Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Pairing: not applicable... friendship between Fraser and Ray Vecchio.
Length: 1840
Author on LJ: http://lucifuge-5.livejournal.com/
Author Website: http://archiveofourown.org/users/Lucifuge5/pseuds/Lucifuge5

Why this must be read:The insights into Ray's reaction to the aftermath of Victoria are well worth reading, and the moment at the end, when we see Benny's hands are raw, and that Ray isn't the only one trying to atone is very moving. Ray's concern for Benny is shown with a very delicate touch, and the flashback scenes set in the hospital are poignant, the more so because Ray doesn't say anything about this to his friend.


Story on AO3: Balance

Fandom: SHERLOCK BBC
Pairing: John Watson/Lestrade
Length: Ain’t Seen the Sunshine is 26592 words
Author on LJ:emungere, elfbert
Author Website: Consequence Free: Slash and Yaoi, emungere’s ao3 page, elfbert FIC MASTERLIST
Why this must be read: Written for a prompt on the Sherlock fic meme where John is Sherlock and Mycroft’s nanny. It’s also somehow warped into a massive retelling of Hound of the Baskervilles. I love this verse so much. I know the premise sounds cracky but the storytelling is amazing.  I am not really a John/Lestrade shipper but John and Lestrade are very cute here.  

The real heart of this story is the relationship that develops between John and 5 year old Sherlock and 12 year old Mycroft.  Even if you don't like kidfic give this story a chance.  The kids in question are Sherlock and Mycroft after all and they are both perfectly themselves, just as kids. The 1st sequel is a day in the life of this odd, adorable little family just before Christmas. The other fic sequels are mostly John/Lestrade interludes.

The most unique parts of this epic verse are the two blog run by “John” Nothing Happens to Me and “Lestrade”Interesting murders not boring stuff. These blogs are fabulous and much better written than the blogs put out by the BBC.  They are interactive fan fic chronicling the lives of John, Lestrade, and the boys. They are so much fun to read.  The conversations in the comments are usually a blast.   I really can not recommend this verse highly enough.  

Ain't Seen the Sunshine

Fandom: BANDOM
Pairing: mostly gen with some Bob/Mikey and background Frank/Gerard
Length: 16,460 words
Author on LJ/DW: crowgirl13 / crowgirl13
Author on AO3: Teigh

Why this must be read: In the aftermath of the Desolation Row riot Bob is stuck alone in prison, not knowing if the rest of his band is even alive.

This story's a wonderful take on the Desolation Row and Killjoys universes. It's also a fantastic character study and the way it manages to wed the post-apocalyptic world of the Killjoys with the supernatural is wonderful. I love the way it gives us a Bob that is at once human and Other. The way he sinks into his wolf nature during the time in the desert is fascinating. I also love how vivid the writing is. It makes it very easy to immerse yourself in this universe - in the touch and scent and sound of it.

( Excerpt from the story... )

Run the Doldrums (on AO3) or here (on DW) or here (on LJ)

Detente, Bala
Fandom: Real Madrid RPF
Pairing: David Beckham/Iker Casillas, Iker Casillas/OFC
Rating: NC-17
Length: 4500 words
Author on LJ: tyrannicides
Author Website: livejournal
Why this must be read: David Beckham/Iker Casillas (becksillas) is one of the foundational pairings of football rpf. in 2003, beckham (the most famous player in the world) was sold to real madrid, as part of the "galactico" era of big-name signings. perhaps more than any other player, beckham at madrid symbolized the rise of a newly globalized capitalistic model of football. this was in contrast to a traditional system whereby teams were dominated by players who joined the club as a child and rose through the ranks -- players like iker casillas, real madrid's young goalkeeper at the time.

what's significant about this pairing, then, is how their relationship develops from strangers to a deep and abiding friendship. (beckham left madrid in 2007, but to this day he sings iker's praises.) this story really nails that element, while also exploring so much more: the language barrier between them; their relative ages; david's marriage to victoria beckham. i love stories that deal with adultery in a realistic way (perhaps you can tell this from my recs so far), and this story feels very real, without becoming maudlin.

Iker goes back to digging through his bag, and suddenly, David realizes that he's listening to Iker mumble in Spanish and that he understands what most of what he's saying. He couldn't repeat it, but he understands. Iker's forgotten his deodorant in Madrid, and Iker wishes he had a granola bar.

"Look, borrow mine," David says. He tosses Iker his stick and Iker catches it when it was supposed to hit him square on his chest. David supposes that's why he's a keeper.

Later that night, they're all out at a club just off the shore. There's Christmas lights and sand in the floor and the music is pulsing and David is mostly drunk, he thinks. The air is humid and close and salty and Iker is pressed flush against him in the booth, talking right into his ear because otherwise talking is inaudible—his accent is so strong that David can't understand him and he smells like David, smells like he's wearing his shirt or his sweat. When David talks back, sometimes he presses his nose under Iker's ear after he's finished, closes his eyes and rests his chin on his shoulder. Iker lets him. David's half-hard under the table the entire night.


Detente, Bala

Fandom: STARSKY & HUTCH
Pairing: none
Length: short
Author on LJ: not known
Author Website: HERE
Why this must be read: Because it’s a bittersweet story about love.
Because it made me ‘feel’ when I was reading every paragraph.
Because the characters are so in character that I wish it was filmed.

I swear there is an audible click! as all the pieces snap together in his head, accompanied by a whisper of a groan. Now he's deciding whether or not to be pissed at me, whether to shove me or yell at me or just stand there or what. I'm counting on the yelling option, bracing for it really, and so I'm quite frankly a little stunned when suddenly his arms stretch around my middle and he is leaning in, hugging me back.

Crime and Punishment by Miriam Elizabeth Cooper

December is Small Fandom Month on crack_van!

Sign up below if you want to make recs. First priority will go to fandoms that have never been featured here, followed by fandoms that have been featured a few times, followed by fandoms that were previously full-time but are now retired.

Note #1: a fandom doesn't actually have to be small to be recced -- there are still lots of big fandoms that have never been featured on the community!

Note #2: If you are signing up a fandom that has never been recced here, a fandom overview will be required. Overviews should include pics and biographies of main characters, story arcs, and links to fandom archives and communities, at minimum. Permanent picture hosting is available on my webspace - just ask.

Thanks!

Fandom: MERLIN
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Length: ~3,000 words
Author on LJ: misswinterhill
Author Website: Masterlist on LJ; AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: “Last warning,” said Merlin, raising a hand. “If you try to harm him, I will kill you. If you succeed, no-one will leave here alive.”

More BAMF! Merlin... What's not to love?! I loved how Arthur knew already about Merlin's magic before the big rescue. He was in a mental place where he could appreciate Merlin's power; no need to angst-ify over why Merlin didn't tell him. Winter has caught a powerful Merlin who is willing to go the distance for his prince. And yet she's caught the typical banter between the two on the road back home, all the while defending his prince from ambushes and proclaiming his ownership over that same prince. I had a grin the whole time I read this.

( Merlin being all BAMF and possessive )

Some Say It's a Blessing, Some Say It's a Curse

Fandom: THE HUNGER GAMES
Pairing: Katniss/Peeta
Length: ~8k words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: FFN

Why this must be read: DustWriter does another master AU, though this one is of the "what could have been" vein. "A Year With No Victor" puts a Romeo & Juliet sort of spin on the Games, where Katniss is a Career, Peeta is Peeta, and things proceed under different circumstances...to a point. The ending is particularly haunting.

( It was the first time since the Reaping he'd forgotten to be afraid. )

A Year With No Victor