FFFX Fic Rec: M/M, urban fantasy x detective noir casefic (OW)

[hekateras]

A rec of my gift in the Five Figure Fanwork Exchange that went live a few days ago! I requested a fun genre blend for a ship I nominated (hey, let me take one speck of credit for this >: P ) and boy oh boy did a mysterious someone take me up on it!

Winds wander, and dews drip downward

Ship: Fairy Prince/Noir Detective (M/M)
Wordcount: ~11k
Tags: Case Fic, Worldbuilding, Cyberpunk, IN SPACE!, Fae & Fairies, Detective Noir

My summary: A noir detective returns to the city after years spent on the outskirts of the galaxy where time flows differently, to find that much has changed: his old partner was murdered, and everything about it has the whiff of a dangerous case better left well enough alone. Unfortunately, James has never been one for leaving things well enough alone -- and what's more, a high-placed Fae he's got history with now runs the local prestigious night club, and has taken an interest in the case. But James knows better than to let himself fall into Alder's orbit again...

My commentary: A delightful genre blend of a crime noir casefic in a high-tech universe with elements of urban fantasy, cyberpunk, and space travel. Fantastic mystery with several delightful plot twists and a tense and intriguing pre-slash relationship. The writing is beautiful, the world described is full of rich visuals, and the story does a good job of dangling plot beats and letting you connect the dots rather than spelling things out. The ending is both satisfying and leaves you craving more.

10/10 fic, read it!