spn_j2_xmas (mostly) roundup (recs 4eva)
I finally got round to reading some of the fics - I didn't even get to my gift until late. So I went on a commenting spree and also a mini reccing spree. I'm not close to done yet, especially with the longer fics, and some of the art. Please do comment on the things that you enjoy.
First off, this is the lovely gift that I got from sophiap . Two of my highlighted likes were: Medieval AU (which is a concept I am far too invested in, and I mean really invested in) and Sam's face, and this delivers in spades. There's a whole story behind that image that leaves me intrigued, and also wanting to know exactly which supernatural event (or french attack) has Sam looking so tired and grim. Leave the artist some love :D
My own fic was the aptly named oh sea-starved, hungry sea (Sam/Dean) which was my attempt to articulate how post s6 Sam and Dean might alternately reconcile some of the problems they just won't talk about
Art
Strip Club Junk and Punk Rock Clubs (Jared/Jensen) dollarformyname NSFW - the colours in this are absolutely fabulous, and I have spent an unspecified amount of time staring at Jared and his pole, and Jensen and his guitar. Fantastic stuff.
Stay Off the Moors (Sam and Dean) quickreaver - the sense of motion in this is amazing, another piece of art that tells a story in a second. Also BAMF Sam is my greatest weakness and my greatest love.
At the end of all things (Sam and Dean) amberdreams - this piece evokes such a sense of autumn and melancholy, and awesome perspective as well. I love pieces of art that make me feel things and this delivered.
After the hunt becc_j (Sam and Dean) I'm in love with the way that Dean is looking at Sam in this, and also the sheer relaxation of their poses. Plus all the shadowing. It's got a really great feel to it.
Fic
For the Time Being (Sam/Dean/Cas) de-nugis This is amazing - there's so much haunting history in it, and what's even better, a haunting future, it exists in this weird uneasy balance of what Dean and Cas might still do to Sam, while wearing the coat of comfort.
Half a heart without you (Sam/Dean, onesided Jo/John) glovered There's nothing like a fic that can balance humour with a little touch of romance, and this did it to perfection - the image of genderswapped John roaming the town looking for his sons and fending off Jo's advances shouldn't work with the burgeoning relationship with Sam and Dean...but it totally does.
three's a crowd (Sam/Tamara) snickfic I am incapable of not reccing good Tamara fic, and I love the creepiness of this. There's all this unspoken history and menace, as well as unanswered questions regarding Dean. It crams in a lot into a short length.
a little complication (Sam/Dean) steeplechasers I adore kink-gone-wrong fics and this fits in perfectly with that genre. Dean is deeply regretting the purchase of a pair of handcuffs, and the story is not just about that but about forgiveness in general. Adorable.
He That Believeth, (past Sam/Dean) laughablelament - beautifully put together case fic with real atmosphere and thought behind it, also all the little hints about where their relationship went wrong and how it might be fixed were really compelling. Command me to be well (Jared/Jensen) riyku - J2 at a gay conversion camp. Beautifully written as always, something delicate and lovely about it, that makes you want to know the end and keep reading.