gundam wing
All of Me by Sol 1056
"It's a good day," Relena chirps. "Today is different from yesterday. Right?" She turns those blue eyes on me, checking to make sure. Her hands grip the cap tightly.
"Right," I say, and smile. It does the trick, and she releases the cap. I take one of her hands and lead her from the department, noting the other security guards keeping their distance. "Alright, gorgeous, want to get a cookie before we go?"
"Cookies make a good day," she says, and her smile doesn't reach her eyes.
I sigh and nod. Nothing reaches her eyes, anymore.
The premise of this story breaks my heart - to see all at once the beautiful, brilliant character Relena could have been, and to see it all shattered. Sol's able to portray Relena perfectly, without once sounding fake or overdone, and it hurts all the more to see it go to waste.
Alternate Dualities by WingNut
Standing in the shadows, Duo reflected that there were some things he would never forget - how to pilot a mobile suit, the smell of recycled air, the way a pistol felt pressed firmly against his temple... like the one nudging his skull right now.
Oh my god. I must say, I haven't read such an excellent plot-centric GW fic in a long, long time (and that's ignoring the fact that I was out of the fandom, for, oh, four years). This is a complete and total AU, where, due to a Preventers' mission gone wrong, Duo is thrown into alternate universe after alternate universe, each one exploring different possibilities for how the future could have turned out. Duo is still that of his own world though, and in each universe, is faced with new relationships and new dilemmas. WingNut has done fantastically in creating each new world with detail; the story is similar to the five-things genre, and specifically reminds me of a Smallville story by Jenn with a similar premise. But WingNut has really taken this into her own and created a fabulous storyline - the quotation doesn't do it justice, because you really have to get into the plot to get caught up in this story.
The Best Laid Plans by Jei
"Trowa," Heero greeted. "I see he's dragged you into this as well."
"He figured I might as well listen in on the other line."
"Saves me the trouble of relating to him how much of a grump you are, Heero," Quatre chirped.
"If Trowa hasn't caught onto that little fact yet, then there's no hope for him."
This story is such an unexpected comedy for me. I found myself laughing out loud at lines that just pop right up at you. Like Heero's character, it's not particularly trying to be funny, but the story has a dry wit and humour built in that's just so pleasant to read. Not to mention the story is just really quite adorable, geeky and sweet and really, the story just personifies the way the author's written Heero's character.
Bubbles by Hex
"Bad day at work?" Duo asked, taking in the appearance of the person in front of him.
"Yup." Quatre replied.
I quote so short, because the story's so short, and any other section would either be out of context, or spoil the story. But really, this is a profound little slice of life, as sweet as they come, and I am completely in love with the imagery that the ending provokes.
The Complicated Arc by Lilias
"Everybody's second choice. Is that what you think, Duo?"
A muscle worked in his jaw as he turned away, back to the window. "It's never been that simple," she insisted. "And you know it. When I look at you, I see you. Every time."
If Fractal Forge's Liebestod taught me to hate Relena, Lilias's Complicated Arc taught me to love her. To be able to see her equally with both Duo and Heero - which is how she's woven this beautiful threesome. She doesn't make it easy - it's not as if they fall into bed with one another. In fact, Lilias is spectacularly good at making them hurt. They go through so much, before they can be together. The Complicated series, the main story of the arc, is particularly breathtaking and heartbreaking, all at once.
Dominion Road by Madamhydra
Something had died to provide that sleek, body-hugging leather for the seductive dark lord that his friend and comrade Duo Maxwell had mysteriously transformed into.
Mmm, dark, sexy domineering Duo. This fanfic got me into the Susan Matthews' series that inspired the fic. The story is hot and conflicted, and unfortunately, destined to be a work in process, as most of my favourite GW stories are. But of what there is, it is delicious. Parts One through to Five are available online.
Falling Sideways by Blue Soaring
"You guys are always together."
"Did you cover the concept of 'friends' in kindergarten, Q?" Duo said archly. "We've been friends since...since...geez, I think since we were born." Duo's face took on a comic, slightly puzzled look.
"I think the connection is prenatal," Wufei snorted.
A cute little school AU where Heero and Duo are just friends, or so they keep protesting to their friends. When they finally decide to give everybody something to talk about, Heero realises that their friends may have been on to something. In other words, adorable friendship/get-together fic, with a well thought out history too.
Family by Sunhawk
'All right?' he asked after we'd sorted ourselves out, and while I still wasn't all that sure about things, I nodded, doubting he could see it anyway.
'Yeah, this should work.'
There was a noise that I could only describe as exasperated and he grumbled, 'Please do not be deliberately obtuse. I know the sleeping arrangements will work... are you all right?'
'I'm ok,' I mumbled and thought I just might be.
Sunhawk's very much a hit or miss author for me. She writes absolutely brilliant, complex plotlines and great action/mission scenes, but I'm not over fond of her characterisation, especially of Duo. Her Duo just isn't the Duo I love. Nevertheless, I've read and on and off enjoyed her Roadtrip arc, and this particular story is one that broke my heart. I guess I'm just a sucker for unrequieted love. This is sad, but not angsty, and not without a silver lining, though if it were me, there would be some threesome action going on. Doesn't have to be read with the rest of the arc, in my opinion, but things would make more sense if it were. The rest of Sunhawk's writing can be found here.
Flyboys by Tayla Firedancer
"Flyboys like us don't live long," Duo shrugged casually, undaunted by Heero's intense scrutiny. "That's why, Heero. You take love where you can get it."
Talya Firedancer wrote some of my favourite stories, though she was leaving fandom by the time I came in, I think. Nevertheless, her stories are still available, and this one is sweet, not too serious, but not light.
From Boys to Solders to Men by Merith
He threw the ball at Trowa, hitting him high on the shoulder when the man turned away laughing. "Superman's cool, but Batman's a real person." Quatre scratched the skin flaking off his nose from a burn. "Chopin or Mozart?"
Trowa's expression seemed to fade, his eyes became distant, unfocused. With a slight smile, he answered simply, "Tchaikovsky."
Quatre drew in a sharp breath. "Good." He shrugged slightly and ducked his head. "I didn't think you'd know anyone unless they were more well known."
"Flute for seven years, percussions for three, piano for twelve and violin for six." Trowa turned away, dribbling the ball half-heartedly. "I'd better know the shit."
An AU, the boys are fighting for their lives in Vietnam. And what a fascinatingly woven story it is. It bounces around, the stories being at times light-hearted and fun, and at others, breathtaking and horrifying. The qhote is from "Hoops and Scoops", which is of the former - it feels like this particular story's out of order in the series, and should go after "Reassigned", but I still like the way it's written. The interactions between Quatre and Trowa are rather delightful - I think I've found another great Trowa writer! I especially like his introduction in "Reassigned" - aviators and all. The story-line of the arc is hard to follow, given that it seems to jump here and there, but each piece stands well on its own. I wish there were more about Heero in the Solders arc though.
Inferno's Touch by RavynFyre
After all, once Heero realized that Duo was awake and started laying into him about last night, Duo would have an appointment with an open window from a tall building.
Live fast. Die young. Leave a cute corpse.
Duo leaned against the door, sipped his coffee, and enjoyed the view.
A wonderfully written AU story that delves into the ins and outs of firefighting life in exquisite detail. It's a fascinating read, because the author is a firefighter herself. The mystery that serves as the main plot driving force is interestingly developed, and so is the growing relationship between Heero and Duo. Unfortunately, it's not finished yet, but there are over two dozen chapters available.
Launch by Erin Cayce
"Benson is my acting tech liaison," Duo said finally, straightening. "Coordinate with him and make sure I stay on course. There's a lot of shitty ways to die, but drowning is about as low as it gets. I'd like to avoid that."
"Coward."
It wasn't Stanchion who said it. Duo whirled toward the lab door, to see blue eyes smirking gently at him.
"Maybe I can help?" was all Heero Yuy said.
I had no idea what I was getting into when I first started reading this story, only that I was browsing through GWA (and it drives me crazy that there are no story summaries!), and was wanting some non-AU for a change. Was I in for a surprise! Though it breaks my heart to have Trowa act the bastard, her characterisation of Quatre and Duo, and their camaraderie, is lovely. And the way she eventually brought Heero into the fold of the story made me squeal out loud, just delicious and so very-flyboy, off the cuff and into the fold. The plot speeds up quite a bit, quite quickly, and is well done and interesting. The ending's a heartbreaker for sure, and I hate the author a little bit for it, for creating a Trowa that hurts so, cold and dangerous and yet at once as believable as my favourite characterizations of him.
Liebestod by Fractal Forge
He'd always been distant and detached, and now that the war was over, she had less and less reason to be around him. He was slipping away from her, sliding down a slope into a dark black pit. Just spending time with the people he knew.
She could show him such a wonderful future, such a perfect existence. She could show him what it was finally like to be loved. She could give him what he'd always hungered for, what the war had never let him have.
She, and only she, could show Heero what having a heart was like.
His friends couldn't provide what she could. She could tell that the only reason they kept him around was from some sort of obligation. Some sort of warrior's honor, a social idea she didn't understand.
But she would be only too happy to take him, help him, care for him...
Love him...
This story kills me every time. It's been re-organised since the last time I read it, so long ago, but it still packs the same emotional punch once you get into the story. It hurts, and that always leaves an impression on your heart. This story taught me to hate Relena - for a long time, I couldn't shake the anger. I'll maintain that I enjoyed the first reading more, whether the original was actually superior, or whether the first time has the most emotional impact - but regardless, it is a beautiful story, one of the few, if only fanfics that have ever made me cry.
Lie To Me by 0083
"So, let's pretend we're normal people. Tell me something about yourself, Mr. Yuy. Remember, pretend."
Heero looked over to Duo, slightly confused by Duo's request. Duo sat up and stared into Heero's eyes.
"Lie to me."
This is a wonderful, bittersweet look at Duo and Heero's relationship during the war, as Duo helps Heero come out of his shell in a roundabout way, and reveals truths about himself as well. The characterisation is perfect - I'm very fond of intelligent Duo.
Mission: Arcadia and Beyond by Bonne&Von, RavynFire et al
"You wanted to know if Heero has changed. Many times, Sallah. As have I. As have the others. The children..." Wufei's gaze strayed to some middle distance and then returned. "I don't know what the others see, but I see a self from a million years ago. A self that has never existed. What Heero sees?" Wufei shook his head. It was almost a shudder. "I can't guess. Has he changed? Is it you? It could be. But try and understand." He gestured briefly at the blank screen. "What is there after that? To go back to? This new... life... carries a great and terrible hope that was never meant for us."
I suppose I should preface and say that this story/series isn't the most brilliant example of fannish writing. Especially in the first story of the arc, the writing feels unpolished and characterisation at times OOC; but this is one of the early stories that I read in GW, and it still has a fond place in my heart. And the writing does get much better toward the mid/end of the second story, so it's not like it's a hardship to read. Duo and Heero find themselves saving the world again, when they're transported to an alternate universe and asked to help. Along the way, they adopt a bit of a family and bring them home, to continue their mission on Earth. Quite simply, I fell in love with the new characters the authors presented and the way the plot developed in the story "Chasing the Crown."
Nothing Like the Sun by Sol 1056
I filled out the sketch of Trowa a bit more, including the drape of the sheets across his body, and the one bare foot peeking out under the blankets.
Maybe... I rubbed my eyes, glancing over the sketch I'd finished... maybe having no one know you, inside and out, isn't real loneliness. Maybe having friends who might know you as well as could be managed, and still don't love you...
That, I decided, is what it means to truly be alone.
After the wars, Quatre's tired of trying to be what everyone expects of him, and decides to take a break and live someone else's life for a while. Sol writes these beautiful, broken characters, and some days I don't know why I keep reading, because she never shies away from hurt. But there is a happy ending to this story, and if the initial pairings aren't what you expected, things end up working out in the end.
No Regrets by Jei
Duo stuffed one more shirt into his suitcase before turning around. He watched Heero watch him expectantly. "I'm gonna be gone for a while," he repeated slowly.
Heero nodded solemnly. "I know."
"You're not gonna think less of me if I do something stupid?"
"I'll think you're a guy trying to do something that can only be done right here, right now, and he'd be some kind of fool for letting that singular window of time slip past him."
Just a short, bittersweet ficlet, but really, more sweet than bitter. You can imagine all sorts of backstory and context - it's just some special snippet out of what feels like a beautiful life, where for the two of them, their friendship is worth everything, and there's just nobody else in the world they'd rather be with.
On the Steps of a Slow Afternoon in July by Merith
It happened during the long stretch of summer, where the days were hot and long, and nights seemed to last for minutes only. It was days like that, where going barefoot burned the soles of feet, and ice cream melted from the cone before it could be licked.
It happened up at the lake house. The one Relena had invited us all to spend some time at; to play at being young adults without the responsibilities we all carried.
It happened as a surprise, in a most unexpected way, and ended in the best way possible.
Just from this excerpt, the story reads absolutely beautifully. I normally have a hard time reading first person, especially in the GW fandom - there aren't a lot of authors who pull it off believably and in character. But Merith does an applaudable job at it, and has created some lovely pieces of prose besides.
Prank by WindsorBlue
I haven't entirely ruled out killing him. Yet.
In my own defense, most of yesterday was pretty miserable, from the moment I'd woken up. My alarm clock interrupted a dream I was having about a friend...a close friend. Probably my best friend, were I inclined to assign a relative value-based scale to my friendships, which I'm usually not, but I digress. At any rate, the dream involved Quatre, a secluded beach, a half-unzipped wetsuit and a large blanket on which to perform any number of activities that would be better done without getting sand somewhere it doesn't belong.
It was a good dream. Right up to the part where I slipped my hand into that wetsuit, and Quatre moaned out the morning traffic report.
Normally, Trowa's character doesn't do much for me - his characterization is often difficult to believe - but WindsorBlue manages spectacularly, and in a first person narrative no less! I'm completely infactuated with Trowa's voice, sardonic and matter-of-fact. It paints the story in a hilarious tone, filled with dry humor and a wonderful dynamic between the pilots, as witnessed through Trowa. Duo plays a brilliantly executed April Fool's day prank, with an ulterior motive that falls perfectly into place.
Pride by DC Logan
Quatre was the first to note his presence in the room and he waved him over to a nearby seat. "Catching up on any of that sleep yet?"
"Some." He nodded cordially to Relena. "And a pleasant evening to you, Miss Darlian."
Relena looked up, slid an empty coffee cup over to an open place setting, and kicked a chair out from under the table. "Wufei? If you don't start calling me Relena, I shall begin addressing you as Agent Super Chang in public."
Wufei unexpectedly becomes snowbound with a reclusive Zechs, hiding away in a cottage in the middle of nowhere. Even though this story excludes all my favourite pairings, I do particularly like Wufei and Zechs' characters in this. It's an endearing story, and despite the author's warning that it's a "shameless blanket fic", I think it was pulled off quite well - not too improbable at all. Also, Quatre and Relena are quite hilarious in it, as you can hopefully tell from the quote.
Quote Normal by Arsenic
My hand runs up and down his back in soothing gestures. "You haven't been a boy for a long time; don't pretend things are that simple."
"I'm gonna tell him."
"Yeah?"
"Next monthly call. Just, y'know... 'Hey, I need you.'"
After the war, Quatre and Duo go back to school, and what I love about this story is their interaction. They're close, affectionate, and more than friendly, but it's not that I want 2x4 specifically, they just know that they need each other. And Quatre's still there to push Duo in the right direction, to figure out his feelings for Heero. I only wish Quatre's lot would change for the better.
Radio Gaga by Link Worshiper
"And congratulations to Heero Yuy for nailing today's round of Connect Three," Duo said, drawing the attention of both Winner Enterprises employees. "First caller, first guess; you people should take a page out of my buddy's book here, I'm telling you."
Trowa chose that moment to tweak the corner of his mouth up into a smirk that very obviously said, 'I told you so.'
"Anyway, my boy Heero wanted to hear a song, so I hope this delivers!" Duo went on as the rhythmic beats of 'Back in Black' started up beneath his voice. "Enjoy it, slick! You deserve it!" Then the song's famous guitar riffs exploded over the speakers, and Heero sat back, amazed.
I think I'm going through an AU phase again - this, suprisingly enough, is not the first Duo-as-a-radio-DJ story I've read, but it's certainly creative and a whole lot of fun. I love the interaction between Heero and Trowa, and how Heero is so sweet and shy. It's just a story that makes you smile - the only thing that bothered me were a few lose ends that didn't seem to be tied up at the end (like who requested the Cake song!).
Sugar Daddy by WindsorBlue
"God, I love a man who knows how I like my burgers!"
"I'll even get one for Heero, too - just so you don't get into trouble for getting lunch without him." Quatre opened up his car door, turning over his shoulder to wave at Duo's brother Solo as he did.
"Marry me, you smooth son of a bitch."
"No, suffer without me."
"Oh, I do...I do!" Duo laughed quietly. "See you in a few - drive fast so my fries don't get cold."
"Yes, sir," Quatre grinned. He clicked off the phone and put the key in the ignition.
I've been avoiding AU fics recently, because I keep feeling like the tone isn't quite right - but Windsor does it, tone and all. I have been mainlining her fic, and I just adore it. She does the most perfect characterisation and beautiful writing. Plus she's got a great 2+4 vibe to all her fic, and her Duo is especially delicious. And her Wufei just the right amount of teasing - just a really fun, richly developed story with great atmosphere, witty dialogue and an interesting external plotline. Also, the side-story, Midnight Movie is just adorable and sexy to boot.
That Which Is Not His by Ponderosa
"Is this seat taken?" came a monotonous voice from his left and Duo twisted around.
"It isn't if you're planning to share that bagel," Duo looked up over the top of his sunglasses and grinned impishly.
"I'm not."
"Well in that case..."
"But I did buy one for you."
Mmm, deliciously sexy. For once, Duo's not the one who's proclaiming his love, and it's an interesting turn of events - but that doesn't mean they don't get hot and sweaty with one another in the process. I particularly enjoyed the scene in the Japanese resturant. Everything ends up the way it should, and if it was a little predicable, still, it was sweet.
The Babe Magnet by DC Logan
He gave a fond pat to the leather arm on his new sofa. "Face it, Yuy. This couch will see action before two you ever do."
Trowa shook his head and turned up the volume on the television. "That's a charming thought, Wufei. Remind me never to sit on it again without sterilizing the cushions first."
Well now this was adorable. Duo spends his time working at a pet shop and having some rough dating luck, while Heero hasn't been on a second date in years. A chance accident brings them together, and they make for one cute bumbling couple. What I love though, is the friendship between Heero and Trowa - throw Wufei in there too for a lark. They're just a bunch of unattached bachelors, sitting around, trying to find that one special someone... or at least someone to christen Wufei's couch.
The Drums of Heaven by Sol1056
"Which part of 'lie down' did you not get?" Heero replied quietly, pushing Duo back down. It took little effort to overpower the already weak pilot, and he shifted Duo easily in place, swinging the pilot's legs up on the bed.
"Stop," Duo protested. "I've got to..."
"Was it the lie, or the down?" Heero continued as if Duo hadn't spoken. "Now, shut up and stay there or I will shoot you."
"Yeah, you've been saying that for years..." Duo's voice was whisper-soft as Heero pushed his shoulder down onto the pillow.
Rather elegantly crafted, the story is nonetheless difficult to get into, slow as it is to get into the crux of the story. You spend several chapters as lost as Heero is, having no idea why things are as they are and where things are going. Nevertheless, by the time you get to around chapter 30 (and there are 50 in total, so gear yourself up for the long haul), the story's sufficiently elaborated upon and you've got a lot more to sink your teeth into. By the time you get near the end (the real end, because there's parts that feel action-packed enough to be it), you're as caught up in it as can be, and the last couple chapters had me holding my breath as it all panned out, hoping it wasn't all going to hell. I promise you though, the ending does not disappoint.
Whispers by Maldoror
My mind is like a computer playing a grand-master level chess game, my every move thought out many turns in advance, every combination of my enemies' actions analyzed and neutralized.
The cold logic carries me through two firefights, up an elevator shaft, across the grounds, over the fence and back to the forgotten pre-war tunnel in the woods where we hid our Gundams. I arrive with five minutes to spare on our timetable. I download the information into Wing and send it on a tight beam to Barton for relay before the clock runs out.
/Mission objective, successful./
I jump down from Wing and position myself at the old tunnel's entrance, ready for anybody who might be pursuing Duo as he makes his way back to Deathscythe.
And then I wait.
And wait.
And wait.
Wow. When I was gunning for a non-AU, mission-centric fic, I certainly didn't imagine this gem of a story. A fascinating spin on Heero's characterisation, fast-paced, heart-pounding action, and extremely sexy interludes. The quotation's from one of my favourite parts (so far), Two Way Communication Arc. But I'm loving this entire story, both Duo and Heero - but Heero and his inner monologues are really the most interesting part.