Fandom: Harsh Realm
Pairing: Florence/Other, Florence/Pinocchio
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website:Alison's Fic
Why this must be read:

Because it's about Florence and she doesn't get enough props. Because it's about Florence and someone else. Because it's about how Florence and Pinocchio just connect in a way that most people dream of their 'ship connecting. Because it's simple and sweet and oh so plausable given the storyline.

After Evan

Fandom: LORD OF THE RINGS
Pairing: Merry/Eowyn
Author on LJ: mollyringwraith
Author Website: Website
Why this must be read:

Because it's a lovely tale of two who were meant to have been left behind. The anticipation of dread during the ride to battle, told by a slightly sorrowful Merry to Pippin in the echoes of Eowyn's wedding feast.

Merry's wistfulness is pitch perfect, as is the isolation at his separation from the rest of the fellowship and Eowyn's feelings at being kept from the battle. Through this and their ride to Minas Tirith they become closer, drawing together to the night before the battle. Yet despite the grim reality of their situation the author keeps the thread of humour throughout.

( Excerpt )

The last night in the world

Fandom: LOTRIPS
Pairing: Elijah Wood/Orlando Bloom
Author on LJ: trianne
Author Website: A Shortcut to Trianne
Why this must be read: One of the things I love most about AUs in this fandom, is the way you still get a feeling of the on-set camaraderie that was clearly present during LOTR filming, but flipped in imaginative new directions. In this, Elijah and Orlando are grifting in a variety of ways, and Trianne milks her premise for every skerrick of humour, creating a story which is funny and real and also suprisingly sweet.

Making It

Fandom: FARSCAPE
Pairing: Stark/Zhaan
Author on LJ: simplystars
Author Website: none that I know of
Why this must be read: As with the first story I recced this month, I have to admit to a bit of bias towards this one, because it was written for one of my Sprogathon requests when the first story was late. (Yes, it was a very, very good ficathon for me.) This one might have a bit more of a niche appeal, I suppose, as it's very much a Stark/Zhaan story, and that's not exactly the most popular pairing in the fandom. But if it's a pairing that appeals to you at all, then you'll definitely want to read this one. It's lovely and heart-warming and sweet, without ever triggering the eye-rolling reaction I usually have towards mushy stuff. (Although I will admit, my own tolerance for mush is a bit higher when it comes to S/Z than for other pairings. You may insert your own joke about "sap" here.)

( an excerpt )

In Bloom

Fandom: QUEER AS FOLK: US
Pairing: Ted/Justin, Brian/Justin
Author on LJ: soundczech or themagichour
Author Website: Blatant Narcissism
Why this must be read:

I mentioned my whole unrequited Ted/Justin guilty pleasure, right?

While I, personally, never saw any hints of Ted/Justin on the show (though Scott Lowell, the actor who plays Ted says it was apparent since season 2), I could totally and truthfully picture it. Justin is, in every way, Ted's type. But then, I'm not out to prove to you that Ted/Justin could exist. I'm here to tell you you should read this fic.

And, perhaps, that I have an unhealthy desire for more Ted/Justin fics. And this fic is the reason why.

I don't feel like I need to blather on about why any Starla!fic should be read. She's been recced here multiple times before, and that should speak for itself. But in regard to this fic, she has this magical way of making you believe in this total non-canon pairing, while still keeping everyone fully in character.

This fic also has, in my opinion, the most perfect line ever to encapsulate Justin's personality: ( cut for line lifted directly from fic. )

Read the fic that spawned my fetish!

A Tragedy in Three Parts

Fandom:;OZ
Pairing:Beecher/Keller
Author on LJ: dargie
Author Website:Dargie's outpost
Why this must be read:

Because it's one of the hottest fics Dargie wrote. I called it transgressive once, not because of the sex but because our heroes have a kinky moment -something that's not very often mentionned in fanfic. The writing is perfect, the sex is wonderful, it's both peaceful and sexy. The voices are spot on.

Perfect.

( An exerpt? Yessir! )

So go read Suspended animation

Fandom: DC COMICS
Pairing: Grace/various (f/m and f/f)
Author on LJ: penknife
Author Website: Pen(knife) to Paper

Why this must be read:

This story was written for the DC 4colorheroines challenge, which focused on female characters. It's about Grace Choi, who's a relatively new character in the DC universe, created by Judd Winick for the relaunch of Outsiders in the summer of 2004. Grace is six feet tall, super-strong and mostly invulnerable; however, unlike most other DC heroines, Grace is also happily promiscuous, terribly foul-mouthed, and chooses to wear pants and sensible shoes to work. For these reasons and many others, she quickly became a fan favorite. :)

Soon enough, though, Outsiders featured a story arc about the evils of sexual abuse; it also delved into Grace's backstory, revealing that (like so many DC heroines before her) Grace had a history of sexual abuse. Penknife's story, though, takes this new canon in and builds something strong and beautiful that doesn't lose sight of everything else that Grace is-- it takes her from her childhood to her time with the Outsiders without ever filing her into a neat little box marked "victim." Penknife's Grace is affected by her past, but she doesn't let it define her; she insists on defining herself, and she is strong. Aside from the fantastic characterization, the writing is beautiful, and there are some lovely appearances by other DC characters. This is a story that's not to be missed.

Under Pressure (on Penknife's site)
Under Pressure (on 4ch site; includes pictures of Grace)

Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS
Pairing: Bodie/Doyle
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Unknown

Why this must be read:

If you like fantastic tales, this is a little gem; clever, witty, touching and, maybe, more profound that it may look to be at first sight. It raises a few serious questions, outside the obvious points of theology: What is actually the power of our thoughts? Could they possibly have more consequences than actions themselves? What would you give for the life of someone you love? Which degree of free will is necessary to make a contract compulsory?

Doyle and Bodie are led to answer these questions in this story. Cowley, apparently, has already had the opportunity to solve the riddle on his own. And it would be very interesting, indeed, to know in which circumstances. There is some hints about a previous encounter between the master of triple think and the Master of Temptation. But we won't get further on this slippery slope. Though the game is a four players match, the main moves are made by Bodie and Doyle, the winning team, with Cowley more as an arbiter.

For the pairing is really Bodie/Doyle, in spite of the title, though, of course, Cowley plays a decisive part in the outcome.

There is a sequel, "After Midnight Temptation", that I personally deem as completely devoid of interest, but you may read it, if you absolutely want a sex scene. As for me, it's not the first time I notice that, in some contexts, a needless sex scene is very potent to spoil the mood, muddle the meaning and weaken the emotion. Something you certainly have not to fear in this remarkable little piece.

The Devil and George Cowley

Fandom:Harsh Realm
Pairing:None
Author on LJ: Not to my knowledge
Author Website: Unknown
Why this must be read:

Because it's a cute little moment between the boys. A break from the running and the killing and just a bit of time to remember the simpler things in life. Because it's funny.

Guy Talk