crack_van | Category #2 by marginaliana (Teen/PG)

And here we are again, I promised some Mitchell and Webb, and have come to deliver.

Fandom: RPF (British Comedy)
Pairing: David Mitchell/Robert Webb
Length: 4039
Author on LJ:

marginaliana
Author Website: On AO3
Why this must be read:

David figuring out what he's missed is a rather common (though always adored to me) trope in Mitchell-centric fic. That said, this piece brings something amazingly fresh and unexpected to the party. I will say that this piece deals heavily with Rob's marriage and how David copes (or doesn't) with it. I find that while the overall tendency in shippy RPF is to either ignore or break up a "canon" relationship, BritCom tends much more towards a slightly more realistic exploration of relationships that don't take that road. This story is no exception, the real-life relationship is handled excellently and doesn't detract anything from the shippy value.

Marginaliana's command of David's tone and inner workings is fantastic. The concept of David sorting his world into three compartments (things that were worth thinking about, things he can't afford to think about, and things that he's allowed to think about only insofar as they contribute to the comedy) leads to his views on Rob - being a bit of category #3 and increasingly category #2. As the story progresses, it parallels the relationship that Rob has with his wife and their soon-to-be baby with their own development and birthing of This Mitchell and Webb Book. And the ending just feels right. Trust me, if you read only one Mitchell and Webb fic (and why would you?) I strongly recommend this one.

Category #2