Recs: The History Boys
51 sentences of Posner & Scripps by kyasuriin (Scripps/Posner)
I'd like to say this is a fic about falling in love, but perhaps it's more about realizing you're in love.
A Little While Later by redex (Dakin/Irwin)
"All things come in time, including Poland."
Able was I, ere I saw Elba by fiercynn (Scripps/Posner)
I think if I had to pick my top five History Boys fics, this would be amongst them. A small snippet of its awesomeness: one of the quotes at the beginning is from Abba. Another: Dakin oversimplifies revolutions. Yes, that's right, there's actual history in it! Oh, be still my heart.
The Accompanist by earis (Dakin, Posner, Scripps)
More Scripps = a good thing. Always.
adult by solvent90 (Dakin/Scripps)
At Oxford, finally. This fic, like many of my favourites in this fandom, sees Dakin scared by the intensity of his own sexuality.
always true to you, darlin’, in my fashion by solvent90 (Dakin/Posner)
Dakin being a bit too desperate to return to his school days - his glory days - strikes me as utterly realistic.
An Annoying, Ever-Present Hum by mordecai (Dakin/Irwin)
Love this pairing, love this author, love one sentence formats, love this fic.
Barring Accidents by justholdstill (Dakin/Irwin)
"Turns out Poland has a few tricks up its sleeve."
Boys by claire (Dumbledore, Hector; crossover with Harry Potter)
Such a brilliant idea that you won't be able to believe you didn't think of it sooner: two old men, the boys they love, and the ways in which they're similar. Gloriously sad. Wish there was more of this, but I still return to it time and time again.
Chemically Induced Coma Dreams Are The Best! by Michelle (Dakin/Irwin)
Their banter is softer than in the film, which only serves to make the ending feel all the more like a knife in the gut.
Classroom by Claire (Dakin/Irwin)
That it takes place in a classroom is what sets this little ficlet apart. It makes a nice change from writing this pairing in happy domesticity; after all, much of their chemistry is, I think, derived from their roles as teacher and student.
Common Childhood Maladies by Eglantine (gen)
Stories linked by containing an injury or ailment. Well-characterised, authentic-feeling friendships and a delicious half-mention of Dakin/Irwin.
Corpus by kdbarbaro (Dakin/Irwin)
They're in character, and it's painfully slow, and it's wonderful. "That 'drink'. Oh, and guilt."
Dates and Definitions by drawingblinds (Irwin/Posner)
A happier ending for them both, one not reliant on one upmanship and cynicism. I felt like they were slowly letting go of their own melancholy - lovely.
T he Dizzying Possibilities of Verticality by justholdstill (Scripps/Posner)
Quietly, they find a way to exist together. Full of imaginative little details. The last line is wonderful and I really want to quote it, but it deserves to be read in context.
Do You Remember The First Time by rebecca_star (Dakin/Scripps)
This fic looks back on the history of the boys' relationship - especially appropriate given the fandom, no? But I think it gives weight to the story, which is uncertain and slightly melancholy and all the better for it.
Each Man In His Life Plays Many Parts by duckgirlie (Irwin)
More sides to Irwin. I'm so glad we get to see him find some kind of peace.
Eight Candles by kaydeefalls (Scripps/Posner)
Thematic fics like this, I think, need to be handled with care to stop them feeling forced. I think it's just the right pitch here, the different elements blending together like notes in a harmony. The Posner/Scripps, too, was handled with care, not rushed or boys for the sake of boys; in fact, this is really Posner gen, because the focus is heavily on him and much of it only touches on Scripps. I loved the part about Edvard Munch's scream inside his head, particularly, along with the nod to Mrs Lintott.
except you ravish me by solvent90 (Dakin/Scripps)
In the movies Scripps seemed to wear everything a little more lightly than anyone else - the work, the knowledge, the open secrets. It's the same here.
Half Decent Proposal by truly_bohemian (Dakin/Irwin)
Sweet, well-characterized interaction between these two. They say very little, but somehow they say everything.
Hidden by celandineb (Dakin/Irwin)
It's a slender thing, but it stayed with me. I like the yearning of the part-finished sentences. It seems ridiculous to quote considering how short it is, but I can't help myself: "He has seen Irwin naked, seen him sweating when the pain was bad, seen him undone by joy - and yet." I'm such a sucker for sentences ending with "yet".
History Catches Up by emiime (Dakin/Irwin)
It covers so much in so few words, and never seems overstated. "But maybe, he admits to himself some solitary nights, maybe he's in love with the memory of him, the history, the idea-the ideal."
Hope; feathers by fiercynn (Dakin/Irwin)
Subtle, quiet; fiercynn writes a completely believable future for the pair, with a great cameo from Scripps.
How History Happens by mahrie_is (Dakin/Irwin)
A fanmix with fragments of fic accompanying each song. I love the format and the music itself. Plus the front cover shows one of my favourite moments of the film - Dakin standing so close to Irwin, yet obviously, almost obstinately not touching him. A lovely development of tiny moments.
NEW I Would Give My Heart by Tibby (Dakin, Scripps, Posner)
There are references to pairings throughout this, but I think it's mostly gen. Three of the Oxford Boys go to a party.
If, then by holycitygirl (Dakin/Scripps)
I don't think it's perfect - the end, maybe, is a bit cheap - but it's more than made up for with some brilliant lines. For example: "Dakin lets his bravado lead him further, trusting in it the way he trusts all things learned from practice and repetition. 'You like God.'
" 'Aye.' Scripps keeps still, seemingly content to let the moment play out between them. 'But you aren't Him.' "
I think I actually have a slight preference for the sequel, Up for it, but you should read both.
I'll Remember April by imperfectcircle (Mrs Lintott/Akthar)
Two underappreciated characters are given voices so real you can hear them. Excellent - you should go read, now.
Impressed By Me by orangesparks (Dakin/Irwin)
Power struggles and desperation and jealousy... it might be wrong, but I really like angry, frustrated Dakin.
In a minute there is time by tornyourdress (Dakin/Irwin)
"You know now that there is a reason for the hypocrisy: it keeps you safe and them safe."
In Between Dreams by Janne (Scripps/Posner)
As amazing as this fandom is, it's not often one comes across slightly longer fics, that give the writer time to take things slowly, and play around with the nuances in the boys' characters and relationship. However, that's exactly what Janne's done here. Fluff with a dollop of angst, interesting glimpses of the others' lives (Dakin! Still hung up on Irwin! Oh, be still my shipper heart), and they have sex UNDER THE STARS. I am incapable of resisting a fic that goes to such fannish lengths - and that's before I even mention the fact that the section headers are taken from the Jack Johnson album. Totally squeeful.
It will pass by cherryroad (Dakin/Irwin)
I once had a conversation with a friend about the scene in the film where Dakin offers Irwin that drink. I said I found the space between them at the window so painful that I would do anything to get Dakin to close it. My friend's reply was to ask, "But would you really want him to, though?" which took me aback, slightly, because I imagined that everyone who'd seen the film wanted them to be together. This can be read as a story about what happens when you spend too long in fandom. However, I think this fic would even convince her that, one day if not then, the space should be closed.
just the ash that is left when the fire is gone by classics_geek (Scripps/Posner)
Utterly tragic. I suppose Posner always was, though.
the kings and queens of england by solvent 90 (Dakin/Posner)
Whilst I have nothing against this pairing, it's not one of my favourites, and so for me the best thing about this fic was the way it filled out some the details of Dakin's life after leaving Oxford. The dialogue, the way they've both aged, are also completely in character.
knowing by solvent90 (Dakin/Irwin)
The author states that this "does not respect canon themes," but maybe sometimes that's exactly what we want from fanfic - for it to show how things could have been for these characters we know and love. It almost hurts more this way; a small, clever fic about that "drink", right when it was meant to occur, this is simple but intense enough to make me hold my breath. In exploring the path not taken, the history that doesn't occur, it actually reflects canon themes exactly.
Lapse by celandineb (Dakin/Irwin)
Love that Dakin's position (steady, now) as student is emphasized. A quick, hot drabble.
Left Behind by sansrialto (Hector, Mrs Lintott, Irwin)
The interaction between the teachers offered here is probably a little surplus to requirements, but more of the friendship between Hector and Totty never goes amiss. Brilliant voices. Brilliant writing... honesty, I could quote the whole thing.
Loose Ends by lauren (Dakin/Irwin)
On first read, this seemed sort of scatter gun, which is not really how I like my fic. But I bookmarked it anyway, and kept coming back - and every time I read it, I appreciated it a little more. It is messy and all over the place, but then, that's how life is, isn't it? These days, by the time I reach a certain line ("The second thought Dakin had had about the rest of his life was, Irwin would understand.") I'm always, despite myself, welling up. Just a little. This author just gets this canon, and I would give my right arm for her to write more.
Making Moves in 50 Sentences by R. C. McLachlan (Dakin/Irwin)
I can only wonder at how difficult it must be to write in this form - and, of course, at how well it's pulled off here, with original, fully realised ideas.
MCMXC by pun (Dakin/Irwin)
"Some of his former pupils come back into contact with Irwin."
Moments of Glad Grace by slightlytookish (Scripps/Posner)
A quiet, wistful but ultimately hopeful fic which doesn't set a foot wrong in terms of following on from canon. I find, having been reading slash obsessively for 5 or 6 years now, that I'm less and less interested in the slash itself and more interested in the journey towards it. And this from someone to whom 'pre-slash' was once a dirty word! Anyway, this series of beautifully characterised and paced drabbles should hit the spot for anyone looking for a shortish but slow-build Scripps/Posner.
Mrs Lintott drabble by drawingblinds (Mrs Lintott/Akthar)
Yeah; the last line may be a bit obvious, but - and it is a big but - at least here Mrs Lintott is imagining getting some, the only place I've seen it done. This is the first step, people! We need to reclaim Totty as a sexual being!
Near by tophatdance (Irwin/Dakin)
I want to hate this fic for what it does to me, every time, but despite myself I still kind of love it.
necessity/possibility/impossibility by fic_saurus (Dakin/Irwin)
Just freakin' excellent. It's not a happy ending, exactly, but perhaps the closest one could expect for these two, and it provides a kind of closure, however superficial, that you sense the characters need as much as the reader. (flocked)
Night, After Night by Leopold (Irwin-centric)
"But you will not touch him. You will not touch him."
Not Really by Arfoo (Scripps/Posner)
"There's two, really three times that Scripps could've stopped it in it's tracks. Subjunctive history, like. But he's not really that sort of person, is he? He's not there to avert history, he's there to watch and console it's victims. He's just there." Wonderful characterisations and lovely ideas - I especially like Dakin, who's hilariously spot-on throughout.
notes from a subjunctive history by solvent90 (Dakin/Irwin)
Anything I could say about this would only do it a disservice. Amazing. Beautiful. Literary. Ohgod. Read.
now for a breath i tarry by kaydee falls (Scripps/Posner)
My love for this pairing is growing, slowly - it's not Dakin and Irwin, but then, you wouldn't want it to be. This is sweet and beautiful.
on the cusp by orangesparks (Scripps/Posner)
"Scripps is beginning to think the initial reason for his celibacy was not entirely to do with God, but more a subconscious attempt at avoiding these kinds of messes." Great fic, plus a Dakin that continually cracks me up.
One Fucking Thing After Another by emiime (Dakin/Irwin)
"The news of Lockwood's death makes Dakin cling even harder to life."
Pancakes by mordecai (gen)
This is the only fandom in which I will actively seek out gen (actively seek out anything, really) and fics like this are the reason. Awkward hilarity, witty dialogue, sexual tension. Misunderstandings about British pancakes aside, this could almost be canon; but in Scripps' voice, and therefore - just maybe - better?
Paradigm Shift by Signe (Dakin/Irwin)
Pretty standard stuff for this pairing - years later, that drink, plus musings about the nature of subjunctive history, a Dakin who's more invested than he'd like to let on, clever dialogue, writing that made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. Pretty standard stuff, but only because the fic in this fandom is so high-quality; really, there's nothing standard about it at all.
Poetry for Professors by enjambament (Scripps/Posner)
Posner is forced to teach Scripps' poem to a class of teenagers. Especially like the boy who realises what's going on; I think he could be the next Posner, heaven forbid.
Praying For Love and Paying in Naivety by falling_words (Dakin/Scripps)
It's the religious guilt that does it for me.
NEW Progression by tophatdance (Dakin/Irwin)
"There had been a great frenzy was Poland was first invaded. And after that, silence. Silence in war. Irwin walks away, down the staircase and across the barren courtyard where the sun illuminated the frozen lawn with a weak winter light."
Proteus by lauren (Dakin/Irwin)
"Sometimes, if he’s honest with himself, Dakin has to admit that he just misses him. But then Dakin is never honest if he can help it, these days."
Red Pen by emiime (Dakin/Irwin)
Hot. Wonderful. A fic about all the different ways Dakin aches.
Red Plastic by celandineb (Dakin/Irwin)
"Dakin has left something behind." This made me smile, just like Irwin.
Relative Terms by drawingblinds (Dakin/Scripps)
Pitch-perfect dialogue and characterisation. It could follow on from canon - it's that good.
Remembering by Janne (Scripps/Posner)
"Three memories of Posner and Scripps." There's something completely right about these moments - they're just ordinary people struggling with huge, ordinary emotions. They're the boys we know, but they also have lives that canon doesn't really tell us anything about, and that they have to fumble through. Plus, we see the moment Posner stops taking Dakin's crap, which makes him much more likeable.
Reverence by orangesparks (Irwin/Posner)
A wonderfully delicate character study of (arguably?) the two most delicate characters. It sets up the ways in which they are similar and the ways they differ, with perfectly-done, slightly touchy dialogue. Nostalgic and bittersweet, but with the emphasis on the bitter.
Rosalie Heights by classics_geek (Scripps/Posner)
They're roommates, which I can imagine; that class will never entirely disentangle themselves from each other.
Roundabouts by celndineb (Dakin/Irwin)
I suppose it's inevitable that there would be such a fic in this fandom, isn't it? Not that I'm complaining.
Season of by solvent90 (Dakin/Irwin)
"He takes off Irwin’s glasses after all. First thing. It’s August, the windows turning slow gold around them, light warming and deepening the dark mahogany of Irwin’s expensive furniture; it’s nothing like that February so long ago, bitter grey outside and white schoolroom light inside, saying you sucking me off and watching Irwin flinch and flush so deliciously, feeling his own blood race in uneven delight." Just beautiful writing, and a perfect evocation of how they always return to each other; the small ways they've changed and how that means something can grow in the scorched earth previously between them.
Secret by drawingblinds (Mrs Lintott-centric)
It's great, and you should read. Don't know what else to say, really.
Sentences by rainfire_dancer (Dakin/Irwin)
A selection of moments that are by turns sweet, funny and sad. It has their dynamic down perfectly, and then taken to the point where the reader can't help but say, Oh. Because this is how it should be, and despite their flaws, it's beautiful.
Sex and Onions by mordecai (Lockwood, Timms, Dakin/Irwin, Scripps/Posner)
That rare thing: crack which is laugh-out-loud funny. I swear, this fic is my personal canon - and best treatment of Lockwood's death EVER.
Similarities by trekkiepirate
"Undertones of Irwin/Dakin. Lots of unrequited Posner longing for Dakin, as per." Great little drabble with a killer last sentence.
Somewhere, One Day by rilla (Dakin/Irwin)
Heartbreaking, but in a good way. I think this may have been the first History Boys fic I read, and it was a great introduction to the wealth of high-quality writers in this fandom.
Teleology by meshiach (Dakin/Irwin)
“'Are we also the sum of the experiences we have not had?'” So. Fucking. Painful. A more introverted Dakin only makes it easier to see how much this would hurt him.
the theories of beautiful young men by SA (Dakin/Irwin)
I love the image of Dakin coming so hard that it's like touching a nerve, that raw, unable to keep contact with the thought.
Then and Now by jazzonia (Dakin/Irwin)
"Once, Dakin muses, he would have bragged to Scripps about bedding Irwin."
Things Not Taught In School by youretcetera (Dakin/Irwin)
"Dakin being startlingly brilliant at history but rather thick about what a relationship entails." It makes absolute sense to me that Dakin would behave like this.
three weddings and a funeral by orangesparks (Timms, Crowther, Akthar, Rudge)
OMG YAY SHOUTOUT TO MY FAVOURITE RAREPAIR EVER.
Through The Side Door by jaebi_lit (Dakin/Irwin)
Though I saw this recced in a few places, it took me a while to read it. The script format put me off, though it shouldn't have; this is very well done, with dialogue close to the feel of canon.
Time Will Have His Fancy by marginalia (Dakin/Irwin)
The ending was so unexpected - it felt like something being ripped away from me.
to put away childish things by solvent90 (Scripps/Posner)
Such. Gorgeous. Writing. Seriously.
Underneath the Underneath by R. C. McLachlan (Dakin/Irwin)
I couldn't decide what I wanted to quote here, so I've settled on the passage from which the title is gleaned. " 'You hide behind your show, which turned out to be exactly as Totty'd said it would, you big sell-out, you hide behind a camera lens, and your half-truths, and your fucking propriety, and I want to see whatever's beneath them. And then I want to see underneath that. I want to see underneath the underneath.' " The whole fic is this beautiful, sudden, and utterly right.
The Unexpected Wife by celandineb (gen, Mrs Lintott, Hector)
"Eventually, as she grew to know him, Dorothy concluded that when it came to women, Hector was not that way inclined." The scenes with these two are among my favourite in the film. This careful ficlet offers a little background to their relationship, and the 'reveal' of the wife is beautifully handled.
when I have been a memory by SA (Scripps/Posner)
Sweetly prosaic. Oh, Posner.
when our falsehoods are divided by mercurial_wit (Dakin/Irwin)
This is the first History Boys fic I've read in ages which has really hooked me; made me pause and savour every sentence, right to the end. God, the intellectual games; the slowly evolving characters; the canon references; the writing; the sexual tension... I think almost every clause of this fic is perfect. The director's commentary (link in the fic itself) is also interesting; I do so love to read about writers overthinking things.
Worship by blithelybunny (Irwin/Scripps)
I think that early on it might reference canon a bit too much, but maybe that's just a personal preference. I wasn't sure how this pairing could be done, but now it's clear: it's done like this.
Edited 7th June 2011
Where to now?
Drinks With Dakin, natch
Everything written for this fandom over at Yuletide
orangesparks' masterlist has a hefty amount of HB fic.
3 (sort of) Irwin/Dakin scenes (flocked) - a gorgeous little picspam of perhapsthe most important moments between them.
Quote icons - an absolute necessity for any HB fan.