I'd Kick Ass on a Test About You and Me by dugindeep
J2 AU, NC-17
Jared rocks at Calculus, but he fails at paying attention when it comes to Jensen. W00T! I totally adore this college AU. Its like a freakin' flashback to earlier J2 college AU fics. Makes me feel all nostalgic and hopeful. There is also a teeny tiny bit of jealous Jensen which I find to massively attractive for some reason. *dreamysigh*
~long-ish

Hiding in Plain Sight by estrella30
J2, R
The day after winter hiatus starts, Jared shows up at Jensen’s door in LA Talk about feel nostalgic. This was a yes yes yes. That classic Jared&Jensen simple story that made us all get our own shiny Tin Hats just a few short years ago. Like this could be just right around the corner, where the boys finally get it and each other. While keeping it clean and respectful in regards to their respective past (in the story) lady-loves. A very nice little short and sweet to make you smile.
~short


Baby There's No Other by build_the_moon
J2, PG-13
Yup, this was definitely the hangover from hell. I'm all a-*squee* at this one. Snarky and cute, hungover Jensen makes me want to lick him. Hyped-up, schmoopy Jared makes me smile. Everyone's day-after-Thanksgiving should include sweet boyfriends that and funny youtube videos. (Speaking of, who else saw Steve's mom video and was way more impressed with how that turkey just fell off the bone than anything else? That thing had to have tasted amazing.)
~short-ish


The One Where Jensen is a Bank Teller by arglikeapirate
J2 AU, PG-13
Jensen is a bank teller, Jared has a crush, and free lollipops are a perfectly valid reason to date someone. Because its just TOO CUTE. lol, Emma, an OC, is Jared's niece and absolutely one of the cutest kids I've read in a while. *grins*
~short-ish

The Self-Importance of Being Jensen by vicious_trade
J2, R
In the summer hiatus before season five of Supernatural, Jensen has a lot on his plate. It's hotter than hell outside. There's an extremely impatient girlfriend waiting for him in LA. Jared's under the weather and leaving a trail of life-sucking germs throughout the house. Plus, not to mention, the all-encompassing inner battle to 'do the right thing'. Whatever the hell that is.
I really sorta love this. NO offense to the real Jensen and Danneel (they're beautiful together), but in my fan-world this is the perfect kinda ending and I WANT IT TO BE CANON. Even the sick, hurt Jared part- Jensen taking care of him is totally perfect. This is one of the those stories where the characters speak and feel so much like the real thing that you get carried away thinking 'yes, this should so happen!'. I love the easy, realistic flow of their relationship. The honest, small minute details of living with someone that makes everything seem fuller, more real.
~long-ish


Rounding the Bases by crackedbuthappy
J2 AU, NC-17
Jared is a firm believer that dating is like baseball. Every man who steps up to the plate has to work hard to round the bases. He doesn’t believe in letting anyone hit a home run; a guy has to work for it, he has to hit every base from his place in the batter’s box to sliding into home. And in Jared's baseball metaphor for life? Jensen's a very capable batter. Although it is a college AU, its really not about a college romance. Its about how to fall in love, how sex can fit into that, but not be the reason, and the amazing hot sex you can have when you wait for it - or build up to it, as Jared says! Its fun, hot and good time read.
~long-ish


This Is The Ultimate by neros_violin
J2 AU, NC-17
Jensen is the UFC's Welterweight Champion, and the company's biggest star. He's also its most private. Jared is the writer assigned to help the public get to know him better. Jared is begrudgingly invited into Jensen's training camp, where Jensen is preparing for the biggest fight of his career, to get a better glimpse of his professional life. But Jared soon realizes he has a personal interest in Jensen. He's surprised when Jensen returns his feelings, and a real relationship begins to develop between them. It's torn apart when a devastating news story is leaked to the press, and Jensen shuts Jared out of his life. Jared watches from the sidelines as Jensen's career disintegrates in the passage of four five-minute rounds, and refuses to stay away. What they have, and the man Jensen doesn't realize he can be, are worth fighting for.
Alright alright, I'll be honest. This has been rec'd all over the place, but I have just been really resistant to read it. I just didn't think I would really buy Jensen in this role. Not a fighter, but the whole champion thing. My presumptions about what kind of character he would be were completely off base, as was the notion that I wouldn't like it. Duh. It was a good read. The quiet determination Jensen shows, Jared's friendly nature and their chemistry were good, but I was surprised to really enjoy the training and fight descriptions. I have no idea how accurate they are, but it all reads very well - you can feel the pulse and flash of a fight night clearly.
~long-ish

Your Kind's My Kind by unreckless
J2 AU, PG-13
On the eve of college graduation, two best friends struggle with the label on their relationship and that hazy thing called the future. This? Is totally my kind of fic. But its not the kind I get to read often. It would be easy to say that its snarky, funny J2 living together kind of story. Cuz it is. But its also them being guys. Like real guys. With bad eating habits, unattractive moments, zits and a complete lack of the ability to actually sit down and talk out a situation. (Don't look at me that way, I have a large family full of guys.) I also really loved the fact that they have been best friends for 12 years. It gives off a vibe the real Jensen and Jared do - that deep down closeness you can only get from spending a lot of time with someone. So, to recap, there is snark, humor, 'manliness', friendship, hijinks, sex, and loyalty in their relationship. omg I'm in love. The story only lightly touches on these things, but you can really get a vibe for everything. Making this a Win in my book.


An Irresistible Force by mickeym
SPN, NC-17
Season 5 Spoilers
"Partners, or partners, like us?" Sam's right up in Dean's personal space, looming, pressing in on him, holding him against the door with nothing but the weight of his body.
Mmmm, yeah. Just like this.


Star Trek Reboot by gladdecease
SPN, PG, Xover w/ Star Trek, Gen
Season 5 Spoilers
From the Kripke Started It Changing Channels Free For All Meme
The channel changed to Star Trek. *giggles* Cute little tidbit.


I Could Stay With You by standing_fic
J2, PG-13, AU(-ish)
It's their wedding day, and pretty much everything that could possibly go wrong goes wrong. still, they're married! also, a cake fight of epic proportions. So lovely to read something schmoopy and sweet with a happy ending after all the painful loss and angst going on in J2 right now. I like how the little bits of their personalities are things only the other picks up on - like Jared knowing how to deal with Jensen's mounting anger. It is the little things that really reflect a close, lasting relationship.


And you may or may not care about this, so feel free to skip...

On the nature of AU. For a while now I've wanted to post about what I consider AU. You might have noticed something like this I put 'AU-ish'. And there are other things that have them dating starting at season 1 that I don't list as AU. To me, AU is for something that really is an Alternate Universe. Like, they meet as kids and become doctors or something. But something that pretty much the same until they meet each other for Supernatural then I think that is more of what could have happened in this reality if things had been different. I'm sorry, I'm not explaining it well. But that is my opinion ad that is why I do or don't put in AU. (This one is -ish because nothing in it is beyond the realm of this reality, but I can't tell from the story if they are actors on Supernatural or teachers in Texas, ya' know?)
And for Supernatural stories it has to be very AU for me to list it is such. In a world where monsters, demons and magic plays havoc anything can go. But say Mary didn't die, or Sam didn't got Stanford or they were raised separate then I'll list it as AU.

So here is the deal, there was a recent post on spnstoryfinders asking for hurt Dean or something like that. Anyway, the topic interests me and there were a ton of links. I'm going through them. Some are really good. I'm still working through so there may be more to come.


We Belong Together by not_refined
SPN AU, PG-13
Wincest AU. Sam and Dean, growing up and growing closer together in the ordinary world. I'm not sure how I missed posting about this when I read it almost a year ago. But when I stumbled across it again I found it tore me up just as much the second time around. Hauntingly beautiful. Dean being fragile like this makes my heart clinch. I love how wonderful John is to both the boys in this. Anyway, I'm sure most people have read it as not_refined is well known for some really amazing stories. Like the Still Life 'verse. The damage done to Dean only makes him more beautiful. The innocence and struggle of life that make up the fabric of Dean and Sam's life in that story is breathtaking. These two stories just really touch something deep in me.


Nothing Dark by evening_spirit
J2 AU, NC-17
Jared thinks his life sucks (even if he denies feeling bad about). He starts college, which he didn't want and he swears he will not make friends there. But then he meets another student, a boy with emerald eyes, who draws and draws, and draws . . . Jensen is an amazing artist, he's mysteriously shy, and Jared finds himself fascinated to the point of obsession. Can anyone explain to me why stories like this are so immensely intriguing to me? I mean, yes, the writing is good and I like the characters and all that, but why is young, confused Jared and a 'damaged' Jensen so mesmerizing? (And I mean that in terms of 'damaged!Jensen', not as in someone with his disability being damaged, k?) Is it the childlike innocence that somehow can merge and weave seamlessly with mature, adult actions? I honestly don't know why, but stories like this always snag my attention. When they are written well then its a win-win for me - this was, btw, a win-win.


Of Black Dogs and ASL by smokeyhorse
SPN AU, PG, Gen
A miscommunication results in a hurt 10-year-old Dean and a heart-to-heart between Sam and John. AU - deaf!Dean. Schmoop! This is a short little thing, but it is absolutely touching and darling. Little Sam was adorably cute, Dean is more of a concept - and him being deaf is just plain interesting to me, and John is very John, but maybe he'll get a clue in this world. Anyway, I really really wish this were a larger 'verse. The author did the characters great and I love the emotion of the story.


Sleepless Night by prepare4trouble
SPN, PG, Gen
After being injured on a hunt, Dean tries to carry on as normal. Man, I think I might have actually sniffled on the last line. Poor Dean. My only complaint is that it is too short. I just got into it!

A few small tasty tidbits...

When I Am an Old Man and Live By the Sea by chash
J2, R
A sequel to I Saw Her Today at the Reception, featuring Jensen Ackles at the Williamstown Theater Festival In which they are BOYFRIENDS and Peachus *glomps* them..well, they *are* boyfriends and I wanted to *glomp* them, but whateva! (Oh, and yes, of course read the first one. Dude, its chash- you should read everything, duh.)


Bad Life Choices by bekkis
J2-ish AU, R-ish
College AU. Jared gets dumped by Sandy and feels pretty shitty. So he sleeps around a lot. And then he meets Jensen. Yeah, that's all I got. LOL, this is cute. Its mostly Jared being a great big MANWHORE. And, well as the title says, making bad life choices. He does, however, meet hottie Jensen and there is flirting. And also Cool Danneel!


Clear by vamphile
J2, G
Can you summarize a conversation that’s already this short? Yes - its called TRUFAX schmoop! lol, and it will put a smile on your face.

You Move Me by yourperiphery
J2 AU, PG-13
In which Jensen is a mover, Jared is a tenth-grade English teacher, and chad is not a fish.
remix of the lovely pocketfullof's wonderful j2 au The Long Haul
*flail* OMG, these remixes are killing me! So much wonderful, amazing writing. This one is full of cute, hesitant flirting. Schmoop, people, lovely adorable schmoop, *happysigh* Jared is a spaz, Jensen is witty and there is Fish Chad! I just adored this!


When You Care Enough to Hit Send Master Post by chash
J2 AU,
It is the touching story of how Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles met in college and hooked up and then got together and found love! And e-cards. I can't even express my love for this story. I honestly don't think I have to - most everyone has read this. Its quirky and funny and sexy. Its light, but in no way sugary sweet. The secondary characters are as enjoyable as Jared and Jensen. This is made of WIN. but of course I think most of you probably already know that!

And when we kiss by standing_fic
J2 AU, PG-13
Jensen is not amused by the the tall football douche who sits in front of him in organic chem. in fact, he prefers to torture him whenever possible. College AUs are like comfort food - no real surprises, but always amazingly satisfying. Jensen is a colossal dick without a clue. And Jared likes him anyway. The only thing missing - the NC-17 night of drunk sex. SRSLY, that needs to be a timestamp!

Yesterday Was the Day That I Was Born by lotrabc
J2 AU, NC-17
Being informed by your friends and loved ones that you're congenial to the point of boredom and occasionally nausea is sort of a drag. Which is why Jared Padalecki resolves to have an irresponsibly awesome time on his twenty-first birthday. But when his foray into excitement proves to be the iceberg of his Titanic of a life, he's left wondering who and what exactly he'll wake up to once he gets his head back above the suddenly murky waves of his own existence......or something. Oh yes. Yes, I think I like this quite a lot. Yes indeed. Jensen is a hooker - which is always lovely, but he's not all broken. Cynical and wary and maybe a tad damaged with his share of bad memories, but still not 'broken'. And Jared is an honest-to-heavens Nice Guy. Its a nice romance, filled with snarky sexy Jensen and angsty confused moments. I like it rather a lot!

Deal by atsugari8
J2, PG-13
Jensen asks Jared an important question. This is just one of those fics you want to *glomp*. You giggle a little, you smile a lot. I'm all schmoopy feelin' now after reading this. Makes me want to pull my tin hat out and shine it up a bit. *dreamysigh*


Moves 'Verse by rivkat
SPN, NC-17, Sam/Dean/Impala
It's like drinking gasoline to quench a thirst. Talk about something completely different! A very creative and unique 'verse. I don't want to give anything away because it will spoil the fun, but its got some angsting a bit of usting, but mostly lots of hot sex and fun awkward boys. *grins*


Burn It Out by bekkis
J2 AU, NC-17
Jared and Jensen like to fuck in Jensen's dorm room a lot. *whimpers* yeah, its pretty much hot college boy sex. I would be all 'woohoo college AU', but rite now I *iz ded*


Detention by cas_desespere
J2 AU, NC-17
Highschool AU featuring quarterback!Jared and cheerleader!Jensen. Cliché, I know but I couldn't help it. The boys have an angry argument. Its not a perfectly written fic, but there is just something about this cliché that makes it so alluring. Maybe because Jensen really was a cheerleader (of a sort)? I don't know, but I get a kick out of it. tehe!

Tell Them We're Like Magnets by _mournthewicked
J2 AU, 5th in a Series, NC-17
The story of Jared and Jensen's life together reads sort of like a fairytale. Come on, childhood friends growing up and falling in love? It doesn't get much sweeter than that. But now their perfect summer has ended, and it's time to go off to college. They're more than ready to tackle this new chapter of their lives together, but deadlines, scheduling conflicts, and epic misunderstandings threaten to make the journey harder, and the outcome uncertain. The boys soon learn that not everything comes easy, that sometimes just being in love isn't enough, and they find themselves struggling to keep their grip on what matters most - each other. (Fifth installment in the reinventing love 'verse. Previous reading is highly recommended.)
~I'm not going to go on and on about how much I *squee*-ed and *gushed* when I saw this. I think we all ADORE this series, don't we? Yeah, this part does NOT disappoint, I promise! And the sex!!! I love it when no two sex scenes are alike. When the couple is dynamic enough to be close in a variety of ways. Makes for a HOT! read too. Of course, the schmoop is amazing and sweet and perfectly balanced by the usting and angsting. *happysigh*



A Devil to Help Me Get Things Right by _doodle
J2 AU - amnesia, NC-17
It was in moments like this that Jensen knew that they would be together forever. Nothing would or could break them apart. Jensen was wrong. At 19 he was in love with Jared, full of plans and hopes for their future. He didn’t count on dropping out of college and driving Jared away with cheating and drinking being part of them. At 30 Jensen wakes up with retrograde amnesia, his last memories of being 19 and happy. As he struggles to regain his memory and find out who he is, Jensen has to face the harsh truths of who he became and how he treated Jared. Determined not to make the same mistakes again, Jensen starts to get his life back on track and try to win an engaged and angry Jared back.
~ A unique plot with a feel good message. The author did a good job of showing Jensen's natural progression into someone new with the slivers of Jensen's memories curving the development in just the right way.



Counting the Steps to the Door of Your Heart by annella
J2 AU - college geek, NC-17
Jensen's life isn't perfect, but he's happy enough. He has friends (well, one friend and one roommate), a prospective career (if he can pass this stupid, stupid test which requires him to be able to talk to people), a sex life of sorts (with guys who are total jerkfaces and think Jensen is a dork, which is actually true), and a life-size Dalek costume with a voice modulator which lets him EXTERMINATE things (like the toaster). Then, out of nowhere, he also has Jared (gorgeous, wonderful, socially retarded, and already taken), and his life turns upside down in the blink of an eye. For the first time, Jensen has found what he wants, but how is he going to get it?
~ Why do I love this fic? Because I adore massive amounts of schmoopiness. Because Geek Jensen is the cutest thing Ever. Because boys who fart and love watching LoTR and Firefly are real boys. So.. just because.



Know Your Damn Constituents by bekkis
J2 AU- political fic, NC-17
Jensen Ackles was a rising star in politics when he suddenly picked up and left D.C. to work back home in the private sector. He swore he was done with politics. But when his ex shows up with the perfect opportunity, Jensen finds he's not ready to give up on politics after all. A dream candidate and the chance to gain back his reputation, Jensen's ready to get back into the game. Except Jensen has to convince Jared Padalecki, his old political rival, that he's right for the job, and Jared is the last person Jensen can go to for a favor.
~ I'm not big on politics and political fics can sometimes be a pain for me because I don't 'get it'; however this story was great! It was politically savvy, but written so I could easily follow it. It was fun and fast paced and interesting.

It Just Is by dazedxcrazed
"You all right?" Jared asks, a quiet mutter against Jensen’s ear. His breath is warm and quick and Jensen presses his hips down, just so he can feel Jared gasp against his skin. The author says this is an older fic that was posted on another journal, but I have never read it and don't know the journal. So I don't know how old this actually is. It has to be at least a year or so because the boys aren't living together yet. Anyway, its hot. This is a way that two straight boys from Texas might figure out that they aren't gay, they just have each other. As Jensen notes often, it isn't a problem it just is. The writing is kind of stilted and broken, but that adds a layer of confusion and unknown wanting to the characters. .... Ok, that doesn't sound right. Its hard to explain. Maybe its that the writing is a bit stark and that only adds to the appeal of the fic. Anyway, there is great sex but also a close friendship and wanting and usting going on here that I really liked.


Sins of the Father by susan256
Dean always cries after sex with Sammy. I would say this is PWP because it all happens during sex, but its not. There *is* a plot there. We just don't know what it is. But there are layers beyond what is happening in the fic, you can totally tell that. This is also 'dub-con', but in a unique way. This is ... well, here is the comment I left to the author:

The Third Third by insane_songbird
Being a Texas boy Jared Padalecki couldn’t care less about ice hockey. So Jared is slightly lost, when his new roommate Chad is the biggest fan on campus. But when he gets to tutor the most infamous player of the college team, things start to get downright scary. Jensen Ackles has a reputation for aggression control problems and Jared has no idea how to get through the semester without either falling for the handsome man or ending up in a fistfight he’d be sure to lose. Is there a reason I didn't post this a couple of weeks ago when I first read it? I can't imagine why. But whateva, I'm a dork. So, this is a perfect example of a new J2 AU in the classic style. A nice long light hearted read, with just enough usting and angst to keep it interesting. Also a bit of action on the hockey rink - which I'm not a fan of hockey, but this fic makes me think I might like it. *grin* Also, Jensen is pretty badass tough guy here and that is always worth taking time for!


All kinda different, huh? Enjoy!

Caught in a Spin and The Lead is Forward by dark_reaction
Jared and Jensen are best friends in high school fighting feelings for each other, school work, team sports, and most of all the required ballroom dancing unit. Followed by Jared and Jensen go off to college. Turns out not everything is easy once the nightmare of high school ends. Sequel to Caught In A Spin.
These are J2 AUs. Just enough angst, romance and sex to be pretty dang good. It was a really nice read on a lazy Thanksgiving morning. The boys are best friends and well...things change. Also, I love how 'guy-ish' they are, not really sappy and stuff. All mouthy and rough, ya' know BOYS!

Okay, so maybe I should just make a little list here of things I'm reading today that all seem to belong in the same kind of group. Sweet, schmoopy J2s. They all are written well, have a bit of plot and sweet kisses. Some with some hot sex, even. Some with some humor. Good reads, each one.

Man's Best Friend by belyste
Jensen gets turned into a dog.  Things...happen.

Totally adorable crack schmoop.

So Close to My Heart by audrarose
Dr. Jared and single-dad Jensen in Seattle, with love and complications.

Jensen has a son, so it verges on kidFic - *drools*

To the Beat of Our Noisy Hearts by lostt1
College AU. Jared is a DJ at the South Texas University radio station. Jensen is a grad student with a thing for the sophomore DJ. Things happen.
Sweet, schmoopy college fic. (Seems to be my flavor of the week.)

Of Dice and Jen(sen) by epeeblade
In 1999, Jensen is a senior at college, his biggest concerns are getting into grad school and planning his next roleplaying game. Everything changes when freshman Jared Padalecki joins the gaming club.

Okay, so I think this won't appeal to most people. See, I'm a bit of a gamer. Not a huge one, but I dabble. I play a bit of Guild Wars and other PC games. I also play in a bi-weekly D&D game. So I get the gamer world. This fic has a plot and story about Jared and Jensen meeting up in college and getting together. We've seen that before, I know I've posted about them. This one is a bit difference because a large number of the plot points take place while the guys are gaming - or around gaming activities. So this writer must be a gamer because there is a lot of lingo and stuff that will probably not be relatable to the non-gamer. I enjoyed it all, though. I'm not really sure we'd ever see either one of the boys active in a LARP, but hey. Fanfic makes all things possible!

Hitching Post by destina
*whimpers* This hit almost all of my kinks! And, you know, meaning this is me there are no actual 'kinks'. Its schmoopy getting married sexy porn. Its a short fic about the boys gettin' hitched. They are funny as they argue over the wedding details. They are adorably sweet during the wedding - the things they will remember are so cute. They are very hot during the wedding night, of course. *happy smile* This just made my morning. I'm so totally gonna have to find more wedding fics.

Yes, yes. I'm a big sap - have you not figured that out already?? My kinks include sexy, awkward schmoop, the boys (S&D or J&J) acting as parents, established relationships, petty arguments that end in sex, and intense can't-live-without-you sex. With rimming, preferably. Did I mention that vanilla is actually my favorite flavor? Scout's Honor.

Of course, that doesn't mean I don't enjoy real kinks and pain in fics, because I do. I can't really think of anything I couldn't/wouldn't read when it comes to these guys so long as it is well written.

Peachus

I try not to read works in progress. I get antsy and want more now, damn it so it turns very frustrating. However, sometimes I start a fic and don't realize it isn't finished - in which case I usually huff and bitch. Or it is far enough a long and seems interesting enough that I'll convince myself it won't matter that it is a WIP - and then I get to the 'end' and it isn't done and I get all want more now, damn it! Points for consistency, right?

Also, I loose them. I know, I know. It's a freaking internet page - why can't I just bookmark them. And I do. But, well, I still loose things. But *now*, after how many years online????, I finally figured out how to use the "track this" feature on livejournal. Lovely thing, isn't it??

Yeah, yeah. I"m lame for taking so long to figure it out.

So, I actually let myself get drawn into a few of them lately. Probably because most of them were rec'd so well at other places I just *had* to. And now I just *have* to share. So...

Current Works In Progress Reading List

THE COLLEGE!VERSE
It is a wonderfully rich wold called The College!Verse by aleia
Summary: Jared's freshman year is really going to be interesting..

Sometimes when something is soooo good I have a hard time writing down just why it is. Such is the case with the College!Verse. So let me tell you about me instead. Maybe that will help. (Or I could just be really narcissistic, whatever.) I had seen this thing rec'd a few times. I really just didn't want to read it. I've said before that there are things I just think I won't like based on past experience and the summary being the exact opposite of what I like in fics. J2 AUs, for example, should technically be something I don't care for. Of course, I've stated over and over how bad SUPERNATURAL HAS BROKE-d ME. *sigh* So my first thought was 'pfft'. I'm way past college and its AU. But, hey, I was desperate for more.

This was Saturday morning before work.... I came home for lunch to read a few more chapters... I picked up the story right when I walked in the door from work....I got online at 1 freaking AM AFTER going out drinking with friends to read some more chapters....I stayed up until 3AM on a work night to read more...I - *sigh* I was so very addicted. I've been refreshing the journal page every half hour hoping for a new update. So...yes, I think I like this story.

Why? Well, its an epic in size. Which I love. Even though I'm waiting on new updates it still took me 3 days to get through what was already there. Everything about this verse is well developed and thought out. All of the boys known famous friends are in it as other college kids, but they aren't just names and faces. They are people with lives and stories. They interact hilariously. There are all the very different elements that make an epic so varied and rich - humor, angst, sweetness, love, pain, anger, goofiness. Its all there. And, of course, the HOT HOT sex. Jared is just fucking adorable. Jensen is just manly hotness- and he's the 'gayer' one! I didn't hate any of the side characters - in fact there are several side plot lines I actually wanted to read more of. And that NEVER happens. I am in no way interested in Kane fic, or Sandy fic or...yet, in this, I totally was! I not sure if the author is just so very gifted and really just gets human nature or if they are still in college and is writing based on life experience.

Drunk Jensen has to be one of my all time favorite things now. I want to carry him in my pocket so I can reach in and pet him all day. sigh

One of my absolute favorite things is that at the end of each chapter are little life lessons that somehow relate to the fic. They are fucking awesome - and soooo true.
(flashback, omg)
Like these:
Lesson #3: Casual sex is why the assholes always get laid.
Lesson #8: Don't jump to insane conclusions. Because it might delay making out. And that's no fun.



LEAVING OCTOBER
Leaving October by gatorgrrrl
Summary: Guilt is like a sickness. Jensen needs to let go of his before it kills him. Doesn't tell you much, huh?
A J2 AU. Jensen is a regular guy living in Texas raising his young son. Jared, on break before going to grad school, joins his work crew. Love, angst and sex ensues. *rolls eyes* So, yeah, there is more to it than that. But that is the basic outline. It isn't very long yet. Only about 6 chapters. But I really am enjoying it. I'm hoping more time will come with Jensen's son and Jared soon- you know I have that kidfic kink. So far this fic hasn't really fed that kink, but it *could*. It has been sweet and sexy between our boys, though. Oh, and the last chapter (6) has one of the most amazing not-sex scenes EVER. OMG, frustrated dirty car talk. *whimpers* It was hawt! The writing is clean and solid, btw. Easy to read.

SMILE FOR THE CAMERA
Smile For the Camera by nicb0723 This link goes to chapter 18 because it has previous chapter links at the top. The first chapter doesn't have that and I can't find a master post list anywhere.
Summary: AU story about Jared and Jensen who are two straight men posing for a gay magazine. Can they stand the heat? Or will things become not so straight anymore…
Um, yeah, that summary? Pretty much exactly what it says. I started reading it for the porn. I mean. Dude, gay mag photos? What *else* would you read it for? But then the damn thing started to actually have a fucking plot. And not actual porn! (Well, in some places). But like substance!
And, OMG, it totally got me on another "I never like" thing. I am not a big voyeur type scene fan. I just..hell, I don't know. Don't care for them. But in this entire thing they are together in front of Tom, the photographer. And there are some scenes - OMG, made of awesome hotness. *damn you Supernatural - I'm already broken. Stop trying to smash the pieces into dust!!*
As far as I can tell we are just waiting for one more chapter. But also - BEGS for sequel!


DEALING WITH LIFE
Dealing With Life by the_dark_fire
summary: Jared is a high school senior who deals with the issues of coming out to his family and friends, dating, his future, and learning to deal with life the way thats best for him and not what everyone else wants.

Honestly, this isn't the best written fic. But you know those that even while you're reading it and spotting flaws you just can't stop! I'll try to explain just what I mean.

Why it's not great? Some of the plot points and scenarios aren't very believable and rather forced. There is a lot of Jared and Jensen dealing with hate and discrimination - being in Texas that part is completely believable. That isn't what I'm talking about. Its more of the love and support scenes that are just a bit too overboard and sappy (not in a good way, either). I think a good experienced beta could probably help fix a lot of that stuff up. Also might help scratch out using "the other man" or "the older man" so many times!

Why can I not stop reading it? Because when the writer gets a scene right, they really get it right. There is schmoop and angst and humor and family and love. Things like parents walking in - awkward! I totally laughed out loud at that. Other parts - like Jared's family's reaction was painful and good. His parents, at least. Their single minded bigotry and the really screwed up point of view they have is creepy. Maybe because it is so realistic. Like ( this )
Overall, I've really enjoyed this fic. Its freaking addictive. And I hope the author knows I would never have posted this if I didn't enjoy the fic. I read a lot of crap I never post about. Please just take the critique with the good will it was intended.

The links on this story suck. You have to dig back into the journal to get all the chapters. As there are 51 at the moment, it is a pain. I've linked back to the page with the first posts so you can navigate from there. Scroll down toward the bottom to find it.

I try not to read works in progress. I get antsy and want more now, damn it so it turns very frustrating. However, sometimes I start a fic and don't realize it isn't finished - in which case I usually huff and bitch. Or it is far enough a long and seems interesting enough that I'll convince myself it won't matter that it is a WIP - and then I get to the 'end' and it isn't done and I get all want more now, damn it! Points for consistency, right?

Also, I loose them. I know, I know. It's a freaking internet page - why can't I just bookmark them. And I do. But, well, I still loose things. But *now*, after how many years online????, I finally figured out how to use the "track this" feature on livejournal. Lovely thing, isn't it??

Yeah, yeah. I"m lame for taking so long to figure it out.

So, I actually let myself get drawn into a few of them lately. Probably because most of them were rec'd so well at other places I just *had* to. And now I just *have* to share. So...

Current Works In Progress Reading List

THE COLLEGE!VERSE
It is a wonderfully rich wold called The College!Verse by aleia
Summary: Jared's freshman year is really going to be interesting..

Sometimes when something is soooo good I have a hard time writing down just why it is. Such is the case with the College!Verse. So let me tell you about me instead. Maybe that will help. (Or I could just be really narcissistic, whatever.) I had seen this thing rec'd a few times. I really just didn't want to read it. I've said before that there are things I just think I won't like based on past experience and the summary being the exact opposite of what I like in fics. J2 AUs, for example, should technically be something I don't care for. Of course, I've stated over and over how bad SUPERNATURAL HAS BROKE-d ME. *sigh* So my first thought was 'pfft'. I'm way past college and its AU. But, hey, I was desperate for more.

This was Saturday morning before work.... I came home for lunch to read a few more chapters... I picked up the story right when I walked in the door from work....I got online at 1 freaking AM AFTER going out drinking with friends to read some more chapters....I stayed up until 3AM on a work night to read more...I - *sigh* I was so very addicted. I've been refreshing the journal page every half hour hoping for a new update. So...yes, I think I like this story.

Why? Well, its an epic in size. Which I love. Even though I'm waiting on new updates it still took me 3 days to get through what was already there. Everything about this verse is well developed and thought out. All of the boys known famous friends are in it as other college kids, but they aren't just names and faces. They are people with lives and stories. They interact hilariously. There are all the very different elements that make an epic so varied and rich - humor, angst, sweetness, love, pain, anger, goofiness. Its all there. And, of course, the HOT HOT sex. Jared is just fucking adorable. Jensen is just manly hotness- and he's the 'gayer' one! I didn't hate any of the side characters - in fact there are several side plot lines I actually wanted to read more of. And that NEVER happens. I am in no way interested in Kane fic, or Sandy fic or...yet, in this, I totally was! I not sure if the author is just so very gifted and really just gets human nature or if they are still in college and is writing based on life experience.

Drunk Jensen has to be one of my all time favorite things now. I want to carry him in my pocket so I can reach in and pet him all day. sigh

One of my absolute favorite things is that at the end of each chapter are little life lessons that somehow relate to the fic. They are fucking awesome - and soooo true.
(flashback, omg)
Like these:
Lesson #3: Casual sex is why the assholes always get laid.
Lesson #8: Don't jump to insane conclusions. Because it might delay making out. And that's no fun.



LEAVING OCTOBER
Leaving October by gatorgrrrl
Summary: Guilt is like a sickness. Jensen needs to let go of his before it kills him. Doesn't tell you much, huh?
A J2 AU. Jensen is a regular guy living in Texas raising his young son. Jared, on break before going to grad school, joins his work crew. Love, angst and sex ensues. *rolls eyes* So, yeah, there is more to it than that. But that is the basic outline. It isn't very long yet. Only about 6 chapters. But I really am enjoying it. I'm hoping more time will come with Jensen's son and Jared soon- you know I have that kidfic kink. So far this fic hasn't really fed that kink, but it *could*. It has been sweet and sexy between our boys, though. Oh, and the last chapter (6) has one of the most amazing not-sex scenes EVER. OMG, frustrated dirty car talk. *whimpers* It was hawt! The writing is clean and solid, btw. Easy to read.
UPDATE Completed and also mentioned here.



SMILE FOR THE CAMERA
Smile For the Camera by nicb0723 This link goes to chapter 18 because it has previous chapter links at the top. The first chapter doesn't have that and I can't find a master post list anywhere.
Summary: AU story about Jared and Jensen who are two straight men posing for a gay magazine. Can they stand the heat? Or will things become not so straight anymore…
Um, yeah, that summary? Pretty much exactly what it says. I started reading it for the porn. I mean. Dude, gay mag photos? What *else* would you read it for? But then the damn thing started to actually have a fucking plot. And not actual porn! (Well, in some places). But like substance!
And, OMG, it totally got me on another "I never like" thing. I am not a big voyeur type scene fan. I just..hell, I don't know. Don't care for them. But in this entire thing they are together in front of Tom, the photographer. And there are some scenes - OMG, made of awesome hotness. *damn you Supernatural - I'm already broken. Stop trying to smash the pieces into dust!!*
As far as I can tell we are just waiting for one more chapter. But also - BEGS for sequel!
UPDATE Completed.


DEALING WITH LIFE
Dealing With Life by the_dark_fire
summary: Jared is a high school senior who deals with the issues of coming out to his family and friends, dating, his future, and learning to deal with life the way thats best for him and not what everyone else wants.

Honestly, this isn't the best written fic. But you know those that even while you're reading it and spotting flaws you just can't stop! I'll try to explain just what I mean.

Why it's not great? Some of the plot points and scenarios aren't very believable and rather forced. There is a lot of Jared and Jensen dealing with hate and discrimination - being in Texas that part is completely believable. That isn't what I'm talking about. Its more of the love and support scenes that are just a bit too overboard and sappy (not in a good way, either). I think a good experienced beta could probably help fix a lot of that stuff up. Also might help scratch out using "the other man" or "the older man" so many times!

Why can I not stop reading it? Because when the writer gets a scene right, they really get it right. There is schmoop and angst and humor and family and love. Things like parents walking in - awkward! I totally laughed out loud at that. Other parts - like Jared's family's reaction was painful and good. His parents, at least. Their single minded bigotry and the really screwed up point of view they have is creepy. Maybe because it is so realistic. Like ( this )
Overall, I've really enjoyed this fic. Its freaking addictive. And I hope the author knows I would never have posted this if I didn't enjoy the fic. I read a lot of crap I never post about. Please just take the critique with the good will it was intended.

The links on this story suck. You have to dig back into the journal to get all the chapters. As there are 51 at the moment, it is a pain. I've linked back to the page with the first posts so you can navigate from there. Scroll down toward the bottom to find it.