Fandom: THE O.C
Pairing:  Ryan/Seth
Author on LJ: l_vera01 (though I don't see any entries there)
Author Website: Intimate Warriors
Why this must be read:

I've always greatly enjoyed fics where a peripheral character observes and reacts to the main pairing. There's something about seeing my favorite characters from the eyes of someone who's not the main love interest or the best friend or the enemy--I don't know what it is, but it gets me every time. I think in many cases the appeal is that when a story of this kind is done well, the narrator is someone more objective, someone with a new perpective. In this story, the narrator is Kristen, and the perspective she has on Ryan is very different than, say, the perspective Seth would have if the story were told from his point of view. This is a Kristen who is maternal in the best way--the mother who watches and worries and loves her boys, who has to deal with unexpected situations and things that don't make her happy, but who (no matter how much she may question the wisdom of her children's choices) ends up trusting them anyway. It's a characterization that struck me as particularly true.

Ryan and Seth

Fandom: DC COMICS
Pairing: Conner Kent/Bart Allen (aka Superboy/Kid Flash)
Author on LJ: liviapenn
Author Website: Livia's Library
Why this must be read:

This is a brilliant character piece as well as being as cute as a box full of baby bunnies. If you finish this story and don't have a desperate desire to snuggle these boys, you've got a hard heart. This is a story about growing up and friends and the things you don't notice because they're right in front of you.

( Read an excerpt )

Fandom: FIREFLY
Pairing: Kaylee/Jayne
Author Website: Ana's Fiction
Why this must be read:

One last rec for the road!

One of the things that's hard to manage with Kaylee is balancing the fact that she likes her romantic fantasies and wants to be swept off her feet, but she's also quite capable of making her own fun. In Expedient, Kaylee indulges in a moment of fantasy, but is perfectly capable of taking matters into her own hands.

Expedient

Fandom: X-MEN COMICVERSE
Pairing: Beast/Professor X
Author Website: Blue Shades
Why this must be read:

I know, I know, you're looking at the pairing and going, "huh?" or maybe "ew!", but trust me, the romantic aspect is the least part of the story. Instead, it's a lovely exploration of our weaknesses and our strengths, how others see us and how we choose to be seen.

"Henry," his lover said gently, with a tone that was warmer and held more pain than anything he had ever used on his students, "I am sure that others have told you that your appearance is immaterial."

All at once, he felt something snap. The thing that defined his very existence, of no import? "This is what I truly am! The fur, the claws, they matter to me! They make me uncomfortable! I can accept that you must put your cause before our happiness, but I will not pretend that this is not my real self for political reasons!"

True Colors

Fandom: X-MEN COMICVERSE
Pairing: Cyclops/Psylocke, Wolverine/Jubilee, Rogue/Gambit, Wolverine/Psylocke, implied Cyclops/Jean...
Author Website: Found at Nightshade's Archive
Why this must be read:

In the beginning, when dinosaurs ruled the earth, crossovers were rare, and it was possible to finish every last fanfic on the net in about a week, there was a fic called X-Tenuating Circumstances. And boy, was it good. Whether you liked it raunchy or romantic, funny or dark, there was something in this story for you, and if there was a pairing you didn't like, you could skip those chapters without getting lost. So for my last rec of the month, I'm going to take you all back to one of the lost gems of the early internet.

X-Tenuating Circumstances

Fandom: Smallville
Direct Link: Burnt
Pairing: Clark/Lex, Lex/Lionel
Rating: NC-17
Author on LJ: thamiris
Author Website: Odysseys and Ecstasy

The last of three recs that highlight the Lex/Lionel relationship in some way.

Why this must be read: This is one of those stories that you never, ever forget. It explores the darkness of the power struggle betwen Lionel and Lex in an utterly gut-wrenching way. The show certainly intimates that Lionel can't be satisfied with anything less than complete ownership of Lex, even his body, and Thamiris plays this out in ritual form, with Lex taking his mother's place, abuse in the guise of shared grief or the rites of a primitive religion.

It's a scene between father and son that has occurred many times over the years, but this time it's different. This time there is Clark, tangled up in Lex's thoughts, a fact that doesn't escape Lionel's notice, and it changes the rules.

There is no easy fix here, and that's why it's so powerful. It's messy and complicated the way real things are. Beautifully written as you'd expect from Thamiris, "Burnt" is a searing story that will haunt you long after you've read it.

Burnt

Sorry this rec is so late--I've had very sporadic internet access this month, but didn't want you all to miss out on this lovely vid due to my issues :)

Vidder: Sofia
Musical artist: "Baby, One More Time," by Billy Boyd
Pairing: Billy Boyd/Domenic Monaghan, Elijah Wood/Domenic Monaghan
Vidder on LJ: sofiaaifos
Vidder's website: Sofoaaifos' Memories
Why this vid kicks ass: It's a wonderful snapshot of the ways in which these men interact when they're in the public eye, and Billy Boyd's perfomance of the Brittney number is charming.

...baby, one more time

And that's me done for the month. Thanks for coming on the ride with me. If you'd like to read more of my lotrips recs, you can find them on lotr_squee.

Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS
Pairing: Bodie/Doyle
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: http://brothersinarms.tvheaven.com/index.html
Why this must be read:

This is although short, a story that shows all the love the two partners have for each other. It describes an older Bodie and Doyle, from Bodie's POV and it is very touching how he tells about his relationship with Doyle.

In this story the Bodie from the show is very recognisable, his total dedication and love for this man is very clear. It's not a mushy story, but for me it shows what love is all about.

( excerpts )

Days of Future

Fandom: THE SENTINEL
Pairing: Jim/Blair Friendship
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: http://ysone.com/
Why this must be read:

Another well written fic by Ysone. Short, cute and funny. It will give you a giggle. Giggling is good.

Flat Tires and Chihuahuas

Fandom:QAF:US
Pairing:Brian/Justin
Author on LJ:Josselin Kohl's journal
Author Website:Blatant Narcissism

Why this must be read:I'm not even a fan of the show, but the idea of a gay Survivor with Brian on it just rocks. Outwit, Outplay, Outlast-is Brian's method of survival in life, so this is an ideal setting for him. This is funny, and romantic in the best Brian Kinney way.



Queer Survivor

Fandom: THE X-FILES
Pairing: Mulder/Scully
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: N/A

Why this must be read: because Leyla was one of the best writers of MSR fiction out there.

This is the backstory for those who don't know about MSR fandom. For those you don't care, skip the cut.

( Backstory on author )

"A Love So Strong" is a wonderful example of Leyla's work. It shows the great love and respect Mulder and Scully have for one another even when they are fighting. The UST like on the show is palpable and comes through the words and images in Leyla's story.

Even though I consider this a PWP it gives the reader so much more than just a hot sex scene as I feel this story encompasses the true relationship of Mulder and Scully. That their love is unavoidable and eternal. So, go and read a story from a lovely lady who truly believed.



A Love So Strong

Fandom: STAR TREK: TOS
Pairing: Kirk / Spock
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: The Foresmutters Project
Why this must be read:
A very early piece, from 1976, this story and its sequel are interesting because they avoid many of the cliches of later K/S while establishing others. The setting - Kirk and Spock stranded in a cave, with Spock injured and McCoy a reluctant bystander, is practically the stuff of parody. Yet some details, such as Spock's interesting anatomical differences (he is half-alien, after all!) are fresh and intriguing. The story is well-written, if a bit overwrought; while modern stories take for granted that Kirk and Spock could be attracted to each other and act on that attraction, this story has to establish that premise from ground zero. An interesting and worthwhile read - read the commentary and historical background, as well.

Shelter
Poses
Historical Commentary

Fandom: STARSKY AND HUTCH
Pairing: Starsky/Hutch
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Me And Thee Archive
Why this must be read: I love AU's. And I especially love this AU, featuring Race Car Driver Starsky, and Cop without a Partner Hutch.

A big drug bust is going down at the race track, and Hutch has to find a way to get the bad guys. Enter Starsky, disgraced former NY cop turned race car maniac and all around bad boy to the rescue. After some posturing and hissing, Starsky decides he'll help Hutch out for the good of humanity. The catch? Hutch has to pretend to be his boy toy...

Starsky shrugged. "Given your limitations and your . . ." The impudent indigo gaze slipped from soft blond hair to scuffed boots, not missing a single feature in between and leaving Hutch feeling as if he had been stripped naked. "... assets, the only way I'm gonna get you onto the track without suspicion is as my sweet California boy toy."

Oh, boy. It just gets hotter and better from there. In this one story, you get a mention of Joe Durniak, Starsky's mom and dad, Nicky, Merle the Earl, and even Charlie Siren (like wail, and I don't mean the fish!)... and they all fit into this universe so nicely. I wasn't sure just how something like this could work, but I tell you, it does. The characterizations of the boys ring true to form, and the dialog is snappy and funny. Starsky is damned hot and edgy and so... cocky and self assured, you can practically see the bounce. And Hutch... distant and cool, but vulnerable and sexy, seducing while being seduced. The antagonism between them, coupled with the underlying connection and spark... This just works.

By the way, this story is from the zine, Timeless, which, even if AU's aren't your cup of tea, should be bought for the cover alone. Whoo!

Read and enjoy.

Gentlemen, Start Your Engines

Fandom: STARSKY AND HUTCH
Pairing: Starsky/Hutch
Author on LJ: lamardeuse
Author Website: When the world is puddle wonderful
Why this must be read: Well, because it's lamardeuse, that's why. I know I recced her earlier this month, but I came across this beauty in my saved files, and had to share.

This sweet story was inspired by "Gazing", which is a beautiful drawing by Lorraine Brevig.(There is a link for the art in the notes of the story.) Beautiful art deserves a beautiful story, and this fits the bill. It's post Starsky vs. Hutch, and by the author's admission, it just popped into her head. Things this good should pop into her head more often, I think.

Gazing is angsty. It's also funny. It's about friendship, love and lust. It's about wanting, needing, and realizations. And it's one of the best stories I've ever read. My pitiful synopsis can't do it justice, so here's a tiny bit to get you going:

Those blue, blue eyes were on him, gazing their fill, giving him every damned look he’d ever received from them and a few he’d never seen before all rolled up together. It was beautiful, and overwhelming, and terrifying. It was his whole life distilled into one pure, crystalline moment, and Hutch knew the second Starsky recognized the same look in his eyes.


Now, go on... Read the rest. Enjoy.

Gazing

Fandom: BLAKE'S 7
Pairing: None
Author on LJ: toft_froggy
Author Website: A Coil Of Rope
Why this must be read:

Quite simply because there isn't enough Happily Ever After in Blake's 7. Funnily enough, it's not a series which lends itself to upbeat endings. toft_froggy has managed it anyway, without overdosing on sugar. Set after the end of season 4, Vila has the quiet life he always wanted, albeit briefly interrupted by an unexpected visitor seeking grace.


Happily Ever After