STTNG: Befitting a Legend by ChristineCGB

I gave a general recommendation a few weeks ago for ChristineCGB's ST:VOY fic, and now I'd like to highlight her ST:TNG effort, Befitting a Legend. I've been finding it hard to get into TNG stories that feature popular romance pairings like Picard/Crusher or Riker/Troi, but this P/C story gets into Beverly Crusher's head in a way that makes me really feel for and respect the good doctor. Considering the last big role I can remember from the character was that terrible ghost-lover episode, that's saying a lot.

STDS9: Thus Anew to Greet by Diavolessa (Kira, Bashir)

Diavolessa's Thus Anew to Greet is a lovely, lovely bit of interaction between ST:DS9's Doctor Bashir and Major Kira. For two characters who never seemed to be at ease with each other on the show (as far as I can remember, anyway) it's great to see such honest, revealing dialogue in this story. Best of all, it's still true to their personalities -- which I think must have been the hardest task.

XM: Strange Angels and Earth Arc by Ascian (Gambit, Marrow, Penance)

Ascian's X-Men fanfic hits all the right notes, no matter which character she's writing (and the choices are quite varied). I especially love the Strange Angels series, which takes Gambit and Marrow into a tense and unlikely situation -- friendship. Every installment features a thoughtful, well-drawn portrayal of their dynamic. I also highly recommend the Earth Arc (scroll down to Ascian) for doing some interesting things with an original character and with Penance, who I haven't seen much of in fanfiction.