In Bloom by StarsGoBlue (PG)

[astrogirl2.livejournal.com]

Fandom: FARSCAPE
Pairing: Stark/Zhaan
Author on LJ: simplystars
Author Website: none that I know of
Why this must be read: As with the first story I recced this month, I have to admit to a bit of bias towards this one, because it was written for one of my Sprogathon requests when the first story was late. (Yes, it was a very, very good ficathon for me.) This one might have a bit more of a niche appeal, I suppose, as it's very much a Stark/Zhaan story, and that's not exactly the most popular pairing in the fandom. But if it's a pairing that appeals to you at all, then you'll definitely want to read this one. It's lovely and heart-warming and sweet, without ever triggering the eye-rolling reaction I usually have towards mushy stuff. (Although I will admit, my own tolerance for mush is a bit higher when it comes to S/Z than for other pairings. You may insert your own joke about "sap" here.)

An excerpt:

Zhaan is unconscious when Crichton bursts into her quarters, waving a flimsy and babbling about soil samples and greenhouse gases. Stark can't see the details of the star chart, and doesn't understand what M-class planet! means, but the Human’s excitement is palpable and his enthusiasm contagious. When Zhaan's eyelids flicker, fluttering open for a brief microt, the Banik leaps to his feet and nearly topples Crichton with the force of his embrace.

But Moya is too fire-damaged, in too much pain to starburst. Pilot is not certain that her deep-space scans can still be considered reliable, or that she has sufficient strength to make the journey. As the great Leviathan painfully limps her way toward the designated coordinates, Stark spends precious microts of each arn crooning encouragement, stroking her arched bronze ribs and wishing, always wishing, for more speed.

In Bloom

Comments

[simplystars.livejournal.com]

Wow. There's a surprise... though a pleasant one. Hee.

You and your S/Z sap. :)

[astrogirl2.livejournal.com]

I don't know why it should surprise you. You know I adored this story. In part precisely because it's on the sappy side and it still works. Very few stories have pulled that off for me. :)

[lady-smith.livejournal.com]

You know, I would have pitched a FIT if Last Place got rec'd and this didn't. It's the vastly superior story, IMHO.

[astrogirl2.livejournal.com]

It's a vastly different story, to the point where I don't think I'd venture to compare them except to say they both brought me roughly equal (and equally high) levels of enjoyment. :)

[lady-smith.livejournal.com]

It's that last part that continues to blow my mind. :)