The End That Crowns Us by Ana (NC-17)

[lyr]

Fandom: FIREFLY
Pairing: Mal/Jayne, Jayne/Simon, Zoe/Wash, Mal/Inara
Length: 4,802 words
Author on LJ: ana_grrl
Author Website: Ana Fic
Why this must be read: Ana calls this story a collection of four apocasmutlets, and it's true that all four sections are about having sex before dying. But that description does not really convey the stunning desperation and desire, the last shreds of comfort in the face of disaster, or the terribly powerful emotional experiences that infuse this story. All four parts pack a solid gut-punch, and the contrast of cold despair and warm skin is breathtakingly compelling. On top of that, Ana does an outstanding job of staying true to character and voice, and of making each pairing work so completely that they feel like they must be canon. The most amazing thing about this story, though, is the adept way Ana uses the pressure of impending doom to bring out the core essence of who these people really are and what they mean to each other.

The End That Crowns Us

Comments

[executrix.livejournal.com]

I've been meaning to say that, not only am I grateful for being recced, but you are doing an AMAZING job as reviewer. It's not easy to express the how and why of a story in a few graceful words, but you are *hitting* it.

[ana-grrl.livejournal.com]

Again, thank you for the amazing rec. I love the way you're describing all of the stories you're recommending (not just mine!).

[lyr]

Again, you're welcome. And also, thank you right back!

[lyr]

Aww, thanks! I'm so glad you think so. This is more fun than I expected, and I've barely made a dent in my pile of banked Firefly recs. I'll definitely have to try this again sometime.

And, of course, I was happy to rec you. Long live Austenfly!