#rosegardenlake

[phanficlovep5]

Even the Mountains Crumble

Author Name: rosegardenlake

Rating: M

CW/TW (Remember to Read the Tags Before Reading!): Graphic Depictions of Violence, Mentions of Suicide, minor character death

Submitter Rating: 14/10 the holy grail approved

Two Sentence Summary: An au fic followings the events of the last of us placing the protagonist and Akechi in the roles of Ellie and Joel. The fic keeps to major plot-lines from the last of us, but also creatively changes the story in minor ways to better fit the characters.

AAAA This fic is so good, I know it’s extremely long so I honestly dont expect you all to put up a review, but I just had to share this fic cause its just that good. The writing is absolutely spectacular, and the characterizations! Its SO GOOD! Even if you aren’t a fan of the last of us, the author genuinely is so good at writing the tale you just get sucked in anyway. I want this fic buried with me, truly.

reviewed by Ace

Submitted by Anon

[roylustang]

me, seeing my Voltron mutuals who exclusively post/rb klance kudos’ing sheith fics on ao3: *wiping tears from my eyes* always good to see a friendly face at the devil’s sacrament 😭🫡

[jestarcana]

Had the wonderful opportunity to work with @whoalookingcooljoker (@rosegardenlake on AO3) for @onedayakeshuake! Leftover sales are upon us, so be sure to grab a copy if you missed out 💜

Fic : ☆ Twice as Old and Four Times as Weary ☆

[ Leftover sales ]

And full-view of the background for the last piece under the cut, as well as a bonus doodle page!

I decided to give Akira a big ol' tacky holiday sweater in the end, but the bottom design notes for his scarf and Akechi's outfit still apply! I decided to have them both wear kitty-themed outfits to match.

[sheithfictioncatalogue]

Hi!!! Do you guys know a fix where Keith and his parents move from the dessert to the beach (I think maybe California?) and Shiro is their neighbor? Shiro’s really good at surfing and I remember Lance embarrassing himself by calling Krolia a “hot Galra chick” without knowing she’s Keith’s mom. Keith had little Cacti in his room and they play in a volleyball match against Lotor, I think. It’s really sweet but I can’t find it 😭 Thanks for all your hard work, you’re awesome!! ❤️

The Boy Next Door - rosegardenlake

15k. Teen.

Keith's having a hard time with the idea of moving. He's going to miss the desert; that's where his heart belongs. Not this, not the ocean. But when he sees the boy next door, friendly smile on his face, holding a surfboard underneath a muscular arm, Keith thinks that will probably help.

In which Shiro has the worst (best) friends and everyone is Keith and Shiro's matchmaker, even Kosmo.

[firebound-press]

Here’s the copy of Even the Mountains Crumble by rosegardenlake that I made for a friend of mine!

I’m so fucking proud of this binding guys you have no idea it was so much fun to work on and the finished product just looks so so nice. And the spines!!!! The spines are so fun and cool im so proud of them you have no idea hehehe

When i first started working on the typesetting I had to figure out how I was gonna divide the books, but I ended up just going with each book as a season, since they were already divided up that way in the fic, and it meant I got to play around with designs! Also the different length books just looks really nice :D

Final page count

Summer: 550 pages

Fall: 300 pages

Winter: 200 pages

Sprint: 450 pages

Total word count was nearly 500,000 words, which is hands down the longest fic I’ve ever bound. Also the summer book is the biggest book I’ve ever made which I think is fun :DDDD

You can read the original work here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/30305862

[lotus-pear]

Hii I see you’re looking for fic recs, I will say if you haven’t checked it out already, Even the Mountains Crumble by rosegardenlake is a shuake must-read! It’s extremely well-written and definitely gets dark; though there is comfort along with the hurt so it might not be completely what you’re looking for at the moment. Just wanted to share! (I definitely can’t recommend it enough tho, that fic is life-changing and I still think about it constantly)

NAH UR GOOD that sounds perfect thank you……i fw dark plot lines heavy 🙏🏼

[palmtreehero]

i'm rlly sorry to ask but can you please recommend me some rlly angsty/dead dove akeshu/kavetham ffs? if it wont bother you too much, ofc.

Anon, I'm like literally the worst person to ask this??😭 All I consume and create is domestic fluff... help.......

I have some, I think..? I've asked my followers on twitter/bsky to help out with recs, hopefully others can recommend more and I can update this but for now I'll put some in a read more for you :>

JUST TO PREFACE: I don't really read dead dove, so I can only recommend angst and generally my angst needs to have comfort so... I'm sorry if my angst is weak to you. I'm someone who likes wholesome content more than intense things so um yeah, sorry for being vanilla.

Also please expect most if not all of these to be R18.

Akeshu (More general recs part 1｜part 2｜NSFW)

1) Sucker's Prayer by Thornofthelily This is probably one of my most favorite fics in terms of how Goro is written. It’s a really messed up premise with very bad kink negotiation but Goro is written so damn caring and tender I love him so much but Akira may annoy/make you disappointed. It’s just so fucking good.

2) Even the Mountains Crumble by rosegardenlake A classic in the fandom, and totally lives up to the hype. TLOU AU... I'm still reading it but I know it's a banger, the characterization for Goro is amazing, absolutely the best, everything he does is perfect and he's so cool and hot and all the themes and the dialogue is BRILLIANT

3) A first spring with you by Manibarilo Probably one of my most favorite fics, such an amazing and very perceptive look into the psyche of Goro Akechi. I can't describe just how this fic took my breath away, reading it made me feel so giddy because this Goro Akechi is my ideal Goro Akechi.

4) The Stone Heart by tofupancakes part of a series but can be read standalone, old man yaoi married akeshu. I love the angst but there’s a happy ending 

5) paint the town, take a bow Really great fic, a bit messed up but it’s entertaining

6) my back arched like a cat (my position couldn't stop) by miyings cw: has marushu to an extent if that’s uncomfortable for you just skip this one but it’s really hot how possessive Goro is. Also: akirussy

7) love me mercilessly by blue_jean reallllllyyyy violent and quite intense, has top drop

8) anywhere, i would have followed you by blue_jean depression fic where akira is sick, the sex scene is really tender and breaks my heart.

9) Pocket Watch by mylilakirameowmeow This one is quite infamous(?) in fandom. I personally have only read part of it because I'm not really a NSFW person and also I got scared of the switching tag LOL if you're not as allergic to bottom Goro then maybe it's what you're looking for!

10) a guide to gardening for celebrities and serial killers by cruellae I really like this fic because of this "dull sadness" feeling from it(?) It's like... navigating a very hard situation in the most normal way you can by looking at it objectively... but it's also because you're just trying to suffocate it from surfacing because admitting to the hurt will break you.

My favorite line from the fics is:

“I’m sorry I can’t let you go,” he whispers. “Even if it would be best for you…I’ll never be able to let you go.”

Kavetham

1) A Moment of Your Time by Aria_Faye omegaverse, one of my most favorite kavetham fics ever... The themes, character portrayal and raw emotions is just amazing I honestly think it's the ideal balance between the two of them.

2) Bear favour by MiracleSprinkles Another omegaverse, I really enjoyed the feelings in this one. I particularly enjoy how Kaveh is written, how awkward he is when he wants to apologize... saur good

3) Not Quite Broken two parter series by SkySpider Literally everything by SkySpider is so angsty and pain, I love the theming very much. On and off note, my favorite fic from them are the notice board fics: This one and This one.

4) Differing Touches of a Similar Love by Astraabyss Light angst, beautifully written...

[vaawd]

Akihiro, Keith and Shiro's son in the fanfiction "Like You", by Rosegardenlake on AO3 (you need an account to access this story, if you want to read it).

I'm happy with the design of Aki, who is described as looking a lot like Keith with his black hair, although he has Pidge's golden eyes, which makes for a very interesting mix.

Even after all these years, Voltron is still one of my favorite works (except season 8, of course). Keith is still a character I relate to a lot and love with all my heart, and his relationship with Shiro is still dear to my heart.

And “Like You” is one of my favorite books in the whole world. I had already read it when it came out, and I reread it recently. I loved it even more, because I've gotten older and more of it touches me.

It's a perfect sequel to Voltron, which addresses PTSD in a realistic way I think. Keith's descent is very gradual and slow, and watching him fight against it is just awesome, him spending his life fighting like a true warrior. Keith and Shiro's relationship is perfect, Shiro always supports him despite his own pain, and Keith and Akihiro's relationship is superb, breaking apart little by little to rebuild itself better.

I would like to make more drawings of "Like You", because it is a very important story in my life.

[eggs-can-draw]

YOOOOO THANKS FOR THE TAG SPLINTER!! Hi hi!!

Favorite color: Red!

Currently Reading: Even the Mountains Crumble by rosegardenlake on ao3

Last Song: Again & Again by the bird and the bee

Last series: Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure!!

Last Movie: A Whisker Away 🐈

Currently working on: MY FIC!! Specifically the art for ch2

Tags!! As always, no pressure!! :]

@g-eetings @whyaredangancharacterssopretty @irldragonart @tiniestbun @derpu-doodles @silverstudios @lukewarmchicken

tag game!! V●ᴥ●V

tagged by @nobodysugly

tag 9 people sheeeesh

FAVORITE COLOR: pink!

CURRENTLY READING: nothing because I'm illiterate (ᵔᴥᵔ)

LAST SONG: semi-automatic by twenty one pilots!

LAST SERIES: final space!!!!

LAST MOVIE: baby driver~~~

CURRENTLY WORKING ON: studying math and a papercraft King dedede hammer!

Tagging:

@unyanizedcatboys @hxneyboy @bogpaws @hksodapop @neo-cult-ure @liesminelli @beeboysupreme @transdelgado @lukewarmsunshine

[theprojectava]

Where the Light Doesn’t Reach

by rosegardenlake (read on AO3)

So...finals start this friday and I... well I had a breakdown, cried for ten minutes, then said “fuck this” and went to read some fanfics, because I’ve been studying for the past two months non-stop now and I’m done. I’m so. DONE. I needed a break. And so I stumbled upon this fanfic called “Where the Light Doesn’t reach” by rosegardenlake and it simply took my breath away.

I’ve been working on this the whole morning listening to “Lovely” by Billie Eilish and Khalid and I’m not even sorry. I love how goddamn creepy the whole atmosphere of that fic is. 

(I had to cut it into two pieces btw since tumblr kinda ruins big ass pictures... still uploaded the whole thing, too, anyway) 

[tdcatsblog]

“Can I...can I kiss you?” Keith swallows hard.  Hesitates.  There's a reason he shouldn't want this, he thinks, but he can't remember what it was.  He thinks maybe it’s not real, but then he sees Shiro, right there, question in his eyes, waiting for his answer, and Keith’s mind is just one word: yes . Shiro sees his hesitation and says softly, “You can say no.”  His fingers graze Keith’s jaw, but he’s on the peripheral of his space, ready to back away at a moment’s notice.   “Yes,” Keith says, tilting his head back.  For Shiro, the answer is always yes.  Of course it is.  It always has been from the moment he first saw him, sitting across tables, a golden star. Shiro bends down, face pressing close. His lips skim over Keith’s, so soft and gentle. Keith wants this.  He wants it so badly.  He’s dreamed of this moment.  He never thought he could have it.

Amortentia by @whoalookingcooljoker

[phantomtheive]

even the mountains crumble - rosegardenlake

[onedayakeshuake]

It is a pleasure and an honor to announce the lineup for our zines!  🎉💖

Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far! We are all already hard at work to make this zine a reality.

The handles below are for the participants’ Twitter accounts:

𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗖𝗛

Jenny @skyheaven1231 – Caramel @caramell_ia – Azuha @Azuharriet_ – Jade @say0ranarts – Age @agexp_ – Mauhan @mauhan

 𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗝𝗘𝗖𝗧

Michele Knotz @MicheleKnotz – Coyba @Coyba_

 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬

𝗪𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦

Cookie @ez_cookiee – Ren @FetchingAkechi – Zoe @mug_slug – Myst @rosegardenlake – Salex @salexectria – Rei @warsfeils – Tayani @mikan_writings

 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧

𝗪𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦

𝗔𝗸𝗲𝘀𝗵𝘂: Rose @ObssessedA – Tash @voraciousTash – Tayani @ mikan_writings

𝗦𝗵𝘂𝗮𝗸𝗲: Eyrist @relictionism –  Grace @vulpes_cantus – Rei @warsfeils

𝗦𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴: Andreaphobia @andreaphobia – The-Not-Writer @thenotwriter – Salex @salexectria

 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬

𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗦

Dia @PancakeSorting – Kaz @herrmitton – Vikan @valenvikana – ValuVR @Valu_VR_03 – Vanthica @realVanthica – Star @_ItsStarryo_ – Shilo @xilohrdz – Azuha @Azuharriet_ – Poichanchan @poichanchan – Coffeemilk @coffeexiimilk – Vio @vio_draws – Sniper @ssniperx_spams – Emy @Emy_san_arts – Lux @luxuriantegg – Kyra @nootloop – Jazzy @jazlyn_jin – Jest @jestarcana – Soniu @soniusoniu – Biip @Biipbops – Mel @Smoochybats – V_of_Astora @v_of_astora – Xenia @pondsizedocean – Ghost @okay_everybody – Temi @artemiiii_ – JoshuaBeeking @JoshuaBeeking – Minki @minkidoodles – Yua @YuaXIII

 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧

𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗦

𝗔𝗸𝗲𝘀𝗵𝘂: Mayukeko @mayukeko62 – Koyomu @Koyomu13 – Fleur @onionglitter – Sommerannie @s0mmer_annie – Akemi @tiklkun – Yua @YuaXIII – Nishizono @A_nishizono – Star @_ItsStarryo_ – Mercurialcrown @mercurialcrown

𝗦𝗵𝘂𝗮𝗸𝗲: Lyonface @lyonfaced – JoshuaBeeking @JoshuaBeeking – Horrorosa @soyhorrorosa – Sula @sulasaferoom – Klaus @galaxsci – V_of_Astora @v_of_astora – Rita @ritafeedthefish

𝗦𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴: Klaus @galaxsci – Sky @theskycriestoo – Yuu @starrycosmicyuu

[twiddletwum]

From a favorite fic of mine right now, "Like You" by @whoalookingcooljoker aka  rosegardenlake on Ao3!

Aki is definitely shouting "I love it!"

[eventoysneedluv]

My pieces for @rockandsheithzine !!!! Let the cash fly

And my insert pieces for rosegardenlake AO3 Knee-High Socks (Rating T+)

Just a sweet little story about two boys in loveeeee

[gloster]

FAVORITE FANFICS OF 2020

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

I know I speak for all when I say....I cannot wait to toss 2020 out the door the way Uncle Phil constantly did with Jazz. One of the things that got me through this rough year, besides family & friends & BTS, were fanfics.

It’s that time of year again where I make a list of all the fanfics that I absolutely adored. Some are by veteran favs of mine, others are new to me who just knocked it out of the park. If you’re interested in past lists, here is 2019′s list and 2018′s. If y’all are interested in doing your own fanfic favs of the year, please do so and tag me. Always on the hunt for new favs. 

So without furhter ado, my fav fanfics of 2020:

1). Another Word for Forever series by stardropdream (sheith)

Summary: Shiro knows better than to expect love in an arranged marriage. This is all for the sake of universal peace, after all, and solidifying a Terran-Galran alliance. At the very least, Shiro can hope to make a friend out of this. Becoming friends would be much easier, though, if he and his husband could actually communicate. 

With a language barrier and a mountain of cultural differences between them, getting to know Keith proves to be a challenge. Luckily, Shiro's always worked well with challenges.

2020 shockingly became the year of sheith. I ended up rewatching the show w/my bestie @littlenightdragon​. Diving more deeply into it w/my other bestie @kila09​. She and I spent the better half of this year devouring so many fanfics of them in various AUs. I came across new fanfic authors, and stardropdream is among them. 

If I could describe this series & stardropdream, I’ll take a cue from Lady Gaga: “ talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before, unafraid to reference or not reference, put it in a blender, shit on it, vomit on it, eat it, give birth to it”

This series was just PERFECTION. I’ve gotten into arranged-marriage AUs and this has been one of the best I’ve read. It was just perfection. The language barrier definitely added an extra charm to it, in which Shiro finds his own ways to get to know his husband better: both creative and funny ways. So many cute moments, so many funny moments with Hunk being the translating middle man between them, and the smut. THE SMUT. THE SMUT. THE SMUT. Just *chef’s kiss* Incredible. It was just so so sweet, and such a comfort read. I reread this series 5 times already and hope Robin (the writer) does more stories in this AU.

Please read this series. You’re not gonna regret it. It will MELT your heart. 

Honorable Mentions:

If I Called You Mine

Sail Across the Sky Just to Get to You

Finding Shelter (The Alien Baby Remix)

Say You Do(n’t)

2). The Golden Hour by @goldentruth813​ (sheith)

Summary:  After a space mission failure, Shiro loses his arm and his career. Two years later he's settled into a quiet and simple new life on his farm, but when a beautiful alien crashes in his field, he discovers the answers to his questions—and possibly the keys to his future—will come from the stars.

I’m sure no one, least of all Janel the writer herself, is surprised to see this author featured on this list. For now the 3rd year in a row. WOOOW  👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 She is the reason I got into shieth, and she just continues to put out amazing conent with them. This story by far has been the best she’s done this year-possibly one of the best ever. 

We have Shiro trying to have a simple life at the farm with his dog and animals. A curious BOM Keith who shakes things up with his boldness/innocence-and questions bound to test blood pressure, especially Shiro’s. Loads of cute moments, loads of funny moments, and also loads of oreos. 

If summary and my thoughts don’t sell you, only one thing will: reading it for yourself.

Honorable mentions:

Two Hearts in Bloom

Mountain Men

Home is in Your Heart

3). Spun like Gold by Neyasochi (sheith)

Summary: Though Shiro is currently operating his fledgling bakery business out of a decrepit food truck he got for cheap in a repossession sale, he dreams of something more: a cozy bakery and cafe on a tree-lined street somewhere, filled with the smell of fresh coffee and sugar glaze instead of diesel. A little money could go a long way to helping him get off the ground-- and luckily, Keith has money to burn.

Or: Keith takes care of Shiro’s financial woes, in exchange for a little sugar.

OMG, OMG, OMG was this story so sweet. Neyasochi already sold me with the baking/baker Shiro trope, but went a step further throwing in sugar-daddy Keith who knows his way around his manic family and cars, but when it comes to asking a cute guy out? What better way to make an impression than becoming his best paying customer?  

Honorable mentions:

oh, devour me

Healing Touch

on your hand of gold 

4). The Destiny You Sold by @tryslora​ (drarry)

Summary: In which Draco knits, Harry makes wands, and things get very tangled up between them.

If there’s one thing I love about fanfics is how they introduce you to tropes you never would consider before. Draco and knitting was a combo I didn’t realize how much I needed until now. And I love the fact knitting played a big part of the accidental bonding. Also loved the fact everyone in their friend group shipped them like crazy. Highly, highly recommend 

5) What’s My Age Again? by @lazywonderlvnd​ (drarry)

Summary: Harry Potter has had enough of pleasing the public, and his reckless tendencies are finally getting out of hand.

The Quidditch World Cup is only a week away; as Captain of the English National Team, Hermione has assured him that his immaturity won’t be tolerated by the Ministry.

And then Malfoy shows up.

(Inspired by the blink-182 song of the same name.)

It’s no secret that I’m such a fangirl of @lazywonderlvnd​. Any drarry story I read, I always love. Last year, I ADORED The Changing Lights, which was one of my favorites last year, and her updating/finishing the story was a massive highlight for me. I thank ya for that. 

This story was honestly refreshing. I’ve grown so used to Harry being responsible, always doing what’s right, that seeing a story where Harry pretty much has his middle finger in the air to “good reputation”, “being responsible,” because as he brought up: “I’m 25. I’ve been fighting all my life. I’ve earned my life to have fun.”

Okay, granted, it wasn’t quite like that but it was along those lines. And I agree. After all he went through, Harry deserves to have fun. He deserves to be reckless and make stupid decisions.

Also, it was such a blast reading a story where Harry is the brat & Draco has to keep him in line. LOVED.

Honorable mentions: 

Inside Your Mind

Aletheia

6). Chocolate and Pastry by agentmoppet, anemonen (drarry)

Summary:  When Pansy bets Draco that there is no chance he and Harry could carry out a genuine romantic relationship, he and Harry form a plan. But as their fake relationship progresses, Draco sees a side of Harry he never expected. Harry is struggling with something, pushing it far down inside him where he doesn't have to acknowledge its existence. Draco starts to worry, and then he starts to care, and then... horribly... he starts to fall in love.

Do not let the title fool you like it did me. Title alone, I was thinking it was going to be a fun, fluffy story involving baking, maybe chocolate crafting. However....it was not that at all. It was more. A lot deeper. A lot more angsty. It explored mental health, PTSD and the dangers of loved ones ignoring the signs, and contained an important message:

You can’t love someone out of their illness/disease/ addiction. Which is true and this story showed that. 

7). i’m still here by owedbetter (zutara)

Summary: "You see me."

And somehow, that makes all the difference.

If there’s one of the few good things 2020 has brought, it was Netflix bringing back ATLA to their library. Which in turn ignited my love for zutara & had me drag @kila09​ into that ship. 

This story was just incredible. The way it was written, it really felt like it could have been canon. Deleted scenes that a certain creator didn’t want us to see. The way Zuko and Katara came together, starting from their peaceful friendship after the Southern Raiders episode up, becoming closer along the way. 

I dare y’all to read this and not think OMG...is this secret canon bonus material? I definitely plan to read more by owedbetter. 

8). all the what ifs i never said by rosegardenlake (sheith)

Summary:  Keith is nine when he first notices Shiro. Shiro is gentle and quiet, always keeping to himself. Keith is rough and loud, running wherever his feet will take him, screaming on the top of his lungs into the wind. But despite that, they're a constant throughout each other's lives...if only that could be enough. As they grow, Keith just wants them both to be happy, but instead, he's falling apart.

Rosegardenlake is another sheith writer who I adored last year & adore this year as well. This was a story that I read during the beginning of quarantine-life and when I tell you the number of times Keith’s emotions of loneliness got to me, it’s a big number. 

Keith’s struggle with life after high school, after peaking in school, and his mental health reminded me too much of where I was at 2018, which wasn’t a good year for me at all, especially mentally. So that was triggering but it was also helpful since I saw how far I came. And it was beautiful seeing how far Keith came. 

Also the relationship between Shiro and Keith was just beautiful. It’s very funny how Keith was Shiro’s protector growing up and Shiro became Keith’s later on in life. There’s a chance your heart may be heavy, but will also be so swelled up with feelings these two bring it. 

Honorable mentions:

Where the Light Doesn’t Reach 

9). When Night Comes by Oh_Hey_Tae (BTS; poly ot7)

Summary: Jungkook’s tipsy, but he’s not buzzed enough to miss that he doesn’t recognize any of the four dozen people here. And seeing as his friends aren’t ones to ditch and there’s no way they’d play a prank this mean on him, Jungkook reaches the conclusion that he just walked into a stranger’s very expensive home, uninvited, and started eating their food and petting their well-dressed dog.

(Or: Jungkook shows up to the wrong Halloween party and meets the most powerful family in Seoul.)

I can easily say Oh_Hey_Tae easily one of my favorite BTS fanfic favs. Always come through with the stories, and this one was just amazing. We have Jungkook stumbling into a Halloween story, and soon enters into a intense, insane relationship with all six guys, who are already in a relationship with each other. Oh, and supernatural creatures at that. 

You do see certain relationships are stronger, deeper. For example, a lot of moments between Jin and Jungkook. Vmin has their own story and moments. But it was just so amazing. 

Fair warning. Halfway through, things get darker and Oh_My_Tae really loves playing readers diirty with the angst, but it’s so good. 

10). peace-weaver by magisterpavus (sheith)

Summary: You will be the peace-weaver, his mother told him, smiling though her dark eyes welled with unshed grief. The one who brings two bitter enemies together and ends the bloodshed and death between us, once and for all.

But men will always crave war. The Galra, most of all.

Yet another arranged-marriage AU that I loved. This particular one is well-loved in the sheith fandom. I can definitely say it’s considered one of the classic fanfics that’s been read or shared at one point or another. 

The story itself reminded me a lot of Macbeth, involving murder and dark forces at bay. The dynamics between Shiro and Keith reminded me of Drogo and Daenerys from GOT, one of my fav couples there, which only made it all the more better for me. 

I do credit the author for the creative approach they took with quintessence and Shiro’s role/persona as the Champion

Honorable mentions:

The Boy in the Window 

Sheith Demon/Priest AU

A Matter of Scale

Directive 

Honorable mentions that I seriously wanted to add to the list but this post is already lengthy. All amazing, all greats reads by various writers y’all should check out:

Hold Me Tight, or Don’t by snowfallen (yoonmin with a Mr. & Mrs. Smith AU featuring assassins and hitmen, secret identities, fake marriage, and a lot of smut)

The Prince and Pirate by Maniacani, @nerdherderette​ (drarry with a splash of royalty and pirates. Perfect if you’re needing to fill in any Pirates of the Caribbean or Black Sails cravings)

First Kisses are the Best Ones by SashaDistan (sheith in a 50 First Dates Fusion heartfelt/heart-gutting story)

freely, as men strive for right by @bixgirl1​ (drarry w/Harry explaining the many ways why Draco’s the love of his life. we love to see it)

The Sacrificed by SasuNarufan13 (sasunaru w/ dark fairytale elements similar to Little Red Riding Hood & Beauty and the beast + feat. mpreg)

Chasing Treacle Tart (and Draco Malfoy) by xErised (drarry feat. lunch lady Draco + scheming Harry + loads of fun w/sweets & more)

Red Desert by @beatitudinembty​ (taekook in a unique sci-fi AU; hard to explain but so worth a read

one way ticket to another life by starboykeith (sheith Hades x Persephone background)

Even So by lewilder (zutara; arranged marriage+ language barrier +soft strangers to lovers)

Well, lovely people, there you have it. My top 10 favorite fanfics of the year. I do notice a certain ship shows up a lot on this list, but I wasn’t kidding when I said they took over this year. Still, I tried to mix the list up with other fav ships/fandoms of mine. To the writers who created these incredible stories. I applaud you. I thank you for creating and sharing these wonderful stories. Anyone interested in doing the tag, please do. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR, GUYS