RECATHON: Torchwood!
Dec. 13th, 2009 12:16 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ficwizeIt gives me a great deal of pleasure, and also a great deal of excitement, to open the Recathon! The lists will be presented one a day for the next 12 days, in random order – because that's the fun of surprises!
It's been a rough year for Torchwood fans, but that doesn’t mean that the fic hasn't made up for it! Torchwood, it's always good for a bit of this, a spot of that, and lots of good ole fashioned romps.
A few notes:
1. Some of the links may lead to off LJ sites.
2. Each reader is responsible for double checking warnings on the story itself. It is not my job, nor the job of anyone else, to make sure you’re aware of the contents of the story.
3. I encourage you all to leave feedback for the authors! Feed the authors and they will continue to feed us.
4. This would not have happened if it were not for the generous help of many, many people. In particular, I would like to thank![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
windiain for making the lovely banners, to smirnoffmule for help with advertising, and to st_aurafina for coding the recs list.
5. If you encounter any mistakes, please drop me a note in the comments and I’ll do my best to fix it quickly.
6. Lastly, feel free to squee in the comments if you’re so inclined.
ETA: 7. Fics that were recced multiple times are denoted by an *.
51stcenturyfox wrote:
Closure, R, Jack/John
This writer owns this pairing. But even without reading her wonderful cycle of Time Agent stories, you can't lose with this coda, set after Exit Wounds. It's a deeply affecting look at two people who have moved radically apart, yet share a bond (and ludicrous chemistry) that, under the circumstances, requires affirmation. Banter, humor, animosity, sexiness -- even with the undertone of grief -- all the canon hints are beautifully fleshed out: you will definitely hear these voices long after you finish reading.
Deskset, NC-17, Jack/Ianto
It's hot, nuff said
aeshna_uk wrote:
Small Wonders, PG, Tosh, Jack
Well-characterized Jack/Tosh friendship.
The Lady in the Tower, NC-17, Jack/Yvonne Hartman
Hot.
And Seven For a Secret, R, Jack, OCs
This is a truly amazing Jack-centric adventure story, mostly taking place during World War II. The writing is superb, and the action parts especially are riveting. The original characters are fully-fleshed, interesting people, as terrific a supporting cast for Jack's story as anyone could wish. The story is actually told through the points of view of two original characters, but rather than distract from the story, the narrators instead add important perspective to the tale. It's a well-crafted, evocative, engaging story, well worth reading.
alex51324 wrote:
The Face of God (or, Ianto Hears a Who), G, Ianto, Team, OCs
Great world-building.
The Road Back Home Again, R, Ianto, OCs, Jack
The premise of this story is an oft-told one: Ianto falls through the Rift onto an alien planet. But what's different about this story is the author's skillful portrayal of what it might really be like for someone to be flung to a far world, unable to communicate with anyone and never knowing if they'll come home. This is about the inherent uncertainty of being in such a position, and also about the very human ways that Ianto tries to cope with it. It's a fascinating piece of speculative fiction, and a good character study of Ianto as well.
amand_r wrote:
Det[god]ails, R, Ianto/Ianto, Jack/Ianto
Amusingly absurd.
*We Held Gold Dust in Our Hands, NC-17, Team, etc (Jack/Lisa/Ianto/Gwen/Rhys and all permutations thereof with a heavy dose of the first three), Rhys, Rhiannon, Alice, Ten
- Premise of win: Lisa survives Canary Wharf but remains disabled; Ianto brings her to Cardiff, and they eventually form a polyamorous liaison with Jack. Pulls off the nearly impossible feat of being completely AU and also canon-compliant. Best Lisa every written -- a fully realized, imperfect and wonderful character -- and one of the most profound looks at the Jack-Ianto dynamic as well. If you read ONE longfic this year, this should be it.
- Well-characterized polyfic.
angstslashhope wrote The Secretary, NC-17, Jack/Ianto
Jack and Ianto "loving that office-y feel." Ianto takes Jack's liking for office romances one step farther, with some help from Staples. Unbelievably hot, kinky in the most innovative way, and like all good PWPs, an excellent character study, written with great rhythm and humor.
antelope_writes wrote The Space Between, R for language and themes, Jack Harkness, boss and Ianto Jones, devastated boyfriend, some Toshiko
Antelope_writes is a huge Jack Harkness fan in a fandom that worships Ianto Jones. This isn't to say that she belittles Ianto but that sometimes Harkness comes off as a charming fool in fanfic. If you have time, browse her meta about the characters and especially' Jack's character arc.
This fic is a great look at Jack Harkness as the man in charge of Torchwood after the events of Cyberwoman and how he "saved" a destroyed Ianto and re-established a working relationship with him. She manages to show that Jack is more than a besotted fool. Also, she shows glimpses of what Jack really gets from a relationship with this young man. Whether Jack analyzes what it is that makes Ianto so compeling to him, it is here. And Everything I've read of them is richer now for seeing it.
asrai99 wrote Parts of the Process, PG-13, Ianto, Doctor, Team, Others; Canon Pairings, some Ianto/OCs
It's an intricate, timey-wimey companion!Ianto action/adventure story.
blackbird_song wrote:
Snowbringer, NC-17, Jack/Ianto, Gwen/Rhys
A wonderful tale at turns funny and touching. It's Torchwood doing what they do best - dealing with aliens.
Go Away a Little Closer, NC-17, Jack/Ianto
This is domestic fic with a difference - bittersweet rather than saccharine, with excellent character voices, it deals with the difficulties and the hope to be found in trying to build a life around Torchwood.
blue_fjords wrote I Loved a Woman with a Heart of Amber
The post-Cyberwoman era has been rehashed time and time again in fic, but seldom from this angle. This fic follows Gwen in the early days of Ianto's suspension as she tries to make sense of what's happened and who's fault it might be. It's written with a lovely, light, sympathetic touch and is a beautiful examination of Torchwood as a (sometimes fractured) team.
ceresi wrote A Sustainable Paradox, R, Jack/Ianto
Twisty time-travel goodness.
choccy_grl wrote Silent Running In Deep Waters, R, Jack/Ianto, OCs
Why this fic is awesome: This fic is one of the best and most original Torchwood AU's I've read in a long time. Choccy_grl manages to seamlessly weave together two stories- one of mystery, one of romance- and both kept me on the edge of my seat with anticipation.
cirrocumulus wrote Marigolds, PG, Jack/Team
Beautifully written and completely heartbreaking. It's difficult to say a lot without spoiling the story, but the premise is that Ianto has been dead for 86 days, and Jack is finding it very hard to let go. Tosh and Owen and especially Gwen are trying to help, but there are things going on that Jack can't really tell them. This isn't a story I'd read to cheer me up, but I've come back to it several times simply because it's hard not to get sucked into the compelling narrative of Jack's pain and grief and loss. I feel for him every step of the way.
coffee_kris wrote Burying it Deep, NC-17, Jack/Ianto
It's hot like a hot thing.
curriejean wrote Endotherm, NC-17 (WARNING: enema kink), Jack/Ianto
Don't let the kink warning put you off this one. Everything by curriejean is worth a read, but she is never more artful than when she takes on potential squicks. She pushes both the participants and her readers out of their comfort zones here, and in the process, brings out hidden dynamics, sidelights on Jack and Ianto (and Ianto and Lisa). The payoff in terms of hotness and character insight is huge -- not to mention a (literally) visceral intimacy. Curriejean could teach a master class on how to make kink profound and witty, and this is one of her best.
cyus wrote Something Beautiful, R, Gwen, Jack/Gwen UST
This story follows Gwen after the events of "Children of Earth," and is one of the best Gwen character-pieces in the fandom. It shows her as the strong, grounded and emotionally intense person she can be. Her relationship with Jack is one of the foci of the story, and it's shown as a powerful and tempting force in Gwen's life, but one that she knows will change her forever. This is one of those stories that won't ever be canon, but which easily could be.
dani_the_girl wrote Electricity, PG, Team, Jack/Ianto
Creates a fascinating possible history for Ianto.
demotu wrote A Matter of Time, NC-17, Jack/Ianto, Jack/OCs
This story pretty much has it all. Good writing, good characterization, terrific plot, original ideas, marvelous supporting characters, a richly detailed world, lots of sex and a solid believeable romance. All that, and it's nearly 100,000 words, too. The premise is simple: Ianto travels to his future and Jack's past, and spends a lot of time with a Jack he never knew. Demotu has done a terrific job both of creating a believable younger Jack and making Ianto's responses to him equally plausible and very real. There's also some good, well-though discussions of the differences in relationships between Jack's time and Ianto's, adding a lot to the story without being preachy or distracting. This is a wonderful story, truly a fandom classic.
dsudis wrote Get Loved, Make More, Try to Stay Alive , R, Jack/Ianto
This is the best mpreg-that's-not-really-mpreg and kidfic-that's-not-really-kidfic in the history of ever.
electro_club wrote You Have the Heart of a Star, PG-13, Jack/Ianto
It's a delicate look at Jack & Ianto's relationship through Ianto's eyes. The characters connect, and don't connect, but a thread of hopefulness is present throughout. The writing is lovely and graceful.
epithetta wrote Four lives that Owen Harper saved + one he didn't, R, Owen Harper, Torchwood ensemble.
Owen/his issues are still my original Torchwood OTP, despite later additions like Gwen/Rhys or CoE/This Awed Viewer. This story is a great Owen portrait, in his messed up, (sometimes) trying to be better glory.
freakishlemon wrote When it Becomes Everything, PG, Suzie, Team
This is one of the best pieces of Suzie character-study I've read. Freakishlemon's Suzie is the one we never got to see on the show, the one who was a friend and colleague to the rest of the team, who was as brilliant and quirky and damaged as the rest of them. It's a lovely story all around, and a must-read for anyone who's a Suzie fan.
giddygeek wrote Sun in the Sky, R, Jack/Ianto, past Lisa/Ianto
While I like p0rn as much as the next fangirl, I prefer character driven pieces. I especially like Ianto deals with the loss of Lisa on this story.
*golden_d wrote They Still Write Poetry in the Fifty-First Century, G, Toshiko
- Oh, because it's lovely, and it mixes linguistics and Torchwood's history, and Toshiko being Toshiko, worrying away at a problem to learn a little about Jack's life in the future.
- A beautifully written fic showcasing Tosh's intellectual curiosity, her empathy, and a real love of language which gives this story a genuinely delicate touch.
jbs_teeth wrote The Truth I Chose For You, R, Ianto/Jack
Why this fic is awesome: In my review to the author I wrote that this fic is like a blow to the gut. It really is. One of the best one shots I have ever read. Also, ankles. :D
kaydeefalls wrote And Indeed There Will Be Time , R, Team, Jack/Ianto, Martha/Tom
An utterly awesome case-story.
kayliemalinza wrote Bezoar for Touching, PG-13, Jack/Ianto, Gwen
For me, this fic hits the tone of Torchwood absolutely perfectly - cracky, dark, weird, bleak, tender in unexpected places. It's genuinely original and beautifully written.
kel_reiley wrote:
In Bits and Pieces, R, Team, Jack/Ianto
Well-plotted epic gap-filler fic with good characterization.
From out of the rain picspam, PG, team
It's a pic spam and very funny. Post CoE I wanted something to make me laugh and remind me the plot lines weren't what I watched torchwood for, this did both those things.
kinkerbelle13 wrote Five Things The Make Ianto Jones Happy, PG, Jack/Ianto, Ianto&Gwen
The title is more or less the summary, but the author's choices of what things do make Ianto happy, and why, provide the basis for a lovely exploration of Ianto's character and backstory. In particular, his relationship with Gwen via rugby (or vice versa) is a beautifully written paen to rugby and Wales and Gwen.
liadan14 wrote Normalcy? R, Jack/Ianto, team
I laughed until I cried.
madder_rose wrote Long ago (and far away), NC-17, Jack/Ianto
Why this fic is awesome:In the aftermath of CoE AU's seem to have increased in popularity. This one of my favs - set in WW2. It's made even better by having a brilliant sequel.
marag wrote Guilty of Dust and Sin, PG-13, Jack Harkness/Ianto Jones
This is a follow up to Hate Can Pardon that shows the least romantic proposition Ianto had ever heard. Even counting the ones from Jack...
marginaliana wrote The Flowers, Ianto, Jack/Ianto
There are a lot of stories about how Ianto deals with Jack's departure after "End of Days." This is one of the best. In this story, Ianto deals with his feelings by trying to find ways to not deal with his feelings--which I think says a great deal about Ianto, and about how well the author portrays him. Although characterization can be highly subjective, I feel that the Ianto of this story rings very true to the Ianto of canon, and--like many good stories--subtley brings up parts of his character that might be overlooked.
Mhalachai wrote Pocket Watch Boy, PG-13, Ianto, Jack, Doctor, Team; Jack/Ianto
It's by far one of the best Time Lord!Ianto fics in existence.
misswinterhill wrote:
Non-Linear, Teen, Jack/Ianto
Everyone must have read this fic by now but if you haven't why not? It's a Jack/Ianto spend eternity together story but it's not like any other story of that type that you've ever read. Just brilliant.
Marmalade, NC-17, Gwen/Ianto
Set during The Year That Never Was, Gwen and Ianto are in hiding from the Toclafane. Dark, melancholy, and Jack of course permeates the story despite his absence. The characterizations are spot-on in a realistic "what if" scenario.
That Doesn't Bother You, Does It?, R, Jack/Ianto, Jack/OC
This story does deal, in large part, with a Jack/OC relationship, but everything about that relationship also ends up being about Jack and Ianto. This is one of the most painfully raw stories in the fandom, and deals with the issue of Jack's 51st-Century sensibilities and how Ianto copes with them--and not. It's a fascinating and compelling character study of both men, as seen through the perspective of an equally fascinating third character.
neifile7 wrote Calypso, R, Jack/OMG, Jack/others
This story is a fine piece of historical fiction, rich in detail and lovely in execution. Jack is stranded in Cardiff in 1869 looking for the Doctor, and this is how he survives. Beautiful and blunt and real.
out_there wrote Underwear Not Required (Bra Optional), NC-17, Jack/Ianto
Hot genderswitch PWP.
*nancybrown wrote Intersecting Geodesics, R, Ianto, Jack, John, Eleven
- Not just timey-wimey, not just fix-it, but a tough and touching look at post-CoE Ianto meeting Jack during his Time Agency days -- with, inevitably, a large side order of John Hart, and an especially vivid picture of Agency nastiness. The alternate reality is depicted in loving, plausible detail and the characterizations ache with intensity. Can a fic be both gritty and romantic? This one pulls it off.
-What's not to love about this? Plot, world-building, action, sex, relationships, intrigue, young Jack...the list goes on. The author has clearly spent a lot of time thinking about the world that Ianto finds himself part of, and also a lot of time building the backstory of the characters, but the best part of her hard work is that she only uses what is needed. The background works because it is in the background, full and richly detailed, but without overwhelming the story. This is also a great story about Ianto, about his resilience and resourcefulness and his ability to survive.
ninjasnano wrote Kingdom of Air, R, Ianto, team
It's an awesome action/adventure team-fic set in the Year That Wasn't.
notevery wrote Priority Call, NC-17, Jack/Ianto
Jack and Ianto experiment with phone sex. Need I say more?
paperclipbitch wrote:
Riflemen Of War, PG-13, Rhys/Andy
It's believable Rhys/Andy.
Clinging To The Wreckage Until I Got The Message, PG-15, Owen/Ianto
Believable, convincing Owen/Ianto for people who aren't all that convinced of Owen/Ianto.
pinkfairy727 wrote 'Till the Morning Comes, Teen, Jack/Ianto
it's one of those fics where Ianto manages to find a way to pop into Jack's future at various points. It wonderful and sweet and written in linear time but backwards.
pocky_slash wrote Club Wales, PG-13, Gwen, Ianto, canon pairings
Great Gwen/Ianto friendship.
remuslives23 wrote:
Fixing Jack, very NC-17, Jack/Ianto
Remuslives23 has quite a deserved following in the Remus/Sirius corner of fandom because she writes very descriptive, explicit sex scenes. But that is only part of the story. Remuslives23 manages to keep her characters masculine even while writing emotional scenes. Lucky for Torchwood fans since she has only very recently begun to write Jack/ Ianto. This was actually popping her Janto cherry.
Don't, PG, Jack/Ianto
This is one fangirl’s attempt to assuage her grief over Jack’s not saying “I love you” to his dying lover in CoE.
*rm and kalichan wrote I Had No Idea I Had Been Traveling , NC-17, Jack/Ianto
- This is my favourite fic in the fandom and I honestly believe it is also the best fic in the fandom. This is a beautiful story about the development of Jack and Ianto's relationship but what I loved most about this is the way these brilliant writers have shown us who these two characters are. There is an utterly gorgeous back story. The dialogue is brilliant, it's amusing, heart breaking, breath taking, all in turns. And the sex is scorching-ly hot. If I didn't love this so much, I'd be jealous of these writers. If you're going to read one fic in the Torchwood fandom, this is the one to read. I cannot possibly do justice to this in a rec. Go read it.
-This series is one of the most amazing pieces of writing in Torchwood fandom. Not for the fainthearted, the stories in this series are heartbreaking, warm, disturbing, funny, kinky, profound and most every point in between. Every time I read these, I'm riveted by the characterizations, the writing, the images and the twisting thoughts inside the characters' heads.
sam_storyteller wrote:
I Were the Heavens, PG, Jack/the Doctor
There are many terrific Jack backstories and some pretty splendid ones about his future. This one is both at once, and it has all the panache one expects from one of the fandom's best writers. Also a must-read for any fan of Doctor-Jack interactions: this one is, to my knowledge, unique, ingenious both in its timey-wimey and its crackling exchanges. In future!Jack, the Doctor may well have met his match.
If We Haven't Got Nightingales, Glenn Miller Will Suffice, PG, Jack, Team, OCs, Harriet, Gerald, Hub, Jack/Hub, Jack/Ianto
Jack/Hub. Yes, okay, there's more to the story than that, but one of the things that sets this story apart is that the author came up with a wonderful idea, and executed that idea with breathtaking skill and brilliance. It's strange and surreal, but not crack, and is that special kind of story that makes you want it to be canon.
sanginmychains wrote More Richer than My Tongue, NC-17, Jack/Ianto
This is beautifully written, with vivid images and some very nice scene-building. There are a lot of stories about how Jack and Ianto deal with the aftermath of "Cyberwoman," but this story stands out for the quality of the writing and the strength of the characterizations. Everything happens in small pieces, organically and slowly with great attention to detail. The conversations aren't always comfortable, or productive, but they are very real, and make this one of the best pieces of Jack and Ianto interaction in the fandom.
sarcasticchick wrote Proof of Your Existence, NC-17, Jack/Ianto
Amazing (and crazy, crazy) AU that completely works. Ianto is not all that he seems, neither human nor alien but... other.
shadowbyrd wrote:
Push and Pull, R, Tosh, Jack
Many of the post-Meat stories explore how Ianto feels about Jack allowing Gwen to refuse retconning Rhys. This one explores how Tosh might feel about it, in light of what we learned about her past in "Fragments." It's an unflinching, hard look at Jack's character, an interpretation that's not necessarily comfortable, but which fits all too well with what we know of him. Very well done.
Unbearable, PG, Jack/Ianto
Surely everyone has read this fic by now but for anyone who hasn't it's funny and fluff and the end...brilliant.
skellerbvvt wrote:
Hallways, PG, Jack, Jack/Ianto, Team, Suzie
One of the most seriously bizarre pieces of Torchwood fanfiction I've read. Skellerbvvt has a true gift for pulling together the strange and surreal to make sense of things, and while this piece is neither straightforward nor simple, it cuts right to the heart of a great many things.
Memories in Stained Glass, R, Jack/Ianto, Jack/Ianto/Doctor
Although a spot of hurt/comfort is often a good thing, there are some darn good stories that explore what happens when the hurt can't be fixed. This is definitely one of the best of those. In television, we're often used to the characters enduring all sorts of trauma--and indeed displaying all kinds of worrisome behaviors--only to carry on in the next episode as if nothing had happened. This story explores something of what might be if those things did continue to play out in Ianto's life, if the cumulative effect of everything he'd experienced might not be overcome.
smirnoffmule wrote On a Dark Night You Can See Forever, PG, Jack/Ianto
Alien squid! Also, a thoughtful and lovely Jack/Ianto story.
solsticezero wrote With Your Crooked Heart, PG, Jack/Ianto
Jack and Ianto share a quiet moment post-Exit Wounds. This is Ianto through Jack's eyes, stepping up and sharing a piece of himself. It's gentle and touching.
speedgeek wrote The Time Traveller's Daughter, PG-13, Alice Carter, Jack Harkness, the Doctor
Alice and Jack before and after. Yes, someone was brave enough to tackle the after, and for decades, no less. Very moving story, and I do love when fanfic explores Alice.
temporal_witch wrote of blood and absolution, adult, Jack/Ianto
This is now my personal canon for what happened post-'Meat'. Ianto is awesome in this fic.
troyswann wrote Beta Lyrae, PG-13, Jack/Ianto
This is how Jack doesn't remember Ianto (and, ultimately, how he doesn't forget).
valderys wrote Danse Macabre, NC-17, Jack/Ianto
Awesomely atmospheric.
veronicaluv wrote:
Past and Forever, R, Jack/Ianto, team, OC
It's a traditional H/C romance done very well.
Time Enough, R, Jack/Ianto
As the author puts it, this is Ianto’s journey. She wondered how did Ianto Jones go from the strange boy in the black suit in the beginning to the strong young lover in the colored shirts of season two. She wrote her missing moments with rare insight and poignancy. And perhaps fortunately, this was completed before Children of Earth. Watch especially for my favorite version of their first “date.”
wildestranger wrote Timewatching; or, Five Ways Ianto Jones Seduces Captain Jack Harkness, NC-17, Jack/Ianto
Now really, how delicious is the idea that Tea Boy was orchestrating the seduction all along and playing the Captain like a violin?
The Theban Band drew Torchwood Art, PG, Jack/Ianto
This is a photo realistic color portrait of the two men in an embrace. If you like this type of art, this picture is jaw droppingly pretty!
Kinky-Chichi drew Ianto and Jack Crack Dress Up Game, G-R depending what you do with the boys, Jack Harkness and Ianto Jones
This is better than barbies! Dress or undress the boys as you want. Change their expressions and their accessories. Add captions…..
It's been a rough year for Torchwood fans, but that doesn’t mean that the fic hasn't made up for it! Torchwood, it's always good for a bit of this, a spot of that, and lots of good ole fashioned romps.
A few notes:
1. Some of the links may lead to off LJ sites.
2. Each reader is responsible for double checking warnings on the story itself. It is not my job, nor the job of anyone else, to make sure you’re aware of the contents of the story.
3. I encourage you all to leave feedback for the authors! Feed the authors and they will continue to feed us.
4. This would not have happened if it were not for the generous help of many, many people. In particular, I would like to thank
windiain for making the lovely banners, to smirnoffmule for help with advertising, and to st_aurafina for coding the recs list. 5. If you encounter any mistakes, please drop me a note in the comments and I’ll do my best to fix it quickly.
6. Lastly, feel free to squee in the comments if you’re so inclined.
ETA: 7. Fics that were recced multiple times are denoted by an *.
51stcenturyfox wrote:Closure, R, Jack/John
This writer owns this pairing. But even without reading her wonderful cycle of Time Agent stories, you can't lose with this coda, set after Exit Wounds. It's a deeply affecting look at two people who have moved radically apart, yet share a bond (and ludicrous chemistry) that, under the circumstances, requires affirmation. Banter, humor, animosity, sexiness -- even with the undertone of grief -- all the canon hints are beautifully fleshed out: you will definitely hear these voices long after you finish reading.
Deskset, NC-17, Jack/Ianto
It's hot, nuff said
aeshna_uk wrote:Small Wonders, PG, Tosh, Jack
Well-characterized Jack/Tosh friendship.
The Lady in the Tower, NC-17, Jack/Yvonne Hartman
Hot.
And Seven For a Secret, R, Jack, OCs
This is a truly amazing Jack-centric adventure story, mostly taking place during World War II. The writing is superb, and the action parts especially are riveting. The original characters are fully-fleshed, interesting people, as terrific a supporting cast for Jack's story as anyone could wish. The story is actually told through the points of view of two original characters, but rather than distract from the story, the narrators instead add important perspective to the tale. It's a well-crafted, evocative, engaging story, well worth reading.
alex51324 wrote:The Face of God (or, Ianto Hears a Who), G, Ianto, Team, OCs
Great world-building.
The Road Back Home Again, R, Ianto, OCs, Jack
The premise of this story is an oft-told one: Ianto falls through the Rift onto an alien planet. But what's different about this story is the author's skillful portrayal of what it might really be like for someone to be flung to a far world, unable to communicate with anyone and never knowing if they'll come home. This is about the inherent uncertainty of being in such a position, and also about the very human ways that Ianto tries to cope with it. It's a fascinating piece of speculative fiction, and a good character study of Ianto as well.
amand_r wrote:Det[god]ails, R, Ianto/Ianto, Jack/Ianto
Amusingly absurd.
*We Held Gold Dust in Our Hands, NC-17, Team, etc (Jack/Lisa/Ianto/Gwen/Rhys and all permutations thereof with a heavy dose of the first three), Rhys, Rhiannon, Alice, Ten
- Premise of win: Lisa survives Canary Wharf but remains disabled; Ianto brings her to Cardiff, and they eventually form a polyamorous liaison with Jack. Pulls off the nearly impossible feat of being completely AU and also canon-compliant. Best Lisa every written -- a fully realized, imperfect and wonderful character -- and one of the most profound looks at the Jack-Ianto dynamic as well. If you read ONE longfic this year, this should be it.
- Well-characterized polyfic.
angstslashhope wrote The Secretary, NC-17, Jack/IantoJack and Ianto "loving that office-y feel." Ianto takes Jack's liking for office romances one step farther, with some help from Staples. Unbelievably hot, kinky in the most innovative way, and like all good PWPs, an excellent character study, written with great rhythm and humor.
antelope_writes wrote The Space Between, R for language and themes, Jack Harkness, boss and Ianto Jones, devastated boyfriend, some ToshikoAntelope_writes is a huge Jack Harkness fan in a fandom that worships Ianto Jones. This isn't to say that she belittles Ianto but that sometimes Harkness comes off as a charming fool in fanfic. If you have time, browse her meta about the characters and especially' Jack's character arc.
This fic is a great look at Jack Harkness as the man in charge of Torchwood after the events of Cyberwoman and how he "saved" a destroyed Ianto and re-established a working relationship with him. She manages to show that Jack is more than a besotted fool. Also, she shows glimpses of what Jack really gets from a relationship with this young man. Whether Jack analyzes what it is that makes Ianto so compeling to him, it is here. And Everything I've read of them is richer now for seeing it.
asrai99 wrote Parts of the Process, PG-13, Ianto, Doctor, Team, Others; Canon Pairings, some Ianto/OCsIt's an intricate, timey-wimey companion!Ianto action/adventure story.
blackbird_song wrote:Snowbringer, NC-17, Jack/Ianto, Gwen/Rhys
A wonderful tale at turns funny and touching. It's Torchwood doing what they do best - dealing with aliens.
Go Away a Little Closer, NC-17, Jack/Ianto
This is domestic fic with a difference - bittersweet rather than saccharine, with excellent character voices, it deals with the difficulties and the hope to be found in trying to build a life around Torchwood.
blue_fjords wrote I Loved a Woman with a Heart of AmberThe post-Cyberwoman era has been rehashed time and time again in fic, but seldom from this angle. This fic follows Gwen in the early days of Ianto's suspension as she tries to make sense of what's happened and who's fault it might be. It's written with a lovely, light, sympathetic touch and is a beautiful examination of Torchwood as a (sometimes fractured) team.
ceresi wrote A Sustainable Paradox, R, Jack/IantoTwisty time-travel goodness.
choccy_grl wrote Silent Running In Deep Waters, R, Jack/Ianto, OCsWhy this fic is awesome: This fic is one of the best and most original Torchwood AU's I've read in a long time. Choccy_grl manages to seamlessly weave together two stories- one of mystery, one of romance- and both kept me on the edge of my seat with anticipation.
cirrocumulus wrote Marigolds, PG, Jack/TeamBeautifully written and completely heartbreaking. It's difficult to say a lot without spoiling the story, but the premise is that Ianto has been dead for 86 days, and Jack is finding it very hard to let go. Tosh and Owen and especially Gwen are trying to help, but there are things going on that Jack can't really tell them. This isn't a story I'd read to cheer me up, but I've come back to it several times simply because it's hard not to get sucked into the compelling narrative of Jack's pain and grief and loss. I feel for him every step of the way.
coffee_kris wrote Burying it Deep, NC-17, Jack/IantoIt's hot like a hot thing.
curriejean wrote Endotherm, NC-17 (WARNING: enema kink), Jack/IantoDon't let the kink warning put you off this one. Everything by curriejean is worth a read, but she is never more artful than when she takes on potential squicks. She pushes both the participants and her readers out of their comfort zones here, and in the process, brings out hidden dynamics, sidelights on Jack and Ianto (and Ianto and Lisa). The payoff in terms of hotness and character insight is huge -- not to mention a (literally) visceral intimacy. Curriejean could teach a master class on how to make kink profound and witty, and this is one of her best.
cyus wrote Something Beautiful, R, Gwen, Jack/Gwen USTThis story follows Gwen after the events of "Children of Earth," and is one of the best Gwen character-pieces in the fandom. It shows her as the strong, grounded and emotionally intense person she can be. Her relationship with Jack is one of the foci of the story, and it's shown as a powerful and tempting force in Gwen's life, but one that she knows will change her forever. This is one of those stories that won't ever be canon, but which easily could be.
dani_the_girl wrote Electricity, PG, Team, Jack/Ianto
Creates a fascinating possible history for Ianto.
demotu wrote A Matter of Time, NC-17, Jack/Ianto, Jack/OCsThis story pretty much has it all. Good writing, good characterization, terrific plot, original ideas, marvelous supporting characters, a richly detailed world, lots of sex and a solid believeable romance. All that, and it's nearly 100,000 words, too. The premise is simple: Ianto travels to his future and Jack's past, and spends a lot of time with a Jack he never knew. Demotu has done a terrific job both of creating a believable younger Jack and making Ianto's responses to him equally plausible and very real. There's also some good, well-though discussions of the differences in relationships between Jack's time and Ianto's, adding a lot to the story without being preachy or distracting. This is a wonderful story, truly a fandom classic.
dsudis wrote Get Loved, Make More, Try to Stay Alive , R, Jack/IantoThis is the best mpreg-that's-not-really-mpreg and kidfic-that's-not-really-kidfic in the history of ever.
electro_club wrote You Have the Heart of a Star, PG-13, Jack/IantoIt's a delicate look at Jack & Ianto's relationship through Ianto's eyes. The characters connect, and don't connect, but a thread of hopefulness is present throughout. The writing is lovely and graceful.
epithetta wrote Four lives that Owen Harper saved + one he didn't, R, Owen Harper, Torchwood ensemble. Owen/his issues are still my original Torchwood OTP, despite later additions like Gwen/Rhys or CoE/This Awed Viewer. This story is a great Owen portrait, in his messed up, (sometimes) trying to be better glory.
freakishlemon wrote When it Becomes Everything, PG, Suzie, TeamThis is one of the best pieces of Suzie character-study I've read. Freakishlemon's Suzie is the one we never got to see on the show, the one who was a friend and colleague to the rest of the team, who was as brilliant and quirky and damaged as the rest of them. It's a lovely story all around, and a must-read for anyone who's a Suzie fan.
giddygeek wrote Sun in the Sky, R, Jack/Ianto, past Lisa/IantoWhile I like p0rn as much as the next fangirl, I prefer character driven pieces. I especially like Ianto deals with the loss of Lisa on this story.
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golden_d wrote They Still Write Poetry in the Fifty-First Century, G, Toshiko- Oh, because it's lovely, and it mixes linguistics and Torchwood's history, and Toshiko being Toshiko, worrying away at a problem to learn a little about Jack's life in the future.
- A beautifully written fic showcasing Tosh's intellectual curiosity, her empathy, and a real love of language which gives this story a genuinely delicate touch.
jbs_teeth wrote The Truth I Chose For You, R, Ianto/JackWhy this fic is awesome: In my review to the author I wrote that this fic is like a blow to the gut. It really is. One of the best one shots I have ever read. Also, ankles. :D
kaydeefalls wrote And Indeed There Will Be Time , R, Team, Jack/Ianto, Martha/TomAn utterly awesome case-story.
kayliemalinza wrote Bezoar for Touching, PG-13, Jack/Ianto, Gwen For me, this fic hits the tone of Torchwood absolutely perfectly - cracky, dark, weird, bleak, tender in unexpected places. It's genuinely original and beautifully written.
kel_reiley wrote:In Bits and Pieces, R, Team, Jack/Ianto
Well-plotted epic gap-filler fic with good characterization.
From out of the rain picspam, PG, team
It's a pic spam and very funny. Post CoE I wanted something to make me laugh and remind me the plot lines weren't what I watched torchwood for, this did both those things.
kinkerbelle13 wrote Five Things The Make Ianto Jones Happy, PG, Jack/Ianto, Ianto&GwenThe title is more or less the summary, but the author's choices of what things do make Ianto happy, and why, provide the basis for a lovely exploration of Ianto's character and backstory. In particular, his relationship with Gwen via rugby (or vice versa) is a beautifully written paen to rugby and Wales and Gwen.
liadan14 wrote Normalcy? R, Jack/Ianto, teamI laughed until I cried.
madder_rose wrote Long ago (and far away), NC-17, Jack/IantoWhy this fic is awesome:In the aftermath of CoE AU's seem to have increased in popularity. This one of my favs - set in WW2. It's made even better by having a brilliant sequel.
marag wrote Guilty of Dust and Sin, PG-13, Jack Harkness/Ianto JonesThis is a follow up to Hate Can Pardon that shows the least romantic proposition Ianto had ever heard. Even counting the ones from Jack...
marginaliana wrote The Flowers, Ianto, Jack/IantoThere are a lot of stories about how Ianto deals with Jack's departure after "End of Days." This is one of the best. In this story, Ianto deals with his feelings by trying to find ways to not deal with his feelings--which I think says a great deal about Ianto, and about how well the author portrays him. Although characterization can be highly subjective, I feel that the Ianto of this story rings very true to the Ianto of canon, and--like many good stories--subtley brings up parts of his character that might be overlooked.
Mhalachai wrote Pocket Watch Boy, PG-13, Ianto, Jack, Doctor, Team; Jack/Ianto
It's by far one of the best Time Lord!Ianto fics in existence.
misswinterhill wrote:Non-Linear, Teen, Jack/Ianto
Everyone must have read this fic by now but if you haven't why not? It's a Jack/Ianto spend eternity together story but it's not like any other story of that type that you've ever read. Just brilliant.
Marmalade, NC-17, Gwen/Ianto
Set during The Year That Never Was, Gwen and Ianto are in hiding from the Toclafane. Dark, melancholy, and Jack of course permeates the story despite his absence. The characterizations are spot-on in a realistic "what if" scenario.
That Doesn't Bother You, Does It?, R, Jack/Ianto, Jack/OC
This story does deal, in large part, with a Jack/OC relationship, but everything about that relationship also ends up being about Jack and Ianto. This is one of the most painfully raw stories in the fandom, and deals with the issue of Jack's 51st-Century sensibilities and how Ianto copes with them--and not. It's a fascinating and compelling character study of both men, as seen through the perspective of an equally fascinating third character.
neifile7 wrote Calypso, R, Jack/OMG, Jack/others This story is a fine piece of historical fiction, rich in detail and lovely in execution. Jack is stranded in Cardiff in 1869 looking for the Doctor, and this is how he survives. Beautiful and blunt and real.
out_there wrote Underwear Not Required (Bra Optional), NC-17, Jack/IantoHot genderswitch PWP.
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nancybrown wrote Intersecting Geodesics, R, Ianto, Jack, John, Eleven- Not just timey-wimey, not just fix-it, but a tough and touching look at post-CoE Ianto meeting Jack during his Time Agency days -- with, inevitably, a large side order of John Hart, and an especially vivid picture of Agency nastiness. The alternate reality is depicted in loving, plausible detail and the characterizations ache with intensity. Can a fic be both gritty and romantic? This one pulls it off.
-What's not to love about this? Plot, world-building, action, sex, relationships, intrigue, young Jack...the list goes on. The author has clearly spent a lot of time thinking about the world that Ianto finds himself part of, and also a lot of time building the backstory of the characters, but the best part of her hard work is that she only uses what is needed. The background works because it is in the background, full and richly detailed, but without overwhelming the story. This is also a great story about Ianto, about his resilience and resourcefulness and his ability to survive.
ninjasnano wrote Kingdom of Air, R, Ianto, teamIt's an awesome action/adventure team-fic set in the Year That Wasn't.
notevery wrote Priority Call, NC-17, Jack/IantoJack and Ianto experiment with phone sex. Need I say more?
paperclipbitch wrote:Riflemen Of War, PG-13, Rhys/Andy
It's believable Rhys/Andy.
Clinging To The Wreckage Until I Got The Message, PG-15, Owen/Ianto
Believable, convincing Owen/Ianto for people who aren't all that convinced of Owen/Ianto.
pinkfairy727 wrote 'Till the Morning Comes, Teen, Jack/Iantoit's one of those fics where Ianto manages to find a way to pop into Jack's future at various points. It wonderful and sweet and written in linear time but backwards.
pocky_slash wrote Club Wales, PG-13, Gwen, Ianto, canon pairingsGreat Gwen/Ianto friendship.
remuslives23 wrote:Fixing Jack, very NC-17, Jack/Ianto
Remuslives23 has quite a deserved following in the Remus/Sirius corner of fandom because she writes very descriptive, explicit sex scenes. But that is only part of the story. Remuslives23 manages to keep her characters masculine even while writing emotional scenes. Lucky for Torchwood fans since she has only very recently begun to write Jack/ Ianto. This was actually popping her Janto cherry.
Don't, PG, Jack/Ianto
This is one fangirl’s attempt to assuage her grief over Jack’s not saying “I love you” to his dying lover in CoE.
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rm and kalichan wrote I Had No Idea I Had Been Traveling , NC-17, Jack/Ianto- This is my favourite fic in the fandom and I honestly believe it is also the best fic in the fandom. This is a beautiful story about the development of Jack and Ianto's relationship but what I loved most about this is the way these brilliant writers have shown us who these two characters are. There is an utterly gorgeous back story. The dialogue is brilliant, it's amusing, heart breaking, breath taking, all in turns. And the sex is scorching-ly hot. If I didn't love this so much, I'd be jealous of these writers. If you're going to read one fic in the Torchwood fandom, this is the one to read. I cannot possibly do justice to this in a rec. Go read it.
-This series is one of the most amazing pieces of writing in Torchwood fandom. Not for the fainthearted, the stories in this series are heartbreaking, warm, disturbing, funny, kinky, profound and most every point in between. Every time I read these, I'm riveted by the characterizations, the writing, the images and the twisting thoughts inside the characters' heads.
sam_storyteller wrote:I Were the Heavens, PG, Jack/the Doctor
There are many terrific Jack backstories and some pretty splendid ones about his future. This one is both at once, and it has all the panache one expects from one of the fandom's best writers. Also a must-read for any fan of Doctor-Jack interactions: this one is, to my knowledge, unique, ingenious both in its timey-wimey and its crackling exchanges. In future!Jack, the Doctor may well have met his match.
If We Haven't Got Nightingales, Glenn Miller Will Suffice, PG, Jack, Team, OCs, Harriet, Gerald, Hub, Jack/Hub, Jack/Ianto
Jack/Hub. Yes, okay, there's more to the story than that, but one of the things that sets this story apart is that the author came up with a wonderful idea, and executed that idea with breathtaking skill and brilliance. It's strange and surreal, but not crack, and is that special kind of story that makes you want it to be canon.
sanginmychains wrote More Richer than My Tongue, NC-17, Jack/IantoThis is beautifully written, with vivid images and some very nice scene-building. There are a lot of stories about how Jack and Ianto deal with the aftermath of "Cyberwoman," but this story stands out for the quality of the writing and the strength of the characterizations. Everything happens in small pieces, organically and slowly with great attention to detail. The conversations aren't always comfortable, or productive, but they are very real, and make this one of the best pieces of Jack and Ianto interaction in the fandom.
sarcasticchick wrote Proof of Your Existence, NC-17, Jack/IantoAmazing (and crazy, crazy) AU that completely works. Ianto is not all that he seems, neither human nor alien but... other.
shadowbyrd wrote:Push and Pull, R, Tosh, Jack
Many of the post-Meat stories explore how Ianto feels about Jack allowing Gwen to refuse retconning Rhys. This one explores how Tosh might feel about it, in light of what we learned about her past in "Fragments." It's an unflinching, hard look at Jack's character, an interpretation that's not necessarily comfortable, but which fits all too well with what we know of him. Very well done.
Unbearable, PG, Jack/Ianto
Surely everyone has read this fic by now but for anyone who hasn't it's funny and fluff and the end...brilliant.
skellerbvvt wrote:Hallways, PG, Jack, Jack/Ianto, Team, Suzie
One of the most seriously bizarre pieces of Torchwood fanfiction I've read. Skellerbvvt has a true gift for pulling together the strange and surreal to make sense of things, and while this piece is neither straightforward nor simple, it cuts right to the heart of a great many things.
Memories in Stained Glass, R, Jack/Ianto, Jack/Ianto/Doctor
Although a spot of hurt/comfort is often a good thing, there are some darn good stories that explore what happens when the hurt can't be fixed. This is definitely one of the best of those. In television, we're often used to the characters enduring all sorts of trauma--and indeed displaying all kinds of worrisome behaviors--only to carry on in the next episode as if nothing had happened. This story explores something of what might be if those things did continue to play out in Ianto's life, if the cumulative effect of everything he'd experienced might not be overcome.
smirnoffmule wrote On a Dark Night You Can See Forever, PG, Jack/IantoAlien squid! Also, a thoughtful and lovely Jack/Ianto story.
solsticezero wrote With Your Crooked Heart, PG, Jack/IantoJack and Ianto share a quiet moment post-Exit Wounds. This is Ianto through Jack's eyes, stepping up and sharing a piece of himself. It's gentle and touching.
speedgeek wrote The Time Traveller's Daughter, PG-13, Alice Carter, Jack Harkness, the Doctor Alice and Jack before and after. Yes, someone was brave enough to tackle the after, and for decades, no less. Very moving story, and I do love when fanfic explores Alice.
temporal_witch wrote of blood and absolution, adult, Jack/IantoThis is now my personal canon for what happened post-'Meat'. Ianto is awesome in this fic.
troyswann wrote Beta Lyrae, PG-13, Jack/IantoThis is how Jack doesn't remember Ianto (and, ultimately, how he doesn't forget).
valderys wrote Danse Macabre, NC-17, Jack/IantoAwesomely atmospheric.
veronicaluv wrote:Past and Forever, R, Jack/Ianto, team, OC
It's a traditional H/C romance done very well.
Time Enough, R, Jack/Ianto
As the author puts it, this is Ianto’s journey. She wondered how did Ianto Jones go from the strange boy in the black suit in the beginning to the strong young lover in the colored shirts of season two. She wrote her missing moments with rare insight and poignancy. And perhaps fortunately, this was completed before Children of Earth. Watch especially for my favorite version of their first “date.”
wildestranger wrote Timewatching; or, Five Ways Ianto Jones Seduces Captain Jack Harkness, NC-17, Jack/IantoNow really, how delicious is the idea that Tea Boy was orchestrating the seduction all along and playing the Captain like a violin?
The Theban Band drew Torchwood Art, PG, Jack/Ianto
This is a photo realistic color portrait of the two men in an embrace. If you like this type of art, this picture is jaw droppingly pretty!
Kinky-Chichi drew Ianto and Jack Crack Dress Up Game, G-R depending what you do with the boys, Jack Harkness and Ianto Jones
This is better than barbies! Dress or undress the boys as you want. Change their expressions and their accessories. Add captions…..
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2009-12-13 07:06 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-13 09:48 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-13 09:58 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-13 02:40 pm (UTC)Lots of stories I love here, and some new ones! *READS*
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Date: 2009-12-13 03:59 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-13 04:59 pm (UTC)(I should point out that the link goes to "Hate Can Pardon", which is the first story, rather than "Guilty of Dust and Sin" (http://marag.livejournal.com/519995.html).)
Thank you so much for doing this as you just brightened my day :)
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Date: 2009-12-13 05:12 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-14 11:39 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-13 08:40 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-13 09:15 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-13 09:49 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-13 10:34 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-13 11:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-14 12:35 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-14 02:00 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-14 02:53 am (UTC)and also, now i have lots of things to read or re-read! WHEEE!
thank you!
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Date: 2009-12-14 04:06 am (UTC)Equally happy to see several fics and names that are new to me!
(And although I do put "Anya" on fics, would it be possible to list it under my username? Thanks!)
no subject
Date: 2009-12-14 04:11 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-14 07:16 am (UTC)And thank you so much to whoever recced two of my fics, and said such lovely things! *hugs you* I had to go back and look twice before I believed it!
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Date: 2009-12-14 06:33 pm (UTC)This is just great! So excited and I can't wait to dig in.
Many, many thanks
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Date: 2009-12-14 06:35 pm (UTC)And I debated going alphabetical, but I thought the surprises might be more fun. The lists will be here forever, so there's plenty of time to peruse at your leisure, too. :)
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Date: 2009-12-14 06:46 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-14 06:47 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-17 10:38 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-18 12:57 am (UTC)(Thanks so much to the lovely people who recced IG! *happy grin*)