This was just supposed to be a short list for
duckduck, and then I realized why not put my favorite fics all in the same place rather than combing frantically through my favorites when the mood strikes me?
Anyways, here you go. :)
McKay/ZelenkaSpeak No Evil by
casspeach (PG, set during S1)
A short, humorous fic, where a 'love doctor' takes McKay's voice from him. This was one of the first M/Z fics I ever read, and it made me fall in love with McKay and Zelenka and truly be able to see them together.
Stay by
spubba (PG-13)
Radek has a close call. Fluff follows. (And what lovely fluff it is.) The characterizations of McKay and Zelenka are dead-on, and you really feel Zelenka's terror at his close call.
Through a glass darkly by
rosewildeirish (R, spoilers through "Trinity")
Written for
sga_santa, this a very poignant piece set after McKay returns after being believed dead. Heart-wrenching, well-written, and intriguing, this is well worth a read.
Atlantis Santa by
kat_lair (PG)
Written for
me during
sga_santa, this fic is sweet without being sickeningly so. It's wonderful and never fails to cheer me up. How sweet is the story? Just look at the summary: The Secret Santa gift exchange at Atlantis causes Rodney and Radek some headache. Not to mention that weird fluttery feeling somewhere low in the abdominal region.
Untitled ficlet by
pierson (PG, set in S1)
...Okay, I will be pimping a few of
pierson's fics because she is amazing and possibly the best writer in the fandom. Her writing is lush, her characterizations are dead on, and you can read her stories over and over again. Here's just the first of a few. ;) (You'll have to scroll down past a popslash drabble to get to the ficlet.)
An example of
pierson's writing:
Zelenka’s arms crossed over his chest, slim hands tucked beneath his armpits, and his narrow face shaped itself into a scowl. “You heard me rightly. Do not pretend that you did not.”
Rodney leaned back in his desk chair, and crossed his own arms. Before him, on the open laptop, spun the simulation they’d been working on not five minutes before. Before Zelenka evidently succumbed to whatever was the Pegasus galaxy’s version of space crazies. “Fine, then. I’m left with no other choice than to assume you have finally lost your mind.”
Unable to remain still, Zelenka’s arms unfolded, and his hands danced in the air. The scowl changed to an earnestness that Rodney had long ago learned usually meant trouble, and trouble for him, specifically. “No, no, I have finally come to my senses. I have thought about this, given it consideration, and have come to conclusion that it is a good plan. Efficient. Practical.”Ancient Geek Artifacts by
kyrdwyn (NC-17)
One thing I love about McKay and Zelenka is that they're just plain
nerds. This fic, in which the Ancients used whiteboards as well, is a short, wonderful piece about them being scientists, with all their nerdy turn-ons.
Detox by
3jane (PG, set after "The Seige")
An interesting look at McKay and Zelenka detoxing from all the amphetamines they survived. Brilliant characterization of the two scientists, and an interesting read.
Keep Breathing by
pierson (NC-17)
...Remember how I said I'd be pimping a few
pierson fics? Yes. Um. This is probably my favorite M/Z fic in existance. I've read it, oh, seven or eight times? Again, her writing's lush, and the slow slide into attraction and a relationship is beautiful. It is on the long side at 17,000 words, so make sure that you have plenty of free time to appreciate this gem.
The Secret Life of Scientists by
julad (R, spoilers for S1)
Hands down, this is
the McKay/Zelenka fic. Even McShep fans have it on their rec lists. It's brilliant, it's poignant, and it's one of the best works I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I still get choked up over certain parts, and I've read this probably as many times as I've read "Keep Breathing." Also a long one, so make sure you have time to enjoy this gem as well.
Untitled ficlet by
pierson (PG-13)
Mmm,
pierson writes some of the hottest kissing I've ever read, and this short ficlet is a prime example of that.
Science Geeks by
kylielee1000 (NC-17)
Brilliant characterization of McKay and Zelenka, wonderful prose and dialogue. This was probably the second M/Z fic I ever read, and the slow struggle McKay has with his 'inappropriate' feelings towards a collegue ensnared me and will no doubt ensnare you as well.
Connection by
frostfire_17 (R)
A short piece where Rodney contemplates what he has in Radek. It's sweet and yet Rodney remains utterly himself, arrogant and egotistical, well-aware of his faults but not being bothered to try and fix them.
TMI by
rosewildeirish (R-ish)
The boys aren't fooling anyone, especially not John Sheppard. This is Sheppard in all his glory, happy for his friends but really, really not wanting to know about, well,
that. This fic is short and humorous, and is definitely worth a read.
Fault Tolerance by
wickedwords (PG-13)
"A jumper explodes, Radek is injured, and Sheppard keeps showing up." This is hurt/comfort at its best. The writing is elegant and makes you really feel what Zelenka is going through, and McKay and Sheppard are very much themselves during the aftermath. And again, there is a beautiful build-up to a relationship.
Begin Here by
agentotter (R, set during "The Seige")
agentotter is a brilliant writer, and this fic is no exception. McKay and Zelenka are detoxing and miserable, and remain themselves despite the fact that they almost wish a Wraith would come along and end their suffering.
This by
miera_c (NC-17)
Zelenka and McKay bickering and being wholly themselves, stubborn and proud, is always lovely to see on the show, and
miera_c brings that same aspect to her fic. A short, simple piece, it's an excellent look at McKay and Zelenka's relationship.
At This Hour by
mr_yoshimi (PG-13, spoilers for "The Hive")
A short, really interesting piece set while Rodney's in the infirmary under the influence of the enzyme. The pacing of the fic is brilliant, and all in all, it's an enjoyable read.
Off His Chest by
rosewildeirish (R/NC-17ish)
Written for a "body parts" challenge, "Off His Chest" is about Zelenka becoming obsessed with a certain...part of McKay's physique. It's an interesting look at attraction and the slow slide into infatuation.
Beneath the Roses by
julad (PG, set during S1)
A fic full of miscommunication and humor, with a dose of melancholy towards the end, it's an enjoyable read.
julad's McKay-and-Zelenka banter is beautiful, so definitely take a peek.
Connection by
noctuabunda (G, set during S1, pre-slash)
Set in the months leading up to "Rising," this is such a lovely, short piece, in which you really feel for Zelenka, struggling to adjust to speak English constantly and not quite getting all the weird little English sayings and in which you really see how the dynamic between McKay and Zelenka began.
Tao of Lust by
lobelia321 (NC-17, spoilers for "Tao of Rodney")
A very, very unique writing style, which fascinates me. If you're looking for something different, check this one out, because it's interesting and engrossing.
Take What You Can Get by
tzi and
zaganthi (NC-17, spoilers for "Trinity")
One of the best post-"Trinity" make-up fics out there. Radek and Rodney remain wholly themselves, the sex scene is one of the best I've ever read, and the dialogue is wonderful.
Silent Lucidity by
pierson (NC-17, warning: light BDSM)
An interesting look at Radek and Rodney's relationship and Rodney's personality, made even better by her wonderful prose and beautiful descriptions.
Sheppard/McKayFreedom's Just Another Word for Nothing Left to Lose by
synecdochic (R, future-fic)
Just as "The Secret Life of Scientists" is
the McKay/Zelenka fic, this is
the McKay/Sheppard, or, it can be said,
the SGA fic. I don't think I've seen many rec lists without this, and for good reason. This is one of the most superb pieces of writing I've even read. Set post-Atlantis, this is a broken Rodney McKay who picks up the pieces and struggles to move on.
And the band's playing "hail to the chief" by
synecdochic (PG-13)
A coda to "Freedom is Just Another Word for Nothing Left to Lose" that is equally brilliant and poignant.
The Dark Side by
astolat (R, "Star Wars" AU)
Yes, you read correctly. A "Star Wars" AU. With Rodney as the rather bitter Jedi and Sheppard as the Sith, this fic is quirky, well-written, and at the same time very poignant.
Dex/Emmaganwe were never good soldiers (or very good fighters) by
minervacat (R, spoilers up to "The Return I")
Baby!fic! A lovely, slightly melancholy but beautifully hopeful look at how life goes on, how it MUST go on, in the Pegasus Galaxy.
The Bee-Charmer by
hth_the_first (PG-13)
hth_the_first is one of the best writers out there, and this fic shows that. The prose is wonderful, the story subtle and heart-warming, and Ronon and Teyla are wonderful in it.
McKay/Dex Thirteen O'Clock by
hth_the_first (NC-17)
I don't really see Ronon/Rodney. That said,
hth_the_first makes me believe it. The writing is beautiful, the prose is lush, and the characterizations are dead-on, with Rodney being his normal, oblivious self and not realizing that he and Ronon are, in fact, dating.
The Hands of Yes by
hth_the_first (NC-17, spoilers for "Trinity")
*points above to 'Thirteen O'Clock'* This fic really looks into Ronon's heritage and the Satedan culture, and is both sad and sweet. Definitely take the time to read this.
Other - Gen, Het, Slash, and Femslash Blood Beat Back by
synecdochic (R, AU, SGA/SG-1 crossover, spoilers for "Michael")
(Michael/Daniel) Who lays their hands on a Wraith? Daniel Jackson, apparently. This is a fascinating look at Michael, Daniel Jackson, and what exactly the retrovirus has done and continues to do to Michael. Gritty, desperate, harsh, painful, this fic is intriguing.
If There Be Thorns by
astolat (NC-17, sequel to "Beneath the Roses")
(McKay/Zelenka/Sheppard) This fic makes the melancholy of "Beneath the Roses" just a bittersweet memory. The dialogue is wonderful and believable, and the prose well-done. Definitely worth a read.
Old Soul Song (For a New World Order) by
amitee (R, future-fic, warning: death)
(Sheppard/Cadman UST, Cadman/Beckett, Sheppard/Weir) What if the Atlantis expedition was recalled after suffering too many losses and then scattered to every corner of the Earth?
amitee writes a brilliant, poignant piece on Cadman and Sheppard both trying to adjusting to Earth battlefields, to having to consider Earth 'home' once more.
A Slip of the Tongue by
agentotter (PG, SGA/SG-1 crossover)
(McKay/Carter) I am not a big fan of McKay/Carter, at least not how they're written together on the show, but this? This I adore. This short fic about Carter coming to Atlantis works. McKay is purely himself, Carter is purely herself, and their banter is wonderful.
The Towers On The Heights Reach To Heav'n's Own Blue by
minervacat (R, SGA/SG-1 crossover)
(Gen) This is all about sports. ...Seriously. But that shouldn't deter you. It didn't deter me and the only sport I know anything about is soccer. The summary reads: "In which John Sheppard hates cricket and accidentally starts an intramural soccer league, and Cameron Mitchell thinks McKay's sister sucks." A lengthy story (it's a little over 9,000 words), it's humorous, witty, and has wonderful characterizations of the SGA cast, as
minervacat's always do.
The Human Stain by
tevere (NC-17, spoilers for "Michael")
(Michael/Teyla) I know some of you are probably going, "Michael and Teyla? Are you on crack?" but my god, this is one brilliant piece of writing. Teyla is dead-on, with her bittersweet mixture of pity and hatred, as is Michael, who is struggling to figure out who he is.
The Crane Wife by
brighidestone (PG, spoilers for "Hot Zone")
(Miko/Dumais) One thing that has always amazed me about SGA is that someone can take characters who have only been in a single episode and make them
real.
brighidestone uses beautiful imagery to flesh out both Miko and Dumais, and it is a truly enjoyable read.
Where The Fruit Is by
pierson (R)
(Lorne/Zelenka)
pierson writes first-times exquisitely, and "Where The Fruit Is" is no exception. She writes a brilliant Lorne and Zelenka, with a fun dose of McKay with horrible timing. This fic will make you smile.
Care Packages by
auburnnothenna (PG-13, SGA/SG-1 crossover)
(Gen) This is a cute fic where Carter and the rest of SG-1 send the Atlantis expedition some 'care packages.' Everyone is dead-on, and the story is both humorous and touching.
I Might And You Might (But Neither Of Us Do, Though, And Neither Of Us Will) (NC-17, SGA/SG-1 crossover, spoilers for "The Pegasus Project" and "Misbegoten") by
minervacat(Sheppard/Mitchell)
minervacat is one of the best writers out there. Her style is brilliant, and her characterization of Sheppard and Mitchell are perfect and thought-provoking.
The Same Boy You've Always Known by
svendra (PG-13, SGA/SG-1 crossover, warning: death)
(McKay/Carter) McKay and Carter save the world. Gorgeously written, with dialogue that could be from an actual script (okay, which is probably
better than some of the scripts SGA's had), this is heart-wrenching and wonderful.
Tangled Headwires by
mspooh (PG-13)
(Sheppard/Weir) A lengthy but engrossing fic in which Sheppard and Weir get trapped in a cave and (thanks to some crazy technology) partly in each other's heads. There's wonderful banter and UST, and excellent characterization of them both. Definitely worth a read.
my soul made me chariots for a princely people by
medie (R)
(Lorne/Emmagan) A lot of fandom seems to forget that Teyla does have a sense of humor, at times a
wicked sense of humor.
medie nails Teyla's personality, and her seduction of Lorne is a pleasure to read.
The Best Portion by
pierson (NC-17)
(Beckett/Emmagan) At 30,000 words, this is the story that opened my eyes to the idea of Carson/Teyla. As always,
pierson's writing is lush and poetic, and the slow build-up of the relationship is a treat. Definitely take a look.
Graceful Exit by
astolat (NC-17, set right after "Grace Under Pressure")
(Sheppard/McKay/Zelenka) "Grace Under Pressure" leaves our heroes with a bit of quandary that is never really resolved, and
astolat's fic is a lovely portrayal of the immediate moments after the final scene of the episode.
Persistant Ache by
skandrae (G)
(Weir/Zelenka) A very short, sweet piece which shows how quiet and lovely a relationship could be between Elizabeth and Radek.
The Water Rushes by
pierson (NC-17)
(Miko/Radek) Like in "The Crane Wife," it always amazes me how SGA writers can take a character who was in a single episode and flesh them out.
pierson's Miko is wonderful, as is her Radek, and their relationship is intriguing. You'll enjoy this look at a brief night on Atlantis.