Well, folks. This is my last Grimm posting for the month. I hope everyone found some wonderful stuff to read. I look forward to driving this van again some time, and I hope other people start driving as well. I'd love to find more lovely ficcage. Everyone have a great weekend and enjoy the vid!

Vidder: HelenaJole
Musical Artist: Grimm-ified version (written by Iain MacKinnon) of Rainbow Connection by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher
Pairing: none; gen
Vidder on LJ: unknown
Vidder's Website: YouTube
Why this vid kicks ass:

I adore this vid! Someone took the Muppet song "Rainbow Connection" and Grimm-ified it into something spectacular. Nick is trying to find his way through this new Portland with the help of his Blutbad and Fuchsbau friends and find the Wesen Connection. This vid just really explores Nick's new world, his trying to find his place within it, and all the while making the viewer laugh like crazy.

The Wesen Connection

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: Farley Kolt/Marie Kessler
Length: 11,532 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Fanfic.net
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: When dealing with a Steinadler, it's always best to trust your gut. Marie Kessler finds this difficult, mainly because one Farley Kolt keeps making her stomach do annoying little flip-flops, despite probably being the most arrogant man she's ever met.

I loved seeing a different side to Marie. She's a sister, a student, and a young girl feeling slightly giddy on a date. And yet, she's also the badass Grimm we know her as and doesn't hesitate to stand up for herself. I really like how the author portrayed her relationship with Kelly. They bicker as sisters can and yet they're there to help with the makeup and threaten the boyfriend for each other.

Really liked how the author portrayed Farley Kolt as well. He's brash, arrogant, and absolutely gorgeous. We can see why he swept Marie off her feet and came close to marrying her before the tragedy that struck with her sister. The author really brings us a realistic look at how a Wesen and a Grimm might act on a first date. And yet, she shows us how romance can overcome those differences and just makes you smile at the end.

Bird Watcher

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: none: gen (thought header also says Nick/Monroe)
Length: 1,664 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: “So, you’re it now. The resident Grimm. Got a plan?”

A wonderful look at the early stages of the Nick and Monroe friendship. You can feel how awkward they still are, and yet, the potential for the strong bond we see in canon is visible as well. Even after retreating from the hospital in episode 2, he still keeps Nick at the top of his thoughts. When Nick comes for comfort from Marie's death, Monroe is there to provide the expensive coffee and accept the payment bagels.

(three points) in your favour

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: Nick/Monroe
Length: 2,826 words
Author on LJ: carlough
Author Website: AO3, Fanfic.net
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: For the prompt: "A domestic Monroe/Nick, where they move in together for the first time and set out some rules. Monroe has all these small, ridiculous rules that makes Nick want to laugh."

I loved how domestic this piece was. Two guys integrating their domiciles and habits into one household. Little things like how best to load the toilet paper dispenser or how to squeeze the toothpaste tube made Nick and Monroe so down to Earth and real. I know that toilet paper thing was a ongoing source of amusement in my household with my Dad agreeing with Monroe, 100%. XD

And then there's the hilarity. I swear I had a grin from rule one, and it stayed on my face the whole way through. Carlough has a way with using a solely dialogue driven piece and making us just visualize Monroe's creepy Precious Moments collection (evil clown and dead baby figurines! XD) and the crisp lines of his hospital-like-folded bed linen. And you can just picture Nick's eye rolls and sighs of patience at Monroe's OCD rules. They're there to help with wolf control, but egads... Just some hilarious stuff!

The Care and Feeding of Your Blutbad (In Ten Easy-To-Follow Rules)

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: none ; gen
Length: 19,111 words
Author on LJ: luthienberen
Author Website: Fanfic.net, AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: A mysterious death in Forest Park leads to Monroe going missing. Nick races to find his friend.

Another suspenseful action/adventure fic that draws on the unexplored side of the Grimm world (at least in canon) as Monroe disappears in the woods and Nick needs to help him. I loved how drawn into the story the reader becomes. We become eased in with some wonderful Nick and Monroe banter (rockin' character voices!). Then a case arises that gets weirder and weirder until we have a missing Blutbad and a Grimm who would push the limits of his tolerance and patience to save his friend.

I've really got to shine a light on the Nick-Monroe friendship in this piece. Luthienberen has made it so strong and vibrant. Not that it isn't already in canon, but she's really bitten into the meat of their relationship. Monroe's deep faith in Nick's ability to help him and Nick's determined efforts in getting that help to him are all amazingly portrayed. Two men in a strong bond who would do anything for each other, what else is the true definition of friendship?

Unbreakable Bond

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: Nick/Monroe
Length: 8,800 words
Author on LJ: rabidchild67
Author Website: Masterlist on LJ
Warnings: violence and major character death (Groundhog Day kind of a give away and he always comes back to life...)
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: No matter how hard he tries, Monroe can’t stop Nick from dying all the damn time.

Groundhog Day like scenarios are always favorites of mine, whether they be in fanfiction or in canon episodes like Supernatural's "Mystery Spot". Rabidchild67 gives us the Grimm version with some nice connections to the mystery that is Renard (so didn't see that possibility!) and some wonderful Nick and Monroe bantering. She's interwoven these character voices and this trope so well into the fabric of Grimm that it's like watching Grimm's own "Mystery Spot" episode.

I also love how Rabidchild67 put together the tragedy of Nick dying repeatedly, how that affects Monroe, and the macabre humor of how many flippin' different ways she finds to kill Nick off. I know it's tragic to watch your friend/loved one die over and over, knowing that no matter what you, they'll die. However, when some of the way those deaths occur are by rabid Chihuahuas' and the whole shaving incident, I can't help the chuckles from just bursting forth! Everything is meshed together into a great fic to occupy some time with.

I’ll Never Let You Go (If You Promise Not to Fade Away)

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: Nick/Monroe
Length: ~8,200 words
Author on LJ: laceymcbain
Author Website: Sticky Man Press, AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: "Why don't you just tell me why Hank thinks I run a book club on the first Monday evening of the month, and why he's offered to bring artichoke dip, which sounds awesome by the way, to the next meeting?” Nick closed his eyes, and when he spoke his voice was a rush of words. “Because it was better than him thinking we were having sex?” Monroe had always wanted to belong to a Book Club, but he'd never imagined it would be to help out Nick.

I love the humor in this. As Nick digs himself deeper and deeper with Hank about why he's spending more time with Monroe, I can just imagine his eyes getting bigger and bigger in alarm and that "oh shit!" feeling. XD And I love how easy going Monroe is about it. He rolls with the book club idea and really takes it over. It goes from an excuse as to why Nick is over at Monroe's so much to an actual event with red wine, artichoke dip, and a very smug Monroe as he tells Nick of the ultimate certainty that in a few months, they will be having sex.

I really liked how Lacey portrayed Nick's and Monroe's relationship. It's supportive, snarky, lively, and deep. They seem to be able to pick an idea from each other and just make it blossom; even if one of the two doesn't know it's blossoming into anything (poor, unobservant Nick... LOL XD). It's wonderful how Monroe knows just what is needed by Nick, be it comfort, being read to, or just a friendly beer after a hard day. Then there's all the UST in this; it builds and builds to the very last scene that will just leave you shivering.

The (Grimm and Blutbad) Book Club (for the Eager and the Doomed)

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: Nick/Monroe
Length: 1,876 words
Author on LJ: selimnagisokrov
Author Website: Fanfic.net
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: Prompt Fill for Anon on Grimm Kink. "What if Nick had this aggravating habit of getting himself stuck in strange places? Monroe's always getting the phone call begging for help out of tiny cracks in between buildings, up in trees, under the kitchen sink, sometimes in the doggy door..."

A dang funny parody/reminder of how many times Nick calls Monroe for advice and help in his Grimm endeavors. While some of these scenarios are plausible, some are just downright hilarious. If they ever become plausible, Nick better learn how to be really flexible. XD And just some of the images these situations needing rescue make like Nick stuck in dryer or a doggy door... Monroe labeling Nick on his phone as baby Grimm... And the pic that accompanies that label is Nick stuck in Angelina's doggy door... LOL I swear you'll be grinning big after reading this, if not downright laughing out loud like crazy.

Nick's Stuck in a Well

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: Nick/Monroe preslash ; however, could also be read as bromance
Length: 2,459 words
Author on LJ: csi_sanders1129
Author Website: Masterlist on LJ (Part 1 of 2)
Warnings: spoilers for episode 12
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: In the aftermath of the Lowen Games, Nick makes sure Monroe's okay.

Another lovely h/c coda to a Grimm episode, I love what csi_sanders1129 did with the whole Nick being Monroe's pack idea and how comfortable Monroe feels with leaving his vulnerable back in Nick's care. It shows the level of trust and camaraderie that has developed between these two men over the months and their common experiences. They know they have each other's backs (in this case very literally for Nick) and will defend, or comfort as the case may call for, each other.

This is also a very sad reminder of how far apart Nick's worlds are moving from each other, the cop/normal side and the Grimm/Wesen side. Nick is faced with the choice of Monroe vs Juliette, comforting a brother in arms (or something more) or trying to patch up a faltering relationship with a lover. In subsequent episodes, the rift between the worlds has never been resolved. One can only hope that some resolution will occur, either in further episodes or fanfiction. This one touches on its heart, blutbad vs lover, and raises a very interesting question. Which direction will Nick's life ultimately lead?

Watch Your Back

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: Renard/Nick
Length: 15,735 words
Author on LJ: xela_fic
Author Website: AO3, Masterlist on LJ
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: He’d signed and announced the Warrant of Appointment three days ago. Nick was officially Portland’s Hochmeister, a sovereign military asset operating under the auspices of the Crown. He just didn't know it. And then a rogue Grimm rolled into town to challenge Nick for his place. Renard won't let that stand, but Nick's natural curiosity was making it very hard to keep him safe.

Xela gives us a lush world of Wesen Royalty history, Grimm history, a modern power struggle between the Old and New Worlds, and our favorite "catch-and-release" Grimm, Nick, caught in the middle of it. I adore some of the descriptive details Xela lays out for us; I feel I'm right in the middle of the Wesen Königshof (kind of a court) or standing on top of a city building surveying a Regnant's kingdom with him.

I also really enjoyed the Renard and Nick dynamic in this one. Nick loses none of his badass Grimm-ness even though Renard does most of the fighting. Nick lets Renard know that he's his own man and will not surrender everything to anyone. Renard respects that and they come to a strong partnership by story's end.

The Measure of a King

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: none; gen
Length: 4,151 words
Author on LJ: laylabinx
Author Website: Fanfic.net
Warnings: spoilers for episode 8
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: Nick is hurt, Nick has unknowingly become part of Monroe's pack, and the protective wolf instincts are now rushing in like a hurricane

I really liked the comfort in this one, one guy who has been beat to hell and another who knows just the right combination of company, Arnica salve, vinegar, and cuddling required to help soothe the pain. Nick gets the snot beaten out of him by a troll Wesen, Oleg Stark, in epsiode 8. The actual episode doesn't give us a lot of comfort coming down from the traumatic event, so enter the lovely LaylaBinx ready to rectify that. Monroe comes over at just the right time to cuddle on the couch with Nick after applying soothing salve and vinegar to Nick's numerous ouchies. Wonderful comfort all around.

I also like how Layla touched on the violated feeling one feels when your home has been violently broken into and your family threatened. Everyone treats you differently (like the police force with Nick). You can never feel that homely comfort again, that feeling that once you've walked through your front door the entire world retreats and you're in your comfort zone. Layla lays that out starkly and even draws in elements of Grimm with Monroe's blutbad senses picking up the lingering scents of Stark and the police who tramped through Nick's home as they processed what became a crime scene. Against this backdrop of violation and broken safety zones, Monroe's comforting ways are even more needed and appreciated.

Close Comfort

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: Nick/Monroe
Length: 691 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: Nick and Monroe kicking ass and taking names in their old age.

And now the lighter of the two looks at Nick's and Monroe's later years. I adore Eligh's grasp of Nick's and Monroe's banter. Back and forth, it flows so effortlessly from her keyboard/pen. Even when they're two old, crotchety men hunting rogue Wesen three times younger than them, they're still snipping back and forth. They give each other hell over hunting techniques, driving skills, sarcastic pet names, and "damn kids these days" (fav line in the whole fic! XD).

And yet, we still feel the intense connection between these two men and the deep emotion they feel for each other. Even in glasses and moving with a cane, Monroe still steps between his Grimm and danger. He might be taking out a vengeful Jagerbar by thwacking him over the head with said cane (and oh that image makes me chuckle!), but we can just imagine the blood red eyes and fangs bared while protecting his man.

Whippersnappers

This is the first of the two stories by Eligh I wanted to share. They both provide us a look at Nick and Monroe in their later years. And yet such different fates...

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: Nick/Monroe
Length: 443 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: AO3
Warnings: major character death
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: They never said it.

To begin with, the tragic. Nick and Monroe fight and live side by side for years, snarking at each other all the way at the same time just knowing deep down that they love each other. While they may not exchange rings in a ceremony or give each other lavish gifts, the individualized intimate things like covering up each other's Reaper murders and a smirk/eye roll show their deep connection for each other. But at the bottom of their relationship, three little words are never said; they are understood by each other to be true but are never uttered.

That's what makes their final fate so tragic. As Monroe lies dead with his head in a grieving Nick's lap, the words are finally uttered, only they're sadly in the past tense. As Nick rises from his loved one's body, older and more experienced, the reader feels the weight of his sorrow and regret at not saying those words sooner, in a better time. He faces the rest of his battle with the knowledge that he'll be joining his loved one soon as he can't live without him. We're left with a tears in our heart and a hole in our gut after reading this very emotional look at one of Nick's and Monroe's final fates in later years.

Three Little Words

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: Nick/Juliette
Length: 14,384 words
Author on LJ: lionessvalenti
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: Juliette has hidden her family history from Nick for years. Now it's time for the truth to come out. Someone's life may depend on it.

This story gives so much depth to the Juliette character. We get family history, a character study, an in depth look at how devoted she is to Nick and her family at the same time, and her values. And then on top of that, we get to see how well she can kick ass when she's got to save her sister from a blood feud with only a very reluctant Monroe as back up.

I love this interaction so much. For two characters who don't interact that much in canon, they make a wonderful team. The character voices while they're doing their planning and rescuing is so spot on, too.

Overall, this fic demonstrates how Juliette is a strong and independent woman who risks it all for family, love, friendship, and what she believes in. Lionessvalenti couldn't have done a better job.

A Grimm in the Family

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: Nick/Monroe
Length: 2,480 words
Author on LJ: entangled_now
Author Website: AO3, LJ fic comm: libraryofsol
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: Being friends is always going to be complicated for them.

There's a lot of nice tension in this fic. A incredible illustration of just how close to the surface Monroe's blutbad instincts really are. He may hold them in check with his regime of Pilates, cello playing, and vegetarianism. However, when faced with constant battles side-by-side with his baby Grimm and with overwhelming desire for that very same Grimm, the wild side comes out to play.

This fic plays around with the whole instinctual side of Monroe to perfection. We get the growls, the herding of Nick against a hard surface, grabbing of Nick's throat in the submissive position, the possessiveness, and so much UST, it's insane. There's a bit of a cool down with some chilling on the couch over coffee afterwards. But that tension is still there, in the background. And yet, for all that tension, you can still feel the utter trust Nick has for his Blutbad. That is a lovely illustration of the trust between these guys in canon, as well. So I swear you'll feel every bit of this fic and just wish like crazy there was more.

Incautious

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: none; gen
Length: 806 words
Author on LJ: nkala99
Author Website: Fanfic.net, AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: Monroe discovers something new about the Grimm

This is a little snippet that explores a small detail only hinted at in canon: Nick's drawing ability. We see evidence of Nick's side talent only a few times, all in the fulfillment of his Grimm duties. It's nice to think about him having a talent besides being a Grimm and a cop; a drawing ability makes him more dimensional like Monroe's cello playing talent does for him. The drawing in this piece also is a vehicle for Monroe to learn about Nick. He sees a side of Nick he never thought of, and I think it broadens his perception of this baby Grimm whose come to roost in his domain. Just a lovely view into a seldom-ly visited part of Nick's characterization and how it could impact his friendship with Monroe.

Hidden Talents

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: Nick/Monroe
Length: 3,571 words
Author on LJ: plain_jane08
Author Website: Masterlist on LJ
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: Fill for a prompt on the grimm_kink meme: Being both a detective and a Grimm means Nick has a pretty wacky sleep schedule so when he does find a minute where he's still and something's not trying to kill him, he crashes like he could sleep through a damn air raid... Just give me something where Nick is falling asleep literally EVERYWHERE.

One phrase best sums up this fic: just frickin' adorable. It's six instances where Nick is so tired that he falls asleep in the most interesting places and situations for some dang sweet moments with Monroe (and his cop buddies in one instance). Even though I enjoyed the badass Nick we started to get shown in later episodes, a sleepy, adorable Nick is a nice counterpoint. Especially when Monroe just draws him close and takes him home/tucks him in.

Absolute favorite part to this though was the sweet and romantic feel to it. Besides the moments when you just wanna go "aaaaahhhh" and pinch Nick's cheeks, there is a underlying tender theme that illustrates so well this side of the Nick/Monroe pairing. And yet, the character voices are still wonderful, especially Monroe as he drags his Grimm hither and yon to various surfaces for a nap. The final scene with our two boys cuddled in bed together will leave your heart lighter, and be a nice antidote to some of the angst and gore other fics in this fandom can bring.

5 times Nick fell asleep someplace he shouldn't have and 1 time he slept exactly where he should

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: Nick/Monroe, Renard/Nick, Renard/Nick/Monroe
Length: 7,424 words
Author on LJ: gryvon
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: The mirror arrived five days after Juliette left.

Alrighty, for my pure porn offering, I bring you a doozy. It's got everything: a humorous mirror who knows how to please its Grimm, a slutty Nick, a wolfed-out Monroe, a possessive and strong-handed Renard, and a threesome that will start your monitor a-smokin'. There are many a kink in evidence as well: rough sex, blow jobs, bending over tables, some light dom/sub play, exhibitionism, and DP. So enjoy the heat, fangirls and fanboys!

Mirror, Mirror

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: mainly gen; background Monroe/Rosalee
Length: 1,751 words
Author on LJ: agirlwithacoin
Author Website: only her LJ that I could find
Why this must be read:

This is one of my favorite friendship pieces in Grimm fandom. It shows the strong bond between our gang of three, Nick, Monroe, and Rosalee. They support each other in times of trial and gather together in down time for popcorn and shooting the breeze. They give each other grief over dating, patch up twisted ankles, and give hugs of comfort over poisonous cats. The author has delved into what's made this threesome friendship so strong, and I loved every word. She breathes life into this extremely strong triad and makes me feel every interaction.

Her Monroe character voices (who the story is told by) is also fantastic. She's got every nuance of his mental patterns and the transition from solitary clockmaker to friend of Grimm and Fuchsbau down hard. She's also talented enough to characterize Rosalee and Nick very well through little hints we get from Monroe, like Rosalee's stubbornness and Nick's growing maturity as a Grimm and general protector.

Your friends, they are jewels, twice as beautiful and few...

Title: Things To Do In Portland When You're Not Really Dead by Lacey McBain
Pairing: Nick/Monroe, Clint/Phil, Monroe/Phil (past)
Length: 31,702 words
Author on LJ: laceymcbain
Author Website: Sticky Man Press, AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: Agent Phil Coulson really does have a cellist in Portland, but it's not exactly what anyone thinks.

A fantastically written crossover, this fic does what many crossovers never manage to do. It balances both worlds evenly with none getting short changed in character exploration or world building. She has built an intriguing backstory from a simple line in the Avenger's movie, and it blossomed into this epic study of secret superhero government agency meeting Wesen creatures and Grimms and just working.

I loved how the worlds were intertwined. With small, subtle details like going into how S.H.I.E.L.D. helped Monroe control his Blutbad tendencies and how he met Phil, both fandoms just seemed like one big world. And that's a sign of a well written fandom. With believable characterizations and a fast-paced adventure with additional show down at the end, this fic will keep you occupied for hours. Your eyes will be dragged through all 30,000 + words and never want to stop.

Things To Do In Portland When You're Not Really Dead

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: Nick/Monroe
Length: 16,389 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: AO3
Warnings: violence and disturbing imagery
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: "Blutbad," she sighed disgustedly, as if he were some idiot child who'd confused mud and chocolate. "You're meant to want his literal heart. Not the figurative one." Semi-AU. The Grimm are creature-hunters because they have to be. Any creature that eats the heart of a Grimm will live forever.

A lovely example of the creativity in Grimm writing, this fic explores the idea that to eat a Grimm's still beating heart brings immortality to Wesen. Laetificare brings us a well-written tale of love, sacrifice, loneliness, and another look at how the Wesen world works. The main idea is well-fleshed out (pun not intended! XD) and very unique; it brings about so many possibilities for h/c as well. I mean, who doesn't want some comfort after reading about poor Monroe having to watch as Nick's chest is carved open for his still-beating heart to be stolen, right?

Beyond the lovely h/c, we get some wonderful possible back story on why Grimms starting killing as they did, great character voices (Monroe especially shines), smile-inducing humor bits, and a get-together that will make you sigh in slash-y happiness. I also really liked the "villain" of the story. Laetificare makes her sympathetic in the desperate love she has for her daughter and the loneliness of her long life. My eyes almost started to tear up in the middle of my urge to string her up for what she was doing to Nick.

Of All

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: Renard/Nick
Length: 13,500 words
Author on LJ: smilla840
Author Website: Masterlist on LJ, AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: Captain Renard has plans for Nick and he will go to great lengths to keep him alive until he can fulfil them - including using some unconventional methods like tasking a Blutbad with his safety.

An intriguing introduction into Renard/Nick, this fic was just that for me. I love the possibilities it opens up for us in their being together. It draws on the differences in their places in their worlds, as Royal and as a Grimm and how one isn't exactly subordinate to the other but something else altogether. Morgane gives us some lovely hints and details into the past interactions between Royals and Grimms and how that will affect their relationship. Morgane also touches on the obstacles in the way of this pairing like the fact of Marie's death being connected to Sean and the whole trust issue.

On top of the whole Renard/Nick relationship, the hints of how the Wesen (though this fic won't use that term as it was written before the word was canon) world works make for fascinating reading as does the historical past between Grimms and the Royals/Guardians that I talked about before. We get an actual harkening back to one of the original Grimm brothers and how he was drawn into a Royal Court back in Germany. Made this history-loving fangirl happy as all get out. Seeing how a territory worked in Portland in the modern world was also fascinating. With Renard facing a challenge from another Royal, Nick gets pulled into the "government" of Wesen Portland to help keep everything rolling smoothly, and it was fascinating reading, let me tell ya.

The Prince of Portland

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: none; gen
Length: 2,103 words
Author on LJ: dizzydrea
Author Website: AO3
Warnings: spoilers for episode 22
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: Kelly Burkhardt has one last bit of business to finish before she leaves town: a meeting with a stranger that turns out not to be a stranger at all.

With the premier of Season 2 being aired early by NBC tonight, I felt it appropriate to shine a light on a piece that speculates on the plot lines of the Season 1 finale. Not only does it flesh out that finale a bit, but it makes the reader contemplate plot points of Season 1 that were never answered and motivations that were never explored. I've got to say that I never thought of the ideas presented in this fic, like the truth behind Marie's death order and Nick's family tree, until I read Dizzy's fic. However, they make such sense when she presents them that they're head canon for me until canon shows us different.

It was intriguing to see what Dizzy did with Kelly's character. She's been such a big mystery of Grimm. I really liked seeing a possible personality for her and some history about her actions that this author gave us. I can almost guarantee that this characterization of Kelly probably won't stand the test of canon from some of the snippets of the Season 2 opener we've been shown. Yet, it's fascinating possibility. We can start to see where Nick gets his personality and ethics and see where he might end up in the future. All together, this is a fic that will get the thought juices flowing for the Season premier tonight. Enjoy and join me tonight for more fresh Grimm-y goodness.

The Price to be Paid

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: none; gen
Length: 1,948 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: In a city full of bridges, it stood to reason there would be trolls. Nick enlists Monroe's help on a case.

My absolute favorite part about this fic is how the Wesen community has gotten so used to Nick as "their" Grimm that they start asking him for help rather than running away in fear. Not only in finding lost siblings but in trying to get out from under a bad landlord, mediating tattoo design copyright disputes, and being asked for an opinion on theoretical Wesen eating habits. Such a change from where Nick starts out as the boogeyman of Portland.

Tiriel describes her setting of downtown Portland wonderfully as well. Using real landmarks and character voices from the area, the reader literally feels like they're walking the streets of the real city. It even inspired me to try and include Powell's in a road trip I took through the area this summer. In addition to all this, we also get fantastic character voices and lovely humor.

Bridgetown

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: Nick/Monroe
Length: ~2,600 words
Author on LJ: mysecretashes
Author Website: AO3
Warnings: spoilers for Episode 17
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: Monroe meets Nick at the trailer, just to make sure he's really okay.

Episode 17 (which this fic is a coda for) has one of the highlight moments in the Monroe/Nick pairing for me; Monroe is pacing Adalind's bedroom so desperate to get out to support Nick. Rosalee is saying that Nick has to do this on his own. And then Monroe's face when Rosalee basically says it's Adalind or Nick who will come back alive but not both... Just the sheer horror at the thought of Nick dying. Yeah, made this slasher squirm in happiness.

So when dreamdustmama, a fantastic author from Merlin fandom, decided to introduce herself to Grimm fandom with this, I about leaped out of my chair in happiness. Monroe's desperation to get to Nick and verify he's really OK is conveyed so strongly with this author's wonderful writing. The heart-wrenching hug of relief and the intense make-out session are vividly portrayed and felt by the audience. This fic is a lovely introduction to what dreamdustmama can do with Grimm, and I desperately hope she decides to write more powerfully emotional stuff like this story.

About Damn Time

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: none; gen
Length: 36,372 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Fanfic.net
Warnings: violence and gore
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: A string of murdered Wesen has Nick scrambling to the find the culprit but runs into something he never expected and is forced to make a choice that could change his fate for the worse.

Another plotty fic dealing with other Grimms, this one shows us Nick interacting with a Grimm more like him and one like Monroe's worst nightmare (especially since he likes to hunt Blutbad). We also get more of the Reapers, Renard's secret plotting, and a string of Wesen murders around Portland that Nick needs to solve. Zephyira kept me guessing on the whodunit till pretty close to the end. It wasn't revealed who the crazy Grimm and the like-Nick Grimm were until about then as well.

The author really knows how to build up the suspense and keep you clicking that "Next Chapter" button like crazy. She builds a meticulous case-fic with murders that seem like they could come right out of the show and wonderfully detailed original characters that make you feel for them or just want to chop off their heads with those ever popular Reaper scythes. In all, this is a fantastic example of what can be found on Fanfic.net in the Grimm fandom.

A Grimm Situation

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: Nick/Monroe
Length: 28,407 words
Author on LJ: macx_larabee
Author Website: AO3
Warnings: spoilers for episode 6
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: Angelina's appearance and her brief but stormy connection with Monroe left the blutbad with a bad aftertaste. Now Nick's life hangs in the balance and whatever that is between them, he needs to figure it out soon or it might be too late.

Macx is one of the more prolific authors in Grimm fandom and a favorite author of mine. Choosing a specific story to highlight was hard, but Drifting made the final count. It has so many elements of love that it just screams to be shared.

A lovely get-together for our two boys, some hinting at a connection between Nick and the local Regnant, painful h/c, and Wesen ready to rally behind and protect their Grimm. It's another story that builds off the episode "Three Bad Wolves" and uses it to build on/start a relationship between our favorite Grimm and Blutbad. What it brings new to the table is a house-bound, injured Grimm being taken care of by Monroe who has an epiphany where Nick is concerned. Seeing him near death after a convenience store robbery opens his eyes to the possibility of a world without his Grimm, and he is pushed to pursue a relationship to a beautiful and loving ending. The author also lays some seeds for future sequels in the form of connections between Nick as Grimm and Renard as Regnant to explore the history between Grimms and the royal houses.

Drifting in Shadows, Waiting for the Storm

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: fic heading says pre-Nick/Monroe, but could be read as friendship as well
Length: 2,422 words
Author on LJ: takadainmate
Author Website: Masterlist on LJ
Warnings: spoilers for episode 13
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: Grimm post 1x13. Pre-Nick/Monroe. Aunt Marie would've called it wallowing, and she'd probably have been right.

I like this fic for all the little nuances it has. We get glimpses into Wesen/Grimm history (bootlegging Wesen! XD), minute exploration on the differences between Grimms (moderate vs. hardline), touches on the mystery that is Nick's mother, and of course the relationship between Nick and Monroe itself.

I really loved this last bit. The author has them down so hard, their hard time in communicating and the deep caring they have for each other that developed over so many adventures and circumstances together. Nick's brooding and Monroe's mother hen tendencies were wonderfully in character after the hard discoveries and painful memories that presented in episode 13 for Nick. At the end of it all, sharing some alcohol, asparagus recipes, warmth, and a loving relationship (be it friendship or more than) helps to heal many of the hurts life throws at you, even the Grimm-y ones.

No Life in Words

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: Nick/Monroe, Monroe/Angelina
Length: 4,340 words
Author on LJ: rosekay
Author Website: Masterlist on LJ, AO3
Warnings: non-con in a dream, spoilers for episode 6
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: Monroe runs a little wilder than expected with Angelina, and has to reconcile what he is to Nick and what Nick is to him.

I love what this piece does in exploring Monroe's background and the struggle he faces everyday with the beast within. The episode "The Three Bad Wolves" brings to light the darkness in Monroe's past and highlights the road he could have taken as a traditional Blutbad in the form of character, Angelina. This fic takes it a step further and really gets into his head, exploring the depths of wolf-ish instincts and how they impact Monroe's emotions and daily life.

It also shows the strain this episode had on Nick's and Monroe's relationship, as friends, colleagues, and possibly more. The struggle between instinct and the rational and trying to understand that same struggle tests our two favorite guys to whole new levels; this fic just delves straight into that. With vivid imagery and strong emotion, we get to see the depth of their relationship and the impact on that relationship from the Wesen influences Monroe brings with him. The writer leaves us with an open ending that, as Monroe puts it, " let those cards fall as they would". So let your imagination run with that and hope the writer feels like building on this. It definitely inspires more introspection and the desire for more story from this reader.

From Brumal Sleep

Fandom: GRIMM
Pairing: none; gen
Length: 2,000 words
Author on LJ: jedibuttercup
Author Website: Jedibuttercup.com, Masterlist on DW, AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: It might not be the way Grimms traditionally did things – but Marie would do what she had to do to ensure her nephew had a chance to survive.

Marie Kessler is one of the more intriguing characters in Grimm. She only physically appears in two episodes but her presence is felt strongly throughout the series in her reputation in the Wesen world and the hints into her past we receive in subsequent episodes. Jedi has given us even more background possibilities that show us a woman who is nearing the end of her life. She's doing all that she can to protect her nephew she raised from childhood as her Grimm abilities passes to him on her death.

I loved how Jedi delved into Maries head, gave some insight into her steely will, her checkered past which prompted her bloody reputation among creatures, the motivations for that checkered past, and the deep love she has for Nick. She'll even make unheard-of deals and swear oaths of loyalty to dark figures for this love. And even though the show has made a few details AU now, the fic still rings so very true in how it could have gone down in canon. It ties so many loose ends of the show together in one neat little package. It is my head canon, that's for sure.

So Few and Such Morning Songs