weekly round-up 10
Chilling in Stratton, Vermont...got my coffee fix and am hunkered down for the next five hours :0 My friends are on the slopes but I got graphics work to do (and my pockets aren't quite deep enough for ski lift + rental :P).
It's been great! It's always amazing to get out of the City and see some sky, some clean bales of snow. Being out in the boonies makes me feel a little disoriented though...let's just say I like my little pocket of American microcosm.
Now, for the weekly round-up (at $4/half hour for internet, what!?):
Weekly Round-Up
Titles in bold are extra-recommended ♥
Manwhore by lilithilien (NC-17, 9k)
Summary: Bradley/Colin. Colin's a manwhore and Bradley doesn't care (except he totally does).
Notes: This is a great, rollickin' read. Colin's a cheeky, unapologetic slut and Bradley is all-too observational (and horny). The boys are adorable, and while they're probably a little more *ahem* sexual than strictly believable, it's still a helluva good time. Does not skimp on the sex.
Practical Volitation by allothi (PG, 8k)
Summary: Merlin learns to fly. (Literally).
Notes: Oh my god, this is so cute. I think I hurt myself from making so many high-pitched noises. Merlin is, as he attempts to harness the ability to fly, absolutely whimsical and boyish. This is pure, unadulterated happy-making stuff. Truly inspired. My favorite line:
"It's a mystery," Merlin replied. His mind was full of open skies.
setting down the lines by phantomjam (PG-13, 3k)
Summary: In which Arthur hates stairs, Merlin threatens mutiny and they're both going to be a bit late for the feast. Future!fic.
Notes: Another happy-making piece, but with a distinctly different feel. Whereas "Practical Volitation" is blithe and young Arthur/Merlin, this fic is gorgeous, seasoned Arthur/Merlin. It's EXACTLY how I want them in twenty years. Older, wiser, but still so in love.
Love is Noise by theyscreamofyou (R, ~2k)
Summary: Merlin belongs entirely to Arthur, even when it can't be reciprocated. UST. Need to add author to read f-locked entry (she'll friend back right away).
Notes: This story is unreal. It's full of holy-shit-amazing lines like this:
Arthur might be Merlin’s destiny, but Merlin has never been his
The story's succinct and bursting at the seams with unsaid UST. The language is layered and layered with double-meanings. While UST is not usually my cup of tea (who likes to be SAD on their free time?), this story leaves room for a happy ending if you so will it. We're fangirls--it's all about reading between the lines! Just check it out, this is incredibly worth your time.
Within Sight by rubberbutton (NC-17, 10k)
Summary: When a curse blinds Arthur, his position as heir is threatened.
Notes: This is a lovely little tale. The characterizaton puts a smile on your face; the boys are fun and very much in step with canon. Interesting plot, and Arthur's affliction lends itself nicely to some good, old-fashioned hurt/comfort.
And in his hands, a weapon by laceymcbain (PG-13, 6k)
Summary: gen (well, as slashy as canon).
Notes: This story reads like an episode. The action scenes are great and Merlin is adorable and SO HIM--he sneaks in magic for chores, and eagerly puts his life on the line to keep Arthur safe. Great, straightforward story.
Accented by antihysteric (R, 3k)
Summary: Bradley/Colin. Bradley can't understand a word Colin says.
Notes: LOVELINESS...which I totally missed the first time around D: Posted mid-December, I just picked it up off rainchild's rec. This is the best fic I've read so far that addresses Bradley's inability to understand Mr. Colin Morgan's (ADORABLE) Irish accent. It's humorous in that wonderful, subtle way, and overall just really well-done.
Modern Mystery fanmix by derryere (mix)
Summary: If I'm to broadly generalize: indie folk.
Notes: I don't normally rec fanmixes or anything, but I seriously have to spread the wealth. The music has a really strong, cohesive point of view (folksy, scratchy vocals and rolling beats), and the banners are GORGEOUS! Well-done presentation with some serious meat on its bones. The obscure bands makes for some really good discoveries. Standouts artists (imho, because music tastes greatly vary): Envy and Other Sins, Neutral Milk Hotel, Bombay Bicycle Club, Wolf Parade, etc etc.
Woods for the Trees by hackthis (NC-17, 6k)
Summary: ModernDay!AU. Set in London, Merlin is a web designer for Pendragon Creative and the boys are bffs. Arthur doesn't want to fuck up a good thing.
Notes: Amazingcakes. The characterization is easy and effortless; Arthur and Merlin are such GUYS and it's great that way. Their dynamic is totally canonical, but with that appropriately modern twist. Arthur's thoughts are fun to follow, especially with all the cute subconscious attraction, and I love the idea that Merlin's in love with Arthur while remaining largely angst-free about it (just like canon!). The e-mail exchanges mid-way through particularly funny.
Looking for previous recs? Check the tag. For FAQ and list of all bolded titles, check the primer.
It's been great! It's always amazing to get out of the City and see some sky, some clean bales of snow. Being out in the boonies makes me feel a little disoriented though...let's just say I like my little pocket of American microcosm.
Now, for the weekly round-up (at $4/half hour for internet, what!?):
Weekly Round-Up
Titles in bold are extra-recommended ♥
Manwhore by lilithilien (NC-17, 9k)
Summary: Bradley/Colin. Colin's a manwhore and Bradley doesn't care (except he totally does).
Notes: This is a great, rollickin' read. Colin's a cheeky, unapologetic slut and Bradley is all-too observational (and horny). The boys are adorable, and while they're probably a little more *ahem* sexual than strictly believable, it's still a helluva good time. Does not skimp on the sex.
Practical Volitation by allothi (PG, 8k)
Summary: Merlin learns to fly. (Literally).
Notes: Oh my god, this is so cute. I think I hurt myself from making so many high-pitched noises. Merlin is, as he attempts to harness the ability to fly, absolutely whimsical and boyish. This is pure, unadulterated happy-making stuff. Truly inspired. My favorite line:
"It's a mystery," Merlin replied. His mind was full of open skies.
setting down the lines by phantomjam (PG-13, 3k)
Summary: In which Arthur hates stairs, Merlin threatens mutiny and they're both going to be a bit late for the feast. Future!fic.
Notes: Another happy-making piece, but with a distinctly different feel. Whereas "Practical Volitation" is blithe and young Arthur/Merlin, this fic is gorgeous, seasoned Arthur/Merlin. It's EXACTLY how I want them in twenty years. Older, wiser, but still so in love.
Love is Noise by theyscreamofyou (R, ~2k)
Summary: Merlin belongs entirely to Arthur, even when it can't be reciprocated. UST. Need to add author to read f-locked entry (she'll friend back right away).
Notes: This story is unreal. It's full of holy-shit-amazing lines like this:
Arthur might be Merlin’s destiny, but Merlin has never been his
The story's succinct and bursting at the seams with unsaid UST. The language is layered and layered with double-meanings. While UST is not usually my cup of tea (who likes to be SAD on their free time?), this story leaves room for a happy ending if you so will it. We're fangirls--it's all about reading between the lines! Just check it out, this is incredibly worth your time.
Within Sight by rubberbutton (NC-17, 10k)
Summary: When a curse blinds Arthur, his position as heir is threatened.
Notes: This is a lovely little tale. The characterizaton puts a smile on your face; the boys are fun and very much in step with canon. Interesting plot, and Arthur's affliction lends itself nicely to some good, old-fashioned hurt/comfort.
And in his hands, a weapon by laceymcbain (PG-13, 6k)
Summary: gen (well, as slashy as canon).
Notes: This story reads like an episode. The action scenes are great and Merlin is adorable and SO HIM--he sneaks in magic for chores, and eagerly puts his life on the line to keep Arthur safe. Great, straightforward story.
Accented by antihysteric (R, 3k)
Summary: Bradley/Colin. Bradley can't understand a word Colin says.
Notes: LOVELINESS...which I totally missed the first time around D: Posted mid-December, I just picked it up off rainchild's rec. This is the best fic I've read so far that addresses Bradley's inability to understand Mr. Colin Morgan's (ADORABLE) Irish accent. It's humorous in that wonderful, subtle way, and overall just really well-done.
Modern Mystery fanmix by derryere (mix)
Summary: If I'm to broadly generalize: indie folk.
Notes: I don't normally rec fanmixes or anything, but I seriously have to spread the wealth. The music has a really strong, cohesive point of view (folksy, scratchy vocals and rolling beats), and the banners are GORGEOUS! Well-done presentation with some serious meat on its bones. The obscure bands makes for some really good discoveries. Standouts artists (imho, because music tastes greatly vary): Envy and Other Sins, Neutral Milk Hotel, Bombay Bicycle Club, Wolf Parade, etc etc.
Woods for the Trees by hackthis (NC-17, 6k)
Summary: ModernDay!AU. Set in London, Merlin is a web designer for Pendragon Creative and the boys are bffs. Arthur doesn't want to fuck up a good thing.
Notes: Amazingcakes. The characterization is easy and effortless; Arthur and Merlin are such GUYS and it's great that way. Their dynamic is totally canonical, but with that appropriately modern twist. Arthur's thoughts are fun to follow, especially with all the cute subconscious attraction, and I love the idea that Merlin's in love with Arthur while remaining largely angst-free about it (just like canon!). The e-mail exchanges mid-way through particularly funny.
Looking for previous recs? Check the tag. For FAQ and list of all bolded titles, check the primer.