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"I Adjust" by Mardy (not rated, but PG at most)

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:20:00 GMT

Posted by: stars-inthe-sky.livejournal.com

This is, tragically, my last musical theater rec for the month--I'm about to head out of town for the holidays, and Internet access will be sporadic (although I'll see what I can do for the Drive-In next Friday). It's been a pleasure sharing these new and old favorites with all of you this month. Happy holidays!

Fandom: Musical Theater / Chess
Pairing: Freddie/Florence, Anatoly/Florence
Length: 1500 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: At AO3

Why this must be read: "I Adjust" is a sharp-eyed character study of Florence, her flaws and successes, and the way she adapts to restarting her life over and over. Come for the rendering of her relationships with Anatoly and Freddie--each layered and distinct--and stay for the brutally honest look into Florence Vassy. Mardy has a clear understanding of these characters, and it shows.

( Sometimes a kiss is just a kiss, but between them, as often as not, it's a change of subject. )

I Adjust

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"In the Blue Light of the Flame" by allfireburns (G)

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:18:00 GMT

Posted by: stars-inthe-sky.livejournal.com

Fandom: Musical Theater / Chess
Pairing: Freddie/Florence, Anatoly/Florence
Length: 262 words
Author on LJ: find_rightbrain
Author Website: Maybe There's a Light That's Always On

Why this must be read: As with yesterday's recommendation (and actually by the same author), this fic deals with the ongoing magnetism between Freddie and Florence even as she pulls away. "In the Blue Light of the Flame," an old favorite of mine, deals with the aftermath of Anatoly's departure, and considers how Florence deals with what comes next for her. It's a short entry but a headcanon-worthy one, and the author absolutely nails both characters.

( It would be so easy to go back... )

In the Blue Light of the Flame

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"Together and Apart" by allfireburns (G)

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:32:00 GMT

Posted by: stars-inthe-sky.livejournal.com

Fandom: Musical Theater / Chess
Pairing: Freddie/Florence, Anatoly/Florence
Length: 262 words
Author on LJ: find_rightbrain
Author Website: Maybe There's a Light That's Always On

Why this must be read: There's something long-term and abiding in Florence and Freddie's relationship. It's pretty clear by "Nobody's Side" why she would want to leave him, but you don't end up having "taken shit for seven years" without a reason. In almost no space, this fic gets right to that contradiction, as well as the fundamental differences in the way the two champions treat her. There's not necessarily a better or worse, just a quiet respect for what Florence and Freddie had.

Together and Apart

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"Things I Didn't Want To Know" by chicafrom3 (G)

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:14:00 GMT

Posted by: stars-inthe-sky.livejournal.com

Fandom: Musical Theater / Chess
Pairing: Gen, really, though I suppose it could be Anatoly/Freddy if you squinted enough, and there are references to canon pairings
Length: 50 one-sentence drabbles
Author on LJ: chicafrom3
Author Website: fandomfrom3

Why this must be read: Most Chessfic focuses on individual characters, or on Florence's relationship to the Russian or to the American. So it's refreshing to see fic like "Things I Didn't Want To Know," which focuses on the relationship between the two champions, as adversaries in chess and romance, and the grudging respect that grows between them over the years. This particular story is told through a series of one-sentence snippets out of chronological order--which turns out to be less confusing than it sounds, and just the right way to tell this particular iteration.

( Checkmate. )

Things I Didn't Want To Know

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