#one fic but it's leslie/ben with the boys as side characters

[pleasetakethis]

so I'm listening to The Office in the background for the nth time, as one who uses it as a comfort show does, and in 5x12, Dwight asks Michael what name he'll use (they're scoping out a rival paper company) and Michael replies with Michael Scarn...

This time, for whatever reason, it hit me: the world is missing an epic Michael Scarn/Burt Macklin crossover fic. They are both BAMF action hero himbo alter egos, both from campy mockumentary style shows, both as oblivious as they are smart, one FBI, one secret agent...

Me to my brain:

[mego42]

helloo! was wondering if you have any brio slowburn fic recs in AUs but idm canon either :) thankyou💕

hello!!!!!!!!! tbh, i haven't read a ton bc i am v impatient so i don't actively seek out that tag BUT here are a few slow burn AUs that have or are making me absolutely insaaaaaane:

Both Sides of the Law by JoeyLee / @joeyjoeylee

AU 'verse: law school

status: complete

oh sweet jesus the pace of the burn is so much. iirc ch 7 is where i full-on lost my mind and had a complete mental and emotional breakdown over said burn pace. exquisite agony tbh.

bonus points if you're a parks & rec fan bc the pace/development and general tone of beth and rio's relationship give me major ben and leslie vibes except, you know, beth and rio which is a juxtaposition i would've previously said was impossible to pull off but here we are and i was wrong

plus, the world building???? so! good! i know so much about law school now which has opened up a fascinating new world of questions like why is anybody a lawyer? why would y'all put yourselves through that? and why are you all so into grown-up prom? like don't get me wrong, i kind of love the last one (and not just bc it was used to absolutely devastating effect in this fic) i just don't understand the connection and collective obsession but get down with your bad selves

delinquents by foxmagpie / @foxmagpie

AU 'verse: high school

status: WIP

if you'd asked me pre-this fic if i had any interest in a brio high school AU i would've been like ehhhhhhhh maybe? not a priority. FOOLISH!!!! TRULY FOOLISH!!!!!!!!!

the characterization here is ON! POINT! i have absolutely zero trouble believing these versions of the characters are younger versions of who they grow up to be in canon

plus, the sheer scope of this fic breaks my brain a little when i think about it. every side character is beautifully fleshed out and utilized, the worldbuilding is bonkers good. and the burn???? EXQUISITE!!!!

What the Sea Wants, the Sea Will Have by flashindie / @pynkhues

AU 'verse: PIRATES 😍

status: WIP

okay so here's the deal, i know that very technically this fic isn't actually a gift specifically for me but it also kind of feels like it is given the way it is an exact cross-section of my interests

this one is still early days but i can already tell that the burn is going to actually kill me as they are already sharing a bed even though they Do Not Like Each Other

ugh, god, and this is another one with truly brain-breakingly rich world-building (are you sensing a theme). the level of research, thought and attention to detail is next level and deployed with incredible skill right down to the cadence and tone of the prose

Show Me How to Fake It (Touch Me in the Dark) by flashindie / @pynkhues

AU 'verse: porn stars

status: WIP

when i say this fic lives rent free in my head i am not even a little bit joking

idk if we're counting three chapters as slow burn but in terms of build and pay off i think it should, ymmv

unlike some of the other premises on this list that caught me off guard with how well they fit and i enjoy them, if you'd asked me if i thought brio would make for a good porn star AU i would've been shaking you down howling LINK!!!! LINK!!!!!!!! before you finished your sentence and boy howdy does this not disappoint

i love love love how real this feels, like this is somehow a completely plausible alternative route for canon beth boland to have taken upon finding out about the state of her mortgage and marriage, it's magic!!

p sure @pynkhues FBI AU is also gonna end up being slow burn bc she is the way she is (ily) but we're only one ch in and she hasn't tagged it as such so we'll see but either way i recommend it.

hope this scratches the itch and happy reading!!!

[talpy]

Avatar fic rec post

Hi people, this is an Avatar fic rec post for @kuruccha​ who wanted a primer. Happy Avatar renaissance to you :D

Everything under cut, because boy, there are a lot of fics. Forgive me for being repetitive in my recs, but they are all so good and amazing and *melts in a sea of feelings*

First, some authors who are so, so very good and my favourites by them (fics aren’t in any particular order, authors are in alphabetic order):

Avocadolove  (Tumblr: @awesomeavocadolove​ )

The Problem with Zuko: I love the idea that Zuko finds his way to team Avatar even without the Agni Kai and the rest. One of my favourites fics for at least 10 years.

Another Brother: Zuko was adopted by Hakoda, but he doesn’t remember his past. I really like how Iroh is portrayed in this story, very interesting!

Unchained Melody: Sokka doesn’t return with his body after being spirit-napped from Her Bai. Strangely, only Zuko can see him. I really love how everything is developed here :)

Consider Chaos: series where Zuko finds Vaatu and becomes the Chaos!Avatar. Really interesting premise, cooler effects!

Half a Heart: Zukka!soumates AU. Very interesting choices about world building and Hakoda’s character.

Haircrescendo

Carry On For You: from the series intro “Not the Pokémon AU you asked for but the one you’re getting anyway.”. I like it a lot, amazing adaptions and backstory building for Zuko. It focuses on Zuko and Sokka.

Compassion For All Our Monsters: intro “How Sokka learned to shut up and be nice, and also learn a little bit more about Zuko than he wanted to.” mandatory Sokka-finds-out-about-Zuko’s-past.

Fire Nation Yacht Club: one of the angstiest series I’ve read, I love it and I re-read it like once a month. Intro of the fist fic “Sokka knows three (3) things: 1. The caldera is on fire. 2. Ozai’s really, really dead (and so is his daughter). 3. The only one having a worse day is probably Zuko.”

What We’re Given: such an amazing series! Intro “Started out as a “What would happen if Zuko happened to rediscover sky bison while searching for the Avatar?” and turned into something more than that.” Zuko blasting Aang for not washing Appa properly will always be amazing xD

MuffinLance (Tumblr: @muffinlance​, suggest following for plot-bunnies)

Towards the Sun: Zuko doesn’t manage to escape on the Day of the Black Sun, a very angst novella-length intro ensues. I love this a lot because of the angst and how it sparkled inspiration for other stories with a similar premise.

Salvage: here it his, the original dad!koda fic. Intro “Mid-Season-One Zuko is held ransom by Chief Hakoda. Ozai's replies to the Water Tribe's demands are A+ Parenting. Hakoda is… deeply concerned, for this son that isn't his, and who might be safer among enemies than with his own father.” Lots of feelings and amazing A+ writing.

The One Where Zuko's Hair Matches Sokka's and Other Tales: fillets from tumblr, extra material, general awesomeness all around.

Miscellaneous

The Home I've Searched For by Kayasurin: I didn’t know Azula/Kuei could be that good! Really awesome story, amazing Azula.

The Festival of Four by SuperKat: Aang knows his time is coming near and he says goodbye. Very touching and moving (yes I did cry), amazing Aang voice.

Sunday in the Park with Appa by Dracze: Parks and Recreation!AU, Aang as Leslie Knope and Zuko as Ben Wyatt. I loved how the AU was adapted on the characters and on the format -blogging instead of “watching in camera”.

Like Fire and Water by Setari: Sokka and Katara find their father in Ba Sing Se with his new wife, Ursa. Very funny, especially when Sokka/Katara and Zuko/Azula realise that they are siblings.

the beginning of a new and brighter birth by aloneintherain: from the intro “In a new era of peace, Zuko works to be a very different Fire Lord than his forefathers.”. I love how Zuko tries to make changes in the Fire Nation at the start of his reign.

The Family You Choose by TunaFishChris: the platonic Gang soulmate AU I needed without knowing. I liked it a lot, especially at the end. One of my favourites!

illustrate the remnants of the life i used to live by WitchofEndor: also a platonic Gang soulmate AU but much angstier. This Zuko is simply heartbreaking.

where the stars do not take sides by WitchofEndor: intro “When Azula is nine, she becomes an only child. She hears the Fire Lord call for Zuko's life, and in the morning, her mother and brother are gone. Azula may be young, but she isn't naive. She knows what happened to them. Which makes it all the more surprising when Azula tracks the Avatar down and fights his group of peasant friends, only to find herself staring into an eerily familiar face.” as beautiful as it sounds, really amazing Azula voice.

Doe-eyed by OldeShoestrings: Azula as the big sister of Zuko. I love how Azula is fundamentally the same but how her being the old sister changes everything. I like this a lot.

How to Care for Your Local Fire Lord; A Memoir by The Palace Staff by RejectsCanon: the fire palace’s stuff joins the Zuko protection squad. I salute them.

The Sins Of Our Family by Mangaluva: amazing series inspired by Towards the Sun. Intro “Zuko didn't escape the Fire Nation on the day of the eclipse. Azula decides to invite him to her coronation, setting off a chain of events involving abuse, trauma, siblings, recovery, and rebuilding.”. Really love this portrayal of the fire siblings.

There Is No Fire Lord by OccasionalStorytelling: other fic inspired by Towards the Sun, basically Zuko remains in prison even if he is basically the Fire Lord. The plot soon becomes its own creature and I love how it develops.

Two Perspectives by Sabretoothgooselion: series about Zuko and Kuei, really lovely. As of now there are 2 fics, but apparently more are in the works. Cannot wait!

this love burns so yellow (becoming orange and in its time, exploding) by meliebee: the first year and something of Zuko reign. Amazing Zuko voice, very angst, much approved.

and love will be your teacher by Ford_Ye_Fiji: series on hiatus, AU where Azulon doesn’t die and takes Zuko away from Ozai giving him to Iroh instead. Very very nice, I love the relationship between Zuko and Iroh.

Of Dead Fire and Dragon Dreams by ChickadeeChickadoo: during the Day of the Black Sun Ozai lies to Zuko saying that Iroh is dead. Zuko redirects lightening to him and he finds himself Fire Lord. Very cool story, love Azula in here.

In the Soft Light by CSHfic, VSfic: Zukka, moon-spirit-Sokka!AU. I love this story so much! Zuko is so very an awkward turtleduck here.

How to Disappear Completely by aeoleus & the long way around by ciaconnaa: two modern Au where Zuko is Kiyi’s guardian, very very nice.

kintsugi by discordiansamba: when Zuko is banished he becomes Toph’s bodyguard. Yes it is as amazing as it sounds.

it's the illusion of separation by argentoswan: very nice Zukka!modern Au. Sokka starts working at the Jasmine Dragon, but alas, his old high school bully Zuko works there too. I love how Zuko’s past with the gaang was adapted and how the relationship between him and Sokka develops.

Finding Solace in Parking Lots by RejectsCanon: Zukka!Modern au, Sokka and Zuko find themselves in the same McDonalds’ parking lot having a breakdown. Really really lovely.

Fractures by EvieNyx: instead of being banished, Ozai imprisons Zuko far from everyone’s eyes. When Ozai and Azula are defeated he evolves from prisoner to Fire Lord in one big step. Love the characters and the cliffhangers!

Fight by Electrons: Zuko doesn’t side with Azula at Crossroads of destiny, but that doesn’t make everything much easier. Amazing word-building and lovely dive in cultural diversity. Also, ace!Zuko which is very lovely.

Dragon of the Yuyan by 00AwkwardPenguin00: intro “In which Zuko is fostered/adopted/raised/recruited by the Yuyan Archers of Pouhai Stronghold, and destiny hiccups.” very very cool story, I really like how Zuko is portrayed here.

Always trust Sokka's instincts by Thisisentertaining: whereas Jet shows Sokka an interesting Fire Nation prisoner... a Zuko-joins-the-Gaang-early-Au. Very very good :D

all my skeletons out for the taking by 136108: Azula wins the Agni Kai. It’s still on progress but for now it’s very very good and I can’t wait to read what’s happening next.

Mark Time by foil: yes, another Zukka modern au. This is very very angst, be careful with the tags’ warnings. This story keeps surprising me and I hope Zuko and Sokka will find their happy ending.

[scabopolis]

ship game

Movie/TV ship questions, no repeats, answer with a gif.

Thanks for the tag @thisonesatellite! This list is not fully accurate, but I have already spent far too much time working on it and thus I MUST MOVE ON WITH MY LIFE.

1. First Ship - Shawn and Angela - Boy Meets World (TV)

Cory and Topanga, who? (tbh, I was rooting for Topanga to pick that guy who worked in the art gallery and talked to her about “Starry Night”) I was 12/13 years old the year of this season and it started a trend wherein I often prefer the side ship from the shiny main ship. 

2. First OTP - Sydney and Vaughn - Alias (TV)

First OTP and also the first OTP that I got to the point where I disliked both people so much I was like “whatevvveeeerrrr be together or not but just stop making me think about it!” Still, s1 and s2 of Sydney x Vaughn is a thing to behold. 

3. Current Fave Ship - Logan and Veronica - Veronica Mars (TV and movie)

Listen, Linda. If one has not watched s4 then s4 does not exist. These two are just a friends to enemies to friends to lovers dream and I can’t quit them no matter how much I might want to. 

4. Your Ship Since the First Minute - Ben and Leslie - Parks and Recreation (TV)

I might have been spoiled? But I knew so little about this show that I had zero context for any gif sets that I saw. From moment one, with Leslie’s scrunched up angry face, and Ben’s exasperated by the books-ness, I liked them immensely. 

5. You Wished They Had Been Endgame - Jane and Michael - Jane the Virgin (TV)

I pretty much stopped watching the show after Michael left the series (made it a few eps into s4) and considered watching again once they brought him back, but then I found out WHY they brought him back, so...yeah. Jane x Michael 5EVER! Also this show ended 1 1/2 years ago so am going to say this isn’t a spoiler. 

6. You Wished They Had Been Canon - Ruby and Mulan - Once Upon a Time (TV)

(Couldn’t find a gif of them that Tumblr would allow me to upload.) Man, it really seemed like it was going this way. Le sigh. 

7. Most of the Fandom Hates, But You Love - Dan and Blair - Gossip Girl (TV)

I’m not sure if “most” of the fandom hates this or not? I’ve carved out a dedicated little group of tumblr peeps that feel the same way I do and one of my Dan x Blair fics is by far my most popular fics on AO3, so maybe I’m completely wrong? I’m mostly basing this on the fact that this ship was not endgame and that they were viewed by many as simply being a distracto-ship as the creators waited to get the endgame couples together. For some of us, though...they were a revelation. 

8. You Don’t Didn’t Even Watch the Show, But You Ship Them - Emma x Killian - Once Upon a Time (TV)

So, I’ve watched it now of course (through s4 at least, and then doing my clip thing the rest of the way) but I started shipping them because of gifs on tumblr. And then at first I didn’t like them when I watched it, lol. But, they won me over. Pretty people making out? Gosh, I’m shallow. 

9. You Wish They Had a Different Storyline - Eleanor x Chidi - The Good Place (TV)

I like Eleanor. I like Chidi. That little montage of them falling in love over and over is so cute. BUT! I fundamentally LIVE FOR that single moment in a ship when each person realizes they are in love with the other person. It’s my favorite thing to see that look on their faces as they are just WRECKED by their acknowledgment of their love. With Eleanor and Chidi, neither character really realized they were in love with the other person - they were told by third parties they were in love with the other person. And one of those people was a literal demon so I thought it was simply an act of manipulation. There are many many many things I like about them, but this ship was one of a lot of tell and not a lot of show for me, so I found myself wanting even as I rooted for them. 

10. Fave Ship That is Endgame - Nick and Jess - New Girl (TV)

So many TV SHIPS! (All TV ships, lbr.) These two just never get old for me. S1 and s2 Nick and Jess are so perfect it is upsetting. I have my issues with the rest of the series, but everytime I rewatch New Girl, I anticipate the moments and little touches and building affection between Nick and Jess in those first two seasons. This show for me works b/c of Nick and Jess, which makes them so special. 

And now I tag! @theawkwardterrier​, @thelillykane​, @jamietaylr​, @lavellenchanted​, @jmazzy​, @marshmellowbobcat​. 

Also!!! I forgot @catefrankie​! PLEASE DO THIS!