sarcasm always wins out in the end

Friends, I find myself with a great longing for Remus/Sirius fic.

This, I find, is a longing not easily satisfied - the heydays of the fandom were on livejournal, which means that a) many of the great fics are no longer available, and b) when I try to search AO3 by kudos or bookmarks, it gives me modern things. These are not, of course, necessarily bad, but many of them are written by very young people (which, good for them! But I am too much an Old to read things by very young people.), and also, actually, quite bad. So I need your help.

Please tell me about your favourite Remus/Sirius fics. The old ones that you loved 15 years ago. The new ones you discovered this year, or last year, or five years ago, even when the fandom was mostly quiet. The ones you remember and treasure.

I am reccing this story because it saddens me that it isn't better known. Perhaps the length has put people off, but really, that just means there is more awesomeness for you to enjoy.

The Trembling of The Migratory Birds by eretria. Inception, Arthur/Eames/Ariadne, NC-17, 120000 words.

Here's why you should read this fic: The world-building is breath-takingly rich and detailed. The plot is complex and plausible, a case-fic that takes the potential opened up by Nolan's film and shows how it would actually work. There is hot threesome porn in various permutations. There is thoughtful and interesting characterisation from three perspectives, and a tantalising emotional plot to go with the heist-plot and the porn-plot. There is hurting and comforting. This is an example of the best things we do in fandom, the intelligence and curiousity we bring to transformative works. You should read this.

Damn you, delicious, damn you! Now I have to make all this effort to share the porn.

So here's a rec:

Replay

Cracky time-travel fic by unforgott3n, in which Charles goes back to 1962 in order to seduce Erik to give up genocide. Hot and hilarious. You should read it.

I went to a party on Friday, ended up coming home at 4 am and being too hungover to get up until 7 pm. I think I should reconsider my party-drinking plans. Still, it was a good party, and I had a lovely chat about Judith Butler and was given the opportunity to list all the English monarchs from William the Conqueror onwards, which, if you know me, is my idea of the most fun you can have.

There was also a Guy Who Would Not Take No For An Answer. ( Read more... )

Bah, anyway.
Here's some fic that I've enjoyed this weekend.

all my friends are bad kids by blackwayfarers. The Social Network RPF, Jesse/Andrew, 20000 words, roadtrip. This is a story that makes life seem richer and more interesting than it does in reality. Also, it made me want to do a roadtrip across America, which is not an urge I have felt before.

And by the same author, not a through street. The Social Network RPF, Jesse/Andrew, 25000. Andrew moves in with Jesse and there is sweet love and pining.

Carpe Brewski by gyzym. X-Men: First Class, Charles/Erik, Fratboy AU. There is a lot of drinking and pining and hilarity, and it makes me gurgle with joy. WIP.

Limited Release. X-Men: First Class, Charles/Erik, Modern AU where Erik is an FBI agent at the mutant department and Charles is a genetics professor at Columbia. This also makes me gurgle with joy, but sometimes there are also high-pitched squealing noises and actual flapping of hands. It's that DELIGHTFUL. If you only read one fic in this post, read this one. Also, WIP, sadly, but updated regularly.

Last weekend there was a rubbish article in the Guardian about love stories, and I thought about making a whole post pointing out why it was rubbish - the use of classical references while excluding the homosexual aspects of the original (both in Catullus and Plato), the privileging of male-centered stories (he loved an adulterous hussy but finally got rid of the bitch), the exclusion of any non-heteronormative fiction - but frankly, I can't be bothered. A rubbish article does not deserve that much attention. So, this will be a different post.

I also thought about making a post about why heteronormativity is Bad, Bad, and Wrong. It would be appropriate for the day (I am also wearing my "HETERONORMATIVITY MAKES US ALL QUEER" t-shirt to work today). But again, it would be paying too much attention to an unworthy subject, and I'm pretty sure I'd be preaching to the choir anyway, and so.

Instead, I'm going to show resistance to heteronormativity in action. I'm going to talk about love stories that don't begin with a sexist premise, that aren't built around unequal relationships, where the narrative imperative does not require gendered roles.

In other words, here are some gayporn recs. *g*

A Farm In Iowa By sheafrotherdon

SGA, John/Rodney. Long, with many, many delightful sequels.

Summary: John inherits a farm, Rodney ends up entirely out of his element, and there is much ado about baseball.

When I think of well-written, compelling, and effective love stories, this is the first one that comes to mind. "Moving" is perhaps the best word for it, because this is the first story I ever read in SGA - this is the reason I care about Rodney McKay and John Sheppard, and I defy all of you to read this fic and not feel the same. This story shows the experience of falling in love, the discomfort and the longing and the familiarity, and the everyday things and the wonder - it shows how people can connect. Sounds trite, but I can promise that there is nothing cliched or unoriginal about this fic. Read it - it will make your life better.

Lust Over Pendle by ajhall

HP, Draco/Neville. Long with many sequels.

Established relationship at its best - you don't see how these two fall in love, but you do get to see how they manage to stay in love, and the moments of sweetness and strength and drama that follow. This story convinced me that Draco and Neville are, in fact, the most fascinating pairing in HP (seriously, come and ask me about it, I can defend it to the death). It is also storytelling at its best - witty narrative voice, superb original characters, a rich world for them to inhabit, and a most exhilarating plot. Entertainment and wisdom and a most compelling narrative of love - what more could you ask for?

3 Lovers by cesperanza

SGA, Teyla/Rodney, Teyla/John, Teyla/Ronon, Rodney/John, Teyla/Ronon/Rodney/John. Long.

What I love most about this is the way it subtly criticises sexist assumptions about sexuality. The cultural differences between the Pegasus people and the Earth people are fascinating, and Teyla's voice (her POV) is wonderful. Although there are many pairings in this (enough to satisfy the most fervent of OTP-shippers, even), it's mostly about team-love, and how that need not be separated from sexual love, but need not be inextricably connected to it either. A very satifying and hopeful read.

Nightswimming by waxjism

Bandom, Frank/Gerard, 142000 words.

If you're in bandom you will have heard of this fic - there was squealing to be heard all over the world when waxjism posted this a few days ago. This is teenage love, with desperate panting and constant longing and People Who Just Don't Understand, but there is also courage and friendship and the refusal to give up in the face of almost unsurmountable problems. Realistic characters, with all too realistic flaws, and the resulting frustrations are narrated in a most convincing way. Also, there is lots of character-driven hot sex. *g*

Visiting Hours by rageprufrock

Smallville, Clark/Lex, Conner/OC. Long.

This is a sequel to Conflicts of Interest, where Conner Luthor discovers that Clark Kent is his mother (hilarious fic, you should read that too). It's about being a teenager, and falling in love awkwardly, and staying in love with your best friend since forever because you can't not, and coming out. Like all of her writing, this story is witty and charming and moving, with inpeccably compelling characters (both the OCs and the familiar ones). Most warmly recommended.

Now, this last story I haven't had time to fall in love with seeing as I only read it this morning, so I will be brief.

Buy Handmade by jjtaylor

Frank/Gerard, long.

Summary: He knows something else is going to happen; his life isn't always going to be this. He just doesn't know what has to happen for that change to come, for him to wake up and become an artist with an Etsy page and a home studio, and to never have to see a cubicle again.

It's about finding meaning in your everyday life, and finding people you can have meanigful connections with. And how art makes life joyful (and also about how adorable is Gerard Way, but that's most of My Chem fic). Heartwarming and delightful and NEW - so go read this, people. ;)

Now, if anybody wants to tell me what their favourite (most compelling, most moving, most delightful) love stories are, any recs would be greatly welcomed. *g*

I promised fleshdress and _emeraldgreen fic recs for bandom, and since I am a conscientious enabler...

Introduction to Bandom reclist! My Chem centric because, well, FRANK. Which seems to be a justification I use a lot recently, but seriously, just look at him. *points to icon* How can you resist? ;)

Mostly Canonical Fics, where they are people in bands.

A Natural Reaction to Rough-Housing by bexless

Frank/Gerard, long. Frank discovers that he likes comforting Gerard after he has been hurt, but is somewhat troubled by all the hurt he ends up causing. Hilarious (I've been using snippets of the text to lure kabeyk into the fandom, and despite her dislike of My Chem in particular and RPS in general, this fic has caused her to waver) and sweet, with a most enjoyable character-based plot. bexless is one of the best writers in this fandom, and her Frank/Gerard in particular is brilliant.

A Necessary Requirement also by bexless

Frank/Gerard, short and endlessly funny. Gerard feels that dick-showing should happen only in the context of a loving, stable relationship.

Between these two fics, you'll learn all you need to know about My Chem, and about Frank and Gerard's relationship. :)

Unequivocal by stereomer

Frank/Gerard, long. Basically follows the real life events of the band, with added Frank/Gerard. All you need to know about the history of My Chem, as well as vastly interesting as a character piece.

Pretty in Ink by mimesere

Pete/Patrick, Patrick/MCR, short. Possibly the most hilarious fic in the history of the universe. The rest of Fall Out Boy worry about Patrick's tattoo virginity, while Patrick has a gangbang with My Chemical Romance. And who wouldn't, honestly? :P

A Stitch Away From Making It (A Scar Away From Falling Apart) by femmequixotic

Pete/Patrick, long. Pete Wentz's sextape leaks out, and Patrick is conflicted and horny. Long and soulful.

Chord Change by giddygeek

Pete/Patrick, short. All Decaydance bands turn gay for Patrick. Hilarious and sweet.

Clothes Off! by queenofhell

Pete/Patrick, Pete/bunch of other people, short. Pete Wentz has trouble with other people's dicks. Sweet and funny.

Anywhere You Let It Go by skoosiepants

Pete/Patrick, Brendon/Spencer, long. With added Panic (!) at the Disco. Skoosiepants has a style of writing that is both sidesplittingly funny and heartwarmingly thoughtful. Also, this one has My Chem in crushed velvet. Bob Bryar in crushed velvet. And Patrick Stump's weirdly stoic baby.

Mostly AUs

Conclusions by bexless

Frank/Gerard, long. What might have happened if they hadn't formed the band - Frank owns a small record company and Gerard is a basement-dwelling artist. Hilarious and endearing and full of genius characterisation.

An Inexplicable Occurrence of Angels by stele3

Frank/Gerard, long. Where Gerard is a failed rockstar and Frank is an angel who falls into his kitchen. Naked. *g* Also includes some of the best insightful writing I've encountered, a compelling plot, and FRANK. No, really. If you read only one of the fics in this list, read this one. Link goes to final part, which has links to previous chapters.

The Holly Golightly Club by fluffontop

Frank/Gerard, Pete/Mikey, long. Based on the I'm Not Okay video, where My Chem are boys in a prep school (ties!), and also nerds who get beaten up by jocks. Most amusing and engaging.

In Which Gerard Is A Quirky College Professor, And Frank Is The Best TA Ever by wordslinging

Frank/Gerard, long. The title really says it all. *g* Link goes to final part, which has links to previous chapters.

Forever, Now by harriet_vane

Long genfic, where Gerard and Mikey are streetkids and Brian Schechter takes them home. No, not like that you perverts. Also, with the world's tiniest Frank who never fails to be awesome and hilarious, and some added Brendon/Spencer.

A Common Understanding by joyfulseeker

Pete/Patrick, long. A scifi AU where Pete blackmails Patrick into being his mistress. Lovely and hot, and yay for my favourite kink ever. ;)

Supersaturation, Solvation and Enthalpy by skoosiepants.

SGA/Bandom crossovers, long, with Brendon/Spencer, Frank/Gerard, Pete/Patrick, Ryan/Jon, Bob/Joe et al. Hilarious and endearing and engaging, and very much worth the read if you're into SGA at all.

If you want more, check out anything by bexless, giddygeek and skoosiepants. Or my Bandslash recs at del.icio.us.

Hello! I'm back! London was lovely and _emeraldgreen was doubly so, and there will be a post later about all our wine driking gay porn adventures, but for now, some recs.

Title: Snowdon
Author: rivier
Fandom: Torchwood
Words: 13,000
Characters: Owen, Ianto, and the shape left by the absence of Jack
Rating: 15 for excessive swearyness (Owen POV, though, so what do you expect?)
Spoilers: Post-End Of Days - the whole season's up for grabs

Why you want to read this: Owen's voice is perfect here, and the narration of his thought processes, of how he handles things after Jack's gone, makes for a very enjoyable read. There are many entertaining and delightful encounters between Ianto and Owen, and the whole of the story combines great characterisation, great plot, great writing - what more could you want?

Title: A Waltz to Surrender
Author: pre_raphaelite1
Rating: NC-17
Pairing(s): James/Sirius/Regulus
Summary: His clothing was strewn around the room, the expensive fabrics lying like rags on the scarred floor. He could hear the whispers behind him, murmurs of thieves and traitors, but he wasn’t prepared for the first strike across his arse.
Warnings: Dubcon, bondage, D/s, Blackcest, paddling, genital piercing, biting, bloodplay
Word Count: @3,000

Why you want to read this: Well, it's incredibly hot, for one. Brilliant characterisation for Sirius and James in particular, with just the right amount of nastiness to make them utterly delightful. The tension is skillfully maintained (hence the hotness) and the whole scenario is delicious in so many ways. Great porn.

Title: This Bed Is On Fire
Author: kabeyk
Rating: NC17
Pairing(s): Sirius/James, James/Lily, slight Sirius/Lily
Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters herein are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No copyright infringement is intended.
Summary: There's a war going on, so James Potter likes to keep his loved ones as close as possible.
Warnings: Bit of voyeurism. Surprising lack of an actual threesome.
Word Count: @ 8,000

Why you want to read this: First war against Voldemort, lots of bedhopping (and I mean that literally), exploration of friendship and sex and generosity, great dialogue. And also wonderful, wonderful porn.

And there will be much spamming posting today, because of Doctor Who! And London! And springsmut! So, er, brace yourselves. *g*

I got fanart! Whoo!

The lovely raitala has drawn art for my favourite scene of Adventures in High Life 3, and it's delicious and tantalising and all sorts fo good things, and you should all go and look at it and comment. You may find it here. The new version!

I've been reduced to a puddle of goo three times today. These are the people to blame.

musesfool wrote Flowers for Parkinson Pansy/Neville

atrata wrote No Bounds Snape/James, Snape/Harry

_emeraldgreen wrote James/Regulus where Regulus fellates a sausage.

xellas wrote some really wonderful porn. The sex is hot but there are so many more interesting things in this. Go read!

Title: A Temporary Fix
Author: xellas
Pairing: Tom/Minerva, Tom/William Weasley (an OC in Minerva's year)
Rating/Warnings: NC-17, Noncon, humiliation, voyeurism – extreme nastiness.
Word Count: About 1,650
Summary: Tom watches Minerva with her boyfriend and decides he has seen enough.