#creator queersirius

[rnmbb]

THANK YOU!

It’s incredible to think we’re done. 

When we started to think about putting together a big bang event for the Roswell New Mexico fandom, we were all young and bright-eyed, and the world was different. None of us knew what 2020 had in store for us, and none of us were truly prepared to cope with a big collaborative event and a pandemic. 

But it has been humbling and astonishing to see our small fandom rally together during this time, coming together to create, and to share stories. The hope was to build a community of creators, to start collaborative partnerships, and to add to the collection of stories that we have only just started telling. I hope that has been true for all the creators. 

Of course a project of this magnitude wouldn’t be successful without teamwork - from @aliencurls​ who got the ball rolling, and was gracious enough to pass the torch to me. To the mods group of @rnmsmalltownlegends​ who stepped up to lead the planning and execution. To @queersirius​ and @manesalex​ for the rapid graphics support.

But most of all thank you to all of the creators - storytellers and artists, who stuck with the event, who put their time and effort all for free to bring incredible works to the fandom. We expanded the fictional tapestry of Roswell New Mexico, weaving threads of Liz Ortecho as a knight, Michael Guerin as a regency gentleman, Alex Manes in space, and so many more. 

You can find all of these stories and art on our AO3 Collection. My sincere request to anyone who participates in fandom, that you read these beautiful stories, share them, comment on them, and let the creators know how much you enjoyed them.  

RNM BB will definitely be back next year! But not for a while. Keep an eye on the blog for next year’s dates, and hopefully even more creators will join us next year. 

In community with all of you, 

@insidious-intent​

[lambourngb]

he’s got a smart mouth but a good heart - Michael Guerin

It’s Day 2, celebrating characters, and much to my own surprise, at the end of season 2, Michael Guerin decided to move into my brain and take up residence. Obviously I still love Alex Manes (He lives first and foremost in my brain since 1x08), but there was something about how Michael buried his own pain about his mother to help everyone in season two that rang pretty true to my own life right now. I didn’t always like what he was doing in season 2 but I understood it.

Anyway, when I find a story that celebrates how complicated he is, I cheer and rejoice- so here’s a few of the stories that I have gone back to again and again.

Truck stop knives and other assessors of childhood @angsty-aliens (13,200) I can’t lie, I love a good trope story, and I especially love a good sci-fi trope story, so this story hits all of my buttons. It takes our two science nerds, Liz and Michael, mucking around, and accidentally creating a version of Michael- but not just any version, but the child who hitchhiked to Fosters ranch, completely over humans and desperate to find his family. The kid who was feral from neglect and abuse... he was the cutest thing and the most mortifying thing that ever happened to Michael to be displayed and shown. This story takes the de-aged trope and turns it on its head, and oh yeah, there’s a sweet backdrop to Michael and Alex getting together.

Implicit Memories of You by @ninswhimsy (3464) - So this is an amnesia story canon-divergent story set after 2x11 basically, where they use the mind erasing drug on Michael. I know, I’m reccing this about Michael characterization, but it’s so solidly him after all the memories are stripped away and he’s acting on instincts, locked in a room to torture Alex with before death. There’s so much going on in so few words, something that Nin is a master at, especially the ephemeral remembrances of his mother that Michael has- oof right in the feels.

Maybe this time (he’ll stay) by @hannah-writes​ (7700) This is a sequel to one of my favorite stories I recced last year, dealing in alternative timelines where in one world, Michael is lost and alone and has pushed Alex away, and in another world where Alex came home from Iraq in a flagged draped coffin. It answers the question, what about Mikey? Where’s his happy ending? The confirmation of the multiverse means there’s an Alex out there who needs him- and through trial and error, Michael finds him. The world building in both stories is top notch, because for every action, there’s a reaction and reason shaping Michael.

Constant as the northern star by celzmccelz (53,000) - don’t know the tumblr here - This is an Mpreg, and it starts solidly after 1x13 and goes AU from there. But what if in the 100 mile drive home from Caulfield, Michael and Alex share a grief-induced moment of insanity where they fall back into their oldest language- sex for comfort, and then Michael does everything he does in the finale, including turning toward Maria, what if there was a souvenir? Despite the trope of mpreg, this is just how I see Michael, deeply in love with Alex but unable to trust that Alex feels the same depth in return. The friendships in here are also top-notch, from Kyle being a baby-doctor, to Isobel having her own Max-related spiral unable to let go of her brother only to refocus on Michael, to Liz fucking off with Rosa for the first half of the story because she’s caught up in her own grief (which turned out to be canon!). And there’s a whole plot here! With Jesse Manes being the worst.

Leave the light on by @sabrinachill​ (36,900) - Confession time- I love fake dating as a trope, I know, shocked right? But I especially love it with RNM because Malex are exes by 1x03. Mattie nailed the dynamic of pining and the assumption of unrequited love so well in this story. Although the POV switches here a bit between chapters, (and Alex is fabulous) what I really really loved was how she wrote Michael, in love but convinced that he’s messed up too much for Alex. Aware of his faults but not in a sullen way, but an acknowledgment that he was in a bad place and Alex hasn’t always been the best remedy him in the past. It was a very mature take on the “give me another chance” trope in Malex reunion stories, where both sides had a share of blame. The plot was suspenseful and tight (how do people do that???) with a climax that honestly shocked me! I really enjoyed rereading it while I prepped my rec-sets, and I won’t be surprised if this story isn’t mentioned by everyone doing ‘Creators Week’. It’s worthy of all the love.

Temporary wounds by @prouvaireafterdark​ (7800) - How many times can I rec this story? Hopefully you’re not bored by my adoration of this Lynne.  So even though it’s set post-season 1 with the assumption that Michael/Maria will fizzle out while Alex/Forrest date- it’s actually perfectly set for season 3 (an author who is psychic??). As a rule, I hate jealousy as a trope, but this story has the only type of jealousy I want to see on screen- where Michael wonders what was missing inside of him that Alex didn’t want to be public during their long affair (even with the acknowledgment that Alex was too scared before)- like that type of sad pining is my catnip!

The first who ever did by nostalijinks (33,000) post season 1, but really it also stands pretty well after season 2.  There was an interview during season 1 I think that talked about how all Michael really wanted was to be a hero to Alex (the way he stepped in front of Jesse as a kid)  but he thinks he failed at it since Alex enlisted. That failure soured him in ways but he never stops trying, for Alex. This is a really well done 5 times plus 1 story, with an overreaching arc of reconciliation between Alex and Michael, starting as teenagers, then as adults while Michael is with Maria, then as friends, real friends, trying to support Alex as Alex dates. The whole emotional journey of maturity that Michael takes here is so well done, where there’s no real villains in the friend group. I just love it. I wish the author had written 100 more like this one, but as a standalone work it’s epic.

The person that you’d take a bullet for is behind the trigger by @iwontbeyourmedicine​ (25,000) Ly has a very large body of work, that you could spend days paging through on AO3 or tumblr, but this one hits two of my kinks hard- the amnesia story line and true love conquers all. So three fandoms ago I was huge into Steve/Bucky, that iconic moment in Cap 2 where Bucky breaks through the brainwashing has never left me. This story takes my love for that moment, and makes it Malex. Alex gets programmed by his family and set loose on his friends, on the aliens and it’s a shitshow bloodbath since he’s really fucking good at kicking ass. Michael is caught between keeping everyone safe and trying not to hurt Alex, and the tension is just top-notch. I love how it’s not an immediate fix either, the way they circle each other in the aftermath, wanting to come home, but home would be a totally new step for both of them. Just chef’s kiss good at joining action, angst, and romance together.

Into the palm of your hand by @haloud​ (5900) hal is a treasured friend, so I am admitting some bias here, but we both enjoy talking about how wonderful and sad Michael is and how desperately we enjoy poking at that softness and then wrapping him up with love again... so this story was written pre-shamegate (and if you know what that means, I’m sorry) but it matches my head canon of what the history of hiding does to someone. The internalization of believing maybe there’s a reason behind the hiding that has nothing to do with homophobic townies. Alex has an ex boyfriend come to town, and he doesn’t tell Michael. And omg the journey hal takes us on with Michael’s spiral and Brave Little Toaster act was so wonderful and painful and real. The communication between these two was top notch as they worked through a road bump from the past, and let’s face it, once we get our malex back, these things are going to happen, and it will either tear them apart or bring them closer together- I prefer to believe it will be closer together.

There is beauty in a failure by @jule1122​ (2400) There’s been a few Greg and Michael stories to pop up on my radar after 2x10, and this one was one of my favorites. This is a Greg who pulls no punches in exposing his brother’s past to Michael, but also gives Michael the space to work through what he wants. It’s an AU from 2x12, that allowed Michael to break up with Maria for basically the same reasons that Maria used on him in 2x13. The way Michael is able to what he wants and communicate it Alex in the end- so good! We can only hope to see something similar in season 3.

I don’t know what to think (but I think of supernovas) by @queersirius​ (3900) This story is a delight from start to finish- I mean frustrated cursing turns the console on into a hologram who then takes the most pleasing form to Michael’s eyes? SIGN ME UP for those shenanigans. I fucking loved how Isobel saw it first too. And then the comedy of Alex discovering it? And what happens afterwards? Oh it’s so delicious. Now of course, full disclosure, this light-hearted romp through the feels also inspired me  to think up a much much sadder version of Michael building an AI for companionship considering how isolated he ended up being at the end of Season 2 and we all know Michael needs friends, badly.

Innuendo by the Roswell anon (6000) written for @bisexualalienblast​  the roswell anon is my favorite treasure in this fandom, I could pretty much list all of their stories as examples of some very fine Michael Guerin characterization. This one was one of my favorite post-season 1 fix-it fics though, because it has some of the most real 28-30 year old guy dialogue I’ve come across- from the crude jokes, to the sharply self-deprecating observations- this is Alex and Michael stripped down, all edges but what’s left is fatigue and love. The resolution at the end, where Alex observes that yes, Michael has tried the last 10 years but this is their first chance to try together- to pull in the same direction? It just lays me flat on the ground with how true that is to canon.

Whenever You Want to Begin, Begin by @foramomentonly (3200) - this is a sequel, and the first story is dynamite- don’t get me wrong- but it moves from the hopeful side of an ending to legit Happily-Ever-After here, and I devoured every word. First of all, having Michael turn to photography as a way of self-improvement is fucking genius. Photographers are always at the center of every happy event, but never the focus, and that screams Michael to me, the way he lives on the outskirts of the 9-5 job and literal outskirts of town in his trailer. The other thing is photographers are revealed by their work, and that’s also something I head-canon with Michael just in the mundane- he’s good with his hands, he wants to leave a car better than he found. Anyway, this story is gorgeously written, moves a bit like a really good bottle of wine- heavy but soft, as you watch Michael become Alex’s friend, and even more importantly, Alex becomes Michael’s friend. Fantastic- I’ve read it about four times now since it was published.

[aewriting]

RNM Fandom Creators’ Week 2020 - Day 3: AUs

I LOOOOVE AUs! Love to write them, love to read them. Here are some of my faves.

Shadow Work

By @myrmidryad (AO3 author page)

This, to me, is one of the ultimate RNM fandom AUs. I’d recommend it to everyone. I can’t believe it’s been almost a year since it was posted - I was recovering from mastitis last Halloween, and was LIVING for the nightly updates of this fic. It’s impeccable - an awesomely spooky plot in which Alex is a shade, Michael is the ex who is back in his life, and there’s a mystery afoot involving the aliens. Alex, Alex - he’s written SO well in this, and there are some of the best passages regarding physical intimacy in the entire fandom. It’s heartbreaking in parts, too - there’s a moment where Alex asks Michael to clear the forces that have been “pushing” him, only to discover it changes nothing - it’s been his own psyche for the entire scene. Marvelous. I reread it during the pandemic and still just absolutely love it.

You ask me to enter but then you make me crawl

By @jule1122 (AO3 author page)

One of my favorite, favorite tropes is secret marriage, and this is such a gut wrenching fic that hinges on the idea that Michael and Alex are secretly married, and this fact isn’t revealed until years later when Alex is injured. The characterizations here are superb, ALL of them, with so many heartbreaking details. I cried, for real, at the end.

Satellite’s Gone by the Anonymous Roswell Author

The Roswell Anon has written so many great stories, but this is one of my absolute favorites. Michael leaves the planet but is still able to communicate, for a time. But all is not as it seems. So perfectly written, and so memorable, to me.

I can hold you now by @andrea-lyn

AO3 Author page

One of my favorites by a great author. I have reread this a number of times, and one of my favorite details is the visual of Michael crashing Alex’s wedding.

Too Busy being yours by @auselysium

AO3 author page

A fake dating AU! Poor Alex is pretty much pushed WELL past his breaking point just by Michael regaling his commanding officer’s family with his true feelings for Alex, which of course Alex takes as over dramatic lies, setting up a great roadside confrontation.

Not in this world or the next by @hannah-writes

AO3 author page

Tears, tears, tears raining down for Mikey Evans, the parallel universe doppelgänger of our Michael Guerin who switches places, only to find that his love, Alex Manes, is ALIVE in this reality. Th is story is SO GOOD. I remember cheering every time there was an update, ha.

Here I am fallen by @ninswhimsy

AO3 Author Page

Ohhhhh man. I have raved and raved about this one, and I’m prepared to do it again. Michael saves Alex here, body and soul. It’s a Crusades AU that is just so lovely, cutting through Alex’s religious shame with Michael’s earnest desire to love him in every way. Gorgeously written.

Everywhere on earth you go by @leescoresbies

AO3 Author page

This is a standout AU, in my opinion. Alex is a folk singer who fled Roswell after high school. Against his better judgment, he plays a show in New Mexico, and who do you think he runs into? This is perfectly written, with such vivid, descriptions and characterizations. The post-coital fight is one of the most memorable passages I’ve ever read in the RNM fandom.

And the sun rose red and Fleetwood Mac ain’t got nothin on us by @christchex

AO3 author page

Two great and VERY different AUs. The first is a beautifully written Western featuring Miluca. The second is a cleverly structured story about high school rumors and the impact they have on Michael and Alex.

let me count the ways, you can’t fight the hurricane, put me to work by @queersirius

AO3 Author page

Millie writes SUCH good AUs!!! There’s a Pacific Rim AU, an AU set in an office (with one of the hottest, smuttiest scenes in the fandom), and a high school AU featuring the most perfect teenage Alex that has 100% inspired my writing of him. Can’t go wrong with any of these.

Freaky Friday by @iwontbeyourmedicine

AO3 author page

I have a soft spot for this one because it was my inspiration for the fic exchange back in January. This one has such a great premise - what if Alex, Liz, and Maria were the aliens? It’s angsty and great.

Where they hang the lights by @leescoresbies

AO3 author page

My favorite space-set fic in the fandom. The antigravity scene is so beautiful, and it’s got a great plot. Love this one.

To Trust Love @laughsalot3412

AO3 Author Page

This is getting mentioned tomorrow in angst, too, FYI. Oof, the plot of this - the aliens are in Caulfield. Alex is a guard. This fic could have gone so wrong in so many ways, but the subject matter was so sensitively handled, and Alex is so so good and trying so hard. One of my favorite stories in the whole fandom for sure. As this was posting live, I must have reread each chapter like eight times, ha.

my love is a life taker by @jocarthage

AO3 Author page

Trust me, this is getting its own separate post as soon as I get a chance to finish it! But it is also one of my tippity top favorite AUs. On its surface, it’s a time travel AU (so well done), but it is also SO much more than that

[winged-fool]

I didn't know motivational Monday was a thing! Happy to participate and spread the love

Fans: I've missed reading new fics by @prouvaireafterdark @spaceskam @bestillmyslashyheart @caitlesshea @el-gilliath @queersirius 😍

I'm SUPER looking forward to reading what @usbournejez gave a sneak peek of yesterday 😍 and the sneak peek @manesalex posted recently 😍

And of course always anxiously waiting for new fics from @exploring-in-space 😍

Creators: it's been months since I posted fic so it kind of feels silly to call myself a creator (although even when I am writing I still don't feel like one lol). But there are so many wonderful people who always make me happy when they enjoy my stuff like @female-overlord-3 ❤️ @poisonivy247 🧡 @captainsorryimabadass 💛 @hmd023 💚 @bamfalexmanes 💙 and repeat shout outs to @exploring-in-space and @el-gilliath 💜

[foramomentonly]

RNM Fandom Creators’ Week, Day 3 -- AU

 MY MOMENT HAS COME.

Fish Bowl by @sabrinachill

Quarantine fic, but make it beautiful and brilliant and fun to be reading about quarantine in quarantine?

Leave the Light On also by @sabrinachill

It’s a fake married fic written entirely by trope prompt HOW?!

Where They Hang the Lights by @leescoresbies

Firefly and Malex and space and adventure and all good things.

Michael Sanders series by @prouvaireafterdark

Michael deserves a family and gruff, accepting dad ok.

You Can't Jump the Track and Loathly by @aewriting

I feel like these are lesser known WIP of aewriting’s, but they are my favorites I love them SO HARD.

Crucibles by @ninswhimsy

YES I’M RECING IT AGAIN FIGHT ME

thinkin' about the way that you kiss (i want to melt with you) by @queersirius

Soft bro, adult college student Michael and a Malex reunion I. It’s perfect.

A treatise upon dueling and its merits in the field of sport: OR: a candlelit rendezvous by @haloud

Smut and Latin dirty talk?!

crawlin’ back to you by detectivemeer (on AO3) @katsofmeer (on Tumblr)

The hitman AU I never knew I needed desperately. Liz is a delight.

you lift the veil (my eyes are open wide) by @iwontbeyourmedicine

Magic and Malex and mystery and world-building and beautiful descriptions and longing.

Everywhere on Earth You Go by @leescoresbies 

Musician Alex and grad student Michael meet again after ten years and it’s sweet and funny and sexy and heartbreaking and Kyle’s in it and I LOVE it.

[cosmiceverafter]

This has been an amazing event! Spotlighting the talent in our fandom is so important. But what else is important, is focusing on the people who uplift and inspire you! The ones that always stand behind you encouraging you to continue your stories, your art and edits, and ultimately, being a friend. So today is for all of you cheerleaders!!

There are so many people I call good friends in this fandom, and lucky to have them in my world. So get ready for a very long post!

The Junkyard — my people. You all know who you are. 💕 From the very beginning we’ve stood by each other and y’all are what encouraged me to start writing and creating my edits in the first place. So lucky to be on this journey with you fam! 🤗

Now I want to personally focus on the individuals who not only inspire and cheer my work, but also the ones I call my closest friends:

@manesalex - Molly, I don’t know what I would do without you! You inspire me daily and are always so excited about my latest work, even if it’s not Roswell. I love talking ideas with you, and I love thirsting with you. And hey, I love that we gave “flirst” a name! 🧲 You helped me feel confident when I tried writing smut the first time, and that’s a big deal. Thank you for your ongoing support. It truly means the world to me. Love you! 💕

@i-never-look-away - Beka, I love you with my whole heart! I love how close we’ve gotten because of this show. So very lucky! But now I know when this show is long over, you’ll still be there as my friend. I love bouncing ideas with you and talking theories. You always make me feel good about my creations, always so supportive and encouraging on whatever I do—so thank you, always! Love you, person! 💕

@gra-sonas - Gra, you are such a good friend! You inspire me with your posts and more importantly, your friendship. I love that you support the fandom with their creations. You’re always the first to reblog, and as a creator, you know how important that is! Thank you for taking such good care of all of us. Love ya! 💕

@insidious-intent - Inigo, you’re the best! You always have such good ideas and advice when it comes to creating. I’ve appreciated the help and support you’ve shown me since the beginning. It means the world to me. You were the push I needed to finally write my first fic for this fandom. I hadn’t written fanfic in so long, but the encouragement you showed me, was what finally made me take that leap. I love how you focus on all creators; I know it brightens their day. It does mine. Thank you for being my friend! Love you! 💕

Some more personal shout-outs to people and blogs that go that extra mile to make you feel seen with your work:

@lilassparks - My girl! I miss you so much. But I cannot do a shout-out list without mentioning you. You’ve always been so supportive to me in whatever I’ve created, and always so kind about it. In the early days, it’s what pushed me to really start creating for this fandom. So thank you, truly! Love always. 💖

@unbreakablejemmasimmons - Amy, you’re the best! I love writing with you and bouncing ideas off each other! I always look forward to it and for your positivity when it comes to the show and my creations. Thank you for the comments you always leave on my fics, too. They brighten my day. Xoxo 💖

@saadiestuff - Sadie! You’re fun and silly, and I love your Malex as animals. You inspire me to think outside the box, and as a creator, that’s important. Like encouraging me to go through with my Baby Yoda fic! 💚 You always support me, and for that, I thank you. Thank you for being a light in this fandom. Xoxo 💖

@lire-casander - Lire, you have a heart of gold. You’re kind and supportive and for that, I’ll always thank you. You’re always the first to comment on my stories and you’ll never know how much that means to me. You put so much thought into them, every single time, that I feel like I have a true fan with my work. It means the world to me. Also, thank you for being my friend! Xoxo 💖

@malex-i-never-look-away - Toby! I just love ya! You always reblog and like my work, and that makes me feel so good inside. Plus, I’m glad we can always thirst together. It’s the best! It always inspires new ideas, which is the greatest thing a creator can ask for. Xoxo 💖

@moderngenius94 - Nixie, my love! I love talking about the show with you and bouncing ideas off together. I love our love for the creepy stuff, too, which with October around the corner, I cannot wait to talk fic with you! Thanks for always being a good friend. Xoxo 💖

@salmonthestoryteller - Salmon! Your fics and theories/metas inspire me daily, but you also are such an amazing cheerleader to other creators. It truly uplifts everyone. Thank you for being you, and showing us how kind and supportive you are. We’re lucky to have you. xoxo 💖

@bellakitse - Stef! You’re such a positive force to be around. Whatever the topic or show, you inspire me. You’ve helped me so many times with ideas, and when I felt burnt out with RNM, you helped to keep my creativity aflame with the love of Lone Star. Thank you for your support and friendship. xoxo 💖

@andrea-lyn - You my friend, define talent, and that alone inspires me to keep creating! You’ve helped me with ideas when I’m in a funk, and written fics that just call out to me (for ex: The Mummy). You opened my eyes to au’s and the love I now feel for them, so thank you for that! I’ve really tried expanding the way I write because of that. Keep creating and cheering others on, the world needs it! xoxo 💖

@djchika - Deej, you’re amazing and oh so talented! But you’re also so supportive of other creators. I’ll never forget the day I was first writing Boots the cat and telling you all about it, and then all the sudden you showed me a drawing you had done of Boots as we were talking! I felt seen with my fic in that moment, as if what I was creating was important and special. That’s the type of friend you are! Thank you! Never stop creating. xoxo 💖

@queersirius - You’re not only talented and creative, but you’re so supportive to other creators. I’ll never forget the spotlight rec you did on my Christmas fic. It was right in the beginning of when I was writing for this fandom, and it made my holiday season. You took the time to do that, and it touched my heart. Thank you for your kindness! xoxo 💖

@litwitlady - You my friend, have been such a gift to our fandom, especially during this hiatus. There have been so many times I’m in a writing block, but reading your work and seeing how many fics you write, has really helped me to keep writing and creating. You’re kind and supportive of other creators, and for that I thank you! xoxo 💖

@rnmsmalltownlegends - This blog has been so wonderful to recognize and spotlight so many amazing and often times, unrecognized creators. Its blogs like this that uplift creators enough for them to keep creating. And for that, I thank all of you. 💖

Also, a message to anyone who has ever liked or reblogged my work:

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

And last but certainly not least, cheers to this amazing event @roswellnewmexicocreate — this was so wonderful! During a pandemic and a darker time, as well as a long hiatus, this really uplifted so many creators! I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this week. 💞

[caitlesshea]

RNM Creators Week - Day 3

Alternative Universe 

I really didn’t know which ones to choose because I’ve read so many wonderful fics & I truly love them all, but here are some of my favorites! Thanks to all the fic writers for sharing!

Friday Nights and the Lights so Bright by @insidious-intent - malex college au

emo!alex meets fratboy!michael and it is the best teen/college meet cute I think I’ve ever read. The grumpy one being soft for the sunshine one is one of my favorite dynamics and this has that and more.

Of Guitars and Kitschy Logos by @bestillmyslashyheart - malex soulmate au

Michael and Alex are soulmates, where their marks have been distorted through past trauma. When they finally accept each other as soulmates their marks return. I’ve been in love with this fic since it was just an idea and I read it constantly. It is my favorite. 

Michael Sanders AU by @prouvaireafterdark - Michael was adopted by Sanders

Michael was adopted by Sanders and Sanders helps both Michael and Alex find their way. This is truly the most healing au I’ve read since S2 has ended. Michael and Alex having someone in their corner is much needed.  

If You Can't Handle the Heat (Get Out of the Kitchen) by @winged-fool - Alex and Michael work at the same restaurant

When Michael gives his two week notice Alex doesn’t handle it well. I love fics that showcase what malex can be together if they work at it. Also, any fic that has a heavy dose of meddling!rosa because these boys are idiots is automatically my favorite!

It Only Takes A Taste - by @spaceskam - malex friends with benefits au

Michael and Alex are in college and friends with benefits. I love their dynamic and I love the absolutely certainty with which Alex thinks he’s not going to fall in love. Sure, Jan.

you can fight the hurricane by @queersirius - pacific rim au

Michael is having trouble drifting, Alex is there to help. I know this is a WIP but it is so good that it actually convinced me to watch these movies. Everything about this fits malex in every way and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. 

scream in there by @usbournejez - Alex and Michael adopt a curly haired alien baby named River

I not only love this series for it’s curly haired alien baby named River, but for how Alex and Michael communicate and work through everything that has happened. I’ve been hooked since the first part and really wish this was how S2 played out.

something dumb to do by @christchex - Michael and Alex stay together during the lost decade

Not only does this fic start with a title from one of the most malex songs ever, it actually deals with every year during the lost decade. Alex has some decent brothers and Michael communicates with him when they visit. Also features my fave airman Patrick Scott (courtesy of @bestillmyslashyheart).

There are so many more wonderful au’s that I know I’m forgetting. I wish I could rec them all. Thank you to every fic writer that has truly taken this CW show about aliens and made it better. 

[jule1122]

RNM Creators Week Day 5 Angst

Angst is not really my thing unless it’s “Angst with a Happy Ending” or “Light Angst.”  But angst is pretty hard to avoid when dealing with Alex and Michael.  If you really like a lot of angst, I am not the best resource.  But here are some stories I enjoyed that I would say contain enough angst to count.

the hardest place to be is right where you are by @queersirius

when michael says that he wants to try things with maria, alex decides to focus on other things. and there's plenty of things that require his attention. 

This is everything I wanted to see from the show.  She writes Alex in a way that hurts, but rings so true to me.  He tries so hard to do right by everyone but himself, and damn I want to hug him.  There are a few lines in this that have stuck with me ever since I first read it.

oh, i know that love is all about the wind, how it can hold me up and kill me in the end (still i loved it) by @iwontbeyourmedicine

Alex is dying, but he refuses to do anything to stop it.

When I am in the mood for something angsty, this is one of the stories I reread.  A really emotional story with a wonderful pay off at the end.  My heart broke for 90% of this story, but then it soared at the end.

Five things you can see by @emma-arthur

Alex has a panic attack. Michael suddenly feels like he's choking.

My go to author for Alex centered angst.  I love this story in particular because it take the repercussions of Caufield seriously and Alex and Michael are together so we get to go straight to the comfort.  But you can’t go wrong with any of her stories.

Alex gifset by @jotunboss

Jesse Manes is the source of so much angst and this si great reminder of what he put Alex through

Alex gifset by @merriell

If you want to make me cry about Alex, you put the clip from the toolshed of his hands when Jesse walks in with the clip of the hug with Greg in the same gifset.  Those are two defining Alex moments for me.

[spaceskam]

Creator’s Week Day 3 - AU

AU fics are my all time favorite things in existence. I don’t know if it’s because I wrote One Direction fanfic for so long or if it’s because what we have in canon is garbage, but AUs are my go to and here’s some favorites.

Kiss and Control by @winged-fool​

Listen, everything she writes is gold and should be praised for not only just the creativity of it all, but also they’re just unique to this fandom as a whole. We have very little dark fics and very few that take on dark topics in general--which I totally get why, but it always feels like an event going to read something by her because you just know it’s going to be captivating. This one in particular might be the first one I read and it’s so good. The entire thing is a power play with Alex being a human soldier and Michael being an alien commander. That’s the bare bones of this fic, but I’m not about to spoil it. (I got carried away because I haven’t read your last few fics due to procrastination so I’m gushing here) 

let me count the ways by @queersirius​

I know that this is one of the more well-known and well-loved AU fics in this fandom, but I also know it’s been enough time that there are new people in this fandom who might not have gotten the chance to stumble across it. Do yourself a favor and go read it. This is a 10 Things I Hate About You AU where Michael Guerin tames the shrew that is Alex Manes. I’ve re-read this fic so many times, it’s so sweet and such an easy read, it’s a comfort fic at it’s finest.

our hands clasped so tight by @emma-arthur

Here’s another writer in this fandom who has written so many great AUs that it makes it hard to choose, but I chose this one. It’s one of my favorites because of the fluff of it all and the fact that while the angst is sort of between Michael and Alex, it also is more about the world around them and trying to figure out how to fit themselves in it and together. I love the idea of Alex pursuing music and both of them pursing therapy in general. It’s just so good.

(special mention to @prouvaireafterdark​‘s Michael Sanders AU because, again, I’m trying not to repeat people in order to spread the most love as I can, but I’m also not about to commit the ultimate sin by not making sure everyone is absorbing that universe)

[arielana]

RNM Creators Week 2020

Day 3 - Alternative Universe (AU)

Meet Ugly Drabbles and Fics - @foramomentonly

These meet uglys are all an absolute joy to read. There are 10 so far and I love them with all my heart. Go read them again and again!

This author also has the amazing Nail In My Coffin AU with designer Alex and model Michael and their dynamic in that fic is just so well written and so, so hot. I squeal with joy whenever there is an update.

Queen West at Night - @tasyfa

The start of the amazing Spinning Circle of Flames series. I am sure this is not a very original choice, but all the love this series is getting is so well deserved. I love how Michael and Alex explore and deepen their relationship and the way they communicate though it all. This is another one where I basically have to rearrange my whole schedule when there is an update.

Hang inappropriate - @michael-runs-hot-guerin /sismyn

Alex as Michael’s kick-ass bodyguard, I mean come on, can it get any better? I love Michael’s obvious pining and Alex’s attempt to be professional. And having them isolated in a house together is always going to be a great set-up. This one is super fun!

Thinkin' about the way that you kiss (i want to melt with you) - @queersirius /milzilla

There are other AUs from this author that I’m sure will be mentioned by like everyone and that I also love, but I have to go with this soft bro masterpiece that gets me all warm and fluffy every time.

Also, their long list of Malex fics is the best thing in the world!

The Manes Entertains (Then Falls to Love's Reign) - @andrea-lyn

Again picking just one of their AUs is difficult, but this is a delightful fic making good use of Vlamburn insta-photos as well so it’s my choice. Rich party boy Alex Manes opens his house to a temporarily homeless student Michael Guerin as an attempt to improve his reputation. Lovely!

Friday Nights and the Lights so Bright - @insidious-intent

I’ve seen several people rec this already today and of course they do - it is SO good! Frat bro Michael and emo Alex are my everything. There is just a little snippet on AO3 so far, the other parts are on the authors tumblr account. I always have to go on a mad scroll through tumblr to find them when the mood strikes me (which is often) so for my own sake I’m adding a link here: fratbro!Michael and emogay!Alex (hope that is ok, let me know if I am breaking some etiquette rule)   

[manesalex]

@rnmsmalltownlegends

This blog puts so much time and effort into promoting and lifting up creators all over the fandom, fans of every character and ship. They seem especially dedicated to finding the undiscovered gems in this fandom. And, really, that makes them a gift to us all.

@queersirius

Millie is an incredibly talented creator who participates in almost every event, but she also has an incredible list of Malex fanfiction recs. I don’t know where she finds the time to read as many fics as she does and to create as well, but her positivity and support of all the writers in the Malex part of the fandom is extraordinary.

@lire-casander

Lire has done a wonderful job running this event this year. And I’m so grateful she took it over when I just didn’t have the energy for it anymore. She puts so much time into some seriously complicated events for all of us. And she’s an excellent creator. But she also leaves some truly amazing reviews. Lire’s given me some of the best comments I’ve ever gotten and I will always be grateful for her support, her understanding, and her friendship).

@stydiaeverafter/ @cosmiceverafter

Jess is the friend who got me writing in the first place. She’s incredibly supportive and a great friend to just scream and flail about the characters and the ship with. She’s so incredibly positive and a hopeless romantic (same here, tbh). And she’s also one of those people who will just scream about your fics at you, which, honestly, I think every writer needs. And she’ll come to you with a million different ideas and work through them with you. She’s inspired a few of my fics just by being her wonderful self.

@i-never-look-away/ @beka1820

Beka is always one of the first people to read my longer drafts. I can trust her to be that friend who will gush over my fics and send positivity right when I’m spiraling and considering tossing everything out because, of course, I think it’s garbage (she did that for me with touching you I start to bloom, among others). She’s a great friend to bounce ideas off of and, really, if you need someone to help build up your confidence, you’d be lucky to have a friend like Beka.

@insidious-intent

Inigo offers so much support to so many of the writers, no matter how much time it takes from her schedule. And, when I need a beta for a fic, she’s the only person I’d trust to do it. I’ve mentioned my insecurity issues, and, when they’re especially bad, she’s one of the few people I trust to look at my work with a critical eye and make it better. She’s also just a truly amazing friend with a big heart who has her friends’ backs and I am well aware of how lucky I am to have her as a friend.

[aewriting]

2020 Creator Wrap

2020 Creator Wrap: Favourite Works

Tagged by @lambourngb

Rules: it’s time to love yourselves! choose your 5 (or so) favourite works you created in the past year (fics, art, edits, etc.) and link them below to reflect on the amazing things you brought to the world in 2020. tag as many writers/artists/etc. as you want (fan or original) so we can spread the love and link each other to awesome works!

Thanks for the tag, @lambourngb ! It was actually nice to go back and check out the fics I wrote this past year - what a long year! I wrote 20 for RNM and 3 for 9-1-1 Lone Star, for a total of 184,805 words, which was much more than I thought it was! Given the way this year went, I’m really proud I wrote ANYTHING, ha, and I feel like all of these stories hold up quite well.

In no particular order (focusing on finished fics only):

Throw Cares Away: this was my holiday-themed fake dating fic for @prouvaireafterdark . In my own fic consumption, I’ve really enjoyed fics that updated regularly, like a serial, that I could read and look forward to daily, and I decided I wanted to try to do that for this fic, and I did! I’m pleased with how it turned out, and I’m proud that I got it done.

I may be bad, but I’m perfectly good at it: so, this is the smuttiest thing I’ve ever written, and I’m really proud of it. I feel like it’s both hot and also brings up some of the challenges to intimacy that Michael and Alex would have. I was a little nervous to post it given how explicit it is, but I think it turned out really well.

I just can’t look, it’s killing me: This developed out of a prompt on the RNM Kink Tumblr that got its claws in me and wouldn’t let go. It’s an AU in which Alex ran off to L.A. right after the shed and became a sex worker. In writing this, it was important to me to get the tone right, and to make this a fairly realistic take on sex work. I’m super proud of how this one turned out - Michael’s a little younger in this, and trying so hard, but still struggling with the realities of Alex’s profession... and we come to find out that Alex has his own reservations about some of Michael’s choices, too.

Petty Pace: This was a fanfic remix posted in January of 2020, and it is a prequel to Freaky Friday, in which Alex, Maria, and Liz are the aliens, and Jesse fosters Michael. Writing this was like writing horror, with the building tension. I feel like it was a good AU exploration of Alex and Michael and the impact of trauma/abuse.

To Run Away from You: I have a soft spot for this little fic. It’s the only outsider POV fic I’ve ever written, and I like the OC I created for it, who is trying to date Alex. The basic idea around this was percolating for a long time, and just sort of reached critical mass one day.

As an honorable mention, I also love the WIPs I started this year. Vague Space and Loathly are particularly close to my heart. I am putting no pressure on myself in 2021, but I am hoping to finish up these two fics, and if you don’t mind unfinished WIPs, I definitely recommend them!

This was fun to do, so if you read this and want to do it, consider yourself tagged! Not sure who has done this/has already been tagged (and no pressure to do this either - BELIEVE ME), but I’ll go ahead and tag ten folks: @andrea-lyn , @foramomentonly , @jule1122 , @wle0416 , @queersirius , @jocarthage , @sabrinachill , @ninswhimsy , @prouvaireafterdark , and @tasyfa

[andrea-lyn]

RNM Creators Week - Day 1 - Dynamics

Hey! It’s Day 1 of Creators’ Week for RNM, and while I’m not going to get every day, I wanted to do a few days to highlight things that haven’t made it onto my rec posts (which can be found on the master here and I will be adding to at some point soon) 

Obviously I am missing a ton, but I figured I’d highlight a few for people to bookmark and read! 

1. a past to bury by @islndgurl777 - I had been hoping for more Tripp or Nora content after s2, and this fic by Crystal is such a good delve into Tripp as a ghostly outsider having to watch the events unfold before him. And even better, it ends with him and Nora, and all those familial moments lead into one where he gets to be with the one he loves most.

2.  Sleeping Beauties by @bestillmyslashyheart - I love this piece and could re-read it a dozen times because it’s such a good alien plot, but it involves everyone and you get an amazing look at the dynamics. Maria’s hope (and subsequent hopelessness), Max’s knowledge that he and Michael are enough for Isobel (and that she loves them the most) and how that makes this not just romantic, but also familial is such a good twist. It’s a great romantic trope, but this is such a good retelling that shows a great friend group and family at the same time.

3.  i don't know what to think (but i think of supernovas)  by @queersirius - Look, this fic was for me, but I don’t care, it’s a dynamic that is so unique and perfect, because it’s Michael and his sentient ship, and you should read it because of that. And then, it takes the best twist ever, by having ALEX and the ship establish their own dynamic, which is not what I expected when rambling about this fic, but it works so much better. Like, a thousand times better. 

[winged-fool]

RNM Create Week 2020 Day 7: Cheerleaders

For six days, creators have been reveling in all the love, so now it's the moment to give some of that love back. Tell us about those people who have helped you through your creative process, whether it's your beta or that particular person who's reblogged everything you've posted or commented on everything you've shared, or that person who's been holding your hand all the time while you worked hard on your creation. We want to know everything about them! We want to know those wonderful people who are helping you as a creator. You guys are an essential part of this fandom!

Sorry not sorry this is so long 💙

@exploring-in-space: Alix is my number one ride or die. She encourages me endlessly and in ways that I can never really articulate. Every time I come up with a crazy idea and bring it to her, she never judges me, she’s right there with me trying to figure out the best way to bring it to life. Not only that, but she’s an incredibly talented writer and I’m so lucky to have her as a sounding board. She deals with all my RNM rants and if you think I rant a lot on here just imagine all the garbage that she has to listen to first.

My Salt Squad: @insidious-intent @caitlesshea @themoonwhenimlost the best salt people I could ever ask for. Every time I come to them with a salty take they all validate me and don't make me feel like a horrible person hahaha you all are some of my favorite people in this fandom!

Finer Things Club: @el-gilliath @christchex @nielrian who distracted me and cheered me up when RNM was breaking my heart. A special shout out to Tove who held my hand through almost every episode and constantly encourages me! We’re co-writing our Big Bang and even though I’m the slowest writer ever, she is so understanding and patient 💙💙

@female-overlord-3: an absolute sweetheart 💙 I look forward to your comments on my fics and always enjoy every post you send my way

@bamfalexmanes : my favorite tormentor hahaha Gabrielle is constantly picking on me and it's just so fun. You'll never get me to love forlex! 😂 And of course my pic crew pal 💙

@usbournejez: you are always so kind to me, you believe in my writing in a way I don't think I deserve haha but it means so much to me because I love your writing so much 💙

@hmd023: this isn’t just a shout out for being an amazing person to me but to everyone in this fandom! I’m always seeing you in people’s ask boxes complimenting their writing or sending prompts and it’s so wonderfully refreshing to have all your positivity in this fandom. And I always remember you as my International Relations bud 🤣

@grampire: we haven’t been mutuals for long but I am soo glad that we are! You have been such an awesome cheerleader for me and so supportive of my dark fics. Dark fics can be a little niche which I totally recognize so it’s always so awesome when I find other people who love them as much as me 💙

@captainsorryimabadass: same as above! you’ve been such an incredible supporter of my dark fics and it makes me so happy! Plus we’re both hannigram trash and that automatically makes you one of my favorite people :D

@habibinasir: We don’t talk that often, but when we do, we have some of the funniest conversations. I feel like you really get my stupid sense of humor which is an automatic plus in my book! Plus we commiserated with each other every week when RNM Season 2 was airing and had a lot of the same what the fuck thoughts hahaha

@queersirius: you make some of my favorite gifs in this fandom and I absolutely love seeing them! They’ve inspired me to write little blurbs that eventually become longer fics! And you’re so generous with your time to create such an incredibly comprehensive list of recs that I’ve been lucky enough to be featured on. You’re such a positive person in this fandom, I absolutely love seeing you on my dash.

To the amazing authors in this fandom that still take the time to read my stuff, you all are so amazing because I know you’re busy with your own stuff but you’re still so generous with your time: @aewriting @prouvaireafterdark @spaceskam @chamblerstara/@manesalex @lambourngb @ninswhimsy

And of course my treasured mutuals: @lovecolibri @sungbeen @draculaspetbee @fairymonk @imrollingmyeyes @i-had-a-marvelous-time @ravens-world @fiona-glenanne-westen @bisexualalienss

I know I’m missing others and I’m sorry if I did forget you, it’s not personal I’m just a mess who is always forgetting things! I could say something about every single one of my mutuals and followers. You all are so great. Every time you like or reblog my nonsense, every ask and message I receive, I consider us friends. I know this fandom can be a little negative sometimes but I’m honestly so grateful for all the wonderful people in my little space. You all are the best 💙💙💙

[foramomentonly]

RNM Fandom Creators’ Week, Day 7--Cheerleaders

I fell off towards the end of the week with this, but I gotta come back and shout out all the amazing people I’ve encountered since joining the RNM fandom and becoming Grade A Malex trash.

@angsty-aliens​ Is my ride or die. She is responsible for the best parts of my fics and for my best fics. She encourages my headcanons, offers ideas and thoughts of her own, and has read chunks of fic when I was in my head and struggling. And she introduced me to the RNM 18+ Discord server, which helped me find my fandom people and my happy place. I am forever grateful you slide into my messages, friend.

@lambourngb​ is a wonderful person and leaves the most insightful comments on fic. You add complexity and depth to a work just by reading and leaving your thoughts. It’s no wonder you churned out the brilliance of Last Year’s Wishes Are This Year’s Apologies.

@aewriting​ My inspiration and my chaos queen lol. I love knowing there is someone out there who’s writing process is as much of a hot mess as mine; especially someone who produces such quality fic that I honestly aspire to.

@queersirius​ Your fic rec masterlist is a blessing to this fandom and you are one of my favorite mutuals. Thank you for creating a space for us to submit and discover our next favorite fics.

@prouvaireafterdark​ Is a kindred spirit in smut and all its glory. I love your writing, I love receiving fire emoji comments from you and knowing it’s basically like getting a NYT five-star review. I love how open you are to crowdsourcing ideas and to giving the fandom what it wants and needs!

@jocarthage​ @myrmidryad​ @el-gilliath​ I want to shout out these names that I have recognized since I first started writing RNM and Malex fic. These individuals offers comments and kudos on some of my earliest fics and I came to look for their comments and look forward to their words and encouragement. @ninswhimsy​ is another person who’s consistent comments and support/welcome were a big encouragement for me to continue writing and engaging, and who’s writing is a huge inspiration to me. @sabrinachill​ Is a newer voice and mutual to me, but what a sweet, open, talented person! 

All this to say: entering a fandom can be scary and, contradictory to its function, isolating. It can feel like everyone’s got a group and people except you. These are just a few of the people who helped me feel welcome and helped me find my place in this little fandom. 

Love and good vibes to all of you out there.

[a1kitkat]

Tagged by @queersirius

Rules: Time to love ourselves! Choose 5 favorite works you created in the past year (fics, arts, edits, etc.) and link them below to reflect on the amazing things you brought into the world in 2019. Tag as many creators as you want to spread the love!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

* 2019 - RNM Ficlet Collection - This is kinda cheating because it’s 31 (mostly) separate fics... but it was a challenge writing & posting a short fic every day for an entire month. Some are really short and others got away from me and ended up a decent length (The AUs mostly). So while each individual fic may not be the greatest, the effort that was required to pull it off was something I didn’t think I was capable of.

* Daddy Valenti - I may be the only person in this fandom who ships Alex Manes & Jim Valenti but that’s okay. This fic spawned from the daddy kink side of my brain despite it not really being a daddy kink. It took me about a week to write because I wanted to take my time to do it right, knowing it could be quite controversial, it was important to tell the story I wanted to tell without making it too creepy. My hope is write more of this pairing one day.

* Melding of the Minds - this was a short little fic with some OG throwbacks in relation to the aliens powers. It’s essentially Malex talking then Michael using his powers on Alex to show him his memories. Inspired by Michael’s comment about having nothing but copper wire and I needed Alex to know that’s what Michael believed.

* Into The Woods - My Fairy!Alex AU 😍 semi-canon compliant in which Michael is still an alien but learns Alex is actually part fairy. There’s rainbows and unicorns and Alex having wings. The unposted sequel has a dragon!!!

* By the Light of the Moon - the Titanic AU everybody asked for then subsequently forgot about. I wrote this early in the season then posted it about a week before the finale. This one never really found an audience because of the Michael/Alex/Kyle love triangle but I loved writing every word of it.