Fandom: BANDOM
Pairing: Jon/Brendon
Length: 14,439
Author on LJ: dsudis
Author Website: AO3 Archive
Why this must be read: Why shouldn't this be read? Who hasn't dreamed about being able to turn into an animal and then turn back to human? It's fun, there's cuteness and who can't resist cute kitten eyes begging you to pick them up?

It starts off a little sad, but then it picks up and then kitten shenanigans! You cannot miss out on the kitten shenanigans!

There's also something about Jon and Brendon getting together, but I kept getting distracted by the feather boa. ;)

The fic is fun, a great read and I think the author stays true to the characters - even random animal transformation happens.

( Excerpt )


(Panic! at the Disco Almost Changed Their Name to) Fuzzy Kitten Cuddle Time

Fandom: RPF: THE X-FILES
Pairing: David Duchovny/Gillian Anderson
Length: 302 words
Author on LJ: michellek
Author Website: lj tag list
Why this must be read: I'd forgotten I'd saved this to memories from Porn Battle VI (thank the goddess for porn battles). It's a nuanced portrait in miniature of a sexy, complicated relationship.

There are years that live between them, a history.

And We Move in Circles

Fandom: STARSKY & HUTCH
Pairing: Starsky/Hutch
Length: 1960 words
Author on LJ: kuonji14
Author Website: More fic by this author can be found at her LJ and at AO3.
Why this must be read: Because this is a simply delightful little fic about the guys dealing with some bumps in the road of their new relationship. Starsky's musings on the confusing aspects of switching from loving girls to loving guys (well, one particular guy) are very funny, and Hutch's awkward apology for his bad behavior (he's confused, too) is adorable.

( Sample )

Taking the Lead

Fandom: MAN FROM UNCLE
Pairing: Napoleon Solo/Illya Kuryakin
Length: 7006 words
Author on LJ: jest
Author Website: Jest on AO3
Why this must be read:

Man from Uncle fandom doesn't have a remix culture (yet?)-- in spite of that, we have one of the best remixes I've read: All the Kasha They Could Eat, a remix of Cord Smithee's classic Spiderweb. Spiderweb tells the story of Napoleon and Illya's partnership and developing relationship from first person Napoleon POV--a damaged, complex Napoleon. All the Kasha They Could Eat is the same story, from Illya's POV. First person Illya.

Among the things I love about this story is the way jest has caught Illya's voice; writing convincing Illya POV is always difficult, he reveals so little of himself, but first person Illya is even harder, seldom tried, even more seldom done well. But this is Illya; reticent, observant, trying to figure out his place in Uncle, his complicated partner, and the meaning of their unspoken attraction.

Don't expect a scene by scene retelling of the story, rather a brilliant counterpoint--the stories converge at the most telling moments, then separate again into complementary strands. As a result we have two classics now; one the original Spiderweb, the other this remix which sharpens our vision and deepens our appreciation of it.

I might have been the one who put on the costumes, but it was Napoleon who truly wore a disguise. I didn't know what it was covering, and that should have made me suspicious, but mostly I was pleased that he let me get close enough to see the cracks in the first place. It wasn't everything I wanted from him, but it was more than I would ever ask him for.

After all, a disguise is only liberating if you get to choose when to take it off and, as far as I could tell, he never did.

All the Kasha They Could Eat

Fandom: THE SENTINEL
Pairing: None (GEN)
Length: ~ 11, 270 words
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: http://members.shaw.ca/LRHBalzer/sentinelfanfic.htm


River's Edge

Why this must be read: This is a sweet and angsty little story about Blair's continuing recovery from the various things that have happened to him in his time as Jim's partner. Lois' has a lovely way with description and it's easy to imagine yourself in each scene as it unfolds.

( Extract )

Fandom: TRON
Pairing: Clu/Kevin, refs to Clu/Kevin/Tron
Length: 3 chapters, ~16K words total
Author on LJ: grey_sw
Author Website:
Warnings: Spoilers for Legacy
Why this must be read:

(To celebrate the fact that last night I got two autographs from Jeff Bridges, have some ontological JB² porn. You’re welcome.)

There is a moment in Legacy when Sam comments that the Grid “must have been something before Clu screwed it up,” and Kevin replies, “He’s me. I screwed it up.” This story explores the implications of that statement as User and Program attempt a reconciliation. It is not an easy or comfortable conversation, but it is enlightening.

( YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT I DID FOR SUMMER VACATION? his own voice boomed, louder than loud. VERY WELL. YOU WILL SEE. )

What I find especially impressive is the way grey_sw reveals that Clu shares his maker’s best features and worst flaws — and how in places the line between the two categories is not just blurred, but nonexistent. In so doing, she treats the characters fairly: neither is demonized, yet both are forced to acknowledge and accept their culpability for the tragedies they engendered. What’s more, she offers some very interesting theories on what makes Clu different from his fellow Basics and the ISOs.

Finally, this story is fantastic smut. The emotions are deep and raw; the power dynamic is fascinatingly tangled; and the action is scorching hot. All in all, a masterpiece of characterization through sex.

“Reintegration Moon” on Livejournal and at AO3.

Fandom: POWER RANGERS (TIME FORCE)
Pairing: Trip/Katie
Length: one-shot
Author on LJ: Angel Negra
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read: Katie/Trip is an incredibly adorable pairing that needs a lot of love. Angel's fic not only gives a great look into what makes them (and Trip especially) so absolutely adorable, but it also provides a lot of insight into the Time Force team as a whole. There's also a great bonus for fans of the RPM season. All of Angel's fic is incredible, and it took me a while to narrow down which fic I wanted to rec. But this one is a sentimental favorite.

A Thousand I Love Yous