This is where I tell you that my journal is mostly locked but that I love new friends. So, if you want me to add you back, just leave a comment to say hello! Easy peasy.

So awards season has come and gone. Lots of great films/music and lots of boring speeches. :P

I just felt like sharing what has to be THE ULTIMATE acceptance speech, as given by my girl!crush, the beautifully clever Emma Thompson. I am not worthy. ♥____♥

Suits (USA)

N/B: I don't often rec more than one fic by a single author in a given fandom, mostly because I think rec'ing one is enough and if someone likes that fic enough then they'll likely explore the author's other offerings in due course. However, Suits is a very small fandom and Closer's fics are basically some of the best pieces of writing I've read in any fandom, not just in Suits. So for now, here are my favourite Suits fics by her, but you should set aside a couple of days to read all of them. I promise you, it's worth the time.

ETA: And now with fic by someone other than Closer!


The New Deal by Closer
Summary: Harvey Specter, second year law student at Harvard, was walking home one night when he found a teenaged runaway named Mike freezing to death on his doorstep.
Rating: PG-13 (heed warnings)
Word Count: ~33,500
Comments: Sometimes I forget how good a gen fic can be. I get so wrapped up in my predetermined slash and come into fics with a vengeance, slash-goggles gleaming. It was a delightful surprise to read this heart-warming and very human fic about a young Mike living on the streets and a young Harvey giving him a home. The plot is an old one in fandom, but this fic feels real and understated. It isn't simply a pretext to get them in to bed together. Their growing respect and love for each other is beautifully portrayed. Best 'brothers' fic I've read in a long time.
The Exit Velocity Arc by matchsticks_p
Summary: Louis can't have nice things. An exploration in three parts.
Rating: R (for language)
Word Count: 2.2k
Comments: A lovely character study piece from inside the head of Louis Litt. For all that Louis is one of the more reviled characters int he show, he does occasionally show his genuine side, some humanity. machsticks_p does a great job of writing him sympathetically.


My Brother's Keeper by Closer
Summary: Donna and Harvey have been looking out for each other since they were kids. It's what family is supposed to do, after all. [The premise that Harvey is Donna's little brother.]
Rating: R
Word Count: ~28k
Comments: I love the dynamics of this fic, the relationship between Harvey and Donna, their younger brother, their douche-bag father, Harvey's growing feelings for Mike, Mike's charming obliviousness. Evertyhing is balanced beautifully. Donna's voice is funny and bright and she generally kicks ass all over the shop. Her and Harvey's shared history and family strife is well thought out and executed. The romance between Mike and Harvey is charming and real. There's nothing I don't like about this fic.


This Tornado Loves You by liketheroad
Summary: A story about first loves and true loves, about friendship, growing up, and growing together. Atlernatively, this is a story about Mike figuring out what he deserves, and learning how to ask for it. AU.
Rating: R
Word Count: 60k
Comments: This Tornado Loves You is basically what I wish I had written myself in the Suits fandom -- it's a drama and a coming-of-age love story. It follows Mike's early life and his poisonous relationship with drugs and Trevor. I adore how Mike meets and falls for Harvey. It is an intense read but ultimately satisfying.


Pizza and a Movie by Closer
Summary: In an alternate universe, Harvey's still a lawyer but Mike's not a pot runner -- he's a deliveryman for Rollo's Pizza and Ribs, which happens to be Harvey's favorite pizza place. Once Harvey finds out his pizza guy is a genius, Mike's life takes a few turns he would not have expected...
Rating: R
Word Count: ~30k
Comments: This is the first fic in the "pizza 'verse" and probably the best. The other two are told from Donna's POV (The Secret Life of Lawyers) and then Harvey's POV (A Series of Covert Disasters), which gives a wonderful feeling that you've seen all angles of this story and Harvey and Mike's relationship. The dialogue is clever and idiosyncratic to each character, the plot is funny and well handled (though it sounds like it could be cracky, it isn't) and most of all this is just so pleasant and easy to read. It's like curling up in a blanket.

Living in the Future by Closer
Summary: Eighteen-year-old Tony Stark is the boy genius who woke Captain America, and now he's stuck with him. That's not a bad thing, but between Steve's wide-eyed wonder at the new world and Tony's little fanboy crush, the awkwardness just keeps happening.
Rating: R
Length: 36k
Comments: As with everything that Closer writes, this is just so delightful and funny and quick-witted. The was she writes the entire ensemble cast with such flair and personality, it's hard not love this fic to death. And her Tony Stark voice is spot on. :D


Semaphore by DevilDoll
Summary: "I’m trying to like you, Tony. You’re just making it very hard." Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Rating: NC-17
Length: ~ 40k
Comments:  Slow-build Steve/Tony. Tony getting over Pepper and Steve coming to terms with missing the last 70 years. Their friendship is rocky and awkward and sad, but eventually they learn to trust each other. And then love each other. Brilliant Tony Stark narration.


Slipping Through the Years by often_adamanta
Summary: The plane crash and subsequent ice might have killed Steve Rogers, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t still around, haunting those he cares about. And since the only person who can see him is Tony Stark, death sure isn’t going to be boring.
Rating: R
Length: 18k
Comments:


Limited Release by rageprufrock (XMFC)
Summary: When Alex Summers broke out of supermax to rescue his stupid kid brother, he had no idea it was going to be so fucking complicated. (Charles/Erik + Hank/Alex)
Rating: R
Length: ~63k
Comments: I really shouldn't have to introduce Pru to anyone. This is very typically her. Clever to point of almost constant sarcasm. Funny and well written.


Nine Eleven Ten by Subtilior (XMFC)
Summary: Years later, Charles would remember that day. Sometimes he would wonder if he could have changed anything; other times he would despair over what he had since become. But he would always hold the image in his mind: Raven, laughing, and his thoughts flying alongside her on strong wings, silver-gold through the winter air. Once upon a time.
Rating: NC17
Length: WIP -- ~360k thus far
Comments:


* Special by minisinoo (2000 movie 'verse)
Summary: The genesis of Cyclopes.
Rating: NC-17
Length: ~150k
Comments: Though not the first ever piece of fanfic I read it was pretty close. This hit me where it hurts, such a beautiful and painful character study about Scott Summers and his early years. Realistic and human. Heed the author's warnings.


Unbound by cesare + helens78 (XMFC)
Summary: Thousands of miles apart, Erik Lehnsherr and Charles Xavier form a connection that will change both their lives. AU/Soulbonding
Rating: NC17
Length: WIP -- ~140k thus far
Comments: I don't often recommend fanfics which are WIPs for obvious reasons. However, I do occasionally make exceptions to this rule. Standing at 40 chapters (and with the final tally likely to come in at 46) there is light at the end of this angsty tunnel. The world building is fantastic. In the past I've never gone for many of the 'kinks' which are warned for in this fic, but they are so integral to this reality that I find Unbound fascinating and disturbing and it's been breaking my heart a little. Plus, what's not to love about a good soulbonding fic?


Where There is Darkness by unveiled (XMFC)
Summary: In the autumn of 2012, Daniela Zhou interviews Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr. This is her story. (Charles/Erik established)
Rating: PG
Length: ~2200
Comments: Written like a newspaper interview, this fic is a short, delightful and insightful read.


* White Noise by tawabids
Summary: Charles is the consort Scheherazade, who must keep the king of Genosha occupied with stories every night or be hanged for treason.
Rating: R
Length: 10-15k?
Comments: Considering the 'Charles = Scheherazade' prompting, this is surprisingly un-fairy-tale-like. It is dark and bitter and very cleverly written. I like the structure of it, the way the story is told in different media. This is an AU set in a roiling dystopia/utopia (depends where you stand). Another Alpha/Omega fic (sort of).

Sorry for disappearing on everyone for so long. I wasn't really busy, just... procrastinating because I wanted to post a book review at the beginning of the month and I didn't get it done because the book gave me ~feelings and I didn't want to post anything other than the review and... yeah, I suck.

I'll catch you all up on my life happenings (such as they are) soon. But for tonight, I come baring a very informative YouTube video. (Though the guy doing the talking talks reallysuperfastokay?) 

All non-Brits NEED TO WATCH THIS IMMEDIATELY.  Behold, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland:



That is all.

OHMYGODGUYS! I wrote a thing.

I haven't written anything in soo long. 2011 was a massive dry spell and it looks like it might finally be over. *knocks on wood* It feels wonderful to be writing again, though I'm about a million years (give or take) late to The Eagle fandom. Plus this fic is pure self-indulgence. Hope some of you enjoy it anyways. ;)

Title: The Long Season
Fandom: The Eagle (Film)
Rating/Pairing: NC-17, Marcus/Esca
Length: ~5,600
Warnings: Scenes of a sexual nature, some minor hurt/comfort, lots of angst and un-beta'ed
Summary: Winter is a harsh time for Marcus. Every year it only gets harder. Or: Esca has to leave to return.