A Hobbity Birthday: Part I
I wanted to have a hobbity birthday this year and give something back to my LJ friends and family. Consider yourselves be-gifted. *g*
Over the past month I've compiled a list of some of my favourite stories in order to form this massive recs list. It's not everything by a long shot, and I feel kinda bad about leaving some people off, but I've decided to keep this little project going for the future.
There should be something here for everyone, especially in the "Random" section. So go, read, discover new fandoms and people to lust after!!
In Enabling We Trust
Harry Potter
After the End by Arabella and Zsenya
If I had discovered this story much earlier, it could've completely assuaged any HP withdrawal I might have felt while waiting for Order of the Phoenix. I consider AtE to be Book Eight -- after the final defeat of Voldemort everyone is trying to put their lives back together. Everyone is given a chance to shine (okay, maybe Draco's a little left out, but the story's really centered on the OotP people in the first place) and the tone is extremely true to the books in my opinion. After the End is a great, if long, read -- don't let the length be off-putting, it's all worth it.
Naked Quidditch Match by Anya
The Weasley twins make a ill-timed and daft bet, but it all results in a series of "emails" that would make even Voldemort cry with laughter. It's a romping good time featuring Harry, the Weasleys, Hermione, the Gryffindor Quidditch team (including alum Oliver Wood), various members of the Hogwarts staff, Lucius Malfoy and Voldemort himself. A classic piece of comedy gold.
There Is No Such Place by lizbee
I now look at the HP-verse through NSP coloured glasses. The tag line reeled me in and my love for this story was complete by the end of the first chapter. Liz draws Snap and Lily with love and compassion, and she fleshes out rarely seen or mentioned characters (the Lonbottoms along with the Marauders) with as much talent. These are smart, funny and real people, not just caricatures. NSP is a shining example that fanfic can be just as good, if not better, than the source material.
The Revenge of Lord Vodkamort by lizbee
It's after the war and Harry and Co. have taken up residence in Hogsmeade. Things get interesting, and hilarious, from there. And there's mention of sporks. Whoo!
Girl Most Likely by lizbee
It's fifteen years after Voldemort's defeat and Liz takes us headlong into a juicy mystery involving Harry and Snape's teenage daughter, Lilith. Just dark enough to work and smart as ever, GML is another must read.
Not as a Last Resort by Arabella
Ron/Hermione believable (and funny) cuteness, just good clean wizarding fun. In the snow. Stuck in Hagrid's cabin. Cue the 'awwww's.
Haunted by Maidenjedi
Maidenjedi does a great job with Lupin (I especially liked the detail about the paintings remembering him from his younger days) and his feelings regarding Sirius before he knows the truth. It's one of those things I have to keep reminding myself, that Lupin really didn't know, and this was a great example of that very simple little fact.
Patterns by boniblithe
The first words that comes to mind about this story are careful and considered. Precise and perfect work too, and they keep up the alliteration theme. I think the "outside" characters in the HPverse are my favorites, especially the Weasley boys, and this was such a wonderful and caring look at Charlie -- even after the war he still has the same heart and concern as before. Loved it.
The Shoebox Project by dorkofic and ladyjaida
We've all collected bits and pieces of our history into various containers, say shoeboxes for instance. Take a hilarous, charming, and yes, loving read through the adventures of Remus, Sirius, James and Peter during their final years at Hogwarts. If this multimedia project doesn't become a long standing fandom classic, I might have to give up my key to the Fangirl Clubhouse.
Roman Holiday by Anna
I never counted myself as being in the Draco/Hermione camp, but great googly moogly, this story might have shifted my alliances just a tad. And there's sexy Snape for bonus points. Happiness is.
Slippery When Wet by musesfool
Oliver's a Keeper. And if he's too busy to whoop for himself, we've got to do it for him.
Third Time's the Charm
I love seemingly improbable stories. Being a Snape/Lupin, TTtC fits that bill, but I went in with my eyes open and came out actively liking Snape. For that alone, this story deserves my seal of approval. And oh yes, the dry humour laced throughout is quite the shiny bonus.
Lust Over Pendle by ajhalluk
There's a reason this story has been rec'd from here to Mongolia, it's just that damn good. Wicked mystery, wicked snark, wicked use of characters and the HP-verse...LoP got me through some very tough weeks at my old job; without it I might be sitting in jail right now for commiting random (but deserved) acts of violence against some of my more asshatty coworkers. And I can credit LoP for making me love Draco and Neville, two characters that I had pretty much ignored before reading.
Popslash
The Same Inside by Helen
I don't count myself as a Choey fan, but if I were to be completely converted, this would be the story to do it. The "Turned Into a Girl" stories seem to be a popslash mainstay, but what I love about The Same Inside is that Helen pays as much, or more, attention to the people on the periphery of the change. Since the story is told largely around Joey this might not be saying much, but the little glimpses we get of Justin, JC, and Lance (and my personal favourite, Theresa), are particularly hilarous and fabulous. It's like lemonade on a hot summer day, refreshing and with a sweet payoff in the end.
The Best Defense by Giddy
There's a reason why Chris is my favourite little malcontent, oh yes. Snarky Justin, spazzy JC and Lance as the object of lurve are happy little extras.
Something More by Chased Amy
A yearning, earnest Justin is more than even I can resist. He's been waiting for years to say that one thing -- a circumstance to which I can relate to more than I'd like.
Acclimate by Giddy
Chris tries to set Plan Good Cheer in motion. After a few rounds of alcohol and cookies, it's Chris that's the beneficiary of the Good Cheer...and all is right with the world.
Favor by synchronik
This was my Conversion Story. Picture it, a random Ft. Lauderdale hotel room, Challenge Weekend 2003. I not so innocently asked my roomies to introduce me to popslash...gjstruthseeker busted out Favor and that was it. This is a beautiful story, and even though I'm Trickyfish crazed, JoLa will always remain in a steady second because of this story.
On The Bus by synchronik
If you ever wanted to dip your toes into popslash, I think this series of shorts is a great place to start. You can get a real feel for the people, places and situations involved, plus they're very cute, funny, and hot. Two thumbs up from this corner!
Cult by rhyssj
I was born to be a minion in Chris Kirkpatrick's cult.
Sudbury by rhyssj
This story solidified my love for Lance. It also sentenced me to a lifetime of nattering on about a giant fucking Canadian nickel.
Lord of the Rings RPS
Sabotage / Subversion by ukcalico
Sabotage introduced me to not only the world of RPS, but to the world of Lotrips. Several of my friends shared similar experinces, so I'll go ahead and say that if you wanted to jump into RPS with both feet, then Sabotage is the fic for you. Sweet torture, great lines (and mental images), and it's hands down the hottest thing I've ever read. And damn if I don't find myself quoting bits and pieces to myself (trust me, it stays with you even after only one read) at random moments -- and smiling wide because of it all.
Subversion is a little quieter but no less hot, and for my money, I think I like it better than it's companion piece (Sabotage). Calico does a great job with sussing out the "Huh? Well, hell," tone of the story. It's something that's rare, and when it's done right -- colour me happy.
Blood Oranges by ukcalico
Cal takes us on Orlando's Pining Bus, and I've never been happier taking public transportation. Fruit, bizarre dreams, surfing, mini-vans and the obscenly funny thought's of a grown up twelve year old girl make this one of my favourite stories ever. It's a beautiful and harsh look at Longing, a concept universal in experience at appeal, and Cal certainly does it justice.
Dee @ Manflesh
I haven't read everything there, but what I have -- bless. Dee hits all my buttons and keeps me coming back for more. Smart, funny, touching and oh yeah, delicious too...the stories below are some of my favourites in the fandom (especially Ring Pull and Male Bonding. Plumbing shouldn't be missed either, no matter how weird the concept sounds upon first arrival.)
My favourites: The Closet, Eric the Potplant, Male Bonding, Plumbing, and Ring Pull
The Boy Band Theory by Cherry
Fandoms converge! Alert, alert! Simple, cute, and oh so funny for us that bridge the sound between lotrips and popslash.
Valiant Effort by eleanor_lavish and thepsychicclam
Not the most cracked out AU ever concieved, but it's definitely my favourite. The boys have a band, and you will love it, like, whoa.
due South
Note: All stories should be considered F/K unless otherwise stated.
About a Dog by cesperanza
I have a distinct weakness for a good, snarky Diefenbaker in my favourite dS stories. About a Dog goes a step beyond that...and holy hell, Dief plays Yenta.
Indelible by CL Finn
Fraser gets inked. That should be enough to sell you right there.
Wayward by viridian5
RayK goes a long way to satisfy my tacticle kink. He satisfies Fraser in the process. It's happiness all around, sweet Jesus yes.
Ping! by cesperanza
"Haven't you ever just *pinged* with a guy?" - Crichton to Aeryn, Farscape
Fraser makes 99.9% of the population ping, but it's seldom that he pings back. When he does, it drives poor, repressed Ray a little wonky.
Baresark by Laura Jacquez Valentine
We got a partnership, Fraser and me, a one-two punch and a kick in the head, not to mention a wolf what'll jump you from behind.
Blueprint by Journey
I guess I was a little un-accustomed to the novel length story before I started in the dS fandom. I've a notriously short attention span, even with the help of my Strattera, but it's stories like these that make me focus like there's nothing else going on...like trying to do papers in order to graduate university. *cough* Anyway, Blueprint ranks among my favourite post-COTW stories. Not overly weighed down with angst, it shows both Fraser and Ray off to the best of their abilities (and some of their faults), and gosh, it just has the sweetest first date in history.
Does a Body Good by Rowan F.
Fraser watching at it's finest; and glory be, it almost makes me want to start drinking milk again.
Chicago's Most Wanted by cesperanza
No doubt a fandom classic. I was laughing so hard that I didn't realize what a hard hitting love story lay beneth. The interaction between Ray and Welsh is particularly fab, in my opinion. Everyone needs to read this. If you do, and don't like it, well, cue my boggling eyes.
Mister Instinct by lamardeuse
MOTB provided that spark that the guys needed. Ray wants to make snow angels. Trust me, these things do go together.
More Than You Know by Beth H. (bethbethbeth)
Well, what do you know, dreams really do come true.
Old Lock, New Key by Bone
God, if only the Vecchio-to-Kowalski transition had worked out like this. One of the most touching Fraser's I've had the pleasure of reading.
Reason Never Knows by Surfgirl
This satisfies both by Frannie weakness, and my desire for good "Frannie buys a clue" stories. Considerate to all those involved.
Teeth of the Hydra by resonant8
I never know quite what to say about this story. I read it very early in my dS experience, and it coloured the way I saw Ray Kowalski from then on. I probably would have loved him anyway, but the history provided for him in this story? That's how I'll always think of him, and I think I'm the better for it.
Random
So Many Soldiers by mazily (The Pretender)
Fairy tales were originally made to be unsettling. So Many Soliders carries on this fine tradition, manages to perfectly capture the peculiar knowing wink and nod of the series, and gives voice to the inner Miss Parker that I fell in love with all those years ago.
Skuka, Holod i Granit by mazily (Babylon 5)
Like Miss Parker, Susan Ivanova is one of my all time character idols. This little story does so much justice to her, and to Marcus, that it makes me misty....and makes me laugh. Their love story is completely unique, and frustrating, and fabulously doomed but we don't care -- the story is more important than the ending.
Once Upon a Legend by Chris Anderson (Babylon 5)
One of the most intense pieces of fiction I have ever read, and all the more powerful because of its length. Worth a read from any B5 fan...and for those that have never seen the series, this story showcases exactly why we fans love it so.
"...that history will remember our names with awe....but they will never remember us the way that we remember each other, and they'll only know the tales of what we did as stories, not as memories."
Clockwork Mice by daegaer (Good Omens)
The Ten Commandments used to set my mental image of The Exodus, but now it's set as a merry battle between Aziraphale and Crowley. Let me just say, Ten. Times. Better.
Lightning was splitting the sky and Aziraphale was dancing round, dramatically backlit and gleefully yelling something. Crowley had no immediate wish to find out what. He applauded sarcastically, and got out of the area before Anyone noticed one small demon hanging around.
Close Enough and it's sequel,But Not Quite by misswindy (Everwood)
Bright/Laynie is soooo the random ship of Everwood, and for good reason. You really have to work at a reason for these two to even be together in the same room, never mind any romantic type entanglements. misswindy gives us a portrait of a very fucked up, but almost sincere relationship between Laynie and Bright. It's an unsentimental look at these two oddballs, completely opposite of how I tend to write them, and I think that makes me appreciate these two stories all the more.
When Stavros Met Sofia by butterflykiki (Alias)
If Kiki wrote for Alias, I might never be pulled away from the screen. Either that, or they'd have to wheel me out in a straight jacket 'cause I've gone around the bend from laughing too much. Learn the Sweiss. Love the Sweiss.
The Happiest Place on Earth by hackthis (The O.C.)
Zahra channels a wonderfully endearing and spastic Seth on his first "date" with Ryan. Shit acutally makes me want to go to Anaheim, that's how good it is.
Doors by serialkarma (The O.C.)
Sandy's by far my favourite character on the show. serialkarma gives me clear indication to why that is.
The Very Secret Diary of Captain Jack Sparrow by viva_gloria (PotC/RotK)
Captain Jack and the Pearl find themselves in the middle of the last great battle of the Third Age of Middle Earth. That's where using a wonky compass can become a right kick in the arse.
"Huge armada assembled here at river delta. Most of larger ships (50 or so) have black sails; as usual, the Black Pearl is inspiration to all. Inspiration does not go as far as raggedy sails with huge holes, but we gave that look up ourselves, due to lack of forward motion. Forward motion seems not to be problem with the ships, as despite ridiculous rigging they glide through water with greatest of ease."
Pipefitter's Clubhouse by d_v_8 (Hard Core Logo)
Pipe knows more than he ever lets on. Billy 'n' Joe space that hits the nail right on the head. There's a damn good reason why so many of us are mildly obsessed with this film.
Shadows by brooklinegirl (Hard Core Logo)
The Billy 'n' Joe Show is a well loved theme, and dude, why shouldn't it be? But the quieter aspect to their relationship (and c'mon, there had to be one) is less recognized. This is a story of that addictive tug of war between the two leads of HCL, that mystical, honest, and brutal tie that binds them together no matter what. I freaking bawled the first time I read this, and that should tell you something right there.
Blue Tattoo by Miss Muskeg (Hard Core Logo)
I dare you to read this and then not cry the next time you hear the song.
Playdough by Sangga (MI-5/Spooks)
Poor, poor Zoe, having to deal with two silly boys.
Comfort Challenged by elishavah
Okay, so if Zoe can't have Tom, she can have Sark instead. Go girl!
Anger Management by queenofalostart (Smallville)
Somehow I missed this when she first wrote it, but I'm so glad I found it later. Chloe with anger management issues, a dirty mouth, and a serious problem involving Lex Luthor and a closet. (non Chlex)
The Whitney Diaries by queenofalostart (Smallville)
One of the most amazing pieces of SV fic that you've never read. I still wonder why this wasn't canon. And plus, Whitney.
Hurricane Jack by shrift
I read half of this story just before meeting shrift, and now she'll always have a little bit of Captain Jack about her. It's strange, but damned funny. None of this should deter you from reading this story. Best damn Jack voice, evah.
Constable Joe by sister_wolf
Dude. Dude. Mommy, may I have Joe Dick as a Mountie? Puh-lease!!! Laugh till you weep, kiddies.
It's going to be so weird for me to finally see these eps and without Joe's presence. I will cry for an entirely different reason. Heh.
Devil's Road by sister_wolf
There's a particular art to crossover stories, and imo, Devil's Road is the masterpiece of masterpieces. Ray, Fraser, Billy and Joe all in one story, twisted as they come, but oh so enjoyable. And I still maintain that Deif's the most functional one out of all of them. Would you honestly expect less from that wolf?
Standard of Care by Doc (the new Battlestar Galactica)
Long fic that centers around the slightly original character of Dr. Kylen Salik, Chief Medical Officer on the Galactica. She's fun, smart, and gives Capt. Adama a run for his money. A great look at the goings on of the ship from a slightly less central perspective.
Socks by Crystal Wimmer (BSG)
I've got a clear yen for the Lee/Kara stories, but this one fits my bill to a tee. Short, with heart, and bordering on that friendship/romantic border, Socks gets the job done.
Our Fearless Leader by Crystal Wimmer
A pretty damned realistic view of what the semi-immediate aftermath of Judgement Day might entail for the new CAG.
Over the past month I've compiled a list of some of my favourite stories in order to form this massive recs list. It's not everything by a long shot, and I feel kinda bad about leaving some people off, but I've decided to keep this little project going for the future.
There should be something here for everyone, especially in the "Random" section. So go, read, discover new fandoms and people to lust after!!
In Enabling We Trust
Harry Potter
After the End by Arabella and Zsenya
If I had discovered this story much earlier, it could've completely assuaged any HP withdrawal I might have felt while waiting for Order of the Phoenix. I consider AtE to be Book Eight -- after the final defeat of Voldemort everyone is trying to put their lives back together. Everyone is given a chance to shine (okay, maybe Draco's a little left out, but the story's really centered on the OotP people in the first place) and the tone is extremely true to the books in my opinion. After the End is a great, if long, read -- don't let the length be off-putting, it's all worth it.
Naked Quidditch Match by Anya
The Weasley twins make a ill-timed and daft bet, but it all results in a series of "emails" that would make even Voldemort cry with laughter. It's a romping good time featuring Harry, the Weasleys, Hermione, the Gryffindor Quidditch team (including alum Oliver Wood), various members of the Hogwarts staff, Lucius Malfoy and Voldemort himself. A classic piece of comedy gold.
There Is No Such Place by lizbee
I now look at the HP-verse through NSP coloured glasses. The tag line reeled me in and my love for this story was complete by the end of the first chapter. Liz draws Snap and Lily with love and compassion, and she fleshes out rarely seen or mentioned characters (the Lonbottoms along with the Marauders) with as much talent. These are smart, funny and real people, not just caricatures. NSP is a shining example that fanfic can be just as good, if not better, than the source material.
The Revenge of Lord Vodkamort by lizbee
It's after the war and Harry and Co. have taken up residence in Hogsmeade. Things get interesting, and hilarious, from there. And there's mention of sporks. Whoo!
Girl Most Likely by lizbee
It's fifteen years after Voldemort's defeat and Liz takes us headlong into a juicy mystery involving Harry and Snape's teenage daughter, Lilith. Just dark enough to work and smart as ever, GML is another must read.
Not as a Last Resort by Arabella
Ron/Hermione believable (and funny) cuteness, just good clean wizarding fun. In the snow. Stuck in Hagrid's cabin. Cue the 'awwww's.
Haunted by Maidenjedi
Maidenjedi does a great job with Lupin (I especially liked the detail about the paintings remembering him from his younger days) and his feelings regarding Sirius before he knows the truth. It's one of those things I have to keep reminding myself, that Lupin really didn't know, and this was a great example of that very simple little fact.
Patterns by boniblithe
The first words that comes to mind about this story are careful and considered. Precise and perfect work too, and they keep up the alliteration theme. I think the "outside" characters in the HPverse are my favorites, especially the Weasley boys, and this was such a wonderful and caring look at Charlie -- even after the war he still has the same heart and concern as before. Loved it.
The Shoebox Project by dorkofic and ladyjaida
We've all collected bits and pieces of our history into various containers, say shoeboxes for instance. Take a hilarous, charming, and yes, loving read through the adventures of Remus, Sirius, James and Peter during their final years at Hogwarts. If this multimedia project doesn't become a long standing fandom classic, I might have to give up my key to the Fangirl Clubhouse.
Roman Holiday by Anna
I never counted myself as being in the Draco/Hermione camp, but great googly moogly, this story might have shifted my alliances just a tad. And there's sexy Snape for bonus points. Happiness is.
Slippery When Wet by musesfool
Oliver's a Keeper. And if he's too busy to whoop for himself, we've got to do it for him.
Third Time's the Charm
I love seemingly improbable stories. Being a Snape/Lupin, TTtC fits that bill, but I went in with my eyes open and came out actively liking Snape. For that alone, this story deserves my seal of approval. And oh yes, the dry humour laced throughout is quite the shiny bonus.
Lust Over Pendle by ajhalluk
There's a reason this story has been rec'd from here to Mongolia, it's just that damn good. Wicked mystery, wicked snark, wicked use of characters and the HP-verse...LoP got me through some very tough weeks at my old job; without it I might be sitting in jail right now for commiting random (but deserved) acts of violence against some of my more asshatty coworkers. And I can credit LoP for making me love Draco and Neville, two characters that I had pretty much ignored before reading.
Popslash
The Same Inside by Helen
I don't count myself as a Choey fan, but if I were to be completely converted, this would be the story to do it. The "Turned Into a Girl" stories seem to be a popslash mainstay, but what I love about The Same Inside is that Helen pays as much, or more, attention to the people on the periphery of the change. Since the story is told largely around Joey this might not be saying much, but the little glimpses we get of Justin, JC, and Lance (and my personal favourite, Theresa), are particularly hilarous and fabulous. It's like lemonade on a hot summer day, refreshing and with a sweet payoff in the end.
The Best Defense by Giddy
There's a reason why Chris is my favourite little malcontent, oh yes. Snarky Justin, spazzy JC and Lance as the object of lurve are happy little extras.
Something More by Chased Amy
A yearning, earnest Justin is more than even I can resist. He's been waiting for years to say that one thing -- a circumstance to which I can relate to more than I'd like.
Acclimate by Giddy
Chris tries to set Plan Good Cheer in motion. After a few rounds of alcohol and cookies, it's Chris that's the beneficiary of the Good Cheer...and all is right with the world.
Favor by synchronik
This was my Conversion Story. Picture it, a random Ft. Lauderdale hotel room, Challenge Weekend 2003. I not so innocently asked my roomies to introduce me to popslash...gjstruthseeker busted out Favor and that was it. This is a beautiful story, and even though I'm Trickyfish crazed, JoLa will always remain in a steady second because of this story.
On The Bus by synchronik
If you ever wanted to dip your toes into popslash, I think this series of shorts is a great place to start. You can get a real feel for the people, places and situations involved, plus they're very cute, funny, and hot. Two thumbs up from this corner!
Cult by rhyssj
I was born to be a minion in Chris Kirkpatrick's cult.
Sudbury by rhyssj
This story solidified my love for Lance. It also sentenced me to a lifetime of nattering on about a giant fucking Canadian nickel.
Lord of the Rings RPS
Sabotage / Subversion by ukcalico
Sabotage introduced me to not only the world of RPS, but to the world of Lotrips. Several of my friends shared similar experinces, so I'll go ahead and say that if you wanted to jump into RPS with both feet, then Sabotage is the fic for you. Sweet torture, great lines (and mental images), and it's hands down the hottest thing I've ever read. And damn if I don't find myself quoting bits and pieces to myself (trust me, it stays with you even after only one read) at random moments -- and smiling wide because of it all.
Subversion is a little quieter but no less hot, and for my money, I think I like it better than it's companion piece (Sabotage). Calico does a great job with sussing out the "Huh? Well, hell," tone of the story. It's something that's rare, and when it's done right -- colour me happy.
Blood Oranges by ukcalico
Cal takes us on Orlando's Pining Bus, and I've never been happier taking public transportation. Fruit, bizarre dreams, surfing, mini-vans and the obscenly funny thought's of a grown up twelve year old girl make this one of my favourite stories ever. It's a beautiful and harsh look at Longing, a concept universal in experience at appeal, and Cal certainly does it justice.
Dee @ Manflesh
I haven't read everything there, but what I have -- bless. Dee hits all my buttons and keeps me coming back for more. Smart, funny, touching and oh yeah, delicious too...the stories below are some of my favourites in the fandom (especially Ring Pull and Male Bonding. Plumbing shouldn't be missed either, no matter how weird the concept sounds upon first arrival.)
My favourites: The Closet, Eric the Potplant, Male Bonding, Plumbing, and Ring Pull
The Boy Band Theory by Cherry
Fandoms converge! Alert, alert! Simple, cute, and oh so funny for us that bridge the sound between lotrips and popslash.
Valiant Effort by eleanor_lavish and thepsychicclam
Not the most cracked out AU ever concieved, but it's definitely my favourite. The boys have a band, and you will love it, like, whoa.
due South
Note: All stories should be considered F/K unless otherwise stated.
About a Dog by cesperanza
I have a distinct weakness for a good, snarky Diefenbaker in my favourite dS stories. About a Dog goes a step beyond that...and holy hell, Dief plays Yenta.
Indelible by CL Finn
Fraser gets inked. That should be enough to sell you right there.
Wayward by viridian5
RayK goes a long way to satisfy my tacticle kink. He satisfies Fraser in the process. It's happiness all around, sweet Jesus yes.
Ping! by cesperanza
"Haven't you ever just *pinged* with a guy?" - Crichton to Aeryn, Farscape
Fraser makes 99.9% of the population ping, but it's seldom that he pings back. When he does, it drives poor, repressed Ray a little wonky.
Baresark by Laura Jacquez Valentine
We got a partnership, Fraser and me, a one-two punch and a kick in the head, not to mention a wolf what'll jump you from behind.
Blueprint by Journey
I guess I was a little un-accustomed to the novel length story before I started in the dS fandom. I've a notriously short attention span, even with the help of my Strattera, but it's stories like these that make me focus like there's nothing else going on...like trying to do papers in order to graduate university. *cough* Anyway, Blueprint ranks among my favourite post-COTW stories. Not overly weighed down with angst, it shows both Fraser and Ray off to the best of their abilities (and some of their faults), and gosh, it just has the sweetest first date in history.
Does a Body Good by Rowan F.
Fraser watching at it's finest; and glory be, it almost makes me want to start drinking milk again.
Chicago's Most Wanted by cesperanza
No doubt a fandom classic. I was laughing so hard that I didn't realize what a hard hitting love story lay beneth. The interaction between Ray and Welsh is particularly fab, in my opinion. Everyone needs to read this. If you do, and don't like it, well, cue my boggling eyes.
Mister Instinct by lamardeuse
MOTB provided that spark that the guys needed. Ray wants to make snow angels. Trust me, these things do go together.
More Than You Know by Beth H. (bethbethbeth)
Well, what do you know, dreams really do come true.
Old Lock, New Key by Bone
God, if only the Vecchio-to-Kowalski transition had worked out like this. One of the most touching Fraser's I've had the pleasure of reading.
Reason Never Knows by Surfgirl
This satisfies both by Frannie weakness, and my desire for good "Frannie buys a clue" stories. Considerate to all those involved.
Teeth of the Hydra by resonant8
I never know quite what to say about this story. I read it very early in my dS experience, and it coloured the way I saw Ray Kowalski from then on. I probably would have loved him anyway, but the history provided for him in this story? That's how I'll always think of him, and I think I'm the better for it.
Random
So Many Soldiers by mazily (The Pretender)
Fairy tales were originally made to be unsettling. So Many Soliders carries on this fine tradition, manages to perfectly capture the peculiar knowing wink and nod of the series, and gives voice to the inner Miss Parker that I fell in love with all those years ago.
Skuka, Holod i Granit by mazily (Babylon 5)
Like Miss Parker, Susan Ivanova is one of my all time character idols. This little story does so much justice to her, and to Marcus, that it makes me misty....and makes me laugh. Their love story is completely unique, and frustrating, and fabulously doomed but we don't care -- the story is more important than the ending.
Once Upon a Legend by Chris Anderson (Babylon 5)
One of the most intense pieces of fiction I have ever read, and all the more powerful because of its length. Worth a read from any B5 fan...and for those that have never seen the series, this story showcases exactly why we fans love it so.
"...that history will remember our names with awe....but they will never remember us the way that we remember each other, and they'll only know the tales of what we did as stories, not as memories."
Clockwork Mice by daegaer (Good Omens)
The Ten Commandments used to set my mental image of The Exodus, but now it's set as a merry battle between Aziraphale and Crowley. Let me just say, Ten. Times. Better.
Lightning was splitting the sky and Aziraphale was dancing round, dramatically backlit and gleefully yelling something. Crowley had no immediate wish to find out what. He applauded sarcastically, and got out of the area before Anyone noticed one small demon hanging around.
Close Enough and it's sequel,But Not Quite by misswindy (Everwood)
Bright/Laynie is soooo the random ship of Everwood, and for good reason. You really have to work at a reason for these two to even be together in the same room, never mind any romantic type entanglements. misswindy gives us a portrait of a very fucked up, but almost sincere relationship between Laynie and Bright. It's an unsentimental look at these two oddballs, completely opposite of how I tend to write them, and I think that makes me appreciate these two stories all the more.
When Stavros Met Sofia by butterflykiki (Alias)
If Kiki wrote for Alias, I might never be pulled away from the screen. Either that, or they'd have to wheel me out in a straight jacket 'cause I've gone around the bend from laughing too much. Learn the Sweiss. Love the Sweiss.
The Happiest Place on Earth by hackthis (The O.C.)
Zahra channels a wonderfully endearing and spastic Seth on his first "date" with Ryan. Shit acutally makes me want to go to Anaheim, that's how good it is.
Doors by serialkarma (The O.C.)
Sandy's by far my favourite character on the show. serialkarma gives me clear indication to why that is.
The Very Secret Diary of Captain Jack Sparrow by viva_gloria (PotC/RotK)
Captain Jack and the Pearl find themselves in the middle of the last great battle of the Third Age of Middle Earth. That's where using a wonky compass can become a right kick in the arse.
"Huge armada assembled here at river delta. Most of larger ships (50 or so) have black sails; as usual, the Black Pearl is inspiration to all. Inspiration does not go as far as raggedy sails with huge holes, but we gave that look up ourselves, due to lack of forward motion. Forward motion seems not to be problem with the ships, as despite ridiculous rigging they glide through water with greatest of ease."
Pipefitter's Clubhouse by d_v_8 (Hard Core Logo)
Pipe knows more than he ever lets on. Billy 'n' Joe space that hits the nail right on the head. There's a damn good reason why so many of us are mildly obsessed with this film.
Shadows by brooklinegirl (Hard Core Logo)
The Billy 'n' Joe Show is a well loved theme, and dude, why shouldn't it be? But the quieter aspect to their relationship (and c'mon, there had to be one) is less recognized. This is a story of that addictive tug of war between the two leads of HCL, that mystical, honest, and brutal tie that binds them together no matter what. I freaking bawled the first time I read this, and that should tell you something right there.
Blue Tattoo by Miss Muskeg (Hard Core Logo)
I dare you to read this and then not cry the next time you hear the song.
Playdough by Sangga (MI-5/Spooks)
Poor, poor Zoe, having to deal with two silly boys.
Comfort Challenged by elishavah
Okay, so if Zoe can't have Tom, she can have Sark instead. Go girl!
Anger Management by queenofalostart (Smallville)
Somehow I missed this when she first wrote it, but I'm so glad I found it later. Chloe with anger management issues, a dirty mouth, and a serious problem involving Lex Luthor and a closet. (non Chlex)
The Whitney Diaries by queenofalostart (Smallville)
One of the most amazing pieces of SV fic that you've never read. I still wonder why this wasn't canon. And plus, Whitney.
Hurricane Jack by shrift
I read half of this story just before meeting shrift, and now she'll always have a little bit of Captain Jack about her. It's strange, but damned funny. None of this should deter you from reading this story. Best damn Jack voice, evah.
Constable Joe by sister_wolf
Dude. Dude. Mommy, may I have Joe Dick as a Mountie? Puh-lease!!! Laugh till you weep, kiddies.
It's going to be so weird for me to finally see these eps and without Joe's presence. I will cry for an entirely different reason. Heh.
Devil's Road by sister_wolf
There's a particular art to crossover stories, and imo, Devil's Road is the masterpiece of masterpieces. Ray, Fraser, Billy and Joe all in one story, twisted as they come, but oh so enjoyable. And I still maintain that Deif's the most functional one out of all of them. Would you honestly expect less from that wolf?
Standard of Care by Doc (the new Battlestar Galactica)
Long fic that centers around the slightly original character of Dr. Kylen Salik, Chief Medical Officer on the Galactica. She's fun, smart, and gives Capt. Adama a run for his money. A great look at the goings on of the ship from a slightly less central perspective.
Socks by Crystal Wimmer (BSG)
I've got a clear yen for the Lee/Kara stories, but this one fits my bill to a tee. Short, with heart, and bordering on that friendship/romantic border, Socks gets the job done.
Our Fearless Leader by Crystal Wimmer
A pretty damned realistic view of what the semi-immediate aftermath of Judgement Day might entail for the new CAG.