#like indomitablelove

[its-been-you-all-along]

not to be dramatic but the rwrb stratosphere is saving my absolute life. having such a tricky time with work but knowing i can come home and reread or rewatch or fall into well crafted au’s or extensions via the fic world is really what keeps me going❤️

[rmd-writes]

a love note (and some fics)

Sometimes I wonder if there's really anything bigger out there - the universe, some kind of higher power, fate - and then I think about how extremely lucky I am that I became obsessed with a certain tv show and its characters at just the right time so that I could befriend someone who then introduced me to a particular book at exactly the right time to fall in love with those characters as well. And then, because of my need to have more of those characters, I went looking for more stories about them at exactly the right time to meet a group of people (some of them together, some of them later, but that doesn't matter) who would go on to become my friends.

There must be something, right? To bring together a group of people who live in five to seven different time zones depending on the time of year. To create my safest spaces on the internet. To share not just our love for a book and its characters, but parts of our lives with each other. To have them all wedge themselves into the soft spaces of my heart and never leave.

I've been thinking about this a lot over the last two weeks, because those people conspired and collaborated to gift me a collection of 10 incredible fics for a milestone birthday (tomorrow!) - even though some of them haven't written fic for months and months, or don't write for this fandom at all anymore, or have recently been finding it hard to make words work and finish fics, or are just plain busy with other projects and life. That they took the time to find and make words for me means everything and more 💖💖

I've been absolutely overwhelmed with love these past 10 days (probably to the surprise of no one, I have cried at every single fic drop and I'm crying writing this now). So, I want to share the wonderful fics that they've written for me with you all because it's the least I can do to pay it forward and they're objectively stellar fics. If you haven't come across them already then you should definitely add them to your to read lists/open tabs/MFL. Please show my friends some love and read their work.

The Rae of Sunshine! collection, in order of publication (with my very short summaries):

Take It Back (4.2K) by @three-drink-amy

Henry is the head chef at a French restaurant and there's one patron who keeps sending his dishes back. How can they resolve this?

Dick, Dick Dick (You Down) (10.2K) by @everwitch-magiks

Alex runs the craft services trailer on the set of actor!Henry's latest movie. Is he the only person who sees behind the façade?

A deceptively soft story, given the title.

Precious Love (1.3K) by floatingaway4

The fluffiest follow up to one of my favourite AUs Amigos y Migas (aka the food truck au).

Midnight ice cream (5.8K) by @the-amber-fox

Emotional support Cornettos? More likely than you think.

Make it Right (5.3K) by @three-drink-amy (that's right, Ally wrote me TWO FICS)

A rogue little Tarlos fic in amongst the firstprince - a post-season 1 canon divergence that sees TK working in a taco truck while he finds his feet.

a taste of life (7.4K) by @indomitable-love

A journey through Henry's life, told through food. (This one is not my summary, indomitablelove already summed it up perfectly)

Risotto + Melanzane + Dolce (a love story) (16.8K) by @villiageidiot

Alex starts working at an Italian restaurant and is terrible at his job. Somehow, Henry doesn't seem to mind.

Cursed is a State of Mind (WIP) by @welcometololaland & @dustratcentral

A 5 + 1 treatise on cursed coffee consumption.

12 Year Starter (6.6K) by @clottedcreamfudge

When Pez can't make it to Henry's Michelin-star birthday dinner, he arranges for Henry's friend, Alex, to take his place. Featuring CCF's signature banter and fun, and a menu that I wish was real.

Pour Your He(art) Out (WIP) by @athousandrooms

A 5+1 ode to latte art (featuring actual art!)

You can find the entire collection here on Ao3.

[piratefalls]

hi, yes, i'm still very behind on reading, but in my defense i picked up an actual book and did read that, so.

anyway, here's some fic.

masterlist.

(Secret) Santa Baby by indomitablelove

"When it comes to Secret Santa, Alex really does have a reputation to uphold. Everybody wants Alex to get them. Nobody actually wants to get Alex, which is why he usually ends up with novelty socks or a political biography, but he doesn’t care. Ultimately, everybody wants Alex to get their name. And right now, Alex is seconds away from finding out who his new mark is. The person that he’s going to spend the next few weeks learning inside and out to ensure that he gets them the perfect gift." --- Alex gets his work nemesis, Henry, in the office Secret Santa and realises that he doesn't know nearly as much about him as he thought...

Creative Differences by @sparklepocalypse

Zahra tilts her head at him, a contemplative expression on her face. “How attached are you to the notion of being a solo artist?” (AU; Alex is a failed solo musician and Henry's band needs a lead singer.)

just a figure of speech by congee4lunch

“Like I said: Alphas really don’t know how to fuck.” “And like I said,” Alex sets down his mug and steps closer to Henry. “I can fuck and I know how to fuck you so well, you’ll see stars, baby.” henry, an omega, hasn’t had good sex in a long time. as his alpha roommate and friend, alex can help with that. in a totally platonic bro way, of course.

Oxford Days by @myheartalivewrites

"Alex’s new roommate is kind of a slut. No. Strike that. Not kind of. Definitely. Definitely a slut." -- An ode to slutty Henry.

we play all day (and spread holiday cheer) by headabovethewater

Nora guffaws. “You fucked Santa’s Elf?!” “I mean,” Alex pauses and shrugs, “not with the costume on, obviously.” “I can’t fucking believe you,” Nora exclaims, her hands cupping her own face in disbelief. She looks over Alex’s shoulder and cocks an eyebrow, before she lowers her hands and her tone, and asks, “Since when do you have a thing for blondes?”

miles to go, but we're almost home by anincompletelist

Texas is a bit of a last minute decision. As in, at the actual last minute, Henry had begged them at the station for whatever ticket they had left to get out of the city, shoved his credit card at them expeditiously, and promptly boarded the vessel just as the doors slid closed behind him. Turns out it’s the best decision he’s ever made.

If at first you don't succeed by clottedcreamfudge

"Probably straight," Alex says, holding his hand out to Henry, "but you're extremely hot, so like - well done." "Well done?" Henry asks incredulously, the corner of his mouth quirking up into a smile as he takes Alex's hand in a firm handshake. "Well done on... being extremely hot?" "Hey, man," Alex says easily, taking his hand away after the briefest of shakes. "Take it or leave it." "In that case, I shall update my profile," Henry says as he gets to his feet. "Unsuccessful date with a heterosexual man who, nonetheless, had to admit I was 'extremely hot'."

his soft touch by viciouslyqueer

Alex comes homes and Henry immediately knows something is wrong.

Nocturnal Guilt by somuchworse

Henry hums, and Alex feels the vibration of it more than actually hearing the delicate sound. “What did you do, love?” “I stole Liam’s medication,” he grumbles. The room is still for a moment. “Tonight?” Henry asks, voice sliding into a slightly higher pitch, a memorable indication of his most genuine confusion. Alex groans. Talking is hard. “No,” he says, when Henry applies a little more pressure on the back of his head, like it’s a reward. “When we were kids. I stole a few so I could work on school shit, and he had a total meltdown when a few were missing, and I didn’t even tell him. I’m literally the fucking worst.”

Bukkake Breaky Heart by @kiwiana-writes

Six men surround Alex in a semicircle: blindfolded, tested, NDA’ed to within an inch of their lives even without any idea of who is in the room with them. Alex has a fantasy. Henry makes it happen.

Going Once, Going Twice by allmylovesatonce

“I was supposed to go to this Christmas fundraiser for the NYU symphony,” she explains, “but there’s this event at work that as an intern I really can’t miss.” “What’s the favour?” June grimaces. “I need you to go to the symphony fundraiser for me.” Alex stills. There’s one reason June would be going to something for the symphony. Henry fucking Fox. He’s going to hope that her favour doesn’t involve him, but Alex figures he can’t really be that lucky. -------- Alex wins a date with Henry, but in order to even slightly enjoy it, he'll have to get over his hatred for him.

it's all me (just don't go) by weather_stained

Alex has been trying all summer to manage his grueling internship and other commitments without impacting his relationship with Henry. When he misses a date night, he worries it could be the last straw.

if evil, why so cute? by everwitch

Alex’s cat hates Alex, but loves Henry, the Bookstagram influencer who’s on vacation in Alex’s quiet seaside town. And while Alex is pretty salty about his grumpy cat’s inexplicable affection for a complete stranger, he must admit he can see the appeal; Henry is fucking gorgeous. It’s why Alex follows him on Instagram in the first place. It's just, Alex had never thought he’d be officially introduced to Henry by his own goddamn cat. Or: Henry takes a two-week vacation to a seaside cabin with the intent to read a lot of books. Instead, he has a lot of sex.

Jumped the Gun by lovelythething

"Well,” Henry says, measuring his voice carefully, “there’s a first time for everything.” Alex, in reply, screams into a pillow.

secret moments in a crowded room by HypnosTherapy

Henry smiles, something settling in his expression when he sees Alex. “Hello, darling-” “I felt up your employee,” Alex says, the words rushing out of his mouth. Henry blinks. “I thought Angus was you, and I grabbed him by the hips, and it was weird as shit, I’m sorry.” Henry has the nerve to smirk, rolling his eyes. “He really is an excellent double,” he says, reaching out to pat Alex consolingly on the shoulder. __ After getting a concerned call from the man's PPO, Henry makes an effort to ensure his body double Angus is getting properly socialized. Alex is hesitant to spend time with the Henry-shaped clone, but he quickly finds himself getting charmed by the man. Angus gracefully slides from strange phenomenon to friend. And then something more.

it's you (it's always been you) by coffeecatsme

“You mean to tell me you named your vibrator after another man because you thought the pun would be funny?” Alex names his vibrator after Han Solo and Henry gets jealous.

come pick me up by smc_27

‘I’m here for you’ He can tell that the person will receive that as a text message as well as in the app, which is a relief because sometimes people like, order rides then absolutely pay no fucking attention to the app. It’s really annoying to have to wait forever for folks. ’Thank you. I’m going through a difficult time currently, so this means a lot.’ Alex stares at the message he received, frowning, and then another comes through. ‘Apologies. I’ve lost all my contacts. Who is this?’ Oh, Christ. This is going to be awkward as fuck. ’This is your Uber driver. I’m outside.’ OR, Alex is an Uber driver. Henry needs a ride the airport.

titles are the worst, we refuse by athousandrooms, clottedcreamfudge, everwitch, indomitablelove, railmedaddy

The paparazzi, a friend, their classmates, a true enemy. Alex is no stranger to telling people to fuck off, it’s a daily occurrence; but when it’s Henry who does it? Alex couldn’t be prouder. — 5 times Alex tells someone to fuck off and one time Henry does.

Gym Buddies by cmere

"I'm Henry," the guy offers. Alex pushes up one rep, then another. The blood is rushing to his face as he powers through more, and seems to be rushing elsewhere as well, because there's undeniable arousal pooling in his groin from the exertion. He struggles slightly for a moment, then, and instead of taking over like Alex expects, his new best friend Henry starts—talking. "That's good, so good. Perfect, can you give me another?" Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck. Sweat pours down Alex's forehead as he pushes the bar back up off his chest. "Beautiful, just beautiful. So good for me. There you are, love." Henry helps Alex settle the bar back on the rack, and Alex exhales in a rush, his heart thudding almost painfully against his chest. Fuck. PUMP Gym is notorious for gay guys cruising, and Alex wants to hook up.

To Show Our Love by bleedingballroomfloor

With Henry and Alex in the midst of moving into their new home together, Henry reflects on Valentine's Day and what the holiday meant to him growing up closeted in the palace, and more so, the new meaning that Alex brings to it.

Cosmos in His Palms by AnchoredArchangel

“I’ve been thinking,” Henry says quietly, “almost constantly, about your list.” Alex blinks because, well, his list hasn’t had this kind of traction in years. The Google trend must be spiking off the charts. Henry bites at his own lower lip, turning the blush pink a tortured white, admits, “About the things you want to do-” Oh. That list. Or: Alex discovers that talking to Henry is just as nice as having sex with him, or at least, pretty close. A perfectly timed revelation when he finds himself in desperate need of a heart-to-heart.

Fox. Henry Fox. by Pondermoniums

Alex had seen the guy around campus, sure. He was hard to miss, but Alex never said out loud why. For everyone else, being the son of the famous James Bond actor made him a celebrity enough. But for Alex, Henry Fox just…stood out.

wanting by rizcriz

It slammed into him with the force of a semi truck out of the blue on a random Tuesday in July. the AC was out; they were sprawled out in the living room in nothing but their boxers, complaining about the heat and threatening to off their landlord in a million different ways. Alex was on the floor, Henry was on the couch, one leg draped over the back, his arms thrown up over his head. Henry had said something; something absurd and hilarious and Alex can’t for the life of him remember what it was, because all he remembers is lifting his head off the floor, and catching sight of that shining head of golden hair caught in a sunbeam and thinking— And thinking. God, I love him.

you all over me by stutteringpeach

When Henry organises an evening of group sex, he never expects to meet a gorgeous man he wants to marry and have children with. Or, a meet-cute at a sex club.

tripped and fell into this bed by @priincebutt

“What, hate sex with my ex who chose his duty to his country over me? I’m not interested.” “Are you sure about that?” Henry’s voice is curious, genuine and raw, because he can hear the hesitation behind Alex’s words, the way his sentence structure is crumbling with wanting to say yes. It hasn’t been long enough for Alex to be moved on, and Henry doesn’t know if he wants Alex back, or if he just wants to have some really fucking good sex, which he’s not had since the last time he’d been with Alex. It had been a bold move, but he doesn’t regret it. And he internally cheers when Alex lets out another dramatic sigh. “Fine. Where are you staying and when should I meet you?” Or, Henry broke up with Alex when he stormed the castle, then booty calls him months later at Paris Fashion Week.

if you want me to tag you in future lists for whatever reason, just let me know, and i'll see you next week!

@starkfridays @stilesgivesmefeels

[thebrownstone]

500 Members Brownstone Rec list

In celebration of our server recently hitting 500 members, we ask people to send us beautiful fanfic and fanart set in Alex and Henry's brownstone.

All of these were submitted by members in our server.

Fanfics

key: [fic length, fic rating, archive warnings, tags]

More Than Brick and Mortar by cricketnationrise [4.2k, T, Canon Compliant, Post-Canon, Established Relationship, Alternate Universe, Domestic Fluff] 

The Brownstone is magic and somewhat sentient; Henry and Alex's love for each other brings it out of hibernation.

go the distance by indomitablelove [3.8k, T, Canon Compliant, Post-Canon, Fluff, Running, Marathon, Banter]

Alex decides to run a marathon just to spite Henry.

You Feel Like the Sun on My Face by bleedingballroomfloor [3k, E, Graphic/Explicit Sexual Content, Canon Compliant, Post-Canon, Established Relationship, Smut, Explicit Sexual Content, Fluff, Introspection, Henry POV]

The brownstone has a bay window; Alex and Henry fuck against it.

A Little Surprise by stripyjumpers [2.1k, T, Canon Compliant, Post-Canon, Established Relationship, Fluff and Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Emotional Hurt/Comfort]

Henry is beyond exhausted, and all he wants to do the second he gets home is sleep, but things don't go exactly as planned.

a thousand, a million, billion thoughts, (all under the form of a letter to you) by CrayolaRainbow [4.6k, M, Canon Compliant, Post-Canon, Established Relationship, Fluff ]

Henry proposes using a list/PowerPoint.

Private Lessons by floatingaway4 [3.8k, T, Canon-typical Homophobia, Canon Compliant, Post-Canon, Established Relationship, Domestic Fluff]

Alex and Henry get private cooking lessons.

hear it in the silence (feel it on the way home) by orionseye [10.7k, T, Canon Compliant, Post-Canon, Established Relationship, Domestic Fluff, Emotional Hurt/Comfort]

Alex and Henry move into the brownstone and they’re happy, but they also need to heal.

waking up next to you (doesn’t sound so bad) by viciouslyqueer [1k, G, Post-Canon, Domestic Fluff]

Alex calls Henry "amor" one sleepy morning and fluff ensues

You Remind Me of Home by athousandrooms, ifyoustay [7k, E, Canon Compliant, Post-Canon, Smut, Explicit Sexual Content, Fluff]

Alex and Henry enjoying winter-time/Christmas-time together

heart & home by railmedaddy�� [10k, M, Post-Canon, Smut, Fluff]

A short story for every week in their brownstone for the first year 

Fanart

Artbyflor:  Alex and Henry taking a break from unpacking the brownstone.

Stardisnight: Blanket fort cuddles!

[rwrbficrecs]

Literally just finished RWRB last week and your blog pops up in my recommended like magic, perfect timing! I know you're still under construction so no pressure to answer this until you have the time. But having just finished the book I'm craving a lot of canon-compliant fics and would love any recs. In particular I've been desperate for canon-compliant Henry POV retellings of any canon book scenes (or book scenes that are "missing" or have mentioned to have occurred etc.) Much thanks and am looking forward to all the lists your blog puts out 💛 Cheers!

Hi, welcome to the fandom !! 🥰 Thanks for the request, I had a lot of fun putting this list together!

I might have gotten a bit carried away … but I hope you enjoy the recs! Let me know if you need any more :) 

Pre RWRB canon: The Promise by 14carrotgold [June POV] i don’t just know you (i’ve grown like that too) by pagetopage [Alex & Henry POV]

Missing Scenes: All these fics by studiojude Interruptions by TheLionessRoyal (Explicit) [Alex POV] call me baby by indomitablelove (Explicit) [Henry POV] she knew me (he sees me) by indomitablelove [Henry POV] I didn't know by clottedcreamfudge (Explicit) [Henry POV] Cognac and Malaise by M0ssPiglet [Henry POV] Is this is Flirting? by M0ssPiglet [Henry POV] sink beneath the waves by indomitablelove [Henry POV - Lakehouse Scene] Lifelines by indomitablelove [Multiple POV - Email leak]

Post RWRB Canon: The B Was Never Silent by indomitablelove i bathed in the light you gave (it’s dark in another way) by pagetopage [Henry POV - sort of post canon but it’s a missing scene kind of mentioned in the bonus chapter] The Impossible by toffrox [Henry POV]

Other:  love dares you, to change our way of caring about ourselves by kapplebougher [Henry’s POV the morning after The Great Claremont-Diaz Ambush at Kensington Palace] The Total Agony of Being in Love by xslytherclawx [Henry POV of Alex’s Selfies/Turkey Scene] tread softly (because you tread on my dreams) by helenblqckthorn [Henry POV of the red room scene] safe with me by indomitablelove [Pez POV] washing machine heart by pissedofsandwich [Henry POV] The Whole Bloody Time by pawprints_on_the_moon & slytherinnbitch [Canon retelling - Henry POV] It was always gonna be you by DemonPoxHerondale [Henry POV] Competent Guardians of Horny Little Miscreants by M0ssPiglet [Amy POV]

[meraki-yao]

Hey,

Just wanted to ask, whats the Classic FIRSTPRINCE fic? Like the one which is a must read?

As fellow malec shipper i eould suggest you classic malec fic (which i am 1000% sure you already know about) In the sin bin. (The fic is a stand alonge great story as well 😭😭)

Hope you have a good day!

Hi! Thanks for the ask!

About firstprince, I am guitly of not reading this, but the "bible" of firstprince fanfic is "All That Glitter (is Not Gold)"

As for me, I don't know how much of my history and taste in firstprince fanfic can be counted as must-read that's agreed to be the best in the whole fandom, but these three are some to start with

And full disclosure: I came into the Shadowhunters/Malec fandom late, in late 2019 when the show already ended for a good half a year, so I didn't know about this one! Thank you for your recommendation! And if you want more fic recs, both firstprince and malec, hit me up! Maybe I'll do a proper fic rec post someday soon...

[royal-ruin]

red, white, and royal blue fanfic rec (part 3)

other rwrb fic recs here personal favorites are starred, by the way. everything is complete unless stated otherwise.

the too much that you aren't by DemonPoxHerondale (~2k)

Henry has always been an introvert. High energy situations can get overwhelming, and as much as he loves his boyfriend, it's impossible to deny that he's high energy. Back when they were sneaking around to see each other, the short bursts of interaction meant that they never really clashed. But now that they're living together, well, it's another story.

as an introvert, i get it

champagne problems by alec_rhee (~3k)

Henry’s eyes are otherwise occupied as he closes them, planting a kiss to Alex’s head, but Alex sees Benjamin’s eyes move to Henry’s lap. Where they stay for at least five seconds.  Alex knows; he’s counted. “Look, Benjamin,” Alex begins. “I know we just met but if you look at my man like that one more time I will not hesitate to punch you in your fucking face.” “Alex!” Henry yelps, withdrawing his lips from Alex’s curls. “What on God’s earth are you doing?” “Look,” He says again, his attention still focused on Benjamin. “He’s damn gorgeous. I don’t blame you for looking. I truly don’t, but he’s taken. Happily.” OR Jealous!Alex

jealous/protective alex made my entire day

don't go where i can't follow by coffeecatsme (~4k

Henry turns away, hair silvery under the moonlight. He doesn’t even bother to look at Alex, and something like anger flashes in Alex’s gut when he sees him reach for his backpack, like it’s that easy to abandon Alex, like Alex didn’t bare his heart to him just a day ago. “You could’ve fucking said goodbye,” he whispers before he can think about it; his voice is quiet through the knot in his throat, yet it echoes in the room like a gunshot, stopping Henry in his tracks. Alex wakes up at the lakehouse before Henry leaves.

angsty, but i swear it gets better

in violent symphonies by saltfics (~16k) part 2 of a series (doesn't need to be read)

“So that’ll be a fun surprise. Any chance your brother’s friends are actually… you know… any fun?” Henry halts to a stop halfway out the door, his mind screeching like a shaken record. He can feel the pull of his memory towards things he doesn’t want to think of, feels the heavy weight of it as he forces himself to focus on something else, fast so he won't acknowledge towards which twice locked door his thoughts are wandering.  Sequel to In White (but could potentially be read without it).  When Henry and Alex return to England for the christening of the new baby prince, Henry finds out his nephew's new godfather might be a terribly familiar face.  Sometimes it doesn't matter how deep you lock away a memory if it insists on showing up at your door. (But maybe you can ask for help to keep it out.)

i love henry angst :)

those markings on your skin by saltfics (~62k) incomplete

Originally a collection of one-shots based on Tumblr Prompts, but now a series of interconnected prompt-based chapters regarding a series of assassination attempts towards HRH Prince Henry, and the effect on their relationships with each other that comes with it, featuring most of the main cast. (Plus a few standalones in between).

fair warning, i haven't read it all, so i don't know everything it contains. please beware of the tags.

Home Safe by HMS_Chill (~2k)

Alex is out later than normal, and Henry is left home to worry.

as you can see, after i read God Save the Blessed American President Mom by zipadeea i got just a little obsessed. no mcd here though.

*lifelines by indomitablelove (~27k

Shaan is told by a woman from the press office. Zahra is asleep when he calls her. She calls Ellen. Liam is in the library. Oscar finds out from Twitter. Catherine hears it from her equerry when she gets the morning papers. It's Leo who tells June. --- or, the emails. From everyone else's point of view.

Lockdown by bibliosoph (~4k)

Alex and Henry have a fight before Henry leaves to go to England for a bit. While in England, there is an attempted assassination and Alex loses his mind because he can't get in touch with anyone and he left things with Henry up in the air.

don't worry, there's no mcd, just alex angst.

*Soon You'll Get Better (Because You Have To) by wafflesandkruge  (~4k)

Two nights after the shooting, Henry receives an email with a pre-recorded video from Alex. He gets one every night, and although it breaks his heart to see Alex happy and alive, he's terrified of when they'll stop coming.

i wasn't lying when i said i was obsessed. no mcd.

[evyisaks]

since you've been reading so many, do you have any rwrb fic recs?

Hii!!! :)

So I'm currently trying to find new fics to read, and I haven't read that many, but here's the ones that I've read so far and definitely recommend.

Completed, multi chapter fics:

All that glitters (is not gold) by indomitablelove

Never Did Run Smooth by

clottedcreamfudge

the poem you make of me by cmere

Aged Like a Fine Wine by allmylovesatonce

WIPs:

Little Matters by pridepages

One shots:

Ghosts by colorfulmoniker

(did my love aid and abet you?)

alasse

[firenati0n]

1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12- as many or as few of those as you want!

THANK YOU MY FRIENDDDD I'm gonna answer ALL OF THEM hehehehe

list 3 positive things about your current fandom(s)

the fics are insanely good, the people are super lovely, and the art is exceptional. i am just surrounded by incredible things.

2. a headcanon you weren't sure about at first but have come to like!

hmmm i don't think i have one like this but let's go with leaky alex LMAOOO

3. a character that fandom has helped you appreciate

answered here :)

5. something you see in fics a lot and love

i always enjoy oblivious loverboy alex driving a pining henry up the wall. actually, any form of pining and yearning. actually, any form of alex and henry. i read a lot of explosive feelings confessions too and i am allllll for those. i love the buildup of tension before everything just goes wild

8. you hope more people will come to appreciate _ (a ship, a trope, an episode, etc)

not that this isn't appreciated, but i always think about... the multifaceted nature of alex - his drive and ambition, yes. but also his anxiety and fears and nuances. i identify so much with alex as much as i relate to the emotional aspect of henry. also henry's bite! he's sharp! he's witty! he's snarky and fun and teasing and determined! he's soft and emotional and eloquent and poetic. he is all of those things. i love a confident and sharp henry!!! also, somno. one of my fave series is from @myheartalivewrites "in his wildest dreams" and it is just...woooooof. a masterclass. cannot get enough of this.

10. a blog (mutual or one you follow) that has made your fandom experience brighter

answered here :) but i will also shout out @indomitable-love because it was their ao3 that sucked me into this fandom in the first place. also fun fact i sent their fic lifelines to a boy i liked and it worked in my favor so. indomitablelove matchmaker era !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

12. compliment someone else in your fandom

YOU are so so kind and positive and uplifting and one of the first people to tag me in games and encourage me and my silly snips when i first started posting, and i appreciate your energy and enthusiasm so so much!!!!! a CONSISTENTLY LOVELY PERSON!!!!!!!

xoxo roop

[ love your fandom asks! ]

[alittlefrenchtree]

Do you have any firstprince fanfics to recommend?

Hi and thank you again for sending me this very exciting ask!

A few things beforehand. I don’t read AU in this fandom. So my recommendations will all be canon, post-canon and a bit of canon-divergent as long as the set up is mostly the same as the canon (read or book), meaning a prince and a first son being all kind of idiot together. 

Even it’s not my main focus, I read explicit and PWP as long as it has excellent characterization and excellent writing (for me, a non native with absolutely no legitimacy to judge other people’s English skill :D)

Also, I’ve only been reading rwrb fanfics for a few weeks/a couple of month so I’ll certainly recommend the most famous writers of this fandom as if they need a shout out from nobody!me (event if they really really don’t) starting with…

Anything by indomitablelove -- I’ve started with All that glitters (is not gold) and made my way through all — or almost all — their canon-compliant stories. They did something I absolutely love is that all — or almost all — their canon-compliant stories are set in the same universe they’ve created with their first main story so you have little references everywhere and it really creates something really immersive. I haven’t read their AU stories but if you’re into that yourself, I recommend you doing so because they’re probably equally good. There is also a companion fic to all that glitters that is written from Henry’s POV that I haven’t read it yet — ‘cause I feel more like reading new stories as the moment — but I’m sure it’s as delightful as the main story.

In the same vibe, I’ve just finished reading A love Letter to love by soshesighs. Missing scenes and post canon stories, all set in the same universe that I liked very much. A lot of respect for the character and the original story. I’ve also read their other (canon-compliant) stories and I recommend them as well.

A bit different is Event if it’s just Pretend by nontoxic -- I wasn’t overly on board with the plot at first but I got on board pretty quickly. It’s well written and one of the chapter of the fic is one of the most emotional and beautiful thing I’ve read recently.

To continue with the "I wasn’t sure about the plot at start but a few lines in and I was hooked" idea is Doughnuts and Dinner Rolls by mansikka. 30K words of fluffy fluff (that is never cringy) and beautiful deliciousness. My next reads will be all of their other stories, most likely.

If you’re in a PWP mood, you can browse through the Kinktober 2023 collection by Mags (sparklepocalypse). There is (quite literally) something for every taste so feel free to explore if it’s your thing :)

Oblivion by milowren. Probably one of the most canon-divergent thing I’ve read so far. I kind of wish it has been longer but it was a good read.

Same vibe (with the plot and the wish that it was a bit longer) : hours by demigodbeautiies.

[WIP] what kind of day has it been? By Evelinafelicia. Not much to say since we’re 8/25 chapters but I’m enjoying what I’m reading so far so it’s obviously bookmarked not to miss any update.

Same vibe as above (I like the idea and I like the start) [WIP] Designated Survivor by Beck17. Based on the TV Show with a good writing, so already waiting for the next update :)

… and that’s all I have for now, since my readings and bookmarks aren’t organized AT ALL. I’ll probably be reblogging this post with new recs since I’ll probably keep exploring and reading for a while.

Hope you’ll find interesting stuff in my list and happy readings 💜 

[psych87]

Fic Rec - Red White and Royal Blue

to build a home

indomitablelove

Summary:

He loves the life they’ve made for themselves. It’s messy and busy – there’s always a cardigan of Henry’s thrown over a chair and a paperback open on the arm of the chair with the spine cracked; Alex’s notes on the dining room table, and three different loyalty cards for the coffee shop down the street on the table by the door because Alex keeps forgetting his in different pockets. His life with Henry is full of laughter and soft touches: David curled up at Alex’s side as he reads through class notes while Henry snaps a photo; Henry's arms around him when he gets in from class; the two of them bartering over whose turn it is to take David out when he needs to go out and it’s raining.  It’s mundane a lot of the time – something Alex never thought he would want – but he loves it.  Or, at least, he loves it when Henry is here.  Which, right now, he isn’t.  He hasn’t been here for five weeks. Which… like, it’s fine. It’s not a whole a thing.  --- Henry goes back to England and ends up having to stay far longer than expected. But he'll always come back to Alex.

[funnyao3]

“it’s making me feel like shit.” He pauses, then adds, “Again. In a different way.”

“Because you’re well again,” Pez reiterates.

“Physically, yes. My soul continues to suffer.”

“And people say I’m dramatic. Have you tried – and stay with me on this one, as it’s quite the wild ride – actually telling him how you feel?” Alex stares at Pez with undisguised horror.

“That’s the worst thing you’ve ever said to me,” he says flatly after a beat of silence.

-Hook(up), Line & Sinker by athousandrooms, clottedcreamfudge, indomitablelove, railmedaddy, TheAmberFox

[rmd-writes]

I just finished reading RWRB and was sad because its going to be forever (2 weeks) till the movie comes out until I realized YOU write for that fandom!! I know you from your Tarlos fics and love every single one of them. So thank you in advance for making the indomitable trial known as "waiting" so much more tolerable 💜💜💜!! Also, in case of the very real chance that I will chew through all your fics and be left bereft of purpose in life, what authors would you recommend to fill the void??

oh nonnie, this is so sweet of you! I'm so glad you like my Tarlos fics and am so very excited to hear that you've also fallen in love with RWRB!

honestly, there is SO MUCH good RWRB fic out there, I'd be here all day if I listed all of the fic authors/fics I recommend, but my tag with RWRB fic recs is here and I'm going to point you in the direction of the excellent @rwrbficrecs blog for curated lists of fic recs as well.

Some of my personal favourite RWRB fic authors are (and this is a very biased list, they are my friends, I've beta read for them all but for the most part I loved their writing before I "met" them so there is some level of objectivity here):

@indomitable-love (indomitablelove) and in particular, her post-canon universe - no one makes me sob (in a good way) like she does

@clottedcreamfudge (clottedcreamfudge) for her very specific brand of humor, feelings and sex

@everwitch-magiks (everwitch) and her incredible AUs

@three-drink-amy (allmylovesatonce) for Feelings TM of the angst flavour but always with the pay off of a very happy ending (she also writes Tarlos fic, so you may have read some of hers?)

@athousandrooms (athousandrooms) for fluffy feelings and so much love

and if you're familiar with my Tarlos writing, you are probably also familiar with @welcometololaland (lolaland) who has some stellar RWRB AUs with the same combination of snappy banter and feels that her Tarlos fics have

happy reading! 💖

PS. you should also check out @cha-melodius @stutteringpeach @sherryvalli for some great recent RWRB fics!

[firstprince-ao3feed]

pictures of you

pictures of you https://ift.tt/d39ViKP by indomitablelove Henry has seen photos of Alex before, of Alex’s easy grin and disarming smirk, wild curls awry and lean muscles on casually stretched biceps. He’s seen countless photos of him before. But. Alex has never sent him a photo before. Not like this. --- Five times Alex sends Henry a selfie from bed (+ one time Henry sends him one) Words: 6028, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Fandoms: Red White & Royal Blue - Casey McQuiston Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: M/M Characters: Alex Claremont-Diaz, Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor, David the Beagle (Red White & Royal Blue) Relationships: Alex Claremont-Diaz/Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor Additional Tags: Canon Compliant, Post-Canon, Photography, Established Relationship, Friendship, Pre-Relationship, 5 Things, Teasing, Banter, Fluff, Innuendo, Texting via AO3 works tagged 'Alex Claremont-Diaz/Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor' https://ift.tt/ilOpgBY August 10, 2023 at 02:53PM

[sarcasticslothy]

Fic Rec Friday

This week’s theme: Rec a ‘gateway’ fic - a fic that you read and it was so good it lead you to read multiple works by the same writer.

The rules: Tag a fic and explain why it was a gateway fic / what you liked about it. Then tag some people to see what everyone else is reading. Spread the love! Lola will do the round up on Sunday again, so if you’re still recc-ing on Saturday, no pressure. Please tag @welcometololaland or #fic rec friday so she can compile the masterlist!

Red, White & Royal Blue

all that glitters (is not gold) - indomitablelove One of the first big fics I read in the RWRB fandom and after being SO obsessed with a book is was such a big discovery to find a way to keep that obsession going. I remember thinking it had such simularities to the book that I then went back and diiiived into the authors previous fics and then continue into more of the writers. But this started it all! 

911 Lone Star

I can honestly say I don’t remember the first fic I read in this fandom - or even the first I read of particular authors. There are SUCH incredible authors I could have picked so many but (and I’m going to look a little teachers pet with this) I remember reading ‘The Ring-In’ by a certain welcometololaland and ifyoustay and coming back every week and WANTING to leave a comment because of how much I enjoyed it and then fast forward a bit to finding out Lola was a fellow Aussie and it was lovely to know there was a fellow tarlos fan so close to home, and looking through her fics and finding out she was in the RWRB fandom was ultra cool. Two fandoms colliding - we loooove! Thanks SO much for the tag @rmd-writes (G’day my other fellow Aussie ❤) Tagging everyone who wants to share the love around. If you wanna be tagged - you tagged!

[rwrbficrecs]

Readers' Choice Rec List Part 4 of 7

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

lifelines by @indomitable-love

@dot524: I have been working my way through all of indomitablelove’s fics. They are all fantastic, but this one blew me away. Added so much depth to an already very dramatic event. Well written & includes some very thoughtful character PoVs.

@space--potat0: A perfect companion when you're rereading the book but want some extra Pain And Sadness

babygrxmlin: The emails from everyone else's point of view (it's so beautiful and gorgeous and stunning and it made my chest ache in the best possible way, please read it everyone!)

Rio by @treluna4

Statueinthestonetoo: This was one of the first rwrb fics I read, and Treluna is a wonderful writer who pulls you in and captivates you with their words. It's sexy and sweet at the same time and I highly recommend it.

eyes full of stars by @acdsbff

@musicandi: I submitted this fic because it is so beautiful and heartfelt.

Now and Then by @mudbloodpotter05

anon: This author told a Soulmate story with a canon divergence and made it AU all at the same time. Not only that, while it does have an MCD, the author has a happy ending that…well, gotta love that “soulmate magic” because while it does have an MCD, this story has not let me down when I need to feel the bad and read the good.

ManBatman: I tend to stay away from stories with an MCD, but when I saw that this was a Soulmate story too, I decided to read it especially when it said happy ending, despite the MCD. Happy endings can be subjective, but I can tell the author loves the Henry and Alex because as much as they lean into the drama, and live up to the mcd tag, they still pay off the happy ending in a way that definitely reminds me why soulmate stories are my favorite.

Hit (my love) out of the park by bleedingballroomfloor

Tabitha: The first story and the series as a whole, of Baseball Boyfriends, always is just the perfect read for me. Angst and joy, love and patience and acceptance of others and one’s self and never leaves me feeling left wanting when I read this series at least once a month!

Hashtag Soulmates by @everwitch-magiks

@mudbloodpotter05: This is such a crazy story and one of the first ever RWRB stories that I read in the fandom. Each chapter has a different fanfiction trope, and leans into what we love about fanfiction in the first place and just how outlandish and fun a story can be all the while telling a compelling story that has some angst, but also provides that lightness that comes with a happy ending

@three-drink-amy: It is the ultimate love letter to fanfiction and rwrb! So fun and well done!

The Other way by @three-drink-amy, @everwitch-magiks, @athousandrooms

@mudbloodpotter05: I love this story because it take reality tv and puts an RWRB spin on it while still staying true to Alex and Henry. Even though it isn’t the standard RWRB story for them, they still have to learn to communicate and grow all the while trying to make it down the aisle for their happy ever after.

In need of assistance by @stutteringpeach

anon: This story and it’s follow up are just one of those sweet stories that fill one’s cup I always come back to this story because one, arthur is alive and two the way he tries to go about setting up Henry and Alex is amazing and so obvious you can’t help but love it and the sequel is just as good as the first!!

Aged like a fine wine by @three-drink-amy

anon: I was reading this one as it was posting and I was absolutely hooked for weeks. It has several rwrb tropes I love and it's definitely one of my favourites