Title: Natural Selection
Fandom: Spirited Away
Pairing: Haku/Chihiro
Categories: Future Fic, Romance, Spirits
Length: Long (31,232)
Warnings: None

Author on LJ: aishuu & murinae
Author Website: Aishuu's AO3

Author's Summary:
After marrying Chihiro, it's Haku's turn to explore a new world. Haku must navigate human life as he struggles to find his place as a god in a faithless, electronic age.

Review:
Spirited Away is definitely one of my most favorite movies ever, and every once in a while I find myself dipping a toe back into the fandom. This story was written a few years ago, but it remains one of my favorites--in part because it's written so well and in part because it kind of makes my heart squeeze every time I read it.

It's not a drama-and-action-everywhere! sort of fic. Rather, it's mostly about Haku. A Haku who has married Chihiro and still misses his river. It's about spirits and their place in a world that's increasingly faithless, and how some adapt and others don't. It's about a Haku who struggles as a dragon, a god, in a human body, but does so with nary a complaint because he fiercely loves Chihiro and she makes everything worth it (my heart you guys).

It's a lower key sort of fic. It mostly explores Haku's evolution and the way he interacts with the human world he has chosen to live in (while still interacting with the spirits around him). And it's so beautifully written. The descriptions, the turns of phrases--all of these set the tone and make you really believe that this is actually the future for Haku and Chihiro. Life isn't perfect for the both of them (for one, Haku can barely hold a job, ha), but it's worth it to them. I just sort of helplessly smile.

And Haku's a dragon. A dragon in a human body (most of the time), but still a dragon. His mannerisms and quirks are spot on, as are Chihiro's. Basically: Everything is believable! And gorgeous! And if you liked Spirited Away you'll love this!

Natural Selection