hasn't shown an increase in activity so far, but it should spike tonight."
They had pretty much avoided discussing anything about the dreams so Sheppard hadn't been sure how Rodney intended to play this. "That's fine."
"Is ten minutes okay?"
"Sure." Sheppard opened his door and stepped inside. "Just come in whenever you're done."
Sheppard got ready for bed, waffling over what to wear until he got disgusted with himself, stripped to boxers and got in bed. Rodney, even at his most socially inept, should have been able to pick up the underlying theme of his dreams. So it was up to Rodney to decide if he wanted to ignore it or act on it.
Rodney knocked quickly before entering the room. "All set?" he asked nervously, glancing at Sheppard in the bed and then focusing on the crystal.
"Yup." Sheppard noted that Rodney was in sweats and a 'Friction's a drag.' t-shirt. "Feel free to make yourself comfortable."
After taking off his shoes, Rodney dragged a chair over to the windowsill and sat down. "Okay, go to sleep."
Sheppard laughed and lowered the lights. "Unless you were using a Force suggestion, it might take a minute."
"Ha, ha." Rodney crossed his arms over his chest. "Good luck."
*****
Sheppard opened his eyes and found himself in the gardens of the Jedi Temple with Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi. "Cool."
"Welcome, Colonel Sheppard," Qui-Gon said, bowing his head slightly.
Obi-Wan grinned and offered his hand. "Greetings. Please be at ease."
"Thank you." Sheppard shook hands and smiled, hoping he looked more relaxed than he felt.
"Would you like to walk about the gardens while we talk?" Qui-Gon suggested.
"Yes," Sheppard agreed, scanning the lush, exotic vegetation. "It's very beautiful."
"I'm afraid there are some thorns," said Obi-Wan, slipping his hand into Qui-Gon's.
"But that is true of everything, is it not, John?" Qui-Gon asked gently.
Sheppard tensed, hoping the idyllic landscape and peaceful Jedi weren't going to go dark side on him. When nothing changed, he thought about the question. "I'm afraid my thorns will be too much for anyone else to deal with."
"Underestimate him, you do," a familiar voice said from behind a boulder.
Smiling, Sheppard peered over the rock and saw green pointed ears and large blue eyes. "Master Yoda."
"Don't let fear keep you apart," Obi-Wan said.
Qui-Gon ran his fingers down Obi-Wan's braid. "Life is too uncertain to waste time. Find the courage to talk with him."
Sheppard closed his eyes and concentrated. "Rodney, I need you."
"Wow, it worked," Rodney said, taking in the surroundings. "Once you fell asleep, the crystal started to glow. Now it seems to be tapping into your dreams and gaining energy from you."
"You mean it's feeding off me?" Sheppard said warily.
"It's fairly low energy." Rodney waved his hand dismissively. "I think all we need to do is return it to its home planet."
"Excellent news," Qui-Gon said. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Dr. McKay."
"We were just telling John that you two need to talk," Obi-Wan added, nudging Sheppard closer to Rodney.
Yoda cackled loudly. "Pretty you are, but audience need you do not."
"Master, behave for our guests," Qui-Gon admonished good-naturedly, slipping his arm around his padawan.
"Please excuse us," Obi-Wan said, smiling up at Qui-Gon. "We will leave you to work things out."
Qui-Gon leaned down to kiss Obi-Wan's lips, then looked back at them. "Trust your feelings."
There was a flash of light and the Jedi were gone.
"Not very subtle matchmakers," Sheppard observed. To him, Rodney looked hopeful and yet strangely vulnerable. Wanting to reassure, he put his hand on Rodney's shoulder and said, "You do know I...how I feel, right?"
"Yes." Rodney took a step closer. "Me, too."
"What about all the dream stuff?" Sheppard asked, still worried about freaking Rodney out.
"People in glass houses," Rodney said, tapping the side of his head.
"We're good, then?" Sheppard touched Rodney's cheek, stroking lightly.
Rodney closed the remaining distance between them. "We're good."
Sheppard fell into the kiss, trying to express all the things he couldn't say. When he opened his eyes, he gasped. They were floating in space, protected from vacuum by a clear sphere. "Spectacular view, Rodney."
"Come on, use your imagination -- it's our chance to have completely impossible but fabulous zero-g sex."
Sheppard pushed off the shimmery side, flying halfway across before rolling and flipping several times, delighting in the freedom of movement. Grinning at Rodney, he zoomed back. "This is great."
Laughing, Rodney caught Sheppard. "I should be getting space sick watching you do that."
Kicking out so they started a leisurely spin, Sheppard said, "But this is a dream. You don't have to be sick." He concentrated on making their clothes disappear. "And we don't have to struggle to get naked."
"I can't believe you..." Rodney said with a hint of embarrassment.
"You look so good." Sheppard nuzzled Rodney's neck, moving down to lick and suck his nipples. "Please touch me."
"I've wanted this for a long time." Rodney ran his hands over Sheppard's back, stroking from shoulders down to waist and up again. "Just never thought...god, you're like a cat."
Sheppard arched into the touch, purring his approval. He'd spent years trying not to torment himself with something he couldn't have, but now it was happening and he couldn't get enough. He closed his hand over Rodney's cock and stroked. "Hey, wanna sixty-nine?"
"Oh yeah." Rodney put his hands on Sheppard's hips and rotated him so they were floating head to toe.
"Cool." Sheppard licked Rodney's cock, taking his time before closing his mouth around it. He felt Rodney exploring in return and the dual sensations made his toes curl.
"Can I?" Rodney rubbed a slick finger around Sheppard's hole.
Sheppard pulled off only long enough to say, "Fuck, yes."
Rodney worked two fingers in, stretching until he was satisfied Sheppard was ready. "You've shown a distinct preference for being bent over objects. Do you want me to imagine...something?"
"Jeez, McKay," Sheppard laughed, "way to spoil the romance." He twisted until he was facing Rodney. "Let's do it this way first." They kissed and he wrapped his legs around Rodney's waist.
Rodney rolled his hips, effortlessly holding Sheppard as he pushed inside. "Wow, I knew you and zero-g would be a winning combination."
Groaning, Sheppard grabbed Rodney's hands, leaned back until they were almost perpendicular, and met Rodney thrust for thrust.
Sheppard was close. He bit his lip and tightened around Rodney. "Come on, harder."
"Yes," Rodney panted, pounding into Sheppard. "Now."
The stars blazed around them as they came.
Sheppard opened his eyes to find Rodney curled up in his arms. Dawn was just breaking but the room was lit by the pulsing light of the crystal. They must have given it enough energy to last a long time. He kissed Rodney, gently waking him. "Hey."
"Hey." Rodney blinked sleepily, fumbling for Sheppard's hand. "It wasn't just a dream."
"It was one hell of a dream," Sheppard said, squeezing Rodney's hand. "And much more."
They kissed slowly and thoroughly, grounding themselves in reality.