Fandom: Naruto
Pairings/Characters: Kakashi/Naruto
Rating: NC-17
Wordcount: ~4,000
Warnings: genderbending - Naruto is in Sexy Jutsu form for the majority of this encounter
Author: Permetaform
Website: the author on ff.net
Summary: Wherein Naruto has a scheme to remove Kakashi's mask, and Kakashi plays a game of gay chicken (he cheats).
Why: I've never really found the Kakashi/Naruto pairing appealing before, but the concept of SexyJutsu!Naruto (pretending to be a callgirl, no less) facing off against Kakashi, of all people, left open possibilities that I was too curious to pass up. With any other character than Kakashi in this situation, you might be able to predict the outcome. Kakashi, however, is far more unpredictable, and I couldn't resist the opportunity to find out his reaction to this situation. I wasn't expecting very much though; this is a plot that would be far too easy to do wrong, and very difficult to do right.

To my great surprise, I highly enjoyed the story. (In truth, I was so surprised that I had to read it again on a different day before I decided that it really was as good as I'd originally thought.) Permetaform really nailed the characterization of both Kakashi and Naruto, and then went a step further and created enough convincing emotion between the two of them to also completely convince me of the pairing.

If you're still not convinced, here's an excerpt, from the beginning of the story:

( Excerpt, NSFW )

Better than Perfect by Permetaform

Fandom: Harry Potter/Psych crossover
Pairings/Characters: Hermione, Shawn, Gus
Rating: PG-13
Author: scifichick774
Website: Fic archive
Summary: Hermione is determined to make people listen to her - even if she has to pretend to be psychic to do it.
Why: I've been all for Hermione-centric fic lately, and this is a product of that obsession. If you are a fan of both the Psych and Harry Potter fandoms, then this might be a good fic for you. I don't know that it would stand alone as well if you're not familiar with Psych though, so reader be warned.

Of course, you could read it just for Hermione, who is pretty lovely. I really liked her in this, taking action and doing things that she wasn't sure she could. I also liked the occasional outside perspective of her that the story gives us through the eyes of the Psych characters. And even though it's 9 chapters long, the story goes quickly, buoyed by good character interactions and the development of the plot.

Visionary by scifichick774

Fandom: Narnia
Pairings/Characters: Peter, Edmund
Rating: PG-13
Author: Gunbunny
Website: Burnt Copper
Summary: Some lads stand out when they're called up.
Why: OK, so here's a question. How do the Pevensies cope with the 'real world' after their time in Narnia? We see a little bit of this in Prince Caspian, but not enough, in my opinion. This is one possible answer, based on the idea of first Peter and then Edmund ending up in the army.

Gunbunny uses outside perspective perfectly in these stories, showing just how out of place the Pevensies really are, and the ways that it simultaneously benefits them and isolates them. None of these stories is very long, and the rating doesn't go above PG-13, and yet there's something dark about them. Maybe it's the glimpse of the skills that they learned in Narnia, or maybe it's the question of why they needed those skills at all. Either way, it's a fascinating look at the way that Peter and Edmund fit back into the world, and the places where they make the world fit around them. My only regret is that we only see Susan and Lucy in the last fic; I'd really like to see more of how they're coping as well.

Might Shape up Well
Judge his Reactions
Original Suspicious Bastard
A Thin Veneer of Civility
Putting the Natives at Ease

Fandom: Bleach
Pairings/Characters: Surprise pairings involving Orihime, Rukia, Ichigo, Renji, Ishida, Chizuru, Tatsuki, Keigo, Mizuiro, Ryo
Rating: PG-13
Wordcount: 1,350
Author: Harukami
Website: Passion Fruit
Summary: Bleach characters play "Spin the Bottle."
Why: I know, it's a horrible cliche. It's also, I'm not going to lie, complete crack. Harukami has great comedic timing, and I laughed like a madwoman when I was reading this. Rukia and Orihime are especially memorable to me, although I'll admit that Ichigo and Renji did amuse me.

If you're looking for substance and seriousness, this is not for you. But if you're looking for a quick laugh on a cloudy day, this is what it's all about.

Bleach the Bottle by Harukami

Current Mood: determined

Fandom: House/Angel crossover
Pairings/Characters: Robert Chase, Cordelia Chase
Rating: PG-13
Wordcount: ~4,000
Spoilers for: later seasons of Angel
Author: Roga
Website: Roga on Ff.net
Summary: Where Chase meets his American cousin and New Jersey is surreptitiously mocked.
Why: Welcome to Awesome Ideas 101, where it turns out that Cordy and Chase are actually cousins and become friends. I loved seeing these two characters interact and take part in each other's lives. (Seriously, don't even try to tell me that the idea of Cordelia meeting House is not epic.) Also, the ending of this kind of killed me, in that way that awesome fic has a tendency of doing. Funny in some places and melancholy in others, this is a wonderful story for both Cordy and Chase.

The One With the Chases by Roga

Fandom: Firefly
Pairings/Characters: eventual Jayne/River with light Kaylee/Simon, Inara/Mal, and Wash/Zoe, ensemble
Rating: ranges from PG-13 to R
Wordcount: >100,000 words overall
Spoilers for: everything
Author: Dyce
Website: None
Summary: Jayne is left all alone with a bad leg and a crazy girl for two days. It doesn't go as badly as it could.
Why: I have a huge weakness for the Jayne/River pairing, but it's really difficult to find good fic for them, as you might imagine. That's what initially drew me to this series. This is top-rate Jayne/River, without a doubt. The characterization is wonderful, the development of the relationship takes just as much time as might actually needed for such an unlikely pair, and just because it's Jayne and River-centric doesn't mean that the other characters are neglected. The plot in this series runs parallel to the later parts of the actual series, but reshapes events based on the new relationships that have developed, which I also found very interesting.

Even if you're not a fan of the Jayne/River pairing, I'd recommend that you read at least the first two stories, "Two Gorram Days" and "Kinship" which are very enjoyable without being at all shippy. And if you enjoy those, maybe you could even give the rest of the series a try! It really is worth it.

Also, just so you're aware, "Prodigal," the final story in the series is still a WIP (I know, I'm breaking my own rules). However, it doesn't leave things at a cliffhanger and is still being worked on as far as I know, so there's no need to worry too much about that aspect.

Two Gorram Days
Kinship
Bank Job
Miranda
Prodigal

Fandom: Nobuta wo Produce
Pairings/Characters: some Akira/Shuuji, mostly gen ensemble
Rating: G
Wordcount: ~400
Author: Ilana
Website: Ilana's Shinies
Summary: “We’ll be best friends forever!” Akira announces, throwing one arm around Shuuji and the other around Nobuta.
Why: I'm not always a huge fan of the 5 things format, but this one works for me because it feels so true to Shuuji's character. He's exactly the type to have doubts like these and react in this way. Also, I really liked the way that this ended by looping back around to the beginning and bringing things full circle.

Five Things Shuuji Wants to be True by Ilana

Fandom: Hana Yori Dango/Yamada Tarou Monogatari
Pairings/Characters: Mimura Takuya, Doumyouji Tsukasa
Rating: G
Wordcount: 814
Author: emothy
Website: emothy's fic journal
Summary: Domyouji has other friends, really.
Why: How could you not love the idea of this? Doumyouji Tsukasa and Mimura Takuya meeting and becoming kind-of-sort-of friends but not really because all Doumyouji wants to do is prove that he has other friends. And both of them are perfectly characterized and you just can't help but laugh at the way things turn out because knowing both of them, that's exactly what would happen.

Two of a Kind by Emothy

Fandom: Firefly
Pairings/Characters: Zoe-centric ensemble
Rating: PG-13
Wordcount: ~1,400
Spoilers for: Serenity
Author: slob_child
Website: sloth on dreamwidth
Summary: It’s a sneak attack that knocks Zoe Washburne down, ropes her wrists, and shampoos her hair.
Why: Obviously the lure of seeing Zoe forcibly given a makeover was a draw in reading this story, however, it wasn't all there was to it. This is a story about moving on and creating a home, and I liked the way that the author showed the crew doing that, each in his or her own way.

Makeover by slob_child

Current Mood: ditzy

Fandom: Prince of Tennis
Pairings/Characters: Shishido/Ohtori
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: mild Nationals spoilers
Wordcount: ~11,000
Author: kimby77
Website: kimby77's art blog
Summary: In which Shishido is oblivious and all the world seems to be laughing at his misery.
Why: I hope that everytime I get a craving for Silver Pair fic I'm able to find something like this. I loved the grumpy Shishido perspective in this story. He's just so perfectly embarrassed and disgruntled! Also, kimby77's mischievous Ohtori was very enjoyable, and the interactions between the various Hyoutei players were priceless. The fic does get a little confusing sometimes when it jumps around in time, but if you can keep track of where you are in time, the effect is actually really nice. Gah, this is the kind of thing that makes me want to whip out Prince of Tennis and start rewatching it!

Of Tennis and Gardenias by kimby77

Current Mood: tired

Fandom: Yugioh
Pairings/Characters: Joey/Seto
Rating: PG
Wordcount: ~850
Author: Misura
Website: Misura's index
Summary: During Maths, Seto attempts the writing of a declaration of love.
Why: I liked this mostly for the perspective on Kaiba. I like the way it shows him fitting into his classes, not the way a normal student would, but in a way that is distincty Seto Kaiba. I also really liked the look at the relationship between Kaiba and Jou. It's understated, but powerful in a way that more dramatic fics often aren't.

Perfect Loveletter by Misura

Current Mood: tired

Fandom: Yugioh
Pairings/Characters: Jou/Kaiba
Rating: PG-13
Wordcount: ~3,800
Author: Ariadne Bassarid on Ff.net
Website: The Luggaga Van
Summary: Jounouchi finds himself in the backseat of Kaiba's limo - twice. The first ride leads to an embarrassing arrest, and the second... Well, it just leads to Kaiba.
Why: OK, so I'll admit that part of the appeal of Jou and Kaiba is their immature bickering. Despite that, sometimes it's nice to see them acting a little more mature. This fic does that, showing the two of them as older and more experienced, without ever taking away the snark of their relationship. And if that isn't enough to make you laugh, I bet that the situation that they find themselves in to start the story will. ^-^

Will Do Favours by Ariadne Bassarid

Current Mood: good

Fandom: Hot Fuzz
Pairings/Characters: Danny/Nick
Rating: R
Wordcount: 3,252
Author: kassrachel
Website: fanfiction by kass
Summary: "If this isn't happily-ever-after, Nick thinks, it's damned close."
Why: To balance out the previous rec, a fic from Nick's point of view. I like this one because it's exactly what I wanted in that way of wish fulfillment at its finest. There's great characterization of both Nick and Danny and the progression of emotions in Nick as he figures out what's going on and just what he wants is completely enjoyable.

Long Shot by Kass

Current Mood: productive

Fandom: Hot Fuzz
Pairings/Characters: Danny/Nick
Rating: PG-13
Wordcount: ~800
Author: kyuuketsukirui
Website: Magic Soaking My Spine
Summary: You ask someone back to yours after a night at the pub, that's pretty cliched, isn't it? And what could be more romantic than Point Break? But Nicholas just doesn't seem to get it.
Why: I love love love the Danny voice in this story. It's spot-on perfect. The only thing wrong with this story is that it's not longer.

The Policeman Officer's Seduction by Grace

Current Mood: productive

Fandom: Gokusen
Pairings/Characters: Shin/Yankumi
Rating: PG
Wordcount: 1177
Spoilers for: drama
Author: astraea_cniht
Website: none
Summary: “After all,” Yankumi sniffled, forcing her voice to be cheery, “they're called crushes because they leave you broken-hearted, right?"
Why: I have a thing about drama. Reality in fiction is great and all, but sometimes all I want is the dramatic confrontation or the heartfelt confession or the emotional blubbering that takes just a little bit of suspension of disbelief to swallow, but is so enjoyable once you do that you never regret the choice. This story is kind of like that. There are a couple places where I couldn't help but feel that it was overly dramatic, but they were just the right places for me to not mind. Also, the author has some nice insights into both Shin and Yankumi that I really enjoyed. (Not to mention that I'm obsessed enough with Shinkumi to view everything I read through rose-colored glasses...)

Broken-hearted by astraea_cniht

Current Mood: anxious

Fandom: Harry Potter/Sailor Moon
Pairings/Characters: Remus Lupin, Aino Minako
Rating: PG-13
Wordcount: ~20,000
Author: Kihin Ranno
Website: the melancholy of Kihin Ranno
Summary: Remus is tapped to investigate a magical girl in London and finds himself ensnared in a world full of demons, a secret war, and the life of a rather hyperactive thirteen-year-old Aino Minako.
Why: Argh, I love this crossover. The author does an amazing job of mixing the two fandoms and keeping it accurate to canon. This is set during Sailor V's days in London, when Remus Lupin is sent to investigate both her and the strange dark creatures that she battles. The relationship between Minako and Remus, which seems so unlikely at first glance, is done extremely well. I also found this interesting because it addresses a period of that, as someone who doesn't actively seek out Sailor Venus fic, was completely new to me. Add in top-notch characterization of both Minako and Remus, and you have a first-rate crossover that I highly recommend.

Werewolves, Wizards, and Magical Girls of London by Kihin Ranno

Current Mood: hungry

Fandom: Maou/Ryuusei no Kizuna
Pairings/Characters: Ariake Koichi/Naruse Ryou
Rating: PG - R
Wordcount: ~3,400
Author: waxrose
Website: cleversweet.com
Summary: When Koichi stops by the window counter to refill a couple's water glasses, he notices that the lawyer is back again, sliding into his usual seat in the middle of the busy main counter.
Why: I'll admit it. I'm a crossover fiend, and the idea of Ariake Koichi and Naruse Ryou meeting rings of cosmic fate to me, and not just because it's AU Ohmiya. Koichi and Naruse have a lot in common, a fact that waxrose skillfully points out. Both lost their families, both are out for murder, both feel alone, so there was definitely something magical about seeing them connect for me. Also, I kind of loved the way that waxrose fit things into the cracks between canon and made them work (and given the ending of Maou, broke my heart all over again).

Best Served Cold
when all the clouds darken up the skyway
the war of the universe

Fandom: Skip Beat!
Pairings/Characters: Kyoko/Ren
Rating: PG-13
Wordcount: 5,218
Author: pomme_de_miel
Website: Golden meliades on Ff.net
Summary: Why does Kyoko have to do her first-ever photo shoot in a bikini, of all things? And why won't Ren quit teasing her? It's an embarrassing day for Kyoko.
Why: I have to admit, I get a lot of amusement out of how oblivious Kyoko is to how Ren actually feels about her, and one of the great things about this fic is that it plays right into that amusement. The author also does a really great job of capturing Kyoko, by turns silly and serious, and always more powerful and special than she thinks she is, and her relationship with Ren.

The Wink by Golden meliades

Current Mood: hungry

Fandom: Lovely Complex
Pairings/Characters: Koizumi/Otani
Rating: PG-13
Wordcount: 3,133
Author: worblehat
Website: worblehat's memories
Summary: "Five times Otani kissed Koizumi."
Why: I have to admit, I kind of adore this couple, and worblehat does a wonderful job of capturing them in all their teen-aged glory. I like that this is mostly from Otani's point of view, since the anime (which is all I've seen so far) is so much from Risa's point of view. It is a bit AU since it was written a while ago, but when it's so cute, how can you complain?

Five Times They Kissed by worblehat

Current Mood: accomplished

Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairings/Characters: Pansy/Percy
Rating: NC-17
Wordcount: ~11,000
Author: Florahart on IJ
Website: Florahart on LJ
Summary: In which Percy is not gay, Pansy has a problem with a compulsion, and they work things out together.
Why: If you've ever read anything by Florahart before, you probably know exactly what to expect, even without actually reading the story. However, in the unlikely eventuality that Florahart is new to you, let me tell you what you'll find here. Even though the pairing may seem implausible, this story is well-written and clever, with a believable relationship that develops between the two characters. And speaking of the characters, they are nicely characterized, and the dialogue between them is snappy and sparkling. Even if you don't particularly care for one of the characters (as I don't particularly care for Pansy), I'd suggest giving this a try because I bet that you'll be drawn in and end up enjoying yourself. After all, that's just the kind of author Florahart is. :)

To Follow Your Heart by Florahart

Current Mood: working