#Organised Crime Recs List

[redfurrycat]

🤠💰☠️🐓Organised Crime Fic Recs🐓☠️💰🤠

Check the Top Gun Masterlist post for the latest updated version. 💕

Ao3 Authors: ALCwriter, Anonymous, Dalearden, Elizabethgee, Flyingfightingfishy, Halestrom, Hangmanbradshaw, Lemqnie, LoveMadeThemDoIt, Mackwinnon, Playingwiththeboysisagayanthem, Renai_chan, Res_judicata, ToukoJalorda003.

Daily Heroes > Spies & Secret Agents > Vigilantes, Superheroes & Supervillains

white picket fence by res_judicata {M}

Whenever anyone from the kids’ school asks, Jake always just smiles politely and explains that his husband works for a big international company and that’s why he’s overseas a lot.  He doesn’t say that Bradley is arguably the ‘director’ of said company, nor that the ‘company’ in question is the Mafia. He knows a few of the other parents have their suspicions and that he and Bradley are the subject of their fair share of rumours and gossip. Jake just doesn’t let it get to him, he has his beautiful family and gorgeous husband, the nosy PTA mothers can go fuck themselves. For every, oh my, how can your husband bear to leave such a lovely husband at home with the kids for so many months of the year, Jake can read between the lines.

Live Until We Die by Renai_chan {E}

Speak Softly, Love

Jake leaves behind his crappy life in Texas and moves to California. There, he meets Bradley, a gorgeous man who works at a charity helping the homeless. They fall in love, and everything is sunshine and rainbows until he learns that Bradley is, in fact, Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw, heir to the empire of his godfather, Tom "Iceman" Kazansky, who rules the underbelly of Los Angeles with ice-cold ruthlessness. Suddenly, Jake find himself embroiled in the dangers of the LA Mafia

Live Until We Die: Outtakes

A compilation of one-shots and drabbles of the Mafia AU.

Along the Razor's Edge

Jake's father makes contact after more than a year when the family farm goes into foreclosure, and Jake is torn between helping save his childhood home and leaving his father to his fate. Bradley steps in, but his plan to help Jake isn't received well by Jake's father, and Jake finds himself caught between his new family and his own flesh and blood.

Bet on Love

Jake says yes.

On a Gathering Storm

As Jake becomes more and more entrenched in the business of his new family, he comes to understand the risks that are associated with it. When someone comes to LA to challenge Ice, Jake finds himself caught in the middle of a power struggle between his family, the challengers, and the law. How is a simple farm boy supposed to keep his head above water?

An Offer He Can't Refuse by Dalearden {_}

Detective Jake Seresin has been on the trail of the Layton gang for a long time. When he starts getting too close he finds himself drawn into their world to the point where he starts to question everything he thought he knew about who he is and what he does. The fact he's also undeniably attracted to one Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw only serves to further complicate matters.

Whiskey Neat by ALCwriter {M}

Jake is fresh out of the Navy and living with his sister to help her through a nasty divorce. While he scrambles to find a way to keep his sister and niece safe he unintentionally falls into the tangles of Bradley Bradshaw. He knows Bradley is most likely bad news and he most definitely knows he should stay away from him. But when shit hits the fan- he has nowhere else to turn. a.k.a Jake gets mixed up with Bradley who just so happens to be a mafia boss.

The Only Exception by mackwinnon {E}

Organized crime AU. Escort Jake meets Bradley in a club while he's with another client. Bradley's instantly intrigued and makes Jake an offer he can't refuse. It's just business. Until it isn't.

wash out the salt from my hands by elizabethgee {E}

Jake's having a great day. He's just won the TOPGUN competition, he met a handsome, mysterious stranger at The Hard Deck who's definitely interested in taking him to bed... What could possibly go wrong?

cosa nostra (this thing of ours) by lemqnie {_}

Bradley is the prettiest thing Jake has ever laid eyes on. It's a shame he's a rival gang's heir and Jake has to kill him.

When Danger Comes Home (Don’t Ever let it Roost) by ToukoJalorda003 {M}

Bradley adored his job, and it had been his dream to go into law enforcement as a kid. He had everything he’d ever wanted - except for a romantic partner, but he’d never even consider dragging them into his dangerous personal life. …Until he took a smuggling case involving Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin, a known member of the city’s organized crime syndicate. Maybe he’d bitten off more than he could chew, this time.

I only pray (don’t fall away from me) by Anonymous {E}

Jake Seresin has an acquired taste. It comes in the form of the clubs most desired; Rooster. His wide doe eyes, ridiculous pornstache that fits him so perfectly, and his tan, toned body. And what Jakes wants, Jake gets.

my boy only breaks his favorite toys by hangmanbradshaw {E}

Jake and Bradley are the sons of the two families who run the town. They've been in a rivalry longer than Jake can remember. It was bound to explode at some point. He just never expected it to be his own freedom's demise. He didn't expect Bradley to look anything but victorious. But here they are.

I Wake Up Drenched in Nightmares and Find I'm Alone by flyingfightingfishy {T}

A sting operation gone (almost) wrong leaves Jake with nightmares and exposes inconvenient feelings.

kiss the ring and let 'em bow down, looking for the time of your life (no one's gonna find out) by playingwiththeboysisagayanthem {M}

“It took Mav’s breath away to reconcile the image before him with the eighteen-year-old boy who stormed out with nothing more than the contents of a single duffle bag and the clothes on his back all those years ago. So forgive him for how long it took for him to find the air to wheeze out, “Bradley?” “Yeah,” the man laughed, scratching at his face in thought as he turned his eyes toward the moon above, “Yeah, I guess it’s been a while, hasn’t it?” “You could say that,” Mav croaked out, “Um, come in, it’s…cold out here.” Because no matter how much time had passed, there would never be a version of the world where Mav turned Bradley away. Bradley just nodded and followed him inside.“ ————— aka, when Mav pulled his papers, Bradley took off. For ten years, nobody ever knew what happened to him. Not until he showed up on Mav and Ice’s doorstep in the middle of the night. As it would turn out, he’s found some trouble since they last saw him and their boy has changed a lot in those ten years.

got a shot of kerosene in my veins by halestrom {E}

Fighting was the only thing Bradley could do to help his family when they found themselves in a mountain of debt, and he didn't regret it, not if it meant they would be okay. But he never expected to meet Jake Seresin, nor to get drawn deeper into a world he didn't want any part of, even though, as time wore on, he realized he wanted Jake. More than he should.

i already feel a knife in my hands by halestrom {E}

crimson blood is tattooed on my hands

Bradley Bradshaw is the scion of the most powerful Family in the southwestern United States, but when the Family out of Texas comes to town with the word alliance on their lips, his world is flipped upside down when he's introduced to the heir presumptive, and has to deal with his growing interested in a man he shouldn't want, as well as trouble brewing on the horizon from unseen forces who seek to tear his world out from under him.

i'm obsessed with what we both could be

Six weeks after finding out what Jake can do, Bradley runs into him again. And just can't help himself.

I knew you in another life by LoveMadeThemDoIt {_}

There‘s never been a less ideal time for his ex to show his face unannounced than it is now, with Javy and Callie here at his house, oblivious to who the person standing on his porch is. Of course Bradley would reappear just as he had settled into his new life, far away from where the man should be able to find and get his hands on him.

[bridenore]

HD Being on the run fic recs

Here are a few Harry/Draco recs where Harry and Draco are on the run. Listed in alphabetical order, as always.

9 ½ Days by @magpiefngrl [69k]

After the events at the Manor, Harry and Draco find themselves stranded in the countryside with a broken wand and Death Eaters on their tail. This is the story of an uneasy truce, featuring faerie forests, seaside caves, Romani camps, kind old ladies, and a shared bed in an attic. Or how two boys fell in love in the midst of a bloody coup.

Crown Witness by @slytherco [70k]

After the war, wizarding society is oppressed by a new kind of plague—an organised crime group calling itself the Family. When Harry Potter goes to interrogate a potential witness, he doesn’t expect to end up on the run again, trying to keep Draco Malfoy alive, while a manhunt follows in their footsteps, adamant on eliminating the one witness that could ruin everything. In which Harry and Draco learn that the way to each other might just have to go through the dingiest hotels in Britain.

Eclipse by Mijan [287k]

"You're dead, Potter... I'm going to make you pay..." Draco swore his revenge on Harry for Lucius's imprisonment, and Harry all but laughed at him. But Draco is planning more than schoolyard pranks this time. The old rivalry turns deadly when Draco abducts Harry for Voldemort. It's the perfect plan, guaranteeing revenge, power, and prestige, all in one blow. But when Draco's world turns upside down, the fight to save himself and Harry begins, and the battle will take them both through hell and back. If they come back.

Hermione Granger's Hogwarts Crammer for Delinquents on the Run by @waspabi [93k]

'You're a wizard, Harry' is easier to hear from a half-giant when you're eleven, rather than from some kids on a tube platform when you're seventeen and late for work.

Oh, Sinnerman by @lou-isfake and @babooshkart [40k]

“I’m serious, Potter,” Malfoy said quietly. “That was some real bad luck you had, being there last night. They will come after you, and they will kill you—after torturing you for information on my whereabouts.” He pocketed Harry’s wand, but held on to his knife, twirling it between his fingers. Harry was distracted by its movement, the reflections of the bright, dawning sun on polished silver. “I’m not happy about it, either, but you’re stuck with me for the foreseeable future.”   He watched Malfoy’s face for a long time, in a staring contest he wasn’t sure he’d signed up for. Stuck with Malfoy, for the foreseeable future, on the run from a massive crime syndicate that had infiltrated the Ministry and was out for their blood. It was all very familiar, except for the Malfoy part.

REVOLVEVLOVER by @firethesound and @lol-zeitgeistic [88k]

The work Harry does is justifiable. It’s justice. He works for his country, and his country is a republic—the magical side, anyway. It’s not laudable work, it’s not work he’s proud of, but it’s necessary work. Harry has always taken the necessary jobs that no one else has the stomach for. It’s just that he’s never deciphered a kill sheet and seen Draco Malfoy’s name on it.

A Sword Laid Aside by @korlaena [128k]

When Draco’s cover is blown during a deep undercover operation and the Ministry is compromised, Ron takes Draco to the only safe place he can think of—Harry. Hiding out with Harry Potter, who has been missing from the Wizarding World for almost two decades after a shocking fall from grace, is nothing like Draco thought it would be.

I hope you enjoy these stories as much as I did!

[wildflowerwoodsworld]

Wild's Black Clover Fic Recs Part Two

This is part two of the list, but I'm putting all the same stuff that was at the top of the other list here too. This is the shippy list

So, I've seen a lot of these floating around over the years and they all seem to have the same dozen fics on them, so I want to try and highlight some of the lesser known fics in this fandom I love alongside some of the more well-known ones. (Note: I have done my best to avoid reccing more than three/four fics by the same person to make sure plenty of authors make it onto the list, not just the popular ones)

This is not just my tastes, I have asked a lot of other people in this fandom for their own fic recs to compile into this list.

Disclaimer: despite my best attempts to be unbiased with this list, I'm human. There are some amazing fics that I haven't personally read bc they contain my NOTPs or tags I don't like or they just squick me out. This is not a complete list of fics in the fandom you should read. This is a list of fics I, and my friends, like.

I will also not be including any purely smut fics on this list.

Wordcounts have been rounded to the nearest 1000 words. They might be slightly longer or slightly shorter than the wordcount listed.

With that being said, let's get into it!

Popular Ship Fics

The Plan by ThisHopeIsADangerousThing

Rating: M Ships: YamiChar Length: 48k When Yami kisses Charlotte in an attempt to win a bet, he's unaware that their colleagues, families and friends think that he's proposed, and equally unaware that he was the cause of her broken heart. Going along with the engagement seems like the easiest solution until he discovers three things: a violent plot against the kingdom, a secret organisation hidden in plain sight and his growing feelings for her.

Not a Wink by eclipsingbinary

Rating: T Ships: YamiFin Length: 4k Finral remembers Yami saying that he couldn't sleep a wink after Finral was hurt during the Royal Knights tournament. But Yami threatens to murder him most days, so Finral would be forgiven for thinking that Yami's exaggerating as normal. Yami isn't.

Broken Angel by Acacia_May

Rating: T Ships: Astelle Length: 5k Noelle Silva was used to being told what she couldn’t do. As a magicless child born inexplicably to the Royal House of Silva, her family had taken great care to hide her and her lack of mana from the rest of the world. However, despite being told over and over again that she would never amount to anything more than her family’s shameful secret, Noelle never gave up her dream to become a magic knight. When she joins the Black Bulls and meets Asta, an orphan from Hage who dreams of being the Wizard King despite his mana-draining magic having left him a social outcast, she begins to develop a new dream: a dream to fight by his side and to protect him just as he has always rushed to her defense and always watched over her like a guardian angel. But all dreams come at a price… Written for Astelle Week 2022. Rated for action sequences & thematic elements. Thank you for reading!! <3

Black Clover Soulmate Tattoo AU (Series) by Oighear

Rating: M Ships: Astelle, Nozessa, Zobra, YamiWill, Finral/Finesse Length: 685k In a world where magic is everything, there is one thing even magic can't do anything about: Fate. As Fate inks the soulmates' first words to each other on their skins, the humans who are toyed with struggle to come to terms with what it means to have their destinies tied together. Diverges from canon from the Spade Invasion

Last of the real ones (Ongoing) by Willows_Bend (Katy_Stark)

Rating: T Ships: Magluck, YamiFin Length: 14k An AU where Magna, Vanessa, and Finral are all petty criminals in Clover City, and the rest of the Black Bulls are police. They're pretty harmless and more irritating than anything else. Still, the law is the law. But until Clover City Police Department manage to get hard evidence of their crimes, they're off the hook - at least as far as Police Captain Yami Sukehiro is concerned. Though, this is the first time Magna has actually had to use Plan C.

The Dragon and the Mage by CloversDreams

Rating: T Ships: MagLuck Length: 7k Every few days like clockwork the hotheaded mage showed up and challenged him to a fight. Luck hadn’t turned him down once. No matter how many times he lost, or Luck broke those silly glasses he wore, the guy always declared he’d return. And he did. Luck had started to anticipate his arrival. Their battles were a surprising amount of fun. The mage learned from all their previous scuffles and tried to trip him up, but Luck’s battle instinct was on a level all its own. He wouldn’t lose. It was probably around the six or seventh time that Luck actually greeted the mage with a ‘hello, human’. He was immediately attacked with a fireball and told not to call the guy that. Luck smiled from ear to ear as he easily dodged the flames. He moved lightning fast until he was nose to nose with the mage. He had a wild look in his wide eyes when he asked what he should call the human then. A grin spread across his face when he actually received an answer. Then he sent the guy flying backwards with one punch. This ordeal continued for weeks and Luck hadn’t tired of it yet. Humans were boring. Except for one. Luck rather liked the tenacious fire mage called Magna.

Of Course It's You by CloversDreams

Rating: T Ships: MagLuck Length: 4k Soulmates. The idea was a whisper which traveled along a breeze that stopped every now and again to tell its tale to random passersby. The concept was so obscure these days that it was nearly forgotten to history. Those that did recall never spoke of it. Most brushed it off without a second thought. The idea wasn’t widely recognized since society deemed it ridiculous. And for good reason, too. According to legend, there was only one known way to identify soulmates, which was by a mark that appeared on both of them. It might’ve been reasonable enough if not for the conditions necessary for the mark to appear. This was where things got so ludicrous that no one could bring themselves to accept that the tales were based in truth. According to the whispers upon the wind, soulmarks didn’t activate until the pair fell in love. Ridiculous. Absolute nonsense. Whose brilliant idea was that?

Over My Heart by JohnnyCremains

Rating: T Ships: MagLuck Length: 1k The names on their skin may have been the mana’s way of pointing out those who would impact them, but it was up to them to determine how. Magna has thought about things more than he’d like to admit.

Darker yet Darker by Ccaprico

Rating: Not Rated Ships: YamiChar Length: 1k Because darkness will always do what darkness does best: corrupt.

Keeping Score by solarwitchwrites

Rating: M Ships: YamiFin Length: 92k Even people who've known Yami for less than five minutes usually agree that he's an ass. Those who've known him a bit longer usually tack on, 'sadistic bastard.' If they really know him, they might throw in that he's a decent guy underneath it all, but that's what they always start with. By contrast, Yami is probably the only person who would use those terms to describe Finral. Then again, so far as Yami knows, he's the only one Finral's really shown that side to. Though he's gotten a bit snarkier with the Bulls. It almost makes Yami pity all the girls who only see the playboy routine. The real Finral is a hell of a lot more fun to mess with. (A while back on tumblr I posted a YamiFin headcanon about Finral secretly being a little shit, and this is the fic-child of that headcanon. Basically, the Keeping Score ficverse is a bunch of oneshots wherein Yami and Finral start out as friends who mess with each other as a running joke, and eventually become lovers who mess with each other as a running joke.)

Green, Pink, and Grayscale by juviin

Rating: G Ships: Astelle Length: 3k Soulmates are a thing of the past, or at least, they should be. So why does the youngest child of the royal Silva family see no colors? Asunoe Soulmate AU where you can't see color until you lock eyes with your soulmate.

Rarepair Fics

Marriage Mishap (ongoing) by nodanova15

Rating: T Ships: SilverMantis Length: 26k Nozel snapped. “I’m already married.” The lie came unexpectedly easy, and the second his words caught up with him, he cursed himself. “What?” To his side, Fuegoleon startled, eyes wide, and mouth slightly gaping. “What!?” Nebra looked far worse than his cousin. “What do you mean— You’re married!?” Or Nozel gets caught up on a lie that drags none other than the notorious Jack The Ripper into his (personal)life.

wildest dreams (because falling's not the problem) (Series) by IAmStoryteller

Rating: M Ships: YunoMimoLang Length: 85k I accidentally started a Yuno/Langris/Mimosa series, oops.

distance (Crossover) by Funky_Sea_Cryptid

Rating: T Ships: RuMagLuck Length: 26k Magna Swing is reaped for the 64th Annual Hunger Games. The odds were never in his favor to begin with.

(i think) i love you by Falahime

Rating: M Ships: YamiNacht Length: 10k Yami woke, eyes bloodshot and rimmed with dark circles, and just stared at the ceiling. Okay, just because he was having the most vivid wet dreams he’d had since he was a teenager (which was also when he met Nacht, but that had to be coincidence, right?) did not mean he was in love with the guy— With an irritated groan, Yami grabbed his pillow and shoved it over his face and let out a yell, trying to smother the sound and himself both. Rating: M Ships: YamiNacht Length: 10k Yami woke, eyes bloodshot and rimmed with dark circles, and just stared at the ceiling. Okay, just because he was having the most vivid wet dreams he’d had since he was a teenager (which was also when he met Nacht, but that had to be coincidence, right?) did not mean he was in love with the guy— With an irritated groan, Yami grabbed his pillow and shoved it over his face and let out a yell, trying to smother the sound and himself both.

"It's Called Breakfast, Stupid." by bvchivtvriko

Rating: T Ships: YamiJack Length: 4k The rituals are intricate, and Jack's deciding to slice them up a bit.

The Awful Edges Where You End by Bean_Market_Mafia, Funky_Sea_Cryptid

Rating: M Ships: YamiNacht Length: 63k Seven years after he gained a gruesome gift that he didn’t want, Yami Sukehiro moves from a temp job in San Francisco into a broken-down estate in Maine. It’s expensive and busted to hell, but it’s a place that finally, finally seems empty. This kind of story only goes one way. Watch to see if the silverware has turned black. Watch to see if the table has begun to rot. If the blood from the wall starts to glisten like oil and decay, the door will be lost to you, and you will be left with nothing but your sins to contend with.

I Can't Say Anything Clever, But Let's Chase a Cat Together by JadeGM

Rating: T Ships: YamiMorgen Length: 3k In which the Black Bulls' hideout actually is haunted, and Luck can vaguely sense/hear ghosts. ...Gordon can do it too, but nobody can hear him most of the time, so it barely comes up.

Thawing Of A Frozen Heart by eclipsingbinary, Firefutte

Rating: T Ships: YunoLang Length: 48k Daily News Exclusive: Business Scandal of the Century The esteemed owners of Vauditren Real Estate and Industrial Developments, Ledior and Liliane Vaude, were arrested at their city penthouse yesterday evening. The billion dollar company and its assets have been frozen as part of the police investigation. At the time of going to press, further details have not not been made public. A police spokesman declined our request for an interview. There has been no official comment from the company's public relations department. Board members, including the Vaudes' son and heir, Langris Vaude, were unreachable. -- Finral read the article one more time. This was bad. This was very bad. (The story where Langris Vaude loses everything, and gains more than he ever thought he could have.)

my song, my sorrow, and i (Ongoing, Crossover) by Funky_Sea_Cryptid

Rating: T Ships: Fuegoleon/Salamander Length: 47k After repeated failures, and with his devotion to the God he worships waning, Fuegoleon Vermillion is given one last chance to prove himself.

the fabula crepidata (Ongoing) by Bean_Market_Mafia

Rating: M Ships: Fuegoleon/Salamander Length: 46k With his confidence in his abilities shattered after losing his arm, Fuegoleon is enlisted to take on a case that hits a little too close to home.

The Hangover by subtleassiduities

Rating: T Ships: Solid/Langris, Silva Family Length: 13k After waking up in a strange predicament with a certain Vaude, Solid flounders to figure out what he did during a blackout while also dealing with an unexpected obstacle: A crush. He achieves neither goal with ease, but he does achieve both!

Black Heart Scarring Darker Still by AvaCelt

Rating: T Ships: William/Patri Length: 2k William knows he's a coward, but even cowards can love, and if Zenon wants to hurt the other half of his heart, then William has no problem becoming the Devil himself. [William/Patolli, canon divergence, spoilers up to chapter 262]

Heart of the Ocean, Love of the Sea by AvaCelt

Rating: T Ships: YamiJack Length: 2k Four hundred pounds of muscle and a sword don't mean anything anymore, but lesser men have loved and been loved in return, so why can't Yami Sukehiro? [Yami/Jack, post-rescue, canon divergence, spoilers up to chapter 262]

Hey, Little Songbird, Cat Got Your Tongue? by AvaCelt

Rating: T Ships: LumiNero, Nero & The Bulls Length: 2k Secre Swallowtail atones for her sins by looking after a family of misfits. Somewhere in Hell, Zagred laughs at her, and Secre finds herself laughing with him. [one-sided Secre/Lumiere, parental!Secre & Asta, parental!Secre & the Black Bulls, canon compliant but explores Black Clover demon lore]

Crossing the Line by eclipsingbinary, WildflowerWoods

Rating: M Ships: YunoLang, Langris & the Golden Dawn, Finral & Langris As a the out of favour Vaude son, his useless spatial magic would never be what his family desired, no matter how hard he tried to force it into shapes it would never become. His long-term survival depended on being of use, and as he reached grimoire age, his use was rapidly running out. He knew they would never let him reach fifteen. Somehow, against the odds, he survives and works out how to live a life that he never expected to have. There are people who help him find a place in a new family where he is loved. He has a squad and a future, even if he is never without the consequences of that last night in Tota. Then the death of the King brings history crashing into the life he made for himself, and with it comes the brother he never expected to see again.

Oh What Am I Supposed to Do Without You? by supernaturalgrant

Rating: T Ships: FuegoNozel Length: 13k “Mercury poisoning.” The silence that follows Owen's statement is deafening. The occupants of the room share looks of utter confusion. “That’s like saying Fuegoleon has third-degree burns from that cool ass fire arm situation he has going on.” Yami’s the first to break it. Or: Nozel is diagnosed with mercury poisoning and forced to give his magic up until the can find a cure. Chaos ensues.

Ubi Amor, Ibi Dolor by supernaturalgrant

Rating: T Ships: FuegoNozel Length: 17k “He’s dumb as fuck.” She asserts bluntly. It surprises an honest laugh out of Nozel, which seems to amuse her slightly. “You know that, right?” “I can’t force him to be with me, Mereoleona. Even I am not that high-reaching.” He tells her honestly. Or- Fuegoleon and Nozel break up when Nozel is promoted to the Silver Eagles captain, neither of them really knows why.

[kanonavi]

2024 XVX Fic Recs!

Hi everyone, I hope you're having a lovely and restful holiday season! Last year around this time, I posted 10* xvx recommendations, and since I haven't gotten tired of this lovely ship, or meticulously tracking all of the fics I read in a year, I'm back for year 2!

As with any rec list, please keep an eye on the ratings and tags of any given fic. My tastes might not be to your tastes, and that's okay, just make sure to take care of yourselves first and foremost. This especially applies now because there will be a couple of explicit fics that I shout out this year. Now, here's 10** fics that I read this year that I think other fans of xvx would enjoy!

*Plus a few extras ;)

**With the return of a few extras, since I like y'all so much ;))

~

Lighthouse, by HuaFeiHua (@hua-fei-hua) [Ongoing, Teen, 20.3k, 5/15 chapters]

When one of Xiao’s endless battles against the remnants of old gods leads to the slaughter of an innocent child, the guilty adeptus knows he must pay penance for his crimes. However, upon meeting with his Lord, ready and willing to be executed, Rex Lapis refuses to terminate their contract before its due time. Instead, he sends the yaksha to the Land of Dreams, where he is to spend a human lifetime hunting nightmares to atone. Xiao expects it to be lonesome work, but then: enter Venti, a bard from Mondstadt whose dreams of a castle with a lighthouse by the sea somehow draw Xiao back to him time and time again. And while Xiao means only to spend the century executing his duty, Venti somehow manages to make their time spent together into something almost like a sweet dream. Now if only Xiao would let him.

HuaFeiHua is our first returning author from last year’s list, but now that they’ve not only emerged from the Anonymous collection but also started posting their love letter to xiaoven, I couldn’t not include it here. If there’s any fic that knows how to do atmosphere, it’s this one. The liminal unreality of dreams is captured immaculately in this fic, and it makes the perfect setting for Venti and Xiao to dance around their emotions and each other like the avoidant disasters that they are. It manages to read exactly like the fairy tales that it was inspired by while also feeling right at home in the centuries that exist before Genshin canon, and for someone like me who loves canon setting fics, that’s more than I could have ever asked for.

Now, I was going to make a joke about nepotism but then Hua told me that the correct term is– *checks smudged writing on my palm* “cronyism”, so actually I give up.

~

Extra Rec: While Hua has many fantastic fics that you can now find easily in one place after their liberation from the Anonymous collection, I want to specifically shout out the absolute full course meal of a smut fic that they posted for their de-anoning debut. Do mind the Explicit Rating, though.

~

Catching Air, by Sub_Reality (Twitter: @/sub_reality__) [Ongoing, Teen, 164k, 13/21 chapters]

“Your assignment,” Ningguang said, “Is to assist the Ordo Favonius of Mondstadt in dismantling a newly-surfaced criminal organisation that goes by the name of the ‘Abyssi Familia’.” Exactly one week into their new positions, the 115th generation of the Liyue Qixing’s secret elite forces are given their first assignment; to take down a major criminal syndicate that is surfacing in their neighbouring nation of Mondstadt. Consisting of 5 of the most dangerous personnel across databases continent-wide, their assignment will conclude when all five of their targets are arrested, subdued, or dead. However, of the five is an enigmatic mercenary by the name of Arsenic - holding claim to the highest current kill count, and without a single failed hit. They are notorious for their weaponization of toxins, their mysterious escapes from assassinations, and for their distinguishing feature of not having a single shred of information or data regarding them. Something which, the Ordo Favonius emphasises, is highly concerning. With the arcane nature of Arsenic and the Abyssi Familia, one could say the Yakshas have quite the unpredictable mission ahead of them.

If you’ve ever wanted to be blown away by worldbuilding in a fic, this is one to read. With an incredible eye for detail, the author has reconstructed Teyvat in a far-off cyberpunk future that offers just as much fast-paced secret agent action as it does cultural details of the futuristic Mondstadt that the story inhabits. In terms of xiaoven, the burn is slow with this one, but Xiao and his fellow Yakshas (reimagined with their own mortal identities and personalities) have more than managed to carry the story so far. The mystery just hit a big reveal in recent chapters, so if there’s any time to start reading this one, it would be now!

~

the memory department, by twomooncorner (@earlgreyhui) [General Audiences, 3k, One-Shot, Archive-Locked]

The site of the memory debris takes a bus ride and a half to get to, past a billboard with flapping holes torn through, an abandoned gas station, and a sign for an old water park standing on only two rusted legs. The mountains reach halfway around, and the lakebed which might have started as a meteorite crater and then filled with water and then went back to being a crater again is shiny and hard. Venti hops off the bus and opens a can of soda with his teeth. Let’s get to work, he says.

I told myself I was only going to include one of the fics from Moonlight Melody, but I just couldn’t resist this one. I love the concept of the afterlife as a deeply dull bureaucracy, so seeing Venti and Xiao working as reapers at the very bottom of the ladder was incredibly interesting. But then that premise was executed with some absolutely stunning prose that stole my breath away. This fic has an alluring quality that draws you in until you’re lost in the moment it encompasses just as deeply as the characters are. I’d linger for thousands of words more if I could.

~

If Any Lesser, I, by twodimensionaltrash (Bluesky: @/novelelitist.bsky.social) [General Audiences, 3k, One-Shot]

'A mighty paw swipes at him. He twists his upper body to evade and stumbles back. The demon’s leg passes through the spear like it’s nothing. Like he’s nothing. He hates it. Claws and fists. Teeth and nails. They push and pull, hunter and prey, switching roles on instinct. Andrius puts Xiao on his back foot. Xiao chases Andrius to the edge of cliffs. The laughter of children echoes in Xiao’s head, accompanied by the songs of a bard. Beneath the lowest notes there’s the roar of flames, the flicker of a candle before life burns out, and in the center of it, him. In the midst of a nightmare, Xiao is pulled into Venti's dreams.

The first thing that drew me to this fic was the characterization, which was both intimate and irreverent in a way that felt super refreshing to my thoroughly xiaoven-enchanted brain. Then it follows up with a super interesting discussion of karmic debt and erosion that puts a spin on the game’s portrayals of the phenomena and yet feels right at home in the setting all the same. This was my favorite fic from the Moonlight Melody anthology, and I’m just glad it got crossposted so I can sing its praises in this list!

~

collateral damage, by connections [Teen, 1.8k, One-Shot]

Another bite. Almonds carry only the smallest hint of bitterness with them that reminds him all the same of who he is, and of what he has done, and of how much it hurts. Another bite. He’s pretty sure he deserves this. Violence is the only language he has ever known.

This fic is more a Xiao character study with a dash of xiaoven for flavor, but I still wanted to include it as an example of finely-aged xiaoven vintage. Xiao’s desperation to be loved by Venti but also by Morax is palpable, an ever-tragic contrast against the weight of his karmic debts and the blood on his hands. It was a pleasant surprise to see the gentleness that this author gave to Xiao, especially with all the edge that the game characterized him with at the time. That gentleness has been important to me ever since I fell down the xiaoven rabbit hole, so there’s something nice about seeing it in a fic posted before I would have even known his name.

~

now i see (holding you close), by esperra [Explicit, 5.8k, One-Shot]

“Did that feel good?” Venti asks gently. He cups Xiao’s cheek; Xiao leans into the touch almost on instinct. “I don’t… I’ve never done this before,” Xiao says. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.” “Whatever feels good, my love. That’s all that matters.”

As I’ve noted a couple times in the past in tag games and the like, xiaoven is actually pretty different from my previous shipping pedigree, and nothing reminds me of that more than the fact that a lot of xiaoven smut just isn’t to my personal tastes. This fic, however, managed to break that streak! If you’re looking for something steamy, this fic probably won’t do it for you, but if you enjoy the way that the relationships between characters can be explored through sexual intimacy, this is definitely one to read. I just think it’s sweet when two characters who love each other have sex that’s very deeply Okay and only love each other more for it.

~

carry my fears as the heavens set fire, by yanrans (Twitter: @/yanrans) [Teen, 25.6k, One-Shot]

“Dear Yaksha, do you remember me?” The boy wraps his hands around Xiao’s; even through his gloves, he can feel heat, thick and heady, sink deep into his skin. The fire licks his bones, clawing secrets in the cracks in its surface. Xiao knows better than to let himself burn, knows that Liyue is worth more than his scorched ashes, but this is a dream. This is a dream, so there are no battles to fight, no duties to follow. The boy can strike a match on Xiao’s skin, and Xiao can watch as all his armor dissolves in smoke. The boy tugs, and Xiao comes unmoored. In which Xiao and Venti meet in a series of dreams. Sort of.

There’s something quintessentially xiaoven about this fic that I could taste only a few thousand words in. This fic has it all, from Xiao’s desire to do good battling with his fear of hurting everything he touches, to Venti’s gentle insistence on working his way into Xiao’s good graces with his indomitable charm, all with a splash of corruption angst for a bit of extra spice. If you’re looking for canonverse fics, this definitely deserves to go on your list.

~

to be unbroken and brave again, by magicites (Bluesky: @/ellsyx.bsky.social) [Complete, Teen, 36.4k, 3/3 chapters]

“What could I possibly have to forgive you for?” Venti asks. What could Xiao say? There are so many answers. For trying to grant him freedom and only giving him the same power that’s doomed to tear him apart. For hearing that Morax died so long after he did. For starving for his touch so selfishly. For letting him be lonely. There’s so much; they tangle in his throat. “For making you wait,” he settles on. “Ehe, I'll forgive you, but only if you play a duet with me tomorrow." He has work to do, but— “Yes.” - How the duty-chained Anemo Archon and the Trickster Yaksha found freedom.

When it comes to a prompt as classic as a roleswap, it’s the details that really make a story, and this fic absolutely has it made. As the second returning author from last year, I’ve made it clear that I adore magicites’ work, but the way that she broke down Xiao and Venti’s characters and reconstructed them as a plausible Anemo Archon and Yaksha blew my mind as I was reading this fic. It’s the friction that arises from their roles that makes xiaoven a compelling ship: Venti as the Anemo Archon went out of his way to free not only his people but also himself from the chains of rulership that constrained them before, while Xiao as a Yaksha is bound to Liyue by his contract despite the freedom that he craves. For those roles to then be switched while having the conflicts that bind the characters remain is a truly impressive feat that makes this story totally worth the read.

~

A Surefire Guide to Wingmanning, by corviidae (@corviidaees) [Complete, Teen, 19.1k, 2/2 chapters]

Illuminated by the glow of gold-scorched parchment, the harsh lines of Xiao’s face smoothen into confusion, then resignation. He takes a steadying breath. “You aren’t leaving.” “I’m bound to you until I find you love,” Venti corrects. “Yeah, so you aren’t leaving.” “Wrong! I have a hot streak of success.” Venti claps his hands, the contract scrolling back up into non-existence. “Now that you understand, shall we start over? My name’s Venti, and I’m your assigned Cupid. Your wingman, if you will.” “... Xiao.” Or: Xiao is, maybe, a little in love with his Cupid. Venti does not catch on.

I first read this fic back in 2021 and had one particular line from it permanently branded into my memory (that you’re gonna have to read it to hear!), so I was delighted to find that it still holds up beautifully. This fic lives up to its “Sitcom” tag, because it managed to pull smiles and laughs out of me left and right as Venti tries (emphasis on tries) to find Xiao the perfect partner. It’s an incredibly sweet, comfy read, and I think that’s what we all need in our lives sometimes.

~

if these wings could fly, by MaximillianDelirium (@delirious-dove) [Complete, Teen, 145.7k, 35/35 chapters]

To Xiao, Barbatos was the embodiment of everything he was not: happy, free, fully confident in who he was. His music made the shadows in Xiao’s head retreat. They were all about living life to the fullest, having hope when the world was turned against you, and having fun (something that was almost entirely foreign to Xiao). And now he was going to have to give away all his albums, delete Barbatos’ songs off his phone, and never listen to his music again. Just looking at the albums lined up on the shelf made Xiao cringe. He’d thought that if he ever did get a chance to meet his idol, it would be in a controlled space. He would have said something normal, like, Your music means a lot to me. Then he would’ve shaken Barbatos’ hand, gotten an autograph, and lived out the rest of his life in peace. Xiao’s idol had watched him punch a guy in the stomach. Since Zhongli's early retirement, Xiao's life has been aimless. But a chance encounter sets him on a new and uncharted path.

It only took another year, but in the end I managed to complete the trifecta of xiaoven idol aus. This is one of those fics where you can blink and suddenly five chapters have gone by, because it’s just that engrossing. It has all of the drama and intrigue that one would expect from a celebrity au while still maintaining the typical, down-to-earth chemistry that draws Xiao and Venti together. You know a story is good when it has me pulling out the popcorn for miscommunication plotlines instead of closing the tab, and it’s not only xiaoven, but the entirety of the well-loved ensemble cast that come together to make this the enthralling story that it is.

~

Extra Recs: Not only does this fic have a beautiful epilogue where xiaoven get the happily ever after that they deserve, but there’s also an entire series that features several of the side pairings from this fic’s universe, which are also worth checking out!

~

That's a wrap on another year! If you got this far, thank you so much, and I hope I've given you some new fics for your to-read list! This year, I feel like I did a lot more reading back compared to the year before. Some of these fics I only read because they were recommended to me by fellow fans, which I appreciate so much, but it could also mean that there are fewer hidden gems this year than the last, so I hope you can forgive me.

I'm looking forward to what next year will bring, and hopefully I'll be back with even more fics to share! Happy holidays to all, and much love <3

[ladyaj-13]

June 2023 - 28th Appreciation

Welcome to my June 2023 rec list! Featuring Zouis, gen fic and Larry.

Zouis

let's get naked and explore (our inner secrets) - we_are_the_same - One Direction (Band) [Archive of Our Own] @so-why-let-your-voice-be-tamed - E, 8k, 2023 - daddy kink, wankfest, AU. I loved this dynamic, the humour… I’m just so intrigued by this version of their characters. 

Gen

(now I realize that the world outside) it's bigger than me - we_are_the_same - One Direction (Band) [Archive of Our Own] @so-why-let-your-voice-be-tamed - T, 3k, 2023 - canon divergence, asexuality, coming out. I loved this. So… heart-warming sounds kind of corny? And corny is the last thing this fic is, but. Yeah. I just loved it. 

Larry

Completely Oblivious - hazzahtomlinson - One Direction (Band) [Archive of Our Own] @itsnotreal - G, 1k, 2023 - idiots/friends to lovers. This is such a cute fic. I love these oblivious idiots.

Harry, That Kills People - LadyLondonderry - One Direction (Band) [Archive of Our Own] @londonfoginacup - T, 2k, 2023 - organised crime, crack, wankfest. I adored this fic. See my comment if you want to see my squealing, but it contained too many spoilers to re-post here. But really. It’s simply excellent.

Ahead in the Count - kingsofeverything - One Direction (Band) [Archive of Our Own] @kingsofeverything - E, 2k, 2023 - baseball players AU, wankfest. I loved this fic. What a situation…!

Trying to Find the Words (To Say For Ages) - InsightfulInsomniac - One Direction (Band) [Archive of Our Own] @insightfulinsomniac - E, 6k, 2023 - uni AU, friends to lovers, pining, roommates. This fic is just so funny, cute, and I love the ending.

–

And if you’ve been taken over by the Ted Lasso fandom at any point, or just love pining/OT3/idiots to lovers, please check out Hospital Ball (Jamie Tartt's Adventures in Matchmaking) - dannyPURO - Ted Lasso (TV) [Archive of Our Own].

[securitybreach]

Frostiron Mafia AU Rec List

I made this moodboard for the @frostironflashbingo​ (Card 2: Mafia AU, April to June 2022). It was supposed to be an outline for a fic. The working title was ‘The Other Bodyguard’, but the storyline grew far too complicated and then it just died on me.

So sorry!

To appease the admirable mods of said event, I decided to make the following organised crime themed rec list and sort it into chronological order:

* Climbing the Ladder by FandomFluid (2019), rating: teen and up audience

* Ended With The Night by KiwiWrites (2019), rating: mature (4 chapters, unfinished)

* Three Taps by Rabentochter (2019), rating: explicit

* Kind Invitations (and the Importance of Manners) by LadyRosa (2020), rating: teen and up audiences

* That Boy Next Door (He's a Real Hit) by STARSdidathing (2022), rating: teen and up audiences

[newjerseyvampires]

where's the link to that fic though,,

this one? i’m gonna hope you mean this one

i’ll message u the link !!! just because of the spoiler in the tags. it’s fairly easy 2 forget after a while though just because the fic is so lengthy !

[mansplainmanipulatemalewife]

Anyone else tired of only ever finding destiel recs?

Here's a rec list made for all the great fics that get buried because they're not destiel. It's collaborative, so if you read anything particularly good feel free to send it my way; I'm not taking rpf, w* fics or destiel-centric fics but anything else is welcome.

Chromacity by @crossroads-consoul

Relationships: Sam Winchester/Gabriel, background Dean Winchester/Castiel

Tone: Plot-heavy, slow burn

Genre: Urban fantasy, crime thriller

Warnings: References to domestic abuse, drug use, organised crime, graphic descriptions of murder 

173, 315 words       🟨

Law student and closet psychic Sam Winchester gets sucked into a world of mystery and peril when he begins spending time with the nomadic P.I. who frequents his workplace.

The writing is great once the author has found their feet, but where this fic really excels is the worldbuilding. The pacing is phenomenal too, with the shorter serial killer storylines balancing out the very slow burn and gradual reveals about the world across the series.

Submitted by @mansplainmanipulatemalewife

----

Kidnapping, Car Thefts and Other Hazards of Dating by CrowleyLovesUSUK

Relationships: Sam Winchester/Gabriel, background Dean Winchester/Castiel

Tone: Comedic, high stakes

Genre: Human AU, crime thriller

Warnings: Kidnapping, arson, organised crime implied/referenced child abuse, implied/referenced torture, references to SA

79, 659 Words 🟥

When faking your own kidnapping, it's generally considered wise to avoid actually getting kidnapped in the process.

The characterisations of Cas and Gabriel especially are delightful in this one, managing to fit the tone and style of the AU without losing their authenticity, and the author does a fantastic job with keeping tension high while keeping everything lighthearted and witty.

Submitted by @mansplainmanipulatemalewife

----

Straight from the Heart (Marry Me) by @demonicsoulmates

Relationships: Dean Winchester/Gabriel

Tone: Fluff

Genre: Slice of life

Warnings: none <3

1216 words 🟨

A lazy Saturday.

This one's only short, but it manages that fluffy tone without feeling childish or saccharine, and does it without becoming ooc.

Submitted by @mansplainmanipulatemalewife

----

Some Things Never Change by Zana_Zira

Relationships: Dean Winchester & Sam Winchester

Tone: Whump + comfort

Genre: Cannon complient, slice of life

Warnings: vomiting

4775 words 🟢

Sam falls ill for the first time since returning from Stanford, and it's bad.

The tone is spot-on for early spn, especially when it comes to the dialogue.

Submitted by @the-slythering-raven

----

Sweetshop Shenanigans by Aria_Lerendeair

Relationships: Sam Winchester/Gabriel

Tone: pre-smut

Genre: Human AU, meet-cute

Warnings: None

1051 Words 🟨

Sam gets his hot chocolate after a long day of college courtesy of an extremely flirtatious barrista.

Part of a longer and *spicier* series - strong characterisations and they have great chemistry.

Submitted by @emotionalsupportknife

----

All About Ramen by LiberAmens414

Relationships: Sam Winchester/Gabriel

Tone: Whump + comfort

Genre: Human AU

Warnings: Food insecurity, hunger, mental health issues

2484 Words 🟨

Sam weighs up whether or not it's worth fighting a stranger for the last pack of Ramen.

From a technical standpoint it's a very well-written fic, but what really stands out is the sense of compassion woven through it.

Submitted by @the-slythering-raven

----

Bad Faith by sheepishlion

Relationships: none

Tone: serious

Genre: case fic

Warnings: heavy discussion of bodily autonomy, guilt, character death, allusions to disordered eating and self harm

5851 words 🟢

Sam and Jimmy talk angelic posession

This whole fic is so hard-hitting you would not believe truly some unforgettable lines

Submitted by @mansplainmanipulatemalewife

[redfurrycat]

🏆📖✈️TOP GUN Fic Recs Masterlist✈️📖🏆

⬇️⬇️Below the Cut⬇️⬇️

Pairings

—🤠🐓—

Recs List 1 (Last update - 17-06-24)

Recs List 2

Recs List 3

Recs List 4 (Last update - 24-09-23)

Recs List 5 (Last update - 30-09-23)

—☃️🏍️—

Recs List 1 (Last update - 18-02-24)

Recs List 2

Characters

Beau "Cyclone" Simpson (Last update - 05-01-25)

Nick "Goose" Bradshaw (Last update - 20-07-24)

Themed

—Special Formats—

5+1 {🤠🐓} (Last update - 05-01-25) > 5+1 {☃️🏍️} (Last update - 19-05-24)

Chat, Epistolary & Social Media {🤠🐓} (Last update - 01-11-24)

—Special Events—

Christmassy "Ho-Ho-Ho" Fics {🤠🐓} (Last update - 03-02-24) > Valentine's Day {🤠🐓} (Last update - 22-02-24)

—Relationship Status—

Fake/Pretend Relationship {🤠🐓} (Last update - 05-01-25) > Marriage Fic Recs {🤠🐓} (Last update - 30-11-24) > Childhood Friends-Sweethearts {🤠🐓} (Last update - 20-07-24) > Getting Back Together (Part One & Part Two) {🤠🐓}

Kid Fic - Single Dad & Parents {🤠🐓} (Last update - 29-09-24) > Big Brother Bradley Bradshaw (Last update - 23-11-24)

—Proud to Be—

Trans Characters {🤠🐓} (Last update - 08-08-24) > Ace Characters {🤠🐓}

—Forbidden, Spicy and Citrus Fruit—

I'm a babygirl in a daddy's world {🤠🐓} > Daddy Klnk (Last update - 16-11-24) > Sugar Daddy (Last update - 07-05-24)

PWP {🤠🐓} > TO COME > Bosom!Hangman {🤠🐓} (Last update - 25-01-24) > The Chicken Peach & the Zenithal Cowboy {🤠🐓} (Last update - 16-11-24) > The Perched Rooster & the Brooded Texan {🤠🐓} > TO COME > Everywhere. Every-Fucking-Where. {🤠🐓} > TO COME

> Beautiful, Handsome, Pretty {🤠🐓} (Last update - 17-06-24)

—Top Gayn Canon-ish—

Post-Mission (Update Notice - 07-09-23 - I'm halfway done with the collecting of PM fics.. Wait for it, 'cause it's probably going to be several posts xD) > Post-Mission Aftermath > TO COME > Post-Mission Daggers Shenanigans > TO COME > Retelling, Backstory & cie {🤠🐓} (Last update - 01-11-24)

Navy - Not A Pilot!Bradley Bradshaw (Last update - 05-10-24) > Navy - Not A Pilot!Jake Seresin (Last update - 13-02-24) > Not Navy - Still A Flyboy At Heart {🤠🐓} (Last update - 21-04-24) > Top Gun Instructors > TO COME

The Daggers Discover Rooster's Navy Parentage, a.k.a Baby Goose and his Mavdad & Icepops > TO COME

—To Fly or Not to Fly?—

Daily Heroes {🤠🐓} (Last update - 25-12-24) > Spies & Secret Agents {🤠🐓} > Organised Crime {🤠🐓} (Last update - 22-12-24) > Vigilantes, Superheroes & Supervillains {🤠🐓} (Last update - 14-07-24)

Educational Occupations {🤠🐓} (Last update - 29-09-24) > High School & College/University {🤠🐓} (Last update - 03-06-24)

Flower & Tattoo Shops AU {🤠🐓} (Last update - 29-09-24) > Bakery & Coffee Shop AU {🤠🐓} (Last update - 21-12-24) > Chef, Bartender & Waiter {🤠🐓} (Last update - 14-07-24) > Mechanic AU {🤠🐓} (Last update - 16-11-24)

Musicians, Singers & Dancers {🤠🐓} (Last update - 26-09-24) > Music & Dancing within the Top Gun Verse {🤠🐓} (Last update - 11-08-24) > Actors & Celebrities {🤠🐓} (Last update - 30-06-24)

Royalty {🤠🐓} (Last update - 03-11-24) > Navy Prince, aka THE Nepo Baby > TO COME

Sports AU {🤠🐓} (Last update - 06-09-24)

—Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Fanfiction Tropes—

Hanahaki Disease {🤠🐓} (Last update - 17-04-24)

Mythological Creatures & Shapeshifters {🤠🐓} (Last update - 30-11-24) > Ghoost & Ethereal Beings (Last update - 04-02-24)

Omegaverse {🤠🐓} (Last update - 25-12-24)

Soulmates {🤠🐓} (Last update - 30-11-24)

Space AU {🤠🐓} (Last update - 04-08-24) > Time Travel/Loop & Reincarnation {🤠🐓/☃️🏍️} (Last update - 05-01-25)

—Special Tropes—

Amnesia & Memory Loss {🤠🐓} (Last update - 23-11-24)

A Rooster in Texas & Texan Jake "Hangman" Seresin (Vol.I) {🤠🐓} (Last update - 01-11-24) > Texan Jake "Hangman" Seresin (Vol. II) {🤠🐓} (Last update - 17-06-24)

Animal Companions {🤠🐓/☃️🏍️} (Last update - 28-09-24)

And They Were Roommates & Only One Bed {🤠🐓} (Last update - 30-11-24) > And They Were Neighbours {🤠🐓} > TO COME

Bodyswap, Mental Bond & Doppelgängers {🤠🐓} (Last update - 23-05-24)

—Media-based—

TV-Show & Movie-Based Fics (Last update - 14-09-24)

Pacific Rim Fusion (Last update - 14-01-24)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Requested

Iceman is Hangman's father (Last update - 01-11-24)

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Special Lists

Tumblr Writers {🤠🐓} (Draft) (Last update - 07-01-24)

Reccing the Reccers' Recced Fics Lists > TO COME

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

PssPss...

Drop an ask if you want me to find you a lost Hangster fic! 💕

If you want a specific Hangster recs list, I'm up to the challenge as well, although I ask for patience (it takes time to search & compile). 🤗

[bridenore]

HD Erised 2020 recs

Here are some of my favorite fics from @hd-erised 2020. Listed in alphabetical order.

***

Chain Me Up or Set Me Free by @alpha-exodus [12k]

This horrid bonding thing is all Potter’s fault, obviously. As for what comes after that? Draco’s not quite sure.

Crown Witness by @slytherco [70k]

After the war, wizarding society is oppressed by a new kind of plague—an organised crime group calling itself the Family.

When Harry Potter goes to interrogate a potential witness, he doesn’t expect to end up on the run again, trying to keep Draco Malfoy alive, while a manhunt follows in their footsteps, adamant on eliminating the one witness that could ruin everything.

In which Harry and Draco learn that the way to each other might just have to go through the dingiest hotels in Britain.

Forged through flowing water by @tedahfromtayla [40k]

When Hermione sets up a diplomatic mission to begin repairing the damage British colonisation did to Indian magical communities Harry isn’t going to pass on the opportunity to visit and help his family’s home country. Maybe he should have asked a few more questions about the personnel she had recruited for it before signing on because Malfoy surely has an ulterior motive to be there.

Or

Harry goes back to India to rediscover some of his lost roots. He meets Malfoy there. Hijinks ensue!

Heaven Through a Window by JocundaSykes [81k]

Life is going swimmingly for Draco: he’s a respected Healer, his son is excellent in every way, and none of his patients have died recently.

Then he gets landed with Perfect Potter and his hordes of stupid friends. It’s intolerable. But the more time Draco spends with the lonely boy from Surrey, the more he believes that there might be a hero within us all.

Hung (Up On You) by @gracerene09 [5k]

Harry doesn't see any need going all the way to St Mungo's just to heal up a scratch, but if Malfoy wants to take him home and heal Harry himself, he won't say no to that.

Knead by laughingd0g [83k]

This is not a story about Harry renovating Grimmauld Place.

This is a story about coffee shops and brewpubs, about Ginny and Luna on a farm with creatures, about magical Oregon, coastal road trips, flying, friendship, and Draco Malfoy's lean arms.

A Little Perseverance by @writcraft [19k]

Harry’s wand is dying and Draco’s flirtation with a magical matchmaking service is causing him no end of trouble. When Harry turns up at Draco’s shop looking for help, everything gets a lot more complicated.

Love and Paranoia by @sunnyeclipses [48k]

When Harry finds out his soulmate is none other than Draco Malfoy, he genuinely expects his life to go to shit. It doesn't help that Draco is an addict, coasting on reality-altering highs to feel something happy, something pure just once more before the comedown. What Harry doesn't expect is to care so much that it tears him apart at the seams.

A story about love, drugs, and getting better.

Not From Kindred Stock by @p1013   [45k]

"Potter!" Draco calls again, but this time he pauses at the sound of his voice. "Potter?"

Something is very wrong.

Because now that he's gained a little of his equilibrium back and the room is no longer spinning, Draco has a sinking realisation that his voice doesn't sound rough or gravelly, but rather different. Different like his vision and the feel of his body around his bones and the bloody goddammned fucking clothes on his—shagging Salazar, God fuck, this isn't his body.

Owl Was Well by @fencer-x [66k]

Draco Malfoy is not an owl, really he isn’t. He simply assumes the shape of one on occasion when he wants to find a bit of privacy—a goal entirely thwarted because Harry Potter doesn’t understand you can’t just grab any old bird from the Owlery and force it to send your missives and deliver your packages.

Sunseeker by @shiftylinguini [15k]

Harry is a struggling writer.

Namely, he is struggling with: writing his next book, dealing with his agent, finding a decent tea strainer, fielding his friend's concern over the aforementioned book, and figuring out who the cat loitering in his garden belongs to.

He also has a slight liking-Malfoy problem. Okay, he has a massive liking-Malfoy problem.

What Dreams May Come by @firethesound [36k]

If Harry had to get called into work on his day off, at least he was able to get Malfoy called in too.

***

I hope you enjoy these stories as much as I did!

[pynkhues]

A 2.06 Reading List

As a part of the re-watch, I’m now doing little fic rec posts focused on stories that were written around, about or for each episode! You can read the 1.06 - 2.05 posts here, and check out the 2.06 recs below!

Nothing But Trouble by vuucijl / @lilliloves​

(~4k words. Beth Boland, Rio. Beth x Rio. Explicit).

After negotiating their deal at the end of 2.06, Beth asks Rio out for a drink instead of going home to Dean.

One of the things that is so enticing to me about Beth x Rio as a ship is that they’re so many things all at once, and @lilliloves​ captures that so well in this terrific story! There’s such an energy to it which travels from push-pull to companionship to intimacy to sex, and these transitions are all written in such a compelling and satisfying way. You really feel the complexity of their existing dynamic, which has only just been made more complicated by the events of 2.06, and it just builds and builds into something really special.

Silent Wars by @alittlespy

(600 words. Beth Boland, Rio. Beth x Rio. Explicit).

Beth always wants the upper hand, even if he’s never extending his to her.

I somehow completely missed this fic when it was first posted, and only discovered it while going through ao3 to organise fics for this rec series, and oh my gosh, I’m so glad I found it! While it’s short, the author captures so much of Beth’s obsession, her need to be seen, to not concede, to win when it comes to Rio, and it’s realised so richly in such few words. It’s so full of character, and I really loved it! 

Lanes by @nakedmonkey​

(~1k words. Beth Boland, Rio. Beth x Rio).

An alternate version of 2.06 – Beth calls Rio out for telling her to stay in her lane. 

@nakedmonkey​ honestly writes some of the best back-and-forth banter, and this fic is teeming with it! It’s such a fun alternative to the confrontation at the end of the episode (this fic was written based off the promo + sneak peaks for the ep!) and Beth and Rio crackle in all the ways we’d expect them to. 

Thinking of You by mintletters16

(~4k words. Ruby Hill. Stan Hill. Sara Hill. Beth Boland. Ruby x Stan. Beth x Rio. Beth + Ruby).

Ruby and Stan celebrate an anniversary, while Ruby sweats on her decision to work with Turner. 

There’s not a lot of fics that centre Ruby and Stan’s relationship in this fandom, so it’s always an absolute treat when one does, particularly when they’re as tenderly written as this one by mintletter16. They do a wonderful job of exploring Ruby and Stan’s history, while also capturing the tensions that existed around 2.06. It makes for a wonderfully evocative story with everyone’s favourite couple. 

There’s a Lonely Blackbird by openhearts

(~3k words. Beth Boland, Rio, Dean Boland. Beth x Rio. Beth x Dean. Explicit).

From 2.04 to 2.06, Beth navigates Rio’s obsession for her and starts to explore her own power in that relationship.

This fic has a pretty different but really compelling take on Rio, and it navigates his obsession with Beth in a way that really makes him feel a bit younger, a bit more wide-eyed, a bit less in control. It creates a really interesting interpretation of their shifting power dynamic and builds to this really sharp edged conclusion that works. It’s some straight up magic! 

The Moth & the Flame by lsquared80

(~4k words. Beth Boland, Rio. Beth x Rio. Explicit).

Post-2.06, Beth and Rio’s new partnership faces a test. 

I really love fics that delve a little more into crime storylines, and this one has a fun set-up that plays around with Beth’s newfound confidence after 2.06 in a way that builds to a fast-paced action sequence, and then a pretty great, more languid recovery, clean up and sex scene. It’s delightful, and has a lovely energy and chemistry to it.

When We Fall Asleep Where Do We Go by thatbluenote

(~3k words. Beth Boland, Rio, Dean Boland. Beth x Rio. Explicit).

Set directly after 2.06, Dean can’t get her off, but Rio can. Even better, he can do it in a storage unit full of money. 

My thoughts on this fic typically tend to be just !!!!!!!! haha. It’s SO MUCH FUN, really diving deep into Beth and Rio’s sexual attraction to one another, but also steeping it in Beth’s unhappiness with her marriage, how tied financial security and making money is to her confidence and sexuality, and her grappling with the knowledge that she knows, if nothing else, Rio can make her feel good. Plus, y’know, they literally bone on a pile of money which is amazing. 

Don’t Look by @foxmagpie​ 

(~1k words. Beth Boland, Rio. Beth x Rio. Explicit).

Post-2.06, Beth fantasises and Rio swings by. 

This short prompt fill crackles with sexual tension in all the absolute best ways. It’s fun! Flirty! Charged with all of that electricity we know and love. I really love the idea that Rio’s retaliation for Beth strongarming him was to work her like crazy until she wanted less responsibility too, and this really sort of crests on that idea in a satisfying way. I love it! 

As always, I’m sure I missed a few, so please reblog with additions! :-) 

[sesskagarchive]

SKFA Themed Lists Overview

Sesskag Intro: Fan fiction that are quintessential in understanding why so many ship sesskag. They are the staple of the sesskag fandom and are often recommended upon entering the fandom. 

Time Travel: Sesskag fan fictions involving time-travelling beyond what Kagome is accustomed to. Usually, this involves Kagome accidentally time-travelling further into the past or in the future. 

After Jewel Completion: Works containing Kagome and her friends after the grand battle with Naraku, and/or after completing the Shikon jewel. This may involve Kagome making a wish that alters reality, Sesshomaru taking Kagome on a new adventure, or major characters dying that prompts a new plot. This may take place in modern-day Tokyo or the Feudal era. 

Inuyasha/Kikyo betrayal: These are sesskag fics that characterize either Inuyasha or Kikyo or both as a villain in the story, often betraying Kagome in some manner. They may contain character bashing towards Inuyasha or Kikyo. This trope is seen less now, but it used to be much used back in the day. 

Rin needs help: These are fics where Sesshoumaru uses Rin as a pretext for seeking out Kagome, whether this is because of Rin’s illness or because Sesshoumaru feels she would need a teacher or a mother-figure.

Alternate Universe Serial & Alternate Universe One Shots: These fan fictions are works that are not traditionally set in the Feudal Era Canon and are not compliant with or do not feature elements of the Inuyasha Canon. They may be set in the modern era or in a historical time other than the Sengoku Jidai. They may retain youkai and miko or make all the characters human. They may feature multiple different tropes like college, celebrities, etc

Modern AU rec list: A list of recs of alternate universe fics that take place in the modern day, as requested by a follower.

Feudal Era / Canon: These are fics that are compliant with the Inuyasha canon (at least to a point) and are set (at least in the most part) in the Feudal Era.

Searching for a mate: These fics feature Sesshomaru looking for a mate, possibly because of someone else’s insistence that he should mate (most typically his mother’s). May include matchmaking tropes but not necessarily.

Kagome saves the day: These fics involve Kagome saving Sesshomaru’s life, or saving other major characters or OCs. They may also feature Kagome being the grand savior of the Grand Battle or defeating Naraku on her own.

Sesshoumaru helps Kagome: Fan fiction that involve Sesshomaru assisting Kagome (and her friends) on completing the jewel or in other quests or situations.

Prophecy: The fics belonging in this category contain great prophecies or legends of Kagome’s and Sesshomaru’s relationship/partnership, or of a dark prophecy of a villain rising.

Dark/Tragedy: Fics that have a darker tone and/or plot, where really bad things happen and the endings might not always be happy.

Reunion: Fics that are canon compliant up to the final battle with Naraku, but in which Kagome never returned back to the Feudal Era and she meets Sesshoumaru again in the modern-day Tokyo.

Reunion 2: Fics where Sesshoumaru finds Kagome in the 21st century, as requested by a follower .

Courting: Fics in which Sesshoumaru courts Kagome - or vice versa! The courting may follow some sort of a ritual or just be more casual or general attempts to woo the other.

NSFW: Fics that are PWP or otherwise heavily focus on lemons/smut/NSFW scenes and include plenty of them.

Kagome as a Demon: These fics can either be fully AU, so that Kagome has always been a youkai, or they may be canon divergence and follow the canon storyline and setting until Kagome by some manner is turned into a youkai.

Sesshoumaru’s Into Kagome: These are any stories in which it is Sesshoumaru who is interested in or in love with Kagome before she is with him. These stories may also feature Sesshoumaru’s attempts to court Kagome or, if Sesshoumaru is not expressing his interest outright, pining.

Fluff Serial & Fluff One Shots: All those cute, feel-good fics that make you squee, fill you with happiness and/or are sweet enough to rot your teeth.

Hurt/Comfort: Stories in which one of the characters (or both of them) is experiencing either physical or mental pain and receives comfort from the other (or from each other). These stories can be bittersweet. 

Holiday One Shots & Holiday Fics Serial:  These are stories that centre on Christmas and/or the holiday season. They’re typically written for holiday exchanges, as secret santa gift, for holiday events or just to celebrate holidays with fic!

Outsider POV: Fics that give you a glimpse to Sesshoumaru and Kagome’s relationship through the eyes of a third party, whoever they may be.

Family/Pregnancy: A rec list of fics focused on Kagome’s pregnancy or the family Sesshoumaru and Kagome have built together, as requested by a follower.

Established Relationship: Fics that focus on Sesshoumaru’s and Kagome’s life as a couple, as requested by a follower.

Halloween Serial & Halloween One Shots: Fics that fit Halloween, either by being overall spoopy or by being set during Halloween!

Unrequited love (Sess): Fics where Sesshoumaru’s feelings towards Kagome are unrequited, as requested by a follower.

Drabble fics: Fics that are drabble series, i.e. a story comprised of snippets of exactly 100 words, as requested by a follower.

Amnesia fics: Fics where either Sesshoumaru or Kagome has lost their memory, as requested by a follower.

Tear-jerker fics: Fics that are angsty and/or deliver an emotional gutterpunch. Fics that are likely to make you cry, as requested by a follower.

TeacherxStudent fics: Fics in which Sesshoumaru is a teacher and Kagome is his student, as requested by a follower.

Blind!Sesshoumaru: Fics in which Sesshoumaru is blind, as requested by a follower.

Rin and Sesshoumaru join Inuyasha’s group: Fics in which Sesshoumaru and Rin join Inuyasha’s group and Sesshoumaru shows fatherly tendencies towards Rin, as requested by a follower.

Admins’ favourites: SessKag Archive Admins list their favourite fics, as requested by a follower.

Virgin!Sesshoumaru: Fics in which Sesshoumaru is a virgin, as requested by a follower.

InuKagSess: Fics that feature threesomes or polyrelationship between Inuyasha, Kagome and Sesshoumaru, as requested by a follower.

Angry!Kagome: Fics where Kagome expresses righteous fury, as requested by a follower.

Chatty!Inner Demon: Fics in which Sesshoumaru’s inner demon converses with Sesshoumaru, as requested by a follower.

Widow!Kagome: Fics where a widowed Kagome ends up with Sesshoumaru, as requested by a follower.

Step-sibling Fics: Fics in which Kagome and Sesshoumaru are step-siblings, as requested by a follower.

SessKag and children: Fics in which Kagome and Sesshoumaru have children, as requested by a follower. Includes both single parent fics and fics where Sesshoumaru and Kagome have children together.

Incest Fics: Fics in which Kagome and Sesshoumaru have an incestuous relationship (siblings or half-siblings), as requested by a follower.

Meeting Younger!Sess: Fics in which Kagome travels further back in time and meets a younger Sesshoumaru, as requested by a follower.

Aphrodisiac Fics: Fics, in which Sesshoumaru or Kagome take an aphrodisiac, as requested by a follower.

Movie AUs: Fandom fusion fics that feature the setting and/or plot of a particular movie and the cast of Inuyasha, as requested by a follower.

Humour and Crack one shots & Humour and Crack serial: Those rib-tickling funny fics about Sesshoumaru and Kagome.

Slowburn fics: Fics in which Sesshoumaru's and Kagome's romantic relationship develops slowly, as requested by a follower.

Supportive!Inuyasha fics: Fics in which Inuyasha is supportive of Sesshoumaru’s and Kagome’s relationship, as requested by a follower.

Pining!Sess fics: Fics in which Sesshoumaru pines after Kagome, as requested by a follower.

Dog Form!Sess fics: Fics in which Kagome interacts with Sesshoumaru while he is in his dog form, as requested by a follower.

Kagome Proves Her Worth: Fics in which Kagome proves her worth as Sesshoumaru’s mate, whether being his equal in combat,  having reiki powerful enough to match his youki, etc., as requested by a follower.

Concubine Fics: Fics that incorporporate a Lord/Concubine dynamic and/or in which Sesshoumaru keeps concubines and Kagome may end up being one of them, as requested by a follower.

Courtesan!Kagome / Kidnapper!Sess: Fics where either Kagome is a courtesan or Sesshoumaru kidnaps Kagome very early on in the canon timeline, as requested by a follower.

Dubcon/Rape Fics: Fics in which consent is dubious or in which Sesshoumaru rapes Kagome, as requested by a follower.

Geisha/Maiko!Kagome Fics: Fan fiction in which Kagome is either a maiko or a geisha, as requested by a follower.

Star Wars AU Fics: Fusion fics that insert the characters from Inuyasha into the world and/or plot of Star Wars, as requested by a follower.

Yakuza!Sesshoumaru: Fics, in which Sesshoumaru is a member of the Yakuza (Japanese organised crime), as requested by a follower.

Politician!Sesshoumaru: Fics in which Sesshoumaru is a politician or which feature political intrigue, as requested by a follower.

Post Canon Edo Fics: Fics that are set after the series’ end and where Sesshoumaru either visits Kagome in Edo or SessKag get together after an InuKag breakup, as requested by a follower.

Nonexistent Inuyasha: Fics in which Inuyasha does not exist at all, as requested by a follower.

Sex by the well: Fics in which Kagome and Sesshoumaru have sex in or near the Bone Eater’s Well, as requested by a follower.

InuRin Sidepairing: SessKag fics that feature Inuyasha x Rin relationship as a sidepairing, as requested by a follower.

Fics Similar to the Second Alliance: A list of SessKag fics that have similar themes as Imani Joain’s Second Alliance, as requested by a follower.

Office Romance: A list of fics that feature some type of an office romance, in particular fics in which Sesshoumaru is Kagome’s employer, as requested by a follower.

Bi/NB!Sesshoumaru: Fics in which Sesshoumaru is bisexual, nonbinary or genderfluid, as requested by a follower.

Pirate Fics: Fics (mostly AU) that feature pirates or either Sesshoumaru or Kagome as a pirate, as requested by a follower.

Waitress!Kagome: Fics in which Kagome is a waitress, as requested by a follower.

Training in Castle: Fics in which Kagome goes to stay with Sesshoumaru, typically at his castle, and trains with him or is trained by him, as requested by a follower.

Recent Recs: Rec list of fics that are only three years old or less, compiled from recs submitted by our followers.

[thisbluespirit]

For @bunn1cula : #david collings#also if you have a list of stuff he's distressed and or deaded in that are available to watch#let me know!#blake's 7#sapphire and steel

Well, okay, but bear in mind that David Collings came out of nowhere to be Raskolnikov from Crime & Punishment so his entire early career was a mix of crying, dying, suffering and murdering people.  Sadly, a lot of this is burninated, probably including C&P itself, but here are some of the things you can try:

Gideon’s Way “The Prowler” (this is a terrible ITC series and a terrible ep re. mental health issues, but it is some quality very early wee distressed/murderous David Collings.)

Level 7 (part of the SF anthology Out of the Unknown) is the apocalyptic story I was mentioning in the other post.  It’s pretty great, although they lobotomised David Collings too early in my opinion.  (He’s wee and sarcastic and adorable and the only person in the bunker who doesn’t want to have sex to a rota.)

UFO ep “The Psychobombs.”  UFO bores me a lot (I am not allowed to watch any more of it because all I do is find more evidence that SHADO are an evil organisation maligning poor innocent aliens.  But I have an inconvenient ITC allergy, see Gideon’s Way above, so I’m probably being unfair.)  BUT aliens hypnotise three humans and turn them into bombs!  One of them is David Collings!  The colour is very pretty, although I didn’t find it worth watching on once they blew up David Collings.

Scrooge (1970) - okay, so he doesn’t die, but Albert Finney is mean to him.  BUT his hair is amazing, he sings and has half a dozen wee red-headed children and cries in a snowy graveyard.  (But watch out for the totally random WTH bit where Scrooge suddenly goes to Hell immediately after the snowy graveyard scene.  I had blocked this out of my head so hard I have forgotten to warn people in the past.  Sorry, people!  Why is there random Hammer Horror Hell in the middle of this??)

“The Suicide Club”“ from Mystery and Imagination - this isn’t up currently but I recommend regular searching for it because it is top notch improbable, suffering, dying wee murderous moppet David Collings. 

Elizabeth R - “Horrible Conspiracies.” - He’s Anthony Babington.  It doesn’t end well.

Shadow of the Tower - eps 3 & 4.  Having been tortured in the Tower the previous year by a Tudor monarch, David Collings comes back to get tortured in the Tower again by a different Tudor monarch, which was how I found James Maxwell. 

I’m sure I don’t need to mention Doctor Who’s “Robots of Death” but if you have somehow missed it so far, this is the classic bit of 1970s David Collings in distress, as written by Chris Boucher.  (He is also, of course, burned, alien, undead and has spaghetti on his head in the Fifth Doctor serial Mawdryn Undead.) (No links, but they are up and down all the time on Dailymotion, so just search.)

Julius Caesar (BBC 1979) as Cassius.  This isn’t currently up, but again, it does appear sometimes, so keep searching.  (The DVDs can also sometimes be found very cheaply secondhand, too).  It’s feels so very B7 it hurts and the combination of Richard Pasco and David Collings is one of the most amazing things the BBC ever did.  Have this vid in the meantime. XD

Also not up, but worth looking for: The Professionals “Stake Out” is not great or anything, but David Collings is a weasely terrorist who gets beaten up, soaked and made to disarm his own bomb.  Ditto children’s TV serial Midnight Is A Place, where he plays Julian Oakapple, the tutor with a tragic past, a love of music, and who gets badly burned halfway through.  He also sings the theme song.

(I mean, and that’s just the TV and not the radio/audio, and only the available ones and not, say, the one where he works as a PR guy in a chocolate factory that gets accidentally cannibalistic, or the one where he was an evil Bertie Wooster.  The man had a sex scene on the radio.  He was a terrible person. XD)

Oh, oh, wait, while I’m making this giant David Collings post, let me throw in a rec for his stalwart Look & Read efforts (aka BBC Educational learn to read telly).  There’s Dark Towers (he is two people, one of them is dead, both of them are called Lord Dark, and it also has Gary Russell in it) and Through the Dragon’s Eye.  He’s only in eps 5-8, but he’s the villain Charn and somebody forgot to tell him or the costume designer not to go overboard on terrifying every child in the country.  If you want a laugh and some quality Collings content, these two are priceless. 

Have fun?

[kieren-fucking-walker]

Commenter appreciation

So I still have recs and things for @dghdafeedbackfest but I’ve had a heck of a day and I thought I’d try something different this time! While the fest is a focus on giving feedback to creators, I wanted to take a minute to show some appreciation for the people who show up pretty much without fail to comment on or generally enthuse about the things I create. I know for a fact that if you create in this fandom you’ll know most of these names, because they’re just that good at being supportive, wonderful people who I also know for a fact I wouldn’t still bother writing without.  

So, in no particular order!

flightinflame [@flightinflame]

I see your name in my inbox and I know I’m going to smile! I love your comments and how enthusiastic you are, and I love knowing my writing makes you happy! Also doing writing sprints with you is amazing, I have no idea how you write as fast as you do, I’m in awe! Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and kindness, it makes writing things a joy  ❤️

Lynds [@gold-from-straw]

So often I get comments from you that make my day! I think some of my favourites are ones where you just yell at me about emotions? It’s such a delight to receive them, and working with you on my first Big Bang for this fandom was such a wonderful experience, I honestly can’t stress enough how much that fic would not exist without you and how happy it makes me to see you in my comments! Thank you for being wonderful   🧡

kelspots [@kelspots​]

You show up so frequently in my email notifications and it makes me so happy! Whenever I’m re-reading old comments I’m amazed by how often you’re there in them and how much I love to see them. Knowing you’ve enjoyed something I wrote really makes my day! Thank you for your enthusiasm and the time you’ve taken to leave me as many comments as you have   💛

juniper_and_lamplight [@juniper-and-lamplight]

Where would this fandom be without you? Your consistent support is one of the only reasons some of my fics have been finished! Your comments are always insightful and moving and your levels of rec organisation terrifies me as much as I am in awe of it. As a beta you’re amazing to work with, I’ve never felt nervous to send you anything and all of your feedback has been helpful, made me super happy, or both. Thank you for being awesome and making me feel more confident about my writing  💚

sarcastic_fangirl01 [@last-holistic-renegade​]

Another mainstay who makes me seriously happy! I love reading your comments, I love knowing something I’ve written is something you’ve enjoyed! You’ve always been lovely and supportive and some of the things you’ve said about my writing have honestly made me tear up a bit! Thank you for saying such lovely things and making me want to keep writing (especially brotzly!)   💙

gallantrejoinder [@gallantrejoinder​]

I’m 99% sure there was a point when you seemed to comment on the entire back catalogue of my fic and it honestly made me so happy! You always have something lovely to say and I love seeing your name in my notifications because I know it’s going to make me smile! Thank you so much for being wonderful enough to leave as many comments as you have, I hope my writing brings you as much joy as your comments bring me  💜

DontOffendTheBees [@dont-offend-the-bees​]

Hellz I don’t think anybody in the history of fandom has ever had to put up with as much ridiculous bullshit fandom ideas as you have from me, and I can only thank you for being wild enough to meet all of them with enthusiasm and return with your own in kind. Writing with/around/at you is such a joy, you’ve seen so many things that are never going to make the light of day from completely random au’s to the cracky-est of crack ships, and I literally love any time we talk about anything we’re making for this fandom. One day those numerous half finished google docs I’ve thrown your way may see the light of day, but even if they don’t they’ve had a brief experience of being loved by you and that’s more than enough for me. I’m pretty sure you’re the reason half my ideas have stuck around longer than fleeting shower thoughts, and I’m always excited to share fic with you so thank you for being a great and wacky friend, and partner in what I can only describe as crimes against fandom that will not be named here  ❤️

incorrigible_worksop [@incorrigible-worksop]

Delightful friend! Your enthusiasm is one of the only reasons my Tangled AU exists, I genuinely don’t think I could have gotten through that writing process without you, and the whole experience was such a joy! You’ve been commenting on my fic for ages before that though, and it always felt wonderful to see your name in my inbox because your comments are always an absolute joy to read! You’re encouraging and enthusiastic and often make me laugh, yours are one of the first I’ll go to when re-reading comments to try and remind myself I can write things people like, and I’m so so thankful that working together gave me a chance to actually talk to and get to know you. Sharing fic ideas with you and knowing you’re excited to read them only makes me want to write them more, so thank you for being so incredibly supportive and a wonderful friend 🧡

reptilianraven [@actualbird]

Whenever I get a comment from you I end up reading it multiple times a day, because I get so excited and happy reading through it that I often don’t manage to take all of it in! I’ve never not been absolutely delighted to receive a comment from you, your excitement to read my stuff makes me excited to write it, and knowing you’ve enjoyed it is such a wonderful feeling! I have no idea how you write as much as you do, but I cherish every single word and I constantly go back and read your comments when I need cheering up or reminding I can write things. Thank you so much for being so enthusiastic in telling me that you liked something I’ve written, it means the world to me!  💛

Again, this is by no means an exhaustive list, there are so many people who take the time to comment on fics and I treasure each and every comment I get. It’s the only reason I keep posting things, and I know it’s the same for a lot of other writers. I just wanted to put some appreciation out to some of those people, because I know a lot of writers are vocally frustrated about a lack of feedback these days (and in many cases understandably so) but there are people who consistently show up to support and share love for the hours of work that goes into making fic, and I absolutely cannot overstate how much I cherish those people. I think it’s safe to say at this point that while I write stories for myself, I post them for you, and it’s not something any of us should take for granted, so thank you for being so wonderful, and as most of these people write themselves I highly recommend checking out their fics and giving them as much love as they deserve 💜

[shanastoryteller]

Hey Shana just wanted to rec good girls on Netflix/nbc bc holy shiiiiit I just finished it and omfg if u want a really feminist 3 normal mums accidentally get themselves involved in organised crime tv show than this is your jam and I loved it so much so yeah if ur interested u should totes give it a look!!!!!

thank you! i’ll add it to the list :)

[swissmissficrecs]

Breakout Authors of 2018

Despite the fact that we are into our 2nd year of hiatus, there are still new fans joining the fandom all the time. In order to show that new authors can and do get recognized and appreciated, I've once again* gone through AO3 and compiled a list of new authors who:

- posted their first fic in the Sherlock (TV) fandom in 2018

- had a completed fic that got over 500 kudos or over 10K hits within the year

Caveats: some of these may be pseuds of established authors or reposts of older fics from other archives. I have not read most of these fics, so this is not a rec list per se, but I hope you find something you enjoy and give new authors lots of love!

* See my list of Breakout Authors of 2017 here

FinAmour and unicornpoe for FictoberLock 2018 (60K, M, Johnlock) - 511 kudos 31 different prompts, 31 Johnlock fics: one every day for the month of October! Each chapter is a stand-alone story. Some are written by unicornpoe, some by FinAmour, and some are written by us both! They range in length from ~500 words to ~3500 words, and there’s something in here for everyone. Enjoy the softness of these two bois in love.

JJJJ12 for A Woman Worthy of Being Pleased  (77K, M, Sherlolly) - 604 kudos, 15K hits As she helps Sherlock cope with Mary’s sacrifice, Molly realizes the detective’s similarities to her favorite literary heartthrob. Deciding she’s no heroine, Molly vows to finally get over Sherlock for good. Thankfully Fitzwilliam was nothing if not persistent.

Lediona for floating through a dark blue sky (58K, M, Johnlock) - 533 kudos Of course, I’d seen his films and always thought he was, well, brilliant -- but, you know, a million miles from the world I live in. *** Or, when John is the owner of a travel book shop and the famous Sherlock Holmes stops in one day.

lupinjoallen for NSFW BBC Sherlock One-Shots. (49K, E, Various) - 10K hits A collection of NSFW one-shots based on BBC's Sherlock. Each chapter will have the title of followed by the character. Summary will also have character pairings.

P_Dunton for Patience (66K, M, Sherlolly) - 514 kudos, 13K hits Sometimes it feels like there is no point to go on. So when Molly Hooper finally decides she is not interested in this life of hers anymore, she just needs to wait for a bit before the moment is right to take her leave. (Un)fortunately for her things start to take unpredictable turn.

thecrowsdaughter for Double or Nothing  (81K, E, Johnlock) - 12K hits John is visiting a male prostitute when someone is murdered. Sherlock is on the case and John's secrets are out in the open. The case that follows will take them through the world of prostitution, murder, drugs and organised crime.

versarilaetus for Emotional Context, Sherlock  (48K, M, Sherlolly) - 511 kudos After Eurus's emotional vivisection, Sherlock returns to Baker Street and tries to put the shattered pieces of his life back together. Takes place immediately following The Final Problem, but before that happy little montage. Sherlolly. A mix of fluff and angst/crime and naughtiness.

unicornpoe for Sehnsucht (14K, T, Johnlock) - 725 kudos Sehnsucht: longing, pining, yearning, craving, intensely missing. An individual’s search for happiness while coping with the reality of unattainable wishes. John is here now, yes, yes he is. He and Rosie are back home in 221B with Sherlock, safe where they belong... but why is there still a hole deep inside Sherlock, wide and gaping and consuming? Does John feel it too? And what will it take to fill it?

vintagelilacs for just another saturday night  (9K, E, Johnlock) - 550 kudos John Watson didn't bring people home from the bar. Thanks to his night terrors, he was guaranteed to either get violent or wake up completely drenched in sweat; neither of which were ideal in a bed partner. There was also the fact that his miserable bedsit barely had enough room to accommodate him, let alone anyone else.But that was before he met Sherlock.

And these three authors started posting their "winning" fic in 2017, but otherwise fulfilled the criteria, having no other works posted before 2018:

BelleGeorgia  for The List (28K, E, Johnlock) - 529 kudos On John's computer, there is a file. And in that file is a word document. And in that word document is a list. A list that John admittedly reads more than he updates, but one he is very fond of nonetheless. Or rather: John keeps a list of all the times Sherlock isn't being a dick.

bumbleholmes for Warmth (20K, M, Johnlock) - 527 kudos Warmth spread through Sherlock, spilling from his heart and bleeding to the very tips of his fingers. It was a feeling he got very often now, between being around John nearly all the time and caring for Rosie; but the name for it had been lost, buried under shame, guilt, and grief. + John moves back to 221b with Rosie, and (mostly) everything is soft and gentle and warm.

Soft_Light  for Assistance Required  (12K, E, Johnlock) - 730 kudos Sherlock takes Viagra for an experiment. You can probably guess a lot of what happens next.