My notes:
This is a beautiful character study of Vala. So well written.
static equilibrium
Fandom: Stargate: SG-1
After finding Vala and convincing her not to run, Daniel drives them back to Cheyenne Mountain
or: a(n almost) coda for Memento Mori
My notes:
The imagery this writer creates and the way she describes the nature of Daniel and Vala’s relationship is truly beautiful. Every sentence seems perfectly crafted with another poetic observation of their push and pull with each other. Favourite part: “But he can’t do that to her; that’s how they work. They mi... Read more
Foolish Hopes
Fandom: Stargate: SG-1
Vala Mal Doran had always gone out of her way to avoid feeling like a fool. And she knew that hope was the most foolish thing of all. But a certain archaeologist made her hope again. When she thought he dashed those hopes, she attempted to rebuild her armor-with very little success.
My notes:
The premise is definitely a bit contrived, but that doesn’t end up mattering because this is so well written. The character analysis is spot on and the way Daniel reflects on their relationship and the individual ways they sabotage themselves is insightfully accurate. This is my favourite quote because it just hits th... Read more
The Most Beautiful Words
Fandom: The X-Files
Ship: Fox Mulder/Dana Scully
In response to the prompt “Things you said in our vows”. Post Amor Fati fic.
My notes:
Exactly the way Amor Fati should have ended after the touchstone scene. Really well written analysis from Scully’s POV in response to the implications of what Mulder said to her, and to what she then confirmed back to him. Those were essentially wedding vows that were just never acknowledged, along with the rest of t... Read more
Simple Gifts
Fandom: The X-Files
Ship: Fox Mulder/Dana Scully
A week apart following the events of Millennium gives Mulder and Scully a lot of time to think. They come to the decision that a late Christmas is MUCH better than none at all.
My notes:
Their first kiss at the millennium starts something between them, but Mulder doesn’t think so at first. When he sees Scully’s face fall when he murmured that “the world didn’t end”, he assumes the worst. We then jump back to the previous week to when Scully is in San Diego for Christmas, where... Read more
The Mesas of Deuteronilus Mensae
Fandom: The X-Files
Ship: Fox Mulder/Dana Scully
Dr. Dana Scully is a last minute replacement amongst the crew of the first human colony on Mars. Dr. Fox Mulder, fellow scientist and crew psychologist, is immediately intrigued.
My notes:
Amazingly well researched AU about Mulder and Scully being among the first pioneers to colonize Mars. Mix in some suspense and some will they won’t they space sex and you’ve got the perfect AU.
Together
Fandom: Stargate: SG-1
Taking place a few weeks after Unending, Vala is having trouble dealing with the emotional side effect resulting of her plan from Dominion. Daniel helps her resolve her issues.
My notes:
A lovely introspective piece told from Daniel’s POV. After Vala’s reminded of one of her false Dominion memories, Daniel follows her as she runs off. They fall into an honest conversation about her fears of what relying too much on people is doing to her, and it helps Daniel reflect on Vala’s behavior over... Read more
Save the Last Dance
Fandom: Stargate: SG-1
At Jack and Sam’s wedding Daniel finally gets a dance with the very popular Vala Mal Doran. It just takes a little prodding from Cam to get him there.
My notes:
This is so deliciously tense.
Unended
Fandom: Stargate: SG-1
5 times Daniel and Vala’s missing 50 years bled over into the present, and one time it didn’t have to.
My notes:
Thoughtful little moments that gave Daniel and Vala déjà vu from their lost time on the Odyssey, and a realistic exploration of how they might end up having that much-needed talk about where they stand with each other. I love that their words essentially stay the same, but they’re said without as much hostility sinc... Read more
burn the shoes and boil the rice
Fandom: Stargate: SG-1
Five times Daniel and Vala got married, and one time they didn’t.
My notes:
This one makes me tear up it’s so lovely. All of the fake marriage scenarios are inventive and delightfully amusing – their antagonistic banter is just on point. In contrast, the last ‘scenario’ squeezes my heart so brilliantly, even after having read this quite a few times. Vala pushes as she does,... Read more