Secret Mutant 2016 - Main Collection
Sorry for the long wait folks, but here (finally!) is our list of favorites from the Secret Mutant Exchange 2016! As always, we encourage you to check out ALL the amazing fic/art by the talented contributors!
If It's Cloudy or Bright by pearl_o [Cherik, R]
It's too late to write back now, Erik thinks. Not after all this time. But he would--he would like to see Charles again, he thinks.
Mod Note: This fic is gorgeous and atmospheric, conveying such a perfect sense of both Erik’s isolation and self-denial in the context of the time period (post- WWII).
Fifty Dollars and First Impressions by pocky_slash [Raven/Angel, Cherik, PG13]
Angel's not thrilled at the prospect of spending her Friday night on a blind date with her boss' rich boyfriend's sister, but for fifty bucks and a nice bottle of tequila, even baby-sitting Trust Fund Princess can be bearable.
Then they meet. And suddenly, it's a lot more than bearable.
Mod Note: Funny, a little unusual rom-com style fic with some amazing Angel & Erik rapport.
Natural Gifts by annejumps (Jean/Erik/Charles, NC17}
Mod Note: Modern, powered AU where Charles and Erik run a PR company and Jean is their intern. Hot, sexy (and surprisingly tender) threesome that is beautifully written.
Tethered by fabeld [Cherik, PG13]
After the death of his wife, Erik leaves his daughter in care of Charles and his school. He roams far but he always finds his way back.
Mod Note: This is a brutal one. It hurts, but it hurts so good!
Cellulose Acetate by bocje_ce_ustu [Charles/Logan, past Cherik, R]
At first it is terrifying and, in a way, heartbreakingly beautiful, not unlike watching a star dying in fast forward.
Mod Note: This fic is a gorgeous, if painful exploration of what it means to lose your sense of self; doubly terrifying for a telepath who can so easily get pulled into the minds of others. Logan is gruff but tender, and Charles’ POV is heartbreaking.
In Sickness by Unforgotten [Cherik, PG13]
Decades ago, Charles would have given much for the chance to be at Erik's side when he was sick. Now that they're both in their nineties and on the run from Sentinels, there's still nowhere he'd rather be.
Mod Note: Old mutant husbands are always a favorite, and this fic really nails the sometimes sharp, yet comfortable (and comforting) relationship between Charles and Erik in the dark future.
I say that fate should not tempt me by pearl_o [Charles/Jean, R]
Conversations, chess games, dreams--the months following Apocalypse give Jean a lot to work through.
Mod Note: The depth and complexity of Charles and Jean’s relationship post-XMA is really well explored, and the open ending leaves us breathless for more.
Society's Anxiety by phalangine [Cherik, R]
The day Charles Xavier's soulmate counter reaches zero is also the day he meets Erik Lehnsherr. It never occurs to him that that might mean something.
Mod Note: A very interesting take on the soulmate trope; the reveal of the how and why it took them so long to get there is heartwrenching, making the subsequent happy ending all the more deserved.
this sky, too, is folding under you by Nokomis [Gen, PG]
Nice things keep happening to Kurt. He wants to know why.
Mod Note: Kurt’s confusion over his presence at the School is charmingly funny, and his awkward relationship with Mystique (and the bittersweet reveal of their connection) makes this fic a delight to read!
trying to convince myself (that it's alright living without it) by nextraordinaire [Cherik, R]
Running from unicorns hadn’t been in the work description when Charles’d applied for the research position, but from reading all the reports about the ‘rather aggressive behavior’ they showed towards researchers in general, it shouldn’t have come as surprise.
Mod Note: Super trippy and with a great sense of humour this fic is really a creative and different addition to the collection.
for the love of food by dedkake [Cherik, PG13]
Charles is a struggling single father. Erik teaches him to cook real meals for his son.
Mod Note: Cooking lessons by Erik Lehnsherr with some funny and sweet romance added. Charles really deserves this, even though he only fed his kid lunchables for the longest time.
