Fandom: DEATH NOTE
Pairing: Light/Misa (Actually Raito/Misa, since this author uses "Raito" instead of "Light")
Length: ~1000
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1291738/Nilahxapiel
Why this must be read:

This is one of those authors where it was very hard for me to decide on just one fanfic to recommend. I chose this one because of several unique qualities. The Light/Misa pairing is rare in Death Note fan fiction, and when it is done, it's usually done ironically, such as with one of the pair dying during sex. Serious Light/Misa fans have little to pick from.

This fic has qualities that I believe make it appealing to everyone, not just Light/Misa fans. Whether you like the pairing or hate it, you should still like reading this short, sweet and hilarious fic.

This is self-described as a crack fic and as OOC, but it's very mild crack as far as Light/Misa pairing fics go and I don't think it's OOC. It is humorous, but the humor isn't directed at the idea of Light and Misa being a couple like it usually is in other fics, instead it is presented as a normal thing that two attractive teenagers who are dating each other might genuinely want to have sex.

The humor comes from what Light and Misa have to go through in order to have sex: L is watching the entire time. Saying anything more would give too much away for this short fanfic, so go ahead and enjoy!

Educational Experience

Fandom: THE SENTINEL
Pairing: Jim/Blair
Length:
Author on LJ:  beledibabe 
Author Website: at AO3

Why this must be read: A more unusual look at a post-series “Blair becomes a cop” story.

Unusual in that Blair doesn’t merely pick up where he left off (albeit with a badge). That is, he’s not content to play sidekick to Jim. This Blair embraces his new career with gusto and, at times, is tugging Jim along in his wake.

( Take a look at the new order of things... )
Told through Jim’s POV, we see him alternately annoyed, worried, jealous, proud; but ultimately at peace with the new partnership. Jim barely has time to adjust, though, because a big bust is in the works, bringing increased danger and even more changes. Enjoy.

Recalibrations

Feedback makes the world go ‘round. Giving some will make you and the author feel great!

Sorry for the late SPN start but work has been crazy. Co-worker out for surgery and so overtime galore! But I'm hear to get this Metallicar on the road so here what's to expect. I'm a big slasher in this fandom, mainly Sam/Dean and Sam/Castiel. There will be some gen, but expect much slash-y stuff. And besides the prettiness and heat that is Jensen and Jared (cold shower anyone?), I was also drawn to Supernatural for the drama and brotherly angst, expect much of that to follow as well. So to start this show on the road, how about an example of that angst, ne?

Fandom: SUPERNATURAL
Pairing: Sam/Dean
Length: 26,200 words
Author on LJ: withdiamonds
Author Website: Masterlist on LJ; It's a Dirty Story
Warnings: canon character death
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary:When Sam dies bloody in the mud at Cold Oak, he faces a choice. His soul can move on to wherever it is souls go, or he can stay and try to help his brother deal. Sam refuses to leave Dean alone with his grief and so he stays, hoping his presence will ease Dean's pain. There's really nothing that can do that, though, and Sam's unseen presence only makes things worse. Then Dean goes and finds himself a crossroads demon.

To introduce Supernatural this month, I give you an absolute favorite. It makes my entire being feel along with the characters, in my gut, my heart, and my soul It gives us a window into what Sam went through in the Season 2 finale, All Hell Breaks Loose Part 2, and it explores some of the mythology of the canon by showing us the ever slow and painful journey a spirit goes through towards that inevitable conclusion of vengeful spirit. And then there's Dean's journey... OMFG... The episode itself made my heart clench, but this... It goes into the nitty gritty details so much more, like actually dealing with your dead brother's body and the blood he left behind on your car's leather that you now have to wash out, knowing exactly what it is...

Besides the pain of Dean's journey, I really found the Sam side of this story fascinating. I always wondered what his spirit was experiencing while his brother was watching over his body and making that fateful deal. Now we get to see that in withdiamond's capable hands. She explores how Sam staying affects Dean and his decisions, how his staying makes Dean incapable of letting go. And then there's Sam starting to exhibit all those traits of a vengeful spirit... It makes one wonder how things would have progressed if Sam had chosen the Reaper's offer of crossing over and Dean had been capable of letting go. Dean may not have been able to and may have ripped Sam from heaven... Who knows, but it's fascinating to ponder on.

Definitely a fic that can be used as a measuring stick for the sheer talent in this fandom. That fact was one of the defining realizations for me after diving into SPN fandom, my jaw took almost permanent residence on my floor from the wonderful writing, characterization, and storytelling. This fic encapsulates all of that into one awe-inspiring fic that will leave you hankering for more.

The Minor Fall and the Major Life

So, I've recruited a virtual army of helpers, and these are some of their contributions! This one comes from _runningmascara who's been amazing.

Fandom: Football RPS
Pairing: Rui Costa/Fernando Couto/Luís Figo
Length: 2151 words
Author on LJ: yehnica
Author Website on LJ: footballslash
Why this must be read:

From _runningmascara
Big tournaments like World Cup and European Championships bring out some of the most raw and emotional stories. Here is a story about three veteran players who feel the pressure of failing to deliver a victory on the highest stage. This fic gets into the head of the players and fuses together relation dynamics and football.

From shana0809

Warning this fic isn't for the light hearted, but it's immediately apparent why it was selected. It's powerful and realistic. It's about what happens when everything doesn't go right and not everything works the way you want. I love it for that. A lot of the time, as authors, we try to fix things through stories, and this one doesn't. It just lets it be exactly what it is even when it's not pretty.

This rec is housed at footballslash. It's the biggest fic community for football rps, and most members of the fandom belong to it. If you wish to, just apply. The mods are really good about accepting new people.

Checkpoint

An alternate non-footballslash version

Fandom: The Vampire Diaries
Pairing: Stefan/Elena/Damon (Katherine/Alaric)
Length: about 1700 words
Author on LJ: aerintine
Author Website: fic masterlist

Why this must be read: I figured that, after my last recc, we could use something more light-hearted. The reasons that this story is flawless are threefold. (1) Stefan, Elena, and Damon all get married to each other. (2) Katherine gets to play the role of the pseudo stepmother. (3) Hilarity and delightfulness ensue.

All in the Family

Fandom: SHERLOCK BBC
Pairing: Richard Brook/Sebastian Moran
Author on LJ: remindmeofthe
Author Website: on AO3

Why this must be read:

In my series 2 overview, I mentioned that I was refraining from listing pairings because I just wound up listing off everyone. Now, I was being serious when I mentioned that everyone has been paired off with everyone, and here's a great example of the wild pairings that happen in this fandom: Rich Brook/Seb Moran. Written for a prompt on the meme, Cath manages to play straight what is ordinarily a rather cracky premise, and in the process leaves you in the odd position of feeling rather sad for the bad guy.

In her notes, she hesitates to warn for dubcon "under traditional fandom definition, [but] there is definite room for argument as to whether Rich is capable of fully informed consent."


Mirror

Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS
Pairing: Bodie/Doyle
Length: 5043 words
Author on LJ: msmoat
Author Website: http://hatstand.slashcity.net/aa/authors-p.html#pfl
Why this must be read: At the start of a new year we all make resolutions, yeah, well so did Doyle, and I must say he finds them as hard to keep as I do! PFL explores Doyle's attempts to keep his. I love what she does with dialog. I can hear their voices as I read. This is a fun way to start the day.


( Doyle's pickle )






Resolutions and Temptations

The original House fandom overview by butterbuns can be found here. This one is current through the time of posting (mid-Season 8).


Why you should watch this show, in a nutshell:
House M.D. is utterly addictive and often brilliant, with whip-smart banter, quirky characters, compelling medical mysteries, and excellent acting, particularly from its three main leads. Although the quality and consistency of the writing has dropped off considerably in the past few years, the first three seasons could be considered television drama at its best.

( Read more... )