Fandom: The Sentinel
Direct Link: Everything You Need in One Convenient Location
Pairing: Jim/Blair
Author on LJ: julad
Author Website: Ambivalent Pleasures
Why this must be read: Because it's an excellent look at the early stages of Jim and Blair's relationship, just after Jim lets Blair move in. They're both a little prickly and uncertain, and trying to get used to each other's oddities. They learn more about each other...by going grocery shopping.

I know, it sounds painfully sugary. But I promise, it isn't.

The characterization here is really lovely, and subtly drawn. I really admire writers who can say a lot with the little details, and this story is filled with such touches. I could babble for quite a while just about the section where Jim skims the magazine rack, but I'll spare you. *g*

The story is sweet but not schmaltzy, funny but not OTT, romantic but not mawkish, and incredibly sensual. (There's this part discussing spices that...well, that's probably just me. Never mind.)

The whole story is just so *Jim* and so *Blair,* and really reminds me why I was so in love with this fandom for so long. And Larry the Barbary ape, my favorite supporting character *ever*, is mentioned - what more could you ask for from fanfiction, really?

Everything You Need in One Convenient Location

Fandom: HERCULES: THE LEGENDARY JOURNEYS
Pairing: Hercules/Iolaus
Author on LJ: therienne
Author Website:Therienne's Corner
Why this must be read: Though this is technically (sort of, kind of) a death story, it's also a great love story framed by an original concept. It's also probably one of the most recommended stories in the fandom, and is a perfect quick read for Valentine's Day. I think this is another story that's so well constructed that it works whether you know the characters or not. If you do know Hercules and Iolaus, it works that much better.

Many Deaths

Fandom: THE O.C.
Pairing: Ryan/various, but they're gen stories at heart
Author on LJ: missdeviant
Author Website: link to her lj memories
Why this must be read:

I was all set to rec a completely different story today, and then I noticed the date and decided to go with this one. Plus, we're continuing the Ryan-love. These stories are a fabulous look at Ryan through the eyes of the people that love him. In the first one, the author takes a character that we've only seen once, and give her believable shape. Also, it contains what is possibly my favourite observation about Ryan in any OC story so far.

( Who the hell is Theresa? Your important questions answered. )

At sixteen, Theresa likes to think she is past the superstitions of her childhood. Still, out of habit in a diner one day, she slides the white paper wrapper off of her straw with her acrylic nails, ties it in a knot, closes her eyes, and pulls.

She wonders if Ryan does this anymore, and if he does, if he thinks of her.

Superstitions
Storytelling
Snapshot

Fandom: SPORTS NIGHT
Pairing: Dan/Casey
Author on LJ: ?
Author Website: ?
Why this must be read:

Casey goes on a date with Natalie's college roommate and accidentally stumbles across something in Danny's past which gives him a new appreciation of both art and Dan.

This is one of those sweet, slashy fics that leaves you with a big smile plastered across your face when you finish reading. It contains all the classic Sports Night elements; obtuse Casey, cool Danny, sticky-nose Natalie and wise, nerdy Jeremy, plus the added visual delight of Dan and Casey all sweaty as they play racquet ball. Read, enjoy, don't peek at the end.

Visual Aid

Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS
Pairing: Bodie/Doyle
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: N/A
Why this must be read: This story is one of my favourite. It explores the possibilities of the what-if and the careful what you wish for concepts in the most striking way. What would happen if one or the other of the Lads wished they have never met before? So many possibilities...:) There is quite a lot of angst in this story but also a delicate touch that I love.

The Blue Figurine

In honor of the author's birthday today, I present you one of the funniest things you could ever read.

Fandom: HARD CORE LOGO
Genre: Humor
Author on LJ: ardent_muses
Author website: Ardent's Offerings

Why this must be read:

This isn't exactly a *story*, really, but it is a variety of fanfiction, and it must be seen to be believed. Ardent tries to put it off as just a little something she did to cheer up a friend, but coming up with the list of songs must have taken some time, and certainly titles like "I'll Never Fall in Love Again (You Fucking Bastard)" are pure genius. The second page, featuring Joe Dick with various "friends," is beyond hysterical. I was thrilled that Ardent gave me permission to rec this, because I don't think it's nearly as well known as it needs to be--it's truly a gem. So go read it, and then check out the rest of Ardent's (more traditional) fanfic, and wish her a happy birthday as well!

My Heart Will Go On: Songs of Love by Joe Dick

Fandom: Hornblower
Pairing: Horatio/Archie
Author on LJ: widget285
Author Website: http://www.widgeteria.co.uk/


Why this must be read:

This story takes place in between the scenes of "The Duel". It plays on a lot of themes common to the fandom (Horatio teaching Archie math, Simpson being... well, Simpson) and has a couple of fairly common slash themes running through it ("Oh my God, we did what??? He'll never speak to me again!") and yet it manages to avoid being cliche' in the least.

And it's long! I don't know about anyone else, but it seems that there's a lot of very short, viginette type fics in Hornblower, but not very much in terms of well-developed stories that you can really get involved in.

Like I said, it has a real typical slash plot line. Two boys (let's face it, they're teenagers in this one) who meet, develop a friendship; the friendship turns into something else and they both freak out.

Well, Archie doesn't freak out so much as Simpson makes him rethink things.

Horatio freaks out.

I like that the hurt/comfort works both ways, playing off of both canon and constructed issues. I'm particularly fond of this scene: You know in the movie where Simpson pounds Horatio into a pulp? This picks up from there. The other midshipman decide that Hepplewhite is useless and take Horatio down the cable tiers instead where Archie tries to hide him and clean him up...

( Read the Scene )

Fandom: Hornblower
Pairing: It's a G rated story... let's just leave it at that.
Author on LJ: ?
Author Website: http://versaphile.com/undead/afraid.shtml

Why this must be read:

For the simple fact that it's nothing like what it appears. This is one of those short, fun stories that you THINK you have a complete understanding of. Until you discover that you don't.

Very cute, very funny and at the end you're left going, "Geez I've got a gutter brain!"

Fandom: Star Wars Trilogy
Pairing: None
Author on LJ: irene_heron
Author Website: Lumnous beings
http://www.luminousbeings.net/SWfiction/Lan.html

Why this must be read:
Absolutely, screamingly funny. Lando is a a character who tends to get shoved into the background. This captures his attitude, his slickness, and utter calm even in the worst of circumstances.

I’ve taken the liberty of preparing a meal for us featuring the favorite dishes of various galactic notables. For instance, this," Lando gestured toward the cooker unit, "is our first course, a soufflé of Krayt Dragon eggs from Tatooine. One of Luke Skywalker’s favorites, by the way."

Name dropper, Reach labeled his vic... host.

Grimacing inwardly, Lobin assumed a suitably impressed expression. "We recently had the honor of visiting the Jedi Master’s closet. Quite a unique experience, I must say." The frustration from that encounter was still a little too fresh for comfort.