Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: Howie/Nick
Length: short story
Author on LJ:
bard_mercutioAuthor website: Verona: Mercutio's StoriesWhy this must be read: This was actually written for the
Don We Now Our Gay Apparel popslash secret santa exchange back in 2004. All of the stories that have come out of that exchange are wonderful, some truly talented writers, and I would recommend all of them. But this one really stole my heart.
It's an AU, which normally I'm not fond of, but it's well done. Howie is a psychologist who finds himself growing increasingly cynical about the world we live in, and for good reason. He is sent to evaluate a juvenile delinquent, Nick; but there's something different about this case. Through interviews and court documents Nick's story takes form, and it turns out to be the key to the answer that Howie is searching for. This is a story for anyone who has ever found themselves dissatisfied, questioning, and hoping for something better.
.02; a story of the Uphere