Fandom: THE MAN FROM UNCLE
Pairing: Napoleon/Illya - but is it gen or slash? Only the shadow knows...
Length: short (I don't have an exact length)
Author on LJ: vysila
Author Website: She has a website that doesn't seem to have all of her stories listed, but also posts at various MFU LJ comms.
Why this must be read:

When Napoleon sees a photograph of a Soviet getting off of a train, it becomes a part of his life, until such time that the photograph takes a life of its own.

Written for the Halloween Challenge at mfu_scrapbook, "The Photograph" is a gorgeously haunting fic that makes the reader believe in destiny, the power of the mind, and the power of love. Vysila left it open as to the genre but I like to read it as slash; it makes sense.

The words are chosen beautifully, and it is a testament to dreamers and romantics everywhere, those of us who believe that somewhere, there is a someone for us, be it a friend or lover.

The Photograph

Now with the overview up, it's easier to go into one prominent aspect of this fandom: the Spanish Armada.  I realize that casual fans may not know anything beyond Rafael Nadal but there's a treasure of riches in the writing.

Fandom: MEN'S PROFESSIONAL TENNIS RPS
Pairings: Feliciano Lopez/Rafael Nadal, Feliciano Lopez/Fernando Verdasco, Rafael Nadal/Carlos Moya, Feliciano Lopez/Marat Safin
Length: ~ 18,000 words
Author on LJ: zoemargaret
Author Website: zoemargaret
Why this must be read: If I were to say that Feliciano Lopez is one of the most written players in this fandom, the question would be: why?  This fic makes it clear: because everything he does is hot and his moody self-destructive ways do inspire authors.  This fic isn't strictly an AU but it takes the sexual aspect of the Spanish players and sets to an extreme.  The fic is essentially like this: if Feliciano can't have Fernando and Rafa is too young for Carlos, it'd be best for Feliciano to educate Rafa when it comes to sex.

If Players Do Not Pass One Another in Silence

Fandom: SLINGS & ARROWS
Pairing: Ellen Fanshaw/Geoffrey Tennant
Length: 1881 words
Author on LJ: sageness (also on DW)
Author Website: Fic on AO3
Why this must be read: Shakespeare! Genderplay! Smut!

It starts out as a raucous, sexually charged rehearsal of Twelfth Night, directed by Oliver at the top of his game. It turns into what may be the hottest fic in S&A fandom, when they take their work home. Geoffrey is still caught up in being Orsino and brilliant, adventurous Ellen plays along. The shifting dynamics and roleplay between Geoffrey (Orsino) and Ellen (Cesario), feel effortless and completely in-character. And very hot.

( A preview... )

As great a pang of heart can be found at AO3 and LJ, and please don't forget to leave feedback for the author.

Fandom: BANDOM (MCR, The Architects)

Pairing: Frank Iero/Gerard Way

Length: 22,669

Author on LJ:tuesdaysgone

Author Website: AO3 page / Masterlist over at DW

Why this must be read: My Chem breaks apart following the release of Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge. Gerard sobers up and runs off to Portland. Four years later, he's an award-winning comic book writer on his way back to New Jersey hoping to make amends with friends and family. More specifically Frank with whom he'd had a cringe-inducing break-up.

Though decidedly less fluffy than my earlier rec, this is a fic that hits all the good spots: angst, pining, good dialog and great characters. Gerard's reconnection to his friends, his ex-bandmates and, more poignantly, Frank are hard-earned. This adds a layer of reality, one that enriches the plot as Gerard realizes that life has continued in Jersey even without him around.

Another truly fascinating thing about this fic is the wicked push-and-pull between Frank and Gerard whenever they run into each other. There are feelings but also a lot of hurt. Sex doesn't resolve things (a really brilliant move on tuesdaysgone's part) despite releasing some of the tension. Still, you'll find yourself rooting for Frank and Gerard to get back together.

Other great things you'll find in this fic: Frank and Mikeyway's friendship, Ray being his awesome self, Gerard's meeting with Becky Cloonan and, for those who dig it, Frank wearing a mustache. *g*


( An excerpt )


Been Here Before at AO3 and DW


Remember: leaving feedback for a writer whose story you've enjoyed is awesome.

Fandom: MEN'S PROFESSIONAL TENNIS RPS
Pairings: Feliciano Lopez/Fernando Verdasco, David Ferrer/Juan Carlos Ferrero
Length: ~ 15,000 words
Author on LJ: liroa15
Author Website: almitablanca
Why this must be read: It's rare to find an AU in which the characters are written a bit out of character but it fits in the context of the AU.  It's the attention to detail by the characters (I'm talking OCD level of detail) that really makes this story pop off the screen.  Feliciano is a successful romance author who's struggling with writer's block after a breakup.  He is pushed by his agent Juan Carlos to go see psychiatrist David.  While going to sessions, he falls for receptionist Fernando and the writer's block begins to go away.

Chapter and Verse