#more romance tropes and UST

[sitp-recs]

Another year is almost over, and what a year this was for the Drarry community! This list is a “thank you” to everyone’s continuous patience and support during my recent break. I considered not doing anything but in the end I got some free time and didn’t have the heart to break tradition. So here it is, my last reclist of the year showing I’ve actually read A LOT in the first semester alone lol. I did my best to include different tropes and lengths, popular works and hidden gems. As a side note there are no Erised works in here, as the fest is still going on and authors are yet to be revealed. Classic disclaimer goes “pls mind the tags, this is not intended as the ultimate reclist etc etc.” It’s a personal selection based on my tastes and preferences; the idea is to celebrate these fantastic works and their beloved creators. This fandom keeps on giving and I’m so happy to be part of it. Enjoy, give these some love and see you next year!🥂

Drarry:

Without Sunshine by @sweet-s0rr0w (T, 1k) 

Trust SS to come back from a writing break with this banger, holy shit. Brilliant concept, perfect execution. I can’t believe this is only 1k, there’s so much build up and details I wanna learn more about. This tender and urgent apocalyptic AU will steal your heart with perfect vibes and the softest flower shop romance.

Receipts by @moonflower-rose (M, 2k)

Rosie never fails to blow my mind with her creative mind and brilliant sense of humor. This is the perfect bite-size snack, hilarious and so very sweet. I am obsessed with Draco & Pansy’s brOTP, their banter made me laugh out loud and we are treated with Drarry and Ginsy! Here’s your next read if you’re looking for something short, sexy and witty. You’re welcome 💅

Bright Side by @floydig (T, 2k)

Floyd is another master of short form and here’s why. This series of vignettes made my heart ache for these two broken boys finding their place - and each other - in he war aftermath. I’m impressed by how sharp, nuanced and sensorial this is. The heat! The humidity! Love the strong sense of place, it’s so intimate it feels like you’re intruding into something private and special.

Willing Blood by @lqtraintracks and @the-starryknight (E, 2k)

This iconic duo tailored a short yet intense creature fic dripping UST and gorgeous characterization as per. The way Harry and Draco are drawn by - and crave - each other left me salivating, I’m feral for their dynamics. Ultimate power couple vibes (reluctant Draco + fearless Harry make such a great match!) and great evocative 1st person POV.

The Mating Habits of Snidgets by @shealynn88 (G, 3.5k)

I can’t believe this doesn’t have more comments, such a lovely hidden gem. I found it when I needed a soft read before taking a break, and have been thinking about “am I your little bird, then?” since. Quidditch rivals to lovers is becoming my kryptonite and this story does a great job exploring what brings them together despite their social gap. The character development is so good this feels like a 30k story packed within 3.5k.

Magpie by @corvuscrowned (E, 4k)

If you ever have to choose a dark!Harry fic to read, I urge you to go with this one. His klepto characterization is so damn lush and compelling I was half terrified half turned on the whole time 😔✌🏼Thanks to Crow’s masterful and addictive writing, there’s no possible way to resist his charm when it comes with razor sharp dialogue and sexy power dynamics. Come collect my jaw on the floor pls

No Distance by @skeptiquewrites (E, 4.8k)

Is it fair to include a sequel in order to make everyone go read this fabulous verse? Who cares, not me 🤷🏻‍♀️ Tee’s way of writing Drarry always leaves me aching for this kind of love. Their longing for each other is strong but unhurried, the dialogue is fantastic (the nose piercing exchange!) and the smutty scenes hit all my boxes. The characters feel so lovely, tangible and relatable as real people. I will never get enough of this verse, no matter when or where they are, as long as they’re together.

An Emerald In The Sky by @corvuscrowned (M, 6.6k)

My favorite read of the year - as you probably already know since I haven’t stopped screaming about it. My heart belongs to this breathtaking Draco, so full of yearning and melancholy, as he falls in love with time traveller Harry and wonders if they’ll ever get to be on the same page. The astronomy motif only makes it all even more poetic and devastating (but in a cathartic, hopeful way!). This hurts as much as falling in love and I wanna wrap myself in this fic and never let go.

Per my last letter (I hope you choke on it) by @fluxweeed and @lastontheboat (T, 10k)

Possibly the funniest thing I’ve read all year, which is not surprising considering flux’s inimitable brand when it comes to humor. This epistolary slow burn is light and creative and such a delight. I got immediately attached to the characters and giggled my way through Drarry’s banter; special kudos to Harry’s amazing crew and their perfect spot-on voices. An adorable comfort fic to be revisited at all times!

Witness Marks by @gryffindorhearts (M, 15k)

After so many excellent vampire fics this year, it’s getting hard to resist this trope. Here’s a quiet and atmospheric gem that made me fall hard for clockmaker!Draco. Such an original concept! I adore the lore behind his job, his strained relationship with Lucius, the way he’s pulled towards mysterious Auror Harry. Also- the flirting and sexual tension at the Tate Magique?!! Chefs kiss

Yours Truly by @skeptiquewrites (M, 15k)

It’s getting impossible to choose a Tee favorite, my god. Go check her brilliant microfics then come feast on this stunning take on fake dating, choke-full of light humor, found family feels and wonderful world building. Smooth pacing, phenomenal cast, have I mentioned Draco’s into magical ecology?! My favorite kind of slow burn, sweet, tentative, heartwarming and so damn romantic.

Take the Moon by @tackytigerfic (M, 15k)

The perfect kid fic exists and I can prove it! Nothing leaves me aching and raw open like Tacky’s Harry with his soft, gentle yearning for hot dad Draco. I’m so in love with his love, I could actually feel my chest expand with this series of incredibly tender and precious moments of friendship, complicity and domesticity many couples will never experience. Extra bonus points for the SEXIEST non-explicit smut and the brilliant commentary on the autistic spectrum, especially related to kids. My whole kingdom for little Scorpius 👑

With Hands Full of Dusk by @corvuscrowned (E, 15k)

Yes I’m proposing to Crow after posting this because I suddenly feel exposed with 3 recs 😳 hands down the best case fic I’ve read this year, I’m obsessed with Drarry as creature hunters and the suspense-y vibes here. The slow burn is mature and thought-provoking, heavy with a deep sense of loneliness and so evocative it hit me just right. This story is sharp but also strangely comforting, a perfect read for a rainy or foggy day. I wish I could bask in its atmosphere for the first time, over and over again.

Preserving Lemons by @saintgarbanzo, art by @ihopeyoubothstaysafefromharm (E, 17k)

I’m so happy I found the time to check this one fic from Fan Fair because this was a truly special read, surprising in the best ways and very cathartic. The gorgeous prose finds a perfect tone between sexy and contemplative bringing food, gender, racial and political discussions together in a coherent and powerful way I wouldn’t think possible for a 17k fic. Loved seeing Harry and Draco so open and vulnerable, experiencing who they really are together. Lush, powerful and healing.

Heartlines by @sorrybutblog (T, 22k)

One of my first reads this year remains a iota fave, this was so much fun and so charming. A delightful case fic combining sentient house, Auror Harry, smitten Draco, everything we deserve. The best thing is the surprisingly clever and charming humour, it made me giggle at the most unexpected times, giving the suspense a light tone I can’t get enough of. Despite the underlying tension, this will make you smile from beginning to end.

What Makes a House a Home by @writcraft (E, 27k)

The only Drarry fic Writ writes this year ends up being a banger, figures 🙌 honestly this is a masterclass in tension building with a gorgeous take on recluse!Harry and delicious slow burn. It was so cool to learn more about this Harry through Draco’s curious eyes, as the forced proximity pushes them together. Sexy adult dynamics and compelling characters, right up my alley!

At the Doorway, On the Stair by dwell_the_brave and @p1013 (T, 30k)

I love myself a good mystery fic and this was such a nice surprise, so very spooky and immersive. The author did a fantastic job creating an intriguing atmosphere while advancing the plot, I was at the edge of my seat trying to figure things out while falling in love with “ghost” Draco as he tried to help Harry along the way. Excellent slow burn and a gorgeous setting that will lure you in!

Eager for the Sky by @oknowkiss (M, 35k)

This list wouldn’t be complete without a classic 8th year and here’s my 2022 pick by this author whose talent and range blows my mind. This fic pulled me back from my fandom break quite violently; I ate it up in one night and was immediately taken by their Quidditch rivalry and achingly sweet romance. The Drarry journey is so very wholesome it filled me with wonder and nostalgia for my teenage years. Being the multishipper I am, the brief nod to Harry/Ron at the end was just my kind of extra treat!

Rush (For A Gap That Exists) by @sleepstxtic-drarry (M, 42k)

I never thought I’d get obsessed with a F1 AU but here we are. Another incredible ride that pulled me in with impressive, detailed world building and sexual tension so insanely electric it was hard to resist. Brilliant movie adaptation keeping the Drarry dynamics recognizable with sexy and complicated UST. I’ve also loved the interesting storytelling format and exciting twists which kept me at the edge of my seat.

Heal Thyself by astolat (T, 47k)

This fic requires no introduction, I imagine everyone has read it by now. Once again Astolat slaps us in the face with her superior storytelling skills, effortlessly building this rich and compelling magical healing universe told from this brilliant Draco POV. His arc is a triumph, his voice perfectly spot-on, sharp but charming, proud and bratty and competent in ways that made me very emo. This has become an instant Healer!Draco classic and has one of my all-time favorite characterizations. A masterpiece to be thought of - and talked about - for years to come.

Vis-à-Vis-à-Vis by @vukovich (E, 50k)

I wasn’t prepared for how immersive and exciting this would be, what a ride! The secret identity motif and case fic atmosphere got me immediately hooked, I couldn’t get enough of those perfect cat-mouse dynamics, the thrilling twists, the delicious pining and the intense, hot smut I deserve 🤌🏼 Vuk’s narrative voice is a delight, lush, full of personality and with an easy humor that makes this story even more surprising and remarkable.

what husbands are for by @softlystarstruck (E, 52k)

Yet another charming creature fic I’ve read in one sitting, this has the most wonderful sloooow burn - with lots of tension and non-sexual intimacy - and some great world building full of interesting lore and political shenanigans about vampire & wolf verse that I found quite interesting. I’m fascinated by fashionista and prosthetic artist Draco, such a cool job idea! A refreshing take on “enemies to friends to lovers” with Bee’s soft & sweet trademark.

Meet Me at Midnight by @the-starryknight (T, 57k)

I’ve been in love with Starry’s work for so long, and they still render me speechless when a new fics comes out. MMM is the most creative and cathartic fic I’ve read this year. This jaded craftsman Harry holds my heart in his hands, and the impressive amount of world building and lore behind the Dreamwalker figure sets an enchanting atmosphere. The settings are vivid and immersive, the slow burn so very tender and romantic it left me aching. And Teddy is absolutely perfect which is a big bonus on my book since I love him so much. This is a heartfelt love letter to every creator out there struggling with burnout. Here you’ll find hope, healing, and resistance to start 2023 the right way.

The Trouble with Wanting by waldorph (E, 60k)

Draco fans, rejoice! Those who adore a convincing posh and quirky characterization need to check this brilliant rendition asap. Positively Slytherin with its mischievous charm, this is fun and sexy af. Love myself a good old Draco-centric story following his post-war journey until he finds Harry his place in the new order. The Silver Trio is an absolute delight and this smitten Harry instantly found his way into my (and Draco’s) heart. One of the best get together fics I’ve read in the past few years.

9 ½ Days by @magpiefngrl (E, 69k)

Technically I’m cheating since this is from 2017, but I want to take a minute to appreciate Magpie’s generosity and hard work finishing this even after going on a Drarry break. One of my all-time faves when it comes to canon divergent war fics, the flawless narrative combines an urgent and dangerous “on the run” atmosphere with the softest teenage love, gentle, charming and tentative. It was bittersweet to see their journey coming to an end but this adventure was so well done and the ending was so emotionally satisfying, I can’t rec it enough.

Kept in Cages by @sweet-s0rr0w and @ihopeyoubothstaysafefromharm (E, 76k)

An epic Drarry romance mixing two tropes we all love: down & out Draco and magical creatures! This fic is very creative with a rich and detailed world building, and also many interesting and charming creatures. SS brings her tender melancholy trademark and an intriguing subplot involving Draco’s parents that I found very engaging. I loved this lonely Draco arc, his quirky personality and all the little things that make him strong and proud instead of meek and pitiful. Joy’s artwork is a masterpiece on its own and helps bringing this beautiful, magical universe into life.

A Case of You by @epitomereally (E, 97k)

This lovely reunion fic combines so many of my favorite tropes it felt like a special treat for me. Case fic, break up/make up, Unspeakable Draco, non-linear narrative, forced proximity, sparking sexual tension, what a feast! I found myself invested in both timelines, waiting for those beautiful, competent and stupid men to get their shit together and become the power couple we deserve. The pacing and character development are so smooth this barely feels like 100k, and have I mentioned how hot bossy Harry is? Oof!

In the Bleak Midwinter by @the-fools-errand (E, 105k)

Once again this author takes my breath away with another excellent, refreshing and exciting AU - this time based on Peaky Blinders - and I’m so impressed by the inventive world building here. Not only it expands to accommodate a huge cast, but also translates every little detail into the HP universe. Gripping narrative, clever plot, delicious enemies-to-lovers sexual tension and a heartbreaking Sirius arc that will hit you right in the solar plexus. You can’t go wrong with this author’s AUs, 10/10 recommend.

When Times are Dire by @aibidil (E, 130k)

I’ve been following this fake marriage epic since it first started posting and was super excited to see it being finished this year. Trust aibidil to do older!Drarry justice: their witty personalities, fond camaraderie and clever dialogue serve impeccable friends-to-lovers dynamics. I’m so into this brand of old couple domesticity and their exchanges with the grown-up kids are sweet and fun. Perfect balance of light humor, found family vibes, sweet romance and sexy times, this story has everything!

Rarepairs:

Mischief Managed by @maesterchill (E, 1.7k) - Harry/Sirius

Few things left me as emotional as this perfect gift that marked Em’s first (and maesterful! ha!) exploration of this ship. The way she grasped everything that hits me right in the feels is almost terrifying: it’s as if she looked into the most vulnerable parts of my brain and went “hmm tender devotion, idyllic aesthetics, foreplay, cute endearments, filthy wall sex, happy ending”👩‍🍳 and put together this light, sexy, fun and wonderfully hopeful smutty short that made me cry at the spot. Don’t forget to check the equally lush and self-indulgent sequel here!

Weather Warning by @sweet-s0rr0w (T, 1.7k) - Draco/Albus 

One of the best, most refreshing takes I’ve ever seen on this ship, this is so very different from your usual age gap tone and vibe, and I’m here for it. I was immediately charmed by their voices and light yet charged dynamics, T-rated but still holding so much heat and promise. This short leaves a strong impression and will make you crave for more ;) it’s also the perfect way to be introduced to this ship, come along and satisfy your curiosity!

Coming Up for Air by @lqtraintracks (M, 2k) - Harry/Teddy

*sigh* the amount of times I’ve read and cried over this stunning Harry/Teddy romance... this fic means so much to me because it was written by the one who set the foundation for how I see this ship, my favorite rarepair ship, so many years ago. With an incredible amount of character and feeling packed within 2k, this has the flavor of mutual devotion I yearn for, and a tormented Harry being loved and seen by this wise, generous and understanding Teddy, as they find their way back to each other. It doesn’t get any better than this!

Like A Brother Would by @wolfpants (E, 5k) - Harry/Ron

Tent sex my beloved! Another rarepair master, Wolf delivers everything I love the most about this ship - the easy familiarity, the tenderness and quiet devotion, the shared understanding and delicious sexual exploration amidst war chaos. It’s painfully clear how much they care about each other. Hung service top Ron is a sight to behold and I wonder how such a short fic was able to convey the depth of their trust and connection. Oh, to be young and feel love's keen sting… *Dumbledore’s voice*

Green Light by @sorrybutblog (E, 6k) - Ginny/Hermione

I got obsessed with Ginny/Hermione very recently and this was my first venture into this ship - not gonna lie, it was so much more than I had expected. Don’t let the (deliciously hot and self-indulgent - as it should be!!!) smutty tags distract you, this has fascinating dream-like summer vibes and perfect characterization, with spot on voices and a light tone of mirth and freedom that made my heart smile. Living for the edging and the “no one’s cheating everyone’s getting laid” tags 💦

The Hollow by @wolfpants (E, 12k) - Draco/Remus

This ship had never even crossed my mind before and here I am, utterly obsessed with this verse Wolf created so masterfully. Poignant and devastating, this fic has such a compelling narrative. My jaw was on the floor as the story went on and both characters revealed their layers through sexy smut and heartbreaking melancholy. There’s so much nuance to them, so much yearning and pain bringing them together and informing their decisions. Trust me when I say Drarry and Wolfstar fans will also adore this!

Still the pine-woods scent the moon by @fluxweeed (E, 15k) - Harry/Remus

I rarely read fics featuring Remus but both Flux and Wolf decided to slap me in the face with hot daddy vibes, and who am I to say no? Hands down one of the hottest, most erotic things I’ve read this year, a masterclass in UST that had my heart racing in anticipation. Scorching smut and a mesmerizing Harry desperate to be seen and treated right. I love how easily they fit together, I was immediately sold on this rare pair. Don’t read this at family dinner kids, you’ve been warned!

A Life Worth Remembering by @writcraft (E, 23k) - Established Drarry + Severus

Never thought I’d read this triad with de-aged Snape but watching his delightfully stubborn young version trying to resist those hot daddies was way too satisfying. This fic surprised me in so many ways, especially in tone and characterization. I love how their dynamics are slowly established here; Severus’ POV actually delivers not 1 but 3 superb character studies and we get to see how loving Harry changes these two difficult men and brings them all together. A nuanced and adult portrayal of open relationships, this is a must read for anyone who’s into voyeurism intrigued by this triad.

just call this what it is by @queenscrown (M, 27k) - Harry/Draco/Theo

The softest poly fic you’ll read today, this 8th year triad was based on this art by @t4tdrarry​ and celebrates wholesome friendships and gentle healing. Harry, Draco and Theo come together first as friends then as lovers in such an organic, uncomplicated way I wanted to live inside this verse. Love their easy banter, Harry’s sass (!), his camaraderie with Hermione and the way she helps him figure things out. A sweet and comforting hidden gem that deserves more readers and love.

you will burn right now but then you won't regret it by @thistlecatfics, art by SecondSilk and @veelawings - Fleur/Tonks

I’d never expect to find such a complete fic for this rare pair (which I admit I haven’t explored much), this was an absolute feast bringing together fascinating characters (love this badass Fleur!), politics and A+ family drama. I loved this deep dive into the Black family - so much angst, so much plot! Complicated and heartbreaking, this is a a wonderful exploration of trauma and a treat for any femslash fan looking for a nuanced and carefully developed romance that makes both characters justice.

Passion, Patents, and Pen Pals at the Ministry by yrfrndfrnkly and @violetclarity, art by @anaxandria-writes and @veelawings (T, 32k) - Hermione/Pansy

Easily my favorite Pansmione fic this year, this was such a surprising and refreshing story. The charming protagonists and clever development mixing dialogue and epistolary create a lively and exciting work universe at the Ministry. I felt immediately immersed in their routine None of that would work without the perfect supporting cast (meddling Harry is such a gem!) and the unique spice only an identity porn + epistolary combo can bring. Fun and refreshing, a must read for all femslash fans who are thirsty for good long fics. 

#2022 faves #drarry recs #hp rare pair

[livelydiver]

OMFD fic recs

Hi all!  It's another fic rec posts! 

A non-exhaustive selection of favorites -- this fandom is so fucking talented it blows me away. Thank you to everyone out there writing/drawing/creating such an incredible wealth of gorgeous material, I want to shout about it all the time and if I have loved your work and failed to tell you, I hope you'll forgive me.

I've broken the following down by theme/category - all gentlebeard-centric, mostly E-rated long fics because that's how it is. 

Hell or High Water

There's one fic in this category and it's Hell or High Water (@mottlemoth, 250K+, WIP, E). I know you're already reading it but if you've somehow just emerged from a year-long coma and this is your first contact with the internet  since your miraculous recovery, then please let me introduce you to Hell or High Water. This fic is a world unto itself - unreal l how many lines from this beast I think about on a regular basis.  

AUs

⬥In Favor with Their Stars by @mxmollusca -- 27K+ (WIP), M

Spectacular sci-fi where Ed is an engineer on a spaceship and STE/DE is the ship's AI. Poignant and tender and laden with moments that will take your breath away.

⬥Done Deal by Skrifores -- 38K+ (WIP), E

Ed is a glassblower and Stede is an unhappily married "straight" man who starts coming to the hot shop to watch him work; their relationship in this one is so organic and perfectly written. Already can't wait for the re-read.

⬥Once Upon a Summer in San Francisco by samwise -- 150K+ (WIP), E

Like HOHW, you're probably already reading this one, but if not then you should be! Every word of hype is deserved; this fic is so joyful and healing and tender, with a perfectly-in-character ensemble crew and the sweetest friends-to-lovers slow burn I've ever read.

⬥different this time by @tedwelton -- 65K, E

Adorably awkward single-dad Stede hires heartwarmingly perfect nanny Ed to help with the kids, and it's as funny and sweet and satisfying as a great rom-com.

⬥i'll be your treasure by offsammich -- 48K, M

Metal dectorists AU! An unusual take on "Ed is the master of a world Stede has always dreamed of exploring," which is fuckin' metal detecting, that's right. Very fun and heartwarming.

⬥turn on the light by @smallestchurch -- 43.8K, E

New-bookstore-owner Stede and the hot guy who runs the bar next door. Digs into some of the thorniness of Stede's marriage/sexuality crisis, which leads to mounting UST and a searingly hot, planets-colliding payoff.

Canon Universe

⬥Haunt You Down by fluorescentgrey -- 13K, E

This fic breaks my heart but I just can't stop coming back to it - Ed goes to a molly house to try to get Stede out of his system. Guess who is also there, trying to process things? Achingly hot and angsty, with some excellent OCs to boot.

⬥Stealing Romance by Skrifores -- 13K, E

Delightfully funny and sweet fake-boyfriends trope and jealous misunderstandings when Stede's ex shows up and Ed helps Stede avoid him.

⬥Cabin Pressure by entanglednow -- 6K, E

Flaming hot "consequences of 'platonic' friends sleeping in the same bed" one-shot.

⬥Wayfaring by @justkeeptrekkin -- 35K, E 

Another deserved fandom classic, Ed and Stede marooned together on an island, a gorgeous slow unfolding of the beautiful life they build together.

⬥If You Were Mine to Keep by Pamplemousse (@mysterybees) -- 75K+ (WIP), E

Incredibly sweet, romantic forced marriage story where Ed is made to marry an aristocrat and Stede agrees to be the one to marry him. Instant chemistry and a powerful friendship that slowly blossoms into more. Pure loveliness.

Fun Sex

My all-time favorite genre: zany sexual chemistry and adventures in sex positivity. "Erotic friendship," maybe? Whatever you call it, it's the best. Started compiling recs for this section and realized I had multiple fics for every author, so I'm going to recommend authors instead!

❖afterism (@onlylostphysics) -- creator of the exquisite, paradigm-shifting "kissing is what lovers do" series, an S1 canon-parallel in which Ed and Stede become friends with benefits from day one. Pure perfection, every installment is hot and beautiful as a standalone or in series but I particularly love elegant and restrained (Ed orchestrates his own ravishment under the guise of teaching Stede how to handle a hostage), and all dressed up (fingering and playful orgasm denial and Ed being head over heels in love, just mind-meltingly hot and romantic).

❖alsaurus (@ofmd-alsaurus) -- another who can do no wrong in my book. Every fic is so sweet and sexy and uniquely hilarious; I'm particularly partial to Good Habits (Stede has an unusual way of getting off, Ed likes to watch) and There's No Accounting for Taste (Ed tries to set a sexy trap and things go off the rails). 

❖Jimsnose (alivamae) -- snappy and hot and always deliciously unpredictable, I love everything they've written but especially The Theater of Fear (Stede helps Ed cope with the guilt of nearly killing him through the healing magic of roleplay)(seriously though this fic is so delightful I just got pulled into another re-read) and Golden Teachers (Ed introduces Stede to magic mushrooms)(I am a sucker for low-stakes recreational drug use in fics and this one is exquisite, now with searingly-hot sequel Penis Envy).

❖heartroots (@bonesofyourheart) -- another master of the hot/funny/sweet/endearing/hot again genre blending, especially Aphrodisiac (Stede struggles with finishing too quickly and tries a magic potion to help him last longer) and If You're Too Shy, Then Let Me (Stede gets an "accidental" front-row seat to Ed's alone time).

House Specials

Finally, a few of my own fics I'm especially proud of - check them out if you like!

⬥Touching Your Goodness -- E, 14K

Ed and Stede are back together but not yet Back Together when two strangers come into the mix and make them both jealous - mutual pining and comedic misunderstandings with bonus POTC (Sparrow/Norrington) crossover.

⬥Skeleton Season -- 8K, E

Smut and fluff after Stede gets cursed by some famously haunted treasure. Just in time for the Halloween season!

⬥The Healing Kind -- 22K, E

Post-S1 reunion where Ed is depressed and self-destructive, and Izzy teams up with Lucius and Mary to get him back together with Stede: angst to hurt/comfort to fluff to smut.

⬥Such as They May Be -- 6K, E

A lighthearted "Stede catches up with the Revenge" fix-it where Ed can't help loving Stede's newfound confidence.

Happy reading!

🏴‍☠️❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤

#ofmd #ofmd fic #our flag means death #ofmd fanfic #blackbonnet #gentlebeard #krakhouse #ofmd fic rec #fic rec #favorites

[spyridonya]

Top 5 denizens of the Hells (from any setting)

Okay, besides me fawning over Raphael on @archcambion, I felt I should talk about my top five favorite loves of the Hells.

Thank you so much, @dujour13, for letting me info dump!

5. Glasya, the Archdevil of Malbolge (D&D)

The only child of Asmodeus, Glasya has always been in the side lines of D&D since it's inception, a bit of a minor player with she severing as a consort for an edition or two for Mammon. In late 2e and in 3.Xe, Glasya became such a political issue for Asmodeus, he bumped her to Archdevil to give her more work and to use in political maneuvering. Glasya still is the most chaotic of the Archdevils, focusing on her criminal empire within the Hells, and befriending her peer Fierna in a manner that suggest they were best friends.

4. Enecura, the Queen of Dis (PF)

The concept of Enecura bit me while learning more about the Archdevils in Pathfinder. This moral woman stole immorality from one of the most powerful gods in Pathfinder, got sent to hell, managed to thrive in this setting, and either fell in love or manipulated another demi-deity to fall in love with her. Not only does this woman have ovaries of steel, she and Dispater are a Hades and Persephone romance in disguise without any problematic tropes.

3. Dispater, Lord of Dis (PF)

I liked Dispater when I first read about him in D&D, but became less impressed with 5e lore of making him paranoid and yet easily manipulated. It wasn't so much the sexuality it suggested for Dispater as is making a feared Archdevil a little weak - though most Archdevils in D&D have more obvious flaws. When reading about PF, I liked this depiction of Dispater even more. I could see the bones of D&D's Dispater in the character, built into a logical way with unique details. A fast friend of Asmodeus, loyal and focused on law and order, he willingly fell with his wife to follow his leader. And during that fall, something happened to his wife. And no one knows what. Regardless, it brought out genuine puppy dog eyes from a design that is particularly kinky. His story with his son, the trouble second marriage, and the third marriage is also quite intresting. He might not have the 40 years of backstory as his counterpart, but what he has is amazing.

2. Mephistopheles, Lord of Cania (D&D and PF)

Mephistopheles is the one that got me really interested in DnD planar lore, leading me to Planescape Torment. When I was younger, my first DnD interest began with BG1 and it grew from there with BG2 and then Neverwinter Nights. Mephistopheles was an NPC Villain that caught my attention quicker than the game's intended villain and got me to reading more about him and his comrades. A Starcream with delusions of grandeur that he could almost back up, Mephistopheles was my favorite for a long time with a DnD campaign that brought his attention to me again. It was also around the time I was playing Pathfinder CRPGs, but I didn't get poking into that until he showed up, again, in WotR. Of course, Pathfinder Mephistopheles is very different from DnD Mephistopheles. The incarnation of Hell itself with a deeply loyalty to anyone that advances Hell cause, Mephistopheles beloved by Asmodeus, and Mephistopheles is very much his right hand person. He also has a gorgeous design that does take nods from his 3e depiction.

And oddly, a blend of both depictions with a unique twist of UST make Mephistopheles even more fun.

Asmodeus, Lord of Nessus, God of Indulgence (D&D)

Although I find myself favoring the Pathfinder takes of the Archdevils, this doesn't hold true to Asmodeus. Pathfinder Asmodeus is great, but the only advantage he might have over his D&D counterpart was always being a god, and yet he lacks the same prestige as D&D Asmodeus for that role. D&D Asmodeus has been apart of the brand since it's inception as the ruler of Hell through all the five editions, with the 2nd edition only using bare descriptions to indicate who he was when you couldn't use devils or demons in D&D. He has several origin stories inspired from Christianity and Zoroastrianism and he's gone through several crises, always rising on the top. I think that's why I love him a bit more than his counterpart. Asmodeus has scraped and crawled from being a devil to becoming a greater Deity if only due to 4e deciding it was about fucking time he become one. He's earned this status, you've seen how he's earned it, and while how they cement his godhood in Forgotten Realms is super dumb, he should be a God - he who is more crafty and chaotic than anyone realizes.

#answered ask #dujour13

[lullabyes22-blog]

New head of the police of Piltover x Silco ? 🫠

gjhhfd

As if Marcus and Silco didn't have enough weird prickly UST...

Bonus if it's a steely, determined, by-any-means necessary character-type, as a neat foil to Silco's own Extremist Villain trope. The new Sheriff is determined to eradicate the vice in the Undercity, while Silco will do his damnedest and most devious to corrupt them and bring them under his thumb.

There's a grudging mutual respect over how uncompromising both parties are, and how seriously they take their duty: Silco to liberate Zaun, the Sheriff to make the Lanes crime-free. Unfortunately, they're also both deeply flawed in their methodology, and willing to take measures that are fatal in terms of collateral damage.

At some point, it evolves from a pissing-contest to a death-match. There's every indication that the clash may escalate into a full-scale war.... but wait.

Turns out they're both single parents: Silco to a bomb-toting terrorist, and the Sheriff to a troubled delinquent in and out of juvie.

It's their first taste of understanding each other on a personal level. At some point, the understanding morphs into empathy, and that deeply-repressed mutual attraction starts seeping to the surface.

This promises to be a doomed romance in more ways than one<3

#asks #arcane league of legends #arcane #arcane silco #silco #silco x reader

[cto10121]

#🤮 #guess what i’m reading #romeo and juliet #rj hate dumb #r&j hate dumb #rj clown takes #r&j clown takes #rereading that ya wuthering heights/r&j mashup #and it’s both wild and utterly tedious #but yeah i have seen all of them

[greatrunner]

‘Wolf Pack’ Impressions (Ep. 5-8)

1x05 - “Incendiary“

Sarah Michelle Gellar and Armani Jackson are easily the best part of this series

Ramsey is a duplicitous cop with a personal agenda connected to the werewolf murders, and the confidence in this narrative reveal is superbly supported by Gellar’s steady performance.

Everett started out like a walking ‘anxiety (get nervous)’ kind of character in the same way Scott was your prototypical ‘kid with asthma on TV’, but has otherwise not been pigeon-held in a quagmire characterization where his kindness disallows him from defending himself from assholes (Harlan, Austin, his mother) or assholes experiencing no consequences for their fuckery (see: Scott’s every interaction with discount Logan Lerman).

Additionally, his connection to the werewolf killing people is not in the least overshadowed Harlan and Luna’s bio-family drama. His status as a forced-werewolf has allowed him to become what he considers his ideal self and I’m here for it, honestly. Scare the shit out of your bullies.

Garrett really isn’t contributing anything to the current trajectory of the plot besides some nice UST between himself and Ramsey. He is, at the moment, a distraction (like he considered himself in Harlan’s flashback).

Harlan actually becoming proactive in the narrative and contributing to an episode something other than self-involved anger? Say it ain’t so.

This series seems to want to depict teenagers authentically, but lapses right into tried and true trope(s) of ‘unsupervised parties’ and ‘teenagers have easy access to drugs to the point of being pushers themselves’.

Luna’s subplot with Austin feels more necessitated by plot than anything they’ve got going story-wise, so not terribly unfamiliar territory in the box of ‘Jeff Davis can’t do teen romance’.

However lukewarm I am on Everett and Blake’s romance, it at least feels companionable vs. Luna and Austin’s “oh, hey, you drew pictures of me, so clearly you like me!” mess.

I like Prisha. I hope we see more of her next season.

1x06 - “After Party“

Balthier’s (Gideon Emery) appearance was a nice throwback (and definitely less hammy), especially working as a springboard for Ramsey’s story.

Ramsey as the avenging werewolf mother who goes into law enforcement to track arsonists is certainly a narrative I’m here for, and a large part of the reason why I was never interested in dismissing the arsonist storyline continuing on in the background without the teens.

By and large, the story becoming more motivated by Ramsey’s desire to find her son, protect him from [the] harm (of others), at the same time protect him from the authorities is just *chef’s kiss*. I love this monster woman, she is precious to me in all her violence and underhandedness.

Everett being handed the name of the murderous werewolf feels lazy as hell. Yet it does very little to my general enjoyment to how Everett remains at the center of unraveling the red herring of a ‘teen arsonist' plot.

Ultimately the best thing to come out of the reveal that the weird kid at the pool party was the werewolf projecting into Everett’s mind was the use of sound and visuals with the dead mean girl (Phoebe) to alert him about the next victim (Austin).

And, yeah, I was kinda sad about Phoebe’s death. Especially after that dead-straight heart-to-heart they had about Blake’s mother’s infidelity, and why she cut everyone out of her life. She was a jerk, but was also intercommunicating her pain in a similar way as Blake. Let this girl have friends, please!

1x07 - “Lion’s Breath” / 1x08 - “Trophic Cascade”

There are elements to Everett’s narrative (and the idea of lycanthropy being a cure-all for all disabilities or even autism) that hits a decidedly sour (abelist, anti-medication) note. I like the idea of it boosting your confidence, or even changing your perspective on the world (since the person has become an uber predator). But altering things that are often a case of nature or nurture, not so much.

That said, the Everett’s growing steadiness and unwillingness to give his parents emotional neglect and dismissal any more room in his life is incredibly thrilling.

That scene with his mother (”You should be nicer to me”) fucking rips. But it's also what makes part of the finale so bitter. Everett’s mother really white-woman-in-distressed her son, and her exaggeration of events really got his Black ass, swirl-silly father to try and get him confined. Fuck. Everett’s. Mom. I hope Ramsey eats her.

Luna’s loss of faith in her family and friends is a far more interesting note in her stakes than Austin (who promptly disappears from the plot), and a nice reversal of her role as the believer and her brother as the inward-looking jerkass. She neither trusts her father or her brother.

Ramsey’s agenda regarding her lost children, particularly the undercurrent of discomfort from the reveal that she’s known where they were for some time, is something I’m looking forward to see play out in the next season. She doesn’t appear to be angling to nix Garrett but at the same time she’s making it very clear (to the audience) that she won’t be separated from them again.

Even as the arsonist (lmao, what a wet flop of a reveal), driving her son out of hiding (and harming him, losing his trust), she’s gone out of her way to protect the new members of her pack. And the reasons feel like an illustration of how she views who’s worth saving and protecting vs. who isn’t. It’s not altruistic, but I wouldn’t call it intentionally malicious either. She’s a wolf, and she uses her ‘humanity’ so to speak in a way that will benefit the wolves. Again, I’m here for it.

The Malcolm reveal was pretty weak, all things considered. There was no build up, and they literally have the guy spelling it out to the audience.

How did he know she was the wolf from seventeen years ago that murked his crew? How did he know Baron was her son? Why was he not a bigger character in the story if he was going to be that important to the finale?

Ramsey turning out not to be the mysterious caller was a relief and a frustration. But I’m also expecting this to belly flop should it ever get a proper reveal.

Basically, this was like any finale of Teen Wolf. Rushed to hell and back.

Could’ve done without the grim-dark trailer rendition of “Can’t Fight the Moonlight”.

My overall (first) impressions of Paramount+’s Wolf Pack first season is that it’s Teen Wolf if Teen Wolf was written more a little more competently, and Jeff Davis’ preoccupation with white boys didn’t (or wasn’t allowed to) push the protagonist (Armani Jackson’s Everett) into the margins like he did with Tyler Posey’s Scott McCall.

The super-hero-fication of werewolves ah-la HEROES (everyone gets a special ability!) is kinda eye roll-inducing, but I can deal with it.

But, if Ramsey was going to be the fire-starter all along, then the story honestly should’ve been tailored to that instead of telling and not showing that part of the story in favor of a whodunit that basically went nowhere like the Kamina plot. It seems like an ass-pull to intentionally make her the antagonist when there were better and stronger elements in her character that qualify her for that.

Part of me wants to accredit a lot of the show’s success to Sarah Michelle Gellar’s skill as both an actor and an executive producer.

Please, do not kill her character off.

#greatrunner watches wolf pack #wolf pack #paramount plus #sarah michelle gellar #kristin ramsey #armani jackson

[noteinabottle168]

Self Promo Tag Game

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let’s spread the self-love 🤍

Thank you to @amywritesthings for the tag!

A Contract Between Killers | Assassination Classroom | Karma x Nagisa| M/M | 9,331 words | E

Summary: Nagisa is the best assassin in the world, but there’s one politician that he just can’t seem to kill.

A/N: This fic was a love letter to a dead fandom, or at least one that I never expected any engagement in. Assassination Classroom is an amazing story, near-perfect, where the main character chose to become a teacher instead of an assassin. I wrote 3 chapters asking "what if he had gone the assassin route instead?", and each chapter felt standalone. I consider this to somehow be my best writing to date.

To Kill Your Darlings | Durarara! | Shizuo x Izaya | M/M | 35,131 words | E

Summary: Two years ago, Izaya kicked off his informant career by framing Shizuo and sending him to prison. Now, alone and betrayed, with nothing in the world to his name, Izaya must deal with the consequences.

A/N: This was the fic that got me back into writing, and really the only fic that I wrote purely for myself. Shizaya has been my OTP for over a decade, single-handedly made me obsessed with the enemies-to-lovers trope, and their UST is so off the charts here, so I really loved it.

all the blue in the world won't do, without you | Tower of God | Khun A.A. x Bam | M/M | 45,539 words | T

Summary: The 111th floor belongs to Khun Eduan. Khun finally goes home.

A/N: This is the fic that got me through the pandemic. I hyper-fixated on a certain webtoon that promised a future Khun Family arc, and instead of waiting for 5 years, I decided to write it myself. This involved hours of research, reading theories and analysis, and making some of my own. This is a love letter to the canon lore and world building.

Wither and Bloom | My Hero Academia | Bakugou Katsuki x Midoriya Izuku | M/M | 24,522 words | E

Summary: People grow flowers out of their bodies whenever they fall in love. It’s meant to be a courting ritual - a “crown of roses” for eternal love, a “thorn in your side” for unwilling infatuation. In some cases, these flowers can grow inside a person’s lungs, resulting in Hanahaki disease.

A/N: Hanahakiiiiiiii!!! This is the fic that is essentially my thesis on how the Hanahaki trope should work, thinly veiled behind a romance story.

Confessions | Genshin Impact | Ayato x Thoma | M/M | 13,689 words | T

Summary: Thoma has a plan. He will never confess. He will serve as a loyal retainer of the Kamisato Estate. He will slowly scale down this unreasonable crush into something a bit more reasonable, like undying loyalty. Nothing goes to plan.

A/N: I had so many headcanons for this fic, and such a ridiculous amount of love for the characters, that I felt like I had captured lightning in a bottle somehow, with how easy this was to write. I absolutely loved how it turned out, so this one is an easy top 5 for me.

Tagging @aikotters @karihigada @silverinerivers @onewhodiedyoung @jenficxxx if you want to participate! <3

#dash games #self promo tag game

[oknowkiss]

friday flash recs: april 29, 2022

hiya lovely people! this week, we are putting on our brave hobbit faces and adventuring into the world of NON-DRARRY HARRY & DRACO pairings. today’s list focuses on m/m pairings, with future lists in the works for het and wlw fics. relatedly! if you have any recs--bc i know there’s loads of amazing non-drarry pairings i have barely scratched the surface of--pls feel free to leave them a comment! (i’m especially interested if you have a nottpott, harry/neville, harry/luna, and really any wlw rec to share!) 

> apprehending the auror || @dumbledoodlewriting​​ || nottpott || M / 3.8K alaric hardwood is Nott who he seems. you know how they say never meet your heroes? usually it’s because they’ll disappoint you, but this fic dares to ask: what if it’s because you might end up fucking them? full disclosure that dumble is a dear friend of mine, but even if she wasn’t, i’d be obsessed with this version of theo & romance-devouring badass harry. (as proof of statement: you’ll see alaric easter eggs in some of my own fics!)

> charlie & harry, sittin’ in a tree || elle_gray || charlie/harry || E / 10.7K this was my intro to charry. and like, what an intro. charlie & harry are stuck in a storm and, well, what better time to figure things out about yourself (tm). the interplay of hesitancy and desire feels so real here, there’s so much “i shouldn’t but i’m gonna” ust and i, for one, hope it never stops raining on these boys.

> good intent || @maesterchill​ || jeddy & teddy/harry || E / 11.9K another pairing intro fic for me! i devoured this, lying in bed the morning it posted, growing increasingly desperate for caffeine but unable to stop reading for even a second to put the kettle on. i think... i am a jeddy stan now??? this is sex mentor trope, it’s body acceptance, it’s discovery... and teddy’s b-plot with harry is so real and complex and layered in just perfectly to complement the overall plot. this is a little bit of a cheat, because it’s also background drarry, but this is my blog and i say it’s okay. thanks, me.

> keep swinging your bat my way || @veelawings​ || dron || E / 670 i think i’ve read this ten or fifteen times now. i mean, for starters it’s quidditch locker room sex. i could stop this rec right there; you’ve probably already clicked into it. but i will continue, because this ron deserves a six-volume essay. he’s so tactile and hot. and did i mention breeding kink?? yeah, there’s breeding kink. do we all just agree that ron has a great dick and is really good at sex?? it’s okay if you don’t, freedom of opinion is highly encouraged here on oscar isaac’s internet, but if you’re in any way ron “life-changing dick” weasley-curious, read this and then let’s talk.  > seldom used, to date || @vdoshu​ || tomarry || E / 3K (mind the tags) i’m in trouble dot gif. look. if you’re going to use the “murder husbands” AND “harry is a little shit” tags on the same fic??? i’m going to read it immediately, and then read it again, and then go back and read the rest of the series until 2 AM and wake up late for work the next day. i’ve been tomarry curious for a while now, and this series is a great introduction. a canon-divergent no 1st war au where tom is the minister for magic & harry is his bratty little boyfriend. there’s worldbuilding, there’s snark, there’s ritual knives and runes and blood magic. i can’t wait to see where it goes next.  

> theft of assets, destruction of property || helenish || dreville || E / 23K this is the best neville characterization i’ve ever read. full stop. forced marriage, auror trainees, with background harry/ron/hermione triad. draco processes his life through cooking. this neville is so interesting, so strong and yet tender, and the way him and draco open up to each other over time is beautiful and complex and it feels like a dream we get to experience it as readers.

& the currently reading can-you-tell-i’m-in-a-dron-and-charlie-weasley-phase (pause to inhale) certainly-more-shouting-to-come-once-i’ve-finished list:

> a soft spot for lost causes || helenish || dron || remedying my lapse of not having read helenish’s other published HP work. so far it is, as expected, perfect.

> charlie weasley’s fuck autobiography || @lqtraintracks​​ || charlie + all combos of harry, draco, teddy, etc || i too think that everyone should fuck charlie weasley and i can’t believe i get to read about it. a blessed day.

> dreaming skies || @sweet-s0rr0w @tackytigerfic​ || dron || i’ve read half of this thus far and have, multiple times, had to stop and stare at the wall and just... admire. the “i didn’t come here for your charity” exchange? pingponging in my brain for days, folks.

> licurici || @lou-isfake​​ || charry, drarlie, drarrlie triad || i started reading this while waiting to board a plane, downloaded it to read on the plane, and then had to stop because it kept sending me on face journeys. now that i’m back home i’ve picked it up again and oh, my heart. more to come for sure.  < last time: murder me harry (my fave harry characterizations)

#ok now rec list #harry potter #hp fic rec #dron #jeddy #charry #drarlie #tomarry #draco malfoy #ron weasley #james potter #teddy lupin #charlie weasley #neville longbottom #dreville #tom riddle #nottpott #theodore nott

[kinetic-elaboration]

December 31: WIPs and Ideas I'm Taking Into 2023

As the year is ending, I am considering what writing projects I will try to complete next year. Will 2023 be the year I finish my WIPs? Will it at least be the year I let go of WIPs I don't care about? We'll see.

Here are (most of) my current projects and ideas--T100 only because I don't feel brave enough to even address Star Trek or other fandoms. Let's see where I am at the end of 2023.

devil's gonna get me one of these days: Southern Gothic AU; ensemble and multi-pairing; vampires, ghosts, and secrets

Troped Madness Horror Round: Harper-centric, epistolary/found footage-y

Talk About Timing in Times Like These: Bellarke, Modern AU, exes to lovers, heavy on the bitterness

And They Lived: aka the Ark Sleeping Beauty AU, Bellarke with a lot of other stuff going on

A Watch With No Hands: parts 3 and 4, the continuation of my 2019 Bellarke Big Bang, Grounder Clarke, Arker Bellamy, canon divergence

The Poly Fic: endgame Bravenlarke, modern AU, what it says on the tin

Can't Be King of the World: aka my long (long) percolating Ark AU, ensemble and multi-pairing with a lot of Wells

Sky Village: canon-divergence with rare pairs, independent delinquent village feels

Blake Siblings Summer AU: ...this is a Pete & Pete AU, if I'm brave enough to write it

Slow Summer Vibes: one step up from a PWP, Bellarke in the heat of summer

Under the Western Stars: more Bellarke modern AU angst nonsense

Kiss the Ring: canon-divergent Becho, in which they are both brutal, ruthless leaders

Jonty Dual Timeline: part modern AU, part canon-divergence, heavily S3 inspired

Sequel to How I'll Spend Through Winter: more Bellarke UST and longing, this time in high school, some Princess Mechanic

Bellarke Bingo Love Potion: Bellamy runs an antique store. Clarke takes a love potion. There's magic involved.

Dawson's Creek AU: endgame Bellarke and Murven, and in the meantime, a faithful AU for no reason at all

Documentary History of the U.S.S.S Arkadia: expanded version of my Braven fic of the same name

Reality Bites AU: as it says; Bellarke

Dollhouse AU: also as it says, ensemble/Bellarke, Bellamy as Echo and Clarke as Ballard...sort of

autumnverse fic: eternal-autumn type universe with ghosts!

oh well you've got me under your spell: an old Bellarke HS AU I always wanted to continue

Bellarke Bingo Blast: trope-heavy Bellarke friends to lovers; embarrassing how many modern AUs are on this list

South: Murven road trip that I started ages ago and might continue?

Everyone Gets Married: mostly Jonty with some Bellarke, sappy romance stuff and perhaps some talk about the concept of marriage

Bellarke Beat AU: this is from 2016, enough said

Maya & Octavia Troped: canon-divergence, post S2

Miller/Bryan Troped: canon-divergence, sometime in S3; more a universe than a plot but like an exes thing

Bellarke Invents Soulmates: triple-timeline, reincarnation and soulmates (former Troped round)

Miller/Bellamy Road Trip: but also they're on the run from the law, danger and UST

T100 + 3% Fusion: Princess Mechanic; 3%-like plot but in T100's universe

Fantasy Heist: delinquents on a magical hunt to save one of their own, still working out the kinks on the universe. And the plot (former Troped round)

Kane/Luna Ark AU: exes and magic and hints of political intrigue perhaps; horror

Slasher: half-baked old Troped Horror idea, heavy on the tropes, and I suppose on the bloodshed

Camping Trip Meta Horror: some horror tropes in the woods

Tropical Horror: something about this island isn't right

Troped Horror 2022: the fic I didn't finish because I thought it was going in a bad direction. Only hints: another slasher, Octavia-centric

Party Fic: Indulgent, stylized, multi-pairing HS AU

Modern Band AU: Bellarke and other pairings, rival bands, minor genre/form experimentation

...I didn't specify but some of these are one-shots and some multi-chapters and if a multi-chap isn't started, I can only promise to start, not finish it in 2023

#ultimately i will prioritize what i want to prioritize and write what i want to write but #i am curious if any of these would have an audience so #lmk if you want to read any of these #the year 2022 #2022: writing projects

[timelxrd-victorious]

There’s something I’ve noticed while rewatching series 3 & reading the corresponding New Series Adventures novels for that season regarding Ten and Martha: Specifically, the nature of their relationship and the fandom criticism leveled at Ten for how he treated Martha.

It should be noted that Ten was very much not in a good place mentally through most of series 3: He had just lost the love of his Ninth and Tenth lives, the one person who had helped him heal from his grief and trauma over the Last Great Time War and was his best friend before their relationship developed into something romantic. Several of his actions throughout series 3 makes it appear that he has a death wish now that Rose is trapped in another universe and (as far as he knows) there is no way of getting to her: he would have drowned underneath the Thames if not for Donna’s interference (The Runaway Bride), allows the Plasmavore to nearly drain him dry (Smith and Jones), allows himself to get hit by a lightning strike, and dares the Daleks to straight-up kill him twice in the same episode (Daleks in Manhattan/Evolution of the Daleks). It also should be noted that whenever the Doctor in general (but Ten in particular) travels on xir own for a while, xe reverts heavily back to that ingrained Time Lord arrogance/brainwashing from the Matrix. 

Does Ten take some missteps with Martha, especially when they’re back in Earth’s past? Yes, and I would argue that’s part of the point for this third series and a part of Ten’s character arc in general. Martha does not have the same outward privileges in various time periods that the white-male-presenting nonbinary Gallifreyan does, and this is very much intentional and pointed out by the writing. (Martha is also not the first time the Doctor has travelled with a companion of color. Sharon Davies traveled with the Fourth Doctor in the comics and predates Mickey Smith by 26 years, the Eighth Doctor Adventures novels had Anji Kapoor for multiple books, series 2 had Mickey, and there are more examples in the comics and audios.)

Is Ten in the wrong for how he handled Martha’s crush on him? No. Absolutely not. While Ten did fuck up a bit with Martha as his companion, this was one area of their relationship that he did not mess up.

This gifset showcases Ten’s immediate reaction to Martha flirting with him as soon as he invites her into the TARDIS. He brings up Rose, admits in all but name that their relationship was romantic (“Rose, her name was. Rose. And we were... together.”), and then states to Martha that she is not a replacement for Rose. When Martha continues to make flirtatious advances toward him, he shuts her down and tells her firmly to “Stop it”.

At which point Martha gets huffy that he’s not returning her advances and grumbles that she doesn’t go for non-humans anyway.

Which, if this was restricted to Martha’s introductory episode, it would be fine. But it isn’t, since it makes up a major running part of Martha’s character arc for the whole series in both the TV show and the New Series Adventures novels that correspond to this series.

The Shakespeare Code infamously has the scene where Ten and Martha share a bed in the inn. Ten makes it very clear that nothing romantic is going on from his end, and that he’s also still missing Rose. Martha, however, thinks she’s in a romance novel with the “and there was only one bed + UST” trope and gets annoyed when Ten not only does not pick up on her nonverbal signals, he becomes nostalgic for Rose and reminds Martha that this is only a one-off trip and he’s taking her back to her home time period the next morning.

Gridlock starts with Ten lying to Martha about Gallifrey when she asks him if they can go to his home planet; he spends the rest of the episode actively getting her back after she’s kidnapped, noting that he doesn’t even know her and he wants to make up for lying to her at the beginning of the episode. When the motorway is finally cleared and they’re back near the TARDIS, Ten comes clean that he lied to her about Gallifrey and then opens up to her in a way he didn’t to Rose on-screen. He also takes her to New Earth in the first place because, again, Ten is clearly in pain at this point in the series and heavily missing Rose, so naturally he would want to go somewhere he had visited with her. Martha is the one who characterizes this as Ten being on the “rebound” and sees herself as being in competition with Rose Tyler’s place in his life.

In the two-parter Human Nature/The Family of Blood, Ten has put the care of not only his human persona but his true Gallifreyan self (concealed in a special fobwatch) in Martha’s hands while the Family hunts for him. It never even occurs to the Doctor that his human self would fall in love due to his still-strong feelings for Rose, and indeed, Rose shows up in John Smith’s dreams and Journal of Impossible Things. Martha, however, feels entitled for the Doctor’s human persona to fall in love with her, if he has to fall for a human at all. (“You had to go fall in love with a human, and it wasn’t me.”) And again, why would the Doctor think his human self would be obligated to develop feelings for anyone, let alone Martha, when he had already shut her down and upon doing so, Martha said she didn’t go for aliens anyway? Ten had no reason not to believe her after xe was already quite firm about xir boundaries. 

This even leaks over to the supplemental animated episode The Infinite Quest, where Martha’s heart’s desire is shown to be the Doctor yet the same is not true for Ten. It also shows up in the expanded universe, particularly the New Series Adventures novels Forever Autumn by Mark Morris and Peacemaker by James Swallow.

(Forever Autumn, pg. 33)

(Peacemaker, pg. 8)

(Peacemaker, pg. 57)

(Peacemaker, pg. 72)

It’s more noticeable in Peacemaker than Forever Autumn, but Martha is an official companion at this point and still unable to get over her jealousy of Rose. As in the TV series, she is annoyed whenever the subject of Rose comes up (which in the televised show only happens during Smith and Jones, The Shakespeare Code, Gridlock, and Utopia) or blatantly flirty with Ten even when he’s visibly uncomfortable and, again, has made his personal boundaries quite clear. In Peacemaker, Martha chooses to call her horse Rose in a deliberate effort to irritate Ten.

If the gender roles here were reversed and it was a man continuing to make advances toward a woman after she had firmly established boundaries and that she missed her partner and was in pain and grieving, fandom would absolutely be tearing into the man for continuing to pursue the relationship after being clearly told “no”. 

Ten was under zero obligation to return Martha’s crush on him, and shortly after inviting her into his TARDIS he made it quite clear to her where he stood on their relationship: He was not looking for another romance. Martha was the one who kept violating his boundaries, reading romantic intentions into his actions that were not there, and became visibly annoyed whenever he shut her down.

The Tenth Doctor could be rude at times, but this was not one of them.

#( Bramble watches Doctor Who. ) #Out of Gallifrey ( OOC ) #[ the 10crit tag is a wild place y'all holy cow ] #[ especially where series 3 episodes are concerned ] #[ also sorry this is long AF ]

[eatember]

Fanfiction terms for aces

I got tired of being intimidated of fanfiction and read several glossaries so you don't have to! Here are some terms I think may be helpful: (feel free to reblog an add more!)

From

Curtain-fic -- refers to stories in which characters who are deeply established in their relationship engage in casual domestic activities such as cooking, laundry, shopping, or the trope for which it is named, picking out curtains together. See also: Fluff

Gen -- refers to a category of stories in which there is no romance or sex. Although it may include background or implied pairings, any relationships are incidental to the story itself. May, however, contain mild to extreme violence and/or foul language, so could still have high ratings.

Pre-slash -- refers to stories in which a homosexual romantic relationship does not yet exist, but there is the potential likelihood for one to occur as there is noticeable attraction or clear feelings between same sex characters. Such stories are still technically Gen and rarely exceed a PG-13 rating, but due to the non-heteronormative insinuations are often marked just in case. Alas, there is no opposite "pre-het" version, as heterosexual inclinations are generally considered expected and unworthy of separate mention in our current culture, much to some people's (ahem!) dissatisfaction. See also: Gen and/or Slash

Rating -- refers to a classifcation system in which a story is marked for suitablity by age or content. Rating levels indicate what amount of graphic language, violence, or sexual content a reader might anticipate within the story. Most fanfiction ratings still follow the USA Motion Picture Ratings established for television and movies, whereby G=General Audiences, PG=Parental Guidance, PG-13=Parental Guidance for Anyone Under 13, R=Restricted to Mature Audiences Only, and NC-17=No Children Under 17 Permitted. However there are a growing number of sites now using the non-copyrighted Fan Rated Rating System with its equivalent values, and some other sites that use their own personal systems. See also: NC-17

Schmoop -- refers to stories which contain scenes of especially loving, sappy romantic fluff such as PDAs (Public Displays of Affection). See also: Fluff

Slow Burn -- refers to stories featuring characters who gradually and naturally fall in love or lust before beginning a romantic or sexual relationship. As the emphasis is on the slow evolution of the relationship rather than a quick conflagration into sudden resolution, such stories may contain a lot of UST and pining until the smoldering passion eventually catches fire. See also: UST

WAFF (-iness) = Warm And Fuzzy Feelings -- refers to stories with no angst but lots of sappiness, which inspire the aforementioned warm and fuzzy feelings in the reader. See also: Fluff

Lime -- refers to the presence of light or mild sexual content, either heterosexual or homosexual in nature. Originated in and most common to anime fandoms only, but has popped up occasionally in other fandoms. Usually rated PG13, as there is no actual "on-screen" action. See also: Hentai and/or Lemon

Smarm -- refers to physical or emotional displays of affection between characters, usually of the same gender but not necessarily, that are considered completely non-sexual in nature. Often represented as the affection of family or deep friendships. (Smarm is NOT slash!) Starsky and Hutch and The Sentinel

From

K - Stands for "Kid-Safe". This means that the story is safe for anyone and everyone. Intended for general audience 5 years and older. Content should be free of any coarse language, violence, and adult themes.

K - Stands for "Kids plus a parent" on this site. Suitable for more mature childen, 9 years and older, with minor action violence without serious injury. May contain mild coarse language. Should not contain any adult themes.

Lime - light smut

From

Bed Sharing or Gen Bed Sharing, Poly Bed Sharing: term used in fanworks to indicate that two characters share the same bed to sleep and/or talk and finally confess their feelings for each other. In the Poly Bed Sharing the characters are more than two and share the same bed.

Bromance or Brotp and Womance or Sisotp:

Bromance/Brotp is a tag used to indicate a strong friendship between two male characters (even if sometimes is also used for friendship between a male and a female character) and Womance/Sisotp is a tag for friendship between two female characters.

Lime: fanfiction that presents erotic moments that aren't described in detail and that never reach the sexual act.

For everyone (or G or K): story suitable for all ages that doesn't contain strong contents, swearing or sexual acts. The author can talk of death or suffering but only in a light way.

Rating 14+ (Pg13, Pg15 or T): fanfiction for those over 14 years of age because inside the story the author talks about sexual topics or violence in a light way;

Pg13 or Pg15 are similar to 14+, 13 and 15 years old people can read the story;

T, Teen, indicates the story is suitable for teens.

Rating 16+ (Nc17): story for readers over 16 years old, sexual scenes or violence scenes are inserted in the chapters but are not described in details.

#asexual #asexuality #ace #fanfic

[sitp-recs]

Hidden Gems by @fw00shy

I’ll never stop screaming about the masterpiece that is Phoenix in the Fire - not on this list but one of my top five favourite short fics ever - but when it comes to Fwoosh, suddenly I can’t find the words to covey the way her writing cuts me raw and deep. She’s hands down one of the most talented, daring and resourceful writers I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been around for a very long time. A master of short form, her unique and bold style steal my attention right away, her sharp dialogue and unbeatable world building make me sit straighter and forget whatever’s going on around me, her impeccable prose with perfectly chosen and well-placed words takes my breath away, her tender angst makes my heart break for pining Harry, her deliciously explicit, self-indulgent smut make me sweat like a whore in the church 🥵

As if that wasn’t enough, fwooshy’s range is really impressive and she always manages to deliver a long-lasting blow with any genre, any rating and any length, but especially under 3k. Her creative mind, vibrant characters and powerful writing deserve way more recognition and that’s why everyone should go check her catalogue right now. I’ll help you out and share a short selection of goodies below - I could have chosen any 10 fics at random but I wanted to include a little bit of everything, even tropes that aren’t really my jam (hello MCD!)…. unless they’re written by her, lol 🤡 this is actually my second reclist for Fwooshy so I tried to diversify a bit, you can find the previous one here. Happy Monday with these delicious short treats!

Drarry:

Silence on the Seventh Floor (T, 970 words) - such a creative and heartbreaking drabble, love this pain-in-the-ass ghost!Draco and smitten Harry, my heart ached so much for them. Cw MCD

Draco haunted the seventh-floor corridor of Hogwarts. A Third Year found him up there one night, knocking the frames together as though trying to shake something out of them. She reported it straight to Headmaster Potter, who passed her a Cockroach Cluster and sent her off to bed with a promise to handle it.

Basement Level 9 (M, 2k) - poignant and disturbing short story with dark!Draco and a resigned Harry who loves him, plus excellent dialogue and a brilliant Ron puzzling the pieces together, ugh so good 😔🤌🏼

Draco was behind the bomb that blew up Level 10, though they didn't talk about it.

You Either Fuck or You Get Fucked (E, 2k) - the ultimate enemies to lovers PWP with scorching hate sex, crude dirty talk and top notch banter, sharp and witty! I’m obsessed with this confident Harry and their sexy push and pull, thought I’d combust on site 🔥

"That's not how fucking works. Fucking's…" Draco waved a hand in the air. "You either fuck or you get fucked." "Sure," Harry said. He took out a Sickle. "Toss for it?" Read my rec here.

10:47 am (T, 2.3k) - this series of short yet immersive slice-of-life vignettes are wonderfully original with vibrant multiple POV and such distinct character voices. One of the fics that best showcase Fwoosh’s genius writing

Scenes of lives lived out in front of an open balcony window.

Big Hands (E, 4.5k) - Victorian AU with pianist rivals, yes please!!!! Incredible world building, delightful and on point humour, unbelievable ust, that basic hand kink we all deserve AND a piano sex scene as a treat, this is rich and sexy and the atmosphere is irresistible

Draco Malfoy is a pianist who's just moved to Paris. Harry Potter, his new roommate, has the biggest hands he's ever seen. Draco is immediately obsessed. Read my rec here.

in a rambling way (T, 7.5k) - probably the softest Fwoosh fic I’ve read so far, a gorgeous and wistful break up make up with lots of pining Harry, camping shenanigans and peak road trip romance. A must read!

Ron knocked Hermione up, and now Harry's got to figure out how to clone himself so that his friends don't split up fighting over him. Falling for Draco again was never part of the plan.

Rare pairs:

In the Mood (E, 367 words) - the hottest 367 words you’ll read today, delicious established Dron feat. rough sex and feral possessive Ron hoho me gusta!

“I saw you with Harry today," Ron says. "In the Ministry cafeteria."

Money (M, 1k) - my favorite Ginsy treat out there, hot af and with an impressive amount of character and story for a short fic. Superb Pansy + superb Ginny POV, I want them both to ruin me (and then each other) pls and thank

Pansy looks like money. Ginny's letting her call the shots.

Laundry Day (E, 1.8k) - I’ve been in a Ginny/Hermione phase lately and this neighbours AU PWP is s total banger! Laundry room snogging, confident buff Gin and shy horny Hermione, excellent dynamics and really hot smut

Hermione was afraid of Ginny, because Ginny made her wet.

They Bought A Sports Bar (T, 2.2k) - another compelling femslash because yes, Fwoosh can write pretty much any ship. A fascinating take on Cho and amazing dialogue, love her subtle dynamics with this patient Ginny, and the idea of a sports bar is brilliant!

Ginny buys a sports bar (run-down biker pub, really) and ropes Cho into helping out. They're just business partners, so why does everyone else think they're more?

#hidden gems s2

[chelsea12345678901234]

12 Do's and Don'ts for a Successful Romance Novels

Here is an author named Amy Carroll Bennett. She has been an author for 2 years in October but has been writing her whole life. Amy is an author that writes romance novels.

This is what she said about why she became an author and why he loves to read and write "Right now I use my real name on my books. I may use a pen name for others. I have always enjoyed storytelling. It's a wonderful way to escape for both readers and writers.”

12 Do’s and Don’ts for a Successful Romance Novels:

Romance novels are easy to write, right? Person meets person. They fall in love. They live happily ever after. Simple, eh? Except it’s not. Writing romance takes a lot of thought and careful planning. There are many factors to consider when building a believable romance between characters. I have compiled a dozen dos and don’ts to follow when writing a romance novel. This is not an exhaustive list, just the main things I think are important for writing a good love story.

#1- Do create three-dimensional characters. This should go without saying for any genre, but flat characters seem to be a problem for many romance writers. Characters should be more than attractive in order to have another character fall in love with them. They should have real personalities rather than just good looks. A long-lasting connection between characters is not going to be believable if their only qualities are that they are hot.

#2- Don’t employ questionable age differences. Yes, people do fall in love with people significantly older or younger than them. However, sometimes the age difference goes beyond what is acceptable and appropriate. For example, a 40-something year old man has no business trying to have a relationship with an 18 year old. It’s not romantic, it’s creepy.

#3- Do give your lovers believable chemistry. No one is going to accept the relationship between your characters if they don’t connect on a deeper level. They need to be more than flirty. They need to go through difficulties together. They need to complement one another. Balance each other out. This goes hand-in-hand with three-dimensional characters. Their relationship will not be believable if all they have between them is sexual attraction.

#4- Don’t make a character fall in love with someone who sexually abuses or rapes them. Do I really need to explain why? I don’t know why writers continue to do this in this day and age. It’s not sexy, it’s gross and very, very wrong. Just don’t do it.

#5- Do write more than hetero couples. Heads up, there are many different types of relationships out there. It’s fine to write hetero, but non-hetero couples need more representation. Venture out of the boy-meets-girl box and try a new pairing.

#6- Don’t forget your target audience. If you’re writing for teens, you probably don’t want to venture into erotic territory. If you’re writing for a demographic that loves a spicy romance, you better make sure you pay off with a good sex scene or two. Think about what types of readers you are trying to attract and then write accordingly.

#7- Do make your love scenes believable (and physically possible.) If you choose to write a spicy scene, make sure you know the ins and outs (pun intended) of doing the deed. Nothing takes a reader out of the story like a love scene involving strange body contortions or impossible positioning. It’s a romance novel, not a Khajuraho love temple.

#8- Don’t go overboard on the tropes. Ok, confession time:I love a story involving a trope like only one bed or enemies to lovers (bonus points if they combine the two!) but unless you can bring something new to the table, you may want to steer clear of overused tropes. If you must employ a trope, try switching it up. Do a gender swap or something equally surprising. It’ll be satisfying on so many levels.

#9- Do give some resolution. The only thing better than some good old UST (unresolved sexual tension) is some RST (resolved sexual tension.) Building up the tension between the characters is a great way to get readers invested in the story. However, if the lovers haven’t had so much as a kiss by the time a reader is two-thirds of the way in, they’re not going to be happy.

#10- Don’t do Instalove. While you shouldn’t drag out the love action between the characters, you shouldn’t make things happen too quickly either. There may be an initial spark between the characters, but they shouldn’t automatically be madly in love with each other. A large part of your story should be about the characters getting to know one another. It doesn’t have to be a slow burn, but it should still take some time.

#11- Do end happily. People reading in the romance genre go in with the expectation of a happy ending. Characters fall in love and get married and live happily ever after. Even if you don’t do an HEA, you should at least give the characters an optimistic resolution. Romance is not the genre for tragic endings.

#12- Don’t follow trends. Maybe vampire romances are popular, or zombie romances, or werewolf alien robot romances. Chances are, by the time you crank out your vampire/zombie/werewolf-alien-robot romance, the trend will be over and readers will be on to the next big thing. Rather than follow trends, use your imagination to create a compelling and buzzworthy story. Do something new. People are probably tired of vampires and zombies and werewolf alien robots anyway.

Check out their Twitter at https://twitter.com/AmyBenn37179828

Check out their Instagram at Insta: https://www.instagram.com/amybennett_author/

Check out their Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/amycarrollbennettauthor

[manicr]

Chapters: 3/? Fandom: Marvel (Comics), Daredevil (Comics) Rating: Explicit Relationships: Crossbones/Bullseye, Lester | Benjamin "Dex" Poindexter/Brock Rumlow, past Daken/Bullseye Characters: Brock Rumlow, Lester | Benjamin "Dex" Poindexter, Bullseye, Crossbones Warnings & Additional Tags: Mental Health Issues, Canon-Typical Violence, Hurt/Comfort, Dissociation, Manipulation, Power Dynamics, Emotionally Repressed, Implied/Referenced Institutional Abuse, Obsession, Blood and Gore, Summary:

The war for Hell’s Kitchen went sideways and then Venom-dragons attacked.

Bullseye never did get out of New York.

#manicr writes #bullseye #crossbones #brock rumlow #lester #fanfic #what's owed to us #more romance tropes and UST

[iverna]

Concept: an Author-type character shows up on OUAT and casts a curse or a spell that makes it so everyone is living in romance novel land.

Emma is all “really??” because of course fairytales weren’t weird enough, now she has to deal with rom-com tropes on top of it all.

Snow and David break up for a completely stupid, arbitrary reason, possibly because David brings up Whale again or something, and they’re both pretending they’ve moved on but really they’re still madly in love and just want a second chance.

In an effort to parent-trap her parents into getting back together, Emma comes up with an elaborate plan which, of course, requires a fake date for her. Naturally, she asks Killian. He thinks it’s a terrible plan, and he’s right, but of course he goes along with it anyway.

Neal has been cast as the douchey ex but he doesn’t want to hurt Emma again so he’s at war with himself and Emma is really confused.

Henry, as the resident child, is wayyyy too invested in and aware of everyone’s love lives.

Killian and Neal almost get into a fight over Emma but as they face off, Neal realises he’s terrified and Killian realises he doesn’t want to hurt Neal and so they hug it out instead.

Regina finds herself constantly at odds with Robin, having UST-fuelled arguments. Emma and Snow try to matchmake and give her advice, which freaks all three of them out. Meanwhile Robin angsts about betraying his wife’s memory and falling for a woman who literally has the word “evil” in her title, and the dwarves probably try to cheer him up by hiring a stripper or something.

There’s at least one occasion where Emma and Killian walk in on the other shirtless or completely naked.

Regina and Robin get stranded in a cabin in the woods and there is only one bed.

Emma is not hugely familiar with the romance genre but she recognises the tropes, and gets increasingly annoyed every time one happens. She gets even more annoyed when she realises that the only way to break the spell is to play along and fall in love, because damn it, that’s not going to happen.

Emma also has to explain the romance tropes to the others, especially Killian who is new to this realm and completely unfamiliar with romance novels. He offers to help her re-enact them. She is not amused. (She is, however, far too tempted to take him up on the offer.)

Neal starts losing his patience because he doesn’t want to be the evil ex, damn it, why doesn’t he get a meet-cute or a shirtless scene, this isn’t fair, he can totally be a romance hero, he’s got daddy issues and everything.

Ruby sympathises because she appears to have been cast as everyone’s wine-drinking best friend and she keeps being invited to threesomes that she wants no part of, the dwarves just asked her if she’d strip for Robin to cheer him up, wtf is happening.

Tink is trying to help but also enjoying the chaos, because as a fairy, she’s aromantic and thus not affected by the spell.

Killian is getting annoyed at her and her constant interference, he doesn’t need her advice and he certainly doesn’t need her pointing out how desperately and hopelessly in love with Emma he is, damn it.

Emma tries to run because of her walls, only to be stopped at the town line by Regina, who tells her she’s not taking Henry, and anyway she’s going anywhere until this spell is lifted because if Regina has to deal with romance then so does Emma damn it, and Emma is probably somehow the key to breaking the spell anyway.

Emma tries but she keeps running into tropes... not helped by the fact that she always takes Killian along to help so they keep finding themselves locked into small spaces or falling on top of each other or having to share body heat.

The only one who really wins is Belle, who leaves her manipulative husband and falls for a decent, kind, attractive, attentive person like Will or Ruby or Jefferson or Mulan when their paths cross unexpectedly and adorably.

#dumb idea alert #sorry :D #ouat crack #not really even crack just like #idea for a crack au #ouat vs romance

[pale-silver-comb]

So I know absolutely nothing about Leverage except what I've been seeing you post lately and I have to admit you're making it look tempting to watch! Can I ask what are some of your favorite things about the show/reasons you would suggest people watch it? And is there really a poly relationship that is canon?

Okay. Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay. I am going to do my best not to just “asdfghkjl” at you and answer coherently.

In a nutshell, Leverage is about 5 people. 4 are criminals (Parker, Hardison, Eliot and Sophie) with different and unique skill-sets and 1 is an ex-insurance investigator (Nate) who, at one point or another in his career, has tracked down (or at least attempted to) the other 4. The whole show is essentially: man reluctantly reforms 4 criminals to use their criminal powers for good and 4 criminals move into man’s life and stubbornly refuse to leave because, goddammit, now they have morals. 

I’ve got a lot of favourite things about the show but the main ones are as follows:

1. Found family. And I’m not talking about loners who come together to fight crime and happen to co-exist to the point where they realise they happen to have found themselves a family. I mean, Nate and Sophie are the Drunk Uncle and Wine Aunt who somehow become Mom and Dad to 3 beautiful criminal children. Mom and Dad love their criminal babies and the kids love them (as well as each other, but we’ll come to that in a moment). You get amazing family moments such as: Mom and Dad packing the kids lunch before sending them out to kick corporate greed’s ass; Mom and Dad giving the kids ridiculously expensive and personal Christmas presents causing their most Grumpy Kid to go very very quiet and soft as he runs off to gleefully play with his new murder toy; the kids interrupting Mom and Dad’s big Movie Style Kiss to ask if they can please keep their new underground layer and huffing and puffing when Dad tells them no.

2. Found family: the OT3 edition. To answer your question, the OT3 is indeed canon, confirmed by the creator. Now, usually, “confirmed by the creator” infuriates me because most of the time it’s a way for a creator to be seen as “progressive” without doing anything to actually be progressive. That isn’t the case here. The OT3 are built up carefully and while it is obvious the creators didn’t originally intend for all 3 of them to become a relationship in the romantic sense, by mid-season 5 we are given a very clear picture of where Parker, Hardison and Eliot are heading in their relationship. There aren’t any kisses at the end to signal this but there are solid marriage vows in not only one but two episodes. (And by marriage vows I mean literal equivalents of marriage vows: “for better or worse” and “’til death do us part”. I’m not even exaggerating). The OT3 also doesn’t need explicit romantic narratives to convey how much they love each other. Their love is laced through the whole show, from the way they teach each other things to the way they respond to each other and work as a unit. The way they fiercely protect and admire each other. Like someone once said, if you need characters to kiss or say I love you to let the audience know they love each other, you are writing them wrong. 

Aside from that, each of the parings in the OT3 are just. Gah. They are so well done, with friendship being the solid basis for them all. The creators never expect the audience to assume anything about them or fill in the gaps. They give us their relationships on screen and reference many things off-screen to show us how these relationships continue to build in between episodes.

Hardison and Parker are a canon couple and date in the show: it’s approached slowly and they are so goddamned sweet. They are basically every fluffy slow-burn trope with a healthy dash of mutual pining in the mix. They are basically that quote “love is patient, love is kind”. (I would like to add their romance never becomes the focus of the show or overrides the importance of any other relationship they have with the other characters, especially Eliot.)

Hardison and Eliot are the Old Married Couple and from day one are already bickering and looking at each other/making comments that are found in every UST fic ever (not to mention Hardison has a very good knack for making Eliot grin like a little kid, when usually he’s basically an Angry Little Chef Man). They argue, they play, and love each other plain as day. 

Parker and Eliot are more subtle but every bit as wonderful. They have an unspoken connection and understand each other on a level no-one else can. Parker and Eliot are not good with giving themselves over to affection for different reasons (and Hardison plays a central role in helping them realise it’s okay to want it and have it- that boy has endless patience) but there is something so beautiful in the way the two of them come together on their own and develop their own special bond that works for them. Parker and Eliot are that trope where the characters don’t need to speak to understand each other perfectly. They just do. Their love language is a lot of the time non-verbal but speaks volumes. (Parker also likes to annoy the hell out of Eliot and Eliot....just.....lets...her. Because he’s soft. The softest, grumpiest boy.) 

I could go into so much depth for each pairing and their dynamics as a 3 but that's for another post.

3. Subverting stereotypes. There is the occasional hiccup in the show regarding stereotypes but ultimately, Leverage gets an A+ when it comes to writing characters and making them 3 dimensional people who are not defined by certain characteristics or events. Nate could so easily fall into the White Man Pain trope where he uses the trauma of losing his kid as a reason as to why he is entitled to act like a dick. Nate is a dick but he doesn’t use his pain to excuse it and I appreciate that. Hardison is a black man who is soft and nurturing. Easily the most empathetic and patient of the group. He’s nerdy, an actual genius, and has the biggest heart of all the characters. Nate is maybe the glue but Hardison is definitely the heart. Media’s usual aggressive, amongst other, racist stereotypes can fuck right off. Parker is canonically autistic (I am sure this was confirmed by one of the creators) and she is not defined by it. It’s not written as some kind of singular personality trait. It’s part of what makes up Parker but it’s only one facet of who she is and not once is her actions, thoughts or feelings treated like a joke. Sometimes people don’t understand why she does and says the things she does but it’s met with patience and fondness over the course of the show. Equally, it’s not met with over-caution. Parker is just Parker. No-one tries to change her. The other nice thing is Hardison, who always makes sure Parker knows she’s amazing because of who she is and not in spite of it. Finally, Sophie is in her 40s. She’s not treated like she’s past her prime. Ever. She’s sexy, smart and never is she pitted against or compared to Parker (who is younger) for anything. Sophie is amazing and there’s never even a conversation of “I may be older but I am still *insert adjective typically associated with younger women here*”. Sophie is possibly the first female character I’ve ever seen who isn’t just unapologetic about her age but has never had to apologise for her age. It’s a non-issue and that’s that. The women on the show are written so well, right down to secondary characters and it’s beyond refreshing.  

4.) It’s just fun. The show has a “monster of the week” type format. Except instead of a ghoul or a ghost, the monster is some corrupt wealthy and powerful individual or organisation. The show draws on real-life individuals to do this and therefore closely parallels real-life people and events. It addresses important political, economical, social and environmental issues while at the same time remaining fun and light-hearted. The characters constantly get the chance to play dress up and by GOD do they have fun with it. You get to watch Eliot beat up bad guys in the most delightful of ways, usually after a witty non-sequitur and with a weapon you’d never think could be a weapon. The dialogue and back and forth between the characters is everything. And finally - my favourite thing- the team can never resist striking a dramatic pose after they’ve taken down the bad guy, making sure the bad guy sees them. I mean, they COULD just walk away, satisfied they’ve taken the person down, but nope. They gotta be dramatic bitches 24/7 and pose like they are models for every single month of this year’s Criminal Calendar.  

5.) Competence Porn. So. Much. Competence Porn.  

Honestly, I could list a thousand reasons for why Leverage is amazing but to list them would to be spoiling so many amazing moments you’d get to discover for the first time on your own if you do choose to watch it. It’s the kind of show you can watch with an eagle-eye and sink your teeth into. But it’s also the kind of show if, you would prefer, put on in the background for something entertaining while you do something else. Each episode is about the job at hand but it’s made up of so many moments between the characters that show how much the creators and writers care about them. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll do whatever it is you do when something Soft and Wonderful happens that makes your heart melt. I am so beyond grateful for Leverage. It’s everything I always wanted in a show. Nearly every show I’ve watched in the past 10 years has disappointed me in some way, usually either because the writers run out of steam or characters who I love are treated poorly or given some kind of unnecessary “shock value” arc. Leverage doesn’t do that. Leverage is what it says on the bottle. Fandom isn’t something I joined because I needed canon fix-its. Fandom only enhances and celebrates an already excellent canon. 

#leverage #leverage ot3 #parker #alec hardison #eliot spencer #sophie devereaux #nate ford #talk leverage to me