The Year in Review (2009) - Qthelights
It was, of course, extremely hard to narrow down the list of fics I've recced into something approaching a 'best of' list. A strange assortment of reasons accompanies why I've chosen each one below and in the end, I went with the fics that made the biggest impact on me when I read them, and when i've re-read them. A little bit of something for everyone I think.
Best Post-Ep/Definitive Jack/Ianto Fic
Draw the World in Shades of Grey ... calavarna
Many have tried to reconcile why Jack lets Ianto stay after his betrayal in ‘cyberwoman,’ but Calavarna’s version is the one that strikes me as the closest to the mark. This story is hauntingly poignant. Every word is placed with ultimate care. The desperation, anger, bitter sadness and confusion combine to create intensely sensitive - and painfully insightful - character studies of both Jack, and Ianto. What’s more, the maelstrom of emotion combines into one precise moment of lust that goes so far to explaining the burgeoning relationship we see later in the series. Overall this is a beautiful fic that only improves upon repeated reading. To me, it is the quintessential post-cyberwoman fic.
Best AU
Dr. Harkness and Nurse Jones ... blue_fjords
How can you not want to read a fic where Jack is a doctor and Ianto is a nurse? In Africa?! This fic was originally posted in response to a prompt for a torchwood au romance novel, and it certainly fulfils the trope. It’s wonderfully imaginative and the romance is woven in a lovely way through the story’s dramatic storyline. While without doubt this is shamelessly romantic, the story flirts with the more love-laden moments of the genre and manages to stay on the right side of believability, avoiding falling into cliché or crack. The characters - all the main characters of TW and Who and a few of the minor ones - are delightfully recognizable and you can’t help but fall in love with the epic premise and its locale.
Best Kink Fic
Kiss it Better ... xtricks
This fic is stunningly hot. The taboo Jack and Ianto flirt with - Ianto’s arousal at Jack’s pain and bruising - is surprisingly erotic. But best part isn’t the exceedingly sexy lust/shame cycle that Jack and Ianto engage in (though that is definitely a very good thing!). Instead, it is the underlying strength of the Jack/Ianto relationship; the willingness to allow and even encourage the breaking of sexual norms, to cause pain without fear of hurting, to trust each other and get off on honest interaction, that really shines through and makes this fic a step above simple ‘kink-fic’. What also stays with me, read after read, is the delicious imagery woven through this, so luscious and real that you’ll think you’re the one biting into Jack's neck. And who doesn't want to imagine that?
Best Moment Fic
Salvation ... dizzydame
This fic is short and hot. Despite the smallish word count, this fic packs an emotional punch. The Jack/Ianto relationship is hard to describe. Too romantic and it can wrench the characters away from the independent, grown men, we see in canon. Too harsh and it fails to explain the undeniably romantic and sweet moments we also catch glimpses of. Dizzydame's fic takes one moment of spontaneous sex and manages to explore the depths of the Jack/Ianto relationship and presents us with characters who are real, mature, sexual and still believably sweet.
...and it's also incredibly hot!
Best Realistic but Beautiful Fic
This Moth Died Happy ... clarity_lore
You should read this because it is the most poetic, lyrical and beautiful story you’ll ever find in a mere 700 words. There are aspects to Jack Harkness that aren’t necessarily honourable. When it comes to Ianto, this Jack is selfish and blithely disregards the damage he might be causing others. But Ianto too is selfish, sacrifices himself and his happiness for the possibility of being with Jack. Like, as the author wonderfully illustrates, moth to the flame.
Best Crafty!Ianto/Build Up Fic
Timewatching ... wildestranger
A first time fic with a wonderful difference. The Ianto in this fic is beautifully nuanced. He’s sly, crafty, patient and slightly evil in his seduction of Jack. But despite his calculations and deliberate pacing there is still an undercurrent of uncertainty mixed with plain desire that threatens to upset his well-made plans. Wonderful moments of humour and insight into both Jack and Ianto. Ianto wants Jack, but he wants Jack his way.