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.

New Haven (Duo/Wufei, Heero/Quatre/Trowa)

New Haven by Kit
http://anime2.adult-fanfiction.org/story.php?no=600021790&chapter=1
(Trowa, Quatre, Heero from picture by Minayuri on http://www.zerochan.net/421542)
(Wufei/Duo picture from wallpaper by Fox-Ninja-Tard I liked the background but it did not go with the story Duo looks like the sexy wraith that Wufei calls him  http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/363/e/6/duo_wufei_wallpaper_by_fox_ninja_tard-d4kl2aw.jpg)

Very good story in which Duo was not one of the group, instead he was part of Howard's black ops group, he was still Shinigami and he is much younger then the other pilots. He runs into Quatre at the gym who learns of the plans Duo wants to use to revitalize the neighborhood and to pay forward because of all he had to do in the war. The story is a little quick in spots, and the characters are a little OOC in other areas but the story line is good, the characters are believable and the sex is hot. If you want a toned down version the story is also available on Fanfiction. Duo may be younger but he shows that he is a total BAMF as well as an intelligent, loving, person. The dogs are funny and the children that they rescue really tie the characters together. It's just one of those feel good stories with enough action to keep it exciting.

Tears of a Basilisk (Harry/Severus)

Tears of a Basilisk byVetis
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/2918103/1/Tears-of-a-Basilisk

A great story that is funny as well as sad. This is the true story of what happened to Harry Potter the Hero/Villain of the Wizarding World as revealed after his death. Severus is reading the journal that Harry wrote and as he reads and understands just what was happening he wonders how he could be that blind. There are twists and turns and you will love the red button. And poor, poor Draco the horror or the laughs poor, poor Draco. I will not spoil the story for you just know you will not regret reading just don't be drinking anything cause trust me soda going up your nose because your laughing hurts and is not good for the keyboard.

Gypsy Caravan (Harry/Draco, Snape/OC)

Picture by Mystkyten can be found at http://www.mystkyten.net/gypsy.html

Gypsy Caravan by Witchdragon
NC-17 version http://www.hpfandom.net/eff/viewstory.php?sid=18012
M rated version https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8243003/1/Gypsy-Caravan

Great story in which 5 year old Harry hears his aunt talking about the freaks that are stopping in town and he wonders if they might like him since he is a freak too. Turns out the gypsy caravan is made up of squibs and those that can do magic that is different from wizards and so are looked down upon. Once they realize just who this damaged child is they decide to keep and protect. They know they must protect from those who would send him back to the Dursley's and where better then in plain sight. A friend foretold them that he must face his destiny at 16, so calling upon all the allies they have made over the years they get Harry or Cherub the training he will need. He learns to wear a mask to hide his true strength from those that would use him. At 16 he releases the magic that hides him and goes to Hogwarts. This is not the boy savior they expect, this is not the moldable hero that Dumbledore wanted, this is someone raised to respect all creatures, to fight for his beliefs, to befriend anyone regardless of class or house. The story has plenty of action, angst, comedy, romance, bromance and in the NC-17 version plenty of well described sex. There is wonderful character buildup and the OC's are not over the top villains or heroes. The idea of the Magical Creatures Council as shown up in other stories and is well done here especially with not everyone automatically on the side of the prophecy child. The explanation of why wizards have lost so much made a lot of sense because lets face it most of the time you have to wonder why they are so prejudiced towards those with magical creature blood.

Dark and Light

Dark And Light by Faust VII
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4924413/1/Dark-and-Light

I wish I could pinpoint why this is such a good story. There is not a lot of action, romance or angst, yet somehow the story has no trouble keeping your attention. Because of the way Harry was raised he is a functioning sociopath. He quickly learns that he is different something pointed out by one of the people that he crosses path with Count D and his "pets". He gradually collects others as he realizes that he is becoming something more then human or wizard. He is becoming a God, A Dark God. Like I said not a lot of action but what there is, is intense and the characterization is creepy but fascinating. Dumbledore is a hell of a surprise but the ending fits the story and I wish the author would do some side stories to fill in the gaps.

Observations (Spock/Kirk)

Observations by jAnon
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5329445/1/Observations

This is an awesome story and unusual in that the perspective is majorly from Spock. Observations is a journal of his thoughts on serving on the Enterprise and James T. Kirk. It is long and very intense in spots. When it comes to his interactions and eventual relationship with Kirk there is no instant bond mates and happy ever after. This story is not for everyone in while there is action and romance the bulk of the story is made up of Spock's thoughts on the missions and the people. I admit there were parts that I sped read through because it was too scientific or mathematical. But it is worth the read, the story is huge and I would love to see author do a story from Kirks' point of view because I believe that they could bring new insights to that character. This is also one of the first stories where the author realizes that Spock is 1/2 alien raised on an alien planet with only a little insight into human mores and values. Too many authors make Spock a logical human.

People especially the young believe that love conquers all and that falling in love brings instant happiness. Then they find out that reality exists and give up figuring that it was never real love. They should read this story because the best description of romance, love and commitment I have ever read is in chapter 163.

In addition this quote is something that I have lived my whole life believing just never put into words like this.

"and sometimes we get hit with the biggest blackest storm anyone could ever imagine. That's not a reason to give up. That's not a reason to stop living. You find that when the hammer hits the anvil, you're the anvil. You get knocked around and beat up, but in the end it's the hammer that breaks, and the anvil remains. People're stronger than they think they are. They want to live more than they know they do."

This story is hands down the best look into Spock and his beliefs and thoughts. There is angst, misunderstandings, cultural mishaps, loss and at the heart of the story is an epic relationship that defines Spock and Kirk. There are parts I cried at and others where I cringed and wondered just how worse things were going to get but I am glad I read this story and have it downloaded so I can read again. Just realize that this is one of those stories the ones that once you start you can not put it down.