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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: sort of Kyoko/Ren Length: one-shot at 4,659 words Author on LJ: anenkoAuthor Website: iwrotethatWhy this must be read: This fic is a remarkable testament to Kyoko's perspective on her friends, co-workers, and that most reviled of subjects: romantic love. Anenko's Kyoko is perfectly in character, and her interactions with Moko steal the show. Poor Kyoko, to think with such cruelty about love, but to enjoy it being done well on film--as long as it's being portrayed by someone else. [Set after Dark Moon.] The Work of ChemistsThis is my last rec for Skip Beat! I've enjoyed driving the anime/manga crack van this month, and loved hearing feedback from everyone who commented on my recs. I'm glad I could share my favorite Skip fanfics, and maybe helped create one or two new fans! Best wishes to next month's driver. C: | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: vaguely Kyoko/Ren Length:one-shot at 1,551 words Author on LJ: none that I can find Author Website: FF.net profile pageWhy this must be read: Another fun and hilarious comedy! Ren is always happy to help Kyoko with her acting troubles, and sometimes he suffers for it. Much to our amusement! :D [Set after after Natsu.] Learn to Say No | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: sort of Kyoko/Ren Length: one-shot at 3,397 words Author on LJ: golden_meliadesAuthor Website: author page at FF.netWhy this must be read: Most Skip fics that invoke Ren's darker nature use it for outright violence or dub-con. This fic, however, gives us a delightful look at that dark side used in a subtle, manipulative way that makes me snicker every time. After all, Ren is quite devious intelligent, and an accomplished actor! [Set after the incidents in Karuizawa/Act 95 or so.] Lip Gloss | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: Kyoko/Ren, Kanae/Yashiro Length: 15 chapters, 42,572 words Author on LJ: none that I can find Author Website: Fiction Press profileWhy this must be read: This is a sweet almost-epic about the fandom's favorite couple, along with an amusing dash of Yashiro/Kanae, and a healthy dose of Koo. The author does make a few mistakes with honorifics and the movie business, but the fic was enjoyable enough that they can be overlooked. [Set after the Happy Grateful party.] A Wink, a Poke, a Gentle Shove | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: vaguely Kyoko/Ren and Kyoko/Kanae Length: one-shot at 8,273 words Author on LJ: bookelfeAuthor Website: AO3 works pageWhy this must be read: Aside from bit characters chatting about how hot or cute a celebrity is, fandom has yet to play play a real role in canon--at least through volume 30. This fic grabs fannish shenanigans with both gleeful fists and runs with it. I did not realize how badly I wanted to see all those doramas until ryfkah wrote about them! And best of all, Kyoko finally FINALLY gets her dream role. :D [Set after the Heel siblings are introduced.] Five Times Kyoko Did Not Expect Fannish Shipping Explosions | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: Kyoko/Ren Length: 12 chapters, 38,658 words Author on LJ: none that I know of Author Website: FF.net profile pageWhy this must be read: This fic starts off strong and is quite enjoyable! The author does turn rather vicious when two characters get their comeuppance. I like how she handled Sho and Kyoko at the end. Note this fic has a surprising number of spelling errors--including canon names--for one with this level of plotting and characterization, but the story overshadows them and kept me reading. [You definitely need to know who Natsu is to enjoy this one.] Your Kyoko-chan | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: none Length: one-shot at 3,771 words Author on LJ: golden_meliadesAuthor Website: author page at FF.netWhy this must be read: Kanae's reluctant friendship (and one-sided professional rivalry) with Kyoko make for some of the best moments in Skip. This fic sweetly explores just what Kyoko means to Kanae. The ending made this fic for me! [Valentines Day, slightly different from canon.] At Her Side | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: Kyoko/Ren, Kyoko/Sho, Kyoko/Reino Length: one-shot at 1,998 words Author on LJ: anenkoAuthor Website: iwrotethatWhy this must be read: This is a fun one-shot that features my favorite Skip character, Mr. Yashiro, being tormented by the media's speculation about our favorite celebrities. The author did a great job reflecting both the over-the-top drama and insanity found in the manga. [Set after Reino's introduction.] Show Business, Love Business | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: none Length: one-shot at 2,236 words Author on LJ: golden_meliadesAuthor Website: author page at FF.netWhy this must be read: This fic is an introspective one-shot that sheds some light on the fallout of being Ren's manager--a subject yet to be touched in canon. (Well, aside from dealing with Ren's Valentines Day surplus chocolate...) This fic is a rare gen!fic jewel in an ocean of mediocre het. [Set after volume 18] Name of Fic | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: Kyoko/Ren, with a touch of Kyoko/Sho Length: one-shot at 3,152 words Author on LJ: peroxidepest17Author Website: peroxide_ficWhy this must be read: This fic takes the trope of Ren, Sho, and Kyoko acting in the same drama and makes it WORK delightfully well. Sho's frustration is perfection, and Kyoko and Ren are enjoyable to watch interact, and even Yashiro's continuing shipping hopes are fabulous. This fic could easily be part of canon! It also makes good use of tabloid headlines to introduce each section of the fic. [Set at no definite point in canon, but I suggest you've read through volume 15 more for character development than spoilers.] Loved Girl, The (A Portrait in Tabloids) | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: Kyoko/Ren Length: 23 chapters, 97,997 words Author on LJ: none I can find Author Website: FF.net profile pageWhy this must be read: Good completed long fic is on the rare side in this fandom, but this fic is one of the best. This story is different from the usual. While it is about Kyoko and Ren's eventual coming together, the focus is on Kyoko's psychological journey to allow her to accept his love. Leavesfallingup also uses her amazing ability to create varied and likeable OCs here, and they have major roles in this fic. In fact, they out-number the canon characters! But with this author, that's a good thing. Also, unlike her previous Skip fics, the in-story film/commercial/etc does not take over the plot at times. ^^ I suspect readers who are more interested in character-focused drama rather than bouncy excitement are likely to enjoy this fic. [Splits from canon after the Cain Siblings are introduced.] Sad Eyes | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: Kyoko/Ren Length: one-shot at 432 words Author on LJ: lurk_stiltzkinAuthor Website: their LJ's fanfic tagWhy this must be read: Short and very cute! I love the tabloids authors can come up with for their fics! [Set after volume 4] Once Upon a Night | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: is spoilery, highlight to read: Kyoko/RenLength: one-shot at 5,512 words Author on LJ: aishuuAuthor Website: quillofferingsWhy this must be read: This fic is different from the Skip norm. The focus isn't on who Kyoko will end up with, but a simple mystery. It's also written from an outsider's POV, something rare in any fandom. The FOC lead is likeable and easy to relate to, and watching her figure out what is going on is amusing, and gives us a good story! [This fic can be enjoyed without knowing anything of canon.] History of Color, A | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: none Length: one-shot at 3,957 words Author on LJ: golden_meliades Author Website: author page at FF.netWhy this must be read: This author truly knows and writes the Skip cast well, and I like seeing Kyoko find a way to help Mr. Tsuruga without using the chicken suit. Also it's fun to learn things through fic! [If you know the particulars of the character "BJ", you'll be safe from spoilers. Note this was written before the Cains appeared in canon.] With My Little Eye | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: Kyoko/Ren Length: one-shot at 2,900 words Author on LJ: deja_you (same username, but not sure it's the author) Author Website: FF.net profile pageWhy this must be read: Ren's dark side comes up rather often in Skip fic--I mean, it's such a convenient way to jump-start the romance--but this author uses it with skill. I think I blushed! [set later in the Dark Moon arc] New Clothes and the Emperor | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: none Length: one-shot at 2,890 words Author on LJ: kasuchiAuthor Website: their LJ tag for "fic"Why this must be read: I liked how this fic lets us follow Kanae's and Kyoko's friendship through their cell phones. Kanae's thoughts on Kyoko's crazy life are a hilarious touch. A sweet friendship fic! [set early in the manga through the end of volume 25] Area Codes | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: Kyoko/Ren Length: 2 chapters, 7,740 words Author on LJ: none that I can find Author Website: German | EnglishWhy this must be read: Every Kyoko/Ren fic includes the revelation of the three big secrets between them, and some fics handle it better than others. This fic is one of the best, in a perfectly believable and smushy way. My reaction through the whole fic was pretty much "D'awwww!" So cute! [set around volume 20] Happy Birthday, Ren! | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: none Length: one-shot at 764 words Author on LJ: none that I can find Author Website: FF.net profile pageWhy this must be read: This fic is definitely worth your time, because good!fic focused on the men in this fandom is rare. Short, funny, and enjoyable. ^^ [Set through volume 6] Stalking Tsuruga Ren? | |
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Title: A Killer Role by ninemuses Pairing: none Length: one-shot at 987 words Author on LJ: ninemuses, same username, but I'm not sure it's the author Author Website: FF.net profile pageWhy this must be read: Who better to ask for advice about the mindset of a serial killer than Sunako? An amusing read, and a fun step into both canons. [Set in Skip around vol 25, in Yamato Nadeshiko after vol 2] A Killer Role | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: Kyoko/Ren Length: 44 chapters, 147,587 words Author on LJ: none I can find Author Website: FF.net profile pageWhy this must be read: While this is yet another Kyoko/Ren story, the author handles it differently and keeps it fresh--even from her other fic! Sho has a large (and believable) presence in the fic, which is a welcome change. Also, as with the other two stores I've recced by leavesfallingup, the in-fic movie plot is a big presence, but easily skimmed. [Begins after the Cain siblings are introduced.] Patience is its Own Reward | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: Kyoko/Sho Length: one-shot at 2,116 words Author on LJ: booniesAuthor Website: Fanfiction MasterlistWhy this must be read: This amusing comedy does its best to channel the craziness that is canon. I do enjoy the author's pouty Sho, and she does write Sho and Kyoko's interaction well. An enjoyable read! [alternate ending to Act 143 (the day before Valentines)] And a Cup of Crazy | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: Kyoko/Ren Length: 15 chapters, 46,620 words Author on LJ: Possibly not them, but has the same username: alitablakeAuthor Website: FF.net profile pageWhy this must be read: Kyoko accepts her first film role playing a female serial killer, and Ren is cast as the detective who catches her. To make things even more fun, President Takarada assigns Kyoko a Love Me task of going on a publicity date. Ren finds out and does not react well. This fic's first 10 chapters are what I am reccing. The final 5 are okay, but can be rather schmoopy. (And have one of the most common sexual mistakes in fanfic, but what can you do...) This fic has a lot of homonym and grammar errors, but I feel the fic as a whole outweighs them. The setup is amusing and different enough from the fandom norm to keep me reading. [Set after the Valentines Day fiasco] It also has some amazing turns of phrase, which are a large part of why I'm reccing it. Let me share a particular jewel, from chapter 5: "Aww, Kyoko-chan. There doesn't have to be a break up. Many famous couples stay together after their time together under the camera." Isao pretended to look hurt, but she didn't really buy into it. This man was like cooking fat, smooth and greasy and completely bad for you. Embrace No Evil | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: sort of Shoko/Yashiro Length: one-shot at 2,158 words Author on LJ: bookelfeAuthor Website: AO3 works pageWhy this must be read: Observing the shipping wars of Skip Beat! from an outsider's perspective is a fun and welcome change. Shoko and Yashiro really go through so much for their clients; it's no wonder their own lives take a back seat to the job. This fic is a hilarious take on the fandom's love of fighting over which man eventually wins Kyoko. [Best to have read through volume 20 or so.] Shipping Wars | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: some Kyoko/Ren Length: one-shot at 6,672 words Author on LJ: golden_meliadesAuthor Website: author page at FF.netWhy this must be read: This fic is has its own version of the Dark Moon wrap party, and was written long before the same event in canon. The setup for events in the story might seem a bit much at first, but keep reading! Bittersweet and solidly written. [Set after Dark Moon, obviously] Closing Games | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: Kyoko/Ren Length: 41 chapters, 123,893 words Author on LJ: none that I know of Author Website: FF.net profile pageWhy this must be read: Here's an enjoyable epic that handles the Kyoko/Ren romance slowly and well while they continue to be more and more successful in the biz. I liked the author's plot twists and characterizations, though her Julie did seem a bit much at times. This long fic is definitely worth a read! [Splits from canon after the Valentine's Day fiasco] What I'm Missing | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: none Length: one-shot at 488 words Author on LJ: anenkoAuthor Website: iwrotethatWhy this must be read: A short and hilarious one-shot that perfectly showcases Sho's denial for his attraction to Kyoko. I can see that scandalous poster perfectly through his eyes. It's also nice to read something featuring Sho in a non-villainous role, and a break from all the Kyoko/Ren that dominates fandom. [set after volume 8] So Ordinary | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: Kyoko/Ren Length: 3 chapters, 12,645 words Author on LJ: kitsunerei88Author Website: kitsunerei88Why this must be read: It's Christmas, and Yashiro is up to his matchmaking yet again. Normally I don't care for holiday fic, but this one works. In a fandom that is so very focused on the main couple, this fic stands out for solid writing and characterization. This story made me d'awww and laugh and even squee, so I recommend it for anyone who needs some sweetness in their day. It does have a sequel you can find on the author's profile, but IMO it isn't as good as this one. [Set after Act 110, but you just need to know about Mio.] Snowfall by kitsunerei88 | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: Kanae/Hio Length: 33 chapters, 79,362 words Author on LJ: N/A Author Website: FF.net profile pageWhy this must be read: Set in Australia, Kanae and Hio are co-stars in a period film on location in Australia. This fic runs parallel with the fic I recced previously, Always With You, and is noteworthy for being a Kanae/Hio fic! The author does an admirable job of working with the age gap between the two characters. This author is also talented at making solid OCs with unique personalities. Like its companion fic, this one has the usual amount of errors, but again the story overshadows them. The author does let the movie being filmed take over on several occasions, but those parts are easy to skim. I think the only canon-hinted pairing that's rarer than Kanae/Hio is Kyoko/Hikaru. (No, there isn't any of the latter here. Sorry!) [Companion fic to Always With You, but enjoyable on its own. Set after volume 24.] Runaway Royalty | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: Kyoko/Ren Length: 32 chapters, 64,979 words Author on LJ: N/A Author Website: FF.net profile pageWhy this must be read: This one's use of Kyoko's amazing ability to become her characters grabbed me. Also the addition of an unusual rival for her affections, rather than the standard love triangle involving Sho. This fic is also noteworthy for having Kyoko and Ren act in something different: a serial commercial, rather than a movie or tv drama. The fic does have some grammar, canon, and cultural errors, but the story and characterization kept me reading. Always With You has a parallel fic I'll be reccing tomorrow! [Best to have read through volume 24.] Always With You | |
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Fandom: SKIP BEAT! Pairing: none Length: one-shot at 1,470 words Author on LJ: adaliseranisAuthor Website: Scrap Paper - IndexWhy this must be read: This is one of those delightful fics that are a perfect fit with canon. The comedy is spot-on! This fic is also noteworthy for both being gen and not featuring Kyoko in any way--something that's rather rare in Skip fandom. As a quick note, "NG" is the Japanese name for a retake in film. I think it's short for "No Good", but that's a guess on my part. [Set after volume 17 or so, though more for characterization than actual spoilers.] Love Me Too | |
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