Fic Rec Friday Ahoy!

[katajainen]

Love-In-Idleness (160068 words) by perkynurples
Chapters: 20/20
Fandom: The Hobbit - All Media Types, The Hobbit (Jackson Movies)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Bilbo Baggins/Thorin Oakenshield, implied Dís/Dwalin
Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield, Dís, Gandalf, Balin, Fíli, Kíli, Primula Brandybuck, Bofur, Dwalin, Thranduil, Radagast, Bombur, Bifur, Dori, Ori (Tolkien), Nori (Tolkien), Tauriel, Legolas Greenleaf
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Slow Burn, Humor, Tags May Change

Summary:

Taking Bilbo Baggins, a successful movie actor who is only just getting used to the perks and intricacies of becoming A Face People Want To See, and putting him together with Thorin Oakenshield, with his very traditional (read: slightly backwards) ideas about what constitutes Real Art and Real Talent, might very well be viewed as just some clothead’s idea of a joke. But there are jokes, and then there are carefully calculated risks the size of controversial reproductions of classic Shakespearean plays - for Bilbo, it is the chance of a lifetime to prove himself to all those who have ever deemed him too one-dimensional to even attempt stage, while Thorin has the opportunity to get out of the rut that’s been hindering his career for so long now, and shine in a role worthy of his talent once again. That is if the two learn how to share the same space for more than ten minutes without wanting to tear each other’s hair out. The course of true love never did run smooth, after all…

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For your holiday enjoyment, I propose one of my guaranteed feel-good stories, a nice, long, finely crafted read.

To start with, it’s set in a rich and detailed AU that provides plenty of fuel for all kinds of emotional misunderstanding and frustration. (The theatre setting is a special bonus to me, because while I might know zilch about the actual craft, I’m very weak for all the behind-the-scenes trivia.)

Second, it’s funny enough to make you wonder whether you might strain your face from grinning too much. Or rupture a spleen from stifled laughter. (I often read at night and live with three other people. This is sometimes a problem.) The dialogue alone is a hoot and a half, and the character chemistry (and personality clashes) provide plenty of opportunity for wit.

Third, the pining is long and painful and exquisite. The plot revels in not following your typical romcom template, and the pacing works so well the resolution doesn’t feel drawn-out at all. And I won’t spoil the ending for you, but only say it’s the cherry on a very lovely cake.

Recommended accompaniment: a soft flat surface of your choice and plenty of chocolates.

Comments

[curiousartemis]

Thanks!!! I'm not much on Gimli x Legolas but I'm total bagginshield trash so I will definitely be watching your fic recs!! :D Sometimes it feels like I've read all the "good ones" but damn if it's a fandom that doesn't just keep giving!

[katajainen]

Sometimes it feels like I've read all the "good ones" but damn if it's a fandom that doesn't just keep giving!

Ain't that true! I came to the fandom late, and I bet there's a bunch of good stuff from the early days that I simply haven't found yet. Not to mention all the new good stuff.