#vina recs

[ilikereadingactually]

"A Guide for Working Breeds"

"A Guide for Working Breeds" by Vina Jie-Min Prasad

i may have to check out this whole collection, but for now i just read "A Guide for Working Breeds" as reprinted on Tor.com and LOVED IT, WOW. this short story makes incredible use of some of my personal catnips: storytelling through texts/DMs, grumpy character and sunshine character, and ragging on bad jobs. incredible character work at play here! it's like looking at the moon, where your brain fills in the rest of the circle even when it's not full.

Prasad has crafted this so precisely, too! i had everything i needed to fall very quickly in love with these two robots and have a sense of their world, without ever feeling like i was lost without enough information, or that anything was extraneous. that is one of my personal favorite things in writing, and a thing i'm always trying for when i write.

i'm getting over a cold, so this may not be the most coherent review ever, but my brain and heart are bouncing around like happy little dogs just thinking about this story. go read it!

the deets

how i read it: on Tor.com, but more accurately, @digger1649 sent it to me a while back and i did not get around to it so he sent it to me again, what a gem.

try this if you: dig electronic epistolary storytelling, enjoy robots best when they are like people, love dogs, or have ever had a job you didn't like.

a bit i really liked: everything about this is so perfect and made me laugh really hard

Constant Killer (C.k2-00452) That does make a strange kind of sense. Oh, by the way. Since work’s going slow lately… Maybe I could stop by your cafe sometime next week? I mean. If you’re free. Kleekai Greyhound (K.g1-09030) aaaaaaahhhhhh yessssssss come over!!!! i’ll make you my best omelette and i guess neither of us can eat it so it’ll sit there looking great

[megumimania]

Never checked for him but woahh

[maruflix]

bestie have u watched vina 👀 it's an id horror movie and quite literally traumatized me ngl .....

BESTIE U CAUGHT ME BY SURPRISE I NEVER THOUGHT I’D READ THAT TITLE HERE LMAOOOOOO?!?!?!?!?!?!

is this the 2024 movie? the one based on a true story?😭 bc no i haven’t but i’ll watch it if you recommend it 😀 gimme horror movie recs from ur country pls... i need to watch more seasian horror

[footballerimaginess]

2023 recs

I want to try my best and support my fellow writers by reblogging as many fics as I can throughout the year. I’ll be updating this as often as I can. I hope this is a good way for you to find new writers.  JANUARY  1. Jack Grealish - written by @chilly-me-softly 2. Virgil Van Dijk - Slamming the car door in his face - written by @lfc21 3. Eric Dier - A dog draws in a man - written by @footballffbarbiex  4. Neymar - Just a friend - written by @graneymar  FEBRUARY  1. Pablo Gavi - Soft glow - written by @gavisuntiedboot  2. Pablo Gavi - Instagram File - written by @loohs-world  3. Ben Chilwell - Meeting on a train - written by @canirove  4. Kylian Mbappe - Feeling down - written by @applejuicefruit 5. Richarlison - Dating headcannon - written by @i-care-4u 6. Christian Pulisic - you are in love - written by @julianalvarez9  7. Hakim Ziyech - Faith In Love - written by @el-ly-sha-give-no-f 8. Mason Mount - Stream - written by @httpsdana 9. Rodrigo De Paul - amor de me vina - written by @percervall  10. Jude Bellingham - Side Lover - written by @highdreaming  11. Kylian Mbappe - Pregnant - written by @applejuicefruit  12. Erling Halaand - Monster - written by @football-and-fanfics 

[sehodreamsthoughts]

PLS VINA i’m fucking dizzy😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫 that’s so hot i’m gonna go insane :(((

i will look for more yeosang fics to rec!! i was looking for some last night but then i went into wooyoung brainrot :(((

i’m going literally insane over that though, it’d be so humiliating umm but i’m also reminded i wanted to tell u (sorry i’m so weird) but like thinking about an idea with 2 members doesn’t matter what group (except i don’t think it rly fits yeosang and wooyo which is why i don’t say it with them in mind) but fucking one of them and the other calls u on the phone so the one fucking u makes u pick it up but the one on the phone is like telling u nasty shit like, “he doesn’t fuck uou as well as i do, does he? you want my cock, don’t you? it’s bigger than his, right?” and like “don’t you dare cum for him or i’ll never fuck you again”

and then the one fucking u takes the phone from u and holds it near where ur bodies are connected so the one on the phone can hear how your cunt is sucking him in and pussy juices squelching all over his cock, making you fuck urself on his cock to cum because you’re so needy but it’s making so much noise and it’s so humiliating omg

pls say u see the vision🥺🥺🥺

- 🥟 anon

Good lord.

THAT'S FUCKING AMAZING, IS SO NASTY, I WAS LITERALLY THINKING JUST NOW HOW I NEED SOME TOE CURLING NASTY SLOPPY SMUT AND YOU JUST DELIVERED 😭🩷

Okay, it sounds a bit like Jake and Heesung? I think Hee would be the one calling you while Jake's pounding into you, I see him because he'd get a little jealous because you should be paying attention to him and only him, but more than a toxic jealousy he knows how to be playful and that's why he embarrasses you more while exposing the squelching sound of you taking him 😭

I can't think of a Riize member, maybe Eunseok and Sungchan, and Eunseok is the one accepting the call, but I think it fits Heesung and Jake better 😵‍💫❤️‍🔥

[lettersforthelongesttime]

hi everyone, i really don’t know how many people are going to read this but i wanted to put this here anyway. you can call me cael, and as you might have guessed, this is where i will write poems, or letters for someone who i usually refer to as mea stellae. they are usually letters i don’t have the courage to actually send this person, so if you know me outside of tumblr, please don’t make this a big thing :]

taglist: letters will be tagged #dear stellae along with #letters, poetry will be tagged #poetry, music recs will be tagged #music cos i can, everything that is mine will be tagged #cael speaks), and anything else important will go here as i add tags for it.

currently, the people mentioned in my letters include: stellae (#dear stellae), bean (#vina and her chaos), norah (#the tall one), kaitlin (#the musical one), toby (#toby (doge))

see you someday,

cael

[vina-writes]

Ten Favorite Drarry Fic Recs

I’ve reached a bit of a follower milestone, and I thought, why not celebrate? I’m happy! This is an incredible feeling that I honestly can’t fully articulate in writing. Knowing someone enjoyed my work and presence enough that they’d want to be notified if I posted again just makes me squeal and want to hug everyone from joy!! Thank you to anyone who has ever left me kudos, a comment, a tag, a note, an emoji, a tag emoji!! I am endlessly grateful to you all for this support and kindness.

Now, since it’s party time, I’ve compiled a personal list of my ten favorite Drarry fics to share the love. This is by no means a stamp of quality (as there are thousands of brilliant fics out there) and neither is it a guarantee that these are everyone’s cup of tea. But they are certainly my cup of tea— my whole buffet honestly.

I chose fics that made me feel deeply. Fics that made me cry, laugh, throw my phone, squeal and wiggle and dance at the end. These (mostly) weren’t fics which answered deep philosophical questions. They were fics which instead showed me love and adventure, joys and betrayals, misunderstandings and occasionally unbelievable (but appreciated) levels of smut (you know who you are). These are stories I read to be entertained, entranced, delighted, and happy. These are stories that made me feel in love.

In honor of that (and of my Canva addiction) I’ve made little banners for each. I hope they do some justice to these works. I’ve tried to capture the feeling of each fic in just one image. Without further ado, read on to find out exactly what my guilty pleasure (as if Drarry isn’t enough) is:

The Songbirds of Avebury Manor by Tessa Crowley [E, 18k] 

Summary: Harry Potter presents as alpha at fifteen, and it is supposed to change his life for the better. Instead, it leads him to a beautiful noble omega he cannot have, a political plot he cannot escape, and a threat on his life.

This story. Oh my stars, this story. What can I even say to properly express how I feel about it? This is the Romeo and Juliet, the Pride and Prejudice, the Hades and Persephone of Drarry. Reading this made me feel like an unwedded Victorian lass waiting for her Prince Charming. It’s a wonderful Historical AU that throws around power dynamics and questions of who is worthy of love, freedom, and respect despite them. This is a brilliant portrait of deep romantic love. Harry’s dedication to Draco is all-encompassing, beautiful, intense, intimate— earth shattering, really. The way they fall in love despite class and situation made me want to cry and write poetry. This is a true fairytale romance.

The Pirate and the Prince by @nerdherderette​, maniacani [E, 49k]

Summary: Draco can't believe that fate and circumstance have made him a stowaway on the Master of Death's ship. He doesn't know what's worse: the dread pirate's legendary vendetta against the aristocracy, or the fact that his captor is the most infuriating yet irrefutably fascinating man Draco has ever met.

The moment I started this story I knew it was going to be an instant favorite. It’s swashbuckling, debonair yet disheveled, dangerous, fun, adventurous— everything you could desire from a romance on the high seas! Though they come from very different backgrounds, this Draco and Harry are a power couple to the core. Their romance is once again beautiful, intense, and dedicated, but this time it’s mixed with a healthy dose of self-exploration and mutual acceptance. But apart from romance this fic holds delicious secrecy and identity issues, an astounding knowledge of sailing ships, plenty of piratey shenanigans, some heart-wrenching found family dynamics, a cursing parrot, and a glorious angst with a happy ending finale! 

Soup-pocalypse and the Great Curry Cataclysm by SquadOfCats [E, 104k]

Summary: Eleven years after the war, Draco Malfoy leads a quiet, boring, and perfectly respectable life, thanks very much. Or, at least he does, until a sudden and very unexpected veela awakening causes him to throw soup all over Harry Potter in the middle of the Ministry cafeteria.

What can I say about Soup-pocalypse? It will lure you in with tales of Veelas and romance, and then it will kidnap you and throw you in cooking class and therapy. You’ll come out wondering what just happened and how two days have passed. There will, of course, be Veelas and romance aplenty, but it will be a caring romance, a familial romance, a supportive and kind and nurturing romance. This story feels like family, good cooking, sunny days, the deep heartbreak of change, and through all of it, the truth of a real and solid partnership. This is the humorous yet angst-ridden tale of two idiots learning to love as adults, and then in turn learning to face the world together.

you’ve got the antidote for me by Kandakickass [M, 20k]

Summary: When Harry Potter unintentionally severs their soulbond before it can fully form, Draco Malfoy resigns himself to a slow death and decides not to burden Harry with a soulmate he's made it very clear he doesn't want.

He's never been selfless before, but for Harry, he can try.

Right then. On to the angstiest story I’ve ever read and truly enjoyed. Not just enjoyed, adored! Worshipped! Come back to time and again whenever I needed a good cry! Here is the beauty of it: this fic is deeply painful and heartbreaking, yet it steers clear of emotions like disgust and discomfort. Never once was it disturbing— only sorrowful, in the purest and most heart-wrenching way. Yet despite the pain strung throughout the majority of it, this fic left me feeling relieved and rejuvenated, the way one feels after crying their heart out over something simple. It’s an emotional release that does not leave you broken.

On the Last Day of Our World by Sansa [E, 84k]

Summary: During a detention, Harry and Draco get locked in a strange room together overnight. When they escape the next morning, they discover they are alone. Love, angst and adventure abound as they struggle to survive in an empty world.

Truly one of my favorite takes on canon divergence. Truly. This is an exploration of isolation and the joys and comforts that come with it. It is the power couple Drarry to rule them all— a Draco and Harry so strongly connected, in love, and attuned to one another that the world could fall at their feet. This story leaves you on the edge of your seat until the very bitter end— one of those where the second things are briefly peaceful the world goes up in a new set of flames. Those of you who daydream about a partnership that needs no others, two souls who are each other’s family, friend, and future, and would gladly abandon everything to spend eternity alone together: this is for you.

The Arc of the Pendulum by brummel [E, 30k]

Summary: After his father casts a mysterious curse on Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy is forced to try to make things right.

Yes. YES. YES!!! The Beauty and the Beast take you didn’t know you needed! Still canon-compliant to an extent, this is realistic and raw and incredible. Draco makes the choice to help Harry here, and the vulnerability of their interactions while Harry struggles with the curse is everything you could hope it to be. There’s a distinct fairytale atmosphere in this fic— both of them confined together, finding support and comfort in one another while struggling through the effects of the curse, and falling in love along the way. I could write sonnets about the ending using my tears for ink, but they shan’t be revealed here.

Picking Up Pieces by Tessa Crowley [E, 43k]

Summary of Part One: Fifteen years after the War, Draco is a social recluse and award winning author. Harry is an auror who works too hard, ensuring his old war wounds never heal. They meet at a masque ball, unaware of each other's identities. In another situation, it would have been love at first sight. But for them, it would never be so simple.

Picking Up Pieces deserves no introduction, but if you haven’t read it yet, please find a blanket, and cup of tea, and a quiet place to read, cry, and recover. I sobbed my little heart out through the entire second half— the tears were really never ending. How does it end up on a reclist by a fluff lover like me? The answer is similar to Antidote— though this story broke me apart, it was never twisted nor ugly, never disturbing. It was an incredibly touching tale of redemption, forgiveness, human nature, and recompense. The writing does put you through the emotional wringer, but it leaves you relieved and whole. I would lay down my life for this Draco. He truly needs to be protected and loved at all costs. Even though I’m usually careful when recommending heavy stories, I would encourage everyone to read this— it made me feel new, it made me feel like I’d spent an hour crying in the shower, but most of all, it really did make me happy.

Two Trees by LakeWitch [E, 36k]

Summary (shortened): In his Eighth year at Hogwarts, part of Draco Malfoy's probation is to see a Mind Healer once a week. Another part, unfortunately, is having to take Muggle Studies.

It wouldn't be so bad, really, if it weren't for the mandatory outing—a 'field trip'—booked at a Muggle lakeside retreat for the better part of five days. [...] Draco is determined to get it all over with as painlessly as possible. He'll keep his head down, and stay out of everyone's way. That is, until Pansy tells him—at the very last moment—that she's schemed to have Draco stay in the same room with Potter for the whole trip.

Just the two of them... in one room.

This is the comfort fic of all comfort fics. It feels like camping, like sitting by a lake in the sun, like marshmallows over a fire and sparks against a starry sky, and cool, feather-soft hotel sheets. Draco is dealing with several different anxieties here, but the brilliant setting and easy plot turn them into a cathartic read. This is a fic about young love and the ability to build bonds on trips. It made me remember my first crushes and the feeling of getting breakfast in a hotel lobby. There’s cuddling, there’s love, there’s some highly emo Draco (both warranted and unwarranted), and there’s a truckload of nature. Go read it!

Your Place Or Mine? by @l0vegl0wsinthedark​ [E, 26k]

Summary: "This person is so much harder to hate. And I’m supposed to hate Malfoy. How the fuck else am I supposed to limit this to just sex?" 

At first I was like, “Damn, Harry,” but then I was all, “Damn Harry!” but then I went, “DAMN Harry!” (interspersed with a lot of whistling and cursing). I could have slapped him, and you will want to. This is another Draco that deserves endless love and hot chocolate, with a Harry that deserves a good smack. I think about this fic weekly, and not just because it’s endlessly hot— although it is scorching hot, like how do you even write something that hot type of hot. Draco’s pining and Harry’s stupidity makes for the angstiest yet most satisfying friends-with-benefits-but-really-there’s-more combination, and the climax (pun intended) and resulting spill of emotions is everything anyone could hope for. Ten out of ten.

The Courting by the Pureblood Who Only Has Five Milligrams of Romantic Intelligence and Thinks He’s Real Smooth by @cibeewastaken​ [T, 19k]

Summary (shortened): Draco could grab Potter and shove him into a stall before proceeding to suck his soul out of his dick, but secretly, deep down, in the part of Draco that he will never admit to anyone, he is (everyone pauses to shudder) a romantic. Potter is not someone Draco wants a one-off with. Potter is — Draco’s beloved!

So Draco decides to boldly go where no one has gone before: to put himself through scrutiny; their friends’ teasing and pranks; unsound romantic advice from a house-elf; wearing pretty clothes; all to try and win Potter’s heart through courtship...

This thing of beauty is exactly as hilarious as it sounds. However, it is so much more than the endless laughs (although there are many). It is sweet, tender, touching, and filled with glorious pining and misunderstandings. Inside you’ll find extravagant (the word was literally invented for Cibee’s Draco) outfits, confusing customs, a blanket that brought me to tears, one badass house-elf, one very confused beloved, absolutely no fornication (wink), and one hopelessly smitten pureblood. Be warned, this fic is actually three “What the fuck, Draco?”s in a trenchcoat. I read it when I want to laugh, facepalm, and submerge myself in the adorable stupidity that is Draco Malfoy in love. It is well worth your time and is sure to bring a smile to your face.

With this final fic we conclude my list on a happy note! It’s long, it’s tedious, and I had a spanking good time writing it. I hope these bring some joy or happy tears to your day.

Love, Vina 

[lumosatnight]

🥀 Saffic September: Dark AU 🥀

Part 5 of my Saffic September Rec List Series! Check out @hpsaffics for more info about their Daily Prompt Bingo Challenge! Today is Assassin AU, so I've broadened it a bit to include some other darker stories with rituals, murder, duels, and morally grey characters. Also for the @sapphic-september prompt poison. 1 podfic + 2 art + 6 fic + 1 combo recs. Enjoy! (this is secretly my favorite rec list. Shh, don't tell anyone)

Mind the tags please!

PODFIC

🥀 Abydos by Leela [Rolissa, T, 14 mins] read by fire_juggler 🥀 Ohhhhh, this story is so good, and the reader captures all the warring emotions and spooky atmosphere with so much care. Also, Rolanda Hooch has such a unique narrator's voice.

The ritual comforts the part of me that's convinced Narcissa will be lost, drowned in the darkness that Voldemort's drawing down upon us, if there's no light to guide her through.

ART

🥀 Date Night Interrupted [Pansy/OC, G, Digital] by @a-loveunlaced 🥀 Gorgeous. Stunning. Badass women. Pansy in a corset OHMYGOD.

Pansy and Althea's date night is inconveniently interrupted by a murder. How very rude.

🥀 Duel Between Witches [Vina, G, Digital] by @eveneechan 🥀 I didn't know this ship existed, but now I am fully converted. The anger and tension between Tina Goldstein and Vinda Rosier is SPECTACULAR in this anime-style drawing.

The duel between witches from different sides

FIC

🥀 three knocks upon the door [Tonkslily, E, 7.0k] by @lunapwrites 🥀 Oh, oh, oh. I LOVE morally ambiguous characters and some good old revenge. This case fic will keep you enthralled until the very end.

Knocking on wood three times is said to bring good fortune; but three knocks on your window or door without a clear cause is an omen of death. In this case, it's a little of both. (In which Tonks gets suspended from field duty, and takes matters into her own hands.)

🥀 Crown Enterprises [Cissamione, E, 2.8k] by @storyof-eden 🥀 God, this story will forever live in my head rent-free. Assassin Hermione and Mob Boss Narcissa are the new loves of my life.

Hermione was the best, and everyone knew Narcissa employed only the best at Crown Enterprises.

🥀 here we are (a pyrrhic victory) [Susma, T, 1.3k] by @elasticella 🥀 A fascinating premise with intriguing characters. Susan and Padma make such a great pairing in this story.

It’s in the family name, they’ve never been a stranger to death.

🥀 Plenitude [Amelione, M, 1.6k] by eldritcher 🥀 An aching story from one of my favorite authors. Beautiful prose and an unexpected rair pair. Amelia Bones is contrasted nicely against Hermione in this thought-provoking story.

Hers soon an hour of plenitude.

🥀 A Dish Best Served [Rosender, E, 1.3k] by katmarajade 🥀 A hot and steamy revenge fic involving Rose Weasley and a still married Lavender.

Mum’s forgiven your bastard of a father for having an affair with that floozy and humiliating her, humiliating all of you. You’ve not forgotten though. And it’s time he learned how it feels.

🥀 Till Death Do Us Part (I know That You Are Mine) [fem!Tomarry, E, 4.2k] by ArtsyDeath 🥀 HOT and possessive. I am just as obsessed with this fic as Tom is with Harry.

Harry is a reluctant Master of Death, travelling from one reality to the next - unable to die. A chance meeting brings her upon a new curiosity, an odd twist of fate that ties her together with a Tom Riddle very different from her own. Or: Harry is lonely and Tom is... Tom.

FIC + ART

🥀 Mechanics of Emotion [Padmione, E, 47.1k, Digital] by @kiertorata, @tonftyhw, @ravenclawkward-art 🥀 Detective Padma in an intriguing case fic with a complicated Hermione. This fic will grab you by the throat and have you begging for more.

Padma’s life is in a rough place. She owns a failing private investigative business and carries a rather heavy load of self-loathing to top it off. In walks Marjory Macmillan offering a well-paid case and the golden ticket to better times.

← Part 4: Pirate AU | Master Rec List →

[thedrarrylibrarian]

Hello, friend! I’m wondering if you have any historical AU recs. I’ve a real hankering for some alternate era Drarry, if you can think of some!

Hello! Your holds have arrived!

This was such a creative request and I found so many fics that I decided to split it into two lists. So without further ado, here's part one of your holds!

Historical AUs Part 1

A Lovers' Dance by @stargazing-enby (215 words, rated T)

Draco receives a new servant.

Flooded by @vina-writes (1,875 words, rated G)

The water came late in the settling dusk. The last peaceful image that night was of glowing thatched rooftops.

M.Potier's Duels and Errands by @katemarley (2,940 words, rated T)

France, 1631: Henri de Potier is a Musketeer of the Guard; his former school rival Drago Malcredi is a musketeer of Cardinal Richelieu’s personal guard. During a fencing bout between the King’s Musketeers and the Cardinal’s Guard, Henri and Drago face each other for their first formal duel. It turns out not to be their only meeting that day.

Draco Dormiens by @julietsemophase (5,055 words, rated T)

Prince Draco has been kidnapped by the evil Dark Lord and is now being held captive by a fearsome dragon. Does Harry, the son of a lowly potter, have what it take to save him?

Let Me Call You Mine (Just For Tonight) by @daisymondays (6,916 words, rated E)

When Pansy suggests they sneak out of the castle to experience the commoners' festivities, Draco thinks it's the worst idea she has ever had. That is until he meets Harry and he's forced to reconsider everything he ever believed.

Draco has always known it's easy to be the person you want to be when you're wearing a mask, but he's never been prepared for what happens when the masks come off.

how quickly the blade becomes you by @softlystarstruck (7,690 words, rated E)

“I will not go down without a fight, but you must give me a fight to begin with.” Draco’s voice rings clear across the ruins of his birthright, a voice that should bring men to their knees, but the knight simply maintains a light grip on his sword, as immobile as before.

A Perfect Answer by @p1013 (9,802 words, rated E)

There were few things that Harry knew with any certainty, but he knew without a doubt that Lord Draco Malfoy, fifth Earl of Wiltshire, would be the death of him.

Weapon of Choice by @lou-isfake (25,641 words, rated T)

Sir Malfoy is in need of a sword. The blacksmith isn’t supposed to ask why.

The Pirate and the Prince by @nerdherderette (49,240 words, rated E)

Draco can't believe that fate and circumstance have made him a stowaway on the Master of Death's ship. He doesn't know what's worse: the dread pirate's legendary vendetta against the aristocracy, or the fact that his captor is the most infuriating yet irrefutably fascinating man Draco has ever met.

Bonus: A Romp in the Hay Art by @ano-ka-ba (rated T)

Draco is very interested in the new neighbor who bought the old Godric Farm. Harry is just interested.

Tune in next week for Part 2 of this list!

❤️ As always, if you find a fic you enjoy, please remember to leave the author a kudos or a comment! ❤️

Lots of Love and Happy Reading!

[softlystarstruck]

✩ softly reading, nov 15 - 21 ✩

in which i list every single drarry fic i’ve read this week in hopes that you, dear reader, find a fic you like too! most of short & sweet, pocket-sized, and the art gallery is under the cut :)

✩ - a fave | 🔥 - hot | purple - reread

spotlight rec

✩ slow motion by @dracothecupcake [T, 2.3k]

He thinks about knocking on Harry’s door—about doing it four months ago, when Harry would press him into the wall and kiss him slowly enough that his legs turned to jelly and his mind went blank. But Harry doesn’t miss him, because they don’t do kisses by the door anymore. After all, they were just fucking.

why i rec this: god, this fic packs a punch in just over 2k! vina writes draco's emotions so evocatively and so real– i ached right along with him. i often have trouble with making up fics if they're too heavy on angst, but this fic is the perfect balance. the hurt hits deep, but the comfort feels like a long, relieved exhale. this is definitely a fic i will be coming back to when i want to be taken apart and put back together so, so lovingly 💕

longer reads

✩ Feather by @orange-peony [E, 35k]

Green eyes greet Draco when he arrives at the school gates, ready to start his new job as a Hogwarts professor after spending ten years in France. “Hey,” Potter says, waving at him as he approaches. “We weren’t expecting you until the start of term.” Draco is speechless. What the fuck is Potter doing at Hogwarts? [H/D Remix 2021]

✩ 28 Minutes in Heaven by @lqtraintracks [E, 10k]

Just your typical eighth year: party games, fist fights, trans rights, and falling in love. [Wheel of Drarry Mini-Exchange]

✩ Wonderful Electric (cover me in you) by @lqtraintracks [E, 10k] 🔥

I’m never so tender with him as I am when I’m coaxing him to piss all over me. [HD Suds Fest 2021]

short & sweet (< 10k)

✩ Playing Dirty by @sweet-s0rr0w [E, 8.5k] 🔥

As punishment for screwing up yet another mission, and with their magic going haywire, new partners Potter and Malfoy are sent to clean the Auror locker room, the Muggle way. Will they make it out alive? Does Malfoy ever work out how to use a sponge? Do they actually even hate each other, or is it all just misconstrued sexual tension? How long until they accidentally end up naked? For answers to all these questions and more, read on… [H/D Suds Fest 2021]

take my hand once more by @candybarrnerd [E, 8.3k]

Harry finds himself standing in front of the door to the Room of Requirement with no memory of having walked there or having walked past the required three times either. Everything feels like it's falling apart, his second marriage is failing, and he would actually kill for a decent nights sleep, which must be why the Room of Requirement provides him with the solution of a bed when Harry steps through the door. [HD Tropes Exchange Fest 2019]

Keep The Key (To My...) by @bafflinghaze [E, 8.2k] 🔥🏳️‍⚧️

Harry wants to stop thinking about things he shouldn’t be thinking about during work. He has a solution involving a chastity device, its key, and Draco Malfoy.

✩ touch me with the lights on (and my chains off) by @epsilonargus [E, 7.4k]

He reaches out to touch Malfoy’s hair, and he ignites with a lightning strike, flames searing through his body and across his skin. His chest is not full of soot after all. The other man looks at him, grey eyes opaque as the cloudy evening sky. [H/D Remix 2021]

Distilled by @itsjamethyst [T, 5.4k]

Harry walks through the halls of Grimmauld Place for the last time. Unable to forget, and maybe never wanting to. But as the Grandfather clock strikes two, the door shutting closed behind him, Harry knows that he must get what he wants, and Harry has always wanted Draco. [H/D Remix 2021]

intricate rituals, lovingly shared by glitteringvoid [T, 4.9k]

Harry doesn't like baths. The Dursley's didn't care to make the experience pleasant. Draco though, Draco cares. [HD Suds Fest 2021]

✩ Tastes Like Soap by Innerlilith [E, 4.6k] 🔥

Harry goes to the foam party hoping to finally have casual sex. Draco goes to the foam party expecting yet another night of casual sex. Harry and Draco do not have casual sex. [HD Sudsfest 2021]

break my heart, set me free by @nv-md [T, 4.1k]

Only Harry—impulsive, daring, and heartsick—can convince both Astoria and Draco to see the reality of their unhappy relationship. Can Astoria’s broken heart give her the courage to leave? Can Harry wait for Draco to admit his feelings for Harry are more than platonic? Can Draco forgive himself for hurting the two people he loves? [H/D Remix 2021]

✩ The Recondite Art of Dating Draco Malfoy by @cibeewastaken [E, 3.7k] 🔥

“You look gorgeous,” Harry breathed out, earnest. “And you,” Draco’s head dropped forward. “Are going to admit you were wrong.” (Where Ron asked the question: “Which would you choose, food or sex?”)

Which Merely That Is by @bafflinghaze [M, 3.5k] 🏳️‍⚧️

In which Harry notices changes in Draco (he’s a late bloomer, apparently), but that’s not nearly as important as the time they spend together.

Fair Courtesy by Lomonaaeren [M, 3.5k] 🔥

This is what happens when you destroy one of the eighth-year dorm beds and therefore have one less of them than you should have.

✩ Draco's Idiot-Proof Plan for Harry's Hairy Problem by @nv-md [E, 3.3k]

Harry's always had issues with his hair, but he never would have guessed that asking for a simple haircut would one day involve being kidnapped by Draco Malfoy, thirty-seven (possibly poisonous) shampoos, and a blowjob. [HD Suds Fest 2021]

What Potter Wants by birdsofshore [E, 3.3k] 🔥

Harry definitely didn't want to do that to Malfoy. Not at all. So why did Malfoy keep saying that he did?

✩ choke me like you hate me (but you love me) by @swisstae [M, 3.1k]

(it’s such a shame, though, for eyes that beautiful and a mouth that lovely to be twisted with so much hatred.)

✩ The Only Thing That Matters by @phdmama [E, 2.9k] 🔥

To be honest, every time Draco’s pictured having sex with Harry Potter, he’s always assumed he’d be the one bottoming. That’s certainly what everyone else does.

✩ Hell & Other Places by @tepre [M, 2.4k]

OR: 9 times Draco said ‘I love you’ and 1 time he didn’t. Draco & Harry are sent to investigate a haunted Bed & Breakfast.

✩ A Dream Come True by @drarryruinedme7 [G, 1.9k]

Harry doesn't know how to best propose to Draco, but one thing is for sure. He wants to wear a long white dress.

Windy City by @cavendishbutterfly [T, 1.4k]

Harry works hard at this whole journalism thing, even when they send him abroad to do his investigating. He'd just rather be home. [Wheel of Drarry Mini-Exchange]

✩ How You Make My Heart Sing by TheLightFury [G, 1.4k] 🏳️‍⚧️

You say you love me every single day, though others may not realise.

Another Way by @april-thelightfury115 [T, 1.1k] 🏳️‍⚧️

“The nightmares. How do you cope?” Potter blinked, the dark circles under his eyes highlighted impossibly in the moonlight. “I don't think I do.”

pocket-sized (< 1k)

✩ Unsubtle by Albuss [G, 993 words]

Harry has never been subtle. He’s never tried to be, either. People have called him—in endearment and insult—too headstrong and too loud, too impulsive and too sarcastic. He wears the names proudly on his sleeve, and goes on behaving exactly how he likes. Sometimes it’s inconvenient, though. Like with Draco. [H/D Remix 2021]

Classic As They Come by @isamijoo [E, 791 words]

After the war, Draco and Harry live together in the Muggle world, where Draco becomes a pianist. One day, he performs a solo in a big concert hall. His performance is so captivating, Harry feels like he is alone in the auditorium.

In the Dark by @magpiefngrl [T, 429 words]

Harry and Draco are trapped in a cave.

✩ Finding The Words by @magpiefngrl [G, 343 words]

Draco has lost his voice in the war.

art gallery

✩ The Next Morning, Malfoy Manor by @gryffindorhearts [M]

Auror training has been exhausting, to say the least, and Harry's gotten tired of making do in the tiny Ministry shower cubicles after the daily drills. He's going to prove to Draco that taking him home was the best idea either of them has ever had. [H/D Suds Fest 2021]

✩ The Teal Suit by @m4g0rtz and @pygmy-puffy [G]

A collaborative linocut print based on magpie_fngrl's dirtynumbangelboy.

✩ Amor Purificat by @julcheninred & @m4g0rtz [T]

The Room of Requirement has been infested with uncontrolled Fiendfyre for five years. Scores of experts around the world have refused to try to extinguish it, unwilling to gamble and fail. The Fiendfyre long ago ran out of objects to consume, and Hogwarts itself is now showing signs of magical and structural deterioration. Professors Potter and Malfoy, despite their youth, are believed to share the requisite power and emotional bond. Shortly after the battle begins, the Fiendfyre lunges at Harry, shattering his spell. Draco sustains the spell that will save them. [H/D Suds Fest 2021]

previous softly reading lists

[crazybutgood]

First line tag game + origami fic recs

Thank you for the tag @vukovich, @elvenwinters and @thejadewritergirl ! I'm sorry this is so late, I was super busy 😅 (in other news, I've achieved 3 major things that I'm so relieved about) Since I don't write fanfic, I figured I'd do origami based on fics. Featuring first lines and quotes I like from 4 of the fics I've recently read that got me through this crazy time + 3 from 1 fic each of the lovely people who tagged me.

Here's the actual rules lol: List the first lines of your last 20 stories (if you have less than 20, just list them all!). See if there are any patterns. Choose your favorite opening line. Then tag 10 of your favorite authors!

Please click on the images for better quality! Also please note, some of the origami quotes contain potential spoilers. For this reason, I have put my spoiler-free rec of the fic first followed by the image of quotes on origami, and also individually flagged potential spoilers where I think it might be needed. If you would like anything else that I missed to be spoilered, feel free to lmk ❤️

Ok, on to the fics! (Below the cut)

1. Please, Take Your Time by @dracothecupcake (Drarry) (T, ~2.3k)

Summary: Draco's made it halfway through Eighth Year by way of reliable routine. All he wants is to be lonely in peace, thanks very much. It's really not that sad.

Enter Potter and his gang of devoted and overly organized minions.

Inspired by Vina's ideal cupcake as mentioned in this ask. This is a super sweet fic of 'Potter and his gang' plotting a scheme to help Harry cheer a sad Draco up. I loved how everyone got together to make the plan happen, especially when it was Dean's turn 😂 (Also I've literally been binge-reading all of Vina's works and they're great for comfort reading, do check them all out!!)

Video has plot spoilers!! (pls don't unmute lol tysm)

2. Through The Night by @thesleepiesthufflepuff (Linny) (T, ~2.75k)

Summary: Ginny tells herself that she's content with the way things are.

Luna proves her otherwise.

This fic has a special place in my heart. Featuring pining!Ginny, Luna and Ginny having weekly car rides together (which is 1000% my jam), soft and serious conversations, and coming to terms with feelings. The gorgeous description of the scenery and their road journey will make you feel like you're there with the two.

Bonus song suggestion: I loved reading the fic along with listening to the song referenced (Wild Horses), and also a second time with this song (Khaabon ke parinday) which I personally think fits the vibe of the fic really well. Feel free to give either/both a listen while reading if you'd like to!

3. Sugar Sweet by @the-sinking-ship (Drarry) (T, ~6k)

Summary: Draco thinks everyone forgot his birthday. (They didn’t.)

What the summary says 😌 This is officially one of my favourite birthday fics. Featuring scheming yet caring friends, snarky and witty banter, an absolutely delightful oc (Mrs Marchbanks), sweet birthday treats and sweeter moments between Draco and his loved ones.

If anyone's interested, here's how it looks from the back:

4. Flying Without Wings by Rasborealis (Drarry) (E, ~3.7k)

Summary: Harry has a Really Good Idea for that undercover Auror mission, and it involves boarding an airplane with Draco Malfoy.

He may not have thought this one through.

This hilarious and hot fic features Draco's first time on an airplane, scheming, snarky and dramatic Draco, and Harry trying (and failing) to focus on just their mission 😏

Potential spoiler in image!

*spoiler ends*

5. Rocks At My Window by @thejadewritergirl (Drarry) (G, ~5.54k)

Summary: All Harry wants to do is snuggle up in bed and dream of warmth and kisses and a silvery eyed someone. Too bad that someone has other plans.

Have I mentioned before that I'm obsessed with this author's writing? This heartwarming feel-good Christmas fic features Draco who has a Plan, a hilarious Ron, Harry enacting one of my favourite 'doors are for people with no imagination' scenes (Skulduggery Pleasant reference 🙈) and lovely Christmas traditions.

Plot spoiler in images!

*spoiler ends*

6. lyric-kissed by @elvenwinters (original work, gen) (T, ~1.3k) (WIP) (warnings: implied/referenced self-harm)

Summary: Two friends writing about love.

This poetic fic features two writer friends trying to figure out the perfect way to write about love, showing the ideas they have, the struggles of writing, and soft moments between the two. It's so beautifully written, and this is just one of the quote-worthy scenes I adore:

7. Pearls Make the Girl by @vukovich (Ron/Hermione, Harry/Hermione, Draco/Hermione, Draco/Harry, polyamory) (E, ~19.7k)

Summary: Security Advisor Granger is having a strange day at work after being recruited to collaborate with a certain handsome Head Auror, a gorgeous Curse Breaker and a... Ron.

Filth, fluff, and Furbies.

Omfg this fic is a wild ride. An intellectually and sexually frustrated Hermione tries to figure out the significance of said strange day at work as well as the rings the three men are wearing. The personalities and dynamics between the four are so on point. Super hot fic with a brilliant emotional ending.

[ubila-me-ljubav]

Znala sam da nije jedan od onih o kojima se pisu ljubavni romani. Ma ni za kakav zanr on nije. Takve su price bile sudjene onim dobrim momcima. Onima, koji su dosli nakon ovih losih i svu tugu odneli. Zasto sam uopste i pomisljala da o njemu pisem roman? Nije on bio za moja osecanja, moje patnje su bile prevelike za njegova krhka krila, taj plen nije mogao da zgrabi. A kako to obicno biva kada upoznate momka o kom bi ste, kad bi vam se ukazala prilika za to - napisale knjigu, spremne ste da za njega date sve. Ne postoji zlocin koji nije opravdan, ne postoji reka koju golim rukama ne mozete da pomerite niti pistolj na kom nece biti vasi otisci. Jos ako niste dozvolile sebi da se nekome priblizite duzi deo svog zivota! Onda ste u kurcu. Po sebi znam, a reci cu vam i zasto. Dugo je to trajalo, razume se, takve se sante leda ne otope jednim pogledom. Nisu tu dovoljne ni reci. Ponekad nisu ni dela. Nisam padala ni na ocigledne znake ljubavi.Jer sam znala da on nije jedan od onih kojima bih pisala pesme. Njemu bih pisala knjige a to je puno drugacije.I odjednom vam se vise o takvom coveku ne pisu ljubavni romani vec psiholoski trileri. Krecu one manicne paranoje zbog kojih niste sigurne da li da mu pruzite ruku ili odete sto dalje od njega. Nije mene bilo strah da li ce on povrediti mene, ja od patnje zivim, moje se reci patnjom hrane da bi bile ovakve kakve su danas. Ja sam se plasila toga da cu mu biti najbliza a da nikada nece saznati koliko ga volim. Jer ja to nisam umela. Moji su dani isprogramirani kao da sam hodala i disala kao robot. U njima nije bilo mesta za coveka kome bih, pobogu, pucala u ruku, a onda istim rukama kojim sam pucala - previjala njegove rane kao da su moje.U mojim danima takve su ljubavi bile zabranjene. Cesto su mi govorili,” najvece su ljubavi one najbolesnije.” S prazninom u ocima bih svaki put na to klimnula glavom. Budale ni ne znaju kakva je bila moja ljubav. A od pocetka mog izlaganja vama, ni ja je nisam definisala. Zato sto ne mogu. Za takvog coveka definicije ne postoje, a za takve ljubavi? Manite se onih “Nebo je granica” fora, kada cujete o nama. O kakvom nebu je rec? Koje granice? Moja jedina granica u toj ljubavi bio je on. Kao i ja njegova. Jedini okidac, jedina prostrelna rana i jedini hendikep koji nisam prerasla. I proci ce godine a moje bolesne misli nece nauciti moje telo da voli cistu ljubav. Moja je najmutnija ljubav i moja najcistija. Ova sa njim. I gde sam ono stala? A da, kada takvog coveka upoznate pozelite da mu poklonite sve sto pozeli. Neme ste na vrisak njegovih emocija a slepe za greske. A ja? Ja bih,eto, kupila avionsku kartu.Tako je i bilo. U jednom pravcu. I nije bilo povratka.  “Sta ce tako mlada devojka sama u avionu za tako daleku zemlju?” “Odlazim”, odgovarala sam kratko i jasno “jer ono sto bi me u ovom gradu zadrzalo, stavilo bi mi okove za ceo zivot. Ili omcu oko vrata. U zavisnosti od toga koliki je mazohista.” Dobijala bih uplasene poglede i okrenute glave. Komentar poput “Ti si luda”i “Mozda si ipak trebala nekog da povedes.”  Budale, pomislila bih uvek. A znate sta bi mi on odgovorio, u slucaju da sam od neceg drugog bezala,a on bi se zatekao u tom avionu? “Hm, u redu je sve to, ali mislim da si trebala da stavis malo jaci karmin. Koza ti je bleda, a..” i ja bih ga prekinula sa kratkim i izbezubljenim “Molim?” na sta bi samo dodao, “Pa mislim da bi ti lepse stajao neki jaci karmin uz zlocin s kojim pokusavas da se izvuces.” Nasmejao bi mi se i od stjuardese bi zatrazio dve case belog vina, da nazdravi mojoj preuranjenoj pobedi. Da li me sada shvatate zasto sam pobegla prvom prilikom?Takvog sam muskarca upoznala samo jednom,a upoznala bih ga jos jednom kada bih ga nakon mnogo godina ponovo srela.  Pisala sam ja njemu pisma koja nikada nisam poslala, pevala sam mu pesme o kojima nikome ne bih ni zucnula, mislila bih o njemu sa ogromnom zeljom da njegove ruke opet budu na mojim butinama. Da mu poljupci zavrse na mom vratu i da ponovo pomislim one dve reci. I da opet pobegnem znajuci da ih nikada ne mogu izgovoriti. I nema tu nikakvih “Pa ostani ako ga volis!

Daj sve od sebe.” niti bi njemu govorili “Idi za njom ako je volis, pobogu!” Ni bilo koji ponos ni bilo koji inat nije bio po sredi ove sasave povezanosti. Ja sam otisla na drugi kontinent. Ja sam nestala. Ali on je znao gde sam. Znao je i da sam promenila ime, da lazem za godine kada me pronadju pijanu u klubu i znao je.. da nikada od mog odlaska nisam stavila karmin na usne. Bio bi to moj najveci poraz. Zasto nije dosao po mene, pitate se sada, zar ne?  Pa nije ni morao. Za ljubavlju se ne juri onda kada znate da je ona vasa, zar ne? Ja sam i na drugom kontinentu bila njegova. Samo nisam smela, nikada nisam smela sebi da dozvolim da i na onom sa njim, budem u njegovim rukama i ne budem vise stena kakva jesam. Jer je uvek bilo nesto jace od stene a to je bio on. Moji su jedini okovi imali ljudsku formu, bili su dugacki 1.92m, smejali su se glasno i pili su vino kada bi mislili da sam zaspala. I nikad se ja, da vam iskreno kazem, necu vratiti tamo. U njegov zagrljaj. Dok nas tisina toliko ne proguta a on postane nemocan i zeljan toga da me natera da pred njim kazem one dve reci i odgovorim “Da, pristajem” na ono sudbonosno pitanje o kom sve zene mastaju. Bar, one normalne. A to ce se desiti tek onda, kada ispraznim sve pistolje koje sam ponela sa sobom onog dana znajuci da ce se jednom na mojim vratima pojaviti senke coveka cije okove pocinjem da osecam i sa ove strane sveta. “Istrosicu sve metke jednom, obecavam ti. Posle toga sam tvoja.”  Pisalo je u jednom i jedinom oprostajnom pismu koje je ikada dobio od bilo koga. Nije bilo potpisano. Nije ni moralo da bude. Na poledjini je bio trag necijih usana. I onaj isti ruz koji mu stoji uramljen na zidu. To je tvoja devojcica, ljubavi. Stegni okove kada se setis.  Odavno te nisam osetila na kozi.

[puppywritings]

about me tag

i was tagged by @jenojam tysm vina!! 🥰

rules: fill in the info and tag ppl you wanna know better

name/nickname: william or will mostly, some ppl call me willy, i used to get billy but nobody's called me that in a long time

gender: male

star sign: cancer sun, aquarius moon, sagittarius rising

height: about 5'8/173cm

time: 14:30

birthday: 21st june

favourite bands: nct, stray kids, shinee, bigbang, day6, red velvet, twice, itzy, exo, my chemical romance, the front bottoms

favourite solo artists: eric nam, alexa, jamie park, hyuna, chungha, billie eilish

song stuck in my head: dream of you by chungha

last movie i watched: spirited away

last tv show i watched: the office (us version)

when i created this blog: july 2018 i think? it'll be 3 years old this summer!!

last thing i googled: "whiskey pods" lmao i heard about them on tiktok

other blogs: @puppywilliam (personal where i rb stuff and talk shit), @doyounglover (my fic recs blog)

do i get asks? occasionally!! i wish i got more i love interacting w ppl✨

following: 239

followers: 1.7k

why i chose my url: i honestly don't remember. i think it was just the first thing that came to my head

average hours of sleep: about 10

lucky number: 23

instruments: umm i played the recorder from age 8-11? 😭

what i'm wearing: joggers and a skz jumper,, its a lockdown fit ok i'm dressing cozy

dream trip: bruh i wanna go to so many places. i went to paris when i was 14 and i'm dying to to back w my bf!! we also wanna visit italy and greece. i'd love to go skiing again too so maybe back to the alps!! i went to the austrian alps when i was younger but i'd love to visit anywhere in that area

favourite food: hmm i have a lot. beans, sausage rolls, ramen, egg fried rice, pizza (but without cheese lmao)

nationality: british

favourite song: my all time favourites are regular by nct, excuse me miss by shinee & fantastic bastards by death spells

top 3 fictional universes: naruto, harry potter (fuck jkr tho) aand probably durarara

tagging: @spookyhyuck @lucas-wongs @sly-merlin @immabiteyou @ncteaxhoe @neonun-au @joh--pping @byunbaekby @donkey-hyuck & anyone else who wants to (sorry if u alr did it!!) 💖

[ultravioletna]

kad bih o njemu pisala knjigu

Znala sam da nije jedan od onih o kojima se pisu ljubavni romani. Ma ni za kakav zanr on nije. Takve su price bile sudjene onim dobrim momcima. Onima, koji su dosli nakon ovih losih i svu tugu odneli. Zasto sam uopste i pomisljala da o njemu pisem roman? Nije on bio za moja osecanja, moje patnje su bile prevelike za njegova krhka krila, taj plen nije mogao da zgrabi. A kako to obicno biva kada upoznate momka o kom bi ste, kad bi vam se ukazala prilika za to - napisale knjigu, spremne ste da za njega date sve. Ne postoji zlocin koji nije opravdan, ne postoji reka koju golim rukama ne mozete da pomerite niti pistolj na kom nece biti vasi otisci. Jos ako niste dozvolile sebi da se nekome priblizite duzi deo svog zivota! Onda ste u kurcu. Po sebi znam, a reci cu vam i zasto. Dugo je to trajalo, razume se, takve se sante leda ne otope jednim pogledom. Nisu tu dovoljne ni reci. Ponekad nisu ni dela. Nisam padala ni na ocigledne znake ljubavi.Jer sam znala da on nije jedan od onih kojima bih pisala pesme. Njemu bih pisala knjige a to je puno drugacije.I odjednom vam se vise o takvom coveku ne pisu ljubavni romani vec psiholoski trileri. Krecu one manicne paranoje zbog kojih niste sigurne da li da mu pruzite ruku ili odete sto dalje od njega. Nije mene bilo strah da li ce on povrediti mene, ja od patnje zivim, moje se reci patnjom hrane da bi bile ovakve kakve su danas. Ja sam se plasila toga da cu mu biti najbliza a da nikada nece saznati koliko ga volim. Jer ja to nisam umela. Moji su dani isprogramirani kao da sam hodala i disala kao robot. U njima nije bilo mesta za coveka kome bih, pobogu, pucala u ruku, a onda istim rukama kojim sam pucala - previjala njegove rane kao da su moje.U mojim danima takve su ljubavi bile zabranjene. Cesto su mi govorili,”Teodora, najvece su ljubavi one najbolesnije.” S prazninom u ocima bih svaki put na to klimnula glavom. Budale ni ne znaju kakva je bila moja ljubav. A od pocetka mog izlaganja vama, ni ja je nisam definisala. Zato sto ne mogu. Za takvog coveka definicije ne postoje, a za takve ljubavi? Manite se onih “Nebo je granica” fora, kada cujete o nama. O kakvom nebu je rec? Koje granice? Moja jedina granica u toj ljubavi bio je on. Kao i ja njegova. Jedini okidac, jedina prostrelna rana i jedini hendikep koji nisam prerasla. I proci ce godine a moje bolesne misli nece nauciti moje telo da voli cistu ljubav. Moja je najmutnija ljubav i moja najcistija. Ova sa njim. I gde sam ono stala? A da, kada takvog coveka upoznate pozelite da mu poklonite sve sto pozeli. Neme ste na vrisak njegovih emocija a slepe za greske. A ja? Ja bih,eto, kupila avionsku kartu.Tako je i bilo. U jednom pravcu. I nije bilo povratka.  “Sta ce tako mlada devojka sama u avionu za tako daleku zemlju?” “Odlazim”, odgovarala sam kratko i jasno “jer ono sto bi me u ovom gradu zadrzalo, stavilo bi mi okove za ceo zivot. Ili omcu oko vrata. U zavisnosti od toga koliki je mazohista.” Dobijala bih uplasene poglede i okrenute glave. Komentar poput “Ti si luda”i “Mozda si ipak trebala nekog da povedes.”  Budale, pomislila bih uvek. A znate sta bi mi on odgovorio, u slucaju da sam od neceg drugog bezala,a on bi se zatekao u tom avionu? “Hm, u redu je sve to, ali mislim da si trebala da stavis malo jaci karmin. Koza ti je bleda, a..” i ja bih ga prekinula sa kratkim i izbezubljenim “Molim?” na sta bi samo dodao, “Pa mislim da bi ti lepse stajao neki jaci karmin uz zlocin s kojim pokusavas da se izvuces.” Nasmejao bi mi se i od stjuardese bi zatrazio dve case belog vina, da nazdravi mojoj preuranjenoj pobedi. Da li me sada shvatate zasto sam pobegla prvom prilikom?Takvog sam muskarca upoznala samo jednom,a upoznala bih ga jos jednom kada bih ga nakon mnogo godina ponovo srela.  Pisala sam ja njemu pisma koja nikada nisam poslala, pevala sam mu pesme o kojima nikome ne bih ni zucnula, mislila bih o njemu sa ogromnom zeljom da njegove ruke opet budu na mojim butinama. Da mu poljupci zavrse na mom vratu i da ponovo pomislim one dve reci. I da opet pobegnem znajuci da ih nikada ne mogu izgovoriti. I nema tu nikakvih “Pa ostani ako ga volis! Daj sve od sebe.” niti bi njemu govorili “Idi za njom ako je volis, pobogu!” Ni bilo koji ponos ni bilo koji inat nije bio po sredi ove sasave povezanosti. Ja sam otisla na drugi kontinent. Ja sam nestala. Ali on je znao gde sam. Znao je i da sam promenila ime, da lazem za godine kada me pronadju pijanu u klubu i znao je.. da nikada od mog odlaska nisam stavila karmin na usne. Bio bi to moj najveci poraz. Zasto nije dosao po mene, pitate se sada, zar ne?  Pa nije ni morao. Za ljubavlju se ne juri onda kada znate da je ona vasa, zar ne? Ja sam i na drugom kontinentu bila njegova. Samo nisam smela, nikada nisam smela sebi da dozvolim da i na onom sa njim, budem u njegovim rukama i ne budem vise stena kakva jesam. Jer je uvek bilo nesto jace od stene a to je bio on. Moji su jedini okovi imali ljudsku formu, bili su dugacki 1.92m, smejali su se glasno i pili su vino kada bi mislili da sam zaspala. I nikad se ja, da vam iskreno kazem, necu vratiti tamo. U njegov zagrljaj. Dok nas tisina toliko ne proguta a on postane nemocan i zeljan toga da me natera da pred njim kazem one dve reci i odgovorim “Da, pristajem” na ono sudbonosno pitanje o kom sve zene mastaju. Bar, one normalne. A to ce se desiti tek onda, kada ispraznim sve pistolje koje sam ponela sa sobom onog dana znajuci da ce se jednom na mojim vratima pojaviti senke coveka cije okove pocinjem da osecam i sa ove strane sveta. “Istrosicu sve metke jednom, obecavam ti. Posle toga sam tvoja.”  Pisalo je u jednom i jedinom oprostajnom pismu koje je ikada dobio od bilo koga. Nije bilo potpisano. Nije ni moralo da bude. Na poledjini je bio trag necijih usana. I onaj isti ruz koji mu stoji uramljen na zidu. To je tvoja devojcica, ljubavi. Stegni okove kada se setis.  Odavno te nisam osetila na kozi. ultravioletna

[sophia-sol]

It's long past time for my annual short story recommendation list! In which I tell you about 10 stories I read in the last year-ish that I think are particularly worth reading, and link you to them. As always, all the stories are SFF because that's my jam.

Here's this year's stories! (and by this year I mean from summer 2017 to summer 2018, whoops, writing story summaries/enticements is hard)

1. And Her Eyes Sewn Shut with Unicorn Hair, by Rosamund Hodge You can tell from the title that it's not going to be a happy story about unicorns. But it's fascinating, and I love the worldbuilding, as you get drawn deeper and deeper into the awfulness of the situation. And also SISTERS.

2. The Effluent Engine, by N.K. Jemisin A steampunk AU about Haiti and New Orleans in the time relatively recently after Haiti's revolution, featuring women who are SPIES and INVENTORS. Amazing.

3. Fandom for Robots, by Vina Jie-Min Prasad A delightful story about an elderly robot in a museum who discovers the joys of fandom!

4. Krace Is Not a Highway, by Scott Vanyur A robot designed for rating the safety and repair conditions of highway surfaces faces the apocalypse as the sole companion of a human, and learns how to deal with, gasp, humans having emotions. I love the extreme outside pov, where the reader can see so much more into what the human is experiencing than the robot is at all capable of understanding.

5. Oshun, Inc., by Jordan Ifueko An immortal who serves the Nigerian goddess of love, working on making the romantic match between humans that'll make her career. A fun read.

6. Sour Milk Girls, by Erin Roberts In an orphanage where girls who are admitted usually have their memories of their previous life taken from them, three girls who have been at the home long-term react to the latest new addition to their number. I like how although the narrative makes us sympathise with the viewpoint character, it also doesn't soften any of the difficult things about her or the others.

7. Strange Waters, by Samantha Mills A fisherwoman blown off course spends years trying to sail back to her family before it's too late, taking imprecise time-travelling currents back and forth across the centuries. I'm fascinated by all the glimpses of this world, and how having occasional time travellers telling them what to expect from the future is just....normal. And also I have a lot of feelings about the main character.

8. The Sun God At Dawn, Rising From A Lotus Blossom, by Andrea Kail In a future where museums create living copies of famous people of history as exhibits, a young Tutankhamun writes letters to Abraham Lincoln. The reader only sees the one side of the correspondence, but you can see so much of what's going on through the letters regardless. And as the boy grows, he also grows in his understanding of the modern world around him in all its complexities and problems, and how they relate to his own existence.

9. Umbernight, by Carolyn Ives Gilman A colony on a planet that's occasionally subjected to dangerous radiation, and a hurried cross-country trip trying to get back to safety before it's too late. The kind of story that totally immerses you in the setting - amazingly evocative and intense.

10. unfurl/ed, by Jes Rausch It's a story from the perspective of an orbiting solar collector. Which you wouldn't necessarily expect to work but totally does. Does wonderfully interesting things with pov!

(Click my annual rec list tag to see my recommendations from other years!)

[chocochipbiscuit]

Short Story Recs

While this is mostly a fandom blog, I do read original work on occasion! Here are some very good stories I have found from beyond AO3. :) Listed in the order I happened to read (or reread) them.

The First Stop is Always the Last by John Wiswell - An adorable femslash time loop story about a bus driver and a woman on her first day in her new job! It’s charming and clever and makes me smile every time I read it.

The Tale of the Three Beautiful Raptor Sisters, and the Prince Who Was Made of Meat by Brooke Bolander -  Do you love fairy tales? Do you love raptors? Do you love that title? Heck yeah, it’s about three beautiful raptor sisters and a princess who all live happily ever after.

Every Song Must End by Bonnie Jo Stufflebeam - Beautiful, tender story about falling in love and relationships, a very human foreground to the more scientific exhilaration of the first Mars colony in the background. Special note for this being one of the few professionally published stories I've read that actively includes and discusses some of the dynamics in polyamory.

Presence by Ken Liu - A story about families, guilt, end of life care, and being caught between cultures. A thoughtful, emotionally wrenching piece that I've read before, but felt like revisiting.

The Rose MacGregor Drinking and Admiration Society by T. Kingfisher - An utterly delightful raspberry to the common tragic folk song where the mortal maid tragically pines away or is murdered by her fey lover.

Fandom for Robots by Vina Jie-min Prisad - An adorable story about an artificial intelligence learning to engage with pop culture! Aka a lovingly humorous take on fandom and the ways in which we relate to entities that operate entirely differently than we do. (Also, I ship RobotFan/Computron and bjornruffian. I include friendship ships as well as romantic relationships. ;) )