Fic recs

This is a long, long overdue list of just some of the fic I have read recently that I really enjoyed -- some quite old, some new. I hope you find something you like.

SPN and J2

In the Hearts of Honest Men by wraith816 (at AO3)
Pairing: Dean/Sam
Words: 549
Summary: Dean gives thanks; Sam is less than impressed.
My comments: FUNNY banter between the boys, characterizations are dead-on.

Like a Detuned Radio by homo_pink
Pairing: J2, AU
Words: 9000
Warning: mute character, permanent injury (past/off-screen)
Summary: When Jared's released from prison, Jensen is there to help him cope. Parole officer/ex-con AU.
My comments: Just beautifully crafted, with spare, evocative prose. Emotional, humorous, erotic.

Glittering Prizes And Endless Compromises by rockstarpeach (at AO3)
Pairing: J2, AU
Words: 47242
Summary: Jared's in love with Jensen. The only problem is, Jensen's a hooker and Jared can't really afford him. It's a good thing he's so darn cute, because despite Jared's meagre finances, they strike up a business relationship that was only ever an excuse to become more than that. They're head over heels for each other, so it should be their happily ever after, right? Turns out it's harder than Jared expected, having a hooker for a boyfriend. Jensen on the other hand, saw this coming.
My comments: It was refreshing to read a hooker!fic that wasn't about the hooker needing to be saved. Jensen owns what he is doing and isn't apologetic about it. It is Jared who needs to come to terms with it. I thought the story was very well crafted, romantic, and at times, quite hot.


MERLIN

Ivy and Amaranth by xthursdaynextx (Thursday_next at AO3)
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Words: 41886
Summary: While clearing out Morgana’s old rooms, Merlin discovers a pair of unusual magical bracelets. Arthur wants to destroy them, of course, and so begins a quest that will take them over snowy mountains and through rain-soaked forests, dealing with Druids, bandits and inns of questionable repute. With the future of magic itself hanging in the balance and matters complicated by the changing nature of their relationship, Merlin discovers that destiny comes at a price.
My comments:This is one of the bemagic reveal stories I have read. I thought it was handled beautifully and the characterizations were excellent.

Blue Christmas by slantedknitting (SlantedKnitting at AO3)
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Words: 6178
Summary: Arthur's alone on Christmas for the first time in his life and he almost can't cope until Merlin steps in to quietly take Arthur home to Ealdor for the holiday. Modern AU.
My comments: So much about this fic is charming, but nothing so much as Hunith's treatment of Arthur and his reaction to her attention. So sweet.

Everyday by phantomjam
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Words: 1,200
Warnings: None. Errs on the sappy-sweet side.
Summary: Arthur has an entire catalogue of ways to kiss Merlin.
My comments: I want to see all of these kisses.

The Devil is in the Details by lolo313 (at AO3)
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Words: 996
Summary: "Arthur Pendragon had always prided himself on his attention to detail." Basically, Arthur notices a freckle on Merlin's thigh during fellatio.
My comments: Beautifully written.

M-RYS by ot_mornmeril (mornmeril at AO3) ART by kjneely
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Words: 123216
Summary: The year is 2355 and Arthur Pendragon is the darling of Albion's capitol, Camelot. He's rich, handsome and the heir to Pendragon Enterprises, the world market leader of technology. Of course behind the facade, Arthur's life is far from perfect. His father is a demanding man and the betrayal of his ex-girlfriend has left him with even more issues than before, while through it all he's doing his best to take care of his mentally ill sister. But things really start to escalate when Arthur is put in charge of launching a new series of android models, the M-RYS line, and he discovers a malfunctioning model that seems more like a human than a computer. Things only go downhill from there. Between struggling with his ever growing feelings for Merlin and discovering one strange thing after the other, Arthur's world is completely upended as he and Merlin embark on a mission to discover his father's secrets.
My comments: One of my top pics of the year. The author is a gifted writer, who has done an excellent job of integrating the necessary world-building into the story. The plot was well-crafted and though I had an idea of how the story might end, there were plenty of surprises along the way.

Weighty and Troublesome Things by skitz_phenom on AO3
Pairing: Gwen/Arthur; Arthur/Merlin
Words: 123285
Summary:Post-canon AU / Canon AU from S2. It's been ten years since Arthur drifted away from him on the Lake of Avalon, but even inside Camelot's walls, Merlin is still lost. Hiding from those who know him and cut off from his former life in self-imposed exile, he can't resist the temptation when a mysterious stranger offers him the chance to set things right. Merlin returns to the past, to an innocent, simpler time, armed with the knowledge of Arthur's fate. He knows the odds (and the stubborn people - Arthur in particular) are stacked against him and the obstacles he must overcome seem insurmountable. Can destiny be nudged enough to save Arthur's life, and is the price too high?
My comments: Another beautifully written story, where Merlin repeatedly manipulates events to change Arthur's fate. The author does a great job with pacing, dialogue, and plotting -- all the story choices made seemed completely logical. It is emotional and lovely and at times heart-wrenching.