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So far, ficathons have been good to me in December. I received an amazing Yuletide fic, in which Loki wakes up to wage Ragnarok during the 21st century and finds things a little odd: There's No Rainbow Bridge Across The Generation Gap. I also received an awesome Serenity/Firefly, Mal/Wash/Zoe fic for 3_ships: Alive and kicking.

As for myself, I wrote a RENT story for Yuletide. The Flash of a Distant Camera.

But what I've mostly been doing during this break has been reading. And reading. And reading some more. And I thought I'd do some recommendations.

( Book Recommendations )

Okay, I officially love choc_fic now. I mean, I thought it was an awesome concept before, but then someone wrote Andy/Red, Shawshank Redemption slash! And it's poetic and lovely and oh-so-them!

The Ocean of Forgetting by kajikia

So, back at college. My computer is completely set up, except for the fact that I can't locate where to plug in the internet cable, so I will have to ask my roommate where that is in the room. Right now, I am enjoying the air conditioning in the computer lab. *grin*

And yay, multiverse2004 has the stories up! The fics can be found here. The fic for me is "Spin", which is an extremely awesome SG-1/SGA/Torchwood/Firefly crossover with Teyla/Toshiko, Vala/Saffron. Implied Teyla/Miko, Vala/Daniel, Saffron/Mal. *grins* Yay, femslash!

I also very much recommend:

"The Holes in the Ground" (Gen, SGA/Doctor Who crossover)

"That our sons may follow after..." (Cameron Mitchell/Elizabeth Weir, SGA/SG-1 crossover)

"Brain Man" (Gen, Futurama/Farscape crossover)

"God Save the King" (Gen, Star Wars: Next Generation/Battlestar Galactica crossover)

"Waltz" (Inara Serra/Jack Harkness, Firefly/Torchwood/Doctor Who crossover)

You'll have to check out the other fandom crossovers yourselves-- I haven't seen a lot of them and didn't want to spoil myself.

Okay, I doubt anyone is a The Office US fan (though one might if she'd actually watch a few episodes *eyes firebubbles310), but I'm post these for my own reference really.

Oh, Office. I love you and your million possible pairings!

love & marriage? by dollsome (Dwight/Jim)

(Humor) Jim pops the question. To Dwight. Vague spoilers for S3. Hilarious. Dwight's POV is dead-on.

Some Lonely Hearts They Just Get Lonelier by sophia_helix (Toby gen)

Toby was almost having a good day. Spoilers for "Casino Night." Oh Toby. *hugs him*

The Dundies Strike Back by dollsome (Gen)

(Humor) A five things on the Dundies. Vague spoilers for S3. *giggles*

step away from me, michael by dollsome (Jan/Michael, Jim/Pam, Oscar/Gil)

Five people who have considered obtaining restraining orders against Michael Scott. Spoilers up to "A Benihana Christmas." Hee, any fic that has Gil/Oscar WINS.

so hold on by dollsome (Ryan/Kelly, Toby/Pam, Jim/Karen, Michael/Jan, Dwight/Angela)

'Cause everybody hurts sometimes. Spoilers for "Traveling Salesman." Toby/Pam and Dwight/Angela FTW! And this is extremely well-written.

Not in Love With the Modern World by sophia_helix (Jim/Ryan)

Jim wants to know about Michael's man-crush on Ryan. Because Jim/Ryan is...oddly intriguing.

Office Strange Love by dollsome (Dwight/Angela)

The Jedi must not know love. Volunteer sheriffs should be no different. Dwight fights his tumultuous attraction to a certain head accountant. How much do I love the weirdness that is Dwight/Angela? A lot! Spoilers up to "Performance Review."

aren't we a pair? by dollsome (Gil/Michael, Oscar/Gil, Michael/Jan)

Gil tags along to Dunder Mifflin Scranton's Welcome Back Oscar! Fiesta, and Michael winds up finding an unexpected new friend. Gil's perspective totally nails down why I can't help but love Michael. Spoilers for "Benihana Christmas."

in spite of me by dollsome (Ryan/Kelly)

In which Ryan slowly falls for Kelly. In his own bleak, Ryan-y way. Oh, Ryan. How I love him.

Five Futures for Toby Flenderson by kyrafic (Toby/Various)

The first thing he learns is that he's really terrible at surfing. Spoilers up to "The Merger." Toby! Oh, Toby!

monsters under the bed by honey_wheeler (Pam/Toby)

Toby’s broken, Pam tries to fix him. Ow. Poor Toby.

Five Times Dwight and Angela Nearly Broke Up by hobviously (Dwight/Angela)

"You are sixteen, going on seventeen," is all Dwight can get out before Angela stands up and balls her hands into fists. Tee hee, their love is so dysfunctional.

This was just supposed to be a short list for duckduck, and then I realized why not put my favorite fics all in the same place rather than combing frantically through my favorites when the mood strikes me?

Anyways, here you go. :)

McKay/Zelenka

Speak No Evil by casspeach (PG, set during S1)

A short, humorous fic, where a 'love doctor' takes McKay's voice from him. This was one of the first M/Z fics I ever read, and it made me fall in love with McKay and Zelenka and truly be able to see them together.

Stay by spubba (PG-13)

Radek has a close call. Fluff follows. (And what lovely fluff it is.) The characterizations of McKay and Zelenka are dead-on, and you really feel Zelenka's terror at his close call.

Through a glass darkly by rosewildeirish (R, spoilers through "Trinity")

Written for sga_santa, this a very poignant piece set after McKay returns after being believed dead. Heart-wrenching, well-written, and intriguing, this is well worth a read.

Atlantis Santa by kat_lair (PG)

Written for me during sga_santa, this fic is sweet without being sickeningly so. It's wonderful and never fails to cheer me up. How sweet is the story? Just look at the summary: The Secret Santa gift exchange at Atlantis causes Rodney and Radek some headache. Not to mention that weird fluttery feeling somewhere low in the abdominal region.

Untitled ficlet by pierson (PG, set in S1)

...Okay, I will be pimping a few of pierson's fics because she is amazing and possibly the best writer in the fandom. Her writing is lush, her characterizations are dead on, and you can read her stories over and over again. Here's just the first of a few. ;) (You'll have to scroll down past a popslash drabble to get to the ficlet.)

An example of pierson's writing:

Zelenka’s arms crossed over his chest, slim hands tucked beneath his armpits, and his narrow face shaped itself into a scowl. “You heard me rightly. Do not pretend that you did not.”

Rodney leaned back in his desk chair, and crossed his own arms. Before him, on the open laptop, spun the simulation they’d been working on not five minutes before. Before Zelenka evidently succumbed to whatever was the Pegasus galaxy’s version of space crazies. “Fine, then. I’m left with no other choice than to assume you have finally lost your mind.”

Unable to remain still, Zelenka’s arms unfolded, and his hands danced in the air. The scowl changed to an earnestness that Rodney had long ago learned usually meant trouble, and trouble for him, specifically. “No, no, I have finally come to my senses. I have thought about this, given it consideration, and have come to conclusion that it is a good plan. Efficient. Practical.”

Ancient Geek Artifacts by kyrdwyn (NC-17)

One thing I love about McKay and Zelenka is that they're just plain nerds. This fic, in which the Ancients used whiteboards as well, is a short, wonderful piece about them being scientists, with all their nerdy turn-ons.

Detox by 3jane (PG, set after "The Seige")

An interesting look at McKay and Zelenka detoxing from all the amphetamines they survived. Brilliant characterization of the two scientists, and an interesting read.

Keep Breathing by pierson (NC-17)

...Remember how I said I'd be pimping a few pierson fics? Yes. Um. This is probably my favorite M/Z fic in existance. I've read it, oh, seven or eight times? Again, her writing's lush, and the slow slide into attraction and a relationship is beautiful. It is on the long side at 17,000 words, so make sure that you have plenty of free time to appreciate this gem.

The Secret Life of Scientists by julad (R, spoilers for S1)

Hands down, this is the McKay/Zelenka fic. Even McShep fans have it on their rec lists. It's brilliant, it's poignant, and it's one of the best works I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I still get choked up over certain parts, and I've read this probably as many times as I've read "Keep Breathing." Also a long one, so make sure you have time to enjoy this gem as well.

Untitled ficlet by pierson (PG-13)

Mmm, pierson writes some of the hottest kissing I've ever read, and this short ficlet is a prime example of that.

Science Geeks by kylielee1000 (NC-17)

Brilliant characterization of McKay and Zelenka, wonderful prose and dialogue. This was probably the second M/Z fic I ever read, and the slow struggle McKay has with his 'inappropriate' feelings towards a collegue ensnared me and will no doubt ensnare you as well.

Connection by frostfire_17 (R)

A short piece where Rodney contemplates what he has in Radek. It's sweet and yet Rodney remains utterly himself, arrogant and egotistical, well-aware of his faults but not being bothered to try and fix them.

TMI by rosewildeirish (R-ish)

The boys aren't fooling anyone, especially not John Sheppard. This is Sheppard in all his glory, happy for his friends but really, really not wanting to know about, well, that. This fic is short and humorous, and is definitely worth a read.

Fault Tolerance by wickedwords (PG-13)

"A jumper explodes, Radek is injured, and Sheppard keeps showing up." This is hurt/comfort at its best. The writing is elegant and makes you really feel what Zelenka is going through, and McKay and Sheppard are very much themselves during the aftermath. And again, there is a beautiful build-up to a relationship.

Begin Here by agentotter (R, set during "The Seige")

agentotter is a brilliant writer, and this fic is no exception. McKay and Zelenka are detoxing and miserable, and remain themselves despite the fact that they almost wish a Wraith would come along and end their suffering.

This by miera_c (NC-17)

Zelenka and McKay bickering and being wholly themselves, stubborn and proud, is always lovely to see on the show, and miera_c brings that same aspect to her fic. A short, simple piece, it's an excellent look at McKay and Zelenka's relationship.

At This Hour by mr_yoshimi (PG-13, spoilers for "The Hive")

A short, really interesting piece set while Rodney's in the infirmary under the influence of the enzyme. The pacing of the fic is brilliant, and all in all, it's an enjoyable read.

Off His Chest by rosewildeirish (R/NC-17ish)

Written for a "body parts" challenge, "Off His Chest" is about Zelenka becoming obsessed with a certain...part of McKay's physique. It's an interesting look at attraction and the slow slide into infatuation.

Beneath the Roses by julad (PG, set during S1)

A fic full of miscommunication and humor, with a dose of melancholy towards the end, it's an enjoyable read. julad's McKay-and-Zelenka banter is beautiful, so definitely take a peek.

Connection by noctuabunda (G, set during S1, pre-slash)

Set in the months leading up to "Rising," this is such a lovely, short piece, in which you really feel for Zelenka, struggling to adjust to speak English constantly and not quite getting all the weird little English sayings and in which you really see how the dynamic between McKay and Zelenka began.

Tao of Lust by lobelia321 (NC-17, spoilers for "Tao of Rodney")

A very, very unique writing style, which fascinates me. If you're looking for something different, check this one out, because it's interesting and engrossing.

Take What You Can Get by tzi and zaganthi (NC-17, spoilers for "Trinity")

One of the best post-"Trinity" make-up fics out there. Radek and Rodney remain wholly themselves, the sex scene is one of the best I've ever read, and the dialogue is wonderful.

Silent Lucidity by pierson (NC-17, warning: light BDSM)

An interesting look at Radek and Rodney's relationship and Rodney's personality, made even better by her wonderful prose and beautiful descriptions.

Sheppard/McKay

Freedom's Just Another Word for Nothing Left to Lose by synecdochic (R, future-fic)

Just as "The Secret Life of Scientists" is the McKay/Zelenka fic, this is the McKay/Sheppard, or, it can be said, the SGA fic. I don't think I've seen many rec lists without this, and for good reason. This is one of the most superb pieces of writing I've even read. Set post-Atlantis, this is a broken Rodney McKay who picks up the pieces and struggles to move on.

And the band's playing "hail to the chief" by synecdochic (PG-13)

A coda to "Freedom is Just Another Word for Nothing Left to Lose" that is equally brilliant and poignant.

The Dark Side by astolat (R, "Star Wars" AU)

Yes, you read correctly. A "Star Wars" AU. With Rodney as the rather bitter Jedi and Sheppard as the Sith, this fic is quirky, well-written, and at the same time very poignant.

Dex/Emmagan

we were never good soldiers (or very good fighters) by minervacat (R, spoilers up to "The Return I")

Baby!fic! A lovely, slightly melancholy but beautifully hopeful look at how life goes on, how it MUST go on, in the Pegasus Galaxy.

The Bee-Charmer by hth_the_first (PG-13)

hth_the_first is one of the best writers out there, and this fic shows that. The prose is wonderful, the story subtle and heart-warming, and Ronon and Teyla are wonderful in it.

McKay/Dex

Thirteen O'Clock by hth_the_first (NC-17)

I don't really see Ronon/Rodney. That said, hth_the_first makes me believe it. The writing is beautiful, the prose is lush, and the characterizations are dead-on, with Rodney being his normal, oblivious self and not realizing that he and Ronon are, in fact, dating.

The Hands of Yes by hth_the_first (NC-17, spoilers for "Trinity")

*points above to 'Thirteen O'Clock'* This fic really looks into Ronon's heritage and the Satedan culture, and is both sad and sweet. Definitely take the time to read this.

Other - Gen, Het, Slash, and Femslash

Blood Beat Back by synecdochic (R, AU, SGA/SG-1 crossover, spoilers for "Michael")

(Michael/Daniel) Who lays their hands on a Wraith? Daniel Jackson, apparently. This is a fascinating look at Michael, Daniel Jackson, and what exactly the retrovirus has done and continues to do to Michael. Gritty, desperate, harsh, painful, this fic is intriguing.

If There Be Thorns by astolat (NC-17, sequel to "Beneath the Roses")

(McKay/Zelenka/Sheppard) This fic makes the melancholy of "Beneath the Roses" just a bittersweet memory. The dialogue is wonderful and believable, and the prose well-done. Definitely worth a read.

Old Soul Song (For a New World Order) by amitee (R, future-fic, warning: death)

(Sheppard/Cadman UST, Cadman/Beckett, Sheppard/Weir) What if the Atlantis expedition was recalled after suffering too many losses and then scattered to every corner of the Earth? amitee writes a brilliant, poignant piece on Cadman and Sheppard both trying to adjusting to Earth battlefields, to having to consider Earth 'home' once more.

A Slip of the Tongue by agentotter (PG, SGA/SG-1 crossover)

(McKay/Carter) I am not a big fan of McKay/Carter, at least not how they're written together on the show, but this? This I adore. This short fic about Carter coming to Atlantis works. McKay is purely himself, Carter is purely herself, and their banter is wonderful.

The Towers On The Heights Reach To Heav'n's Own Blue by minervacat (R, SGA/SG-1 crossover)

(Gen) This is all about sports. ...Seriously. But that shouldn't deter you. It didn't deter me and the only sport I know anything about is soccer. The summary reads: "In which John Sheppard hates cricket and accidentally starts an intramural soccer league, and Cameron Mitchell thinks McKay's sister sucks." A lengthy story (it's a little over 9,000 words), it's humorous, witty, and has wonderful characterizations of the SGA cast, as minervacat's always do.

The Human Stain by tevere (NC-17, spoilers for "Michael")

(Michael/Teyla) I know some of you are probably going, "Michael and Teyla? Are you on crack?" but my god, this is one brilliant piece of writing. Teyla is dead-on, with her bittersweet mixture of pity and hatred, as is Michael, who is struggling to figure out who he is.

The Crane Wife by brighidestone (PG, spoilers for "Hot Zone")

(Miko/Dumais) One thing that has always amazed me about SGA is that someone can take characters who have only been in a single episode and make them real. brighidestone uses beautiful imagery to flesh out both Miko and Dumais, and it is a truly enjoyable read.

Where The Fruit Is by pierson (R)

(Lorne/Zelenka) pierson writes first-times exquisitely, and "Where The Fruit Is" is no exception. She writes a brilliant Lorne and Zelenka, with a fun dose of McKay with horrible timing. This fic will make you smile.

Care Packages by auburnnothenna (PG-13, SGA/SG-1 crossover)

(Gen) This is a cute fic where Carter and the rest of SG-1 send the Atlantis expedition some 'care packages.' Everyone is dead-on, and the story is both humorous and touching.

I Might And You Might (But Neither Of Us Do, Though, And Neither Of Us Will) (NC-17, SGA/SG-1 crossover, spoilers for "The Pegasus Project" and "Misbegoten") by minervacat

(Sheppard/Mitchell) minervacat is one of the best writers out there. Her style is brilliant, and her characterization of Sheppard and Mitchell are perfect and thought-provoking.

The Same Boy You've Always Known by svendra (PG-13, SGA/SG-1 crossover, warning: death)

(McKay/Carter) McKay and Carter save the world. Gorgeously written, with dialogue that could be from an actual script (okay, which is probably better than some of the scripts SGA's had), this is heart-wrenching and wonderful.

Tangled Headwires by mspooh (PG-13)

(Sheppard/Weir) A lengthy but engrossing fic in which Sheppard and Weir get trapped in a cave and (thanks to some crazy technology) partly in each other's heads. There's wonderful banter and UST, and excellent characterization of them both. Definitely worth a read.

my soul made me chariots for a princely people by medie (R)

(Lorne/Emmagan) A lot of fandom seems to forget that Teyla does have a sense of humor, at times a wicked sense of humor. medie nails Teyla's personality, and her seduction of Lorne is a pleasure to read.

The Best Portion by pierson (NC-17)

(Beckett/Emmagan) At 30,000 words, this is the story that opened my eyes to the idea of Carson/Teyla. As always, pierson's writing is lush and poetic, and the slow build-up of the relationship is a treat. Definitely take a look.

Graceful Exit by astolat (NC-17, set right after "Grace Under Pressure")

(Sheppard/McKay/Zelenka) "Grace Under Pressure" leaves our heroes with a bit of quandary that is never really resolved, and astolat's fic is a lovely portrayal of the immediate moments after the final scene of the episode.

Persistant Ache by skandrae (G)

(Weir/Zelenka) A very short, sweet piece which shows how quiet and lovely a relationship could be between Elizabeth and Radek.

The Water Rushes by pierson (NC-17)

(Miko/Radek) Like in "The Crane Wife," it always amazes me how SGA writers can take a character who was in a single episode and flesh them out. pierson's Miko is wonderful, as is her Radek, and their relationship is intriguing. You'll enjoy this look at a brief night on Atlantis.

This week's challenge was songs about Kate Heightmeyer/Teyla Emmagan, and so here we go. All are mp3s, and anyone can snag them. :) Enjoy!

Bright Eyes - First Day Of My Life
This is one of my favorite songs, a song about the way love can provide a rebirth of sorts, how you feel like an entirely new person when you fall in love with someone, and I can see Teyla and Kate feeling that way.
( This is the first day of my life, swear I was born right in the doorway )

Christian Kane - What My Heart Says
A song about forbidden love -- because there are so many ways people would disapprove of their relationship. The fact that it's a homosexual relationship, the fact that Kate is the only psychiatrist/psychologist (I get those two confused, grr). And how people disapprove, but they can't stop love.
( So let them say it's wrong for me to love you; they could never feel the way that I do when we kiss )

Crowded House - When You Come
This is a Kate/Teyla song from Kate's POV to me. Teyla is unexpected, new, wonderful, strange, and no one is quite like her. How can Kate not help but be drawn to her?
( Underneath the heavens with the stars burning and exploding, I know I could never let you down )

Joni Mitchell - All I Want
Okay, I love this song. I don't know why, because I normally don't like Joni Mitchell, but the melody and the melancholy tone to the song just works beautifully. This is another Kate's POV song, set during "The Return I," where Kate and Teyla had an argument about Teyla staying in Pegasus, and now Kate is regretting that their last few moments were tense.
( I am on a lonely road and I am traveling, looking for the key to set me free )

Kylie Minogue - Confide In Me
...All of my songs seem to be from Kate's POV. Why is that? Anyway, this is Kate struggling to make sure that when she's with Teyla, she's herself, not as a psychiatrist, that when she's listening to Teyla, she's listening as a friend and a lover, not clinically.
( I can keep a secret and throw away the key )

Also, here are some excellent SGA fics I've read recently.

Persistent Ache by skandrae

(Radek/Elizabeth, G) This is a short, sweet piece about Radek and Elizabeth. I love the way their relationship is shown in this, and how lovely the quiet moments on Atlantis can be.

Sometimes, she is amazed at the twists her life has taken. Just two years ago, she had not known this man, not known about the Stargate program, never imagined Atlantis. And now, she can't imagine her life without any of them. Once, she had though the outward projection of strength was the same thing as being strong; now she marvels that she discovers strength in allowing weakness to show.

Colony Atlantis by Icarus.

(Jack/Daniel, R) Okay, yes, this is an SGA/SG-1 cross-over, but even though the pairing is J/D, Icarus doesn't focus on them, and provides beautiful characterizations for the Lanteans as well. Set directly after Atlantis is declared a colony of Earth, it's a very interesting story.

Elizabeth stared down at the sheaf of papers in front of her. She understood now how the framers of the Constitution must have felt, that pull towards social engineering, hoping to create a utopia through her words alone. She knew it was impossible, that in reality she was only creating her own idea of utopia. But it was the only frame of reference she had. With one stroke of the pen she hoped to do away with many injustices she'd seen on Earth and on other worlds.

Elizabeth smiled. She also had to think of the present, and build in reasons for people from the SGC to want to come here and live, rather than just do research and return.

Luckily, sometimes those two aims intersected. Alongside provisions that would make a scientist weep with joy, she happily obliterated the legal basis in Atlantis for Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Making Love Out of Nothing At All by eleveninches

(Lorne/Zelenka, McKay/Sheppard UST, PG) Vague spoilers for "Echoes" and "Sunday." Do you love misunderstanding fics? Well then, you'll love this short, quirky fic, where Zelenka is vaguely horrified by his mistaken belief that Sheppard is in love with him.

"Rodney," Radek called reluctantly.

Rodney sighed. "Yes? What is it?"

"Say, hypothetically, you have a friend who has feelings for someone. But that someone has feelings for you instead. What is the best way to ensure your friend does not get hurt?"

From the other side of the wall there came a loud crash. Radek glanced around his bench quickly for something he could use to defend himself, in case Rodney lept at him like a crazy baboon. There was a set of pliars he'd been using the other day to repair one of the tables; it would have to do. He once had to brain three of his trained pidgeons after they'd attacked him, mad with some sort of bird fever. He had loved those birds, and he'd killed them. He only marginally liked Rodney.

There's So Much to See Through, They Say by x_sleeptodream

(Rodney/Teyla, G) x_sleeptodream has a beautiful Teyla voice, and this quiet, understated story is lovely, with the wonderful way Teyla and Rodney seem to fit, the way it makes me really, truly believe that the pairing would work, along with excellent characterizations of Sheppard and Ronon as well.

He flashes a disgruntled glare at her the first time she knocks the rods out of his hands, but goes to pick them up and gets back into position.

She does not go easy on him, but he does not give up. Her people have no myths about men like Rodney McKay: men who throw themselves at a problem with everything they have, over and over, loudly and with no subtlety.

Get your own spectral analysis from Area 23®

Music Videos

Save Yourself - Sense Field (SGA- Rodney McKay/Radek Zelenka) I love this song and I love the relationship this video portrays.

We Happy Few - Michael Kamen (SGA- General) Guh, this is instrumental, and the music is just beautiful and perfect for the show.

Conquerers of the Sky - Fireball (SGA- Radek Zelenka/Elizabeth UST, John Sheppard/Elizabeth Weir UST) This is just adorable. Poor pining Radek. *pats him*

Innocence - Fuel (SGA- Ronon Dex-centric) Oh, Ronon. This video makes me want to hug him so much.

Chocolate (SGA- Rodney McKay/Radek Zelenka) ...Utter crack. But lovely crack. I love those crazy Germans. Or at least the one who made this video. ...And the song is randomly addictive. *shifty eyes*

Fanfiction:

The Human Stain by tevere
(Michael/Teyla, spoilers for 'Michael') I know some of you are probably going, "Michael and Teyla? Are you on crack?" but my god, this is one brilliant piece of writing. Teyla is dead-on, with her bittersweet mixture of pity and hatred, as is Michael, who is struggling to figure out who he is.

Excerpt: He is suffering for a crime he has no idea he has committed, for being something he has no idea he is -- and though she wishes she could, she cannot feel pleasure in it.

The Crane Wife by brighidestone
(Miko/Dumais, spoilers for season one) One thing that has always amazed me about SGA is that someone can take characters who have only been in a single episode and make them real. brighidestone uses beautiful imagery to flesh out both Miko and Dumais, and it is a truly enjoyable read.

Excerpt: "Cranes," Miko replies. "I am folding cranes."

"Hmm." Alise cocks her head to the side and that is something Miko thinks that she will never become accustomed to, the incredibly pale wideness of western eyes. It is a wonder they can keep any secrets at all. "Show me how?" Alise asks, sinking into something like lotus. Miko slides over a handful of the candy wrappers the young lieutenant had given her, and begins showing Dumais the careful, precise folds.

Five Times Aiden Ford Was Put to Bed by kat_lair
(Ford-centric, het and slash, spoilers to mid-season 2) I love character studies, and this fic made me remember why I loved Aiden and how much I miss him.

Excerpt: His team is gathered around him like a protective wall. Aiden curls inside it, small and scared like he hasn’t been since that long ago night when the state trooper knocked on his Grandma’s door with a hat in his hands. The blackness laps at the edges of his mind, and with a sigh Aiden surrenders to it. After all, if you can’t trust your team to protect you, who can you trust?

Falling by lamardeuse
(Lorne/Zelenka, spoilers up to 'The Tao of Rodney') I'm a sucker for the low seduction, when the two dance around each other, neither one wanting to make the first move in case they misread the situation, and lamardeuse pulls it off brilliantly, with an excellent Radek voice and a very charming Lorne.

Excerpt: Radek merely nodded dumbly and allowed himself to be herded out the door, his blood humming in his veins, his palms clammy, his heart beating triple time in his chest.

It was either a stroke or love. Right at the moment, it would have been difficult for Radek to say which was more inconvenient.

I have much more House/Wilson, but I found some awesome Chase/Foreman ficlets.

Inertia by AndreaLyn.

Quotation: Chase, learning, always learning from House, has been gravely curious, wondering what Foreman's lips tasted of, what it would be like to slowly touch his cheek, wondered if Foreman fell to vices like the rest of the human race.

A kiss like two lovers would dance; slow, sure.

Foreman doesn't protest, but it's not him agreeing. It's two shots of tequila and four beers and basic human nature - those carnal sins of pleasure, enjoyment - that kick in and finish the job. It lasts shorter than even the worst one-night stand; a paltry fifteen seconds and it's over.

The damage is already done.

The Best Cure for a Hangover by Megs.

Quotation: "It's my vacation time," Foreman says. "What am I supposed to do?"

"I don't know. I wasn't aware your idea of a vacation was getting pissed and showing up at my flat at two AM," Chase says cheekily, catching a piece of shredded lettuce falling from his mouth with his tongue.

"Shows how much you know," Foreman says. He helps himself to a napkin from a small holder that Chase had placed beside a state-of-the-art toaster and sits at the breakfast bar. "Better than drinking alone."

"You were drinking alone." Foreman ignores Chase and points at a futuristic blender. "You can afford that, but you have to buy me dinner at Carl's Junior?"

"I didn't have to. You got it good. Usually it's McDonald's for me."

Any Port by mercaque.

Quotation: Bile and old vodka, Chase thought. He could identify the smell as soon as the door slammed shut behind him, and before long he was soaking in it, swimming in it, drowning in it.

It was inevitable, he supposed, that one day they would get caught "investigating" a patient's home. Chase had always been the most eager of his colleagues to follow House's hunches, right into other people's living rooms if necessary. And he had blithely brushed off both Foreman's groaning reluctance and Cameron's skittishness as entirely unappreciative of House's genius.

But getting handcuffed, booked, and thrown into a general holding cell - complete with orange jumpsuit - had seriously shaken his opinion.

Our Father by Optimal Flow.

Quotation: Chase had a smudge on his forehead. Normally, Foreman wouldn't have noticed but today Chase was dressed impeccably: matching shoes, dark suit, blue shirt and a tasteful tie. He looked like he was going to a funeral, all except for that damn dark spot on his forehead.

Foreman resisted the urge to wipe it off, knowing Chase would get that pinched look on his face and be sulky for the rest of the day. Still, it bothered him. Why would Chase actually match and, if he took the time to care about his clothes, why would he miss a huge spot on his forehead like that? It didn't make sense.

Here's some House M.D. fanfiction recommendations. All are House/Wilson, though I'll offer up some Chase/Foreman ones eventually. *grins*

***

"Diagnosis: Wilson by Commodoresexual

SUMMARY: Wilson gets more than he bargained for when he lets the ducklings diagnosis him.

"Patient Write-Up: Cameron, Chase, Foreman by Commodoresexual

SUMMARY: Cameron, Chase and Foreman delve into the healing process for Wilson.

"Treatment; House by Commodoresexual

SUMMARY: You can't always get what you want, but sometimes, you get what you need.

"Five Days a Week by Milkshake Butterfly

SUMMARY: Five ways in which the Duckings *didn't* find out about House and Wilson.

"Lies, damn lies, and statistics by Nigeltde

SUMMARY: Diagnosis: divorce, or complete cessation of all higher brain functions.