#rec-a-fic festival 2023

[beefrobeefcal]

a Message from Beefro

Updates:

YALL. I had me a good time last night, playing around with a breeding kink Peña (1.1k words and counting) & I also thoroughly enjoyed your asks.

NOW. Just because Dave & Kitten didn’t get their time in the beefro drunk tank last night does not mean it’s excluded. They will be joining us soon!

ALSO. The special one shot for the Catfish & The Mouse is also coming down the pipeline - but that will more than likely be closer to new years.

AND. Joel & Darlin’ will also be crash landing back into our hearts by early next week.

LASTLY. I have a special little somethingsomething for a special someone hitting the ground on Xmas day!

But Beefro… what about your REC-A-FIC Featival??

I’m so glad you asked, hypothetical friendo! That will begin tonight with the first round of #friend-of-beefro fic recs and will continue from there.

Don’t forget to submit your fic recs before December 24th!

Jiggidy-jig-heehaw-heehaw regards,

Beefro👌🥩💜

[beefros-sin-bin]

This is a two-parter in conjunction with my main blog @beefrobeefcal!

part one: Recommend that fic , baby!

Have a fic you wanna recommend bc it made you loose sense of all time & space?

Have a fic you wrote and you're hella proud of it?

HOW TO SUBMIT:

Send it on over in an ask to @beefros-sin-bin with the tag: #rec-a-fic2023 by 4:00 pm MST Sunday, December 24th, 2023.

Fics should have been released in the year of our lord 2023.

P-Boy fics preferred... but if there's a Pedro-Adjacent fic you just gotta share...

Include a blurb about why you submitted the fic.

You can submit anonymously or GO FULL MONTY!

Submissions will remain anonymous unless you explicitly state you want your name on it!

part two: #friend-of-beefro fic recs

The second part is all beef, baby! I'm going to highlight & celebrate the writers who set me on the sinful path I found myself on in 2023. I'll be boosting five fics from each of my founding fathers (affectionate) and telling y'all the reason I love them so much.

Feel-the-magic-there's-something-that-drives-me-wild regards,

Beefro 👌🥩💜

[kalluzeb4later]

Barhyn Fest 2023

Challenge 4: Rec a fic or share an AO3 bookmark

            The Grand Gamble by MossyWrites This was the first Kalluzeb fic I ever read. Pretty sure I read it before I even started watching Rebels.

[wolfpants]

my year in fic: 2024!

Thank you so much for tagging me @sitp-recs! I loved putting this little roundup together. I struggled a bit this year, creatively - I think because I had such a massive output in 2023 (226k words 😱) I was going through burnout and also feeling like I couldn't quite live up to the longfics I had posted the previous year. But putting this together, and realising I've written 120k words, I'm actually really surprised - and happy! I've done a real mix of pairings, too.

I look forward to 2025 - I'm planning to take part in Kinkuary again, and I have a few other projects up my sleeve including my first Drarry (long) 8th year fic, a collab, and a follow-up fic to a Drarry I've already published. I'm determined to go into next year with a clear and positive head and continue to stick to writing (and sharing!) what I love!

Much love to you all - wishing you all a fabulous festive season! No pressure tagging @getawayfox @tackytigerfic @maesterchill @houndsinhades @the-invisibility-bloke @toomuchplor @citrusses @skeptiquewrites @hoko-onchi-writes and anyone else who wants to share their 2024 wrapped!

-

Drarry

🌟 All Is Calm, All Is Bright | E, 7k | Drarry

Tags: infidelity, Christmas markets, photographer Harry, angst and feels, pining

“Ernie and I are getting a divorce,” Draco says. A stone drops heavily in the pit of Harry’s stomach. He startles. Draco nods. He lifts his mug to his lips and sinks the contents. “Yes,” he says, his voice tight. 

🌺 Come In, the Water's Lovely | E, 4k | Drarry

Tags: established relationship smut, showering/bathing/swimming, tent sex

Harry laughs against Draco’s wet, soap-sweet skin and lets his hands fall to his waist. He steals another soft kiss. “Want me to help with that? Reviews say I’m not very clinical at all. I’m positively… extravagant.” Draco bends his head forward again and nips Harry’s lip, then soothes it with a slow swipe of his tongue. “A giver of deluxe wanks.”

🥂 How to Begin | E, 8k | Drarry

Tags: friends to lovers, drunk sex, second chances, mutual pining, they were roommates

“I think we owe it to ourselves to do it again properly,” Draco says smartly.

✈️ Long Haul | E, 9k | Drarry

Tags: mile high club, pining, flirting, mild d/s elements, competent draco

“So you’d risk plummeting us all to our deaths just to get filled? You slut,” Draco whispers.

😈 Raising Hell | E, 21k | Drarry

Tags: colleagues to lovers, case fic, occult, UST, exhibitionism, ritual sex

Malfoy pinched the bridge of his nose. “How do I put this delicately, Potter.” He shook his fringe from his face and sighed. “The initiation is sex. They want us to fuck. In front of all of them. It’s—what they do.”

-

Others

☕️ Come as You Are | E, 2k | Sirius/Ron

Tags: pwp, age gap (19/40), big dick Ron, blow jobs

Open up, he imagines Ron saying with that easy, casual dominance he exudes so beautifully, so he does, just in time for Ron’s mouth to meet his. 

🎶 In My Room | E, 21k | Dron

Tags: 8th year, angst and h/c, unhealthy coping mechanisms, no hea, first time

Draco rattles around in his brain for something to talk about, something beyond the immediate obvious—we are lying in bed together, we are spooning, you are shirtless, you are holding my hand, my chest feels like it’s on fire, my head is as light as air, do you feel it too? I will die if I get hard, I might die if you change your mind about me.

🚗 A Light That Never Goes Out | E, 6k | Sirry/Draco

Tags: Sirius returns, timey wimey, road trips, hotel room hookup, threesome

Sirius’s fingers twitch around his glass. The pleasure looming in the pit of his belly at seeing Harry so happy and turned on isn’t quite enough to stem the niggling sense of envy and outsiderness he feels. Harry and Draco’s careful pleasantries melt away into something more familiar, something they’re both clearly equally relieved to pick up after, apparently, a good few years of not being in one another’s orbit.

❅ Snowdrift | E, 9k | Dronarry

Tags: married dron, threesome, domesticity, drarry pining

“Is this what you wanted?” Ron asks, turning his attention back to Harry, daring to ask the question that’s been floating in the back of his mind since the moment Harry stepped through the front door; maybe since the moment Harry’s text landed in the group chat.

🚙 Spellbound & Acheron | E, 7k (total) | Dralbus

Tags: kidnapping, stockholm syndrome, watersports, virginity kink, power imbalance, age gap

Albus hears the click of a seatbelt. His nose fills with the smell of cloves and cedar—Mr Malfoy’s cologne, his shampoo, the scent that clings to his clothes and that Albus thinks about, persistently, because it is the scent that he has come to enjoy the most. 

[flightfoot]

ML Fanfic Recs for Completed Fics 20K - 40K Words

Got 14 fics for y'all here. I actually originally had this split into 20k - 30k and 30k - 40k categories, but figured out that the categories would be too small if I did that, so I combined them.

All of these fics will be in my Keyseeker's Choices For Best Completed Miraculous Fics Of 2024 Collection, and if you like that, please consider checking out my other collections, Keyseeker's Choices For Best Completed Miraculous Fics Of 2023, Keyseeker's Choices For Best Completed Miraculous Fics Of 2022, and Keyseeker's Choices For Best Completed Miraculous Fics - Misc. Years.

Discarded Claws, Vacant Spots by Tanzle

After Chat Noir leaves his miraculous behind during Kuro Neko, Ladybug is devastated that she pushed her partner away enough for him to quit. Feeling unworthy of being a hero without him, Marinette gives the earrings permanently to Alya. The 'new' hero, Cat Walker, has no knowledge of this exchange taking place. While Marinette and Adrien struggle with the loss of their partnership due to their lack of communication, Alya is stuck in the middle, growing more and more frustrated with everything.

So this is an interesting alternate possible way Kuro Neko could have gone! There's some nice exploration of Adrien's, Alya's, and Marinette's perspectives on the situation. Poor Alya, having to deal with this mess, but at least she gets some nice focus and we get to see more of her and Cat Walker talking things out, which is a nice treat.

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Season Of Giving by The_Rabbit42

As Christmas draws near, Adrien and Marinette want to find special presents to give their partner and... other partner. Combined with Adrien rediscovering what Christmas is without his parents, Marinette getting sick, and Alya and Adrien becoming closer friends, it's sure to be a memorable holiday.

I love this, it's a nice festive story, and I especially enjoyed Adrien and Alya getting to talk and bond and just... be friends with each other, rather than simply existing together in the same friend group! Oh, also, this takes place post-season 5, so Adrien's dealing with being an orphan now and all the complicated feelings that stirs up.

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Feather Fall by @a-flaming-idiot

Marinette Dupain-Cheng is a sentimonster. Adrien knows this. Alya knows this. They just wish they could tell Marinette. Maybe if they could she would have stayed safe when the Primordial attacked. When a monster mauled her with the intention of devouring the magic that made up her very being. Instead, Adrien is forced to use the Miraculous his father had used to hurt so many, to save his closest friend. And only Alya can keep him going as he threatens to crumble under the weight of his parents' sins.

I love the friendship between Adrien, Alya, and Marinette on display here, there's some great interactions between them, Adrien and Alya are great friends and both of them care about Marinette a lot, I hope to see more of this AU!

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Tides of Time by JayJoy3000

Chloe, to her disdain, attends a prestigious university in London where she happens to run into her traitorous, ex-best friend who left Paris years ago without an explanation. But Sabrina is not the shy pushover she once was... Or, the one where Chloe Bourgeois absolutely does NOT spend months pining after Sabrina Raincomprix. No, that would be ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous.

I love how this fic handles Chloe, this is a Chloe who's realized her parents are crap and decided to try to be better, and made some real friends with Juleka and Luka (and seems to be on decently friendly terms with the rest of the class, but they don't come up much), but still has a ways to go, with not really understanding why Sabrina ghosted her, that Sabrina wasn't as happy as she thought.

Also at the beginning of the story Chloe still believes she's straight. Chloe is the ONLY one who believes Chloe is straight XD.

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My Body Is A Cage by @trishacollins

Five Years Ago, Hawkmoth made a wish and disappeared. It should have been the end of the story, but for Adrien, it was anything but. Bound by his Amok at the side of a wife he hates, Adrien struggles to survive in a world that wants to eat him alive.

This fic is DARK, definitely check the tags on this one.

Lila has Adrien bound to her side, forced to obey her every whim, for years on end. The only light in his life is his daughter, the one person he can try to protect. The abuse Lila puts Adrien through... it's a lot. This IS Angst With A Happy Ending, so things gets better for Adrien, but it's torture for him until then.

This fic is M-rated, and it FULLY deserves that M rating.

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Celebrity Status by @kasienda

"Uhh... Do you mind if I lay low here for a bit? I was trying to lose a reporter who was following me. I'm confident they lost track of me by the time I ducked into your room, but I'm worried they'll keep combing the neighborhood for a while." "My room is your room!" Adrien gestured grandly for her to take in the whole area. She giggled. "I don’t know if this actually counts as a room," she commented, taking in everything from the grand piano to the foosball table to the rock climbing wall to the arcade. "It's more like an amusement park." Adrien shrugged, some of the brightness in his eyes fading a bit. "My father tries to make sure I never have to want for anything." "Do you not like it?" He shrugged again. "It's pretty cool, but what’s the point if there's no one to share any of it with?" She took another look around. With that context the room felt positively cavernous. “Sounds lonely.” He ducked into her line of sight, a smile stretched across his face. “I don’t have to be lonely today. You’re here.” She blushed, and offered him a shy smile.

If you want some Ladrien bonding, then this is the fic for you! I loved seeing the two of them talk out their issues with being celebrities and dealing with the public, and of course, getting to hang out and play video games and have a good time together!

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Mr Sandman, Bring Me A Dream by @seas-of-silver

He tossed and he turned, but he was all too awake. He tried everything he could think of: exercising to exhaustion; taking a long, hot shower; playing soothing music to lull him to sleep… but nothing worked. Every time he closed his eyes, the images from his nightmare would flash in his mind and he’d be wide awake again.

So this is a cute Adrienette fic. Adrien has a horrible nightmare of Marinette dying in an akuma attack, and has to constantly see her the next day to assure himself that she's alive. Then Volpina, the akuma who killed Marinette in his dream, shows up and makes an illusion of her killing Marinette... well, you can imagine how Chat reacts to that.

While there's that angst in the beginning, there's a lot of cuteness too, especially with Tom and Sabine being very accommodating to Adrien XD.

There's some Lila trickery in here, but it all stays firmly within canon bounds, with her insinuating that Adrien was ruder than he was in order to get the class to push him to apologize to her because her feelings were hurt and well, this is a very nice class that doesn't want any of their classmates to feel bad, and later Lila latching onto some of Adrien's and Marinette's suspicious behavior to insinuate some bad stuff, etc. But the class is never bashed, they act pretty reasonably, if naively, and when they push past boundaries Nino lectures them about it and they apologize. It's all very reasonable.

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No Mistakes, No Pressure by ChaoticAce2005

Mlss gift for @nagisa_Chan Perfect. That’s what Adrien Agreste is supposed to be. The perfect model. The perfect son. The perfect student. But there’s one major flaw in all of this: Adrien himself isn’t. How can you constantly play roles demanding perfection without fault? The answer is you can’t. Eventually something has to give. And everyone is starting to get worried that the thing that will give is Adrien himself. Or: Basically Adrien starts to crumble because of all the expectations people put on him, and it’s starting to affect every aspect of his life. This is his journey of acknowledging the fact that perfection isn’t possible and that it’s okay to lean on others.

I really love the emphasis on how Adrien thinks of himself as a product here, that he has different "modes" or "editions" that he becomes, like a doll having different versions, and then slowly beginning to get better with the help of his friends. It really captures how he's been objectified, and how, thankfully, his friends are able to help him with that.

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Not Part of the Plan by @kasienda

“What’s wrong, Marinette?” Marinette wiped her tears with her sleeve, and pulled away just enough to reach into her pocket. She gripped the pregnancy test and held it out to her mother. Sabine’s eyes widened as she took in the results of the test in her hand. Her gaze flashed back up to Marinette’s. “You’re pregnant.” And it wasn’t a question, but it was enough to send Marinette into devastated tears once again. Her mother pulled her back into the hug and just held her. “It’s going to be okay.”

So this is a nuanced, sometimes heartwrenching take on Marinette getting pregnant before she's ready - even though she and Adrien have been using protection, and the conversations and decisions around navigating the situation. Definitely check the tags.

I think this is a very NEEDED fic, especially since many elements that Marinette and Adrien struggle with here ARE real life issues (not including the supervillain angle, obviously). It's a great little read!

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Centuries Overdue by @rosie-b

Long ago, an evil Darkness spread across Europe, claiming the lives of many in the magic community. Trained by Plagg himself, Adrien made it his mission to stop the Darkness before it snuffed out the lives of more Mages and Talents, as it did to his own parents. Though he seemed to succeed in his mission, the pages of his old journals tell a different tale. In the modern world, Marinette is a fashion student, working at a small library for the summer to earn extra credit. She’s never believed in magic before, but when she finds the old Agreste journals in her library, her beliefs about reality begin to crumble. Determined to find the truth, both about magic and the unsolved death of one Adrien Agreste, Marinette begins on a journey that will eventually lead her deep into the city’s catacombs, where an ancient force sleeps, but is ready to awaken once more…

If you want a nice Magic AU, this is your jam! I slowly became more invested with Adrien's fate as Marinette did, and I loved seeing bits of this magic society. And of course, Adrien and Marinette always find their way to each other, even if Marinette happens to be a few centuries overdue.

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A Child's Love by @miraclechatbug

This takes place post-Hack-San. Ladybug hands Chat Noir a potion she brewed which accidentally turns him into a kid without any of his memories. How is she going to keep an eye on a miniature Chat Noir while trying to keep their secret identities intact? Or the more pressing concern- how will she preserve her sanity when faced with the overwhelming cuteness and innocence that is her now de-aged partner?

I loved this fic, it's adorable and heart-wrenching. Adrien doesn't understand what's going on, but he still enjoys being around Marinette and the rest of his friends, and they just keep on hearing more and more little things that make them increasingly worried about Chat Noir's childhood.

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Flightless Birds by @myladynoire

The story of the Graham de Vanily family, as told by Félix and Kagami in Representation.

If you wanted a more detailed look at what's shown, what's implied about the Graham De Vanily family in Representation, I highly recommend checking out this fic. I love how we follow Amelie and Emilie as children, see what their parents are like, the kinds of philosophies they grew up around - and also how the girls differed, with Emilie refusing to follow the path their parents laid out, taking risks, and walking her own path, leaving Amelie as the one their parents dumped all their expectations and hopes into - and the pressure she's put under to conform, to do things she doesn't want to, or else lose everything she's ever known.

And then we get to Colt. This fic is rated M, and it's because of him. If you've watched Representation, then you probably already know to expect child abuse, domestic abuse, and marital rape - the child abuse is outright shown in the episode, and the other two subjects aren't much of a leap. We get to see Felix growing up, how his life is around Colt, and what his mother does to try to protect him, as little power as she has.

I really enjoyed this fic, and highly recommend it to anyone who wanted to see Emilie's, Amelie's, and Felix's story in more depth.

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A Supreme Punishment by Polaristar

Alya was ready for a peaceful, and well deserved sleep after spending all night helping Ladybug defeat Shadybug and Claw Noir, villains from another universe, until she found herself trapped in an unknown world by the ‘Supreme’. Her only ticket home is to befriend the elusive Chat Blanc who roams around Paris causing terror among the people. Will she be able to escape back home or will she find reasons to stay, for friendships, and most importantly, love?

This is the rarest of rare sights, an Alyachat fic! Specifically with Chat Blanc.

It's interesting watching Alya navigate this new world, reminiscing on how much of a difference not having a magical emotional terrorist plaguing Paris makes on others, particularly Marinette.

This fic doesn't actually have that much to do with the Paris Special, it mostly centers around Alya reaching out the mysterious Chat Blanc, getting to know the guy that so many others are so terrified of, and falling in love. While there are a few places where the fic could have benefited from a beta to help with clunky sentences or grammatical issues, overall I really enjoyed it! Especially with it being from Alya's perspective, I think everyone knows how much I love that XD.

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The Joke's On Me by @kasienda

Adrien: I had to tell my father we’ve been dating. That we’re going to the gala together this Saturday. I’m sorry. I know you wanted to surprise everyone the day of. Please forgive me. Call me when you’re awake. Nino blinked at the text message and read it again. And then a third time, but the words didn't change. The implications were concerning in more than one way.

So this is a classic scenario. Adrien decides to fake-date Nino in order to get Lila off his back, but along the way, he and Nino develop genuine feelings for each other. Unfortunately, Gabriel refuses to just let the two lovebirds be.

[inevitably-johnlocked]

Hello ☺️ first of all, I'd like to THANK you for all those ficrecs, thanks to them I've discovered many awesome stories!

I know it may be early for some,but do you happen to have a Christmas fic rec list? I am desperate for some bitter sweet Christmas stories 👀

Hey Lovely!!

NEVER too early! This is the perfect time to start is early December if you want a month of fuzzy feels!!!

Check out these lists of mine to please you!

Christmas Fics (Dec. 2017)

Christmas: Oblivious That One or The Other is In a Relationship

Christmas 2019 Part 1 (All Bookmarks XMas and New Years)

Christmas 2019 Part 2 (Marked for Later)

G / T / K+ Rated Christmas Fics (Dec. 2018) (Updated Dec 2021)

Community Recs: Christmas 2020 (Updated Dec 2021)

Christmas Trees / Decorating

Christmas-Time Love Confessions

Christmas & NYE 2023 Pt 1: Bookmarks & WIPs

Christmas 2023 Pt 2: Marked For Later

New Year’s Fics (Jan 2018)

New Year’s Fics (Jan 2023)

Hot and Cold Fics (June 2022)

And if anyone has a NEW fic this year that they or wrote or want to promote, please let us know!!!!

EDIT: AND just for shizz and giggs, here's some other people's lists I've reblogged in the past:

SilentAuror’s Fics 2019

Johnlock Comes A-Wassailing (Chriscalledmesweetie)

bluebell’s Sherlock Winter Holiday Bingo Contest 

apliddell’s Christmas fics

ineffable husbands Christmas fics (additions to my lists)

favourite johnlock christmas fics by starfleetholmes

Non-Christian Winter Holiday Fics

A J. Baillier Christmas Fic Package

A Very Johnlock Christmas by a-different-equation

Some Christmas Fics by discordantwords

Five Festive Fics Friday by 7-percent

calaisreno’s Christmas Fics 2021

Silent Auror’s Christmas Fics

Khorazir 2021

Calaisreno 2022

Berty’s Festive Fics 2022

helloliriels holiday list

thegildedbee 2023

Christmas Advent Pt 2 (swissmiss)

Mystrade Holiday Collection 2024

Enjoy!

[achaotichuman]

What's the best tamcien smut fic would you recommend to me? Also are you open in being sent a tamcien smut fic as a gift 👀

HIHIHIHIHIHI

You have come to the right place for recs, I am the resident rec dealer, here are all the tamcien smut fics on AO3, all of them I have read at least multiple times.

I am quite tired at the time of compiling this list, so there is a chance I have missed some, so I would reccomend looking through the Ao3 Tamcien tag to see all the marvelous works all the Tamcien creators have made!

And YESYESYESYESY I AM VERY OPEN TO BEING SENT TAMCIEN SMUT AS A GIFT, YESPLS!!!

Am I making you feel sick? by @yaralulu

Lucien wasn’t a fool. He'd seen the hatred in Tamlin’s eyes, the confusion and disgust vast as he looked him up and down. And yet after the treaty meeting, he seeked him out in his tent anyways. He wasn’t foolish enough to beg for forgiveness.

my lord (and only mine) by @yaralulu

Lucien takes care of his High Lord after he comes back from a rather stressful meeting with his council. “Why not? You’re my High Lord. It seems fitting it, doesn’t it?” Cruel, teasing words, Lucien knew, but he couldn’t help himself. It was just too much fun having that kind of power over Tamlin. It felt too good to see him crumble all because Lucien wore his shirt and called him a certain nickname. Too fun and too easy. “I’m also your friend. Do friends call each other such things?” “Friends.” The corners of Lucien’s lips twitched up unwillingly at that word. “Is that what we are?”

The Fox and The Hound by @samhatch

Every Fire Night since Lucien joined Spring Court, Tamlin has always sought him out to help release the last of the spirits that possessed him. But now that he's mated with Feyre, Tamlin won't need Lucien's help anymore... Or will he? ********************************************************** “I thought you wouldn’t come.” I admitted. I tried to keep my heart from beating too quickly, knowing his heightened senses could hear it. He said nothing in reply, and walked slowly toward me. As gently as the morning dew, he pressed his lips to mine, but I could feel the hunger behind it barely kept at bay. His scent filled my nose, trampled moss and lilac. “What about Feyre?” I asked. “She’s asleep,” he said as he crawled into my bed.

The Wolf and the Fox by @tsunami-of-tears

Alpha Tamlin/Omega Lucien Tamlin is having a rut at the most inconvenient time. Lucien is a cocky shit and not helping the issue.

The Rite of Spring by @nocasdatsgay

Day 6 Poly Week: Celebrations A Calanmai fic. Tamlin and Flora complete the rite, going to find their loves once it is done and the next day help with cleaning up the festivities

Edging || Lucien Vanserra x Tamlin by @sharksscripting

Oct. 21st 2033 — Kinktober Lucien returned to the Spring Court for a visit when he sees it in a worst state than ever, after talking—arguing—with Tamlin feelings evolve and they end up making love.

Cockwarming || Lucien Vanserra x Tamlin by @sharksscripting

Oct. 28th 2023 — Kinktober Part Two of: 𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 || 𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐱 𝐓𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐢𝐧 — The Spring Court has been regrowing and that causes Tamlin’s workload to triple. Lucien finds a way to help.

A sunbeam shining bright into the night by @nocasdatsgay

After the Great Rite ritual is completed, Tamlin always goes back to the Manor to see if Lucien is waiting for him. This year he is. Tamlin Week 2023 Day 3 Possessive

Play With Fire by Sam Tinnesz by @trshtffc

Calanmai fire just got a bit too hot (Bonus chapter/prequel for In This Peace) (pre ACOTAR)

And an NSFW Tamcien fanart series by @samhatch

Not Safe For Tumblr

Below are all the smut fics I've written.

Hedonism

Tamlin has never been good with words. Much less relationships, of any kind at all. He doesn't know how to fix this; he doesn't know if there's any possibility of this being fixed. But he has to try, for the man that is everything he's ever needed. He will try.

A Proposition

The High Lords meeting is being held in the Night Court, and Lucien is bored out of his brains, but when he realises the Heirs of Night and Spring have slipped off, what would have once been a very boring day suddenly becomes the opportunity for something he'd never even thought of.

Naked Poetry

The Seasonal Courts are gathering for an annual meeting. With tensions growing between the Courts, they aim to settle what they can and allow the magic to return to harmony as it was before the Curse of Amarantha. But after so long away, the magic of each Court is writhing for its sister. From Spring's weakened magic, the power of the Seasons is demanding rejuvenation. Magic comes with a price, and this is theirs. Title from Naked Poetry by SKYLAR would recommend listening to whilst reading.

If you want to see more Tamcien content, I would also recommend checking out my main fanfiction rec masterlist and my personal masterlist

[merlingenrecs]

The holiday season is upon us, and Camelot is celebrating, too! If you want to get into a festive mood, you can find some reading material here.

Today’s gen fic rec theme: Christmas, Yuletide & Solstice

↓ Find the list of fanfic recs under the cut! ↓

⚬ Some Things Are Meant to Be by 1917farmgirl, 11k, rated G <https://archiveofourown.org/works/13183989> summary: For Merlin, having the world fall apart around him was nothing new, but having someone there to help him pick up the pieces afterwards unfortunately was. Until it happened twice, with two very special people who appeared in his life when he most needed saving. Modern AU, friendship fic. Sort of Christmas story.

⚬ A Gift Well Received by Gingeraffealene, 2k, rated K+ <https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13458637/1/A-Gift-Well-Received> summary: Merlin hasn't seemed to really appreciate any of the gifts Arthur's given him in the past. Guinevere suggests Arthur try doing something Merlin really would appreciate, no matter how much it pains Arthur. Happy Yule! Have a Hug!

⚬ Overlooked by sarajm, 50k, rated K+ <https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11087241/1/> summary: Arthur is well on the way to becoming the type of leader Merlin had always hoped he'd be - one who cares for all of his people. But even so, preparations for Yule festivities along with some unforeseen circumstances result in Merlin taking on too much work. Unfortunately nobody notices until it's almost too late.

⚬ To Drive the Cold Winter Away by VikingSong, 1.5k, rated G <https://archiveofourown.org/works/52608178> summary: A fluffy Yuletide slice-of-life from the dawn of Camelot's Golden Age. A cold snap has enveloped Camelot, but heartwarming friendship and a dash of magic are the perfect combination to drive the cold winter away.

⚬ Winter Solstice Celebrations And A Lesson in Appreciation by Glon_Morski, 13k, rated T <https://archiveofourown.org/works/29471682> summary: “He doesn’t appreciate you,” he said one evening to Emrys after the king had left. The warlock blinked at the statement, wide-eyed as if he didn’t understand what he’d been told. The boy huffed. “Everything you do for him, all the times you saved him and his kingdom, all the guidance and he doesn’t appreciate you at all!” “He does,” Merlin defended with a shake of his head. “Well, he has a weird way of showing it,” the boy grumbled with a pout. “It’s like he thinks you’re always going to be there, that he can do anything because you’ll never leave.” “That’s because I won’t. And he knows me enough to know as much,” was the warlock’s reply. “That doesn’t mean he should take you for granted.” Or: In which a druid boy takes matters into his own hands to ensure Arthur learns to appreciate a certain manservant.

⚬ The Secret Handshake by Skydragon05, 2k, rated G <https://archiveofourown.org/works/43350633> summary: It's the yuletide celebration, and this year guests are attending from all over the kingdom. There's one thing unusual though. Several of the guests are not only shaking hands with the King upon arrival, but with Merlin too... and they're shaking his hand backwards. Merlin can't fathom why, so Morgana goes off to seek answers.

⚬ Advent Calender 2023 by s0mmerspr0ssen, 44k, rated G-T <https://archiveofourown.org/series/4478905> summary: This series contains all stories that belong to the Merlin gen fic advent calendar 2023 as well as a few revised stories that were created that year. Enjoy!

⚬ Elf-Boy and Turniphead Save Christmas by Pelydryn, 46k, rated T <https://archiveofourown.org/works/8845624> summary: Three weeks before Merlin's eleventh Christmas, he is introduced to the thirteen-year old Arthur Pendragon, Prince of Camelot and eventual heir to the throne of all Albion. As far as early Christmas presents go, it is a tremendous disappointment. When Merlin's mum is hired as royal governess by a magic-hating king, Merlin is not happy. Sharing Christmas with a turniphead of a prince does nothing to help his holiday spirit. And he had been so good this year…

⚬ Yuletide by daylighthour, 2.5k, rated G <https://archiveofourown.org/works/17108132> summary: It is the annual Yule feast, Arthur is sick, Merlin is attentive, and both are surprised at how much they care about each other.

⚬ One of Us Is Lying by sinivalkoista, 1k, rated G <https://archiveofourown.org/works/43523355> summary: Someone has a horrid sweet tooth and keeps stealing sweets from the kitchens for weeks leading up to the Yule Feast. Arthur decides to rope Merlin into helping him investigate.

⚬  The Christmas Promise by Uniasus, 1k, rated T <https://archiveofourown.org/works/8905864> summary: Scolding a dragon, even one you hatched, never worked well. Especially if you left her alone for a hundred years to be a tree. She turns a might clingy.

[19emma75]

my fav frerard fics

Ok so here’s my grank fic rec list!! I’ve put links to each fic on ao3 for easy access + most if not all have nsfw/explicit elements so be warned!! I’ve written afew tags next to each one so u get an idea but no spoilers ok here we gooo

⭐️ = fav of all time/must read

- The Best Part of My Day by pixie_revolver - office co-workers au

- ⭐️pinkish by antspaul - kid fic, fake relationship to lovers

- Black Market Blood by autoschediastic - short vamp!gee/human!frank

- ⭐️The Mess We've Made by ViciousVenin - pencey era frank, strangers to lovers, angst with happy ending

- Life as a Process by ViciousVenin - fav vamp!gee fic, college roommates au

- Happy Together by MorningGloryxxx - focus on mental health/lgbt themes/addiction, eventual happy ending

- A Splitting Of The Mind by Shoved2agree - yall already know, cw for heavy mental health focus

- Unwanted Thoughts by ViciousVenin - touring, pining, friends to lovers

- Skin of the Canvas by sinsense - art school/nude model au

- ⭐️Unholyverse trilogy by Bexless - holy grail of fics, priest!gee, demons, stigmata (you've probably already read this ik)

- ⭐️The Anatomy of a Fall by novembersmith - supernatural, high school au

- ''that was easy'' by metaleaterz - 'the staples fic', they just work at staples and its cute ok

- another superstition by metaleaterz - friends to lovers houseflipping au

- ⭐️Crossed Out by Haze - time travel and blood magic!! so incredible it should be made into a tv show umbrella academy style

- ⭐️In a Column of Lights by xobarriers - entomologist!gee/director!frank, SO wholesome and sweet and lovely

- Did You Miss Me? Cause I Missed You by LiberXI - wholesome/funny/smutty friends to lovers college au

- ⭐️Nothing Above Nothing Below by LiberXI - pencey era strangers to lovers with a supernatural twist, LOVE the writing style sm

- You Will Leave a Mark by brooklinegirl - short but intense pencey era strangers to lovers

- rough ‘round the edges by starryfrens - sick fic with gee as frank’s caregiver, heavy and heartwarming

- Living on a prayer by beforethesungoesdown, Kitoko_kun - priest x priest with expected amounts of catholic guilt and pining

- Before The Second Show by CharredLips - sweet + fluffy bullets era mutual pining

- ⭐️Wishing You Were a Ghost by pixie_revolver - “right person wrong time”, angst with happy ending, heartbreaking but amazing

- ⭐️Kinktober 2023 by insusurro - all parts set in the same universe, surprisingly heartwarming for the subject matter, great characterisation

- ⭐️Moth to Flame (or Whatever) by onceuponamoon - insanely perfect florist au

- Companion by onceuponamoon - workplace au (carer/office worker)

- Buy Handmade + Bread and Butter by jjtaylor - adorable artist/baker au

- ⭐️Paris!Verse trilogy by vesna - artist gerard/record label owner frank, INSANELY good characterisation, so beautiful and emotional

- Time Travel ‘verse by ladyfoxxx - funpoison/frankghoul/rrr time travel shenanigans, amazing and kind of heartbreaking

- Christmas Miracle by insusurro - wholesome and festive teacher au

- Choosing My Confessions series by pixie_revolver - kinky/wholesome priest au

- a constant record of disillusion by drapnel - non au realistic pre-bullets to post-summer sonic ‘04, heavy so read tags

- All Through The Night by LiberXI - bullets era meet cute

- ⭐️The Horror That I’m In by pixie_revolver - paramour estate, paranormal activity, frank goes through the horrors, angst with happy ending

updating periodically so keep an eye out <3

[beefrobeefcal]

toxicanonymity aka Toxy

@toxicanonymity has been here right form the get go. Every time I posted anything that seemed remotely self deprecating, they were in my inbox, waggling their finger and hollering encouragement and praise my way. You wouldn't know it by their presence in your blog, but they're a big deal around here with their scrumptious takes on Joel - each iteration is its own treat (you can safely assume each fic is Joel or Joel related on this list). Picking ONLY 5 of Toxy's work is down right hard and unfair and I am sorry I can't pick them all because of these stupid rules I made.

It's with their support that I'm continually writing and moving forward, and it with their friendship that I feel like I belong.

Thank you, Toxy!

My-hat-is-off-won't-you-stand-up-&-take-a-bow regards,

Beefro👌🥩💜

Here's my Top 5 of @toxicanonymity 's work:

Slasher Joel series - Joel Miller

I was never really into the slasher genre... until this. I cannot get enough. I love it. The unhinged Joel, his batshit mom, the endless scenarios this could go... it's hot and leaves me wanting SO. MUCH. MORE.

Leopard Print - Joel & Tommy Miller

UNF. This was hotter than I could have imagined and sent me on a downward spiral into a pit of goo. Do yourself a favour and read it.

Raider Joel series - Joel Miller

What is there to say about this series? Toxy and Raider Joel go hand in hand in my mind and aren't we all the better for it? This is peak gruff Joel right here, and leaves me feeling like a smol bean [spoiler: I am not a smol bean] needing to be manhandled and thrown around a bit.

Left in Lincoln - Joel Miller

I'm sorry to say that I slept on this one for too long. It was at the behest of a few moots that I finally read it and dag nabbit... I shouldn't have waited! It's so good! In terms of writing and craft, this is my favourite of Toxy's.

Night Walks series - Joel Miller

Now speaking of favourites, this is it for me. Yes, LiL is a literary champ, but this... fuck me sideways and call me Shirley. I don't know of it's because i love a sleazy man who gets high (hello youth!) or if it's the way I see myself is Reader's lame attempts to keep him at bay, but this is my ride or die of the ToxicJoel's.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Vampire Joel

Just the Tip

Stuffing

Stepdad

Thigh's Out

[blackbird-brewster]

Friday Monday Fic Recs

What I've Been Reading:

JJ/Emily, Tara/Penelope || Rated: E || WC: 43,369 Author: @swpf

Why I Love It: This is such a great read! The introspective look at all of these women is both refreshing and titillating. I love both of these ships and watching two couples try (and often fail) to get the other pair together is one of my favourite fic tropes.

Tara/Rebecca || Rated: E || WC: 3132 Author: swpf

Why I Love It: If you want my full essay about how perfect this look at Tara/Rebecca is,, check the comment section of the fic. In the meantime, just know this is a beautiful piece that explores what it was like for Rebecca to watch Tara diffuse a bomb in the field in 17x06 and how that led to them getting back together.

Tara/Penelope || Rated: T || WC: 14,714 Author: swpf

Why I Love It: Hot butch mechanic Tara Lewis, need I say more?? This AU is delicious. The interactions between Penelope and Tara are so enthralling, I couldn't stop reading. This is an incredible little AU full of hilarity and queer joy. (And Queer Joy 😏)

JJ/Emily/Tara || Rated: E || WC: 1376 Author: Anonymous

Why I Love It: Je T'Emily smut!!!!! This is just extremely sexy.

Tara/Emily || Rated: T || WC: 1103 Author: @mammothluv

Why I Love It: The balcony scene in 13x16 is one of my favourite Temily moments in canon. This was a beautiful take on that scene and just a really wholesome fic. I'm always a sucker for Temily fluff.

What I've Been Writing:

Tara/Penelope || Rated: E ||WC: 13,268+ (WIP)

Notes: After this 'one-shot' evolved into a three chapter fic, I've decided to continue exploring this dynamic. There is definitely more to come, after putting together an outline of where I want this one to go, I think it could be around 8 chapters in total. Stay tuned for more hot, sexy, Dom Penelope!

[UNTITLED HOLIDAY FIC]

JJ/Tara || WC: TBD

Notes: It's that time of year again! This year's holiday romcom will focus on JJ/Tara! In the same vein of Homo For the Holidays, I'm planning for this to be a festive, Hallmark-esque, tropetastic, romcom fic.

[Ready To Be Loved - A Fooled Around Interlude]

Derek/Luke, Luke/Spencer || WC: TBD

Notes: This is the second installment of my three-part Fooled Around expansion! I'm so excited to share this look at how Luke and Derek came to be a couple. I've wanted to explore their relationship more ever since I wrote FAAFIL - Part 2. Not sure when this will be ready for posting, so just keep an eye out!

ICYMI:

JJ/Tara || Rated: G || WC: 1932

Summary: In the Jareau-Lewis household, there was a Halloween tradition of rotating who got to choose the family costumes each year. This year, it was six-year-old Michael's duty to choose the theme of their costumes…

More CM Fic Recs Under Cut

Past Friday Fic Recs:  [Friday Fic Recs - Tumblr] || [CM Fic Recs - AO3 Collection]

My Fanfic Master Lists: [JJ/Emily] || [Tara/Emily] || [JJ/Tara] || [Tara/Rebecca]

2023 Rec Lists: [JJ/Emily] || [Tara/Emily + Other Femslash]

2022 Rec Lists: [JJ/Emily] || [Tara/Emily] || [Other Femslash]

[allwaswell16]

All the One Direction fics I read and enjoyed in August 2023. You can listen to my podcast to hear me talk about each of these fics as well as an overview of what was posted on ao3 including the fics on this month’s fic roundup which you can find here! Please let the writers know if you liked the fics by leaving kudos and comments! Happy reading!

Fanfictional Podcast #53 |  ko-fi | fic recs

—Louis/Harry—

🌴 De amore ex tempore by @persephoneflouwers

(M, 101k, historical) the Middle Ages AU where Harry is a philosopher, whose thoughts happen five centuries too soon and Louis is a painter, whose art happens five centuries too late. & Or: the Time Travel AU where alternate versions of themselves live simultaneously in different realities and their paths collide every time, until somehow, they converge into one.

🌴 Gemma's Dad (Could Use A Guy Like Me) by @lululawrence

(NR, 82k, age difference) Louis wasn't planning on getting home and learning that Gemma's dad had gotten the house in the divorce and was dealing with things by focusing on work, the house, and his newly planted garden. It becomes obvious early on that Harry is a bit lost and Gemma is worried about him. To help both of them, Louis is more than happy to help Harry find himself again.

🌴 We Don't Need No Piece of Paper (From the City Clerk) by @2tiedships2

(M, 26k, a/b/o) In a matter of months, he would be bonded to an alpha his dad had chosen for him. Someone that Harry knew nothing about. Not even his name.

🌴 you give me feelings that i adore by @alwaysxlarrie

(T, 7k, a/b/o) 5 times Louis scents Harry's things and the 1 time Harry returns the gesture.

🌴 A Social Construct by YesIsAWorld / @louandhazaf

(E, 7k, established relationship) Five times Harry and Louis try to lose their virginity and one time they finally do. Part 4 of Swallow My Words

🌴 Rode Hard and Put Away Wet by @kingsofeverything

(E, 6k, Texas) Louis heard the same rumours in London, New York, and L.A., and he put them all to rest, but in Texas? Series Part 7 of Tiny Penis Fics

🌴 Trying to Find the Words (To Say For Ages) by @insightfulinsomniac

(E, 6k, uni au) As best friends and roommates, it’s really not a big deal when their on-campus housing provides Harry and Louis with an unusual, intimate bathroom arrangement. 

🌴 Come All Ye by @justanothershadeofblue

(E, 6k, historical) It's the summer of 1971, and Louis just wants to get out of town for a minute or a day. When his buddy Zayn says they should head down south and check out this radical new music festival, Louis is only too happy to agree.

🌴 Every Bit of Mine by skipper / @skipperxao3

(M, 3k, dark) Harry is an enigma. Louis still loves him.

🌴 every night with us (is like a dream) by moon_rose25 / @darkinfinity

(T, 2k, famous/not famous) A look into the life of a professional football player dating a physical therapist.

🌴 Everything Is Batter With You by red_panda28 / @red-pandaaa

(T, 2k, established relationship) Harry comes across a fun baking TikTok and convinces Louis to do it

🌴 No (Birth) Control by @haztobegood

(E, 2k, a/b/o) An unfortunate situation left Harry without contraceptives a day before his heat.

🌴 in my head we can love forever by @beardyboyzx

(E, 1k, girl direction) Harry might be a bit in love with her roommate.

🌴 Nights Like These, We'll Remember by @fallingdefenceless

(T, 1k, meet cute) Louis and Harry meet at a summer music festival and sparks fly.

—Rare Pairs—

🌴 The Light Out In The Madness (Hold Tight) by @lalalaartje

(E, 46k, Niall/Louis) When Louis ends up with Niall as a roommate after a messy break up with Harry, he considers it truly life saving. They become fast friends and while Louis is sceptical about Niall's idea to start fake dating to take revenge on Harry, it can't be that bad, can it?

🌴 Ask Him by LinksLipsSinkShips / @fxckingprincesspark

(T, 2k, Niall/Lewis Capaldi) When Lewis Capaldi gets pressed for information on who he's dating, he admits it... he's been seeing Niall Horan. The only problem? He jokes so much that no one believes him.

[f1crecs]

Fic Rec List - Festive Favourites

you might also enjoy: @f1hallmarkfest - for more festive treats🎄🎁

if your fic is on this list and you don’t want it to be, please let us know and we will remove it immediately, no questions asked. we have contacted most of the authors on this list, but sometimes people fall through the gaps - just pop us a message🤍

have a pairing you want me to do next? please read the faqs and then head to the inbox.

don’t forget to give the authors featured on this list some love in the form of kudos, bookmarks, and comments!

Wishing all who celebrate a very Merry Christmas, and a peaceful New Year. Thank you for all of your support in 2023 ❤️🎄

Love,

Briony, Alison, Esra, Mandy, Caroleen, Clara, Leaf, Katie & Tia 🎅🤶❤️

Carlos/Lando

nsfw: Glitter and Be Gay by @phebess | E | 14.7k

Lando is an out and proud primary school art teacher, and Carlos is the hot dad who has caught his eye. This is such a sweet and tender story of self-discovery and identity. As always, Phebes' humour is on point - I laughed out loud several times!

'Lando is wearing an ugly Christmas sweater and waiting outside the school for the bus to take them all to the Christmas Village - he's been before, and it's cute. There's little food stalls, a big man dressed as Santa, tons of fake snow, and even a reindeer petting zoo. A small childish part of him is excited, even if he's going with the company of a bunch of five year olds.'

Fernando/Mark

Lonely This Christmas by @seafoampearlygirl | NR | 19.5k

Mark is stuck at home for Christmas with nobody but the dogs and nothing but what's in the freezer during the worst snowstorm in 40 years. Fernando won't hear of it. He turns up on Mark's doorstep with a metric tonne of food and a plan for seduction. Mark is completely clueless. This fic combines all the best elements of Christmas fic and cosy, snowed in snugglefic. Fernando is written here as he seems IRL - larger than life with emotions to match. Mark is quietly pining and completely unaware that he is being wooed.

'He made Fernando's bed up with soft sheets that he knew were the warmest he owned. He added some heavy throws, because Fernando was Spanish and used to warmer weather. If Mark had had mints in the house, he'd have put one on the pillow. Fernando had brought dinner, dessert, wines, snacks, a frankly terrifying amount of cured meats and cheeses, a very stuffed overnight bag that suggested a longer stay, his laptop, hot water bottles and candles (“in case of power problems”), DVDs (no Christmas movies except Die Hard, Mark was glad to note), and some groceries. The last, even though it wasn't festive, really blew Mark away. A Christmas surprise was magical, but someone had to really care to bring you milk and bread and teabags. He'd even remembered Mark had a fireplace, and had brought firewood, firelighters and coal from the car. If Mark had a spare kidney, he'd have put it on Fernando's pillow, never mind a stupid mint.'

Alex/George

slip a sable under the tree by @strawberry-daiquiris | M | 5k George and Alex are roommates, and George takes a Christmas job as a Christmasgram. This story is everything - the humour, the pining, the festive vibes. I loved it!!

George can feel his cheeks turning as red as his Santa hat, sweat trickling down his back under the polyester, and he’ll need to wipe that off before he gets his top off.

Daniel/Max

home among the gumtrees by @albertparks | T | 10.3k

A love letter to Australian Christmas; Max and Daniel spend the holidays together. This story is stunning, and encapsulates Australian Christmas perfectly. It's so immersive and sweet.

'They walk, and walk, and walk through the yellowing grass. The sky is an endless mirage of blues, pink, and purples, the stars beginning to peak out as the sun lowers its harsh gaze. It's beautiful here, there's nowhere quite like Perth in the middle of summer. LA is fun, Monaco is relaxing, but nowhere will home quite like here.'

Esteban/Pierre

People You Know by @estemick | M | 6.4k Esteban invites Pierre to spend Christmas with him after Pierre's flight is cancelled. Set during Christmas 2022, after Pierre's move to Alpine has been announced. Esteban inviting Pierre home with him is something of an olive branch, which Pierre warily accepts. They take a zigzag path toward reconnecting with one another. Their awkward, yet heartfelt conversations show the gradual unfurling of their old friendship, and a little more besides. This fic is gentle and soft, and it's cosy atmosphere of a Christmas for two, curled up safe and warm while a snowstorm rages outside, makes it a perfect festive read.

Esteban had been alone in motorsport for years, and now he’s best friends with Mick Schumacher of all people, the son of his childhood hero. How does something like that even happen? After another stretch of not-quite-comfortable silence, Pierre decides to ask. It’s not like he can make this any more awkward. “You and Mick seem close.” Esteban keeps his focus on the snowy road in front of them, but Pierre can see a vein bulging in his temple before he sighs and responds. “We are.” “How did that happen?” “What do you mean?” “You’ve just never been great at making friends.” As soon as the words have left Pierre’s mouth, he realises how cruel they are. Esteban is silent for so long that Pierre isn’t certain that he’s going to respond at all. “I didn’t need to. I had you.” “You were friends with other people.” They had been close with Charles and Anthoine for almost as long as they had known each other. Esteban had been shy, but it’s not like he was alone . At least, he had always been present by Pierre’s side. "You took them with you. When you left.”

Charles/Pierre

you set my heart on fire by @boxboxbrioche | M | 14.7k

Charles returns home to the small town he grew up in for Christmas. His career as a photographer has kept him away for several years. After being volunteered to help with a charity calendar, he reconnects with his childhood friend, Pierre, who is now a firefighter.Why I liked it: This fic has a lovely Hallmark movie vibe, leaning into the trope of career-motivated protagonist coming home and realising what is important in life. The Leclerc family vibes are exquisite, Charles's mum and brothers just the right mix of teasing and loving. Pierre, of course, is as knee-weakeningly attractive to Charles as he always is.

Pierre gave him a thumbs up, still grinning. Charles watched with wide eyes as Pierre did the one thing that no one else had - headed straight for the fire pole. “You’re not really going to–” Before Charles could finish that sentence, Pierre had grabbed the pole with two hands and was hanging off of it, feet planted firmly on the floor, his head tilted back. He looked - ridiculous, was the first word that came to Charles’ mind, closely followed by (to his horror) hot. There was something about the way he held himself; the curve of his body, the angle of his chin, that had Charles wondering if he’d done this before. Pierre glanced at him, grinning. “Well? Are you not going to take the shot?"

All's Well That End's Well (To End Up With You) series by @welightitup, @boxboxbrioche and @redyellowstupid | T | 15.7k

Due to both of their hectic calendars, Pierre and Charles have a tradition of celebrating their birthdays late - in July for Pierre's, and in December for Charles'. This series is all about celebration, long-time friendship and a delicious slow-burn friends-to-lovers. I love the way these authors capture Pierre and Charles' dynamic - their friendship shines through in a way that feels so beautifully real and true to them. These fics even come with a bonus piece of art in the third part of the series! All in all, the series is just incredibly heartwarming, nostalgic and beautifully written, and will leave you with the biggest smile on your face, just like a true Hallmark holiday rom-com. (Because after all, what's more Hallmark-y than realising you've been in love with your childhood best friend all along?)

The air is sprinkled with the scent of cinnamon and chocolate as they make their way through the market stalls lining the centre of Rouen. Despite the late evening hour, it is teeming with more people Charles remembers there ever being. There’s an empty cup that had contained mulled wine in one hand, the other clutching onto Pierre’s sleeve as he trails behind him to make sure they don’t get separated.

Lights from the market and the fair at the far end twinkle like coloured fairy lights strung across the entirety of the area. There is a contagious merry mood, everyone sharing smiles and nods and the odd “joyeux Noël”, no matter who they are, and bitter bite of the weather - now in the single digits - is soothed by the heat radiating off the bustling crowds and the food stalls.

nsfw: wishing for a blue christmas by @duquesademiel and @wolfiemcwolferson | E | 29.4k

This is a non-drivers AU and soulmates AU. Pierre and Charles have a meet-cute moment when their luggage gets mixed up on a flight. Pierre is on holiday alone after his long term girlfriend left him after finding her soulmate. Charles's family immediately adopts him. What I liked about it: This fic is a lovely feelgood Christmas read. The Leclerc family scenes are wonderful, I'm not sure if I liked matchmaker Pascale, annoying brat younger brother Arthur or kind older brother Lorenzo more but between the three of them Charles's dignity doesn't stand a chance. Pierre and Charles are made for each other, obviously, but the tension arises from the fact that Pierre already has a soulmark and has SOMEone out there already. Hmm.

“I got you something else,” Pierre tells him. “Sit up so you can see.” Charles glares at him but allows himself to be pulled up to a sitting position and then he sets the bag into Charles’ lap and Charles immediately sticks his hand down into the bag to pull out…a - He throws his head back to laugh, reaching for the gift he got Pierre and setting it on his lap. Pierre only has time to look momentarily confused before he is pulling out an identical keychain that Charles is also holding. Charles had purchased it because it looks vaguely like his soulmark and Pierre never has to use it, but it had made Charles smile and apparently Pierre as well. “This is perfect,” Pierre says, and Charles is about to be the one to lean over and kiss him, but he hears Arthur shout from the main room and they both freeze, wide eyed. “You can escape now.” Charles whispers. “Save yourself.”

Charles/Max

As long as I get to keep you by @babysharl | T | 34k

When Charles and Max find each other at Daniel's New Year's party, they find themselves in a little predicament–when the clock strikes midnight, it grants a wish to the one who winds it up. It turns out–he's wished for a dream to come true: to be surrounded by love. Oh my goodness, this is one of my all time FAVORITE magical realism fics! The magic of the clock, wish fulfillment, it's amazing and so well-written. Literally, every moment of the fic took me somewhere new, and I definitely recommend it wholeheartedly!!!

It were moments like these that highlighted just how much of a different reality this was. They weren't supposed to take naps in real life, it fucked up their sleep schedules. He and Max, even though closer, were never this close until probably last night, where Charles had a vague recollection of falling asleep on Max. The general softness of the moment, their breaths slow and gentle, Max's eyes lazily moving from their nephew to Charles again, fondness mushing up the edges of the piercing blue. None of this was reality for Charles. He felt so at peace, though, that he chose to ignore the obvious. He chose to ignore the phone call, and that this wasn't his to have, that this wasn't the Max he wanted in his bed despite how similar he was, that this was just a dream he would wake up from. He wondered if he and Max could ever have something resembling this. He doubted it. Not with their lives.

Christian/Toto

the season of eyes meeting over the noise by @nobrakesdown | T | 9.1k

Toto and Christian are a pair of mildly antagonistic music teachers fighting over space in a concert venue for their respective classes. Gradually, they find themselves like one another more than they expected. This fic captures the snarky back and forth thise two have irl, and also the hint of affability you see in some of their interactions. A lot of the snark in the fic seems like it's for habit or show, and the gradual bloom of affection is not a surprise considering the groundwork's been done. This is a sweet little holiday story, perfect to curl up with.

He’s still holding his own coffee cup as they walk out of the shop, with Daniel waving after them as they go. The cold hits them as they go through the door, and Toto sees Christian shove his hands into his pockets again. He acts without really thinking, putting his cup down on a low wall that runs along the sidewalk. He slips off one glove, and then the other. Placing them carefully together, he holds them out to Christian, who stares at him. Toto huffs, his breath hanging in the cold air. “I’m not the one who didn’t bring appropriate clothing. Go on, take them.” “But that’s a terrible solution,” Christian says. “Now your hands will get cold.” “They won’t,” Toto says, not getting pulled into this. “I still have a warm cup to carry back with me.” Christian shakes his head, but when Toto holds the gloves closer to him he takes them. He turns them over in his hands before, apparently approvingly, putting them on. Toto finds himself watching, but he forces his mind away from thinking that his gloves look good on Christian. That would be ridiculous to think, because they’re just gloves.

[granny-griffin]

If you don't mind sharing, what were some of your favorite bnha fics you read in 2023?

Sure! Sounds super fun!

my mother cut a hole in the air (and vanished into it) by ghostwriterofthemachine

Todoroki Fuyumi character study where she gives herself an angst haircut.

There is no love that is not an echo by LenaTheOddity

Shinsou brainwashes All Might to send him into the vestige dreamscape of OFA so that he can talk to Shimura Nana.

water under the bridge by orphan_account

Midoriya and Bakugou go back to the log bridge and it’s super nostalgic—this fic has ideal vibes.

wet matches, heavy summers by notreally

I read this fic so many times before going to bed when I had exams coming up, its such ideal whump hurt/comfort. 

Gauntlet Thrown by pikahlua

Future fic where Aizawa interviews Bakugou who is applying for a job at UA. It’s so funny they are in a psychological battle the entire time.

suspend disbelief by mystyrust

Quite possibly the best use of html in a fic I’ve ever seen, also a cool meta commentary on the process of growing as a writer.

incredible things by iguessyouregonnamissthepantyraid

5 + 1 about Aizawa teaching Eri how to control her quirk and their relationship developing.

unconditional within reason by konan_konan for Effervescent_Gem

Uraraka and Midoriya and I have no idea how to keep describing it without spoiling it. It’s good and you should read it.

Throw The Last Door Open by the_crownless_queen for Withstarryeyes

Bakugou and Midoriya try to visit All Might inthe hospital, but the elevator breaks and the shenanigans do not slow down from there.

Operation Cheer Up Kacchan! by blossomshed

Kirishima and Kaminari keep asking Midoriya for advice for cheering up Bakugou, but everything Midoriya suggests keeps backfiring despite being well thought out—a whole comedy of errors ensues.

after whiskey, saint anthony always gets mean by ArsenicInYourPudding

Midoriya is found after being kidnapped but doesn’t remember the last several years, so Bakugou has to act like his younger self in order to convince Midoirya he’s with people he knows and not under some kind of illusion quirk. 

Heavenly River by vannahoneshots (vannahfanfics)

Bakugou and Midoriya go to a festival—there’s lots of cool descriptions and details!

Also check out my ao3 bookmarks if you want more recs!

[jaime-brienne-fic-exchange]

The Festive Fest Collection is open for posting!

It's hard to believe it's already that time of year, but posting for the 2023 JB Festive Fest is now open! What does that mean for you?

If you've already completed your gift, incredible job. Just upload to ao3, make sure it's in the collection and gifted to your prompter, and Bob's your uncle. And if you aren't, don't worry--you have until January 1st to create and post your gift, the with potential for small extensions. Just reach out to us if you know you can't meet the deadline and we'll talk through the options.

How does posting work?

It's super easy.

The simplest is to go to your ao3 dashboard and select ‘Assignments’. Select 'Fulfill’ and upload as usual–ao3 will fill in all the prompter and collection details for you.

Alternatively, go to the collection and select the Upload To Collection button (or take the direct link here) OR upload your fic (or link to other art form) to AO3 as usual, and make sure you enter JBFestiveFestivalExchange2023 in the collection field.

From here, the process is the same as any other upload. Fill in the relevant details and ensure you tick the 'Does this fulfill a challenge assignment’ box so the work is gifted to your prompter.

If you’ve already made an AO3 draft before today, make sure you add it to the collection and put in your recipient’s username in the fields mentioned above, and make sure you change the date when posting (or your gift will be buried). Be aware it can cause some shenanigans where the gift may not appear at the top of the page. 

After that, it’s as simple as clicking Post! Your gift will be submitted to the exchange. 

What about Stocking Stuffers?

A Stocking Stuffer is a gift made by anyone (you don’t even have to be signed up for the main exchange) for anyone (who also doesn’t need to be signed up for the main exchange). Like other Festive Fest gifts, they can be any size and shape. It can be art! A video edit! A moodboard! A fic of any length! The collection will open TOMORROW, with a separate Tumblr post. This is due to a family emergency, I apologise for the late change in plans.

What if I don’t receive a gift?

Everyone gets a gift. Authors have until January 1st to post, and there might be a slight delay if your gift needed to go to a knight writer (or artist, because there are no rules). We promise someone is working very diligently to complete it.

What’s the etiquette around thanking my author? 

A person spent time working on something just for you, so make sure you show your appreciation! A kudos and comment is pretty standard; comments can be intimidating or time consuming, but even a short comment from the heart lets the gifter know you've seen the gift and appreciate it.

Can I promote my story?

Yes, go wild!

Can I rec my gift story?

Absolutely! Share the love! 

Any other questions? Just reach out! We can be reached via Tumblr, Discord, or jbficexchange@gmail.com and will get back to you ASAP!

[sunflowervoltwentyeight]

Hello! Happy 28th! Very excited to share my March 2023 fic rec! All of the fics below are so amazing. In no particular order, enjoy!!! 

Golden by shaylea (128k)

Harry is fully dressed when Louis returns to the room. He’s slumped on the edge of the bed, fingers twining awkwardly around the edge of his pink flounces. “Can I come?” he blurts when Louis opens the bathroom door. Louis freezes. “What?” “North. With you,” Harry clarifies. “If you’re going north, could I come too?”

On a rainy night in Auckland in the middle of his world tour, popstar Harry Styles loses his ability to carry on. Instead of continuing to Sydney and the rest of his tour, he seeks sanctuary with Louis Tomlinson, a man with a macadamia nut farm and a mysterious past.

I’ll Fly Away by @juliusschmidt (122k)

Harry and Louis grew up together in Lake County, Harry with his mom and stepdad in a tiny cottage on Edward’s Lake and Louis in his family’s farmhouse a few minutes down the road. But after high school, Louis stuck around and Harry did not; Harry went to Chicago where he found a boyfriend and couple of college degrees. Six years later, Harry ends up back in Edwardsville for the summer and he and Louis fall into old patterns and discover new ones.

ft. One Direction, the local boyband; Horan’s Bar and Grill; families, most especially children and babies; Officer Liam Payne; many local festivals and fireworks displays; and Anne Cox, PFLAG President.

Mine Would Be You by @crinkle-eyed-boo (114k)

Louis blinks his eyes open, his eyelids fluttering as the room swims around him. He takes several gulps of beer once he confirms that he’s definitely not hallucinating, that the very first portrait Harry Styles ever painted of him is hanging on that wall.

Louis stares at the wall, his heart jackrabbiting in his chest as he realizes that there’s not just one painting of him, there’s five, the portraits lined up like they’re some sort of storyboard depicting the rise and fall of his deepest love. His greatest heartache. A pain that cut him so deep that he left the fucking country, severing all ties with his life in New York, now suddenly surrounding him as if he’d never left.

Fucking shit motherfucker fuck.

Louis returns to New York City five years after he left it – and the love of his life – behind. He didn't intend to see Harry again, but fate has a funny way of pulling them together, whether they like it or not. After making a begrudging truce, they both start to wonder: Would it be so bad if history repeated itself?

You’ve Got My Devotion (Hate You Sometimes) by lucythegoosey / @harryrainbows (95k)

Harry was in the biggest boy band in the world. He was also one half of the best (or worst, depends on who you ask) kept secret relationship in the music industry.

Now, almost five years on, after One Direction has broken up, and Harry and Louis' relationship has as well, a video threatens to put everything at risk.

One determined Irishman, a massive publicity stunt and two begrudging exes are all it takes to bring One Direction back to life and maybe, just maybe, Harry and Louis' mangled love life too.

Or: Harry and Louis are forced to fake-date after an old video from when they were dating emerges.

Wild Love by purpledaisy / @harrydaisy (130k)

“Good,” Julia says, clearly pleased to have them both uncomfortable and unable to look at each other. “Now, I only have one more question before you can go. What are you planning to do when this experiment ruins your friendship?”

“We said we’d stay friends no matter what,” Harry says smoothly, his chin lifting in defense.

“That was our one thing going into it,” Louis agrees. “Stay friends no matter what.”

Julia raises a perfectly manicured brow, “That’s all fine and good. But I hope you realize your emotions aren’t going to realize this is an experiment in the end. If one of you falls for the other and finds out those feelings are not reciprocated, you’re not going to be able to laugh it off as a social experiment. I’m not saying you shouldn’t do this, I’m just hoping you’ve considered all of the possible outcomes.”

- AU: Two best friends try to date each other for forty days. It's supposed to be fun until emotions make it complicated.

Part one of Wild Love

Never Slows Down by purpledaisy / @harrydaisy (28k)

“Maybe we should just have one place instead,” he says. “Just move in together.” It’s heavier out loud, the first time either one of them has made an outright mention of it.

Harry keeps his back turned, the running water of the sink the only sound. Louis wants to say something stupid, something like, “Just kidding,” or, “Wait, no, that’s not what I meant,” but he doesn’t. Now, out loud, lingering, he doesn’t want to change the words he’s just said or the implication.

It must only be a few seconds but it feels like a lifetime before Harry turns off the water and turns to face him again. He swallows and shrugs, “Uh, yeah, maybe.” He meets Louis’s eyes only briefly before checking his watch. “We should go soon,” he says turning to leave the kitchen. “I’ll grab you a jacket.”

Part two of Wild Love

Being of the Jealous Kind by zita17 / @louisandtheaquarian (24k)

A-list actor Louis Tomlinson and his partner fashion photographer Harry Styles weather the storm that is Louis’ fake relationship with his costar in the lead up to this year’s Academy Awards.

Featuring a fluffy teenage meet-cute, an angsty wine drunk Harry melting down over pap pics, Louis habitually overusing the word “baby,” and cameos by a vintage Umbro sweatshirt, the peace ring, and one hell of a Larry hug.

Or the justice for To Be So Lonely fic. Based on the lyrics to TBSL and a prompt where “Louis has to fake date some celebrity, while his boyfriend Harry sits at home.”

Starry Haze, Crystal Ball by you_explode (10k)

Freedom. Harry’s not sure what exactly it means anymore. For him, for Louis. Personally. Professionally. Musically. There are so many layers to it, and it feels like as he gets older, the thicker those layers become.

Non-AU. A brief look at 2020 and the journey Harry and Louis are on with their careers and closet. Inspired by the Devil card.

Drifting, Weightless by dinosaursmate (45k)

“We’ve been asked to do a gig,” Niall said slowly. “Harry and Liam are completely up for it, I am too.” “Alright. What’s the catch?” Louis asked with suspicion. “It’s, um…” Niall cleared his throat. “So, Juliana was contacted by this themed cruise company, and they want us to do a four-day One Direction cruise.” The words hung in the air as Louis’ right eyebrow slowly crept up and he fixed Niall with a stare. “Absolutely not.” Louis rolled his eyes. “You’re essentially asking me to go on a working holiday with my ex. Stranded on a boat in the ocean for four days.” “Cruise ships are huge! You don’t have to see him in your down time.” --- Harry and Louis are exes with benefits until they're not, and the Mediterranean Sea might just be the perfect place to work through some unresolved issues.