ext_20969: (Default)
ext_20969 ([identity profile] amyhit.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] xf_book_club2011-12-16 03:36 pm
Entry tags:

Story 189 & 190: "Epiphany" by MaybeAmanda, and "How to Fly" by Oracle

It's a good thing we just got finished with an apocafic, because this year we're going to have two fics for Christmas and they're both sweet and generally happy little stories. Everyone is welcome to comment on both, or only one, in either order, at any time.

The first one is an AU season 9-ish fic in which Mulder and Scully spend Christmas together with their infant son. It's also probably the most homey, domestic fic I'm ever going to rec. *g* But don't let my Scrooge impression scare you off. It's nice, and there's an interesting little twist to Mulder and Scully's world, amidst all the domestic bliss.

Epiphany by Maybe Amanda

In the second fic, Mulder and Scully spend Christmas Eve stranded while on the road. It's set in any one of the early/mid seasons, and it's nothing complicated, just a sweetly romantic little vignette.

How to Fly by Oracle

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate, and seasonal well wishes to all who don't.

[identity profile] estella-c.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 10:48 pm (UTC)(link)
I promise to comment. I have read both, but must refresh my memory of Epiphany. It's a complicated week for reading. :)
wendelah1: (Default)

Is this a title or not?

[personal profile] wendelah1 2011-12-22 03:21 am (UTC)(link)
This should be interesting. The comment pages have been redesigned and we no longer have comment titles as an option. This will negative impact the readability of this community, as well as our ability to conduct lengthy discussion. You also can't preview comments. Personally, I am really, really pissed off about this. Fail, Live Journal!

As far as the stories, I liked them both pretty well, although I had some issues with both of them. I'll be back after I finish a story I owe to Fringe Secret Santa and comment in more depth.

In the meanwhile, have a photo!




EDIT: now I'm just confused. In this view (my own style, which is Flexible Squares), it looks like the comment pages are unchanged. And the Subject line is still available and comments can be previewed? I'm going to sign out and sign into an unpaid account and see if that makes a difference. If I need to, I'll change the format to Flexible Squares if that means we get the comment lines back.
Edited 2011-12-22 03:35 (UTC)

[identity profile] estella-c.livejournal.com 2011-12-23 10:25 pm (UTC)(link)
I have always liked "Epiphany," more since I parsed it out and came to respect its semi-hidden angst. It comes on like such a joyous little holiday celebration, but such a strained history Scully has been carrying in her brain. It's a good thing that Mulder displays as such a super partner-father, despite his inevitable confusion. He's almost too good. It might have been better if he were more defensive and confused. But hey, it's Christmas.

MaybeAmanda's style is, of course, the very best butter.

As for "How To Fly," well, I like Oracle, always have, always will, but this one seemed a bit flyaway for me. Maybe it's because Mulder's marvelous insight is shared as the two agent are in bed hugging each other. It's not pillow tall either, which as we know occurs *after.* Come to think of it, "Epiphany" is somewhat weakened by that "we must get together for sex soon" ending MA had boxed herself into. Let me put it this way. I like straight talk, and I like the sexing (dare I admit), and I like FBI crimefighting and partnerfighting and alienfighting and can even be titillated by an occasional M/O and S/O. But there's something about the loitering on the brink of physicality that makes me feel as though I've been trapped in the preteen library section. It's just me. Crabby old me.

The "no room at the inn" reference in "How To Fly" was clever. Though I'm not sure we fans should be encouraged to identify our heroes with gods any more than we have already.

[identity profile] infinitlight.livejournal.com 2011-12-27 11:56 am (UTC)(link)
Ugh, livejournal. If anyone here's considering backing up their journal or moving, FYI you can get a dreamwidth account without an invite code between now and the New Year.

I liked Epiphany, a lot. There's nothing especially new about it, but it's sweetly written and manages not to be too sappy despite being holiday fic, baby fic, and schmoopy 'ship fic. I like the background detail of Mulder's missing memories and the references to Doggett and Scully's new job.

I like the beginning of How To Fly, the setting of the scene. Like amyhit mentioned above, I thought this was a good scene:

"So then why did you want to join me?" she asks, raising
her eyebrows.

There's a pause. He brushes some snow from her hair.

"Because I wanted to," he replies. He avoids her gaze.
"Why do I need a reason?"


The ending is way too sugary for my taste, though. I really don't like the reindeer conversation or the underlying metaphor. Bah humbug.