When Fiction Comes To Life

Ladies and gentlemen, we would like to introduce a new member to the TU-crew: lovelypenguin. Whitlock's Girl and I've been talking for a while now about doing something with the blog to bring the realities of life into what we post about. To give you something more than just simple story recommendations.
We felt lovelypenguin was just the girl for the job, as she (like the rest of us at TU) is passionate about these things. So from here on out, she will bring you information, stories, whatever she can find that relates in some way to what we all love reading about: Slash. You'll see. There won't be any regularity to these posts, at least none as of yet. For now though, here she is with her very first addition.

Welcome to the team, lovelypenguin! And thank you, for joining!

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Hello! And a huge thank-you to Naelany for inviting me to join in here with my recommendations of a slightly different nature. I think she had a wonderful idea for this blog to put some attention on real world crossover subjects as they relate to our favorite slash characters. She thought I might be able to bring that to you, and I will do my best not to disappoint.

My first topic is a tough one, and it is the most real of all. It is the subject of gay hate crimes. Late last year the US finally passed a law that would make it a federal crime to assault an individual because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill is named for Matthew Shepard, a gay Wyoming teenager who died after being kidnapped and severely beaten in October 1998, and James Byrd Jr., an African-American man dragged to death in Texas the same year. I find it hard to believe it has taken this long to recognize Hate Crimes that are based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

I find it even harder to believe such hate filled attacks still occur in the 21st century. They do, and I’ve seen reports as recently as last Friday. However, there is hope as many organizations fight to change all that. One such organization is The Matthew Shepard Foundation whose mission is to support diversity programs in education and to help youth organizations establish environments where young people can feel safe and be themselves. Their goal is to replace hate with understanding, compassion and acceptance.

I picked this topic because it is the closest one to my heart – I can’t even look at a picture of Matthew Shepard without tearing up. The topic is also very timely. There is currently an eBook benefit by DefinatelyStaying and 24 other authors to give an eBook of their stories to everyone who donates to any organization such as The Matthew Shepard Foundation that helps the victims of violent crimes. A list of suggestions is provided. Better hurry!! The deadline is May 31. For more information: http://ebookbenefit.blogspot.com/

Related information:

Related fan fiction (I am certain to miss some, so please let me know of any you know about): At the Deep End by Naelany, Sketchbook Revelations by PolkaDotMama, and Rights of the Fallen by DefinatelyStaying.

If you are lucky enough to be in a city showing the play “The Laramie Project”, I highly recommend seeing it. It is also available as a documentary on Netflix. The Matthew Shepard Story is also a very good movie.

Related YouTube videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx3wMuIqhvY

Tuesday's Best 5-25-2010

Hey all, the Captain and I are back again with a couple of recs, so grab a towel, a Kleenex, and let's get going, shall we?

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Hello all, Captain Jezebel here with another rec full of yummy slashy goodness. This delicious little nugget was written as a gift for SubtlePen during the last Twilight Gift Exchange, and I can tell ya, boy was she a lucky girl. Open Heart is a o/s written by the illustrious Starfish422 that finds Jasper as the super of a building that is home to many senior citizens. In fact all of the tenants are elderly except the new guy.

 

Jasper is a sweetheart who has been adopted by the tenants of the building, and has appointed himself their friend and protector. He spends his days traveling from apartment to apartment, fixing any repairs, spending time, and talking with his friends. He spends his free time using his creative talents to make up stories about the inhabitants of his building and the surrounding area, but he can't seem to bring himself to make up a story for the buildings newest inhabitant.

 

Dr. Edward Cullen is a pediatric heart surgeon, the new tenant, young...well...closer to Jasper's age than anyone else in the building, gorgeous, and completely a mystery to Jasper. Prompting many questions in Jasper's mind. Why did he move to their building, if he is so successful? Why would a young, handsome doctor want to live with the elderly? Why can he never get enough information on Edward? Is he a threat to my other tenants?

 

When Jasper meets Edward for the first time so many more questions form in his head, as he finds himself so intrigued by the beautiful doctor. Wanting to befriend him, Jasper opens himself up, only to be confused by Edward's strange hot and cold behavior. Resolving himself to just a working relationship with the new guy, Jasper is a bit perturbed when things keep breaking in Edward's apartment, forcing them together especially since he is so attracted to him.

 

I forced myself to go to my room, closing the door behind me. I changed into my favorite pair of sleep boxers and climbed into bed, stretching my long limbs under the covers. I opened the book I'd been working my way through; but I couldn't concentrate. My body was keenly aware that Edward was in the next room; the draw to him was so strong. I began to curse myself for having offered him my couch, wondering if I would be able to sleep at all with him so close. I contemplated what to do; only one option really seemed to offer any real solution.

 

Silently I drew back the covers and pulled off my boxers. I grabbed a wad of Kleenex from the box on my night table and did what needed to be done. With Edward Cullen in both my living room and in my mind's eye, I started to stroke myself. I imagined what might have happened if I'd allowed myself to kiss him in the kitchen...backing him up against the counter, kissing the slender column of his neck, lacing my fingers through his wild array of hair…hearing him moan as I pressed my hips into his…watching him kneel before me and take my length into his mouth…

 UNF! Now who doesn't love a wanking Jasper? I certainly do. Anyway...you will fall in love with the sweet tenants of this building, starfish422 gives them so much character, you'll want them to adopt you too. As for Edward...just read it and you will understand him, give him a chance I promise. Now run off and read this fuckawesome o/s ... don't forget to leave her some love when you do. 

 

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I had a different story ready to rec this week, but after reading The Razor's Edge, I decided to hold off on the other story and share this instead. It's from TwiBoy, it's short, but is so powerful and personal and needs to be read.

There isn't much that I can say, since this really is a short story at just over 1500 words, but I will tell you this. It isn't what you might expect it to be.

Looking at my reflection, I'm nervous about what she will say. Will she cry like she did the first I did this very thing when I was twelve? Will she tell me that I'm being reckless and looking for attention? Will her hands tremble when she reaches out to touch the skin that my razor slid across? Will she ask, "What the hell were you thinking, Edward?"

Or will she understand why I did it?

Of course, this time is substantially different than the last. Last time, I really was looking for attention. I had a terrible need to be different, to show that I can alter my appearance so drastically and yet still be the same person, regardless.

That's how it starts. I urge you to read how it finishes. The love, pain, sense of loss, of hope, of so many other emotions I can't even really begin to name right now, because I'm still trying to siphon through mine after just having read it...it's all there. Packed in this powerful story, that had to have taken a lot to write. I'm so very grateful to TwiBoy for sharing this with us all, and I hope you'll be with me in wishing him and his family all the best. Go read it, and leave him some love.

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That was it for this week. I hope you enjoyed both stories. Be sure to check back next week, when we'll bring you more slashy goodness :-)

 

Slash Guest Author Rec - AHizelm

LINKS:

Get Me To You
Chicklette
Alice's Jasper, Edward's Bella
LyricalKris

.-O-.

I'll be very honest with you:

I am currently in the middle of six (yes, six) works in progress. And I have a toddler. And a husband. And a life.

Therefore, I have very little time to read. So, when I get an update email that says the word count has five digits, I can candidly tell you that, unless it's a one shot, it is likely that that update is going to be placed in the massive backlog of things that need to be read in my email inbox. I just don't have the time to set aside to read something of that length right now.

It's no secret that I am generally a proponent for less wordy things. There is a time and a place for epic length, but I also feel that it says a whole lot about an author if they can viscerally convey a moment or event in very few words. So, when I got to thinking about what I wanted to rec for the purposes of this piece, it was pretty simple.

I ship Jasper/Bella like it's going out of style, and I like brevity.

So, what I'm rec'ing here are two Jasper/Bella novellas, all very distinct and powerful in their own way and less than 10 chapters each.
.-O-.

"Get Me To You" by Chicklette - Winner of Winter 2010 Indie! Pet names and Pop Tarts. Sunday mornings with Etta and Ella. Cibola. Candymouth. You finally realize the truth. What if it's too late? M for drinking, drug use, sex and effing language. ExBxJxAxEm/POV, AH, OOC.

- - -

"Alice's Jasper, Edward's Bella" by LyricalKris - Bella had lost everything, including her purpose in life. Jasper had lost everything, including his freedom. Prison is an unlikely place to find happiness again, but two broken souls will recognize each other in the most unexpected of places.

.-O-.

First up is "Get Me To You", a novella by Chicklette. She has a distinct writing style, and it piles imagery on top of imagery on top of plot, and it just...works. It almost seems necessary, given the basic, seemingly simple plot of GMTY.
Bella and Jasper are in high school and begin dating, and it is passionate and intense. Things fall apart because Jasper cheats.
...or does he?
And therein lies the rub.
While we're on the topic, let's talk Jasper, shall we?
Jasper is, hands down, my favorite Twilight character. Yes, I love Edward as much as the next girl, but give me a well-done Jasper characterization and I am smitten, head over heels style. I simply believe that his character could have had so much depth in the Saga, but was not given a chance to shine, aside from that one chapter in Eclipse.
Also, I'm from Texas, so an authentic Jasper does funny things to my girly bits. Just saying.
This Jasper is cool, calm, collected, and begins the story as one of Bella's best friends. I must say that the voice that Chicklette has given Jasper is kind of fantastic, and if you'll bear with me, I have two bits - both from chapter 1 and after they became an item - that I absolutely adored.
. . .
I got Sunday mornings first. I got Sunday mornings with Ella and Etta and strawberry Pop Tarts and crumbs in the bed and white cotton panties that give under my tongue, that trap my fingers right inside of her where I am the musician and she is the instrument. Sunday mornings watching Bullitt or Bond or reading Dick or Faulkner. She likes it when I read her Faulkner. She likes my drawl and I like her smile so we both win with that one.
. . .
That's my girl you're talking about ... Mine on Friday night when she's shaking her ass on the dance floor, taunting some junior who thinks he's gonna work up his nerve and take a shot. Mine on Wednesday night when I pick her up and carry her to my bed and there's laughter and smiles and groans and shudders. Mine with the big brown eyes and sweet skin at the crook of her neck that says bite me and I'll make that noise that you like. Mine to wrap in old t-shirts because I want everyone to know the next day at school that yeah, she is mine. Mine on Sunday mornings and close the windows to the world and turn off the phone and sleep off the booze and smoke a cigarette so she can like the way it tastes on my tongue. Mine.
. . .
Chickette weaves a tale of young love and angst, a story of two people who make the natural progression from friends to lovers to other, and she makes it all seem very natural. This story alternates POVs often, but the truth is always a step away from where you are, until all of a sudden it's there, on top of you, and you're overwhelmed with the immensity of what you've just learned. I won't give anything away, but I'll tell you that you can take any preconceived notions you may have and throw them out of the window. Yes, Edward's around (and so is Alice), and he realizes too late that he has feelings for Bella. But it's not the source of some overly angsty, tangled web in which Bella can't make up her mind which of them - either Jasper or Edward - she wants, even in the wake of her and Jasper's downfall. Yes, they're in high school, so there is a lot of highly-strung emotion, but it's never overly done. One of my least favorite things is contrived angst. There are very few things that will make me flounce a fic faster, and it is a non-issue here; the range of emotions of these characters is on point and truly reminiscent of their age, which is fantastic. Additionally, the pacing of this story is wonderfully done - it never seems rushed, but it's also far from stagnant. Chicklette makes it work, and it all flows very smoothly from chapter to chapter.
I read the six chapters of this story in a single reading session, and throughout it, I wanted to cry, I laughed and I felt pride. It's also safe to say that I was a bit of a weepy mess by the time I read the last line.
"Get Me To You" is a shining example of my favorite kind of fic - one that is short but powerful. Go read it! You won't regret it.
.-O-.
Second is "Alice's Jasper, Edward's Bella" by LyricalKris.
This story chronicles versions of Jasper and Bella that are strangely canon.
Bella has lost Edward in an extremely violent way. Jasper watched Alice's attackers take her life. It's their reactions to their joined loss - despite the fact that they don't know one another - that finally make their paths cross.
For you see, Bella became a shell of a person and devoted herself to volunteering in an attempt to remain busy, to keep herself distracted.
And Jasper? Jasper became a shell of a person and sought revenge, killing the two men who took his Alice away.
He was eventually caught and put through a trial, and Bella meets him while volunteering at a prison. She is bringing a home made meal to an inmate, and this is the vision of Jasper she sees, initially:
. . .
He wasn't what she expected. He was muscular, but not obscenely or frighteningly so. Instead of the shaved head she had been picturing, he had long, scraggly, dirty blond hair. His glare was not malevolent; it was curiously dead. There were scars on his face and his arms. Parts of his exposed skin were blacked, seemingly randomly, with tattoos. He watched her as she looked him over, but she didn't feel threatened.
There was a time when the sight of him would have made her uncomfortable, made her afraid. She felt nothing. She wondered what the tattoos meant, if they meant anything, and how many more he had that were hidden from view. The thought was fleeting and she didn't honestly care.
...
Her eyes returned to his. It was almost like looking in a mirror. Flat, lifeless brown irises to flat, lifeless blue.
He looked like he might have been beautiful once.
. . .
From there, they find an odd sense of camaraderie. She continues to bring him food, and eventually they share their stories of loves lost because of the actions of other people. They genuinely fall in love while he's finishing his sentence, and every small act of intimacy between the two of them is seemingly magnified thanks to their histories.
This kiss was not like their other first kisses. There was no giddiness, or incredulity. There was a spark though. The fire and life that they had once possessed, that they had thought had died completely, snapped back into existence. It was a low flame, but it was there. Bella opened her mouth to Jasper and he slowly began to explore her tongue with his own as their lips moved together. The spark grew stronger.
. . .
When they broke to breathe the fire was noticeable in their eyes. Once flat, lifeless brown and blue irises gained depth and clarity. It wasn't complete, but it was a start. Where there had been nothing, there was now something.
Slowly, Bella brings Jasper back to life, and she him. You watch as they quietly morph from the versions of Bella and Jasper that their former fiancées knew and loved into stronger, better, more mature versions of themselves. And it's all done believably. When Jasper finally gets out of prison, LyricalKris takes you on an honest journey of their life together in "the real world". The follow up chapters are moments of their life, and while they are all worth a read, I must admit that the first chapter stuck with me the most.
One of my favorite things about this, as I read the first chapter - which was a one shot originally written for the "For the Love of Jasper" contest - is that LyricalKris uses parallelism, of a sort. When we see Jasper's reaction to memories of Alice, we also see Bella's reaction to memories of Edward. When the author describes Bella's feelings during their first kiss, she also tells of Jasper's, but it never feels repetitious. In fact, the story is fully flushed out because we get to see the psyches of both characters in an extremely well done third person narration.
Additionally, I feel as though it should be mentioned that despite the darkness in their pasts - or perhaps because of it - Jasper and Bella are both incredibly candid about their thoughts, their desires and their needs, as well as one another. There is no miscommunication here, and it's absolutely refreshing.
"Alice's Jasper, Edward's Bella" is a story that is filled with palpable emotions, some of which are not entirely pleasant, but all of which are true to life. By the end of the fic, Jasper and Bella, as a couple, are so solid, so cemented together, that the fact that they've experienced such great loss almost becomes a minor detail. They have healed and grown, both together and apart, and in the end, they get the happy ending that they'd always wanted. Happy, happy sigh.

Tuesday's Best 05-18-2010

Aaaand we're back! We're on a roll, people! Three weeks in a row ;-) Anyway...The Captain and I are here to bring you the best we could find, so don't forget to grab a towel, and perhaps a kleenex or two. First up, here's the Captain!

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*salutes* Captain Jezebel reporting for duty ... I'm on the case to find you some yummy, and intriguing slash that I hope you will enjoy. While enthusiastically exploring the fandom I found this fic when a fellow slash lover tweeted how much they love the author. My curiosity peaked; I checked out her FF profile and found this little gem I Wept Not by ArcadianMaggie .

It’s a vampfic with Jasper starring as the canon tortured soldier of the Southern vampire wars. As usual he struggles with the darkness of his monstrous existence, as well as the pain, and fear of his victims. The endless days of violence, and the loneliness send him into a deep depression, until he meets Alice and the Cullen’s, who offer a new way of life. 

Edward Masen is a regular teenage boy from Forks WA., his life is pretty average with a few exceptions, he’s gay, closeted and in love with his very hetero best friend, Mike Newton. Edward wishes he could be open about who he is, but knows it will just cause trouble in such a small town. With no prospects for love he feels there is no reason to come out.

The prologue drops us right down into one of the most important moments of the story, Jasper’s first day of attending school with his adoptive family. It’s also when Jasper gets his first glimpse of Edward. I’ve got to tell you, this is one of the most original, and beautiful ways I have ever read the description of Edward in a fic.

His skin was pale, with the slightest blush on his cheeks, like the petals of a magnolia blossom. His hair was in disarray, as if he had just run his fingers through it. The color reminded me of the velvety underside of the magnolia leaf, a rich reddish brown. I wondered if it was as soft as it looked. I was mesmerized as his long slender fingers reached up and moved through it. I could almost feel the silky strands under my own hands. Then as if he could sense me staring at him, his eyes looked up and locked onto mine. I froze. They were a beautiful deep green, like the waxy broad leaves of the magnolia tree. He was beautiful.

 *swoon* I will tell you that the magnolia tree is significant, but I’m not gonna tell you ‘why?’ You’ll have to read to find out. After the prologue the author takes us back down both Jasper and Edward’s paths, in alternating chapters until we reach that moment where they converge. I’m giving you fair warning, there are no lemons between J and E at the moment in the story. There is some smexin between Jasper/Peter/Maria in J’s storyline, and E has some experimentation lemons with the new girl, Bella Swan. I’m a strictly J/E slash kind of girl and I made it through. Plus with drool worthy moments like this...we should have no worries...

As I exited the trees I spied a solitary figure jogging down the road. Even from this distance I already knew who it was. I waited at the edge of the forest with heady anticipation, enjoying the play of his muscles, his elegant form. I could tell the moment he recognized me by his quickened breathing and the tell-tale beating of his traitorous heart. I felt his excitement, equal to my own.
When he finally reached me, he stopped just feet away, panting heavily, his chest heaving from exertion. His skin was covered with a slight sheen of sweat and he reached up his arm to wipe the beads from his forehead, using the band on his wrist to absorb the moisture. I could feel the heat pouring off him, the flush of his cheeks deepening as he stood.

My mind was seized with images—his body bucking and thrashing against my own, my arms wrapped around his torso, my mouth at his neck, my hands on his skin. I saw us together in countless ways, our bodies joining and moving and touching and straining, his head thrown back in pleasure, his voice calling out my name, my body pulsing deep inside him, my face buried between his legs.

No longer could I pretend confusion about the emotions this boy brought out in me. I knew I had refused to face them head on; they were wildly inappropriate. He was an innocent, and although of legal age, he was just a boy. I was a monster, a demon, a soulless fiend, over a century older than he. If I touched him in the ways that were now filling my mind, in ways that were causing my body to thrum and awaken from the images alone, I would surely kill him.

Give it a try, I promise it is worth it, and don't forget to leave her some love if you enjoy it. Well *looks around* what are you still doing here...go...read!

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Last week, OCDJen rec'ed a fic called Scars and Nightmares by Ealasaid77. I haven't read just for kicks in a long time, but something just pulled me into that one. I wasn't able to stop reading until I had finished all the posted chapters... And then I just had to read more. Luckily, she's writing another slash story...one I again couldn't put down. This one is called Strange Desire: Jasper and Edward and was initially intended as a one-shot...that just kept growing. I'm certainly glad it did, because I'm loving her Edward and Jasper.

They've been friends for over twenty years. Jasper was orphaned at a young age, and adopted by Carlisle and Esme Cullen. Edward was kicked out by his parents in junior high, and taken in by the Cullens. The reasons for all of this get explained along the way.

Edward and Jasper have not just been friends, they've been best friends. Jasper doesn't have many people in his life, as being around them takes a lot out of him. Edward does have a lot of friends, except...Jasper doesn't know them and they don't know Jasper. Why? Because Edward is bi, and madly in love with Jasper - only he's never let on; he thinks Jasper is straight as an arrow...and so does Jasper. Edward accidentally gets outed though, when Jasper walks in on him jacking off while watching gay porn.

"Edward… it's okay." I finally found the words to put his mind at ease even if mine wasn't. "We are still friends. I just wished you had told me that you were gay." Although that didn't explain the many girls I had seen with him through the years and absolutely zero guys. He hadn't dated anyone in almost as long as I had. His job as a doctor in the ER I think was too stressful and unpredictable for most people to stick around for long. Sometimes even I went days without seeing him.

"Jasper… I'm not gay. I like both men and women." He finally breathed out. Okay, well that explained some of it, but why had I never seen any guys?

"Edward, why haven't I seen you with any guys?" I asked him curiously.

He shrugged and said "They were just for quick fucks. I rarely slept with the same guy twice, and if I did it was in the same twenty-four hour period. I never wanted to be with any of them in a relationship."

"Why?" I asked him.

"Um… well, you know I have unrequited love for Bella and now that she is happily together with Jacob, it just seemed like I'd never have the relationship I wanted." Edward told me.

"What about a guy? You don't feel the same way about any guy?" I asked him still confused.

"I do feel that way about a guy. I want to be with him more than I've ever wanted to be with anyone, but he doesn't feel the same way." He told me and I was instantly angered by the person that wouldn't be with him. Why wouldn't they?

"Jasper, this person is not gay and that is a huge problem." Edward told me.

I looked down when my heart did an instant little happy flip that he was still mine. Whoa… where'd that come from? I wasn't gay, or never thought I was. I had had very few dreams where I was with a guy, but every last one of them Edward was in. I just assumed it was because we were close and nothing more. I did get a little jealous when he brought girls home, but I thought it was because I was jealous of the sex he was getting and I wasn't. Now that I was thinking it through though, I realized no, I was jealous that they were having sex with Edward and not me having sex with him. Shit, shit, shit. What was I supposed to do with this?

"Well… how do you know they aren't gay?" I finally choked out when I came back to myself.

Edward raised a brow at me and said "I've never seen him with a guy or seen him do or say anything that would make me think he would welcome my advances."

I just stared at him incredulously and finally said "I didn't know you played for both teams until today Edward and I've known you twenty-four years."

What happens next probably isn't hard to guess, but if you think that's all there is to this story, think again. The boys go through a lot of ups and downs - to the point where they almost lose it all. Not just once, but twice.

Ealasaid77 weaves a good tale, bringing a lot of things to light that most of us often times forget - or simply don't think about at all. I love that she does it, and she does it with subtlety rather than in your face or over the top. Oh, and have I mentioned yet that the lemons are fuck hot and plenty? No? Well, believe me, they are. On both counts. Again though, she uses the lemons to show things some of us wouldn't even think about, and also to help develop the characters. Y'all know I love a good lemon...but I love it even more when they're not superfluous.

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There you have it, folks. Another week, another couple of fuckawesome stories to read. We hope you enjoy them, and if you do be sure to leave these wonderful authors some well-deserved lovin'. See you next week!

Special Rec by DefinatelyStaying

What? DefinatelyStaying doesn't rec, she just runs that whole guest author thing. Naelany and Whitlock's Girl do the recs. What the hell is happening?

I know... I know...

With all of the time that the books take me, I don't have a lot of time to read many fanfiction stories anymore. But this one... I had to make the time, and then I had to tell you to take the time.

I loved so many things about this story, from the way Jasper called Edward his "baby boy" to the way Edward just called Jasper "baby". The way the endearments were used was intimate, and natural. The way that the author described how the bound Edward was desperate for control, how he thrust deep into Jasper's mouth trying to take it. I loved how Edward got shy when Jasper forced him to vocalize his desires. I loved how Edward was taken to a place so far beyond himself that it reduced his vocabulary to very simple words like "Yes" and "Fuck".

And of course, I loved the ending.

It's just over 3500 words, but I could see it being much more if he has the inclination to continue.

So, check out:
Remembering Winter's Kiss by AlsoFrightened6

Tuesday's Best 5-11-2010

What's this? Another week, another rec? Yes, 'tis true, you can believe your eyes. We're baaaack ;-) Well, Jezzie and I are, anyway. Whitlock's Girl is still dealing with the aftermath of last week's storm (more on that after the recs).

In the mean time, we are here to bring you our finds this week, and boy do we have some nice ones! Let's get to it, shall we? Oh, and as always, do remember your towels. I promise, you won't need any Kleenex this week (unless of course you cry happy tears, but hey).

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Hi folks *waves* Captain Jezebel again, happy to see you fellow TU'ers for a second week in a row. When I was approached to rec some fic for this slashilicious (is that a word? :P *shrugs* ) blog, I searched my brain to think of some titles I could possibly suggest. Two fics immediately came to mind, and since I shared the angsty one last week, I would like to offer up some sweet lovin' fluff for this week.

 

If you are in need of a sexy, doting, and sweet E/J relationship look no further than Rediscovering What Matters by rmhale . Edward and Jasper have been together since they were 16 years old. After seven wonderful years together, they're getting married. The story starts when Edward decides to keep a journal of the daily happenings in the 40 days leading up to his and Jasper's wedding. He wanted to find a way to see past the mundane, real life issues that plague every long term relationship, and rediscover what truly matters....the love for one another.

 

Edward sets some rules that this adorable couple must follow each day to help guide them in their endeavor to reclaim the important things in life. Some of these rules are so sweet, others are sexy, but one rule is the most important, and the basis for Edward's entire idea. What is this rule? *shakes head* Nope, not gonna tell ya. You're going to have to read to find out, but I promise, you will fall in love with this Edward by the end of his first journal entry. What about Jasper you ask? Well since this is his journal the entire fic is EPOV, but remember he is doing this for the love of his life. Jasper lover's will have plenty to be happy about, as they learn about him through the eyes and words of his love.

 

I've got two excerpts for ya since I couldn't decide....one sweet and the other...UNF!

 

On our first date, after dessert, he looked me in the eyes and said, "I could fall in love with you." My heart was his from that moment on, and he fucking knew it. Who gets lucky enough to meet the person they were meant to share a life with at sixteen? We did and I was so fucking ecstatic that he picked me.

 

When the conversation started to wane and we were looking into each other's eyes over the flickering flame of the candle, I decided it was time for his next surprise. I pulled him to his feet, pulled out the remote in my pocket and pressed play.

 

The strains of music surrounded us as the very first song we ever danced to played over the speakers, The Cure's acoustic version of "Love Song". When he looked at me, his eyes were piercing and wet with unshed tears. Smiling, I wrapped my arms around him and we began to sway gently. He whispered that he loved me in my ear while pulling me tighter to his lithe body. Holding each other as close as possible, we kept our faces pressed against each other as we danced to the song that meant so much to us. His body moved so perfectly against mine, they fit together in all the right places, they knew where home really was.

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He whispered the he loved me before kissing down my neck and across my shoulders while his hands kneaded my worn out muscles. As tired as I was, having his hands on me was slowly making my cock come to life and throb with need. It had been five days since I had seen any sort of release and my body cried out for it. His hands slowly moved from my back around to my chest while he continued to kiss and nibble up and down my neck. The only sounds I could get out where moans and groans. He knew my body better than I did and he knew exactly what I needed.

 

I couldn't stop my hand from wrapping around my cock, and his soon followed, wrapping around mine. Turning my head, I sealed our mouths together as he moved our hands up and down my aching dick. I knew I wouldn't last long, I needed this so badly.

 

This fic is truly such a clever piece of writing that started out as a way to help rmhale manage the lack of Starbucks in her system. Having given it up for Lent, she needed a distraction, something else to keep her mind off of her daily vice. Since it is a journal it is written in real time, and therefore the chapters are very short; just like a journal entry, but 40 days equals 40 chapters of this cute couple. If that isn't enough to make you run off to read this ASAP...when she finished the journal, rmhale spoiled us with the wedding and honeymoon outtakes, Rediscovering What Matters: The Wedding *whispers* Jasper lover's will get some JPOV.....GO! READ! NOW! ;)

 

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You want more? Alright, alright, I'll give you a yummy little fic that caught my attention. It was a birthday fic for Zigster, written by FarDareisMai2 called Finger Painting. I fell in love with it, and I've begged her to please continue it, because...well, this story's just begging for more. And well...come on now, who wouldn't want a little more of this Jasper?

Oh, you want to know why? Well okay then. Let me tell you a little about this. Edward and Alice are siblings, and only have each other left as their parents are both dead. Alice keeps trying to hook him up, unaware that Edward is gay because he's never told her or given her reason to believe him to not be straight. You guessed it, he gets set up with girl after girl, and obviously it never works out. And then something changes for Edward.

Enter Jasper. They meet as Edward escorts Alice to an art show where she's exhibiting some of her work. She's once again trying to set him up with 'a nice girl', but almost as soon as they get there, Edward's eye falls on a tall, blond 'thing of beauty' as he calls Jasper. Attraction is immediate, but...Edward isn't out. He goes about his business, and looks at the art pieces. What happens when he finally comes across some art that he likes? Maybe the answer to that is the best work of art of all ;-)

The paintings were . . . interesting. No, not interesting, captivating—wild and yet, sensual.

"What do you think?" a male voice behind me asked; the southern inflection was unmistakable.

Without taking my eyes off the painting I told him what I thought and added, "The figures are anonymous, almost androgynous even, yet they exude such sensuality, and the brushstrokes are so big, so raw, it's almost . . ."

"Almost?" he egged.

"Almost like the artist was finger painting," I finished.

He moved closer and then his breath was against my ear as he whispered, "I was finger painting."

My breath hitched and my body froze. Could it be him? I wondered. Gathering my courage, I turned around slowly, but no one was there. My eyes darted around the room looking for him, but I didn't see him anywhere. My breathing started to come in pants and from across the room I could see Alice with a tall blond woman, and it was obvious she was looking for me. No way could I deal with meeting one of her friends at that moment. I turned and walked in the opposite direction, looking for somewhere to be alone for just a few minutes. I needed to collect myself, and I also realized that his low voice in my ear had me partially aroused. Jesus, if just a whisper from him could do that to me . . . I shuddered.

And it only gets better from there, folks, trust me ;-) After reading this fic, I doubt you'll look at finger painting (or colors) in quite the same way again. Hurry up and go read, make sure to leave her some love (and beg for more, if  you love this as much as I do ;-) )

 

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We hope you enjoyed these stories, and remembered to grab a towel or two. Now, as I promised at the top, some more about the storms and aftermath of them. As you're likely aware (at least if you live in the continental US), Tennessee and Kentucky were hit pretty bad by a storm week before last. Tennessee was especially hard hit, Nashville suffering a big loss with the Opry being flooded. There's a lot more to it, of course; lives lost, people misplaced - I could go on and on, but I'm sure you get the idea. 

Some lovely ladies have gotten together and organized something similar to what we all did for Haiti, called FicsforNash. There are several authors who are offering up various works (original fic, fanfic, what have you). How can you get a hold of these stories? By donating to any of the charities suggested on the sight, and sending your receipts to FicsforNash. You can read all the details on the community page that's been set up for it. 

Another charity driven event is happening now, too, set up by our very own DefinatelyStaying. This ebook benefit is for charities such as the Matthew Sheppard Foundation, The Rainbow World Fund and a few others. All the authors participating (for a partial list of those involved, check the site) have written original stories just for you, they are all slash and PG-13-ish. As with the other benefit, if you want to get your hands on the ebook, you just have to donate to any of the suggested charities, and send in your receipt. For more information, please check out the blog. 

Slash Guest Author Rec - OCDJen

Hi all!

So happy to have my turn to recommend some great little fics, though I have had a job and a half going through them all. :)

There have been some of my faves already recommended on here and pimped to death, that I thought I would pimp out two little, golden, unknown fics and Authors.

My first is: Scares and Nightmares by Ealasaid77!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5546703/1/Scars_and_Nightmares


When Amy first told me about this fic, I got very excited, very fast. If any of you read my stuff you know I have a thing for the more heart breaking, more angsty fics. I really do get all happy when things start to go wrong. :)

This fic is not for the faint hearted. It deals with some real life experiences and how sick and twisted this world can really be. Having said that, there is also a strong message of hope and that things can and will get better.

Here's a snipet.

"Fine, except I didn't want to be here today, now did I?" I asked him bitingly. He raised an eyebrow at me.

"Okay Jasper, you didn't want to be here. Are you feeling any pain at all today?" He asked me.
"Only my arms, they feel like they are on fire. It's not like I can't deal with the pain though." I said. I'd lived through much, much worse.

"Jasper, I need to take a look at your wounds, if that's okay?" He asked me and I nodded. What did it matter now anyway? I was sure once I got out of here I'd do the same thing, only succeeding that time.

The doctor pulled the sheets back and pushed up the hospital gown looking at the old and fresh scars on my thighs. Tracing them his jaw clenched tight in anger. I'd seen that look, but where? "Do I know you?" I asked him.

Shaking his head no he said "No, I don't think so." Then he looked as though he was debating something berfore he leaned down and whispered in my ear "But I think I know what you're going through."

He unwrapped my arms and took a look at the long gashes I'd left there. They'd be ugly things for sure, but as I didn't plan on living much longer it didn't matter. I knew I had stitches where the deeper gashes were so he didn't cover them back up instead letting them heal with the air over them.

Then the doctor pressed against my belly feeling all around. I assumed he was seeing by hand if I'd done too much damage to my liver. I guess what he saw so far was a relief to him, but he told me he wanted to order more tests to make sure. I wanted to tell him not to bother, it wouldn't make any difference. I chose to keep my mouth shut as long as possible knowing they'd never let me out if they thought I would go back and do that again immediately.


My second fic is: Two Different Worlds by dtav

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5752004/1/Two_Different_Worlds

I adore this fic! There aren't enough good Vamp/Human fics, and this popped into my inbox to preread, I fell in love with it right away.

Here's a snipet:

He laughed, and what a beautiful laugh he had. "Yes, I survived. Although why I wanted to come back to high school, I'll never know. I didn't enjoy it much the first time around." He smiled at Emmett as he finished speaking and then I saw him throw a glance my way. I could see that Emmett was having a hard time with this.

Since Emmett certainly wasn't going to introduce me of his own accord, I had to take the bull by the horns. "Emmett, aren't you going to introduce me?" I said. I took a good look at him, drinking in the sight of his pale skin, and his eyes. His hair was a bronze color and sticking every which way as if he just rolled out of bed. His scent was getting stronger, and I could hear his heart beating in his chest.

"Oh, uh, sure, I guess." Emmett stammered. Gesturing to me, he said, "Jasper, this is my chemistry teacher, Mr. Cullen. Mr. Cullen, this is my cousin, Jasper."

I leaned forward and grabbed his hand. ""It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Cullen." I said.
"It's nice to meet you, Jasper. Please, call me Edward." He replied. "Nice car." He added, looking over at my car.

"You like it?" I was surprised.

"I love it. I do. They are very hard to find and restore. Did you do it yourself?"

"I most certainly did. It took me forever to find all the right parts, but it's perfect now. Maybe I could take you for a ride sometime?" I could see it now, him riding me in the backseat of my car. Oh yes, I promised myself, that was going to happen.

"That would be nice. Then, maybe after that, I could take you for a ride in mine?" He said smiling at me.

"Yours?" I asked. What was he talking about?

"Yes, mine." He said. "I happen to have a 1971 Pontiac GTO in black."

No fucking way!!! "You're kidding me, right?" I asked.

"I kid you not. If you just wait here a minute, I'll get it." He headed over to the parking lot. The minute he left, Emmett was on me. He obviously didn't like the fact that I was getting all chummy with his teacher. Before I had a chance to tell him it was none of his business, Edward pulled up.

So there you have it. Run, don't walk and read these two awesome little fics!
Jen xoxo

Tuesdays Best 5-4-2010

What's this? A Tuesday rec...on Tuesday? Two weeks in a row? Oh hush, I know that's what y'all are thinking ;-). It's cool though, I understand. Life, as I may or may not have mentioned before, keeps getting in the way of things. A good example is Whitlock's Girl currently dealing with the aftermath of the storms this weekend down in Kentucky, which is why it's me here today. She and the family are fine, but still.

Anyway...because life seems to keep getting in the way, she and I talked about what we could do to make things  go just a little bit smoother all around. We agreed that new blood was in order, and after some back and forth  on the who-how-when-why of it all, there was one person that came to mind (not the only one, but we're taking it one step at a time here, folks).

Who is this person, you ask? Well, it's none other than slash-h00r extraordinaire, reporter for HOFY (Holding Out For You readers will remember her antics with Jim ;-)) - our very own Captain Jezebel!  When I asked her to come on board, she was both thrilled - and a lot nervous. Please give her a warm welcome to TwiSlash Unveiled as she brings you her very first rec, hot of the press (given free reign on what she wanted to rec, of course, so please bear that in mind).

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*peeks head timidly into TwiSlash Unveiled and looks around in amazement* WOW! it's pretty cool in here. *waves hello* Hi folks I'm Captain Jezebel a hoor of the slashy variety, I've been asked by the lovely ladies of TSU to do some recs, and when they come a'knockin...you don't slam the door in their face. So here I am, happy, and excited about my first offering to the slash fanatics.

 

Okay, for my first foray, I wanted to highlight a fic that I hold near and dear to my heart. It is also a fic that does not get the recognition is so richly deserves because of the very original pairing it boasts. I'm not going to lie, I was a bit grossed out by the thought of this pairing, but I gave it a chance. and boy am I glad that I did. It has quickly become one of my favorite fics, you know the one's you drop everything to read when an update pops in your box? What story am I rambling about? Be Careful What You Wish For by Whitlock-Masen and the very delicious pairing is Charlie/Carlisle *snickers* , yep folks you heard me right.

 

As usual Charlie is Sheriff of the small town of Forks, but he isn't the lonely divorced man living on his own, that we see in most fics. In this one he has someone to love and be loved by, there's only one small *coughs*HUGE*coughs* problem...Charlie has kept his sexuality, and his husband Carlisle, from his daughter Bella's knowledge for her entire life. After Bella calls to ask Charlie if she can move in with him, because Renee is newly married, Charlie has to find a way to tell his daughter about the biggest secret he has ever kept...the love of his life.

 

This story seamlessly blends the backstory in with the current happenings. You get the feeling that you were along for the entire ride, as you get to know these characters, and believe me you find yourself so enthralled with the captivating love story between Carlisle and Charlie. Their history, and connection is quite powerful, and the lovely Naelany and SorceressCirce make you feel every single word.

 

I felt a slight sting as his fingers pulled away, leaving me feeling empty and wanting. His other hand brushed my short hair from my forehead as he murmured, "Are you sure, love? Is this what you want?"

 

I started to ask him if I needed to fucking beg, but all I managed was a nod and another whispered, "Please."

 

A smile ghosted across his lips as if he'd heard my unspoken question, and he kissed me once more before he turned his head, reaching over to pick up the condom again. He shifted until he was kneeling between my knees, and my eyes were completely focused on his stiff shaft as he absently stroked it a few times before he pinched the tip of the condom and rolled it smoothly on. I had never actually seen another man do that before, and the sight was strangely arousing. I felt a pang of disappointed longing as I realized that I wouldn't see him that way again.

 

As I was trying to forget that he was leaving in the morning, he picked up the small bottle of lube and poured some into his hand, his eyes gazing into mine. Once more, he stroked himself, this time spreading the slick liquid over his shaft as he gave me a small, almost shy smile.

 

Forcing any dark thoughts away, I reached toward Carlisle, intent on simply enjoying this with him. He smiled as he leaned forward, pressing his body against mine as he supported himself on his elbows and kissed me. For the first time, his cock slipped down between my legs, and he rolled his hips against mine, teasing me with the sensation of him brushing past my balls and just barely touching my entrance.

 

"Are you ready, my love?" His accent was more pronounced, his words soft and lilting as my eyes widened.

 

My love, he had said…not just some casual term of endearment. Not just some 'British thing'.

Oh did I forget to mention Carlisle is a Brit? *looks sheepish*  ...oh yes, that's right, a yummy accent to drool over. There is so much more to this story than meets the eye, so much more depth, but I can't give it all away here, you'll have to read it and find out for  yourself.

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I know I left y'all in tears last week, so I figured this week I would bring some lighter fare. Pinned by radiofreeamy is a very sweet story. I can virtually promise you'll be able to read it tear-free.

Edward is a student trainer for the University of Washington wrestling team. Edward loves sports, so much so that he doesn't let his disability stop him from doing his bit for the team. Though he himself cannot play, he helps his team members stay in good physical condition to give their best efforts.

He's accepted as an equal by most of the team, though some still see fit to make the odd comment. Edward tries not to let it bother him, though it isn't easy. He is the best student trainer the school has, and he has worked hard to get to that point, so naturally, it irks him. These comments play a part in why Edward hides one secret from the team. He's gay, and knows that not everyone will be comfortable with that knowledge, considering how close they have to be at times when he's working with them.

There is one person in particular that he hides his truth from - Jasper. He is Edward's ideal man in every way, and Edward has had a crush on him for as long as he can remember. He's hidden it away, believing Jasper is straight, and even if he weren't there'd be no way that Jasper would ever go for him.

A week away from school as the two (and the coaches) travel to Omaha, Nebraska in order for Jasper to play in the finals of the 2010 NCAA Division I championships, brings several revelations for both boys. Especially when the tables are turned and Jasper ends up helping Edward with his exercises.

"You need some help stretching those hamstrings, Edward?"

"Umm. I guess. I mean, if you want to."

Oh shit. Jasper's hands would be on my body, and I wasn't sure I would be able to let that happen without outing myself. I was too weak to resist, though.

I made my way over to Jasper and he motioned to the bed. "Why don't you lay down on the edge of the bed, and sort of let your legs hang over?" I did what he asked and felt him lift my legs to begin stretching my tight muscles.

"You don't have to do this, you know."

"You've wrapped my joints and stretched my muscles for three years, Edward. Let me return the favor."

I nodded and closed my eyes, willing my penis to behave while Jasper performed my stretches. My leg was extended and practically resting on Jasper's shoulder when he began caressing my calves gently. The wonderful sensation of his soft hands rubbing my legs caused my groin to stir and within seconds my cock sprang to life. I only had on a pair of boxers and some flimsy mesh shorts, which did little to hide my excitement. I lifted my head and wanted to cry when I saw the fabric tented up towards Jasper.

I wanted to jump off the bed and run to the bathroom in embarrassment, but when I looked at Jasper, he was still rubbing my legs gently while staring longingly at my erection.

"Um. Yeah, so. Sorry about that," I said pointing at my crotch. "It has a mind of its own."

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Edward. I like that I turn you on."

How they get to this part, and what happens after it, you'll have to go read for yourself. I hope you enjoy the story as much as I have, and that you'll leave radiofreeamy some love.

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Now I hope y'all have remembered to bring your towels along, I know I didn't state so upfront, but trust me, the usual disclaimers apply - TU won't be footing any cleaning bills ;-) 

 

We hope all our slash h00rs are safe and sound - see you next week!