ext_36659 (
tatkreiswok.livejournal.com) wrote in
crack_van2006-06-15 10:54 pm
Entry tags:
The Sentinel/X-Files (NC-17)
Maybe it’s because of the fictional location of Cascade, Washington and its proximity to the fictional locations of other shows, or maybe it’s because the show itself crosses over into so many genres, something about “The Sentinel” just invites crossovers. So, here, now, and just in under the deadline, is a big Blair-appreciation story with an unusual pairing…
Title: The Sequel of Obligation by Akilah
Pairing: Blair Sandburg/Alex Krycek
Author on LJ:
polly_b
Author Website: 852 Prospect
Why this must be read:
How could there be a story where Jim and Blair don't get together? Even in a crossover? Most crossovers work to facilitate bringing Jim and Blair together, but not this one. In Akilah’s stories, Blair has gotten a raw deal in the way he's treated by Jim, and she does her damndest to make things right for him. She does it beautifully here with strong characterizations that are firmly grounded in canon; a great ear for voices; a Blair who isn’t a doormat; and with hot, satisfying sex. And she does the unimaginable: she makes you cheer for this pair.
Post-TSbyBS, Blair has transformed himself to fit into Jim’s life. He even works for the PD, albeit as a consultant, not a detective. He’s also just going through the motions in life, and he knows that it’s time for a change. Keeping the exposition subtle, Akilah explores the fallout of Jim’s decision to not follow through after the incident at the fountain, and how it has come to discolor the relationship between the two men.
And then, another Sentinel is dropped in Blair’s lap. One who knows a second chance when he’s been given it…
"Sandburg said he called you first," Jim eventually said, jaw tight, and Simon bit back a snort at the less than subtle resentment in that statement.
"Amazing, isn't it, that Sandburg would clear his vacation request with me, his boss," he commented dryly, amused when a faint flush crept over Ellison's cheeks.
"I- I didn't mean it like that, Simon. Sorry," Jim muttered, one long-fingered hand rubbing at his temples. "I just- He didn't say anything to me about wanting time off."
"It sounded like a spur of the moment decision, Jim." Simon leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers, remembering a time when it had been Jim who'd suddenly needed to get away; Jim who had taken off on him and Sandburg. He had to wonder if Jim even saw what was going on here and debated whether or not to issue his friend a reality check.
"Jim, maybe you need to give the kid a break. Did he happen to mention the significance of today's date?"
"The date? It's May- Oh. Shit."
"May oh shit just about sums it up."
Jim gave Simon a half-hearted glare before turning to stare out the window.
"I never asked him to do what he did, Simon."
"That doesn't mean you don't owe him, Jim, and if he needs to take a few personal days you shouldn't give him a hard time about it."
"Is that what you think? That I owe Sandburg?"
Now Jim was pissed, and Simon shook his head. They'd somehow managed to avoid talking about this for two years. Seeing how touchy Jim still was about the subject, Simon thought regretfully that two years had plainly not been long enough.
"Doesn't matter what I think. Sandburg obviously needs time to- what does he call it, process. How did he sound to you?"
Jim looked back at Simon, who winced internally at the pain that was visible in those blue eyes.
"Distant. He sounded... distant," Jim said slowly, and Simon suddenly realized that Jim had cashed that reality check about ten minutes ago.
The Sequel of Obligation
Title: The Sequel of Obligation by Akilah
Pairing: Blair Sandburg/Alex Krycek
Author on LJ:
Author Website: 852 Prospect
Why this must be read:
How could there be a story where Jim and Blair don't get together? Even in a crossover? Most crossovers work to facilitate bringing Jim and Blair together, but not this one. In Akilah’s stories, Blair has gotten a raw deal in the way he's treated by Jim, and she does her damndest to make things right for him. She does it beautifully here with strong characterizations that are firmly grounded in canon; a great ear for voices; a Blair who isn’t a doormat; and with hot, satisfying sex. And she does the unimaginable: she makes you cheer for this pair.
Post-TSbyBS, Blair has transformed himself to fit into Jim’s life. He even works for the PD, albeit as a consultant, not a detective. He’s also just going through the motions in life, and he knows that it’s time for a change. Keeping the exposition subtle, Akilah explores the fallout of Jim’s decision to not follow through after the incident at the fountain, and how it has come to discolor the relationship between the two men.
And then, another Sentinel is dropped in Blair’s lap. One who knows a second chance when he’s been given it…
"Sandburg said he called you first," Jim eventually said, jaw tight, and Simon bit back a snort at the less than subtle resentment in that statement.
"Amazing, isn't it, that Sandburg would clear his vacation request with me, his boss," he commented dryly, amused when a faint flush crept over Ellison's cheeks.
"I- I didn't mean it like that, Simon. Sorry," Jim muttered, one long-fingered hand rubbing at his temples. "I just- He didn't say anything to me about wanting time off."
"It sounded like a spur of the moment decision, Jim." Simon leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers, remembering a time when it had been Jim who'd suddenly needed to get away; Jim who had taken off on him and Sandburg. He had to wonder if Jim even saw what was going on here and debated whether or not to issue his friend a reality check.
"Jim, maybe you need to give the kid a break. Did he happen to mention the significance of today's date?"
"The date? It's May- Oh. Shit."
"May oh shit just about sums it up."
Jim gave Simon a half-hearted glare before turning to stare out the window.
"I never asked him to do what he did, Simon."
"That doesn't mean you don't owe him, Jim, and if he needs to take a few personal days you shouldn't give him a hard time about it."
"Is that what you think? That I owe Sandburg?"
Now Jim was pissed, and Simon shook his head. They'd somehow managed to avoid talking about this for two years. Seeing how touchy Jim still was about the subject, Simon thought regretfully that two years had plainly not been long enough.
"Doesn't matter what I think. Sandburg obviously needs time to- what does he call it, process. How did he sound to you?"
Jim looked back at Simon, who winced internally at the pain that was visible in those blue eyes.
"Distant. He sounded... distant," Jim said slowly, and Simon suddenly realized that Jim had cashed that reality check about ten minutes ago.
The Sequel of Obligation

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Author on LJ: unknown - uh, that would be me. Thanks so much for the rec!
*goes to bed happy*
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Blair should never have to cry alone in showers, nor made to feel lacking and damn if Alex wasn't used, abused and discarded. So, thank you for this.
If only people wrote x-over's of such caliber from often.
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And thank you, so much! *BG* There are two more almost-completed stories in the Obligation Universe series that were recently 'bought' in the Moonridge auction - they'll be appearing on my website once their 'owners' have released them, probably within a couple of months.
http://www.geocities.com/polly_bywater/sequelcover.html
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http://polly-b.livejournal.com/140375.html
Thank you again for your lovely rec. It means a lot to me.
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Thanks for the update -- I can't wait to read the latest installments!!!!
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Now that we know who Akilah is on LJ, I'm sure she'll be glad to hear how you feel about the story. :)
Hey -- is that a "Sea of No Cares" userpic?
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Hey -- is that a "Sea of No Cares" userpic?
Must admit to not knowing what "Sea of No Cares" is...? For me it's just a userpic for someone who loves goldfish. ;-)
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No worries -- Sea of No Cares is a bit out there. It was the name of an album by a New Foundland band called "Great Big Sea" that play a lot of traditional shanty music with traditional instruments but in a rock 'n' roll way. :)
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Sounds interesting! But, not being a music buff i've never heard of them, sorry. ;-)
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http://polly-b.livejournal.com/140375.html