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Title: Bloodlust
Author: Chaps1870
Pairing: McShep
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Vampire AU
Author Notes: This is most definitely a WIP. Some have read what I have, but this is being reposted not because I've added anything but because so many have requested it. It's still not done and I don't know when I'll have time to work on it. I still plan on finishing it but for now I'll be doing some revisions to what I have. I'm in a dilemma as to whether to continue it as it was going or do some major changes mid story. I'll decide as I post I guess, see how it rereads after so long. I'll try to repost the edited chapters every couple of days as time allows. Maybe if I post it'll force me to work on it, but don't hold your breath. ;)
Chapter One
Very carefully Rodney crept to the entrance of the cave and peered out, hoping that the stargate would be shut down. He knew it was wishful thinking on his part considering he could still hear the telltale whine of Wraith darts as they worked the valley below but he was desperate to get off the planet. He and the Colonel had been separated from Teyla and Ronon on their run to the gate, which unfortunately had been precipitated by angry natives. As a result, John was propped against the back wall of the cave bleeding from an arrow graze on his arm. Rodney had wrapped it but it continued to bleed and he just didn’t do well with blood. Never had.
He still remembered the ride with a bloody Sheppard after the trip to the Lagrangian point satellite. Being trapped in the jumper for 15 hours, the metallic tang of blood permeating the air, had been almost unbearable. Thankfully, Rodney had managed to distract himself with flying the jumper. The few times he’d let Sheppard take over, he’d stayed up front, well away from the blood soaked bandages that littered the cargo area. Now he was facing the blood thing again and this time it was worse. This time he had a personal interest. It wasn’t Sheppard’s blood this time. It was John’s.
It was impossible to avoid and he really needed to get back to John but he lingered near the entrance, taking a final breath of fresh air. Unconsciously rubbing his fingers together, he tried to remove the dried blood from earlier but it clung to his skin, marking him. With a heavy sigh, he rubbed his hands on his pants a final time and headed into the cave.
Sheppard was slumped against the wall, his eyes closed as Rodney edged closer. The light was dim, but he could see well enough. The dark was comforting, almost soothing after the harshness of the sun. Kneeling in the dirt beside John, Rodney grabbed for the few remaining supplies. Not much in the grand scheme of things but they both carried the minimal supplies in their vests. Between the two of them they would have enough if they weren’t trapped too long. He sat staring at the soaked bandage on John’s upper arm, sweat beading on his brow and heart beating faster at the thought of touching it. To feel the warm stickiness between his fingers made his breath catch and his hand lifted against his will, only to stop short when he realized John was awake, watching him.
“You okay, Rodney? You look kind of pale,” asked John, wincing as he tried to sit up straighter. Rodney didn’t point out that John probably looked paler than he did.
Sitting back on his haunches, Rodney pulled his hand back and nodded sharply, “Yes, yes. It’s just… um… I’m not so good with the whole blood thing. The fact that it’s yours soaking into the floor makes it that much more fun for me.”
“It’s just a flesh wound,” sighed John, rolling his eyes, his slow drawl more dramatic with the loss of blood.
“Oh and that would explain why this is the third time I’ve had to change the bandage in as many hours,” whined Rodney, trying to ignore the rivulet of blood, twisting around the bend of John’s elbow, finding a path down his forearm.
Steeling himself, Rodney tore at the Velcro of his vest pocket, retrieving another bandage with trembling hands. Sweat beaded on his face, trickled down his back and made his hands clammy as he reached towards the blood stained wrap that hid the damage to John’s arm. Rodney’s breathing seemed loud and fast and he hoped it wasn’t as bad as it sounded in his head.
With a deep breath, he reached out to do what was necessary. John’s hand suddenly covered his, startling him. Eyes darting to John’s, Rodney questioned him with a look. John answered, his eyes fluttering, a testament to his weakening state, “You want me to do it?”
Rodney shook his head, wiping his face on his sleeve. He replied firmly, hiding his anxiety, “No, no, I can do this.”
John nodded weakly and closed his eyes. Rodney was grateful for that. There wouldn’t be a witness to his struggle. Not that John would belittle him, they were past that. He hoped. And yet, there were some things that Rodney still wasn’t comfortable revealing to his lover and this one was just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
Edging closer, Rodney wiped his sweaty palms on his pants, ignoring the nanosecond of clenching before he looked up at the bandage, the blood. His eyes were transfixed on it and he licked his dry lips, imagining he could actually taste it in the air. As fingers unwound the bloody wrap, Rodney’s jaw tightened. Sweat rolled freely down his face, getting in his eyes, stinging them. It built up on his lip until his tongue dabbed at it, the saltiness mingling with the metal taste in the air.
Staring at the red that coated his fingers, Rodney slowly rubbed them together, noting the feel against his skin. There lay a danger he’d fought so hard against. Every day since arriving on Atlantis he fought against it. Every day since he and John had found each other he resisted it, willed it away when it demanded attention. He was good at hiding it, one day at a time. It was times like this, when it was so close…so close, that it was the hardest.
Hastily wiping bloody fingers on his pants, Rodney quickly changed the dressing on John’s arm, working automatically even as his pulse raced and fear heightened his senses. John was losing too much blood for such a minor wound and Rodney had to assume that the arrow had been tipped with some sort of anticoagulant.
Finishing the job, he tilted his head, listening for darts, disappointed when he still heard them off in the distance. With no other choice, he settled on the floor behind John and shifted him until he could rest against his chest, hoping it was more comfortable than the cold, rock wall. The fact that John didn’t put up much fuss was disconcerting.
Time was working against them. John was losing blood and Rodney knew if they didn’t get back soon, he was going to have to make a decision for John’s sake, for his life. Not really a choice. Time ticked by slowly, measured by the lengthening shadows and the drone of darts taking away the lifeblood of the planet.
Another hour passed and John was listing sideways, his arm still bleeding. Rodney closed his eyes with a sigh of resignation and helped John lie on his side, mindful of the injured arm. Removing his jacket, he slid it under John’s head and got a mumbled ‘thanks.’
Glancing at the bandage, then at the entrance of the cave hoping for a reprieve, none came and Rodney took a deep breath to soothe his nerves. No help there and with trembling hands he removed the blood soaked bandage. Tossing it in the corner, Rodney’s eyes were wide as he stared at the wound, a small trickle of blood welling up before it dripped down the Colonel’s arm.
Shifting to kneel behind John, Rodney knew what he had to do. Knowing and doing were two different things and he moved his hand closer, grasping John’s arm just below the oozing wound. The blood eased under his hand, slipping between his fingers, coating them. Rodney sucked in a sharp breath. He was stalling, trying to convince himself this was necessary and not just an excuse. He couldn’t even deny he didn’t want this, didn’t want it for a very long time. Very slowly, his heartbeat matched the pulsing flow of John’s blood, Rodney leaned over and did what he had to do.
*********
Watching John, Rodney tried to control his ragged breath. As the fire inside burned fierce, it was harder than he imagined to just stay his place. Arms wrapped around his knees, his eyes never leaving John’s still form at the other side of the cave. He’d made himself move earlier, shortly after he’d done what he needed to do. To stay close was only inviting danger.
It was dark but the moonlight was just enough to turn everything a shade of gray. Even with the limited light, Rodney could see John begin to stir and he shuddered against the urge to move closer. Hugging his knees tighter, he dropped his head and concentrated on breathing normally, denying himself what he wanted most. He didn’t think it would be this hard to resist his nature once released, but then he’d never really embraced what he was either. There were anomalies in his make-up that allowed him to exist on the fringes of normal, at least until now. Once John woke there would be no hiding it.
Hearing him move, Rodney clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms, drawing blood. His senses heightened, he could smell it. It didn’t mask the smell of John’s blood that still lingered in the air. John’s tired, concerned voice broke the silence, “Rodney?”
Shivering, Rodney answered, his own voice raspy and raw with need, “Here.” Sweat poured from his pores as his fists tightened, resisting with all his strength. He turned his head enough to gaze at John, but kept his eyes carefully lidded, stealing a few more minutes of normal. Muscles tensing as John moved closer, Rodney squeezed his eyes shut, his heart pounding sharply in his chest as the need intensified with John’s proximity.
As John’s hand made contact, Rodney jerked but didn’t look up. He ground out hoarsely, “Don’t.”
John edged closer, his hold on Rodney tightening, “Don’t what? What’s wrong?”
Rodney’s head shot up and he hissed sharply, baring sharp teeth, “Don’t touch me.” It wasn’t his brightest move, for it only accentuated the changes. He knew from experience that his eyes were a brighter, eerie blue and if that weren’t enough, his teeth would be a dead giveaway. Reality was a much more daunting than anything you’d see in the movies.
John was already scrambling away, fear so clear in his face that even the dark couldn’t hide it. His hand instinctually went to his thigh, pulling his gun and pointing it at the threat… at Rodney. “What the fuck?”
Rodney retreated as well, his back pressed against the cave wall as he held up his hands in defense. Fear replaced his other urges as he pleaded, “Don’t shoot. Oh god, don’t shoot. I won’t hurt you, I promise.” He expected this from others, but not from John and it hurt.
The gun in John’s hand was wavering slightly, but fear-induced adrenalin could do that. John was staring wide eyed at him, his mouth moving but unable to speak. His free hand darted to the site of the arrow graze, fingers touching it lightly before pulling away when he felt nothing but smooth skin. He couldn’t stop his eyes from glancing at the injury and he stared back at McKay in shocked disbelief, “What the hell did you do?”
“You were bleeding too much,” breathed Rodney. He kept his face down, hiding the worst of it, reminders of what he was, hoping it might erase the terror in John’s eyes. Rodney tried reasoning, “I didn’t want you to find out this way.”
“So you just helped yourself to my blood,” gasped John, his breathing loud in the small cave.
Rodney shook his head adamantly, “No, no. I just fixed it so the bleeding would stop. I would never hurt you. Please, I can explain.”
“You’re a goddamn vampire, McKay. You’re a vampire and I’m just now finding out about it.” John was getting angrier as he spoke, his voice rising, “We’ve been together for months and I’m just now finding out my boyfriend… my lover is a blood sucking vampire.”
Rodney flinched from the hurtful words, his gut clenching painfully. Unconsciously licking his lips as he tried to speak, he could hear John’s breath catch even from where he sat. He dropped his head, embarrassed. “I don’t drink blood. Not normally. I mean I can. I just don’t.” He lifted his head and stared at John, desperate, almost fearful as he asked, “What are you gonna do?”
“Do, Rodney? What the fuck do you expect me to do? You’re a vampire!.” Rodney attempted to rise but John leveled his gun, his voice demanding, “Don’t move. Stay where you are.”
Nodding quickly, Rodney froze, his voice pleading, “Please, just let me explain…”
Any further conversation was interrupted by Ronon calling on the radio. “Sheppard.”
Frustrated and angry, John keyed his radio, “What?”
“You want us to come after you?” asked Ronon, unfazed by John’s outburst.
“We’ll meet you at the gate,” answered Sheppard, still glaring at Rodney. Never taking his eyes off him, John pointed his gun and gestured, “Get up.”
Rodney was begging as he looked up, “Please, Colonel… John. Don’t tell them. I‘ll tell you everything, just don’t tell them.” John didn’t waver. Rodney’s shoulders slumped and he shook his head gravely. “They’ll kill me.” There, he said it, his biggest fear. Years of hiding, years of denying what he was, years of fear that it would all come down to this.
“Just shut up, McKay,” ordered John…Sheppard…Colonel. Best to think of him that way now. Rodney hesitated, fighting against his own emotions. John barked at him, “Move.”
Lurching to his feet, Rodney wrapped his arms around himself, all the fight gone and waited until John motioned him to the entrance. It was still dark out, but Rodney had no problem leading them toward the gate. He spoke quickly, hoping he could make a difference in the time he had. John may still hate him but he might yet hold on to his secret. Already he could feel the changes dissipating, decreasing his changes of discovery with the others. Rodney rambled nervously, “I know how this looks, but it’s not as bad as you think. I’m not a like other vampires. I don’t need the blood to survive.” Rodney stopped and turned to look at Sheppard, “I’m not a threat.”
“You looked pretty damn threatening back there, McKay,” snapped Sheppard, waving him forward with the gun.
Rodney lifted his hands, “I wouldn’t hurt you. That’s why I didn’t want you touching me, but it’s fine now. Really. Look.” He gestured to his face, opening his mouth to reveal a very normal set of teeth. “It’s already going away.”
John seemed to hesitate as he stared at Rodney’s face and his gun hand faltered. Rodney stepped closer but was stopped cold when the gun came up again, unwavering this time. “Back off.”
Stumbling back, Rodney tripped and fell hard, wincing as his leg impacted with a rock. He stared up at Sheppard’s stony face and mumbled, “Sorry.” He hurried to his feet, reaching for the sore spot on his thigh as he limped forward, his eyes darting back to Sheppard as he walked. Rodney asked solemnly, “What are you gonna do?”
“This isn’t just about you, McKay,” said John, clearly annoyed and irritated.
Rodney spun sharply, and snarled, “At this very moment this is about me. If you take me back there and tell them I’m a vampire just what do you think they’ll do?” He ranted, fear rising in his voice, “They’ll brandish crucifixes and wooden stakes in some half-assed conviction that it’s what they are supposed to do.” Looking at John, he implored, “I’ve lived on Atlantis for almost two years and nothing bad has happened. Don’t I get some points for that?”
John stopped, his voice low as he spoke, “You lied to me.”
“No, I didn’t. I just never told you. There was no need.”
That probably wasn’t the best answer as Rodney watched John’s face go red with anger. “No need?” John stormed closer, stopping short when he realized how close he gotten. He growled, “We were lovers. Don’t you think I deserved the truth?”
Rodney snapped, shouting, his chin raised defiantly, “And what would you have done? Look at how you’re reacting. You’re ready to throw me to the wolves. Forget that we’ve been sleeping together. You expect me to be sorry for not telling you.” He shouted above his hurt, crossing his arms. “Well I’m not.” Rodney’s voice faltered and he shook his head sadly, “I’m just sorry that I thought you might actually treat me better than the rest of the vigilantes that destroy what they don’t understand.” Turning sharply to hide the hurt, Rodney stormed towards the gate.
********
John stared at Rodney’s back, the gun in his hand dropping limply to his side. Of course Rodney had a point, but damn it, he was a vampire. A shiver ran down his back at the thought of it all. It was bad enough they lived in a galaxy full of life-sucking vampires, he finds out he’s been sleeping with one. He really didn’t think he could get over that, even if it was Rodney.
********
Rodney was stunned beyond words when Sheppard simply escorted him through the gate, offered to debrief Elizabeth and calmly explained that he had been hit by an arrow but something must have sped up the healing because other than a little lightheadedness he was fine. Rodney was too shocked to speak and he nodded in agreement at the proper places. The infirmary visit was no less awkward, John offering only clipped responses as he answered Carson’s questions. Rodney didn’t even complain about his leg, making his escape when Sheppard argued over the prescribed bed rest.
Entering his room, Rodney was already in the throes of a full blown panic attack. The door barely closed before his knees gave out and he slumped to the floor. This was the closest he’d ever come to being discovered and it scared the hell out of him. Even worse was knowing he’d lost John in the process and he had no idea how to fix that. He sat on the floor, his arms wrapped around himself as he rocked back and forth, his lungs constricting as he gasped for air. After several minutes of anxiety induced panic he managed to stand long enough to climb into bed. He could smell John in his bed, mocking his absence. Pulling the pillow closer, taking in the John’s strong scent, Rodney curled around it as he fell asleep.
Part Two
Author: Chaps1870
Pairing: McShep
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Vampire AU
Author Notes: This is most definitely a WIP. Some have read what I have, but this is being reposted not because I've added anything but because so many have requested it. It's still not done and I don't know when I'll have time to work on it. I still plan on finishing it but for now I'll be doing some revisions to what I have. I'm in a dilemma as to whether to continue it as it was going or do some major changes mid story. I'll decide as I post I guess, see how it rereads after so long. I'll try to repost the edited chapters every couple of days as time allows. Maybe if I post it'll force me to work on it, but don't hold your breath. ;)
Chapter One
Very carefully Rodney crept to the entrance of the cave and peered out, hoping that the stargate would be shut down. He knew it was wishful thinking on his part considering he could still hear the telltale whine of Wraith darts as they worked the valley below but he was desperate to get off the planet. He and the Colonel had been separated from Teyla and Ronon on their run to the gate, which unfortunately had been precipitated by angry natives. As a result, John was propped against the back wall of the cave bleeding from an arrow graze on his arm. Rodney had wrapped it but it continued to bleed and he just didn’t do well with blood. Never had.
He still remembered the ride with a bloody Sheppard after the trip to the Lagrangian point satellite. Being trapped in the jumper for 15 hours, the metallic tang of blood permeating the air, had been almost unbearable. Thankfully, Rodney had managed to distract himself with flying the jumper. The few times he’d let Sheppard take over, he’d stayed up front, well away from the blood soaked bandages that littered the cargo area. Now he was facing the blood thing again and this time it was worse. This time he had a personal interest. It wasn’t Sheppard’s blood this time. It was John’s.
It was impossible to avoid and he really needed to get back to John but he lingered near the entrance, taking a final breath of fresh air. Unconsciously rubbing his fingers together, he tried to remove the dried blood from earlier but it clung to his skin, marking him. With a heavy sigh, he rubbed his hands on his pants a final time and headed into the cave.
Sheppard was slumped against the wall, his eyes closed as Rodney edged closer. The light was dim, but he could see well enough. The dark was comforting, almost soothing after the harshness of the sun. Kneeling in the dirt beside John, Rodney grabbed for the few remaining supplies. Not much in the grand scheme of things but they both carried the minimal supplies in their vests. Between the two of them they would have enough if they weren’t trapped too long. He sat staring at the soaked bandage on John’s upper arm, sweat beading on his brow and heart beating faster at the thought of touching it. To feel the warm stickiness between his fingers made his breath catch and his hand lifted against his will, only to stop short when he realized John was awake, watching him.
“You okay, Rodney? You look kind of pale,” asked John, wincing as he tried to sit up straighter. Rodney didn’t point out that John probably looked paler than he did.
Sitting back on his haunches, Rodney pulled his hand back and nodded sharply, “Yes, yes. It’s just… um… I’m not so good with the whole blood thing. The fact that it’s yours soaking into the floor makes it that much more fun for me.”
“It’s just a flesh wound,” sighed John, rolling his eyes, his slow drawl more dramatic with the loss of blood.
“Oh and that would explain why this is the third time I’ve had to change the bandage in as many hours,” whined Rodney, trying to ignore the rivulet of blood, twisting around the bend of John’s elbow, finding a path down his forearm.
Steeling himself, Rodney tore at the Velcro of his vest pocket, retrieving another bandage with trembling hands. Sweat beaded on his face, trickled down his back and made his hands clammy as he reached towards the blood stained wrap that hid the damage to John’s arm. Rodney’s breathing seemed loud and fast and he hoped it wasn’t as bad as it sounded in his head.
With a deep breath, he reached out to do what was necessary. John’s hand suddenly covered his, startling him. Eyes darting to John’s, Rodney questioned him with a look. John answered, his eyes fluttering, a testament to his weakening state, “You want me to do it?”
Rodney shook his head, wiping his face on his sleeve. He replied firmly, hiding his anxiety, “No, no, I can do this.”
John nodded weakly and closed his eyes. Rodney was grateful for that. There wouldn’t be a witness to his struggle. Not that John would belittle him, they were past that. He hoped. And yet, there were some things that Rodney still wasn’t comfortable revealing to his lover and this one was just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
Edging closer, Rodney wiped his sweaty palms on his pants, ignoring the nanosecond of clenching before he looked up at the bandage, the blood. His eyes were transfixed on it and he licked his dry lips, imagining he could actually taste it in the air. As fingers unwound the bloody wrap, Rodney’s jaw tightened. Sweat rolled freely down his face, getting in his eyes, stinging them. It built up on his lip until his tongue dabbed at it, the saltiness mingling with the metal taste in the air.
Staring at the red that coated his fingers, Rodney slowly rubbed them together, noting the feel against his skin. There lay a danger he’d fought so hard against. Every day since arriving on Atlantis he fought against it. Every day since he and John had found each other he resisted it, willed it away when it demanded attention. He was good at hiding it, one day at a time. It was times like this, when it was so close…so close, that it was the hardest.
Hastily wiping bloody fingers on his pants, Rodney quickly changed the dressing on John’s arm, working automatically even as his pulse raced and fear heightened his senses. John was losing too much blood for such a minor wound and Rodney had to assume that the arrow had been tipped with some sort of anticoagulant.
Finishing the job, he tilted his head, listening for darts, disappointed when he still heard them off in the distance. With no other choice, he settled on the floor behind John and shifted him until he could rest against his chest, hoping it was more comfortable than the cold, rock wall. The fact that John didn’t put up much fuss was disconcerting.
Time was working against them. John was losing blood and Rodney knew if they didn’t get back soon, he was going to have to make a decision for John’s sake, for his life. Not really a choice. Time ticked by slowly, measured by the lengthening shadows and the drone of darts taking away the lifeblood of the planet.
Another hour passed and John was listing sideways, his arm still bleeding. Rodney closed his eyes with a sigh of resignation and helped John lie on his side, mindful of the injured arm. Removing his jacket, he slid it under John’s head and got a mumbled ‘thanks.’
Glancing at the bandage, then at the entrance of the cave hoping for a reprieve, none came and Rodney took a deep breath to soothe his nerves. No help there and with trembling hands he removed the blood soaked bandage. Tossing it in the corner, Rodney’s eyes were wide as he stared at the wound, a small trickle of blood welling up before it dripped down the Colonel’s arm.
Shifting to kneel behind John, Rodney knew what he had to do. Knowing and doing were two different things and he moved his hand closer, grasping John’s arm just below the oozing wound. The blood eased under his hand, slipping between his fingers, coating them. Rodney sucked in a sharp breath. He was stalling, trying to convince himself this was necessary and not just an excuse. He couldn’t even deny he didn’t want this, didn’t want it for a very long time. Very slowly, his heartbeat matched the pulsing flow of John’s blood, Rodney leaned over and did what he had to do.
*********
Watching John, Rodney tried to control his ragged breath. As the fire inside burned fierce, it was harder than he imagined to just stay his place. Arms wrapped around his knees, his eyes never leaving John’s still form at the other side of the cave. He’d made himself move earlier, shortly after he’d done what he needed to do. To stay close was only inviting danger.
It was dark but the moonlight was just enough to turn everything a shade of gray. Even with the limited light, Rodney could see John begin to stir and he shuddered against the urge to move closer. Hugging his knees tighter, he dropped his head and concentrated on breathing normally, denying himself what he wanted most. He didn’t think it would be this hard to resist his nature once released, but then he’d never really embraced what he was either. There were anomalies in his make-up that allowed him to exist on the fringes of normal, at least until now. Once John woke there would be no hiding it.
Hearing him move, Rodney clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms, drawing blood. His senses heightened, he could smell it. It didn’t mask the smell of John’s blood that still lingered in the air. John’s tired, concerned voice broke the silence, “Rodney?”
Shivering, Rodney answered, his own voice raspy and raw with need, “Here.” Sweat poured from his pores as his fists tightened, resisting with all his strength. He turned his head enough to gaze at John, but kept his eyes carefully lidded, stealing a few more minutes of normal. Muscles tensing as John moved closer, Rodney squeezed his eyes shut, his heart pounding sharply in his chest as the need intensified with John’s proximity.
As John’s hand made contact, Rodney jerked but didn’t look up. He ground out hoarsely, “Don’t.”
John edged closer, his hold on Rodney tightening, “Don’t what? What’s wrong?”
Rodney’s head shot up and he hissed sharply, baring sharp teeth, “Don’t touch me.” It wasn’t his brightest move, for it only accentuated the changes. He knew from experience that his eyes were a brighter, eerie blue and if that weren’t enough, his teeth would be a dead giveaway. Reality was a much more daunting than anything you’d see in the movies.
John was already scrambling away, fear so clear in his face that even the dark couldn’t hide it. His hand instinctually went to his thigh, pulling his gun and pointing it at the threat… at Rodney. “What the fuck?”
Rodney retreated as well, his back pressed against the cave wall as he held up his hands in defense. Fear replaced his other urges as he pleaded, “Don’t shoot. Oh god, don’t shoot. I won’t hurt you, I promise.” He expected this from others, but not from John and it hurt.
The gun in John’s hand was wavering slightly, but fear-induced adrenalin could do that. John was staring wide eyed at him, his mouth moving but unable to speak. His free hand darted to the site of the arrow graze, fingers touching it lightly before pulling away when he felt nothing but smooth skin. He couldn’t stop his eyes from glancing at the injury and he stared back at McKay in shocked disbelief, “What the hell did you do?”
“You were bleeding too much,” breathed Rodney. He kept his face down, hiding the worst of it, reminders of what he was, hoping it might erase the terror in John’s eyes. Rodney tried reasoning, “I didn’t want you to find out this way.”
“So you just helped yourself to my blood,” gasped John, his breathing loud in the small cave.
Rodney shook his head adamantly, “No, no. I just fixed it so the bleeding would stop. I would never hurt you. Please, I can explain.”
“You’re a goddamn vampire, McKay. You’re a vampire and I’m just now finding out about it.” John was getting angrier as he spoke, his voice rising, “We’ve been together for months and I’m just now finding out my boyfriend… my lover is a blood sucking vampire.”
Rodney flinched from the hurtful words, his gut clenching painfully. Unconsciously licking his lips as he tried to speak, he could hear John’s breath catch even from where he sat. He dropped his head, embarrassed. “I don’t drink blood. Not normally. I mean I can. I just don’t.” He lifted his head and stared at John, desperate, almost fearful as he asked, “What are you gonna do?”
“Do, Rodney? What the fuck do you expect me to do? You’re a vampire!.” Rodney attempted to rise but John leveled his gun, his voice demanding, “Don’t move. Stay where you are.”
Nodding quickly, Rodney froze, his voice pleading, “Please, just let me explain…”
Any further conversation was interrupted by Ronon calling on the radio. “Sheppard.”
Frustrated and angry, John keyed his radio, “What?”
“You want us to come after you?” asked Ronon, unfazed by John’s outburst.
“We’ll meet you at the gate,” answered Sheppard, still glaring at Rodney. Never taking his eyes off him, John pointed his gun and gestured, “Get up.”
Rodney was begging as he looked up, “Please, Colonel… John. Don’t tell them. I‘ll tell you everything, just don’t tell them.” John didn’t waver. Rodney’s shoulders slumped and he shook his head gravely. “They’ll kill me.” There, he said it, his biggest fear. Years of hiding, years of denying what he was, years of fear that it would all come down to this.
“Just shut up, McKay,” ordered John…Sheppard…Colonel. Best to think of him that way now. Rodney hesitated, fighting against his own emotions. John barked at him, “Move.”
Lurching to his feet, Rodney wrapped his arms around himself, all the fight gone and waited until John motioned him to the entrance. It was still dark out, but Rodney had no problem leading them toward the gate. He spoke quickly, hoping he could make a difference in the time he had. John may still hate him but he might yet hold on to his secret. Already he could feel the changes dissipating, decreasing his changes of discovery with the others. Rodney rambled nervously, “I know how this looks, but it’s not as bad as you think. I’m not a like other vampires. I don’t need the blood to survive.” Rodney stopped and turned to look at Sheppard, “I’m not a threat.”
“You looked pretty damn threatening back there, McKay,” snapped Sheppard, waving him forward with the gun.
Rodney lifted his hands, “I wouldn’t hurt you. That’s why I didn’t want you touching me, but it’s fine now. Really. Look.” He gestured to his face, opening his mouth to reveal a very normal set of teeth. “It’s already going away.”
John seemed to hesitate as he stared at Rodney’s face and his gun hand faltered. Rodney stepped closer but was stopped cold when the gun came up again, unwavering this time. “Back off.”
Stumbling back, Rodney tripped and fell hard, wincing as his leg impacted with a rock. He stared up at Sheppard’s stony face and mumbled, “Sorry.” He hurried to his feet, reaching for the sore spot on his thigh as he limped forward, his eyes darting back to Sheppard as he walked. Rodney asked solemnly, “What are you gonna do?”
“This isn’t just about you, McKay,” said John, clearly annoyed and irritated.
Rodney spun sharply, and snarled, “At this very moment this is about me. If you take me back there and tell them I’m a vampire just what do you think they’ll do?” He ranted, fear rising in his voice, “They’ll brandish crucifixes and wooden stakes in some half-assed conviction that it’s what they are supposed to do.” Looking at John, he implored, “I’ve lived on Atlantis for almost two years and nothing bad has happened. Don’t I get some points for that?”
John stopped, his voice low as he spoke, “You lied to me.”
“No, I didn’t. I just never told you. There was no need.”
That probably wasn’t the best answer as Rodney watched John’s face go red with anger. “No need?” John stormed closer, stopping short when he realized how close he gotten. He growled, “We were lovers. Don’t you think I deserved the truth?”
Rodney snapped, shouting, his chin raised defiantly, “And what would you have done? Look at how you’re reacting. You’re ready to throw me to the wolves. Forget that we’ve been sleeping together. You expect me to be sorry for not telling you.” He shouted above his hurt, crossing his arms. “Well I’m not.” Rodney’s voice faltered and he shook his head sadly, “I’m just sorry that I thought you might actually treat me better than the rest of the vigilantes that destroy what they don’t understand.” Turning sharply to hide the hurt, Rodney stormed towards the gate.
********
John stared at Rodney’s back, the gun in his hand dropping limply to his side. Of course Rodney had a point, but damn it, he was a vampire. A shiver ran down his back at the thought of it all. It was bad enough they lived in a galaxy full of life-sucking vampires, he finds out he’s been sleeping with one. He really didn’t think he could get over that, even if it was Rodney.
********
Rodney was stunned beyond words when Sheppard simply escorted him through the gate, offered to debrief Elizabeth and calmly explained that he had been hit by an arrow but something must have sped up the healing because other than a little lightheadedness he was fine. Rodney was too shocked to speak and he nodded in agreement at the proper places. The infirmary visit was no less awkward, John offering only clipped responses as he answered Carson’s questions. Rodney didn’t even complain about his leg, making his escape when Sheppard argued over the prescribed bed rest.
Entering his room, Rodney was already in the throes of a full blown panic attack. The door barely closed before his knees gave out and he slumped to the floor. This was the closest he’d ever come to being discovered and it scared the hell out of him. Even worse was knowing he’d lost John in the process and he had no idea how to fix that. He sat on the floor, his arms wrapped around himself as he rocked back and forth, his lungs constricting as he gasped for air. After several minutes of anxiety induced panic he managed to stand long enough to climb into bed. He could smell John in his bed, mocking his absence. Pulling the pillow closer, taking in the John’s strong scent, Rodney curled around it as he fell asleep.
Part Two
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Oooh, Rodney the woobie vampire. Cool.
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The inspiration is there, just no time.
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If you ever want to discuss your plot ideas, feel free to bug me. I love such discussions and I'm good at poking people. It seemed pretty close to some sort of ending.
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I surprised myself today. I actually wrote a paragraph. ;)
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I have a wip that's way worse off than yours atm. I'm so ashamed. :P
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want more
thank you!
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Re: want more
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Hope you write more soon! Surely there are ways we can bribe you/your muse to do so? *does Jedi mind trick* Yes, you will write more soon! ;)
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Thanks!
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Interesting story ...
So, apologies for not leaving feedback on the individual chapters I'm gonna give you kinda blanket feedback.
I really like this story. *Really* like it. I love the idea that you've come up with this novel idea (Rodney=vampire) and then wrapped it around stuff we know from canon to make it more plausible (like his aversion to sunlight and his needing to eat lots). Really cool!
And Radek is one too? No wonder he and Rodney work so well together. I like the idea that Radek/Carson are bonded. Hopefully they will be able to explain to Rodney and John what it means (from both sides of the bond).
Please, please do write more in this universe soon. Please? Pretty please? Pretty please with sugar on top? :-)
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Re: Interesting story ...
I really like this story. *Really* like it. I love the idea that you've come up with this novel idea (Rodney=vampire) and then wrapped it around stuff we know from canon to make it more plausible (like his aversion to sunlight and his needing to eat lots). Really cool!
I really wanted to add some credibility to the whole vampire thing and Rodney's idiosyncracies seemed to lend themselves to the idea. It just blew up from there. :)
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Glad you liked it. Thank you! :)
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