This is the first of the two stories by Eligh I wanted to share. They both provide us a look at Nick and Monroe in their later years. And yet such different fates...

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: Nick/Monroe
Length: 443 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: AO3
Warnings: major character death
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: They never said it.

To begin with, the tragic. Nick and Monroe fight and live side by side for years, snarking at each other all the way at the same time just knowing deep down that they love each other. While they may not exchange rings in a ceremony or give each other lavish gifts, the individualized intimate things like covering up each other's Reaper murders and a smirk/eye roll show their deep connection for each other. But at the bottom of their relationship, three little words are never said; they are understood by each other to be true but are never uttered.

That's what makes their final fate so tragic. As Monroe lies dead with his head in a grieving Nick's lap, the words are finally uttered, only they're sadly in the past tense. As Nick rises from his loved one's body, older and more experienced, the reader feels the weight of his sorrow and regret at not saying those words sooner, in a better time. He faces the rest of his battle with the knowledge that he'll be joining his loved one soon as he can't live without him. We're left with a tears in our heart and a hole in our gut after reading this very emotional look at one of Nick's and Monroe's final fates in later years.

Three Little Words

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: Nick/Monroe
Length: 691 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: Nick and Monroe kicking ass and taking names in their old age.

And now the lighter of the two looks at Nick's and Monroe's later years. I adore Eligh's grasp of Nick's and Monroe's banter. Back and forth, it flows so effortlessly from her keyboard/pen. Even when they're two old, crotchety men hunting rogue Wesen three times younger than them, they're still snipping back and forth. They give each other hell over hunting techniques, driving skills, sarcastic pet names, and "damn kids these days" (fav line in the whole fic! XD).

And yet, we still feel the intense connection between these two men and the deep emotion they feel for each other. Even in glasses and moving with a cane, Monroe still steps between his Grimm and danger. He might be taking out a vengeful Jagerbar by thwacking him over the head with said cane (and oh that image makes me chuckle!), but we can just imagine the blood red eyes and fangs bared while protecting his man.

Whippersnappers

Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS
Pairing: Bodie/Doyle
Author on LJ: stewardess
Author Website: Pros fic at stewardess-fics comm (you need to click to join) as I write, but if you read this in years to come, then I gather it may well be at http://archiveofourown.org/users/stewardess
Why this must be read: To find out who wins what.

I've already said in a previous rec that anything that has them pushing each other and competing aggressively has me reading. I came across this completely by accident recently. It was posted six years ago but not archived in any of the obvious places, so those of us who are new arrivals missed it. And I have rarely read a take like this before.

( A taste below the cut )
I love the writing style in this, the way it is taken completely for granted that of course, this is what is going on. That, being them, they have to compete. And to push. And to win.

So who wins? Read it to find out.

Doyle's War, by Stewardess

Fandom: SKINS
Pairing: Naomi/Michelle (gen 1 + 2)
Length: 43,000 words
Author on lj: eskimo_jo
Author website: rabbithearts (author's fic journal)
Why this must be read: This is the most epic fic I have read in this fandom, hands down. Not only is Naomi and Michelle's relationship beautiful and complicated, it's also believable - which is quite a feat, considering the two characters have never met. There's excellent characterization all around - as it contains a cast of various characters from both gens 1 and 2 - but Effy's voice is particular spot on, which is a hard thing to do. It's a wild ride, and it will probably make you cry, but it is so worth the read.

( Excerpt )

i can't get out of love

Fandom: THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.
Pairing: No pairing. Napleon Solo, Illya Kuryakin
Length: 1278 Words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Fan Fiction.net
Why this must be read:
An interesting look at the end of "The Fiddlesticks Affair." Napoleon is having nightmares and Marcel Rudolph runs into trouble. It's a short piece so I don't want to say much that might give away the story. The author warns that it's dark but, I didn't find it terribly dark. A bit of a surprise ending.

No Need Enjoy the story.