#pick me up

[thelcsdaily]

My Birthday Cake

From Ferrara's website: Ferrara’s specialty tiramisu features homemade Savoiardi (Ladyfinger cookies) that they douse with espresso & coffee liqueur and layer with sweet mascarpone. Ferrara is one of New York's most iconic shops and its first Italian Bakery, founded in 1892 in Little Italy. As America's first Pasticceria and espresso bar, it was only natural that people came primarily for the coffee, cookies and cakes, and despite the many changes in the neighborhood over the decades, their offerings are still wowing everyone who walks through the door, instantly transporting them to Southern Italy.

They have been featured on the Food Network's "Best Things I Ever Ate," The New York Times, New York Magazine and just about every media outlet imaginable.

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” — C.S. Lewis

[fuckyeahgoodomensfanfic]

Good Omens Fic Rec: Big Name Feelings

FANDOM AU! • Crowley is a BNF fic writer, and Aziraphale is a lurking artist who might be just a little parasocially in love with him. How they ever became friends is beyond him, but here they are: One month out from Prophet Con, and Crowley is asking him to be his boyfriend. Just for the weekend, of course.

Length: 103,997 words

AO3 Rating: Explicit / Spice Level 🔥🔥🔥

Best for: Safe in Public, Human AU, Slow Burn, Fake Relationship, Pick-me-up

Triggers: None

Read it here, fic by ghostrat

*Minor Spoilers* It's here! The finale of one of the most entertaining and immersive fanworks that I have ever experienced is finally upon us! I feel like most of you who follow me here are aware of this fanfic or have read it. However, for those who haven't or might come across this post later: I'm begging you to read this one. Buckle up; it's a long post today.

So, if you're not aware, this fanfic involves writer Crowley and fan artist Aziraphale. Crowley, being ace, seeks a boyfriend to shield him from unwanted attention during an upcoming convention. Aziraphale, smitten, agrees to be the fake boyfriend. This Arrangement is sure to work out exactly as planned!

Every one of the author's stories feels cinematic to me. The worlds are always so real and immersive, but this one, in particular, will have you feeling like you're actually watching the story unfold in real life. Some of that is achieved through embedded media like chats, artwork, and Tumblr posts, bringing a sense of reality to these conversations. The rest comes from really rich prose. You'll flow through it very easily, yet deeply.

The use of fandom and a convention as the backdrop for this fic was, to be honest, genius. I've seen attempts before, but none captured the spirit quite like this one. The fandom lore for The Nice and Accurate Prophecy (the in-universe fandom they're in) was rich enough for us to fully grasp the shape and feel of why they loved it so much, yet it never impedes the ongoing story. This story perfectly captured what it's like to be a fan: how friendships develop, how ideas and fan theories are freely discussed, the passion for a shared topic. The con, in particular, will fill anyone who has ever attended a fan convention with a strong dose of nostalgia and love. Oh, and having them in their 50s? Thank you! There is no age limit to fandom!

Having Aziraphale as the artist and Crowley the writer was not the most obvious choice, but it's one that worked amazingly well for the story! Crowley struggles with words and expressing his feelings in real life. However, in stories, he can build his own world and express whatever emotions are on his mind. Aziraphale, who does not wish to draw attention to himself in real life, expresses himself through his bold and beautiful artwork. His specialization in traditional, physical artwork is so fitting for him, though he's not unwilling to try new tech. There is a scene where they stumble upon some street art that Aziraphale had done. I teared up at that scene, and it's not even angsty! Just the casualness of it, how it's not Aziraphale but Crowley who boldly leads them to it, how Aziraphale doesn't sing his own praises. He's not self-deprecating, but he doesn't celebrate his work. He's still learning that he has value that's worth celebrating. At least now he has Crowley to teach him to be proud of himself.

They are both beautifully written characters. It's a real testament to the skill of the author to bring these characters into such a different reality and have them be unmistakably Aziraphale and Crowley. Sure, they're updated for the time and setting, but their souls are still the angel and demon we know and love. This setting is an amazing way to explore the different sides of their personalities. Crowley's asexuality, in particular, was one of the best depictions I've ever read. It brought a new level of understanding to me, and I'm sure many of you will feel a kinship with him. Really pay attention to what's being said here, there's some really deep and insightful passages that are worth analyzing. Like this moment, which may have been a subconscious thought, but again speaks to how deeply the author understands the characters.

This was such an amazing experience as a fan. I've never had a fic feel like this much of an event before. Every chapter drop was so exciting; I never knew what exactly to expect. And now, with the end being over 100k words?? Where did that word count come from! That's insane! I'm sad to leave this iteration, but I'm so excited for what's to come next. So please, if you haven't read this, give it a try. It's such a impressive work, so much time and effort was put into this and you can tell. It's not only a love letter to Good Omens, but one to fandom and fanspaces as well. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this journey

There are some explicit scenes towards the end, but they are all marked and skippable, so I'd say you're perfectly fine reading this in public.

Edit from after actually seeing the finale: no I’m not tearing up it’s just really dusty in this room. I’m being so normal rn 🥹🥹🥹

Read it here, fic by ghostrat

[pweetylittlecunnie]

god how i love it when they pick me up like i weigh nothing (il probably have ruined my panties)

[judacris]

"Good morning, sleepyhead. You missed a beautiful sunrise..."

[fall4mebabe731]

Sadly these bikinis aren’t going in my suitcase 🌊

[mynephewmarriedajaguar]

amanda’s greg from succession bit in the newest TNTL musical episode… good lord

[l0veisntbrains]

“Love isn’t something you find. Love finds you.” Pick Me Up by @dustyfics

[prfm-multiverse]

[ohbebop]

I think I've seen this film before.

And I didn't like the ending.

[fuckyeahgoodomensfanfic]

Good Omens Fic Rec: The Larger Hope

It's unfair. A joke of the universe, Crowley thinks, to make him the biggest bottom in the London area with a huge dollop of size queen to boot and then to turn around and give him eight inches of useless dick between his legs.

Length: 8,838 words

AO3 Rating: / Spice Level 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Best for: After Dark, Comedy, Human AU

Triggers: None, STD Mention

Read it here, fic by NaroMoreau, summerofspock

*Minor Spoilers* This one had me howling!! Not only is is shockingly sexy, it's super funny and an absolute blast.

Crowley here has a problem. All this poor dear wants is to get dicked down, but when his dates see his dick they all suddenly want him to top. His best friend Aziraphale certainly isn't helping matters! All he does is listen to Crowley vent, and didn't take a blurry drunken dick pick as a love confession. How terrible! It's such a silly setup and one that I absolutely loved. Their dialogue was a blast and the writing style is excellent. It's comedy, but also clever and well written. And the porn is porning. Seriously, it's the best kind of graphic that never feels cringey.

This is not one you can get away with in public, this is best read from the comfort of your own bed. Have fun with this one ya'll!!

Read it here, fic by NaroMoreau, summerofspock

[marciafogarty]

pick me up | marcia & nate

Marcia looked out over the seemingly endless sea of cardboard boxes that essentially carpeted her dorm room, which she occupied by herself for the time being. The only available space was her twin-sized bed and a tiny pathway she'd manage to crave from there to the door. Dressed down in booty shorts and a skimpy crop top, she looked effortlessly, casually slutty - which, all things considered, was sort of her brand. Her light brown hair was pulled back and up into a ponytail. She blew an exasperated breath through her lips as she surveyed the scene, pondering what else she could distract herself with before the only thing she had left was the daunting task of unpacking. That was when the sexiest distraction ever sauntered to the threshold - the door was already open - and God, he looked even better than he did in his photos. "You came!" Marcia squealed, jumping clumsily from the bed and stumbling over the boxes on her way to Nate. "See what I'm dealing with here, Sir? It's too much for me to handle all by myself. I'm so glad you're here to save the day." Marcia added, batting her lashes sweetly up at the much taller man. @dom-i-nate

[etheral-moon]

Ladies and gentlemen, THE pick me. Should I explain or is it obvious? But I actually had sm fun hating on her with the all the girls. This girl is a bitch.

[mixedperfume]

Me waiting for a dm from Taylor nation asking me to fly out and listen too TTPD early with Taylor

[himikohellhound]

*ahem* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[ranfused4ever]

My favourite Wang Yibo performance:

(the actual performance he did during the show is even better - but this one doesn't have the girls and audiences reactions cut in)

Unpopular opinion no doubt. Most people would probably go for Versace on the Floor or Wugan or Dragon Fist.

I get it. Pick me Up is a relatively simple, cute-sy dance, not really up to Yibo's level. But because of that, and I think also because of the fact he was very stressed about being a dance mentor to these girls in the first place, he throws absolutely everything he has in the performance. Every move is so well articulated, accompanied by the perfect facial expression and brimming with energy and enthusiasm. And that is why I can't get enough of it.

Please let me know your favourite in the comments/reblogs!

Honourable mention: Nian from the 2023 Yuehua Family Concert