Never Tell Anybody Anything by unreckless (R)

[littlestclouds.livejournal.com]

Fandom: BASEBALL RPF
Pairing: Rick Porcello/Ryan Perry, Rick Porcello/Rich Harden
Length: 44,000
Author on LJ: unreckless
Author Website: likeanything
Why this must be read: I love nothing more than a good bildungsroman. I really enjoy pieces that trace character growth/trajectory, and this fic does that very well. Rick Porcello is a rookie navigating his way through his first Major League season, as well as his sexuality and his attraction to his teammate and best friend, Ryan Perry. unreckless weaves in various family members and teammates, creating something that feels like an ensemble piece, while not losing sight of Rick and his everyday struggles—both external and internal. Jake, Rick's brother, steals the show in almost every scene he's in, and the other teammates and relatives' appearances don't feel extraneous or unnecessary. They all add to the story that's being told.

There's always something about him that immediately pings him as still in his packaging, some shine of cellophane he hasn't figured out how to tear off yet, and he always gets fucking carded, even in the diviest dives where nobody's gotten that treatment since before Derek Jeter was a rookie.

Never Tell Anybody Anything