Might Be Found by Ociwen (Renji/Kirihara | NC-17)

Fandom: Prince of Tennis
Pairings/Characters: Renji/Kirihara
Rating: NC-17
Wordcount: ~42,000
Author: Ociwen
Website:reposte
Summary: Renji might have found what he doesn't know he has been looking for.
Why: I originally read this because it was entered in the All Japan Competition. If it wasn't for that competition, I probably never would have read it. It's not a pairing I really care about, and although I'm fond of Kirihara, I don't generally seek out stories about him. So I really owe that competition a lot because this story is amazing. It's long, but it pulled me in so well that I hardly noticed the time while I was reading it. I was too busy feeling Renji's confusion and conflicting feelings with him. This is a really great growing up story, and one that gives you a very interesting look at a character who tends to be a bit hard to read.

Once you've read the first part, you can click on the yanakiri tag at the top to find the other parts. Just scroll to the bottom of the list.

Might Be Found by Ociwen

Jedi Harris by The Dark Scribbler (Gen | PG)

Fandom: Buffy/Star Wars
Pairings/Characters: Xander-centric, ensemble
Rating: PG
Wordcount: ~230,000
Spoilers for: events from the first three seasons of Buffy
Author: The Dark Scribbler
Website: The Dark Scribbler on Ff.net
Summary: Xander goes for a rather different costume at Halloween. May the force be with him?
Why: I was going to wait to rec this fic until I had finished the sequel, but as I was looking through the things I intend to rec, this popped out at me and I realized that I hadn't touched the sequel in months and have no clue when and if I will again. So, I guess it's time to rec this. Although it should be somewhat obvious from the title, this story is based on the idea that on that fateful Halloween, Xander went dressed as Obi-Wan Kenobi. Just as in the real episode, some of the skills from his costume remain, and so Xander ends up training himself as a Jedi. I enjoyed this for being Xander-centric and for taking Xander's development in an interesting direction. I also liked that although the story is about Xander, all the other characters get their parts to play and moments to shine.

Can you sense the 'but' coming here? I'm afraid this story falls into a little bit of a trap eventually. You see, by the end of the story, Xander is more powerful than Buffy. Which is fine, maybe, but it takes away some of the suspense and it makes it really hard to honestly threaten him. That is the reason that I've been unable to finish the sequel. Now, this is something that bothers me, but maybe won't bother other people. So if the idea intrigues you, I recommend you go for it. This is definitely a well-written story written by an author with a good grasp of character voice. But if you're a little more picky, this is your warning. In any case, the first 2/3rds of this story does not fall into the trap and presents a very enjoyable 'what if' that more than make up for its eventual decline. I can really recommend this story with very little hesitation. However, if you find yourself bothered by some of the things I've mentioned as you near the end of Jedi Harris, my current recommendation is to not worry about the sequel. Just treat this as a standalone.

And hopefully my prolonged warning won't keep anyone who's interested from reading. I really do recommend this. I just think that it's best to be forewarned when you're starting a story of this length. :D

Jedi Harris by The Dark Scribbler

Paved with Good Intentions by thewhiteowl (Gen | PG)

Fandom: Vorkosigan
Pairings/Characters: Ivan, Gregor
Rating: PG
Wordcount: 1,057
Spoilers for: Warrior's Apprentice
Author: thewhiteowl
Website: squelchything on Ff.net
Summary: "I don't imagine I'll get the opportunity to say this very often in my life." Ivan paused. "Gregor, you idiot."
Why: This is a great conversation between Ivan and Gregor set at the end of Warrior's Apprentice. It gives you a little of an idea of what Gregor went through during that book, and it's a great look inside Ivan's head. Also, I liked the interaction between the two of them, and the little hints of a childhood with Miles. Besides, isn't that summary the best motivation to read this story ever?

Paved with Good Intentions by thewhiteowl

Walking the Dogs by Sadieko (Gen | PG)

Fandom: Naruto
Pairings/Characters: Team 10, implications of Ino/Shikamaru
Rating: PG
Wordcount: 1,539
Author: Sadie Dragonfire
Website: The Dragons Gate
Summary: Team 10 is given an important mission. More or less.
Why: This is just a nice slice of life from the average day in the life of pre-timeskip Team 10. I like it for the amusingly accurate Shikamaru voice and for the chance to spend a little more time with some of my favorite genin. Not deep, but great for a few moments of entertainment.

Walking the Dogs by Sadieko