Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Characters: Frannie Vecchio, Turtle, Diefenbaker
Length: 670 words
Author on LJ: kuonji14
Author Website: Due South Master Fic List here on her journal
Why this must be read: There were a lot of awesome stories written last fall for the DS/C6D Homecoming/Thanksgiving Mini-Exchange, and kuonji14's put a big smile on my face. Behold the awesome (and slightly cracky) shopping and crime-fighting trio of Frannie, Dief, and Turtle!

Hazards in the Discount Aisle

Fandom: DEATH NOTE
Pairing: L/Light (or rather L/Raito, since bahari uses that name for Light)
Length: ~6000
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Fanfiction.net
Why this must be read:

It was difficult to choose just one bahari fanfic to rec, but after long consideration, I believe this one is the most extraordinary. Why? It contains two events which would normally be extremely out of character for L, but bahari writes so convincingly that the story manages to make both of them seem completely in character. These two events are things that a lot of fanfic writers try to write about, and they almost invariably fail, but bahari succeeds beautifully.

It is a divergence AU, with events striking off from the canon storyline shortly before the mid-point climax. To understand what is happening in this fic, you'll need to have read/watched Death Note up to that point, or otherwise you'll be totally lost.

There's very little smut, mostly kissing and making out with other things implied, but the relationship has a lot of emotional intensity. Both L and Light are showing extraordinary displays of emotions in this fic, and yet, at the same time, L's coldness is still preserved and Light's problems with empathy are preserved as well. It's a delicate line to walk, to show these two geniuses in such a state, but bahari manages to walk that line precisely and to come up with good reasons for everything that happens.

Funeral

Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairing: Han/Leia
Length: ~4000 words
Author on LJ: tenacious_err
Author Website: Fanfiction Index
Why this must be read: It will remind you of all the reasons this pairing has been the favorite of fans everywhere for over 30 years. The banter is just as entertaining as in the movies, and the chemistry just as amazing. A delightful read.

Four Times Han Solo Annoyed Princess Leia, and One Time He Didn't

Fandom: The Vampire Diaries
Pairing: mention of past-Klaus/Stefan and past-Elena/Stefan, but it's very much an ensemble fic
Length: 3000 words
Author on LJ: silviakundera
Author Website: fic masterlist

Why this must be read: A witch turns Klaus into a kitten. Stefan brings kitten!klaus home. Damon is peeved. I would say more, but do I need to, really? (You should also know that this author writes the funniest Damon PoV I've ever read.)

( an excerpt )


an extended affair

Fandom: SUPERNATURAL
Pairing: Sam/Dean
Length: 1,174 words
Author on LJ: lunabee34
Author Website: Masterlist on LJ
Warnings: character death
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: none provided

Oh death fics, where would fandom be without you? I almost hesitate to warn for that as half the beauty of this fic is discovering Sam's state, but I know I'd probably get pitch forked if I didn't, so there ya go.

This fic is just haunting and ethereal, those are the best describers for it. Dean's ever-continuing pain over the years, Sam coming back again and again 'cause he knows his brother needs him, and just the whole situation makes my heart clench and my eyes water. I adored how strongly the brothers felt for each other and how just desperately they needed each other. Half the show's appeal to me is the relationship between these two and this fic just plays that to the hilt. I've experienced Lunabee's deathfics in Stargate Atlantis fandom and was blown away by her painful writing then. She's managed to cross that talent into another fandom and made me cry for even more characters. She'll make you just want to hug our boys!

Thanatopis

Fandom: GENERATION KILL
Pairing: Brad Colbert/Nate Fick
Length: 6967
Author on LJ: hackthis
Author Website: LJ
Why this must be read:

Five years post-canon, Brad gets an email. The set-up of this story is delightful; it feels both novel and inevitable. And of course hackthis writes the hell out of it, with Brad as stuck in his protective posture as ever and both guys experiencing a broad range of emotions in a short time. The characterization is rock-solid: these are the men of the mini plus a few years, but the more things change... Even brief cameos by Ray and Poke sparkle; she is that good with characterization. A deliciously human story well-told.

Of the 73 emails, Brad can identify the contents of 72 without opening the message.

There's one, however, that stops Brad cold.

To: Brad Colbert
From: Tom Ricks
Subject: COIN Symposium

It May Be Heart and Fist and Human Voice

Fandom: FOOTBALL RPF
Pairing: Gareth Bale/Theo Walcott
Length: 1800
Author on LJ:mardia
Author Website: mardia
Why this must be read: This story also came to me by way of slyreflection, and it's short and sweet and moving. It really focuses on the emotional impact that bad loses can have on a player, and the emotional bonds that are formed that transcend which team a player is currently on. The emotions in this piece also come through loud and clear and are quite stunning.

"What's in the bag?" Theo asks, a trace of curiosity in his voice.

Gareth holds it up. "Thought I'd pick a few things up from the shop on the way," he explains. "Brought some sandwiches and ice cream--Ben and Jerry's for you, yeah? Phish Food, with all the fudge and chocolate?"

Theo looks at him, then looks at the plastic bag, an odd look on his face. "You bought me ice cream?"

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.

crash into me

Fandom: FOOTBALL RPF
Pairing: Jack Wilshire/Robin van Persie
Length: 4820
Author on LJ: Perles
Author Website: xasillas
Why this must be read: Pieces that deal with a player's transfer, especially a high profile player like Cesc Faabregas, are always an interesting read. Supporters of a club can either vilify or mourn the loss. Perles has taken a different tactic in making this an AU. It's a beautifully written piece, which I think describes the feelings of a club's ardent supporters in these types of moments. Yet, it has a sense of moving forward and hope for the future. Another great rec via slyreflection.

"Jack. I'm surprised to see you down here. I heard you've just been laying around your house and not going to work. I guess I heard wrong." Cesc looks at Robin and smirks.

Jack's way past being sad. He's moved on to being so full of rage that he's shaking.

"I don't really think what I've been doing is any of your goddamn business anymore, Cesc." He takes a few steps forward and balls his fists. "At least I waited until we broke up before I started fucking someone else."

Robin grabs Jack's wrist, then. Just barely squeezes it.

"If you don't mind, we are on a date and you are not wanted." Robin starts walking and Jack lets him pull him along by the wrist. He lets go when they reach the field behind the school.

you're replaceable

Fandom: COMMUNITY
Pairing: Gen (ensemble)
Length: 4780 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: AO3 account
Why this must be read:

This is a Vacation Episode fic! Clio takes a sitcom premise as described on TV Tropes and runs with it, taking the study group outside of Greendale and environs and dropping them in New York City. This is an ensemble fic of the highest order, giving each character screen time and interweaving their storylines (which of course intersect in interesting ways!). The characterization in this story is great; I particularly enjoyed how Britta is portrayed. If you're looking for a fun read, this is for you.

Ancient Artifacts and Modern Rituals

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: Steve/Danny
Length: 6521 words
Author on LJ: portraitofafool
Author Website: LJ Master List and AO3 Profile
Why this must be read:

This is a very well written exploration of some very particular kinks. The author manages to explore how Steve and Danny gradually discovered their mutual interest in painplay, bloodplay, knifeplay, and other aspects of S/M without making it feel like the fic is about the kinks. This fic is very much about the relationship between our leads and what the kinks reveal about the relationship and the characters. Too often kink fic changes the character to fit the kink, but here the characters stay very realistically in character as they deal with what this new facet to their relationship says about them.

This fic opened my eyes to how good kink writing could be. It transcends all expectations and I can't recommend it enough.

( An Excerpt )

The Blood and Love Theory

Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: Steve/Danny
Length: 2713 words
Author on LJ: armillarysphere
Author Website: LJ Tags and AO3 Profile
Why this must be read:

Sometimes you just want scorching hot porn and this certainly fits the bill. The best part about this fic is the dirty talk. Steve is playing the role of Scheherazade and telling Danny a bedtime story. The story is about being with another man in the service and Steve is reenacting it as he speaks much to both his and Danny's pleasure.

If you enjoy dirty talk it doesn't get any better than this.

(One Thousand and) One Night

Fandom: MARVEL COMICS (AVENGERS MOVIEVERSE)
Pairing: Steve/Tony
Length: 1807
Author on LJ: somehowunbroken
Author Website: LJ Master List and AO3 Profile
Why this must be read:

One of the best thing about the Avengers movies is that everything is new again. Authors can now reimagine how Steve and Tony met, how Steve adjusted to his new time period, etc. In this lovely fic the author shows us a Cap who even a week after getting out of the ice just can't seem to get warm...until Tony helps him.

( An Excerpt )

Warmer