#author: sugarybowl

[izzy-fic-recs]

in the end, I'd do it all again

Written by sugarybowl and wishingonalightningbolt. Word count: 13983.

AO3 Link

Author's summary:

“How’d you know?” Izzy growls up at him, hoping it’s literally anything other than the fact that he’s that pathetic. “Iz, it’s us, baby! You show up in a horny rage every time something good happens in Ed’s life, we fuck, you clear out, I see you the next time! Lucky me, I keep up with Ed’s socials so I can get ready for you, babe, but I was busy this time.” -0- Izzy turns up at Jack’s place for a distraction. Learning about Jack’s son forces him to reevaluate the way he sees one of his oldest friends.

Mod notes/warnings (contains spoilers):

There's some angst regarding Izzy's past treatment of Jack and his feelings about that, but there's a lot of fluff as well and it has a happy ending.

[theyoungeragrippina]

15 more gentlebeard fic recs!

that i have lovingly hunter/gathered for you all. may they act as sustenance for u in this drought.

they are all complete, do not feature any ongoing steddyhands, and are above 20k words.

peruse part 1 and part 2 at your leisure if you want to compare our tastes/devour more fine literature, or check out my masterlist as an ao3 collection.

happy reading!

it's what isn't in the name by @tciddaemina

41k, mature

"The first thing they see - apart from Captain Bonnet himself, all silked up and frilly and I sight in his own right - is the cat sitting primly by his ankles."

writing is top quality, the depth of understanding the author has for every character is unmatched. i have never felt so gutted to know a writer hasn't written anything else for ofmd.

clarity by @kat0nline

44k, explicit

"After an accident upends Stede and Ed's fragile new relationship, Ed fights to bring Stede back."

amnesia/memory loss fic done justice. mary continues to be the best and i love her. only note i wrote after i finished was 'screaming crying throwing up i love you author'.

you are at the top of my lungs by @ratchet

55k, explicit

"Ed has a simple life. He has a self-built, off grid, mostly self-sustaining house tucked away in the middle of a forest... the appearance of an incredibly nosy, incredibly handsome stranger three weekends in a row has him questioning every self-imposed rule he's ever set himself."

this is really a story about healing and hope and grief and love. one of my most favourite eds. this author makes me want to change my whole life, and in this case become an off grid chicken owner that grows food and has gay christmas dinners.

seven point three miles, also by @ratchet

20k (technically just under but it gets a pass because everyone should read it rn), teen and up

"Stede takes a job as a remote forest fire lookout in the summer following his divorce, with a plan to find out who he is, and what he wants his life to be. With the help of the enigmatic lookout on the other side of the forest, he ends up getting more out of the experience than he could ever have hoped."

when will this author receive their nobel prize in literature. i want to be a fire lookout now. i also want to scream and cry and maybe stare at the ceiling for five hours to process this fic. there is a reason everyone loves this fic.

fine dining by wishingonalightningbolt and sugarybowl

37k, explicit

"Edward Teach is one of the most famous chefs in the world, working under the handle Chef Blackbeard. Not one to be tied down, he does random pop-ups in all types of kitchens, and for the absurdly wealthy, he caters special events. Stede Bonnet wants to throw the best engagement party ever for his ex-wife and best friend, Mary. His assistant recommends the extravagant work of Chef Blackbeard."

my notes just say: 'ed is a chef and stede is a cute guy and they are cute together' and i think that is a pretty good summary tbh.

Old Bae Season by nomadsland

57k, explicit

"Ed picks Stede up at a bar for what ought to be a one-night stand, but it turns out they're attending the same academic conference the next day."

they are scientists and stede experiences self discovery. crab door knockers as a symbol of love. i love this fic because it made me smile so much (and want to get my life together, weirdly).

Vitalis by jfc_anna

29k, explicit

"Crown Prince Stede Bonnet. Reserved, anxious, and newly arranged to be married. A child is expected. Though, with the Prince’s lack of experience, is also highly unlikely. There are murmurs of an educator of sorts amongst the nobility, with raven hair and eyes like fire, who has been the cure of impotence and disagreeable attitudes. He has been called many names, whispered behind hands or between cracks in doors. Siren. Kraken. Devourer of Love."

short and sweet and so different from most other things i've read in this fandom. lots of flirting and pining and copious amounts of seduction.

all that might happen is here somehow by @sungmee

27k, teen

"Stede gets caught in a time loop at the moment where Badminton tries to shoot him."

i put off reading this because i thought i wasn't super keen on time loop fics. i was wrong. this is charming, and a little bit heartbreaking, and VERY well written, and i loved every word. don't make my mistakes. read this rn.

turn on the light by smallestchurch

55k, explicit

"Lighthouse Bookshop had been there seemingly since time immemorial. Over forty years at that spot, sitting proud, a beacon at the heart of the community, and when the old owner decides to sell, it's the perfect vessel for Stede's odd restlessness. And the building is connected to a famous cocktail bar run by a mad genius behind the stick."

smiling through my tears rn. i was so absorbed that the end of the fic came up on me like a jumpscare. stede and ed continue to be posterboys for maladaptive coping mechanisms. books & cocktails & outrageous flirting.

our tesco means death by @stedesparasol

21k, general

"Determined to prove he can earn a living without his family's wealth, Stede applies for a job at the UK's biggest retailer (probably). Hmm, I wonder who his supervisor will be... surely not a handsome bearded man sick of the retail grind until Stede joins his workplace and makes things interesting..."

so unserious and so funny. fuckin' brilliant. made me genuinely laugh out loud so much that my dad asked if i was okay.

Queen Anne’s Renovations and Remodelling by bythedamned

32k, mature

"Ed didn't know why Stede’s house had a room sealed off. Two decades gone, filled with the creation and destruction of things they'd never shared with each other, and Ed no longer had reading privileges to the Book of Stede. So he's left to wonder - what's in the room? Why is the door plastered over? And why does Ed remember kissing Stede on a make-believe ship they’d invented as kids?"

thank u sm to @okayestokapi for the rec!! i love the sort of magical-mystery vibe this carries the whole way through & the conclusion was so charming and clever. heaps of fun.

help me to find peace (tell me you're okay) by @percyjacksonfan3

38k, general

"Stede and the crew come to find Ed and make things right. Turns out Ed is doing the same".

i am simply a sucker for a good post s1 reunion fic, and this is up there with the best. it flows really well, the characterisation is so good, and it felt like such a natural continuation of the s1 story and character arcs!!

Invisible String by @dimplyowl

48k, mature

"Scourge of the Caribbean" has been Stede's favorite book series since he was 12 years old. Now, age 47, divorced, and an aspiring author, he turns back to the series to draw inspiration from the familiar story. But as he starts reading, he realizes that something is different. Blackbeard, the main character, is apathetic and depressed, and the story has changed. Even stranger still, Stede seems to be the only one aware that this change has occurred."

more magic realism!!!!! this is so much fun and such a clever idea (plus such clever execution)! lots of flirting and stede being flustered and cute dates.

The Lion, the Witch and the Auxiliary Wardrobe by @xoxoemynn

21k, explicit

"Edward "Blackbeard" Teach's foolproof strategy to get over devastating heartbreak: 1) bring a witch aboard the ship 2) get trapped in an auxiliary wardrobe with the man who broke your heart 3) well, you'll have to read to find out."

in this house we read everything em writes because it is all brilliant and hilarious, and this is no different. its silly and fun and still tender and sweet, and ed & stede get to be just as embarrassing as they deserve (also there is a currently updating work by the same author u should look at too - take it as an unofficial rec).

Due North by surprise pink (+ gorgeously illustrated by @sungmee who appeared earlier on this list!!!!!!)

28k, mature

"Burnt out from his corporate job and his miserable marriage, Stede takes a seaside vacation where he meets Ed, an artist who takes inspiration from strange dreams that feel like memories. A museum exhibit about Blackbeard and the Gentleman Pirate brings them together, but it doesn't feel like the first time they've met."

had me googling 'pirate museums near me???' urgently at 1am. romeo & juliet meeting through a fishtank/starcrossed lovers vibes. absolute oodles of pining. a joy of a time to read.

[redfurrycat]

🏃❄️⚡💎Coldflash Fic Recs 💎⚡❄️🏃

🏃⚡Coldflash Goodies to Read❄️💎

Ao3 Authors: A_once_and_future_love, Alexis_Tenshi, Anonymous, AriesOfBlue, Avengersincamphalfbloodstardis, Barrylen, Blueelvewithwings, CallMeHopeless, Canthelpmyselves, Captain_Giggles, ColdSerenity, Crestfaller, Crimson1, Crystalblinks, Enina, Exasperatedmoron, Flye, Grimmfairy, ImaKaraTabiHe, Indiepjones46, Lutavero, MissSugarPlum, Mistvalkyrie, Mockingbird_22, Niennavalier, Nirejseki, NoelleAngelFyre, QLaLa, RedHead, Relenafanel, Saruma_aki, Simplicity, StarlightDreamer16, StillNotGinger10, Sugarybowl, Swing Set in December, Thundersnow.

The Seduction of Leonard Snart by saruma_aki {T}

Barry decided that using pick-up lines on one Leonard "What Is A Relationship" "What Is Flirting" Snart was a good way to pass the time.

The Honeypot by StillNotGinger10 {G}

Lisa laughed, a chiming, delicate sound that she’d once needed to practice for hours before it sounded right. “That’s no problem. I’d love to hear about your crush, as long as it isn’t Cisco.” She finished by sending a coy look Cisco’s way and ducking her head. He and Barry shared another look. He was eating up her act hook, line, and sinker. Barry gave an awkward laugh of his own. “Ha no, no. It’s—I’m not—really, I’m not crushing on anyone.” “Only Captain Cold,” Caitlin said before sipping her drink with a smirk still on her lips. Lisa goes to the bar planning on conning The Flash's friend, Cisco. As the night goes on, she learns a lot more than she bargained for.

Shovel Talk by nirejseki {_}

Barry warned him that people might try to give Len the shovel talk, now that Barry had decided to bring his and Len's year-old relationship into the light. Len never said he was going to be nice about letting them.

Chocolate, Roses and New Running Shoes by blueelvewithwings {T}

Barry has a secret admirer that leaves gifts for him to find every single day. The more this goes on, the more Barry falls for whoever is trying to woo him. The closer to Valentine's Day it gets, the more nervous Barry becomes: Will his admirer reveal themselves on that day?

Everybody else is second best by barrylen {T}

Barry couldn't stop sneaking glances at Leo and Ray. Leo had a plan, of course.

Hero Worship by canthelpmyselves {M}

When it appears that Barry may be flirting with one of his hostages, Len's jealousy gets the better of him.

You're A Criminal (As Long As You're Mine) by NoelleAngelFyre {T}

By the third visit, they've officially established a pattern. Following the death of Lewis Snart and his son's incarceration, Barry copes with the feeling of injustice by paying his nemesis a visit behind bars. Before long, a couple random visits has turned into something more. Something much more than either probably expected.

The Thought of You by StillNotGinger10 {G}

Growing up with the words ‘The red leather looks hot. Too bad I'll have to cool him off.’ scrawled across his arm was the most embarrassing thing Barry could think of. Yet that’s what his soulmate’s first thought would be when they finally came face to face. Everyone was born with their soulmate’s first thought when meeting them written somewhere on their body, and Barry’s words were certainly the most embarrassing soul words that he’d ever seen.

I think I love You by Aquafolie, Thundersnow {T}

When struck by a metahuman’s abilities, Barry suddenly, and uncontrollably, can only speak in songs. To save him the embarrassment, everyone agrees that he should be left alone for a while… at least until the effects have worn off. Captain Cold, however, didn’t get the memo. . Or the time when Barry accidentally serenades Len.

Lullabies for Little Criminals by crestfaller {T}

Leonard Snart: Pickpocket Extraordinaire. Robber of ATM’s. Destroyer of the Oculus. Best thief Central City has or will ever see. Then, due to tampering with his own timeline, Rip Hunter informs Len that he’s become a father back in 2016. Now it’s Leonard Snart: Owner of Minivan. Keeper of a fleet of what seems like an ever-expanding amount of toy soldiers. Father to four-year-old son that’s so enamored by the Flash that he can’t decide if it’s not funny or absolutely hysterical. And he has absolutely no idea what he’s doing.

You Are The One And Only by CallMeHopeless {T}

Five times Len gets called 'Lenny' and hates it. One time he actually kind of likes it. Warning: Leonard Snart is in serious danger. He might need a bite guard.

Out Cold by Crimson1 {M}

Captain Cold's plan for a bit of fun with his nemesis results in more than he bargained for when a head wound from dashing to Flash's rescue leaves him without any memories of who he or The Flash is. As Barry nurses Len back to health, both of them quickly start to hope that he never remembers being Captain Cold as the attraction they feel for each other turns into something more without the pitfalls of being enemies to stand in their way. AU with everything having happened up to the Season 1 finale, except Eddie shot Eobard instead of himself, killing him, and the singularity didn’t happen.

Love Me by sinplicity {M}

A meta-human with Cupid-like powers whammies Barry to fall in love with the first person he sees. Just his luck it happened to be Captain Cold. (“He hasn’t let go of me for almost an hour,” says Len, focusing his steel on Cisco, who shrinks considerably. “’Cause I love you,” says Barry beside him, his teeth gleaming as he grins. He tries to kiss Len again—god, the seventh time?)

Green tea and cranberry scones by grimmfairy {_}

Another coffee shop AU. Len is waiting in line for his coffee when he witnesses a rude customer get taken down a peg by the owner. A take on "I want to speak with the manager!" "I am the manager."

Seeking Comfort by ColdSerenity {E}

Barry's life is changing as he finally starts college, but he still continues to harbor feelings for Iris. After meeting senior Leonard Snart who is in a similar situation, they begin to use one another for comfort. Unfortunately, things quickly turn very serious for Barry, and he is left to wonder where Len stands in this 'make believe' relationship.

The Frozen Heart of the Sea by Mistvalkyrie {E}

Captain Cold’s idyllic pirate life will get threatened when his cursed frozen heart gets stolen by a mysterious hazel-eyed prisoner during a voyage to raid the legendary and lost city of Atlantis.

Realm of Darkness by Mistvalkyrie {E}

Barry was a young god craving chaos and Leonard was the deadly king of the Underworld seeking peace. A Hades/Persephone AU with powers/Greek Mythology

Tumbling Together by RedHead {M}

When Barry and Len discover that they’ve accidentally become neighbors, they learn to navigate their new living situation amongst misunderstandings and a surprising amount of common ground. AKA the fun-as-it-comes Neighbors!AU which turns into a Pretend Relationship!AU filled with tropes, hijinks, and some vague notion of a plot.

Got A Melancholic Temperament (that's what they said to me) by RedHead {E}

A new meta with a strange ability has public opinion divided on whether she’s a menace or a miracle-worker. The jury’s still out on the matter when the Snart siblings get caught in her crosshairs. Or: Leonard and Lisa end up temporarily de-aged. It’ll wear off, but in the meantime, Team Flash has to figure out what the heck to do with them and how to keep them safe. Inviting them to live at the West house seems like a natural, if terrible, solution.

Commander Cold by Thundersnow {T}

Cisco was sitting in front of the computers with his back to Len, as usual, as Barry hovered around in front of the engineer. Except, right now Barry currently had dark blond hair and was dressed in a blue parka with a version of the cold gun attached to his thigh. The younger man looked over at Len in the doorway and his big eyes went wide. "Are you mocking me, Barry?" Len drawled, raising an eyebrow in question and trying not to laugh at the image of the Flash dressed as a supervillain. The team are surprised to find a time traveller from the future that shares a striking resemblance to one Barry Allen. But… if he is the Flash’s son… then why is he wearing Captain Cold’s gear?

what the future holds by  avengersincamphalfbloodstardis {T}

While Barry is helping out on a mission aboard the Waverider, he and Len are shown a glimpse into their future.

rumor has it by QLaLa {T}

Leonard knew that a surprise visit from Henry Allen’s son was going to open him up to all kinds of unwanted questions from the other denizens of Iron Heights. In hindsight, he should’ve expected some of those questions to come from Henry Allen himself.

Social Call by Captain_Giggles {T}

The Waverider is busted again, leaving the Legends temporarily stranded in another time. Len is not happy. Gideon to the rescue!

Cold Communication by crystalblinks {G}

If there was Len hated more than being called a hero, it was Rip Hunter. Len knew real heroes, ones that had sacrificed so much to help out others. Rip wasn’t a hero, he was selfish. So Len made it his mission to annoy the fuck out of him as long as they were on the Waverider.

Cleaner Cold by AriesOfBlue {T}

“So let me get this straight.” Cisco said, waving a spoon at him from his computer chair. “Snart is your cleaner, has been for a month, and it’s fine?” “Actually, yeah.” Barry shrugged while answering Cisco. His nonchalance would be concerning, except it really was fine. Surprisingly fine. “The place was spotless on the first day. I had no idea my windows could let in so much light.” “A: that’s what windows are supposed to do. B: that’s what cleaners do, make things clean and shiny.” “Clean and Smart.” Cisco rolled his eyes. It was impressive how he put his whole body into it. OR Barry is not a manchild despite what Iris says, Len is a cleaner at Clean and Smart and Barry has a point to prove about Jitters coffee (and Len uses eco friendly cleaning products!)

Of Time Travel and Other Disasters by Enina {M}

Rip Hunter wants to use time travel to save the world. Barry wants to punch him for it.

Barry + Lisa = Best Friends by exasperatedmoron {G}

To everyone in Barry and Lisa's lives, the two were nemesis (or more specifically, a hero and his nemesis's sister). To each other, they were best friends. A pair of superhero/supervillain best friends with a penchant for makeup, dress up and gossiping about their cold-themed villain/brother.

The Prince and the Ice King by Crimson1 {E}

For 200 years, the Emerald Kingdom has sent the dreaded Ice King a sacrifice each Winter Solstice. A corrupt soul is chosen, whether a criminal, a deviant who lusts sinfully, or someone touched by magic. Prince Barry has always loathed this tradition, partly because he lusts in sin himself, dreaming of love with another man instead of a future queen, but he can handle the sacrifices no longer when his best friend, Cisco, is chosen, called a witch for seeing visions. If necessary, Barry will kill the Ice King himself to rescue his friend, but while he hopes for a peaceful resolution, he is not prepared for what he finds in the Frozen Kingdom.

I'll Believe in Anything by Swing Set in December {G}

High school is stressful for Barry Allen. Especially if Leonard Snart insists on carrying your books.

Flight Risk by nirejseki {_}

When Henry Allen is brought into Iron Heights for the first time, Leonard Snart is twenty-two years old, sick of his cellmate, and bored half to death.

Rich Man's World by nirejseki {_}

Everyone knows that money makes the world go round - and Leonard Snart, full-time thief and part-time accountant, is going to personally kill the guy who just inherited STAR Labs if he doesn't sign his goddamn tax returns already.

Spousal Privileges (and other such secrets) by StarlightDreamer16 {T}

“My apologies, Captain Hunter, but that information is–” “Above my clearance level. Yes, Gideon, I am quite aware.” Rip pressed his forehead against the screen for a moment. “If you tell me that one more time, I swear I’ll shut you off.” “You are not authorised to access my main power controls in that way. -- Turns out, whoever created Gideon made some unexpected choices regarding who can and cannot override direct orders from Captain Hunter.

Green is not Len's color. by canthelpmyselves {M}

Len knows his Scarlet Speedster. Intelligent? Yes. Handsome? Undoubtedly. Heroic? Absolutely. Straight? Of cour... um wait! Is that Barry on a date with a guy???

Come on be my baby by lutavero {G}

Earth2!Len is the Mayor of CC who tries to woo Earth2!Barry during political fundraisers to no avail.

Putting Things in Perspective by niennavalier {T}

The one time Leonard Snart didn't mean to steal something, and the five people who witnessed the crime. Or, alternatively: The five people who witness Leonard Snart and Barry Allen finding out they're Soulmates in the middle of the Precinct, and the one person stuck in interrogation trying to pretend none of it had happened.

Face Blind by nirejseki {_}

Barry's just a regular CSI. Totally 100% boring, normal, and standard. Except for the fact that he's dating a supervillain. (Prompt: Barry's just a regular CSI, and he takes his super villain fiance to his high school reunion. Maybe Len scaring the crap outta Woodward?)

Hokey Religions and Ancient Weapons by A_once_and_future_love {T}

May the Speed Force be with you.

I Smell You, Too by CallMeHopeless {T}

Draco is happy with his job as potions master. He likes the day when he gets to teach his students the Amortentia potion best. Trust a handful of Slytherins and Gryffindors make him overthink his choices.

2016 by StillNotGinger10 {G}

“Too bad you can’t call a phone in 2016, Gideon,” Len mused aloud. “Then, you’d be perfect.” “I may not be able to connect to a phone, Mr. Snart, but I can contact anyone with access to the version of my software that resides in that time period,” came Gideon’s even tones over the speakers, making Len straighten up in interest. “Are you telling me,” he asked, “that there is a Gideon in 2016?” Was that possible? Wasn’t the AI an invention of the future? Why didn’t he know about this? Why hadn’t he stolen it yet? He knew about everything worth stealing in his time. “A time traveler brought his version of the Gideon AI interface with him to the early 2000s. Although he is no longer in that time period, the computer program he brought with him remains active in STAR Laboratories in your time.” Len took a moment to process that before speaking. When he did, he drawled, “The Flash has his own Gideon.” Of course, if anyone were to have an AI from the future it would be the do-gooders of Team Flash and not someone like Len, who would actually use it to its full potential. He snorted. “That’s fitting.”

A Friendly Kidnapping by StillNotGinger10 {G}

After Flashpoint, the Time Bureau decides the timeline is safer without The Flash in it. Now, it's up to The Legends to take Barry out of the timeline so that the Bureau can't wipe him from existence while Team Flash finds a solution. Between babysitting and dealing with bureaucrats, The Legends think they have the easier job. How hard could watching a teenaged Barry Allen be anyway?

Sweet Mistakes by ImaKaraTabiHe, Nixie_DeAngel {T}

Working in a chocolate shop around Valentine's Day is insanely exhausting. Luckily Barry has his favorite customer to cheer him up. Or does he...?

Time in a Bottle by indiepjones46  {E}

AU where Barry saves Len's life from the Oculus explosion and they fall in love.

[keep us together] by Anonymous  {M} {T}  {G}

Barry Allen discovers he’s the proud parent of a ten year old, but between work and his responsibilities as the Flash, there’s only so many people he can trust to watch her in his absence. He doesn’t expect Leonard Snart to be one of them and he certainly doesn’t expect more.

Timeless by Crimson1 {E}

A voice in the Speed Force reaches Barry in his Timeless state to convince him to come home. Barry misses that voice once he’s back in real-time, but he has to set things right and save as many lives as he can. While that means Iris will be with Eddie instead of him, he can’t mourn her. She’ll always be dear to him, but he wants her to be happy above all, and he has seen every timeline and knows the life and love he will get to have instead. He just needs to keep fighting to finish his calculations in time to defeat Eobard and return to his loved ones for good. Thankfully, a certain thief brings clarity like no one else can. AU season 1 with Barry from pre-season 4.1 returning from the Speed Force to the moment he woke up from his original coma.

You Stole My Heart by Thundersnow {E}

There is a new thief in Central City, someone who can move at extraordinary speeds, and Len can’t help but be intrigued by his new competition . “The name’s Captain Cold. And I’d love to stay and catch up,” Len drawled, stepping away. “But I really have to run. See you around, Kid.” “What? I don’t get a codename?” The speedster muttered and Len noticed a smile on his face. Good. This would be more fun if they were both enjoying the game. “If you want a cool nickname, then you’ve got to earn it, Kid.” Len, knowing he only had another 53 seconds until the ice-like substance around the speedster’s feet became pliable enough for him to break free, turned on his heel and strode out of the building with the diamond necklace in his gloved hand.

Absolute Matchmaker by Crimson1 {M}

Len has been reconnecting with the son he never knew existed ever since Christmas. He doesn’t plan to turn a new leaf but wants to be a good father, the main rule being that Michael stay far away from anything related to Captain Cold. Which would have worked out perfectly if they hadn’t run into Barry Allen. Turns out Barry used to tutor Michael in college and considers him a friend, but the only excuse Len can think of for why he and Barry know each other is that they dated—which on its own would be bad enough, but now Michael is set on getting Barry and Len back together when they were never together in the first place. Meanwhile, a mystery thief is after Michael’s research on absolute zero. The theft might be the perfect excuse to get Len and Barry together, but it also introduces Michael to dangers Len hoped he’d never know firsthand. OR the fake dating, Michael Snart matchmaker AU.

Puns and Plumage: a Tale of a Tail by Alexis_Tenshi {E}

All things considered, Len thinks, getting whammied and ending up sprouting an actual peacock tail isn’t the worst thing that could have happened to him. He’s otherwise fine and everything else seems normal. Though if Mick doesn’t stop laughing at him, Len is going to punch him in the face. And the way Barry is staring at Len is a little odd. Then Barry touches Len’s tail, and oh. Oh.

The Winter Lightning by Mistvalkyrie {E}

A new threat was coming to Central Kingdom and Prince Bartholomew Henry Allen was in need of new alliances to defeat Zoom, so when his most trusted advisors propose an arranged marriage with the coldhearted King Leonard Snart of the Winter Realm he agrees feeling it was his responsibility if he wanted to protect his country and family. Coldflash/Medieval AU with Powers

Cold Reunion by Alexis_Tenshi {E}

After Barry’s mother was killed and father arrested, Barry was placed in an orphanage for metahuman children. Len, another young meta there, befriended him and helped him survive. Once Joe’s application to adopt Barry finally went through, Barry and Len lost contact. But Barry never forgot Len. Years later, Barry became a CSI and Leonard Snart was a powerful mob boss. Barry thought he’d never see Len again, much less become close to him. But then Barry found himself framed for a horrible crime he didn’t commit. Barry didn’t know if Len would remember him, or have any reason to help him. But Barry had no one else to turn to.

Detective Hot (to Trot) by relenafanel {T}

Iris gets a minor crush on Detective Leonard Snart. Joe gets overprotective and points out that the Detective's type is more BARRY than her. Barry's dick emotions take interest.

The Tales of Michael Snart's Kidnappings by Mockingbird_22  {T}

Michael Snart, son of the notorious Leonard Snart AKA Captain Cold, gets kidnapped on five separate occasions by Central City's criminals. It's up to The Flash to save him, but Barry might just end up getting more than he bargained for.

in the tired hands of dusk by sugarybowl {M}

The last thing Barry needs on top of all this drama is a hot dad.

An All Too Jagged Snowflake by RedHead {E}

When Leonard and Barry discover that they're Soulmates, they struggle with the many, many issues this causes. It might be easier without the collective difficulties of the Rogues, a meta-gorilla, and the military, but life has never been simple for either of them.

Dirty Little Secret by CallMeHopeless {T}

Leonard Snart loves the television show Doctor Who. Enough that he goes looking for like-minded people on the internet. He finds one person in particular, that he likes and they e-Mail each other.

A Thief and a Prince by ColdSerenity {M}

A thief makes a deal with the king to care for his son, the only problem... That said prince may have stolen the thief's heart.

Dandelion by ColdSerenity {T}

Len has been in love since he was six with Barry, who has no idea he exists... or does he?

Scars and Sweets by Alexis_Tenshi {M}

Barry didn’t believe the ‘survivors with scars’ support group would help, not really. But he went because his mom wanted him to. If his going made her worry about him less, even a little, then it was worth it. If he made a friend or two that could understand some of what he was going through, that was just an unexpected bonus. In the end, he got much more than he had dared hope for.

Hailstorm by Crimson1 {T}

A freak accident caused by a mysterious speedster in blue ignites an explosion of the speed force and Captain Cold's gun, changing The Flash's nemesis and their perspectives on each other forever.

he's my latest accessory (wanna carry him 'round all over town) by RedHead, Swing Set in December {T}

Having a dual identity has never been so frustrating.

A Model Escort by Crimson1 {M}

Barry Allen just got out of a long-term relationship he wants to forget. Lucky for him, his new career in Star City allows him to start over hundreds of miles from his ex. The only problem is...he's lonely and terrible at starting new relationships. He just wishes that part of his life could be easier. Leonard Snart is an escort for Nick of Time Escort Service. He is especially picky about the clients he takes on, but lately, he's felt like something is missing from his life. He doesn't usually take on regulars looking for companionship more than sex, but the right client might be able to change his mind. OR Len is an escort and Barry needs someone to hold him - no powers AU.

"Freeze!" And Other Temperature-Related Puns by flye {G}

The one where Barry and Leonard can't stop pulling cold puns in their banter and before they know it they're full-on flirting with eachother. Who knew the way to a man's heart was cold hard cash puns?

The Dragon Temple by ColdSerenity {M}

Being a Keeper sounds amazing to Barry. You get to care and play with dragons all day. The only risk is if one bonds with you... but he is pretty sure that won't happen. Too bad there is a certain blue-eyed dragon that thinks otherwise.

A/B/O Werewolf Triads by Alexis_Tenshi {E}

Wolves were most content in a triad relationship. The balance between Alpha, Beta, and Omega created mutual happiness for the mated three. But that didn't mean it was easy to find the right people to bond with.

[irresistible] by MissSugarPlum {T}

just to keep me out of trouble

“And you stole his wallet,” Simmons huffs, throwing his hands into the air exasperatedly. “Why am I even surprised?” “I really have no idea,” Len replies absently, drinking in the man’s grinning face in the tiny picture, committing every detail to memory.  Bartholomew Allen. What a name, Len thinks wryly to himself.

so you got relationship goals

“So you had enough time to ask some random hot guy out on a date, but not enough to actually get his name?” “...Yes?” Iris looks equal parts impressed and unimpressed. “What am I going to do with you, Barry Allen,” she mutters.

[eleonkraken]

Sprizzy Rec List

Here, take this rec list dedicated to my current favorite brain squatters. For such a small pairing there's a crazy amount of really good fic to read.

This list mainly includes 10k+ fics but there are a couple 5k+ ones in there as well. All of them are complete unless I say otherwise.

I could have included a lot more but I've already been working on this list for too long and I want to post it for you guys.

Please mind tags and warnings before you read.

Canon Era

Comprehension by MaggieMay His stance hasn't changed - he'd still sooner keelhaul his own bollocks than do Izzy Hands a favour, but an idea is already taking shape in his head - one that he's certain will have absolutely hilarious consequences in either direction, and for all it might get his throat slit, the odds still work out in favour of, for want of a better phrase, fuckery. If Izzy wants to read, Lucius can teach him.

OR: Lucius' personal approach to 'fuckery' involves lewd gay poetry, and one oblivious and feral first mate.

I'm (Not) Just a Notch in Your Bedpost, You're (Not) Just a Line in a Song by Ennaess It starts with a hand on a sleeve. None of the other crewmembers would have minded--would have thought much of the gesture at all--but no one touches Izzy. Lucius, quite accidently, realizes he would very, very, very much like to touch Izzy. Intimately.

Head and heart on fire by RustyTheTrain Everyone is back together on the Revenge, and things are fine. Until Lucius helps patch up Izzy after he gets hurt on a raid, and then can't stop thinking about him without his shirt on. It is quite annoying. And inconvenient. The last thing Lucius needs is a crush on the angry, asshole first mate Israel Hands.

by any other name by sugarybowl & wishingonalightningbolt Once upon a time, Izzy Hands had a steamy weekend with a pirate called Francis Spriggs. A few years later, he boards the Revenge and meets Spriggs' younger brother, Lucius.

Portrait of a Man on Ire by sweatervest “Yes. To sketching,” Izzy growls. “But on one condition.”Lucius lifts an eyebrow. “And what would that be?”“I sketch you.”

Modern AU

beneath the sheets of paper lies my truth by sugarybowl & wishingonalightningbolt Ed, Izzy, Fang, and Ivan make up the London-based rock band Kraken, which rocketed to fame in the 1990s. When ballad singer Stede Bonnet reaches out about a collaboration, Izzy has to work with Bonnet's songwriter, an overeager composer named Lucius, to write something that aging rockstar Ed and new-on-the-scene Stede can perform together. What's worse is that Lucius is utterly obsessed with a mysterious songwriter called Basilica, a faceless, genderless musician—and he has no idea that Izzy and Basilica are the same person.

and a silver sixpence in his shoe by CyborgShepard Izzy likes lines, likes rules. Likes to know where things start and where they finish, definite and resolved. But where the fuck does getting off to Luce begin, and how does sitting on the bridal table at Ed’s wedding with Lucius end?

Or: The one where Izzy is Ed's best man, Stede wants the most lavish wedding possible, and the person in charge of planning it is the camboy Izzy's been subscribed to for the better part of a year.

under the ashes, i'm on fire by izzyxhands Izzy's having a miserable night at Bonnet's stupid party playing nanny for Ed. Until, that is, Lucius finds him on the balcony and introduces himself. Trans!Izzy modern au.

Work in Progress by sweatervest After a disastrous interview, crime novelist Israel Hands abruptly retired, leaving his popular Detective Leyendecker series one book short of finished. For the last 10 years, he's been content to work as an editor at Edward Teach's small press. But now Ed's working on a merger with Stede Bonnet's press, and Izzy's expected to work with their star author: romance novelist L. Steele.

L. Steele turns out to be Lucius Spriggs, twenty years younger than Izzy and flirts like it's breathing. Worst of all, Lucius recognizes Izzy as Israel Hands.

Money Can(t) Buy Happiness by Blackforestfire [series] Sugar Daddy alternate universe. Lucius and Izzy have an arrangement with strict, specific rules to follow. Each installment in the series shows them drifting farther and farther away from the safety of those rules as feelings and personal growth change their dynamic.

take this sinking boat and point it home by sugarybowl & wishingonalightningbolt [part of series, you can read the Stede/Ed work for context but it's not totally necessary] Izzy supposes he gets used to having the assistant around. That doesn’t mean Izzy likes him. He’s rude, for one thing, completely fucking bitchy. He talks back, rolls his eyes, treats Izzy—treats him the way he treats authority. Dismissively, without a care in the world, as if he could take it or leave it. The most fucking annoying thing about the stupid fucking assistant is his stupid fucking dating life.

The Indignity of a Tender Touch by CloudsPassMeBy Izzy has been doing ballet for so long and he will never, never shit where he eats but he likes Lucius so fucking much.

if love is the answer (you hold on) by CloudsPassMeBy [F/F cisswap] Izzy is dragged kicking and screaming out of retirement to become Lucius’s partner. They may not be able to enter the Olympics as a same sex couple but they’re going to do their fucking best to win Worlds.

Edge of Heaven by RustyTheTrain The job wasn’t supposed to a forever kind of job, more of a until he got his shit together job. Something to keep him going and earn him a paycheck while he worked on his portfolio, freelanced, applied for internships, did what he had to get a foot through the door to the design and illustration world. So far, he hadn’t actually gotten anywhere with his plans, but he now worked five nights a week at the Revenge instead of three, lived in a shitty little apartment in a crappy part of town, spent all his money on rent, books, clothes, take away food and art supplies, and didn’t save anything. He’d be turning 30 that year and figured there was still time to change things. If he wanted to.

lucius Artpopping his pussy for izzy by CyborgShepard [series] [I can't believe I'm having to rec this title] Izzy's always glaring, always coming in here every couple of weeks to sit and brood. He doesn’t even tip, just takes up a table in the back and pretends like he’s not positively vibrating with awkward sexual frustration as he watches Lucius’ shows. And it is always Lucius’ shows he comes to watch. It’d be flattering, Lucius thinks, if Izzy wasn’t so fucking weird about it all.

in the middle of fucking nowhere by bitchlesss Lucius gets stuck in the middle of fucking nowhere with his annoying coworker. Izzy thinks about the past. Until he's too busy to do so.

Special mention

Leda House and the Kraken 'Verse by Vera_DragonMuse [series - different works in the series have different pairings, it's best to read from the beginning but there are several works that focus on Sprizzy] A modern AU that follows the entire staff of the drag bar named Revenge as well as their partners. Features drag shows, late in life coming out stories, romance in many forms, and as much found family as you could ask for.

[kaelleid]

Izzy Fic Recs (Aug 28th-Sept 9th)

My favorite of the Izzy fics that I read between Aug 28th-Sept 9th. See other recs here.

A Real Boy by trinityofone

Frenchie convinces Stede to hire the cursebreaker. Stede can see the logic in it: a way to cleanse the ship after all their troubles, clear the air between the reunited crews. “A little vibe adjustment,” Frenchie says.

eyes on me (in the center of the ring) by Anonymous

The crew of the Revenge have been captured, and (for some reason) it's up to Izzy to flirt them out! What happens next (Izzy displaying even one iota of game) may surprise you.

Work in Progress by sweatervest (Izzy/Lucius)

After a disastrous interview, crime novelist Israel Hands abruptly retired, leaving his popular Detective Leyendecker series one book short of finished. For the last 10 years, he's been content to work as an editor at Edward Teach's small press. But now Ed's working on a merger with Stede Bonnet's press, and Izzy's expected to work with their star author: romance novelist L. Steele...

beneath the sheets of paper lies my truth by sugarybowl & wishingonalightningbolt (Izzy/Lucius)

Ed, Izzy, Fang, and Ivan make up the London-based rock band Kraken, which rocketed to fame in the 1990s. When ballad singer Stede Bonnet reaches out about a collaboration, Izzy has to work with Bonnet's songwriter, an overeager composer named Lucius, to write something that aging rockstar Ed and new-on-the-scene Stede can perform together...

Cut Me Back by sweatervest (Izzy/Lucius)

Lucius had never thought what it would be like for Izzy Hands to look at him like he’s a task worth doing right.

Sore Must Be the Storm by unopposablethumbs (Izzy/Calico Jack)

Izzy Hands has had a fucked up time since he left the Revenge in the wake of the Kraken's rampage--Calico Jack shows up just in the nick of time.

Sanctified be the Holy Name by Biweatherman & gapsinthedays (Ed/Stede/Izzy)

Father Hands, a loyal priest of the Kraken, grapples with his devotion to his god and his hatred of Edward’s companion, Stede. As he balances a fickle god, a kind one he has never forgiven, and a seemingly incompetent crew, Izzy must also contend with his own perceptions of what it means to worship.

[izzy-fic-recs]

rare and sweet as cherry wine

Written by wishingonalightningbolt. Word count: 10532.

AO3 Link

Author's summary:

When Ed meets Stede Bonnet, his first impression is that the guy is interesting—handsome, wealthy, lots of opinions about grapes. So Ed keeps nodding and smiling and asking questions, and Stede keeps talking and gesturing and even leaning into the little touches Ed risks after a few glasses of delicious, extravagant wine. Pretty quickly, Ed realizes that the guy is too charming for his own good, full of compliments and always ready to pour another taste.

Later, when Ed presses him against a wall of barrels, swallows his moans while he gets his hands all over him, Ed knows—Izzy is gonna fucking love this guy.

Mod notes/warnings (contains spoilers):

No big warnings for this particular fic, but later fics in the series (also written by sugarybowl) vary; read the tags on those.