Old Zen Paradox by Halotolerant (NC-17)

[m31andy.livejournal.com]

Fandom: LIFE ON MARS
Pairing: Sam Tyler/Gene Hunt
Author on LJ: halotolerant
Author Website: n/a
Why this must be read:

Or: If two policeman shag and no one hears them, does that mean it didn't happen?

This is probably my favourite Sam/Gene fic out there. It is an absolutely beautiful character piece on the pairing, warts and all, and how they overcome the difficulties of being two 70's coppers who just happen to be shagging.

Music had never exactly played a large role in Gene Hunt’s sex life. Not, that is, beyond the loud stuff in a club that would prevent the bird of the moment hearing him change her drinks order to a double. He had always felt that he was above using heavy songs for seduction – not for him long steamy ballads from a record player or – heaven help us – going to one of those poncey restaurants where flipping violin players lurked over your shoulder.

For these reasons, sex for Gene had always sounded like, well, like sex. Like fucking – movement, moaning, wet noises and the slap of skin against skin. The noises you got through a wall, the noises they shoved onto porno flicks to help you get your jollies. Gloriously impersonal and wonderfully gratifying.

Not any more though.

Now the soundtrack of sex – the thuds and cries, whimpers and yells that had always been a victory parade – had to be removed and replaced.

Now that he was having sex with Sam Tyler.

That Old Zen Paradox

Comments

[jamie-dakin.livejournal.com]

I can't even hope to tally the number of times I've read this fic - and it never, ever gets old. It's perfect. Not in a 'oh, it's fantastic' way. I mean perfect.

I keep meaning to say how much I'm enjoying your turn at the wheel, thanks for a brilliant month!

[m31andy.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I've saved my favourite two pieces for last. This one was just *amazing*. It's beautiful and sweet and bittersweet all at the same time.

Thanks! I've had a brilliant time compiling all these recs. I really didn't think I was going to be able to keep going, not because of lack of fic to rec but because there are so many! There's tonnes I've missed out (including your wonderful "At Round Earth's Imagined Corners"), but hopefully someone else will have a chance soon to rec some of the jewels that are still missing.

[jamie-dakin.livejournal.com]

Na, even I don't entirely get that fic sometimes. I don't think it would be particularly merciful to subject the casual LoM readers to such sordid insanity, might scare them away... ;)

[halotolerant.livejournal.com]

Wow. I'm rather overwhelmed. Thank you, I am just ridiculously pleased :D

You've done an amazing job with this rec set, I have to say, getting some representation from so many aspects of the fandom, and I know I've found things through your recs I otherwise would have sadly missed. I hope crack_van do decide to let LoM have a more permanent place, because then someone can rec your writing!

[m31andy.livejournal.com]

*grin*

Thanks. It was difficult to start with, then Loz started up the recs fortnight and I was able to put my thoughts in order and get a better spread of fic. Plus Dorcas's Masterlist was a *godsend*.

It would be nice to see the fandom recced again, so fingers crossed we have some volunteers. I'm off for a nice lie down now!