Science vs. Romance AU Fics

Sorry for being AWOL last month. Life caught up to me, and I didn't have time to do my segment justice, so I thought I'd wait until this month to update. I've unintentionally been making recommendations based on common themes in the pieces I read, so I suppose I'll keep doing that. This month's theme is based on Rilo Kiley's "Science vs. Romance," one of my favorite songs. I love the dichotomy between science and romance, and one would immediately think that these two are mutually exclusive. Well, these two authors artfully combine the two; they open their stories by leading with science and ending in romance.


Title: "Elasticity" (Katniss/Peeta)

Author: TwoPisces

Rating: M

Summary: Elasticity in physics is the physical property of a material to return to its original shape after a period of stress. Sometimes, it can apply to people too. Modern day AU.

Recommendation: In this college-set AU, Katniss meets Peeta in her physics class, and a sweet, sweet romance blossoms. But that's not all we get. TwoPisces weaves a beautiful character backstory with Peeta, we are delighted to see the two characters dance around and toward their obvious attraction for each other. I am also tickled by the minor characters in the story, particularly Johanna, who is not just the brash, foul-mouthed hoyden we know and love, but is a brash, foul-mouthed big-sister type to Katniss. Chapter 8 was updated not too long ago, and it does not disappoint (fans self). Plus, major bonus points: this story mentions Mulder and Scully, who absolutely embody the co-existence, as opposed to the conflict, between science and romance.

Title: "Range of Motion" (Katniss/Peeta)

Author: fnurfnur

Rating: M

Summary: Range of motion is the distance that a movable object may normally travel while properly attached to another. Katniss Everdeen is sent to physical therapy to help her range of motion after a shoulder injury. She did not expect the therapy, or the friendly patient she meets there, to be the catalyst for making motion in her life.

Recommendation: The theme for this month's recommendations could very well be "Peeta being adorable," because fnurfnur's Peeta certainly is. I really like the dialogue: it's witty and humorous, and certainly 2012. I was hooked at the mention of zombies. I also enjoy the clever ways canon dialogue is incorporated into the story. It is subtle, and not forced the way some fanfiction AUs deliberately drop canon dialogue every which-a-way. I am amused by the Seneca Crane character here, who is the overbearing, under-qualified boss we've all had or currently have. In just the two chapters of the story so far, we can probably expect more adorableness from poor, injured Peeta, and I know I can't wait.


Finally, in the month I was absent, Prompts in Panem: AU Week came and went. I have two fics that deserve honorable mention... and not in the "honorable mention" that is the consolatory, thanks-for-playing way, but the I'm honored to mention these pieces because they are superb in every way kind. They come from two of my favorite authors. If you haven't read "Admirer" (by HGRomance) and "The Threshing Floor: A Rural Painting of the Dutch School" (by porchwood, née Mejhiren, who I've rec'd before), please do yourselves a favor and go do.

Happy reading!