don't be dull, be fannish

"Only Now" by Subjective Reality | Gen | Little Britches ATF AU, future fic, h/c | Vin is returning home from the army, but in four years a lot has changed. Will he still fit in his family? Will they accept the changes in Vin? | ~9.000 words

As Chris waited anxiously for the plane to land, he wondered on the changes Vin must have gone through in the last few years. His son had come home sporadically but it was evident that the visits were difficult for him. Vin could never articulate why but it was clear that until his hitch was up, it was easier for Vin to stay away. He sent regular postcards and called at least once a month, more often when missions allowed. But it had been fourteen months since Chris had seen his son and he couldn’t wait to be near him again.

The Mag7 fandom thrives on AUs. And this is a future fic set in the ATF LB AU of the OW LB AU of the show. Ha! This must be one of my most favorite stories in the "Little Britches" alternate universe.

"Cold Enough to Snow" by Gwyneth Rhys | Chris/Vin | H/c, future!fic | Set a few years in the future from the show's universe, Chris and Vin are reunited in a different place and time, coming to terms with regrets and second chances. | ~7.500 words

"I wouldn't care, except..." and Vin leaned over and kissed Chris, his lips brushing like a whisper over Chris's, barely touching. Chris felt himself yearn upwards to Vin's mouth, taking him closer. Then Chris knew which way to go and he turned his face away, taking up his gun again and reloading. When the next shots eventually came he looked at Vin, who was gazing calmly at him, his face so tender. Vin didn't duck the bullets or move away from the direction of the shots. Chris knew he should feel ashamed, but he wasn't certain what for -- that he had hurt Vin, or that Vin thought they could do such a thing.

This fic made me cry. Literally cry. I started bawling halfway through and didn't stop until I finished it. It doesn't have an unhappy ending or anything but there's so much regret between them, so much time lost and with Vin sick... The story feels so real. No fairy tale ending, but it's amazingly beautiful nonetheless. The best Chris/Vin I've read so far, hands down.