#monthly recs

[cactusspatz]

December recs

Whew, I read a lot of fic in December! My Yuletide recs are here and here, and I winnowed down the rest of them to a mere ten recs.

Click on for Batman, Murderbot, and Goblin Emperor fics!

BATMAN

The Time Before by @cdelphiki

One moment, Red Hood was fighting with Black Mask, listening to the idiot go on about how he'd murder Jason long before he'd become a problem. The next… Jason was ten years in the past, nine-years-old, and fending for himself on the streets of Gotham. Bruce might not know about Jason yet in the timeline, but Batman was the only one who could protect him against Black Mask. If only Jason didn't hate him so much…

Excellent time travel fic!

this kind of weather by r_astra / @heyy-its-skip

Jason’s at school when his mom dies, and that’s the only reason any of it happens. If he’d been home, if he’d been with her, he would’ve been in the wind before anyone else even knew. Even if they looked, no one ever would’ve found him. He’d have taken to the sewers if that’s what it took, man-eating crocodile guy and all.

I love Jason in this, and his friendship with Stephanie, and the identity secrets.

seventeen going under by @bonerot19

"Where's your pops?" Terry shouted down the sidewalk. "Dunno," Jason said. "Haven't seen him in a week. I stopped goin' lookin' for him a long time ago." Hell, Jason was happy with the man's absence. Maybe it would stick, this time. "He owes me fifty bucks." Terry, closer to Jason now, was still shouting. Jason spun around and started walking backwards. "What'a'ya know," he said. "Me too." AU where Jason is seventeen, his parents are alive, he works nights at a convenience store, and everything is about to go to shit.

Loosely inspired by this kind of weather (in that Jason's parents survived longer) but much heavier on the angst and h/c. I'm loving the WIP sequel as well!

coconut and aloe by merils (Tim/Kon)

Tim still doesn’t sit. “I washed it like three times, but my hair still smells like vinegar and death,” he says, and gazes intently into Kon’s eyes. …Ah. Now Kon gets it. “Tim, buddy,” he says, amusement bubbling up in his chest, because apparently Tim can’t just ask like a normal person. It’s stupidly endearing. “Do you want me to wash your hair?”

Soft and sensual and sweet.

MURDERBOT

An Unexpected Quarter by @ilovedthestars

Murderbot is captured by the company, with no one to come to its rescue. Help comes from somewhere it doesn’t expect.

Aimed directly at my id, and a great outsider POV. On a similar theme, I also enjoyed Salvage or Repair by the same author.

words left behind by torpidgilliver

"How do you stand it?" Dr. Gurathin's tone is slow and even when he asks, "Stand what?" SecUnit 3 shares its feelings with someone who might understand.

Beautiful exploration of Three's grief, and a lovely look at Gurathin's life.

Terrible Tactical Strategy by audreycritter

Three is behaving oddly. There's a surprisingly ordinary explanation, it's just that the explanation isn't fun for anyone.

In which Three has feelings about media in an entirely new direction, and a mini breakdown. Achy but kind.

Un/Safe by John_lzhc

Ayda Mensah was in her office cubby, reviewing the last of the council dispatches, when she received an urgent assistance request from Secunit. That… had never happened before. Murderbot has a close encounter of a 3-year-old kind. It is not impressed.

*cackles* Look, Murderbot is so competent that I just can't resist stories where it panics in social situations.

GOBLIN EMPEROR

The Search for Marneise Amalo by Sphragis

"Before we may attend to the truly important aims of our account, we must address a matter that we had rather not. Were it not for the prurient curiosity of the worst kind of people, we would not deign even to introduce the following subject. As we are obliged to speak, we shall keep the point brief: Pel-Thenhior was not marnis. The accusation was always and only vicious rumor." On the (in)ability of love to find expression in the historical record.

Gorgeous fic using historical research (letters, academic writing, and video/interview) to explore the edges of Thara and Iana's relationship and future. Creative and wonderful.

[neondiamond]

🎁 Recently Read Fics - December 2023 🎁

These are all the amazing fics I read over the past month (from shortest to longest). Don’t forget to leave kudos and comments to show the authors your appreciation if you read any of these! ❤️

🎁 A Green Christmas by @tommokat (871, T)

A short, sweet snapshot of Niall and Shawn’s first holiday season living together.

🎁 to wake up by your side is all I wanna do by @beardyboyzx (1k, G)

Sometimes, Niall still thinks about the way Zayn’s laugh sounds when they watch TV and Niall makes up fake answers for whatever quiz show they’re watching.

🎁 Oh Christmas Three by @tommokat (1k, M)

A birthday surprise goes awry. Louis doesn’t understand. Harry blames the oven.

🎁 make my wish come true by @voulezloux (2k, NR)

the one where all harry wants for christmas is lou

🎁 Baby, please come home by @iysics (2k, T)

Breaking into his neighbour's house wasn't on Harry's Christmas checklist.

🎁 Stuck in Midnight Traffic by @letthemusicmoveyou28 (3k, M)

the one where two broken people meet in an empty tube car on Christmas Eve. Can they find a way to heal each other?

🎁 All The Way Home I’ll Be Warm by @justanothershadeofblue (3k, T)

Harry & Louis jokingly send out holiday cards together as friends, and now everyone is congratulating them for finally getting together. A 5+1 fic, for Christmas.

🎁 Santa Baby (one little thing I really need) by @so-why-let-your-voice-be-tamed (3k, T)

When Louis himself had first heard those words - all the nurses at the A&E have a secret line to Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve-, not nearly long enough ago to be considered a child himself, but long enough that he hadn't really felt like an adult all the time, he’d laughed them off. Thought they were sweet, of course, but just a line, something said to appease the kids who ended up having to stay overnight. Something to explain the presents that parents brought to the hospital on Christmas morning, or that were waiting for them at home, if they were lucky not to have to stay any longer.

Something that would allow a little bit of Christmas spirit in the sometimes sterile rooms of the hospital.

But that was before he’d met him.

🎁 A Christmas at Home by @parmahamlarrie (3k, T)

After meeting his boyfriend in the emergency room, not having Louis home for Christmas Eve (and his birthday) was not a big surprise to Harry. What he didn't expect was just how hard that would be on his six year old son, Arlo.

Or, the one where Arlo wants nothing more than to celebrate Louis' birthday with him, and Harry hates having to be the parent who says no.

🎁 I Saw Several Angels in the Self Help Section by @londonfoginacup (3k, G)

Zayn and Louis are soulmates.

They're also missing some soulmates.

For extra flavour, it's Christmas.

🎁 Elf on the Shelf Suprise by @megz1985 (6k, T)

Liam brings home an Elf on the Shelf to surprise his and Zayn's toddler with Christmas magic, but things don't go as planned when she's completely terrified of her new Christmas friend.

🎁 The Busker by @chelsea-frew (7k, T)

A snowstorm has trapped artist Louis at home on his birthday--Christmas Eve--and on Christmas. Louis anticipates a lonely holiday. A mysterious stranger appears on Christmas morning, however, and Louis doesn't have to spend the day alone. But where did the man come from? Why does he seem familiar? It's a Christmas mystery.

🎁 Lonely Cards Club by @hellolovers13 (25k, T)

Harry's life in Cardiff is rather uneventful. Until he receives a strange Christmas postcard.

It gets even stranger when he finds another one the next day.

An Advent story about missed opportunities and second chances.

🎁 You Ain’t Gotta Feel Fear Just Mingle by @londonfoginacup (32k, T)

Harry has been at his dream job for less than three months, and he knows two things for sure; first, his project manager doesn't know what he's doing, and second, someone in the office is apparently pure evil, and no one will tell Harry who it is.

Oh, and the guy who works in conservation at the other end of the building is the most beautiful man Harry's ever seen, even when wielding a hot iron as a weapon.

Happy Christmas, here's to many more.

🎁 Snow In Love by @lululawrence (33k, NR)

Harry and Louis are best friends and have been for basically as long as they can remember. For the first time since middle school, they are both single for the holidays leaving them with the brilliant idea to take each other as their dates to work events. To make things easier they will pretend like they’re dating. But then they learn something funny.

People thought they were already dating. Weird.

An advent fic featuring childhood friends, fake dating turned actual dating, really horrible secret keeping, and a winter weather surprise.

🎁 Heart Beat by @allwaswell16 (33k, E)

Hideaway Haven is the place that Louis has always called home. It's also the place that Harry had tried to leave behind him. When Harry returns to start a music academy in his hometown, he finds himself face to face with his high school crush—and his charming daughter who wants to learn to play the drums.

🎁 I Really Like Your Styles: The Baking Advent-ure by @homosociallyyours (34k, T)

Louis isn't much for frills, and the coffee shop he co-owns with his best friend Liam is evidence of that. Yes, it's got a decent sized, well-kept industrial kitchen, but Louis insists that people come to coffee shops for coffee, not mediocre pastry and plastic wrapped cookies. When Liam's campaign for serving treats turns into watching a few baking accounts on whichever popular app he's on, there's one that really gets on Louis' nerves: "I Like Your Styles." With his chipper demeanor and over the top descriptions of the food he makes, Louis is sure that the (unfortunately cute) baker is full of it. Nothing that adorable could possibly be worth the hype.

It doesn't actually take much for him to eat his words...and some quality baked goods, while he's at it.

[the-kings-chambers]

The King’s Chambers Recs - September 2022

Hello, Much like Arthur we have returned and decided to resurrect our rec lists! Each month we will be making a short rec list of some of the fanworks our members have recommended. All of the recs are top/dom!Arthur with bottom/sub!Merlin unless stated otherwise. Fic Lampblack Consequences | The_Alternate_Menu | Explicit | 2,188w Summary: Of all the ways he’s tried to punish Merlin, this seems to be the only one that gets him to know his place. The unexpected (expect it) | i_claudia | Explicit | 5,125w Summary: Arthur doesn't mean to. Truly. How the hell is he supposed to know when not to barge into someone's flat? He does it all the time, it's not like Merlin's ever had anything to hide. (The expanded version.) Dance, Magic Dance | orphan_account | Explicit | 5,349w Summary: Merlin's had enough of Arthur's dance floor teasing. PWP but with feelings. Fools of Us All | adelagia | Explicit | 11,141w Summary: Merlin accidentally makes everybody in Camelot fall in love with him. Everybody except Arthur, that is. Well, That Escalated Quickly | bloodsongs | Explicit | 2,887w Summary: "And here I thought princes were supposed to be romantic." Merlin tilts so that his lips brush Arthur's cheek, a soft drag. "But all right, I suppose insults will have to do. "Arthur moves and snakes his arms around Merlin's waist, and then Merlin's straddling him on his chair. "That's the new thing in Camelot, didn't you hear?" "What, insult your manservant to get him into bed?" Merlin retorts, but his touch is gentle as he smooths his thumb across Arthur's jaw, the line of it. Exclusive Seating | mysticalraine | Explicit | 1,408w Summary: Crowded bus, limited seating and two horny boyfriends? What could go wrong? Desperate To Be Filled With You | MerthurAllure (Kirbymatsu) | Explicit | 1,483w Summary: It’s inappropriate for an omega to flash their scent, but Merlin has tried everything else to get Arthur’s attention. He comes up with one last desperate plan. Sins in the Lobby | smutsy (LiGi) | Explicit | 3,526w  Summary: Gwaine wolf-whistled and Merlin laughed, cupping his hand in front of his crotch to try and retain a little of his already lost modesty. He turned to the door, jokingly trying to cover his bum from his friends' view, sending Gwen into rounds of giggles. “Remember, pics or it didn’t happen!” Elyan called after him. “Yes, yes!” Merlin grabbed his phone from the kitchen then cracked the door open, peering out into the corridor. It was blessedly empty. “Ok, here I go…” he said again. He slunk out of the door. In a game of Truth or Dare, Merlin is dared to go down to the lobby of their flat's building and take a selfie… naked. Which is fine - as long as he doesn't run into anybody… (Intercrural Sex) Art & Fic Be a Brat and get Punished Pendragon style | Merlioske and Sunfall_of_Ennien | Explicit | 218w & Digital Art Summary: It was an official dinner, what was Merlin supposed to do? Just *let* Arthur give him a handjob in front of all their colleagues? In front of Arthur's own bloody FaThEr? No. No way, no how, just... No. Arthur would wait. Apparently, Arthur and making him waiting? Not a good mix. Art [Fanart] A moment of respite | feuxx | Gen | Digital Art Summary: This is art and thus I have no summary??? They're forehead touching. Or as a dearest writer-friend said: "here have a picture of tenderness and longing". (Gen fanart) If you enjoyed these recs and want to see more, or talk about top Arthur/bottom Merlin, we would love to welcome you in our discord server. If you’re interested and of age 18 or older, please message us and we will send you an invitation. Also, feel free to send us a message to let us know your fave top Arthur/bottom Merlin fanworks! 💕

[thefact0rygirl]

monthly recs ;; june 2022

This month's list is made up exclusively of works recommanded by others in the Star Wars community! A sincere thank you to every creator on here, and not on this list, for continuing to make content 🤍 You are more appreciated than you know, and deserve so much recognition for all that you do!

The best way to show your support is with reblogs and comments! I guarantee you will make the creator’s day.

These are in no particular order

Be sure to check the tags and warnings on fics before reading

Minors, do not interact with fics rated Explicit 18+

Items marked with a ✨ were sent in as recommendations. All recs are anonymous

Ratings with an asterisk (*) indicate OP did not provide a rating and this is my best guess

I am in no way affiliated or connected to the shops mentioned in this post 

Shops marked with a 💥 are shops I have purchased from and can vouch for their quality

Creators, please dm me if you would like to be removed from this list

✨ Commander Cody by @livingthehighloaf

✨ Commander Cody by @thepatchycat

✨ A whole trooper rainbow by @cobaltbeam

✨ Overalls by @pinkiemme

✨ Bacta Info Sheet by @writingbylee

✨ Dark Side Divas

✨ YourWeirdAuntShop

the 501st

✨ Just because I said ‘wouldn’t it be funny’ doesn’t mean you need to go out and do it. by @wild-karrde | Rating: G*

anakin skywalker

✨ Where Catalysts Stand Down by sphinxscribe | Rating: T

arc trooper fives

✨ Drift by @twistedstitcher27 | Rating: Explicit 18+

✨ I Need to Feel by @gotomarvelgal | Rating: Explicit 18+

✨ Reflection by @damerondala | Rating: Explicit 18+

✨ Under the Sheets by @kaminocasey | Rating: Explicit 18+

the bad batch

✨ The Gym Membership by @imabeautifulbutterfly | Rating: T

baze malbus

✨ With Grace by @uwingdispatch | Rating: M

boba fett

✨ Tender Affection by @bobafetts-princess | Rating: Explicit 18+

bodhi rook

✨ How Generous the Stars by @uwingdispatch | Rating: M

✨ Warmhearted by @uwingdispatch | Rating: M

cad bane

✨ The Hat Collection by @itsagrimm | Rating: Explicit 18+

captain rex

✨ A Glimpse of Us by @kaminocasey | Rating: Explicit 18+

✨ Call Me Home by @twistedstitcher27 | Rating: Explicit 18+

✨ Call of the Sea by LadySongmaster | Rating: T

✨ Forever and for always by @tempest-sun | Rating: Explicit 18+

✨ If It Wasn't For The Nights by myonly_hope | Rating: M

cassian andor

✨ Our Peace by @uwingdispatch | Rating: M

clone commando gregor

✨ Three wishes by @rain-on-kamino | Rating: Explicit 18+

commander bacara

✨ Abrasion by @notquitecandid | Rating: Explicit 18+

commander cody

✨ academic rivals by @obixwan | Rating: G*

✨ ―and your people shall never be destroyed." by whymylife | Rating: G

✨ Bury Me Here by @morganas-pendragons | Rating: T*

✨ have mercy on my rough and rowdy days by @obixwan | Rating: G*

✨ Headcanons by @masterjedilenawrites | Rating: G*

✨ If It Wasn't For The Nights by myonly_hope | Rating: M

✨ Just This Once by @samspenandsword | Rating: Explicit 18+

commander fox

✨ Caf Delivery Service by @palpipeen | Rating: Explicit 18+

✨ Commander Fox is Completely Fine by Maddy_B / @spacerocksarethebestrocks | Rating: Explicit 18+

commander wolffe

✨ The Hunt. by @moonstrider9904 | Rating: Explicit 18+

✨ If It Wasn't For The Nights by myonly_hope | Rating: M

✨ Pieces by @teletraan-meets-jarvis | Rating: M

✨ Take Care by @twistedstitcher27 | Rating: Explicit 18+

✨ Welcome Company. by @uponrightful | Rating: Explicit 18+

crosshair

✨ Family Epilogue by @theangstyboiblog | Rating: Explicit 18+

✨ Fantasy Interrogation by @samspenandsword | Rating: Explicit 18+

✨ Last Time by @marshmellow-cannibal | Rating: M

din djarin

✨ “Breathe through your nose.” by @lowlights | Rating: Explicit 18+

dogma

✨ One More Hour by @kaminocasey | Rating: Explicit 18+

echo

✨ Make you feel my love by @rain-on-kamino | Rating: Explicit 18+

✨ Same Heart by @dumfanting | Rating: Explicit 18+

fennec shand

✨ Respite by @ficsnooneaskedfor | Rating: Explicit 18+

garsa fwip

✨ Respite by @ficsnooneaskedfor | Rating: Explicit 18+

hardcase

✨ “I licked it so it’s mine now!” by @wild-karrde | Rating: G*

hunter

✨ Toxic by @moonstrider9904 | Rating: Explicit 18+

kix

✨ Babysitting by @showerthoughtsonly | Rating: G*

obi wan kenobi

✨ One More Last Time by @pickleprickle | Rating: Explicit 18+

✨ Taking Flight by @pickleprickle | Rating: Explicit 18+

✨ The Three Times You Meet Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the Last by @samspenandsword | Rating: Explicit 18+

original characters

✨ 𑁍⋆ Eya - Ep. III ⋆𑁍 by @galacticgraffitiaffiti | Rating: Explicit 18+

paz vizsla

✨ In Shades of Moonlight by @princessxkenobi | Rating: T*

plo koon

✨ Plo Koon (insecure reader) by @firstofficerwiggles | Rating: T

[s-r-reads]

sr's august recommendations

please heed all warnings given by respective authors. your media consumption is your responsibility.

Steve Harrington x reader

please kiss me by @forourmoons

this fic by @forever-rogue

sunrise by @familyvideostevie

this blurb by @silkscream

the family you choose by @eufezco

this fic by @erin-bo-berin

I wish I knew you wanted me. and would you mind if I tried to make a pass at it? by @nervousgardenerkid

this blurb by @pellucid-constellations

literally everything by @homeofthepeculiar

Bucky Barnes x reader

just you by @angeli-marco-writes

fly me to the moon by @khimili (smut)

all is fair in love and war by @storytellingwitht

this request by @blushstories

Natasha Romanoff x reader

for you by @httplilyyy

say your prayers by @gayerthanevertbh (smut, dark)

dating Natasha Romanoff would include by @witchthewriter (nsfw, though it's clearly demarcated)

my forever by @yelenasdiary

Matt Murdock x reader

just like college by @saintmurd0ck

coffee shop woes and first date jitters by @courtforshort15

the hypocrite of hell's kitchen by @courtforshort15

TASM!Peter Parker x reader

this fic by @mareagirls

4 times Peter said i love you + 1 time you said it back by @ficthots (smut)

soumate requirement by @maple-the-awesome

right now you're mine by @jadore-andor (smut)

be more chill by @nonpoppin

Wanda Maximoff x reader

one night only by @darkwaveho

Eddie Munson x reader

thunderstorm by @idyllicbutterfly

this request by @ddejavvu

[sophia-sol]

Recs round-up for the month of March, 2024! This month below the cut we have:

1 Nirvana in Fire fanwork

2 TGCF fanworks

3 CQL/MDZS fanworks

5 SVSSS fanworks

1 academic article on the gendering of trans voices

2 short stories

1 novella

1 Nirvana in Fire fanwork:

Go Forward Slowly, by burnt_oranges

a post-canon jingyan/mei changsu nif fic in which jingyan discovers that mcs survived after all…and never let jingyan know.

jingyan is uh. not handling it well, the loneliness and responsibility of being emperor. and this only makes it worse!

anyway it's a venue for lots of real good angst, and I definitely cried at one point!

I also really appreciate the use it makes of various secondary characters who are also important figures in jingyan's life

many feels. I love these characters. there IS a happy ending.

31k words in length

2 TGCF fanworks:

Never Look Away, by dkwilliams

hualian fanvid of the TGCF donghua set to Vienna Teng's "Never Look Away"

ahhhhh it's just very feelings!!!!

audio is song-only

youtube video includes lyric captions

3:16 in length

Ten Feet Behind, by thetrickisnotminding

tgcf quanyin canon divergence au where quan yizhen finds the coffin containing the guoshi fangxin

a fun look at a different way for xie lian and hua cheng to meet again, and for quan yizhen and yin yu to meet again!

9k words in length

3 CQL/MDZS fanworks:

in the tall weeds, by cordial

sangyao fic set during the qinghe era of jgy’s life

a look at trans man meng yao and his experience of his gender, and nie huaisang experimenting with transfemininity

a beautiful look at the complexities of identity, the precarity of position, and the connection between jgy and nhs

1k words in length

A Good Fit, by nirejseki

canon divergence fic where young Meng Yao goes to the Lan Sect to learn cultivation as a guest, instead of trying to be accepted into Jin

I had a lot of fun with the route this fix-it took!

and I enjoyed that it included friendship between Meng Yao and Su She <3

5k words in length

Practical Mythology, by metisket

a fun cute look at a cql wangxian time travel fixit au, where wwx is the alarming immortal who fixed the burial mounds and will grant wishes to deserving people, and lwj meets him for the first time at 8 years old and decides he'll marry him

I enjoyed the look at how this au has changed things for all sorts of different people across the cultivation world, and the ways in which wwx both is indeed extremely powerful and also is someone who still has his blind spots and emotional vulnerabilities

lots of different povs throughout the fic which is fun too!

17k words in length

5 SVSSS fanworks:

Oversharing is Caring, by Prudabaga

bingqiu fic where during the trial in jinlan city, sqq is given a truth serum that comes with a side of lowered inhibitions

nobody is prepared for the kinds of truths sqq wants to share (thoughtful and detailed list of who's hottest)

or, tbh, for the truths that come out by the wayside

funny and cute

4k words in length

Sweet Dreams Are Made of This, Prudabaga

another bingqiu fic about the jinlan city encounter going differently, this time because lbh has visited sqq's dreams

and sqq has a Totally Very Straight Of Himself tendency to have sexy dreams about lbh

hard for lbh to believe that sqq wants nothing to do with him after that! (he's still very confused tho)

love this for them

26k words in length

right from the start, I gave you my heart, by nex_et_nox

sqq is hit by an obedience curse! uh oh, it's time for the mission to jinlan city!

fun sqq & sqh interaction, and sqq's first meeting with lbh post-abyss going very differently than in svsss

sqq absolutely out here making his own life harder on a regular basis

lots of fun with this trope!

11k words in length

cleanse your life of me, by ambrorussa

svsss au where sy transmigrates into yqy instead of sqq

the fic is in two parts: first, from sy!yqy's pov as he tries to change events within the parameters the system allows him, and then the second from og!sqq's pov follows where the first part left off, with sqq trying to deal with the fact that yqy is so different now from the one he remembers.

the two parts are different in tone and both excellent, both really fitting the kind of character and person the pov character is, and what it is they want the most. I loved it!

endgame ships: liushen & qijiu

11k words in length

Scenario: Fix-It Fic, by lettered

bingqiu fic where due to System shenanigans sqq travels back in time to when he first encountered lbh in jinlan city post-abyss

sqq does his best to make things go differently this time, within the parameters of the genre "h/c fic" which the system tells him he is now in

I'm just! so delighted by so much about this fic!

and I love how the fic plays metatextually with its own fourth wall in ways I haven't really seen much in svsss fic before!

fic is a WIP; as of my initial rec on mastodon there are 14k words; satisfying to read as is

1 academic article:

"Transgender voices: Insights on identity, embodiment, and the gender of the voice" (2018, Language and Linguistics Compass)

this free-to-read academic article is an overview of the features of a voice that lead people to read that voice as a particular gender

it pushes back against the traditional view of male vs female voices, of pitch being the main deciding factor in gendering voices, and of a voice's gender being immutable

it's a pretty accessible read, IMO!

16 pages in length; 12 pages if you discount the list of references

2 short stories:

The Three Thousand, Four Hundred Twenty-Third Law of Robotics, by Adam-Troy Castro

really more of a prose poem than a standard short story

about the experience of being a robot given unfair orders under unbreakable laws

a satisfying read and I loved the structure

2k words in length

Afflictions of the New Age, by Katherine Ewell

A sci-fi short story about an elderly woman hundreds of years old, making use of every life extending treatment she can, but her grasp on time and on memory is no longer good

Focuses on her relationship with her family, with her home aide, with her fear of death, with her experience of the confusion of past and present

Evocative melancholy wistful tone, really effective!

At the end of the story I'm left with many questions, but in a good way

4k words in length

1 novella:

On the English Approach to the Study of History, by E. Saxey

huh, in the end I'm not entirely convinced I LIKE this novella but it's odd and compelling and interesting for sure

about the academic study of history in a context where a very specific subset of people have access to a very specific subset of historical figures to ask them directly about what they remember

asking questions about who's an insider vs an outsider in academic study, about the values of different approaches to history

ultimately I think it turned too much into a story about the fantastical elements in the narrative and didn't engage as deeply with the themes as I thought it would at the beginning

but it's still a very interesting and well done story and I'm glad I read it!

22k words in length

[mlkbaerry]

─ august recap 🌊

note; I have instagram now! Follow me @milkberry.tea

[sad-indie-kid]

Short Stories I've Read in September :)

War of the Clowns - Mia Couto (When two clowns come into town & make a show of themselves, what will the people think?)

Sticks - George Saunders (A Father who seems to have lost all joy finds happiness in decorating the pole in front of his house.)

Unnecessary Things - Tatyana Tolstaya (A worn teddy-bear brings back memories from the past & allows us to think about what is necessary in our lives.)

Angels & Blueberries - Tara Campbell (When asked why is the sky blue, author Tara Campbell tells us the story of angels' favorite food.)

Riddle - Ogbewe Amadin (A young boy decides to investigate if his aunt is an evil witch or not.)

Three is a Rational Number - Michele Finn Johnson (A brother watches his sister engage in a new relationship just for some math homework.)

Skin - Sejal Shah (Author Sejal Shah tells the story of what people say when just by looking at skin color.)

There Will Come Soft Rains - Ray Bradbury (A house sits after population has died out.)

Office Hours - Ling Ma (The relationship between a professor & student strengthens as they bond over cinematic pieces & a hidden surprise.)

A Fable with Slips of White Paper Spilling from the Pockets - Kevin Brockmeier (A man buys God’s overcoat from a thrift store & discovers a surprise in the pockets.)

The Boy - Keith Ridgeway (When capturing a group of men, soldiers discover they’ve also got a boy.)

The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Reporter - Daniela Tomova (A reporter goes to investigate an unusual sled race in the arctic.)

[justanarchiveforfics]

December Seventeen recs

Red horn | @himbocoups (smut)

devils are contract workers - simply offer them a payment that they can never refuse, and your problems would be taken care of. the only thing is, what could a mere human possibly offer to a devil?

Bad enough | @sluttywonwoo (smut)

 lee chan isn't the type of guy you usually go for... but you don't know that.

Simp notes | @shuastruck - on going (smau, strangers to lovers, fluff)

lee chan, college's critically acclaimed and certified (read: self-proclaimed) cupid was a hundred percent sure that his guide to love manual aka the simp notes worked just perfectly fine, seeing the number of campus couples he had managed to get together. until you came up with your complex romantic problem and chan finds his trustworthy notes betraying him, especially when he begins to fall for you.

or, in which, chan never thought he would be following his own simp notes to win over you.

Always | @spamgyu (fluff)

When Soonyoung told her he would always be there, he meant it. The days of pining for the girl he had fallen for freshman year had finally paid off.

Office hours | @seungkw1 (smut)

Red string theory | @spamgyu (soulmates au, fluff)

Soulmates weren't real. This wasn't a fantasy world... But somehow, the world wanted them together. Giving them one too many chances to be together. Almost as if there was a little string that connected them to one another.

Insomnia - city lights series- | @hannieween (smut)

The last bit of sanity in your mind vanished the moment before you asked your hot neighbour to be your fuck buddy. Whatever prompted you to muster the courage to get the words out was something you didn't know you had inside you. But he wasn't saying no.

Sehnsucht | @leejihoonownsmyheart (academic rivals, smut)

You and Wonwoo have been rivals since your first of University, and despite it being your final year, that rivalry doesn't seem like it's going anywhere soon when you both end up in German 101.

The Christmas boyfriend | @rubyreduji (fake dating, fwb, fluff, smut)

When you tell your mom the little white lie that you have a boyfriend, you don’t expect it to evolve into bringing your friend with benefits home for christmas. what can go wrong?

Maybe this is wishful thinking | @gyuldaengi (angst)

Fifteen to forever | @gyuswhore (fluff, angst, smut)

Fifteen was the age you had met Choi Seungcheol at a school hockey game. Forever was the age you would find yourself spending with him.

Must love dogs | @nevernonline (strangers to lovers, fluff)

after a breakup (three years ago) your friend finally attempts to get you back on the saddle by creating you a dating profile despite your protesting, hooking you up on dates with some of the eligible bachelors of their choice, none of which impressed you. until one day you met the boy with the dog.

From Accords to kisses | @hoshifighting (fake dating, smut)

Seungcheol, feeling overshowed by his accomplished cousin Jisoo, concocted a plan to surprise his family. Desperate to match up, he enlists Y/N, a talented athlete swimmer from his university, to play his girlfriend. Amidst the charade, unexpected sparks fly, leading to a surprising turn in their relationship.

[happyhauntt]

— march fic recs, brought to you by happyhauntt.

a wee fic rec post for a few of the fics i read in march that altered my brain chemistry!! i've put a lil comment next to each rec because honestly writers don't get praised enough for their work these days and i wanted to show my appreciation for these talented souls!!

grishaverse.

➡ kaz brekker.

what do you want from me by @rubysunnday. notes: literally perfect wtf.

dark days by rubysunnday. notes: i reread this literally constantly, it is so perfect, kaz's characterisation is perfect, i adore it.

bloody hands by rubysunnday. notes: i devoured this whole thing like a starving person it was sO good.

when am i gonna lose you? by @crowsmybeloveds. notes: this is so beautiful honestly i have no words.

the lost princess by @ellewritesalright. notes: look it's only part one but elle is a fucking wizard and i'm a sucker for an anastasia au.

you and me (a whole lot of history) by @heliads. notes: this was so cute and such a clever concept i fell in love!!!

schat by @amourology. notes: fully choked this is so adorable.

soulmate by @magpiencrow. notes: KAZ BREKKER SOULMATE AU didn't know i needed this but now i need 100 more!!!!

➡ nikolai lantsov.

nine long years series by @ellewritesalright. notes: i am actively fucking screaming over this fic. i will never stop. this might genuinely be the best thing i've read in a LONG while. everything about it has me sobbing i actively CANNOT COPE. and it's not even finished yet.

one of us by @songofpatrochilless. notes: literally had me sobbing you don't understand the domesticity of it all!!!!!.

come on back to me by @atlabeth. notes: there is a very strong chance that i'll literally never stop screaming about this fic.

dreams of you by @wh0refornikolailantsov. notes: every cell in my body is SCREAMING.

this love by @lantsovsupremacist. notes: did not, in fact, give you permission to hurt me like this do it again.

salt in the wound by @in-my-feels-probably. notes: brain goes brrrr this has everything i need to survive tbh.

wanting was enough by @rubysunnday. notes: beautiful stunning magnificent i want to eat it.

an exhausted smile by @writing-havoc. notes: think i had an aneurysm reading this it was that amazing.

run away with me by @sumsebien. notes: i am still sobbing over this.

in emerald hearts, emerald minds by @undiscovered-horizon. notes: love love love love love. there aren't enough words in any language to describe how much i love this.

➡ alina starkov.

alina starkov x reader by @heliads. notes: alina does not get nearly enough love and this was so fucking sad and cute and brilliant.

➡ nina zenik.

the ten steps to 'i love you' by @sophierequests. notes: this was SO HEARTWARMING AND SWEET i adored it!!!

➡ zoya nazyalensky.

forget-me-nots by @syllvane. notes: not enough zoya fics on this hellsite. but also this ripped my heart out and made me sob so RUDE. i feel devastated.

➡ inej ghafa.

inej ghafa x reader by @heliads. notes: INEJ MY SWEET BABY, this fic is everything to me. everything. and it's so beautifully written!!!

➡ the darkling.

the dark side of the moon series by @myhairpintrigger. notes: this fic is ASTOUNDING. i haven’t cried this much reading something in a long time. i was FULL-BODY SOBBING. i don’t even like the darkling. i am Not a darkling girlie. but i was intrigued by concept of this fic and i can safely say it has ruined my life. this is Emotional Damage Incarnate. i will never recover. author, i salute you.

911.

through the smoke by @borntobewondering. notes: spent twenty whole minutes sobbing after reading this. i felt undone i felt hollow i felt so utterly fucked. author is a genius and that's all there is to say.

not so one night stand by @shmaptainwrites. notes: this was so fuckin adorable i'm in love.

d.c. to l.a. by shmaptainwrites. notes: bobby my guy just doesn't get enough fucking credit and this is so fucking adorable.

criminal minds.

➡ spencer reid.

trouble almost all my life by @januaryembrs. notes: this series is. it's literally. everything. i love bugsy like she's my own child. sister relationships are everything to me. i spent an hour sobbing in my bed over parts 2 and 3. i want this tattooed on my forehead.

➡ aaron hotchner.

found by @benedictscanvas. notes: DADDY i mean what. all jokes aside this was so sweet and beautiful and i'm in love the writing!!!

doctor who.

rage rage (against the dying of the light) by @morganas-pendragons. notes: felt feral after reading this. kayla just gets me in my feels every time.

heartbeat by morganas-pendragons. notes: this was the most emotional devastating thing i've ever read and i fully needed 3-5 business days to recover. rude. i want 100 more.

untitled by morganas-pendragons. notes: PAIN i love this so much.

ache by morganas-pendragons. notes: just scoop my heart out of my fucking chest i don't want it anymore after reading this.

a mind full of blissful terrors by @magiccath. notes: simply fucking amazing.

light in the dark by @i-imagine-my-doctor. notes: screaming please i adore this so much.

baby talk by @kisstherainwriting. notes: THE ABSOLUTE CUTIEST EVER. there's not enough clara fics and this had me squealing and feeling all warm and fuzzy!!!

holding my hand by kisstherainwriting. notes: angst galore this was STUNNING.

in another's eyes by @cas-kingdom. notes: PERFECTION.

where do we go now series by @theetherealbloom. notes: literally so fucking amazing i don't have enough words.

marauders.

the winner takes it all by @ellecdc. notes: brb faye is having a STROKE--

come back, be here series by ellecdc. notes: i think i had a full on stroke while reading this series. the attention to detail is insane. the characterisation is perfect.

i don't know you anymore (maybe i never really did) by @thenyoumightaswellwrestleangels. notes: SCREECHING i'm in love you don't understand.

bridgerton.

➡ anthony bridgerton.

distractions by @peterpparkrr. notes: simply immaculate.

right person, all the wrong times by @wwinterwitch. notes: did you mean one of my favourite tropes bc this is it.

right in front of me by @idontgiveaflyinggrayson69 & @thirteenisles. notes: i felt feral after reading this tbh.

➡ sibling!reader.

reluctant caretaker by @rubysunnday. notes: this fic hit my heart in all the right places okay sibling stuff means everything to me.

did she have a cookie by rubysunnday. notes: a joyous read from start to finish i CACKLED the whole way through.

moon knight.

come back to me by @mgparker. notes: still sobbing. immaculate.

the other sarcophagus by @starryevermore. notes: i literally reread this constantly i adore it so much!!

marc spector x reader by @softlyspector. notes: i had an aneurysm reading this and i haven't been the same since.

more marc spector x reader by softlyspector. notes: i am having an intense emotion hold on. anytime i see autistic stuff in canon content for any fandom i SQUEAK. and this is so well done honestly.

star wars.

heartless by @youvebeenlivingfictional. notes: i reread this constantly, it's so amazing and heartwrenching and beautiful and i want to eat it.

little talks by @light-yaers. notes: you simply do not understand how much i adore everything beff writes. i adore this fic more than i need oxygen to breathe.

right where you left me series by light-yaers. notes: personality-defining series. i LIVE for this fic. every update adds five years to my lifespan. if you're not reading this you are MISSING OUT.

a light, a song, a bluebird by @millllenniawrites. notes: made me SOB 10/10 would recommend if you like emotional trauma.

invisible string by @campingwiththecharmings. notes: pining!!! loneliness!!! i adore!!!

hard landings by @softlyspector. notes: no. no you don't understand. this fic doesn't just own my soul it is my soul. i want it tattooed on my face.

misc.

hopper x reader by @luveline. notes: you don't understand this might be the cutest shit i've ever read and jade is a fellow welsh person which automatically makes them brilliant in my book.

muña by @in-my-feels-probably. notes: alicent means fucking everything to me and this had me sobbing.

mistletoe magic by @writingsbychlo. notes: literally the cutest fucking thing ever, had me kicking my legs and squealing!!

[cactusspatz]

February recs

All 9-1-1 this month (except for a handful of others over at Pinboard)! A mix of gen and Buck/Eddie sorted from shortest to longest, because why not.

Solid Ground by @kingreywrites (gen)

"Hey Buckaroo," she says conversationally, as if any of this is a common occurrence. "I'm glad to see you awake, but please, whatever you do, don't move, okay?" (Or, Hen is here to catch Buck when he falls. Literally.)

Tightly written rope rescue, with a warm Hen-Buck relationship and Hen being a badass.

flutter in the dovecote by KiaraSayre (gen + Buck/Eddie)

Buck, Eddie, and Bobby quarantine from a bird flu exposure, and everything's fine. Totally fine. They're handling it just fine.

This felt SOOOO MUCH like an actual (bottle) episode and now I dearly wish it was.

things you don't say reach me somehow anyway by @sibylsleaves (Buck/Eddie)

He writes CHRISTOPHER at the top of the page in capital letters. Underneath it goes BUCK. Then PEPA, CARLA, CHIM, HEN and so on until he has fifteen names listed out. Fifteen people to show his appreciation for. He starts with the easiest name first. or, Eddie tells the family he chose how much they mean to him. All of them except one.

So sweet and affecting, with plenty of bonus Fire Fam feels while Eddie's therapy homework leads him to figure out the true shape of Buck in his life.

Winter Prayer by @cal-daisies-and-briars (gen)

When a work conflict prevents Athena from accompanying Bobby to Minnesota for the ten year anniversary of his family dying, Buck and May offer to go instead. Over the course of the trip, they all learn more about each other, and Bobby faces his grief.

Quiet and occasionally devastating, with a truckload of soft found family dynamics along for the roadtrip.

piece by piece, you filled the holes that were burned in me by polish_amber / @the-amber-raven (gen)

Buck didn’t see Hen and Chimney exchanging knowing smirks and he was still muffling his groans against the table when they went over to the kitchen to refill their coffee mugs and had a hushed conversation: “Should we tell him that Bobby also asks for feedback?” “Nah,” Hen replied mischievously. “I kind of want to hear what he’ll come up with on the spot.” 5 times Bobby has feedback for Buck during his annual review, and the one time Buck gets a perfect score and has some feedback of his own.

Such a fun use of that bit of canon, and great snapshots of their changing dynamic across the years.

I'll Scrawl it on Every Wall I See by @letmetellyouaboutmyfeels (Buck/Eddie)

When Eddie joins the 118, he and Buck don't exactly hit it off on the right foot. Or continue to walk on the right foot. In fact they kind of can't stand each other. Good thing they each have a beloved anonymous pen pal to share their daily woes with, someone completely unlike their insufferable coworker. Or, in which Buck and Eddie love each other before they know each other, and know each other before they love each other.

Delightful epistolary identity porn! Very very classic set up but the execution is *chefkiss* perfect.

Evan Buckley & The Coma-Verse of Madness by @cal-daisies-and-briars (Buck/Eddie)

After being struck by lightning on a call, Buck experiences a plethora of alternate realities showing him different directions his life could have taken. Fighting hard to get home, Buck learns what, or who, is important to him in every lifetime.

Great varation on 6x11 (the coma-dream episode), with gorgeous characterization. Emotionally devastating at times, but also devastatingly romantic.

[neondiamond]

🪷 Recently Read Fics - January & February 2024 🪷

Hiii happy 2024 everyone! January was a bit of a busy month which meant I didn’t actually have the time to put together a fic rec for the first time in two years, but I am back! I still didn’t read as much as I usually do but, these are all of the amazing fics I read over the past two months (from shortest to longest). Don’t forget to leave kudos and comments to show the authors your appreciation if you read any of these! 🤍

🪷 Hold On I Still Need You by @enchantedlandcoffee (1k, T)

The one where Louis goes missing and Harry desperately tries to find him.

🪷 miles away from seeing you by @loveislarryislove (1k, T)

Harry is in his final year studying marine biology, and is doing an international exchange at the University of Auckland. His boyfriend Louis stays behind in England, but they keep in touch regularly through texts, snapchats, video calls, and more.

This fic is entirely told through images of social media posts and conversations

🪷 Daydream by @allwaswell16 (2k, T)

Every Thursday, Louis nods hello to her fellow regulars at Horan’s Cafe, one of whom is the woman of her dreams.

🪷 ‘cause i built a home for you by angelsueavenue (2k, NR)

Harry doesn’t believe that baths can induce labor. His alpha, though, is prepared to prove him wrong.

🪷 What’s in a Name by @hellolovers13 (2k, T)

Louis had always known Harry was his soulmate.

The name on his arm disagreed.

But what did his soulmark know about true love anyway.

🪷 In Jest by @londonfoginacup (4k, T)

Louis, who smiles at Harry as he reclines in his chair. Louis, whose soulmark is visible thanks to his low-cut top.

Louis, Harry’s soulmate, who seems to either be blissfully ignorant of that fact or maliciously ignoring it.

Harry would really like to know which.

🪷 You’re Already Home by @londonfoginacup (5k, G)

It's Christmas Eve and Harry's life is normal. Then he finds someone's barred the door to his favourite hiding spot -- the old groundskeeper's cottage -- and suddenly Harry's life isn't normal anymore.

🪷 knowing you’re in love with me is the greatest gift of all by @greeneyesfriedrice (6k, T)

Harry just wants to fall back to sleep in his husband’s arms, wanting to treasure the quietness of Christmas morning before their kids wake up and realize what day it is.

That dream is short lived when there’s a small shriek of joy from downstairs.

🪷 Cold Hands & Warm Hearts by kingofthefridaynight (16k, E)

a wintery uni au, where they spend time with their friends, play in the snow, drink wine in their dorm and Harry loses at Scrabble. Also, they might have been in love all along.

🪷 Your Eyes Outshine the Town by @insightfulinsomniac (19k, E)

When a freak French snowstorm traps Harry's family in Paris, he's suddenly left flying home for a Christmas spent alone. However, everything changes after a chance encounter with an undeniably attractive, generous alpha who suggests that Harry join his family's Christmas celebrations. Against his better judgment, Harry agrees, and follows Louis back to Doncaster for the holidays.

Little does he know, he'll not only become attached to the alpha, but to his entire family. Maybe his Christmas won't be as lonely as he expected.

Complete and utter fluff ensues. Sappy Christmas tropes abound.

🪷 To you I can admit, I’m just too soft for all of it by @starryhaze28 (28k, NR)

“Harry?” Louis asks when he hears the frantic crying coming through the speaker. “H, darling what's wrong?”

Concerned, Louis puts on his shoes as he keeps hearing the sobs. It’s the middle of the night and the phone call has definitely pulled Louis out of his deep slumber, but Harry is crying, and Louis has to be with him.

“It’ll be okay, baby, I'm gonna come over, okay? You just- Haz you have to send me your address, yeah? Can you do that for me?” Louis asks, trying to remain as poised as possible as he presses his phone between his ear and shoulder so he can grab his jacket.

“No.” Harry cries out. “It's all wrong, Lou- It’s-” Another sob. “I hate it, Lou, I hate it so, so much, make it stop.”

🪷 You’re Not My Type (still I fall) by @imogenleewriter (38k, M)

His mum is going to kill him!

Well, not kill him. Just give him a right telling off, make him admit she'd been right, then try to confine him to his room until they found a hefty Alpha to look after him and rein him in or something.

She wouldn't manage, of course. Harry is only twenty-four and has no inclination to settle down at all, especially not at the behest of an Alpha.

But, as his mum would point out, that was the same stubborn attitude that got him here: in his car, in a thunderstorm, on the side of a forsaken lane of some little countryside town in Yorkshire. His mobile's got no signal, his GPS isn't working, and he's running low on petrol, so he can't even use the heater.

Oh, and most importantly, his car is stuck in the mud, so even if the GPS was working and he knew where to go, he wouldn’t be able to.

He's been in stickier spots; he reminds himself. Way stickier. This is just a bit of rain; it'll blow over. Then Harry will just... well, alright, he isn't entirely sure what to do when the rain stops because he'll still be stuck and lost. But, hey, there won't be any rain, which is something to cheer about.

[a-asterias]

— micaela's february recs

ty to all these amazing writers who have left me with butterflies in my stomach and/or tears rolling down my face, much appreciated <3

GRISHAVERSE

— nikolai lantsov.

young royals by @clairecrive

currents by @lantsovsupremacist

↳ you are in love

the art of pretension by @fleurspun

↳ sick and stubborn

↳ healer's duties

love language by @fishley

speak up by @prince-septimus

sugar cube by @magpiencrow

a dare for a truth by @sumsebien

— kaz brekker.

when am i gonna lose you? by @crowsmybeloveds

confrontations in a lonely club by @curseofaphrodite

what do you want from me? by @romeomontaague

silent birthdays by @amourology

↳ schat

you are done for by @sumsebien

this is what happens by @fishley

MARVEL

— peter parker.

you more than anything by @nghtwngs

↳ you love me, i love you

on that rooftop by @nezuscribe

skateboards, the force, and a lack of pants by @damnedparker

secrets and skateparks by @earthgirl616

aurora by @mgparker

scenes from a modern romance by @dameronology

— marc spector.

just let me dream a little more by @the-archxr

— matt murdock.

green is the color by @courtforshort15

the defence rests by @dameronology

OUTER BANKS

— jj maybank.

hot for a pogue by @butgilinsky

meet me at our spot by @amourology

— rafe cameron.

midsummers by @butgilinsky

so gorgeous it actually hurts by @folkloreslovechild

HARRY POTTER

— fred weasley.

after all this time by @httpbakugou

MARAUDERS

— james potter.

five times james wanted to kiss you and the one time he did by @moonlitmeeks

— sirius black.

all your fault by @heloisedaphnebrightmore

↳ absurd ideas

'cause i don't want you like a best friend by @evermoreal

grand scheme by @fishley

— remus lupin.

it's time to go by @godlessandwrecked

BRIDGERTON

— benedict bridgerton.

en garde by @delphispoeticals

show me love by @romeomontaague

— anthony bridgerton.

should've never let go by @writeroutoftime

illicit affairs by @marwritesgood

— colin bridgerton.

alone together by @romeomontaague

TOP GUN

— bradley bradshaw.

delirium by @kyber-crystal

↳ head in the clouds

ENOLA HOLMES

— sherlock holmes.

invisible string by @marwritesgood

AVATAR

— lo'ak.

in full bloom by @loaksky

— neteyam.

warm hands by @loaksky

HOUSE OF THE DRAGON

— aemond targaryen.

corridor kisses by @flowerpotmage

[a-reverii]

▸ REVERII'S DECEMBER FIC RECS

━━ ✰ THE WIZARDING WORLD.

sirius black

aren't promises meant to be broken? ⇢ @perpetuallydaydreaming

style. ⇢ @bealovesmarauders

his favorite neighbour. ⇢ @kquil

attention. ⇢ @/kquil

right where i want to be. ⇢ @appocalipse

the dark night. ⇢ @bruisedboys

oblivious. ⇢ @bitesizedgremlin

regulus black

hidden messages in foreign languages. ⇢ @applebutter-and-cinnamon

vivre d'amour et d'eau fraîche. ⇢ @/deactivated

his last letter. ⇢ @hamlets-ak

tricks and charms. ⇢ @curseofaphrodite

across the sea. ⇢ @/curseofaphrodite

the night we met. ⇢ @/curseofaphrodite

frosted practices. ⇢ @henqtic

remus lupin

by tired hands. ⇢ @luveline

skirts. @flwrbo

not so secret admirer. @/kquil

you're losing me. @astonishment

never his. @weasleykisses

wherever you stray i follow. @mediocre-daydreams

━━ ( navigation ) ( masterlist ) ( request )

[sophia-sol]

My recs for the month of February! This month included festivids getting posted so there are a lot of small-fandom vids in this batch, as well as the usual run of various mxtx fanfic plus other stuff. The lineup:

Romeo+Juliet – 2 vids Taskmaster UK – 1 vid Jesus Christ Superstar – 1 vid Catherine Called Birdy – 1 vid Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves – 1 vid Moby Dick – 1 vid the Knives Out series – 1 vid Shakespeare’s As You Like It – 1 vid Hikaru No Go – 1 fic SVSSS – 3 fics MDZS/CQL – 4 fics

Romeo+Juliet

Trust+Fall, by sandalwoodbox

it's festivids time!!! this is probably the first of SEVERAL vids I will be reccing today

this one is for the film Romeo+Juliet, and focuses on the Romeo/Juliet relationship

set to the song "Parachute" which I previously knew from an extremely cute Leverage vid, so it was fascinating to see how this vid pulled out very different themes from the song and made a much darker, more painful vid, though cut through with moments of cuteness and levity, as the tension ramped upwards towards Romeo and Juliet's inevitable end

it was so good!

2:52 in length. Music only, no added sounds/dialogue. No subtitles.

Magnetic, by sandalwoodbox

another Romeo + Juliet vid, this one focusing on Mercutio

it's about how magnetic a character and a person Mercutio is and like. YUP. AGREED.

0:58 in length. Music only, no added sounds/dialogue. Subtitles are available.

Taskmaster

Blood in the Cut, by findmeinthealps

Taskmaster UK vid focusing on Alex and the uhhhh dynamics in the show that he created

I love the way the editing turns so many of the weird visuals into something that the camera has an erotic focus on. it's so effective! and the song really amplifies it.

3:13 in length. music only, not added sounds/dialogue. no subtitles available.

Jesus Christ Superstar

Hope on Fire, by aguntoaknifefight (swirlingvoid)

a Jesus Christ Superstar vid which draws on many different productions of the musical, both stage and film, to look at Judas's relationship with Jesus

I love how it gets across how intense and agonising a relationship it is, and the use of many different sources helps hammer home the inevitability of its tragedy too

3:45 in length. music only, no added sounds/dialogue. subtitles are available.

Catherine Called Birdy

Jackrabbit, by Tafadhali

vid for the movie Catherine Called Birdy, about Birdy and her relationship with her parents

I haven't actually seen the movie but I have loved the book for many years!

and this vid felt like it exactly captured the feel and the mood of the story. It's lovely.

3:24 in length. music only, no added sounds/dialogue. no subtitles.

Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

Disaster Party, by Scribe

so I have not actually seen the dungeons and dragons movie yet but this vid about the adventuring party was just so fun and charming to watch

upbeat and loving look at the characters and their various misfortunes as they make mistakes and keep going

3:12 in length. music only, no added sounds/dialogue. no subtitles.

Moby Dick

Here it Goes Again, by eruthros

Moby Dick vid featuring as many different adaptations and inspired-bys as the vidder could fit in

here it goes again! the story keeps repeating itself! you can't escape it!

so much fun and so impressive

3:01 in length. Music only, no added sounds/dialogue. Subtitles are available.

Knives Out series

'Til You Hit A Nerve, by stardust_rain

about the heroines of Knives Out and Glass Onion

idk that I have anything insightful or interesting to say about this one but it's a good vid! I liked it!

2:27 in length. Music only, no added sounds/dialogue. No subtitles.

As You Like It

Boys Keep Swinging, by Tafadhali

a vid about Rosalind in many different productions of Shakespeare's As You Like It

a vid that is just having SO much fun leaning into being as queer about gender as it can manage

and I had just as much fun watching it!

2:00 in length. Music only, no added sounds/dialogue. No subtitles.

Hikaru No Go

Dragons and Other Metaphors, by esama

canon divergence genfic about Akira's pov on Hikaru, and like, it's been SO long since I've been in this fandom that I've forgotten all the contextualization to recognize what the point of divergence is lol

but it's a REALLY good fic about how large a figure Hikaru is in Akira's life, and the rivalry experience Akira is so committed to

3k words in length

I saw this fic thanks to a rec from Rozzychan on fedi so thank you!

SVSSS

Small Fish in an Unsettled Pond, Violent_entertainment

this is part of a series of unconnected works the author is writing, each one focusing on the relationship between Shang Qinghua and a different one of the various Cang Qiong peak lords

today's is about Shang Qinghua and the Ku Xing Peak Lord! yes, one of the peak lords who doesn't even get a name in canon

sqh and the kx peak lord are friends and unlikely allies in the effort to make sure lbh doesn't destroy the sect and mash the realms together

I love how the author comes up with so many different backstories for sqh in the different fics

and I love this vision of the kx peak lord! and what lbh would be like under this lord's tutelage!

4k words in length

stuffed with fluff (and blood and bones and rage), by nyoomerr

it's always a good day when nyoomerr posts a new svsss fic!

this one is about original lbh, beginning in his abyss years, visiting shen yuan in his dreams

lbh can't move or act or speak in these dreams but he gets to hear/read about everything sy says about lbh

over years lbh gets more and more obsessed with sy (obvs)

I love watching lbh's growing realizations of the nature of his frustrations, mediated through getting to hear sy express things that are so different from what anyone in his waking life ever says

I love how much he craves someone who SEES him like sy does, and yet sy can't see all of lbh because the parts of lbh's life he gets to see are all mediated through the nature of what a stallion novel will focus on!

and the ENDING. it is perfect! I'm feral at the thought of what will happen next

17k words in length

Help! My Ex-Boyfriend Transmigrated And Now He's My Shixiong! by kitschlet

just reread this fic and it's as fun as it was the first time!

in which sqq and sqh were exes back in the real world

they figure out who each other are and immediately fall to bickering over what actually happened in their relationship

these two are SO FUNNY and SO RIDICULOUS and my heart gave a pang anyway! truly the magic of cumplane

I love them and they're the worst <3333

2k words in length

MDZS/CQL

The light that he brings, by raitala

mdzs/cql modern au where wwx reappears after many years and lwj wants to keep him in his life in whatever way he can

I love! how much they care about each other, and how they try to navigate the new/old dynamics between them with the additional perspective that being older will bring

though lwj still hasn't entirely figured out the framework to understand his attraction to wwx

they're both trying so hard to not overstep boundaries between them but they can both agree that whatever is best for a-Yuan is worth doing

watching them slide into intimacy and intertwined lives, and how lwj comes alive with wwx and a-yuan in his life! endless delight

impeccable under-negotiated d/s vibes between them

I love the glimpses into all the other people in their lives as well!

ahhh there are so many things I could keep saying about this fic! it's so good

106k words in length

the beauty of maturity, by hisevilforest

mdzs/cql

look this is uhhh not a common ship so I just smooshed the names together for the hashtag and called it good

Lan Jingyi and Xue Yang run into each other alone in all the fog of yi city

their dynamics with each other are SO fun, neither of them trusting each other and yet both having a great time in their various ways

jingyi's pov is GREAT

I think the author's tags are a great look into what the fic is like: hostage situations, poisoning, making out, frottage, mind-games, mouthy jerks who escalate, sexy swordfighting, being walked in on by hanguang-jun specifically, blink and you miss it glimpses of xue yang's angst, but mostly humour

this is a reread for me and it's just as worth it the second time (or third, or fourth, or --- )

6k words in length

moored, by fluffysocks

mdzs/cql

Because Of Reasons, wwx and jc are both married off to lwj after the destruction of lotus pier. wwx is blissfully happy about it; jc struggles with it on a NUMBER of fronts

from jc's pov, about him figuring out how to have a successful relationship with his husband, with his place in his new sect, with his brother and co-spouse, with himself and his struggles in cultivation these days

jc's pov obviously doesn't like to think about any of these things straightforwardly, he's too busy being tsundere about everything lol

I love seeing him finding his own way, figuring out how to have a life that works for him even if it isn't what he would have chosen!

17k words in length

(also: fuck jkr and all, but if you also fondly remember helenish's hp fic "theft of assets, destruction of property" then this is the fic for you!)

Lans Never Kiss and Tell, by FeelsForBreakfast

mdzs/cql modern AU wangxian fic wherein wwx finds out that lwj has kissed all of their friends except him

obviously he immediately goes insane about this

I'm very charmed that this is a "mutual pining" trope fic wherein the two of them never doubt for even a moment that they are each other's most important person

the writing is extremely funny. such good comedy bits overlapping with the genuine emotions in ways that make both parts better!

31k words in length

[mlkbaerry]

─ august recommendations 🌊

┊ “ Dear August, tell me that there's light at the end of all this starless night ”

┊ music ; cassie - long way 2 go | beyonce - cuff it | nayeon - pop! | hailee steinfeld - coast | no buses - pretty old man | ego apartment - mayonnaise

⠀ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏⠀

┊ film/tv ; the flight attendant (2 seasons / ongoing) | be yourself (cdrama / 24 ep / ended) | home sweet home (kdrama / 1hr kbs special / youtube) | nope (netflix)

⠀ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏⠀

┊ books ; the book of cold cases by simone st. james | she's up to no good by sara goodman confino

⠀ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏⠀

─────────

note ; hey guys! I hope august is good to you. I've been a bit down recently since I don't really do anything other than go to work and come back. I don't do much even on the weekends since its raining a lot and I cant go exploring either ://