Something Special by rosenland
Rachel Berry had always known that she would grow up to be special. Fortunately, the universe agreed. Unfortunately, it had a very different definition of the word in mind.
Or, the one where Glee Club is a top-secret program for extraordinary teenagers and Rachel's voice is her literal super-power.
hey what’s up, do y’all mind if I write paragraphs real quick?
This fic is...well, something special. (Something...extraordinary, even?)
This fic is well-written. It’s funny. The characterization is phenomenal. The relationships are unique and interesting, well-explored and well-developed.
The plot is deeply intriguing and compelling. The mystery unfolds more and more with each chapter, questions answered, answers leading to more questions. It’s fascinating and suspenseful and leaves you on the edge of your seat.
Quinn and Rachel’s relationship is a perfect slowburn, a masterclass really. We begin with them at the earliest stages of their relationship. Pure animosity between them.
And then we watch it change. Slowly. Piece by piece. One small interaction. A moment of vulnerability. It’s growing and evolving, and to bear witness to it in a story like this is so goddamn beautiful.
This story also does one of my most favorite things that a fic can do, which is lean in on the physical intimacy of their relationship. Emphasizing touches and hands, and making this a foundational aspect of their relationship without ever even talking about it, without naming it. Without admitting that it means anything.
I fear I could go on and on about this fic forever - there really is so much to say. But just know that it’s fucking GOOD, okay? It’s like stupidly good. I’ve read hundreds of faberry fics and this one shot to the top of my favorites. It’s a work in progress that’s being actively updated (most recently mere days ago), and it’s already 170k words deep. Act II just ended so if you’re not reading it yet, it’s a perfect time to jump in (with me, I just got here!) and see out Act III, and what I presume is the rest of this fic, with the rest of us. It’s well-worth it, and I can’t recommend it enough.