Subject: The Agony of Doubt by Nike (Teen/Mature)
Fandom: Rise of the Guardians
Pairing: Jack/Bunny
Length: 2,292 words
Author Website: AO3

Why this must be read:

Author Summary:
After the events in the movie, North decides to act as mediator and force Jack and Bunny to figure out why their former relationship ended. Jack and Bunny wish he wouldn't.

Unlike some Jackrabbit fics, this time it's Jack who has heats, not Bunny. (Nike uses the idea of Jack being a "Winter Womb" which I've seen elsewhere, that some winter spirits are capable of becoming pregnant regardless of their gender - but don't worry, no detailed mpreg here.) North locks Jack and Bunny in a room with him, plays mediator, and forces them to talk things out. There's some really fascinating reasons for the miscommunication, and of course a happy ending. :)

Nike rates this work as Teen, I'd rate it as Mature for multiple references to sex (without any details) and some strong language.

The Agony of Doubt by Nike (Teen/Mature)

We're coming into the home stretch now! I want to warn folks, I'll be posting my absolute favorite RotG fic on the last day of the month, which is this Saturday, and I know lots of people don't check LJ on the weekends, so if you want to see this one as soon's it's posted then make sure you're looking on Saturday! :)

Subject: The Darkness of Spring by Kalorii (Explicit)
Fandom: Rise of the Guardians
Pairing: Jack/Bunny
Length: 16,002 words (5 chapters)
Author Website: AO3

Why this must be read:

Author Summary:
Jealousy is an ugly emotion and Bunnymund is no stranger to it. Rather than holidays, he looks on during a Christmas party as the one he cares for more than he lets on seems to flirt with one of their friends. For a Guardian, always being under the cloud of such a strong emotion can be dangerous and fighting the demons can't be done alone.

I've mentioned dark!Bunny Jackrabbit stories before, and this is a prime example. Bunny becomes infected with jealousy, turns dark, and then kidnaps Jack. Smut ensues, Jack eventually saves Bunny, and there's a happy ending.

The Darkness of Spring by Kalorii (Explicit)

Fandom: BANDOM - FOB, TAI, GCH
Pairing: Patrick/William
Length: 28,405 words
Author on LJ: jamjar
Author Website: AO3
Summary: How William Beckett spent his summer vacation that time he turned into a girl (or why teenage romantic stupidity transcends gender and doesn't stop even when you're no longer a teenager).

Why this must be read: I know at least a few people are raising their eyebrows right now ("Patrick Stump and William Beckett? Really?") but my fandom philosophy has always been that there are very few pairing I won't read, provided the story is well written. And it's done me good up to now because it means that every once in a while, I come across stories like this one: excellent writing for a pretty rare pairing. Patrick and William aren't an obvious choice, but it's hardly inconceivable considering they travel in pretty close circles. And honestly, this is fandom. It's not like we need two characters to even know each other to slash them.

The writing on this story is solid, though not as polished as it could be, but what really hooked me here is the at times almost visceral emotions Patrick displays. Plus, I am a total sucker for UST and yes, there is UST. I also really like that the story goes on beyond the genderswap, that it's not just "Surprise! This girl is Bill and has been all along!" the end. I love that there is a well-thought out resolution to the romantic conflict. Plus, it's a semi-unique take on the every popular genderswap.



( At least it's happening now and not when they're in the middle of touring. )



When you were sweet

Fandom: MERLIN
Pairing: pre-slash: Arthur/Merlin, tiny bit of het: Gwen/Lancelot
Length: ~45,000 words
Author on LJ: cat_77
Author Website: cat_77 on AO3
Why this must be read:

Realms is a fantastic what-if wrapped in an alternate universe. A portal has opened in Gauis's rooms and Merlin has been crossing into an alternate Camelot - one where Ygraine survived and the Purge never happened. The Camelot there is drastically different from the one Merlin lives in, and yet, the similarities too are striking. What this story does so well is follow the points of divergence all the way through, with excellent world building and fully fleshed out characters. At the same time, the Merlin and Arthur that we know are at the heart of the story.

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( Excerpt )
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Realms