Fandom: LOTRiPS
Pairing: Billy Boyd/Orlando Bloom
Author on LJ: suede_scripture
Author Website: Fiction Archive: 2004 - Present
Why this must be read: Suede Scripture is perhaps best known for her rich Monaboyd AUs, but that's hardly all she's written - she's almost as fond of each of those boys with Elijah. I'm not here to rec any of the stories she's written about any of those pairings though. I'm interested in a likely one-off - a non-AU Billy/Orlando set post-filming.

Now, it's not just about the rareness of the pairing, though Billy/Orlando is certainly sparse on the ground. Nor the hotness of the sex (though that's pretty damn hot, as well). It's the organicness of the situation, the fact that it's honestly dark (darkly honest?), that it feels like it could have happened (though it's hardly likely it did).

Petals and Blessings

Fandom: LOTRiPS
Pairing: Dom Monaghan/Viggo Mortensen, Viggo Mortensen/Johnny Depp
Author on LJ: philomel
Author Website: the nightingale's tongue
Why this must be read: Because it's Philomel's work, which is just so consistently, gorgeously lush and yet so underappreciated. Because it earns that NC-17. And seduces you so completely along the way that you don't notice it doing so. And, well, because Viggo Mortensen and Johnny Depp are spectacular together.

En Tu Boca Vivi

Fandom: LOTRiPS
Pairing: Orlando Bloom/Elijah Wood, Billy Boyd/Dom Monaghan, Viggo Mortensen/Sean Bean
Author on LJ: often_adamanta
Author Website: Often Adamanta's Fics
Why this must be read: It's a silly AU romp. It's a really fun silly AU romp. Plus it's summer, so we clearly need to be reading summer camp AUs. I mean, sure, it plays fast and loose with a hell of a lot, but it takes the essential bits and runs with them and does it with so much glee that you just can't help but be gleeful, too. Plus, y'know, Miranda's awesome.

Summer Camp

Fandom: LOTRiPS
Pairing: Billy Boyd/Dom Monaghan, others
Author on LJ: serpentis_redux
Author Website: serpentisfix
Why this must be read: Now, the Serpentis fic I really want to be able to rec someday is the wonderful Pro Patria Mori, which is a gorgeous AU set at a public school in the 20s. But in the absence of an ending to that, I'm putting forward this story, which showcases Serpentis's talent for writing in the style of the period equally well. Particularly since it's something of an Agatha Christie pastiche. With Billy Boyd in the role of Hercule Poirot. And everyone else who shows up being equally well used.

Which is to say that if you haven't already read this and you like either AUs or Agatha Christie, you really ought to run right out and do so.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles

Fandom: THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
Pairing: Buck and JD (gen)
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Penn's JD and Buck Page
Why this must be read:

Pure, unadulterated hurt and comfort, served with wry wit. JD is in danger; Buck is desperate to find him. Does a fangirl need anything more?

( Try it )

As Time Goes By

Fandom: HARRY POTTER
Pairing: Gen
Length: 2,200 words
Author on LJ: mosylu
Author Website: Mosylu's Fanfiction Emporium, Mosylu's Fanfiction.net Profile

Why this must be read:

Mosylu is an excellent writer, and frankly, it was difficult to decide which story of hers to rec. If I get another turn at driving the crack_van for Harry Potter, I expect I will recommend more of her fics. As it is, I'm down to the last day, so I must choose just one. If you get a chance, however, check out her website or her page at the Sugar Quill for more of her excellent HP fics.

The fic I chose centers on the Weasley twins, though they appear in only the latter half of the story. Percy has been grievously injured by Death Eaters, and the whole Weasley family gathers together, hoping for his survival. Percy's previous actions and words against his family are forgotten as the family pulls together to support him. But the twins are absent. Slowly, we learn exactly what they've been up to. Percy may be a humongous bighead and a prat, but he's their brother, first and foremost.

Some fans may argue that the twins are cruel and evil. I would say they can be cruel, if they wish to be, but they are not evil. The title of this fic is one of the most creative and appropriate titles I've ever seen. Read the fic and discover why for yourself.

* * *

( Excerpt )

The Wrath of Loki

Fandom: HARRY POTTER
Pairing: Remus Lupin/Nymphadora Tonks
Length: Novel-length
Author on LJ: fernwithy
Author Website: Fern's Humongous Bighead Site

Why this must be read:

The last time I drove the crack_van for Harry Potter, I recommended Shifts by FernWithy. Several months ago, she completed the sequel to Shifts, entitled Shades. Naturally, I have to rec it as well, for it is just as wonderful as the original.

Just as Shifts follows the events of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix from Remus Lupin's point of view, Shades follows Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince from Nymphadora Tonks's point of view. (Don't worry; we still get regular interludes from Remus as well.)

Tonks's odd behavior throughout Harry's sixth year was supposedly explained by the confrontation between Remus and Tonks in the hospital wing shortly after ( cut for a spoiler that everyone should know by now ). However, many readers were still left a bit unsatisfied with the result. FernWithy's completely canon-compliant, novel-length story fleshes out what was going on behind the scenes all that year. Remus was with the werewolves, yes, but what was he doing there exactly? Tonks was stationed as an Auror in Hogsmeade, but what did that entail? FernWithy fills in the gaps with a wonderful story and a great cast of characters that become just as real and almost as dear to us as the canon characters.

Remus and Tonks's story makes sense, and it is true to them as characters. They spend a great deal of time apart, but that does not detract from the resolution of the story. Indeed, it reads like a gen fic for much of the story, but their relationship is still central to the fic. The ending is quieter, but still satisfying.

Go and read this story before Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows comes out. If you haven't read Shifts, read that first. But read both of them. You will enjoy them. I guarantee it.

* * *

( Excerpt )

Shades

begging the mods' indulgence there was a little delay in getting this one up...it's still Friday somewhere, right?

Vidder: Kira
Musical artist: Britney Spears
Pairing: None (unless Gibbs/DiNozzo is your OTP, then it's nice and slashy)
Vidder on LJ: mosquito_larva
Vidder's website: N/A
Why this vid kicks ass: Okay, not a huge Britney Spears fan by any stretch, but the combination of music and images for this vid make me smile, no matter how many times I watch it. It includes most of my favourite DiNozzo and Gibbs/DiNozzo scenes from seasons 1 through 3 -- mostly Tony-in-peril or Tony in trouble with Gibbs. I don't watch a lot of vids and I have no concept of the technical merits of this one, it just makes me giggle and dance in my chair.

You can download it here.

For the next 7 days, you can also download it here, here, or here.

Fandom: HARRY POTTER
Pairing: Gen, with flashbacks to Harry/Tonks
Length: 177,000 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: E.M. Snape's Fanfiction.net Profile

Why this must be read:

I saved for my last recommendation a particular favorite of mine. I admit it; I'm a sucker for a good Snape fic. But only fic that is true to Snape -- in-character, non-romantic, mean, cruel, sarcastic, deeply horrible Snape, who holds perceived grievances against himself close to his heart and cherishes them. Thus, much Snape fic is not for me. Occasionally, I will read a fic where Snape's characterization deviates from the above (in other words, from canon Snape), but only if said characterization can be justified by the events of the story. In fact, I recommended one or two such fics here on crack_van last time.

Multitude are the Snape-as-Harry's-father (whether biological or adoptive) fics wherein Snape becomes a caring dad who gives his son hugs. If the author can make a good case for it, sure, I'll read it. But it'd better have a darn good justification for such changes in Snape.

This story is different, however. In Blood Only is indeed a Snape-as-Harry's-father fic, but it keeps Snape just as mean as ever. In fact, Snape uses the truth that he is Harry's biological father to get back at Dumbledore for some preceived injustices he suffered at Dumbledore's hands. Snape never once hugs Harry and even comes close to abusive behavior towards him. By the end of the story, they reach an understanding of sorts, but Snape is still ever Snapish and Slytherin.

In Blood Only is an excellent fic, not only for the Snape characterization, but also for its plot, Harry's characterization, and its inventive ending. I won't give it away, but the defeat of Voldemort is not the focus of the story, but nor is it ignored completely.

In Blood Only is rated R for language, a couple of lightly described sexual scenes viewed through Occlumency after the fact, and violence. It can be a dark fic, but it does not end darkly. Highly recommended.

* * *

( Excerpt )

In Blood Only

STARSKY & HUTCH
Starsky and Hutch
http://sjames-centre.livejournal.com/
Why this must be read: Susan is the best writer in S&H fandom. Period. She thinks this is pretty good. That's all I need to hear!


When I'm Sixty-Four

STARSKY & HUTCH
Starsky and Hutch
http://myrebelcat.livejournal.com/ and http://elizabethhelena.livejournal.com/
http://rebelcat4.tripod.com/id23.html http://rebelcat4.tripod.com/id25.html
Why this must be read: Because they did what they said they wouldn't, or couldn't, or might not, and did it all perfectly in character -- meaning that of our boys, not their own (which would have been way too easy for these two personality queens) -- and it's the sort of thing we need to encourage them to do a lot more of. So there.

Be Straight with Me

Fandom: TORCHWOOD
Pairing: Jack Harkness/Ianto Jones/the Doctor
Author on LJ: wildestranger
Author Website: Livejournal Memories
Why this must be read:

This fic was written for this year's remix_redux: wildestranger took a throwaway line from a 28 flavors drabble and created an edgy, intelligent, utterly real look at three men with a TARDIS in ancient Greece.

There's sex and wrestling and arguments and oh, the dialog makes me so happy. It both cuts and snaps and I can hear all three of the main characters speaking these words.

( Excerpt )

Happiness Is a Sly Smirk (Natural and Greek remix)

STARSKY & HUTCH/HOUSE Crossover
Starsky and Hutch and...well, you tell me!
http://peg22.livejournal.com/
http://shslash.kassidyrae.com/fiction.html
Why this must be read: If you haven't read this yet, are you out of your fucking MIND?!? [Rec'ing fan sweeps out of the room, lab coat flying, only to encounter the tip of Dr. House's cane, positioned specifically to trip her up...House sneers and pops a Vicodin in her honor...fade to black and blue.].

This, my dear fannish friend, is a masterpiece.

Ten Percent Solution

Fandom: Heroes
Pairing: Peter/Nathan
Author on LJ: linaerys
Author Website: Linaerys.com
Why this must be read:

For my final recommendation this month, I just have to tell you to read one of my favorite Petrellicest stories. Peter runs away twice to Rome, and Nathan brings him back both times. But it is about so much more than that. It is a beautiful examination of their relationship and it tears me to pieces and fills me with glee all at the same time, with some of the most beautiful writing I've ever witnessed.

I hope you've enjoyed this month of recs - I know I have sure enjoyed making them! :o)

( Short Excerpt )

Fear of Flying

Fandom: BATTLESTAR GALACTICA
Pairing: Tyrol/ Sharon
Author on LJ: carrielh
Author Website: Memories on LJ
Why this must be read: This is a lovely look at Tyrol, putting old dreams aside and moving on. It's about saying goodbye to someone you never really knew.

"He's going to tell her that he misses her, and it won't be true. He misses the Sharon he thought he knew, the one that bled out in the corridor while he held her, useless, unable to stop it. They look the same, but he knows in his gut that the woman – thing? – standing in front of him could never be his Sharon. But he'll pick up the phone and say that he misses her anyway, and she'll understand."

Tomorrow

Fandom: BATTLESTAR GALACTICA
Pairing: Tom Zarek
Author on LJ: bantha_fodder
Author Website: at the end of the world
Why this must be read: Tom Zarek is a lot of things: brilliant and foolish, complex, contradictory. But no one ever makes the mistake of calling him nice. This is a phenomenal look at Zarek at his worst.

"When Roslin arrives on the Astral Queen, the first thing she does is bless the men. Finger to forehead and a quiet prayer.

The men shut their eyes; love and fear her all at once.

Tom frowns."

all the old habits have gone

Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Pairing: Benton Fraser/Ray Vecchio
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website:

Why this must be read:
This AU in which Vecchio goes to Canada in search of the killers of his father is in character and amusing. It's short, and even if you aren't a F/V fan, you'll enjoy the plot.

Due North

Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Pairing: Benton Fraser/Ray Kowalski
Author on LJ: not_a_painter/zoetrope
Author Website: Not a Painter

Why this must be read:
This is an AU from "Mounty on the Bounty," and it works in terms of plot. What makes this absolutely worth checking out is that it's a 30-page Webcomic, and the visuals are fantastic. The slash slides right into reality via the art, and it's a pretty picture that you shouldn't miss. Probably most RayK/Fraser fans have seen this, but this really should be mentioned here in crack_van, so I am happy to point it out again.

This Is Where We'll End It

Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Pairing: Ray Kowalski/Ray Vecchio
Author on LJ: izzybeth
Author Website: Unknown

Why this must be read:
Ray/Ray are roadtripping, snarking their way through Canada. This is just the thing to make you smile. It's written mostly in dialog, but it isn't confusing; izzybeth keeps the character voices clear and the format never gets irritating. I like the way she sneaks little details into the conversation to give the emotional interactions context.

736 kilometers (547 miles)

Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Pairing: Benton Fraser/Ray Kowalski
Author on LJ: lalejandra
Author Website: Apostatize

Why this must be read:
I love the RayK voice in this story so much. Ray is completely pissed at Fraser, who is clueless. The premise sounds cliche, but Lalejandra takes the reader through Ray figuring out why he's angry and Fraser getting a clue.

Look way up to the sky

Fandom: THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
Pairing: none
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Black Raptor listing
Why this must be read:

If you strip away the persona, will you be able to find the man inside?

This compelling story touches the heart and then jams it into your throat, but I can't tell you much without spoiling the surprises. Just to whet the appetite I'll throw out a few tidbits. Among other things, it shows us Chris as a nursemaid, Buck getting head-butted, a vulnerable Ezra, and that Vin on pain-killers is pretty funny.

( Try it )

The Man Inside

Fandom: THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
Pairing: none
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Black Raptor listing
Why this must be read:

I thoroughly enjoyed my two months driving the van for The Magnificent Seven. I hope that, gentle readers, you tried a few of my recs and found them to your taste. I would be particularly delighted if I helped entice a new fan or two into the fold.

I am going to close with a comedic treat, especially for Buck fans, in which Buck learns that animal magnetism has its downside. Like the man himself, the story is sprawling, big-hearted, boisterous, and kind of goofy, in and out of danger. Enjoy!

( A bit of bull )

The Bull

Fandom: GILMORE GIRLS
Pairing: Lorelai/Luke, Rory/Jess
Author on LJ: kieyra
Author Website:kieyra's fic on LJ
Why this must be read:

I'm going to wrap up the month with a story that makes me happy every time I read it. "Take Whatever You Can Get" works for me on so many levels. It's one of the best explorations of Luke I have ever read. It's filled with the kind of moments that make you squee, or sigh, or completely fall for a 'ship, and those moments happen to be about three of my favorite pairings on the show- Lorelai/Luke, Rory/Jess, and Luke and Jess. This story is an amazing read as a fan. It's also an amazing read on its own- it has stayed with me, and it's not uncommon for me to recall a snippet or phrase that seemed especially right or fitting as I go about my day. I love the way Luke sees the world. The way he sees love, and responsibility, and other people. "Take Whatever You Can Get" does what fanfic is meant to do- it taps into that mindset and allows you to have more, and better, of what you love from the source material.

( Excerpt )

Take Whatever You Can Get

Fandom: X-FILES
Pairing: Mulder/Krycek, Scully/Skinner
Author on LJ: ratadder
Author Website: The Compund (Ratadder)
Why this must be read:

A wonderful, lengthy, in-depth evolution of Mulder and Krycek. It's got action, pain, love, and I've always been strangely a sucker for Scully/Skinner. The flow and design of the fic sucks you right in; it's hard to put down.

Chemical Agents

Fandom: X-FILES
Pairing: Mulder/Scully
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: MD1016
Why this must be read:

A brilliant, plotty, angsty MSR which attests to great emotions and trials and tribulations down the path to love. It's a case fic. Mulder thinks he's taking Scully on vacation, but considering just who these two are, nothing is ever so simple. They're haunted by ghosts and island people, storms and death. But at the end of the day, the sun does shine.

Erlona's Heart, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4

Fandom: HIGHLANDER
Pairing: Duncan/Methos
Author on LJ: slcross
Author Website:CrossWords
Why this must be read: Sharon Cross is best known for her long future based stories with richly detailed world building and complex plots. However, Kissing Fate shows her mastery of the short story form and her ability to create an emotional punch with a few words.

Kissing Fate