Yuletide 2016 Gifts & Recs Part I
Every year I'm blown away by the sheer talent displayed during the Yuletide Challenge and this year was no exception! Thank you to my mystery writers, the mods, and everyone who participated for making my holiday season that much brighter!
Here's Part I of my recs because I'm still going through the archive.
The Woods are Lovely, Dark, and Deep (14,994 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Over the Garden Wall
Rating/Warnings: Not Rated (General Audiences), Background pairings
Characters: Sara, Original Characters
Additional Tags: Post-Canon, World-Building
Summary: Lost in the Forest, Sara tries to find her way home and meets more than a few unusual strangers along the way.
Notes: My gift fic and it is amazing! This story follows Sara (post college graduation) lost in the Unknown. It's tonally a perfect match for the source material, but the best part is that nearly all the characters are original. It's exactly like reading a continuation in the universe, but without rehashing anything so it's just as fresh and vibrant as the original series. I cannot highly recommend this story enough, you can read and enjoy it without knowing the canon but if you loved the canon it's just like getting a spin-off story. This is everything I've ever wanted in a OTGW sequel and more!
*
Husband-Bros (334 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Blades of Glory (2007)
Rating/Warnings: Teen and Up Audiences
Characters: Jimmy MacElroy, Chazz Michael Michaels, Jimmy x Chazz x Katie
Additional Tags: OT3, Polyamory, Humor, Pre-Wedding Jitters
Summary: Chazz and Jimmy prepare to join Katie in marital bliss. Which means it's time for a classic Michaels pep talk.
Notes: This was my Yuletide treat gift and it's chock full of hilariously in-character dialogue!
*
Under a Broken Sky (2951 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Aladdin (1992)
Rating/Warnings: Gen
Characters: Aladdin, Genie, Jasmine
Additional Tags: Post-Canon, Post-Apocalypse, Far Future, Lost Technology, Alternate HIstory
Summary: Aladdin, as king-to-be, begins his formal schooling and as his knowledge grows, so does his curiosity. Luckily for Aladdin, the Genie is there as a living witness to all that came Before.
Notes: I don't subscribe to the “Aladdin takes place in the far future” theory, but this is so heart-breakingly well done it's definitely worth a read if you enjoy the source material at all.
Shout out to all the Aladdin fics in the archive this year because they're all enjoyable and great additions to our tiny fandom so also check out Diplomacy and The First Lady as well! Both of them feature Aladdin and Jasmine working on becoming co-rulers of Agrabah.
*
Fix the Future (100 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Back to the Future
Warnings: Teen and Up Audience
Characters: Marty McFly, Emmett “Doc” Brown
Additional Tags: Drabble, Alternate Future
Summary: Doc needs Mary one more time...
Notes: For everyone who felt like this year was ruined by time travelers
*
Five Times the Childlike Empress Wasn't Really There (1398) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: The Neverending Story, Labyrinth, The Wizard of Oz, The Princess Bride, Perceval - the Story of the Grail, Chronicles of Narnia
Rating/Warnings: Gen, background F/M
Characters: Childlike Empress, Goblin King, The Wizard (Oz), Buttercup (Princess-Bride), Fisher King (Arthurian) Aslan
Additional Tags: Meta
Summary: That moment when all you can do is wait. And perhaps find some company to talk shop with.
Notes: An atmospheric meta-ish/post-modern-ish piece about the Childlike Empress drifting through different stories and encountering their players.
*
Exclusive, Mutually (1,507 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Arrested Development
Rating/Warnings: General Audiences, M/M
Characters: Michael Bluth, Lindsay Bluth, Gob Bluth, Tony Wonder, Gob x Tony
Additional Tags: Weddings
Summary: “You realize they’re only even having a wedding for the attention, right?” Michael asked.
Lindsay looked at him quizzically. “Well, yeah, why else?”
Notes: Everything about this is spot-on Arrested Development from Michael's cynical narration to Lindsay's surprising insight, to Tony and Gob having a giddy magician-y wedding.
*
You Got Male (3,702 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Arrested Development
Rating/Warnings: Teen and Up Audiences
Characters: Gob Bluth, Tony Wonder
Additional Tags: Humor, Miscommunication
Summary: Gob and Tony make a connection, miss their connection, connect, and then fail to make the connection.
Notes: A laugh out loud story that feels like it could be integrated as the extended cut of the Gob season four arc. Gob and Tony are perfectly in-character as they blunder through clumsy deception, unexpected truths, and of course inappropriate use of Forget-Me-Nows.
*
Welcome to the Family (344 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Bob's Burgers
Rating/Warnings: General Audiences
Characters: Louise Belcher, Tina Belcher
Additional Tags: Sibling Bonding, Humor, Slice of Life, Vignette, Cheering Up
Summary: Louise decides to cheer up her sister with a small gift
Notes: An adorable piece that feels like it's right out of the show.
*
Four Letter Word (567 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Happy Days
Rating/Warnings: Teen and Up Audiences, M/M
Characters: Richie Cunningham, Arthur Fonzarelli, Richie x Fonzi
Additional Tags: Future Fic, Fluff
Summary: Four moments between Richie and the Fonz.
Notes: Domestic fluff with Richie and the Fonz!
*
Keep Every Home Firing Burning (18,386 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Booster Gold, Blue Beetle, Justice League International, DC Comics, Super Buddies
Rating/Warnings: Teen and Up Audiences, M/M
Characters: Booster Gold/Michael Carter, Blue Beetle/Ted Kord, Rip Hunter, Oracle/Barbara Gordon
Additional Tags: Kid Fic, Alternate Universe, Reconciliation
Summary: Booster looked as young and bright and matinee-idol gorgeous as he had when Ted had last seen him, and for a heart-stopping moment it was as if the past three years had never happened, as if the concentrated effort Ted had made to excise Booster from his life and his heart had never taken effect, and Ted could walk up to him, throw an arm around his shoulders, and tell him his latest idea for a prank to pull on Guy.
Then he saw the baby.
Notes: Ted reconnects with Booster Gold after years of separation only to discover Booster has a son. But putting their friendship back together isn't as easy as it ought to be. Lots of angst and self-reflection slow burn before resolving into a solid happy ending.
*
Selected Moments in Introductory Symbology (5,685 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
Rating/Warnings: Teen and Up Audiences, M/F, F/F
Characters: Lyra Belaqua, Will Parry, Original Characters, Dame Hannah Relf, Serafina Pekkala, Master of Jordon, Lyra x Will, Lyra x Original Character
Additional Tags: Coming of Age, Bisexuality, Boarding School, University
Summary: Lyra in Oxford after the Fall, relearning the alethiometer and discovering a life of her own.
Notes: A well developed post-canon story about Lyra growing up. While she does still love Will that doesn't keep her from developing new friendships and finding love again which is healthy and refreshing. Lots of great lore details make it even more immersive without ever feeling clunky.
Here's Part I of my recs because I'm still going through the archive.
The Woods are Lovely, Dark, and Deep (14,994 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Over the Garden Wall
Rating/Warnings: Not Rated (General Audiences), Background pairings
Characters: Sara, Original Characters
Additional Tags: Post-Canon, World-Building
Summary: Lost in the Forest, Sara tries to find her way home and meets more than a few unusual strangers along the way.
Notes: My gift fic and it is amazing! This story follows Sara (post college graduation) lost in the Unknown. It's tonally a perfect match for the source material, but the best part is that nearly all the characters are original. It's exactly like reading a continuation in the universe, but without rehashing anything so it's just as fresh and vibrant as the original series. I cannot highly recommend this story enough, you can read and enjoy it without knowing the canon but if you loved the canon it's just like getting a spin-off story. This is everything I've ever wanted in a OTGW sequel and more!
*
Husband-Bros (334 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Blades of Glory (2007)
Rating/Warnings: Teen and Up Audiences
Characters: Jimmy MacElroy, Chazz Michael Michaels, Jimmy x Chazz x Katie
Additional Tags: OT3, Polyamory, Humor, Pre-Wedding Jitters
Summary: Chazz and Jimmy prepare to join Katie in marital bliss. Which means it's time for a classic Michaels pep talk.
Notes: This was my Yuletide treat gift and it's chock full of hilariously in-character dialogue!
*
Under a Broken Sky (2951 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Aladdin (1992)
Rating/Warnings: Gen
Characters: Aladdin, Genie, Jasmine
Additional Tags: Post-Canon, Post-Apocalypse, Far Future, Lost Technology, Alternate HIstory
Summary: Aladdin, as king-to-be, begins his formal schooling and as his knowledge grows, so does his curiosity. Luckily for Aladdin, the Genie is there as a living witness to all that came Before.
Notes: I don't subscribe to the “Aladdin takes place in the far future” theory, but this is so heart-breakingly well done it's definitely worth a read if you enjoy the source material at all.
Shout out to all the Aladdin fics in the archive this year because they're all enjoyable and great additions to our tiny fandom so also check out Diplomacy and The First Lady as well! Both of them feature Aladdin and Jasmine working on becoming co-rulers of Agrabah.
*
Fix the Future (100 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Back to the Future
Warnings: Teen and Up Audience
Characters: Marty McFly, Emmett “Doc” Brown
Additional Tags: Drabble, Alternate Future
Summary: Doc needs Mary one more time...
Notes: For everyone who felt like this year was ruined by time travelers
*
Five Times the Childlike Empress Wasn't Really There (1398) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: The Neverending Story, Labyrinth, The Wizard of Oz, The Princess Bride, Perceval - the Story of the Grail, Chronicles of Narnia
Rating/Warnings: Gen, background F/M
Characters: Childlike Empress, Goblin King, The Wizard (Oz), Buttercup (Princess-Bride), Fisher King (Arthurian) Aslan
Additional Tags: Meta
Summary: That moment when all you can do is wait. And perhaps find some company to talk shop with.
Notes: An atmospheric meta-ish/post-modern-ish piece about the Childlike Empress drifting through different stories and encountering their players.
*
Exclusive, Mutually (1,507 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Arrested Development
Rating/Warnings: General Audiences, M/M
Characters: Michael Bluth, Lindsay Bluth, Gob Bluth, Tony Wonder, Gob x Tony
Additional Tags: Weddings
Summary: “You realize they’re only even having a wedding for the attention, right?” Michael asked.
Lindsay looked at him quizzically. “Well, yeah, why else?”
Notes: Everything about this is spot-on Arrested Development from Michael's cynical narration to Lindsay's surprising insight, to Tony and Gob having a giddy magician-y wedding.
*
You Got Male (3,702 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Arrested Development
Rating/Warnings: Teen and Up Audiences
Characters: Gob Bluth, Tony Wonder
Additional Tags: Humor, Miscommunication
Summary: Gob and Tony make a connection, miss their connection, connect, and then fail to make the connection.
Notes: A laugh out loud story that feels like it could be integrated as the extended cut of the Gob season four arc. Gob and Tony are perfectly in-character as they blunder through clumsy deception, unexpected truths, and of course inappropriate use of Forget-Me-Nows.
*
Welcome to the Family (344 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Bob's Burgers
Rating/Warnings: General Audiences
Characters: Louise Belcher, Tina Belcher
Additional Tags: Sibling Bonding, Humor, Slice of Life, Vignette, Cheering Up
Summary: Louise decides to cheer up her sister with a small gift
Notes: An adorable piece that feels like it's right out of the show.
*
Four Letter Word (567 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Happy Days
Rating/Warnings: Teen and Up Audiences, M/M
Characters: Richie Cunningham, Arthur Fonzarelli, Richie x Fonzi
Additional Tags: Future Fic, Fluff
Summary: Four moments between Richie and the Fonz.
Notes: Domestic fluff with Richie and the Fonz!
*
Keep Every Home Firing Burning (18,386 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Booster Gold, Blue Beetle, Justice League International, DC Comics, Super Buddies
Rating/Warnings: Teen and Up Audiences, M/M
Characters: Booster Gold/Michael Carter, Blue Beetle/Ted Kord, Rip Hunter, Oracle/Barbara Gordon
Additional Tags: Kid Fic, Alternate Universe, Reconciliation
Summary: Booster looked as young and bright and matinee-idol gorgeous as he had when Ted had last seen him, and for a heart-stopping moment it was as if the past three years had never happened, as if the concentrated effort Ted had made to excise Booster from his life and his heart had never taken effect, and Ted could walk up to him, throw an arm around his shoulders, and tell him his latest idea for a prank to pull on Guy.
Then he saw the baby.
Notes: Ted reconnects with Booster Gold after years of separation only to discover Booster has a son. But putting their friendship back together isn't as easy as it ought to be. Lots of angst and self-reflection slow burn before resolving into a solid happy ending.
*
Selected Moments in Introductory Symbology (5,685 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
Rating/Warnings: Teen and Up Audiences, M/F, F/F
Characters: Lyra Belaqua, Will Parry, Original Characters, Dame Hannah Relf, Serafina Pekkala, Master of Jordon, Lyra x Will, Lyra x Original Character
Additional Tags: Coming of Age, Bisexuality, Boarding School, University
Summary: Lyra in Oxford after the Fall, relearning the alethiometer and discovering a life of her own.
Notes: A well developed post-canon story about Lyra growing up. While she does still love Will that doesn't keep her from developing new friendships and finding love again which is healthy and refreshing. Lots of great lore details make it even more immersive without ever feeling clunky.