Fandom: HOUSE
Pairing: Cuddy/House
Author on LJ: severuslovesme
Author Website: Author's LJ Fic Tag
Why this must be read:

For my last rec of the month, I bring you a funny. Cuddy breaks her leg. Hilarity (for House, at any rate) ensues. Relatively short, but full of banter-y goodness, this fic made me spit stuff onto my screen as I read it. I think Day 11 just might be my favourite. And, of course, Night 33. Enjoy!

Read Two Peas in a Pod, or Why Cuddy Hated Being on Crutches.

Last rec of the month, and it's been a blast. Hope you've enjoyed reading as much as I've enjoyed sharing my favourites. See you in the Pegasus Galaxy!

Fandom: STARGATE ATLANTIS
Pairing: Gen. (main characters: Rodney and Ronon)
Author on LJ: spike21
Author Website: The Spike's Slash Pages
Why this must be read: SGA is notorious for its season-ending cliffhangers, and this story picks up at the end of S2 (Allies, No Man's Land) where Rodney and Ronon are being held on a hive ship. Poor Rodney with his "certain reaction to certain doom" mentality can only see all the possibilities for horrendous ways to die - which he recounts in detail to Ronon via the Alphabet of Death. It's a quick read, morbidly humourous, and Ronon's contributions are hilarious. (Plus I can almost guarantee that the next time you're trapped in a car with family members for a long road trip, you'll find yourself doing exactly what Rodney does.)


( 'A is for Asphyxiation,' Rodney says, glumly. )

Read the Story / Feedback the Author: This Honor Is Generally Bestowed Posthumously

Fandom: X-FILES
Pairing: Gen
Author Website: David's Gossamer page

Why this must be read: This fic is set post-Hollywood A.D... or possibly in the middle of Hollywood A.D., before the movie has been completed. It's a hilarious look at what the media might have thought about "The Lazarus Bowl," and what Mulder and Scully's reactions would have been. It's funny, spot-on, and a great read.

They Can Mess You Up

Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Pairing: Vecchio/Fraser; Kowalski/Fraser; Vecchio/Stella
Author on LJ: marcellapolman
Author Website: none, as far as I know.

Why this must be read:

I haven't seen anything by marcellapolman recced here before, and I'm glad I'm able to do so. This story introduced me to her as an author and made me seek out all of her other stories.

Vecchio returns from Vegas, and not all is well. This is an very interesting take on Vecchio's relationship with Stella. A bit disturbing and a bit dark, but still very believable and in character. I love his voice here.

( Snippet )

Cheat

This is my last recommendation for this fandom, I do hope you've enjoyed my choices. And for the final one, I give you something that is a little unusual in Gibbs/Ducky fandom.

Fandom: NCIS
Pairing: Leroy Jethro Gibbs/Donald 'Ducky' Mallard
Author on LJ: the_haunt
Author Website: Ghostwriter's Haunt

Why this must be read:

There are comparatively few pure PWP R (or NC-17) rated Gibbs/Ducky stories, but this is one of them. Although to call it a PWP to some extent is mis-leading. Yes, the story is pretty much about a sexual situation from start to finish, but it's more than just sex, it's lovemaking between two men who know one another so well, and are intimate in ways outside of the bedroom. It also shows that when Ducky is determined, he can get his own way.

The premise is simple: Ducky rings Gibbs and insists he attend a physical examination. Which, with a more than a degree of annoyance and frustration, Gibbs does. It's unlike any physical examination he has ever experienced.

Ghostie takes this rather unusual sexual situation and crams in the love, affection, tenderness, closeness, naturalness that can only come from years of making love to and with the same person. And she does it extremely well. It's hot (very) but chock full of love, good characterisation, humour and fun too.

Oh, and, Ghostie, I'm still waiting for the sequel ;-)


( Extract )

---

The Physical

My last rec for the month. I hope you have enjoyed the ride, the route and the view -- I certainly have!

Fandom: HIGHLANDER
Pairing: Methos/Duncan
Author on LJ: tazlet
Author Website: Taz' page on HLFiction, Tazwerks
Why this must be read:
Another of the wonderful things written for the hlh_shortcuts fic exchange. Taz absolutely nails both the complexity and simplicity of being Immortal and of loving someone. Plus costume pr0n!

( A Taste: )

As You Are

Fandom: X-FILES
Pairing: MSR
Author Website: Cathleen's Gossamer page

Why this must be read: This is one of my all-time favorite AU fics, because it so neatly turns the entire show on its head. My jaw just dropped the first time I read it, and I reread it frequently because even though the plot is no longer a surprise, the story is wonderful and nuanced. It's set post-Requiem, and if you haven't read it you should run, not walk, because it's that awesome.

Pentimento

Fandom: X-FILES
Pairing: MSR
Author Website: Oracle's X-Files Fanfic

Why this must be read: Excelcis Dei wasn't an episode that spawned a bunch of post-eps, and this one stands out like a shining star from Season 3 post-eps in general. Frightening and well-written and full of suspense, this story perfectly encapsulates the mytharc and the tone of the show in general.

Butterfly

Fandom: DC Comics
Pairing: Batman/Superman
Author On LJ: jen_in_japan
Author's Website: Earth & Sky Series, Music Of the Spheres, Loose Fic Collection
Why This Must Be Read:

Jen calls this a series of stories, but really it's one very long one divided up into four arcs. It is complete and it is gorgeous. Batman has a long and storied history with Japan in the comics and Jen takes full advantage of this in a story that paints a beautiful picture of the country, of Bruce, and of Clark. I don't think anyone else could have done such an amazing job with this subject matter, of woven DC canon in and out of the story the way Jen has. Watching this unfold was a huge treat for me. Good luck trying to read this in pieces, you may just want to grab some take out, sit down, and lose an evening in the story. It'll be time well spent.

36 Views of Mount Fuji

Fandom: DOCTOR WHO
Pairing: Nine/Rose/Jack
Author on LJ: tres_mechante
Why this must be read:

Rose and Jack are kidnapped and altered, and it's up to the Doctor to buy them back and restore them.

"Please don't do this," he groaned. "Rose, no."

Rose pulled back and looked at him, her eyes wide, hurt confusion shimmering in their chocolate depths. "I-I thought you...When you touched me, back at that place..."

"I had to play a role, didn't I? I was supposed to be bonding with my new toy." His voice was soft, as though explaining something complicated to a child.

"Oh." She looked away, suddenly flustered. "Guess I got it wrong, then, didn't I?"

The Doctor tried to hold on when Rose pulled away. "Rose, you don't understand."

"No, I think I've got it, Doctor. You had to pretend an interest in me." She pulled away completely and wrapped her robe more securely around her shaking body. "God, I'm so stupid -- a stupid ape. Isn't that what you call us humans? What could a human offer a Time Lord? I mean, even if you were interested -- which you're not -- we're probably not even... compatible, in that way--"

Under My Skin I
Under My Skin II
Under My Skin III

Fandom: DOCTOR WHO
Pairing: Nine/Rose/Jack
Author on LJ: wendymr
Author Website: WMR on A Teaspoon and an Open Mind
Why this must be read:

Jack saves Rose. Rose saves herself. And then the Doctor, Rose, and Jack make sure no one needs saving ever again.

Jack! Oh, thank god. Relief slams into her. He'll get her out of here.

He strolls inside, looking as if he's got all the time in the world. As he does, he's casting casual, curious glances around the room. She's seen enough of him in action over the past week since he joined them to know how observant he is. He'll be looking for her, and assessing the lay of the land at the same time.

And now he's looking straight at her. Staring directly at the cage, at her in it. Good. Now he knows she's here. Any second now, he'll have his gun out and he'll be demanding that they release her.

But he doesn't. Instead, a relaxed smile on his face, he walks up to the bar and orders a drink.

She slumps back against the cage bars. Patience. Obviously, he can't just take out his gun and start threatening to shoot everyone in sight. Half the people here are probably armed. He wouldn't have a chance.

A Little Help From Your Friends

Fandom: DOCTOR WHO
Pairing: Nine/Rose/Jack
Author on LJ: nnwest
Why this must be read:

And for my last rec before handing back the key to the TARDIS, I thought I'd give you guys something hot and sweet: Jack on the outside, until Rose and the Doctor welcome him in.

Backrub

Fandom: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Pairing: Elizabeth Bennet/Fitzwilliam Darcy
Length: 70,000 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: The Derbyshire Writers' Guild

Why this must be read:

This story may seem to some to stretch Elizabeth Bennet's characterization to the breaking point, but it works surprisingly well. The premise of the tale is that Elizabeth prudently accepts Mr. Darcy's first proposal at Hunsford. She does not love him, but nor is she following purely mercenary motives. She does realize, however, that she would be foolish to reject such a man.

Both Elizabeth and Darcy thus enter their marriage without truly knowing the other. Darcy thinks Elizabeth loves him, and Elizabeth thinks Darcy is a proud, selfish man who ruined Jane Bennet's and Mr. Wickham's separate chances of happiness. Some of Elizabeth's fears about Darcy do come to pass, as he still wants to keep Bingley and Jane separated, and he discourages Elizabeth from visiting her relatives. (They are in trade, which is decidedly outside of Darcy's social sphere.)

Slowly, their eyes are opened, and well... I don't want to give it away. Both Darcy and Elizabeth are in character, as are all the secondary and tertiary characters. Certain events from the novel inevitably happen even with the changes, and it is fascinating how a prudent motive can affect so much and yet still have the characters learn the same necessary lessons. This story is a good read, and alert readers will note that the author does quote the novel a bit. Overall, this fic is well worth your time.

* * *

( Excerpt )

The Prudent Motive

Fandom: SPORTS NIGHT
Pairing: Casey McCall/Dan Rydell
Author on LJ: villainny
Author Website: None known

Why this must be read: Dan's acting weird, Dana fears no-one likes her hair, Jeremy and Natalie may or may not be dating, and the vending machines are evil. Oh, and did I mention that Dan's acting weird? Because that, and the reason why, are really the crux of this story, all wrapped up in a sparkly bundle of Sorkinese so convincing you have to wonder whether Aaron got bored one day and … nah, probably not.

Split into three parts as the author posted it (it also links internally):

Part One
Part Two
Part Three

This is my last Sports Night rec for crack_van this time around. I hope people have read and enjoyed the stories, and will continue to do so in the future, and I hope to be back with another batch of recs at some later date. Many thanks to the crack_van mods for giving me the opportunity to rattle on about my favourite show and, possibly, with luck and a good tailwind, even introduce it to some new readers.

For my last rec of the month (and please let me apologize for being such an inconsistent reccer. Real life, as it as a tendency to, got in the way.) I'm reccing a post-ep for the entire series. Hope y'all enjoy it as much as I did!

Fandom: X-FILES
Pairing: MSR
Author Website: Lauren's Gossamer page

Why this must be read: This is a fantastic piece set post-The Truth with a really gorgeous take on the Mulder-Scully relationship, and a great handle on the craziness that was the Mytharc. It's really beautifully written, and one of my favorite takes on our favorite FBI agent's lives post-series.

Objects in Mirror

Anyways, hope y'all have enjoyed the recs, and sorry again, and happy February!

Fandom: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Pairing: Caroline Bingley/George Wickham
Length: 25,000 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: The Derbyshire Writers' Guild

Why this must be read:

You are probably staring at the pairing in disbelief. Even an Austen slash pairing would be more believable than that! But, to my surprise, this story is rather fun, humorous, and yes, slightly even believable. True, George Wickham turns out to be not quite so awful as the book paints him, and true, his reformation is rather sudden, but such characterization concerns did not keep me from thoroughly enjoying this lighthearted story.

The premise is this: Caroline Bingley is quite depressed over the engagement of Jane Bennet to her brother, Mr. Darcy's refusal to interfere in said engagement, and the fact that Mr. Darcy is no nearer to proposing to her. (Obviously, some canon events have been changed around.) She tries to drown her sorrows in drink to no avail. Then to top everything, Darcy becomes engaged to the presumptuous Elizabeth Bennet. During all this, she meets Mr. Wickham at an assembly to celebrate her brother's engagement, and he persists in bothering her constantly. They form an unlikely friendship, and one thing leads to another.

To tell any more would spoil the story. Go read it and enjoy.

* * *

( Excerpt )

Caroline's Courtship

There is also an unfinished and, alas, apparently abandoned sequel entitled A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Bath.

Fandom: Magnificent 7
Pairing: C/B/V
Author on LJ: charlottechill
Author's Website: Drink 'n Fighting
Why this must be read:

Because it is AWESOME!

As promised - and for those of you who haven't found it on your own yet, here is the final part of the trilogy establishing the C/B/V relationship in the Skip Trace universe which I have already gone on and on about.  This is where everything comes together - the seven as one team, the solving of the mystery, the resolution of Chris' own personal quest, and the beginnings of the triad.  It's a phenomenal piece of writing and just a great story.

What Counts as a Win

I have now come to the end of my recs this month. I would just like to note that some of the best fics for Pride and Prejudice are not online. Since Austen's works are no longer copyrighted, authors may use her characters in their own stories for profit. Pamela Aidan's Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman series is particularly well done. There are many others floating around out there that are well worth a look.

Now, back to the regularly scheduled recs:

Fandom: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Pairing: Elizabeth Darcy née Bennet/Fitzwilliam Darcy
Length: 25,000 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: The Republic of Pemberley

Why this must be read:

This is another story that takes place after Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth's marriage. In this case, Darcy is thinking about reconciling with his aunt, Lady Catherine. He invites an old friend of his to come stay at Pemberley, knowing that this friend and his wife associate with his aunt socially. Complications ensue.

I like and enjoy this story even though I have a small problem with Elizabeth's characterization in it. Elizabeth is known for her liveliness and for her refusal to be cowed by any who think themselves superior. However, in this story, Elizabeth is a bit more timid. True, she is in a situation that is new and different to her. Love makes people do strange things and react oddly at times, after all.

Aside from that quibble, this is an excellent story. Indeed, I would recommend all of Lou's stories at the Republic of Pemberley. (The P&P fic archive for that site can be found here.) This story just goes to show that a good marriage does not just happen. It takes work; joyful work, true, but work nonetheless. Highly recommended.

* * *

( Excerpt )

Her Bonnet So Blue

( Update January 2012 )

Fandom: Magnificent 7
Pairing: none, really, not yet
Author on LJ: adonnchaid
Author's website: most of what I know is at Drinking 'n Fighting
Why this must be read:

The author describes it as "A grittier interpretation of how the ATF team might have formed."  It is - and it's wonderful because of it.  It's a darker universe, taking all of the characters and bending them just a little - but just perfectly and perfectly together.  It's complete within itself, but I am very much hoping that she's going to keep on with this universe, giving us more of them and how they get to know each other.  Very nicely done.

Second Chances

Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Pairing: Frannie/OFC, Frannie/Stella, Frannie/Elaine, Frannie/Thatcher, Frannie/Maggie
Author on LJ: ignazwisdom
Author Website: http://ignaz.betweenthepages.org/

Why this must be read:

Sadly there doesn't exist much femmeslash or stories about Frannie out there. This is my favurite of the few that do. This Frannie here very strongly resembles the character we know from the show. But there is more to her, here she is a fleshed out character, learning how to be strong and to reach out for what she wants. The other women are nicely characterized, too. This story is on my (rather short) re-read list.

( Snippet )

Chick Habit

Fandom: RPF (SCI FI TV)
Pairing: Michael Shanks/Richard Dean Anderson, Michael Shanks/Lexa Doig
Author on LJ: technosage
Author Website: smokeringhalos
Why this must be read:

Michael/Rick is one of those odd pairings for which there is enough FPF, on the Jack/Daniel side, to cover China. And yet, hardly any RPF at all. I generally enjoy blaming this on Richard Dean Anderson's stunningly overwhelming heterosexuality, but who knows the real reason, really? But Michael/Rick is just that hard to pull off, which is why I am so impressed by this story. The beauty is in the quiet little details, hockey scores and restaurant menus and email tag. And Michael, sweet and sincere and slightly needy. Fabulous cameos from the entire supporting cast, as well.

He and Chris went out for drinks after, like they often did. Amanda joined them, and so did Teryl, Don and Gary. They smoked three packs of cigarettes between them, drank way too much and laughed their asses off while he did imitations of Stewie and Pinky and Bender as Asgards.

Rick stayed for one drink, then cut out with a wave and a promise they'd get together before he left town.

Rhythm and Blues

Fandom: Heroes
Pairing: NA
Author on LJ: poisontaster
Author Website:
Why this must be read:

Poisontaster writes some of the best porn out there, but that's not why you should read this. You should read this because it is, quite a simply, a very chilling look at Claire's power, being a hero, and what that might do to her years from now.

The Girl Falls

And that's it for me, for this fandom, for this month, though I shall be back driving the Van Galactica. Hope you enjoyed.

Fandom: RPF (SCI FI TV)
Pairing: Ben Browder/Claudia Black
Author on LJ: wisdomeagle
Author Website: index of fic
Why this must be read:

Such a great snapshot of Ben, well-intentioned but a tiny bit helpless in the face of Hurricane Claudia. As we would all be.

It'll be different this time, though. No double-teaming, no cards up the leg of Claudia's pants (they slid so easily into his lap, just two fingers a few inches under her cuff and he was one card shy of a royal flush), no drinking, because it was harder when he was smashed. Claudia held her liquor fine, just got meaner and better at bluffing, but Ben got sloppy and it seemed less scary and terrible to put an arm around her shoulder.

Promise Me A Royal Flush

Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Pairing: Fraser/Kowalski
Author on LJ: arrow00
Author Website: http://arrow00.com/

Why this must be read:

This is my last rec for this month, and I thought I finish where I started, with one of my favorite authors, Arrow.

This story has everything I love about her stories, great characterization, great pacing, sharp and poignant dialog and wonderful interaction between the characters. "Freaks" is a story about being different, and about accepting it. Fraser has difficulties with it, and I hurt for him.

The sex is hot, but the characters are the focus and the kink is there in service of the characterization. This is more than just about sex, it's about tenderness and love and acceptance.

( Snippet )

Freaks

Fandom: Heroes
Pairing: Matt/Mohinder
Author on LJ: out_there
Author Website: Amazed By The Mathematics
Why this must be read:

Like most fic I read, this isn't very long, it's more like an extended drabble, but it encapsulates that sleeping together thing couples do. I mean, the kind of thing that makes you gag, but secretly wish you had the same thing.

Unless you're me.

Three Alarms

And this brings me to the end of my run on the crack_van. Join me for my next set, which will be roughly at about the same time hell freezes over. Not that I haven't enjoyed myself, I just think this is a little too much responsibility for me.

Fandom: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
Pairing: James Norrington/Professor Jack Sparrow
Author on LJ: abrabacon_trask and kayliemalinza
Author Website:
Why this must be read:
A love note for anyone who's taken a college lit crit or philosophy course and fallen in love with theorists, this AU sets Norrington as a graduate student and devoted existentialist, and Jack as his formidably fluid-thinking Foucaultian professor. They argue a bit about life, reality, and identity - and then there's a practical demonstration. If smart is sexy, this is beyond scorching.

AUniversity or "The Dialectic of Post-ModernCynicism and Mass-Marketed Sentimentalism, as Extrapolated from Gay Sex: Lots of It"
AUniversity, Epilogue

Fandom: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
Pairing: Anamaria/James Norrington
Author on LJ: xzombiexkittenx
Author Website:
Why this must be read:

Because Anamaria should have been in the last two films and, being made of Awesome, she deserved so much more than she got. She probably deserves better than a drunken and despairing post-"Dead Man's Chest" Norrington as well, but she can work with it. Looking for someone half-way honest to fix up her ship, Anamaria finds Norrington washed up in Tortuga, living from bottle-to-bottle, and gives him a job and eventually a reason to live again. He doesn't come willingly, and clings tenaciously to self-pity and hopelessness, yet somehow a strange connection sparks between two paradoxically noble, rigid, and oddly vulnerable people.

Smashed

Fandom: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
Pairing: Will Turner/Elizabeth Swann
Author on LJ: penknife
Author Website: Pen(knife) to Paper
Why this must be read:
After the events of "At World's End" nine travelers sleep, and Calypso meets them there to float and flirt and stir a little magic in their dreams. Delightful and intriguing little glimpses of life after the films.

Nine Pieces of Eight

Fandom: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
Pairing: James/Norrington/Elizabeth Swann, Norrington/Will Turner, Norrington/Captain Jack Sparrow
Author on LJ: The Dalaverse
Author Website:
Why this must be read:
Norrington receives a strange present from Gibbs after helping him through a long voyage, and Dala weaves five possible threads of fate from that exchange, some sweet, some horrible, but each lovely and satisfying.

Five Ways to Wear a Green Ribbon