#post-canon fluff/wishful thinking let's goo

[frankenjoly]

Midnight conversations

@suegikuweekjuly2023 // day 6: staying up all night

“Can’t sleep either?”

The question took Tetchô by surprise, to the point his jaw opened a bit when hearing his companion’s voice.

“And you can tell by my breathing or so, right.” Despite his almost monotone-sounding response, there was actually not a smidge of sarcasm in such an answer. You could indeed tell if someone was asleep or awake by their breathing rhythm, and Jôno definitely noticed that sort of stuff. Besides, ever since they finally reunited, none of them had made actual efforts to leave each other’s side for more time than necessary. Which had also inevitably led to noticing more stuff, and so on and so on.

“Did not being able to rely on me for a while make you smarter or did your blondie kid help you?”

Jôno wasn’t being really serious, he knew that much; that was why his answer was throwing his pillow towards his direction, as if they were two kids on a sleepover and not a pair of supersoldiers still recovering (physically and emotionally) from what had been dangerously close to be the end of the world and not meeting again. And his partner, instead of bothering to try and dodge, let it fall over his chest, grabbing it with intent.

“You’d actually like Kenji-kun, by the way.” More tentatively, Tetchô ended up moving, leaving his own bed to approach Jôno’s with the intention of taking back the pillow.

“Oh, I’ve talked to him.” The room might be a bit too dark to properly see his expression, but there was no need either. His tone was sprinkled with smugness all over. “And he had a lot of interesting things to say. Like telling me about your whole little speech about putting me above justice and all.”

“Huh. Guess there was no issue since I never told him to keep it a secret.” Glad there was no way Jôno could see his face starting to flush with pink, he took a hold of the pillow and pulled, meeting of course resistance. “I said ‘for five minutes’, though.”

“Oh, my, my.” After a few seconds of back and forth, Jôno finally released the pillow, but instead of going back to bed, Tetchô opted for sitting right on the bedside. Once again, they knew each other very well, and it didn’t take a genius to know some other remark was coming. “So tell me, Tetchô-san,” And even if he actually wanted to leave, Jôno’s hand latching onto his bare arm was more than a compelling reason to stay. “since I’m back at being below justice, can you at least tell me what’s my position in your ranking?”

Yes, it definitely was a blessing he couldn’t see his face at all, and how his voice never evidenced anything…

… even if his heartbeat could still throw him under the metaphorical bus.

(Also on ao3.)

[maychorian]

Weekly Voltron Fic Recs #51

Still not caught up. Here are about thirty new fics, I think. A lot of them are like popcorn: small, fluffy, and easy to chow down on, but some are much more meaty and intense.

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

The Mane Event by BossToaster (ChaoticReactions) Words: 7,572 Author’s Summary: Shiro and Ryou are de-aged by Castle Malfunction ™. It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a pride to keep the twins entertained. My Comments: Deaged fics always make me RIDICULOUSLY happy, and this is a two-for-one! Lance is also adorable in this one, finding a fun way to keep the twins entertained and comfy, and Allura gets in on the shenanigans in a very sweet and personal way, too. This fic is definitely a happy place.

Empty Night by BossToaster (ChaoticReactions) Words: 5,250 Author’s Summary: From the Chicago Yellow Pages: “Takashi Shirogane – Wizard  Lost items found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or other Entertainment." When the Chicago Special Investigations Unit finds a murder victim surrounded by strange symbols and candles, there’s one person to consult. My Comments: I’m not familiar with The Dresden Files at all, but I understood this fusion AU perfectly well. Very cool and intriguing setting, and I loved the way all of the Voltron characters translated into the urban fantasy world. A surprise at the end particularly delighted me. I would happily read much, much more.

Cotton Guardian by VelkynKarma Words: 8,749 Author’s Summary: Lance and Hunk assist a little princess in finding her long-lost friend, but help doesn’t always come in the form anyone expects. My Comments: This is mostly adorable, with some mild spooky elements, more bittersweet and sad than scary. I love these two guys with kids, and Lance’s big brother instincts are particularly endearing here. The sense of something maybe being wrong slowly sneaks up on you, then really pounces at the end. Wonderful, heartwarming read.

Whisper in the Dark by VelkynKarma Words: 21,326 Author’s Summary: A month after the liberation of another planet, team Voltron is called back to investigate the disappearance of many of its newly freed citizens. It should be routine. It shouldn’t be a problem. But then the paladins of Voltron start disappearing, too. My Comments: Warning for some graphic depictions of violence and injury, as well as some moments of true, overwhelming horror that will grab you even through text. Holy CROW, this fic is magnificent. Keith is smart and strong and very determined to protect his teammates no matter what it takes, and the battle scene at the end is incredibly cinematic and thrilling. Really, really great read, perfect for Halloween, and I’m just sorry I’m reccing it two weeks late.

Break the Looking Glass by BossToaster (ChaoticReactions) Words: 4,586 Author’s Summary: Rumors of a new ghost abound at Hogwarts, and Shiro is pulled into a search by the members of his tutoring group. They might just get more than they bargained for. My Comments: Third-year Hufflepuff Shiro shepherding the first-year younger paladins is always such a delight to read, and this was a very fun spooky story set in that ‘verse. Shiro’s protectiveness is out in full force, and the younger kids’ curiosity and courage is also on display. Such a fun and entertaining read.

In My Eyes by BossToaster (ChaoticReactions) Words: 5,804 Author’s Summary: After a fight with the Galra, the Black Lion has to take control of Shiro for a longer period of time. Allura finds herself uncomfortable. My Comments: This is such a unique situation, and such an interesting interpersonal conflict between Allura and the Black Lion. Black is very concerned about taking care of Shiro and his team, and Allura has to draw on her skills as a diplomat to a surprising degree.

Take Me to the Space Hospital by isabeau25 Words: 2,069 Author’s Summary: Sven has been shot. Again. His team is not pleased with him. My Comments: This is adorable and hilarious. The alternate reality team is fantastic, and I want an epic fic with them building their own lions and learning to use them. Sven’s drugged cooing over the “baby Lance” he had to save made me grin every single time.

Mirror Image by VelkynKarma Words: 32,415 Author’s Summary: Part 1: The Kerberos mission was a success. So who is this scarred stranger in the mirror? Part 2: “I stole your life. But the least I can do is try to return it. And I will. I promise.” Part 3: Takashi has quite a lot to think about. My Comments: If you’re familiar with VelkynKarma’s work, you already know how good this is going to be (and you’ve probably already read it, tbh). If you aren’t familiar, though, let this story be your introduction, and then you can go devour everything else she’s ever written. This is her take on the Kuron theory, starting out with Shiro (original Shiro) trapped in a world that seems like a paradise to those of us who have watched the show, but which really, really isn’t. It’s such a cool use of this scenario, unique and entrancing and absolutely marvelous in every way. Thirty thousand words of fiction will pass by in the blink of an eye. I only WISH that canon was anything close to as magnificent as the stuff this writer puts out on a regular basis.

Days Unlike Any Other by Scrawlers Words: 8,629 Author’s Summary: From the beginning, Keith’s birthday was a little nebulous. But that didn’t stop him (or others) from recognizing it over the years all the same. My Comments: Really lovely look at several of Keith’s birthdays through the years. He went through a lot of hard times, but he also has a lot of people who love him.

Breathe by YukiSetsu Words: 3,987 Author’s Summary: What started off as a small mission ends up with Lance trapped in a cave and fighting for his life. Keith’s the only one there, and he has to move fast to get help. My Comments: Great little action and rescue fic with Keith being a good support to trapped and terrified Lance.

Three Days by panaili Words: 7,201 Author’s Summary: He couldn’t move. Something else was moving him.So you’ve figured it out? There was a voice in his head. It was silky smooth, so gentle he hadn’t noticed it at first, but now that Lance figured it out, it felt like thousands of insects swarming along the crevices of his brain. He wanted to shudder, shout, scream, but his body stayed calm as it examined itself. This is my body now, the voice whispered. My Comments: Lance gets controlled by a parasitic mind worm, and it’s absolutely harrowing. You should definitely mind the tags on this one, and watch out for graphic images of violence and sexual assault. It’s very well-done and very well-written, and I was riveted the entire way through.

the prices we pay by prettyshiroic (AnalystProductions) Words: 3,086 Author’s Summary: “I need to take the Marmora ship.” It’s a request, disguised by the sharp imperative Keith laces most of his speech with. Like his blade, every word twists to his whim, with clear precision and direction. But not without the intensity of his emotions on the very tip. Still, Keith does his best to suppress what he can because this is serious and not about him. Kolivan knows that Keith knows that. Keith always has seemed to understand the importance of the mission far too well for someone so young. He also seems to translate that into being expendable if the risks were worth the sacrifice. But the blade of Marmora does not take risks or chances. My Comments: Great Kolivan and Keith moments in that pivotal time of decision at the end of Season Four.

Big words for someone in pink tights by doc3 Words: 7,523 Author’s Summary: The Rangers rush to Zarkon’s base after hearing it might contain hints about their missing teammate’s whereabouts. Things don’t go well for them. My Comments: I’m only peripherally aware of Power Rangers, so I probably missed some of the references in this fusion AU, but I thoroughly enjoyed the action, humor, and teamwork. Very fun fic.

Turning the tide by Anae Words: 5,165 Author’s Summary: “I brought you here to tell you this: sometimes what we are searching for does not exist. We may sacrifice for it, even bleed for it, but it was never meant to be ours.” ― Esther Dalseno, DrownPart of story of a boy who found family among the stars, feelings of a lost soul who gave up his family for their sake. Aka S4E1 meta and a little more. My Comments: Another good take on Keith in Season Four.

Holidays by bookwormgir1LH Words: 1,022 Author’s Summary: Once again, Coran is baffled by a strange Earth tradition. But it turns out Christmas is a lot of fun, in a weird kind of way. [Prompt 24: holidays] My Comments: This is so unbelievably adorable and sweet. I love platonic kisses, and I love the focus on Coran.

Let it go by MarcellaEReeves Words: 1,927 Author’s Summary: The first time had been an accident. Over breakfast they’d been sitting, a group of strangers and aliens, in a castle, on a planet on the other side of the universe. They’d been sitting as Shiro (THE Takashi Shirogane no less! His hero, risen from the dead! Lance had to pinch himself) strolled in, cheerfully wishing them good morning as he assembled a plate of food goo and humming a tune as he did so. An annoying tune, and it irritated Lance that now his own thoughts couldn’t be left alone without someone mirroring them. It wasn’t until Pidge spoke that Lance realised the oddness, an expression over his -her- face, like she’d seen a ghost. ‘Shiro…?’ Their leader turned, questioning look covering his face. Even Keith seemed to be horrified, and a bitter stroke flicked through Lance at the thought that perhaps he’d missed some vital clue. ‘How do you know that song? You weren’t on Earth when Frozen was released…’ – Where Lance and the other Paladins discover that after forming Voltron, every persistent thought they were thinking prior gets lodged in all of their heads for the next week, and Lance finds out Shiro and Keith aren’t as cool as he first thought. My Comments: Fun take on a concept I enjoy: the paladins sharing a psychic link when formed as Voltron that affects them afterward.

Warm Things by The_Sickfic_Sideblog Words: 1,165 Author’s Summary: Keith has a cold, so Pidge warms him up. My Comments: Cute little sickfic with Pidge being sweet.

Paragon by fansofcollisions Words: 1,848 Author’s Summary: One, Allura. She’s got the experience and the head for battle, a proven leader. Good choice. Two, Pidge. She’s bright, crafty, strategic. She knows how to win a fight without taking a hit. Good choice. Three, Hunk. He’s steadfast, and he’s strong like Shiro. He looks out for his team. Good choice. Four, Keith. He’s a pain, but he’s what Shiro would have wanted. Good choice. Five. Lance. He’s…He just wants it so bad. — The Black Lion makes its decision. My Comments: Really interesting Black Lion POV, and an alternate take on that switch.

Maybe in a Different When by KatherineKatie Words: 2,245 Author’s Summary: “Life isn’t gonna get easier for you. You’re gonna have to fight tooth and nail to make your way to where I am now. But I promise you, no matter how much you’re gonna suffer, how much you’ll want to quit, how much you just want to disappear, because Mom and Dad aren’t around–” he couldn’t help but wince at the gasps he heard around him, “–it’s worth it. Because it led you to these people, and I wouldn’t trade any of them for the world. Your Shiro is waiting for you, and you should find him, on your own merits.” Child version of Keith gets sent forward in time to meet his future family. Normal Keith can’t understand why past him seems to hate his guts. My Comments: This is painful, but very well-written. Small Keith really has it rough, and it’s lovely to see him bond with the paladins, including himself. Sometimes self-care is the hardest.

How Keith Got His Birthday by kitty_kozume Words: 1,356 Author’s Summary: Shiro is surprised when he finds out Keith doesn’t know his actual birth date. My Comments: This is so sweet. Pre-series fluff with Shiro giving Keith a heartfelt and thoughtful present.

The Naming of Cats Is a Difficult Matter by the_original_n_chan Words: 2,096 Author’s Summary: …especially when the cat has ideas of its own. My Comments: This is so cute and funny. Green has very strange ideas of what constitutes a good name, and Pidge is suitably amused and horrified.

Better To Burn Than To Fade Away by this_book_has_been_loved Words: 2,153 Author’s Summary: In which Keith feels like an outsider in his own home Part 1 takes place towards the beginning of s4e05; after the plan has been formed but before it’s been set in action Part 2 takes place after the end of s4e06 My Comments: Keith has a delayed reaction to almost dying. Fortunately, Matt and the team are there to hold him together.

Little More Than A Head Cold by FadingCrystalVoid for Langsty-mc-langstface (On tumblr) Words: 1,820 Author’s Summary: Langsty-mc-langstface (tumblr) Prompt: Lance loses his voice after a shooting match with Keith.At first everyone jokes about how nice it is to finally get some peace and quiet. However as time passes everyone starts to get jumpy and snapping at each other for no reason. It’s when Coran asks about Lance do they finally put the pieces together. They rush off to find him only to find Lance passed out in his room with a raging fever. It turns out that losing his voice wasn’t because he had been shouting but instead that little head cold he had ignored had developed into something much worse. My Comments: Nice little sickfic featuring Lance.

Thicker than Blood by SunBinamra Words: 3,827 Author’s Summary: “Wait, girls lay eggs?!” “No, Keith, they don’t.” Or Pidge grows up, Lance and Hunk win “best brothers of the year” award, and Shiro gets to give The Talk to two horrified Alteans and one confused Earthling. Oneshot My Comments: This is hilarious and sweet. Love Hunk and Lance doting over Pidge while Shiro very awkwardly explains human biology to a confused audience, haha. Everyone is wonderful.

The Dreams In Which I’m Dying by Cocopops1995 Words: 1,332 Author’s Summary: Keith has a nightmare after the evenst of s04e06. Hunk helps him through it. My Comments: Hunk is so good. Hunk is the best. Why doesn’t every fic in this fandom feature Hunk prominently? I demand an explanation.

The Colour of Magic by itsthevoid Words: 4,507 Author’s Summary: Keith has always been able to see magic, but it took him a while to meet others that could too.Or: AU where quintessence behaves more like magic, and only the paladins of Voltron can see it. My Comments: I love the worldbuilding and imagery in this one, how the quintessence manifests differently for each person and the things it can do. I would be happy to read more with this concept.

Outside In by prettyshiroic (AnalystProductions) Words: 4,347 Author’s Summary: The mission is simple, until it’s not. It’s simple until the pod Keith and Pidge are in malfunctions. It’s going well until Keith insists they land to check out the problem before it gets worse or they try to push it too hard in hyperspeed. It stops being simple when they land in the lush forests of Roesan and the entire communication system goes down. Next goes the fuel. Really - there’s only so much a stellar pilot and a genius tech wizard can do together. – If Keith’s honesty is blunt, then Pidge’s honesty is brutal. Whilst Keith doesn’t sugarcoat and strives to be direct and to the point, Pidge adapts that ability into something deeply empirical. My Comments: Keith and Pidge bonding is great. She has a such a great way of seeing things and helping him view a new perspective.

Shifting Cycles by The_Sickfic_Sideblog Words: 1,102 Author’s Summary: Keith is a bit ahead of schedule, but his friends pull through for him. My Comments: Being a werewolf is tough, especially when transformation hits hard and early, but Keith has a lot of people who care about him.

may you be blessed by hanbunnotsuki Words: 1,516 Author’s Summary: Keith finds that a birthday party might not be as bad as he would think. Not when you have your friends with you. My Comments: Cute bonding fic. Keith deserves all the good things.

iridescent by bobtheacorn Words: 1,748 Author’s Summary: “How much longer are we gonna be here?” Lance asks, making an effort to sound mildly interested and not like he’s whining. He stops himself again from grabbing at the collar he can’t fan to cool himself off. “No more than a varga, I suppose,” Allura says distractedly, looking up. Her brow creases. “Are you alright? You look flushed.” “Fine, but there might not be anything left of me in this suit after an hour.” // Lance and Allura make a supply run to an alien planet. My Comments: Aw, what sweet bonding with Lance and Allura. I’m glad they got to experience something like rain together.