Causing a Scene

[crazy4orcas]

I was talking with a friend over the weekend about how there are some movie scenes that really stick with you.  Those scenes that really make an impact.  The conversation got me to thinking about scenes in fanfic that have really stuck with me, scenes that linger after the fic is read.  So, I thought I'd share a few of my favorites along with links to the fics and hope that maybe I'll get some replies with other's favorites in return.


From frea_o's Talking Like Peter Lorre http://archiveofourown.org/works/607424 , the scene at the end where the orca leaps out of the water. For one beautiful moment, frozen in time, the orca seems to hang gracefully in the air…and then they’re drenched with water so frigid it burns as it crashes back to the sea.

Clint swears a blue streak, but Natasha, Natasha is laughing like a lunatic.

Now, I fully admit to being biased about this fic since it was a gift for me, but that scene is just so beautifully descriptive and I love that it shows a lighter side to this AU Natasha and that she shares it with Clint.

Also from frea_o , ... Joys of Parenthood, in the same zoologists AU, http://frea-o.livejournal.com/39200.html , the ending scene where Clint surprises Natasha with penguin eggs and this line “Congratulations!” Clint says. “We’re parents!” Clint's excitment is palpable as is Natasha's surprise, and the picture this paints in my mind is hilarious.

This one from anuna_81 , in Kobayashi Maru, M rating, http://archiveofourown.org/works/465017 .  I know both baby!fic and tower-living!fic are not for everybody, and that's fine.  In the right hands, I can see both being believable, and this fic delivers for me.  The scene is little over halfway down and it involves the whole team together for dinner, but what makes this so memorable to me is the conversation -- a serious debate over the superiority of either Star Trek or Star Wars and mainly takes place between Bruce, Tony, and Clint.  I love the geek references, the relaxed mood, the joking, and Bruce completely wins my heart with this: “There isn't a ship that's cooler than The Millennium Falcon,”.  Add to that the ending of the scene with Natasha and Clint feeling their baby move and the emotions, and I get teary-eyed and a little choked up.  When I reread this fic, I usually have to go back and read this scene over again I like it so much.

Another baby!fic, but this one from tielan and this time it's Maria Hill's baby.  And Baby Makes Eight, http://archiveofourown.org/works/532082/chapters/943750 The scene is toward the end of Chapter 4 and Steve is reading a bedtime story to Maria's daughter while the other Avengers are outside the room listening.  It's peaceful and gorgeous and I love the book quotes.  There's also a lovely glimpse of Clint and Natasha.  The rest of the chapter is full of FEELS, but this part just hits me hard.  And then right after you get a real punch to the gut with the chapter ending.

From alphaflyer , The Skies Over Manhattan, http://archiveofourown.org/works/574373/chapters/1029508 This entire fic is so smart and so well put together, but my scene of choice comes about halfway thru Chapter 4.  Natasha, Bruce and Sitwell are in the cafeteria when Clint comes back from mission and there's Something about the tension in the room when Agent Barton came in here all kitted out for war. (Bruce's words.)  The scene has tension, humor, conflict resolution, baklava, competent agents, jackass agents, a little bit of romance, and Doreen the cafeteria lady.  And the description of Hawkeye entering the room is ... kinda yummy.

I think I'll leave it at those 5 for now.  There are certainly more that come to mind and maybe sometime soon I'll put those into a post as well but now it's getting late.  Please reply and let me know what you think about these fics/scenes and if there are any you'd like to share.

Comments

[alphaflyer.livejournal.com]

It's late here, too, and I should be going to sleep. But first -- am truly tickled that you would include the cafeteria scene from "Skies" on your list ... made my evening, that!! *huggles* And yes, I love Frea's penguin parents too! :-)

One of my favourite fics is lar_laughs' "Such Lost Creatures"; it's an emotionally true account of the journey of two people who know what they want but not exactly how to get it, and get derailed by "helpful advice" along the way because they have lost trust in themselves: Clint gets told to look after a plant, to see if he can keep it alive long enough to deserve having a real relationship (with Natasha). The story is also witty and hilarious and just so eminently readable ... The scene that sticks in my mind is the final one, when they finally say "the hell with it" and just go for it, risk be damned. The ending is so ... earned:

“This isn’t love,” she reminds him. “This is something timeless. There isn’t any room for doubt because there is no black and white for us to muddy. You save me and I save you.”

“This won’t be easy.”

“None of the great things are.”

There’s the sound of someone clearing their throat right behind them. Without moving, Clint declares, “I want in, sir. I’ll take the position.”

“Thought you would, Barton. Glad you finally came around to see what was in front of your face all this time.”

“I was too busy taking care of a plant, sir. On your orders, if I remember correctly.”

Natasha’s having a hard time keeping a straight face but it’s okay because she’s pressed into his shoulder now, cradled against him as he straightens.

“You have my permission to throw the damn thing out.”

“Hallelujah,” Natasha shouts, no sarcasm coloring her words.

[crazy4orcas.livejournal.com]

"Such Lost Creatures" is a great fic! And you're right about the ending being earned.

One of my favorite parts is Natasha's explanation of love, and her I want something that stands the test of time.

[frea-o.livejournal.com]

Oh, damn, I didn't reply to this. I saw this and I was completely flattered and blushing and then my brain went back to writing (seriously, writing has eaten my brain) and I am a horrible friend because thank you! I love that Natasha's complete and utter trollishness has stuck with you so well. And nothing cracks me up more than the thought of excited, happy Clint with eggs going all, "BABIES, NATASHA, I HAVE BROUGHT YOU BABIES WITH FEATHERS."

Oh, Clint. Never change.

[crazy4orcas.livejournal.com]

...then my brain went back to writing (seriously, writing has eaten my brain) -- this is most excellent!

And I know you've seend the Renner with penguin pic floating around, I can only hope it provided inspiration for more from this AU!

[frea-o.livejournal.com]

I'm honestly trying not to give it too much thought, sorry. I...can't. I have too much on my plate and if somebody shoves the penguin picture and says "AU! AU! AU!" at me again, I might scream. Between my upcoming trip, a deadline breathing down my neck, and a story I really shouldn't have started (my journalism AU), plus work things, the stress is really getting to me. It's okay, though, I wasn't all that fond of my stomach lining anyway.

[crazy4orcas.livejournal.com]

Frea -- deep breaths, in ... out ... in ... out.

Here, have a hug:



And a drink by the beach:



Not too many refills on the drink though unless you get that stomach lining thing taken care of!

[frea-o.livejournal.com]

*takes a deep breath*

Here, if we're bringing up awesome things:

[crazy4orcas.livejournal.com]

OH MY! Is it hot in here, or is it just that gif?

Let me take that shirt off:

[frea-o.livejournal.com]

And add some scruff and tattoos. mmmm.

[crazy4orcas.livejournal.com]

You're pulling out the big guns, huh?

Okay, I'll see your (his?) yummy scruff and tattoos, and raise you some whipped cream.

[frea-o.livejournal.com]

Oh, we're breaking out the Not Another Teen Movie love, are we? FINE. THEN I WILL REPLY WITH THIS (NSFW):

[crazy4orcas.livejournal.com]

It took me a long time to figure out why this was NSFW. I was too mesmerized by his chest to notice the other chest.

And speaking of chests:

[frea-o.livejournal.com]

MEE TOOOO.

(how did this even get started?)

I will raise your low-slung trousers and beautiful chest with a pair of aviators and tattoos.

[crazy4orcas.livejournal.com]

NICE, uh, shades, yeah nice shades.

How about I just raise (lower?) a pair of pants:



ETA: This is my first ever gif posting. The time spent finding it was TOTALLY worth it.

[frea-o.livejournal.com]

I don't think I can top that. It's so...*stares* I bow to you, queen of la giffing. I am not worthy to reply to this comment, but I am either way.

*bows*

[crazy4orcas.livejournal.com]

Well, in the interest of full disclosure, I wasn't looking for gifs. I was in Google Images, saw the still and it wasn't until I'd saved it that I noticed the .gif . It was kinda like finding $10 you'd forgotten you had, only sexier.