Dancing with the Devil by Eddie (PG)
Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: Joey/Chris, but everyone winds up with a part in the story.
Author on LJ: thebitchtrolls
Author Website: http://www.boudicca.com/thebitchtrolls/eddies.htm
Why this must be read: Because it’s hilarious. Because it has John Constantine. And because Wade Robson really is a demon.

This continues the "Magic" theme for the week. Only it’s a 180 turn from the last rec. This is silly and funny, and features Wade Robson, N’Sync’s Pop! Era boy wonder choreographer. As a Demon.

Wade was a child dancer, brought over as a small boy from Australia to tour with Michael Jackson. At the age of 18 or so, he got a gig choreographing the stage show’s of N’Sync. This was about 2000. He’s the inventor of the Pop N’ Lock. He put Velcro on their pants. He made Lance dance with girls. Seriously. Lance had to dance with girls.

Wade is not really known for his choreography though. Casual pop music fans will remember him as “The reason Britney and Justin Broke Up”. Remember? The golden couple broke up because she cheated on Justin. Wade was the one she cheated with. For those who don’t care about Britney/Justin- and I know you exist-he also earned a life time of villan roles for filling in for Joey for a bit when Joey broke his leg in a stage accident.

So, with that, I bring you an excerpt. As well as a number of pictures behind the cut.

( Demon Wade and a ton of photos )

Dancing with the Devil

Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Pairing: Ray Vecchio / Ray Kowalski
Author on LJ: wenchita
Author Website: Stormy-Night
Why this must be read:

The Mad Season is a trio of stories (Never Pick Up A Hitchhiker, Come Undone, and Manic Monday) that starts with Ray Vecchio picking up a hitchhiking Ray Kowalski and not finding out what trouble Kowalski is in until he is already irrevocably emotionally entangled. This is some serious hurt/comfort and Kowalski is recovering from a rape, so beware of that if this kind of thing bothers you. I really like both Rays and Fraser in this story. They've all got their own damage they are struggling with but they are all still fighting to come out ahead and happy. Fraser's passive aggressive and making bad decisions about love (Like he is wont to do), while Vecchio and Kowalski are just that needed step ahead in willing to accept love when it explodes between them.

(  Maybe we can't solve this... whatever the hell it was between us in a night, but I got a good feeling that it's a start. )


The Mad Season by Alice in Stonyland

(Link takes you to the main page for due South)

Fandom: STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE
Pairing: Trip/T'Pol
Author on LJ: seemag
Author Website: unbound
Why this must be read: Set just after Strange New World, this is a look at T'Pol in the very early days of Enterprise as she tries to find her place in a ship full of humans. Some of the backstory reads a little AU now but the writing is crisp and clear and Seema's T'Pol is fascinating.

( excerpt )

Irrational

Fandom: LOTRIPS
Pairing: Sean Bean/Orlando Bloom
Author on LJ: darknight999
Author Website: http://www.livejournal.com/users/boxofdusk/ (Fic Journal)
Why this must be read:

Because it unfolds like a train wreck. Because you wouldn't expect it from these two, not by a long shot. Because when everything starts to make sense, you're biting your knuckles and trying not to shriek out loud.

Because Darknight is an amazing author, to boot. It's short, just a one-shot, but it twists in your gut like no other.

( One, two... )

Ow.

Fifty

Fandom: FARSCAPE
Pairing: John/Aeryn
Author on LJ: scaperred
Author Website: Unknown
Why this must be read:

I love this story, and I read it often, because it's a beautiful and brutal "what-if" story about Aeryn's time away from Moya -- if John had gone with her. The authors are quick to warn the readers about its dark themes and violence, and with good reason. But I think the characterization is spot-on for both John and Aeryn, and it has some of the livliest, richly drawn OC's I've read in a long while (they also happen to make appearances in some of ScaperRed's other fics). Keep in mind that this story is a novella, so get settled in for the long haul and enjoy.


Fate's Gamble

Fandom: OZ
Pairing: Ryan/ Cyril (yes, it's incest)
Author on LJ: tboy
Author Website:
Why this must be read:

I know I've said this before and doubtlessly I'll say it again before the month is out, but one of the great things about Oz fanfic, is that there is little an author can write that is less disturbing than the show, so it's open season on sensitive subjects such as rape and incest. In any other circumstance, incest would make me squirm, here it not only makes sense but is kind of sweet. Perhaps it's the delicate writing or the sympathetic portrayal of this relationship that makes the story work, perhaps it's just knowing that in prison anything goes. Either way, you should read this because it's clever and thought provoking and it's one of those stories that makes you think, wow, I would never have believed it, but yes...

( Brothers in arms )
Shelter

A reminder: tomorrow is the 15th of the month and that means Crack Van Collisions, a.k.a. crossover day.

Drivers, you may rec one fic that crosses over your fandom with another (no, this does not count against your maximum). Please post crossovers in the following format:

--------------------

Subject: Fandom/Fandom (Rating)

Title: Title by Author
Pairing: (no abbreviations, please)
Author on LJ:
Author Website:
Why this must be read:

(link to story)

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Don't forget that to check both the stories in your fandom's memories as well as the crossover memories to prevent duplicating recommendations. Thanks!

Title: Bell, Book, and Mountie by Lamardeuse
Pairing: Benton Fraser / Ray Kowalski ; Ray Vecchio / Stella Kowalski
Author on LJ: lamardeuse
Author Website: When the World is Puddle-Wonderful
Why this must be read:

So in case you weren't aware, Lamardeuse just finished up her AU due South remake of the old movie Bell, Book, and Candle at the end of June and it remains as delightfully fun as it started. Quite frankly if the vision of Ray Kowalski as a queer, turtleneck-wearing, beatnik magician who can make people fall in love with him doesn't entice you, I don't how to convince you to read this story.
Frannie, Ray Vecchio, and Stella all make wonderful supporting characters and even when you think they are going to be unlikeable, the author manages to turn them around and add in the right touch of humanity and empathy. So check it out and enjoy.


(  Ray had never been much for the polished, wide-lapel type, but Fraser was polite in a way that most well-heeled squares were not, and there was something in his eyes that told Ray the suit did not tell the whole story of the man inside it. )


Bell, Book, and Mountie by Lamardeuse


(I'm posting a little early since I am going out of town)