irisrecs

[irisrecs]

✨Rec of the week✨- Gallavich

wow I haven’t done one of these in a hot minute. really gotta get my priorities in order, huh? but anyway, gallavich.

Hide Out by RumbleFish14– 11k, Explicit

Summary: When Mickey invites Ian over for that sleepover.

My notes: What I love about this fandom is that there’s so many “established relationship” fics but they’re all so angsty because they don’t know how to communicate. (I’m looking at you, Mickey.) Anyway, read this because they love each other and learn how to express it.

-Iris

[irisrecs]

✨slow-burn snowbaz because that’s what im obsessed with atm✨

Mind Games by BasicBathsheba— 13k, General Audiences

Summary: Seventh year Watford students are required to take part in the eighth year Psychology of Magick lab studies. Simon loves it. Baz hates it. But when they get paired together for a school project that requires deep, personal conversation, little do they know, there’s more to the project than just getting to know each other.

My notes: and they were lab partners... oh my god they were lab partners.

The Truth Will Set You Free by sorbriquette- 45k, Teen and Up

Summary: Simon casts a truth spell on Baz that only works if the target has something they want to tell you but won't. They can't stop telling the truth until they confess what they want to.

Baz spends the next few weeks avoiding everyone and everything while trying to break the spell.

Simon spends them trying to corner Baz and get him to reveal what he's plotting.

Penny spends eternity letting out exasperated sighs and 'I told you so's.

My notes: What I loved about this was the perfectly in-character sniping and banter between them, and the TRUTH POTION KILLED ME AND SIMON IS SO STUPID but its okay because they work it out beautifully in the end. Such an amazing read.

I’ll Tell You by f-ing-ruthless-baz (my_mad_fatuation)— 48k, Explicit

Summary: Simon and his university roommate, Baz, don’t get along very well. But Simon wishes they did. Maybe a little too much.

My notes: This is a series that’s 4 works long, but they carry off each other very smoothly. It’s really sexy and has loads of pining. Just trust me, ok?

network connectivity problems by BasicBathsheba— 35k, Teen and Up

Summary: [UNKNOWN NUMBER]: (10:45): i mean like, how should I fix this

BAZ PITCH: (10:46): Why would I know?

[UNKNOWN NUMBER]: (10:46): you’re tech support?

BAZ PITCH: (10:47): I most definitely am not.

My notes: this has to be my favourite fanfiction in this entire fandom. it’s basically a Normal College AU where Simon gets Baz’ number by accident thinking it’s tech support and they become friends, all the while they’re both secretly crushing on one another in real life. SOO good.

Moonstruck by rox2the_anne— 14k, Mature

Summary: This was written for someone on Tumblr who requested an alternate universe in which Baz is a human and Simon is a Werewolf.

My notes: It’s just a lot of fluff and its a really cool idea. so much happens and simon is really protective, it’s adorable!!

Room for the Two of Us by cynosure_phrases— 14k, Mature

Summary: The bathtub of their shared bathroom is quite large; it’s deep enough to comfortably fit two people, and if you shift just right around the spout, you can sit face to face with relative comfort. The boys find something special in there, making it seemingly the only place where they can stand each other.

My notes: Hurt/Comfort? Denial? RoMaNce?

if you would like me to rec you some snowbaz (or merthur or good omens or anything else for that matter) please send me an ask and let me know!!! hope you all are doing well.

-iris

[irisrecs]

MERLIN PRIDE FICS for pride month!

its more than half way into june but... anyway, here’s wonderwall.

I Feel Love by Polomonkey— 6k, Teen and Up

Summary: It's Pride! Arthur wants to enjoy his favourite day of the year. Merlin wants to finally lose his virginity. Morgana wants to tell Gwen how she feels. And Gwen just wants to dance...

My Notes: A really fun queer culture Modern AU fic with all the knights!! cute and funny.

Feeling That Pride by tabbytabbytabby— 1k, Teen and Up

Summary: Merlin and Arthur find themselves at Pride, and it brings some things to light for Arthur.

My Notes: a cute and well-in character Arthur, as well as reincarnation?? what more could you want? short and sweet!

Happy Pride by slantedknitting— 3k, Teen and Up

Summary: It’s Arthur’s first ever Pride and Merlin is wearing a kilt.

My Notes: I really love the theme and idea behind this fic, and it’s also so in character for Merlin. Love it!!

Heal Your Body to Make Me Whole by fifty_fifty— 46k, Explicit

Summary: Merlin has been Princess Sophia’s bodyguard since he was twenty four and she was twelve. Now, eight years later, she’s out, and wants to attend her first Pride parade. Merlin’s all for it. He’s never hidden his sexuality from his employers, but his number one job has always been protect Sophia and ensure she has the freedom to be herself.

When Sophia’s father decides to hire a second man as Merlin’s backup, however, Merlin takes it as an insult. Not to mention, he thinks the new bloke is an arrogant, homophobic prick.

He doesn't know how wrong he is...

My Notes: I’ll be honest, this is my favourite Modern Era fanfic in this fandom. It’s got a great pace, it’s sexy and full of wonderful pining (y’all know that’s my favourite). Perfect for Pride too!!

hope everyone’s having a great pride and staying safe!! love you guys and if you’re looking for any specific tropes in the Merlin fandom or otherwise, please send me an ask!

—iris

[irisrecs]

just let me adore you (like it’s the only thing i’ll ever do)

by me!!

Summary: “The man ran his thumb over the Draco Malfoy x Harry Potter pin on his messenger bag absently as Merlin, flustered, went on to say, “I completely agree. I have to admit, I am a little surprised... you don’t seem to be the… shipper type.”

After all, the other was dressed like he had just come out of a cabinet meeting with the Queen of England.

The man raised an eyebrow in a way that seemed very condescending yet still was... super handsome. “And what would a shipper type look like?” he mocked with a smirk.

Oh dear, Merlin thought, inwardly grimacing. He didn’t mean to offend this gorgeous man, who looked like a strong prince from a fairytale, with his strong chin and dreamy blue eyes. But it was a little too late now.

“Well, I would expect them to be... less muscular...?” Merlin said desperately.”

Three times Merlin and Arthur connect with each other through shipping Drarry, and one where they learn to not need to.

I’m pretty proud of this idea, so let me know what you think of it!! It’s been sitting in my WIPs folder for a hot minute now, so I’m finally glad to get it posted.

[irisrecs]

merthur fics by yours truly

since i’m getting back into writing right now (as in: i am 50k words deep into writing a drarry story giving draco the redemption he deserved) and replied to comments i received on ao3 like 4 years ago but have sort of put off replying to until it felt too awkward (i just kicked my ass on that front, like so what), i thought i’d do some shameless self promotion of my old fics here. y’know. to motivate myself on finishing this drarry project. i’m only posting the merthur fics, though, since that made up the biggest part of my fic writer career. 

Love, Merlin 

Merlin and Arthur have been best friends since they were kids, but even though they’re inseparable, life always seems to be getting in their way, separating them against their will. Timing, fate, and life itself seem to have conspired against them and when it comes to love, there always seems to be someone else. Will they ever get their timing right and both realize that they were meant to be together since the beginning of time (quite literally), and that even across time and space, the bond they share can never be severed? A tale of magic, friendship, family, and a love that outlasts centuries.

(Love Rosie AU)

Words: 66,823; Rating: M

Dreams Don’t Turn To Dust

In a world where every person starts dreaming about their soulmate on the day of their 16th birthday, Prince Arthur is expected to be the soulmate of a beautiful princess. But when the big day finally rolls around, it turns out that his true soulmate is as far from a beautiful princess as one could get… a peasant boy with magic.

Words: 4221; Rating: T 

The Frog King 

Arthur gets turned into a frog when he tries to protect Merlin from Morgana, and there’s only one way to reverse the spell.

Words: 3105; Rating: T

Sleepyhead 

Merlin has a habit of falling asleep after sex and Arthur loves teasing him for it. That is, until a very sleepy Merlin accidentally proposes to him one night… or does he?

Words: 1874; Rating: M

Of Bumbling Fools and Awkward Nights

At the end of the day real life just wasn’t like the movies, and it wasn’t like fancy novels loved to describe it.

In which Merlin is clumsy, Arthur farts, and their first night together just isn’t quite like either of them expected.

Words: 2245; Rating: M

Worth It

Sometimes Merlin thought about that first night in the pub, when he’d been sure that putting up with Arthur Pendragon wasn’t worth any possible benefit that might come from it at all. Looking at the wide and shining smile in front of him now, he knew it had been worth it after all; all of it.

Words: 2921; Rating: T

With All My Heart And Soul

Arthur couldn’t believe that it had taken him an awful lot of alcohol on multiple occasions to finally get to this point. Well, that, and a firm kick in the arse by Gwaine, who probably had planned it all out all along and was smirking smugly to himself now.

Words: 8112; Rating: M

Nothing but the Truth

After almost eight years of being Arthur’s manservant and friend, Merlin was pretty certain that he’d seen almost everything and that nothing could truly surprise him anymore. Goblins, trolls, love spells, donkeys - he’d seen it all. But nothing could have prepared him for this: Arthur under the influence of a truth serum that showed them all just how much the king liked to keep to himself. Usually.

Words: 7363; Rating: T

[irisrecs]

buzzfeed unsolved fanfiction recommendations

This is all Ryan/Shane— so don’t like, don’t read.

PSA: I am not in any way stating that Ryan and Shane from Buzzfeed Unsolved and Watcher are together, or that I want them to be together; this is for entertainment use only. I urge you to not contact them or @ them on twitter or instagram making comments about their relationship, as they are humans just like the rest of us. Some things are none of our business!

This is a masterlist of my favourite fanfictions in this fandom! Thanks to @gigaledom for cheering me on. Never thought I was going to do more RPF, but here I am.

Under 10k

and i’m puffing my chest, getting red in the face by pissedofsandwich- 6k, Teen

Summary: "Zack's going to be there?" Shane asks, masking his... whatever it is he's feeling in his chest, with nonchalance.

Ryan blinks. "Yes?"

Well, never mind dancing with the fucking sun. He’s Icarus, wings melted and falling face-first into the asphalt.

Or: Shane is definitely not at all jealous of how close Zack and Ryan are getting during the making of Sports Conspiracies. Except that he is.

My notes: They’re both so jealous of each other and so bad at communication. Thank goodness they have their friends to help them out! Really funny and entertaining!

lay your demons at the door by abovetheruins— 7k, Teen and Up

Summary: Ryan had been so careful. For months he had learned to train his face into a semblance of normalcy every time a spirit got too close or he was overwhelmed with some indiscernible emotion on location. He had learned to channel his fear into something more manageable, something entertaining enough for the cameras but not so severe that anyone would be able to tell he wasn’t just jumping at shadows or groaning floorboards anymore.

Shane wasn’t supposed to find out. He wasn't supposed to know.

My Notes: The Seer!Ryan AU that I wasn’t expecting to like so much. A lot of pining and caring! Shane with a lovely ending!

First Impressions by luxbuhree— 9k, Mature

Summary: The chance to work with and sit next to THE Shane Madej was one of the things Ryan was looking forward to, now that he's starting his first day in BuzzFeed. But while he was expecting a charming and friendly guy, he was instead met with someone who couldn't care any less.

Will the case of why Shane hates Ryan remain unsolved?

My notes: In which Shane is really bad at feelings and Ryan has the hots for a certain person who pins him against walls. Awesome ending.

a short history of almost something by cooliohoolio— 6k, No Warnings

Summary: "I think I'll wait another year."

Shane's in love with Ryan, and will get around to telling him. One of these days.

My notes: A lovely short high school! AU with mutual pining. They’re best friends ahhh

only happy accidents by barnes— 8k, Explicit

Summary: In hindsight, Shane is too old to have thought that friends with benefits was something that the two of them would be able to pull off. He’s had friends with benefits before that worked beautifully, but they were not with people whose jobs were tied up in his own, whose friendships were as closely interwoven into Shane’s everyday life as Ryan’s is. He’d thought these were the very things that could keep it from getting weird, because they were such good buddies, Ryan would be solidly cemented as his pal that nothing could shift him.

This was a miscalculation, on Shane’s part.

My Notes: I’m not usually a fan of friends with benefits to lovers, but this had so much mutual pining and fluff that I enjoyed it so much! A must-read.

Gurl, Imma Marry You (ryan is a mess) by orphan_account— 2k, General Audiences

Summary: Ryan is perpetually doing dumb things. Starting a ghost show? Dumb. Going to demon houses? Dumb. Talking to ghosts? Dumb.

But those are all new dumb things. Ryan's known he wants to marry Shane forever. That is an incredibly old dumb thing.

My notes: Really cute and fluffy and I love it so much. It’s a kind of read-to-make-yourself-feel-better kind of fic!

Por Favor, Sweetheart by carrieonfighting— 8k, Teen and Up

Summary: Two dorks raise a baby and don't even realise they're doing it together until it's too late

Alternatively, Ryan Bergara is Trying His Best Thanks

My notes: Normally not a raising-a-child-fic person, but holy smokes this was written so well and the fluff! the domesticity i-

Pushing All Your Buttons by beethechange— 9k, Explicit

Summary: Ryan and Shane get stuck in an elevator at Buzzfeed HQ. There is tension. They relieve the tension. That’s it, that’s the fic.

My notes: I was literally able to see the tension floating off my laptop in front of my face, it was so palpable.

Under 20k

like you want to be loved by poetdameron— 16k, Teen and Up

Summary: "Settle down with me", Shane says without thinking and as Ryan looks at him with wide open eyes, all he can think of it's how many of Ryan's secrets he knows, how Ryan likes his coffee, and the fact that he has loved him since the moment Ryan first looked up at him and smiled.

My notes: The PINING and CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT and ANGST my god. Really well written and lovely happy ending.

ships that pass in the night by beethechange— 20k, Explicit

Summary: The more Ryan thinks about it, the more he thinks he just needs to return the favor, that’s all. And then it’ll be done, like it was meant to be done weeks ago, and they can both move on for real.

It’s not that he wants to. It’s that he won’t be able to stop thinking about it until he evens the score. He has to restore balance to the Force or order to the universe, or—or whatever. It’s a karma thing.

“I think you have to let me jerk you off,” Ryan tells Shane one night. They’re working late, alone in the Watcher office, one of many such late nights these days.

“Wh—here?” Shane asks. He looks around, baffled, like he’ll have been magically transported somewhere else. “Have to?” And then: “Let you?”

My notes: haha what if I dare you to jerk me off dude haha don’t be a chicken

Do you not know how love works? by leylines— 12k, No Rating

Summary: “Fuck you, man,” Ryan growled, rubbing his tailbone where he landed on when he fell down just moments ago.

“I’m pretty sure that’s what Devon already thinks we’re doing,” Shane said cheerfully, not at all sounding bothered by the thought.

“Oh shut up, dude.”

My notes: One of my favourite things in this cold, dark universe is when two characters are dating but they don’t know it but everyone else does. This is so hilarious and warms my dead heart

Full-Court Press by beethechange— 12k, Explicit

Summary: To be clear, these are not tactics Ryan would recommend. Being an athleisure-obsessed pervert, and lying, and clothes-sabotage: these are not things he’s proud of.

But they have undeniably worked.

Shane’s standing next to him in the hotel lobby while Devon checks them all out of their rooms, and he's wearing a sleeveless purple Lakers jersey and the world’s softest, clingiest sweatpants. It’s so exactly as Ryan pictured it, so precisely in line with his fantasies, that he has to pinch himself.

My notes: Really hot and funny and p i n i n g

may your days be merry and bright by bodhirookes— 19k, General Audiences

Summary: “Your turn, Ry Ry.”

Ryan looks down to find only one piece of paper remaining. “Wow, so much selection to choose from.”

“No time for your negativity, Scrooge. Your Secret Santa deserves a better attitude.”

Ryan sticks his tongue out, but takes the slip of paper. He’s loudly yelling Give me Jen, please please please give me Jen as he unfolds it, but he’s too busy begging for her to be truly prepared for what he ends up getting:

A simple but damning SHANE in Andrew’s scribbly handwriting.

Or, Ryan gets Shane for Secret Santa and has a subsequent breakdown about what to get him

Notes: This is so sweet and cute and I would die for both of them. A lovely classic christmas fic!

want you in my room by beethechange— 13k, Explicit

Summary: As they watch, Tall Guy takes his beanie off, revealing a mess of thick, shiny brown hair. He runs his hand through it to shake out the hat hair and Ryan feels like he’s stuck in an Herbal Essences commercial, except he’s the one making inappropriate lustful noises.

Ryan adjusts his snapback, determined. He is, after all, wearing his very finest basketball shorts, without even a single hole at the hem, and the knowledge puts an extra spring in his step.

“I’m gonna climb that dude like a tree,” he tells Curly.

My notes: Just really dumb, cute pining in a wonderful frat boy/nerd college AU!

Long boys

Muscles Better and Nerves More by beethechange— 26k, Explicit

Summary: “I’m serious,” Ryan says. “Don’t go fucking up my body. I want that shit back in the same condition I left it.”

“The same condition—Ryan. I’m not spending hours in a gym every day so you don’t lose muscle mass.”

“I want you to treat my body with the respect you would a national park. Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories.”

***

A certain meddling Voodoo Queen of New Orleans thinks Ryan and Shane need some new perspective on life. After an inadvisable ritual deposits Ryan in Shane’s body, and Shane in Ryan’s, the ghoulboys pursue some soul-searching and self-discovery to put things right. Sometimes in a sexy way.

My notes: This is so sexy and in character! A freaky friday kinda scenario where they only switch back when they pull their figurative heads out of their asses. So wonderful.

Dreams to be daring for by allonsy_gabriel— 24k, General Audiences

Summary: On May 11, 2018, Eleanora Rose Austin was born in Chicago, Illinois.

On May 20, 2018, Shane Alexander Madej agreed to act as the godfather to his best friend from college's daughter.

On October 26, 2018, Olivia and Michael Austin were victims of a mugging gone sideways.

On October 29, 2018, Shane Madej found himself in the possession of one real, actual, human child.

My notes: Accidental Baby Acquisition is now my favourite trope because of this fic. The fact that they’re already acting like a couple with the baby before they actually become one is sooo beautiful,,, give it a read im begging you

Fifty Shades of Gold by beethechange— 21k, Explicit

Summary: Shane tires of doing the same bits over and over. He tires of telling the same stories until they all, him and Ryan and the fans, have every beat memorized. Whenever Ryan pulls out his Ricky Goldsworth impression, ah yes, that old chestnut, Shane plays along only begrudgingly. He’s bored.

That’s his official position: he’s over Ricky Goldsworth.

Shane’s unofficial position, regrettably, is that he’d rather be under Ricky Goldsworth.

My notes: Shane’s got the hots for Ricky Goldsworth and that’s the TEA. Lots of sexual tension and cute and unsure! Ryan!

Precious metals by StrikerEureka— 73k, Mature

Summary: Ryan and Shane have been moving around something that is coming to a head between them. After a car accident, on the way to an investigation, Ryan slowly starts to become suspicious that Shane might not be what he seems. He realizes, though, that he just might not care.

Shane sits forward suddenly. “Hey, pull over up here.”

Ryan follows the instruction without questioning it, which probably says something about either his willingness to listen to Shane or his sanity. Maybe both; they go hand in hand. He puts on his blinker, even though they haven’t seen another car in a couple of minutes, and pulls off onto the shoulder.

“Are you gonna puke or something?” he asks, putting the car into park, as Shane takes off his seatbelt with one hand and tugs off his Ray Bans with the other.

“You better hope not,” he murmurs as he leans over the center console and kisses Ryan solidly on the mouth.

My notes: My favourite Demon!Shane AU ever! Really sweet and loads of tension and pining... must-read.

darling it’s a faded notion by varnes— 28k, Explicit

Summary: The sun is too bright and Ryan’s whole body is alight with something that is eating him all the way up from the inside out, but he keeps his eyes open and he makes himself look, and he tells himself that once he finds Shane, he’ll think about it. Once he finds Shane, they’ll make a plan. Once he finds Shane, and only then, he’ll let himself have the thought he’s been swallowing down like bile since he came to: that they didn’t fall.

They were pushed.

OR: Ryan and Shane get cursed by a ghost, and now they can't be not-touching. It's ... not great.

My notes: They get cursed and have to be touching all the time!! and they’re pining so hard y’all like what more could one want

Bed-warm Hands and the Ghost of Elvis by MiraclesofPaul— 21k, Teen and Up

Summary: They get used to sharing a bed while filming the show. Ryan's just trying not to let his feelings get in the way.

So Ryan tells himself he’s going to ride out whatever it is they’ve fallen into, but he’ll bow out gracefully when the time comes. He can just enjoy the now.

My notes: They share a bed!!! And their hearts!! so much lack of communication, it’s wonderful

Hope that someone will enjoy these fics that I did so very much! If you want more buzzfeed unsolved fics let me know because i’ve read sooo much fanfiction...

—Iris

[irisrecs]

buzzfeed unsolved fanfiction recommendations

This is all Ryan/Shane— so don’t like, don’t read.

PSA: I am not in any way stating that Ryan and Shane from Buzzfeed Unsolved and Watcher are together, or that I want them to be together; this is for entertainment use only. I urge you to not contact them or @ them on twitter or instagram making comments about their relationship, as they are humans just like the rest of us. Some things are none of our business!

This is a masterlist of my favourite fanfictions in this fandom! Thanks to @gigaledom for cheering me on. Never thought I was going to do more RPF, but here I am.

Under 10k

and i’m puffing my chest, getting red in the face by pissedofsandwich- 6k, Teen

Summary: "Zack's going to be there?" Shane asks, masking his... whatever it is he's feeling in his chest, with nonchalance.

Ryan blinks. "Yes?"

Well, never mind dancing with the fucking sun. He’s Icarus, wings melted and falling face-first into the asphalt.

Or: Shane is definitely not at all jealous of how close Zack and Ryan are getting during the making of Sports Conspiracies. Except that he is.

My notes: They’re both so jealous of each other and so bad at communication. Thank goodness they have their friends to help them out! Really funny and entertaining!

lay your demons at the door by abovetheruins— 7k, Teen and Up

Summary: Ryan had been so careful. For months he had learned to train his face into a semblance of normalcy every time a spirit got too close or he was overwhelmed with some indiscernible emotion on location. He had learned to channel his fear into something more manageable, something entertaining enough for the cameras but not so severe that anyone would be able to tell he wasn’t just jumping at shadows or groaning floorboards anymore.

Shane wasn’t supposed to find out. He wasn't supposed to know.

My Notes: The Seer!Ryan AU that I wasn’t expecting to like so much. A lot of pining and caring! Shane with a lovely ending!

First Impressions by luxbuhree— 9k, Mature

Summary: The chance to work with and sit next to THE Shane Madej was one of the things Ryan was looking forward to, now that he's starting his first day in BuzzFeed. But while he was expecting a charming and friendly guy, he was instead met with someone who couldn't care any less.

Will the case of why Shane hates Ryan remain unsolved?

My notes: In which Shane is really bad at feelings and Ryan has the hots for a certain person who pins him against walls. Awesome ending.

a short history of almost something by cooliohoolio— 6k, No Warnings

Summary: "I think I'll wait another year."

Shane's in love with Ryan, and will get around to telling him. One of these days.

My notes: A lovely short high school! AU with mutual pining. They’re best friends ahhh

only happy accidents by barnes— 8k, Explicit

Summary: In hindsight, Shane is too old to have thought that friends with benefits was something that the two of them would be able to pull off. He’s had friends with benefits before that worked beautifully, but they were not with people whose jobs were tied up in his own, whose friendships were as closely interwoven into Shane’s everyday life as Ryan’s is. He’d thought these were the very things that could keep it from getting weird, because they were such good buddies, Ryan would be solidly cemented as his pal that nothing could shift him.

This was a miscalculation, on Shane’s part.

My Notes: I’m not usually a fan of friends with benefits to lovers, but this had so much mutual pining and fluff that I enjoyed it so much! A must-read.

Gurl, Imma Marry You (ryan is a mess) by orphan_account— 2k, General Audiences

Summary: Ryan is perpetually doing dumb things. Starting a ghost show? Dumb. Going to demon houses? Dumb. Talking to ghosts? Dumb.

But those are all new dumb things. Ryan's known he wants to marry Shane forever. That is an incredibly old dumb thing.

My notes: Really cute and fluffy and I love it so much. It’s a kind of read-to-make-yourself-feel-better kind of fic!

Por Favor, Sweetheart by carrieonfighting— 8k, Teen and Up

Summary: Two dorks raise a baby and don't even realise they're doing it together until it's too late

Alternatively, Ryan Bergara is Trying His Best Thanks

My notes: Normally not a raising-a-child-fic person, but holy smokes this was written so well and the fluff! the domesticity i-

Pushing All Your Buttons by beethechange— 9k, Explicit

Summary: Ryan and Shane get stuck in an elevator at Buzzfeed HQ. There is tension. They relieve the tension. That’s it, that’s the fic.

My notes: I was literally able to see the tension floating off my laptop in front of my face, it was so palpable.

Under 20k

like you want to be loved by poetdameron— 16k, Teen and Up

Summary: "Settle down with me", Shane says without thinking and as Ryan looks at him with wide open eyes, all he can think of it's how many of Ryan's secrets he knows, how Ryan likes his coffee, and the fact that he has loved him since the moment Ryan first looked up at him and smiled.

My notes: The PINING and CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT and ANGST my god. Really well written and lovely happy ending.

ships that pass in the night by beethechange— 20k, Explicit

Summary: The more Ryan thinks about it, the more he thinks he just needs to return the favor, that’s all. And then it’ll be done, like it was meant to be done weeks ago, and they can both move on for real.

It’s not that he wants to. It’s that he won’t be able to stop thinking about it until he evens the score. He has to restore balance to the Force or order to the universe, or—or whatever. It’s a karma thing.

“I think you have to let me jerk you off,” Ryan tells Shane one night. They’re working late, alone in the Watcher office, one of many such late nights these days.

“Wh—here?” Shane asks. He looks around, baffled, like he’ll have been magically transported somewhere else. “Have to?” And then: “Let you?”

My notes: haha what if I dare you to jerk me off dude haha don’t be a chicken

Do you not know how love works? by leylines— 12k, No Rating

Summary: “Fuck you, man,” Ryan growled, rubbing his tailbone where he landed on when he fell down just moments ago.

“I’m pretty sure that’s what Devon already thinks we’re doing,” Shane said cheerfully, not at all sounding bothered by the thought.

“Oh shut up, dude.”

My notes: One of my favourite things in this cold, dark universe is when two characters are dating but they don’t know it but everyone else does. This is so hilarious and warms my dead heart

Full-Court Press by beethechange— 12k, Explicit

Summary: To be clear, these are not tactics Ryan would recommend. Being an athleisure-obsessed pervert, and lying, and clothes-sabotage: these are not things he’s proud of.

But they have undeniably worked.

Shane’s standing next to him in the hotel lobby while Devon checks them all out of their rooms, and he's wearing a sleeveless purple Lakers jersey and the world’s softest, clingiest sweatpants. It’s so exactly as Ryan pictured it, so precisely in line with his fantasies, that he has to pinch himself.

My notes: Really hot and funny and p i n i n g

may your days be merry and bright by bodhirookes— 19k, General Audiences

Summary: “Your turn, Ry Ry.”

Ryan looks down to find only one piece of paper remaining. “Wow, so much selection to choose from.”

“No time for your negativity, Scrooge. Your Secret Santa deserves a better attitude.”

Ryan sticks his tongue out, but takes the slip of paper. He’s loudly yelling Give me Jen, please please please give me Jen as he unfolds it, but he’s too busy begging for her to be truly prepared for what he ends up getting:

A simple but damning SHANE in Andrew’s scribbly handwriting.

Or, Ryan gets Shane for Secret Santa and has a subsequent breakdown about what to get him

Notes: This is so sweet and cute and I would die for both of them. A lovely classic christmas fic!

want you in my room by beethechange— 13k, Explicit

Summary: As they watch, Tall Guy takes his beanie off, revealing a mess of thick, shiny brown hair. He runs his hand through it to shake out the hat hair and Ryan feels like he’s stuck in an Herbal Essences commercial, except he’s the one making inappropriate lustful noises.

Ryan adjusts his snapback, determined. He is, after all, wearing his very finest basketball shorts, without even a single hole at the hem, and the knowledge puts an extra spring in his step.

“I’m gonna climb that dude like a tree,” he tells Curly.

My notes: Just really dumb, cute pining in a wonderful frat boy/nerd college AU!

Long boys

Muscles Better and Nerves More by beethechange— 26k, Explicit

Summary: “I’m serious,” Ryan says. “Don’t go fucking up my body. I want that shit back in the same condition I left it.”

“The same condition—Ryan. I’m not spending hours in a gym every day so you don’t lose muscle mass.”

“I want you to treat my body with the respect you would a national park. Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories.”

***

A certain meddling Voodoo Queen of New Orleans thinks Ryan and Shane need some new perspective on life. After an inadvisable ritual deposits Ryan in Shane’s body, and Shane in Ryan’s, the ghoulboys pursue some soul-searching and self-discovery to put things right. Sometimes in a sexy way.

My notes: This is so sexy and in character! A freaky friday kinda scenario where they only switch back when they pull their figurative heads out of their asses. So wonderful.

Dreams to be daring for by allonsy_gabriel— 24k, General Audiences

Summary: On May 11, 2018, Eleanora Rose Austin was born in Chicago, Illinois.

On May 20, 2018, Shane Alexander Madej agreed to act as the godfather to his best friend from college's daughter.

On October 26, 2018, Olivia and Michael Austin were victims of a mugging gone sideways.

On October 29, 2018, Shane Madej found himself in the possession of one real, actual, human child.

My notes: Accidental Baby Acquisition is now my favourite trope because of this fic. The fact that they’re already acting like a couple with the baby before they actually become one is sooo beautiful,,, give it a read im begging you

Fifty Shades of Gold by beethechange— 21k, Explicit

Summary: Shane tires of doing the same bits over and over. He tires of telling the same stories until they all, him and Ryan and the fans, have every beat memorized. Whenever Ryan pulls out his Ricky Goldsworth impression, ah yes, that old chestnut, Shane plays along only begrudgingly. He’s bored.

That’s his official position: he’s over Ricky Goldsworth.

Shane’s unofficial position, regrettably, is that he’d rather be under Ricky Goldsworth.

My notes: Shane’s got the hots for Ricky Goldsworth and that’s the TEA. Lots of sexual tension and cute and unsure! Ryan!

Precious metals by StrikerEureka— 73k, Mature

Summary: Ryan and Shane have been moving around something that is coming to a head between them. After a car accident, on the way to an investigation, Ryan slowly starts to become suspicious that Shane might not be what he seems. He realizes, though, that he just might not care.

Shane sits forward suddenly. “Hey, pull over up here.”

Ryan follows the instruction without questioning it, which probably says something about either his willingness to listen to Shane or his sanity. Maybe both; they go hand in hand. He puts on his blinker, even though they haven’t seen another car in a couple of minutes, and pulls off onto the shoulder.

“Are you gonna puke or something?” he asks, putting the car into park, as Shane takes off his seatbelt with one hand and tugs off his Ray Bans with the other.

“You better hope not,” he murmurs as he leans over the center console and kisses Ryan solidly on the mouth.

My notes: My favourite Demon!Shane AU ever! Really sweet and loads of tension and pining... must-read.

darling it’s a faded notion by varnes— 28k, Explicit

Summary: The sun is too bright and Ryan’s whole body is alight with something that is eating him all the way up from the inside out, but he keeps his eyes open and he makes himself look, and he tells himself that once he finds Shane, he’ll think about it. Once he finds Shane, they’ll make a plan. Once he finds Shane, and only then, he’ll let himself have the thought he’s been swallowing down like bile since he came to: that they didn’t fall.

They were pushed.

OR: Ryan and Shane get cursed by a ghost, and now they can't be not-touching. It's ... not great.

My notes: They get cursed and have to be touching all the time!! and they’re pining so hard y’all like what more could one want

Bed-warm Hands and the Ghost of Elvis by MiraclesofPaul— 21k, Teen and Up

Summary: They get used to sharing a bed while filming the show. Ryan's just trying not to let his feelings get in the way.

So Ryan tells himself he’s going to ride out whatever it is they’ve fallen into, but he’ll bow out gracefully when the time comes. He can just enjoy the now.

My notes: They share a bed!!! And their hearts!! so much lack of communication, it’s wonderful

Hope that someone will enjoy these fics that I did so very much! If you want more buzzfeed unsolved fics let me know because i’ve read sooo much fanfiction...

—Iris

[irisrecs]

Hi followers!

I just wanted to apologise about my lack of recommendations recently; I get into phases sometimes with fanfiction where I hyperfixate onto one particular fandom for weeks. Don’t worry, there’s shit coming down the line, its just that I’m not reading any merlin, good omens or any other of my regular fanfiction at the moment!

that being said, if anyone wants fanfiction recommendations concerning my fixation at the moment of Buzzfeed Unsolved (ryan/shane) then please let me know because I’ve read some really good ones! Please feel free to send me asks about other fandoms as well, I’ve still got my bookmarks and recs!

PSA: I am not in any way stating that Ryan and Shane from Buzzfeed Unsolved and Watcher are together, or that I want them to be together; this is for entertainment use only. I urge you to not contact them or @ them on twitter or instagram making comments about their relationship, as they are humans just like the rest of us. Some things are none of our business!

- Iris

[irisrecs]

I will admit some people do try really hard writing like the most emotionally moving fics in the world which can come off kinda comical but I think fanfiction writing has such a gear to sad, serious stuff that like a good majority of works you find is all about the drama and the pain and earning happy endings which I think is missing the joy of being able to write for things and have free limits without like having to build the attachment value. I made papyrus a Ska trombone player in my fic and nobody can do anything or has said anything about it and that's my favorite part. I'm tired of "fanfictions are good places to explore darker topics" I want you all to start making characters just be embarassing with joy like come on where's the fun folks be happy

[irisrecs]

You, madame, are a goddess! thank you very much for your help, even when you already had the kindness to help me the first time around! I think there are several fics that I haven't read yet, so I'm reaaaaaaly happy! thank you very much! 😁 here, take a virtual bouquet of flowers to express my gratitude💐🏵💐🌹🌹🌻🏵🌻💮💮💐

I’m so glad you’re happy, you sweet, sweet person!!! making my day like this, honestly. thank you for the bouquet, I’ll get some water for them 💧💧💐🧊

you are so welcome! hope you and everyone else reading this is having a wonderful day. 💜

[irisrecs]

Hello! Thanks again for your previous help! You're awesome ! ❤❤❤ Sorry to come back so soon, but I already knew all of the fics that you gave me, except for "hypotheticals" (and thanks soooo much for it! This fic is so cute! And funny! It gave me flapfloping feeling!❤ ) Well, all that to say that if you've got any other fic where Merlin is consort and/or rule camelot with Arthur, I would love to benefit from your council again!^^ Thanks again! stay marvelous and healthy! 😘

hey again @slmch! sorry this is coming so late. i’m glad you’ve enjoyed one of them... I too love flapflopping feelings.

here are a couple that i’ve found for you!

Word of Mouth by asilentherald— 5k— General Audiences

Summary: "Gossip always travels faster than news."

In which Hunith gradually learns of her son's life in a rapidly changing Camelot.

The King’s Wish by Whoareyou0000–4k— Mature

Summary: “His magic rarely respected the rules. When it longed, it simply created. And for this, Merlin longed.”

Ten years of friendship and feelings untold lead to a king’s birthday wish granted and a sorcerer’s every desire fulfilled.

The Last Ten Years by one_more_page— 20k— Mature

Summary: For Merlin the story ends with Arthur in his arms, resting beside a lake, hoping it isn't goodbye forever.

For Arthur the story begins with an insolent stranger opposing him in front of his knights and upending his world.

And in the middle they fall in love.

✧･ﾟ* exquisite *･ﾟ— LeaOotori— 2k— Teen and Up Audiences

Summary: Arthur didn’t break eye contact for a moment, watching the glowing gold of Merlin’s eyes intently. He leaned impossibly closer, lips hovering over Merlin’s. “Exquisite.”

Rings that were too small for fingers by doctortreklock— 1k— General Audiences

Summary: "Arthur," Merlin started slowly. "Do you remember Midsummer's?"

There’s also a series called Seo Gaestlufe/The Soul’s Love that’s really thicc™️, it’s 150,000 words in total, but it’s really good. So, up to you if you want to get into it because it’s a bit of a challenge.

hope you find ones that you like!

—Iris

[irisrecs]

Hello! Sorry for the previous ask, it kind of sent itself. .. 😅 Well, I wanted to thank you for your recs! And I wanted to know if you know any fics where Merlin is Arthur's consort and/or where Merlin rule camelot alongside Arthur. Arthur may know or not of the fact that merlin co-rule with him. Thanks you! ❤

thank you so much for your kind words! Don’t worry about it, tumblr is a fiend. As for your request, I love those kinds of fics! Merlin getting the validation he needs is something that I thoroughly support.

Here’s a number from my bookmarks, but if you’re interested in more, I’m happy to go hunting for you! Just let me know!

fluffy established relationship ones:

and it changed everything you know (how we were and the wonders we love)— vivahate— 2k— Teen and Up

First Meeting— charmed_seconds— 1k— General Audiences

hypotheticals— platonic_boner— 1k— General Audiences

plotty longer ones:

To Make You Happy— Guardian_Rose— 7k— General Audiences

My place is with you— tehfanglyfish— 16k— Explicit

all we do is think about the feelings that we hide— starkidpatronus— 13k— Explicit

hope you’re all going well and staying safe!

—Iris

[irisrecs]

damned if you do(n’t)

RATING: T+ PAIRINGS: pre-Merlin/Arthur LENGTH: 990 words TAGS: Alternate Universe – Canon Divergence, Angst, Mutual Pining, Oblivious Merlin, Oblivious Arthur, Idiots in Love.

SUMMARY: There are plenty of reasons why you should(n’t) kiss him. These are just a few of them.

Completed for @finishthatficmerlin​ 2019-2020.

EXCERPT:

there are plenty of reasons why you shouldn’t kiss him. the dragon would laugh, for one thing, about all the times you’ve proclaimed loudly and emphatically how much your hatred of him has kept you up at nights, plotting ways to kill him without getting caught. it’s not killing him that you imagine, though, not unless it is possible to kill someone with kindness, with kisses, not unless loving someone is a fatal disease.

there is also Gaius, who would disapprove. you can already see him glaring at you with his eyebrow raised, reminding you as he always does that you have to keep your gifts secret and your proclivities nonexistent. sometimes it seems like all you talk about is how you shouldn’t talk to anyone about anything that matters. sometimes it feels like all you do is swallow your tongue, keep your silence, when all the while everything you are is spilling out of you, messy and impossible and bright.

does Arthur see it, you wonder. does he see you?

READ IT HERE!

[irisrecs]

✨Rec of the week✨- Merthur

Sort of a Tourniquet— thursday_next— 6k— Teen and Up

Summary: Arthur gives Merlin a plastic ring as a joke. But what nobody knows is how much Merlin really likes wearing it. Modern AU with lots of pining.

My Notes: if you’re in the mood for mindless fluff and pining, this is for you!! it’s literally the cutest thing ever I swear!

Hope you all are having a happy and safe week!

[irisrecs]

✨more canon era (is that what it’s even called?) dnp✨

especially for the beautiful @terrifiedpretzel!

36 questions by nokomisfics— 5k— Teen and Up

Summary: Dan’s looking at him with that glint in his eye, that it’s-four-AM-I-am-the-opposite-of-sober-right-now look that Phil hasn’t seen in a while, and Dan hasn’t even suggested anything yet but he already knows he’s screwed. [or, the one in which Dan and Phil try out Dr. Avon’s experiment]

Read it and Weep by hopepunkgospel— 7k— Explicit

Summary: Dan's feelings toward Phil are nothing but platonic, or so he thinks before stumbling upon some actually decent phanfiction and falling face-first into the abyss.

Better off as lovers, not the other way around— acollectionofdaydreams— 7k— NR

Summary: Dan and Phil have a system of pretending to be in a relationship to get them out of awkward situations, but Dan takes it too far the day he signs Phil up as his plus one for his five year school reunion. Dan didn't even want to go, but his ex-girlfriend is going to be there so it's too late to back out now. ~aka the fake relationship au that no one asked for~

Sticky notes— auroraphilealis— 3k— Teen and Up

Summary: When Phil realizes Dan spends so much time in the bathroom telling himself off, he decides to take matters into his own hand’s and starts leaving Sticky Notes to cheer his best friend up. TW: Self-Hate

Times Like These— Cyane(orphan_account)— 2k— NA

Summary: Dan and Phil are both scared shitless after playing FNAF and Dan fell out of his chair (again).

Featuring flirting, cuddling, and "totally" platonic best-friend kissing.

The Way I See You— INeverHadMyInternetPhase— 11k— General Audiences

Summary: Dan’s shocked when he realises that Phil’s self-conscious about the way he looks. Apparently Phil doesn’t know that he isn’t allowed to be sad when Dan’s around. So Dan takes it upon himself to fix the situation - by complimenting something about Phil’s appearance every day. Trouble is, Dan isn’t very good at hiding his teensy tiny crush on Phil.

I couldn’t be bothered to write my notes on each of them, but just know that each and every one of them is sooo incredibly beautiful!!

—Iris

[irisrecs]

Another one, @wholitzukoonfire!

The Future Queen Commands— tehfanglyfish— 3k— Teen and Up

Hey! So... me again! I’ve recently been watching call the midwife bc I’m British and it’s a good show, and I was just wondering if you had any canon au fics where Merlin has to be a midwife or look after a baby (not a kid!fic tho!) and Arthur is just in the background like ???? Merlin can children???? Or anything along those lines where Merlin is soft with children and Arthur finds it cute/endearing/hot.

hi again, you wonderful person! I’ll have to admit, I struggled with this ask a bit— there aren’t many fics that have these wonderful tropes you described, which is a complete CRIME within itself— but I did find a few treasures.

babe in the woods— shadecat— 20k— Mature

babe in arms— La_Temperanza— 1k— General Audiences

Our Very Own— nyargles— 2k— Teen and Up Audiences

Tilted— fuzzytomato— 9k— Teen and Up Audiences

If any of you see any fics of this description help me out and let us know!

—Iris

[irisrecs]

Hello there! I am a fan of your Fic Recs, and you’ve recommended some great Merthur ones that I’ve enjoyed! I was wondering if you could help me find something a little specific that I’ve been searching for for a while and can’t seem to find. It was a Merlin fic, canon times. Arthur finds out about merlins magic and doesn’t take it well, I think he like ignores Merlin? And everyone notices Merlin has fallen out of favour with Arthur, and some knight or lord or something [1/2]

[2/2] And this person(s?) attack Merlin in the hallway. Merlins so upset thought that he goes to Arthur and helps him get ready for bed without saying anything and Arthur thinks his noises of pain are just home being dramatic. Then Arthur sees the bruises in the morning and goes all protective. I think is ends with Merthur? I remember so much and can’t find it! If you can find it I would be super great full but if not anything with good magic reveal angst/fluff would be so wonderful! Thank you

Hi there @amultifandomed1! Thank you so much for your kind words!

So, after much perusal through both my bookmarks and the AO3 tags, I couldn’t really find the exact one your looking for. Thanks for providing me with so much information, though, that’s really helpful! Do you remember vaguely how long it was, or whether it was on AO3 or not, or when you read it? I promise you I’ll do my best to find it for you!

In the meantime, similar fics to what you described!

Roles Reversed— CaffeinatedFlumadiddle— 7k— Teen and Up

Marrying for Love— Dracowillhearaboutthis— 6k— General Audiences

Of Foreign Nobility and Hidden Magic— Aeonthedimensionalgirl— 6k— Teen n up

Does anyone recognise this fic?

—Iris