Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: none; gen
Length: 2,000 words
Author on LJ: jedibuttercup
Author Website: Jedibuttercup.com, Masterlist on DW, AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: It might not be the way Grimms traditionally did things – but Marie would do what she had to do to ensure her nephew had a chance to survive.

Marie Kessler is one of the more intriguing characters in Grimm. She only physically appears in two episodes but her presence is felt strongly throughout the series in her reputation in the Wesen world and the hints into her past we receive in subsequent episodes. Jedi has given us even more background possibilities that show us a woman who is nearing the end of her life. She's doing all that she can to protect her nephew she raised from childhood as her Grimm abilities passes to him on her death.

I loved how Jedi delved into Maries head, gave some insight into her steely will, her checkered past which prompted her bloody reputation among creatures, the motivations for that checkered past, and the deep love she has for Nick. She'll even make unheard-of deals and swear oaths of loyalty to dark figures for this love. And even though the show has made a few details AU now, the fic still rings so very true in how it could have gone down in canon. It ties so many loose ends of the show together in one neat little package. It is my head canon, that's for sure.

So Few and Such Morning Songs

Fandom: AVENGERS (Captain America (2011))
Pairing: Steve/Bucky
Length: ~30,000 words
Author on LJ: renne
Author Website: @ AO3
Why this must be read:

This is a fantastically tense zombie apocalypse futurefic where Steve discovers that Bucky is still alive during a fight for his life against zombies in New York City. Together, they fight their way through to what Steve thinks is gong to be safety, but things are, as always, more complicated than that, especially once SHIELD discovers that Bucky is the infamous Winter Soldier. And amid those complications, Steve also has to deal with his long-held feelings for Bucky and whether those feelings are reciprocated. Plus, zombies.

( an excerpt )

There's also a timestamp sequel (full disclosure: it was written for me): Epicentre, in which Bucky submits to telepathic examination and things do not go at all well. Pretty much guaranteed to punch you in the Bucky feels.

Where the Circle Ends and Epicentre by Renne

If you enjoy the stories, please let the author know!

*

Fandom: Sherlock
Pairing: Sherlock/John
Length: 26,898 words
Author on LJ: deuxexmycroft
Author Website: Master Post on LJ or On AO3
Why this must be read: John Watson is sentenced to life in prison for accidentally killing a man. Within his first day inside he finds himself ensnared by fellow inmate Sherlock Holmes and soon John finds himself Sherlock's prison wife. All is not what it seems, however, and John finds himself to be a pawn in the middle of a deadly game Sherlock is playing. This is a powerful piece of writing;  the brutality of prison life isn't sugarcoated, but neither is it sensationalized. There's a terrific puzzle for us to observe Sherlock solve with plenty of twists and turns - not only in the case but in the relationship between the two men. It's one of those rather believable AU stories where our heroes are still at their core the men we know, love and respect but whose lives took a sharp turn leaving them to meet in wholly different circumstances. This is one of those rare stories that I've re-read a dozen times or so and it never fails to engross me. Give it a shot, won't you?

Dehumanise Me

Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairing: Kyp Durron/Jaina Solo
Length: ~3000 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Profile; go to 'Postings' tab for stories
Why this must be read:

crack_van prompts the poster to submit personal favorites, and this is one of mine, both the archive and the author. Dealing with the tumult surrounding theforceDOTnet's upgrading cannot be easy, but valiant is the word for fanfic authors, and numerous stories are there for the reading on the temporary boards, including this excellent one. Han Solo and Leia Organa-Solo's daughter, Jaina, is the focus of the story and though recent EU events tie her with another male character, when reading the New Jedi Order series, I thought that Kyp Durron had a definite appeal to her, and vice versa. So, this story, tightly written with a stunning lightsaber duel, fills the bill for any Kyp/Jaina shipper. If you are unfamiliar with the EU family of Princesses and smugglers, simply know that Han's film persona lives on in his daughter, and Jaina does not lack for Leia's fiery heritage, either.

Deluge

Fandom: STARSKY & HUTCH
Pairing: Starsky/Hutch, Hutch/Original Male Character
Length: 90973 words
Author on LJ: not on LJ
Author Website: http://www.starskyhutcharchive.net/viewuser.php?uid=281
Why this must be read:

If you loved Coffin for Starsky or Shootout, this is your story. Written by a professional RN, the story tackles the problems of what happens when a loving, passionate but closeted relationship is tested by one partner's long term illness and post traumatic stress and its accompanying pressures. The story is told in two parts, first Hutch's point of view, and then Starsky's. The differing points of view come at different parts of the story and help balance both partners' problems. This novel-length story was first published in the zine, Don't Give Up On Us, Baby, in May 2001, and edited by Lucy and Elaine.

Starsky is recovering from Gunther's hit. He's living in Hutch's small Venice Place apartment, and Hutch is managing his recuperation. Hutch is also managing Gunther's prosecution and his full time job. Completely out of sick leave from taking care of Starsky while he was still touch and go in the hospital, Hutch is trying to do it all: manage Starsky's twice daily physical therapy, stay on top of the prosecution of Gunther, and fulfill his responsibilities as an active police detective. Starsky is physically impaired but improving, but both of them are struggling from symptoms of post traumatic stress – they both have nightmares and have trouble sleeping, and Hutch, who is managing nursing care, legal work, detective work, and housework, is quickly unraveling. Dobey finally insists Hutch start doing his regular job with a new partner. Enter Steve Bussell, handsome, good cop, martial arts expert . . . and gay.

( Read more... )

Ninety-Nine Miles to LA