Friday Five - Prompt: Angst
Okey so I had grand plans to catch up on fics so I could do this right, but the warbigbangs ruined everything. Even though I stand by all these choices, I'll just admit right away I haven't covered a fraction of all the amazing stories out there. Stick with me, this has a point; if you feel like I've missed some fics that are ridiculously fitting to the prompt, please tell me! And eerh as the recs will show I have a thing for Brad and Nate, and I really am sorry to those who are fans of other pairings.
Tug of War by romanticalgirl
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Brad/Nate
“I can’t do it, Brad. I can love you, but I can’t make you love me, and I sure as fuck can’t make you love yourself."
Brad is so painfully vulnerable here, almost managing to push Nate away before he knows what he's doing. This hurt (as these recs should), but it's so wonderfully written and romanticalgirl nails emotionally retarded Brad.
The Dog Days Are Over by hackthis
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Brad/Nate, Brad/OFC
It's possible to just wake up one morning and not have anything left to give.
It's not that he doesn't care for Brad, he's just not sure that it's enough.
It's obvious that Brad is favored by most writers as the emotianal repressed, so I never really reflected on how it would work out if roles were reversed. And boy is this fic a punch in the gut, with Nate being the one who walks out on Brad. Hackthis also plays with format, and it works and makes the story that much better.
The Messenger by hackthis
Rating: PG
Pairing: Brad/Nate
Oh god, yes I'll admit it this made me cry. This is pretty short so talking too much about it would probably only serve to spoil the story, BUT it's VERY angsty and painful and please note the warning in the beginning.
A Crowd Is Not Company by chlorate
Rating: R
Pairing: Brad/Nate
Words: 32 000
Summary: AU, late 19th-century America. Nathaniel Fick arrives in the rural town of Mathilda, Iowa, to build a school. He boards with Brad Colbert, a local farmer, and Brad's six hired men.
Walt insists "Promise you'll stay. Please."
It's surprising, the vehemence in his voice. "Why?" Nate asks.
"Because," Walt says. "Brad needs you. He takes care of all of us, but he needs help. He needs you."
This is an epic lovestory, with a universe so detailed and visual and perfect and painful and... guh! Nothing comes easy in this fic, and Nate watches as Brad stoically works through all the shit life (Encino Man) throws at him (and yes, it's a lot). It is also has an amazing Ray and Walt, who are fiercely loyal to Brad.
The Music Thief by oxoniensis
Pairing: Brad/Nate
Part of a Regency!AU (follow- up to Trip A Lake Fantastic), with the point of view of Ella the maid.
It's all terribly romantic and sad. She's heard the rumours, that Lord Fick is to be engaged to the Lady Helena, but she can't believe he wants that, not after seeing him and Mr. Colbert together. No one kisses the way they kissed unless they're desperately in love.
As a big fan of Jane Austen (or Mr. Darcy in a wet shirt), the first part of this AU was just breathtakingly beautiful. Oxoniensis is such a great writer, and here we see that it isn't just for gentlemen in 19th century England to live together happily ever after. This can also be me shamelessly trying to keep the idea of this series alive.
Masterpost where you can prompt and sign up as rec'er (please do)