These are fiction recommendations from Hope. She left fandom in late 2004, but I always enjoyed her recommendations so I asked her if it'd be okay to just host them here. She said yes, so yay! Enjoy her hard work and find yourself some good stories! These date from August of 2002 until March of 2004.

NOTE: Most of the stories linked for the Smallville Historical Fiction challenge can be found Here, instead.

March 09, 2004

My Beautiful Friend Or, Five Things that Never Happened to Adam Knight, by Zahra. First off, I must say that Baskingstoke tapped into an incredibly beautiful thing with the first "Five Things" story, Five Things That Aren't True. These stories tend to number among my favorites among the many Smallville-Specific genres, and Zahra's "My Beautiful Friend" is no exception. Each of the five things is a really interesting possibility for Lex and Adam, and each part is a tight little story each on its own. I especially enjoyed the first and fifth iterations- in the first, Adam doesn't know if Lex is a murderer, but he knows Lex has nightmares about a boy he killed in a car accident. The fifth picks up shortly after "Crisis," and steps into a whole new beginning for Lex and Adam. And, if you like this story and/or this pairing, you'll probably also like Zahra's The Prodigal Replacement, Even Honesty is Financial Speculation, The Book Fetishists, and my personal favorite of all of them, On a Subject of Some Regret.

Arise, You Sleeper (I Am Your Dream), by Nifra Idril. 10 dreams Clark Kent has had, and Nifra's got a really nice grasp on creating a vivid dreamscape, with all its strange, subconscious quirks, without making it hard to understand what's happening. Clark's fourth dream is my personal favorite; that's an image that will stick with me.

Skin Deep by Rivka T. Another one of the twists on genre I like: deliberately taking one of the Fan Fiction Cliches and writing a good story of it. In Skin Deep, Clark and his biological father have a little disagreement on his destiny, which leads to Clark waking up as a girl. In Lex's bed. Need I say more?

Project Metropolis by Roses. When Lex Luthor wants a race, he gets a race- and this is a really fantastic story about that, and the incredibly complicated dynamics of friendship. Written from Pete's POV, the voice is very clear, the story's got tension and sharp dialogue in spades, and it's so authentic and organic, I honestly couldn't stop reading once I started it.

Wax Ecstatic by kieyra. There's not nearly enough Chlex fiction out there to suit me, but this one suited me pretty well. :) Written for Signe's "Intoxication Challenge," kieyra gives us a Chloe who's ingested something she probably shouldn't have, going to the one guy who might be able to get her through this bout of youthful foolishness. It's a little thin on the narrative in the beginning, but it picks up with a warm, inviting kind of prose as the story progresses.

'Round About Midnight by DebC. Another LuthorCorp Christmas party, and another one of Lex's wives; Lex won't make an appearance, Clark can't figure it out, Lois isn't about to help him, and Chloe smiles through it all.

Unearthed and Exposed, by Wendi. Wendi takes on Conner Luthor, AKA Kon-El, AKA Superboy, and Conner takes on both of his fathers in a furious attempt to have some kind of normal life. I really like the foreshadowing Wendi has going on in this story, and the distinctly post-Rift Clark and Lex, firmly established in their future roles in opposition to one another. Conner is a sweetheart, and Martha and Jonathan ring especially true for me here. Wendi's always had this lushness to her prose that makes a story unfold like a movie; her style is just so visual.

Invulnerable Hearts by Ingrid. This is a tasty little post-Rift with a happy ending Clex story that I especially like, because Ingrid has a really wonderful grasp on balance: drama and humor, light and dark, sweet and sharp. This story has all of those things, comfortably threaded together with Ingrid's light, conversational prose style.

December 30, 2003

Moonlight Ladies by Nifra Idril. The language in this piece is beautiful; it has a quiet, after-midnight thoughtfulness to it, and the images drawn of Martha, Nell and Laurel- Chloe's mother- are achingly real: glimpses of three very different women when they're free to be human first, and mothers second.

December 27, 2003

Oftentimes, people are accused of only reccing their friends. I generally make a concerted effort to rec all sorts of stories from all sorts of people, but I am lucky enough to have friends who also happen to be great writers, who sometimes get the short shrift from me because I'm off in the far-fields. To remedy that disparity, I present Nepotism Recs- stories I really like, by people I really like.

Sanctuary by Wendi. It's because of fan fiction that I know Wendi at all; I've been her number one fan for years, and I look forward to many, many more. I've always loved (and to be honest, envied,) her ability to write human beings, being human. Characters in her hands really breathe, they have moments of agony and ecstasy, and the portrayals are honest, and complex and so recognizable. Beyond that, she truly has a director's eye, but a writer's hand- she creates vivid images with narration and metaphor in a way that transports me to that moment. When Wendi writes, I believe every word she says, unquestioningly, so that's why I'm recommending "Sanctuary," the universe where Chloe gets her hero now, rather than later. One story just isn't enough to get the full effect, and this particular series highlights her entire spectrum as a writer, from humor to drama, to romance, and beyond.

Insistent by LaT. Though Ms. LaT is best known for her meta, the same sharp thinking and deeply analytical mind behind deconstructing episodes and seasons applies particularly well to fiction, as well. That tendency toward perfectly organized allows her to create these moments in time, where actions have consequences, and they all fall in orderly, domino rows. My description here sounds dry, but the fact that LaT is intimately aware of every element makes this story especially sensual, with a nice, sharp pull at the end to make Clark and Lex (and the reader) want more.

Prophet of Eden by Destina. Though she is generally quite happy over in Stargate fandom, Destina's written some truly wonderful Smallville fiction, and this is the pinnacly of them. It's a complicated story weaving disparate threads of time into a tight, introspective and outwardly dynamic passion play of choices and consequences. What I especially like about her writing is how clear it is, and how deftly she handles the language- the pace is always right, the dialogue rings true, the narrative is reflective of the POV character. You have to pay attention to follow, but it's well-worth the concentration.

Massage Therapy by Andy. The best way to describe Andy's style is that her work is lush and sensual. It doesn't matter if she's writing about a fund raiser, or in this case, a massage that leads to decidedly more erotic pursuits, the sensory detail is almost overwhelming. She captures all five senses with narrative focus that makes her work seem like an invitation to shameless voyeurism. When Andy writes, the characters *want* you to watch.

Stumbling Fast by Slodwick. Slod's particular gift is mood and atmosphere, both in evidence in this story about Clark's not-so-sudden departure from Lex's life. There's a light touch to it- though it's sad, it doesn't descend to maudlin, and it echoes with the realism of regret.

Thicker by Rhiannonhero. Oftentimes, I'm a little out of the loop when it comes to Rhi's stories just because our taste in subject matter differs. This post-Lineage story, however, lands smack into territory I like to explore, and presents an opportunity to enjoy the thickness of Rhi's paragraphs, and the richness of her prose.

Memento Mori by Jayne Leitch. What I really enjoy about Jayne's stories is that she infuses mundane things with great portents, and she has this scarily subtle way of twisting the world she's writing, increment by increment, until suddenly everything is a funhouse mirror. In her hands, things that shouldn't be scary, are; things that should be ordinary, aren't, and this story examining how a pink princess came to wear a death token around her throat is a perfect example of that. If you like this story, I suspect you'll also really enjoy A Sound of Thunder, in which Lillian suspects Lex has been sleepwalking.

Low Men in Yellow Coats by Zahra. What amazes me (and brings me back again and again) to my Z baby's stories is the crackling lightness of her humor, and the way each story starts out with a broad stroke and slowly tightens to the climax. Her observational narration style is just amused enough, just detached enough, to let the events progress seemingly on their own. This particular story is one of my favorites- I love it when Zahra pairs Clark and Lex with humor and kids.

November 18, 2003

One of the things I love about fandom is that new people come in all the time, and they bring new toys and new ideas, and a shiny, fresh excitement. But one of the things that makes me sad about fandom is that with the turnover, and with the inevitable jossing the show does to stories written in previous seasons, really good fiction gets put away in the closet, still tangentially loved, but only in that distant, souvenir-of-a-good-time-once-had sort of way. So, I'm presenting a couple installments of Memorex Recs- old stories that are still wonderful to read. This first batch comes from recs originally made from May to August, 2002.

Trying by Jen K.
He wants to sketch the shape of Lex's body into the air in front of him with his free hand, draw the empty space close and fold himself around it, under it, into it.

Black Pond by Viridian5
More at ease in his own body. Please. Our minds flit out of the gutter quickly.

Then Lex caresses his fishing rod in a manner that forces our minds to dive back into the gutter. His long fingers slide up and down its length slowly, slowly.... Not very nice of him, dammit. He mutters an ow! as we smack his shining bald head, and we laugh as he looks about for the culprit. Tease us, will you?

The Town Where Nobody Got Off by Brighid
"Now you're home, you're out to Ma and Pa and I'm practically wearing your letterman pin and the whole goddamned town is playing chaperone!" He leaned over, pulled a stray hay straw out of Clark's hair.

The Sound of Thunder by Jayne Leitch
"Don't worry, I'm not afraid now." Lex frees his hands from under the covers and wraps them around hers, pulling them down to rest on the blanket, and Lillian realizes that he's not the one who's shaking. "I was then, but ever since I woke up in the hospital, I haven't been. I'm fine, Mommy." His little hands squeeze hers in reassurance.

And The Sailor Home From Sea by Jack
Disgusted, I turn to go inside, feeling a sudden rush of familiar frustration that my penthouse terrace has turned into a postmodern widow's walk. My hand is on the door, easy to find even as dark as it gets up here above the city lights, my body knowing the motions of this ritual too well. Behind me, I hear a sickeningly familiar noise, the sound of a body striking the flagstones from an indeterminate height.

My sailor, home from the sea.

Interval in Sunlight by valentine.
He returns to Lex, sitting lightly on the bed's edge, and waits for the sun to paint everything in color. He's never seen the room in daylight; never seen Lex in anything but stark relief. Not since he's been more than just Clark.

Stress Relief by Morgan R.
In Clark's original plan for this conversation, he would have enthusiastically agreed for as long as Lex would allow him to keep talking, but in Clark's original plan, Lex had been wearing clothes, so it was difficult to see how the hypothetical situation related to this one at ALL. Clark was wearing clothes. He was setting a good example, and Lex should really pay attention.

"Did any of your teachers pretend to teach, or did they all allow for the futility of it and force you to play hangman?"

Well, that depends, Lex. Are you wearing any PANTS?! "Um, most of them just let us do our own thing. We had a video in English."

Nativity by Victoria P.
Generations of Kents have stared down at him for as long as he can remember; gruff, leathery faces and eyes that had seen too much death, too much hardship. Yet they refused to give up, even in the face of incalculable odds.

He feels a kinship with them deeper than he's ever felt before, as he sits in the storm cellar.

Breathing Water by Shrift
"I didn't send you to the most prestigious private school in England to learn the fine art of sodomy, Lex," Lionel says. His thumb strokes down his beard.

"Of course not," Lex says easily. He picks up the second glance and drains the contents despite the smudges indicating the Headmaster has already used it. Scotch. Lagavulin, and a particularly good year. "After all," he continues, "It's not like 'English boarding school' is cultural shorthand for gay, dad."

The Next in Line by pearl-o.
And looking back, Clark knows there must have been a moment there when it was all still up in the air, undetermined, a time when it all could have gone differently than it did. Clark thinks this must be true, because otherwise it doesn't make any sense at all, but still, he remembers it in a kind of haze.

Summer Wine by Wendi.
It's a ridiculous grin, really, but isn't it all ridiculous? Lex considers this, flat on his back, watching clouds overhead. Absurd that he's never *done* this, until he tasted this insanely sweet wine from the Kent cellar. And for all that useless MENSA acknowledgement, the only epiphany his genius mind has been able to come up with thus far is that homemade wine is very different from scotch.

Misapprehension by LaT.
When he teased Lex about Victoria at the party, it had felt safe and easy to do. It was fun, too, busting Lex's chops for a change rather than the other way around, and Clark was impressed with himself at the way Lex's face, for once, didn't seem quite so pale, the little bit of color in the cheeks letting Clark know he'd scored a pretty decent hit. It wasn't as much fun later though, after the thing with the bus, when Lex had sent Clark back to Smallville in the limo alone so he could catch up with Victoria.

The Cuckoo by FayJay.
The betrayal earned him more than thirty pieces of silver, but Lex still sealed it with a kiss.

The Sound of Summer Running by Zahra.
He's still mourning all those fireflies that died before he got a clue. Before he understood that they were nice to look at, but that they could only be contained for so long before they died. That it was better for him get his fill of their radiating light while they blinked and crawled along his outstretched fingers, before letting them go.

Just another cheap farmboy thrill that Clark likes. That he probably will never share with anyone. That he will never tell Lex, because Lex is really the only person Clark shares things with these days, much to the chagrin of Pete and Chloe. But even what he shares it isn't that much.

September 10, 2003

Compromises and Other Positions by Celli Lane. This is a right complicated series of vignettes, starting when Clark is young, and moving straight on until Lex is president, capturing the growth, the changes, and the compromising positions in each age. Celli threads them together wonderfully, and yet, each vignette is complete into itself.

Home Plate by Shrift. Eeeeeee! Okay, I really have to stop squeeing, it's unbecoming of this delicious play on Lex's need to give gifts to Clark, and the ulterior motives he has for giving them. The atmosphere is so real in this story, the characterization is spot on, and dang it, it's sweet. *happysigh*

Adrift by Alee. This one hurt, in a very good way. Alee deftly handles Clark, Lex and the secrets between them in a vivid, deeply moody meeting of minds and bodies. This one left me a bit tender, but faintly hopeful.

Let Go by Andy. Most of my feedback to Andy on this was incoherent, and frankly, I'm still a little shaky in the knees and needing a cigarette hours later. It's the little details that really make this story- Lex checks his caller ID, Chloe is quite practical calculating just what it'll take to make him forget there's a world outside at all, and it's all wrapped up with a hint of anger at the first, and a shade of grey at the end, which utterly suits both of them. Whua.

Domestic Relations by Punk. Again, I really must tamp down my squeeing here. I just love the way Punk writes- she's got dialogue nailed to the wall, and this story goes from Clark's amusement, to Clark and Lex's petty bickering, to six kinds of heartwarming in a completely natural and organic way that just makes me want to go, well, squee!

Beginnings by Corinna. This is a wonderful portrait of Lionel and Lillian Luthor, before they owned the whole world, and before things started to fall apart. This Lillian is the perfect lioness- smart, sharp and loving, and mistress of her domain, and it's easy to see why Lionel loves her... and it's easy to see why things eventually go awry. Really wonderfully done, and bonus, baby Lex makes an appearance!

Summer Sigh by Wendi. I'm probably not objective about this one at all, but I really love Wendi's Lois (now recast for her younger years as Kate Moennig... mmm, Kate!) I love her Lana, and I love them together. The sweet, sensual tension crackles in this story as Lois and Lana get to know each other, and poor Chloe's bewilderment over losing her cousin to the Cult of Lana Lang is priceless. I'm really looking forward to the next story in the series!

Lost and Found by paperbkryter. Now this is a story that gives me a good reason I can bvelieve in, as to how it would come about that Lana would find Clark in Metropolis. Excellent atmosphere and characterization here, and a really nice glance forward to what the Lana-Chloe dynamic might be like in S3. I'm a little fuzzy on how Lana knew something that's pretty integral to the plot, but it's a minor quibble in an otherwise truly enjoyable story.

August 18, 2003

Circle by LaT. LaT does amazing things with these characters- she manages to break the boys up, and get them back together... maybe? With such a light touch that the reader is thoroughly immersed, all the sides of the story unfold, and I feel bad for Clark and Lex in this story, at different times- and I could see this happening all too clearly.

Thicker by Rhiannonhero. I love it when Clark is petty and petulant on the show, and Rhiannonhero captures that perfectly in this little ode to jealousy of the Kent variety. Lex is throwing a party for Lucas, and heh, Lucas is all too happy to throw that fact in Clark's face. Fortunately, Luthors- of the Lex variety- seem to flourish in out of the way corners, rrowl!

First Coffee of the Day by Evangelene. This is fun, fun, fun futurefiction, whee! Clark is having a bad day, and as mentioned above, I love it when he thinks bad thoughts. His sparring matches with Lois and Perry are priceless, but it's his mounting annoyance at his bouts with Lex that reign supreme here. This story made me laugh out loud in spots, and the ending made me grin wildly.

The Hands of Orpheus by Thamiris. Sometimes, I think I am not actually smart enough to read Thamiris' stories, but I do it anyway, because her lush, vivid visuals and deeply defined universes draw me in again and again. This story is like taking literary LSD- a fantastic, deliberately hellish hallucination populated by demons, a winged Lex, a stalwart, heroic Clark, and Lionel as... who else, the devil- and all of them perfectly in character, speaking deliciously dead-on dialogue. What a treat.

August 11, 2003

Early Bird Special by sinisterf. A response to the Cliche-a-thon and Summer Fun challenges, this Lex with Amnesia story has a great atmosphere, and RedK Clark is perfectly menacing to the guy who calls himself Warren, but has very Luthorlike manners.

A Saltwater Drowning, by Jayne Leitch. Jayne has a real gift for capturing a mood and feel, and this post Vortex (yes, Vortex, not Exodus,) story weaves so many conflicting emotions together with a deft touch. Clark and Lex in a hotel room, before that long summer apart. Beautifully done.

One Night at the Metropolitan by Tara LJC O'Shea. This is just a fantastic story from beginning to end- visually vivid, liberally laced with humor and motion, this is a wonderful examination of Chad, Smallville's only Goth, and just how well Chloe would fit with him. Really top-notch characterization.

Cheesecake or Death by Shrift. A fantastically funny interior dialogue with Clark leads to considerations of mass destruction, bald-faced lies, and steamy , poorly-coerced sex with Lex. Not angst, not non-con, this is a creamy, sweet confection... a lot like cheesecake. Mmm, cheesecake!

Fading in Silence by Aelita. What I like best about this story is that it feels real. A good mixture of humor and drama, honest emotions and consideration of the atmosphere. A homecoming of sorts, for Martha, and Lex, and Clark.

Whatever It Takes by DebC. I really don't want to give this one away, so let me just say that it's complicated, and vivid, and no matter what you think three paragraphs in, this is not the story you think you're reading.

Dear Roses,

I desperately want to read Beneath Another Sun. Your stories always flow with sharp, vibrant life made up of gorgeous language, and god, I love your AUs. I've read White Lightning many, many times over. Alas, my laser printer is dead, and I can't read long stories online, but this bit:

It was only days ago he was on the deck of a huge ship, taking the sea air into his lungs in great draughts and feeling vitalized by it. There had been times he’d been so euphoric he’d been tempted to take one of his shipmates into his arms to dance a soundless tarantella.

Guarantees that I am going to fix that printer problem soon, because this? This is a story I really, really want to read.

July 24, 2003

Truth & Lies and Stunner, #1 Superstar by Wendi. Two sides of the same coin, she brings the hurt, and the funny, mingles Smallville with the Justice League, all so vividly. Lois will break your heart in her heart to heart with Chloe, and Wolverine (yes, Wolverine!) will threaten to snikt it out for you if you mess around with the names in the betting pool.

Three Things That Just Won't Happen by mobiusklein. All of the entries in this challenge have been very good, and very, very serious- this one just cracked me up from beginning to end. Three things that definitely won't happen, but it would be a trip if they did.

Five Things That Already Happened in Other Fic by Te. Despite the title, this is actually an entry in Lenore and Rivka T's Cliche Fic challenge- and it's got drunken sex, hooker sex, truth and dare sex (sort of,) pon farr sex, and trapped in a small space sex, all with heavy doses of humor and... well, sex. Whee!

June 30, 2003

One Hundred Years by Signe. Ow. Seriously, just ow. This entry into Rhi's "Cure Lyric" challenge weaves the words in deftly, never detracting from a tight, inexorable slide toward the ending. Clark's whole life, the lives of everyone around him, beginning and ending are rendered here with precision, and though Pete's particular end doesn't quite resonate for me, the reaction to that ending does, as do the rest. One of the best endings I've read in a long, long time, it's absolutely gorgeous.

Containment by Kirsten Sea. And to complement, this story has one of the best beginnings I've read in a long, long time. Also gorgeous, the whole story brilliantly takes the varnish off of Lex's memories of his mother, his parents, his childhood, and makes Lillian real and flawed, shows Lionel human and gradually growing harder, weft with real grace and style into Lex's childlike self-absorption. Fantastic use of canon here, I really enjoyed this.

I'll Show You Mine by Dannyblue. Though this story is pretty thin on the narrative, and a little awkward getting started, the dialogue is just sterling, and the situation is funny as hell. It has a great pace, great zing to it, and I really enjoyed watching a little more verbal judo between Chloe and Lex, in Lex's attempt to save Clark from embarrassment of the average, school-project kind.

Brand New Normal by Punk. You know what I love about Punk? Punk writes old-school slash, between the lines of the episodes, taking full advantage of the subtext, and she never abuses or misuses the female characters; there's a lot of respect for the canon in her writing. This story is no different in that, and it's a really fantastic memory of first season, set after Leech, with Clark starting to come into his powers, and the realization that his love for Lana is completely different from his feelings for Lex.

Alarm Me by Ingrid. An alarm goes off in Justice League Headquarters, and everybody turns up to find out why. This is both incredibly funny and incredibly evocative of the Justice League cartoon, which in my head, means twice as much Rosenbaum for the buck!

Smallville Somnambulist by Celli Lane. This is really cool, quickly paced experimental Chloe piece that really, really works- both for the character, and for the audience, giving us a staccato series of snapshots of Smallville, post-Exodus.

June 26, 2003

Ha! One of the joys of finishing my historical story is that I can finally read everybody else's. I'm working my way through the site now, and hot diggity, there are some fantastic entries there.

Blessed of Re by Issaro. This story starts in media res, and just does NOT stop yanking you along until it's finished. Issaro paints ancient Egypt with vivid, brilliant brush strokes, and writes action so viscerally, I felt it on my skin. This is one of those times when, if this were a movie review, I'd say it's a non-stop tour-de-force... and hey, I just did. Just really excellent writing all around, I really enjoyed this!

Genesis; Or, God is a Slasher by Zahra. With sharp wit and pitch-perfect humor, Zahra rewrites the creation of the world in a way that's both hysterical and completely accessible to heathens such as myself. No simple "There was light, and it was good," there were cows, and corn, and hangover cures, and so, so much more. I am still giggling over this one!

White Lightning by Roses. I cannot say enough good things about this story, I really can't. The slight twists on characterization to match the differing circumstances work beautifully; the backwoods of Tennessee painted here are humid and vibrant with the scent of corn mash and gunpowder. Really fantastic reimaginings of the characters, with a sharp, neat plot that leads inexorable to some fantastically sexy moments, I'm glad I printed this, because I will want to read it again, and soon.

I can't wait to dig through the rest, what a great challenge!

June 14, 2003

A Pale Distance by Nifra Idril. This is just an extraordinary story, in every sense of the word. It's gorgeously written, the prose is tight, and not a single word is wasted. The visual imagery here is just breathtaking, and the story of Clark, his past and his memories, to his present, toward his future is written with such graceful, loving attention that I don't think I blinked once while I read. This story sets the bar for working Clark through his canonical feelings about Lana, into his fan fiction feelings for Lex. Just really gorgeously wrought, I highly recommend it.

Nereus Who Tells No Lies by The Spike. Another gorgeous foray into intensely visual internal characterization, this post-Exodus Lex piece is staccato, and anxious until it finally takes a deep, deep breath at the end.

Courier by LaT. LaT has a gift for snapping words together into sentences into paragraphs into a story that clips along at the perfect pace, and this flip side examination into the First Mrs. Luthor, and just what happened to her after Heat is fascinating. Fun with teeth, a deeper look into Ms. Atkins' motives and mindset, and just how useful her abilities could be.

The Last Outpost by Wendi, wherein she recreates the desolation of the old west, and the first two seasons of Smallville with a deft touch and deeply sensory gift of prose. I'm so in love with Falling Star and Warrior Angel, that I never, ever want to leave this alternate universe.

A Christmas Tale, v 2.0 by Zahra. Something light and fresh and funny, fantastically funny that starts with Lex stewing over Superman Clark's absence and ends... somewhere else completely. The language and the reversals are fantastic here, this is a really fun read.

May 28, 2003

Protect and Serve by Sarah T. Maybe intentionally, maybe not, Sarah manages to blend Smallville into the background canon for the Superman animated series, and gives both a frightening depth in this contemplative piece about Mercy Graves living up to her name.

Reckoning by LaT. This is the story only someone who loved Helen once could write; it's personal revenge, painful for its layers, for the archaeological complications of emotion. And this is a story that indicates why Ms. LaT should write for us more often- beautiful words intricately connected for a deeply sensory experience.

Stuff of Legends by Bexless. Ostensibly an entry in Nerodi's Historical Fiction Challenge, it's Bexless' latest entry into her own hysterical fan fiction challenge. Cavemen, y'all. Cavemen, and there is no way I can write a summary that will do this story justice. Just read it.

Buzz, more Wally/Chloe fun, except this time, the fun's in Lois grilling Wally, and we get to learn the secret origins of the speedy fingers. Mmmm, Flash speedy fingers. Oh, excuse me, I just went to my happy place.

Conditioned by Isagel. I like smut that has more than smut to it, and Isagel delivers in this little ode to Lex's ability to multitask, and Clark's ability to be sneaky. Written with a lush, vivid style, it's incredibly visual, and incredibly obvious, why Lex wants Clark the way he does.

Flew by Ingrid. Vivid, with equal measures of subtle humor and wistfulness, this little glimpse into Clark's stint at a very... charming hotel just left a smile on my face. Some very nice fanon reversals in it too, which makes it especially sweet.

Last Night of the World by Philadelphia Tuesday. Wow. In this wicked, intricate piece, Smallville becomes something like Kandor- a city in a bottle, preserved for all time by an unsettled mind. Philadelphia Tuesday has that great visionary thing going on, I'm both jealous and in awe.

May 9, 2003

I haven't had the time or attention span lately to read the longer offerings that the fandom has to offer lately, but the beauty of Smallville is that there is enough fiction to of enough varieties to suit any need. For this alone, I love my fandom. And now, on with the recs.

Into the Woods by Rivka T. Taking the "fairy princess" ideal to its logical extreme, I do very much mean extreme. Rivka T. has a gift for weaving fables and myths into a narrative to great, sharp effect. This creepy little paean to Lana's place in the world has a bite that lasts.

Blood Makes Noise by Philadelphia Tuesday. I actually read this story before "Visitor" aired, and thought- this could never happen. Martha would never think this way. I'm big enough to admit I was completely wrong; and Philadelphia Tuesday is amazingly prescient in this dark ode to Martha's second thoughts and first decisions about the baby.

Gentle by Aly Malone. Boy, Aly is making friends and influencing people, ain't she? First the Michael Rosenbaum mood set, and now this beautiful, haiku-like consideration of all the ways Clark has learned to be gentle. There's a very deft touch to the structure here, it feels like nostalgia and memory, and the words are aligned beautifully. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

A Flawed Race by Karen Colohan. While I'm not entirely sure I can see the Clark and Lex we know having this particular conversation, if they did, this is a vivid window into what they'd say, if they did. The closing lines are absolutely fantastic.

Salvage by Prufrock. Something's not quite right between Lex and Clark, and Prufrock helps Clark try to put his finger on it with another story that's beautifully structured. Lots of sharp lines and angles in this one; I'm a little wary of the Helen characterization here, but it's such a brief appearance, the rest of the story more than makes up for it.

April 17, 2003

four places by jenn. AUs a'plenty, some harmless, some not so harmless, but all of them with a twist. My favorite segments are "In That Field," and "In the Room," but all of them subvert Smallville just a little, just enough, for a fascinating what if.

Split by velvetglove. Love makes you stupid, and alcohol doesn't help. This short story has teeth- the humiliation and the pain, the decisions and consequences, are so utterly possible that this makes for a worthwhile and very squirmy read. I'm not giving away the pairing, but I'll tell you it's het. Go read it, and find out.

Room 29 by velvetglove. The perfect antidote for velvetglove's unnerving "Split," this runaway fantasy for Clark and Lex is written with a fantastic, matter-of-fact style that really bolsters the story being told. gila's Lex and Clark banter is just priceless, dry and funny, and very them.

The Good Aunt by SarahRosie. Things never worked out for Nell the way she wanted them to, and though SarahRosie entered this in the Sins challenge as envy, there's a fair bit of really vivid, sharp anger here, too. A very cool peek into the things people think, but would never say aloud.

Seige, by Nin. Part One, Part Two, Part Three. Chloe's working for a tabloid news outlet, Lex is getting in her way, and the city is coming down around them. Literally. Nin has a fantastic, clipped style that pulls the reader right along, and while the whole story is a very cool look into the future, the argument over the camera is priceless.

My Last Duchess by RivkaT. A truly creepy melding of Smallville canon, and good-old fashioned fairy tale- the Grimm kind, before amputated toes and crow-plucked eyeballs were edited out to make them more palatable. With feral amusement, Lex examines where he's been, and where he's going, and who'll be there at the end. Het surprise ending, and spoilers for "Visitor."

March 21, 2003

A Man's Got to Know His Limitations, by LastScorpion. A first person story with varying POVs, this story has a fantastic pace and rhythm to it, and a really nice blending of Smallville and Superman canon to it. LastScorpion's Lois has a strong, clear voice, and the character conversion arcs for Lex and Clark ring wonderfully true.

Reckoning by Philadelphia Tuesday. This is the aftermath I imagine, if Lana tried to find the kind of validation only a man like Lex would seem to be able to offer. Beautifully written, wonderful characterization, there is a lovely dreamy quality to this story, slowly waking up as the prose carries the reader along.

March 20, 2003

Three Strikes (and you're out) by Mara Celes. I'm not entirely sure what exactly I like most about this story- there's the combination of Smallville mythos with Superman canon, a really nice pace, and a good, soothing ending. The writing is unpolished in spots, but the total effect is one of a familiar yet new world that I really enjoyed visiting.

Best Kept Secrets by DebC. This one, I like because it's a new take on Jonathan and Martha, that I could see happening- especially on Jonathan's side. The best part of this is the past, it unfolds naturally and neatly, and I like the resolution within it.

Deserted Island by Jessica. Another story with Superman slipped into the mix, this is an erotic story with a difference- not all fantasies are perfect, an interruption isn't the end, and it's a neat little character study of Clark and Lex within the sensuality.

Wham Bam by Te. Five smutty little insights, I personally enjoyed the glimpses of Pete and Lana best in this story- they rang the most true, and they really capture the characters- and their sexuality. And also? A girl can never go wrong with a brief ode to the glory that is Lex's ass.

After All by Livia. Insight into Jonathan and Martha's past, but best of all, insight into Jonathan's present- Livia captures his voice so clearly, and his tension even while he tries to be generous, and tries to admit his own grudging respect. The glimpses of Martha, and Lex and Clark's friendship, through his eyes makes this a wonderful read.

The Wednesday 100 by various authors. Created by Jessica, this weekly SV drabble community is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to visit, even after the deadline has passed. No matter what your taste, there is absolutely something here for everyone, and the overwhelming variety of the fiction in such small tastes makes it impossible to be a glutton.

March 16, 2003

Sunburn by Penelope Z. While I don't think Lex would actually ever do what he does in this story, Penelope sets it up so well that it's easy to suspend your disbelief and just watch it unfold. Lyrical prose and vivid imagery, this is a pretty chiling "what if" scenario.

As It Ever Was by Silvia Kundera. Pete knows how the story goes, and it doesn't go like this. Perfect first line, for a wonderful character examination that starts out beautifully sparse and terse, then turns lush and full as it progresses.

Little Song Bird by Slodwick. A love song to Martha and Jonathan, it aches like a bruise and leaves a lasting, sensory impression. Read it through, you'll smell the powder and feel the hurt, too.

When I Was Born for the Seventh Time by Zahra. I really enjoy dissolute Lex stories, and I enjoy them especially when they wrap up nice and tight to launch him straightaway into the Lex we met in the Pilot. Terse and sharp, I'm thrilled that this was the first entry in the "Seven Less One" challenge.

You Want Her by Michelle K. I'm not usually keen on POV tricks, but Michelle uses the second person in this story to a fantastic effect; it's a Chloe/Lana piece that you can sink right into and experience on an intimate, sensual level.

Sand and Surf by Wendi. I know she's famous for her Chloe/Wally stories, but I always do a little jig when Wendi breaks out the Clark/Lex- this dreamy, visual story for Slod's 1000 Words challenge is a lovely mix of metaphor and imagery that leaves a soft, wistfully hopeful impression in its wake.

February 27, 2003

Wetwork by Destina. This, like Andy's "The Cat," is a two-read story. The first time, you read it to enjoy it; the second, to go back and figure out how she did it. Using a really clever frame of newspaper clippings, Destina weaves this struggle between Clark, Lex, Superman, the past, the present, the future, public life and private life, all together so deftly that it was just a pleasure to watch unfurl. As a special treat, Destina has a note at the end explaining the inspiration which, for me, just made the story that much more fun.

Topography by Zahra. The thing about metaphors is that they're as easy to spoil as a souffle. Too much noise, too much motion, and they fall flat- but this story makes it plain that Zahra is a fine, talented chef indeed. Body as landscape has been done before, but this story captures the metaphor and expands on it with an inimitable stamp of Clark and Lexishness. Sensual and detailed, this story is a sinfully delicious treat.

Heat Like a Perfume, by Shadith. Very short, very tight, and well-paced, this is a clean, triune look at Clark's progression through the events in "Heat." More of a momentary consideration than a story, there's some slightly tortured punctuation, but the vivid image presented in the third section of the story is so clear, it's worth adding a few mental commas to get to it.

Unintentional Things by prufrock. Told entirely from Helen's point of view, not only is this a gorgeously wrought glimpse of a woman making peace with what she wants versus what she can handle, it also has one of the best views of Lex and Clark's relationship with each other as seen by an outsider that I've ever read. The best word to describe the whole thing is "human," and it's perfectly so.

Hallway by Bexless. A stolen moment, a quickie, a wham, bam, thank you Clark of a story that's just perfectly paced, lightly laced with exactly the right amount of humor. Sensual, sexy and sweet, "Hallway" is just plain fun to read.

Mold Me, Make Me by DebC. I really like reading stories where Chloe and Lex have a few peaceful, happy moments completely separate from the maelstrom that directs their days to days, and I really like stories where they have those moments together. A little clay, a wee Sullivan-Luthor hopped up on coffee, and a lot of smiles, I really enjoyed it.

February 07, 2003

Trinity by Jayne Leitch. Subtitled "Three Things that Didn't Happen to Lionel Luthor," Jayne's gift for writing the creepy and unexpected as if they were normal make these three things that didn't happen so clear, you'll see them, hear them, really feel them happening. This is one of my favorite kinds of AUs- where the big picture seems perfectly normal, until that moment of clarity when you realize it's actually all fucked up.

Polaroids by Philadelphia Tuesday. There is a lot of fan fiction out there dealing with Jonathan dealing with his son, but this is a rare, wonderful look inside a Jonathan who is a husband, who loves his wife, and who isn't sure that's enough anymore. Delicate and restrained, there are some real gems of fine-twisted phrases in this story; they make the whole into something real and bittersweet.

Fallible Theory by Zahra. This is a departure for my baby- it's not funny, and it's not written in her usual "tightening spiral" style, but it's a really wonderful read. Lex's resignation with Clark is palpable, the logic, the science, and the ephemeral variable of emotion are played well together. I won't give away the story because you really ought to just sink into it, but I wanted to say I do like a story where the author plays fair with Helen, even if Lex doesn't care for her deeply.

Points of Triangulation by Andariel. Andy is a quick-change artist: she makes you think you're reading one thing, and it turns out to be another. It's a clever trick, and she uses it well with Chloe and Lana here. Always sensual, with an edge of humor and danger to it, Andy really makes this pairing work for me in a way that the reader doesn't expect.

Tell by Rivka T. Using the second person POV, RivkaT makes Lex's introspection active and sharp in a way that just couldn't happen in first or third. I especially like the parallels and balance here; RivkaT's wonderful when it comes to framing a story with keynotes and points that carry the pace along at exactly the right tempo.

January 26, 2003

Frozen by Pun. A fine, fine example of how to lose, how to fight, and how to make up- Pun's Clark is such a strong voice here, and her Lex is amazingly vivid. Written between the lines of recent episodes, this is a beautifully realistic character arc that's never too-too; everything is just right.

Once in a While by Pearl-o. So quiet, so contemplative, Pearl-o brings atmosphere and touchstone memories-to-be to this sweet, romantic and very sensual encounter between Clark and Lex. Pearl-o has a real gift for putting a soft lens on this universe, and she's in fine form in this story.

Scotch Gambit by RivkaT. I'm not telling you the pairing. In fact, I'm not telling you what it's about. This is a story you have to read cold, because it's vivid, sharp and incredibly smart writing that you need to go into innocent, just to really appreciate everything that happens.

Speak Loudly for Him by Slodwick. Beautiful and touching, Slodwick starts with a broad lens that gradually tightens to utter clarity in this story, and it's a beautiful and broken moment in the life of one Chloe Sullivan.

Waltzers by Slodwick. And in case you were sniffling a bit after that last rec, the continuing adventures of Chloe Sullivan and Jimmy Olsen will cheer you right up. They snark, they tease, and Slod manages to build in that "will they or won't they" tension with every step- so much fun!

Lightning by Wendi. It's been a bad day at the office, the kids are at the babysitters, and Wally and Chloe revisit their steamy, steamy origins from "Sugar & Spice" in this latest installment in Wendi's fantastic Chapel of Love universe. Slick, wicked and funnysexy, it turns out that Chloe's got some major abilities of her own, and the Flash's powers are pretty useful at home, too.

January 21, 2003

At the Wire by Jayne Leitch. Evoking mood and substance, physical sensation and lurid, vivid images almost as disturbing as they are real, Jayne takes another look at Dr. Hamilton after the events in "Duplicity." A bit of a follow-up to Ignotum per Ignotius, you'll understand "At the Wire" without it, but you'll miss some of the punch. Both damned fine pieces, I recommend both.

Chloe: Year One by Livia. Okay, this story left me squealing like a fangirl, desperate for more, and I'm not usually a sequel begger. A deft AU injecting our Chloe, but not quite our Chloe, into Frank Miller's brilliant "Batman: Year One," this story combines the best of both, to give us an absolutely fantastic "what might have been" moment.

Delilah by Sarah T. Navigating Martha navigating Lionel, Sarah T. captures both of their voices beautifully in this skillfull, slightly disturbing piece. It's a glimpse into Martha's head that rings frighteningly true, and always a vision of Lionel that manages to be warmly human and ruthlessly cold, all at once.

Silk by jenn. A return to the human moments, the lighter moments, and the everyday life of Clark in lex in a freakish little town like Smallville. Light, funny, and very sexy, it's a treat to see jenn letting the boys walk around like two guys who put their pants... or boxers, as the case may be, one leg at a time.

January 19, 2003

Nasty by Roses. In spite of the less-than-fragrant backdrop for this story, Clark and Lex manage to come to an agreement that does the title of this story justice. Roses has a wonderful grasp on their voices, and their words, (and their characterization,) come through bright and clear in this story.

Driving with Crocodile Shoes by Thamiris. Another story where Clark and Lex come to an understanding, Thamiris presents it with a real gift of clean prose and lyrical metaphor, drawing all the threads of these two characters together with a deft touch; she evokes all their aspect in one romantic, sensual story.

Veto the Day by The Hoyden. Clark and Lex come to an understanding again (hey, it's theme recs this week, and I didn't even realize it!) This story is especially nice for the sweet, gentle touches that bring the boys together, and the utter naturalness of their encounter when they both stay home sick for the day.

Filial Embrace by DebC. A wonderfully nasty piece of business devoted to all of those stiff, obligatory hugs Lionel hands out when other people are looking. Smartly written, with a nice, sharp segue into the ending, it's true to Lionel and Lex, and very wicked indeed.

Tag by Zahra. Wee Clark was not so moody as Teen Clark, and here his imagination gets a work out, along with some sharp, incisive commentary on the world around him, and him in the world. A really lovely Clark and Pete friendship piece, this is vivid and lovely work.

January 4, 2003

These three stories are not my usual bent, for one reason or another, but they're all well-written stories that I enjoyed despite their deviation from my norm.

Runaway Trains at 3 AM by Chaos. A "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"/"Smallville" crossover, Dawn and Clark run into each other at a train station and make fast allies- with a wee, wee hint of romance as an undercurrent. Deviation: not my usual pairing, or really, anything I ever would have imagined, but it really, really works.

That Old Schizophrenic Jealousy by Lenore. A really nice back and forth character piece, with Clark deliciously jealous of himself and the relationship Lex has with Superman. Deviation: I tend not to enjoy second person POV, but this story entertained me in spite of my POV preferences.

Yellow by RivkaT. Gorgeously written, a future with hints of darkness and invasion in it; Lex makes dire decisions in a presidentially swift fashion, and there are dire consequences to reckon with when the dust settles. Deviation: For once, I didn't think the story needed the happy ending, but the rest of the story is just too fantastic to ignore.

December 18, 2002

Slash

• Snowlight that Falls by Andy (Clark/Lex)
• Naughty & Nice by Caro (Clark/Lex)
• Watching Over You by Wendi (Clark/Lex, Lex/Adam-Wally-Parker-Adina)
• Homecoming (Clark/Lex) by victoria p.

Het

• West of October (Chloe/Jimmy) and Tonight It's Me (Chloe/Clark) by Slodwick
• The Long Way Home (Chloe/Lex) by Christie
• Many Waters (Lex/Desiree) by Livia.

Gen

• Smoke and Mirrors (Gen) by Celli Lane
• The Gingerbread Party (Gen) by Meret

December 9, 2002

Siempre by Slodwick. Mistletoe holds a kind of dark magic.

Philadelphia by Rivka T. A few steps into the future, an irrevocable step into the dark.

A Conversation in the Snow by Zahra. She's the only one who knows their secrets.

Acteon by Thamiris. Every good boy deserves a kiss goodnight.

December 3, 2002

Shadowboxer by Philadelphia Tuesday. A canon-strong coda to "Skinwalker" from Lionel's point of view that's tight, smart, well-written, and builds to a fantastic, tight ending. And, if you'd like to wade into the deeper end of Martha and Lionel's waters, check out her Winter Sleepers, a bit of an AU with dark consequences, and Tomorrow Comes- Lex stages an unsuccessful intervention. Good stuff, good stuff. Go read!

December 1, 2002

Cliché #128 - Guys Always Fall Asleep After Sex by Keelywolfe. Okay, this is just fun. The title tells you the theme, but the story is a fun little romp with Clark and Lex, and things that go bump in the night-- entirely on accident.

The Hour When I Was Brave by Slodwick. It's always back to the bridge, always back to the memories and the scent of the river for Clark. This story is a painful, dark moment of quiet and resignation, very vivid with the imagery and senses.

Turn by Wendi. The sequel to "Of Apples and Trees," Leo Luthor is back with some advice for his son, and an alliance for his grandson. Fascinating the way Luthors go about having a family, and a sweet, subtle moment of Clark and Lex right in the middle to soothe the barbs.

The Figure in the Glass by Sarah T. A stinging little tribute to Lana getting everything she ever wanted, with Clark, with Lex (not at once,) and a lesson in being careful what one wishes for.

Deliver by Livia. Victoria plays games with everyone, and she captures Clark in an uncomfortable web in this story. The ending is crisp and vivid, and Livia manages to keep Victoria true to the character on screen, but gives her some depth and flesh we never had the chance to see.

Possibly, Maybe by Ingrid. This story is fantastic for its strong thematic elements, carried through from beginning to end to really make for a good, strong ending. I really like the relationships markers that Ingrid chose for Chloe as she shifts her attention from Clark to Pete.

Sixteen Vestal Virgins by Zahra. The richness of Chloe's inner-life, considering all the variables, and all the men around her- she doesn't want to be a virgin forever, and Smallville has a respectable clutch of mental possibilities.

Touching Ghosts by Tha Wrecka. This is a very short story, with very thin brush-strokes, almost a skeleton, and its slimness really sharpens the weight and morbidity in a brief glance at the rise and fall of Clark and Lana's relationship.

November 22, 2002

By Chloe Sullivan by Lemur. Not only is this a really lovely character piece with some fantastic dialogue, it finally explains why everybody in Smallville feels so compelled to call Lex "Lex Luthor" whenever they refer to him. All praise Lemur for making it make sense!

Customary by Pearl-o. This is what Pearl-o does best- contemplative, soft and so atmospheric, she gets the very tiny details right- the sounds, the sights, and she uses them brilliantly to segue into this, Clark's lament for what never happens.

Perpetual Slumber Party by Tara O'Shea. I love Tara's episodic stories, and I love this one because it gives me a reason to be sympathetic to Nell, and to fall absolutely, totally, head-over-heels in love with Gabe Sullivan. Go read it, you will too.

At Day's End by Wendi. This is... this is just Jonathan. Perfectly Jonathan, a good father, and a good man, trying so hard to make the right choices for his son and his family.

Happy Endings by victoria p. With a bittersweet note to it, and a lot of sensual erotica combined, victoria gives this Chloe/Clark/Lex piece a lot of depth with a very fluid style. Um, and also, it's hot. Did I mention the hot? Because there's some hot here. *sweat*

November 14, 2002

After Time by Slodwick. Man, Slodwick just hurts me. She hurts me a lot, all the time, but the hurt in this piece is a gentle sort of ache, infused with peace and hope. Clark's dreams are vivid.

Aftermath by Sally Bradstreet. Post-Red Clark, a little darker for the experience, a little more conflicted, but his eyes are open a little wider now. A fascinating, dichotomous balance.

Greenlit by Jack. Such little things can dredge memories, the right scent, a certain taste, or in this case, a little bit of light. Funny how new knowledge can color the past.

The Very Secret Thoughts of Clark Kent by Viridian5. Now, for something to make you giggle after all that contemplation and angst: Clark Kent: Goth Poser. Well, he doesn't think he's a poser, but he's trying just a leetle too hard, and dang it, his mommy thinks it's just a phase.

November 4, 2002

Token by Morgan R. Something like this had to have happened to Lana Lang. It had to have, I believe this completely and totally. This is a sneaky little story, it creeps around on quiet feet then suddenly slaps with epiphany.

Of Blood and Bad Craziness by Zahra. Of things quiet and contemplative, and seasons, and storms, and Clark and Lex.

The Martinelli Affair by Linda Seaton. A lovely, lovely character piece with a point, wherein Chloe and Lex attempt to make small-talk and open a bottle of apple juice. The pushme pullyou between the characters is just spot on.

Only Dying Roses by Linda Seaton. First person is hard to do. First person is even harder to do when every single character in the cast gets a chance to speak. Linda pulls off this mean feat brilliantly, with a story that will break your heart into a million pieces.

Over Coffee by Christie. Stepping off of canon after Chloe's fateful experiment with Kyle Tippet's powers, this single setting piece is funny and insightful, and captures Chloe, Lex and Lana in a perfect fifteen minutes of youthful exuberance and wordly experience.

The Path She Takes by Wookie. This is a gem of minor character fiction- an exploration into Nell, more than a few years back, and it just rings painfully true as she struggles to mother a child she didn't intend to have.

Pursuit by Slodwick. This story has the best teaser opener ever, and then lapses into some fantastic, giggly fun- which, frankly, after "The Sweet Smell of Air," you'll need. Trust me on this.

The Foundling and Petting by Wendi, wherein we get another flavor of RedK Clark entirely, and a lot of awwwwwww and wooooooooobie and eeeeeeeeeeeee and all of those good vowel sounds like only Wendi can elicit them.

I've recced a few of these before, but most of them are new-- to me, anyway, and hopefully to you, too!

Minty? by Sullivanlane. This is sweet, and uncomfortable, and hopeful, and hopeless, just like being sixteen and being in love with your best friend.

Risk by käthe. A really wonderful Chloe voice, this is a smooth examination into Chloe's whys and wherefores when it comes down to Clark Kent.

Victor Victoria by Jayne. Okay, I mean this in the best possible way, but Jayne is seriously fucked up. Another fantastic, twisty kick of a story, and trust me- you'll find this Victoria not only true to the show, but also interesting. Jayne's talented like that.

Silver and Gold by Tara O' Shea. I recced this before, but I'm reccing it again, because it is absolutely my favorite post-Red story. Not only is it woven seamlessly into the episode, but it makes leaps that I truly believe could have happened when the camera was turned elsewhere.

Nights Like This by Maveness. Y'all have heard Howard Jones' "No One is to Blame," right? Well, this is that song, only with a happy ending. A very happy ending.

The Power of Positive Affirmation by Basingstroke. Ohhh, naughty Pete. Naughty, naughty Pete. Getting one over on Lex, getting into the Ross charm, Little Pete getting a little action. Go Pete!

Boys! Raise Giant Mushrooms in Your Cellar! by Julad. A retrospective of the last thirteen years and a few into the future, through the eyes of Pete Ross. Frankly, I'm jealous, because I was going to use this Bradbury title to write a story about Pete, but Julad did it way better than I could have.

57 Channels (and Nothing's On) by Zahra. Pete's home alone on a Saturday night, and you know, he's got his problems too, y'all.

Kaddish by victoria p. Recently recced, and reccing it again, it's another one of those rare epistolary stories that I truly enjoyed. A sweet, bittersweet, fond and hopeful farewell from a father to his son.

One Phone Call by Wendi. Okay, I have to admit that my OTP when it comes to Smallville tends toward Chloe/Flash, but this is a fantastic, snappy little exchange between Chloe and Lex. I love future fiction where Chloe and Lex have their own special understanding of the world.

October 25, 2002

Silver and Gold by Tara O'Shea. Some of the best episodic fiction out there, Tara deftly weaves a new vision into the tapestry of canon, and brings us a poignant vision of two girls, one guy, and their tenuous grasps on friendship.

White Horses by Kate Elizabeth. Sensual, touchable, sweet and soft, Chloe and Lana give up on the fairy tale together.

SHIFT.perspective by Te. Te is a dirty, filthy smut-raker, and for this, we all rejoice. Not one, not two, but three hot, tangled, sweaty, slick heavenly bodies in flagrante delicto. Again. And again. And again. *whew*

Repose by Wendi. There is nothing quite like a quilt of memories, there is nothing like Clark watching Lex sleep. Rich, and real and romantic, this is a story to settle down with, with a warm blanket and some cocoa, and hope in your heart.

October 23, 2002

In the Pumpkin Patch by victoria p. It's fluffy! It's schmoopy! It's cute in a box! It's cute out of a box! It has pumpkins and gourds and secrets and humor and all kinds of nice autumny things, wheeeee!

The Laugh of the Stars by Te. Whoa. Ms. Te does romance, with a beautiful, lyrical touch, a real dreaminess that captures the hazing glance of dreams and reality colliding. Beautiful kisses, lovely story.

Rushing Headlong by LaT. Clark really does need a friend, who not only knows his secrets, but who can share them with him. LaT gives him one, the perfect one, in this short, delicious bit, and invokes some pretty powerful imagery on the way there.

Maternal Instincts by Laura Shapiro. Spoilers for "Nocturne," I don't want to say much about this story, but I do want to say the prose is fluid and lush, and I can believe in this Martha completely.

Flirting with the Enemy by DebC. Not your usual Lex picks up a willing partner on one of his many business trips, this one's got subtlety and sting, and a fantastic obliqueness to it that utterly captures the characters.

Where Are You Going? by Wendi. The final (sob!!) chapter in the Sex & Candy series, Adina moves on, Lex all but moves in, and there is much of the Clark hotness. A fond farewell to a favorite crossover. *sniffle*

October 19, 2002

Correspondence by pearl-o, who returns from her vacation primed and ready to tell the real story about why Clark failed to produce voluminous amounts of e-mail for Chloe this past summer.

Kaddish by victoria p. A heartbreaking record of a father's love, a touching memento mori for Clark to keep.

Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love my Pyromaniac by Zahra. There is a vast difference between Lex's Clark, and the Clark standing in front of him.

October 14, 2002

Low Men in Yellow Coats by Zahra. Lex in winter! LEX IN WINTER! Okay, in spite of the fact that this story jumps all up and down on my LEX IN WINTER jones, it's also funny as hell. I love Zahra's inner monologues for Lex, they're just priceless.

Neighborly by Sarah T. A walk through the farmer's market, the hand of fate, and a couple of unlikely allies. Turns out Jonathan Kent's human after all.

Sidekicks by Te. You know, Pete's a good friend, a romantic, and just the sort of guy every girl, and in this piece, Chloe, deserves. Plus? Mucho with the hotness, rrowl.

A Family Resemblance & Other Mysteries by Wendi. A Young Americans/Smallville crossover, with swimming holes, naked boys, and voyeurism. (Of course, it screams for a sequel...)

October 07, 2002

My Friend the Gay Mutant Alien, by Pete Ross by jacquez h. valentine. Okay, this is just cute in a box, an absolutely adorable story with Pete as the narrator, fantastic dialogue between Pete and Clark- makes coming out to your best friend fun!

Fidelity by Livia. A future story where Lois is a person, not a foil, the boys have a history (and maybe a future?) and some very, very nice details about secrets, and lies and something in between. Bonus for some extra-funny lines, and an ending that makes you think.

Green-Eyed Monster by Tara O'Shea. This is a beautifully-written episodic, woven into the text of Heat with a deft and convincing touch. Really seamless, it's hard to tell where the show ends and the story begins.

Rescue Me by Wendi. You need happy? Wendi has happy. You need adventure? Wendi has adventure. You need romance? Wendi has romance. You need telepathic gorillas? Surprisingly enough, Wendi has telepathic gorillas, and the Justice League has a little situation on their hands.

October 03, 2002

The Eyes of the Dragon by Tara O'Shea. Tara weaves a deft past for Lex and Lillian, capturing the ephemeral essence that is the mystery a mother makes for her child. Written with a light touch, this story feels like the memory it is.

No Particular Night or Morning by The Spike. Dark, a little brutal, a lot beautiful, The Spike paints a future where a war's not just made on the bodies, but the minds. The Spike really is a master at tese kinds of pieces, beautifully wrought.

How to Lose Your Virginity and Other Old Tricks by Thamiris. Not only is this delicious Urban Legend/Smallville crossover laugh out loud funny, it's also sexy, and sensual, which is no mean feat to accomplish. Tham, of course, makes it look easy.

This Year's Love: A Heap of Broken Images by Zahra. So much can change in a year, and Zahra has a gift for slipping into Lex's skin, and letting the reader see through his eyes. A lovely rendering of the first season, and four season of change for Lex.

Watch It Fade by Pearl-o. Pearl-o doesn't need a lot of words to capture a a brief, perfect moment with Lex and Clark. This short story is vivid, and visual, and touching in its perfect simplicity.

The Talisman by Rina. Introspective and thoughtful, Rina plucks a tiny bit of Smallville apocrypha up, and turns it into a quiet token of reflection.

The Off Season by Livia. Another quiet story, this one runs with veins of peace and contemplation, thought and fondness. Sometimes, I think that Livia is a sylph, inhabiting the air and making nature and its elements her own.

September 22, 2002

Electric by pearl-o. A wonderfully super-and-sub metaphor story, hanging humid in the air like a storm about to hit, and when it does? Just gorgeous.

Random Walks of Life by Zahra. Somewhat spoilery for the season premiere, this is still a wonderful study of character and tension, and how to fill in those uncomfortable silences with sidelong glances rather than the unvarnished truth.

Kansas and Other Summer Things by Wendi. Such a nice outsider's view of Smallville, of Clark, and of Clark's innermost secrets, and a fun crossover at that. Wendi does it good.

September 5, 2002

57 Channels and Nothing's On by Zahra. A wonderful, wonderful story about growing up, growing apart, and growing tired of being stuck in one place. And Six Days is... well, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, or so I hear. Z pretty much proves that in this sweet, reflective piece that'll make you go "Awwww! WOOBIE!"

Spare Change by Morgan R. Not only is this a fun story for the Clark and Lex interaction, and the exploration of the ways they define each other, it's a real pleasure to read from a perspective of craft. Fantastic pacing and meter, its got its own internal rhythm and melody- just delicious. I love that.

True Story by Cyb. Fourth wall? What fourth wall? Not only does Cyb manage to bring a bucket full of funny skewering the show, the actors, the networks, and pretty much everything else in between, she also brings the sweet with this little romance. Hee!

Help Wanted by Andy. I laughed. And I laughed some more. And then I laughed some more- all kinds of funny packed into a perfect step sideways from Drone, this is a wonderful, hysterical ensemble piece.

One Phone Call by Wendi shows us the softer side of Lex, and why exactly it is we shouldn't mess with Chloe's man. And Contrasts is just that. A beautiful study in contrasts, funny and sweet, sensual and silly... plus? Snow! For me, always a bonus.

August 29, 2002

Memento Mori by Jayne Leitch, oh my god. I read this in the middle of the night, and it creeped me out so damned much that I had to turn all the lights on in the house in the middle of the night. Gah, I still have little shudders down the back of my neck. Jayne is a master, all bow before her.

Elysium by Pablo. Choke down this bitter, screwed up little pill, and try to figure out just exactly when the sun rises for you. Whoo, creepiness.

Mint by Kitty Fisher. A real departure for her, this is just a gorgeous, soft, sweet story with some truly, truly sensual moments. Come see the softer side of Kitty... and Clex.

Inevitable by Shrift. One of the best pieces of Smallville fanfiction written between the edges of the canon episodes, this story is a heartbreaking exercise in character examination and motives. Just beautifully, beautifully done.

August 25, 2002

Crimson by Andy, a sexy, delicious little exploration of all the things Clark and Chloe can do in the dark places at school. As always, Andy brings the serious hot, she makes my little heart palpitate.

Rings and Sores by Pearl-o, a beautifully-written glimpse into the future, it'll break your heart and heal it, all in one story. Now that, my friends, is talent.

Love Like Sleep by Pablo. Do you know why he's an evil man? I'll tell you why- he puts together two characters who have no business being together, he makes you believe in them, and then he breaks your heart. Evil. Evil. Man. But a wonderful writer.

The Small Assassin by Sarah T. Sarah's one of the best Smallville authors out there writing Lionel Luthor; she captures not only his ruthlessness, but the emotion, and dare I say it, fondness beneath it.

The Boy with the Thorn in His Side by Zahra. Not only is this a fantastic, poignant character piece for Clark, Zahra also mirrors it in another fandom, with another character, and makes you absolutely believe in both.

August 18, 2002

Quid Pro Quo by Andy. There are some things that are such a perfect match, that when you see them you're struck dumb by the fact that the combination never occurred to you before. Everybody needs to read more Andy.

Ignotum per Ignotius by Jayne Leitch. You know, Jayne is one of those severely underappreciated writers who does absolutely everything right- voices, style, senses, honesty... and she does it again with this fascinating little bit of interplay between Lex and... well, go see for yourself.

Summer Breeze and Christmas Time Is Here by Wendi. Two seasons in a day, and both the very definition of romance. Warm cider, and fireflies. Witty banter and atmospheric convergences, god, I love my Wenni.

Chinese Whispers II: Making Waves by Icebun and Pablo. Lex is a bad, bad, bad man. Whitney is all fucked up. And Clark is clueless, as usual. Mmmm, something to warm the cockles of the... okay, heart has nothing to do with it. This is all libido, baby.

August 14, 2002

New Leaf by Livia. As a comics geek, the concept appealed to me. As a Smallville fan, the application delighted me. Livia's got that snap that makes words crackle with energy, and the personalities are so big, so real, you feel like you're standing a few feet away, eavesdropping.

War and Lex in Winter by Wendi. This is why I love Wendi, you guys. I make one, throwaway comment in my Livejournal about needing Lex in winter stories, and a mere four hours later, Wendi has crafted two perfect instances of that beautiful boy, practically opposite sides of the coin. War is bright, energetic, and funny, and Lex in Winter is soft, wistful and poignant.

The Scientist by Zahra. My baby will make you laugh! And laugh! And giggle and wheeze and then suddenly start drooling and rubbing your thighs together hungrily. This is one experiment that you really shouldn't miss.

The Opposite of Chloe by Punk. Hey, I told y'all I was happy that Punk had come to Smallville, and see?? Another reason why! The Opposite of Chloe (which is not only the perfect title for this story, but a keen little pun on Allison Mack's filmography, get meta!) slips right into that sixteen year old girl place, where there's a difference between liking somebody and liking-liking somebody, and yet the almost-adult awareness that some things are just bad for you. Beautiful stuff.

Upside Down by Thamiris. Ungh. Hot. Hot, and much with the hotness. And also hot. *sweat*

August 9, 2002

Matthia by Jayne. Oh. My. God. Y'all. Just... dude, oh my god, y'all. Searingly hot and fantastic dialogue and characterization, if you only read one SV/BtvS crossover, this is the one to read. And read again. And read six or seven more times before you catch your breath. I so want to write this pairing now. Bless you, Jayne.

Secret Garden by Wendi. The further adventures of Wally West and Chloe Sullivan, this time with 50% more Lois, Batman, Lex and Clark! I cannot resist this pairing, y'all. It's my crack. It's my heroin. Watch me slap my vein.

Sanctified by Andy, who flips the tenses with an undeniable hotness, and a soft, bittersweet sigh at the end. Oh, how I love my Andy!

Fell Down by pearl-o. There is just something dreamy about pearl-o's style, something that draws you into an in-between haze, existing there with the boys, and yet still removed, that makes a first time piece like this intimate and aware.

Meta Physical Humor by Jack. Go on, read it. Then read it again. Then giggle at yourself when you realize that what seems like a Salvador Dali painting on the page actually turns out to be a wicky wicked little mindgame.

Tit for Tat by The Man. Yes, that The Man. My The Man. How cool is this, I had to run a metric buttload of errands yesterday, and when I came back, he'd written slash! I am a very, very, very lucky girl.

August 3, 2002 and Prior

Interstitial by Punk Maneuverability. Punk's got a light, light touch and I really enjoyed not just the plot, but the original characters and the relationship progressions. I'm not going to say much more than that, because I don't want to ruin it, but it's just a really nice story, the kind that leaves you happy to have read it.

Come into FayJay's parlour, with this thoughtful, colorful exploration of Lana in Torch Red. I love an author who can make me believe that there is more to Lana than we see on the screen, and yet, at the same time, make me believe that this is the Lana we see on the screen. FayJa