End of the Line by shewhoguards
(Harry Potter with Discworld style DEATH)
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3673824/1/End_Of_the_Line
I don't particularly care about most of the characters and the fic's writing style tends to the flippant Discworld style, but I still cry every time I reread.

Title: We Are All Diamonds (NC-17)
Fandom: Merlin
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Categories: Modern AU, slash, romance, angst
Length: Super Epic (134,304 words)
Warnings: Off-Screen Character Death (minor characters), discrimination against a person with a hearing impairment

Author on LJ: loaded_march
Author Website: Footloose (http://archiveofourown.org/users/Footloose/pseuds/Footloose)

Summary:

As the precocious heir of a diamond magnate and a famous designer, Arthur lived his entire life sheltered, protected, nurtured and spoiled. He always knew that he would have to step out from behind the scenes and into the limelight to run the family business some day, but he never expected that it would happen so soon or that he would encounter resistance from a board of directors who believe that his disability makes him unfit to lead.

Merlin has stood on every stage in every city in the world, performing to critical acclaim, but after years of globetrotting, he's well and truly burnt out. He didn't quit -- he ran away from stardom, dropping to obscurity in the blink of an eye, forgotten, just another face in the crowd. He's aimless and without purpose until a friend asks him to fill in on a job.

Neither Arthur nor Merlin are looking for salvation. They don't think there's any for them, that things are just too rotten, too far gone. But in the end, Arthur's quiet strength will be a balm to Merlin's broken soul, and it will be in Merlin's steadfast faith that Arthur finds courage.

Review:
In addition to being my favorite, this story also tops the list of Fics I Have Re-Read Way Too Many Times (In A Short Period Of Time). I was very new to the Merlin fandom and had only seen a few episodes from series one when I first read it, and yet it captured me completely. Footloose has built a world that is so detailed and immersive that no prior knowledge of Merlin is required to enjoy it. Aside from the beautiful writing and excellent characterizations, I think the thing about this fic that really gets me the most is the depth of Arthur and Merlin's feelings for one another. From the moment they meet at the Pendragon Diamond Show, there is an immediate connection between them that evolves believably and naturally into a deep and epic love. Although the reader can see that they are entirely smitten with one another well before Arthur and Merlin do, the payoff for this slow build is completely worth it. It's also appealing to see Merlin looked upon with approbation for his talent as an opera singer, and Arthur's reaction to his magic when finally revealed was very emotional and satisfying.

I'm also sort of in awe of the level of detail in this story. From the inner workings of the diamond business (and associated corporate intrigue), to Arthur's experience as a person with a hearing impairment to Merlin's singing -- everything is just so well-realized. The world building is just phenomenal.

Edited 2013-07-26 06:42 pm (UTC)

Title: baby, i’d victoria your secret anytime
Fandom: Marvel: Spiderman, Deadpool
Pairing: Peter Parker/Wade Wilson
Categories: Romance, Humor, Pining, First Time, Insecurity, Cross-dressing, Domesticity
Length: Medium (4,746)
Warnings: None

Author on LJ: ghostsoldierfic
Author Website: ghostsoldier (http://archiveofourown.org/users/ghostsoldier/pseuds/ghostsoldier)

Author's Summary:
Peter’s known Wade for a while now, so he can maybe see how this makes sense -- like, maybe Wade has a thing about going commando and just happened to have an old girlfriend’s panties lying around, one thing led to another…but…

“And the bra?” Peter croaks.

Review:
Let me preface my review by saying this: before reading this fic I knew jack all about Deadpool except that he's snarky, he's violent, he's ugly, he routinely and thoroughly demolishes the fourth wall, and he has a frankly ridiculous healing factor. And in reading it, I really only learned one fact about him: that I ship him with Peter Parker.

Luckily for me, ghostsoldier has a way of demonstrating their characters through the subtle details, like Deadpool breaking into Peter's apartment to make Mickey Mouse™ pancakes, or how his wallet has Captain America on it, or how Peter knows Deadpool so well that he can pick up on the subtle emotional cues that he hides behind his humor. These details bring Deadpool to life, making him pop off the page in a way that made me feel like I knew him in spite of knowing absolutely nothing about his backstory.

Add to that a dash of emotional vulnerability, a teaspoon of insecurity, 2/3 cup of pining, and a matched set of lingerie (with stockings!), and you have the recipe for an amazing Spiderman/Deadpool fic that's fun for everyone.

baby, i’d victoria your secret anytime (http://archiveofourown.org/works/504186)

Edited 2013-07-27 10:04 am (UTC)