kristen999: (Default)
[personal profile] kristen999
Title: “Barbershop”
Author: Kristen999
Rating: PG
Categories: Gen
Characters: Sheppard, OC
Summary: He wanted to say a little off the top, but that was so cheesy.
Word count: 670
Disclaimer: None of them belong to me. No profit intended.

Written for [livejournal.com profile] rednz. Prompt at the end.

The last from my requested drabbles!





------------------------------------

John never liked stepping into a room where the tools of the trade were all sharp objects, but the Rolling Stones were blaring from a near by radio and he always liked “Paint It Black.”

Malcolm nudged the swivel chair with his foot. “Colonel, good to see ya."

John slid in, half expecting it to recline from his touch and frowned in disappointment when it didn't. It felt even odder as it rose higher, the barber pumping the metal pedal with his foot.

“You know, we could get you one with automatic hydraulics,” he told him.

“Don't need something fancy,” Malcolm snorted, quirking a bushy eyebrow. “I don't tell ya how to improve those jumpers.”

“No, Rodney does that enough.” John flinched when the apron was draped around his neck. Malcolm saw it in the reflection, but didn't comment, tying the sting loosely.

“Speaking of Dr. McKay, he was in here earlier.”

“Oh yeah.”

“Yep, brought his own shampoo even though I carry special brands just for him.”

“What, No More Tears?”

The corners of Malcolm's mouth curved as he pulled the bottle of baby conditioner out of the drawer. “How'd you guess?”

John laughed. “Did he complain about taking too much off again?”

“Not to my face. He knows better.”

“Still thinks you'll poison his food?”

The man chuckled before mischievously stroking his graying beard. “What can I say? Don't have enough people to run the shop full time, and food's my other passion. I get to feed the stomachs of Atlantis and keep 'em looking sharp.”

Most everyone just required a quick five minutes with the clippers to keep them in regulation and lord knew that some of the scientists hadn't seen a cut since college. It was a morale thing, half the little room had been converted into a salon to be used on Mondays and Fridays for the ladies.

Malcolm grabbed a thick brush, swirling it around a dish of foam. “Since you're here, I can take care of that five o'clock shadow.”

“It's 1200 hours and I guarantee it'll grow back before it actually is 1700,” John drawled. He didn't mention getting a blade that close to his face wasn't a good idea with his reflexes.

“Saw Ronon poke his head in earlier. I'd love to chop all those locks off. He reminds me of one of those surfers I'd see in Cali."

“I think he'd blend in with all the hippies, though I'm sure they keep hidden different types of contraband.” John grinned. “Still haven't checked out the waves here, the riptide looks pretty wicked.” He eyed the scissors that appeared out of nowhere. “What do you think you're going to do with those?”

“Oh come on, I'd never mess with this trademark.” Malcolm waved his hands over John's unruly locks. “I could never recreate this style if I tried, though people do ask.”

John squirmed, eyes flicking to his watch. “Just need the sides done.”

“Of course, but let me just trim right around...here,” the scissors snipping in between. “Don't want you walking on that stage looking like you stuck your finger in a light socket.”

“I don't look like that now.” John ignored the incredulous expression he got. “Today's not a big deal,” he sighed, trying not to slouch. “And there's no stage.”

“You kidding me? Most of your men were in here earlier. I felt like I was back in boot camp. I could've opened up a taxidermy store with what covered the floor.”

John didn't say a word, the clipper buzzing below his ear while he averted his eyes from the long mirror in front of him. As if telepathic, Malcolm swiveled the chair around, spinning him away from his reflection.

“You give modesty a bad name, Colonel. I'd stare at myself after I got out of the shower every day if I looked like you.”

John felt his cheeks burn and the barber shook his head. “If I were ten years younger and thirty pounds lighter, man,” he whistled. “My bed wouldn't be so cold at night.”

“Um...” John, floundered.

“Please. I'm here for language skills and my cooking. Not my looks, sir.”

“Hey, you're breaking the rules,” John reminded him. There were no salutes or ranks here.

The apron slipped away and Malcolm brushed away tiny hairs around the collar. “Habits are hard to break.”

The chair was lowered and John felt odd, still not used to the fact it wasn't like the one in the control room. He smoothed out his shirt as he stood. “Thanks.”

“I bet you can't wait to get in those dress blues,” Malcolm said sarcastically.

He rolled his eyes. “Not really.”

“Hey, Colonel. They're giving you a medal, not a walk on the plank. Even if you don't like the song and dance. Your men and your Team are proud of ya. We all are. Let them get together and bask with you about something good for a change.”

Nice company and good advice. There was a reason why he didn't use those cheap clippers in his room. “Thanks,” John said.

“Enjoy your day,” Malcolm told him, clapping him on the back.


----------
[livejournal.com profile] rednz Wanted : Ever wonder how a conversation would go between Sheppard and a barber (on Atlantis)?





-------------------

Date: 2008-02-01 07:24 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kriadydragon.livejournal.com
Very nice. I loved the mild angsty undertone and Sheppard's modest streak. A lot of writers will never miss an opportunity to make fun of Sheppard's attitude toward his hair, so your fic was actually quite unique. And I loved the barber.

Date: 2008-02-01 12:38 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] wraithfodder.livejournal.com
yawn. woke up feeling 'bleh x2' today so am going to say 'ditto.' i never even though of a barber on atlantis, now that i think of it...

Date: 2008-02-02 02:10 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kristen999.livejournal.com
Yeah I figured the barber would be part time as well as teh cooks, just other duties. Thank you.

Date: 2008-02-02 02:09 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kristen999.livejournal.com
Thank you, Sheppard strikes me as very modest and I couldn't help a serious undertone.

Date: 2008-02-01 08:41 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] rednz.livejournal.com
Aw, thanks chook. This was... I'm not quite sure how to describe it... how do you feel about gentle and real? Sheppard's modesty and embarrassment is entirely endearing. I liked how you used something mundane, a hair cut, to say something about him and the way the Atlantis folks view him - the desire to see John honoured, and how he'll let that happen, not for himself, but for them. Wonderful O/C. I can imagine him well. Thank you for indulging me with this wee piece, especially as I know it wasn't exactly straightforward :-D

Date: 2008-02-02 02:12 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kristen999.livejournal.com
Glad you liked it! I like the slices of life, the every day stuff where you get little peaks. Yours was the toughest, but I expect nothing less!

Date: 2008-02-01 09:29 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] http://users.livejournal.com/_inbetween_/
I kept waiting for that littleoffthetop line to appear, but it didn't - because your fic isn't cheesy. Nice :)

Date: 2008-02-02 02:14 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kristen999.livejournal.com
Why thank you, it was fun to write something more light hearted.

Date: 2008-02-01 01:15 pm (UTC)
twistedchick: watercolor painting of coffee cup on wood table (Default)
From: [personal profile] twistedchick
Sweet and comfortable. Thanks!

(And no, Ronan doesn't want a trim; he'd lose all the places he hides knives.)

Date: 2008-02-02 02:15 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kristen999.livejournal.com
Indeed, Ronon would never let his hair be cut since his braids are his favorite hiding places :-D

Thank you

Date: 2008-02-01 01:30 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] linzi5.livejournal.com
Awwww! I really enjoyed this little drabble. I love that Shep is so modest, and the barber is such a character. Really nicely done! :)

Date: 2008-02-02 02:16 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kristen999.livejournal.com
Thank you, writing sweet, non-angsty stuff is tough! lol

Date: 2008-02-01 03:19 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] wildcat88.livejournal.com
I liked this - John's modesty, his reluctance to accept accolades, the barber's understanding nature. Very nice.

Date: 2008-02-02 02:16 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kristen999.livejournal.com
Thank you, a barber is an easy guy to share little talks with.

Date: 2008-02-01 05:04 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] saltyd.livejournal.com
Lovely fic to read on a freezing, rainy day. I love these little insights into Sheppard!

Date: 2008-02-02 02:17 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kristen999.livejournal.com
Oh awesome, glad I could warm thinsg up with the sweet. Thank you.

Date: 2008-02-02 04:54 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] mahoni.livejournal.com
That is incredibly cute! I really like the idea of a barber on Atlantis. I mean, it makes sense that they would need someone around with that skill; and I like the idea that he serves as...well, kind of like a bartender, that sort of friendliness and moral support. Very cool!

Date: 2008-02-02 05:52 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kristen999.livejournal.com
Oh thank you, yeah it was cute which is soo not me..lol.

I know you're a big ronon and shep fan as I am. Normally I don't self pimp, but you might like

"Sudden Jolt" which is a short Ronon and Shep piece.

http://kristen999.livejournal.com/75177.html#cutid1


Or "Ties That Bind" which is a Ronon and Shep adv set right after Reunion. Lots of action h/c and all Ronon pov.

http://kristen999.livejournal.com/94731.html#cutid1

Date: 2008-09-05 06:16 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] zaphod-bbrox.livejournal.com
I like this--nice and short and sweet. You don't see a lot of calm or quiet moments in fic unless they're also slashy, so this was a pleasant change, and again had that feel of tremendous just-off-stage realism that you're so good at.

Date: 2008-09-05 05:40 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kristen999.livejournal.com
Thank you again. Writing a simple moment in time is harder than it looks :-P I think I have a few of them, but they are mostly smaller little one shots.

Date: 2008-09-06 04:44 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sheafrotherdon.livejournal.com
Oh, this is awesome! Absolutely perfect, and just what I wanted to read :D

Date: 2008-09-06 05:01 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kristen999.livejournal.com
Thank you! Quiet moments are very odd to write :D

Date: 2009-01-22 11:55 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] asugar.livejournal.com
I've told you before how much I adore this (and everything you write) but I've rec'd it on stargateficrec (http://community.livejournal.com/stargateficrec/1237085.html) so others can enjoy it too. Thanks for sharing it.

Date: 2009-01-27 05:21 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kristen999.livejournal.com
Thank you for the rec! Foudn a computer to play with for a while and wanted to reply. I forgot I wrote this like at 3:am gave me the excuse to clean it up a bit.

Date: 2009-01-28 01:32 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] asugar.livejournal.com
No worries. I read and love everything even if it takes me months to leave praise. Law school and two jobs make life very full.

Date: 2009-01-23 04:52 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] renisanz.livejournal.com
I like this a lot. It's cool seeing Shepp being all shy about his physical appearance, loved the mention of the 5 o'clock shadow that sprouts every 5 hours, and Malcolm was quite entertaining and cool.
Edited Date: 2009-01-23 04:56 am (UTC)

Date: 2009-01-27 05:22 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kristen999.livejournal.com
Thank you! I swear John can't get rid fo those whiskers. This was a sweet, relaxing thing to write. Glad you enjoyed it.

Date: 2009-01-23 01:29 pm (UTC)
shadadukal: (SGA : John/Teyla Kiss)
From: [personal profile] shadadukal
I love this little moment of something mundane. And John's attitude and modesty. Thanks for sharing!

Date: 2009-01-27 05:22 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kristen999.livejournal.com
Thank you. It is cool to write these little slices of life fics from time to time.

Date: 2010-04-18 06:33 pm (UTC)
saphirablue: (Default)
From: [personal profile] saphirablue
Um, how did I miss this?

I love the little things you've "hid" in this fic... The 5 o'clock shade at midday (*g*), the nod to "Baywatch" with the surfers and Ronon, the odd feeling of sitting in a chair that doesn't recline and light up (I interpret it with a little nod to John/Atlantis), the flinch when the aparon came around and the reaction of Malcolm...

That was a good read and I love the little insight we get into the daily life on Atlantis! :)

Thank you for this story!

Date: 2010-04-18 06:45 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kristen999.livejournal.com
Wow. You're the only to have ever picked up on everything I did hide in this story. You nailed every one!

I did a few drabbles all around the same time. They're all listed at the side of my LJ, thank you for commenting!

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