#following that fic author golden rule (comment onto others as you would have them comment onto you)

[thermodynamic-comedian]

i love commenting on other authors' fics because i know how good it feels to get comments, and everytime i do it i grin a little knowing that i'm giving someone else that feeling.

[whatisgoingonpaul]

Lost boys backstorys

I made a post while ago on my ideas of the boys past but now I want to update it. I just want you to know I’m still a firm Prequel lover/follower however we don’t get much info on the boys Pre 1906, so that’s what this is for! However personally I would have had more Max so this is going to be both pre 1906 but also include relationship with Max a bit.

I am also including my personal ideas on Last names and age. However I am under the idea that they wouldn’t know/take their last name seriously if the did know it cause- ya know. Orphans. This is going to be lengthy and I’m going to pin it, not just because I want it seen but also to remind myself in fic writing (when I don’t follow these ideas in a fic it’s gonna be Marked as Au- as I’ll probably be messing around with a different past.)

I’ll be doing appearance but only physical as there’s some stylistic changes. For clothing? Honestly so thinking workers clothes/cowboy esc

Also! Their stories are all going to kinda intertwine so I’d there’s not enough info under one theirs a solid chance there’ll be more for them under someone else’s!

David Hardy-

Age(as of 1906): 19

Born: 1887

Appearance: Average height, his hair a dirty blond- near reddish and is around shoulder length. Bearded. (Think doc but with slightly updated clothing)

Backstory:

David Is the only of the boys to grow up with at least one of his parents, living with his mother until her death when he was around 7. They lived in a decent, though cramped little space in San Francisco, by the docks. His father worked on and off- a not so stable style ending in him getting involved in not doing saviory things - getting arrested. His mother worked as a washerwoman. David worked the streets awhile, as a young child now left alone, he learned to pickpocket and live off what he could manage. It was around this time he had found Marko- doing the same thing he was - though arguably less effectively do to his more sporadic nature. At around age 10 the two became extremely close and rather inseparable, Marko even looking up to him despite being the older of the pair. However david wasn’t one to living completely criminal like... he did NOT want to be his father, which lead him to not drinking , EVER. (Even as a vampire he still doesn’t do alcohol.) he poked towards more honest work, also forcing Marko into doing the same , which he wasn’t exactly thrilled about- but did anyway. Tried. David did a lot of work on the docks, odd jobs and stuff like that- but it never paid even half as good as nabbing a wallet or cheating at cards. He wouldn’t be his father- he’d be better- better then all the nobody’s. More level headed then Marko though  ambitious, big headed and still wildly child like- eventually Paul , Dwayne and Jasper joining the pair. Well now, David had himself a full on gang. Never robbery, not that far. The group pickpocketed , cheated at any sort of game or match, that sort of thing... they were still young after all. Smart enough not to go wild like some famous bandit (Though David will admit to his slight admiration of Billy the kid.). He’s a quick learner, and when he learns something- he learns it well- becomes a damn near expert. When he is good at something he is good at it. He is the leader out of the groups mutual respect towards him , quick thinker. Notable flaws: Huge ego, hopeless romantic.

Marko Connelly-

Age(as of 1906): 20

Born: 1886

Appearance: on the shorter side, golden - darker brown hair in this fluff of ringlets it’s long about just past his shoulder blades and typically tied back. Usually dirty somehow (Think Poli but with longer hair and updated clothing)

Backstory:

Born to a rich family , one of those who moved from east to west and actually did make it big. He was a pretty little thing, more a doll to his mother then particularly a child- only taken from Nanny to be dotted over or photos taken. However around the age of 3 or 4 things had tipped, scandal! Missing. That is what the newspapers said anyway he was found missing- was it that he was given away? Or stolen? He was never particularly a child to be quite or sit still or anything such as that... so who is to say? Marko doesn’t remember a lick of that either way as he was far far to young for it but he does remember being alone. This is how he had grown his attachment to birds, they always stuck around. He grew comfortable with being alone, having himself to depend on, getting good at grabbing what he needs- A mansion is stark contrast to dirty winding alleyways. He was always cursed with his looks- even filth covered at 6 he could make sad eyes and tend to swindle whatever he wanted... but he wasn’t completely quick. He’d get in trouble, his face memorable he could rarely pass the same trick again. At 11 David came across him, the two started working and living together (that is where they could find a place to sleep.) he sort of gained this complex. He felt he owed David , in some strange sense he became attached at the hip- a helper, a second- almost servant like the guy had saved his life and he is now the others. It didn’t help that at a young age, Marko had developed what was come to be understood as a deep crush- at times as teens this was reciprocated. As loyal and loving as he was to the other male he wasn’t nearly as cautious, as rule following... he had come to despise authority, to despise the fancy, the rich all of the crowd. He was never sure why. Even regular work got on his hate list... but he gave in and would try to do a normal amount pf work.. it never really worked as there was something, how he would sass, how he looked or smelled or spoke (neither him nor David really spoke ‘proper’ English - meaning no slang or accent). Around when Paul came things started to shift in the group, more mouths- more work and more thinking. Oh yea David and his thinking. Marko is a bit hostile right off the bat when it comes to people he doesn’t know, eventually he cracks and will be more loyal to you then to anyone you’d ever know. He opened up to Paul, a lot sooner then he would have thought the guy was funny and sweet - lil stupid too. David had this grand idea of a little gang, naturally Marko was all for it because illegal activity is fun- it was like a game to him. A liked stealing from pockets and playing distraction for David, as time grew he began to hate how young and gentle his face appeared to be. He LOATHED absolutely appalled the pity glances he would get, the hand outs the whole “oh you poor fragile little dear 🥺” he hated being babied and still does. He hated the stares he got on the opposite direction ... at first, it was funny, it was nice to be wanted in that sense rather then some baby. However... it grew creepy, it wasn’t women or a fella his age...it was more the gaze of older men. Marko detested it so much- he KNEW he’s seen what some of the guys... even younger then him ended up doing- he could see the occasional look in david’s eye. No he would never really consider....no. Paul was more his shoulder to cry on, someone to go to , to ramble to to speak with and just be with. The two were touchy, always leaning against eachother or grabbing their arms, laughing or sleeping or- eventually it became more then casual, it was serious. The two started ‘dating’ at some point- none of them were ever serious on titles but it was good to put a word to it.

Paul campbell-

Age (as of 1906) : 18

Born: 1888

Appearance: tall and lengthy, he has a mole on his left cheek, he has stubble/shadow opposed to a beard. He’s also usually dirty, dirty blond , long hair think Buffalo bill with volume and his hairline not receding

Backstory:

Grew up in a orphanage, hundreds of kids all stuffed together into a few rooms, often sharing beds and everything else. He was never a still child, he would always figit and move and shift - whenever he’s supposed to be quite or still like lessons or Mass he just couldn’t. This - got him most of the attention from the mistresses and overseers- much more quick to slap then to explain... he was docile , quick to flinch and try and stop. Never worked well. Once you get to 7-8ish you work if not adopted by a decent age. Sweeping, factory work he tried it all. He was particularly desensitized to violence at a extremely young age while working in a textile factory- he’s seen a kids arm come clean off. Terror turns to fascination eventually. At some point he’d stopped returning at night finding David and Marko at 15, he started hanging with them- it was safer in numbers that sort of thing- Paul could read a bit , David could write a bit- the three worked it out together. always so distracted- the others learned right off the bat he wasn’t built for pick pocketing no matter how hard he begged about it. Instead he’d do real jobs- sweeping , fighting, placing crooked bets that sort of thing. He always complains. A massive softie since he was young, Paul can’t quite handle being on his own- he’s used to having at least one other person around him at all times causing him to get quite hooked onto the other boys. He hovers around the same places. He is also a fan of dancing- Paul- is music obsessed the moment he heard the first noise of any sort of music he was hooked. He is one about fun- being restrained from it for so long as a child- always to sit out and watch or to think about whatever he did.. oh. Dancing, drinking, drugs, clubs, all of it is his kind of deal- he would drag the others with him when they had a bit of extra cash to deal with. Dwayne and his brother, when they joined on he was instantly accepting, unlike Marko he didn’t have the deep seeded trust issues, he was immediately touchy and happy to share a joke or a comment no matter the glares. He is the one to get Dwayne to lighten up a little bit, to smile he loves to see that smile :). He got around to dating Marko, when they finally put a label on it he was really giddy about it, making jokes and comments- he adores the little names like ‘sweetheart’ or ‘bo’ - he eventually gets around to just plain ‘sugar’ . Marko is the one who really entertains Paul’s love for dancing, the two of them trying to get the others to do something lighten up- eventually their pawing would bare fruit. Paul makes the best out of the worst situation, even if they end up sleeping on the beach more often then not- he somehow makes it seam alright. Except that one time he had gotten sand in Dwayne’s eye and all hell broke lose. He is the current youngest member of the group after Jaspers passing.

Dwayne Maher

Age (as of 1906) : 22

Born: 1884

Appearance: Tall, muscular , tanned(I will establish this now but Dwayne is Native American.) long Black hair with burnet highlights, reaches half down his back.

Backstory:

Born out more Midwest unlike the others he was not born in San Francisco, eldest son of a decent sized family of four kids. Do to conflict he and his younger brother skipped town, skipped state and fled to California.. better options you know?. He’s strong built, hard working and good with his hands though, rather playful most of the time. He looks after his younger brother closely, when there is work they work the same place, when there is not they both still do the same. Quickly took to David and the gang , having a tight knit bond with each of them. He was sort of the muscle - if there was trouble, he knew how to fight and it would likely work better then the knives the boys carried around or the gun David could barely shoot. It was Paul who got him to open up more, about himself and just to speak in general, he’s much more under his breath and jokingly commenting then he is saying something out loud- however if he dislikes something or thinks it stupid you WILL know it. Like David he carries the occasional thought of caution, however he’s not nearly as quick to worry. Maher is not his actual last name , nor does he ever mention it- he simply uses this one when it’s needed as some sort of identification or document. He’s surprisingly good at money, he ends up counting with David and is better at budgeting no matter how he may want or need something. He doesn’t speak on his past as he tries to make it seam he has little of one, he likes to make things mysterious he finds it amusing.

Jasper Maher-

Age (as of 1906) : 16

Born: 1890

Died: 1906

Appearance: shoulder length black hair, typically tied back and braided , tanned, string bean.

Backstory:

The younger brother of Dwayne who is much much more open on how he grew up, casually mentioning things he learned from his parents of his brother (he doesn’t remember his parents that much.) young hot shot sort of kid who’d much rather have action then he would some serious job, loud, energy filled and one for violence- however he’s surprisingly sweet. He often got himself and his brother into trouble. He was a quick and fast young child who grew surprisingly closest with Marko, the two having a habit for breaking every possible rule they could manage together. Their close friendship lead to Marko naming one of his birds after Jasper long after his passing.

Max-

Unknown age but he is seen as extremely old and powerful

Relationship with the boys:

After finding them he has decided to take them under his metaphorical and physical wing, acting as a sort of guardian. Food, clothing, shelter, he was everything the boys didn’t have and was surprisingly inviting in the beginning. ‘I do this for you, you on occasion do this for me’ sort of deal. He wasn’t a leader so much as he was a usual figure, the boys knew and understood him to be above them... so they followed you know? The whole new vampirism thing and the clueless kids- he had to explain and show nearly everything... especially to David, he wasn’t so much harsh to him as he was strict- more of a lead by example sort. Honestly he was father like in a strange sense- that someone is almost like a parent but very much your boss. See... with Max’s strength, there’s this almost automatic level of control- you can’t say no to him. You literally can’t not do what he asks (some supernatural level messing-). There’s something dark about him, in him that the boys still don’t understand in the 80s- but it scares them. It’s strange, it feels unlike him... he seams just like a Dorky , sweet man until...

Some random thoughts that don’t really fit anything

The boys are explicitly religious, past what you’d hear in passing or remember from growing up. Saying “oh god” and respecting religious officials are about what you’ll get

Whoopsies! This was a extremely long post lmao. Sorry for the long read but I could go on and on about them this was just a small blurb to all of it. If you ever wanna hear more do tell me. Also tell me if I should add tw for anything as I know I got a little dark at some points.

[shizzlinghotbrason]

ok so nearly everyone in the fandom is doing this and as sad as it is that we need to remind these simple things to people, I feel the need to talk about this too.

I won't make this too painfully long because I know y'all most likely already know this and I just wanna put out a basic list of shit you should always follow in the fandom. But for those who don't, a lot of fan content creators, be it artists or writers or just general fans trying to enjoy their time, have been leaving/quitting the fandom.

Why are they leaving, you ask? Toxicity. Toxicity nearly everywhere. People can't hold respectful debates or discourses on interesting topics regarding characters/the books/ships anymore without someone toxicly stating that only their opinion is correct, and going off on anyone who has different opinions carried with a lot of aggressive, rude and shallow behaviour. Fanartists have gotten death threats and are scared of drawing art for the Riordanverse without getting anxious af.

Now the thing is, having done those (eXcepT for the death threats) doesn't automatically make u an entirely shitty person. Maybe you made a mistake and came off as rude without rlly meaning to. That's okay. Here's how to identify if u ever did so, and to change that behaviour. Again, it's okay to make mistakes, but we rn as a fandom srsly need to try to turn things around.

Some basic shit you should remember being a part of the fandom:

• NO NSFW STUFF WITH MINORS!!! That means fanarts, fanfics etc. But here's the shocking thing- when someone does this, you can actually hold them accountable WITHOUT SENDING DEATH THREATS AND CROSSING THE BOUNDARIES! Cuz doing that only makes YOU stoop just as low. Pl e a s e remember that always and be respectful whatever you do.

• That being said, ppl are allowed to write nsfw stuff IF said characters are aged up, aka 18+. Ofc, it's a must that they put a content warning beforehand because many people may not want to read that. BUT, if you don't want to read it and if they've aged up the characters so nothing's morally wrong or gross, then please do NOT hate the author in the comments, do NOT report their post/account. Seriously dude, they gave warnings, if you don't want to read it just scroll past it's not that hard. Unless it's with minors, you shouldn't be reporting innocent ppl's accounts like that.

• one thing that I've seen a lack of in the fandom are trigger warnings. I've seen several fics whose covers are literally of blood. And entire chapters were written with intricate graphic descriptions yet with no trigger warnings or a tw wayyy down in the caption. you never know what may be triggering to someone if a lot of ppl see ur content but the least u can do is put trigger warnings on the most common stuff. I get that it may look aesthetically matching if it's a murder mystery sorta fic but isn't the well being of people more important?

• look I'm not saying you're not allowed to have opinions, but the problem is when you start treating your opinions like facts. I can't count the times I've seen someone state their opinion like it's facts and then trash on other's for having a different opinion. PEOPLE ARE ALLOWED TO HAVE DIFFERENT OPINIONS. Stop attacking people for liking Jason more than Percy or vice versa, there's no rule that you absolutely have to like one or the other, ppl can like who they want. When you're stating UR opinion, it would be nice if you used stuff like "I personally think that..." or "... that's just my opinion" because again, Ur opinion is just that, not a fact.

• if you can't have discourses or discussions about certain topics respectfully and nicely then don't have them. if someone's done nothing wrong but state their opinions and you don't like it, don't go attacking them. if you don't have anything good to say, shut up and just scroll past. it's not that hard. we don't need any more negativity in the fandom. If you feel like you're about to snap, mute or block the account you don't like and move on with life. But for the love of GOD don't go out of your way to be agresive or hateful to ppl. They have feelings too and run fan accounts for fun, not to get upset and hurt.

• when a fan account owner has made a post saying what they think of a certain topic, and you comment saying you think they're wrong and they reply that you didn't get the point of their post, then chances are you most probably actually did not understand what they were saying. when this happens, pls don't go on forcing ur opinion onto them as if you got what they meant when you didn't. Maybe next time when someone says you didn't get what they were saying, ask them nicely to explain it to you instead of going off like that?

• firstly, shame on you if you've ever run a hate account. just why? how much more negativity do you want to add? if you come across a hate account please please report it and block it and tell your friends to do the same. if you're targeted in a hate post, I'm so sorry, please know that they're shallow ppl just trying to make you feel shitty, you're dont have a trashy fan account; what they say is false and done purely to spite. report and block them.

• I know Rick has written a lot of racist bullcrap and hasn't batted an eye when we complained about them, but that still doesn't give you the right to send him death threats. Again, no death threats to anyone, yikes.

• don't use fanart that's racist. don't repost them either. Piper has feathers in it? don't repost it. also if you can't exactly and properly credit artists, don't repost their art saying "credits to the artist". I've done that before too but now I understand that's not right.

• also, while we're at it, can we all please universally agree on non-racist fanon stuff and get rid of racist canon stuff? like Piper and feathers, and piper & hazel with colourful and golden eyes, Piper's stupid not like other girls behaviour, and all the other bullshit Rick has put into the books. We as a fandom don't accept it and pretend they do not exist, no racism in this place 🥰‼️

• ppl are allowed to have their own headcannons, it doesn't matter what's cannon. Don't go "but in the books it's.." because in the books there's a lot of shit, and besides, if someone wants to headcannon Percy as brown? black? totally alright! they're allowed to do so! don't go bUt pErCy iSnT pOc iN tHe bOoKs. same goes with sexualities and etc headcannons. as long as they're not erasing the already representation of a minority, it's okay to have headcannons of your own. Like Hazel is canonically black and we should respect that and bring out the best of that, yk what I mean?

That's all I have to say for now. I'm usually a very light-hearted cursed meme account on here but things are getting out of hand. I was wanting to make my 8 yr old brother get into the Riordanverse fandom but seeing the situation of the fandom rn scares me. We need to think about the kids in the future who'll be in this fandom, whose lives will be changed and shaped by these books. Surely, the older people in the fandom before us would be utterly disappointed at what it's become and it's our job to constantly look out for the fandom.

If you're leaving/have left the fandom, I'm so sorry that it got to that point, but ur wellbeing comes first, do what you feel is necessary to feel better, all of us send lots of positive vibes towards your way! and to the peeps who've still decided to stay in the fandom and use their account to talk about this issue, I cannot express how thankful I am of you for doing such an important thing right now. And to everyone - as Harry Styles once said - treat people with kindness.

[maychorian]

Weekly Voltron Fic Recs #42

Please be aware that I am no longer noting Season Three spoilers.

Rules: You can find past weekly rec lists here, and non-list recs in my general fic rec tag. Also follow @maychorianrecs for individually tagged posts, the easier to search and reblog. This is stuff I like, and I have a huge bias toward Lance, hurt/comfort, and general fluff, in that order. Gen unless otherwise noted. Please comment on the fics if you read and enjoy them!

Unknown by BossToaster (ChaoticReactions) Words: 17,643 Author’s Summary: As Shiro enters his fourth year at Hogwarts, there’s a lot he doesn’t know about his future. As he tries to figure out what he wants and what he needs, Professor Coran comes to him to ask for a favor: to help tutor one of the first years in Transfiguration. Shiro agrees, and sets himself down a path he’d never expected for himself. A remix of Unafraid by Buttered_onions My Comments: Absolutely delightful Harry Potter AU in which young Shiro gradually gathers a small flock first years who adore him to tiny bits. I love how protective Shiro becomes almost the instant he meets each of these adorable kids. Matt and Allura are fantastic as his supportive and mischievous best friends, too.

The Blue Paladin by CalicoPudding Words: 2,680 Author’s Summary: He didn’t ask to go to space, not like this anyway. And sure, it was fun and exciting and new when they first arrived, but it’s clear now that they can’t just go back home. They’re Voltron, the defender of the universe. And they’re fighting a very real threat. A threat that could kill them if they aren’t careful. My Comments: Lance is not dealing with his homesickness, and then Blue’s rejection makes it a whole lot worse.Thank goodness for Pidge and Hunk chasing him down and refusing to leave him alone.

Day 5: Insomnia by GemmaRose Words: 1,806 Author’s Summary: Without a regulating light cycle, the average human circadian rhythm settles to a 22 hour cycle. Going under that is… difficult. My Comments: Poor Hunk has a rough time adjusting to space. Good thing his team notices and won’t let it continue.

Thrall Song by ElementKitsune Words: 1,709 Author’s Summary: The name is Takashi Shirogane. (that’s the first thing you’ll forget) OR Shiro gets captured by the fae. (It’s an experience) My Comments: Surreal, dreamlike fantasy AU where it’s the fae who capture and use Shiro instead of the Galra. Good thing the team is there to save him.

You do not Need to see our Identification by The Curator of The Sands (GrimRevolution) Words: 6,886 Author’s Summary: She was looking for information so she went alone. She didn’t come back that way. She almost didn’t come back at all. My Comments: Really fun way for Pidge to meet up with Matt, both in the middle of their own mission on a base. In the melee, Pidge gets injured and Matt gets her back to the team. Lots of actions, lots of feels.

A Long Rain by Bandity Words: 3,467 Author’s Summary: It’s a search and rescue mission and Lance is happy to be out in the rain, but he really doesn’t understand why Keith hates it so much. My Comments: Oof, this is quite the double whammy, with Lance getting physically sick and Keith struggling with PTSD in a major way. They both need to get out of the rain.

If I Can Live Through This by BossToaster (ChaoticReactions) Words: 6,804 Author’s Summary: There are some problems Shiro can’t go to the team for, for a variety of reasons. But for those times, there’s Sam and Matt. A direct sequel to Beast You’ve Made of Me My Comments: Great installment for a fantastic series. Love Sam and Matt being supportive of Shiro when it’s difficult, and especially when it’s difficult for him to ask.

The Opposite of a Furry Little Problem by Omnicat Words: 1,412 Author’s Summary: Shiro isn’t Shiro, he says. Shiro isn’t safe, he says. The space mice will decide that for themselves, thankyouverymuch. My Comments: Ahhhh, so adorable! The space mice decide that even if this isn’t quite Shiro, he still needs company and comfort. I want more fics like this.

Waiting for the Dam to Break by saababa Words: 14,702 (3/?) Author’s Summary: It took a whole month to track down the Galra ship that had captured Lance. A whole month of frustration, guilt and dead-end leads before the remaining paladins could launch their rescue. It only took a month for Lance to lose his mind. My Comments: Ooh, great aftermath fic. Intense so far, with wonderful characterization and a lot of emotion. I’m really looking forward to seeing where this one goes.

The Helpless Dark by Bandity Words: 2,149 Author’s Summary: Lance is trapped and awaiting rescue, but he’s not as alone as he thought he was. My Comments: Oh, golly. Lance with children is always a treat, and we get hurt Lance on top of it, trying to keep a tiny alien calm while they wait for help. Lovely comforting with Hunk later, too.

Can’t Touch This by SerenePhenix Words: 1,777 Author’s Summary: No one touches the mice. No one. Author’s Summary: That monster hurt the space mice, holy crap. D: I get kind of desensitized to human characters getting hurt in fiction, so somehow this is worse. No worries, though, there is vengeance, and lots of concern and love at the end.

Stick Like Glue by Arisprite Words: 6,895 Author’s Summary: An uninhabited alien forest calls to Lance for exploration, and who better to ask to come along than Keith? So, maybe everyone else said no first, but Keith and Lance are actually not having too bad a time. Add in some jewels, glue, and a giant monkey, and we’ll see how it goes. My Comments: Really fun adventure fic with Lance and Keith getting into and out of trouble and actually enjoying each other’s company. I love seeing their friendship develop, despite all the bumps along the way.

Don’t Worry About It by genericfanatic Words: 3,949 Author’s Summary: 5 times Hunk told Lance not to worry about it and one time he should have worried. My Comments: Warning for attempted suicide. Oh gosh, this was a rough read. If it hadn’t been for the second chapter I don’t think I could have taken it. But I loved protective Hunk doing his best to heal and support his emotionally wounded friend.

01001000 01100101 01101100 01110000 by The Curator of The Sands (GrimRevolution) Words: 1,226 Author’s Summary: It wasn’t even her voice, wasn’t hers and was wrong, it was wrong, it was wrong, wrong, wrong. One foot moved forward. No, no, she didn’t want to, she didn’t want to she didn't— Walk. She walked. My Comments: Really intense fic with Pidge being mind-controlled, then feeling a complete loss of control and autonomy afterward. Lance tries to help and does his best, but it’s a rough time for Pidge and nothing is really fixed by the end.

Ship to Wreck by Engineer104 Words: 3,544 Author’s Summary: It’s always the same. Katie Holt loses her family. Pidge Gunderson emerges to get them back. This time, she sets sail for the New World. My Comments: Really fun AU with Team Voltron in the Age of Sail. I loved all of the character choices and the richness of the descriptions. Just need more, that’s all.

The Cost of War by heroami Words: 1,257 Author’s Summary: And then it hit Lance just how young Pidge really was. Kids her age – our age, a voice which sounded a lot like Hunk, reminded him – should be worrying about school and their first kiss. Not whether or not their friends would survive the day. My Comments: Sweet, heartachey missing scene set after Return to the Balmera. Pidge is having trouble processing and she goes to Lance, even though they’re not quite friends yet. Fortunately, Lance welcomes her in with open arms. Love that platonic cuddling.

All the Stars Go Dark by nightwalker Words: 33,330 Author’s Summary: The Garrison was abandoned. Shiro didn’t know what he’d expected. He’d known when he started out that nowhere was safe anymore, and he’d had no reason to believe the Garrison would be any different. But he’d held onto that hope in the face of all evidence. My Comments: Hoo boy, this fic is a non-stop thrill ride. I knew I was going to enjoy it, and I REALLY did. Shiro coming back alone to the Garrison to search for survivors (and his brother) after a year of zombie apocalypse is already a tense scenario, but then once he actually MEETS those survivors, and then all the twists and turns, the things that are eventually revelead, and even the ending, oohhhh man, non-stop rollercoaster from start to finish. Definitely some horror, mostly because of what people do instead of zombies, but Shiro is going to take care of these kids he found surviving in the desert NO MATTER WHAT. I really, really enjoyed this fic.

the weight grew golden by uraa Words: 7,698 Author’s Summary: Through the window, Takashi saw a head of unruly black hair, golden skin and soft dark eyes. Oh, he thought. Even from a distance, he could tell. My Comments: What a gorgeous fic. This isn’t quite my childhood, but close enough for the nostalgia to be pretty overwhelming. I could really feel the weight of that summer heat, and the joy of a summer storm. Shiro’s instant adoption of new neighbor Keith was adorable, and it was also fun to see them both hanging out with the Holt siblings. What a lovely group of kids.

Fever Days by Bandity Words: 2,280 Author’s Summary: Keith was always good at being alone. A fever didn’t change that. My Comments: Poor Keith. Good to see the others taking care of him, especially after he starts hallucinating about Shiro. I especially loved Lance in this, supportive but willing to call Keith out when he’s doing something harmful to himself.

Snow Drop by Bandity Words: 3,420 Author’s Summary: A storm is raging and Pidge fights to get an injured Lance to safety. My Comments: Fantastic Pidge and Lance friendship. They both have to work together to get each other out of a very dangerous situation. The cuddling at the end was lovely.

Alsanum by Lobo_Loca Words: 11,841 Author’s Summary: [“Alsanum?” Lance asked. “What’s that?” “Our biggest festival, which celebrates the lights the goddess Alma bestowed upon the first Alteans. Five nights of lights, food, and games to remind us of the gifts we’ve been given,” explained Coran.] In need of a break from the war against the Galra, Coran suggests reviving a traditional Altean light festival. The Paladins team up with Coran to put on the festival, and decide to surprised Allura while they’re at it. My Comments: I adore all of the thought and creativity that went into the building of this fic. It’s lovely to see the team enjoying a holiday together and sharing their cultural heritage, and there’s the bonus focus on Coran’s grief for his lost family. Bittersweet and lovely.

And live inside each scene by Resamille Words: 1,292 Author’s Summary: “Well no,” says Lance over the comms. “Most people don’t intend to get shot.” My Comments: Ouch, poor Pidge. Good thing Lance and Keith are there.

Day 3: Blood Loss by GemmaRose Words: 1,496 Author’s Summary: In Which Zarkon Is Injured And Alfor Refuses To Give Up On His Friend. My Comments: Strong warrior friendship, holy crow, look at it. It feels so true to them now, and that’s the weirdest thing.

Previously Recced Fics That Updated:

As Color Fades Away (110431 words) The Ones Who Were Left Behind (38405 words) The Machinations of Perception (42846 words) The Wounds We Heal, and Those We Don't(13386 words) Scattered (64148 words) Truce (171597 words) Water and Blood (23759 words)