Two Avengers recs
1. Quotidian by metisket, gen, Bruce, ~6700 words.
I read this on LJ and can't think of anything more profound to say about it than what I told the writer: this is some smart shit. It almost struck me as off at first - I had to read a bit to get into it, to feel it, because it's not your usual zen, slightly mopey, lovable sometimes green rage monster Bruce Banner - but, oh, as soon as I did, it's a gut-punch of smart, smart and funny and sly, oh, Bruce is sly and he knows it. Utterly marvellous characterization not just of Bruce, but of them all (but most especially of Bruce).
Writer's summary: An average day in the life of Bruce Banner. He tries so hard to mind his own business and stay below the radar. He does try. There should probably be a cautionary proverb about the best laid plans and Tony Stark.
2. The Whole World is Moving (And I'm Standing Still) by
theladyingrey42, Clint/Phil, ~25,000 words.
If the first was smart and sly and cheeky, this is smart and gorgeous and a bit heartbreaking in the best way. It's a fix-it fic and we all love those, but what stands out about this is the beautiful desperation. It's hard to capture that in such a spare, black and white way, like certain Asian-inspired artwork. I suppose that pops into mind because of the use of paper cranes, which we've all seen before in fic throughout our various fandoms, but here, here they're not just a wish but a lovely, desperate plea.
Writer's summary: Phil Coulson dreams of kissing Clint, and Phil Clarkson dreams he is Phil Coulson, and every time the dream recedes, he feels a little more ragged, a little more torn around the edges.
Phil Coulson's life is perfect and full and meaningful. Phil Coulson's life makes sense.
But the sun rises. The sun always rises, and Phil Coulson fades away beneath the light. Dissipates 'til he is smoke and ash on Phil Clarkson's tongue.
Phil Clarkson starts another day, and it is shivering with electric blue, and none of it makes sense.
And Clint Barton…Clint Barton just wants the man he loves back.
I've read so many wonderful fic recently. I wish I had kept better track of them because there are so many more that should be shared, whether they've already had a wide readership or not. I tend to rec when the mood strikes, not just because I read something fantastic, because that happens a lot more frequently than I rec.
To all who celebrate, Merry Christmas!
I read this on LJ and can't think of anything more profound to say about it than what I told the writer: this is some smart shit. It almost struck me as off at first - I had to read a bit to get into it, to feel it, because it's not your usual zen, slightly mopey, lovable sometimes green rage monster Bruce Banner - but, oh, as soon as I did, it's a gut-punch of smart, smart and funny and sly, oh, Bruce is sly and he knows it. Utterly marvellous characterization not just of Bruce, but of them all (but most especially of Bruce).
Writer's summary: An average day in the life of Bruce Banner. He tries so hard to mind his own business and stay below the radar. He does try. There should probably be a cautionary proverb about the best laid plans and Tony Stark.
2. The Whole World is Moving (And I'm Standing Still) by
theladyingrey42, Clint/Phil, ~25,000 words.
If the first was smart and sly and cheeky, this is smart and gorgeous and a bit heartbreaking in the best way. It's a fix-it fic and we all love those, but what stands out about this is the beautiful desperation. It's hard to capture that in such a spare, black and white way, like certain Asian-inspired artwork. I suppose that pops into mind because of the use of paper cranes, which we've all seen before in fic throughout our various fandoms, but here, here they're not just a wish but a lovely, desperate plea.
Writer's summary: Phil Coulson dreams of kissing Clint, and Phil Clarkson dreams he is Phil Coulson, and every time the dream recedes, he feels a little more ragged, a little more torn around the edges.
Phil Coulson's life is perfect and full and meaningful. Phil Coulson's life makes sense.
But the sun rises. The sun always rises, and Phil Coulson fades away beneath the light. Dissipates 'til he is smoke and ash on Phil Clarkson's tongue.
Phil Clarkson starts another day, and it is shivering with electric blue, and none of it makes sense.
And Clint Barton…Clint Barton just wants the man he loves back.
I've read so many wonderful fic recently. I wish I had kept better track of them because there are so many more that should be shared, whether they've already had a wide readership or not. I tend to rec when the mood strikes, not just because I read something fantastic, because that happens a lot more frequently than I rec.
To all who celebrate, Merry Christmas!