Leave a Message at the Tone by estrella30
J2 AU, PG-13
Jensen dials the wrong number and gets Jared (or vice versa) and they end up talking and interested. I cracked up a bit and then I got a syrupy smile cause it was all cute and funny. I love nervous awkward boys that are all anxious - its so cute.


Tomorrow the Green Grass by maerhys
J2 AU, NC-17
Arts High School AU. Jared and Jensen deal with growing up and life with a little help from their friends. I realize this has been rec'd to high heaven, but it really is that good and really does deserve to be again. There's love and sex and friendship and angst and schmoop and family and just all sorts of stuff that any J2 fan will eat up. Add in that maerhys is a really good writer its a win, you know. I read it in the chronological order as a continuous story, but each snapshot does have its own flow and ebb, its own feel and distinctiveness - I think that even adds to the story actually.

Do You Like My Stupid Hair? by queenklu
J2, PG-13
So...remember months and months ago a little fic called Half the Chance to Go? Where Jensen moved out and Jared lost his shit on the phone and then they HUGGED? PLATONICALLY (or whatever)? And then agreed to date? Well. This is that date. (FINALLY.) My exact comment post to this was: "OMG, this is so fucking adorable". Dude, its as adorable as Jared's dimples and Dean's omg-it's-pie-smile, srsly.


Boys of Summer by mijeraar
J2, R
It takes two years and ten months [a handful of weeks and days] for Jared to assimilate to Vancouver Cold. Which, by assimilate, he decides that he’s really fucking sick of it, thanks anyway. Full of sunshine and smiles, a nice short pick-me-up J2 to brighten your day. (If I hadn't thought of the electric bill first, I so woulda wanted to do this!) And if you like this, you'll love Revolver. A light, sweet romantic bit about awkward dating and a future after Supernatural. *glomps*


Let It Out by quasianpride
J2 AU, R
Teenage rock star Jared Padalecki makes a wager on national television that he can get actor Jensen Ackles to make out with him on camera. But when they actually meet, Jared finds himself wanting more than that. A 15 year age difference, rock-star lifestyle, and long distance relationship aren't going to get in his way. Doesn't the description just shout "CRACK"? But its not. It's actually all kinda funny and schmoopy. Tiny bits of angst and humor scattered about too. I ended up staying up wayyyyy too late last night to finish it, if that tells you anything. lol. And yes, it was kinda hot with idea of Jared being way too young for Jensen, which they totally make work but don't shy away from. Also, kinda different with Jared being the musician, huh?

Incestuous Adventures in Post-Apacalyptic Dating by not_refined
SPN, PG-13
And they all lived happily ever after and double dated. (Schmoopy cracky future fic, spoilers for 5x08.)
Got five minutes? Dare you not to crack a grin at this.

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.

Everything Feels Like the End of the World by chash
J2 AU, NC-17
Jared Padalecki is ridiculously and pathetically in love with this hot senior who's really into acting. So, clearly, the only solution is to get into acting and go from there.
You remember that boy (or girl) in highschool that made your toes curl and your heart pound? Yeah, I remember him. I remember how it really did feel like I had something fluttering around in my belly and I think my fingers might literally burn off from the intense yearning burning through them to just touch him touch him touch him. I was madly, intensely, hopelessly in love in highschool. This fic? Feels just like that. It brought back every yearning, usting moment.

And then it flipped.

It became this completely mature, normal adult finding this person that they just clicked with. Someone they enjoy spending time with. Someone that makes you smile because they've left you a completely average text message. And you know what? The story became even better. The story became a realistic happy ending. The story became about two guys I might know. A story about two typical people possibly dating in what could be a typical relationship.
Yeah, chash owns my heart right about now.

LOL, the only difference between every highschool crush I had or remember my friends having? We'd never heard of cell phones... Oh, how times change.

Direct Hit by lazy_daze
SPN, NC-17
I've read this before, but its just as hot the second time around. I don't care what canon says - This is Sam and Dean Winchester.


Dessertion by roque_clasique
SPN, Gen, PG
Dean and kids - There's a kid hidden in the Impala! So someone else just posted this as a rec and I can't remember who! But I want to thank them. This is a very sweet little gen Dean fic. The kind that makes your heart ache a little for Dean. The kind that kinda makes you want to hug him a little. The kind that makes you want to shake John and Sam for not realizes what an amazing person they've have their whole lives even when they treat him like dirt. The kind that make you want to read Daddy Dean fics! *sigh* Yeah, its just kinda sweet, ya know?


Happy Little Trees, or, The Bob Ross Fic by berrylicious877
J2 AU, NC-17
Jensen is unemployed and spends his days watching tv. He finds a show called Painting with Jared and becomes obsessed. I'm not sure what is more disturbing - the fact that someone wrote a Bob Ross J2 fic, the fact that someone wrote an NC-17 Bob Ross J2 fic, or the fact that I was strangely fascinated and now really want to hear Jared say 'oh some happy little trees over here' in an insane sort of way... *sigh* Yeah, its schmoopalicous, but as I said - strangely fascinating. LOL

These two classic stories make me want to do nothing but spend hours lazing about in the author's journals.

I Wanna Hold You 'Til I Die by lazy_daze
SPN, NC-17
Dean is cursed. *gasp* So shocking. Basically, he gets his inhibitions taken away so he can touch Sam as much and often as he'd like. And there is sex. And ADORABLENESS.

Stagesby annella
J2, NC-17
From Week One to 15 Years down the road - this is how Jared and Jensen are. Which is basically, in love and hot and heavy. *meep*

Just thought you might like the flashbacks.

Wherein Verse by icebear_cw
J2 AU, PG-13
Jared might have a little crush on his roommate's brother. Jared might also be a little stressed because Jensen is visiting. Mike is just an ass, as usual. Adorkably sweet, lol. Totally makes you smile.


Pretty In Pink by house_of_lantis
J2 AU, NC-17 (author lists it at R, but there is sex, if not penetration)
High school senior Jared Padalecki has two loves – acting and Jensen Ackles. But Jensen is the most popular boy in school and he’s part of the richies crowd. In the battle of the haves and the have-nots, can Jared and Jensen weather their growing attraction through their last months of high school or will peer pressure break them apart? Despite what the title may lead you to think, there is no Molly goin' on here. It was surprisingly original, with a fitting and unexpected ending. Totally enjoyable read! I haven't looked yet, but there is supposed to be a 10 year timestamp. (coming soon, maybe?)

A couple of schmoop fics to brighten your day. One with sweet domestic morning schmoop and one AU that is adorable and makes you go *awwwwwe*


Slow Sunday by mikhale
J2, PG-13
Sometimes, Jensen wakes up when Jared comes back from his morning run. His nose follows the scent of sweat-grass. Then he hears the shower running and Jared's low off-key singing. Sweet schmoop.


The Metaphysics of Catnaps by waterofthemoon
J2 AU, PG
College AU. Jared + night shifts + early classes + Jensen = awkwardness. And later, schmoop. Adorable schmoop

A Perfect Dork by freakn_out
J2, PG
Jensen really loves Jared. People think that just because Jared’s happy and easy-going and a ‘big, strong Texan man’, he doesn’t feel things more profound. People think that Jared never needs anything – that he shouldn’t need anything – more gentle. Adorable schmoop, all sleepy soft and sweet. *happysigh*

...With Benefits by jellybean_slash
SPN, PG-13
High school sweethearts sometimes choose to mark the occasion when their relationship becomes monogamous, officially -- often referred to as 'going steady.' Despite their... unique circumstances, Sam and Dean don't wind up being all that different. You haveNo idea how intensely happy this fic makes me. One of the things that I crave crave crave crave is 'dating' fics.

In all my fandoms I just get madly excited about the thought of some non-canon couple 'dating' or doing 'dating' things while still in the context of their canon relationship. I loved Spike being Buffy's highschool boyfriend even though he was an evil old vampire. I adored Draco and Harry walking to class holding hands while arguing over quidditch with Ron and Greg. To have Sam and Dean still 'be' brothers (not just by having it stated, but by feelings and thoughts as this fic does) and yet bring in the actions and notions of 'dating' - I am verklempt with SQUEE. Sure, there are massive amounts of fics (great fics) that have them in some deep physical/emotional relationship, but this is 'dating'!!! This is BEING BOYFRIENDS. I just..I can't even explain what this does to me. I think - no, I KNOW this is why J2 appeals to me so much. Its almost all about dating in those stories. And I LOVE IT.

Gah, so that is my (not so) dirty little (not)secret: I love vanilla dating fics. Its my ultimate kink. Call me a Wild Child.

Anyway, this is short (would love to see MORE), but it hits my biggest squee factor in that it walks a great balance between teenage Sam & Dean being brothers and being boyfriends. And its got adorkable awkward Dean, which is even more of WIN.

*hugs fandom*
Peachus

The Foot Network Presents 'Verse by azure_k_mello
J2 AU, R/NC-17
Jared’s a Food Network Star. Jensen is a closed off man who doesn’t want to know. So the links are kind of hard to follow, but there are several parts to this verse and all worth reading. The author description is very simple, and while the story is easy to follow along with its a hell of a lot more than that description. Jensen and Jared's dynamics are bit unusual, but very interesting and entertaining. My absolute favorite though, is Jared and Jensen's son together. Kidfic with well fleshed out and quirky kids will always win my heart and this one does it well. I also like their chosen professions. I never would have thought of those, but they work great here. Its a nice rounded out story with touches of humor, angst and heartwarming moments. So yeah, an good read with interesting character dynamics and a solid easy plot.

Lost and Found by apreludetoanend
J2 AU, PG-13
Jared's terrified to reconnect with Jensen, the best friend he feels like he abandoned eighteen years ago. When his mom and fate conspire to take the decision out of his hands, though, will Jared and Jensen pick up where they left off? Or will their relationship develop into something more? Someone, please help. I think my ovaries just exploded. Bebe Jared leaving thinking he's going to be a superhero and then finding out he's not? *meep* Running away to the end of the driveway? *meep* I can't stop the 'awwweee'ing.

Cutting Belts and Magazines and Things You'll Never Need by maerhys
J2, PG-13
Scribbles on boxes tell the story of their life together. *meep*! So precious.


Sing Me a Lullaby, Sing Me the Alphabet by chash
J2 AU, PG
Jared plays rock songs on the cello and Jensen notices. This r pointless J2 schmoop. Yeah, it is. But its also rather sweet and lovely.

You And Me Baby...Ain't Nothing But Mammals by bimosexual
SPN, R
Sam has an affinity for animals, always wanted a pet. But Dean's sudden One Man Menagerie...wasn't exactly what he'd had in mind Charmingly funny! With adorable sweetness dashed on top.


In the Beached Margin of the Sea by rivers_bend
SPN, NC-17
Sam and Dean black out on a hunt, and when they wake up, Dean's having visions and Sam can't get new, strange feelings out of his head. When John finds out about the side effects, he'll do anything to get rid of the "curse". But Sam and Dean don't want to go back to the way things were before. This, of course, sent me into *FLAIL* after about 2 paragraphs. Ahh, so good. Sam and Dean and their angst and usting and devotion are awesome, but what really squeezed by heart tight was John. Such amazing job with John's character here. And, of course, 'John Knows' is one of my all-time favorite kinks.

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!

Never More to Be Alone by sinnerforhire
J2 AU, PG
A chance meeting leads to an unlikely friendship. Title and plotbunny from "Traveling Soldier" by the Dixie Chicks. So this was sweet, but... be ready for some sniffles and tears, k? And if being spoiled for a fic doesn't bother you - read the warning! Still, its a sweet story.


Gone But Not Forgotten by ridley
SPN, PG, Gen
This is actually set in the middle of big epic series that isn't really my cup of tea, but there are few pieces that focus on little Sam or Dean that are absolutely precious. Like this one. Little Sammy just makes your ovaries tingle! There are a few more, like It's What You Do that can stand alone and are just heartbreaking snapshots of the boys growing up. They make me want to grab the boys and hold them tight and then maybe shake John Winchester within an inch of his life for choosing hunting and revenge over being a real father.


Come For a Ride by bassair
J2, NC-17
It's porn. Pure porn. Is a summary even required???... Did you read the summary? Really, there isn't much more to say.. *evilgrin* Its a great ride. *smirk*


Your Mouth Was Made To Suck My Kiss by fleshflutter
SPN, NC-17
This is crack-fic of the mildly icky kind. Dean is haunted by a dead gay pornstar's come.
*facepalm*
*snort*
LMFAO HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!... oh! *mmmmm*

Donuts and Deutschland by malcolm_stjay
SPN, NC-17
Sam’s having trouble with homework, so Dean helps him out. Things get a bit out of hand. Holy fuck. I might have had much better grades in school , (and to steal borrow the title from another amazing fic), but then my homework was never quite like this! LOL. Srsly, Sammy had the fucking (pun intended) champion of tutors.


malcolm_stjay also wrote Sub Rosa which is a Sam/Dean retelling of Beauty & the Beast. It is just too cute. At first you think it really doesn't read like Sam and Dean - then the Beast opens his mouth and he is so very *Dean*. Pie is awesome. It was cute and sweet and an interesting setting for the Winchester (not)brothers. So although its Sam/Dean it isn't Wincest as they aren't related. PG


Make My Head Spin by no_apologies_86
SPN, R
Dean gets Sam high and likes the effect is has on his brother. It feels like a snippet in the middle of an amazing epic story - 'how they got there' and 'what comes next' scenes are just flickering through my head like crazy. A seriously hot slow burn.


Schemes (Are Not Just for Melodramatic Bond Villians) by atimi
J2 AU, NC-17
While broadening his gay horizons, architect!Jared meets waiter!Jensen at a strip club. Jensen is shy, Jared is smitten, and Jeff is a smarmy bastard. A light hearted romcom with just enough angst to keep it from being over the top schmoop. The image of Jensen in this story is of luminous, fragile beauty which is so very alluring. But the real joy of this story is Jared's inner voice - it is cracktastically hilarious. I LOLed quite a few times.


Terraform by gilascave
J2 AU, R
Jensen works for the Terraformation Department, monitoring a planet almost ready for settlement. Jared is a bartender new to the station, who decides to make Jensen his own personal project. Will he succeed, or is Jared hiding a more sinister purpose? And with Jensen's own secrets to hide, will it ultimately matter? This was rec'd (by someone else) over at crack_impala and OMG! they were so right - "what's not to love"?! Its so cute and unique. Its so very AU, with robots and living on a spacecraft, but it is also so very much 'in-character'. A total WIN for this fic.

So I've been digging into the spn_j2_bigbang fics from this year that I have read and went totally batshit over. That isn't to say that there aren't more good ones over there. This is just what I read and and loved. I've got more I'm to post, but thought I'd start with these. I'm not leaving huge reviews because so many others will. Just a short bit to share my thoughts.


Say You're Mine by belyste
J2 AU, NC-17
It takes his two best friends getting engaged to make Jared realize what’s missing in his own life, but once he figures it out, he’s a man on a mission: find true love or die trying. He’s not asking for much – just the perfect soul mate to spend blissful eternity with – so when a chance meeting drops Jensen into his life (and his lap), it seems like fate.But either Jensen missed that memo or fate seems to have other ideas, because nothing works out the way Jared planned. Based loosely on S1 of How I Met Your Mother, but you don't need to have seen that to know what's going on.
~ a romantic, sweet, usting read. Jared is especially adorable.


Stranger Than Fiction by thenyxie
Sam/Dean, NC-17, Season 4
Set immediately post The Monster at the End of This Book. Dean can't stop wondering why people would write gay porn about him and Sam. Research takes him to interesting places; re-reading novels for subtext, visiting message boards, and a really freaky place called LiveJournal. What he discovers is a sick fascination with fanfiction, more about gay sex than he ever wanted to know, and an even deeper obsession with understanding why people write this stuff. Meanwhile, they're hunting a mysterious monster that takes the form of a person's truest love to kill them slowly, the lines between fanfiction and reality are starting to break down, and they still have to stop Lilith and save the world.
~an excellent story, some of the best most amazing characterizations, vivid images and textures. All things that make a master story. On top of that, clear insightful meta on fanfic/fandom that blows my mind.


Apocalypse: Canceled by jewhawk
July 7, 2008 at 2 a.m. in the morning a comet will hit Earth, destroying all human life. Humanity gets 54 hours to prepare and chaos ensues. A chance encounter has straight architect Jared Padalecki saving the life of deeply closeted movie star Jensen Ackles. The unlikely couple cling to each other during what they think will be their last days on earth, but what happens to the relationship they built when the world doesn't end after all?
J2 AU, NC-17
~ of all the fics I could totally see this one actually being made into a movie. It has a perfectly spun romance with enough angsting, usting, humor and love to blend just right for that romantic drama mega-hit style.


The Ghost of Somebody At His Side by runedgirl
Sam/Dean, NC-17, pre-series
The night before Sam Winchester meets with his 12th grade guidance counselor for the second time, something very bad happens. One of those somethings that takes only a ridiculously short amount of time – in this case, about three minutes – yet manages to change the course of two lives forever. Or: Sam goes to Stanford, and takes most of Dean's heart with him.
~ felisblanco left a lovely comment on this fic that perfectly describes why its so great and what Wincest is really all about. As it captures my feelings to the letter I thought I'd cheat and let you read her words instead.


Just So You Know (Beautiful Soul) by lostt1
Jensen has been in love with Jared for years. The problem: Jared is his best friend's little brother. The solution: Jensen moves to California and writes songs for popular pop artists. Every song is about Jared. But what happens when Jensen finds himself living with Jared after six years apart? Will the balance he's found fall apart or will he finally get the one thing he's always wanted?
~ a sweetly romantic read. Just enough usting in with the fluff to give it that perfect touch of 'heart'.


Learning to Breathe by jassy3399
Sam/Dean, NC-17, AU
When he was fifteen, Sam confessed his romantic feelings to his brother. Rejected and unable to face his brother again, Sam runs away. In an effort to stay off his father's radar, he turns to a life of crime to get by. As it turns out, he's pretty good at it.
~This one took a little while to get into. Sam is a very different person, however he's not OCC. I think of the coldly determined Sam in parts of Season 4 and put that in with the context of Sam having to be on his own from such a young age and that fits for me. One thing I like a lot about this fic is the unique plot and context of the Sam/Dean relationship.

More to come!
*hugs*