Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS
Pairing: Bodie/Doyle
Length: 31K
Author Website: Sebastian at the Circuit Archive
Why this must be read: All of Sebastian's stories must be read. *g* I say that, even though her characterizations of Bodie and Doyle (especially Doyle) don't always align very closely with my own. But she was a very influential writer in Pros, and one just ought to know her work. Besides that, she is a gorgeous writer, especially when well-edited. She puts words together in ways that just flow and take you along with them. She is simply a pleasure to read. Her stories sometimes deal with themes that don't interest me as much, and I do have issues with her characterizations, but I admire her tremendously.

So, let's talk about this story! It's set during the episode "Mixed Doubles" and concerns itself with the relationship between Bodie and Doyle--how they feel and experience it, and how others see it. And here's a prime example of how a good writer can get you to like things you would normally wince at. There is a contrast presented in this story between big, butch Bodie and slim, fey Doyle. She saves it for me to a certain extent by emphasizing Doyle's courage and strength of will, but...yeah, not my favorite physical description of the lads. *g* And yet, I do love this story. It features a protective Bodie, an elusive, mercurial Doyle, and a rock-solid, mutually obsessive, equal relationship. Add on atmosphere, humor, deep emotion, a sense of the lads in their own, unique world, and wonderful (if brief) characterizations of Cowley, Macklin and Doyle's girlfriend Claire...and you've got a winner of a story.

( One, no Two Excerpts )

Go on, give it a go. Fall under Sebastian's spell...

Between the Lines

Fandom: TRON
Pairing: Alan/Kevin
Length: 1,609 words
Author on LJ: llwyden
Author Website: Shadows and Light
Why this must be read:

This story, like my earlier rec “Raised Up,” is about Kevin cleaning house at ENCOM, but this time the POV is Alan Bradley’s.

( Alan would catch him peering into their faces as if looking right through them, an odd expression on his face. When he gave him a quizzical look, Flynn just shook himself out of it and laughed it off. He barely looked at the files in his hands for most of them, just asked a few questions and sent them on their way. )

Sometimes, the way to move forward is to look back. This proves true for the company, as Alan and Kevin rekindle the enthusiasm and innovation that characterized ENCOM when it was based in a garage, and for the men on a more intimate level.

( Alan sighed. “Look, Flynn, I don't know. We're not kids anymore.” )

llwyden really captures both characters. She nails Kevin’s joie de vivre, his habit of playing his cards close to his vest, and the way he uses flippancy to hide vulnerability; Alan, meanwhile, is quieter and warier, but just as dedicated to making things better, and when he commits he goes all the way. Given what happens later in canon this story can’t escape being bittersweet, but the sweetness predominates.

“Set (Me&You) = The Result of (Try (Get Things Right))” on AO3.