Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: Nick/Monroe preslash ; however, could also be read as bromance
Length: 2,459 words
Author on LJ: csi_sanders1129
Author Website: Masterlist on LJ (Part 1 of 2)
Warnings: spoilers for episode 12
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: In the aftermath of the Lowen Games, Nick makes sure Monroe's okay.

Another lovely h/c coda to a Grimm episode, I love what csi_sanders1129 did with the whole Nick being Monroe's pack idea and how comfortable Monroe feels with leaving his vulnerable back in Nick's care. It shows the level of trust and camaraderie that has developed between these two men over the months and their common experiences. They know they have each other's backs (in this case very literally for Nick) and will defend, or comfort as the case may call for, each other.

This is also a very sad reminder of how far apart Nick's worlds are moving from each other, the cop/normal side and the Grimm/Wesen side. Nick is faced with the choice of Monroe vs Juliette, comforting a brother in arms (or something more) or trying to patch up a faltering relationship with a lover. In subsequent episodes, the rift between the worlds has never been resolved. One can only hope that some resolution will occur, either in further episodes or fanfiction. This one touches on its heart, blutbad vs lover, and raises a very interesting question. Which direction will Nick's life ultimately lead?

Watch Your Back

Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Characters and pairing: Ray Kowalski, Ray Vecchio, with Fraser/Kowalski
Length: 2,000 words
Author on LJ: desireearmfeldt
Author Website: AO3 page
Why this must be read: This is a death fic, so be warned. It's got some great characterization of Fraser and how he might react to aging (answer: not well, in this version--it builds on Fraser's fear of losing his edge, from the episode "The Edge"). I also really like the conversation between Kowalski and Vecchio, and Vecchio's perspective on it all.

In the Saddle

Fandom: STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES, STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
Pairing: Scotty/Uhura, Spock
Length: 1555
Author on LJ: thistlerose
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

One of the things that I love about Star Trek is that while we do get to see the characters at their prime going on deep space missions and being heroic and diplomatic across the galaxy, we also get to see some of the characters' waning years as well. The notable example being Ambassador Spock.  This piece takes place after Bones' funeral where Scotty, who was stuck 75 years in a transporter buffer, runs into Spock.  It's bittersweet and heartbreaking and thistlerose does a wonderful job of capturing Scotty's and Spock's voices. The grief is palpable and Scotty's love for Uhura shines through.  The sublte details about the scenary, Scotty's inner thoughts and observations of Spock are all a lovely touch.  The fic is somewhat episode related so having knowledge of the TNG episode "Relics" is great but not required.

Thou Best and Dearest