strawberrypinky

[strawberrypinky]

Well, if everything goes well and I can manage to finish the last of my commentary, my semi-annual fic recs should be up this weekend 😌 Personally, I am ✨very✨ excited about this list–it's the longest thus far, with 39 entries having made the list. Genuinely didn't think I was going to be that literate this year, lol.

[strawberrypinky]

If these clients send me a PNG after asking for a vector graphic ONE MORE TIME —

[strawberrypinky]

IM SCREAMING OMFG 😭😭😭

I fucking LOVE this 🩷🩷🩷

Emmrich x Rook modern AU, but she's a terminally ill patient that just wants to 💀 peacefully atp, and he's her doctor, but then they fall in love, and he fears her dying even more than dying himself, but it's all doomed cause she's terminal but he tries to save her anyways and –

[strawberrypinky]

Emmrich x Rook modern AU, but she's a terminally ill patient that just wants to 💀 peacefully atp, and he's her doctor, but then they fall in love, and he fears her dying even more than dying himself, but it's all doomed cause she's terminal but he tries to save her anyways and –

[strawberrypinky]

Thank you for the tag, my beloved Mae @legacygirlingreen 🩷

Aside from basic necessities, what are three things you couldn't go a day without? 1 – My dog – I'm a very proud dog mum, ok? My little pup is my absolute everything. 2 – Tea – I'm the most stereotypical Englishwoman to exist, but I cannot go a day without a decent cuppa. Yorkshire Gold, Builder's Brew, no sugar. Absolute perfection 🤌🏻 3 – Hot Water Bottle – I am constantly freezing. I'm not even joking when I say I still use my hot water bottle when it's 30°C outside because there's a 99.9% chance I am somehow still freezing.

What is your current proudest achievement? I've successfully convinced a US American that the Tea Time Alarm was real (iykyk hahah). Just kidding, though. That's not my proudest achievement 😂 I'd say I'm proud of myself for finishing my Master's whilst working full-time as a Marketing Manager with an autoimmune disease. Much like Mae, I'm a first-generation University graduate, and I am very proud of that fact.

What would your dream vacation look like? Hm... probably catching up on a lot of sleep and rest haha. Lately, I’ve fallen a bit in love with the idea of taking a trip to Tanzania—spending my days on safari, staying at a lodge, and just enjoying the peace of being mostly off-grid. It's been years since I've been to Africa and I would love to go again.

What did you want to be when you were younger? A professional ballet dancer. I remember watching Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses making of called "Dancing On Air" with Maria Kowroski, formerly of New York City Ballet, and I remember wanting to be just like her. I was insufferable about it–trying to make my own pointe shoes (at the mere age of...five, haha) and dancing all over our house pretending to be a ballerina. I was in the process of applying to pre-professional training programs at fourteen when I unfortunately had to "retire" from dancing altogether due to an illness. I know I would've been a good ballerina, and I still mourn what could have been sometimes. But everything happens for a reason, and I'm grateful for every second I got to spend in my pointe shoes 🩷

How do you like to relax? Usually by taking a long walk with my pup, drinking a cuppa or reading a book. Dance or riding used to be ways for me to relax, too, but I'm currently unable to do either of them.

A common misconception you've heard about yourself? That I'm stupid, lol. It's something I've heard a lot as an adult and people are often surprised when they realise I'm not as clueless as they initially assumed. Honestly, I get where that impression comes from, even if it can be hurtful. I'm autistic, and I tend to process things differently than neurotypical people. I often miss sarcasm, innuendo, or double meanings in everyday conversation, which can make me come across as "slow" or out of step.

What advice would you give to your 8 year old self? You'll mess up. A lot. You'll hurt people, overthink, say the wrong thing, and get it wrong more than once. And yes, you'll lose things because of it. But losing doesn't always mean defeat—sometimes, it makes space for growth, clarity, and better choices ahead. Don't hold onto every regret or grudge because you cannot carry it all. Just try to move forward with intention and be willing to learn as you go. You'll be ok, kid. I promise 🩷

Something you think is broadly important in life? Considering Mae already said learning (which, mind you, I wholeheartedly agree with) I'm going with love instead. And not just the romantic kind—I'm talking about love in all its forms: love for yourself, for others, and for the world around you.

How do you want to be remembered in life? Strangely, I don't have a strong desire to be remembered at all, lol. So I'm afraid I haven't really got an answer for this one.

No pressure tags: @grad-writes @marcell-arts @goodgirlgonebard @heyitszev @gufu-vire @ladyofcrowsandcoffee 🩷

The Ultimate Get to Know Me Tag

I have been tagged in quite a few get to know me's lately, and I was thinking, that I am loving to get to know more about many of my mutuals, but wanted to get a TAD deeper (or out there depending on your perspective). So I tried to conceive a more in depth tag for some of my moots. Feel free to answer the ones you are comfortable answering. I left a blank template of the question and then the physical/quick glance photo portion, with my answers are below the cut! ~ Mae

Questions:

Aside from basic necessities, what are three things you couldn't go a day without? What is your current proudest achievement? What is something about yourself you think is uncommon? What would your dream vacation look like? What did you want to be when you were younger? How do you like to relax? A common misconception you've heard about yourself? What advice would you give to your 8 year old self? Something you think is broadly important in life? How do you want to be remembered in life?

Photo Templates

Questions:

Aside from basic necessities, what are three things you couldn't go a day without?

1 - Caf. I know I drink too much of it most likely, but I do severely need coffee. Approach with caution before it's been drank energy...

2 - Airpods, which I know some would link to just like phones (which in this day and age are a necessity unfortunately), but I cannot make it a single day without the ability to listen to music. At work I listen to music, pods, audio books, etc otherwise nothing would get done.

3 - Sunscreen. Seriously I personally consider it a necessity, but I've found out a large portion of the population does not. It's not optional. I wear it everyday. Face, body, etc. It's a requirement.

What is your current proudest achievement?

Honestly, I do think there are quite a few things I find myself proud of in life. I have a good job, a house, relationship, friends and family, etc. But honestly, I think at this stage of my life I think what I am most proud of is my education. I am a first generation college graduate. I have a double bachelors and double masters under my belt. Education is a very important aspect of life, so I consider myself very lucky to have been able to achieve what I have. All the jobs to support myself while in school, working within my programs, etc all were worth it in the end.

What is something about yourself you think is uncommon?

I have quite an independent spirit. I have lived on my own numerous times. I have packed up and taken jobs away from friends/family across the country. I have let my time with film/television drag me across the continent and I had such an adventure in doing so. But being able to say that I have confidently lived on my own as an adult was something I needed to be able to do in my life before settling down. And although I traded in my nomad days, I hold them in high regard. To know one's self independently of work or loved ones is something I believe to be important, yet in this day and age seems to be less common.

What would your dream vacation look like?

I think there is an important distinction here to be made. I adore traveling and am fortunate enough to have a partner who is able to make this a reality more than most. However: Travel ≠ Vacation. Travel is about taking in a new culture, seeing all you can in your time, often involving lots of walking... Vacation to me, while involving travel, is more about relaxing. So, that said, I adore traveling but a dream vacation would be finding a beach and posting myself up for a few days. New Zealand is next on our list, and I really want to surf out there. But that's about the only amount of 'work' I'd want to do. I lived a large portion of my life in a beach town. Sand between the toes, the sun, the cool water and a drink in my hand will always be the only R&R I crave for 'vacation'.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I desperately wanted to be a marine biologist. I lived at the beach. Worked extensively as a kid with them to help aid animals. I volunteered often with community involvement protecting wildlife. But, when I was about 16 my mom made me meet with someone working in the field full time that we knew and that conversation did discourage me from pursuing it full time. I pivoted and ended up going to film school with the hopes of working in nature documentary. Then I fell in love with the whole industry of film as a whole. I got a degree in creative writing and film and moved my marine interests to a hobby. But, ever wonder why Marina is a Marine Biologist... there ya go.

How do you like to relax?

This used to be as simple as stepping outside and being on the water. But, having moved inland for my partners job I have to get creative. Honestly, I toss my phone away from me. Lately it's just been such a distraction. I enjoy writing. I enjoy reading. Fairly standard, relaxing things.

A common misconception you've heard about yourself?

That I'm a bitch. No but in all seriousness I do have people tell me they are somewhat shocked by how nice I am after speaking to me. This started sometime in college and frankly hasn't stopped. I don't deny I have RBF tho. I also live in the southeast now and southern culture is quite... heavy on exaggerating politeness so if you are more straight forward it gets perceived as "rude". Combine that with my autism...

What advice would you give to your 8 year old self?

That it does get better. And that all you are going through is character development. So don't hold too tightly to the pain, focus on what you want to do and let everything else go. Those people won't be worth it, and with time, you'll find all you need.

Something you think is broadly important in life?

Learning. Never quit learning. Never think you have stopped learning or learned all you need to know. And this can be more than memorizing facts, it can be stepping outside the bounds of what you know. Gaining more empathy. Discovering how someone else lives their life. But seriously: Learn something new every single day.

How do you want to be remembered in life?

As someone who cared about other people and the world around me

NPT: @strawberrypinky @crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf @leenathegreengirl @returnofthepineapple @mae-lou-ron @clonethirstingisreal @heyitszev @anto-pops @cw80831 @eclec-tech @badbatchbruna

[strawberrypinky]

I Choose Love by Cynthia Erico

"But you don't see that you don't need to carry everybody's grief. Say goodbye and you might find the love you left behind.”

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@heyitszev @goodgirlgonebard @marcell-arts

ohhh my gawshhhh I’m bacccckkk

Tagging Challenge: Say the lyric of the last song you listened to and tag your friends so they can do it too.

Mine: “His name is any white guy in 1985” ~ 1984 - Bo Burnham

@rta-user-2025 @theshadowyalchemist @thatboleyngirl77 @teenscientist

[strawberrypinky]

AO3 being down as I get ready to do my nightly reading and rotting in bed™️ is about to be my 13th reason.

[strawberrypinky]

i forgot how long it takes to put these lists together, lol 💀 halfway there, at least 😩

putting together the fic recs for the first half of 2025 and i was surprisingly literate this year 🤔🤨 38 fics and oneshots have made the list this time around. will be interesting to see which ones make it onto the best of list at the end of the year 😇

[strawberrypinky]

putting together the fic recs for the first half of 2025 and i was surprisingly literate this year 🤔🤨 38 fics and oneshots have made the list this time around. will be interesting to see which ones make it onto the best of list at the end of the year 😇

[strawberrypinky]

It means the world to me to be included on this list! 🥹🩷 Thank you, Ambs. Love you LOADS 🩷🩷🩷🩷

Also shout out to all the other incredible authors on here. You are amazing and if I haven't checked you out yet, I will definitely do it soon 🩷

mid-year BG3 fic recs

Hi all! I decided to take a page from @strawberrypinky’s book and do a round of 🌼 fic recs 🌼 to try and spread some positivity in this space, because it has been feeling a bit too dreary to me lately.

These are some fics I have loved so far this year, which is about halfway done. I’ve been trying to be good about bookmarking my faves this time around on ao3 for this express purpose but I’m realizing my memory is way too shit to do a full-year roundup, so I think 6 months is just fine! The more recs the better!

My disclaimer is 1) these are almost all entirely Astarion x Tav lmao and 2) I write a lot more than I read and I can’t do either as much as I would like to (having a job is so stupid ugh) so my TBR list is miles long. If a moot fic didn’t make it on here or I haven’t checked it out, please don’t take anything personally 🥹 ❤️ & the people tagged have no obligation to read my works either. This is just for fun.

Chapter Fics

these are in no particular order!

A Fitting Reunion — AO3 — tumblr — @deadly-diminuendo

Astarion x Tav ୨୧ The Holy Trinity: Angst & Fluff & Smut ୨୧ Mutual pining

My beloved tailor Astarion! I have been an admirer of @deadly-diminuendo’s works for some time, and I have loved this little 3 part series with post-canon, healing vampire boy in his very own tailor shop 🤍 The feelings that Tav has for him from are palpable from the very first few paragraphs, and had me on the edge of my seat waiting for them to go up the stairs to his little apartment! Luckily for anyone else who would like to read it now, though, all 3 chapters are up (;

I decided to include this one under “chapter fics” rather than the one-shots/short stories category because @deadly-diminuendo has suggested this will become a Fitting Romance series and I’m drooling at the thought 😌

Fire & Ice. — AO3 — tumblr — @strawberrypinky

Enver Gortash x Tav ୨୧ Angst & Smut ୨୧ Friends to Enemies to Lovers ୨୧ read the tags for warnings

So I am not a Gort girlie but I am a bit of a villain apologist at times (…duh) when the writer is sick enough in the head to do a really good job. And Miss Strawberry? She gets into this man’s head. Enver’s perspective of the story is plagued with unsurprisingly horrible thoughts and deeds, but peppered with the perfect amount of being absolutely down bad for Elodie — our golden girl, our Tav, and his 2nd biggest obsession.

This story so far takes place before & during the events of the game, and creates an entirely new dynamic around how Tav/Elodie is just as twisted into the story as the rest of the companions by way of having a patriar family and through Gortash. She has deep roots and a wicked tongue, and this might be a strange compliment on the story, but she is such a sorcerer. I love when characters truly glow with their chosen class.

This is not a light read, but it is a complex and interesting one. I am very excited to see where the rest of this story goes ❤️

The Melancholy Bard — AO3 — tumblr — @andromedaancunin

Astarion x Tav ୨୧ Angst & Fluff ୨୧ Astarion’s simple plan ୨୧ canon-typical violence

This fic takes place during the game, and breathes life into the events of the main story and the romance with Astarion by giving Andromeda, our Tav, a backstory and some personality. I love nothing more than a main character with a lot of consideration put into why they are the way that they are, and Andromeda checks all of those boxes for me. She talks back to the vampire when he’s being a dick, she’s sweet & funny with her dialogue, and all-around a really well-developed character. You’ll love her, and you’ll find Taylor’s characterization of Astarion absolutely perfect, too. And if you don’t, you’re wrong — sorry, I don’t make the rules.

One/Two-Shots

these are also in no particular order!

Supply & Demand — AO3 — luftballoons99

Astarion x Tav ୨୧ Smut ୨୧ Period sex

This fic was truly a case of me scrolling thru the Astarion x Tav one morning and finding this summary so compelling. “The crimson wave has a silver lining.” This story is both sexy and hilarious, with a bard Tav that snarks back at Astarion in a way that I adore.

The Birds and the Bees — tumblr — @rahuratna

Astarion x Tav ୨୧ Fluff ୨୧ bonus points because it was published on my birthday (a coincidence… who’s to say)

This hilarious one-shot really caught me off guard! I really admire the way Rahu is able to write their fics to be so seamlessly funny and romantic, and be absolutely true to the characters of BG3. In this story Astarion learns how to use speak with animals, and has a lot of hilarious fun using it — I think about it often 😝

Dhampir Dreams — AO3 — tumblr P1 | P2 — @bardic-inspo

Astarion x Tav ୨୧ Fluff & Smut ୨୧ Breeding kink my beloved

I first started reading Megh’s writing through her A!A longfic, Aeterna Nostalgia, and I really enjoy her style of prose! Dhampir Dreams is a beautifully written angst-fest from Astarion’s perspective that turns romantic and emotional when Tav gets to join in on the fun. Though his thoughts on fatherhood are not entirely pure, they are a wonderful mix of beautiful and inspiringly horny 🥰

Honorable mentions

There are a few fics I’m reading that are still early in their creation that I have an inkling will be on my rec list at the end of this year, and I still want to give a little shoutout to them ❣️ this includes Some Unholy War by @lofi-fried, an angsty Astarion x cleric Tav with some moral dilemmas between a religious Tav and morally ambiguous (ehhh) Astarion as well as tension between Astarion, Wyll and Tav 👀 I am also excited to see the second part of The Art of Not Admitting a Thing from @obsessedwhyyes, who writes Gale and Astarion both with such precision to their voices that I am once again left in awe (see my 2024 end of year fic recs for The Learned Observer. whew) ❤️

I hope to have more fics to rec at the end of this year, and I hope to see some fic recs cross my feed between now and then!! If you’re tagged in this already as a featured writer, consider yourself ✨ tagged ✨ to post your recs because I wanna see ‘em!

As for me, according to my previous fic recs I ended 2024 with 355,813 words on AO3, and at the time of writing this post I am sitting at 484,816. I’ve got some things up my sleeve for the rest of this year, despite slowing my pace a little bit from last year (some of you are going to hate me for saying that lmao I’m sorry) 🥹 I am currently working on some new short stories (including a couple of zines!) for the latter half of this year, but so far I have been pouring my soul into Goodnight, My Love and Dealbreaker, and shared a one-shot gift piece called Relief in January.

See you in about 6 months!

dividers & mini-mood board by @saradika-graphics ❣️

[strawberrypinky]

“Thanks.”

Part 2 of sharing daggers thanks to @rookamell’s post and @morrriigan’s delightful fic!!!

Bonus: Lucanis only just held it together x

[strawberrypinky]

lucanis defending the crows with his whole chest and trying to make sure everyone knows the de rivas are simply an extra special breed 😭💀

always be hustlin, davrin

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All eyes on me

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how @legacygirlingreen sees me fr.

[strawberrypinky]

Try not to sleep. 🐦‍⬛☕ EDIT: My frame for my Rook is here :)

[strawberrypinky]

look - it's my favourite rat <3

😳😳

[strawberrypinky]

The Holy Rolan Empire, the second they step into Sorcerous Sundries:

Inspired by @jukeboxpanda's post