Rec List
Uhem--I am still *really bad* at writing rec lists. I can’t figure out what it is about each title, summary, attached tags that makes me want to give any particular story a try, nevermind what anyone else might be looking for. By and large, I really just want to say “It’s well-written and I like it,” and that’s true for every story on this list, so take that as read, ok? Ok.
I was really kinda nonplussed to get “fighting” as one of my prompts. On the one hand, easy, any story ever written with a conflict to be resolved fits, whether that conflict is man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. machine, man vs. self or some other possible combination I may have forgotten from my writing classes, is a story where the protagonist fights. On the other hand, I don’t really want to write an essay for every story on this list. That said, I’ve tried not to get too esoteric on you. But I totally embraced the fusions, because fusions are awesome.
Fighting
From the Ruined Tower to the Caves of Unknown Horror
By Annella
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
Jared's been adventuring for most of his life. He loves being out on the road with his friends-killing monsters and bad guys, finding treasure, and helping people out of sticky situations. It's all part of being a good-hearted barbarian. Then his carefree life is shaken up by the introduction of a scrawny half-elf wizard called Jensen, who joins them for a quest upon which they will encounter horror, true friendship, and a secret buried deep underground…
Too on the nose? This story makes excellent use of its source material, fully embracing its D&D roots. Gamers will recognize some of terminology, but knowledge of the game isn’t necessary. The author also does a really excellent job of fleshing out her cast of characters throughout the traveling and fighting that is D&Ds hallmark. Also? It’s relatively long, which is a bonus.
To the Stars and Back
By Cleflink
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
90% of the human race thinks the Solar System is an alien free zone. They're all wrong, but luckily there are people around who make sure that what they don't known can't hurt them. Jensen was one of these people until his job got axed, but he and his Earth boyfriend, Jared, are about to have the chance to change that. Question is, how will a relationship based primarily on clever banter and really hot sex fare when they're dealing with a conspiracy that threatens the safety of the entire world?
The relationship based primarily on clever banter and really hot sex is as alluring as it sounds, but the author combines that with character growth, interesting supporting characters, a badass Jensen, and sneaky bad guys who need their asses kicked to make this story a fully satisfying spy AU. That takes place in space. And has feelings. And Timestamps.
Cardinal Hunter
By Zuben
Supernatural, Sam/Dean
Saving people. Hunting kaiju. The family business. AU fusion with Pacific Rim, starting when Sam is at Stanford.
I loved Pacific Rim, and the author does a good job of reimagining Sam and Dean’s history and weaving it into the world of Pacific Rim. Sam and Dean are still Sam and Dean, but when the kaiju start threatening the human race, they turn from hunting ghosts to hunting a different sort of monster. In giant robots. It’s pretty much the best of both worlds, long and well-written and lovely.
El Dorado
By Nigeltde
Supernatural, Sam/Dean (sort of)
Life, death, the trail.
I’m not familiar with El Dorado, the original, so I can’t speak to how much it’s been butchered like the author claims, but the tone recalls the dusty western, and it starts with a showdown between Sam and one of the men who killed his father, which sets the stage for the big showdown at the end. The author does a really good job taking details from canon and weaving them into the narrative, doling them out organically as the characters get to know each other, building the familiarity and closeness and mystery (and reveal) until everything comes to a head.
29 Days
By Ashtraythief
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
Twenty-Nine days stuck in ninety square feet would have been bad enough in itself, but that was before Jensen realized he had to share the cell with a werewolf. Despite being natural enemies, he and Jared have to find a way to work together to escape a group of hunters.
The fighting starts pretty much as soon as Vampire!Jensen and Werewolf!Jared meet, and never really stops. Sometimes, they even involve the hunters. The moments are well-chosen to illustrate the changing nature of their relationship, and it boasts snarky, grumpy Jensen won over by cuddles. Besides that, it’s an interesting take on the usual Fuck-or-Die.
Naked Under Here
By Fleshflutter
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
A Superhero AU. Introductions, such as they are, are kept brief for two very good reasons.
A lot of the fighting takes place between the narrative, but the climactic fight scene is epic. There are a lot of really good Superhero AUs out there, with interesting takes on which character has what power, but this is the only one I know of that fits the sheer impossible scale of Marvel-type worldbuilding into just over 10,000 words, and still manages to make the story all about the characters. About Jared and Jenesis, and their relationship--however you want to define it. Only thing that could make it better would be if there was more.
With Abandon or Not at All
By BewareTheIdes15
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
Jensen's life was complicated enough when his biggest worry was what crazy color his best friend/roommate/ex-boyfriend/co-executive chef, Jared, was going to dye his hair this week. Then his dreams came true and, somehow, his life started falling apart. Now he's got an insane client to please, a career-making meal to cook, a hodge-podge kitchen staff to corral, embarrassing, half-naked pictures plastered all over the internet and maybe, somewhere in there, a love of his life to win back. His foodie fairy tale isn't working out quite according to plan.
Ok, so I’m including this mostly on the strength of the ending argument (shh! Just roll with me here) partially for variety and mostly because I just really love this story. The point of contention is Jared’s appearance. The characterizations are perfect and the framing is excellent, moving the story forward and rounding out Jared and Jensen’s relationship, how it progressed from that first meeting to where they are in the present, with lots of lovely details. Just, go read.
Legacy
By C-is-for
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
Jared is a high school outcast, bullied for being gay and for having a father who had some strange theories before he disappeared. Jensen is a perpetual outsider, constantly on the move, trying to blend in as a normal teenager when he’s anything but. When it comes time to make a stand against the forces pursuing Jensen, Jared discovers that his father’s bizarre notions might have contained more truth than anyone realized.
This story is based on I Am Number Four, which I’ve never seen so I have no idea how closely it follows the plot. But it’s got alien weapons, fights with bullies, flying monsters, and superpowers, and while there are probably things that would make more sense if you’ve seen the movie, it’s definitely not necessary. The characters and plot stand on their own. At it’s heart, this is a coming of age story and a love story, and the emotions come through.
How to Kill a Boy on the First Date
By Transfixeddream
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
In which Jared is the Slayer: the one person in all the world who wields the strength and skills to stand against the vampires, the demons, and the blah blah blah - it's all in the handbook - and he would really, really like to go out with Jensen Ackles.
Jared fights vampires. It’s a fast story, fun and irreverent, the emotions simple but genuine. And it has a sequel. Plus, you know, the nostalgic factor, and if you weren’t a kid who watched Buffy growing up, I don’t want to know. But, seriously, high school AU plus vampires: how can you not?
Heroes are Made of This
By Agaetis Byrjun
A-Team Movie, Gen (possibly pre-slash, technically, but)
Five times Murdock rushed to save a member of the team and the one time they all rushed to save him.
Remember that vs. list I gave you? If this story doesn’t use all of them, you’ll never miss any that aren’t there. You get six fics for the price of one, each rescue centered on a different teammate, all with excellent characterization. Maybe you’ve noticed by now that’s a thing I like in my fic? And the situations are well-chosen and very A-Team. Just a heads-up? The POV is kinda third-person omniscient limited, which throws me until I remember because it reads just like 3rd person limited until you get a different POV.
All For One But Your Ass Is Mine
By hunters_retreat
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
Jared Padalecki had one dream in life, to become a member of the Queen's Guard. When he set out from home to fulfill his dream, little did he know the adventure that awaited him, nor how what he always thought he wanted wasn't really what he needed.
So, I’m kinda enchanted by the premise. This story puts me in mind of The Musketeers, in space, with sword fighting and snappy banter, and that peculiar kind of unconcern that won’t let the angst weigh down the narrative. The characters are interesting and unique and the story moves quickly. Plus, Jared as member of the Queen’s Guard, and so really proficient with a sword, is not as cool (to me) as what he actually is.
Put the Heartbeat Back Inside
By non_tiembo_mala
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
Jensen wakes up aboard a small fishing boat in the Gulf of Mexico with no memory and no clues to who he is except for two bullet wounds in his back and a mysterious chip embedded in his hip.
Jared is a PhD student at university in Mexico City, and when Jensen asks him for help, he finds himself swept along on a dangerous journey that will change his life -- their lives -- forever.
This story rides really close to the original Bourne Identity without being an exact retelling, which might be why I like it. The author moved the action closer to home, but kept the fights, and the characters and voices (and this is still weird to say, when I’m talking about them playing themselves in an AU, but whatever) ring true. It’s a fun read, and I like the addition of Kim and Brianna, who are sassy and sweet and perfect.
Forced to participate in illegal/hurtful activity
Vesti la Guibba
By Infatuated-ink
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
Tartarus is not the first circus Jensen's worked, but it's certainly the creepiest. After months without work, Jensen's not really in the place to be picky, so he takes the contortionist job he's offered and rolls with it. The people aren't bad at least, and the ringleader, Jared, is as hot as he is mysterious. Jensen won't complain about a job that feeds him and gets him laid regularly, and it's not like curses are real, anyway.
Jared is the one forced to participate in a hurtful activity, and he’s a mystery for most of the story, so just roll with me on this because the forced activity is pretty relevant to the plot and I don’t want to spoil it. The characters are interesting, and Jared both charming and, yes, mysterious, and it works really well with the creepiness of the circus and the buildup to the big reveal. It’s perfectly paced and thoroughly enchanting.
Not Dying Today
By Sharkgloves
A-Team Movie, Face/Murdock
Face and Murdock are captured during a job and forced to perform for their captor's amusement. Now Face has to get both of them through this without revealing feelings for Murdock that he's kept hidden for years.
Fuck or die. Frequently, this premise is approached with strangers. However, in this story, Face and Murdock are friends and teammates, and the potential for this to mess them up exists in spades. That said, the characters are really well-written, and this story was exactly what I didn’t realize I wanted when I first learned about this kink. And it’s hot.
They’re Advertising in the Skies (For People Like Us)
By Zuben
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
Jensen's gotten outside the system and managed to survive, thumbing his nose at the all-powerful conglomerates with the help of his augmentations. But a chance hookup with a stranger from a club makes him rethink everything, and suddenly he's facing a decision he never thought he'd have to make.
The worldbuilding here melds perfectly with the narration, flowing naturally with the progression of the story. We learn so much about the world just from the way Jensen sees it and puts thing together. The forced illegal activity takes place, technically, before the story starts, but it’s part of what brings Jared and Jensen together, and it’s what prompts their situation to change. And it throws into sharp, aching relief the helplessness of the dystopian world these boys inhabit, with just a bit of hope to keep things interesting and the thoroughly tempting promise of more--partially realized: there’s a sequel, hiding down in the comments if I remember right.
I was really kinda nonplussed to get “fighting” as one of my prompts. On the one hand, easy, any story ever written with a conflict to be resolved fits, whether that conflict is man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. machine, man vs. self or some other possible combination I may have forgotten from my writing classes, is a story where the protagonist fights. On the other hand, I don’t really want to write an essay for every story on this list. That said, I’ve tried not to get too esoteric on you. But I totally embraced the fusions, because fusions are awesome.
Fighting
From the Ruined Tower to the Caves of Unknown Horror
By Annella
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
Jared's been adventuring for most of his life. He loves being out on the road with his friends-killing monsters and bad guys, finding treasure, and helping people out of sticky situations. It's all part of being a good-hearted barbarian. Then his carefree life is shaken up by the introduction of a scrawny half-elf wizard called Jensen, who joins them for a quest upon which they will encounter horror, true friendship, and a secret buried deep underground…
Too on the nose? This story makes excellent use of its source material, fully embracing its D&D roots. Gamers will recognize some of terminology, but knowledge of the game isn’t necessary. The author also does a really excellent job of fleshing out her cast of characters throughout the traveling and fighting that is D&Ds hallmark. Also? It’s relatively long, which is a bonus.
To the Stars and Back
By Cleflink
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
90% of the human race thinks the Solar System is an alien free zone. They're all wrong, but luckily there are people around who make sure that what they don't known can't hurt them. Jensen was one of these people until his job got axed, but he and his Earth boyfriend, Jared, are about to have the chance to change that. Question is, how will a relationship based primarily on clever banter and really hot sex fare when they're dealing with a conspiracy that threatens the safety of the entire world?
The relationship based primarily on clever banter and really hot sex is as alluring as it sounds, but the author combines that with character growth, interesting supporting characters, a badass Jensen, and sneaky bad guys who need their asses kicked to make this story a fully satisfying spy AU. That takes place in space. And has feelings. And Timestamps.
Cardinal Hunter
By Zuben
Supernatural, Sam/Dean
Saving people. Hunting kaiju. The family business. AU fusion with Pacific Rim, starting when Sam is at Stanford.
I loved Pacific Rim, and the author does a good job of reimagining Sam and Dean’s history and weaving it into the world of Pacific Rim. Sam and Dean are still Sam and Dean, but when the kaiju start threatening the human race, they turn from hunting ghosts to hunting a different sort of monster. In giant robots. It’s pretty much the best of both worlds, long and well-written and lovely.
El Dorado
By Nigeltde
Supernatural, Sam/Dean (sort of)
Life, death, the trail.
I’m not familiar with El Dorado, the original, so I can’t speak to how much it’s been butchered like the author claims, but the tone recalls the dusty western, and it starts with a showdown between Sam and one of the men who killed his father, which sets the stage for the big showdown at the end. The author does a really good job taking details from canon and weaving them into the narrative, doling them out organically as the characters get to know each other, building the familiarity and closeness and mystery (and reveal) until everything comes to a head.
29 Days
By Ashtraythief
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
Twenty-Nine days stuck in ninety square feet would have been bad enough in itself, but that was before Jensen realized he had to share the cell with a werewolf. Despite being natural enemies, he and Jared have to find a way to work together to escape a group of hunters.
The fighting starts pretty much as soon as Vampire!Jensen and Werewolf!Jared meet, and never really stops. Sometimes, they even involve the hunters. The moments are well-chosen to illustrate the changing nature of their relationship, and it boasts snarky, grumpy Jensen won over by cuddles. Besides that, it’s an interesting take on the usual Fuck-or-Die.
Naked Under Here
By Fleshflutter
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
A Superhero AU. Introductions, such as they are, are kept brief for two very good reasons.
A lot of the fighting takes place between the narrative, but the climactic fight scene is epic. There are a lot of really good Superhero AUs out there, with interesting takes on which character has what power, but this is the only one I know of that fits the sheer impossible scale of Marvel-type worldbuilding into just over 10,000 words, and still manages to make the story all about the characters. About Jared and Jenesis, and their relationship--however you want to define it. Only thing that could make it better would be if there was more.
With Abandon or Not at All
By BewareTheIdes15
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
Jensen's life was complicated enough when his biggest worry was what crazy color his best friend/roommate/ex-boyfriend/co-executive chef, Jared, was going to dye his hair this week. Then his dreams came true and, somehow, his life started falling apart. Now he's got an insane client to please, a career-making meal to cook, a hodge-podge kitchen staff to corral, embarrassing, half-naked pictures plastered all over the internet and maybe, somewhere in there, a love of his life to win back. His foodie fairy tale isn't working out quite according to plan.
Ok, so I’m including this mostly on the strength of the ending argument (shh! Just roll with me here) partially for variety and mostly because I just really love this story. The point of contention is Jared’s appearance. The characterizations are perfect and the framing is excellent, moving the story forward and rounding out Jared and Jensen’s relationship, how it progressed from that first meeting to where they are in the present, with lots of lovely details. Just, go read.
Legacy
By C-is-for
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
Jared is a high school outcast, bullied for being gay and for having a father who had some strange theories before he disappeared. Jensen is a perpetual outsider, constantly on the move, trying to blend in as a normal teenager when he’s anything but. When it comes time to make a stand against the forces pursuing Jensen, Jared discovers that his father’s bizarre notions might have contained more truth than anyone realized.
This story is based on I Am Number Four, which I’ve never seen so I have no idea how closely it follows the plot. But it’s got alien weapons, fights with bullies, flying monsters, and superpowers, and while there are probably things that would make more sense if you’ve seen the movie, it’s definitely not necessary. The characters and plot stand on their own. At it’s heart, this is a coming of age story and a love story, and the emotions come through.
How to Kill a Boy on the First Date
By Transfixeddream
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
In which Jared is the Slayer: the one person in all the world who wields the strength and skills to stand against the vampires, the demons, and the blah blah blah - it's all in the handbook - and he would really, really like to go out with Jensen Ackles.
Jared fights vampires. It’s a fast story, fun and irreverent, the emotions simple but genuine. And it has a sequel. Plus, you know, the nostalgic factor, and if you weren’t a kid who watched Buffy growing up, I don’t want to know. But, seriously, high school AU plus vampires: how can you not?
Heroes are Made of This
By Agaetis Byrjun
A-Team Movie, Gen (possibly pre-slash, technically, but)
Five times Murdock rushed to save a member of the team and the one time they all rushed to save him.
Remember that vs. list I gave you? If this story doesn’t use all of them, you’ll never miss any that aren’t there. You get six fics for the price of one, each rescue centered on a different teammate, all with excellent characterization. Maybe you’ve noticed by now that’s a thing I like in my fic? And the situations are well-chosen and very A-Team. Just a heads-up? The POV is kinda third-person omniscient limited, which throws me until I remember because it reads just like 3rd person limited until you get a different POV.
All For One But Your Ass Is Mine
By hunters_retreat
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
Jared Padalecki had one dream in life, to become a member of the Queen's Guard. When he set out from home to fulfill his dream, little did he know the adventure that awaited him, nor how what he always thought he wanted wasn't really what he needed.
So, I’m kinda enchanted by the premise. This story puts me in mind of The Musketeers, in space, with sword fighting and snappy banter, and that peculiar kind of unconcern that won’t let the angst weigh down the narrative. The characters are interesting and unique and the story moves quickly. Plus, Jared as member of the Queen’s Guard, and so really proficient with a sword, is not as cool (to me) as what he actually is.
Put the Heartbeat Back Inside
By non_tiembo_mala
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
Jensen wakes up aboard a small fishing boat in the Gulf of Mexico with no memory and no clues to who he is except for two bullet wounds in his back and a mysterious chip embedded in his hip.
Jared is a PhD student at university in Mexico City, and when Jensen asks him for help, he finds himself swept along on a dangerous journey that will change his life -- their lives -- forever.
This story rides really close to the original Bourne Identity without being an exact retelling, which might be why I like it. The author moved the action closer to home, but kept the fights, and the characters and voices (and this is still weird to say, when I’m talking about them playing themselves in an AU, but whatever) ring true. It’s a fun read, and I like the addition of Kim and Brianna, who are sassy and sweet and perfect.
Forced to participate in illegal/hurtful activity
Vesti la Guibba
By Infatuated-ink
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
Tartarus is not the first circus Jensen's worked, but it's certainly the creepiest. After months without work, Jensen's not really in the place to be picky, so he takes the contortionist job he's offered and rolls with it. The people aren't bad at least, and the ringleader, Jared, is as hot as he is mysterious. Jensen won't complain about a job that feeds him and gets him laid regularly, and it's not like curses are real, anyway.
Jared is the one forced to participate in a hurtful activity, and he’s a mystery for most of the story, so just roll with me on this because the forced activity is pretty relevant to the plot and I don’t want to spoil it. The characters are interesting, and Jared both charming and, yes, mysterious, and it works really well with the creepiness of the circus and the buildup to the big reveal. It’s perfectly paced and thoroughly enchanting.
Not Dying Today
By Sharkgloves
A-Team Movie, Face/Murdock
Face and Murdock are captured during a job and forced to perform for their captor's amusement. Now Face has to get both of them through this without revealing feelings for Murdock that he's kept hidden for years.
Fuck or die. Frequently, this premise is approached with strangers. However, in this story, Face and Murdock are friends and teammates, and the potential for this to mess them up exists in spades. That said, the characters are really well-written, and this story was exactly what I didn’t realize I wanted when I first learned about this kink. And it’s hot.
They’re Advertising in the Skies (For People Like Us)
By Zuben
Supernatural RPF, Jared/Jensen
Jensen's gotten outside the system and managed to survive, thumbing his nose at the all-powerful conglomerates with the help of his augmentations. But a chance hookup with a stranger from a club makes him rethink everything, and suddenly he's facing a decision he never thought he'd have to make.
The worldbuilding here melds perfectly with the narration, flowing naturally with the progression of the story. We learn so much about the world just from the way Jensen sees it and puts thing together. The forced illegal activity takes place, technically, before the story starts, but it’s part of what brings Jared and Jensen together, and it’s what prompts their situation to change. And it throws into sharp, aching relief the helplessness of the dystopian world these boys inhabit, with just a bit of hope to keep things interesting and the thoroughly tempting promise of more--partially realized: there’s a sequel, hiding down in the comments if I remember right.