Fandom: MERLIN
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Length: 6,571 words
Author on LJ: agenttrojie
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

Another reveal!fic where Arthur doesn't react like he usually does in this subgenre. I like how Trojie made him possessive as hell over Merlin and his magic. He's calculating and strategic about the worth magic would have in his future plans and as a weapon. No melodramatic "Why did you lie to me, Merlin" lines here! Also really liked the gray area that agent explored with Merlin's character. Usually a slayer of all things bad and threatening to Arthur and his future, this time Merlin kills a knight of Camelot to save his own life. A knight of Camelot who was only doing his duty and protecting his prince from a sorcerer he perceived as a threat, no less. Where Trojie took both these characters, all within the tapestry of my subgenre crack of choice, reveal!fics, makes this a fic to remember and read again and again.

A Beaten Edge

Fandom: MEN'S PROFESSIONAL TENNIS RPS
Pairings: Novak Djokovic/Andy Murray, Ana Ivanovic/Andrea Petkovic, Jurgen Melzer/Philipp Petzschner
Length: ~ 50,000 words
Author on LJ: greeniebach
Author Website: storyofameadow
Why this must be read: When the most recent edition of NaNoWriMo went on, I admit I was fervently following this story.  While I know that most fic written in patches during that month tend to be trouble, I was already sold upon seeing this was an AU involving my favorite sport to play (bowling) and one of my favorite authors to read.  Was I ever happy I decided to follow this rather elaborate verse!

In this AU Fic, Novak is trudging aimlessly through life in Serbia when he inherits great wealth in a will.  He comes to America and finds out the crown jewel is a bowling alley that has seen better days, which he's pushed by his friend Ana to keep alive.  Andy (excuse me, Murray) prefers pretending to be mysterious as they quickly bond over a love of cartoons.

Yes, this fic does have femslash.  Even though I've focused on the guys during the month, there are also small segments of fandom involving het and femslash.  In particular Ana Ivanovic does pop up quite a bit even in the slash, thanks to her friendship with Novak in real life and often being called one of the most attractive female tennis players.

Cartoons and Forever Plans - Part 1
Cartoons and Forever Plans - Part 2

Fandom: BANDOM (MCR)

Pairing: Bob Bryar/Frank Iero

Length: ~1,400 words

Author on LJ: silentdescant

Author Website: The LJ Fic Index / AO3 Page

Why this must be read: Because this is a great instance where good fluff fic + Bob Bryar equals a really satisfying read.

Something that will definitely pull you in is the way silentdescant gets all these little and quiet moments that shows us Bob and Frank as a couple as well as great friends. The relaxed vibe from the beginning continues through the rest of the fic with the added intimacy of Bob touching Frank as the two of them chill out in the lounge. There's nothing overtly sexual and yet Bob and Frank's attraction to each other is everywhere you look.

Worth a read if you're in the mood for a slice-of-life type of fic that will make you feel mellow and happy.

( An Excerpt )


Downtime is Our Time at LJ and AO3

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