[ AI, Bones, Glee, House, Spirited Away, YYH ]
SHARING TIME:
So, uh. I appear to have a new fandom to play in. I managed to marathon about three seasons worth before I couldn't stand it anymore and needed makeouts stat. Thankfully, fandom provides.
AND ONTO THE RECS:
American Idol - 1 Fanfic
Bones - 8 Fanfics
Glee - 7 Fanfics
House - 1 Fanfic
Spirited Away - 1 Fanfic
Yuu Yuu Hakusho - 1 Fanfic
American Idol: Touch + Crutch by plasticeneposes - [Note: These two fics are entirely separate, but I'm putting them together into one rec anyway.] Okay, see. Way back in the first season of AI, I had this vague interest in the idea of Simon/Paula but never really got that deeply into the fandom and it was just sort of a fleeting thing. But I never entirely let it go, either, no matter how the show progressed later. And I saw this author had written a couple of fics and I couldn't resist and I tried to, but then the second one touched on Paula's difficulty having a good interview and it was just. These two short fics were little moments about how they gravitated towards each other, that quiet pull that was there, and I-- I thought, yeah, if it was fic like this, I could totally read more of this pairing. Dammit. Stop writing good fic, people! (Simon/Paula.)
Bones: From the Greek Paradeigma, Meaning "Example" by daygloparker - I am not sure I can possibly write a rec for this fic without making some sort of dolphin noises because omg IT IS BABYFIC. Like, maybe I should be a little shameful about how badly I wanted OMG BABYFIC but I kind of can't be given how gleeful I am after having finished this. It does a beautiful job of capturing the dynamic between Booth and Brennan and how they're so themselves while still moving forward. I love how many little moments are revealed between them, little insights into both characters, little moments of pitch-perfect dialogue, as they (kind of not) discuss pregnancy and where things are going and where they are, all in a way that fits with the characters I see on the screen. I don't think I stopped grinning the entire time, because it was just so damn much fun and because it was so perfect and, seriously, I can't even write a decent rec for this fic because I love it too much and it's just. Everything I wanted. Babyfic that's actually spot on, perfect, and sharp. I couldn't ask for more. (Booth/Brennan.)
Bones: Booth Surpasses Biological Imperative by lovelythings - *happy sigh* You know what else I wanted from fandom? There are two things. Babyfic and makeouts. I got the babyfic and now I'm on to the makeouts and this fic was just. It had a really stellar Brennan internal voice, that difficult to find line between her rational qualities and the glimmers of being a normal person in there. I love her point of view while she and Booth are together, even when they're making out up against the wall, they're so... them and really incredibly hot. Especially since this isn't the "tender baby-making sex", this is the "hot desperate up-against-the-door-because-we-can't-wait-another-minute sex". DO WANT, THANK YOU. (Booth/Brennan, hard R.)
Bones: five stages to imaginary etiquette by fated-addiction - I really like the way this fic takes the chance to explore Brennan's character from her own point of view, the way she's such a rational, direct person, but that doesn't mean she's always sure of herself, especially around Booth sometimes. There's a certain quality to this piece that reminds me of the show, actually, the way there's so much being said here that's not directly said, that's only coming through in half-said or half-thought phrases, but there's so much underneath that. I really like this Brennan, who is uncertain and not quite ready, but there's such a strong pull there, too. Lovely. (Booth/Brennan.)
Bones: Leverage by plasticeneposes - So, I tried not to get too attached to Hodgins/Angela, I didn't want to like them, I didn't want to care about them, I didn't want to be won over. But I was. And while I got into the fandom for the Booth/Brennan fic, I... I couldn't resist at least one fic for these two, not when it was porn! And it was lovely porn, it was sexy and sweet at the same time, but also just so incredibly them. Of course these two would have sex just like this right exactly where they were, it's so easy to see this sliding into canon. And I mentioned it was really pretty and really hot, right? Because it was. (Hodgins/Angela, NC-17.)
Bones: Everlong by _hazelnutcoffee - The summary of this fic is: Along the way, they solve more murders. But mostly, they grow old together. and that is a really lovely summary of what this fic is. It's the story of Booth and Brennan growing old together, done in a gorgeously told narrative that captures them both beautifully. It's not always perfect, there's a lot of sadness and harsh things to go through sometimes, but it's also good and they love each other, they have something really special here. It's one of those fics that's kind of quietly breathtaking and I want to write a perfect rec for, but can't quite find the words to describe how perfect this was for me. It's the way I see them going, even right down to Hodgins and Angela ending up together with four kids. Shut up, they totally did. >:| (Booth/Brennan, background Hodgins/Angela.)
Bones: Want to Screw Up by voleuse - This fic takes place during the first season, which I think will probably always be my favorite (or at least it is so far) and it's a simple case fic, with the scenes set out of order, little details being revealed as each piece goes along. It's a neat way to tell the story, I love that it's a fic focused on a straightforward case, and the voices for the cast are all spot-on. Sometimes I really do crave genfic for this fandom afterall, apparently. (No real warnings/pairings.)
Bones: (You and) Things Like You by runpunkrun and iamsab - I don't think I stopped grinning horribly the entire time I was reading this. The author has a great voice for Booth's narrative voice and both his and Brennan's outer voices, but it's also... there's so much layered in here, the little details that scream of how much they care about each other and subtly pay attention to each other. And then. There's a book signing and Brennan is so incredibly Brennan about it and the discussion in the car afterwards is just spot-on with their dynamic and I just. I love it with all my heart, okay. This is some fabulous banter right here. (Booth/Brennan.)
Bones: Better Than Ice Cream by lerdo - Every fandom or OTP needs their ice cream fic at least once. And this was a lovely, sweet piece that was uncomplicated (well, as uncomplicated as Booth and Brennan can get) and all about the simplicity of the moment with them. It did a nice job of conveying the pure sensation of eating ice cream on a hot day and was adorable all the way through, it was a nice read. Even if I really want ice cream now, sigh. (Booth/Brennan.)
Glee: untitled by pyrat_xo - This is a bit of a simple fic, it's just Tina on the piano while Puck plays guitar and they're just sort of... in the same room at the same time, for a brief moment. That's a lot of what I want from this fandom (--I can be not obsessed with pairings sometimes, you know!) and I really like what the author does here. It's not quite comfortable, but it's not terrible, either. Puck is still rough around the edges, but forces Tina out of her shell in a way, while she isn't exactly forgiving or trusting of him just yet. There are some good turns of phrase here as well (especially in the way Puck sees the rest of the club) and it was a cool piece to read this afternoon. (No warnings/pairings.)
Glee: How To Fight Loneliness by stainofmylove - I never know what to expect when I go randomly clicking without looking at the author's previous stuff, but fics like this one are the reason why I keep doing it. (Well, that and my apparent obsession with this pairing.) Because sometimes I get fics that just fly right on by, that get at the potential of these characters and aren't necessarily fluffy, that actually hurt in a lot of ways, but manage to move towards something better at the same time. That's what Puck and Rachel are for me--each of them trying to grow up, to deal with the other people in their lives, and both of them being driven to be better people around each other. And, hell, I love that this fic has them having sex without it being fluffy, either, which feels right to me for these two, the way Rachel does and yet doesn't use him for her own needs sometimes, too. I love that it's not easy, that Puck is still a real dick in a lot of ways. I love that this is the flawed Rachel I love so much. And, hell, even the sex was really hot, mm. I do wish there was another part of this one, it leaves off in a bit of cliffhanger, though, it actually stands pretty well on its own. And the dialogue/writing is worth reading for by itself. *__* (Puck/Rachel, NC-17.)
Glee: all of our moves make up for the silence by andbless_mybaby - I'm not entirely sure how to put all of my feelings about this fic into words, because it deserves a thoughtful rec. It's a harsh and painful fic in a lot of ways, much like Glee itself can be when it's really on its game. The author doesn't pull any punches away from what a hurtful bastard Puck can be, he is very easy to dislike in a lot of ways here, because that's part of who the character is, too. At the same time, the author does a fantastic job at showing there's more to it, that it's a little more complicated than that, making his dynamic with Rachel just so very fucked up and interesting. I love that it can be such a simple fic--they run into each other at a party, they have sex, it's complicated from there--can produce such a fascinating piece on both characters. Hell, even the sex is complicated--both hot and a little awkward, it felt right for these characters. (Puck/Rachel, NC-17.)
Glee: In All Honesty by Eldee - So, Tammaiya and I have tossed around the idea of Kurt and Puck being step-brothers because we thought it would be hilarious and then I stumbled over this fic today, where Finn and Kurt's parents are the ones that get married, and I-- well, now I'm torn! Because this was pretty damn awesome. I love how it's awkward in a lot of ways, but it's a slow progression towards something a little better, I love that it's so Kurt and Finn and even Puck is completely IC when he shows up. I adore the little touches of Finn with Kurt's dad and Kurt with Finn's mom, how it's not instant connections, but slowly coming together as a family and just. I think I grinned the entire way through this piece and would love to see more in this universe. (No warnings/pairings.)
Glee: Cinderella by frickative - I have such complicated feelings about the Will/Emma dynamic and this fic was written before a lot of the developments came along as the first season unfolded, but it's still an amazing fic. The writing is spot-on for these characters, they're so very much themselves and the Emma narrative voice is all kinds of ridiculously awesome (the lists she keeps in her head or the details of how she avoids germs and the little tortures she goes through every day and just how much she cares about Will and wants to do the right thing and how painful that is), but also the way they unfold and it's not perfect or easy or a traditional Cinderella fairy tale. I love that Emma is not a damsel in distress, I love how honest she is with herself here, I love that I adore both of her and Will so very much here. I even love the way Will tries so hard and is so genuinely distressed about the way his marraige is going, if all of this has to happen... I want it to go exactly like this. It was a brilliant, beautiful fic. (Will/Emma, some Will/Terri.)
Glee: Nemesis by frickative - Generally, I'm not as frustrated with Terri as this fic is, but... I forgive it for a couple of things. One, it's a fic from Emma's point of view so it's not meant to portray Terri in a positive light and, two, I can't say something like this wouldn't happen in the canon. I went into this fic for the Emma characterization, which is what I stayed focused on, and what was ridiculously charming and delightful about this piece. Emma's arch-nemesis and all the little details of how she goes through her life and the beautiful Emma vs Sue was totally worth the ride, I could be so interested in the way those two interact. (A little Will/Emma, but not entirely the point.)
Glee: Five Times Will Kisses Emma and One Time It Counts by frickative - Well. As long as I was reading the author's Will/Emma fic, I could hardly stop at just two. So, I read this one. And, oh, man, it's the cutest thing just about ever. It's got its moments where you feel so badly for the characters--Will as his life becomes lost and directionless, Emma as she tries so hard to be there for him, yet is in love with him--but it's also all about the sparkle and charm and delight of these two characters, as the six scenes are centered around innocent kisses. In this particular fic, I like that Terri is dealt with off-screen rather than dragged into things, because I just wanted my cute Will/Emma flirting and eventual get-together, which this fic made me feel really great about. ♥ Dammit, I think I ship it again. (Will/Emma.)
House: Coupling by B. Cavis - I was link hopping earlier and somehow found myself on a fic from 2005, so the dynamic is slightly different from what I'm used to now, but... it still fits so well with their dynamic and it's kind of a really great look into House's head and doesn't really pull a lot of punches about how he thinks of people. ....which really isn't that different from his outside voice, actually, just... a bit more verbose about it. I really like how snarky he is, yet you can feel how much affection and care he has for Cuddy, even when he won't admit it to himself. But also I really like this Cuddy. I miss this Cuddy and really liked the author's strong take on her. (Sort of House/Cuddy, but on the level of early canon.)
Spirited Away: rainfall by shiegra - I always mean to read more Spirited Away fic than I do and I'm not sure why I don't, because there are some lovely pieces out there. This fic reminds me of that, how beautiful post-movie fic can be, especially when the author has a delicate hand with the imagery. The use of rainfall here, of the way their hands touch, the way Chihiro finds her memories again, nothing is lingered on, and it makes it all the prettier for it. A really lovely piece. ♥ (Haku/Chihiro.)
Yuu Yuu Hakusho: goodnight all by shiegra - Well, as long as I was browsing springkink and saw Yuusuke/Keiko fic, I had to click, didn't I? And I really adored this, there was so much love and playfulness put into this short piece, even if it was less than 300 words, it was still just lovely and wonderful for these two. I even really liked that it didn't have to be very high-rated at all, but still managed a lovely intimacy between them. (Yuusuke/Keiko.)
So, uh. I appear to have a new fandom to play in. I managed to marathon about three seasons worth before I couldn't stand it anymore and needed makeouts stat. Thankfully, fandom provides.
AND ONTO THE RECS:
American Idol - 1 Fanfic
Bones - 8 Fanfics
Glee - 7 Fanfics
House - 1 Fanfic
Spirited Away - 1 Fanfic
Yuu Yuu Hakusho - 1 Fanfic
American Idol: Touch + Crutch by plasticeneposes - [Note: These two fics are entirely separate, but I'm putting them together into one rec anyway.] Okay, see. Way back in the first season of AI, I had this vague interest in the idea of Simon/Paula but never really got that deeply into the fandom and it was just sort of a fleeting thing. But I never entirely let it go, either, no matter how the show progressed later. And I saw this author had written a couple of fics and I couldn't resist and I tried to, but then the second one touched on Paula's difficulty having a good interview and it was just. These two short fics were little moments about how they gravitated towards each other, that quiet pull that was there, and I-- I thought, yeah, if it was fic like this, I could totally read more of this pairing. Dammit. Stop writing good fic, people! (Simon/Paula.)
Bones: From the Greek Paradeigma, Meaning "Example" by daygloparker - I am not sure I can possibly write a rec for this fic without making some sort of dolphin noises because omg IT IS BABYFIC. Like, maybe I should be a little shameful about how badly I wanted OMG BABYFIC but I kind of can't be given how gleeful I am after having finished this. It does a beautiful job of capturing the dynamic between Booth and Brennan and how they're so themselves while still moving forward. I love how many little moments are revealed between them, little insights into both characters, little moments of pitch-perfect dialogue, as they (kind of not) discuss pregnancy and where things are going and where they are, all in a way that fits with the characters I see on the screen. I don't think I stopped grinning the entire time, because it was just so damn much fun and because it was so perfect and, seriously, I can't even write a decent rec for this fic because I love it too much and it's just. Everything I wanted. Babyfic that's actually spot on, perfect, and sharp. I couldn't ask for more. (Booth/Brennan.)
Bones: Booth Surpasses Biological Imperative by lovelythings - *happy sigh* You know what else I wanted from fandom? There are two things. Babyfic and makeouts. I got the babyfic and now I'm on to the makeouts and this fic was just. It had a really stellar Brennan internal voice, that difficult to find line between her rational qualities and the glimmers of being a normal person in there. I love her point of view while she and Booth are together, even when they're making out up against the wall, they're so... them and really incredibly hot. Especially since this isn't the "tender baby-making sex", this is the "hot desperate up-against-the-door-because-we-can't-wait-another-minute sex". DO WANT, THANK YOU. (Booth/Brennan, hard R.)
Bones: five stages to imaginary etiquette by fated-addiction - I really like the way this fic takes the chance to explore Brennan's character from her own point of view, the way she's such a rational, direct person, but that doesn't mean she's always sure of herself, especially around Booth sometimes. There's a certain quality to this piece that reminds me of the show, actually, the way there's so much being said here that's not directly said, that's only coming through in half-said or half-thought phrases, but there's so much underneath that. I really like this Brennan, who is uncertain and not quite ready, but there's such a strong pull there, too. Lovely. (Booth/Brennan.)
Bones: Leverage by plasticeneposes - So, I tried not to get too attached to Hodgins/Angela, I didn't want to like them, I didn't want to care about them, I didn't want to be won over. But I was. And while I got into the fandom for the Booth/Brennan fic, I... I couldn't resist at least one fic for these two, not when it was porn! And it was lovely porn, it was sexy and sweet at the same time, but also just so incredibly them. Of course these two would have sex just like this right exactly where they were, it's so easy to see this sliding into canon. And I mentioned it was really pretty and really hot, right? Because it was. (Hodgins/Angela, NC-17.)
Bones: Everlong by _hazelnutcoffee - The summary of this fic is: Along the way, they solve more murders. But mostly, they grow old together. and that is a really lovely summary of what this fic is. It's the story of Booth and Brennan growing old together, done in a gorgeously told narrative that captures them both beautifully. It's not always perfect, there's a lot of sadness and harsh things to go through sometimes, but it's also good and they love each other, they have something really special here. It's one of those fics that's kind of quietly breathtaking and I want to write a perfect rec for, but can't quite find the words to describe how perfect this was for me. It's the way I see them going, even right down to Hodgins and Angela ending up together with four kids. Shut up, they totally did. >:| (Booth/Brennan, background Hodgins/Angela.)
Bones: Want to Screw Up by voleuse - This fic takes place during the first season, which I think will probably always be my favorite (or at least it is so far) and it's a simple case fic, with the scenes set out of order, little details being revealed as each piece goes along. It's a neat way to tell the story, I love that it's a fic focused on a straightforward case, and the voices for the cast are all spot-on. Sometimes I really do crave genfic for this fandom afterall, apparently. (No real warnings/pairings.)
Bones: (You and) Things Like You by runpunkrun and iamsab - I don't think I stopped grinning horribly the entire time I was reading this. The author has a great voice for Booth's narrative voice and both his and Brennan's outer voices, but it's also... there's so much layered in here, the little details that scream of how much they care about each other and subtly pay attention to each other. And then. There's a book signing and Brennan is so incredibly Brennan about it and the discussion in the car afterwards is just spot-on with their dynamic and I just. I love it with all my heart, okay. This is some fabulous banter right here. (Booth/Brennan.)
Bones: Better Than Ice Cream by lerdo - Every fandom or OTP needs their ice cream fic at least once. And this was a lovely, sweet piece that was uncomplicated (well, as uncomplicated as Booth and Brennan can get) and all about the simplicity of the moment with them. It did a nice job of conveying the pure sensation of eating ice cream on a hot day and was adorable all the way through, it was a nice read. Even if I really want ice cream now, sigh. (Booth/Brennan.)
Glee: untitled by pyrat_xo - This is a bit of a simple fic, it's just Tina on the piano while Puck plays guitar and they're just sort of... in the same room at the same time, for a brief moment. That's a lot of what I want from this fandom (--I can be not obsessed with pairings sometimes, you know!) and I really like what the author does here. It's not quite comfortable, but it's not terrible, either. Puck is still rough around the edges, but forces Tina out of her shell in a way, while she isn't exactly forgiving or trusting of him just yet. There are some good turns of phrase here as well (especially in the way Puck sees the rest of the club) and it was a cool piece to read this afternoon. (No warnings/pairings.)
Glee: How To Fight Loneliness by stainofmylove - I never know what to expect when I go randomly clicking without looking at the author's previous stuff, but fics like this one are the reason why I keep doing it. (Well, that and my apparent obsession with this pairing.) Because sometimes I get fics that just fly right on by, that get at the potential of these characters and aren't necessarily fluffy, that actually hurt in a lot of ways, but manage to move towards something better at the same time. That's what Puck and Rachel are for me--each of them trying to grow up, to deal with the other people in their lives, and both of them being driven to be better people around each other. And, hell, I love that this fic has them having sex without it being fluffy, either, which feels right to me for these two, the way Rachel does and yet doesn't use him for her own needs sometimes, too. I love that it's not easy, that Puck is still a real dick in a lot of ways. I love that this is the flawed Rachel I love so much. And, hell, even the sex was really hot, mm. I do wish there was another part of this one, it leaves off in a bit of cliffhanger, though, it actually stands pretty well on its own. And the dialogue/writing is worth reading for by itself. *__* (Puck/Rachel, NC-17.)
Glee: all of our moves make up for the silence by andbless_mybaby - I'm not entirely sure how to put all of my feelings about this fic into words, because it deserves a thoughtful rec. It's a harsh and painful fic in a lot of ways, much like Glee itself can be when it's really on its game. The author doesn't pull any punches away from what a hurtful bastard Puck can be, he is very easy to dislike in a lot of ways here, because that's part of who the character is, too. At the same time, the author does a fantastic job at showing there's more to it, that it's a little more complicated than that, making his dynamic with Rachel just so very fucked up and interesting. I love that it can be such a simple fic--they run into each other at a party, they have sex, it's complicated from there--can produce such a fascinating piece on both characters. Hell, even the sex is complicated--both hot and a little awkward, it felt right for these characters. (Puck/Rachel, NC-17.)
Glee: In All Honesty by Eldee - So, Tammaiya and I have tossed around the idea of Kurt and Puck being step-brothers because we thought it would be hilarious and then I stumbled over this fic today, where Finn and Kurt's parents are the ones that get married, and I-- well, now I'm torn! Because this was pretty damn awesome. I love how it's awkward in a lot of ways, but it's a slow progression towards something a little better, I love that it's so Kurt and Finn and even Puck is completely IC when he shows up. I adore the little touches of Finn with Kurt's dad and Kurt with Finn's mom, how it's not instant connections, but slowly coming together as a family and just. I think I grinned the entire way through this piece and would love to see more in this universe. (No warnings/pairings.)
Glee: Cinderella by frickative - I have such complicated feelings about the Will/Emma dynamic and this fic was written before a lot of the developments came along as the first season unfolded, but it's still an amazing fic. The writing is spot-on for these characters, they're so very much themselves and the Emma narrative voice is all kinds of ridiculously awesome (the lists she keeps in her head or the details of how she avoids germs and the little tortures she goes through every day and just how much she cares about Will and wants to do the right thing and how painful that is), but also the way they unfold and it's not perfect or easy or a traditional Cinderella fairy tale. I love that Emma is not a damsel in distress, I love how honest she is with herself here, I love that I adore both of her and Will so very much here. I even love the way Will tries so hard and is so genuinely distressed about the way his marraige is going, if all of this has to happen... I want it to go exactly like this. It was a brilliant, beautiful fic. (Will/Emma, some Will/Terri.)
Glee: Nemesis by frickative - Generally, I'm not as frustrated with Terri as this fic is, but... I forgive it for a couple of things. One, it's a fic from Emma's point of view so it's not meant to portray Terri in a positive light and, two, I can't say something like this wouldn't happen in the canon. I went into this fic for the Emma characterization, which is what I stayed focused on, and what was ridiculously charming and delightful about this piece. Emma's arch-nemesis and all the little details of how she goes through her life and the beautiful Emma vs Sue was totally worth the ride, I could be so interested in the way those two interact. (A little Will/Emma, but not entirely the point.)
Glee: Five Times Will Kisses Emma and One Time It Counts by frickative - Well. As long as I was reading the author's Will/Emma fic, I could hardly stop at just two. So, I read this one. And, oh, man, it's the cutest thing just about ever. It's got its moments where you feel so badly for the characters--Will as his life becomes lost and directionless, Emma as she tries so hard to be there for him, yet is in love with him--but it's also all about the sparkle and charm and delight of these two characters, as the six scenes are centered around innocent kisses. In this particular fic, I like that Terri is dealt with off-screen rather than dragged into things, because I just wanted my cute Will/Emma flirting and eventual get-together, which this fic made me feel really great about. ♥ Dammit, I think I ship it again. (Will/Emma.)
House: Coupling by B. Cavis - I was link hopping earlier and somehow found myself on a fic from 2005, so the dynamic is slightly different from what I'm used to now, but... it still fits so well with their dynamic and it's kind of a really great look into House's head and doesn't really pull a lot of punches about how he thinks of people. ....which really isn't that different from his outside voice, actually, just... a bit more verbose about it. I really like how snarky he is, yet you can feel how much affection and care he has for Cuddy, even when he won't admit it to himself. But also I really like this Cuddy. I miss this Cuddy and really liked the author's strong take on her. (Sort of House/Cuddy, but on the level of early canon.)
Spirited Away: rainfall by shiegra - I always mean to read more Spirited Away fic than I do and I'm not sure why I don't, because there are some lovely pieces out there. This fic reminds me of that, how beautiful post-movie fic can be, especially when the author has a delicate hand with the imagery. The use of rainfall here, of the way their hands touch, the way Chihiro finds her memories again, nothing is lingered on, and it makes it all the prettier for it. A really lovely piece. ♥ (Haku/Chihiro.)
Yuu Yuu Hakusho: goodnight all by shiegra - Well, as long as I was browsing springkink and saw Yuusuke/Keiko fic, I had to click, didn't I? And I really adored this, there was so much love and playfulness put into this short piece, even if it was less than 300 words, it was still just lovely and wonderful for these two. I even really liked that it didn't have to be very high-rated at all, but still managed a lovely intimacy between them. (Yuusuke/Keiko.)