aesc: (Default)
aesc ([personal profile] aesc) wrote2007-05-16 04:35 pm

.2-second nantucket ficlet: Fog Days

For [livejournal.com profile] dogeared, who wants to curl up with John, Rodney, and her dog, but can't :( So, curling-up-by-proxy.

Nantucket AU, domesticity, low-key happiness.


Rodney never knew that all fog originates on Nantucket, but apparently that's the case; they make it, he's heard, just off the coast in a huge cauldron that brews cloud day and night. Utterly ridiculous way to explain a perfectly logical meteorological phenomenon, but some times Rodney's not sure there's not something to it.

Some days, like today, the air turns to grey soup five feet past the front door. There's no point driving anywhere because the Wagoneer's headlights refract off the fog, an opaque sheet of yellow-white that's just as impenetrable as the fog itself. He tried it once and had almost run over two people and hit a (parked) car within a hundred yards of the driveway, and hasn't tried it since.

Not long ago, this would have been completely unacceptable, and he would have either driven himself to work, forced someone else to do it, or (shudder) taken public transportation. Now that he works mostly in their microscopic kitchen, he doesn't need to worry about delays in important research, which has done wonders for his blood pressure.

The fog is soporific anyway, so even with the lights on full-blaze and fresh coffee coursing through his veins, Rodney can't concentrate on the equations on his screen. He tries to rub sleep from his eyes, dislodging the glasses he's still not used to, but it doesn't do much. He's too aware of the half-muted TV playing in the living room, and John's warm presence draped over the couch, the cat snoozing on his stomach.

Concentrate. He still gets paid to do what he does, mostly consulting these days, but people appreciate it if they can actually consult you and get an answer. Sighing, Rodney pulls up another window and tries to focus on the numbers there.

He's in kind of a groove, riding a modest caffiene high, when warm hands slide over his shoulders and fingers spider up his neck.

"Ticklish!" He tries to bat John's hands away, but John's hands are quick and clever and evade him. "Ow! Quit!"

"I can hear you concentrating over The Price Is Right," John says, bending over. His breath dances languidly over Rodney's ear. "You should relax for a bit."

Before Rodney can say anything to that, John carefully pulls his glasses off, his thumbs sliding across Rodney's temples. The numbers on the screen go a bit blurry.

"Hey!" Rodney makes a half-hearted grab for his glasses, but John folds them up with a click and sets them on the kitchen counter.

"C'mon, Rodney." John manages to sound coaxing, wheedling, insulting, and hot all at once. "Bob Barker awaits."

Rodney sighs in token protest, because this is one other thing he used to dislike violently: doing nothing when he could be doing something useful. That had taken getting used to, John's easy shrug and hey, tomorrow's good approach to life. For Rodney, time flickers and flies and he's always chasing after it. But for John, time goes at his own pace, which is to say, it slouches along and slides to a stop, like today, every now and then.

John pulls him along effortlessly, Rodney's fingers trapped in one hand and Rodney's coffee cup in another. Feet bare on the floor, track pants hanging off John's ass like a teenager's, blue-striped boxers also riding improbably low, John wears comfort. He is, for Rodney anyway, warm and deceptively lazy, a slow grace in the way he folds his long legs to fit onto their couch and pulls Rodney down to him.

"I don't understand how we can fit on this thing," Rodney mutters, wedging himself into the small space left to him. The hideous Mrs. Kaplan-knitted afghan appears, engulfing them in plaid.

"Maybe it's like the tents in Harry Potter," John says.

"I knew you read those," Rodney crows. "I knew it!"

"Saw the movie," John says defensively, like the distinction really matters. One arm threads around Rodney's waist, anchoring him, muscle under tanned skin to remind Rodney of the kind of life John's led.

Rodney really doesn't want to let this go (it's just too good, come on), but John's arm is warm and tight around him, and John's mouth is on his neck, not really erotic, or calming either, but something in between and distracting.

"Does it have to be Bob Barker?" he mutters, though he's really too lost in John curled around him, their legs tangling together and fingers, to care.

John lets go to reach for the remote and turn off the TV, but then his fingers are back in Rodney's, his face tucked against the curve of Rodney's neck, and they stay like that in slow warmth and light, with grey outside the windows.

[identity profile] twincy.livejournal.com 2007-05-16 08:53 pm (UTC)(link)
"Maybe it's like the tents in Harry Potter," John says.

"I knew you read those," Rodney crows. "I knew it!"


*ceaseless grinning*

You are wonderful. So is snuggling!fic.

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 02:37 am (UTC)(link)
*ceaseless grinning*

Hee! *glomps you*

[identity profile] rain-dances.livejournal.com 2007-05-16 09:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Just beautiful.

John and Rodney snuggling is the most wonderful thing ever.

Also, you used soporific! That is a fantastic word.

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 02:38 am (UTC)(link)
Also, you used soporific! That is a fantastic word.

It is! And it doesn't get used enough. Though one of these days I'm also going to have to have John grin in a salacious manner, because salacious is a truly awesome word.

John and Rodney snuggling is the most wonderful thing ever.

I get all wriggly and happy just thinking about it :)
siria: (Default)

[personal profile] siria 2007-05-16 09:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Ohhhh, this makes me smile ♥

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 02:39 am (UTC)(link)
♥♥!! Thank you so much!

[identity profile] dogeared.livejournal.com 2007-05-16 09:07 pm (UTC)(link)
asdfasdfa;flaskj meeeeeeeeeeep!!!

Oh oh oh BOYS, and John sliding Rodney's glasses off asdfasf;lkj, and John all lazy and comfortable and obviously well-acquainted with the right way to sprawl on a couch, and making Rodney sprawl with him, John's arm is warm and tight around him, and John's mouth is on his neck, and all that fog, ohhhhhh this is just SO HAPPY.

*hugs!* ♥!

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 03:03 am (UTC)(link)
*♥♥smishes!!♥♥*

John sliding Rodney's glasses off

Now that Rodney's got glasses, I don't know if I can ever go back to writing him without them. Because GLASSES.

John all lazy and comfortable and obviously well-acquainted with the right way to sprawl on a couch, and making Rodney sprawl with him,

Rodney may be very, very scarily smart, but John still needs to teach him things, like the value of sprawling uselessly on the couch and doing nothing and being happy.

*smish! again*


(no subject)

[identity profile] dogeared.livejournal.com - 2007-05-17 03:07 (UTC) - Expand

[identity profile] mutuol.livejournal.com 2007-05-16 09:28 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, beautiful.

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 02:39 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you kindly! :)

[identity profile] madeline871.livejournal.com 2007-05-16 10:05 pm (UTC)(link)
John and Rodney curled up on the couch under a blanket is such a lovely visual. This was so nice.

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 02:40 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you! :)

John and Rodney curled up on the couch under a blanket is such a lovely visual.

*happysigh* It's one of those things I could spend all day contemplating and, indeed, have.
ext_1771: Joe Flanigan looking A-Dorable. (Default)

[identity profile] monanotlisa.livejournal.com 2007-05-16 10:14 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, beautiful; warm and complex.

Also, I LOVE the Slinky!Icon! I selfishly wish the screenshots you posted earlier had been high-quality ones, for I would have snagged them and icon'ed. & ;-)

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 02:43 am (UTC)(link)
Thanks so much!

selfishly wish the screenshots you posted earlier had been high-quality ones, for I would have snagged them and icon'ed.

A few of them are from the S1 or 2 DVDs (slinky!icon is, I think), but I've found even the non-digital source stuff can do okay as icons, though they take a wretched amount of work. Still, it's the nitpicking that's the fun part :D

[identity profile] margarks.livejournal.com 2007-05-16 10:20 pm (UTC)(link)
hahaha!

"Maybe it's like the tents in Harry Potter," John says.

"I knew you read those," Rodney crows. "I knew it!"


That's so them! lol. This was sweet and so perfectly domestic and lovely.

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 02:44 am (UTC)(link)
That's so them! lol.

Heh heh. I can hear John thinking "Dammit!" and Rodney gloating about how John's revealed his deeply-closeted geekiness, and asking him if he's read all of the Wheel of Time series :D

This was sweet and so perfectly domestic and lovely.

*wriggle* Thank you!!
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[identity profile] wicked-socks.livejournal.com 2007-05-16 10:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, we're having weather kind of like that here. This was perfect to read. ♥ It's just so warm and snuggly.

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 02:45 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, we're having weather kind of like that here.

It was actually really nice here today, until around 7pm and then it got cold and rainy, and I want a John and a Rodney to curl up with, too.

[identity profile] foxxcub.livejournal.com 2007-05-16 10:42 pm (UTC)(link)
loveloveloveloooooove

And of course John reads Harry Potter. Duh. *g*

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 02:46 am (UTC)(link)
*hearts!*

And of course John reads Harry Potter. Duh.

And he's seen all the movies ;)

[identity profile] chebonne.livejournal.com 2007-05-16 11:41 pm (UTC)(link)
MMmmmm, warm and deceptively lazy John (I almost wrote Ron! What are you doing putting HP references in this, don't you know how easily distracted I am?) and glasses-wearing snuggly Rodney and how they tangle...

Have I mentioned how much I love it when boys tangle? Hell, when people tangle. It's like... ultimate love for me. And it doesn't even need to be slashy - tangle to me equates lazy summer days and too long legs trying to fit on a too small space, almost too warm, sweat-slicked skin but too comfortable to move, limbs just fitting into that space with an ease that comes with knowing each other well. Nothing sexual even, just... close. I love it.

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 02:58 am (UTC)(link)
What are you doing putting HP references in this, don't you know how easily distracted I am?)

Um, trying to distract you? ;D

tangle to me equates lazy summer days and too long legs trying to fit on a too small space, almost too warm, sweat-slicked skin but too comfortable to move, limbs just fitting into that space with an ease that comes with knowing each other well. Nothing sexual even, just... close.

Oh my God, that's PRECISELY it, just what I was going for. *carries on incoherently* I love everything that's wrapped up in there--warmth, closeness, walking on the edge of something like arousal, but it's distant and not really important.

(no subject)

[identity profile] chebonne.livejournal.com - 2007-05-17 09:45 (UTC) - Expand

[identity profile] slian-martreb.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 12:41 am (UTC)(link)
Once upon a time, a was a creative writing teacher and got paid to comment in an intelligent fashion upon high school level writing.

For you, all I have is: *smish*

(which even my students could tell me isn't really a word, which also tells you how much my students knew.)


(Also, are you aware of the fact that tonight is the last episode EVER of The Price Is Right or was that just a coinkydink?)

[identity profile] slian-martreb.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 12:42 am (UTC)(link)
*headesk*

I also didn't make typos like 'a' instead of 'I'


*stumbles off to bed*

(no subject)

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com - 2007-05-17 02:55 (UTC) - Expand

[identity profile] melagan.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 01:08 am (UTC)(link)
*cuddles boys*

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 02:47 am (UTC)(link)
*snuggles you* Thank you!

[identity profile] exsequar.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 02:16 am (UTC)(link)
This made me feel all warm in my tummy: "For Rodney, time flickers and flies and he's always chasing after it. But for John, time goes at his own pace, which is to say, it slouches along and slides to a stop, like today, every now and then."

Gorgeous :)

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 02:51 am (UTC)(link)
This made me feel all warm in my tummy:

Thank you! I just love the contrast between the two of them in the show--Rodney racing back and forth and wanting everything done five minutes ago, what is wrong with you people??? while John just kind of... is :)

[identity profile] technosage.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 02:22 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, this is delightfully sweet, and really captures the characters beautifully. Thank you!

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 02:47 am (UTC)(link)
*smee!* Thank you! :)

[identity profile] lillyjk.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 03:35 am (UTC)(link)
this made me feel all warm and fuzzy!

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 04:52 am (UTC)(link)
*cuddles you* Yay! That's what I was going for :D
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[identity profile] beeej.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 03:58 am (UTC)(link)
I love the description of how John wears comfort. Snuggle!fic is just the best thing, ever. Now I'm feeling all sleepy. I'm gonna go curl up under the covers, too. :)

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 04:54 am (UTC)(link)
I love the description of how John wears comfort.

I feel that way about my favorite pair of flannel pj pants and t-shirt--whenever I wear them I am comfort, just relaxed despite whatever's going on. I wish I could wear them all the time.

I'm gonna go curl up under the covers, too.

*tucks you in*

[identity profile] psyko-kittie.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 04:10 am (UTC)(link)
:loves: Fluffy is love! And this ficlet is wonderful and beautiful, and cute and adorable all rolled into one! :)

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 04:55 am (UTC)(link)
*flings snuggles and baby bunnies and sparklies and puppies ALL OVER!*

[identity profile] le-mot-mo.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 09:52 am (UTC)(link)
Hmmm-- this made me melt into a puddle of happy goo. I love these Nantucket snippets so much. I have told you a million times that I love your writing, because of the slow-paced, intimate feeling you create in your stories-- today, I'm telling you again. :o)

*hugs for you hon*

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 01:35 pm (UTC)(link)
*huggles you* Thank you so much! I really love this AU, and I'm so happy that [livejournal.com profile] dogeared has let me play in it :)

[identity profile] larauwen.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 12:07 pm (UTC)(link)
oh me like snuggles.

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-17 01:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Yay snuggles!
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[identity profile] dossier.livejournal.com 2007-05-18 11:57 am (UTC)(link)
this is the epitome of my favoritest of your styles, warm, liquid and lyrical with out going over the top into purple prose. how do you do that!? Rodney's changed for the better because of John and you illustrate that beautifully.

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-18 04:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, thank you so much! As for the purple prose, I use myself as a litmus test; if it doesn't make me cringe and want to run away, then I figure it must be safe. (I have a low purple prose tolerance *g*)

Rodney's changed for the better because of John and you illustrate that beautifully.

I like to think they rub off on each other... John teaches Rodney the value of going slow, and Rodney teaches John the value of being openly and unashamedly geeky :D

[identity profile] sloganeer.livejournal.com 2007-05-18 03:45 pm (UTC)(link)
I skimmed this first time 'round, 'cause I was still stuck in class, and it was good then, but today, with a little more time, it's even better. I can't tell you why because you describe this story perfectly yourself with low-key happiness.

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-18 04:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Naughty naughty, reading fanfic in class ;) Though there have been times when I've had my laptop and been sorely tempted to do anything other than pay attention.

I can't tell you why because you describe this story perfectly yourself with low-key happiness.

Aw, thank you! I don't know why, but I've recently developed a fondness for quiet, low-key stuff. It's calming, I think :)

[identity profile] barely-bean.livejournal.com 2007-05-19 02:02 am (UTC)(link)
aww. see. I need a John to cuddle with. Or a Rodney. Both's good.

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-19 02:58 am (UTC)(link)
I need a John to cuddle with. Or a Rodney.

Who doesn't? *sigh*

I'd even take a plush Rodney. A Rodney-of-plush, in a little orange fleece jacket.

[identity profile] raiining.livejournal.com 2007-05-19 01:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Snuggle-fic rocks! /grins So cute.

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-20 12:49 am (UTC)(link)
It does! I love reading it, and I love writing it :)

[identity profile] beadattitude.livejournal.com 2007-05-20 03:06 am (UTC)(link)
::croons happily::

Oh this is so lovely. I can see it.

[identity profile] aesc.livejournal.com 2007-05-20 03:28 am (UTC)(link)
Smee! Thanks so much! :)

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