Worth a Thousand Words by wizefics (PG)

[harmonyangel.livejournal.com]

Fandom: MARVEL COMICS
Pairing: Hank/Bobby
Length: 4,800 words
Author on LJ: wizefics
Author Website: N/A (all fic can be found on the LJ under fandom tags)
Why this must be read:

I’ve tried not to make this recs list heavily X-Men-centric, because the Marvel Universe is a big and sprawling place, but I’ve hardly recced any slash so far and I haven’t recced anything about these characters, so I think it’s fair to include it. Especially since this fic is so good, and new, and definitely deserves wider recognition.

Set during the X-Men: First Class era (i.e. the original 5 X-Men), this story deals with two distinct themes: the terror a boy might feel upon accidentally revealing his affections for a (presumably) straight male friend, and the anxiety felt by an already-maligned minority group when they experience public backlash for being another minority altogether. This was written for lgbtfest, and as such it tackles these issues directly and honestly, with all the awkwardness and anger and confusion they would produce. But this is X-Men: First Class, those innocent days before life became so sordid and complicated and tragic for the X-Men, and the Bobby and Hank here are both still hopeful, happy teens, trying their best to work through their confusions and make the best of the situation. Both characters are spot-on, especially Bobby in the POV role, and the use of the rest of the ensemble is also excellent. Plus, let’s face it: there isn’t enough Hank/Bobby fic in the world, for how slashy they can be. This story helps to fill that void, and it does so fantastically.

Worth a Thousand Words