WC Themed Recs: Neal's Origin (AU)
In the fandom there is a tendency to speculate about Neal’s past while Peter’s past is mostly written about in close connection to the show. I think everyone has their own idea about his childhood and how he became such a talented criminal, and even if “Forging Bonds” and “What Happens in Burma” surely threw over a lot of theories, it’s always fun to read about other possibilities.
Especially the Lies by adina
http://adina-atl.livejournal.com/165554.html
This story is so good, before it got jossed it was my own personal canon. Peter has the questionable pleasure of meeting Neal’s family. What I really love about this story is the clever double talk. Plus, this one is a prime execution of the old writing rule “show, don’t tell”. Although the description of the family is not over the top, at the end of the story you will be ready to excuse every crime Neal has done in his life.
Artistic Lights by GhirardelliFan
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5799651/1/Artistic_Lights
This is one of the “Neal ran away when he was younger” stories, but he didn’t just run away, he literally went into hiding. I’m of two minds about this story. I adore the beginning there are parts I love (especially the description of the paintings) but there are also some depressing parts, and I was a little bit dissatisfied with the ending. Nevertheless well worth the read.
Long Night by kriadydragon
http://kriadydragon.livejournal.com/228805.html#cutid1
Well, kriadydragon is never happy with satisfying just one fan desire. In this one, a secret from Neal’s past makes his life difficult. And on top of it, he is ill. So, a lot of drama there, but of the good kind. I’m actually not sure if this is really an AU, since it fits into canon at the moment, but I have the feeling that it will get jossed sooner or later.
Identity by HlysComment
http://m.fanfiction.net/s/6331376/1/
This story is a real tear jerker. I don’t want to reveal too much, but Neal tells Peter about the one dramatic moment which changed his life forever. Together they face Neal’s past and inner demons - with unexpected results.
NEW!
Ambitions by wraithkeeper
http://archiveofourown.org/works/151501
I’m not a big fan of the “Abused as a child”-Theory. You can find stories with this theme in nearly every fandom, and they are rarely well done. But now I then I find a gem between them. “Ambitions” is such a gem, because the structure of the story is fairly unique. The abuse isn’t explicit (a real plus in my book); instead the focus is on Neal’s feelings. Short but heart-griping.
Confidence Man by nefhiriel
http://nefhiriel.livejournal.com/23564.html
http://nefhiriel.livejournal.com/23868.html
And another gem: Neal meets the abuser of his teen years. The most difficult part about abuse stories is to find the right balance for the amount of violence, the emotional impact and the victimizing of a beloved character. This story manages perfectly to rough Neal up physically and emotionally without turning him into a wreck or letting him shrug off everything too easily. If all abuse-fanfictions were written this well, I would like the theme much better.