Opsis by Punk Maneuverability (PG)

[memento64.livejournal.com]

Fandom: X-FILES
Pairing: None (Mulder/Scully UST)
Author on LJ: Not that I can find.
Author Website: The Underground
Why this must be read: This story takes Mulder and Scully out of their element and has them facing destruction and horror that is all too explainable, yet no less disturbing.  It’s the details in Punk’s story that make it amazing—they are precise, creating a clarity of imagery that can only come from artfully chosen words and phrases; you can almost taste the ash, feel the flames from the fires, as you read this fic.  The relationship is not a “romance,” but the undercurrent of what remains unspoken between the partners grounds this story and creates an additional layer of meaning to what is already a densely layered tale.  The story is short, but the length belies the evocative quality of Punk’s often admired (and rightfully so) prose.

The sirens were wailing again, and Scully couldn't remember a night
when they hadn't. Turning over in bed, she groaned and kicked at
the sheets that lay twisted around her ankles.

The window was open, and the night air crept in heavy with the
scent of fire. The same smell was in her hair and her clothes. It had
settled into the upholstery of her car, the grout of her shower. The
black taste of carbon lingered in the back of her throat like cheap
wine, and nothing she did would erase its bitter ghost.

Opsis

Comments

[humming-along.livejournal.com]

Here's punk on LJ runpunkrun

[memento64.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I was part of the XF fandom pre-LJ, so finding where all of the "old" authors ended up has been difficult. I'm always psyched to see to find that an author whose work I truly enjoyed is still out there.

[emily-shore.livejournal.com]

Just wanted to say that you've been bringing absolutely fantastic recs this month, up to and including this one.

[memento64.livejournal.com]

Thank you. It's absolutely a pleasure to share the stories I've loved for so long with other people.