Shippers Manifesto: Abby/Connor (Primeval)
Fandom: Primeval
Pairing: Abby Maitland/Connor Temple
Blurb: For those that aren’t familiar with “Primeval”, it’s a British Sci-Fi series, based around a team of Scientists investigating a phenomenon called “Anomalies” - rips in time that allow creatures from the past and the future to wander through and run wild in modern times. Our team are based at the ARC (anomaly research centre) trying to work out how to contain and predict where these anomalies will occur. The favourite Het pairing in the series is Abby and Connor. Abby’s the tough girl, a kick boxer and lizard expert, whilst Connor is the gadget geek with an encyclopaedic knowledge of dinosaurs. Connor’s fancied Abby from episode one; even declaring that he loved her in series 2 (and later denying he said it), but Abby can’t seem to make up her mind. We’ve had three series of UST between these two, sharing a flat and working together (until Abby asked Connor to move out so her brother could move in) and they’ve got three cute pet dinosaurs - Rex, Sid and Nancy. A kiss finally happened towards the end of series 3 and then the pair of them got trapped in the past together after the anomaly they went through closed. We’re waiting with bated breath for series 4 in 2011, with the hope that the UST will finally be resolved and that they’ll be rescued from the Cretaceous era.
The fics I’ve listed were chosen with the help of the lovely members of the connorandabby comm. If you enjoy any of the stories, please let the authors know! Feedback is always appreciated. This really is just a tiny selection, so if I get you hooked on our little fandom, please come and say hi on the comm and come and read more from these authors and the many others who post to the comm.
Fic Rec #1: Prelude in C Minor
Author: alyse
Link: Prelude in C Minor
Rating/Warning(s): PG13
Why This Must Be Read: This was the first Abby/Connor story I read, and it got me hooked! Beautifully written, it explores the sensitive subject of depression and how Abby helps Connor through his feeling of hopelessness. It’s a bittersweet story, perfectly illustrating the nature of the relationship Connor and Abby have - feelings bottled up until something finally snaps.
Fic Rec #2 Please,Please Don’t Leave Me/Perhaps Love/Flashbacks
Author: Seanchaidh and wilemina_29
Links:
Please, Please Don't Leave Me
Perhaps Love
Flashbacks
Rating/Warning(s): the first two parts are T (15) rated, and the third part is M (NC17) rated for sexual content
Why This Must Be Read: This is a lengthy three part fic, with the first two parts written by Seanchaidh and the third part by Wilemina_29. It’s one of many fics dealing with what possibly happens to Connor and Abby during their time trapped in the Cretaceous period. The characterisation is spot on, and Connor’s inner battles break your heart.
Fic Rec #3: Taken
Author:tay_21
Link: Taken
Rating/Warning(s): Mostly T with some M (NC17) contains torture, violence and attempted rape.
Why This Must Be Read: This is a dark, and at times violent, fic with glimmers of hope as Abby and Connor’s relationship develops despite the dire circumstances they find themselves in - showing that the people you love are the biggest source of comfort in difficult times.
Fic Rec #4: Too Late
Author: prehistoriccat
Links:
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4
Rating/Warning(s): PG
Why This Must Be Read: This fic explains a little about anomalies and the nature of the work of the ARC. I thought it would be fun to split Abby and Connor up and see how they cope without each other.
Fic Rec #5: Cloudy with a chance of Connors
Author: evenstar_estel
Link: Cloudy with a chance of Connors
Rating/Warning(s): T
Why This Must Be Read: A bit of light relief after all the angsty stuff, this humorous story explores the fact that the anomalies could also open into alternate realities as well as different times. I particularly liked how it conveys how two people will always be together, no matter what their circumstances. This fic inspired several other fics for the various alternate realities and has almost become a canon in its own right.
Fic Rec #6: ‘Broken Pieces’ & ‘Fixing Things’
Author: deinonychus_1
Links:
Broken Pieces Fixing Things
Rating/Warning(s): PG
Why This Must Be Read: This pair of fics deals with the aftermath of the death of one of the main characters in series 2 - Stephen Hart was the team’s action man, and Abby had a crush on him early in the series. It also deals with Connor’s emotions after discovering that his girlfriend, Caroline, was only with him to access information on the ARCs activities. The characterisation of both Connor and Abby are perfect, and by the end you know them even if you’ve never seen the series.
Fic Rec #7: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Author: nanarie
Link: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Rating/Warning(s): NC17, adult themes
Why This Must Be Read: You can’t beat a bit of good old PWP every now and then, especially when it is as well written as this!
Fic Rec #8: Watermarked
Author: alyse
Link: Watermarked
Rating/Warning(s): PG
Why This Must Be Read: UST that is teetering on actually being resolved, the awkward transition from ‘just friends’ into something more when every touch and every look says so much. The tension is just right, and this is sexy without being smutty.
Fic Rec #9: Fantasies Come True
Author: evenstar_estel
Links:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Rating/Warning(s): NC17, adult themes
Why This Must Be Read: A slightly humorous situation where the flatmates discover each other’s porn stash and then help each other live out their fantasies. Has just a smidge of the fluffy stuff as well, which is never a bad thing when you have such a cute pairing as these two.
Fic Rec #10: Right Back to This
Author: thewritingbug
Link: Right Back to This
Rating/Warning(s): PG
Why This Must Be Read: Perfectly illustrating the dysfunctional nature of Connor and Abby’s relationship. This is a sensitively written piece full of angst, and I particularly like how there is still a tension between them even though they are a couple.
Fic Rec #11: Parenting
Author: prehistoriccat
Link: Parenting
Rating/Warning(s): PG
Why This Must Be Read: When creatures from different eras get trapped in the present day, it’s down to the ARC team to look after them until another anomaly opens in the right period to send them home. This fluffy fic has Abby and Connor realising a few things about themselves as they look after a pair of cubs.
Fic Rec #12: Fit to be Tied
Author: casy_dee
Link: Fit to be tied
Rating/Warning(s): NC17 adult themes, bondage
Why This Must Be Read: descriptive and sensitive, this story shows the absolute trust Connor has in Abby and how he is willing to do anything to make her happy. It also illustrates his lack of self confidence, the one thing that holds him back.
Fic Rec #13: Sparkles
Author: alyse
Link: Sparkles
Rating/Warning(s): R
Why This Must Be Read: This just makes me smile! It’s the timeless “morning after the night before” story with a Primeval twist.
Fic Rec #14: Breaking Point
Author: wilemina_29
Link: Breaking Point
Rating/Warning(s): 15
Why This Must Be Read: A three part fic which I adore because it has Connor finally standing up for himself after three years of rejection, teasing and being treated like a doormat.
Fic Rec #15: Dressed for Success
Author: deinonychus_1
Link: Dressed for Success
Rating/Warning(s): PG
Why This Must Be Read: My final rec, chosen because it’s everything that is Connor and Abby - one moment comedy, the next angst and then sweet and adorable.... and that’s why we love them so much.
(Mods, can I have tags for Fandom: Primeval and Ship: Abby/Connor please?)