#under 65k

[lunarriviera]

from "asylum," coming soon to an ao3 near you

“Have you painted any of us,” He Rongyue asks, suddenly curious. Shen Yi smiles without looking up.

“Certainly. Our precinct is full of interesting faces,” and she suddenly feels impish.

“How many paintings do you have of Cheng-dui, then?”

He raises an eyebrow, still looking down at his sketch. “Why, is he especially interesting?”

“You tell me.”

He shakes his head. “I couldn’t say. You, on the other hand, are extremely symmetrical, and your coloring is exquisite.” He adds water again to the tin, swirls red and yellow in some combination that doesn’t make sense to her, and within a minute, there she is, a smaller version of herself, glowing with a soft blush on the paper.

She slides it a little closer to see it better, amazed at how a simple wash of tint has made one of his precise sketches so three-dimensional.

“You should keep it,” he says, and rinses his brush. “You could even sit for me, sometime.”

“It doesn’t seem like you’d need me to,” she says, “with your eidetic memory for faces.”

As always, when he’s praised, he says nothing, just starts to pack up the watercolors, but she hasn’t lost track of her question, or the more serious question that lies beneath that one.

She wonders just how many portraits of his work partner Shen Yi has hidden away somewhere.

[animutate]

i was not worth it

[cuntwrap--supreme]

I work 13-14 hour days, 4 days a week. Sometimes I have to go in on my days off because I'm one of two managers currently and the other guy is practically useless (all he can do is grill. He can't cook fries. He can't do front of house. He can't build sandwiches. He most certainly can't make stock orders or do schedules or any actual managerial tasks), and if he doesn't feel like working a tough shift alone he passes it on to me 🙃

I've tried arguing with the people above me that we 1) need to get rid of them (which they hate me for suggesting, and now are currently not replying to my request to use paid time off to cover days I'm out for a surgery) and 2) I shouldn't be working this much. But they're always all, "But you get 3 days off a week! That's a good trade-off, right?"

And sure. In a world where I - someone who is disabled and should not be standing all day- is not standing all day. But I get up at 7am, get to work at 9am, and don't leave until anywhere from 9-10:30pm most nights (with the exception of rare dead or wild crazy days). And then I have 1.5 hours to cook, walk my dog in complete darkness in a shady part of town, and try to relax. On my days off, I'm making up for the lack of cleaning I've had time for, running errands, or simply trying to decompress.

I almost never have time for fun. Because of this job. And it's bullshit.

People need time to do mindless shit like play games. I know I'm getting to a point now where, if I can't find me a 9-5 where I can sit down, I'll simply be unemployed and, I dunno, sling weed for money. I'm so sick of being enslaved at a job where they all hate me because I don't cup their boy's balls like they all do. Dude's useless, but they all treat him like he's Jesus 2. Not a single person who has ever worked with him wants to work with him, but management acts like he's perfect. I pick up an average of 6 hours a week for this guy. Which doesn't sound bad until you realize I'm already working like 50 hours, and that's always my days off. So I go from 72 hours a week of freedom to 66, which is realistically 6 hours of cleaning, 5 hours of meal prepping, 5 hours of doing necessary shopping, about 4 hours of taking my brother to boxing class, and 21-24 hours of sleeping. Which leaves me less than one day's worth of time per week to decompress.

the way being employed keeps you from video games and other various activities is so sick. genuinely demonic

[santaeofficial]

Week One Kickstarter Recap: Fully Funded In 28minutes, SIX Stretch Goals Achieved, Official Dino-Pet Reveal, Newest Pet Name Reveal and A Huge Thank You to our Beautiful Community!

We are officially at our 1 week mark into our Kickstarter Journey, and what an incredible journey is has been so far. Our absolutely wonderful community never ceases to amaze us! Thanks to the outpouring of love and support, not only were we fully funded in 28 minutes, we have officially unlocked SIX of our stretch goalsand are closing in on the seventh! We can hardly believe the momentum, and we are beyond grateful to every single one of you for making this possible. Santae is truly coming to life in ways we never imagined possible this soon, all thanks to YOU ALL!

We’re also excited to announce that we’ve added another new stretch goal! At the $65k mark, we will be unlocking a Dynamic Animated Weather & Seasons Systemthat will transform the world of Santae. This feature will introduce animated weather changes as well as animated seasonal effects that directly influence gameplay and provide a stunning immersive experience. Imagine your adventures under sun, snow, or rain—each weather change will bring new events, bonuses, and challenges, making Santae feel even more alive! (We also, as with our current animations, will be adding the toggle feature to turn any animations off to only showcase the static images for any players with sensitivites.)

And now, for a formal reveal… the completed Velotra! You’ve all been eagerly awaiting this, and we are thrilled to present the completed pose and rendering of this dino pet species! The Velotra is officially Santae's first dinosaur-inspired pet, and we couldn’t be more excited to see it roam the world alongside your beloved companions. This is a huge milestone, made possible only by the continuous overwhelming support from this incredible community. We can’t wait to see which pets will join the Velotra next!

Speaking of new pets, the most recently unlocked pet species will be revealed soon, so stay tuned! We are excited to announce the Official Name of this newly unlocked pet species has been chosen: Zephera, which will become our 27th Pet Species to come to the ever growing world of Santae!We know you’re all eager to meet this latest addition, and we promise it will be worth the wait. Keep an eye out for updates as we get closer to the official reveal. 

As always, we are eternally grateful for every kind of support, from backing the campaign, being a part of our community to sharing Santae with friends and family. You all have made this journey something truly special, and we couldn’t have done any of this without you all. We are also excited to share that many more gifts will be coming your way, as well as an exciting adventure in our next upcoming newsletter from The Santae Team, so be sure to watch out for that!

Thank you once again for being the heart and soul of this project. With your endless love and support, we’re creating something truly magical together

With Love and Gratitude, ~The Santae Team

[vetted-gaza-funds]

(ID in alt text)

Directory Master List/Fund Tracking

Each link in this post will lead to another post with further links to individual fundraisers, verification sources, and raffles/giveaways/other donation sponsoring efforts for specific campaigns. List under the cut for the sake of staying up to date.

Laila Shaqoura: €26k/€45k

Wafaa Alnhal: €60k/€60k (GOAL MET!)

Ruba Shaban: €27k/€85k

Issam Aziz: €23k/€25k

Amneh Sharif: $9.2k/$90k USD

Nada Saftawi: €12k/16k

Iyad Sobhe: £11k/£60k (TERMINATED)

Dr. Nasser Mohammed: £7.2k/£50k

Nahla & Amal: €3.6k/€40k

Ahmed Iyd: £10k/£150k (TERMINATED)

Renad Magid: £15k/£25k

Amira Alanqar: €16k/€20k

Mohammed Hilles: €26k/€37k

Rania Ibra: TERMINATED by GoFundMe, click to learn how to help

Malk Al Zaeem: $21k/$50k CAD

Amal Abu Shammala: €55k/€60k

Nael Helles: $16k/$50k USD

Ahmed & Dina: €39k/€49k

Hani Al Hajjar: €33k/€50k

Mohammed Alanqer: €46k/€58k

Salaah Bilal: €65k/€70k

Shahed Muhammad: $42k/$80k USD

Nader Shoshaa: €6.4k/$120k (TERMINATED)

Iman Eyad: TERMINATED by GoFundMe, click to learn how to help

Aya Maher: €5.6k/€25k

Hamsa Mohammad: €5.9k/€30k

Alaa Al Khateeb: £25k/£56k

Mohammed Hoboub: kr29k/kr300k SEK

Youssef Helles: ��7.9k/€23k

Ahmad Turk: €636/€70k (follow up)

Ahmed Ziad: £7.6k/£30k

Mahmoud Helles: €3k/€50k

Sujood Odeh: £55k/£70k

Mohammed Al Manasra: €35k/€40k (DONATIONS DISABLED)

Mohammad Awni: €2.3k/€45k

Raghad Qanou: £4.5k/£55k

Iyad Sami: CHF9.7k/CHF20k

Ahmed Al Ostaz: €14k/€70k

Yousef Hussein: $9.6k/$50k USD

Nesma Ahmed: $88k/$100k USD

Abdelrahman Alanqer: €12k/€20k

Mahmoud Balousha: €17k/€50k

Samer Abu Rass: kr96k/kr450k SEK

Dr. Mohammed Al Deeb: €30k/€55k

Fadi Ayyad: $28k/$35k USD

Tahani Shorbajee: $17k/$50k USD

Yazan Ashraf Abu Safiya: €3.9k/€50k

Mahmoud Saleh: €5.8k/€20k

Ahmed Abu Shammala: €10k/€100k

Mohammed Thalateeni: €21k/€35k

Ahmed Thalateeni: €4.1k/€35k

Mahmoud Khalaf: €16k/€30k

Basma Al Ghoul: kr10k/kr400k SEK

Mahmoud Hilles: €23k/€31k

Ezzideen Shehab: €30k/€75k

Farah Haboub: $1.4k/$120k CAD

Firas Muhaisen: $4.1k/$82k CAD

Shaheen Family: €2.9k/€35k

Walaa Ahmed: $8.4k/$50k CAD

Ghada Saftawi: €1.4k/€10,250

Diyaa Shamali: $24k/$90k CAD

Basel Ayyad: CHF4.6k/CHF60k

Alaa Ayad: $4.4k/$20k CAD

Mohammed Iwais: kr25k/kr500k SEK

Khalil Abu Baker: €1.9k/€30k

Firas Salem: €34k/€65k

Dahlia Mohisen: €10k/€35k

Ramez Hilles: €1.4k/€37k

Mahasen Al Khatib: $2.7k/$50k USD

Hanaa Al-Lulu: €3.1k/€40k

Siraj Abudayeh: $13k/$82k CAD

Reham Al Jarrah: €3.1k/€49k

Intisar Abushammaleh: $10k/$40k

Ahmed & Abedelrahman Al-Nabih: €13k/€30k

Ashraf Alanqar: €9.8k/€20k

Dina, Noor, Omar, & Farah: $6.4k/$20k CAD

Alaa Amsse: €3.3k/€20k

Suheir Hojok: $39k/$70k AUD

Moamen Majed: $6k/$30k USD

Aya Alanqar: €2.7k/€15k

Sara & Alaa Tahrawi: £708/£15k

Bilal Abed Rabou: €2.9k/€80k

Hanaa Jad Al-Haq: £3.8k/£20k

Israa Al Azaiza: $3.1k/$48k CAD

Amal Ashour: €15k/€30k

Reem Shehab: €24k/€50k

Dima & Yousef: €4.1k/€25k

Salahaldin Ahmad Khalil Hor: €2.1k/€40k

Muhammad Atallah: €4.4k/€82k

Yasmin Salah: €26k/€50k

Musab Abed Raboo: €1.6/€7k

Karam Rafiq Al-Nabih: €10k/€20k

Mahmoud Al-Sharif: $1.7k/$60k USD

Rajaa & Khaled: $2k/$20k CAD

Mai Balousha: €478/€52k

Abdulrahman Shehada: €1.7/€50k

Aseel Asaad: kr36k/kr200k SEK

Doaa Jadalhaq: kr31k/kr200k SEK

Maram Ashour: £809/£25k

PART TWO ->

[wynnyfryd]

Steddie comfort read rec list part 2

i asked y'all to tell me your most re-read fics and there were too many to include in one list, so (throws confetti) more fic for you! [part 1 here][part 3 in progress]

a map of everyone who loves you by phonemicengineer T | 7k | recced by @flintandfuss

a mess of holy things by ghosttotheparty E | 138k | recced by @kissthegypsy

Anywhere, Anytime by AidaRonan (@aidaronan) M | 6k | recced by @flintandfuss

Are You Dumb Enough Yet, Princess? by BatsBratsandBarbedwire (@batsbratsandbarbedwire) E | 5k | recced by @gothwifehotchner

Crazier Shit Has Happened, Little Bird by BatsBratsandBarbedwire (@batsbratsandbarbedwire) E | 97k | recced by @prettymoongirly and @gothwifehotchner

Do You Mind? (will you mind?) by GreenQueenofClubs E | 44k | recced by @teddywesworl

dogfish by greatunironic (@greatunironic) T | 26k | recced by @cashewnutofdoom

He Knows Only Two Stories by teddywesworl (@teddywesworl) E | 19k | recced by @carbonbased000

Hello, I'm Sorry, I Lost Myself (I Think I Thought You Were Someone Else) by DiscoSuperFly E | 67k | recced by @kultiras-fic-recs

I Am Not The Sun by beetlesandstars (@beetlesandstarss) M | 6k | recced by @kas-eddie-munson

lightning strikes; you're in love by rosterroo T | 90k | recced by @kultiras-fic-recs

Maybe 10% Better by BilbosMom M | 38k | recced by @flintandfuss

Of Space and Time by Appledagger (@appledaggerst) M | 56k | recced by @steddiecameraroll

Play On by little_murmaider G | 1.6k | recced by @flintandfuss

reach out, touch faith by occasional_loverboy (@occasionaloverboy) E | 9k | recced by @postmodernau

Shot Right Through by entanglednow (@entanglednow) E | 5k | recced by @queenie-ofthe-void

Sleight of Hand by smithereen (@flieslikeamoron) E | 143k | recced by @onirislanding and @teddywesworl

Star of the Masquerade by glorious_spoon (@glorious-spoon) M | 65k | recced by @rosyhoneydew

Steddie Amnesia Verse by purpleweekend E | 167k | recced by @kissthegypsy

The Great Scavenger Hunt of 1986 and podfic by wynnyfryd T | 8k | recced by @messessentialist

the most remarkable thing about you standing in the doorway is that it’s you by greatunironic (@greatunironic) E | 35k | recced by @batsbratsandbarbedwire

The Rush of Thunder (That Brings You Under) by callmejude (@callmejude) E | 125k | recced by @onirislanding

the shame is on the other side by scoops_ahoy M | 18k | recced by @kas-eddie-munson

took you for a working boy by pukner (@pukner) M | 44k | recced by @paperbackribs

We are Stardust, We are Golden by idiopathic smile and podfic by Itty_Bitty_Blondie M | 26k | recced by @messessentialist and @onirislanding

We Should Just Kiss (Like Real People Do) by Oonionchiver E | 88k | recced by @kissthegypsy

you must have known for a long time (the shape of things to come) by bramble_berries (@bramble-berries) E | 32k | recced by @queenie-ofthe-void

[emberdew]

Astronaut Danny Fic Recs 🚀

Happy Moon Day! Here are a bunch of fics where Danny is an astronaut or just goes to space that I like:

One-shots and Two-shots

Astro-Ghost by Kimcat || 8k One-shot

Don’t Crack Under Pressure by @raaorqtpbpdy || 4k Two-shot. (Also Haunted, a 2k one-shot.)

Amongst the Stars by @going-dead || 4k One-shot.

Spaceman by Workparty || 7k One-shot.

Wow, tough crowd. by @the-random-phan || 4k One-shot.

Space by GhostWriterGirl1 || 2k One-shot.

Deep Space Deep Trouble by @thatstomorrowsproblem || 1k One-shot.

The Moon is Haunted by @princessfanonanona || 1k One-shot.

Fly me to the Moon by @jadenoryuu || 5k One-shot.

Astronaut Aykroyd by I_Am_Toast || 1k One-shot.

Earthrise by @unendinguroboros || 1k One-shot.

Multichapter

Space Case by @torscrawls || 20k Complete multi-chap. Danny starts doing his homework on the moon base and it keeps going from there. I think it is really funny that Danny just refuses to explain things lol.

The Void Yawns Softly by @lexiepiper || 50k Complete multi-chap. This mystery space horror story is really cool!

Secret Studies by GenericAuthorName || 70k Complete multi-chap. This is a really interesting story and one of my favorite parts is Jack Fenton and Phantom going to the moon together. Also the "dissection" tagged was not what I expected, lol.

Kwan the Astronaut by kakawot || 65k Complete multi-chap. Both Kwan and Danny are astronauts and they go on an interesting dimension-hopping journey after Danny has to take the ISS into the Ghost Zone.

Close Encounters of the Ghost Kind || 25k Complete multi-chap. A really delightful story that starts with Phantom being discovered on the ISS and ends with some nice reveals.

Space Ghost by @murderthecat || 4k Complete multi-chap. Danny goes to space and saves some astronauts from aliens. I love the implication his dimension is the “Amityville” one which means Danny the main character of the whole dimension.

Crossovers

The Phantom Martian by @lexosaurus || 92k Incomplete multi-chap. This crossover with The Martian is amazing! I love Danny and Mark’s relationship.

Stalking Astronauts: Gotham's Latest Social Media Craze! by @tachvintlogic || 54k Complete multi-chap. This is a really interesting twist on the usual DPxDC adoption trope where Danny is afraid of being adopted, and he doesn't need to be because he's an adult and a successful astronaut. Tachvintlogic actually has a few other cool astronaut Danny fics, including The Conspiracy Board to Danny's Heart which I think is funny.

I'll be updating this list as I read/remember other fics where Danny goes to space, so feel free to send recs or promote your own fics! Last updated: 7/20/24.

[sitp-recs]

hi liv! love this Tumblr, I've read so much good fic that you've recced. Can you think of any fic you liked where Harry being notably very powerful is a plot point? Thanks!

Hi anon, I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you ❤️ here are some recs for you:

And One To Play by @tackytigerfic (E, 21k)

Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter are the best team in the Auror Department, even when they're driving Gawain Robards up the wall. When Malfoy is injured on a mission, it causes Harry's magic to go haywire.

Under Pressure by VivacissimoVoce (M, 21k)

Harry Potter has quit magic and left the wizarding world. Draco, a top-notch Tracker, has been hired to find him and save his life.

In The Red by @bixgirl1 (E, 45k)

When Harry goes looking for a vampire at a Creature club, the second-to-last thing Harry expects is to find Malfoy working there. The last thing he expects is to fall in love with him.

The Way Down by lettered (T, 65k)

Harry is overwhelmed by his own power and fame and angst, so he's become a hermit. Draco Malfoy is tired of the melodrama.

I Am Not Who I Became by mab_di (E, 93k)

Draco left England after the trials and has travelled the world meeting wizards and Muggles from different cultures and with vastly different relationships to magic, each other, and the natural world. Now he's a fisherman in Finland on commercial vessels. Harry has been struggling since the war and has become a recluse while trying to write his autobiography.

A Sword Laid Aside by @korlaena (E, 128k)

When Draco’s cover is blown during a deep undercover operation and the Ministry is compromised, Ron takes Draco to the only safe place he can think of—Potter. Hiding out with a taciturn Harry Potter, who has been missing from the Wizarding World for almost two decades after a shocking fall from grace, is nothing like Draco thought it would be.

Any Instrument by @dictacontrion (E, 131k)

Draco Malfoy wouldn't go back to England for anything less than an exceptional case. Being asked to figure out why Harry Potter can't control his magic might be exceptional enough to qualify.

[drarry-reccage]

before a fall by @eleadore (65k, E)

tags: slow burn, eighth year, everyone is allergic to apologies and that's how we like it

The stubborn chill of winter finally gives way to spring. The days get longer, packed to the brim with activity, but everything becomes indistinct next to Draco Malfoy, blurry and not quite there while he stands in stark relief, the long, long line of his neck and his proud back. The fragile curve of his skull. Harry likes to cradle it when they kiss, take the impact of the hard stone against his knuckles when he shoves Draco up against the wall.  "Stop that," Draco says, while Harry's palming the fine hair at the back of his head, kneading at the divot where it meets his neck. His eyes are closed, but Harry likes to look at him. "Stop doing that."  "What?"  "Holding me," Draco says nonsensically, and jerks his head back to prove his point. Harry keeps his crushed hand just there, between his head and the wall, and Draco's eyes snap open. Then narrow. "Stop it, Potter."  Another jerk. Harry's knuckles are going to bruise.  Draco bites when Harry kisses him and then, quite abruptly, softens and moulds into him like a lover, hands under his shirt and tracing over the sensitive skin of his back, scratching just so, gentle. After, when they've ended up on the floor catching their breath, he will reach over to take Harry's hand and examine the bruises, curious. He'll press on them and when Harry winces, look rather pleased.  He remains capricious, even in this—especially in this. The more Harry learns of him the less he knows. 

(rec by @garagepaperback)

[sweet-s0rr0w]

How is 2023 almost over?? This fandom year was a mixed bag for me; in good news, I managed to shake the awful writer's block of 2022, but sadly that definitely meant that I spent less time reading. In the first half of the year I kept up with Dronarry fest, and Wireless, but since the summer I've been working on a longfic and have definitely found that it's impaired my ability to read longer stuff. With that in mind, the lovely @drarrymyheart very kindly offered to step in and help out, and so in addition to my own recs, I present a few of her recs that I've heard great things about, but haven't got round to yet myself <3 these are denoted by stars (⭐)! There are some absolute bangers on this list (imho), and it features such a wide range in terms of length and tropes, that I really hope there's something here for everyone. All Drarry unless otherwise specified. Wishing you all a 2024 full of joy!

I Fall On Grass by @tackytigerfic (T, 3.1k)

AITA for being "obsessed" with my childhood nemesis? by @rainstormradish (M, 4.3k)

Under the Table by @xanthippe74 (T, 4.3k)

Team Building for Dummies by InnerLilith (E, 6.9k)

Muscle Memory by @corvuscrowned (E, 7.7k)

Can't Start a Fire Without a Spark by @writcraft (E, 8.9k, Ron/Harry)

A Saviour’s Guide to Manners and Decorum by @wolfpants (E, 13k)

I only want the ones I envy (I envy) by @porcelainheart3 (E, 14k)

The Sun, Shining Above You by @oknowkiss (E, 15k, Dronarry)

What’s Mine is Yours by @fluxweeed (E, 17k)

⭐ if the bees know by @oflights (T, 20k)

O Come, All Ye Faithful by toomuchplor (E, 20k)

HP Kinkuary 2023 Collection by @sorrybutblog (E, 20k, various pairings)

Nothing But You On My Mind by @moonflower-rose (M, 29k)

⭐Half Sick of Shadows by @starquestingfordrarry (E, 40k)

Winner Takes It All by @skeptiquex (E, 41k)

⭐how we were taught to love by @tigerlilycorinne (M, 42k)

Shine On, You Crazy Diamond by @lagerloutfic (E, 42k)

⭐A pulled down shade by fast-brother (M, 43k)

LA, Who Am I To Love You? by @epitomereally (E, 43k)

Our Objective Remains Unchanged by @citrusses (E, 46k)

Polar Night/Midnight Sun by toomuchplor (E, 54k)

along each garden wall by @oflights (E, 61k)

On the First Day of Christmas, a Pureblood gave to me... by @maesterchill (E, 65k)

The Discreet Gentleman's Connection by pluto (E, 80k)

Twenty-Two Cards series (starting with Rookie Moves) by peu_a_peu (E, 109k)

⭐Symptom of Your Touch by @ghostofnoir (E, 116k)

hey, turns out I did read quite a few after all :D

[wangxianficrecs]

Rewind 2023 - Follower Recs

WangxianFicRecs - Rewind 2023

For our Rewind 2023, our dear followers were also able to submit Follower Recs of their favourite stories published in 2023 for you to enjoy! Thank you to everyone who shared their recs and make sure to give the authors some love!

~*~

Lovely fic, the worldbuilding really got me hook, it is background but absolutely fascinating. -Anon

The Lines of your Soul

by athena_crikey

M, 24k, Wangxian & Nielan

Summary: At this point he just wants to get Lan Zhan horizontal so he can sleep off the drugs that are making him make little confused snuffling noises and ask questions like “How soft is purple?” and “Where did the moon go?” and “Why does Wei Ying smile all the time?” Lan Zhan under the influence is cute, and it makes Wei Wuxian genuinely angry because he cannot appreciate it. This is not something Lan Zhan chose, this is not even an accident, this is an intentional violation and none of the sounds or questions or wide-eyed glances Lan Zhan is giving him are his choice.

~*~

Not an easy read, there is a lot of hurt there, but how lwj and wwx behaved in such an awful situation really got to me. -Anon

swallowing rocks, swallowing peach skins

by AvoOwO

M, 24k, Wangxian

Summary: There is an indescribable rage boiling within Lan Wangji's chest. Lan Wangji has often heard stories of unsuspecting travelers being taken from their camp within the night, held against their wills only to be somehow found weeks later, dead and in the most horrid of states. Stories are hard enough to read about. It is worse, he thinks, when it is Wei Ying he is here with, gagged and bound in the same way. They walk, and walk, and walk, and they do not stop.

~*~

Lwj and wwx are just. such disasters. and I loved their jobs, especially lwj. it was a very enjoyable read. -Anon

To See You (Again)

by FrameofMind (@frameofmind6), Jo Lasalle (Jo_Lasalle)

E, 84k, Wangxian

Part of Bottomji Big Bang 2023

Summary: A new job brings Wei Ying to London, and back into Lan Zhan's life. Many things have changed since their time in boarding school (Lan Zhan is out of the closet, arranges charcuterie boards, stocks a fine bar…), but their friendship slots right back into place like no time has passed. Wei Ying is a little perplexed by the fact that Lan Zhan apparently doesn't have any interest in dating anyone despite being an obvious catch—but hey, at least that means he doesn't have to fight anyone for Lan Zhan's time and attention. And besides, it's not like Wei Ying is in any big rush to find himself a girlfriend either. It’s all working out great!

~*~

This story is a ton of fun and such a different and interesting concept. @danegen

Pairfire

by PaidSubscription

E, 65k, Wangxian

Part of Bottomji Big Bang 2023

Summary: Welcome, young cultivators, to the most important event of your lives: your Coming of Age Symposium. At dawn tomorrow, you will be assigned to your pairmate. You will then complete the following courses together. Week 1: Love Languages (core course) Week 2: Conflict Resolution (core course) Week 3: Guided Gender Selection (core course, ongoing) Week 4: Caring for Your Pairmate in Distress (elective) Week 5: Heat Week (elective) On your final day you will choose which permanent A/B/O gender is right for you. We will provide guidance as you try each of them in the coming weeks. Good luck. OR: WangXian are unexpectedly paired for a relationship course. Shenanigans, pining, gender feels and horniness ensues. With art by Beanie.

~*~

This series was so much fun, especially watching Lan Wangji's lust for Wei Wuxian from Su She's POV. And I'm grateful the author included a second part so we can see all the bits we missed and how wangxian got together. Also lwj's competency kink for wwx's brilliance was gold. @gentil-minou

💙 The epic college romance between Wei Ying and Lan Zhan

by KizuKatana (@kizukatana)

E, WIP, Series, 57k, Wangxian | Kay's Rec

Summary part one: The (bitter) third party pov of the epic college romance between Wei Ying and Lan Zhan, as told from the pettiest NPC to ever exist. - - - - - A new student transferred into the university in their second year, and Su She was gleeful to see how much Lan Zhan was irritated by him from the very first day that the student (Wei something) showed up late for class with a ratty hoodie pulled up over his head and proceeded to sleep through lecture. Finally, someone else would be the butt of everyone’s jokes as they watched Wei Ying constantly try and fail to get Lan Zhan’s attention. When midterm grades came out, Su She was expecting the guy to be humiliated. That was… not what happened. Worse still, Lan Zhan was now actually turning his head to look at the guy when he spoke. And... wait, was Lan Zhan… putting his hand on the guy’s ass?! No. Su She does not accept this.

~*~

I love historical aus and Greaser!WWX with GoldenBoy!LWJ is one we know well, butI love this fic for all the heart it has and the way it covers setting-typical homophobia. Wangxian get a happy ending and then the epilogue at the end really just made me feel all kinds of feelings about being queer. @gentil-minou

Mad about the Boy

by TriviasFolly (@triviasfolly)

M, 62k, Wangxian

Summary: It's 1954, and Lan Zhan's life would be going well if it wasn't for the charming Wei Ying. Did he say charming? He meant annyoing. If it wasn't for that smile Lan Zhan could accept the future planned for him, the job as Cheif Surgeon who returned home to a demure wife who'd cook him dinner and asking him about his day. Instead, he finds himself dreaming about something more. So when Wei Ying offers him a deal, one that would get him out of Lan Zhan's life he took it. When the evening goes wrong, Lan Zhan expects his life to be over. Instead, he finds it's just the start of a new chapter.

~*~

The way this author made the story of the Scarlet Pumpenel fit in mdzs is, in my opinion, masterful. The arranged marriage is built on devastating misunderstanding after devastating misunderstanding, but the identity shenanigans are so fun! Other highlights include Jiang sect love and wangxian adopting not only A-Yuan but MXY as well. So much fun and an epic adventure! @gentil-minou

The Scarlet Lotus

by rainbowninja167 (@rainbowtitania)

M, 137k, Wangxian

Summary: In the years following the Sunshot Campaign, the mysterious, masked cultivator who’d defeated Wen Ruohan took on many identities: the Yiling Patriarch, leader of the Wen rebels, enemy of the Jin Sect, practitioner of wicked tricks. His true name was shrouded in mystery. He always wore a mask. He carried no sword; wore no clan colors or insignia. Clouds of resentful energy clung to him as he walked. But there was one thing that absolutely everyone agreed on: the Yiling Patriarch could not possibly be from the Jiang Sect. Or: a Scarlet Pimpernel-inspired fix-it featuring Wei Wuxian in disguise, Lan Wangji determined to bring the nefarious Yiling Patriarch to justice, and the hijinks that ensue when you accidentally marry your greatest enemy/love of your life.

~*~

Another fun and sexy fic built on misunderstandings but I love the tone of this one! There's a lot of heart in this fic along with some real world issues along with just lots of wwx love, which makes this fic something i reread again and again! @gentil-minou

With No Particular Affection

by Chrononautical (@chrononautintraining)

E, 92k, Wangxian

Summary: A prominent physicist and professor, Wei Ying has built a life for himself in Chicago. He's safe, he's happy, and he has plans for his future. Unfortunately, those plans are derailed the moment he finds out his brother is in trouble. To save the family business, it will have to be Wei Ying's life on the line. He has to marry his old high school crush, Lan Zhan.

~*~

wangxian exploring their sexuality while getting to act their age in cloud recesses is such a wonderful premise, and I love the way this fic lets them not being good at it. Also the little excerpts from the book throughout were such fun and always made me giggle! @gentil-minou

Fentao-laoshi's Guide to Cut-Sleeve Pleasures

by occultings (microcomets) (@microcomets)

E, 31k, Wangxian

Part of the good place server exchange 2023

Summary: Lan Wangji says, “I am also looking to . . . gain practical experience. It seemed mutually advantageous.” “Mutually advantageous,” Wei Wuxian echoes. “Wait. Do you mean I’d get to . . . ?” Lan Wangji stares at him. “Practice — on you?” Wei Wuxian finishes, his eyes round with disbelief. — During a shared summer studying in the Cloud Recesses, Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian diligently pursue an informed sexual education. What could possibly be the harm in some mutual learning?

~*~

the most heartbreaking, angsty, canon setting arranged marriage au i've read so far, in the best way. We get to see things from LWJ's pov and while his actions make sense, it's still so devastating as we watch WWX be affected by it all. The happy ending makes the hurt all the better too! @gentil-minou

💙 Concord

by Deastar (@youhideastar)

T, 41k, Wangxian | Kay's Rec

Summary: Lan Wangji hopes, somewhat frivolously, that his betrothed might find him an acceptable companion. Neither he nor Wei Wuxian are able to bear children, so there will be no need to share a marital bed; that should make it easier for the two of them to reach a natural, comfortable equilibrium. Two strings played in harmony: this is Lan Wangji’s quiet hope, as he arranges the Jingshi to accommodate a second inhabitant. Perhaps, he thinks, they might even become friends.

~*~

MothXian and WitchJi!!!!! The art for this au is always so lovely, and this fic fits it perfectly! The author has this gorgeous, dreamy prose that really enhances the setting and the sweetness of wangxian in this is so beautiful. @gentil-minou

light a lantern (and guide me home)

by xuanxuanwo (ostentatiouslyrealistic) (@xuanxuanwo)

T, 63k, Wangxian

Summary: At first, he thinks he’s caught a bird; it’s the size of one of his palms and wrapped fully in damp feathers. As he shuffles toward the beam of light that streams through the open window, he wonders how it managed to fly into his lantern, shut the door, and latch it against the wild gales of the wind. Then, he takes a closer look, thumbing across its feathers, and realizes that they’re not feathers at all. They’re leaves. Startled, Lan Zhan shifts as gently as possible and, using the tip of his finger, parts them to reveal a body, complete with tiny limbs and a small face, all of it wrapped in the dress made from peony petals. “Oh,” Lan Zhan breathes softly, heart clenching. “Oh, what are you?” -- A thunderstorm brings tea master and herbalist Lan Zhan a companion he never knew he needed. A tale of love, loss, and letting go.

~*~

Rockstar!WWX and Bookseller!LWJ and they are just the cutest. Notting Hill is a classic romcom and this fic fits the romcom vibe perfectly. @gentil-minou

When the Lights Come Up

by brooklinegirl

E, 50k, Wangxian

Summary: Lan Zhan's brother draws to a halt next to him, staring at the man on the other side of the counter. "Oh, it is you, isn't it?" The man, still propped against the counter on his elbow, gives Lan Huan a grin, then directs it at Lan Zhan again. "I don't know," he says. "Is it? Am I?" "You are." Lan Huan is hurrying around to the other side of the counter, a wide smile on his face, while Lan Zhan looks on, feeling more and more perplexed, like he's stepped into some alternate universe where absolutely nobody is making any sense at all. "Wei Wuxian! Lan Zhan, do you know who this is? It's Wei Wuxian!" Lan Huan is reaching for the man's hand, and he pushes himself lazily to standing, shaking Lan Huan's hand warmly. "In the flesh," he says. "You caught me." "My goodness." Lan Huan is staring at him like he's never seen a human being before in his life. "What on earth are you doing here, of all places?

~*~

magical wangxian who adopt mo xuanyu in a setting that's written so vividly, the whole place comes alive! it's part of a larger series but it can be read alone, but most importantly the characters are so patient and kind with such great moments between them all @gentil-minou

quiet, blooming hours

by Sanguis (@bel-ennui)

T, 13k, Wangxian

Summary: Fingers push through the earth, and a long lost boy takes the first gasping breath of his second life. The house of buried things has a new surprise for Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji.

~*~

(Please REBLOG as a signal boost for these hard-working authors if you like – or think others might like – these stories.)

[thetomorrowshow]

Okay so basically I have posted 100 fics on ao3!! Wow!!! Anyways here's the top five wips that could be posted as number 101 pls vote ty

Explanations of each one under the cut!

1. Jimmy goes through some really traumatic stuff and turns to terrible coping methods. I'm really proud of this one and excited to start posting it! super angsty though. Heavy themes of s/a and addiction. ~35k words. M. Title: oleander

2. Jimmy goes missing and shows up on hermitcraft a year later - but he can't remember anything of his life before. Joe Hills takes him in! ~65k words. T. Working title: yranac

3. What more can I say. The final part of the trust au is here! There will be short stories (and a sequel???) to follow, but this wraps up the main storyline. ~7k words. T.

4. Jimmy and Scott are well-adjusted and happy now - until some mysterious force starts amplifying the powers of everyone in the city, causing serious problems - in both Scott's control and his relationships. ~40k words (i don't really remember how long it is tbh). T

5. This fic is my pride and joy, and i'm so sad i've barely written anything in it. College au where Scar falls madly in love with a beautiful woman at the bar - who doesn't let him know that she is, in fact, Grian from his study group. No word count and no working title because i am only like two chapters in. T

I think the vote would be fun but i may not listen to it in the end and choose what i want, but it very well could influence my decision!!

[somefanficrecomendations]

2023 BEST READS

A few days late but hey, better late than never! This is a non-comprehensive list of my favorite fics that I’ve read in 2023! Criteria for a fic to be included on this list are:

I read the fic in 2023

I reread the fic at least once

I can rate 5/5 stars without hesitation

The fics are organized by fandom but otherwise are in no particular order.

BATMAN

New Wave by yellow_caballero Batman (gen), 103k, Reverse Robins, Stephanie Brown is Robin Some lunatic in a bat costume is running around Gotham clowning on fools, but local delinquent Stephanie Brown has way bigger problems. When her father and friends start joining mob wars Steph knows she has to do something about it before Gotham collapses. If that means joining up with rich dudes playing dress up, pasty nerds with hacking and photography habits, and throwing on a costume herself, then that’s just what she’ll have to do. Even if Batman works alone. She’s convincing. In which Stephanie Brown rocks the radical nineties and becomes the first Robin, ruining Batman’s life and giving Tim Drake a hobby.

birdsong by ScarlettSwordMoon Nightwing (gen), 22k, Dick Grayson-Centric After getting a face full of Scarecrow’s newest toxin, Dick isn’t haunted by his typical nightmares. No. This one has little green pixie boots. AKA Batman: Ego but make it Robin. Nightwing 60th Anniversary Bingo: Drugs & Toxins

Keep Your Head, Your Backbone, and Your Heart by MrMich Batman (gen) 54k, Dimension Travel, Duke Thomas-centric The last thing that Duke expected on what was supposed to be just a regular patrol was being suddenly thrown five years into the past, coming face to face with a darker, more violent Batman than the one he knew, a broken family, and a Tim who was a foot shorter than Duke, and not even Robin yet.

Loading and Aspect Ratio by JUBE514 Batman (Superbat), 45k, Wings AU A world where nobody has wings, but people think they do, and that changes everything.

Our Bodies & Other Fine Machines by SilverSkiesAtMidnight Batman (gen), 13k, Starvation He has never argued with a punishment, not since he was a toddler, if then. Surely she’ll listen, surely she’ll see this is too harsh, that he wouldn’t be disrespecting her like this if he was simply sulking over not getting his way. He needs that food, needs to be able to eat enough if he wants to be Robin. He’s been hungry before, but back then, it never mattered if he was a little weak or dizzy. It never risked his life or the life of his partner when he was a kid. She turns, sighing softly and pursing her lips. She reaches out to pat his cheek, and for a moment his heart soars hopefully, and he barely restrains himself from leaning into the rare bit of contact and soaking up his mother’s touch. “Oh, Timothy,” she tuts. “This is for the best. And honestly, I think it’s wise for you to cut down a bit on the snacks. I’d hate to have to listen to anyone tittering at the next gala that you’re getting chubby.” And without another backwards glance, she turns and heads upstairs, leaving Tim alone and frozen at the bottom of the steps.

You, Me, and the Humanity in Between by JUBE514 Batman (gen), 65k, Non-Human Robins Bruce is trying his best to protect the city that he loves. He doesn't know how exactly his Robins came to be- they're not fully human, not even at all. All he knows is that he wants to keep them safe.

Little Red by destiny919 Batman: Under the Red Hood (gen), 39k, Series, Jason is Tim’s Parent AU where Tim is younger and has been illegally adopted by his hero, the Red Hood.

A Different Game by Hinn_Raven Batman (multi), 62k, Red Hood!Stephanie Brown, Role Reversal Stephanie Brown died with a mouth full of blood and her eyes wide open, staring at the locked door, hoping still for a miracle, for a rescue. She died in a hidden place, still hanging from the ceiling by her wrists, bleeding out from a wound in her stomach, and no one was with her when her heart gave its last beat. AU where Stephanie Brown dies as Robin and becomes the Red Hood.

bad news, this place is magic as fuck by mikkal Batman (gen), 28k, All-Caste Jason Todd, Magic Jason Jason's on the trail of a killer who's targeting kids in Crime Alley for an unknown magical ritual. Between that and his family who insists on butting in, he's got his work cut out for him. But, as they say, nothing is as it seems.

Wings over Gotham by icarus_chained Batman, DC (gen), 190k, No Man’s Land, Independent Gotham An AU where an altered version of No Man’s Land happened while Bruce was in his late teens/early twenties, and Batman was born in the hellish crucible of a trapped city that was left for dead and then violently retaken. Gotham may pretend to run by mainlander rules for the sake of those who would have died otherwise, but under the surface, Bruce, Jim, Leslie, Ivy and Oswald and their pack keep their own council, and look with jaundiced eyes on the mainland.

A Meditation on Railroading by eggmacguffin Batman (gen), 24k, Hurt/Comfort When he ends up ditched in Atlanta after a fight with his dad, Tim decides to do the only sensible thing: Tell no one and make the 800 mile journey back to Gotham on his own. Because the "call Batman when you're in trouble" rule only applies when he's Robin, right?

THE BATMAN (2022)

I’m a Good Pretender by shipNslash The Batman (2022) (gen), 40k, Dick Grayson-Centric Dick’s mother raised her son to be a star. Dick’s father raised his son to be an athlete. Bruce's new ward is charming (manipulative), dedicated (obsessive), and way, way too smart for either of their own good.

In This or Any Other Universe by wildsofmarch The Batman (2022) (gen), 33k, Dimension Travel There was a new vigilante in his city: a man who smiled too much and talked too loud and knew his way around a fight a little too well. Bruce wasn't bothered by his antics. Except the man also seemed to know a little too much about him. Who was this Nightwing, anyway? OR: Dick Grayson (DCU) accidentally lands himself in Battinson’s Gotham.

DC LEGENDS OF TOMORRW

Countless Roads by nirejseki Arrowverse, DC Legends of Tomorrow (Mick Rory/Leonard Snart), 231k, Medium Leonard Snart, AU-Ghosts Due to a family curse (which some call a gift), Leonard Snart has more life than he knows what to do with – and that gives him the ability to see, speak to, and even share with the various ghosts that are always surrounding him. Sure, said curse also means he’s going to die sooner rather than later, just like his mother, but in the meantime Len has no intention of letting superheroes, time travelers, a surprisingly charming pyromaniac, and a lot of ghosts get in the way of him having a nice, successful career as a professional thief.

Straight On Till Morning by nirejeski Arrowverse, DC Legends of Tomorrow (Sara Lance/Mick Rory/Leonard Snart), 17k, Time Pirates Left alone in the Refuge, Mick and Sara decide they're going to be proactive about their fate. They end up becoming time pirates. Because of course they do.

THE WITCHER

A Beginners Guide to Exploiting the Kaedweni Tax Code For Fun and Profit by Heronfem The Witcher (Aiden/Lambert), 190k, WIP, AU-Modern Setting, AU-College/University Aiden Kett and Lambert Wilkson accidentally get married, and this is honestly probably the least of their problems.

By the Broken Lock That Freed Me by inexplicifics The Witcher, (muti), 46k, AU-Daemons, Accidental Warlord Series Aiden takes a contract on the Duke of Velen. He's not expecting the most interesting part of the whole affair to be meeting the duke's betrothed. His daemon thinks they should keep her. Aiden's not sure how that will work, given that he's already got a Wolf and doesn't know how Lambert and his daemon might feel about adding someone else to their little pack, but it's awfully tempting. And Cats aren't very good at resisting temptation.

Intent by tnico The Witcher (Aiden/Lambert), 18k, Non-Traditional A/B/O, 5+1 "You think I don't know what you're after?" Lambert accuses. "Well, I'd certainly hope you do, by this point in the evening," Aiden (so he says) agrees in a convincingly genial tone. It'd probably be enough to fool someone else on the matter of genuine interest.

SPIDERVERSE

gonna crack a rib (when i get home) by eneliii Spiderverse (gen), 40k, Cannon Divergence Miles Morales, recently landed in Earth 42, has had enough of everyone’s shit and he’s going to save his dad or so help him he’ll lose his mind. Miles Morales 42, just wants to know what the /hell/ is up with his doppelgänger.

MCU

The Hero's Journey; or: What Jasper Sitwell Did Last Summer by pagination MCU, Welcome to Night Vale (multi), 23k, Crossover The thing is, when an agent reaches clearance level five, it’s because they’re valuable, capable of something an exponentially diminishing few can offer in the ranks of SHIELD. Clint Barton, his personal issues notwithstanding, is unstoppable behind a scope. Jim Woo is an analyst and extractor par excellence. Melinda May has infiltrated half the presidential offices of Asia, and Phil Coulson has an instinct for the unusual that could be the basis of an entire TV show. Jasper’s less certain what he brings to the party.

If I Knew You Were Coming I'd've Baked a Cake by OddityBoddity MCU, Hawkeye (gen), 27k, Baking They’re the broken ones. That’s what Clint figures the rest think about him and Barnes. Clint with his eardrums trashed, Barnes with a regiment’s worth of trauma and a psychotic cybernetic arm, put in the same room and told to make nice while the others get to go on missions and do important things and save the world. Well they're not broken. So of course they got bored and tired of being sidelined and decided to entertain themselves. And of course they ended up wanted, running through the streets of Paris with bananas down their pants and gendarmes in pursuit. Of course they did.

[froidefille]

Day 2: a fic rated G

📚 The Pure and Simple Truth by @letteredlettered

Draco/Harry, 65k, G

Summary:

Harry, Draco, and Hermione go to a pub. Harry, Draco, and Pansy go to a pub. Harry, Draco, Pansy, and Hermione go to a pub. Harry, Draco, Hermione and Ron go to a pub. Harry, Draco, Hermione, Ron, and Pansy―you guessed it―go to a pub. I could go on. In fact, I did. Harry, Draco, Hermione, Pansy, Ron, Blaise, Luna, Goyle, Neville, and Theodore Nott go to a pub. In various combinations.

I suspect that I will not be the only one singing high praises to this fic today because let’s be honest – how many G rated fics out there have we read?? And we should! Have a whole fest for all those to unveil all the gems hidden underneath some excellent PWP :D

So for this one here – if ANY of you have SOMEHOW not read works by the one and only leterred, you do yourself a favour and do it like, right now. And if you have to do boring adult stuff like, ugh, work or study or fetch your kids from school – put leterred on speaker via RattleandHum (ThirdEye1234)’s georgeous podfic of Away Childish Things by Lettered or listen to their interview with The FanFic Maverick on spotify.

Now, onto the pub story! First off, I love the concept of it. Of actually giving each of the characters, one by one, their own moment. Whey're all so well-written here, I felt like I was reading about real people not just archetypes. For example, Neville got to actually be properly mad in this one! Which I always highly appreciate because the boy just deserves it. And Blaise? Oh my, Mr Zabini is to die for in this fic. His flirt abilities are through the roof, I was blushing through the screen. I mean, even Harry got a bit enamoured:

Harry explained to Hermione, “Blaise photosynthesises for a living.” “Er.” Hermione looked a little uncomfortable. She always looked that way when she corrected people's factual errors, but it actually hadn't convinced her to stop doing it. “Photosynthesis is what plants do.” “Yeah,” said Harry. “Blaise does what plants do. He lies around in the sun all day.”

And isnt that something we’d like to do for a living on this cold December day?

Also I am crazy for Protective Draco ™ and oh boy, does he deliver here. I will also never get tired of Hermione and Draco talking Deep Complicated Shit while Ron and Harry are like... so yeah, Quidditch is great, right xd ALSO, I may have a lil thing about Pansy & Ron as well as Pansy & Draco and both of these are A++ here.

And the discussions here just run! They don’t even flow, they run, and are so witty but somehow deep enough to get sad? How? HOW? The main story and relationships between the character are so well-paced, there's a lot going on but like, subtely, in hints and hidden in the background. It was such an experience to slowly unveil them!

All in all, 10/10 would recommend and see you tomorrow! (hopefully)

Some of my fav quotes under the cut <3

“Excellent,” said Zabini. “Death is unpleasant to me. I’m determined to avoid it.” “That’s going to be difficult,” Harry said. “Life is a sexually transmitted disease that is, in the end, fatal.” Zabini said. “I plan to have as little to do with it as possible.” Harry was startled into laughing. Resolving not to think about Hermione and Ron, he said, “What do you do?” “I warned you,” Pansy told Zabini, in her bored tone. “He’s not very quick.” “Nothing at all, if I can possibly help it,” said Zabini. When Harry continued to look confused, Pansy smirked. “He’s a professional gentleman, Harry.” Harry looked at Zabini in surprise. “You’re a hooker?” Zabini burst out laughing, a rich deep sound. Pansy just smirked. “Don’t you just wish,” she said. “I have no profession,” Zabini said, still smiling a brilliant smile. “I am a landowner. I live with my mother. I practise ennui.” Harry frowned. “It’s not hard.” Zabini laughed again. “I don’t suppose it is, but I would venture to say that you haven’t mastered it.” “Blaise is arrogant,” Pansy said. “And he’s an arse. I like him very much.”

“Okay.” Harry glanced at Pansy and Blaise, who were nattering on about ballrooms and the length of skirts. He turned back to Teddy. “Here’s an abstract for you, since you’re smart. Do you believe in conscience?” Teddy quirked his brow again. “Do you mean, an innate understanding of and urge toward right versus wrong?” Harry shoved his hands in his pockets. “Yeah.” Teddy blinked. “No.” “Then why do people think they have one?” His brow furrowing as he considered his reply, Teddy said at last, “Society breaks down if everyone thieves, murders, rapes, and pillages, and society benefits most individuals.” He shrugged. “People have developed conscience to benefit themselves.” Harry glanced at Pansy and Blaise again. When he caught Pansy’s eye, she blushed. In her slow and slothful way, she turned back to Blaise, but the colour stayed on her cheeks. Harry turned back to Teddy. “Then people do have it.” “Many people do. Some learn it. Some never do. It’s just like social cues, or a will to live. These things aren’t moral imperatives. They’re not even magic. They’re survival instincts.” “Where does magic fit in?” “Magic is a survival instinct too.” Teddy shrugged again. “People developed a sense of sight to better interact with their world. Lesser creatures don’t have eyes. People also developed a sense of magic.”

“Neville, it’s not like you’re holding a grudge,” Harry said. “It’s not like you’re a bad person just because you can’t forget that . . .” Harry knew he had to say it; he had to say it, or he’d be lying to himself, and Neville, and even to everyone―to Malfoy―and that wasn’t fair. “Because you can’t forget that someone tortured you, or tortured someone you love. If you were Bellatrix, right now―I couldn’t forgive you.” “It’s not forgiveness.” Neville ran a hand through his hair. “It’s just the forgetting part that’s hard.” Harry looked at him a while, Neville’s strong, kind face; his large, capable hands. “Malfoy says, don’t forget. He says we shouldn’t forget, so that it can’t happen again, and that’s how we make the world a better place.” Neville looked startled, then smiled a little, wryly. “Harry,” he said. “Do you even realize how many times Malfoy has said to me, ‘Potter says’?”

@hprecfest <3

[drarryspecificrecs]

2023.11 ~ Top 5 longest fics posted on AO3

1. Seagulls Cause Storms, or the Essence of Chaos by @writandromance [M, 311k]

►Alternate universes never seem as real as our own. Draco felt no differently. He never questioned whether, in a far-off knot of space, he started hating Harry Potter at eleven and never stopped. All he knew was that here and now, it was unthinkable not to love him. /// This is Draco’s story from eleven to seventeen, should the flap of a butterfly’s wing change fate just enough to coax him down a different path.

2. Recursion by @tessacrowley [E, 132k]

►A process is recursive when it defines or contains itself; e.g., the Fibonacci sequence, which determines the next number as the sum of the previous two. But not all recursive processes are mathematical. Recursion can happen in a temporal context when, for instance, the powerful magical force that is true love drags you back in time so it can create itself, endangering the fate of the Wizarding World—not to mention the very fabric of space and time—along the way.

3. Christmas Courting by Kai_Embers [M, 87k]

►‘Christmas Courting’ or ‘Yuletide Courting’ is an ancient ritual that many Pure-blood wizards - and all members of the Sacred 28 - go through when choosing their intended. [...] Draco has no family, limited prospects and a legacy he needs to live up to, so on the 1st of December his name is published on the Christmas Courting list with Blaise backing him through the process as suiters vie for his hand. The Malfoy name is still worth something in the right circles.

4. Strand's Seven Stars by @shewhomustnotbenamed [E, 83k]

►Draco seeks out the help of a detective who is known for his discretion. Despite rocky introductions, Draco and the detective, Harry Potter, become friends as Draco is forced to share very personal information that reveals more about himself than he would have ever admitted to under any other circumstance. Fortunately, Harry is not only understanding of Draco's sexual preferences but encourages him to keep doing what he loves--perhaps with Harry himself.

5. give me touch (‘cause I’ve been missing it) by yaz113 [E, 65k]

►Harry Potter is living the life he'd always dreamed about, happily married to his childhood sweetheart, Ginny Potter née Weasley and playing as the star seeker of the Montrose Magpies. One minor quidditch accident and one trip to the medical center later, Harry finds himself under the spell of Team Healer Draco Malfoy, inadvertently putting his dream life at risk.

—

※ Word count: 1k ~ 10k

※ Word count: 10k ~ 40k

change on the fly by @legen-wait-for-it-drarry [T, 30k]

the earth from a distance by @andthepeople [E, 15k]

The end is renown by @onehundredflamingos [E, 21k]

Falling For U by mik_exe [T, 13k]

The Hierophant by @hsvh-hp [M, 29k]

I Remember You... But It Wasn't Really You by @nakyrah [M, 32k]

Obliviate by ScarletTokugawa [T, 12k]

People You Know by Zoythren [M, 30k]

Rush by @mono-chromia [E, 10k]

Starting Over by Justlikewriting [M, 19k]

—

Ongoing Fest/Exchange

※ Fics would be listed elsewhere.

Harry/Draco Career Fair 2023 | @hd-fan-fair​

HD Sudsfest Lite 2023 | @hdsudsfest

HP No Nut November 2023 | @knot-your-mothers-mods

Sugarfest | @hpsugarfest

Shadows and Spells

[ceasarslegion]

fuck it man lets just shoot for the provincial government. im already in the capital this is where all the jobs are and the legislature is a 15 minute walk away from me. I have a high level federal security clearance i deal with confidential info constantly and my current job is under the umbrellas of national security AND law enforcement (before anyone calls me a cop, most law enforcement jobs are not cops. i highly doubt you have the same issues with forensic analysts that you do with beat cops) and an ivy league degree in politics. why am i jerking around these settling jobs i could probably land a proper government pencil pusher job at 65k to start with all the benefits and job security in the world. i dont have to stay in alberta forever if i get in and most government jobs are not under the UCP, id just be doing their filing or analyst work which has to be done regardless of whos in power or the province falls apart, theres no moral option not to do the grunt work.