Fandom: XENA
Pairing: Xena/Gabrielle
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: (unknown)
Why this must be read:

Aside from the fact that I can't stop singing the song that's the source of the altered title, this is a classic Xena/Gabrielle madcap adventure. DJWP creates an engaging character in Sappho, the Tenth Muse on a tour of the known world, and ties canon elements seamlessly and easily into this wonderful story.

Set aside a goodly amount of time to read this story. Like all of my recs, this is a long read, but it's worth it. Sappho, as interpreted here, is hysterically funny - she'll touch your heart even as your fingers are itching to wring her neck. Xena and Gabrielle's budding relationship is so incredibly obvious to everyone but the two in question, and the little ways they show each other they care are endearing.

DJWP's fic can be found at The Bard's Corner author listing, but go check out the rockin' good times in A Bard Day's Night!

Attn. Drivers: Tomorrow's the last Friday of the month, which means it's time for Friday Night Drive-In, a.k.a. Fan Vid Recs.

Reccers may post 1 vid rec for their fandom, formatted as follows:

Subject Line: VID REC: Fandom - Song Title

Vidder:
Musical artist:
Pairing:
Vidder on LJ:
Vidder's website:
Why this vid kicks ass:


Because the vidder community has some unique ownership issues, it’s important that reccers be extra careful when making vid recs. Depending on the vidder’s preferences regarding public access to their work, please link your rec in the appropriate manner:

1. If the video is publicly accessible, direct link to the web page the vid is linked on, or if it’s the vidder’s request, to the HTML splash page of their site.

or…

2. Link to the site with instructions on acquiring the password, if the site is protected – do not reveal the password yourselves.

or…

3. Provide contact info for the vidder if their vids are only available privately (tapes, dvd-R’s, collections, etc.).


Do not:
Hotlink, i.e. link directly to the video file rather than the webpage.
Re-upload videos that a vidder has removed from the web.
Delay in removing a vid rec if requested to do so by the vidder.

Thank you!

Fandom: X-FILES
Pairing: Mulder / Skinner
Author on LJ: Xanthefic
Author Website: Xanthe.org
Why this must be read:
This story will be my last X-Files rec, and of course I wanted to save the best for last! 24/7 is a serious BDSM story, using the exchange of power and control in the best possible way for fiction – for a deep psychological exploration of the two characters. Mulder is lost, spinning out of control, and as a final attempt to ground himself, he gives complete control of himself to an unknown master. Little does he dream how this masterful top will change his life!

The story, in 26 parts and several interludes, is deliciously long and involved. All of Xanthe’s writing is well worth reading, but this series is one of my favorites (and obviously one of hers, as well!). Mulder’s struggles, attempts to comply, and unavoidable failures are delicately drawn, as is the deepening understanding of what both Mulder, and Skinner, need out of their relationship. The cast of original secondary characters is interesting and fills out the story, especially Wanda the cat.

This may not be the story for those easily squicked by explicit scenes of bondage, but everything is safe and consensual, and individual parts have warnings where necessary. For those curious about a full-time BDSM lifestyle (the 24/7 of the title refers to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week), or even just the details of a safe, loving master-slave relationship, this is a great story to read. And the scorching hot sex doesn’t detract one bit from the learning experience!

24/7

Fandom: HIGHLANDER
Pairing: Duncan/Methos
Author on LJ: junoesk
Author Website: Cinel's Snuggery

Why this must be read: All Cinel's writing is lovely, richly emotional and beautifully romantic. I love this one because it ties up a loose end from the series, brings in some secondary characters from throughout the series, and in between it all brings Duncan and Methos together in a way that shows what a great couple they make. Wonderfully written and characterised, too.

The villain of the piece is David Keogh from the second season episode, 'Obsession'. Dr Anne is back too (don't let that put you off!) as well as Joe Dawson. Keogh always swore he would be back for revenge on MacLeod and in this story he is. The plot is well-crafted, taut and suspenseful, but to tell you much more would be to spoil the pleasure of watching it unfold for yourself.

( Have a little taste )

Fandom: LORD OF THE RINGS
Pairing: Merry/Pippin
Author on LJ: lullenny
Author Website: Odd Buttons
Why this must be read:

This beautiful story is set after Frodo's departure from the Grey Havens, and shows the other hobbits learning to live in their changed world and with the changes in themselves. I usually prefer Merry/Pippin that is set before they return to the Shire, because I find that it's rare that an author can work slash into the canon of their hetereosexual relationships in a believable way. But Lullenny succeeds at this, gracefully and very realistically. There are many moments in this story that make my heart ache, and also moments of joy that I can't forget. The story is full of wonderful details that make it come alive; all of the hobbits, even those we only meet briefly, are distinct characters and are definitely hobbits. One of my favorite Merry/Pippin stories!

Like Holding Sparks in Your Hand

Fandom: XENA
Pairing: Kennedy Nocona/Carson Garret (X/G uber-fic)
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: Texbard's Xena: Warrior Princess and Uber Fan Fiction Page
Why this must be read:

Yet another classic Uber-fic brought to fandom by Texbard. This was another of the first uber stories I ever read, and it firmly cemented my love of that particular genre of Xena fic. Linda's Kennedy is a magnificent example of Xena in the modern world, and Carson embodies all of Gabrielle's wonderful qualities. The two meet at a seminar one hot summer afternoon - Carson as an attendee and Kennedy as the speaker. Immediately drawn to one another, the two meet by chance later that evening at a club, and embark on a relationship that changes both their lives forever.

Their journey from friends to soulmates and lovers makes for a fantastic read, set against the background of a mystery and a hidden danger that could cost Carson her very life.

Take a deep breath and set aside some time to lose yourself in The Bluest Eyes in Texas.

Vidder: hazywizard
Musical artist: Blondie
Pairing: Withheld... 'til later in the rec
Vidder on LJ: hazywizard
Vidder's website: A Hearty Selection of Not Much
Why this vid kicks ass:

Hazywizard doesn't give away the pairing on the site, but I fear I must tell you what it is in order to get you to understand why you must download and watch this. It's Lexana.

Wait, come back. I promise it'll be okay.

It's good Lexana. It's, like, the anti-Lexana. Because Lana's all stalkery like the song and then there's Lex and *giggles*

The chosen clips are fabulous, and the way they were put together really makes this work. I've probably watched this vid at least a dozen times since I downloaded it, and not just because I love Blondie, but because it is just that dang hilarious.

So, without further ado, I direct you to A Hearty Selection of Not Much, where you must right-click and save-target-as so as to preserve bandwidth. And make sure you leave feedback, because when a vid is this much fun, you really have to.

Fandom: ALIAS
Pairing: Sydney/Vaughn
Author on LJ: none
Author Website: None that I could find but here are her stories on Cover Me.
Why this must be read: I said I was going to go into the past for some recs and here is one set during season one. I love Old School Sydney and Vaughn. It was complicated but in a good way, I like this story because it feels like it could happen on the show (or could have.) There is just enough action to make it seem like a real mission and the idea of Vaughn speaking French was always pretty sexy. For the first season the voices are down and the whole idea of the story just makes me really happy.

Une Nuit