#I have recced neatoh SO MANY times now

[kiragecko]

I wanted to do a post of the first great fics I read when I got into fandom. Still might. But I made the mistake of starting with Neatoh, and half way through her archive I have 9 fic open that I HAVE to talk about. Obviously, I’m not getting to anyone else right now. So, here’s my favorite fics by @incogneat-oh. There are far too many.

(Note: Neat-oh’s fics are sweet and full of hugs. But there is an undercurrent of bittersweet sadness and old pain lurking in the background. Sometimes, NOTHING in the story is sad, yet you still leave a little melancholy. It builds. Be aware before going in.)

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go - Tim comes and checks on Dick, reasonably early in his Robin career. Dick is sleepy, but happy to have his brother there. Tim nearly sets on fire from awkward embarrassment. One of the best Tim and Dick fics out there. It is SO GOOD.

With A Whimper - Bruce tires of Tim and Damian’s fighting. Tim takes advantage of this to conclusively score a point against his brother. His gloating is AMAZING. Bruce being a dad is amazing. So great.

Tiny Tim - more early Tim and Dick. Nightwing embarrasses Robin in front of Commissioner Gordon. The man is nice enough to respect Robin’s input anyway. Dick is enjoying himself immensely.

(One) Step Closer - A sequel to Tell-Tale, but I like this one better. Jason made a stupid comment in the first fic, and sends Bruce to deal with the aftermath. Bruce tries to love and support Tim despite both of them being emotionally constipated and afraid of overstepping the other’s boundaries. Therefore, I don’t think anyone manages to hug.

The Good Life - Bruce IS able to show affection when the other party is asleep, though! And asleep Tim is very approving!

The Mechanics Of A Hug - Dick gets hit by ‘cuddle pollen.’ It’s pretty much weaponized depression. Tim and Damian allow themselves to be cuddled, and attempt to show their deep love for their brother through the cuddling. Actual words would probably work better, but Dick appreciates the actions. Bruce also appreciates the actions, because he is completely unable to engage in cuddles.

The Sleeping Habits of Birds - Bruce asks Dick for parenting advice. He wants to know why Tim keeps awkwardly falling asleep half on Bruce’s bed. Bruce then ACCEPTS the advice and almost says he loves Dick! His son is proud of him.

(Something Like) An Anniversary - It’s Death Day! It falls on Jason to try to make this less uncomfortable for everyone, which is a bit backwards. It was HIS death. Still, he rises to the occasion, and everyone is thankful. A good Death Day all around.

Night Owls And Other Birds - Each of the 4 Batboys (this was long before Duke) go to bed. Just a comparison of how they go about it, on a not great night.

Maybe This Time (The Last Time) - Tim has quit being Robin. His dad is still angry. Bruce stops by to quietly say goodbye. All the things unsaid hang in the air and make you want to scream.

Just Like You - Tim almost kills a guy on patrol. Bruce responds REALLY BADLY. Dick does his best to pick up the slack. Probably crosses the line into Bad Parent Bruce. Still fascinating and wonderful. Dick is such a good brother!

Interlude (A Second to [Re]Collect Myself) - Bruce is alive and at home. He manages to catch Tim long enough to give the young man a moment to say ‘welcome back.’

IknowyouarebutwhatamI - Alvin and Bart go skateboarding and talk about names.

I Couldn’t Remember the Pattern Of Your Duvet-Cover - Dick and Jason have a stupid game.

How We Do - Bruce and Tim talk in an elevator. It is a good experience. (I relate to Tim so hard in this one!)

A Break In Tradition - Commissioner Gordon coaxes an injured Robin into getting treated by the paramedics. This gives him a chance to listen to Batman be a dad.

AND THE BEST FOR LAST:

Slipping - Tim is hit by a new Ivy pollen. The affects are really subtle. Where the earlier fic uses weaponized depression, this one is weaponized anxiety. My whole body vibrates in sympathy with his whenever I read this story. It’s awful and accurate and today was probably my dozenth time rereading. Perfection.