Fandom: JEEVES & WOOSTER
Pairing: Jeeves/Bertie Wooster
Length: short-ish
Author on LJ: lucylou
Author Website: Art - Stop Paying Attention; Stories at ff.net: LucylouKazoo
Why this must be read:

lucylou has been long beloved around indeedsir both for her fiction (previously recced) and for fanart and little cartoons that glow with awesomeness (like this one, for example). In "Bertie Wooster, Cryptographer" (subtitled "The Code of the Woosters, Redux") she manages to combine both art and text in a lovely photofic about a disappearing Jeeves and a Bertie determined to track him back down. The images are splendidly convincing, and the end is nearly impossible to view without cooing.

Bertie Wooster, Cryptographer, or The Code of the Woosters, Redux

Title: Two Places We Shouldn't Have Gone by Montgomery Damn Crowley
Pairing: Jeeves/Wilson; Wooster/House (implied UST for Jeeves/Wooster and House/Wilson)
Length: 512 words
Author on LJ: montycrowley
Author Website: unknown
Why this must be read:

This is an odd, fascinating little crossover with some of the sharpest insight into the characters - both sets of characters - I've ever seen. Angst is notoriously difficult to do well in J&W, the tone of the canon being so determinedly airy. But transposed into the House universe, and seen with that world's bitter analytic tint, Jeeves and Bertie are enigmatic and remarkable. The story's something of an offshoot of the "Five Things" genre; it makes no attempt to explain the impossibilities of time, space, or Hugh Laurie-incarnation. There is only the precision of language, and the two anti-OTPs revealing unexpected turns in all four characters.

( Excerpt )

Two Places We Shouldn't Have Gone

Fandom: SUPERNATURAL
Pairing: None, though there is sex alluded to
Length: Short, one shot
Author on LJ: minkmix
Author Website: Masterlist of fanfic
Why this must be read:

As soon as I found out I was driving the Supernatural Van this month I knew I HAD to do this fic as my final rec. Perfectly in tune with the brother vibe of the show, the ending literally made me fall out of my chair and slide under my desk I was laughing so hard.

It's been fun driving the van, thanks for putting up with me!

Head's Up

Fandom: HARRY POTTER
Pairing: Remus/Tonks
Length: 3,300 words
Author on LJ: gunderpants
Author Website: list of fics, ff.net page
Why this must be read: I always wondered how well other people took to the news that Tonks and Lupin had gotten together, considering the bad rap werewolves have. In this fic, Andromeda does not take it well AT ALL, and in her efforts to protect her daughter, does something drastic. Incredibly moving, controversial as hell - guaranteed to either raise your hackles or tear you up, or both.

Blessed is the Fruit of Your Womb

Ironically, the last rec of the month isn't canon like the rest of my recs. Go figure. I hope you've enjoyed this month's ride!

Fandom: HARRY POTTER
Pairing: Draco/Hermione
Length: short
Author on LJ: voleuse
Author Website: Fanfiction by voleuse
Why this must be read: In which Hermione is crafty and Draco's wand is missing - alright, it's not that dirty lol. I assume all Draco/Hermione fic includes the two of them pretending to hate each other, and then ducking into a closet to make out, so of course, this one has something along those lines, but the scenario's a bit more unique.

In Endless Feuding Perish

Vidder: keerawa
Musical artist: Billy Talent
Pairing: Fraser-centric
Vidder on LJ: keerawa
Vidder's website: http://keerawa.slashcity.org/
Why this vid kicks ass: because keerawa is an extremely talented vidder and this video shows you exactly why. She picked a song that, at first listen, seems wrong for a Fraser-centric vid. A loud, driving song that fits well with the action sequences but you wouldn't think would be able to tell Fraser's story. But this is an subtle video, one that requires multiple viewing to grasp all the layers. Really listen to the lyrics and look how well they illustrate Fraser's life, especially with the video clips keerawa has chosen to use.

In a crooked little town, they were lost and never found
Fallen leaves, fallen leaves, fallen leaves... on the ground.
Run away before you drown, or the streets will beat you down
Fallen leaves, fallen leaves, fallen leaves... on the ground.

Fallen Leaves

Fandom: Angel the Series
Pairing: Cordelia/Wesley
Author on LJ:fiareynne
Author Website: Whedonism (not updated), also see her tag list
Why this must be read: This is another case of there aren't a lot of stories out there with this pairing. These two stories made me a Cordy/Wes shipper. Fia's characterizations and voices are spot on. It's almost as if these scenarios had actually happened in the show. Wesley needs a bit of cheering up and Cordy is just the woman to do it. The first story is from Cordy's POV and the second from Wesley's. While their lives in LA may not be normal, they're going to try their damnedest to get that way.

Extraordinary
Pretty Dream

Vidder: tearful-eye
Musical artist: guest list by eels
Pairing: GEN - Tony's relationships with others.
Vidder on LJ: tearful_eye
Vidder's website: unmatterable
Why this vid kicks ass:

I had a *really* hard time choosing a vid to rec because there is some phenomenally good stuff out there. Funny ones, sad ones, beautiful ones, ones about one character, ones about the team, anything that you can think of, you can find. When I realized that I had unintentionally focused all my story recs on Tony this month, I knew that my vid rec had to feature him too.

Each time I sit down and really watch this vid, it brings tears to my eyes. It's a beautifully lyrical song with incredible music. Makes me want the album it comes from. And the vid. The vid tells a story that breaks my heart. The editing is fantastic, the clips gorgeous, the effects seemless. Overall, it's an amazing piece of work. I adore it.

Be Somebody

Friday Night Drive-In: FanVid Recs

Vidder: Shalott
Musical artist: Drop Dead Gorgeous by Republica
Pairing: GEN (Clark is sexy with everyone) + SLASH Clark Kent /Lex Luthor (Clark and Lex have a special sexiness between each other)
Vidder on LJ: astolat
Vidder's website: Intimations, by Astolat
Why this vid kicks ass:


This gem from the good ol' days of Smallville (2004) will have you rising from your chair to rock while being dazzled by a kaleidoscope of sexy hotness, relationship angst, and, yes, there's some tongue action - definitely some tongue action hmmm framed by those pink pillow luscious lips.

Clark is the drop dead gorgeous alien boy whose hunkiness and beauty draw his friends to him, and as far as Lex is concerned, there's not enough to go around.












Drop Dead Gorgeous, by Shalott
Note: Locate at bottom-right of Vid Page, then right-click to Save As

Fandom: NCIS
Pairing: Tony DiNozzo/Jeanne Benoit, Tony DiNozzo/Ziva David
Length: short
Author on LJ: sequitur_fic
Author Website: Sequitur on fanfiction.net
Why this must be read:

And talking about crying, this one totally made me cry like a baby. It's written about the La Grenouille plot on the show and totally got Jossed, but it's a really cool premise. I love the idea. It's also a heartbreaking look at the women Tony has loved. So many different layers in a small package.

Fade to Black

Fandom: NCIS
Pairing: Tony DiNozzo/Ziva David
Length: teeny tiny
Author on LJ: chaletian
Author Website: The Fanfictional Efforts of La Squeen
Why this must be read:

These companion stories are tiny, teeny tiny. But they made me smile all day thinking about Tony and Ziva. I needed that. I really like how clearly drawn the characters are in just a few words.

It Only Takes A Moment and To Be Loved A Whole Life Long

Fandom: NCIS
Pairing: GEN
Length: medium
Author on LJ: iamsab
Author Website: fromthesabrary
Why this must be read:

And the tears don't stop. I really, really, really love reading fic that makes me react emotionally, whether with laughter or with tears. This definitely was a tearjerker. The end of the world through Abby's eyes. Wow. This totally wrecked me.

Fair Winds and Following Seas

Fandom: JEEVES & WOOSTER
Pairing: Jeeves/Bertie Wooster; Jeeves/Bertie/Gussie Fink-Nottle
Length: about 13,000 words
Author on LJ: derien
Author Website: Derien's Trivial Place
Why this must be read:

Because sometimes you want to read pr0n. Awesome, hilarious and meltingly hot pr0n. Featuring a prop so many writers joke about but so few actually deliver: a literal tie that binds.

Or wait, is that too shallow? Well, then, there's also the plot, which is both hysterically funny and one of the closest structural approximations to the usual canon story that exists in fanfic. To wit: Bertie's being amorously pursued by someone whose feelings he doesn't want to hurt, but thought was safely engaged to another, when all he really wants is to be left alone in domestic bliss with his gentleman's gentleman. Along the way, there are aunts, telegrams, and con artists, and finally all the pieces are back in place through the brilliant machinations of Jeeves. It's just that in this case, Bertie and Jeeves have an established (though new, and somewhat uncertain) relationship, and the third wheel is Gussie Fink-Nottle. Who's not quite as keen on getting back with Madeline as he might be, really. And doesn't have the least qualm about pouncing on both or either of our heroes, as a salve for his putatively broken heart.

( Excerpt )

Absence of Madeline (Part One) (Part Two)

Fandom: JEEVES & WOOSTER
Pairing: gen, with a faint Jeeves/Wooster tinge
Length: 2,265 words
Author on LJ: youofwales
Author Website: unknown
Why this must be read:

This one fascinates me. On the face of it, it's a sparse, funny little story with a simple premise: Barmy Fotheringay-Phipps has learned mesmerism as a party trick, and when Bertie walks into his flat has just been practicing on Jeeves. (No, not like that. *points to gen pairing*) Bertie is rightly appalled at the idea of someone rummaging around in his valet's genius head, and even more appalled when Barmy turns out to have planted a post-hypnotic suggestion.

It's all lighter than air, and cuter than a sackful of kittens, but there's something rather interesting being said about the psychology of the individual. Of both individuals, in fact.

Jeeves and the Mesmerism Incident

Last fic rec for the month. Hope everyone has enjoyed and hopefully I'll be back in the future!
Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Pairing: Spike/Tara
Author on LJ: c_woodhaven
Author Website: Here
Why this must be read: Because how can you resist the image of Spike in  naked heels and makeup doing housework? It's starts out innocently with Tara asking Spike to move in as protection. They develop an easy friendship which I love. Then a couple of months later she comes home to home made cookies and Spike, the way I described him in the first sentence. It's short, it's sweet in it's own way and ooohhh boy is it sexy. A can't miss for those who love Spike/Tara.

Drowning in Footwear

Vidder: Fiareynne
Musical artist: Paul McCartney
Pairing: Angel/Wesley/Cordelia
Vidder on LJ: fiareynne
Vidder's website: Whedonism (though her vids are not there yet, will be uploaded in the near future)
Why this vid kicks ass: If Angel/Wes is my Angelverse slash OTP and Wes/Cordy is my Angelverse het OTP then Angel/Wes/Cordy is my OT3. This vid is basically Cordy loving her boys, her boys loving each other and the boys loving her. It's the way things could have been. Should have been. And as Wesley suggests in the clip at the end, maybe they are meant to be with each other because they are the only ones that understand the circumstances in which they find themselves.

Souvenir

Alright, we've reached the end of the month, and I'm leaving you with one of the most popular Martha Jones fics I've come across.

Fandom: DOCTOR WHO
Pairing: Doctor/Martha
Length: Mid-length
Author on LJ: nostalgia_lj
Author Website: fic site
Why this must be read:

Because, for starters, it's hysterical. I mean, everyone loves the re-invent a cliché challenge, but this just does it so well, in so many different ways, and it's just perfect. I very very VERY rarely laugh at fics -- I'm just not the type -- but this makes me giggle like no other. I put a brief excerpt under the cut because I think it says enough in about two sentences. :)

( Excerpt )



12 Clichés that Never Happened to Martha Jones

And that's all, folks! I hope you've enjoyed the fics this month. I'll be back in two days to rec Twilight fics, so I guess I'll see some of you then!

♥

Fandom: JEEVES & WOOSTER
Pairing: Jeeves/Bertie Wooster
Length: 3,533 words
Author on LJ: veronamay
Author Website: Fic tags
Why this must be read:

Every now and then Jeeves seems to go a little far in his plotting, especially in the indignities and discomforts Bertie's made to suffer on the path to making everything turn out for the best (in this best of all possible worlds - which is, really, as good a description of the Wodehouseverse as ever was jotted down). One thinks of lengthy bicycle rides in the middle of the night, of short but nonetheless harrowing periods of incarceration. And one thinks especially of Thank You, Jeeves, wherein Bertie's actually abandoned by Jeeves for most of the novel, and the replacement valet gets tanked, sets his vacation house on fire, and chases him around with a carving knife, to say nothing of various parties smacking the poor lad around. Consensus in the fandom is that Jeeves never really intended to leave for good, only to teach him a lesson in re: the obstreperousness of the banjolele, but could he really have intended for things to get this out of hand?

veronamay picks the story up just after the rift in the lute has been mended between Jeeves and Bertie; it's Jeeves's POV as they head back to the flat and try to get back their bearings. And it's both incredibly hot, and remarkably sweet.

( Excerpt )

A Lute Unstrung

Vidder: Giandujakiss
Musical artist: Eminem
Pairing: Starsky and Hutch
Vidder on LJ: giandujakiss 
Vidder's website: Monsters from the Vids
Why this vid kicks ass:

Because every time I watch it, I grin so hard the back of my head hurts. I'm not fluent in vidding language, but the rhythms of the clips are perfectly matched to the music and the lyrics. 

And because Starsky and Hutch are the real Slim Shady.

To Download
On Imeem 

Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Pairing: Benton Fraser/Ray Kowalski, Ray Kowalski/OMC
Length: 5,400 words
Author on LJ: brigantine1
Author Website: LJ memories
Why this must be read: because brigantine1 manages to craft a wonderful story about Ray Kowalski, then and now. Here, we see the young Ray Kowalski, a bit of a loner, a bit of an outsider, struggling to find himself as a teenager. Here we see how he develops a dangerous taste for adrenaline, and an even more dangerous taste for lost causes.

We see Ray as an adult, broken by the end of his marriage but still gamely trying, until he meets Fraser. And we see how knowing Fraser changes him, shapes him into a better man than he ever thought he could be.

brigantine1 does such a wonderful job of giving Ray a believable history and a voice that is true to his character, making this story such a joy to read.

( A brief excerpt )


The Small Indian Mongoose Is Not Immune To The Cobra's Venom