#ivelostmyspectacles

[inapixelbloom]

My Archive of Our Own Wrap-up

I wanted to put together a thank you to all the fanfic writers who have gotten me through this year.

This wrap-up is me going through my history month by month to see which fics I’d visited the most (because you can be damn sure I read through them over several days, again and again).

So this is a celebration of the wide variety of fics I’ve read and/or bookmarked and/or subscribed to. Thank you to every writer on this list for keeping me entertained.

To every fanfic writer I've had the pleasure of reading the words of, and there are so many more of you than just this list of people, I want to thank you so very much of trusting your creativity to us readers. You are my rock, my joy, my comfort, and so many other supporting adjectives that I just want to give you all hugs and money for the holidays.

My first fic of 2024: dismantle the sun by StarryCleric

Summary:

Beau shudders and holds Caleb's hand, which he squeezes back tentatively. She can feel how it shakes in her grip. She does her best to steady him, despite the fact that she wants to shake apart herself and completely fall to pieces. “I am going to hazard a guess here,” Caleb says softly, “that we may have been drugged.” --- Tonight was supposed to be a fun night off. Unfortunately for Beau and Caleb, the universe has other plans.

2024 fics I kept returning to

January

Winter Song by @proantagonista

Yuri!!! on Ice, rated E. Completed 2018-03-25.

The set of Yuuri’s mouth softened into a private smile as Victor squeezed his knee beneath the table. His hands were bare, free from the gloves he so often wore when they were together on the rink, and the heat of his palm burned straight through the denim of Yuuri’s jeans. He slipped his own hand beneath the table and found Victor’s. Hidden from sight, their fingers began to flirt and play. A secret conversation all their own that needed no words. Yuuri was aware that at some point—a moment in time he couldn’t quite place—Victor had become his boyfriend. There wasn’t a single instant when it happened. It was a slow awareness, as if Victor had silently been asking the question for months now, and Yuuri had been giving him the answer a little more with each passing day.

February

blink by @frockbot

Persona 5, rated M. Completed 2020-11-13.

Summary:

Do you want kids? Ren asked Akechi two years ago, the night they decided to get married. Yes. He did. They do. So when they’re given the chance to adopt a pair of sisters, ten-year-old Maya and two-year-old Sai, they take it. They’re prepared for a rough transition: for arguments, and upset, and struggle. That, they can handle, or find ways to handle. They are not prepared for the resurgence of an old and familiar evil that threatens to destroy the tenuous family they’ve built. They probably should have expected it, though. After all, this always happens to them. [Takes place 17 years post-game and 16 years post-Doomsday. You don't have to have read my other fics to start here, but maybe you should?]

March

In Calm Waters by @dracosollicitus

Star Wars Sequel Trilogy, rated E. Completed 2024-03-04.

Summary:

Rey Smith, an Omega who presented late, meets Poe Dameron, an Alpha unlike anyone she's ever met. Sparks fly, they fall in love — and fight against societal expectations. The two work together to build a relationship built on mutual trust and respect in a world that claims they should be nothing more than their biologies.

April

Investigation Check by @percivalium

Critical Role (Vox Machina), rated E. Completed 2022-10-09.

Summary:

She’s hot. She’s not usually hot. Blankets can be kicked off, but not this time. She’s also sore. She’s not usually sore, either. Muscles can be tender after battle, but not this time. Vex prys one bleary eye open, attempting to take in her surroundings. It’s her bed: check. Her room: check. Her blanket: check. A warm body next to her: check? A heavy arm draped over her belly: check?! Both eyes open now (literally and figuratively), she slowly rotates her head on the pillow to look at the foreign body next to her, smiling when she sees a floof of light-colored hair tucked carefully next to her shoulder. She can’t help herself and sighs contently, making some strands of his unruly tufts wave and ruffle. Her Percy: BIG check with a heart drawn around it.

May

Nightmares by @roninreverie

Star Wars Rebels, rated G. Completed 2016-01-01.

Summary:

After the events of the planet Gorse, Kanan and Hera adapt to living together as a crew, but things get off to a bumpy start.

June

three years, three rules by @akihmorn

Persona 5, rated E. Completed 2020-11-18.

“The truth is, I hate all alphas,” he stares at Akira coldly. “And that includes you.” Three years after getting married, Akira and Goro face an unexpected challenge. shuake week day 3: comfort

July

The Mind and The Maladay by @saltytothecore

Critical Role (The Mighty Nein), rated T. Completed 2022-04-06.

Of all the ways Essek thought he might find himself staring down mortality, his magic making a cancer of his lonely heart never even entered his consideration. But then, his calculus has never been able to account for the Mighty Nein. There is a remedy for his illness, of course. There is always a way to unwind magic, but there is always a price. The cost of Essek’s life, now that he’s contracted Hanahaki’s disease, can be paid two ways—one is higher than Essek can bear and the other, well. The other can only be paid by someone else. And if Essek could ask that, then he wouldn’t be sick at all, would he?

August

Witch Ways by @aliquistis

Baldur's Gate, rated M. Last Updated 2024-02-16.

Echo has lived her life tucked away in the forests of Tethir, learning magic through the pulse of nature and the songs of creation. She's good with magic, but not people, which isn't really a problem until she's scooped up by mind flayers and has to get along with six strangers lest they all share a tentacle-y doom. And she manages to get along with most of them -- but then there's Gale of Waterdeep. Despite a terrible first impression, she finds he is actually much kinder than all the mansplaining would suggest. This is a series of relationship scenes about my weird little mushroom hermit, a wizard who shows compassion and arrogance really can coexist, and how academic rivalry is like first base for wizards. Spoilers up to Act 2 for main plot and Gale's romance.

(image source)

September

Pacts and Bargains at Night by @feynwiddershins

Critical Role (Vox Machina), rated E. Completed 2023-03-04.

What passes while the sun is set is often the most revealing.

October

Filling the Hourglass by makkachincrossing

Critical Role (Mighty Nein), rated E. Last Updated 2021-10-27.

Every 25 years, omega Drows enter their period of fertility. The time is rapidly approaching for Essek as summer only grows hotter, and his husband grows older with no way to stop it. But he hopes Caleb can leave a piece of himself behind.

November

Learning to Listen by @fivedayslater

One Piece, rated T. Completed 2018-08-14.

For as long as Zoro's felt his soulmate echoes he's hated them. He doesn't know why Sanji, or the rest of his crew mates, care so damn much.

I'm finishing the year with

and on toward the edge of night by @j-plash

Critical Role (Bells Hells), rated E. Last Updated 2024-11-26.

Ashton would love every fucking alpha in Jrusar to take a long walk off a fucking cliff. Orym just knows it's not right that Dorian has to be so careful walking down the street at night. ("There you go, sweetheart, keep breathing for me.” Ashton doesn’t think he could stop breathing that in if he tried.)

Bookmarks (and notes) of 2024

These are the fics I've bookmarked (saved), and the summaries I add for my own understanding of what each one is, so I can come back it it faster.

even darkness must pass by dare_to_do_our_duty

The one where Caleb has a fever and Caduceus is tired.

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart) by @notaficwriter

The one where Vex and Percy don't start of as soulmates.

come morning light (you and i'll be safe and sound) by @chaseyesterdays

The one where Percy is a dad. Good wholesome cure for depression.

the mist upon the hill by BucketofWater

The one where Mollymauk's blood hunter skills are actively harming his soulmate, but Caleb is too frightened to admit it to him.

The Courage Or The Fall by Rowyndodendron

The one where Caleb should huddle with Mollymauk for warmth.

feverish, burning up inside by @ivelostmyspectacles

The one where Caleb goes into heat in the back of their wagon and Mollymauk assists.

burning out, helpless by @ivelostmyspectacles

The one where Mollymauk is forced into a heat and Caleb does his best to assist.

Ship to Wreck by Snailsnol

The one where Gale courts a prickly Drow.

The Wonderful Life of Caleb de Rolo by @historia-gloria

The one where Percy and Vex adopt the kid tortured with Whitestone residuum.

Strong Enough to Bend by @catgirlthecrazy

The one where Essek doesn't really have the drive for sex he expects himself to.

Blackbird by @okadiah

The one where Kanan's weapon possesses him in an AU where he's not exactly a Jedi.

Exit Wounds by @seti-fan

The one where Percy has bullets left over under the skin.

Feathers and Smoke by @feynwiddershins

The one where it's a canon character study of Percy and Vex and it's fucking amazing how detailed it is.

From a Swell in the Ocean by @goose-smoothie

The one where Vox Machina is a pirate ship and Percy was rescued by "privateer" Captain Vex'ahlia.

In Bloom, With You by @nekosd43

The one where Caduceus has a season and Fjord offers to assist.

Perceived Impressions by @acinonyx1

The one where Astarion shares a cell with a bear and angst happens.

As I end 2024, thank you again to the writers who've provided me with much comfort in a ridiculously tumultuous year.

It would have been a very low year without each and every one of you.

[pixel-is-blooming]

What about critical role?

But there's so many good fics.

sigh, here's my ultimate favourites. I'm happy to make a full list if you want though.

Vox Machina: The series Feathers and Smoke by FeyNWiddershins. Hands-down best romp in canonical Percy/Vex. Also Percy becomes a toad and is put into Vex's bodice at one point. 10/10, highly recommend.

Mighty Nein: Draw between the mist upon the hill by Bucket of Water and We Circle By Night by InsanitySilver. Both are Caleb-centric. Both have angst. Mist is soulmate-based, Circle is a time-travel fix-it fic. Both have Molly trying to work out wtf is up with Caleb. Don't make me choose a favourite between these two, I love them both.

Bells Hells: remedy and relaxation from ivelostmyspectacles. If only we all had someone like Orym.

[beafraidbeveryafraid]

'no, mr sims, we don't give discounts to regulars who buy only funeral bouquets'

I LOVE THE FLORIST MARTIN AU

idea from the fanfiction all the flowers of all the tomorrows

by @ivelostmyspectacles

[mouseinthecastle]

@ivelostmyspectacles is in my walls again!!!! Molly and Essek getting in some good good .....relaxation time in ch 4 of Family Obligation 🍃❤️

[shadowgast-recs-weekly]

Hidden Gems 9: A Shadowgast Rec list

This week we have the ninth (nein!) hidden gem rec list. Check under the cut for nine (nein again!) fics with less than 150 kudos- and don't forget to kudos and comment if you enjoy them!

On bad decisions, friendship and falling in love by Ivelostmyspectacles (1778, General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

An introspection from Essek after he confesses to the Mighty Nien.

Reccer says: This a really well written one shot about how Essek is doing and feeling after he confesses. This is honestly my head canon for post ep. 97

PART I: the force required for movement by LivThael (9449, Mature) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek Thelyss is know for his exceptional research, cold demeanor and indifference. Being the most intelligent man in the room he‘s seldom intrigued by other researchers. But Bren's presence alone angers something in Essek. It’s like the man is actively trying to aggravate him.

Reccer says: An amazing fic, nerds being nerds.

hopeless enough by 06151126 (4697, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes, Choose Not to Warn

Essek, a racer, his crew fails him during the season and he goes looking for a new mechanic. Caleb can't help but show off.

Reccer says: It is such an interesting AU, but the vibes are all their. And I love me a little haughty but can't help be impressed and curious Essek and a can't help but show off Caleb. And of course protective and will always talk up her boy Veth. Also, it's part of a series!

The Sheep and the Shadowhand by Dragonslaeyr (7897, Mature) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

On the walk from the citadel to the firmaments, Caleb reflects on his husband, the shadowhand, and tries to fend of questions from the Mighty Nein.

Reccer says: It has the best of everything, Shadowgast, secret relationship, pestering of the Nein and sexual tension.

psychopomp by hydraxx (3357, General) Reccer's Content Notes: Choose Not to Warn

Essek returns to Blumenthal through the centuries after Caleb's death: a story of grief as told through the eyes of the local innkeepers.

Reccer says: I loved tracking the changes in both Essek and the worldbuilding over time! The outsider POV is a really interesting approach.

Chasing After Phantoms Of Your Former Self by Luuuna03 (9848, General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Around 150 years after the end of the campaign, Essek starts hearing Jester's voice in his head But that's impossible. After all, Jester died almost half a century ago...

Reccer says: A great tearjerker, bittersweet in the best of ways.

Our Season of Fire by LivThael (21530, Mature) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Both Caleb and Essek are hoping to get lost in the sunny city of Nicodranas. They find each other, as well as a new family made of friends that care for them.

Reccer says: I keep thinking about this fic, even months after I first read it. I love the characterization and the realistic depiction of mental health issues. It's written in such a gentle and loving way and the ending always warms my heart. It's one of my favorite fics ever.

The night shift by Ghost Particles (Ghostparticles) (27273, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: Choose Not to Warn

The Mighty Nein are agents working for the Dynasty, and Essek is their handler and very much not in love with the agent who keeps bringing him unasked for gifts from every mission. The agent is Caleb of course.

Reccer says: I was shocked to find out it had less than 150 kudos. It is such a good fic, modern times with magic but following Essek's POV and his love for the mighty nein and his worries when they are in danger and he can't help. And the shadowgast is great, very much like the show the awkward flirting with lots of nothing happening until the climax.

Before the Dawn Breaks by Ofthedirewolves (1746, General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Post 111 , Caleb and Essek talk before the big battle.

Reccer says: It’s very sweet and definitely deserves more love! It’s canon for me now since we didn’t really get one.

This is one of our weekly communally-generated shadowgast rec lists. Every week we announce a new theme and allow anyone to submit a fic recommendation. 

And hey, anyone includes you!

Next week, we'll be featuring fics that feature soup! Any fics coming to mind? Well, then use this form to submit!

[ineffableclassics]

“Aziraphale isn’t the Supreme Archangel.”

“What do you mean,” he retorts, dragging his good sense back into his brain. Because that made no sense, in any universe, “he’s not Supreme Archangel?”

Saraqael frowns at him, and shrugs a shoulder. “We haven’t seen Aziraphale since the Halo Incident.”

Wait. No. That wasn’t right. That wasn’t–

or;

Crowley thought Aziraphale went to Heaven. Turns out Metatron locked him in Purgatory instead.

Words: 46,386

Status: Complete

Rating: Teen And Up

@ivelostmyspectacles

Art Credit: Orpheus and Eurydice leaving Hell by Gioachin Giuseppe Serangeli

[critter-genfic-events]

This week, we have ten amazing fic recs all about Ashton! Dive in and enjoy some stories about everyone’s favorite punk rock! Check them out under the cut, and as ever, comment or kudos if you like them!

Krook House Family Shenanigans by Beauteousmajesty (5109,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Fresh Cut Grass & Ashton Greymoore & Milo, Ashton Greymoore/Milo Krook (querplatonic)

Snippets of everyday life in the Krook house + Milo dealing with Ashton leaving. Reccer says: All of these fics are amazing, so I had to rec the series. I love the shenanigans they come up with and the care and love they have for each other

A Head Full Of Smoke Leaves Little Room For Pain by Angel Ascending (angel_in_ink) (2272,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Ashton & Imogen

Ashton partakes of some smoking - for recreational and painkilling use. They offer to let Imogen join in Reccer says: I love any fics that deal with the bonding between the two chronic pain-havers in the group!

just don't by ivelostmyspectacles (5194,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Ashton & Orym, Ashton & Milo

Early in campaign 3, Ashton finds Orym beat up in an alleyway and tries his best to take care of him. Reccer says: It's a great look on Ashton's early learning how to care about other people again

Trust > Memory by Clare_Hope (2706,Teen) Warnings: temporary amnesia through head trauma Pairings: Ashton & Bells Hells

After a rough fight, Ashton's head injury is acting up. They trust the people who are there to look after him, even if they don't fully know why. Reccer says: It's great hurt/comfort, and deals with Ashton's realizations that they really care for these people, even when he doesn't really remember what they've been through together.

a spark of potential by mousecookie (1189,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Ashton Greymoore & Caleb Widogast

After Ludinus's defeat, Ashton approaches one of their new allies with questions about dunamancy. Reccer says: One of the things I really want to happen is for Ashton to finally learn a little bit more about the dunamancy juice that got poured into his brain - both Ashton and Caleb's voices are pitch perfect here.

And The Pain Descends Like A Thundercloud by Deramin (2473,General) Warnings: Chronic pain and insomnia, described in great detail. Pairings: None

It’s 4 am and Ashton can’t sleep. They lie awake cataloging their pain and trying to describe it, unable to focus on anything else. Reccer says: I wrote this fic. I'm disabled with severe chronic pain, and I tried to describe what experiencing that pain is like poetically. It seems to resonate with other chronic pain sufferers. I think it helps explore a very important aspect of Ashton's life that many fic writers don't have the experience to describe.

Painful hugs by Deramin (1511,General) Warnings: None Pairings:

Ashton reflects on their complex relationship with gentleness, their inner feelings about fucking up, and how they feel about their friend's reactions. Reccer says: The chronic pain and self loathing seem very true to Ashton

Gold Scar by jam_jarmusch (699,General) Warnings: Implied self-harm Pairings: Ashton & Milo

Ashton and Milo in recovery after the Hexum robbery Reccer says: AFAB nonbinary Ashton is something that is very dear to me

If We Hit the Bottom by bluegreenamber (2620,Mature) Warnings: Graphic Descriptions of Violence Pairings:

Ashton has failed the communication challenge, and as penance, he is falling and falling and falling once again. They were not expecting to see what they see in the darkness they fall into. Reccer says: I liked it

To Care or Not to Care by MasterQwertster (313,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Anni Aughta & Ashton Greymoore & Milo Krook

Anni notices that Ashton is good at taking care of Milo but not so good at taking care of himself. Reccer says: I liked it

This is one of our weekly communally-generated gen rec lists. Every week we announce a new theme and allow anyone to submit a fic recommendation. Please note that the summary and content notes are provided by the reccer, and may be different than what the author has provided. Please assume good intentions all around. <3

And hey, anyone includes you!

Next week, we'll be featuring fics focused on Hair Care!

Then, it'll be Pre-Campaign, Crashing A Party, and Calamity Focused!

Any fics coming to mind?  Well, then use this form to submit!

If you're looking for some more, check out some fics written in the critter genfic bingo tag, or the older rec lists! Or you can request your own card and join in on the fun!

[rec-a-fanfic]

Title: satisfaction brought it back

Author: ivelostmyspectacles

Fandom: the magnus archives

Rating: T

Status: Complete

Length/Chapters: 2135 words, 1 chapter

Summary:

mild sickfic, set in season 1-ish? 2-ish? some nebulous early-ish time period. anyway. jon is sick, fuckhands mcmike comes to take care of him in its own weird way

Link:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/20050624

-🍟

https://archiveofourown.org/works/20050624

[ao3feed-sidlink]

courage (in your battle scarred hands)

courage (in your battle scarred hands)

by ivelostmyspectacles

He folds his fingers over the back of Link’s hand, and lets the curiosity form a question again. “Does it hurt?”

Link shakes his head.

Words: 3259, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: Gen, M/M

Characters: Link (Legend of Zelda), Sidon (Legend of Zelda)

Relationships: Link & Sidon (Legend of Zelda), Link/Sidon (Legend of Zelda)

Additional Tags: Character Study, Canon Compliant, Fix-It of Sorts, Reunions, Disability, Hurt/Comfort, casual touching, Gen or Pre-Slash, Link (Legend of Zelda) Uses Sign Language, Mute Link (Legend of Zelda)

From https://ift.tt/oKzOtCc https://archiveofourown.org/works/48379864

[dorotheian]

Tagged by @zhongli-lover-69

1) 3 ships: moiraine/lan (completely selfishly, sigh, only in fic) - Wheel of Time TV, gen/irene - Thief series, kyoko/ren - skip beat! (after nearly 50 vols they’re datinggggg)

2) first ship: uhhhhhh…. Ella of Frell / Prince Charmont. The first ship I ever wrote for was Izaya/Namie (fun to write but def not relationship goals lmao)

3) last song: “I Need Some Sleep” by the Eels

4) last movie: Everything Everywhere All At Once (rewatch); Oppenheimer

5) currently reading: rereading Skip Beat!, first read through of the Kate Daniels series, and a handful of christian nonfic

6) currently watching: Strange New Worlds, just finished Wheel of Time and The Offer (it’s the series about the making of the Godfather)

7) currently consuming: tajin + cantaloupe, toast

8) currently craving: sugar cookies and creamy mac’n’cheese 😭

9) Tagging 9 folks (or consider yourself tagged):

@jenesaispourquoi, @heroofthreefaces, @iwilltrytobereasonable, @amastodonofconflict, @minutia-r, @packitandgo, @ivelostmyspectacles, @zelinxia, @bookwyrmling

[thenewbuzwuzz]

Some gen-centric Critical Role stories I loved

All of these are Campaign 2. Some of them have a romantic or sexual subplot, but other pursuits or platonic relationships are more central to the story.

Slip Knot by AgentMint (Caleb & Beau, T) - 4287 words

Fake dating, but make it platonic! What a concept, what fun execution.

sheltered by ivelostmyspectacles (Caduceus & The Mighty Nein, T) - 4536 words

Caduceus in a big cuddle pile, like he deserves!

proof by contradiction by Chrome (Dairon & Essek, T) - 19,620 words

Sweet delicious Dairon POV with spy shenanigans!

a question of access by stygius (Essek, temporary Essek/Adeen, Explicit) - 22,184 words

The beacon heist! Exciting action music was playing in my head as I read this.

spider silk vows by hanap (Beau & Essek, T) - 88,103 words

Arranged marriage, but make it (queer)platonic! This was beautiful and poetic, and I adored it.

[ffxvficrec]

by ivelostmyspectacles “Ravus Nox Fleuret. It has been a while.” After crossing paths with an old contact from the Niflheim army, Ravus finds that the trauma from his years with the empire has not– unlike the Chosen King– vanished into the long night. Luckily, Ignis is there to help him begin to heal. Words: 10462, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Fandoms: Final Fantasy XV Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: M/M Characters: Ravus Nox Fleuret , Ignis Scientia Relationships: Ravus Nox Fleuret/Ignis Scientia Additional Tags: World of Ruin | The Long Night (Final Fantasy XV) , Episode Ignis Verse 2 , Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD , Sexual Trauma , Past Rape/Non-con , Coping , Established Relationship , Emotional Hurt/Comfort , Emotional Baggage , Protective Ignis Scientia , Ravus Nox Fleuret Needs A Hug

[mouseinthecastle]

Thought I posted this here but I can’t find it. @ivelostmyspectacles ‘s fic Altogether Infinite, Possibilities slays me with every new chapter.

[shadowgast-recs-weekly]

Xenobiology: A Shadowgast Rec List

This week, we have Xenobiology! Check under the cut for nine (nein!) fics that explore and revolve around non-human anatomy, and don't forget to comment and kudos if you like them!

Essek tests Caleb's ability to identify various flexible elongated organs

Pop Quiz by CatgirlTheCrazy (1250, Explicit)

Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Reccer says: Great for those looking for an edubation in Xenobiology

Shadowgast seahorse-like eggpreg

the seahorse's mate by Capitola (5143, Explicit)

Reccer's Content Notes: Male Pregnancy, Oviposition

Reccer says: Fun mix of xenobiology and magically made biology

Elves aren’t like humans, or so many other of the shorter lived races. For them, heat is a comparatively rare occurrence, coming barely once a year, if that. Essek’s own have always spaced a neat eighteen months apart with almost clockwork regularity, and it hits him that here, now, in this moment, he is dreadfully out of sync.

For the Fire Once Kindled by firefright (28697, Mature)

Reccer's Content Notes: Omegaverse

Reccer says: This is an absolutely lovely omegaverse fic, with Essek coming to terms with his feelings for Caleb, along with his biological reactions suddenly manifesting unexpectedly as a result, and Essek unsure how to adapt. It also includes some great Essek and Jester friendship moments and hugs, as well as discussions of his feelings for Caleb. If you don't regularly read omegaverse, I would implore you to read this one. It's relatively mellow (there's no sex beyond singular acts and no mpreg) and there are just so many excellent and feelingsy discussions and ideas.

Smutty, fluffy, established relationship pwp and Essek’s dick is retractable

stay soft (get eaten) by 2manyboys (5472, Explicit)

Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Reccer says: Super moody and lush

Essek and Caleb work on a project while the Mighty Nein are busy. Caleb’s proximity to Essek draws him into heat early and Essek lets him nest in the guest room while keeping his distance.

An Unexpected Development by mothinthetrees (14732, Explicit)

Reccer's Content Notes: Omegaverse

Reccer says: Interesting dynamic and worldbuilding!

Caleb polymorphs himself into a drider so the two of them can play out a fantasy

you can have my absence of faith by Anonymous (87745, Explicit)

Reccer's Content Notes: Dubcon/Consensual Non Consent, Male Pregnancy, Oviposition, monsterfucking, egg pregnancy of a trans male character

Reccer says: In between the wonderfully hot moments with drider!Caleb, the other side that Caleb plays is just so sweet! It makes for a fic that is just a delight all the way through

Too impatient to wait for Caleb to arrive, Essek forges ahead with a magical experiment, only for things to go terribly, terribly wrong. When Caleb arrives at Essek’s tower, he gets the fright of his life discovering the horrific effects of that experiment gone awry.

Wie’s Tier by Defiler_Wyrm (11080, Explicit)

Reccer's Content Notes: Dubcon/Consensual Non Consent

Reccer says: Hot and dirty smut

in true 'Essek Thelyss has the worst luck ever' fashion, he starts to go into heat right as he joins the Nein on their rush to Aeor

when the snow melts by ivelostmyspectacles (23089, Explicit)

Reccer's Content Notes: Omegaverse

Reccer says: I love it when authors play around with omegaverse dynamics, and this one is omega/omega

Caleb introduces Essek to his latest Aeor find. It turns out, "let's rehabilitate the traumatized sex mimic with issues respecting consent" is kind of a hard sell to a protective, paranoid boyfriend.

Armchair Therapy by catgirlthecrazy (14190, Explicit)

Reccer's Content Notes: Dubcon/Consensual Non Consent, tentacle sex

Reccer says: I liked it!

This is one of our weekly communally-generated shadowgast rec lists. Every week we announce a new theme and allow anyone to submit a fic recommendation. 

And hey, anyone includes you!

Next week, we'll be featuring fics that are work in progress! Any fics coming to mind? Well, then use this form to submit!

[critter-genfic-events]

Cuddling: A Genfic Rec List

This week we've got eleven fics that feature cuddling! Mostly platonic, including hugs between Yasha and Kingsley, some Bells Hells cuddle piles, and Vax and Percy sharing some warmth. Check them out underneath the cut, and if you like them, remember to kudos and comment!

with my last breath by ivelostmyspectacles (15684,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Mollymauk Tealeaf/Caleb Widogast

Caleb and Molly get separated from the party with little to no supplies, it's cold and wet and the caves may just be trying to kill them (plus feelings)

Reccer says: My favorite kind of cuddling is the trauma kind and this fic feels like it could have just been taken right out of canon. This is also a pre-relationship story so it's low on romance- just feelings and people suffering in dire circumstances together.

Whomever You Call Out to in the Night by Dira Sudis (dsudis) (6587,Teen) Warnings: Nightmares of people burning, Caleb-typical self-esteem issues, non-sexual rope bondage Pairings: Caduceus & Caleb

The time Caleb accidentally killed Caduceus with a fireball haunts his nightmares. Caduceus offers him comfort in the form of wise words, tea, and physical security.

Reccer says: The characterization in this fic is just so good; I can honestly imagine it being canon (and the author does, in fact, tie it back to a minor canon detail I'd forgotten about). Caduceus's actions are cathartic for Caleb, but the way it's all described is also cathartic for me as a reader.

Nasturtium by Clare_Hope (1641,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Fearne Calloway & Orym

One night on the Silver Sun while Laudna is still dead, Orym is fetched from the deck by a little elemental monkey who is worried about his Fearne.

Reccer says: I just love their friendship so much

A Quiet, Gentle Grief by piratesPencil (1972,Teen) Warnings: Pairings: Kingsley Tealeaf & Yasha

Yasha and Kingsley talk about Molly.

Reccer says: It allows Yasha to be friends with Kingsley, to mourn Molly, and allows for Kingsley and Molly to be different people.

Hot Rocks by MasterQwertster (1050,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: None

Ashton makes a surprisingly good bed-warmer. …If you can get them to agree to it. aka Bells Hells cuddle pile

Reccer says: Who doesn't like a good cuddle pile fic? And a little Ashton character exploration too.

lingers like smoke by romeoandjulietyouwish (1231,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Clarabelle Clay & Caduceus Clay

Clarabelle has a nightmare after the fire. She goes to her brother for comfort.

Reccer says: I love fics that feature the Clays as a family and take time to explore what it was like for the rest of the Clays to have their home destroyed

Filling the Spaces In Between by MeilinLuo13 (2551,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Fearne Calloway & Orym of the Air Ashari & Dorian Storm

On how the cuddle pile came to be

Reccer says: It's extremely sweet and cozy!

The Cut of His Jib by Nenia458 (6542,Teen) Warnings: hypothermia, ptsd flashbacks, past torture Pairings: Percy & Vax, mentions of Percy/Vex and Keyleth/Vax

Pre-Stream, Vox Machina take a job that requires half of their group (Vax, Vex, and Percy) to be on a ship. Vax learns a little more about Percy's past

Reccer says: Percy is very much in character - alternating between being arrogant, traumatized, and an utter nerd, and Vax's thought patterns also seem very true to the show.

Keep Your Friends Close (The Ones You Have Left) by Angel Ascending (angel_in_ink) (2779,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Ashton & Laudna & Orym

Post-Solstice, half of the hells try to make it through the night

Reccer says: It's heartbreaking and sweet and makes me ache for all of the characters

Absence and Adhesion by bluegreenamber (1234,Mature) Warnings: Hypothermia Pairings: Lucien Tavelle & Cree Deeproots

The Somnovem don't need some mortal priest to bring their Nonagon back to life once the vessel blessed with their nine eyes has been emptied once more. Unfortunately, the Nonagon still struggles with the limitations of his newly restored body.

Reccer says: I like how it treats Cree and Lucien's relationship - that Lucien is trying to leave everything behind, but Cree still follows him.

Soft As It Began by Belphegor (1794,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Scanlan Shorthalt/Pike Trickfoot, Scanlan Shorthalt & Vax'ildan, Pike Trickfoot & Vax'ildan

Post Campaign one. The problem with writing a sad ballad about lost friends is that someone is bound to request it every now and then.

Reccer says: I love seeing Pike and Scanlan as an actual couple, talking through their grief over Vax.

If you liked this rec list, follow along for more! We'll be posting a new list with a new theme each Monday. Want to make your own recs? Check out the rules, and then use the form to submit!

Next week, we're featuring FCG! Whether it's therapy, or murder, or something in between, rec your favorite gen fics that feature them!

The weeks after that, it's going to be Forgiveness, Canon Divergent AU's, and then Grief.

If you're looking for some more, there's been some new entries in the critter genfic bingo tag! Or you can request your own card and join in on the fun!

[pixel-is-blooming]

OH BOY WELCOME TO MY TERRITORY I HAVE A LIBRARY.

*cough*

here are a few of my recs under the line.

The Arrangement - @goddessofroyalty

[One Piece] Sanji’s method of dealing with his heats to date has been to find an alpha willing to help him out. His options are a little more limited now he’s joined the Strawhats.

three years, three rules - aminami (@akihmorn )

[Persona] “The truth is, I hate all alphas,” he stares at Akira coldly. “And that includes you.”

Three years after getting married, Akira and Goro face an unexpected challenge.

a fish hook. an open eye. / nails (on fingers, in coffins) - @mistresseast

[Persona] “According to his biometric readings—” Futaba sucks in a breath through her teeth, “—Joker is in rut.”

The thieves rustle in surprise and Goro feels his jaw go slack.

The Mast of the Redeemer - @somanyjacks

[Persona] Akechi is an omega pretending to be an alpha, and Ren Amamiya is an alpha masquerading as a beta. When Akechi's heat finally betrays him, his sworn rival/temporary teammate is all too happy to pick up the pieces. But who is using whom? And will Akechi ever escape the torturous grasp of the trickster god in his mind?

and on toward the edge of night - @j-plash

[Critical Role - Bells Hells] Ashton would love every fucking alpha in Jrusar to take a long walk off a fucking cliff.

Orym just knows it's not right that Dorian has to be so careful walking down the street at night.

("There you go, sweetheart, keep breathing for me.” Ashton doesn’t think he could stop breathing that in if he tried.)

feverish, burning up inside / burning out, helpless - @ivelostmyspectacles

[Critical Role - Mighty Nein] Even hailing from the circus, nesting in a wagon on the side of the road is not Mollymauk's idea of a good way to handle being in heat.

So, naturally, he's going to do his best to make sure Caleb is well looked after when it happens to him.

aka the omega/omega Widomauk fic no one asked for

Filling the Hourglass - i do (makkachincrossing)

[Critical Role - Mighty Nein] Every 25 years, omega Drows enter their period of fertility. The time is rapidly approaching for Essek as summer only grows hotter, and his husband grows older with no way to stop it.

But he hopes Caleb can leave a piece of himself behind.

Synced To You - TuppingLiberty (@animalasaysrauer )

[Star Wars Sequels] Canonverse but Omegaverse: Though everyone can choose whomever they want as mate, your one true mate, the mate with which you 'sync', is your one best match in the entire galaxy. Poe recognizes Finn as his sync-mate immediately, but Finn is reluctant - extremely.

Chapter 3 and various chapters thereon are explicit.

This fic is now in epilogue-mode. Everything after Chapter 13 is epilogue. I will come back to it as it pleases me, which, right now, is often. :D

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I hope this helps start your library.

If anyone told me a year ago that i would honest to the gods be unironically enjoying a/b/o i would have shot them. And yet here we are.