Big Fat Garak/Bashir Fanfic Recs list!
Jan. 22nd, 2012 09:10 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ladydraceRight, so I thought it was time to finally tackle this beast! There is so much good stuff out there and I'll probably overlook a lot of things, but my trip through links today reminded me of some of the amazing fics out there and I really want to let the world know which of these I love the best and why. So here we go! In no particular order, my personal faves!
Marked by![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
prelocandkanar !
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6.
Why? Because it's so amazingly well written with depth, emotion and believability. It's in character, the pace is perfect, it chills, hurts and warms in turns. And I dare you to find grammar errors. I just dare you. One of the first G/B fics I ever read and the high quality of this stuff damn near spoiled me for the rest of the fandom. GO READ IT! It's always the first rec I make. Always.
(And if you just couldn't get enough, like me, there's also a little funny fic that offers just a little peek of a follow-up. Tattoo.)
Solitude and Solitaire by Kira-Nerys.
Why? These two companion pieces are just so goddamn hot. They get me every time, from either perspective. I can't pick a favorite. Read them both and I'm willing to bet your pulse races in no time. So fucking good.
Laying Claim by Kira-Nerys
Why? Because it's hot, okay? Really fucking hot. Unf.
The First Time by Olivia Monteith.
Why? Because the plot is unique and offers an absurdly rare and fresh angle on the Garak/Bashir dynamic. And it's still in character! And hot! Actually, this fic is even better when you've read a lot of other fics and you're looking for something to rock the boat a little. It's awesome!
Cardassia Sutra by Arcady.
Why? Because it's a classic. It has it all. Humor, sweetness, great characterization, hot sex and some inventive alien sex. So much to love in this fic. Everyone in the G/B fandom should read this at least once.
Green Silk by Kathryn Ramage.
Why? Because it's just so sweet and domestic and it makes my little heart go all gooey over Garak and Bashir, while reading how their friends react around them. Just... *happy sigh*
Damage Control By Kathryn Ramage.
Why? Another look at alien sex (with hardly any actual sex depicted), but with a more serious twist. It's passionate and loving and paints a very accurate picture of some of the difficulties there might come of an interspecies relationship.
On My Arm by Kathryn Ramage.
Why? Because it makes my little heart all achey for poor, lonely Garak and sweet, sweet Bashir. And the happy ending is just brilliant.
Deja Jules by Invicta.
Why? Because it's fun and cute and the buildup is wonderful. Not the best fic in the world, but it has the wonderful effect of staying with you for ages and ages. And that takes serious skill.
The Garak/Bashir Mysteries AU series by JA Ingram and Charlene Vickers.
(The link is to Ingram's page on BLTS, because it has all the links in one place and in the right order. I checked. They all work.)
Why? This is a must-read. I mean it. Even if you don't like AU's, go read it. It'll break your fucking heart several times along the way, but seriously, this fic should be published as a book, because damn... just... I don't have big enough words for it.
It has everything. And I do mean everything. Plot, mystery, romance, sex, fluff, great secondary pairings, lovable OCs, wild twists and turns, unexpected developments that never the less make perfect sense and... just... GOSH!
If you read an excerpt from late in the story, you're going to scream: "NO WAY! The characters would never do that!" But the way this story is written, by the time you get there... you totally believe it and love it! It's long and complicated and will leave you breathless. Read it.
Letters From the Northern Continent by The Hoyden.
Why? Another classic. I have yet to meet a G/B fan who didn't love this. So read it.
Warmth by Mark Russel Stanley.
Why? It's short but achingly sweet. Another one that just stayed with me over the years.
The Raquetball Game by Mark Russel Stanley.
Why? Have you seen that raquetball outfit of Bashir's?? That's why.
Bathian by Terrie H. Drummonds.
Why? Because it makes it impossible to take a bath ever again without thinking of these two guys making it even hotter. It's just so delicious. Although, I have to warn, the ending leaves you frustrated. But in the best way.
Tiresia's Children by Melissa Jones.
Why? It's a really distressing story of rape and the victim is not who you'd expect. But it works amazingly and the road through the pain is just so goddamn beautiful. Brings tears to my eyes.
Fill No Glass for Me by Saklani.
Why? It's a little long, but it has a lovely and subtle buildup and a wonderful ending.
The Taking In Trouble trilogy by Henrietta Wotton.
Taking in Trouble
Letting in Love
Kudos
Why? It has some of the most engaging OCs ever and the G/B is just beautiful and frustrating all at once. It's a little disturbing in places, but that only helps build the story so you just can't stop reading.
Lots of Pretty, Pretty Ones by BGM.
Why? Well... I'm not entirely sure. I don't normally like genderbending and/or bodyswapping, but... the ending gets me every single fucking time. Just... the ending.
Animal Instincts by Java Green.
(Oops, forgot part 2)
Why? Because it's smoking hot! And also a little dark and disturbing. But ohhhhh my god. So hot. Read it.
Risala of Risa and Risala of Risa Followup by Nyani-lisha Martin.
Why? It's actually mostly Bashir/OFC, but the plot is excellent and if you can't really deal with the het, you can technically skip the first one. However, I prefer the full experience and I recommend reading it all. It's cute and warming and hot.
The Wisdom of Madmen by JA Chapman.
Why? Because it's dark as fuck and kinky to boot. With insane Dukat being his glorious self and Garak being badass and Bashir being... well... Bashir. And Kira is there too. If you can live with a good amount of non/dub-con, then this is hot, hot, hot. Disturbing. But hot.
Autumn Glory by Yavanna.
Why? Because it makes me all sniffly and happy. Everyone deserves an end like that. Truly.
The Choice Series by Ainzfern
Final Choice
Chosen Path
Choice of Faith
Why? Because it plays wonderfully with Mirror Garak and Bashir, taking both what they are and what they could be into consideration, which is really unusual. And there's also a wonderful guest appearance in the first one. It's beautiful, even though it might initially seem really dysfunctional it ends up so wonderful.
Of Love and Family by PookahSeraph.
Part 1 and part 2.
Why? Because I really wished we'd seen more of the orphans asking Garak if he'd come to take them home. Here we do, and the Garak/Bashir is just so deliciously full of misunderstandings and sweet, sweet moments. Post-series kid!fic in the best of ways. Totally feel-good fic.
A Platonic Love Like No Other by Kim R.
Why? Because this is the only fic I've ever seen dealing with the very real possibility that (for whatever reason) Garak and Bashir might not be able to have sex at all. And it works. It kinda breaks my heart, but it works.
Transported by Cameron Burnell.
Why? Well, technically it's Garak/Bashir/Odo, but it's just so sweet and just a little bit heartbreaking. And hot. Let's not forget hot.
Snowbound: A Fandom Trope Revisited bymithrel
Why? Because this trope is just begging for Garak/Bashir and this is perfectly done. You'll grin all the way, because this stuff? This stuff is gooood.
Remedies by Deanna /![[insanejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/ij-userinfo.gif)
sweetsorcery
Why? Because Bashir being flustered is just perfect. And Garak totally should have done... [spoilery stuff] in the replimat.
I also recommend that you read everything by BGM. The sheer mass of fics cover all conceivable bases.
A few I could not find online, but which I luckily have tucked away on my harddrive:
Forgiven Pain of Empok Nor by Ainzfern.
Blackmail by Charon (okay, this one is technically online, but signup is needed)
This is Happily Ever After by JA Ingram. (same with this.)
If you want, I can email them to you. Just let me know.
AND! If anyone out there knows how to find Ainzferns Alternative Series, do tell me! I also seem to have lost the third part of the Dr. Sue series by Melissa Jones, so again... if you have it or know how to find it, do tell!
EDIT: Found the links and adding them to the list!
The Alternative series by Ainzfern.
Alternative Art
Alternative Education
A Virtual Discussion.
Why? Because it's sweet and gorgeous charming. And artist!Garak is just so lovable!
The Dr. Sue series by Melissa Jones.
Dr. Sue's Sex Show.
Dr. Sue and the Big Blue Dot.
Alien Relativities
Can't Help Lovin' that Mammal O' Mine
Why? Because it's glorious crack, that somehow still manages to make me all gooey and happy. And it holds the honor of being one of the very few mpregs I actually enjoy reading.
Marked by
prelocandkanar !Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6.
Why? Because it's so amazingly well written with depth, emotion and believability. It's in character, the pace is perfect, it chills, hurts and warms in turns. And I dare you to find grammar errors. I just dare you. One of the first G/B fics I ever read and the high quality of this stuff damn near spoiled me for the rest of the fandom. GO READ IT! It's always the first rec I make. Always.
(And if you just couldn't get enough, like me, there's also a little funny fic that offers just a little peek of a follow-up. Tattoo.)
Solitude and Solitaire by Kira-Nerys.
Why? These two companion pieces are just so goddamn hot. They get me every time, from either perspective. I can't pick a favorite. Read them both and I'm willing to bet your pulse races in no time. So fucking good.
Laying Claim by Kira-Nerys
Why? Because it's hot, okay? Really fucking hot. Unf.
The First Time by Olivia Monteith.
Why? Because the plot is unique and offers an absurdly rare and fresh angle on the Garak/Bashir dynamic. And it's still in character! And hot! Actually, this fic is even better when you've read a lot of other fics and you're looking for something to rock the boat a little. It's awesome!
Cardassia Sutra by Arcady.
Why? Because it's a classic. It has it all. Humor, sweetness, great characterization, hot sex and some inventive alien sex. So much to love in this fic. Everyone in the G/B fandom should read this at least once.
Green Silk by Kathryn Ramage.
Why? Because it's just so sweet and domestic and it makes my little heart go all gooey over Garak and Bashir, while reading how their friends react around them. Just... *happy sigh*
Damage Control By Kathryn Ramage.
Why? Another look at alien sex (with hardly any actual sex depicted), but with a more serious twist. It's passionate and loving and paints a very accurate picture of some of the difficulties there might come of an interspecies relationship.
On My Arm by Kathryn Ramage.
Why? Because it makes my little heart all achey for poor, lonely Garak and sweet, sweet Bashir. And the happy ending is just brilliant.
Deja Jules by Invicta.
Why? Because it's fun and cute and the buildup is wonderful. Not the best fic in the world, but it has the wonderful effect of staying with you for ages and ages. And that takes serious skill.
The Garak/Bashir Mysteries AU series by JA Ingram and Charlene Vickers.
(The link is to Ingram's page on BLTS, because it has all the links in one place and in the right order. I checked. They all work.)
Why? This is a must-read. I mean it. Even if you don't like AU's, go read it. It'll break your fucking heart several times along the way, but seriously, this fic should be published as a book, because damn... just... I don't have big enough words for it.
It has everything. And I do mean everything. Plot, mystery, romance, sex, fluff, great secondary pairings, lovable OCs, wild twists and turns, unexpected developments that never the less make perfect sense and... just... GOSH!
If you read an excerpt from late in the story, you're going to scream: "NO WAY! The characters would never do that!" But the way this story is written, by the time you get there... you totally believe it and love it! It's long and complicated and will leave you breathless. Read it.
Letters From the Northern Continent by The Hoyden.
Why? Another classic. I have yet to meet a G/B fan who didn't love this. So read it.
Warmth by Mark Russel Stanley.
Why? It's short but achingly sweet. Another one that just stayed with me over the years.
The Raquetball Game by Mark Russel Stanley.
Why? Have you seen that raquetball outfit of Bashir's?? That's why.
Bathian by Terrie H. Drummonds.
Why? Because it makes it impossible to take a bath ever again without thinking of these two guys making it even hotter. It's just so delicious. Although, I have to warn, the ending leaves you frustrated. But in the best way.
Tiresia's Children by Melissa Jones.
Why? It's a really distressing story of rape and the victim is not who you'd expect. But it works amazingly and the road through the pain is just so goddamn beautiful. Brings tears to my eyes.
Fill No Glass for Me by Saklani.
Why? It's a little long, but it has a lovely and subtle buildup and a wonderful ending.
The Taking In Trouble trilogy by Henrietta Wotton.
Taking in Trouble
Letting in Love
Kudos
Why? It has some of the most engaging OCs ever and the G/B is just beautiful and frustrating all at once. It's a little disturbing in places, but that only helps build the story so you just can't stop reading.
Lots of Pretty, Pretty Ones by BGM.
Why? Well... I'm not entirely sure. I don't normally like genderbending and/or bodyswapping, but... the ending gets me every single fucking time. Just... the ending.
Animal Instincts by Java Green.
(Oops, forgot part 2)
Why? Because it's smoking hot! And also a little dark and disturbing. But ohhhhh my god. So hot. Read it.
Risala of Risa and Risala of Risa Followup by Nyani-lisha Martin.
Why? It's actually mostly Bashir/OFC, but the plot is excellent and if you can't really deal with the het, you can technically skip the first one. However, I prefer the full experience and I recommend reading it all. It's cute and warming and hot.
The Wisdom of Madmen by JA Chapman.
Why? Because it's dark as fuck and kinky to boot. With insane Dukat being his glorious self and Garak being badass and Bashir being... well... Bashir. And Kira is there too. If you can live with a good amount of non/dub-con, then this is hot, hot, hot. Disturbing. But hot.
Autumn Glory by Yavanna.
Why? Because it makes me all sniffly and happy. Everyone deserves an end like that. Truly.
The Choice Series by Ainzfern
Final Choice
Chosen Path
Choice of Faith
Why? Because it plays wonderfully with Mirror Garak and Bashir, taking both what they are and what they could be into consideration, which is really unusual. And there's also a wonderful guest appearance in the first one. It's beautiful, even though it might initially seem really dysfunctional it ends up so wonderful.
Of Love and Family by PookahSeraph.
Part 1 and part 2.
Why? Because I really wished we'd seen more of the orphans asking Garak if he'd come to take them home. Here we do, and the Garak/Bashir is just so deliciously full of misunderstandings and sweet, sweet moments. Post-series kid!fic in the best of ways. Totally feel-good fic.
A Platonic Love Like No Other by Kim R.
Why? Because this is the only fic I've ever seen dealing with the very real possibility that (for whatever reason) Garak and Bashir might not be able to have sex at all. And it works. It kinda breaks my heart, but it works.
Transported by Cameron Burnell.
Why? Well, technically it's Garak/Bashir/Odo, but it's just so sweet and just a little bit heartbreaking. And hot. Let's not forget hot.
Snowbound: A Fandom Trope Revisited by
mithrel Why? Because this trope is just begging for Garak/Bashir and this is perfectly done. You'll grin all the way, because this stuff? This stuff is gooood.
Remedies by Deanna /
sweetsorcery Why? Because Bashir being flustered is just perfect. And Garak totally should have done... [spoilery stuff] in the replimat.
I also recommend that you read everything by BGM. The sheer mass of fics cover all conceivable bases.
A few I could not find online, but which I luckily have tucked away on my harddrive:
Forgiven Pain of Empok Nor by Ainzfern.
Blackmail by Charon (okay, this one is technically online, but signup is needed)
This is Happily Ever After by JA Ingram. (same with this.)
If you want, I can email them to you. Just let me know.
EDIT: Found the links and adding them to the list!
The Alternative series by Ainzfern.
Alternative Art
Alternative Education
A Virtual Discussion.
Why? Because it's sweet and gorgeous charming. And artist!Garak is just so lovable!
The Dr. Sue series by Melissa Jones.
Dr. Sue's Sex Show.
Dr. Sue and the Big Blue Dot.
Alien Relativities
Can't Help Lovin' that Mammal O' Mine
Why? Because it's glorious crack, that somehow still manages to make me all gooey and happy. And it holds the honor of being one of the very few mpregs I actually enjoy reading.
