A Vast Variety of Good and Ill (John Sheppard/Radek Zelenka, R)

[busaikko]

Gah, I hope it's still Valentine's Day somewhere in the world /o\ Apologies for the lateness!

ETA: Crossposted to the SGA Love collection on AO3. link!

Title: A Vast Variety of Good and Ill
Author: busaikko
Pairing: John Sheppard/Radek Zelenka
Rating: R
Summary: Radek teaches Sheppard to play chess.

Comments

[kensieg]

Absolutely wonderful!! The best fanfic I've read in a long while. John/Radek is a rare pairing. I like it though. I really enjoyed the selection from Gaudy Night as the introduction to the story.

[busaikko]

Thank you so much! Gaudy Night is one of my favorite books: that passage seemed appropriate for a story about love and chess *smiles*

[mific]

This is gorgeous! I really like how astute Radek is - a nice mix of strength and sensitivity. And it's the perfect explanation as to how John managed to beat Rodney at chess *g*. Inspiring - um, literally, as you'll see...

[busaikko]

I have seen, and it is perfect! *____* In my head, John was good enough at chess to beat his father and brother, but was never really challenged to fall in love with the game. Fortunately, he is susceptible to seduction...

[esteefee]

oh my god. this is such poetry of perfection, I can't even. I love your Radek. he will be by head canon Radek from now on. <3 <3 <3 so many awesome insights.

He had entered school with the ability to predict moves far ahead in the game, and that enabled him to see manipulations and lies - and to know when to keep quiet and be a liar himself.

and

Radek held up a finger. "This is how the scam works. I attest to my good moral character, you relax your guard, and then I make a modest proposal. Thus, I use your trust to achieve my own twisted ends. This is a talent of mine."

Sheppard was perverse in this way: reassured of Radek's ulterior motives, he slouched and some of the edge to his smile vanished.

just EEEE.

and when Radek explains his seduction was friendship. <3 <3 <3

YOU MADE ME MELTY NO FAIR. also no fair because this is now my new favorite pairing. :D

[busaikko]

\o/ I'm so glad it worked for you! I read your prompts and went "hmmm" *strokes chin thoughtfully* "All three, eh?..."

I enjoyed writing Radek! Not all deviousness needs to be evil and wrong >.> Sometimes it can be a very good thing! <3 <3 <3

[ashkaztra]

Much love for this! Radek is one of my favourite characters, and I love how you've written him here. Seduction through chess. I love it.

[busaikko]

Thank you! I really enjoy writing Radek. (And I love your icon!)