Political Fic

Some of my favorite TV combines drama with politics. Last year I set out to find some Twific that brings our favorite characters into that world of the political. Afterall, one of my all time favorite fics is The Cullen Campaign which, although it was pulled, featured the most intelligent political friction combined with fun sexual tension and romance.

Here's what I found:

The Hot Seat

a oneshot by TheFicChick

Liberal left? Meet conservative right. Wearing tight pants and a self-satisfied grin. (ExB, AH, one-shot.)

This was cute, fast-paced and well-written. It's got a real West Wingy vibe.

The other 2 fics I'd like to feature are by the same author, Betty Smith, who pulled both fics and published them as books. (You can still find both fics as .pdf files floating around the internet. If you want to message me your email, I'd be happy to send them or The Cullen Campaign to you.)

The Gentleman from Washington State

Senator Edward Cullen is the handsome scion of the Cullen family. A playboy's playboy, he is taken with an intern in his office, Bella Swan. She is untouchable for many reasons, and he's in a tough re-election battle with Jacob Black. AH,M Adult Content

If you're interested in the non-Twi version, it was published as A Political Affair by Mary Whitney

My Esteemed Colleague

Members of Congress, Edward Cullen R-IL and Isabella Swan D-WA, have nothing in common and everything to lose. Despite divergent politics, they can't contain they're feelings. Yet one issue remains that hopelessly divides their relationship and the country.

This was a concise and realistic feeling story with two good hearted, intelligent and savvy protagonists. Nothing felt drawn out for the sake of drama. I loved the political setting (the ins and outs of what a congressperson does and their obligations to themselves, their constituents and their party). Bella in particular is a great character - she's passionate about the issues she cares about, she is good at her job, and she has an easy demeanor despite being surrounded by people who underestimate her.

If you're interested in the non-Twi version, it was published as Compromising Positions by Mary Whitney.

Does anyone else have any recs for good political/romance fics or books?

2012 End of the Year Reflection

Below is a round-up of my favorite fics of 2012.

Favorite TwiFics

Hits on all cylinders - funny, smart, sexy, great drama:

Breaking News by WriteOnTime

Two network news anchors. One desk. In a race to get the story, love might become the headline - if they don't kill each other first. AU/AH Canon Couples, smart people, particle physics, and tap dancing.

On its own plane of awesomeness and originality:

Written in the Stars by Lissa Bryan

Edward is king of a dying race, his planet torn by civil war. Bella is abducted to become his bride. From college student to Queen... Can she learn to love this strange man and help save his people? AU/OOC, Rated M

Here's my review of this awesome fic

WIP that is brilliant and thus worth breaking the "No WIPs" rule:

Beneath the Sky by Bedelia

Nineteen years ago, time unraveled. In a changed world, Bella fights to save a man from the past and a girl with no future. AU.

Short and sweet and real:

Always an Edward by LifeInTheSnow

Bella wants to say yes to kind, handsome Ed…but can't stop meeting Eddie for martini lunches. Eduardo just wonders why she's avoiding his yoga class. And who is this "Edward" leaving cryptic messages at work? A story about people and how they change.

Weird yet oddly fascinating and different VampAU:

End of a Bloodline by Jay's World

Blood stains my clothes, my hands, my cheeks, and then my lips as I kiss his bloodied hair. His blood…always tainting my hands. Forever. I'm sorry. AU, non-canon vampires.

Charming and original fantasy:

Love in Idleness by plummy

"...for aught that I could ever read/Could ever hear by tale or history/The course of true love never did run smooth." A little Edward. A little Bella. A few fairies, and a robot. Into the woods we go. Twilight meets A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Funny:

Harcover Paranormal Romance by badjujube

Edward has an issue with Bella Swan that can't be found in the employee handbook. AU, goofy. Complete.

Fantastic superpowered Twi-story:

Delphian City by Boom-Boom Jones

There are dark secrets in Delphian City. Edward Cullen is one of them. AH/AU OOC Supernatural/Fantasy/Sci-Fi minus the vamps.

Other Twilight fanfics that I really enjoyed this year:

Tempt My Tongue by Savage7289

VampAU, and here's my review of this fic

Bloodthirsty vampire Edward Cullen has but a single goal in his pointless existence – lose his virginity with a human. He will stop at nothing to entice the unusual girl he saves in the street, but can he claim her body without killing her? AU, EPOV, M

ConTEXTually Speaking by cosmogirl7481

quick, fun, sexy

Bella spends her days surrounded by books and her nights immersed in them. Reading but not living. Imagining but not experiencing. One night changes everything. A story about wrong numbers and a stranger with all the right words.

Across the Universes by FantasyMother

very interesting premise 

Not all is as it seems when Edwards from two different universes find an old journal that can bridge the gap between them. Things become even stranger when the reality of one universe starts to bleed into the other. AU, B & E Rated M for Lemons.

Good Deal by m7707

a snarky HS Bella

Bella Swan hates Rosalie Hale. Her idea of revenge? Sleeping with the Ice Queen's boyfriend, Edward Cullen. AH, very OOC, very rated M.

She's Moody by jackqueenking

I hesitate to rec because it seems to be on hiatus, but this was such a fun read that it might be worth checking it out anyway and just enjoying what's there

Favorite Hunger Games fic

Ever in Your Favor by EStrunk

Katniss and Gale, what would have happened if you ignore the epilogue.

Here's my review of this awesome fic

Favorite Batman-related fic

That Which is Infinite by jadeddiva

We meet Barbara Gordon: librarian, genius, and Batman fangirl. Here's the summary: He keeps trying to tell himself this was a good decision, but there is lingering doubt in the back of his mind about bringing an innocent into this game. Barbara Gordon, meet Batman.

Here's my review of this fic

Truth and Justice by JC Roberts

This story paints the picture of a Justice League of the near future which includes Batman and Superwoman (daughter of Superman) and a whole cast of really well developed characters. The story is so well-paced and the action scenes are magnificent.

Here's my review of this fic

Court Martial by Charlene Edwards

"Blockbuster was murdered ... and Nightwing was "involved"" This story is about what happens when Nightwing is put on trial by the Justice League. I could not put this fic down. Part courtroom drama, part Batfamily drama. All riveting.

Here's my review of this fic

Truth and Justice, by JC Roberts

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3522394/1/Truth_and_Justice

I learned of this fic because it was mentioned in an article in Penthouse about Batman. It was all about his many ships (for example, Catwoman, Wonder Woman, and now Superwoman) and it was called Holy Hookup, Batman! To my pleasure, in this fic, I stumbled upon a story that goes way beyond hookups and relationship drama. Truth and Justice is so much more.

A new generation of superheroes have joined the Justice League. Amongst them is Superwoman/Martha Kent, the daughter of Superman and Lois Lane. She has come to Gotham to work as a doctor at Arkham Asylum, as part of a 3-year psychiatric fellowship. But Gotham is Batman's city. The tension between these two is delicious.

Working alongside Batman, Superman, The Flash, and Arsenal (Roy Harper), this new crop of heroes face, as the author of the fic describes it, "an ongoing barrage of supervillains, personal struggles, the difficulty of stepping out of a parent’s shadow, unexpected romance, redemption and the definition of heroism."

Some standout features of this fic: 

There are quite a few characters in this story and the character development creates a depth that makes each one memorable. And there is such richness in their relationships with one another. The character of Martha Kent is sublime and I love following the ups and downs of her relationship with Bruce Wayne. Also, I was bowled over by how vivid and well done the team action sequences are! The drama is truly exciting. And I really enjoyed the balance between the broad action and the intimate moments where we see these heroes as people.

My love for this fic is so huge that it's hard not to go on and on about it.

Truth and Justice has two sequels, each story spanning a year of Martha's fellowship. I would start with the first one, and if you're like me, you will be so drawn in that you will be thirsty for the sequels.

Flashback to 2011

Before we get into the season of 2012 year-in-reviews, I wanted to take a second to look back on 2011. I failed to write up any sort of reflection for that year, so... what follows is a really quick rundown of some of my favorites of the fics I read in 2011. All are Complete.

Of Kith and Kin by chicklette
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return." -Nat King Cole. This story is about that. AH, Canon pairings.

Twilight - Rated: M - English - Angst/Drama - Chapters: 24 - Words: 88,113 - Reviews: 3767 - Updated: 12-19-11 - Published: 7-16-10 - Bella & Edward - Complete

^^ This story pulls you in. Chicklette has the reader dying to unravel the mystery of the history the characters share. On top of all the intrigue is phenomenal writing and a true depth of emotion. A classic must-read.

Said and Done by ICMezzo
Graduate students Edward and Jasper feel the connection, but is it enough to overcome their differences? EdwardxJasper slash, human/vampire love. RATED M.

Twilight - Rated: M - English - Humor/Romance - Chapters: 25 - Words: 123,077 - Reviews: 1777 - Updated: 1-14-11 - Published: 1-6-10 - Edward & Jasper - Complete

^^ Perhaps my most favorite of all of the VampSlash out there. Charming and sweet and I fell totally in love with the Edward and Jasper.

The Art Teacher by Spanglemaker9
He gave me art and words and passion and life, but all I wanted was him.

Twilight - Rated: M - English - Romance/Drama - Chapters: 16 - Words: 97,635 - Reviews: 6903 - Updated: 8-1-11 - Published: 11-7-10 - Bella & Edward - Complete

^^ This story had me drooling over its description of art. I'm a huge fan of art and how someone's interpretation of a piece of art reflects a bit of who they are as a person. I love how this story plays with that notion at times but really it's a love story. And maybe it's just me but I felt Bella's experience of the art in their world was magnified because of the intense feelings between her and Edward.

Dear Mr. Masen by jendonna
"Error 434: Reprimanding an executive." Life changing or just stupid? Dear Mr. Masen: A story of unauthorized Internet usage, culinary delights and the goings-on at Cullen, Inc. AH, ExB.

Twilight - Rated: M - English - Humor/Romance - Chapters: 25 - Words: 127,500 - Reviews: 12598 - Updated: 2-14-12 - Published: 11-17-10 - Bella & Edward - Complete

^^ This fic asks the age-old question: can love triumph over corporate non-fratenization policy? This is super cute and a fun read.

And last, but certainly not least...

Masen Days by purelyamuse
3rd Place Winner in the Boys on Boards contest! Now an EXPANDED multi-chap! Bella meets Masen at the local skate park. He's a quiet, mysterious loner. She wants to help him, love him even. Will he let her? Or will he skate away like he always does? AH

Twilight - Rated: M - English - Romance/Angst - Chapters: 19 - Words: 70,796 - Reviews: 2660 - Updated: 5-18-12 - Published: 8-16-11 - Edward & Bella - Complete

^^ This fic pulled me back into Twific after a bit of a lapse in my readership. I have a lot of love for this fic. She gives us these swift glimpses of the interaction between Masen and Bella which works so well for the story and demonstrates the heart that exists within the smallest gestures. A sweet and lovely read, it was a trip back to High School and first love.

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Court Martial, by Charlene Edwards

Court Martial on FF.net

It's one thing to be tried for a murder you committed. This fic raises the question in the superhero community - are you responsible when you don't prevent a murder from happening?

Dick Grayson/Nightwing is a broken man. In the comic, Nightwing #93, it gets to the point where he's been broken physically, emotionally and psychologically by the torment of the villain Blockbuster. In a climactic moment of their fight, the assassin Tarantula has Blockbuster in her sights. Instead of preventing the crime, Nightwing walks out of the way, causing Blockbuster to get shot and killed. What happens next to Dick is one of the most controversial moments in DC comics.

The story of Court Martial picks up following these events when, in a moment of broken self-loathing, Nightwing calls Superman and asks him to turn him in for the murder of Blockbuster. 

Here's the official description: Blockbuster was murdered ... and Nightwing was "involved". What happens when the superhero community finds out.

There's intrigue and investigation as the Batfamily (and extended Batfamily) try to get to the bottom of Tarantula's involvement. And ultimately, there's the elaborate task that has fallen on the Justice League: trying Nightwing for Blockbuster's murder. Even though Nightwing didn't pull the trigger, is he still responsible? It's a trial frought with controversy that's causing everyone in the League to choose sides. 

I was RIVETED by this fic. I read on the elliptical and the other day I spent an extra 45 minutes huffing and puffing because I couldn't stop reading this story.

Even if you've never read a Nightwing comic you will enjoy this story. 

If you have any love at all for the Justice League, you will LOVE this fic. Everyone is all up in this story: Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Green Lantern, Flash, Roy Harper, Barbara Gordon, Catwoman, just to name a few.

And if you are interested in the father-son dynamic between Bruce Wayne/Batman and Dick Grayson/Nightwing/former-Robin, this is a must-read. 

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Written in the Stars, by Lissa Bryan

Written in the Stars on FF.net

Written in the Stars is a must-read. This is an epic story that straight up fascinated me. I devoured this fic, just wanting to know more about these characters and the universe they inhabit.  And what a totally original world that Lissa Bryan has created. Edward has a tail, for godsakes.

Here’s the description:

Edward is king of a dying race, his planet torn by civil war. Bella is abducted to become his bride. From college student to Queen... Can she learn to love this strange man and help save his people? AU/OOC, Rated M  Twilight - Rated: M - English - Romance/Sci-Fi - Chapters: 32 - Words: 158,184 - Reviews: 6286 - Updated: 2-23-12 - Published: 10-28-11 - Edward & Bella - Complete 

Miekela wrote a guest rec on Fictionators that beautifully articulates why this fic is amazing, so I shall borrow her words, in the hopes that they persuade you as they persuaded me to try this story:

 

And while it was the tails and sheer uniqueness of Ms. Bryan’s world that sucked me in, it was her magnificent storytelling that kept me obsessively checking for updates. Through planetary rebellions, shifting political paradigms, and clashes between belief systems, Bella’s journey becomes an epic tale of self-discovery that leads a federation to evolve its own ideals. 

So, if you are looking for an adventure filled with love, lust, historical symbolism, and political intrigue, I urge you to stop reading this review and start reading Written in the Stars immediately. This is one read you won’t regret.

Ever In Your Favor, by EStrunk

HUNGER GAMES fic
Ever In Your Favor on FF.net

Official Description: In the Epilogue Katniss was just guessing what would happen next. But she didn't see what was coming. Here's what really happened! PeetaxKatnissxGale If you think the end to Gale's story was just not right, take a look.

Hunger Games - Rated: T - English - Adventure/Romance - Chapters: 30 - Words: 139,474 - Reviews: 617 - Updated: 7-29-11 - Published: 1-22-11 - Katniss E. & Gale H. - Complete

In Suzanne Collins' books, the Mockingjay Epilogue didn't do it for me. I had so many unanswered questions.

How did Katniss go from ambivalence to Happily Ever After with Peeta?

What happened to Gale after the war?

And what of the Gale/Katniss/Peeta love triangle?

Not to mention the unresolved sexual tension lurking between Katniss and Gale.

Ever In Your Favor offers a Book 4 of sorts. The story captures Katniss' emotional journey while constructing a wholly original adventure in the HG world. We also get insight from Gale in a switching POV that keeps the story moving and broadens the picture. The action in the second half rivals the pacing and suck-you-in factor that is present in the actual books of the Hunger Games trilogy. Exciting and riveting. Truly a valiant attempt at a 4th book.

That Which is Infinite, by jadeddiva

That Which is Infinite on  FFnet

Official Description:

He keeps trying to tell himself this was a good decision, but there is lingering doubt in the back of his mind about bringing an innocent into this game. Barbara Gordon, meet Batman. Post Batman Begins, during The Dark Knight.

Batman Begins/Dark Knight - Rated: T - English - Drama - Chapters: 12 - Words: 32,241 - Reviews: 113 - Updated: 8-8-11 - Published: 4-7-07 - Barbara G. & Bruce W./Batman - Complete

Never tried a Batman fic?

You don't need to know much about the Batman mythology in order to fall in love with this story, and the main character, Barbara Gordon. That Which is Infinite takes place during the events of The Dark Knight, but again, you don't have to have seen it. All you need to know:  Bruce Wayne is a billionaire playboy by day and the dark knight Batman by night.

Barbara Gordon: librarian and Batman fangirl

Barbara Gordon runs a fan website that follows Batman's every move. He knows it's just a matter of time before she puts 2 and 2 together and figures out he's really Bruce Wayne. Batman works alone but maybe if he enlists her help he can keep an eye on her. But what if she becomes more to him than he anticipated? Her first assignment: researching a new criminal that has emerged in Gotham. One who leaves Joker playing cards at the scene of each crime.

This is a totally unique take on Barbara Gordon. Instead of having her don the cape and tights under the mantle of Batgirl, the author, Jadeddiva, brings Barbara into the realworld feel of the Nolan-verse. She writes a fantastic Barbara! Filled with the intelligence, wit and snark that I love. Jadeddiva also creates little twists in the story, allowing it to take place within The Dark Knight, but maintaining an original take on the material. She also captures the sheer horror of a city subjected to the madness of the Joker. 

I love the tension that is built between Barbara/Bruce and Barbara/Batman. It's rated T but Jadeddiva keeps you guessing about where the relationships are going. Oh, so much love for this fic! It's only 12 chapters long, complete, and she's currently writing a sequel (yay!). I read a lot of Batfic and this is one of my all-time favorites. 

Tempt My Tongue, by Savage7289

LINK to Tempt My Tongue

Official Description: Bloodthirsty vampire Edward Cullen has but a single goal in his pointless existence – lose his virginity with a human. He will stop at nothing to entice the unusual girl he saves in the street, but can he claim her body without killing her? AU, EPOV, M Twilight - Rated: M - English - Angst/Drama - Chapters: 10 - Words: 50,674 - Reviews: 2520 - Updated: 4-18-12 - Published: 10-1-11 - Complete

I read Tempt My Tongue in one night, devouring chapter after chapter. Savage likes to get inside the head of a dark Edward and unabashedly let him reveal some of his psycho, stalker, monster tendencies. And this Edward's got some tendencies. This Edward has embraced his existence as a human blood-drinking vampire. As this story starts out, it delves into the lifestyle of a vampire - the hunt for prey and the mindset of not valuing human life. 

Edward is on a quest to find a girl he can lose his virginity to by fucking and killing her at the same time -- a feat he has been unable to accomplish after years of trying (he always ends up killing them before it gets that far).

Edward is exciting and unpredictable because he doesn't see any point in fighting against his monster nature. Being EPOV, Bella plays little role in this story beyond that of the object of Edward's obsession. He does insane and desperate things just to be near her and protect her.  As he starts acting a bit insane when it comes to Bella, he has no desire to fight that inclination. I really enjoyed reading this story and trying to figure out how much of that monster he'll allow himself to be.

Savage's trademark twists and turns keep you guessing the entire story. Lots of surprises. There's so much more I want to kvell about but I'll refrain so you can experience the fun of discovery that seems to characterize the Savage stories I've read. For those thinking Tempt My Tongue sounds too much like Hide and Drink, I'd like to mention that this is a totally different Edward. This story also differs in playing closer to canon and being a tighter 10 chapters long. 

If you like a darker Edward, check out Tempt My Tongue.

Note: There's a disclaimer at the top of the story that you should read regarding Savage's no-holds-barred approach to fic. It's not for everybody.

An Adventure in Batman/Wonder Woman Fic

My Latest Ship

My pal @einfach_mich sent me a link to this article that asked, with the DC reboot, Should Superman Hook Up with Wonder Woman? That got me thinking...

In my opinion… It’s Bats and Wonder Woman that need to explore a relationship. It would never be long lasting or as iconic as Lois & Supes, but it would be compelling as hell! 

He couldn’t rely on his fop playboy persona, he’d be forced to be Bruce Wayne and let someone in. Total new ground. He’d have to experience vulnerability and trust. There is so much story that could emerge from such an attempt at a human experience. It’d be humanizing for both of them.

Now I’m all riled and desperately want this to happen!

So, now I'm on a Bats/WW jag. And what's the first thing you do when you land on a new pairing? You find the stellar fic that's been written that explores that relationship.


Finding the Fic

I read a fantastic article from Penthouse Magazine called "Holy Hookups, Batman!" It's all about how fanfic allows for the exploration of Batman's sex life. Especially aspects of his relationships that they'd never let you see in the comics or movies. 

There were interviews with the authors of some of the major fics of the various Batman ships, as well as excerpts from each fic. The article gained much street cred when the fic representing the Batman/Catwoman ship was Chris Dee and her Cat Tales, which is an epic fic I LOVE that's been going on for 10 years. 

Other fics I'll check out after reading this article:

 - the Batman/daughter of Superman fic Truth and Justice, by JC Roberts

 - the Bats/Supes slash fic Kansas, by A Darker Knight

In discussing Batman/Wonder Woman fic, the article introduced me to In Darkest Light, by Meljean Brook.

In Darkest Light by Meljean Brook

Official Description: 

A strange encounter with Batman leads Wonder Woman on a darker journey than which she is familiar. Batman/WW shipper fic. Mature themes Language/sexual situations/some mild violence

DC Superheroes - Rated: M - English - Romance - Chapters: 5 - Words: 83,622 - Reviews: 124 - Updated: 4-16-02 - Published: 11-1-01

Wonder Woman had some personal tragedies, recently losing her mother, and is doing some soul searching. A curious encounter with Batman brings her to Gotham where she takes on Batman's methods and sees the affect he has on the city and its citizens. She starts questioning her mission of spreading peace in man's world and wondering if she's helping or hurting. Meanwhile, both Diana and Bruce struggle against the crazy attraction they feel for one another.

Here's an excerpt:

She advanced on him. "Bruce Wayne is just a function of Batman. Dick is a function of Batman. Everything you do is a function of Batman." Her anger built. Standing toe to toe with him, she said, "Cold, calculating Batman. Don't let anyone in, don't care about anyone." She knew it wasn't true; she had seen how he cared for his family, his city. But she couldn't stop. She pushed against his chest.

He didn't budge. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Diana, don't. I'm sorry. I know this is about Hippolyta, but don't --" The anger swelled, overwhelmed. She grabbed his costume, lifted him, slammed his back against the cave wall. She put her face close to his.

"Don't mention my mother," she whispered dangerously. She dropped him, stepped back. Her breath hitched. What was she doing? Yet she still didn't stop. "You don't have a monopoly on grieving for your parents, Batman," she said.

The change came over him so quickly and he moved so rapidly that she barely had time to register it before he reversed their positions, holding her up against the wall, pressing himself against her. He was furious, she realized.

"Careful, Princess." His voice was soft. She wished that he would rage, would match his anger against her own. His eyes stared down into hers, the shadows making his irises look like midnight. He suddenly buried his nose in the crook of her neck, inhaled. She felt the brush of his tongue, and her anger started to change to desire.

"I feel, Diana," he breathed into her ear, and pushed his hips into hers, pressing his erection against her belly. His mouth trailed fire down the line of her jaw. She tilted her head back, parting her lips. He brought his mouth close to hers; their breath mingled. "I'd like nothing more than to take you up to Bruce Wayne's bed and fuck you until you scream my name out loud--" Her eyes widened, in surprise and arousal, "--and to lose myself in you. But I can't." He let go of her, stepped back, leaving her filled with frustration instead of anger.

"Why?"

He smiled grimly. "Hawthorne spent his life looking for the secrets of men's hearts; I've spent my life searching for mine. And what I've learned, Princess, is that inside of me is a scared boy who just wants his parents back, and its dark in there. I walk a fine line; the difference between me and the Joker, Diana, is control. And if I let go of this control, give into lust, then what's next? I give into my desire to finish the Joker off once and for all? Then maybe I'll decide to take out someone else: Two Face, or some punk on the street. It won't stop."

Diana stared at him, amazed that he had opened up to her like that. And every sense told her that he was telling the truth, that he believed absolutely in what he was saying. She knew he was better than that, though. Stronger.

"It doesn't have to be that way. It might not happen like that," she argued.

He rubbed the bridge of his nose as if fighting a headache. Or an inner battle. "I never am going to take that chance and find out."

Diana bit her lip as two more truths hit her with the force of a locomotive. Her own truths.

She was in love with the Batman.

And he would never, ever allow himself to love her back.