Recs: Skins
My Skins rec post was getting a bit out of control, so I've split it as best I could into gen 1, gen 2 and Tony/Effy, which contains fics set during both.
This post contains recs for gen 2.
Gen 1 recs can be found here.
Tony/Effy recs can be found here.
Gen 3 recs can now be found here.
A word of warning: this fandom is extremely unstable; authors often move or delete fanfic. If an author has taken it offline, then my ~policy is not to list it here. If there are broken links, it might be worth leaving me a comment to say so. Thanks!
Ashes by lazarus_girl (Cook/Katie)
Lazarus takes a simple premise - James Cook gets out of prison, and Katie comes to pick him up - and writes over 7000 words about the quite ordinary shape of his life afterwards. Really, though, they're 7000 words about redemption, in clear, crisp writing. The characterisations are flawless - though both are older and wiser, it's completely believable that they would end up like this - and there are a number of everyday details about Katie's flat, Cook's new suit etc which create a certain atmosphere without ever cluttering the heart of the story, which is Cook's desire to find a place for himself in the world. I enjoyed the sense that Cook and Katie have their own set-aside space in her flat, where other things hardly intrude. All-in-all, a brilliantly executed story. (flocked)
at the core of it by daneorange (Naomi/Emily)
"Emily thinks she’s well on her way to invincibility. After this, she tells herself, after this, nothing will ever hurt." (flocked)
Autumn Thoughts by triptohere (gen)
Well-characterised and with some great one-liners. Oh Naomily, please to be working out your issues with Katie in a way THIS AWESOME?
Avalanche by likecharity (Cook/Freddie/Effy)
"Because a threesome is the best solution to a love triangle." Freakin' hot.
the best of you and me by daneorange (Naomi/Emily, Naomi/Effy, Emily/OFC)
I have so much love for this series. It's a slow build of sadness and perfectly observed, simple but subtle prose. A story about how the end can seem inevitable, how difficult it is to make things right, and how our definition of happiness changes over time. There's surprise!Effy (except it's not really a surprise), who kind of steals the show, an OC who actually works, and lots of heartbreak.
The best ones always leave by triptohere (gennish, includes Naomi/Emily)
The only post-ep 4 fic that matters. Multi-POV, perfect in tone, and contains the infamous Emily-terrier comparison.
Between Friends by hard_parade (Emily/JJ)
Here are the reasons why I was okay with them hooking up in the show. Also includes a JJ with the emphasis on his good points.
Brighter Than Sunshine by na_smith (Katie/Effy)
"It isn’t what she expected. It’s fucking crazy, loving Effy Stonem." I think the earlier parts of this series are stronger, though that could just be because I'm all about the hatesex; the later parts manage to do something a bit like fluff and make it work, which with this pairing is no mean feat. Regardless, more Katie/Effy, in whatever form, is obviously a good thing.
Cherry by iridescentglow (Emily/Cook)
If the idea of Emily hetsex grosses you out, this isn't for you. Cook at his unexpectedly sweet best.
Christmas Will Wear You Down by gespawcho (Naomi, Effy)
I love the friendship between these two, and this is exactly how I imagine they would spend a Christmas together. Funny (the goat in the shower!) and heartwarming.
NEW Cock Cruncher by em_sh (Naomi/Chris)
That was so unexpectedly awesome. Naomi's thoughts were totally plausible for me. This has a great Chris voice, and em_sh pulls it off in a way that's cute and clever and not just a novelty.
Coerce You On This One by unconditional_w (Katie, Naomi/Emily)
"That’s why it feels like they’re not even twins anymore." Twinteraction with vulnerable Katie - short and sweet.
the curses through my teeth by aphrodite_mine (Katie/Effy/Naomi)
"Series of extended drabbles based on St Vincent's 'Actor'." Angsty and despairing and desperately hot, and fluffy at exactly no point whatsoever. Aphrodite understands teenagers the same way the show does; there's an incredible pathos in all three characters, and Naomi's own special brand of denial is captured especially well. In short, brilliant.
Don't wanna choose black or blue by jengrrrl (Naomi/Emily, Effy)
A spot-on Effy viewpoint makes this far more than it could otherwise have been.
WAITING FOR LINK The Downs by jengrrl (Katie/Effy)
I can't believe how strange I found it to read non-Bedlam fic from jen for this pairing; it's so, so different, and for a start I think that shows some of her range with these characters. Here she does a brilliant S4-type Katie.
Drifting Like A Fire by jengrrrl (Naomi/Emily)
Beautiful, fresh prose with a wonderfully melodramatic tinge. (flocked)
even the thames sizzled a bit by crackfoxx (Katie gen)
Katie's Valentine's Day. I love crack's version of Katie, and whilst this ostensibly pretends S4 never happened, to my mind it's a bit more like that version of her; softer, more adult, and a far better HBIC than Effy could ever be.
Everything Put Together Falls Apart by eternaladdict (Naomi/Emily)
Futurefic - everything's different for Naomi, but Emily makes it all meaningless, the same as it felt when they were seventeen.
Fall Out by triptohere (Katie, Emily)
Hilarious, genius twinteraction. Katie sort-of comes to terms with her sister being a big lesbian, and Emily's relief is palpable.
false jovialities and ill-considered gifts by crackfoxx (Naomi and Katie gen)
Naomi needs to buy Emily a Christmas present, and is helped by the most unexpected person. This has some lovely banter and some really solid characterisation - good stuff.
forward and not back, up and not down by ineffort (Katie/Cook)
They're probably my two favourite characters, but I can't imagine it being easy to write them as amazing together whilst staying true to their original voices. Well, it works here, and the author's style really stands out. I'll definitely be looking for more from ineffort in the future.
Four Years On by em_sh (ensemble, various pairings)
Post-S4 fic written for the Skins Big Bang. The gen 2 group meet again, and we get to see what's happened in the intervening years. It's bloody good; the writing is taut, the characterisation excellent and the ideas executed really well. For me, reading this story felt like coming home.
giant proclamations (our love is louder than words) by daneorange (Naomi/Emily)
This just misses canon at every juncture - it made me feel off-kilter, but in a good way. Delightful, and as you'd expect from daneorange, the writing is heart-stopping.
The Guide To Survival; Chapter Two-Point-Five: The Act of Becoming Invisible by dysenchanted2 (Effy/Cook; Effy-centric)
A story told backwards, in pieces; a story about loneliness and how people change and not being able to stop hoping. Gave me chills. (flocked)
Harder Than Me by readyfortigers (Effy/Emily)
Sort of a role reversal for these two, here - you'll see what I mean when you read it. Desperate, incoherant sex, and sadder than that should be.
hell is 'round the corner by elizabeth/slowlynow (Cook, Naomi/Emily)
Do you appreciate Cook's finely tempered manpain? If so, this short fic could be for you. It does also contain childbearing, which could be a point against it, but I promise that it's handled in a way that should lead to minimal squick. I feel so much for him in this story, and whilst it's jossed by S4, it seems quite plausible to me in terms of characterisation.
I am alive when I sleep by aphrodite_mine (Effy/Naomi)
"You don't understand the way this is feeling, her hand on yours. She shouldn't be touching you. She shouldn't even be looking at you. (The shouldn'ts never stopped you before.)" Imagine that gen 1 Effy stopped seeming fearless, but got no less self-destructive, as she grew up. This might result. Uses a second person POV that seems to work really well for Effy.
i would write your story, on you by twistomatic (Naomi/Emily)
It's sort of PWP, but with heapings of Emily's aching vulnerability.
i'll tell you the truth so close to your lips it will taste like a lie by twistomatic (Effy/Emily)
"Not quite 'translantacism'", but none the worse for that.
NEW (I've Got A Hammer) And A Heart of Glass by perfectlystill/incoherent_muse (Naomi/Cook)
I like this pairing a lot, but whew, I can tell you, reading this gave me a lot of "but the canon gay!" feelings. Try to get past them, though; it's worth it. "Naomi gets over Emily (she never thought it would happen)," with a slow build and some lovely hints of domesticity.
In Keeping Secrets by flister (Naomi/Emily, Katie/Naomi)
This fic took over my life for a week in January 2011 - it's very long - and it was totally worth it. Longer review up soon. In the mean time, if you have any interest in Katie/Naomi and haven't already read this (why the hell not? I thought I was the last person on LJ to do so), then you should go and do so now. I was always interested in Katie/Naomi as a pairing, but this is the fic that made me ship them like burning.
Into the Quiet Woods by issuegirls (Naomi/Emily, Effy/Emily)
"Later, Naomi will blame the mushrooms. Later, much, much later, Emily will, too." Sex in the woods.
is it bright where you are? by redsilverchains (Effy/Freddie)
Extra-tiny snippets of fic. "she's not mad anymore."
it's not that i don't want to be with you (but you only wanted me, the way you wanted me) by twistomatic (Naomi/Emily)
"It's probably more painful this way, Naomi thinks." If your teenage romance isn't an angstfest, you're not doing it right. It makes my heart ache from their first kiss.
A Lack of Options by triptohere (Effy, Freddie, Cook)
A drabble series, post S3, that gives Effy's side of her relationship with Freddie a bit more credibility; she comes across as gloriously empty.
The Last Two First Steps by jengrrrl (Naomi/Emily)
Yes, it's the long-awaited Fitch Family Drama, and it's every bit as good as the hype. Jen summarises it thus: "this story follows the aftermath of the Love Ball--the tentative steps Emily and Katie Fitch have to take in order to mend their relationship with each other, with their family, and with Naomi (not the supermodel!) Campbell, Emily's girlfriend."
I especially loved Emily's characterisation - it's spot on, and you can really feel how much she loves Naomi. Their relationship in general is just done perfectly, really; screwed up but, in living from moment to moment, they're actually finding out that they can be okay. On a shallower note, the sex scene is totally hot. There's also canon Katie, but with better fleshed-out motivations; I love her character, but it's hard to care about someone who's so judgmental about her sister's sexuality. I can believe it here.
lay petals on the path to redemption by corleones (Effy, Cook, Freddie)
Fucked up fragments of their relationships, twisted together like a ball of string. Imagine the love triangle story was actually interesting, and it might be like this.
Leave out all the rest by amchara (Tony/Freddie)
Freddie deserves to be manipulated, as far as I'm concerned. Hot and dirty.
Like some kind of demented seal by riflethrough (Cook/Freddie)
So, the premise of this fic is that Cook cockblocks Freddie. Like, continuously. It's hilarious and, towards the end, also rather sweet.
Little Parcels by bluesuzanne (Effy/Freddie)
A sharp and angsty drabble, post S4.
Look up at the stars and you're gone by cobalt_siren (Effy/Katie/Emily)
When I saw it was a first person Effy POV, I almost stopped reading, but the author pulls it off. Effy is as fucked up as the first two series would have you believe, Freffy thankfully means nothing and the images are strong enough to work within the style of the fic. This is how the show should go.
NEW maybe all our lives have amounted to small miracles by immortality (Naomi/Emily)
I rec so many of immortality's fics (formerly twistomatic) that I think sometimes I run out of things to say and don't quite do them justice. I'll try my best to sum up the appeal of this one: immortality writes these two right on the edge of something, on the cusp, in a world built of small touches and soft words. Maybe it's just that this kind of future fic rings entirely too true for me, personally, but even the simplest of lines here ("Would you stay, Emily asks, as Naomi's fingers run up and down the length of her arms. If I asked you to stay, would you?") reduce me to whimpers.
Maybe. Kind of. Absolution by holeybubushka (Cook/Panda, Panda/Thomas; Pandora-centric)
Okay. OKAY. This fic was recced all over the place when it was first posted, but if you're only just coming to it now, why not give it some latercomer's love? Holey writes Panda-fic, which is both shockingly ambitious and shockingly, really really good. Helps to reduce the feeling of let-down you get from canon's treatment of Panda's storyline, has some great thoughts about the other characters and is just generally very well written and thought out. It's kind of messy but it works. This is one of my top few fics in the fandom, and I'm willing to bet it will be one of yours too.
milk teeth by miredinmarrow (Effy/Naomi)
Effy thinks Naomi might be like her. A lovely second person POV and a dark, sad Effy. The writing is sometimes so perfect it hurts.
Mind Games by Beth (Naomi/Emily)
You know what the world needs? More fic about Naomi touching herself. Beth makes a good start.
Molasses by flash_indie (Katie/JJ)
Aw, Katie - so desperate for compliments, from anyone at all.
Moments by hermyfan (Naomi/Emily)
"She sees all the possibilities; all the time." A couple in breakdown, mid S4; this is really powerfully written.
NEW my head's to blame for all my heart's mistakes by sacred_lullaby (Naomi/Cook)
"It happens in stages." A great take on the chemistry between these two.
(my heart could not be contained in my chest) once it belonged to you by immortality/twistomatic (Naomi/Emily)
Naomi and Emily in a number of different years, with returning to the lake as a kind of motif. It's spine-chillingly lovely. THESE GIRLS.
Nighttime Puts On Diff'rent Clothes by jengrrrl (Naomi/Emily)
"Later, Naomi will think how this was not what she'd imagined when she'd imagined lesbian sex; how she'd thought of the mechanics of it but not how much it'd just be sex--sort of out of control, out-of-her-mind sex. Later, Naomi will be scared witless." An alternate take on the Lake Scene, from Naomi's point of view. (flocked)
Oilssss by chekhovsrifle (Naomi/Emily)
Summarised as "Katie throws an Anne Summers party," and every bit as hilarious and brilliant as that would lead one to believe. I mean, where else could you read smut containing the phrase, "through the haze of the cock-straw-cosmopolitans"?
on the shoreline by crackfoxx (Katie/Naomi)
Naomi mistakes Katie for Emily. From the simple starting point, crackfoxx writes a longish, very readable and immensely satisfying story. There's lots of character development for Katie, sure, but this has a definite ensemble flavour (including Katie/Cook friendship!) - and that's what really make this for me. As for criticisms: the pacing's a bit strange sometimes, and the ending felt a little rushed. However, this is a thoroughly enjoyable chaptered fic and well worth a read.
Only Time To Lose by botherd (Naomi/Emily)
If I were to rec two fics for a first-time reader in this fandom, the first would be trans - for an example of the high-quality, inventive, uncanon novella, not skimping on the smut. The second would be 'Only Time To Lose', an example of realistic Naomily - a bit of angst, a bit of sex, a bit of fluff and perfect, canon, characterisations. Botherd understands the limits of romance for this relationship in a way few writers can, and demonstrates them here in a fic everyone should be reading.
other lives & dimensions by crackfoxx (Naomi/Effy, Naomi/Cook)
This is by no means a technically perfect fic. I think my main criticism would be that, whilst the dialogue is often spot-on, Naomi's internal voice, the third person POV of the story, doesn't seem (to me) totally authentic. But occasionally awkward writing aside, this is a very good read. It blends seamlessly with canon, and has some really interesting, insightful things to say about the characters. It's not perfect, but it is a mature, sometimes sad and very enjoyable love triangle fic with a twist. Shan has made an excellent fanvid linked to this fic, called sink or swim.
perfect, now by daneorange (Naomi/Emily)
"Soon, Emily finds herself living for morning afters like this..." Daneorange does waking-up fic like nobody's business.
NEW the rambler, the gambler, the back biter by lucifers_toy (Katie/Effy)
I love this portrayal of Katie, post S3. I mean, check out this line: "And then she has nowhere to go, no one to go to, and she sits in a café and smiles at all the boys and just writes lists and lists of people she hates, and vengeance she seeks, and how the hell she’s going to get away from all the pathetic people in her life." That's Katie Motherfucking Fitch right there, before she grows up a bit in S4: angry and jealous and really, really needy. She's vicious like a wild animal, and she's completely obsessed with Effy, who keeps appearing out of nowhere like some kind of lost spirit. Full of gorgeous, strange, talismanic images without ever losing touch with Skins canon; just so, so good.
a realisation in five months by eternaladdict (Cook/Effy, Freddie/Effy)
A beautiful, primarily Cook/Effy fic that follows on from the road trip. "At night she lies awake and listens to his breathing, counts each steady breath in and out. She thinks that perhaps that might mean something, only she’s Effy and he’s Cook and to them nothing means anything anymore."
Rebellion by bluesuzanne (Katie/Effy)
Effy's still not well, and Katie deals with it in her own inimitable style. What really struck me about this fic was its unusual premise; Effy's CANON MENTAL ILLNESS (ahem) is so rarely present in femslash, but why the hell not? Bluesuzanne writes it delicately and believably here.
recycling their papier-mâché hearts by dysenchanted2 (Cook/Effy, Freddie/Effy)
Effy is so numb, so broken, and trapped between these two boys without ever being less than alone. (flocked)
Rules for Living by harbordesperati (Naomi/Emily)
Perfect Emily voice. Love it, love it, love it.
set the dark on fire by shan_3414 (Various, ensemble)
Um, this fic gives me a lot of ~feelings, okay? It's a lesbian. Zombie. Apocalypse, so those are three things I love right there. And a Skins one, so make that four. Shan's biggest triumph here (trust me, it's hard to choose) is probably her success in centring this story so thoroughly both in Skins canon and in the zombie apocalypse genre. She reuses things from the show in clever ways, and the characterisation is solidly canon/awesome, but also uses tropes and details from every zombie film ever, which I loved. I would call it a pastiche, if that didn't imply inferiority in some way; I think it's more of a love letter, really, to both the Skins characters (of whom so many are included here - including Tony and Karen, yay!) and the apocalypse genre. A brilliantly written, expertly delivered love letter. The fanvid trailer for it by sun_in_ur_heart, embedded at this link, is also really awesome, as is the art from blurubberband55, used here as a header.
sewn to a tremendous shadow by botherd (Katie/Emily)
A perfectly in-character snippet of incestuousness - delicious.
stories from second year / 2nd year stories by botherd (Various pairings)
A longish, ensemble piece that's AU from the end of S3. I managed to read this without spoilers, despite finishing it almost a year late, and the twists and turns were often unexpected, and generally brilliant even if not always what your shipper heart will hope for. Some really excellent writing and just damn good ideas, especially when you remember that it was written for NaNo.
Sucker Love by zooeyrye (Cook/Freddie)
"It happened something like this: Freddie began to cry about his family; Cook, not being used to seeing Freddie cry over anything, pulled him into his lap and held him tightly. Before either knew what was happening, Freddie was kissing Cook and Cook was kissing back." This is really sweet without being the slightest bit sickening, or out of character for either of them.
Surrender by likecharity (Cook/Freddie)
Rough, angry and hot. These boys really need each other, and after the kiss in S3, I don't think it would surprise anyone if this were to happen.
Synchronized Drowning by dysenchanted2 (Cook/Effy)
This pairing makes far, far more sense to me than Freffy - which is not difficult, because that makes no sense to me at all. And I am programmed to love this story because it's about a screwed-up roadtrip. But it's more than that - both of them are completely in character, as I see them, anyway. This is the only way they could fall in love. (flocked)
Testament by harper_m (Effy/Katie, Effy/Emily)
"Effy decides to cheer herself up by seducing the Fitch twins (separately, for once). Some things go according to plan and some don’t."
That Secret That We Know by sweetandunknown (Effy/Emily)
"Elizabeth Stonem doesn't cave, and if she does, she sweeps up the mess so there's no evidence. She's had to do a lot of sweeping lately." An Effy who's uncertain but trying to hide it is my favourite kind of Effy.
The Inevitable and Unspoken by blondespaz (Naomi/Emily)
"Everything seems so simple for Emily. Girl meets girl. Girl kisses girl. Other girl kisses girl back. Girl tells girl she loves her. Girls live happily ever after."
Therapy by butsewka (Naomi)
There's a lot of dark Skins fic - understandably, these kids are fucked up - but the show has another side to it. That's the silly, funny side, with snarky lines and ridiculous authority figures. This series delivers on those counts. Naomi is in therapy, and here she's in her purest, most canon form; sarcastic, defensive and, beneath the veneer, vulnerable. This series makes me laugh out loud at least once with every installment, and offers fresh insight into Naomi's character.
this ending by daneorange (Naomi/Emily)
For ineffort's Awesome Ladies Ficathon. So tense and quiet you'll hardly dare to breathe whilst reading.
NEW this is where i often drown (and sink and float and sink and float) by immortality (Katie/Effy)
I can't pick out a single phrase or line to quote, because it would be a crime for you not to read this all at once, as though you're throwing back a double espresso. Yeah, it's potent. Immortality writes Katie beautifully here, and a lovely, silent Effy.
Three People Katie Fitch Never Wanted To Be by lucifers_toy (Katie/various)
I don't understand why more people aren't raving about this fic. It's an excellent take on Katie - all her bitterness and envy and desperation to be noticed, combined with a venomous perceptiveness that gives us an insight into the other girls. And I love the hints of femslash, especially the Katie/Effy.
To Bedlam and Part Way Back by jengrrrl (Katie/Effy)
I wouldn't usually rec a series that isn't finished but the first few parts of this are so fantastic that I can be pretty confident it's worth it. The sex is dark and gloriously fucked-up, just as it should be, really. They get off their tits and fuck - but it doesn't mean anything. Honest.
Trip and Fall by jengrrrl (Naomi/Emily)
"She sees the light of day from behind closed eyelids." Beautiful Naomily angst. (flocked)
tuesday means we shouldn't have to worry, at least not too much by twistomatic (Naomi/Emily)
Following S3 Naomily and Emily seem relatively resolved (though perhaps only relative to all the Katie/Effy being written) and whilst you might think you've seen this fic before, Katie's point of view refreshes it into something that, once again, seems utterly necessary.
Until We Bleed by aphrodite_mine (Effy/Emily)
Set in the trans-verse, this filler fic is emotionally pitch-perfect and does a brilliant job of offering a bit more of this version of their relationship.
We have lingered in the chambers of the sea by cobalt_siren (Katie/Effy)
I'm always wary of first-person narratives; they tend to be hard to carry off without being either overly prosaic or unrealistically purple. This, however, manages a perfect balance of poetry with the everyday. What really gets me is how tired Katie seems; I'm used to it in future fic, but not so much post-S3, where she's generally written with more fight. It's unusual in that sense but it definitely works.
we sing until the dawn of our fates and fears by the_girl_20 (Katie/Naomi)
My comment: "Why why why did I not read this before? How on earth did you manage to do this pairing in a way that wasn't slow-building and angsty? Great dialogue, spot-on characterization and hot sex. Mmmm. MASSIVE thumbs up all round."
we use such small words, for feelings so enormous by twistomatic (Naomi/Emily)
"Later, she says, 'I've always loved you, you know. Ever since I first saw you, with your beautiful blue eyes and navy tie and skirt and you, you with that ridiculous bag.'" Dazzlingly, beautifully romantic. After everything she's been through with Naomi, of course Emily would be this afraid of losing her.
what we learned here by crackfoxx (Naomi/Emily)
Crackfoxx writes about the summer of the love ball, and does a very good job of it. There's a momentum throughout towards, one suspects, a moment of abandonment- but then a surprise happy ending. I particularly enjoyed the Gina cameo!
(when sadness was the sea) you were the one who taught me how to swim by twistomatic/immortality (Katie/Effy)
Well, the author marks it Katie/Effy, but mostly it's just Katie gen. Epistolary fic, recced to me by mrjdt and well deserving of a heads up from me too. After S4, Katie writes letters to Effy. It's not a whole lot more complicated than that, but it's subtle and understated and, well, entirely in Katie's voice - which is so different from twisty's usual writing style that I couldn't help but be impressed.
When The Colours Start To Run by likecharity (Katie/Emily)
Hot, desperate sex in a bathroom stall. If it's over quickly enough, maybe it won't count?
where thoughts can bloom by snakevsladder (Freddie/JJ/Cook)
Shed fic! I am not really into slashing JJ - I just can't see him being queer, any more than I could Panda - so this left me somewhat cold sexually. That said, this is very, very well written and executed. The characterisations are perfect (except for maybe JJ; he felt a bit like a hole where JJ should be, rather than being JJ, but maybe that's just me - and Cook and Freddie are brilliant, so). Freddie especially is a tour de force, as someone who is rarely attempted successfully in the fic I read, at least. The atmosphere and just the movements of their bodies are conveyed in a way that feels organic and not at all clumsy.
while we're tidal and flexed by daneorange (Naomi/Emily)
"Naomi had paused a long while before saying, 'We don’t have time to spare each other from scars.'" Future fic with a number of flashbacks, full of daneorange's brand of heart-achey angst. This is not a fic without faults: it takes a while to get going, the dialogue is sometimes a little stunted rather than simply stylised and the occasional Americanisms grated a bit. However, it is a lovely long fic that manages to be both unabashedly romantic and give Katie the best ever future career, so I heartily recommend setting aside an evening and giving it a read.
who carries a cat by the tail by crackfoxx (Naomi/Emily but mostly just Emily gen)
Emily meets Naomi. I think the real strength of this fic is its understanding of being young and gay - as in, knowing you like girls but not being ready to identify as gay. A snippet of my favourite part: "It's not like she needs to give it a name, because as sure as Emily is about what's been happening, her subconscious cringes at words that sound 'official' in any capacity, like gay and lesbian and bi and whatnot." Honestly, when crackfoxx writes gen it's consistently interesting, mature and canon-flavoured, which I have huge respect for.
you are the best parts of all the songs i love by twistomatic (Naomi/Emily)
A characteristic fic by twistomatic - gorgeous writing and intense feelings. I love Naomi's incredible fear and uncertainty, and the fragility of her relationship with Emily. Fics like this say everything about why this ship is so popular - it's an avatar, perhaps, for everyone's first love.
you were right about the stars; each one is a setting sun by twistomatic (Naomi/Emily)
Beautifully written, more than a little painful. Can you ever have enough of the person you love?
Edited 4th April 2011
Where to now?
Skins fic is not as consistently high in quality as it once was, but is still the primary fic comm for this fandom.
Femslash Daily to keep up with Skins femslash.
The Skins website, of course!
This post contains recs for gen 2.
Gen 1 recs can be found here.
Tony/Effy recs can be found here.
Gen 3 recs can now be found here.
A word of warning: this fandom is extremely unstable; authors often move or delete fanfic. If an author has taken it offline, then my ~policy is not to list it here. If there are broken links, it might be worth leaving me a comment to say so. Thanks!
Ashes by lazarus_girl (Cook/Katie)
Lazarus takes a simple premise - James Cook gets out of prison, and Katie comes to pick him up - and writes over 7000 words about the quite ordinary shape of his life afterwards. Really, though, they're 7000 words about redemption, in clear, crisp writing. The characterisations are flawless - though both are older and wiser, it's completely believable that they would end up like this - and there are a number of everyday details about Katie's flat, Cook's new suit etc which create a certain atmosphere without ever cluttering the heart of the story, which is Cook's desire to find a place for himself in the world. I enjoyed the sense that Cook and Katie have their own set-aside space in her flat, where other things hardly intrude. All-in-all, a brilliantly executed story. (flocked)
at the core of it by daneorange (Naomi/Emily)
"Emily thinks she’s well on her way to invincibility. After this, she tells herself, after this, nothing will ever hurt." (flocked)
Autumn Thoughts by triptohere (gen)
Well-characterised and with some great one-liners. Oh Naomily, please to be working out your issues with Katie in a way THIS AWESOME?
Avalanche by likecharity (Cook/Freddie/Effy)
"Because a threesome is the best solution to a love triangle." Freakin' hot.
the best of you and me by daneorange (Naomi/Emily, Naomi/Effy, Emily/OFC)
I have so much love for this series. It's a slow build of sadness and perfectly observed, simple but subtle prose. A story about how the end can seem inevitable, how difficult it is to make things right, and how our definition of happiness changes over time. There's surprise!Effy (except it's not really a surprise), who kind of steals the show, an OC who actually works, and lots of heartbreak.
The best ones always leave by triptohere (gennish, includes Naomi/Emily)
The only post-ep 4 fic that matters. Multi-POV, perfect in tone, and contains the infamous Emily-terrier comparison.
Between Friends by hard_parade (Emily/JJ)
Here are the reasons why I was okay with them hooking up in the show. Also includes a JJ with the emphasis on his good points.
Brighter Than Sunshine by na_smith (Katie/Effy)
"It isn’t what she expected. It’s fucking crazy, loving Effy Stonem." I think the earlier parts of this series are stronger, though that could just be because I'm all about the hatesex; the later parts manage to do something a bit like fluff and make it work, which with this pairing is no mean feat. Regardless, more Katie/Effy, in whatever form, is obviously a good thing.
Cherry by iridescentglow (Emily/Cook)
If the idea of Emily hetsex grosses you out, this isn't for you. Cook at his unexpectedly sweet best.
Christmas Will Wear You Down by gespawcho (Naomi, Effy)
I love the friendship between these two, and this is exactly how I imagine they would spend a Christmas together. Funny (the goat in the shower!) and heartwarming.
NEW Cock Cruncher by em_sh (Naomi/Chris)
That was so unexpectedly awesome. Naomi's thoughts were totally plausible for me. This has a great Chris voice, and em_sh pulls it off in a way that's cute and clever and not just a novelty.
Coerce You On This One by unconditional_w (Katie, Naomi/Emily)
"That’s why it feels like they’re not even twins anymore." Twinteraction with vulnerable Katie - short and sweet.
the curses through my teeth by aphrodite_mine (Katie/Effy/Naomi)
"Series of extended drabbles based on St Vincent's 'Actor'." Angsty and despairing and desperately hot, and fluffy at exactly no point whatsoever. Aphrodite understands teenagers the same way the show does; there's an incredible pathos in all three characters, and Naomi's own special brand of denial is captured especially well. In short, brilliant.
Don't wanna choose black or blue by jengrrrl (Naomi/Emily, Effy)
A spot-on Effy viewpoint makes this far more than it could otherwise have been.
WAITING FOR LINK The Downs by jengrrl (Katie/Effy)
I can't believe how strange I found it to read non-Bedlam fic from jen for this pairing; it's so, so different, and for a start I think that shows some of her range with these characters. Here she does a brilliant S4-type Katie.
Drifting Like A Fire by jengrrrl (Naomi/Emily)
Beautiful, fresh prose with a wonderfully melodramatic tinge. (flocked)
even the thames sizzled a bit by crackfoxx (Katie gen)
Katie's Valentine's Day. I love crack's version of Katie, and whilst this ostensibly pretends S4 never happened, to my mind it's a bit more like that version of her; softer, more adult, and a far better HBIC than Effy could ever be.
Everything Put Together Falls Apart by eternaladdict (Naomi/Emily)
Futurefic - everything's different for Naomi, but Emily makes it all meaningless, the same as it felt when they were seventeen.
Fall Out by triptohere (Katie, Emily)
Hilarious, genius twinteraction. Katie sort-of comes to terms with her sister being a big lesbian, and Emily's relief is palpable.
false jovialities and ill-considered gifts by crackfoxx (Naomi and Katie gen)
Naomi needs to buy Emily a Christmas present, and is helped by the most unexpected person. This has some lovely banter and some really solid characterisation - good stuff.
forward and not back, up and not down by ineffort (Katie/Cook)
They're probably my two favourite characters, but I can't imagine it being easy to write them as amazing together whilst staying true to their original voices. Well, it works here, and the author's style really stands out. I'll definitely be looking for more from ineffort in the future.
Four Years On by em_sh (ensemble, various pairings)
Post-S4 fic written for the Skins Big Bang. The gen 2 group meet again, and we get to see what's happened in the intervening years. It's bloody good; the writing is taut, the characterisation excellent and the ideas executed really well. For me, reading this story felt like coming home.
giant proclamations (our love is louder than words) by daneorange (Naomi/Emily)
This just misses canon at every juncture - it made me feel off-kilter, but in a good way. Delightful, and as you'd expect from daneorange, the writing is heart-stopping.
The Guide To Survival; Chapter Two-Point-Five: The Act of Becoming Invisible by dysenchanted2 (Effy/Cook; Effy-centric)
A story told backwards, in pieces; a story about loneliness and how people change and not being able to stop hoping. Gave me chills. (flocked)
Harder Than Me by readyfortigers (Effy/Emily)
Sort of a role reversal for these two, here - you'll see what I mean when you read it. Desperate, incoherant sex, and sadder than that should be.
hell is 'round the corner by elizabeth/slowlynow (Cook, Naomi/Emily)
Do you appreciate Cook's finely tempered manpain? If so, this short fic could be for you. It does also contain childbearing, which could be a point against it, but I promise that it's handled in a way that should lead to minimal squick. I feel so much for him in this story, and whilst it's jossed by S4, it seems quite plausible to me in terms of characterisation.
I am alive when I sleep by aphrodite_mine (Effy/Naomi)
"You don't understand the way this is feeling, her hand on yours. She shouldn't be touching you. She shouldn't even be looking at you. (The shouldn'ts never stopped you before.)" Imagine that gen 1 Effy stopped seeming fearless, but got no less self-destructive, as she grew up. This might result. Uses a second person POV that seems to work really well for Effy.
i would write your story, on you by twistomatic (Naomi/Emily)
It's sort of PWP, but with heapings of Emily's aching vulnerability.
i'll tell you the truth so close to your lips it will taste like a lie by twistomatic (Effy/Emily)
"Not quite 'translantacism'", but none the worse for that.
NEW (I've Got A Hammer) And A Heart of Glass by perfectlystill/incoherent_muse (Naomi/Cook)
I like this pairing a lot, but whew, I can tell you, reading this gave me a lot of "but the canon gay!" feelings. Try to get past them, though; it's worth it. "Naomi gets over Emily (she never thought it would happen)," with a slow build and some lovely hints of domesticity.
In Keeping Secrets by flister (Naomi/Emily, Katie/Naomi)
This fic took over my life for a week in January 2011 - it's very long - and it was totally worth it. Longer review up soon. In the mean time, if you have any interest in Katie/Naomi and haven't already read this (why the hell not? I thought I was the last person on LJ to do so), then you should go and do so now. I was always interested in Katie/Naomi as a pairing, but this is the fic that made me ship them like burning.
Into the Quiet Woods by issuegirls (Naomi/Emily, Effy/Emily)
"Later, Naomi will blame the mushrooms. Later, much, much later, Emily will, too." Sex in the woods.
is it bright where you are? by redsilverchains (Effy/Freddie)
Extra-tiny snippets of fic. "she's not mad anymore."
it's not that i don't want to be with you (but you only wanted me, the way you wanted me) by twistomatic (Naomi/Emily)
"It's probably more painful this way, Naomi thinks." If your teenage romance isn't an angstfest, you're not doing it right. It makes my heart ache from their first kiss.
A Lack of Options by triptohere (Effy, Freddie, Cook)
A drabble series, post S3, that gives Effy's side of her relationship with Freddie a bit more credibility; she comes across as gloriously empty.
The Last Two First Steps by jengrrrl (Naomi/Emily)
Yes, it's the long-awaited Fitch Family Drama, and it's every bit as good as the hype. Jen summarises it thus: "this story follows the aftermath of the Love Ball--the tentative steps Emily and Katie Fitch have to take in order to mend their relationship with each other, with their family, and with Naomi (not the supermodel!) Campbell, Emily's girlfriend."
I especially loved Emily's characterisation - it's spot on, and you can really feel how much she loves Naomi. Their relationship in general is just done perfectly, really; screwed up but, in living from moment to moment, they're actually finding out that they can be okay. On a shallower note, the sex scene is totally hot. There's also canon Katie, but with better fleshed-out motivations; I love her character, but it's hard to care about someone who's so judgmental about her sister's sexuality. I can believe it here.
lay petals on the path to redemption by corleones (Effy, Cook, Freddie)
Fucked up fragments of their relationships, twisted together like a ball of string. Imagine the love triangle story was actually interesting, and it might be like this.
Leave out all the rest by amchara (Tony/Freddie)
Freddie deserves to be manipulated, as far as I'm concerned. Hot and dirty.
Like some kind of demented seal by riflethrough (Cook/Freddie)
So, the premise of this fic is that Cook cockblocks Freddie. Like, continuously. It's hilarious and, towards the end, also rather sweet.
Little Parcels by bluesuzanne (Effy/Freddie)
A sharp and angsty drabble, post S4.
Look up at the stars and you're gone by cobalt_siren (Effy/Katie/Emily)
When I saw it was a first person Effy POV, I almost stopped reading, but the author pulls it off. Effy is as fucked up as the first two series would have you believe, Freffy thankfully means nothing and the images are strong enough to work within the style of the fic. This is how the show should go.
NEW maybe all our lives have amounted to small miracles by immortality (Naomi/Emily)
I rec so many of immortality's fics (formerly twistomatic) that I think sometimes I run out of things to say and don't quite do them justice. I'll try my best to sum up the appeal of this one: immortality writes these two right on the edge of something, on the cusp, in a world built of small touches and soft words. Maybe it's just that this kind of future fic rings entirely too true for me, personally, but even the simplest of lines here ("Would you stay, Emily asks, as Naomi's fingers run up and down the length of her arms. If I asked you to stay, would you?") reduce me to whimpers.
Maybe. Kind of. Absolution by holeybubushka (Cook/Panda, Panda/Thomas; Pandora-centric)
Okay. OKAY. This fic was recced all over the place when it was first posted, but if you're only just coming to it now, why not give it some latercomer's love? Holey writes Panda-fic, which is both shockingly ambitious and shockingly, really really good. Helps to reduce the feeling of let-down you get from canon's treatment of Panda's storyline, has some great thoughts about the other characters and is just generally very well written and thought out. It's kind of messy but it works. This is one of my top few fics in the fandom, and I'm willing to bet it will be one of yours too.
milk teeth by miredinmarrow (Effy/Naomi)
Effy thinks Naomi might be like her. A lovely second person POV and a dark, sad Effy. The writing is sometimes so perfect it hurts.
Mind Games by Beth (Naomi/Emily)
You know what the world needs? More fic about Naomi touching herself. Beth makes a good start.
Molasses by flash_indie (Katie/JJ)
Aw, Katie - so desperate for compliments, from anyone at all.
Moments by hermyfan (Naomi/Emily)
"She sees all the possibilities; all the time." A couple in breakdown, mid S4; this is really powerfully written.
NEW my head's to blame for all my heart's mistakes by sacred_lullaby (Naomi/Cook)
"It happens in stages." A great take on the chemistry between these two.
(my heart could not be contained in my chest) once it belonged to you by immortality/twistomatic (Naomi/Emily)
Naomi and Emily in a number of different years, with returning to the lake as a kind of motif. It's spine-chillingly lovely. THESE GIRLS.
Nighttime Puts On Diff'rent Clothes by jengrrrl (Naomi/Emily)
"Later, Naomi will think how this was not what she'd imagined when she'd imagined lesbian sex; how she'd thought of the mechanics of it but not how much it'd just be sex--sort of out of control, out-of-her-mind sex. Later, Naomi will be scared witless." An alternate take on the Lake Scene, from Naomi's point of view. (flocked)
Oilssss by chekhovsrifle (Naomi/Emily)
Summarised as "Katie throws an Anne Summers party," and every bit as hilarious and brilliant as that would lead one to believe. I mean, where else could you read smut containing the phrase, "through the haze of the cock-straw-cosmopolitans"?
on the shoreline by crackfoxx (Katie/Naomi)
Naomi mistakes Katie for Emily. From the simple starting point, crackfoxx writes a longish, very readable and immensely satisfying story. There's lots of character development for Katie, sure, but this has a definite ensemble flavour (including Katie/Cook friendship!) - and that's what really make this for me. As for criticisms: the pacing's a bit strange sometimes, and the ending felt a little rushed. However, this is a thoroughly enjoyable chaptered fic and well worth a read.
Only Time To Lose by botherd (Naomi/Emily)
If I were to rec two fics for a first-time reader in this fandom, the first would be trans - for an example of the high-quality, inventive, uncanon novella, not skimping on the smut. The second would be 'Only Time To Lose', an example of realistic Naomily - a bit of angst, a bit of sex, a bit of fluff and perfect, canon, characterisations. Botherd understands the limits of romance for this relationship in a way few writers can, and demonstrates them here in a fic everyone should be reading.
other lives & dimensions by crackfoxx (Naomi/Effy, Naomi/Cook)
This is by no means a technically perfect fic. I think my main criticism would be that, whilst the dialogue is often spot-on, Naomi's internal voice, the third person POV of the story, doesn't seem (to me) totally authentic. But occasionally awkward writing aside, this is a very good read. It blends seamlessly with canon, and has some really interesting, insightful things to say about the characters. It's not perfect, but it is a mature, sometimes sad and very enjoyable love triangle fic with a twist. Shan has made an excellent fanvid linked to this fic, called sink or swim.
perfect, now by daneorange (Naomi/Emily)
"Soon, Emily finds herself living for morning afters like this..." Daneorange does waking-up fic like nobody's business.
NEW the rambler, the gambler, the back biter by lucifers_toy (Katie/Effy)
I love this portrayal of Katie, post S3. I mean, check out this line: "And then she has nowhere to go, no one to go to, and she sits in a café and smiles at all the boys and just writes lists and lists of people she hates, and vengeance she seeks, and how the hell she’s going to get away from all the pathetic people in her life." That's Katie Motherfucking Fitch right there, before she grows up a bit in S4: angry and jealous and really, really needy. She's vicious like a wild animal, and she's completely obsessed with Effy, who keeps appearing out of nowhere like some kind of lost spirit. Full of gorgeous, strange, talismanic images without ever losing touch with Skins canon; just so, so good.
a realisation in five months by eternaladdict (Cook/Effy, Freddie/Effy)
A beautiful, primarily Cook/Effy fic that follows on from the road trip. "At night she lies awake and listens to his breathing, counts each steady breath in and out. She thinks that perhaps that might mean something, only she’s Effy and he’s Cook and to them nothing means anything anymore."
Rebellion by bluesuzanne (Katie/Effy)
Effy's still not well, and Katie deals with it in her own inimitable style. What really struck me about this fic was its unusual premise; Effy's CANON MENTAL ILLNESS (ahem) is so rarely present in femslash, but why the hell not? Bluesuzanne writes it delicately and believably here.
recycling their papier-mâché hearts by dysenchanted2 (Cook/Effy, Freddie/Effy)
Effy is so numb, so broken, and trapped between these two boys without ever being less than alone. (flocked)
Rules for Living by harbordesperati (Naomi/Emily)
Perfect Emily voice. Love it, love it, love it.
set the dark on fire by shan_3414 (Various, ensemble)
Um, this fic gives me a lot of ~feelings, okay? It's a lesbian. Zombie. Apocalypse, so those are three things I love right there. And a Skins one, so make that four. Shan's biggest triumph here (trust me, it's hard to choose) is probably her success in centring this story so thoroughly both in Skins canon and in the zombie apocalypse genre. She reuses things from the show in clever ways, and the characterisation is solidly canon/awesome, but also uses tropes and details from every zombie film ever, which I loved. I would call it a pastiche, if that didn't imply inferiority in some way; I think it's more of a love letter, really, to both the Skins characters (of whom so many are included here - including Tony and Karen, yay!) and the apocalypse genre. A brilliantly written, expertly delivered love letter. The fanvid trailer for it by sun_in_ur_heart, embedded at this link, is also really awesome, as is the art from blurubberband55, used here as a header.
sewn to a tremendous shadow by botherd (Katie/Emily)
A perfectly in-character snippet of incestuousness - delicious.
stories from second year / 2nd year stories by botherd (Various pairings)
A longish, ensemble piece that's AU from the end of S3. I managed to read this without spoilers, despite finishing it almost a year late, and the twists and turns were often unexpected, and generally brilliant even if not always what your shipper heart will hope for. Some really excellent writing and just damn good ideas, especially when you remember that it was written for NaNo.
Sucker Love by zooeyrye (Cook/Freddie)
"It happened something like this: Freddie began to cry about his family; Cook, not being used to seeing Freddie cry over anything, pulled him into his lap and held him tightly. Before either knew what was happening, Freddie was kissing Cook and Cook was kissing back." This is really sweet without being the slightest bit sickening, or out of character for either of them.
Surrender by likecharity (Cook/Freddie)
Rough, angry and hot. These boys really need each other, and after the kiss in S3, I don't think it would surprise anyone if this were to happen.
Synchronized Drowning by dysenchanted2 (Cook/Effy)
This pairing makes far, far more sense to me than Freffy - which is not difficult, because that makes no sense to me at all. And I am programmed to love this story because it's about a screwed-up roadtrip. But it's more than that - both of them are completely in character, as I see them, anyway. This is the only way they could fall in love. (flocked)
Testament by harper_m (Effy/Katie, Effy/Emily)
"Effy decides to cheer herself up by seducing the Fitch twins (separately, for once). Some things go according to plan and some don’t."
That Secret That We Know by sweetandunknown (Effy/Emily)
"Elizabeth Stonem doesn't cave, and if she does, she sweeps up the mess so there's no evidence. She's had to do a lot of sweeping lately." An Effy who's uncertain but trying to hide it is my favourite kind of Effy.
The Inevitable and Unspoken by blondespaz (Naomi/Emily)
"Everything seems so simple for Emily. Girl meets girl. Girl kisses girl. Other girl kisses girl back. Girl tells girl she loves her. Girls live happily ever after."
Therapy by butsewka (Naomi)
There's a lot of dark Skins fic - understandably, these kids are fucked up - but the show has another side to it. That's the silly, funny side, with snarky lines and ridiculous authority figures. This series delivers on those counts. Naomi is in therapy, and here she's in her purest, most canon form; sarcastic, defensive and, beneath the veneer, vulnerable. This series makes me laugh out loud at least once with every installment, and offers fresh insight into Naomi's character.
this ending by daneorange (Naomi/Emily)
For ineffort's Awesome Ladies Ficathon. So tense and quiet you'll hardly dare to breathe whilst reading.
NEW this is where i often drown (and sink and float and sink and float) by immortality (Katie/Effy)
I can't pick out a single phrase or line to quote, because it would be a crime for you not to read this all at once, as though you're throwing back a double espresso. Yeah, it's potent. Immortality writes Katie beautifully here, and a lovely, silent Effy.
Three People Katie Fitch Never Wanted To Be by lucifers_toy (Katie/various)
I don't understand why more people aren't raving about this fic. It's an excellent take on Katie - all her bitterness and envy and desperation to be noticed, combined with a venomous perceptiveness that gives us an insight into the other girls. And I love the hints of femslash, especially the Katie/Effy.
To Bedlam and Part Way Back by jengrrrl (Katie/Effy)
I wouldn't usually rec a series that isn't finished but the first few parts of this are so fantastic that I can be pretty confident it's worth it. The sex is dark and gloriously fucked-up, just as it should be, really. They get off their tits and fuck - but it doesn't mean anything. Honest.
Trip and Fall by jengrrrl (Naomi/Emily)
"She sees the light of day from behind closed eyelids." Beautiful Naomily angst. (flocked)
tuesday means we shouldn't have to worry, at least not too much by twistomatic (Naomi/Emily)
Following S3 Naomily and Emily seem relatively resolved (though perhaps only relative to all the Katie/Effy being written) and whilst you might think you've seen this fic before, Katie's point of view refreshes it into something that, once again, seems utterly necessary.
Until We Bleed by aphrodite_mine (Effy/Emily)
Set in the trans-verse, this filler fic is emotionally pitch-perfect and does a brilliant job of offering a bit more of this version of their relationship.
We have lingered in the chambers of the sea by cobalt_siren (Katie/Effy)
I'm always wary of first-person narratives; they tend to be hard to carry off without being either overly prosaic or unrealistically purple. This, however, manages a perfect balance of poetry with the everyday. What really gets me is how tired Katie seems; I'm used to it in future fic, but not so much post-S3, where she's generally written with more fight. It's unusual in that sense but it definitely works.
we sing until the dawn of our fates and fears by the_girl_20 (Katie/Naomi)
My comment: "Why why why did I not read this before? How on earth did you manage to do this pairing in a way that wasn't slow-building and angsty? Great dialogue, spot-on characterization and hot sex. Mmmm. MASSIVE thumbs up all round."
we use such small words, for feelings so enormous by twistomatic (Naomi/Emily)
"Later, she says, 'I've always loved you, you know. Ever since I first saw you, with your beautiful blue eyes and navy tie and skirt and you, you with that ridiculous bag.'" Dazzlingly, beautifully romantic. After everything she's been through with Naomi, of course Emily would be this afraid of losing her.
what we learned here by crackfoxx (Naomi/Emily)
Crackfoxx writes about the summer of the love ball, and does a very good job of it. There's a momentum throughout towards, one suspects, a moment of abandonment- but then a surprise happy ending. I particularly enjoyed the Gina cameo!
(when sadness was the sea) you were the one who taught me how to swim by twistomatic/immortality (Katie/Effy)
Well, the author marks it Katie/Effy, but mostly it's just Katie gen. Epistolary fic, recced to me by mrjdt and well deserving of a heads up from me too. After S4, Katie writes letters to Effy. It's not a whole lot more complicated than that, but it's subtle and understated and, well, entirely in Katie's voice - which is so different from twisty's usual writing style that I couldn't help but be impressed.
When The Colours Start To Run by likecharity (Katie/Emily)
Hot, desperate sex in a bathroom stall. If it's over quickly enough, maybe it won't count?
where thoughts can bloom by snakevsladder (Freddie/JJ/Cook)
Shed fic! I am not really into slashing JJ - I just can't see him being queer, any more than I could Panda - so this left me somewhat cold sexually. That said, this is very, very well written and executed. The characterisations are perfect (except for maybe JJ; he felt a bit like a hole where JJ should be, rather than being JJ, but maybe that's just me - and Cook and Freddie are brilliant, so). Freddie especially is a tour de force, as someone who is rarely attempted successfully in the fic I read, at least. The atmosphere and just the movements of their bodies are conveyed in a way that feels organic and not at all clumsy.
while we're tidal and flexed by daneorange (Naomi/Emily)
"Naomi had paused a long while before saying, 'We don’t have time to spare each other from scars.'" Future fic with a number of flashbacks, full of daneorange's brand of heart-achey angst. This is not a fic without faults: it takes a while to get going, the dialogue is sometimes a little stunted rather than simply stylised and the occasional Americanisms grated a bit. However, it is a lovely long fic that manages to be both unabashedly romantic and give Katie the best ever future career, so I heartily recommend setting aside an evening and giving it a read.
who carries a cat by the tail by crackfoxx (Naomi/Emily but mostly just Emily gen)
Emily meets Naomi. I think the real strength of this fic is its understanding of being young and gay - as in, knowing you like girls but not being ready to identify as gay. A snippet of my favourite part: "It's not like she needs to give it a name, because as sure as Emily is about what's been happening, her subconscious cringes at words that sound 'official' in any capacity, like gay and lesbian and bi and whatnot." Honestly, when crackfoxx writes gen it's consistently interesting, mature and canon-flavoured, which I have huge respect for.
you are the best parts of all the songs i love by twistomatic (Naomi/Emily)
A characteristic fic by twistomatic - gorgeous writing and intense feelings. I love Naomi's incredible fear and uncertainty, and the fragility of her relationship with Emily. Fics like this say everything about why this ship is so popular - it's an avatar, perhaps, for everyone's first love.
you were right about the stars; each one is a setting sun by twistomatic (Naomi/Emily)
Beautifully written, more than a little painful. Can you ever have enough of the person you love?
Edited 4th April 2011
Where to now?
Skins fic is not as consistently high in quality as it once was, but is still the primary fic comm for this fandom.
Femslash Daily to keep up with Skins femslash.
The Skins website, of course!