Revenant (Bucky/Steve)

Revenant by stele3
http://archiveofourown.org/works/1536380?view_adult=true&view_full_work=true
The artwork is taken from the story "Chapter covers by cindyfxx's friend juefeifeifei.tumblr.com!"

Excellent story that covers what would happen if Bucky took Steve with him instead of leaving him by the side of the river. A darker story that includes descriptions for torture, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempt, dubious consent, and of course kidnapping. Bucky decides that he needs answers and here is a perfect opportunity to get those answers. All Steve can see is that he has Bucky back and everything else takes a backseat unfortunately that includes letting anyone know that he is alive. The writer shows just how scary Steve's need for Bucky can get especially in the one scene where he lets Bucky have sex with him after knocking him around because he does not want to deny him. That is not ever a good reason for sex. The writer has a knack for portraying Bucky's confusion and fear as he gets answers that only raise more questions without making him whiny or pathetic. In addition Bucky tries to be more human for Steve because he is slowly coming to depend too much on him. You have to feel for Bucky in this story because Steve means well but he is giving so many mixed signals that Bucky does not know what is going on. Does not excuse what he did but does make him more sympathetic. In the end things work out but it takes a while to get there and I have to admit the reason for Bucky remembering Steve is so outrageous that I can see it happening. Overall excellent story well worth rereading.

Perdition's Flames (Sherlock/John)

Perdition’s Flame by i_ship_an_armada
http://archiveofourown.org/works/891901?view_full_work=true

Very good story that explores the idea of Khan really being Sherlock Holmes and John Watson is there as well. I have read several stories where Khan is really Sherlock and some are good most were bland but this one is very interesting. There are reasonable answers for the behavior of the two during the war and a good background quote to support the fact that Spock’s mother is a descendent of Mycroft Holmes.  Komack has no idea what he is getting into because unleashing the brilliant but mad mind of Khan Noonian Singh would be bad enough, but he got the genius, does not register the box when thinking, deductive mind of Sherlock Holmes. And no one but John Watson has ever controlled him and no one ever will.  Oh and then Komack does the unthinkable and holds John hostage and we know that never ends well. In this case it ends with a busted ship an unconscious crew and Komack beat to hell. All in all a good story with great action and the team up of Watson & Sherlock.

What I do is for me (Lex/Clark)

What I Do Is For Me, For That I Came by Te and Jenn
 http://teland.com/whatido.html

Great PWP, I do love Lex/Clark and think they could do wonderful things together. Perverted things but wonderful just the same. This is an intense short story that has innocent but curious Clark and Lex in a leather corset? I think that says it all. Definitely something to read to get in the mood. Yum Yum.

Waiting Here (Spike/Xander)

Waiting Here by Alexandria
http://web.archive.org/web/20090302041111/http://www.shadows-and-dust.co.uk/Fiction/waitinghere.htm

Great story, very dark in parts including rape but overall great. Xander has a dark past and to deal with his life he turns to cutting one day he goes too far, luckily he is found by Spike and thus begins an interesting relationship. Spike has always said he is a fool for love and he wants to be needed. The others gradually come around because they see that Spike is good for him. This story features a strong Xander who finally realizes that he is a victim through no fault of his own and most important he is a survivor. The story does a great job of depicting the effects that the abuse and rape has on the friends and boyfriend of the victim. Of course in this case the boyfriend is a vampire and the friends are a slayer, a watcher/mage, and a couple of witches. They get revenge and Xander gets his happy ever after.

Twilight Time (Spike/Xander)

Twilight Time by Shadow
http://shadowsalcove.ravenshadow.net/satwilight.htm

Excellent story one that I had read before and then couldn't find again. Xander and Spike are one of my favorite pairings one usually marked by sarcasm, pride, struggle and blood on both sides and lets not forget humor and this one has it all. Spike discovers that Xander is being beaten by his father and emphasizes with him to the point where he rescues him. Xander in turn begins to trust in and fall in love with the snarky blond. The scene in the retaurant where Xander teases Spike with a knife and his blood is hotter then hell. There is monstor to stop and Xander is fated to use a weapon that could kill him but it all ends well. I love how the other Scooby's gradually realize that Spike is the best thing to every happen to Xander. Even Angel gets into the action and gets his reward as well.

My Apologies

I apologize for the long break, December and January are not great months for me mentally and physically. Between the allergies and the arthritis it sucked.  I expected to slow down for that but I have no idea what happened to October and November. I will try not to have that happen again. So let's back into the groove because I did not stop reading and I have great stories lined up for you. So with a quick wave to my Guardian angels, Mom (Jovita Estrada), Dad (Ramon Estrada), Brother (Ronald Estrada) and Sister (Rosalinda Estrada) you are sorely missed, let's get started.