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.


( A brief excerpt )

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.

( A brief excerpt )

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.


( A brief excerpt )

Things I'll Never Say