Fandom: The Vampire Diaries
Pairing: Stefan/Klaus
Length: about 820 words
Author on LJ: stainofmylove
Author Website: fic masterlist

Why this must be read: stainofmylove is one of the more prolific writers in the fandom (and we are lucky to have her because every story is flawless). This is one of my favorites of hers. A dark and violent peek at Stefan and Klaus. Ripper!Stefan at his finest and most disturbing. A must-read, especially since the show seems dead-set on getting Stefan back in the wagon as quickly as possible.

( an excerpt )


I'm A Neon Sign And I Stay Open All The Time

Fandom: DEATH NOTE
Pairing: L/Light
Length: ~2000
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Unknown, as the anonymous author never outed themselves, at least not that I could find. Their single known fic is on both dn_kink and on dn_kink2, but comments can only be left on the new meme's copy, because the old meme is defunct.
Why this must be read:

Death Note humor that is done well is not common, let alone Death Note humor that is absolutely hilarious. This short fanfic is packed with interesting dialogue, funny events, and even bonus content for people from Britain or who are familiar with British shows. Even if you don't get the references, though, this fic is well worth reading, and in my opinion is one of the best L/Light fics that has ever been written.

L is very drunk, and he's decided to hit on Light...


Tired and Emotional

Fandom: GENERATION KILL
Pairing: Brad Colbert/Nate Fick
Length: 13,310
Author on LJ: oxoniensis
Author Website: Grooves as Spirals
Why this must be read:

Now that we've spent some time in canon, I'm going to move on to stories of the guys just back. This is the perfect place to start because it bridges the two, beginning with the guys at Mathilda, on through the war, and then the aftermath. She nails the characterization of all the guys, especially Brad and his insecurities. His internal monologue and his banter with the rest of the guys feel like they're straight out of the mini. The section about Brad's time with the Royal Marines is fantastic and one of the few stories to delve into it. So impressive.

( Excerpt )

the geometry of life: a story in two parts

Fandom: SUPERNATURAL
Pairing: Sam/Dean
Length: 29,995 words
Author on LJ: selecasharp
Author Website: teashopmuses
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: Sam and Dean are called in to investigate the mysterious death of a model at a photography studio in Michigan. The only way for them to get in? Pose as models themselves – which is much easier said than done.

This is a wonderfully enjoyable and solid casefic with little extras like possessive!Dean and our boys half naked as models. Twists and turns kept me guessing until the end. And there was the humor. Oh some of the imagery Seleca brought up in her photoshoots kept me giggling like a madwoman long into the night. Sam's rocket shoot comes to mind immediately. And Dean's Xmas one... *drool* LOL Seleca's character voices are also very spot on, enough so that I heard them in my head, and that's an accomplishment of a experienced and talented writer. Altogether, a fantastic way to spend a few hours of fun, model!boys, and the supernatural.

On the Cover of a Magazine

Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Pairing: Fraser/Kowalski
Length: 9K words
Author on LJ: storm_grant
Author Website: Stormy's fic can be found on AO3 or on her website
Why this must be read: Fraser is often written as the wide-eyed innocent, and that's a characterization that can work well. But Stormy's Fraser is a bit jaded, a bit calculating and very, very raw. The story is set during the pilot, with a grieving Fraser hot on the trail of the killers of his father. He's more alone than he's ever been before, and he takes advantage of the anonymity of a city the size of Chicago to indulge in human touch.

( excerpt below the cut )

First Person Imperfect

Tired of episode-related stories yet? Me neither!  ^_^

Fandom: THE SENTINEL
Pairing: none, but you might see pre-slash if you’re inclined
Length: 9K
Author on LJ: laceymcbain
Author Website: at AO3

Why this must be read: Because sometimes, unlike on TV, it takes a while to bounce back. Especially if it’s your second taste of police work and you’ve been up close and personal with a(nother) maniac.  I love missing scenes, and The Siege is one of my favorite episodes. So, double the pleasure for me that Lacey wrote an epilogue that beats the band.

It starts with a slightly clueless Jim, perhaps still pumped up from being the hero du jour. He has to be reminded by Simon that Blair might not be as together as he looks after dealing with Kincaid. So, “Operation Baby-sit Sandburg” is underway, much to Blair’s anger and embarrassment when he finds out.

This really feels authentic; Blair and Jim are feeling each other out based on limited knowledge, and both are having a few doubts about their future together. As we know, Blair talks but he doesn’t reveal a lot, so it’s a surprise to find out what is fueling his current nightmare. It’s more surprising when Jim, upon introspection, comes up with a theory as to why they both behaved the way they did during that hairy helicopter ride.

I was surprised to learn that this is Lacey’s only TS story, although she’s written in quite a number of other fandoms. More’s the pity for us, but we do get the pleasure of a well thought-out and enjoyable read.

Surviving the Siege

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