Fandom: STAR TREK VOYAGER
Pairing: none
Length: short
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Dave's Voyager Fan Fiction
Why this must be read: This fic is a series of a good 20+ drabbles, all centering on how Harry Kim will never, *ever* make Lieutenant. He's always *this* close, and it's hysterically funny how it slips through his fingers every single time, dooming him to perpetual Ensignhood. The crew is so cruel to Harry! Especially Chakotay!! I laughed my way through each drabble. So much humor packed into so few words.

The Examination for Lieutenant

Fandom: LOST
Pairing: Not ship-centered. Characters: Jack, Kate, Sun, Aaron, Sayid, Hurley, Desmond, Penny, Charlie, Michael, Frank and Ben.
Length: 2800 words
Author on LJ: elliotsmelliot
Author Website: Master fic list

Why this must be read:
In the last two years, since she first started writing in the fandom, elliotsmelliot has quickly become one of those authors you can read with the certainty you'll enjoy the fic and, more often than not, it will make you think. Her evocative writing, rich of plot and character insight, adds depth and meaning to events that canon doesn't explain, giving it reasons and making it more complete and believable (Her fic Collision is my personal Lost finale, at least until we know the real one, and maybe even after).
"The mouth that lies, slays the soul", in particular, deals with what happened during the week on the boat that rescued the Oceanic Six at the end of S4. The title and the different sections are so appropriate that it's almost eerie to read. Quoting from the author's summary:

In his treatise "On Lying", St. Augustine claimed there are eight kinds of lies. Over the course of one week, nearly all types were told onboard the Searcher; however, no saints were present.

The mouth that lies, slays the soul

Fandom: HEROES
Pairing: None - gen (Caitlin)
Author on LJ: amazingly_me
Author Website: -
Why this must be read: Caitlin is a character who hasn't had a lot of fic written about her in the Heroes fandom. In this piece, we find her in the alternate future, struggling to find her feet and help people where she can. She's a strong, independant character here who certainly doesn't need Peter to come to her aid - amazingly_me's characterisation of her is inspiring.

( Excerpt )

And You Can Be My Long Lost Pal

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: Chris/Justin
Length: 9,147 words
Author on LJ: mimesere
Author Website: Mimesere
Why this must be read: Pitch perfect voices, annoyingly real but wonderful characterizations, AND kick-ass angst masquerading as banter. Plus added Bev and Lynn FTW!

( Excerpt )

Like I Absolutely Love You

Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Pairing: Fraser/Kowalski, Kowalski/Frannie
Length: 6345 words
Author on LJ: spuffyduds
Why this must be read: This is het as sublimated slash—Ray convinces himself that having sex with a woman is going to make all those weird feelings he has for Fraser go away. It has a great Ray POV, and an interesting angle on what goes on in Ray's mind during the quest.

I sincerely enjoyed the Kowalski/Frannie part of the story. Spuffy writes Frannie as I only wish I could—she's smart and tough, but she's still a little goofy and loves to show off all her lingerie. I loved the companionship between her and Ray here.

And the scene where Fraser reads e e cummings to Ray? One of the hottest scenes ever without having actual mutual sex going on.

When It Is With Your Body

Hey, y'all. I'm Ishafel, and I'm back for another round of recs.

Fandom: HIGHLANDER
Characters: Tessa, Methos, Duncan
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Christina K
Why this must be read: This is one of those stories that doesn't sound like much. Methos and Tessa live together, occasionally. Time passes. The writing is quiet, subtle, strong and gorgeous. You finish it and you realize your heart is breaking a little bit.

"He'd lost more friends over the years than he could count. Wives and students, servants and partners, and it always hurt in varying degrees and continued to hurt long after they were gone. But there was always a sting when a true friend died that the other losses lacked. Maybe not as deep as the loss of love, or as complicated as the pain of seeing potential gone. But when someone who'd wanted nothing more from you than your presence in their home from time to time left the world, there was one less place to go and be warm."

Fly Away Home

Fandom: DC COMICS
Pairing:  Dick Grayson, gen fic
Author on LJ: ladybugkay
Author Website: N/A
Why this must be read: 

This is one of the most accurate and true portrayals of Dick Grayson that I have ever read - canon and fanon both included.  It takes place just after Wee!Dick's world falls apart with the death of his parents and he is taken in by Bruce.  It not only nails the characterization perfectly, but it makes the reader feel what Dick is feeling, and see his world anew through his eyes.  It's gorgeous characterization and a lovely insertion of a scene that belongs in Dick's history and is officially part of my head canon for him.   Moreover, this sets the scene for a vulnerable and loving adult Dick, but also an adult Dick who is going to go on to be strong and a good leader, and one who will not "fall during a performance."

It sets the stage, in other words, for the Dick that should always be. 

It also makes you want to hug this insanely brave little boy close to your chest even while you know, reading the story, that he'll be okay.  Because the story makes clear to you every reason that this kid was the one who would go on to carve the legacy of Robin that no one else would fill quite as well. 

In short, you should read because it's Dick Grayson, perfectly rendered. 

Full Stop. Start.