Fanfic Recs
Blink/Mush / Genfics / Jack/David / Other/Multiple Pairings / Spot/Race
Note #1: The ratings system is that used by the Refuge, as I linked to the versions there whenever possible:
L - Les. Suitable for all audiences, even tiny sheltered boys with enormous eyes.
B - Boots. Suitable for almost all audiences – not tiny sheltered boys, but tiny unsheltered boys are A-OK. In other words, some discretion advised. Suggested for ages 9 and up.
J - Jack. May contain some naughty language, mild violence, or suggestive adult themes. Good for streetwise young heroes who've been around but still possess a certain innate innocence. Suggested for ages 13 and up.
S - Spot. Contains sexual situations, coarse language, and/or violence. Suitable for tough, cocky borough leaders who are handy with a slingshot. Suggested for ages 16 and up.
RT - Racetrack. Contains explicit sex, extreme violence, and/or language that would make a sailor blush. For adults only.
(Ratings system created by the fabulous Poison Ivory.)
Note #2: No, there are no het recs. Show me a het fic I like enough to rec and I'll happily do so; in the mean time, there aren't any.
At the Edge of a Petal
Rated: L
Author: Poison Ivory
Era: Modern
Status: Complete
Mush notices Blink is acting odd.
Poison Ivory claims she has no handle on Blink or Mush as characters. She lies! This one makes me smile every time I read it.
Anything But That
Rated: S
Author: Mondie
Era: Modern
Status: WIP (abandoned)
Modern day, slash, striking.
Someday, I will tie Mondie down and make her finish this. In the meantime, it's still fantastic.
Four Easy Steps to a Relationship
Rated: J
Author: VampireSpider
Era: Modern
Status: Complete
Mush has a light bulb moment. Fic does what it says on the box.
This fic is what a modern day slash fic should be. It's just beautiful.
It Just Won't Quit
Rated: J
Author: Misprint (kappertje)
Era: 1899
Status: WIP
Girls like Mush. Mush likes Blink.
Oh, my. This fic is beautifully crafted and makes the agony of one-sided love more than clear.
Now Playing
Rated: J
Author: The Second Batgirl
Era: Modern
Status: Complete
Never underestimate the power of a bad sequel...
Fluffy Blush at its best.
The Song Sings Itself
Rated: RT
Author: Shimmerwings
Era: Modern
Status: Complete
A lazy summer day. "Alex loves baseball and Michael loves that Alex loves baseball."
Baseball + Blush + pr0n = ded. I'm ded of fic.
Through Other Eyes
Rated: B
Author: Lielabell
Era: 1899
Status: Complete
I don't know what first drew my attention. I can't remember when I first began to wonder or what made me think to look a second time. All I know is that once I started I couldn't stop; I was obsessed with finding proof of my suspicions. And I got it. In a thousand different ways, I got it.
Short, and also perfect.
The Dusk Descending
Rated: J
Author: l-dhenson
Era: 1899
Status: WIP (on hiatus)
Devastation like nothing seen before has struck New York. For Jack and his boys, there is only one thing left to do: survive.
A fusion crossover with... Well, I won't give it away, but it's quite awesome and very, very thoroughly researched. The chapters are all quite short, but the language is evocative.
Epic
Rated: J
Author: Keza
Era: 1899
Status: Complete (sequel in progress)
Racetrack doesn't interfere with the affairs of others. So why does he agree to take Dutchy to the Dark side of New York City on an impossible mission? Why does he care what happens to Specs? He's seen it before. He's seen it all.
This is a pretty rare thing in fandom--a supernatural type story. The boys travel to an alternate New York, where everything is dark and good people don't belong. It twists, it turns, and it may be a little too big for what it does--thus the sequel, to tie up some loose ends--but it's gripping and fascinating.
In New York
Rated: J
Author: Falco Conlon
Era: 1899
Status: Complete
Spot was no longer the overblown boy hero of a ragtag bunch of Brooklyn newsies. After the strike, offers had started to come in. Political groups wanted him, The Dead Rabbits, Tammany Hall, they all wanted him.
HOLY CRAP. This is a post-strike fic which actually makes use of the city's history, and it manages to be dark and full of drama without ever dipping into the melodramatic or unbelievable. I read it all in one afternoon because I couldn't put it down. An absolute must-read for Spot fans.
Rippling Out
Rated: J
Author: Just Groovy
Era: 1899
Status: Complete
David is no longer a newsie, Spot can't forgive Jack for going scab, Racetrack is caught between Manhattan and Brooklyn, and Mush witnesses something awful.
A dramatic fic, this shows how difficult it is for people recover from an event as major as the strike. The fic is wonderful.
Shoeless
Rated: J
Author: Arlene
Era: 1899
Status: Complete
"Blink stabbed you in the foot?"
This is very close to slash, but instead of going the cliche route focuses on a beautiful friendship. And is adorable.
Standing Alone
Rated: J
Author: Arlene
Era: 1899
Status: WIP
There is a traitor in Manhattan, or so Jack is led to believe. He doesn't know who it is, but there is one that may. Which will prove more important: loyalty to all or loyalty to one?
I have said in numerous places that this is the best fic in the fandom, and maintain that that's true. It's dark and dramatic, but the writing is so intense it makes the situations feel real. And while Arlene has a bad habit of disappearing for months at a time, each update is worth the wait.
As To Understand
Rated: S
Author: Cymbalism
Era: 1899
Status: Complete
Jack has been avoiding David, but even he isn't sure of the reason. And it's the not knowing that forces him to find out.
This fic is sexy like crazy, and a perfect glimpse at Jack and David dealing with their emotions. Amazing.
Best Kept Secret
Rated: J
Author: The Second Batgirl
Era: Modern
Status: WIP
How did a single love get so complicated? Our love was pure and nothing else brought me closer to God.
A fusion crossover with the musical Bare, which I haven't seen, so it's all new to me. A very good take on the boys in the closet, something most fics don't handle with nearly enough grace.
Cold Walls, Cold Words, and a Frayed Piece of Twine
Rated: B
Author: Harmony
Era: 1899
Status: Complete
As David watches Teddy Roosevelt's carriage drive away with Jack in tow, he can't help feeling a regretful despair over the fact that he never told Jack how he really felt- even when he had the perfect opportunity to the night before.
It's hard enough to make characters feel like they match up with the movie, let alone have a fic make sense not just in context, but in the movie itself. Harmony makes me believe that Javid isn't just possible, and isn't just subtext, but is literally in the movie.
Define Life
Rated: PG?
Authors: DeeSarrachi and HobbitGwen
Era: 1899
Status: WIP
The complete lives of Jack and David, and their adopted son. Spans decades!
I'm a sucker for complete universes, and an even bigger sucker for boys with children. So cute!
Folgers and Hazelnut Creamer
Rating: J
Author: Shimmerwings
Era: Modern
Status: Complete
The making of morning rituals, through Mayer's eyes.
Baby!David is too cute for words, and I have this weakness for coffee...
Having to Know to Understand
Rated: B
Author: VampireSpider
Era: 1899
Status: Complete
"As far as David knew, Jack never came just to visit Sarah and for some reason, he found that comforting."
This fic actually feels like the movie--we've seen the beginning of Jack and David's relationship; this is its (beautiful) logical progression.
(Imagine a) Brown Leather Wallet
Rating: J
Author: Shimmerwings
Era: 1899
Status: Complete
Jack and a future. "Imagine realizing that you've fallen in love."
The only fic that's ever made me tear up. Pure beauty.
In the Spirit
Rating: L
Author: Charlie Bird
Era: Modern
Status: Complete
Jack, David, and their adopted son on Christmas morning.
Squeeeeeee! Tiny child!
Shears
Rated: B
Author: Harmony
Era: 1899
Status: Complete
"I'm cutting my hair, Jack."
I think writers in the fandom tend to ignore Sarah too much, especially Javid shippers. Harmony does not. She is, in fact, amazing.
Watermelon
Rated: B
Author: Poison Ivory
Era: Modern
Status: Complete
Jack and David have a request of Sarah; she's not sure she can say yes. "The words hung in her head, not unlike splotches of color she'd see after staring at a light and closing her eyes; she couldn't quite rid herself of them nor catch and thus comprehend them. " Super fluffy.
Another fic which makes use of Sarah in the Jack/David relationship, though a much different kind of use. Among the best modern day Javid available.
With Me Tonight
Rated: RT
Author: Shimmerwings
Pairing: Blink/Mush/Race
Era: Modern
Status: Complete
Tony just wants to drink himself into oblivion. Michael and Alex have a better idea.
I just... Yum.
Something Good
Rated: J
Author: Dfly
Pairing: David/Denton
Era: Modern
Status: WIP
There is a time, there is a place, when love should conquer all. The rest of life is pushed aside as truth and reason fall. --Aida / Bryan Denton is a high school journalism teacher, and David Jacobs, his student.
I didn't think I'd ever find a David/Denton fic that was good, let alone beautiful, but this one is.
Send In the Clowns
Rated: J
Author: Signpost
Pairing: Dutchy/Bumlets
Era: 1899
Status: Complete
Dutchy's having a bad day. A really bad day. But when he finds out that Bumlets is in danger, can Dutchy put his own problems aside and realize how much Bumlets means to him? WARNING: Story contains evil clowns
The idea of evil clowns is hilarious, but the fic is fabulous. And the clowns are a genuinely frightening adversary.
Sharps and Flats
Rated: S
Author: Cymbalism
Pairings: Blink/Mush, Jack/David
Status: WIP
College is more than just classes: David joins the marching band at his new university never suspecting how crucial his presence will be, and Blink's crush on his best friend changes everything.
A cute fic that's still in the relative beginning phases, both POVs (David's and Blink's) are well handled. I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing how the relationships--oh, and yeah, the plot--develop.
Vaudeville!
Rated: S
Author: Hilby
Pairings: Blink/Mush, Spot/Race
Era: 1899
Status: Complete
The Manhattan newsies had it pretty good, considering their circumstances. However, a boy can't stay a newsie forever, can he?
After four years of static, finally completed! This is the fic that first got me into Sprace, and defines the pairing for me; it's also a beautiful Blush fic that makes me genuinely choked up. There's also a companion piece, well worth reading.
In The Alley
Rated: J
Author: The Second Batgirl
Pairing: Jack/Spot
Era: 1899
Status: Complete
Love wasn't something that Spot Conlon had to give.
I'm not as vehemently anti-Jack/Spot as I used to be, but I still don't generally like it--except this fic, which captures their relationship perfectly.
Shuffling Cards
Rated: L
Author: Misprint (kappertje)
Pairing: Skittery/Race
Era: 1899
Status: Complete
I looked up at him, and it sounds really weird when I say it now, but it's the first time I really noticed how his face was shaped. Narrow, 'cept with the baby fat still clinging to it. Innocence? I dunno. Reminded me of those peppermint wafers you can buy for a jitney, and after you suck on 'em for a while, they're still round and all, but real thin, y'know?
A classic and longtime favorite of mine.
Smoke
Rated: S
Author: Harmony
Pairing: Skittery/Race
Era: Modern
Status: Complete
"Something about the way the smoke spiraled into the air from the space between his lips, dissipating in white-grey clouds of sickly-sweet aroma, made you want to breathe it in like pure oxygen, the adverse effects of second-hand smoke be damned." Angsty Skitterace; rated for cursing.
More from the unrivaled Harmony, the only person in the fandom who can make me like second person perspective.
The Wages of Sin
Rated: RT
Author: Lielabell
Pairings: Jack/David, Blink/Mush (unrequited), Spot/OC, Race/OC
Era: 1899
Status: Complete
There are some things money can't buy. For everything else, there are brothels. Slash and het.
This contains het! That I really like! Also, awesome hot sex.
Winter's Waiting
Rated: S
Author: saki_saki
Pairing: Skittery/Specs (pre-slash)
Era: 1899
Status: Complete
Skittery's having a bad day.
This can either be classified as gen or slash, really, but since it's at the Refuge, slash it is. It's a beautiful look into the day of a newsboy, and the problems he encounters. The last chapter is truly amazing.
All That Remains
Rated: RT
Author: Lielabell
Era: 1899
Status: WIP
Spot and Race's relationship grows and changes over the years. (1896-1900)
Lielabell's Spot and Race are both bang-on, and she gets into newsboy politics without it getting over the top, which is pretty darned rare. This is amazing for the banter alone, and promises to be epic by the time it's finished.
Behind Blue Eyes
Rated: S
Author: Clio21000
Era: Modern
Status: Complete
Racetrack's senior year of college is filled with challenges from people and places he never expected, starting with his new roommate, Sean.
Compelling, dramatic. This fic creates a whole world, including fully fleshed out OCs and thorough backgrounds. It's one of the best things to enter the fandom in the last few years.
FUGAZI
Rating: J
Authors: Hilby and Falco
Era: 1940s (WWII)
Status: WIP
Glory, Glory, what a hell of a way to die.
A team-up of Falco and Hilby? Boys in uniform? Medic!Race? So good I can't even put it into words.
Lunch with the Captain
Author: Hilby
Rated: J
Era: 1950s
Status: WIP
Shortly after Korea ends, Racetrack tries to figure out Captain Spot Conlon.
Hilby is just unmatched when it comes to tone and setting. Her she pulls the boys out of both of their typical time periods, smacks them down in an entirely new kind of AU, and keeps everyone amazingly in character as she does it. Amazing!
Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Rated: J
Author: Shimmerwings
Era: Modern
Status: Complete
Sean is overseas for Christmas, and Tony isn't feeling in the holiday spirit.
Written for The Second Batgirl for a secret slash exchange, this is one of the best Spot/Race fics out there. The mix of sarcasm and fluff is downright perfect.
No Smoking
Rated: J
Author: Poison Ivory
Era: Modern
Status: Complete
Modern day. Spot and Race have something to tell their friends. "The words hang in the air and each boy studies them with great interest."
For a long time, I maintained that I would never truly like a fluffy Sprace fic. Then Poison Ivory wrote this and I had to admit I was wrong. Grr. (But not really grr, because it's amazing.)
Proceed With Caution
Rated: J
Author: Poison Ivory
Era: Modern
Status: Complete
Spot's been acting oddly, and Race isn't taking it lying down. (Pun SO intended.) The prequel to No Smoking. A wee bit of language, punching, and angsty kissing!
Everything from the kissing to the punching is deliciously in character. Yum.
Shades of Grey
Rated: J
Author: The Second Batgirl
Era: 1899 (AU)
Status: Complete
Racetrack wakes up in an asylum, to discover that everything he's ever known is a lie - that the Newsies don't really exist. Has he gone crazy, or is he the victim of some foul plot?
Unlike many Sprace fics (and many fics in general) this one is actually unique. And I can never resist a good bit of torturing Racetrack.
Got a fic you think I missed, or I might really like? Do feel free to let me know.