Hearts and Flowers, Seeking Gold and Glory, Things I'll Never Say

[dessert-first.livejournal.com]

You know, you'd think since I have access to the challenge list, I'd sneakily prep for these challenges ahead of time.

You'd think.

Anyway, I can't resist a good declaration of affection. And it was just Valentine's Day, and my cup runneth over with love for due South and fandom and the glorious fanworks out there, so here's my Valentine to Declarations of Affection in fandom. Or at least, Part One, because I am so very going to take advantage of Amnesty week to post again in a few days. :)


Title: Hearts and Flowers
Author: china_shop
Pairing: F/K
Rating: PG
Length: 3,669
Why I'm reccing this fic: china_shop has mastered the art of the G-rated romance. She packs in so much UST and expectation and emotion and attraction and passion and love that by the time they get to the declaration, the reciprocation of emotion is actually a satisfying conclusion, even to a confirmed porn-lover such as myself. It's amazing!! How does she do it?

In this story, Ray wants to tell Fraser he loves him. But then there's Diefenbaker *and* dead!Bob putting in their two cents about the romance to an unappreciative Fraser, a field of opium poppies, a deranged former florist, and generally inspired wackiness. I adore the mix of the dS-style case-related nuttiness, the perfect Ray POV and the simple, heartfelt premise—how do you tell the guy you love that you love him? Also, Fraser's reaction to the declaration might just be the best thing ever. Seriously, you've probably read this, bookmarked it and told all your friends, but do yourself a favor—read it again. It's greatness.



For three weeks I was like a kid pulling the petals off of a daisy: I tell him, I tell him not.... trying to decide whether to tell Fraser I love him. But then there was this one moment when we were standing by the side of the road next to Fibonnacci's and I'd just said 'Pizza or Chinese?' meaning I would pay good money to see you naked, which is not the kind of conversation starter you throw at your partner, traditionally speaking. So I said 'Pizza or Chinese?' instead, but Dief looked at me funny anyway, and then looked at Fraser and made this strange little whuffling noise.

Fraser whipped his head round and looked at me, and turned back to the wolf and said, 'No, I don't think so.' And then he frowned across the pavement at nothing for just a moment and said 'No' in his firm too-polite-to-be-impatient voice.


Hearts and Flowers



Title: Seeking Gold and Glory
Author: joandarck
Pairing: F/K
Rating: G
Length: 2,633
Why I'm reccing this fic: Okay, this is like a Not-Declaration, or a Nearly-Declaration story. Because Ray tries, he really, really tries, and gives up, and tries again, and he just keeps coming back. He's so dogged, like an outmatched boxer in the ring who just refuses to give up. I adore him.

Also, it's hilarious and charming and beautifully written, with a shivery ending, great characterizations, sparkling dialogue and beautiful Fraser POV. I do not hesitate to declare my affection for this story.


"We were talking about that reaching-out hand, right? And regrets? And supermodels? Sometimes you got to take a really big risk and, and let things change. Try something wild and crazy. Even if it's qu- weird, even if you think it's not your thing. Because I tell you right now, Fraser, I think I can make this work. Maybe you think it's not you, but if you give it a chance, and I can really, really, uh, well let's just say there's some stuff I'm pretty good at. Okay, I'm not too sure how that would all apply, here, but there's got to be some, whatchamacallit, transferrable skills. And listen, this could be big, this could be it. I just... know it."



Seeking Gold and Glory



Title: Things I'll Never Say (vid)
Author: voiceless009
Pairing: F/K
Rating: Not rated, but probably around a G
Length: One minute, fifty-four seconds
Why I'm reccing this vid: Because it's a vid set hilariously tongue-in-cheek to Avril Lavigne (with the vidder's apologies for turning Fraser into a teenage girl), all about Fraser wanting to tell Ray he's in love with him. And having no idea how to do that.

I really love how Voiceless009's vids are telling active stories; they feel like fics. The montage that kicks off twenty-three seconds into the vid is textbook angsty declaration fic: Fraser is fidgeting and hemming and hawing, actually clutching a bouquet of flowers, Ray is uncomfortable with the weirdness, they tug at their collars and shift restlessly and there is such a clear communication going on there between Fraser and Ray, wherein Fraser admits he's being a bit of a dork and Ray agrees while trying to take the sting out of it.

But that's not what Fraser wants to get across. The vid is beautifully intercut with scenes of Fraser speaking and failing completely to engage his listeners on a real level; he can't get past the surface caricature of himself. It's completely charming and funny and sad and poignant, and I defy you to watch this vid without laughing—and wanting to smish poor Fraser. Ray's reaction shots throughout the vid are nothing short of comedy gold.




I'm tugging out my hair
I'm pulling at my clothes
I'm trying to keep my cool
I know it shows
I'm staring at my feet
My cheeks are turning red
I'm searching for the words inside my head



Things I'll Never Say

Comments

[starfishchick]

Thanks for the recs, especially the vid. I like the inclusion of dialogue in the vid!

[dessert-first.livejournal.com]

Glad you enjoyed them! The ear anecdote in particular cracks me up. Hee!

[nos4a2no9.livejournal.com]

Great recs, Dess! You automatically get a million points for reccing a vid. I love voiceless009's stuff ("Be Gentle With Me" is one of my favourite dS vids) and it made me happy to see this pop up on the comm. I don't think I've read Joan's story--I know! Scandal!--but your writeup made me think it's probably a can't miss. And you can never go wrong with a china_shop fic. All in all, I give you an A+ for both effort and awesomeness. *hands you a gold star*

[dessert-first.livejournal.com]

*pins star on shirt*

Shiny! Thanks, doll. :)