Established Relationship Fics

[sansets]

So today I am going to flail about my favorite established relationship fics.

... wait, please don't run away! I know that they are not everyone's cuppa (especially if they are not sold 100% on a pairing) but for me they are actually some of the most interesting stories for examining my favorite relationships. I am sold enough on Fraser/Kowalski/Vecchio that I really believe that just about any scenario could be worked to at least get them into bed together, if not planning a long term committed relationship. But why would they stay together? What would keep them working to keep a relationship that is so unconventional and how could they ever balance it with work? These are some wonderfully compelling questions and I think that these next few stories that I am reccing today do a wonderful job at getting at the answers to them.

How Others View Them:

In this section, I am probably revealing my love of external narration. But it is just so darned fascinating to watch people in the story figure it all out when you know the punchline! in Fluid Mechanics by mondschein1, Giulietta actually has three different narrators, and between her delightful OC and Welsh, with a little side of Fraser, the snapshots that she makes of their relationship is wonderfully compelling. And brynnmck's Three's a Crowd would be awesome just for the sheer Elaine factor, because Brynn's Elaine voice is a delight. But how Elaine figures out that Fraser, Kowalski and Vecchio are in a relationship and the details of how well they balance working and sleeping together make this one of my absolute favorite established relationship fics.

How They View Each Other:

And then there is the fact that I am a big ol' sap, and hearing them talk about how much they love each other is something that, while I realize some might find out of character, makes me happy. (And honestly, if it is done properly - and I think that it is in these two stories - I think that the three of them being schmoopy with each other is exactly in character) Every time I read spuffyduds's What I Like About You and Quick Reverse Turn and a Triple Jive by aerye I just go "Yes! That there! See, this is why they would last in a long term relationship, they LOVE each other! \0/" (Honestly, I could tell you all about why I love the POV of each of these and how awesome is it that all the little things that go unsaid are exactly the most important things conveyed, but really sometimes it is just all about the love. ♥)

Practicalities:

And finally, it is nice to see fics that deal with the everyday details that would be more than enough to break any couple up, much less a couple that is actually a threesome. Weekend Edition Has This Town Way Overrated by lordessrenegade deals with what is actually home and it makes my heart clench up with happiness every. damn. time. I read it. (And has the added bonus of being one of my favorite Vecchio character studies ever, but that isn't actually relevant to the theme of my recs this week!) And andrastewhite's Lifestyle Choices is an adorable little ficlet about finances and the buying of beds. And the bed as a symbol of the permanence of a relationship is a very happy thing to witness!

As always, please feel free to poke holes in my categories and squee about your favorite established relationship fics in the comments. I am here to squee along! :o)

Comments

[luzula]

Ooh, some of these are new to me, thanks!

[spuffyduds.livejournal.com]

You REread? Wow. That makes me sniffly. Thank you.