Hi everyone,

I had signed up to drive the crack van for The Fast and the Furious this month. However, due to Paul Walker's tragic death I wasn't really in a reccing kinda mood and considered just letting it go. Now I'm thinking, this is the last round of the crack van and this community is such a wonderful resource and I don't want to miss the very last opportunity to share some Fast & Furious love here.

I'm gonna start with this lovely little story and I hope that you'll enjoy.

Fandom: THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS
Pairing: Dominic Toretto/Brian O'Conner
Length: 2482 words
Author on LJ: not known
Author website: AO3
Why this must be read: This author has written a few wonderful F&F stories, most of which are WIP. This one, however, works as a wonderful stand alone story. It's an alternate take on part 4 and deals with Dom and Brian living together after Brian freed Dom from prison. The characters' voices are wonderful and the entire story is beautiful and happy making.

It's 2AM and Brian can't sleep. Dom's planning to change that.

Fandom: THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS
Pairing: Dominic Toretto/Brian O'Conner
Length: 987 words
Author on LJ: ash_carpenter
Author website: LJ
Why this must be read: In this story the undercover aspect of the first movie gets handled a bit differently. Dom figures Brian acted the way he did, got close to him, because Brian was interested in him sexually. That's not the reason, but Brian can't tell him that, can he?
The author has a brilliant way of getting into the characters' heads and depicting their voices and motivations.

When Brian had wished to be close to Dom, this wasn’t exactly what he’d had in mind.

Fandom: THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS
Pairing: Dominic Toretto/Brian O'Conner
Length: 902 words
Author on LJ: khaleesian
Author website: AO3
Why this must be read: It's Dom and Brian cuddling for warmth. That's all, but what more do you need? This was one of the first things I read in this fandom - instant love!

Dom cocked his head. “Is being mad keeping you warm?”

Title: ART: Neal vs. Minions by Kanarek13 (G)
Pairing: None – Neal, Peter, Moz, and some Minions
Length: N/A
Author on LJ: kanarek13
Author Website: On LJ
Why this must be seen:

This is perfect for today, Crack Van Collisions! Kanarek13 is one of those wonderful people in fandom whose personality is truly reflected in the clever and fun manips she creates. I know it’s all smoke, mirrors, and Photoshop, but these are so well blended and hilarious, you will wonder/hope that Neal and Peter might be in Despicable Me 3. Here’s a preview:

( Sample behind a cut... )Here are the rest

Fandom: SUITS
Pairing: Gen (Donna)
Author on LJ: not that I know of
Author Website: omens

Why this must be seen: This is still one of my favorite pieces of fanart I've seen because I feel that, despite it being fantastic, it captures who Donna is. Donna is literally a sphinx in this piece. You have to click the link to see for yourself.

the Sphinx

Title: Leap of Faith by TamIsMyFather
Pairing: Gen (Mike, Donna)
Author on LJ: not that I know of
Author Website: AO3 profile
Why this must be read: For my last fic rec for this reccing period, and the last Suits fic rec here, how about some fusion crack where Donna can jump off of buildings with the greatest of ease, and there are random haystacks?



Mike first noticed on a Wednesday.

He'd skipped breakfast that morning, and he'd spent his first five hours at work finishing a project for Harvey, so when he finally finished dotting the last i and crossing the last t all he could think about was rushing out of Harvey's office as fast as he could in his quest for food. He'd waved to Donna, hurried to the elevator, shot outside, and got in line at the nearest hotdog stand—behind Donna, who, judging by the three people after her, had been there for several minutes at least.

“What—” Mike spluttered. “How did you get here so fast?”

Donna turned and smiled. “Oh, hi Mike. Want me to get you something?”



Leap of Faith

Fandom: Dark Angel
Pairing:: None-
Length: 3:05
Vidder’s Website: giandujakiss's Monsters From the Vids
Why this must be seen: giandujakiss's own summary: "They made us, and they trained us to be soldiers." exemplifies the core of an X5 but also the show. It’s gorgeous and heartbreaking and should not be missed.

On Giandujakiss' website & her LJ

Title: Bonnie And Clyde Didn't Work Alone
Author: Maidenjedi
Characters: Boba Fett, River Tam
Length: ~1k words
Author on LJ: maidenjedi
Author Website: AO3 and FFN Profile and LJ Tags
Why this must be read:

Two scruffy 'verses are these, nice and dirty and plagued with everyday concerns from our galaxy: how to make a living, survive and even thrive. River and Boba are bruised and alone, and they connect tenuously. Their characters need someone, and they are there for each other. Life doesn't require much more than this.

Bonnie And Clyde Didn't Work Alone

Title: A Catch
Pairing: Neal Caffrey/Sherlock Holmes
Length: 5k
Author on LJ: ariadnes_string
Author Website: On LJ
Why this must be read:

I love the setup: Neal and Peter are on their way to London to consult on an art forgery, and when they meet with Lestrade and his own Consulting Detective, well, it won’t shock you to learn that Neal and Sherlock already know each other. How they met years ago and their interactions then and now are the highlights of this sexy little story. This is one of the most delightful crossovers you will read in these or any other fandom. The characterizations are spot-on, the dialogue sparkles, and about the only bad thing that can be said about it is that it ends!

A Catch

Fandom: White Collar
Pairing: Neal Caffrey/Sara Ellis
Length: 3:05
Vidder’s Website: Ssplishable’s YouTube Channel
Why this must be seen:

This vid uses footage culled from Chuck, White Collar (and a few other things I don’t recognize) to create a video-based AU origin story of a spy/assassin Neal Caffrey who struggles to maintain his integrity and keep the woman he loves safe in his dangerous, underground world. I think? IDK – watch it, it’s awesome.

Fandom: White Collar
Pairing: No pairings; ensemble
Length: 2:37
Vidder’s Website: On LJ
Why this must be seen:

I dare you to watch this and not laugh hysterically, then hit the replay button over and over. Basically, this vid shows the arrested development case study that is Neal Caffrey, set off against that theme for precocious kids everywhere, “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” from The Lion King. It’s terrif:



Here is a link to the vid on the artist’s LJ: http://noiproksa.livejournal.com/2912.html - it is password protected, but the password is in the entry.

Title: Recharging by Khaleesian
Characters/Pairing: Brian O'Conner, Dean winchester, Sam Winchester, Bobby Singer
Author on LJ: khaleesian
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read: Brian looks for a new charger he can give to Dom. His search brings him to Singer Salvage where Sam and Dean are taking a short break from all the end of the world stuff for a little while. I love this set up and the title is perfect. This story shows these very different characters doing some very much needed recharging. Brian's quest just warms my heart and even though Dom isn't physically present in the story, he's still very much there.

Dom sacrificed the Charger to save Letty...where will Brian find another?

Fandom: Fairy Tales: Original fairy tale with references to others
Characters: The King, The Queen, The Prince, The Peasant Girl, original and canon characters
Length: 12K words
Author Website: at AO3

Why this must be read: Because sometimes you need a little help figuring things out.

Despite having parents who were loving to him and beloved by their people, there was once a prince who was very spoiled indeed. His parents gently tried to point out how wrong-headed he was being, but I'm afraid they mis-stepped by spoiling their only child. Any beautiful thing he saw he wanted immediately, but often abandoned it for the next shiny.

One day, his fancy was captured by an unusually beautiful sunset and he decided he must own the sun. Though everyone, including the sun, tells him it is impossible, he is sure that a handsome prince like himself will be able to figure out how to accomplish his goal. Thus he begins a long and winding quest. Enjoy.

The Man Who Chased the Setting Sun

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Fandom: THE X-FILES
Pairing/Characters: Fox Mulder/Dana Scully
Length: novella
Author on LJ: onemillionnine
Author Website: OMaN at reocities | Gossamer
Why this must be read:

This is still and forever my favorite season seven fanfic. I know what the rest of the fandom's favorite is, and don't get me wrong, I love "Parabiosis," too, but OMaN's Mulder and Scully are a lot more fun and entertaining. They also seem much more like the characters we see on the series, at least the versions I have running around in my head.

The conflict between Mulder and Scully provides all of the comedy and the bulk of the plot, as with with Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing." Like Benedict and Beatrice, OMaN's Mulder and Scully come together by the end, and their true love for one another is revealed to all in the story's climax.

Her summary: An explanation of Mulder's sudden belief in 'miracles.' Arthur C. Clarke's second law in action. A bit of Mytharc in the guise of a case file. But in the end it's all about sex. Then again, what isn't?

The only reason I've not recced this more often is that I was afraid of losing my noromo cred.

Read El Quinto Sol.

Fandom: CRIMINAL MINDS
Characters/Pairing: Gen - George Foyet, Ian Doyle, Tobias Hanckel, Frank Breitkopf, Spencer Reid
Rating: PG or FRT for both
Artist Website: inklou's profile on deviantart,
E-a-s-y's profile on deviantart

Why this must be seen:
There are two art recs here for different reasons. Most CM fan art makes you want to scratch your eyeballs out - it's a sad fact - so I don't have a lot of patience for scrolling through thousands of hand drawn chibis and the BAU team members illustrated as cats or something. Life's too short. However, when I came across inklou's Arch Nemesis, I had to stop and stare. The killers on CM are either GREAT or psychopath-of-the-week, but rarely are they held up to us in such a beautiful way with their malice intact. inklou's style isn't photo realistic so there's a lot of artistic license in the likenesses, but the warmth of the lighting and palette, plus the four-paned layout, and the rotated POVs all make for an impressive piece of 'bad guy' fan art. It would almost be heroic if they weren't splattered in blood and grinning like, well, serial killers.

Arch Nemesis by inklou


The second art rec is Dr. Spencer Reid by E-a-s-y. Character portraits are a dime a dozen in the fan art world, so you have to do something a little different to stand out from the pack. E-a-s-y goes for caricature here highlighting the aspects of the character (nerdy glasses, grandfather sweater vest, crazy placement of his revolver) so that she suggests Reid rather than accurately drawing him. The thing I love about this piece is the loose, exaggerated line work - it's beautiful and wispy, almost architectural. Also, she manages to capture Reid's long lines and large eyes without making us think that we are staring into a funhouse mirror. This one is a right-click-and-save-to-your-desktop if you are a Reid fan.

Dr. Spencer Reid by E-a-sy


If you enjoyed these pieces, let the artists know!

Fandom: Fairy Tales: Master Cat/Puss in Boots
Characters: Puss, original/canon characters
Length: 7K words
Author Website: at AO3

Why this must be read: It's Steampunk Puss!

Upon his death, inventor August bequeaths his youngest son, Marcus, the only automaton he built that has independent thought: Puss in Boots. Since his older brother inherited the family home, Marcus sets off with Puss to seek his fortune. However, he's clueless as to how to go about that. Fortunately, Puss has an idea or two. Enjoy.

By Design

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Fandom: PUSHING DAISIES
Pairing(s): Ned/Chuck, The Narrator
Length: 5527
Author on LJ: kaneko
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

This is my last rec, and I have very intentionally saved the best for last. This fic is sweet, and sad, and delightfully odd, all without ever seeming to try too hard. It's a bit meta and bit timey-wimey, and does an excellent job of turning the Narrator into a great character in his own right, one who's just as invested in his story as we are. Also, it manages to give the saga of Chuck and Ned not only one but two happy, satisfying endings. If you only ever read one thing in this fandom, please make it this.

( Excerpt )

Twice Upon a Time

Fandom: THE X-FILES
Pairing/Characters: Fox Mulder/Dana Scully
Length: short story
Author on LJ: that_khyber
Author Website: Khyber's Stories, waybacked | Gossamer
Why this must be read:

I consider Khyber to be one of the best writers (no longer) in our fandom. He wrote complicated plots, complex characters, both canon and original, witty dialogue, and well, um, really hot sex. Though he ships Mulder and Scully, and some of his stories are humorous, his version of them is kind of messed up, psychologically speaking.

This is not MSR, and it's not exactly femslash either. What it is, is a scorching hot, twisted, sexual fantasy threesome.

Read one equals one equals zero

Fandom: Fairy Tales: Beauty and the Beast (Disney)
Pairing/Characters: Belle/Beast; Belle, Adam, canon characters
Length: 2K
Author Website: at AO3

Why this must be read: Just a sweet little coda to the movie. Belle used to dream of being a princess and all that it would mean. Now that she's about to become one, she's not sure about it. Enjoy.

Rose Without Thorn

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Fandom: Fairy Tales: The Little Mermaid (Disney)
Pairing/Characters: Ariel/Eric; Ariel Triton OC
Length: 1314 words
Author Website: at AO3

Why this must be read: We often get an epilogue about how things are going for Ariel and Eric. This is all about Triton.

Triton misses his daughter terribly, wondering how she's doing. However, he's got a kingdom to run and other family to protect. Still, one day he decides to pay a visit, hoping for a glance of Ariel. Enjoy.

High Tides and New Terrain

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Vidder: Akachankami
Musical artist: Fiona Apple's cover of The Beatles' song.
Pairing: Fox Mulder/Dana Scully
Vidder on LJ: akachankami
Vidder's website: No, but her vids are up at Youtube.
Why this vid kicks ass:

I'm jumping on the one last vid rec for the road bandwagon. Mixed metaphors aside, this vid is fantastic. It was made for the xf_santa gift exchange and posted here not a week ago on LiveJournal. The song was a perfect fit for the series and the pairing. The clips are wonderful and her editing is skillful and smooth. I was blown away.

Watch Across the Universe.

Fandom: Fairy Tales: Rapunzel
Pairing/Characters: Rapunzel/Prince; Prince, Rapunzel, OCs
Length: 3K words
Author Website: at AO3

Why this must be read: It's a coda told from the prince's POV, as he struggles with blindness and trying to find his true love. Enjoy

Out Flew the Web and Floated Wide

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Fandom: Dark Angel/Supernatural
Title: Bedpans and Brothers
Pairing/Characters: Alec, Adam, Max, Logan, Dean, Sam
Author on LJ: mandraco
Length: 10, 264
Author Website: on AO3Bedpans and Brothers

Why this must be read: Author's summary: On a routine supply run at a hospital, Alec stumbles upon a crazy guy who insists that Alec is his half-brother Dean. mandraco takes on a couple of prompts mixes and creates a deliciously fun premise. We don't just get one Winchester brother we get all three. However the true gem of this fic is Adam and Alec - all I can say is I want more ;)

( excerpt )

Fandom: THE X-FILES
Pairing/Characters: Fox Mulder | Dana Scully
Length: 1800 words
Author on LJ: maybe_amanda
Author Website: Gossamer
Why this must be read:

I found the perfect little fic to end my final drive at crack_van. It's another story written for the year's xf_santa exchange. MaybeAmanda is a great talent, a wonderful woman, and a fabulous asset to whatever fandom she's in. She has a reocities website, too, but my bookmarks are mia. I'll have to edit it in later. What she's written for us is a Christmas story, but it's not a sappy one, and it's not a sad one. She takes an O'Henry story, and gives us a delightful little commentary on it from first Scully's and then Mulder's POV. The writing is smooth as silk, her characterizations are as always spot-on.

Read The Gifts of the Magi (On a Kaiser Roll).

Thanks to the mods for giving me this last opportunity to drive the van. Good night, everyone.

Fandom: Dark Angel
Title: Down in Mexico
Pairing/Characters: Alec/Joshua
Author on LJ: poisontaster
Length: 2,074
Author Website: on AO3 Down in Mexico

Why this must be read: It’s a one two punch that brushes Alec/Joshua's relationship. Like jaguarcaine, poisontaster has a gift and makes me see why and how well they work together. I only wish more authors were as daring.


( excerpt )

Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairing: Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi / Duchess Satine of Mandalore
Length: One shot, inspired by this fanart
Artist on LJ: Unknown
Artist Website: dA and tumblr
Why this must be seen:

As a last rec, this piece's arched frame sets the stage for a formal, courtly rendition of the relationship that Star Wars: The Clone Wars developed as a canon romance for Obi-Wan Kenobi: his love interest is of the nobility, she is a pacifist to as strong a degree as he is Jedi, and she occasionally comes off as a diva. The course of their love did not begin smoothly, run smoothly, or end smoothly. The background and medieval vibe made me think that the work could be rendered in stained glass, befitting the detail on the costumes and the tender pose of the couple.

So long, crack_van! To set the historical placement, on this day in 1759, the British Museum opened; in 2001, Wikipedia went online; and in 1935, a favorite author, Robert Silverberg, was born, who, by his own count for four years beginning in 1956, wrote "a million words a year [...] From 1956 to 1959, Silverberg routinely averaged 5 published stories a month, and had over 80 stories published in 1958 alone." (From Wikipedia.) So let's get cracking on those WIPs, folks! I had a great time here and thank the fantastic mods, who did a bang-up job for ten years; this comm shall be an excellent museum, wiki, and trove of thousands of words. See you around sometime, pronker

Obi-Wan - Satine Korejanai!

Fandom: Dark Angel/Supernatural
Title: Through the Looking Glass
Pairing/Characters: Dean, Joshua, Alec, Sam
Author on LJ: dolimir_k
Length: 1,199
Author Website: on AO3 Through the Looking Glass

Why this must be read: Author's summary: Dean falls through the looking glass. For a brief crossover I adore the picture she created, especially of Joshua caring for not Alec. It's endearing with strong voices.

( excerpt )

Fandom: Fairy Tales: Hansel and Gretel
Characters: Gretel, Hansel, Mother, Father, Stepmother
Length: 1181 words
Author Website: at AO3

Why this must be read: It's a modern-day retelling that fixes some of the problems I had with the original. Enjoy.

Gretel and the Forest

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Fandom: PERSON OF INTEREST/WHAT NOT TO WEAR (RPF)
Pairing: gen
Length: 416
Author on LJ: lynne_monstr
Author Website: AO3

Why this must be read: for just the sheer fun of an adorable crossover with reality show “What Not To Wear” as Stacy London and Clinton Kelly discuss the sartorial splendor of John Reese and Harold Finch.

It’s been a series running joke about Reese being known to both criminals and good guys alike as “the man in the suit” because he’s adopted his classic black suit, worth with a tieless white shirt no matter the season or occasion. Someone like Clinton Kelly would have something to say about that, obviously, and this little fic captures his voice and those of the characters well. While the “real” people comment on Reese’s bland choices, they praise Finch’s custom suit with waistcoat and matching pocket square while pondering the relationship of the men whose attire they are judging.






The Man in that One Suit

Fandom: PERSON OF INTEREST
Pairing: Grace Hendricks/Will Ingram
Length: 6630 words
Author on LJ: http://orockthro.dreamwidth.org/
Author Website:
AO3

Why this must be read:

Yes, you read that right, this is a fic about Finch’s fiancé Grace, who thinks he’s dead, and the son of Finch’s late business partner, Nathan Ingram. Will is younger than Grace but in Orockthro’s deft hands, they meet and find solace after the loss of the two people most dear to them. The Machine, of course, has a hand in things.

Orockthro is an author who tackles the many side chracters of Person of Interest, not shying away from the usual OTP fare. She paired Shaw with Grace in her fantastic cyberpunk fic, Kick the Generator, and she’s written and illustrated various permutations of Grace/Finch/Reese, along with exploring their relationships with Genrika, the young girl who envisioned a career as a spy who was a number earlier this season and even Leila Smith, the youngest number they ever helped in first season, so it’s no surprise she has picked these two people who haven’t even met in canon to write about. This is an AU but I feel it could be canon. It’s poignant, endearing and hopeful at the same time.







Awaiting Some Return

This is my last rec. I had hoped to rec more stuff this time around, but it didn't work out that way. I hope you found something you enjoyed and if you're new to the fandom I highly recommend pretty much everything by khaleesian and verdreht. But don't hesitate to check out other authors for yourselves. It's a wonderful fandom and I'm sure I don't know everything that's out there.

Vidder: talitha78
Musical Artist: Rihanna
Length: 3:33
Vidder on LJ: talitha78
Why this vid must be viewed: For me this is Rome and Brian in a nutshell. The vid perfectly showcases their wonderful chemistry and it's so very shiny and sexy and happy making.

Don't you feel the passion ready to explode?

Fandom: Dark Angel/Supernatural
Title: To Conceal a Fox
Pairing/Characters: John, Wee!Chesters, X5-494 (Alec)
Author on LJ: lori_leaf
Length: 11,639
Author Website: on LJ To Conceal a Fox

Why this must be read: Author's summary: John only has two sons. So why is there a boy who looks just like Dean, only several years too young? I loved this series! The premiss, character voices the whole nine yards. Pre series on both Dark Angel & Supernatural. Personally love that John's a good guy and rescues X5-494. A fun read!

Additional snips in this verse: The Care abd Feeding of Your New Family Pet, When I Find Myself in Times of Trouble, The Relucant Big Brother, 15 Winchester Family Secrets, Just Another Day at the Park, More Winchester Family Secrets, The Scientific Theories of Alec Winchester, Alec's Name is Mud, Test, 1, 2, 3..., "An Apple a Day" and Other Childhood Myths

( excerpt )

Fandom: Fairy Tales: The Selkie
Pairing: The Selkie/OFC
Length: 1486 words
Author Website: at AO3

Why this must be read: One more reason for selkies to pair up with women than with men.

Catherine is a young living in a castle by the sea while her husband is off to Calais. She meets a selkie and, through mutual loneliness, they strike up a friendship. As the months go by, the husband is not in sight and the selkie must make a decision. Enjoy.

Sealskin

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Fandom: Dark Angel/Supernatural
Title: By Firelight
Pairing/Characters: Dean, Ben
Author on LJ: tigriswolf
Length: 530
Author Website: on AO3 by firelight

Why this must be read: Author's summary: “Call me Dean,” his older self said, covered in gore. “It’ll keep things simple.” A delicious snip with the power to stay with you for a long time as we get a glimspe of wee Ben with Dean.

Fandom: PERSON OF INTEREST
Pairing: Harold Finch/John Reese
Length: 1030 words
Author on LJ: menagerie
Author Website: AO3

Why this must be read: this fic looks at the most divisive and shattering episode of Person of Interest from a slash perspective and works.

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The death of Detective Joss Carter was the peniultimate event in POI fandom. It broke hearts, drove many out of the fandom and caused anger and despair among those who stayed. It happened in December 2013 and was one reason I had trouble doing the recs for this comm the way I should have because even if I wasn’t sobbing over her death, the way the fandom was affected upset everyone. Not only was a loved character and woman of color killed in what some saw as a senseless quest for ratings or to inflict man pain on John Reese, many fans, myself included, felt scenes between Carter and Reese in what proved to be their last hours together were greeted with accusations they were out of character, too soon, too little, too much and worse, a retcon of the motivations of John Reese’s character from the previous two seasons. While those who shipped him with Carter saw a slow building sexual tension on screen, others, both non-shippers and slashers alike, didn’t pick up on those elements. For two years, Reese told anyone he met, strangers, numbers he was helping, random passersby, that it was Finch who saved him and gave him a reason to live. Suddenly, in the episode The Crossing, while trapped and surrounded by bad guys and facing near certain death, he started telling Carter that it was she who saved and changed him. Not to downplay her role in his life, many still felt this came out of left field, while the het shippers were rejoicing to see their fondest dreams realized – only to have them dashed not fifteen minutes later when Carter and Reese were shot by ambush and she died in his arms. For the Careese fans it was a shock to have the rug swept out from under them by apparently deceitful show runners. For the Rinch contingent, it was equally baffling. Did TPTB intend to forget that Reese had said dozens of times that he regarded Finch as the one to whom he owed his life and that, even with Carter dead, would the relationship we had come to adore be ignored in the “new direction” the show was taking? For many, POI is their first fandom or first slash fandom and this seeming reversal took even long time fans slash goggles and ground them under the heel of writers who had apparently thrown out the canon of the last 40 episodes of the show.

How could John Reese show affection for Carter, say those things to her and even kiss her when he loves Finch? If they had never taken their relationship that far, how could they now? If they were already lovers, what did it mean?

Thank goodness for Managerie. Into this maelstrom of anguish and tears, she delivered this fic that put things into perspective.

Reese has also been shot and since this fic picks up immediately after the end of the episode and was written before the subsequent one in which we saw the severity of his injuries, Managerie skillfully tells us just enough about how badly he may be hurt, having Finch and Shaw do first aid in a hotel room they’ve gone to hide from authorities in, as Reese sobs out his pain and despair to Finch.

Managerie not only posits an ongoing sexual relationship between Reese and Finch, she doesn’t shy away from the canonical idea that Reese and Zoe have been friends with benefits either. In her hands, we learn that Reese, the damaged warrior, has been trying to figure out what Finch wants with him by the mixed signals Finch has been sending out. He also hints at what kind of a man his father expected him to be and his self loathing for his misdeeds with the Army and CIA are never far from the surface of this man who only seemingly has put himself back together since joining Finch in his quest to save lives.

Through Managerie’s words, I could see Reese’s trembling body, hear his catching breaths and practically taste his tears and he tries to express to Finch why he said what he did to Carter and how confused and lost he now feels. Desperate, he says what he never would if he were wounded and grieving, he asks Finch what he did wrong. Of course, Finch says he has done nothing.
John gathered some toilet paper to wipe his eyes and blow his nose, “Then why do you keep kicking me out of your bed? I thought we figured out the sex pretty well.”
Harold blushed, stood and busied himself with the medical supplies before he answered. “Our sex life is wonderful Mr. Reese. However, I feel it would be wrong of me to steal your chance at a family.”
But Reese feels he doesn’t deserve a normal life and family and hthis man who will never forgive himself for the lives he’s taken has been unable to reconcile what he does want.
Managerie ends on a poignant note, just as the next couple of episodes did, giving the reader just the right amount of explantion and hope. POI fans know that Reese and Finch, however they regard their relationship, have entered into a pact that may all too soon end in both their deaths.
As for the fandom, I am seeing signs of recovery as the few episodes since Carter’s death have aired. It remains to be seen whether the fiction or the fannish energy will return and only time will tell.



The Crossing Over/a>

Title: Catherine's Fairy-Tale by ryfkah
Character: Catherine Morland Tilney
Length: 1091 words
Author Website: at AO3

Why this must be read: It's a great merge between the two canons.

Catherine is now grown and a married lady, but she hasn't lost her spirit of adventure. When a giant beanstalk shows up inexplicably in the middle of her garden and her husband gone to town, she has to weigh her options. Enjoy.

Catherine's Fairy-Tale

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Fandom: Dark Angel
Title: Upshots of Villainy and Genetic Anomalies
Pairing/Characters: Alec/Logan
Author on LJ: cyndrarae
Length: 5,444
Author Website: on AO3 Upshots of Villainy and Genetic Anomalies

Why this must be read: Author's inspired prompt: “Alec goes into heat while caught by White. White is oh so helpful when he tosses in Logan.”
First my favorite pairing and favorite trope in this fandom heat fic. I loved cyndrarae's take. The voices were spot on, but Alec's mental anguish as he tries to fight against his biology- emotional angsty porn what's not to love ;)

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Sadly this is my last rec. I probably shouldn't have signed up in the first place since I’m a slow reader. Then with holidays/RL it was a bit too much, but with the comm closing I couldn't resist. Obviously I failed to deliver in a timely matter by posting earlier in the month. The only thing I can do is offer to do my part to keep Dark Angel alive via jam_pony_fic. Once I signed up I started a long list of fics that needed to be recc’d, I’ll continue reading and adding recs under the tag: (Category: recs). So if you're perusing crack_van's tags and want more DA, please come on over and check us out =)

Lastly to the Mods, it’s not enough but thank You!!!

Fandom: BLAKE'S 7
Pairing: Blake/Avon (who else?), ensemble
Length: 15,300w
Author on LJ: executrix
Author Website: on Ao3, then there are various other locations around the web, including Hermit and Liberated.org
Why this must be read: And we end with a fic from 2014! The very year that I am writing to you from now. Let me get this straight before we begin: I am reccing this fic because I think it is very, very good (and indeed one of the best from the author's oeuvre), otherwise I would not rec it. However, it does also please me to have this as a final rec, because as you may or may not know, faithful reader, executrix was Blake's 7's first reccer and was certainly part of the fandom at the point where there were zines and cons and more than 30 people (we get more and more people every day, though!). So I think it's nice that people from the earlier era of fandom are still writing for us, and that what they are writing is really great.

To talk specifically about this fic - it's also interesting that people can still have (probably?) new ideas after 30 years of fandom. I've never seen any other fics about Avon becoming president in the wake of the Andromedan War. There are a few about him as president, but they're usually post series 4 (or PGP). This early splitting off from canon really affects the characters, and not in a way that you see much elsewhere. Similarly, Avon in power is usually presented as something dark and Servalan-like. Here, it is his own particular 'sentimental about money'/'the rest? have the same chance as I have' outlook on life that dominates his presidency, and makes an enemy of Blake the idealist (even though this Blake also loves him) but in a way that's ironically more difficult to fight against than flat-out evil. The political universe created by this fic is fascinating, and great fun (though not for Blake).

Executrix's prose is always dense with literary, religious and Blake's 7 references, as well as other jokes and clever asides. I get to end of her fics and think 'I've probably missed loads of that', but fortunately the internet is forever and you can re-read, and I do. I've read this one three times already and, as I stated above, it's only been published about a fortnight :)

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Link: Iron Man

Fandom: ONE DIRECTION
Pairing: Harry/Louis
Length: ~5,000 words
Author on LJ: disarm_d
Author on AO3: disarm_d
Why this must be read:

There is a sad dearth of The X-Factor-era fic, given how painfully smitten Harry and Louis were; and an even sadder dearth of quality D/s fic, given Lou's borderline pathological need to play ringmaster, Harry's eagerness to please, and the many, many clues Harry has laid down that suggest he might be a bit kinky. Here's an awesome little PWP that combines both.

Every time Harry says please, it takes them a little further down the rabbit hole.

Like in Cinderella, time is running out, and I expect this will be my last rec. It's been a blast having one last joyride. Cheers.

Fandom: Fairy Tales: Cinderella
Pairing/Characters: Cinderella/Princess, Cinderella/Stepmother
Length: 10K
Author Website: at AO3

Why this must be read: It's got the canon pieces but it's put together in a world of royal hierarchy and court intrigue.

Despite the pairing, there's no "ick incest" factor here. Cinderella is already grown and out of the house when her father marries his second wife, and they have no mother-daughter dynamic going. What they do have is a lot of secrets, a lot of politics and a lot of UST going on. Moody and absorbing and twisty. Enjoy.

Noire

If you like this, take a moment to tell the author. Feedback is precious and appreciated!

Several other people seem to be last-minute reccing vids, so I am going to finish my Blake's 7 recs with a quick vid rec. That really is it, though. Thank you, and goodnight.

So long, crack_van, and thanks for all the fishcs.

Vidder: zukalis
Musical artist: Bonnie Tyler
Pairing: Ensemble
Vidder on LJ: ?
Vidder's website: on Youtube
Why this vid kicks ass: Let's start with a quickly slid in rec for the series 2 trailer that the actual BBC produced (just for the DVDs) and put on their actual DVDs. What I love about this trailer is that it presents Blake's 7 as this exciting, fast-paced action show where people are always running around and punching other people, and things explode, and people let of quips, and THE TENSION IS REALLY HIGH. I love that. The show does have all those moments, and it has a lot of quips, but you get quite an odd idea of what it's like from the Beeb trailer.

This vid is fast and funny, which I like, and it has a very 80s song choice that fits with the look/feel of the show. It's a bit like that trailer I linked to in that it is a highly entertaining compilation of running and jumping and punching (including some nice bits where women literally kick ass too, because B7 is good like that). I also feel, though, that unlike the Beeb version this vid has been made with a sense of irony and it understands that the men of Blake's 7 are not really known for being like this really (the women are, though).

One of the most famous exchanges in the show is:

VILA Where are all the good guys?
BLAKE You could be looking at them.
AVON What a very depressing thought.

But they also all are heroes :D Even if it's only because Blake made them do it.

Link: Holding Out For A Hero

Fandoms: RÓMEÓ ÉS JÚLIA / LA VIE PARISIENNE - OFFENBACH
Pairing/Characters: Mercutio/Métella, Raoul de Gardefeu/Tybalt, Bobinet with implied Bobinet/Gardefeu/Tybalt/Mercutio/Métella
Length: 3 drawings
Artist on Tumblr: apfelstrudelz
Artist Website: most art is under the atovision tag (note: sometimes gory) | other art on DeviantArt at ruberoidz, although nothing Rómeó és Júlia as of this post
Why this must be seen:

Alas, there is no crossover fic for this fandom yet, but there is some glorious crossover art, and perhaps someday it may inspire fic! Atov's art all has an energy that I love, with interesting compositions, beautiful coloring, and distinctly drawn characters.

"Veronai élet" ("Veronese Life") is a series of gorgeous drawings depicting the results of a somewhat cracky crossover where Mercutio and Tybalt somehow find themselves in late 19th century Paris, entangled with the wacky lives of the dandies and courtesans of Offenbach's comic operetta La Vie parisienne. Instead of everyone dying, Métella finds Mercutio helpful for more than one purpose, Gardefeu flirts shamelessly with this weird angry guy who looks remarkably like his friend and rival Bobinet, and everything ends in champagne and probably orgies.

Veronai élet

Thank you so much for the opportunity to rec my favorite tiny fandom! I'm sad to see the crack_van era come to an end. While my Rómeó és Júlia recs ended up being something of a Tybalt & Mercutio show due to what currently exists, there's plenty of opportunity to write about other characters, including the women, and our little fandom is always excited to lure in new writers. If you missed it the first time, you can find out more about how to watch the show in the fandom overview.

Fandom: RÓMEÓ ÉS JÚLIA
Characters: Tybalt, Mercutio
Length: 1040 words
Author on LJ: sophia_sol
Author Website: fic on AO3
Why this must be read:

A concise and deceptively complex take on another possible backstory for Tybalt and Mercutio, in "from the same sky" they might be something like friends—but despite their youth, Tybalt already has no hope, and Mercutio has already learned cruelty. They're "fine" for now, almost happy, perhaps (and the story delivers on gorgeous Tybalt hair porn as well), but it's all shadowed by the looming future.

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from the same sky

If you enjoy this story, please take a moment to tell the author. Tiny fandom writers always appreciate encouragement!

Fandom: THE EAGLE
Pairing/Characters: Esca/Marcus
Length: 2126
Author on LJ: seascribe
Author's Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

Language and the role it can play in a fic, especially in a fandom like The Eagle where the native language of the two main characters is not the same is something I've always found fascinating.  And in this fic, the author does a fantastic job of using language and illustrating the conflict that can arise from it.  For Esca, Latin was something that reminded him of being a slave and he struggles to find peace with hearing Marcus use it when they are together.  But this fic is so much more than exploring the barriers caused by language, it's also a sweet story about love and acceptance.

Surrender on Both Sides

Fandom: THE HUNGER GAMES
Pairing: Katniss Everdeen/Peeta Mellark (Everlark)
Length: 25,798 words
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: Author on AO3 | Author on FFN | Author on Tumblr
Why this must be read: There's a class war brewing between the Haves and Have-Nots in the town of Panem and Katniss Everdeen has found herself in the middle of it. This story haunts me. Modern day AU Hunger Games fic is a popular genre in the fandom and when I think of modern day Hunger Games fic this is the one I hold as the gold standard. There's a powerful social and economic commentary throughout the series that takes what author Suzanne Collins hit upon in her trilogy and takes it to the next level. It's highly complex and well though out story that deserves a wider audience.  There's a WIP sequel that is oh so good as well.

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Never Going Back Again by Abagail Snow
Second Hand News by Abagail Snow (WIP sequel)

Fandom: THE EAGLE
Pairing/Characters: Esca/Marcus
Length: 1401
Author on LJ: sineala
Author's Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

I don't know if there is anyone more prolific in The Eagle fandom than sineala.  But even more so, it's her eye for details and wonderful characterization that elevates her stories as among the best.  It was difficult to figure out which one of her stories I wanted to rec from the epic Chosen Man to the one that features one of my favorite tropes soulbonds, Children of the Sun.

In the end, I chose this fic as my last rec because I love pining and I loved how much such a simple gesture could evoke so much for Esca.  The way Romans touch each other is something Esca never wants for himself until he meets Marcus and there's a quiet beauty in how Esca starts to pine for Marcus to touch him the same way.  It's a lovely fic that follows along canon and so much is expressed in so few words.


Hands

I didn't have time to rec as much as I would've liked but this covers my last time reccing here on crack_van.  Thank you for the memories and the joy, it's been an honor and a pleasure to rec here.  You'll be missed.

Vidder: killabeez
Musical artist: Anais Mitchell
Pairing: Katniss Everdeen, ensemble
Vidder on LJ: killabeez
Vidder's website: vid tag

Why this vid kicks ass: For me, Dyin' Day had been a Hunger Games song ever since I first heard it and I often wished that someone would vid to it. Flashforward to vividcon2013 and this gem of a vid enters the world. This is a devastating vid. The violence of the games, the fear in the districts, and the loss of innocent children are front and center here. The song selection fits it so beautifully and the editing is a perfect complement to it. Watch this vid and the ugly reality of The Hunger Games reality opens up to you.


Dyin' Day by killabeez

That you all so much for allowing me the opportunity to rec some Hunger Games stories for you. Please, please check out the authors' individual sites. If you liked what you read, there are so many other wonderful stories out there to discover. The authors I featured are some of the best. You won't be disappointed.

Fandom: THE HUNGER GAMES
Pairing: Katniss Everdeen/Peeta Mellark (Everlark)
Length: 2191 words
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: Author on FFN
Why this must be read: This is a different twist on the Peeta as a Capitol citizen trope used in an earlier rec. Here he is an idealistic heir to Panem and his infatuation with the victor of the 74th Hunger Games doesn't stem from a desire to possess but from a desire to connect to another human being. This story is taut and excellently plotted. It's a tough balancing act for Katniss as she's pulled between the need to keep her family as far from President Snow's radar and her curiosity with his isolated and sheltered grandson. Her world slowly goes crumbling down when Peeta's well-meaning and thoughtful actions are used to pull Katniss further into the Capitol's world.


( Excerpt )


The Heir to Panem by DustWriter