J2 Mini-Recs: Africa
These are a few of my favorite things fics: I've always loved the way fiction can transport the reader to another place or time, and these fics are sometimes the next best thing to a plane ticket and much cheaper. ^_^ (And in these instances, possibly safer, too)
Ashes of the Moon by corbyinoz
Rating: NC-17
Word count: 42,000
Warnings: Violence, swearing, angst, h/c, minor character death
Summary: Jared is newly arrived at his church's mission in Kibilisa, Africa when his world is suddenly turned inside out. As the country is plunged into a civil war, Jared is left to lead the children who remain in his care on a hazardous search for some form of safety. When their group comes across Jensen, an english-speaker with an intimate knowledge of the fragmenting country, Jared looks on him as a godsend. And it turns out that helping Jared and his charges just may be what brings Jensen back from his self-imposed exile. Lovely lovely story of self-discovery and redemption under harrowing circumstances. (Not an easy read, though, and possibly trigger-y for anyone with PTSD or experience of war-torn societies.)
With You Under a Cold, Bright Sky by arabia764
Rating: NC-17
Word count: approx. 120,000
Summary: Jensen meets Jared at a training camp for gifted young Olympic hopefuls. Their relationship encompasses tragedies, decades and continents and is one of the most absorbing and, in the end, uplifting, fics I have ever come across. When I first saw the author's summary I admit my thoughts were: 'seriously? - teen gymnasts? gee, I wonder where this is going' - and then all my preconceptions were blown completely out of the water. Jared is drawn amazingly here, tragedy sending his life down a darker road than he could ever prepare for, but this is Jensen's fic really. The transformation of his character from naive circus prodigy, through the loss of his dream and the loneliness of a suspended love, to a competent and engaged aid worker is both believable and unexpected. And the way he helps a Jared rendered emotionally fragile and out of his depth, by bringing him along to Africa to find a new dream that they both can share, is just - no words. Perfect and moving and completely unique!
It's Gonna Take a Lot by kelleigh
Rating: R
Word Count: 20,000 words
The summer that Jared takes to follow his mentor to Africa becomes the most important summer of his life when he meets Jensen Ackles, born on the continent and raised to take over his family's farm, where Jared just happens to be spending his internship. Jensen, for his part, is of two minds. He welcomes a friend and the chance to spend time away from his usual labors and show Jared around. But Jensen has a secret he's been keeping from his family - and a reason to want to leave his family duties behind. When political changes shift the ground under their feet, will Jensen be able to choose between his country and his dream? (and Jared?) I loved the decription of the boys' romantic trip to the falls as much as I felt for Jensen's divided loyalties. Heck, I even love the title, 80s music geek that I am. Just a stellar piece of 'postcard' fic with a happy sense of you-were-there.