Recced by valis2:

Title: Gray. Safelike. by oddmonster
Fandom: Riptide
Pairing: Nick Ryder/Cody Allen
Categories: Action/adventure, Drama, Pre-slash, Hurt/comfort
Length: Long (~16,000)
Warnings: n/a

Author on LJ: oddmonster
Website: n/a

Review:
There are very few stories that I reread over and over again, but "Gray. Safelike." is one of them. This story is not only one of the best in the Riptide fandom, but it holds its own with many of the best fics I've read in any fandom. The author's style is fantastic. Simple, pared-down, yet incredibly effective in conveying so many layers. In fact, the more I reread this, the more I discover.

This story is told from Nick's POV. The Riptide Detective Agency (run by Cody Allen, Nick Ryder, and Murray Bozinsky) takes on a case, with a few misgivings on Nick's part. As the case unfolds and complications ensue, Nick tries to come to grips with his feelings for Cody, which he's kept secret for a long time. Nick's characterization is spot-on; he's bullheaded and smart, yet has no idea what to do with this desire for his partner.

Even better is the beautifully understated way the author handles Cody, revealing his own feelings to Nick but not in a way that Nick can understand yet. Their rich, nuanced interplay is the backbone of the fic.

The third detective in the agency, Murray, is helpful and understanding, and knows more than he lets on, and the vivid, amusing original characters help flesh out the rest of the fic.
The writing is terrific, and there are wonderful flashes of wit, as well as an excellent scuba diving action scene. I love how she nails the characterization; Nick is quick to protect the ones he loves and has a bit of a temper, Murray is funny and very clever, and Cody is competitive and a little high maintenance. The hurt/comfort is well-written and a great part of the plot. This fic is one of my favorites, and I hope that you'll give it a try.

If you're new to the Riptide fandom, or want a brushup on the characters, here's a good link with images: http://community.livejournal.com/smallfandomfest/112240.html.

Gray. Safelike. (pt. 1) (pt. 2) (pt. 3) (pt. 4)