#personally curated fic recs

[lavender-annd-lilac]

🎁 Holiday Gifting Guide 🎁

(Fic Rec Edition!!)

Do you put the "PRO" in procrastination? Are you reading this on today, December 24, 2022 instead of scrambling to get all the gifts you haven't got yet?

Well you made the right choice, because I have the PERFECT gifting recommendations for you!

From the bottom of the heart that I may or may not have, please enjoy 🖤

See the rest of my fic recs HERE

I have linked each fic with my comments attached, but I also put a warning (?) if you might want to skip the commentary

Little White Lies

By @cockslutpadalecki

Pairing: Dark!Catfish!Ransom x Reader

Skip over my comments if: you don’t like Rick Astley

Who it’s for:

The "practical" gift giver

This kind of person gives you...A new toaster oven because you wrecked yours in the sink when your bagels started burning! A new humidifier bc your house is dry af! A new set of tableware bc you break everything and now just eat soup out of the can with a straw!

Not the most thrilling unboxing experience, but honestly, it’s shit that you actually need but probably would never have made time to get for yourself bc you are too busy reading fics on Tumblr.

Why it’s the perfect gift:

This gift will let them know you are very aware that that people have it worse out there. You’re basically saying, "I appreciate this family size pack of 3-ply toilet paper, because even though my disappointment was through the roof when I opened this big ass present I thought was going to be something epic, at least I’m not stuck in a hotel bc I got catfished over 3 months by some trust fund prick". A sentiment that truly encapsulates everything about the holiday season, and the gratitude you feel towards human kind.

The time Brock Rumlow broke a rule *

(drabble from the ongoing “Penthouse” series)

By @kinanabinks

Pairing: sex worker!fem!reader x multiple characters (*not a Brock x Reader fic)

Skip over my comments if: you hate hot dogs 🌭

Who it’s for:

The last minute gift giver

You know that person that gives you things they obviously bought at the gas station on the way home? Like, a selection of snacks, beef jerky, candy, and a couple lottery tickets?

Well, if you think about it, this forgetful person is the other side of the coin with has your procrastinating face on the front! They may only have remembered at the last possible moment, but they still cared enough to give you a random assortment of items packaged together as a cohesive “present” even though you both know what really happened. But still! They were willing to endure the shame and ridicule you surely put them through afterwards, and basically give you this leverage to hold over them in the future.

Why it’s the perfect gift:

It’s also about someone coming through and being there when you need them. Plus, if they don’t like it (cut them out of your life if they don’t like this fic tbh), you can always bring up the fact that their present was shit, so they have no business complaining about this wonderful work of fiction.

Stained like Georgia Clay

(ongoing series)

By @georgiapeach30513

Pairing: Cole Turner x Reader

Skip over my comments if: you are a cop

Who it’s for:

The nostalgic gift giver

A game boy colour from the 1990’s. Those roller skates with 4 wheels that I feel like people don’t really skate with. A lava lamp. This is for the person who loves the way things used to be - the person who always carries a quarter or two to use a phone booth “just for fun” bc you never know when they will vanish.

Why it’s the perfect gift:

Why not indulge them with some of the same nostalgia by introducing them to this delightful series steeped in old fashioned small town charm, with a hint of excitement for the future. Wow, that's so on point!! You really are the best gift giver!!

Ranking biggest and baddest

(HC from ongoing series “All That Ultraviolence”)

By @the-iceni-bitch

Pairing: Lloyd Hansen x gf!law student reader, plus a LOT of other CE/SS characters, and a partridge in a pear tree Henry Cavil one

Skip over my comments if: you're a coward that doesn't want a peak inside my brain

Who it’s for:

Yourself!!

That’s right! Treat yo self this holiday season bc you deserve it!!! And you can quote me on that!! Show this to your boss/overbearing parent/pain in the butt child/anyone else that is giving you a hard time! If they have any questions, my ask box is open.

Why it’s the perfect gift:

We’ve all seen that tumblr post at some point - the one that’s like “I read too many stories as a kid and now I’m emotionally burnt out so I can only read about the same 2 idiots falling in love over and over again”.

Well, if you are one of those burnouts, this is for you. I mean it’s not technically a fic, but at a time where we choose to believe in immaculate conception, flying reindeer, and benevolent home invaders, let’s not fuss about it.

If you love reading about two people falling in love ad nauseam, what about 9+ variations of 3 actors characters with varying degrees of affection for YOU. Plus, each with their own distinct personality, relationship dynamic, and and dick size! All described in detail for your reading pleasure! (you can find that last one for yourself in the author’s masterlist, like an Easter egg hunt!)

Keep Running Back

By @slyyywriting

Pairing: Lloyd Hansen x Reader

Skip over my comments if: you don’t reduce, reuse, and recycle

Who it’s for:

The regifter

This person give you things that have obviously been regifted. A “worlds best boss” mug from your relative you see 3 times a year at most? Men’s basketball shorts that don’t fit you with the logo of a sports team you don’t know about? An item that still has a card attached with the original person’s name on it bc they forgot to remove it before re-gifting?

Why it’s the perfect gift:

It’s about things coming back into your life unexpectedly, and how it can be super disruptive and fuck up your routine. But also since it’s Xmas, it has smut and kind of a happy ending. So there, you aren’t being entirely petty (unlike the person that gave you a box of chocolates that expired last year).

The Way Home

By @delaber

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Skip over my comments if: you believe in the curse of “The Scottish Play” (Macb*th)

Who it’s for:

The gift card giver

Steam gift cards, Sephora gift cards, gift cards you can use at like 18 different restaurants or 16 different stores own by the same giant business conglomerate, whatever is vaguely in your interest, there's a gift card for it!!

Now, some people may think this is a boring gift. But it’s basically cash money, so if you find that boring, feel free to send me all your boring currency.

Why it’s the perfect gift:

The person that gives you gift cards is doing you a solid. It's not something you have to worry about returning, or bringing out of storage each time this person visits your house so you can pretend you don't hate it. It's basically unconditional love, just like the reader in the fic has for Bucky.

If Only

By @littlelioncub43

Pairing: Best friend!Jake Jensen x Female!Reader, Steve Rogers x Female!Reader

Skip over my comments if: you think Orpheus should suffer for eternity bc he took a teeny tiny little peak behind him

Who it’s for:

The person that already has everything

Can’t get them ANYTHING bc they have it all? Man, if only you were super wealthy maybe you could afford to give them an expensive gift, like some Gucci loafers, or a ticket to Taylor Swift's upcoming tour … oh wait, they already have all that shit.

Why it’s the perfect gift:

Since you are such a considerate person, you want to give them something money can’t buy... an ~experience. And not just any experience, no, you’re going to treat them to something completely new, something they’ve never felt before

So go ahead, gift them this fic and watch their world crumble as they experience angst and despair. You can even emphasis your point by including a festive card with the following season's greetings: This is how it feels when you can't get what you want in life!! When the object of your desires lies just beyond your reach!! This is how us ordinary people feel when we don’t have enough change to afford a little Starbucks treat at the end of the day.

Unsolicited

(ongoing series)

By @darkficsyouneveraskedfor

Pairing: Lloyd Hansen x Reader

Skip over my comments if: you are Emily Blunt. I just feel like what I wrote might give you the impression that I’m obsessed with you or something, when really I’m just like your biggest fan.

Who it’s for:

The person that insists on not receiving presents

This is for the smug asshole who thinks they are above material items. The, “I’m just thankful to be healthy and happy” person. The person who acts like there is a special VIP lounge in heaven, with a table reserved just for them, and unlimited bottle service. The person that might actually just be genuinely satisfied with their life... but still, they shouldn't rub it in your face with their radiant happiness and cheerful disposition SMH. Just take the damn gift I didn't want to get you anyway, and give a half-hearted "thanks, I love it" like every other normal unhappy person on autopilot during this time of year.

Why it’s the perfect gift:

"Thankful to be healthy and happy”?? Well, not for much longer dude, bc this isn’t a present. It’s a clever little series that will worm its way into your soul like a Katy Perry pop song, and make you question what you find appealing or attractive in other people. Happy and healthy? More like deeply confused and aroused. Get ready to fight the demons of desire that lurk deep within you.

The Magic Box

By @rustytricycle

Pairing: Dark!Terry the Terrific x Reader

Skip over my comments if: you don’t believe in magic, or you don’t want to find out how David Copperfield does that one trick where he "teleports" like a dozen audience members to Hawaii in 5 minutes

Who it’s for:

The smartass that always manages to guess what the present is before unwrapping it

Why do they insist on doing this shit? MK Ultra has been shut down dude, remote viewing isn't a marketable asset anymore. No one is impressed. No ones enjoys watching you shake, smell, and squint at the box for 10 minutes when we all just want to get this family gathering over with so we can go home and watch Netflix.

Why it’s the perfect gift:

Whether they are actually gifted with ESPN powers, x-ray powers, or being a nosy bitch powers, this magical gift is sure to surprise them. They will never see it coming. Just like the reader in this fic hahaha!

Teacher’s Pet

By @whateveriwant

Pairing: Professor!Bucky Barnes x Student!Reader

Skip over my comments if: you are a university professor who thinks it is reasonable to make your students literally wait WEEKS to get their exams graded, when the grading process is just running those fill in the bubble sheets through a computer

Who it’s for:

The person that gives the gift of “a donation to [insert charity of THEIR choice here ]”

Wow. Maybe this is the relative who has never forgiven you for not going to church anymore after you discovered you had more important things to do with your time, so she gives you a receipt for some missionary project that seems a bit sketchy. Or maybe it's the relative always posting misinformation of facebook, who makes a donation to a political party/politician you do not support in your name. Whatever it is, this is a “charity” or “cause” you would rather not be associated with.

Why it’s the perfect gift:

This isn’t actually a petty move. It’s giving them a sign from the universe (via you), that what they are doing is not cool. I mean, of course you could always confront them directly and have a discussion about it, but that’s not really a gift. Who wants “a conversation” as a holiday gift? No, you are going to send them this delightfully unhinged fic from a burner an email with the subject line: I KNOW WHAT YOU DID. If you want to write anything in the email, it should preferably be in comic sans for the extra touch of je ne sais pas.

And they won’t know what’s happening either! If they respond with ????, don’t answer. Let them wonder if RealFBIagent007@gmail.com sent it to the wrong person, if RealFBIagent007@gmail.com really knows anything incriminating, or if there is an evil doppelgänger out there ruining their reputation.

Candy canes and hot cocoa

(from her “Make it a December to Remember” Christmas series*)

By @imyourbratzdoll

Pairing: Elf!Ransom x Reader

Skip over my comments if: your name starts with “J” and ends with “esus Christ”. Some of my private and confidential communication with my boy Baphomet is included here, and that’s none of your business tbh.

* these are all cute af and you need to read every single one… my other fav elves are Steve and Lee

Who it’s for:

The person that gives the gift of “a donation to [insert charity of YOUR choice here ]”

While your first reaction might be disappointment bc you really wanted that Chanel purse or Valentino gown, after thinking about it, this gift is actually really sweet!!

This person not only knows you well, but they are also helping you curb your addiction to material items. AND they are basically being generous in your name so you don’t have to do it yourself. Wow, they are really racking up those karma points for you!!

Why it’s the perfect gift:

This person deserves the cutest goddamn Christmas fic I have ever had the courage to openly admit I enjoyed (just don’t tell anyone I said that). In fact, your gift might even be better than what they got for you! So don’t forget to tell them that it’s ok, and you appreciate their effort.

On read

By @straywords

Pairing: Stalker! Bucky Barnes x Reader

Skip over my comments if: you are one of those guys who tries to get onlyfans content for free

Who it’s for:

The distant but wealthy family member that always sends a card with a reasonable amount of money inside

Although… I feel like they haven’t really considered the inflated cost of living these days. So maybe it’s time to adjust for that? I mean, get with the times, right? They should consider how your purchasing power could be affected here.

Why it’s the perfect gift:

This one gets kind of spicy but tbh if they are a distant family member it should be ok. Plus they might appreciate it and give you more money next year. Who knows. Or they might come back at you asking for more fic recs and then you can charge a finders fee.

Starting Gate

By @navybrat817brat817

Pairing: Motocross!Bucky Barnes x Female Reader

Skip over my comments if: you don’t love that I love Nat

Who it’s for:

The generous, well intentioned gift giver that unfortunately gets it wrong, like, every damn time

This is the kind aunt who gets you a nice pair of pearl earrings for your un pierced ears, a cute designer iPhone case for your android (tbh that’s on u for choosing the wrong phone tho… lol jk), a lifetime bark box subscription for your cat, or even a new car with stick shift, when you can only drive an automatic.

Why it’s the perfect gift:

Show them what a thoughtful person (Nat) would really do for their friend. Like, hint hint, next year I expect you to introduce me to my future soulmate, ok??

John the Baptist

By: definitely not me lol who even suggested that get outta here u lying liar

Pairing: Priest!Bucky x no one bc he’s a man of God you fucking perverts

Skip over my comments if: I didn't leave any comments bc I feel like this drabble speaks for itself tbh

Who it’s for:

The “joke” gift giver

We all have (or had) this friend. The one that gives you a family size package of adult diapers, or an enormous bottle of denture cleaning solution, or anything else that is funny when it happens to other people, but not cool when it's your turn to enjoy life - i.e. it sucks that you got them a nice sweater while they got you a package of XS condoms and a bottle of cranberry juice.

Why it’s the perfect gift:

Why not turn the tables this year! Fight humour with humour. Spread the joy! And ok, am I recommending my own “fic”? For the last time, NO! Omg… like seriously who said that? I would NEVER self promote on this most humble of holidays.

For an actual joke of a piece of writing tho, (that was published on a legit platform btw) check out this review of Seb Stan in Picnic from the Hollywood Reporter

Skip over my comments if: you wrote that article and stand by your statements regarding abdominal muscles

Slow Hands

By @heli0s-writes

Pairing: Steve Rogers x his hands x his imagination?

DON’T skip these comments if: you work for the Onion News. Seriously guys, I think I would be at least an average level employed to add to your team.

Who it’s for:

The selfish romantic partner that gets themselves a gift, and then tries to pass it off as a “couples/bonding experience” like you wouldn’t immediately see through that shit

“Babe, I got us tickets to see that sports team I know you couldn’t care less about!! You know, the one that I always ditch you for when they have a game that I want to watch with the guys, even though we already made reservations at a restaurant that’s not Olive Garden for once! This is going to be so much fun for us!! Oh ya, don’t forget to dress hot in case they show us on the kiss cam”

Why it’s the perfect gift:

Now if you’re familiar with this fic I already know what you’re going to say,

“But this is a beautiful masterpiece!!! Why would I allow my inconsiderate jerk of a partner the privilege of reading it??”

Well, first of all, “beautiful masterpiece”? I mean… that’s just YOUR opinion man. (Lol jk it is truly a work of art)

But listen, in the xmas spirit, I think you can find it within yourself to turn the other cheek, and show that even though they might not give a damn about what you enjoy, you’re still going to be gracious, thoughtful, and kind.

Plus your partner will probably need some cheering up after you dump their ass live on national tv when they propose to you with a dollar store ring pop* on the kiss cam. 😘

*lol jk. Nothing against ringpops tbh. I’d take one of those solid lumps of corn syrup and food colouring over a blood diamond any day. In fact, I’d take one over a regular diamond bc engagement rings are one of the biggest marketing scams ever, created by a Machiavellian cartel (*cough* De Beers *cough*) with a monopoly on the market, who purposely restricts supply and creates a false sense of scarcity in order to justify massively inflating the price of these inherently worthless chunks of compressed carbon to ensure profit and distract you from the fact that diamonds are a depreciating asset backed by arbitrary claims of “investment value” that come from the same greedy, lying, fatcats that have poured millions of advertising dollars to convince you that you’re a failure in life if you don’t have or can’t afford to buy a common rock (that’s right, common, plentiful, more numerous in quantity than tickets to the latest TSwift tour) the size of an grotesquely enlarged, genetically modified blueberry.

Thanks for reading! And thanks to all the authors!

& ty @firefly-graphics for the dividers!!

(Except whoever wrote that shitty John the Baptist drabble)

If for whatever reason you feel uncomfortable with having your fic included in this, the holy grail of gift guides, send me a DM along with $300 worth of doge coin haha kidding y’all, I only accept cash.

LOL JK, send me a DM and I will replace the title of your fic AND your @username with 3 emojis of my choice.

[birdstooth]

Inspired by/Based on Fics

(sorted alphabetically by author)

@alwayssunnyinedensgate

SERIES - Be Thee Wolf or Sheep

Masterlist - All shall love me and despair!

SERIES - The Second Mrs. Rogers

Chap 2 - Anything you can do...

Chap 3 - This is Spartaaaa!

Chap 4 - Commit to the Bit

Chap 5 - You got the stuff?

Chap 6 - Dances with butlers

Chap 7 - coming soon!

Chap 8 - HMS Peggy

Chap 9 - coming soon!

@charnelhouse

SERIES - The Grey Man AU

Stop All the Clocks - we found kittens!! (Lloyd, Six)

Late Night Discussions - St. Courtney patron saint of trolls 🙏 (Lloyd, Six)

@darkficsyouneveraskedfor

SERIES - Campus AU

Quick Study - Wolfish + pt 2 + pt 3 (Bucky)

SERIES - Hopelessly Devoted

Chap 1 - Rachel but she's Malibu Barbie/a nice Regina George 

Chap 2 - Andy but he’s a Pomeranian 

SERIES - Hue and Cry

Masterlist - READ IT

Chap 1 - advanced psychological warfare (Bucky)

Chap 9 - kill each other!! (Bucky and Steve) + Heraldry + Medal ceremony

SERIES - One

don't look!! (Steve, Bucky)

SERIES - Resistance

Pt 3 - The Triumvirate (Steve/Tony/Bucky) + NEW crew member lmao

SERIES - Unexpected

Animal Crossing Crossdressing

SERIES - Unsolicited

Chap 26 - Humpty Dumpty Allegory? (Lloyd but he’s an egg)

Chap 30 - I’M GONNA BOP YOU feral dog.gif

SERIES - Who's the Boss

Asks/Headcanons:

Lloydlander

Suzanne, defender of interns (kind of)

Bonnie and Clyde CLloyd

Who's the (Cake) Boss

Elle Woods aesthetic

Gotta love Craigslist 

Chap 1 - Americano for GABRIELLE

Chap 17 - spiritual heaven equivalent of your choice ft. bunnies

@delaber

To Let You Win - Bucky with “training weapons”

Saturday Mornings - marginally related doodle (Bucky)

A Date - dates are the #1 cause of 70% of global warming (Borky)

Warrior/Worrier - Hallmark's top sellers

@georgiapeach30513

SERIES - All or Nothing 

This story hasn’t been written yet but we’ve already chosen sides lol

Definitely not the plot but also maybe bc anything is possible

SERIES - Closer to Heaven and Closer to You

Pt 2 - A BULL TELLING YOU A JOKE ABOUT BULLS 

Pt 3 - How Bucky gets his robo arm

Pt 5 - BUNNY & CLYDE + coloured version

Pt. 7 - everything everywhere all at once

SERIES - Stained Like Georgia Clay 

Masterlist - THE MOVIE POSTER (Mr. Peanut, Bumblebezo$, Loretta, Hal)

Chap 5 - Loretta but she's Tom Sawyer (Loretta, Hal, various sheep)

Chap 11 - Loretta gets ONE (1) bacon + alternate scene (Bumblebezo$, Loretta, Hal)

Chap 14 - Captain Wayton Toe & First Mate Loretta 🏴‍☠️ (REDACTED for spoilers, Loretta)

OTHER

Jan 2023 Masterlist - just a St. Bernard sleeping :)

@heli0s-writes

SERIES - A History of Touch

Midnight City - RIP caterpie (Steve)

@imyourbratzdoll

My Pearl - Jewlery heist (Ari, ft. special guest Princess ARIEL)

Drabbles

female character x reader

@lloydsbitch

SERIES - Secret Sierra

Chap 10 - "my two dads"

@navybrat817

The Truth Will Set You Free - dress rehearsal (Nick Fowler, Max Burnett)

Follow You Home - you forgot your Rose! (Bucky x reader)

@rustytricycle

SERIES - The Lion's Mouth

Chap XV - Right now, right now? (Peter Parker) + Idiot Sandwich (Suzanne and Lloyd)

Chap XVI - Poor Suzanne lol (Suzanne and Lloyd)

@secretswiftymarvelfan

His One Weakness - Lloyd vs a spider 

SERIES - Memory Served

What's in a name?

Part 1 - Ransom vs doggos

Part 4 - surprise cameo

@slyyywriting

SERIES - F1 Series

Oversteer (Bucky x trainer!reader)

@straywords

Drabbles

Best Friend! Bucky x Avenger! Reader

Natasha Romanoff x Avenger!Reader x Bucky Barnes

@thenhewaswrongaboutme

SERIES - Your Hands Have Made Some Good Mistakes

Chap 25 - Steve eats a yucky appetizer :(

Epilogue - she wants to order (Bucky)

Barbed Wire & Bare Hands (blurb) - No Steeb, only us!!

SERIES - Northbound & Reaching

Spring Chicken (blurb) - good job buddy!!

SERIES - After You, Hell Should Be Easy

Chap 1 - surveillance time lapse (Winter Soldier)

Build-a-Bucky

dividers by @firefly-graphics

[birdstooth]

I have one to suggest 🙋‍♀️

…Under the cut bc I made a potentially spoiler-y (but not really lol) doodle

Hahaha it’s THIS ONE!! Looks familiar right? Maybe…? 🙃

Ages ago I did weekly reading lists of what I was reading when I wasn’t posting many fics and with the bullshit that is community tags is reading list something people would want again to help them find fics?

Like it would probably be monthly instead of weekly because that would be more manageable 😅

And you guys can suggest fics that you’ve read or authors you like?

[unforth]

Gentle reminder that very little fandom labor is automated, because I think people forget that a lot.

That blog with a tagging system you love? A person curates those tags by hand.

That rec blog with a great organization scheme and pretty graphics? Someone designed and implemented that organization scheme and made those graphics.

That network that posts a cool variety of stuff? People track down all that variety and queue it by hand, and other people made all the individual pieces.

That post with umpteen links to helpful resources, and information about them? Someone gathered those links, researched the sources, wrote up the information about them.

That graphic about fandom statistics? Someone compiled those statistics, analyzed them, organized them, figured out a useful way to convey the information to others, and made the post.

That event that you think looks neat? Someone wrote the rules, created the blogs and Discords, designed the graphics, did their best to promo the event so it'd succeed.

None of this was done automatically. None of it just appears whole out of the internet ether.

I think everyone realizes that fic writing and fanart creation are work, and at least some folks have got it through their heads that gif creation and graphics and moodboards take effort, and meta is usually respected for the effort that goes into it, at least as far as I've seen, but I feel like a lot of people don't really get how much labor goes into curation, too.

If people are creating resources, curating content, organizing the creations of others, gathering information, and doing other fandom activities that aren't necessarily the direct action of creation, they're doing a lot of fandom labor, and it's often largely unrecognized.

Celebrate fan work!

To folks doing this kind of labor: I see you, and I thank you. You are the backbones of our fandoms and I love you.

[fine-nephrit]

🥏 Where to find good XF fanfics

👽 On Tumblr

@lilydalexf has an encyclopedic knowledge of fics and continues to be an invaluable resource. You'll find a boatload of themed fic lists, individual rec posts and helpful answers to anon asks.

@txf-fic-chicks-blog seven years of almost daily recs, with well-written blurbs and a lot of fun, run by @kateyes224 and @piecesofscully. Look out for their themed days: "Casefile Monday", "Tumblr Tuesday", "Editor's Pick Wednesday", "Post-Ep/Missing Scene Thursday", "Novel Length Friday", "Smut Sunday", and the very cool "Because You Watched"

@msrlibrary a well-tagged library of MSR fics; each entry includes a short excerpt and a nicely chosen image from the show.

@201daysofxfiles a rewatch blog by fandom veteran @wendelah. Each episode in season 1-7 is paired with its own fic rec post.

@enigmaticxbee an aesthetically pleasing and neatly organized rewatch blog that is packed with great content, including excellent fic rec lists categorized by season, story type, trope, and more. Each episode guide sometimes features related fic recs.

@thatfragilecapricorn30 posts one fic rec every Friday, accompanied by a nice writeup.

@randomfoggytiger curates many fic rec lists sorted by often fun and creative categories.

@cecilysass has a google doc titled "fics I love", which is a fantastic fic list categorized by story type, complete with thoughtful blurbs. She's also shared two episode-related fic rec lists on Tumblr: here and here.

@pookie-mulder writes a monthly fic journal with good recs.

**self-promo plug** I post fic recs on my Tumblr blog @fine-nephrit under #nephrit's fic rec. Plus, I reblog others' fic recs that I come across!

👽 Rec Communities

XF Book Club: the best thing ever, an absolute gem that deserves to be preserved for posterity. During its run, 270 fics were recced and discussed in depth here. The community's intelligent and insightful comments on this blog are sometimes even more enjoyable to read than the fics themselves.

The Fic Filter (xf tag): well-curated selections with short blurbs.

Multifandom Het Recs (xf tag): a major rec site's xf section that offers nice "why this must be read" writeups. @het-reccers

Crack Van (xf tag): another major rec site with a big xf section, featuring endless recs and blurbs

Fancake (xf tag): another major rec community's xf section boasting an extensive thematic tagging system

👽 Personal Blogs

Emily Shore aka Naraht: meta essays, fanvid recs, fic recs—great stuff aplenty

Bad for the Fish aka Scarlet Baldy: fantastic fic list paired with highly enjoyable reviews and analyses of the fics she's read. @badforthefish

Ramblings of a Mind Untamed: reviews of a dozen or so classic fics

xxSKSxx XF Fanfic Recs: still active in 2024! @xxsksxxx

X-Libris: more of a fic library, this is the best place to download nicely-formatted ebooks of pre-AO3 oldies. What I love most is the incredibly detailed and extensive tagging system.

👽 Individual Rec Lists with good writeup

Character Manifesto - Dana Scully: a character analysis and 10 Scully-centric fic recs, categorized by "best of .." selections. Amazing format and choices!

Character Manifesto - Fox Mulder: same format as above for Spooky

bachlava's awesome fic rec essays, covering classic fics and slash fics

ShipRecced blog's classic MSR fics and newer MSR fics recs

luminary's 16-fic rec post

RivkaT recs fics and writers @rivkat

Anna Otto's favorite stories

Syntax6's rec list on her site, great rec list on Tumblr and FTF rec list @syntax6

👽 90s Old School Rec Sites

The Basement Office - Musea: a treasure trove of extensive fic lists with lovely written blurbs, recced by a group of talented writers from back in the day

The Other Side - Fanfic Recs from Beyond the Grave: a large collection of 'scary' or 'spooky' story recs with nice blurbs. Beautiful web design.

the Rookery - Favorite Authors: nice commentary on a list of classic fic writers

X-Files Fanfiction 101: an intro guide to fic categories and what to read for each

The Primal Screamers: a fun site run by a mailing list that hosts fic recs with blurbs, and a 'Coffee Talk' section full of delightful discussions of canon

Idealists Haven - Elemental Fanfic Archive: an archive with rec blurbs

Chronicle X: a large, well-organized archive with blurbs, plus a 'Can We Talk' discussion section of novel-length fics, plus a total of 46 author interviews. Simply incredible!

👽 Special Mention

The X-Files Lost and Found: a fic finder message board that is miraculously still very active today—How wonderful! Its FAQ page hosts a huge collection of well-categorized themed fic lists (not recs), including "Classics (or, Your Fanfic Education is Not Complete Until You've Read ...)".

Where do you find your next read? What did I miss? Reblog and share your favorites!

[madatobiweek]

MadaTobi Week 2024 is Here!!!

We’re thrilled to announce MadaTobi Week 2024 will take place November 9-16! Each day will have two unrelated prompts. You may use either or both for each day, and there is a free day if none of the prompts are to your taste. 

This event is about having fun and celebrating the MadaTobi ship! The rules are simple and straightforward– make sure your works are new for the event, and that any content warnings are tagged appropriately. We’ll be open for late submissions for one week after the event ends.

If you have any questions, please refer to our links for General FAQ and Rules. Our ask box is also open for any additional questions!

Please note that there will be no buttons/physical merch this year. We’re very excited to see all the content everyone comes up with! 

Our AO3 Collection is open!!! It will close one week after the event ends.

Rec Day, 🍃 Day 0: Saturday, November 9

This year, we will have a Day 0 dedicated to making recommendations!

Uplift your favorite artists and writers in the fandom by recommending their work! Here are some suggested prompts to get you started, but feel free to use any criteria! You may recommend a single work or multiple, but we encourage you to put them all in one post for ease of browsing. 

Favorite: recommend your personal favorite fic/art/piece of media(s)

List: curate a list of recommendations

Under-appreciated: Make recommendation(s) with <500 kudos on ao3 //100 likes on tumblr/twitter

The week's prompts are also listed under cut:

🍃 Day 1: Sunday, November 10

Fantasy // Court 

🍃 Day 2: Monday, November 11

Time-Travel // Hanahaki 

🍃 Day 3: Tuesday, November 12

Cultural Differences // Traditions 

🍃 Day 4: Wednesday, November 13

Children // Vows

🍃 Day 5: Thursday, November 14

Secret relationship // Seals 

🍃 Day 6: Friday, November 15

Political Hostage // Confessions

🍃 Day 7: Saturday, November 16

Free Day

[burntblueberrywaffles]

The Snowbaird fanfic rec list!

As usual, if anyone is interested in joining the snowbaird discord, just shoot me a dm for an invite!

Before we start, some notes:

As we all know Snowbaird is fucked up and toxic 😌😌 but there are;;; levels to it so for easy navigation I have color coded this fic rec! Blue is for fics that are less toxic (now that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s NO toxicity but it definitely stands on the sweeter side of the Snowbaird spectrum) whereas red stand for "god these fucked up bitches 😍😍" (though for me a big no no is loveless Snowbaird, so even the more toxic fics in this list they do love each other!) - Ive also added an orange category for the mid level fics/ones where I couldn’t quite decide where they would rank- still, do keep in mind that those rankings are based on my personal judgement (plus I’m going off memory for some of the fics) so they may not be fully accurate.

Im also adding a "heavy smut" mention to some of these fic - that means the smut takes center stage in the fic and is pretty much unavoidable to properly read the story, a lot of the other fics on this list will still contain smut, but to a lesser extent/in a way where it’s not an integral part of the plot - remember to read the tags and curate your reading experience!

Sadly several of these are incomplete - I have added a mention of when the last update was posted as of today (april 22, 2024)!

Anyways, now that all of that is out of the way, here are the recs!

Capitol AUs

Helpless, Tender, Open by perfectlystill

When his heartbeat stutters beneath her touch, when his mouth falls open, breathing heavy, Lucy Gray pops open her clutch. She’s the one pouring antidote down his throat.

Complete

if i'm dead to you, why are you at the wake? by eecwritess

It had been fifteen years since Lucy Gray Baird had escaped Coriolanus Snow at the cabin in District Twelve. But now, she had been captured. Brought back to the Capitol after all these years to be punished as a Rebel. But President Snow...well, he has offered to save her. Under one condition.

Heavy smut - complete

Songbirds, Snakes, and Wedding Rings by celestscrystal

“Even she can’t charm your way out of that predicament.” Dr. Gaul taunted. He was losing her. He could already see the disinterest in her eyes. Highbottom had been long gone, his plans at sabotage were shattered, now he was just waiting to leave. Coriolanus had to make this work. His Lucy Gray must be kept alive. He had one final idea to convince them. It was his most dangerous idea yet. “I could marry her.” In which Coriolanus was never sent to district 12 and instead got away with a slap on the wrist. However, Lucy Gray would not be granted the same fate. In order to save her, Coriolanus marries her. Clashes ensue in a tale of enemies, passion, and lovers. Updates every Saturday/Sunday!

Incomplete but is getting weekly updates! I really love this one :D

Burn by vvitchimage

Life in the wilderness is harsher than Lucy Gray Baird had imagined. Sick and almost dead, she's forced to return home to the only person capable of taking care of her.

vvitchimage is definitely one of my favourite Snowbaird authors so you will see more of her works down this list; the way she writes the toxicity is just chefs kiss 🤌 Heavy smut - complete

Safe and close at hand by framboise

In which Coriolanus Snow is handsomely rewarded for his tribute winning the Games and in turn handsomely rewards his prize, Lucy Gray, herself. He's gone solemn now in the afterglow, serious. He cares for his own, Snow, she sees that with his family, and now she is one of them. Not his family, but something he owns. His prize, his ward, his girl. Is she to be his mistress then? she thinks hazily as she slips towards sleep. Is that the future for her? To escape from the viper's den into the viper's mansion? She shivers and he drags her closer, one large hand tucked around her hip. Well, she can't escape now even if she wants to, she thinks, sinking into the softness of the plush mattress, burrowing back into the heat and warmth of her jailor.

complete

the girl and the prize by merkstave

In Lucy Gray’s defense, it was never supposed to go down like this anyway. She was just supposed to seduce him, to weasel herself into the snake pit that was Coriolanus’ bed so that he’d keep her around long enough for her to formulate an escape plan. She’d meet with Highbottom and he’d help her like he said he would after she was crowned victor and she’d be back to being a faceless girl amongst the cover of the districts. She just had to say the word and the dean of Heavensbee Academy would make her disappear. She’d be back to singing in bars in no time, back to her old life on the run. That had been nine months ago. And here she was, in her warden’s bed, naked and with his cum stuck to her inner thighs. +++ Lucy Gray is given to Coriolanus as his ward after the games. It's supposed to be a temporary arrangement, nothing more than means to an end. However, nothing is ever easy, especially at the hands of a Snow.

Sadly incomplete but the 4 chapters we did get are SO!!! Truly the delicious kind of toxicity 🤌🤌 (last updated: Jan 15, 2024)

All Of That Ultraviolence by ggs_29

He was well dressed in a suit that fit, hair combed back, still just as handsome as before, if not more so. A full pantry suited him well, helping him to fill out the spaces that were too thin on his figure, and building up the hard earned muscles of his peacekeeping stint. Today, he sits behind his desk in a fine dress shirt, a button undone on top, and his cuffs rolled up his muscular arms. Lucy remembers Barb Azure’s old tales, about a pagan creature from a time before Panem, a fallen angel; the most beautiful of them all, but so easy to succumb to the temptation of power and glory; “ You can leave us now, Heavensbee.” Coriolanus says, holding his gaze on her, and his eyes are dark, predatory. Fuck. “Of course Mr. President; Madame Snow.” Hilarius shoots her a look filled to the brim with trepidation, and suddenly, she is back there again, paralyzed with fear. A girl of six and ten whose name had just been reaped. They’d been found out.

heavy smut - complete

Peacekeeper Coryo AUs

This Little Life of Ours by voiceinthecrowd

"I'll sing for you soon," she promises, hand threading through blonde curls. “I’ll write you into all my songs." “Maybe even write a Ballad of Coriolanus Snow”, she whispers, gasping as her boy manages to pull her even closer. It isn't the immortality he's been looking for. It certainly isn't the marble presidential busts he tells her about when they both can't sleep; how their stony eyes would bore into the souls of passing Capitol children; a young, hungry boy in Academy rouge. But presidents die and statues crumble. Coryo might not know it yet, but it’s stories and songs that persist. His ancient heroes and her whispered poems. They’re all stories, and Lucy Gray is determined to give Coryo the greatest story of them all. He’ll understand, one day. She’ll make it up to him, the dreams he’s left behind for her. He hasn't lost everything in Twelve. Lucy Gray will prove it. In which Lucy Gray stays for Coriolanus, and Coriolanus stays for Lucy Gray.

foaming at the mouth over this fic. complete

i wouldn’t mind the hanging, but the laying in the grave so long by rainfrog

He’s a Peacekeeper since the beginning. And she’s still that Covey girl who falls in love.

SO GOOD; this fic is 2,4k words long and NOT ONE OF THEM IS WASTED truly so many excellent lines in there 💯💯 - complete

Deal with the Devil by vvitchimage

Lucy Gray had lived in the cabin for months after her falling out with Coriolanus Snow. When spring comes, he returns to take over Hoff's place in the Peacekeepers. The day she's found, Lucy Gray has to strike a deal with the devil.

Heavy smut - incomplete but is still being updated! (last update april 18, 2024)

persimmons and soup beans by kayladevitoo

Coriolanus Snow moved up in the Peacekeeper ranks in District 12, becoming an officer. He shares breakfast with Lucy Gray after a night shift — soup beans and a persimmon.

short and sweet - complete

Chaos and control by Anonymous

Her name was Lucy Gray Baird, and she and her group were called the Covey. Technically, they weren't from the Districts; as it turned out, they were a group of traveling musicians who got stuck in the Twelfth when inter-District travel was banned. This somehow reassured him – that she wasn't from the Districts, that he hadn't gone crazy falling for a girl from the Districts – she wasn't one of those responsible for the war. So he no longer felt guilty about his dreams, sometimes strange, sometimes blatantly indecent, in which she was always the main character. 18 years old Coriolanus Snow, an orphan, who lost his mother, his father and grandmother during the war now is a Cadet Peacekeeper in the District 12, preparing to become an officer. Here he meets the most beautiful girl in the world

This fic is not as Snowbaird centric as the rest of this list, but god is it fantastic. This Anonymous author is simply incredible 💯 - complete

Modern AUs

Free Ride by betts

“Does Lucy Gray like you back?” Tigris asked. Coriolanus hadn’t actually considered that. He’d just assumed she didn’t and never would. He’d grown up with anything he could ever want given to him instantly, but now everything he wanted was impossibly far out of reach. Lucy Gray was no exception. Or: Coriolanus is a full-time university student, restaurant server, administrative assistant, and on the weekends he cleans and presses gowns. Occasionally he sleeps. So he really doesn't have time to be giving the weird bartender a ride home every night. And he definitely doesn't have time to become obsessed with her.

having really enjoyed Betts' Anidala fic Lemon, I knew we were in for a treat when i recognized her in the Snowbaird tag AND I WAS RIGHT, such an amazing take on modern!coryo - complete

I'm yours to keep and I'm yours to lose by fkevin073

Their lips slide together, then their tongues curl and she moans, a light, heady thing, come alight with the realization that she is finally, finally home. It’s tender at first, but at the sound of her moan Coriolanus grabs her chin in between his fingers and plunders her mouth harshly. As if this is a punishment. You left me, every kiss he gives her, takes from her, breathes. You left me. And Lucy Gray— Well. For her this isn’t a punishment at all. Or: Lucy Gray and Coriolanus can't seem to let each other go.

THIS IS SO!!!!! see this is the kind of ploltline I might not love in other circumstances, but THE WRITING IS SO INCREDIBLE that it just hits - complete

when the sun goes down by astradeluna

small-town girl lucy gray baird moves from district twelve to the capitol to attend the university to study music. this is her first time leaving home and although the prospect of starting over is terrifying, she’s still excited to make the most out of the opportunity. that being said, after a shitty breakup with her shitty ex, the last thing she wants is to meet someone, but then she crosses paths with coriolanus snow, an arrogant but ambitious government major, who seems to get under her skin with ease and he brings out a part of herself that she never knew existed

incomplete and the story hadn’t gotten to much development in the relationship yet but GOD I still need to put this here bc THE WAY the dynamics were so perfectly transcribed to this modern setting were just chefs kiss. Forever hoping this fic will return from war and get an update 🙏🙏 (last updated: Dec 20, 2023)

Other

Your Selfish Ways by thpsyche

Ten years since her disappearance from District 12 Lucy Gray decides it’s time to return, finding a shelter and a silent life. All would be well if it weren’t for the mysterious encounters of a man cloaked in darkness. A deal is struck, twice a month she would give up to him in return for his silence of her existence. Only one condition: she’s to not ask or look at him. - For the snowbaird week 2024| Day 2 – Myth.

GOD THIS FUCKING FIC - IM FUCKING OBSESSED WITH IT;;; EROS AND PSYCHE INSPIRED AU MY BELOVED - I have reread many times;;; if you see a thumbs up crying cat pfp going insane in the comments that would be me;;;; I am not normal about this 🙈 - complete

doomsday is close at hand by fkevin073

But on the first train of her nineteenth year, as the snows settle on the ground and ice curls in their lungs, something new comes with the train to arrive in District 12. A man by the name of Coriolanus Snow. (But Lucy Gray doesn’t find that out until later, of course) - Or: Coriolanus Snow arrives in District 12, and finds his very own songbird, ready to break free.

incomplete but according to @fkevin073 's tumblr it is not abandoned and she has just been busy;;; truly such a good fic I love it sm (last updated feb 14, 2024)

When I'm Pure Like a Dove, When I've Learned How to Love by Realmermaid333

Lucy Gray and Coriolanus bask in sunlight by the edge of the lake, enjoying each other's presence and calming each other's fears.

Short and sweet - the kind of softness we need more of for Snowbaird 🥺🥺🥺 - Complete

Saving Each Other by flipflop_diva

Lucy Gray had already accepted that she was going to die here in the arena, that sometime in the next few days she would meet her end. But then something else happened — and now there were two of them to carry on the fight. (An AU in which Coriolanus goes to save Sejanus and doesn't escape the arena.)

complete

Silent songbird by KitKatKatherine

Coriolanus Snow thought he knew everything that had happened to him these last few months. Lucy left him, he got into the academy, and Gaul was overseeing his studies. It’s not until he wakes up in the hospital and experiences a rather concerning conversation that he questions everything he once thought to be solid, reason logic. Vowing to never once again help Gaul, and capital be damned, he turns his charms on his own people, and becomes their worst nightmare.

Now, this fic does get quite dark; the author gives trigger warning on specific chapters but if you would like to be warned before getting any investment in the fic, feel free to dm me for details ❤️ - that said, it’s a great fic, I thought the take on disability was lovely and the way it portrayed Coriolanus realizing how rotten the system is and redeeming himself was great; incomplete but worth a read (last updated: Jan 13, 2024)

This is Not a Love Song by FrostedGemstones22

Lucy Gray and Coriolanus never go to the cabin, so they never find the guns. They decide to travel together, but Lucy Gray isn't so easily fooled. Truth is; he needs her, and she needs him. Common ground has to be found somewhere. Speculation about if they traveled up to find District 13.

THIS FIC IS SO EXCELLENT and definetely the best take I have seen on a district 13 AU - incomplete but absolutely worth reading (last updated: Jan 22, 2024)

in the woods somewhere by OfPearlsAndSunsets

Sejanus. She must have figured out that Sejanus was the third person Coriolanus had killed. She wouldn’t have known the particulars, but surely she could have pieced it all together. Still, to think he’d kill her? After everything they’d been through? He looked down at the loaded gun in his hands. Maybe he should have left it in the shed. It's as if he was hunting her. He thought about the knife and how it paled in comparison to the weapon he was carrying. What are you doing, Coriolanus? Something inside of him asks, and then demands. Put it down. He does.

Complete

Monster by Lululemonee

Coriolanus Snow if given both a gift and a curse when he meets his tribute for the 10th Hunger Games. She changed his life in ways which he never could have imagined. She's a dream and a nightmare rolled into one. And she is keeping him with her for the ride. I am very bad at summaries. This was inspired but the music video for "Scars" by Hazey Eyes which stars Tom Blyth and is sooooo good.

Complete

Deep in the Meadow by vvitchimage

Lucy Gray's reunion with Coriolanus in the meadow ends with him protecting her from her jilted ex.

Heavy smut - complete

BONUS:

Two different tribute!Coryo AUs! Are they Snowbaird centered? Not at all, there’s only a few crumbs if you squint BUT they slap SO HARD I truly recommend! (both are complete)

for cassius, no one wept by marianara_sauce

"Why don't we start from the beginning?" "Where else would we start?" She grins at him, rouge cheeks almost glowing. "Stories can start in all kinds of places. They can go in any kind of order, too. Just like songs." He watches her carefully, this relentlessly bright girl no longer in her rainbow dress. His eyes glance down to the form, blank spaces taking over most of the page. Name. District. Age. Family. It's not necessarily chronological. But her dark eyes don't look away from him, even as her grin softens. "Alright," he says. He steeples his hands together, and the chains rattle. "I'm Coriolanus Snow. District 12." (Or, the world in which Snow is a tribute instead of a mentor.)

Hail Panem by Anonymous

"Hail Panem! Those marching to their death salute you!" AU where Coriolanus Snow is a tribute from District Twelve who takes part in the Hunger Games

And that is all! There are a lot of other lovely Snowbaird fics of course but I tried focusing on my absolute favourites ❤️

Do let me know if you liked the list and if you’re a fan of any of these fic feel free to come scream about it with me!

+ Once again noting that my DMs are wide open to anyone wanting to join the Snowbaird discord! It is genuinely an online space I love and I’m always happy to meet more shippers 🫶🫶

[sugaredrhubarb]

Reading with Ru: Aug/Sept Fic Recs

I know I'm certainly in need of some positivity and escapism lately, so I'm gonna try to do semi-regular fic and book recs! Starting with a retroactive what I've been reading from the past couple of months with this account! (I might go back in time and make an all-time rec list later)

COD

starting with cod because i know most of you go here

Sergeant Squeaks by @charliemwrites - (series of one-shots ghost x reader and price x reader separately) both one of my favourite reader characters and my favourite canon setting depictions of Ghost and Price. their own weird brands of showing love are wonderful; the tension leading to getting together is fantastic, and the sex is super enjoyable.

Ghost Stories by @kneelingshadowsalome - (ghost x medic!reader) I'm repeating myself, but I love Salome's writing. This is where I was first introduced to it, and I think it's really special. Ghost POV as he struggles with developing and then accepting love. felt so real and grounded. angsty and then fluffy, and you can't help but adore the reader as well.

saltwater by @ceilidho - (ghost x reader) It's pretty unlikely any of you don't know Ceil, but on the off chance you haven't given this one a read yet, it really is a must. I lump praise on her pretty regularly, but I don't know anyone who is able to portray their character's emotions as intimately as Ceil. her ghost feels really grounded in all his complexity. there is a common theme in these recs of really enjoyable reader characters, and this is not an exception; the reader feels like a full but still ambiguous character who is vulnerable and strong and really great.

don't leave me locked in your heart by @ohbo-ohno - (ghoap x reader dark!) we all know bo, we all love bo. I always love the way she depicts ghost and soap's dynamic changing and evolving to include the reader. the descent into dark territory in this is really really fun. It's also just hot and well-written! if you haven't read it before, go read it, and then go read all of bo's drabbles and asks on here. genuinely one of my favourite dark but still fun writers. I think she balances it really well.

body electric by @yeyinde and Afterburn by @sprout-fics - (141 + Los Vaqueros x reader) a classic. I've returned to these so many times. sometimes you just want to read dirty, filthy, well done, smut and then warm cozy aftercare. not to wax poetic about pure sex (except that's exactly what one should do), but I think it can be really hard to write group sex like this and still have such insightful and individual glimpses into each character and dynamic, and Lev does it wonderfully. and then it's also hard to find good aftercare fic, and Sprout's feels like literal aftercare for both the reader character and the reader.

other fandoms

tried to curate to themes i think overlap in some of the cod works! and I think most of these can be read fandom blind.

i revisited @winterrose527's fic in August, and even though she already knows how much I love her work, I won't skip a chance to repeat it. Anna writes for asoiaf and is pretty much the queen of Robb Stark/Myrcella Baratheon, but I would say the modern AUs (my favs) can be read almost completely fandom blind. Any contemporary romance enjoyer would love her work. I'm really partial to her kid/single-parent fics. I think it's so hard to get right, and I always adore reading her kid characters and how she approaches love stories when kids are involved. anna's works are always brimming with love and incredible platonic, familiar, parent-child, and romantic relationships (if kid fic isn't your thing she also has a ton of other great fics). personal favs: We Could Be a Little Something, And There They Are, All the Same

Lawless by @goldcranes - (arthur morgan x ofc) age difference, cowboy love story, essentially a romance novel. if goldcranes has no fans, I'm dead. I encourage you to explore her work; very few people write as strongly across multiple fandoms as she does, and each of her works feels like a really strong love story with special characters.

The Odyssey by @sunlightmurdock - (bradley bradshaw x reader) 1980's roman literature prof x virgin student - no need to know top gun. katie's work is another entry in the 'feels like it stands really strongly separately from the source material' category. she has multiple ongoing AU's that I really love, but this one is a favourite. i think she does complex characters really well - their actions always feel intentional, and as flawed as they are, I always love them.

Wouldn't it be Nice by allyoops - (m/f captive A/B/O) if you aren't reading original works smut on ao3 you are missing out and allyoops is a great place to start for noncon, dubcon, age gap, taboo etc. enjoyers. they have a ton of works; usually one shots with lots of really delicious dynamics and different settings and tropes.

An Intoxicating Presence by FormerlyIR - (mob a/b/o haladriel) MOB. A/B/O. HALADRIEL. picks up with Halbrand in prison thanks to undercover FBI agent (and his mate!) Galadriel. does that sound crazy and awesome? well it is. mix it with Gal's internal struggle, the added complication of omegaverse, and overall great writing. really fun and really damn good.

civitas terrena by banalityofweevil - (darklina) angel Alina on an exploration of love in immortality with fallen angel Aleks. honestly, it's just a must-read for enjoyers of writing. incredibly creative with divine (literally and figuratively) imagery. i think one of my comments was on the precision of lulu's diction and I really stand by that.

tinsel into gold by ribbonedhare - (darklina) ddlg and cnc friends, this changed me. it is so warm and soft and my god, is it good. just scrumptious.

Be My Babydoll by KittyDruthers - (darklina) ddlg dollification need I say more

check the reading with ru tag for more!

[buffygiles]

tumblr user buffygiles' buffy/giles fic rec

hi, friends. i know i said i'd do this last week but i am nothing if not a procrastinator. i've come across some wonderful works throughout my years in and out of the fandom, so i wanted to compile them into a easily read post (for my own future reference, as well as anyone who might come across this in the future and find it helpful). in order to keep everyone's dash clean, i'll be putting the recs under a read more. lastly, if there are any fics you love that you don't see on this list, feel absolutely free to send them to me so i can read them and then add them to this post! there are over 2k bg fics on ao3 and i've only just barely scratched the surface of them. not to mention the og ones on ff.net. i'm always excited about new material to read.

rec format: fic title by author (rating letter, word count) - synopsis [my own personal thoughts/ramblings]

so! in no particular order:

I Need A Bad Idea by Skyson (WIP E, 550k) - Giles finds Buffy after she’s run away into the city, and instead of a scolding and dragging her back home, he supports her. They spend a few days together, reaffirming their bond and their friendship, forging a new and more mature respect between them. In the months to follow, that has a ripple effect on how they handle the coming events in their lives. [starting out very strong here. this fic was recommended to me just a few weeks ago in the bg discord server and i happily let it take over my life for a few days. if you're looking for something long to throw yourself into for a bit, this one is perfect!]

Friends and Lovers by LadyRa (M, 30k) - An AU story of what happens if Angelus didn't kill Jenny, and how that affects, over time, the relationship between Buffy and Giles. [there's going to be a LOT of LadyRa on this rec post. i have found so much joy in their work and the way they write both buffy and giles. this fic in particular was so so cute. i love them being absolutely obsessed with each other and i love meddling joyce having to nudge them to realize their feelings.]

A Different Life by LadyRa (M, 47k) - Buffy is given the opportunity to make a wish. Then she is told she must undo it and give up the life she always wanted. [this fic didn't hit me until the day after i read it and i couldn't stop thinking about it all throughout work that i came home and reread it. i think it's so beautifully written and i love curator giles so much. someone asked me to point out soulmate au fics so if that was you, here's one!]

A Day of Surprises by littleotter73 (T, 7k) - When his niece finds herself without a babysitter, she asks Giles to step in and take care of her daughter for the day, only Giles has no experience with babies. Thankfully he has a very helpful Slayer with babysitting experience. [was in the mood for a cute fluffy baby fic and thats exactly what this is]

Moral Flexibility by LadyRa (E, 11k) - Giles gets turned into a vampire.  He’s ready to take over Sunnydale now, with Buffy at his side. [i am begging BEGGING any writers who might see this to write more vampire!giles. everything i wanted from an undead watcher. this is a good quick smutty read if you're on the hunt for one.]

Candy Man by gilesbabe (T, 23k) - Ripper turns Buffy's world upside down. [can never go wrong with a band candy au, and i personally will never ever have enough of ripper]

Second Chances by LadyRa (M, 19k) - Giles dies. Ethan brings him back, but he’s not the Giles Buffy knew. [the mixture between giles and ripper here is incredible. man of buffys dreams and honestly mine as well]

Into The Dark Ages by Sadbhyl (E, 33k) - Visiting London after her stay in Italy, Buffy makes a wish that takes her back in time. In this time, her boyfriend is Ethan Rayne, and his partner in crime Ripper seems to have a certain claim on her attention as well. [I have many mixed feelings about this one. i loved the relationship of the three of them, i will always love any glimpses of both ripper and ethan, plus the smut was great. my only downside was that i didn't love the ending. so it's on my list of rec's for everything but the ending! still totally worth the read for the rest of the story though. consider this me begging writers to also write more multi-chapter fics for giles/buffy/ethan]

With Arms Wide Open by jaybird023 (WIP 280k, E) - It's been a few weeks since Sunnydale sunk into the desert leaving all of the Scooby gang up in the air at what to do with their lives. Buffy's decided to settle down with Dawn in Rome, trying to live her own life, and forget about the things that have gone wrong between her and Giles. Just as she's settling into a routine working for the Italy branch of the new Watchers Council she finds out she's pregnant. There's only one problem… she hasn't had sex since over a year before the potentials started showing up at her door in Sunnydale! [no spoilers but the home giles builds for them all <3 i wont ever recover!!! again, to the person who asked: definitely a soulmate au!]

One Wish by LadyRa (M, 16k) - For revenge, Ethan makes a flippant wish of Buffy’s come true. [great hurt/comfort read. TW: mentions of SA but no actual SA]

And It Shall Come to Pass by LadyRa (M, 52k) - The Council wants a Slayer again at its beck and call and Buffy's not interested. Will Giles pay the price? [it was fun to read an evil faith one (as much as i love her!!) and i would also consider this one to be a soul bond au]

♡

and as im finishing up, im realizing this is mostly a shrine to LadyRa's writing. please like and reblog if you've found this rec helpful, and again, if theres any fic you think i should check out please send it my way. happy reading!

[fleurmionefridays]

Fleurmione Fridays: January 2024 Soulmates / Veela Mates

A quarterly rec list curated by the 18+ fleurmione discord server. Inspired by @hpsaffics #wlw wednesday.

All 29 fics under the cut are complete and listed longest to shortest!

Second Chances by @kamaro0917. [E | 169k]

Everything changed in the blink of an eye. Harry Potter was dead and the war was lost. The remaining members of the Order of the Phoenix go into hiding and Voldemort’s rise to power is complete. In a twist of fate, Hermione finds a Time Turner and makes plans to fix the mistakes of the past. Little does she know, she’s not the only one making the time jump.

Tender is the Night by @lipzlipzlipz. [M | 151k]

In a bid to keep from breaking one person’s heart, Fleur does something drastic which prevents her from recognizing Hermione as her mate, but it doesn’t prevent the love that grows anyway. A night of passion leads to heartbreak and so much more, putting two brokenhearted women on separate paths that lead right back to each other.

Fleur De Mon Coeur by SkyKnight07. [M | 141.5k]

Goblet of Fire but in a different year. Fleur Delacour comes to Hogwarts to take part in the Triwizard Tournament not realising that her life is going to change drastically, by the simple presence of Hogwarts' All-Time Smartest Witch, Hermione Granger, who she finds to be her lifelong mate.

Golden Haze by @anamatics. [M | 140k]

There is a golden haze that comes over a Veela's vision when they are upset or angry or in love. After the fall of Voldemort, Fleur takes a position at Hogwarts and finds herself moving forward rather than going backwards for the first time in her life.

One Step at a Time by hphglover. [M | 118k]

Fleur's life is a sham. She comes to Hermione for help with something important and Hermione accepts to lend a hand. Throughout their journey, many things will change and they will find out what true love really is.

What You Don't Know by @zerodawn22. [M | 108k]

Everyone has a weird gap in their knowledge. Unfortunately for her, Hermione's coincides with a mistake that could have huge consequences. She's known as the Brightest Witch of Her Age, but there are some things she has just never come across. Try explaining that to an enraged Veela... Fleurmione. Femslash. Post-War.

Dusk of Summer by @cadenceoftherain. [M | 86.5k]

Dusk of Summer takes place during Hermione's fourth year at Hogwarts, the same year that Fleur Delacour visits the school in hope to compete in the Triwizard Tournament, and the same year they begin their love affair. This is an alternate universe, so possibilities are limitless. I must apologize for the terrible summary, but there's quite a bit more information inside.

Entwined by @orbitalwings. [T | 85k]

After an impossible encounter, two young women find their lives destined to entwine. This is the tale of Hermione Granger and Fleur Delacour, and how they fell in love.

Time Is An Asshole by Psychological_Top. [E | 80k]

Hermione and Fleur haven't seen each other in over ten years. Both having jumped in their careers, they meet unexpectedly in London only to find their past resurfacing. Slow burn Fleurmione.

Always by Caydus. [M | 78k]

A young Hermione Granger meets a beautiful French girl on a family holiday. When this same girl shows up again over a year later, Hermione realises that sometimes there is such a thing as true love.

sometimes you've got to bleed to know by jump_the_gunn. [M | 74k]

Ten years after the battle of Hogwarts the top half of a dead body appears in the office of the British Prime Minister's fireplace, with the bottom half appearing in the office of the French Minister for Magic. Aurors Fleur Delacour and Hermione Granger must work together conducting a cross channel investigation to find the killer. Inspired by The Tunnel TV show.

Aeternum by Noder. [T | 37.5k]

“How long does this last?” Fleur looked Hermione in the eyes, and held her gaze for three agonizing seconds before she deemed to answer her. “Until you give in.” She spoke the words with cruel honesty, letting her angry tears flow down her cheeks and fall into the water at her feet.

I Get Along Without You Very Well by @lipzlipzlipz. [M | 32k]

Don’t get her hopes up. Don’t let anyone in. Don’t risk her heart. These weren’t the only lessons the tournament year taught her, but they were the hardest and Fleur Delacour learned them well. Until a girl with honey-brown eyes made her want to forget every one of them. A sequel to I Only Have Eyes For You

Runes by Cumbersome. [M | 25k]

Soulmate trash. Because I can. And we all want it.

Thread by SaberWolfxvi. [T | 20.5k]

The red thread of fate binds two souls together forever, no matter what the obstacles, no matter what their present is.

Of Blood & Carnations by @rice-and-beans. [E | 18k]

Inspired by Pablo Neruda's Sonnet VII. The war is over. It is a time for healing. The Order has invested in a sort of intensive therapeutic house for our heroes to recuperate. Therapists, therapies, reprieve. Exactly what they need to begin a long road of recovery. So why does Hermione feel worse? Is she going mad? She's hearing voices, and she feels more and more that her body is not her own. She suspects others know more than they are sharing, and she doesn't know who to trust.

Time's Up by volkova21. [T | 17k]

Here's an AU oneshot. Something.. fun? So, another 4th Year rewrite. I wanted to play with the soulmate trope, but most of them have Fleur knowing that Hermione is her mate. This time, well, Hermione will know and not Fleur. I'm reasoning that if wizards were so slow to adopt indoor plumbing, that they may not have timers yet, that the muggleborns are at this point the only ones who have them so... yeah, enjoy some awkward Hermione/Fleur moments.

No Defense For You by Dreiser. [T | 15k]

Its the seventh year at Hogwarts and Hermione discovers she really is quite feminine but oddly, she has no interest in boys, only in the new Professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts who has a mysterious connection to her.

Home by SquirrelGay. [T | 12k]

“Fleur” I called again, “What’s happened to you now?”

Let's hurt tonight (If love is pain) by Twot. [M | 9.5k]

When she was younger, Fleur actively searched for her soulmate. She craved for the one that would make her heart beat wild, but her soul feel calm. Her understanding of how sick the concept of soulmates was started with Gabrielle. The blonde avoided the Gryffindor like a boggart the light and the Gryffindor followed her like a niffler the gold. Hermione was determined to fight for a chance with her soulmate Soulmate au where you can feel your soulmate's pain

Hell Hath No Fury Like A Veela Scorned by InsomniacAndBi. [G | 7k]

Apparently, a slight against the mate of a Veela is a slight against the whole flock or so Umbridge finds out So, this is seriously Au. No Voldemort but Umbridge somehow is still at Hogwarts

Lest We () by @soshyyyyy. [T | 6.5k]

Harry always had expelliarmus. Hermione supposed she had something of a specialty too. post war au where the war lasted much longer and the sacrifices made, much bigger.

Not In Love by waltzlikeits1698. [T | 6k]

“This is all hypothetical, right? You don’t actually want me to come with you.” “Of course, totally ‘ypothetical,” Fleur lied, her heartbeat quickening. She paused. “But if you did want to come with me, then that would be okay. Maman is already expecting me to bring someone anyway. And you match the description of the person she is expecting. So…” - Fleur's taking Hermione to the family reunion - as her date. Which is fine, because Fleur's not in love with Hermione and Hermione's not in love with Fleur. At all.

19th September by ALKimC and @midmoonkitsune. [G | 5k]

“They say Soulmates share one special something; that one piece that connects them in a precious way. Cannot be matched. Cannot be broken.” Pge 26, The Veela Tribal vol.3.

Penetration by @hoardlessdragon. [M | 4k]

What happens when Hermione accidentally finds herself in a vampire coven?

The Result of Veela Insecurity by Dranny. [G | 3.5k]

All Harry wanted to do was get some sleep. Doesn't look like it's gonna happen anytime soon

A single word by @mushroom-grey-scale T | 2.5k]

Despite months of living in the same house, there were only a small amount of things Bill could do to calm a veela's temper.

Secret Studying by Originalpuck. [T | 2k]

Fleur knows that not every soulmate relationship goes smoothly, but she had hoped her soulmate would be as thrilled to meet her as she was to meet Hermione.

Lalochezia by MadTrout. [T | <1k]

Lalochezia - The use of abusive language to relieve stress or ease pain. Hermione is experiencing the worst pain known to womankind.

[righteousangxl]

I’ve curated a fic rec list for @shelleyreacts but I thought I’d post it here in case anyone else wanted it. It’s not a full list obviously but I was trying to gather a list of fics that are fandom famous/favourites while also trying to get a variety of genres. I’ve also added a few personal favourites and recommendations from some other people! Hope it’s ok :)

[birdstooth]

APRIL FIC RECS ft. doodles

30 img limit hurting me a lot... so I had to cut images from literally every selection 🥺 so if you want to see the full assortment of doodles click the links! (* = more pics in story link)

Alphabetical by author :) (sorry ppl at the end of the alphabet I had to edit more of the pics near the end bc I’m bad at organization 😭 next time I’ll be better do reverse alphabetical lmaoo )

Also I can’t guarantee the doodle comics are accurate to the plot FYI… It’s just what comes out of my brain 🙈

@alwayssunnyinedensgate

Angel of Music/POTO AU

doodles from chap 2*, 7 & 9*

Blessed Be the Fruit/Handmaid's Tale AU

doodles from chap 1 *, 5, & 8 (+ more CURSED IMAGERY*)

Check Out Any Time You Like/Hotel Cortez (AHS) AU

doodles from chap 2

The Second Mrs. Rogers/Rebecca AU

doodles from chap 5, 7, & 9

(I had to take chap 7 doodles out bc dmg limit but it was Elle Woods inspired lol see them HERE)

Thrill of the Kill

doodles from chap 1* & 2* (& 2 again* bc I'm bad at keeping track of things lol)

Be Thee Wolf of Sheep/Far Cry 5 AU

doodles from chap 1, 2*, 3*, 13* & BONUS LORE ;) *

@buckymorelikefuckme

arOOOOOga* (click for +3 more doodles)

no shelf control* (click for full doodle comic)

@imyourbratzdoll

a bunny and elf special* (click for full doodle comic)

jennifer check x fem! pillow princess reader* (click for doodle!)

@darkficsyouneveraskedfor

God Mode* (click for full doodle comic)

Hue and Cry - part XXII

Who's the Boss - part 18* (click for +2 additional comic panels) & 22

@georgiapeach30513

Stained Like Georgia Clay - pt 16

@navybrat817

Two Sides of the Same Coin*(full doodle in link haha)

Prelude to A Kiss (click for doodle!)

@straywords

Y.O.U.

@thenhewaswrongaboutme

Your Hands Have Made Some Good Mistakes - pt 7

[lavender-annd-lilac]

Self reblog b/c my mom isn’t Kris Jenner so I have to promote my own damn self like Napoleon crowning himself Emperor 😭

📜 Fic Rec Masterlist 📜

Fic recs with a twist 😉

Fics if they were Halloween costumes! 👻

Fic recs - sharing is caring edition 💓

ONE LIST- ONE FIC 🤯

Other things 🤷‍♀️

Call me Jacques Cousteau bc I did a DEEP DIVE to find this 🤿🐙

Me pardoning myself for my own sins on Turkey Day 🦃🙏

Random example of my excellent pattern recognition skills ⚡️🧠

Why The Onion should hire me 🧅📰👇

[f1crecs]

The f1crecs team is looking to grow ❤️

The f1crecs blog is currently run by a team of nine fic rec'ing wizards. We love maintaining the blog, but as time goes on and things pop up, we have found ourselves needing a bit more help.

We are therefore looking for 1 - 5 more people to help us with the research, requesting, and formatting of lists.

In the near future, we will be working on lists such as:

👉 Royalty AUs 👉 Fake Dating 👉 Carlos/Oscar 👉 Omegaverse 👉 And many, many more, covering all tropes and all pairings.

Fancy getting involved? Please see below the cut for details.

Thank you!

Briony, Katie, Tia, Alison, Caroleen, Clara, Mandy, Leaf & Esra x

What would I be doing?

You would be putting forward fics to include on the fic rec lists on the @f1crecs blog, based on a given prompt. This could be a pairing (maxiel/piarles/strollonso) or a trope (soulmates/coffee shop au/canon divergence). This would include you selecting a favourite quote from the fic or a brief summary of why you enjoyed it. You could also help with finding fics, formatting posts, answering asks, or curating specific list types (e.g., WIP wednesday or 'megaverse Monday).

How would it work?

🔸️ You will join the f1crecs Discord Server.

🔸️ We receive requests for rec lists through the blog's inbox, and share them in the Discord server.

🔸️ We have channels to work together to compile the lists.

🔸️ We decide together on a banner image and any other text needed.

🔸️ We format the post and publish to the blog, crediting you in the body of the post.

🔸️ We work on five or so requests at a time, dependent on numbers.

What pairings do you need help with?

All of them! I am looking for support with all pairings and tropes - I believe that rec blogs are stronger when run by a team, as they have more eyes and are less likely to forget or miss something. 😊

Due to gaps in knowledge, the areas we need most support on are:

💖 Maxiel fics

💖 Omegaverse fics

💖 Sebastian, Daniel, Valtteri, Mick, and Lewis centric fics

💖 Rare Pair fics

💖 Gen fics

But as I said - whatever your favourite pairing, you are welcome here and your knowledge will be much appreciated 🤍

Important Points

I ask for permission from EVERY author that I want to feature on a fic rec list. By joining the blog team, you would agree to do the same. If we are not given permission to list the fic, or if the author does not respond within one week of our request, the fic does not get included on the list (or any future list). You will be given a template to make these requests, to make this easier. 🥰

When compiling the lists, I include my favourite quote from the fic or a couple of sentences about why I enjoyed it. Please consider if this is something you'd be willing to do.

We have all kinds of pairings and character requests come through to the inbox. f1crecs is a neutral space, with no driver, ship, or trope hate allowed.

This blog is f1 only. At least one person in the pairing must be, or have been, in f1 - or, if gen, the central character must be or have been in f1.

How do I express interest/ask questions?

Please message the blog's creator - @boxboxbrioche - to show your interest.

Thank you!

[the-final-sif]

A Quick Guide To Making Friends In Fandom

For those who are nervous or shy and would like some tips/instructions:

Talk to people.

I understand that this is hard, but I promise you that the best way to make friends in fandom is to just... talk to people.

There's a lot of different ways to talk to people, a great way to get started is to reblog people's stuff and leave comments in the tag. Chat with the OP of the post or the person you reblogged it from, add in your own ideas! People really do notice people that regularly tag their posts with comments and stuff. Leave comments on stories on A03. Send people asks about their AUs and stuff!

2. No really, talk to people.

More than just leaving compliments, try to actually engage with the material. Ask the creator questions, suggest ideas, talk about your favorite part of an AU or something that it made you think of. Make connections and add depth to the universes being built!

If you want to do fanart for people, do fanart for people! Put yourself out there and start the interactions. That's how you get friends.

3. Post things

Making your own original posts, including stuff like fic reviews + fic rec lists, talking about something that you enjoyed, sharing work of your own, etc are all great ways to keep interacting with people. If you aren't someone that creates stuff, then find other ways to engage. Maybe you want to cut your favorite clips, or point people towards other people's work. Maybe you want to archive content and places to find it? Whatever it is, try to find ways to create your own little thing. It helps a lot.

4. Be nice, and consider the garden you're cultivating

One of the best ways to make friends in fandom is to just be kind to other people. This can take a lot of shapes and forms, but the biggest one is just... don't be a jackass. Don't send people hate or harassment, just block people that you don't like.

There's a lot of ways to consider a tumblr blog or other fandom space, but I've always been fond of considering them gardens. You can keep it simple, you can do some really fun complex stuff, it can be primarily for looking pretty or primarily for growing food. You can cultivate all sorts of stuff, you can even grow dangerous plants as long as you know what you're doing.

But much like a garden, you need to take care of any space you control. It's easy to get caught up in discourse, it's easy to get sucked into negative spaces. So you have to take some time to step back and consider the space that you're creating and what that says to other people.

Your space doesn't need to be designed for other people. It's for yourself above all else. But if you have giant hogweed running wild all over your garden, don't be surprised if people don't want to come in.

More importantly, if you find yourself constantly feeling like you're getting hurt/stressed out from your social spaces online, it's probably time to do some weeding. Once you've gotten your garden curated and safe for you, then you can look about inviting other people in.

[madatobiweek]

It's Day 0, MadaTobi Rec Day!!!

Happy Madatobi Week 2024! Uplift your favorite artists and writers in the fandom by recommending their work! Here are some suggested prompts to get you started, but feel free to use any criteria! You may recommend a single work or multiple, but we encourage you to put them all in one post for ease of browsing. 

Favorite: recommend your personal favorite fic/art/piece of media(s)

List: curate a list of recommendations

Under-appreciated: Make recommendation(s) with <500 kudos on ao3 //100 likes on tumblr/twitter