Jan 1 Q&A meme addendum...

[cairistiona]

In a comment to my answer post for "desert island books", layne67 asked what 5 fanfics I'd take with me... which is an almost impossible question to answer because I have so many favorite stories across several fandoms.

But since there's no questions for today or tomorrow, I'll give it a go. I'll list them in no special order other than "Captain America stories" followed by "LOTR stories", with the caveat that if I made another list next week it would probably contain completely different stories, because my favorites list is seriously huge and what tops it largely depends on my mood on any given day.

The first two are nothing new to anyone, as I keep gushing about them. They're my current go-to stories when life gets stressful and I need an escape:

1. Owlet's "This, You Protect", wherein the Asset's mission parameter abruptly switches from "this, you kill" to "this, you protect". Because it's chapter after chapter in Bucky's slowly-recovering brain, and has stuff like this scene, where Bucky learns old people can be interesting allies, and cats, particularly his old lady neighbor's cat Eleanor, are attracted to him:

“She doesn’t usually take to people,” the old woman says.

She’s carrying a tray with mugs and a plate on it. An ancient urge rises to get up and take the tray, but the risk of severe puncture wounds is too great if he moves.

“Eleanor’s a tough customer. You must be high quality.”

Assessment: high quality assassin, fighter, and spy. Cats are predators. Maybe cats are attracted to the tough and deadly. He scratches a little more firmly, and Eleanor rises, pads over and snuggles down on his lap.

She is purring, right on top of all his tender parts, and that’s where all her claws are. Terrifying.

2. "The Third Directive" and "Simple Conversation", by marjun (linking them together under one because Simple Conversation basically continues the story started in The Third Directive. If that's cheating, I don't care). It's very similar to #1, with chapter after chapter inside Bucky's brain and Steve's brain, too, but with a more serious tone and a ton of Steve-taking-care-of-Bucky h/cccccccccccc and hugs and tears and all that you'd want in a Post CA:TWS Bucky Recovery Fic. Plus there are Avengers. Win.

3. Canafinwe's Pale-Faced Tark. (I'd also like to take her A Long and Weary Way but it's not finished yet....and I have no idea if/when it ever will be. *sigh*) This one made the list because I love stories with unexpected strangers coming to Aragorn's aid, and this one is a primo example of that.

4. Mirach's Crossroads of Light and Shadow, because it's just so doggone unique and original and creepy and full of peril and... *flails* It hit me like a ton of bricks the first time I read it and remains one of my all-time favorite LOTR short stories. I mean, seriously... Aragorn and mewlips. And the Shadow-bride. *shiver*

5. Ugh, there are far too many to choose what the last one would be, so would it be terribly egotistical if I listed my Bowen Rushlight WIP instead? I figure if I was stranded on a desert island, I might actually have time to work on it. :P

Comments

[just-ann-now.livejournal.com]

This, You Protect has got to be one of my favorite fanfic stories EVER. Such an amazing contrast from all the other Bucky stories I've read - not that any of the others are bad stories, but, THIS STORY. *snuggles it*

[cairistiona7.livejournal.com]

I like the balance I get from both Owlet's and Marjun's stories, which is why I wanted both (okay, all three) of them on my little desert isle.

I see that owlet is now listing it as "Part 1 of Infinite Coffee and Protection Detail". More Starbucks and grilled cheese! \o/

[marjun.livejournal.com]

When I play Warcraft, my current favorite character is a Death Knight named "Daniel," who is in very much the same mental state as a recovering Winter Soldier. I have observed that many, many people declare a romantic interest in him after a few conversations. They know nothing about his backstory, only that he seems quiet and doesn't understand a lot of things that most people take for granted. He's awkward and damaged and vaguely threatening, but people* like to hug him and squeeze him and call him George.

*by "people" I include male and female characters, but of course there is no way to know the actual gender of the player.

[cairistiona7.livejournal.com]

I know absolutely zilch about Warcraft, other than I might have read a book based on it not realizing it (there... seems to be a lot?? Is Drizzt Do'urden part of that world? No, wait, he's Dungeons & Dragons, I think... ugh, I get them all mixed up). Anyway, that character archetype, whether in a game or a book or a movie/tv show definitely is one that engages all the "love him and squeeze him and call them my own/George/Bucky/Squishy" feelings when done right. Thankfully, Bucky was most definitely treated right both by Ed Brubaker and by the MCU and, for that matter, Sebastian Stan. He could easily have come across as one-dimensional "brainwashed villain" stereotype, completely unlikeable, but that single scene in the bank vault really flipped the audience, especially after seeing Steve identify him when he was otherwise pretty much unrecognizable.

I remember (I'm showing my age here) an episode of Black Sheep Squadron that centered on a pilot the Japanese had captured and brainwashed into blowing up a US installation. It was so compelling because both the writers and Kent McCord managed to convey that he was a victim more than a villain, though he did villainous things. I can't remember exactly how the episode turned out (probably been 15 years since I saw it when it was in syndication) but I think they finally managed to capture him and haul him off for treatment? Not sure, but I do remember it was a compelling episode.

[marjun.livejournal.com]

Also, I can't believe I had never read "This, You Protect." I have obviously been under a rock or somewhere.

[cairistiona7.livejournal.com]

*shoves the story under your rock* Hope you enjoy(enjoyed?) it!

[lindahoyland.livejournal.com]

I really enjoyed 2. and mean to read the others you recommended when I get chance. I love Carafine and Mirach's stories.

[cairistiona7.livejournal.com]

I had to go back and reread my favorite bits in all those stories. I'm glad you enjoyed Marjun's!

[layne67.livejournal.com]

I don't read in the Bucky-Cap fandom ( well, except for your Cap and Bucky adventures :D ) but #1 sure sounds intriguing!

[cairistiona7.livejournal.com]

I wonder how it would read to someone who doesn't know the two characters and their friendship and all that happened. If you give it a go, let me know. :)