dead journal

Everything is on AO3, the masterlist is just for organizational convenience; transformative works policy right HURR
Fandoms by alphabetical order, works by newest.

GOLDEN STAGE / HUANGJINTAI by Cang Wu Bin Bai
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HOCKEY RPF
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LIE HUO JIAO CHOU by priest
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MERLIN
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MO DAO ZU SHI by MXTX
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THE SCUM VILLAIN'S SELF-SAVING SYSTEM by MXTX
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THOSE YEARS IN QUEST OF HONOUR MINE / DANGNIAN WANLI MI FENGHOU by Man Man He Qi Duo
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THOUSAND AUTUMNS / QIANQIU by Meng Xi Shi
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TRANSISTOR
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YOU'VE GOT MAIL: A CAUTIONARY TALE by Hei Dan Bai
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YURI!!! ON ICE
( Collapse ) This entry was originally posted at clawdine with comments.

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Made by tressebleue


This journal has generally been friendslocked since 2005, when I was in fandoms and hobbies that crossed to RL. These days I mostly post about my life and random things I find interesting.

Comment to be added!

All comments on this post are screened.

ETA:
My LJ friending style (since this seems to be important to some folks?)

• I comment on entries whenever I can. It's just how I am and I like interacting with people. Replies are nice, though don't feel obligated. :)


• This is a personal + fannish journal. Equal parts whine and squee. :P

Fic recs are public, no need to ask to add for those.
Personal entries are friends-locked.

I tried to balance between personal favourites and what I think are really solid-writing all around. *dundun* In no particular order.

1. Faded Epitaphs (Marching Onwards) by patria_mori
Fandom: BBC Merlin
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Summary: Immortality was never something Arthur Pendragon had wanted. Merlin didn't give him that choice. As the rest of the world reincarnates, blissfully oblivious, Arthur continues, waiting for the one man who never came back.

Completely underrated. This follows Arthur, as he waits for Merlin, an interesting take on the immortality trope. It draws from traditional Arthurian lore, and Arthur's friendships with several OCs show the depth of his character.

2. Coronation by rageprufrock
Fandom: BBC Merlin
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Summary: Arthur may one day marry, and he would like to love his queen, but he will never love another the way he does these vast expanses of forest and rivers, the way he loves the villages and farms. Arthur remembers being six and a boy and twelve and still a child, but now he is twenty-one and a man, and Camelot is his land; no man shall mar her.

When BBC Merlin was still a baby fandom, it inspired many fics like this. I love this for its epic, encompassing feel.

3. rise intact by cordialcount
Fandom: Yuri!!! on Ice
Pairing: Sara/Mila
Summary: Mila jumps into victory, miscalculates, lands in an unfortunate place, and reconsiders who's left in the wake. All in a season's work.

I adore this fic. It has a wonderfully realistic take on the nature of competitive sports. It's rare to see such complex characterization of women, and to see it in an F/F fic is mindblowing.

4. You never have to wonder; you never have to ask. by gamesformay
Fandom: Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
Pairing: Enjolras/Grantaire
Summary: It's been eighteen months since the protest that nearly killed them all, and eighteen months since Grantaire swore off Paris forever. Coming back to town for some friends' wedding was never part of the plan, and Paris is either a dream or an oven, he can't tell which.

To see an author take Hugo's characters and move them so seamlessly into a modern setting is a treat. The characters retain their canon characterizations, and it feels like they've been given a second chance here. Enjolras's mellowing down and growing as a person is so good. *wrings hands*

5. Blackbird by sixpences
Fandom: Yuri!!! on Ice
Pairing: Viktor/Yuuri
Summary: The year is 1942, and Europe is at war. Captain Victor Nikiforov, an intelligence operative for the NKVD, has been trapped in Berlin by the German invasion of the USSR. Posing as a Nazi industrialist, his days are spent charming information out of Axis diplomats to try and keep the Red Army fighting another day.

Yuuri Katsuki, a foreign-educated bureaucrat in the Japanese Embassy, has secrets of his own concealed beneath his unremarkable demeanour. When he uncovers Victor’s real identity, it will alter the course of both of their lives forever.

This is a gripping war drama. The historical details are so vivid, you can tell the author's put a lot of work into this. Their emotions come across as very genuine, so much that it's breathtaking.

6. cosmo issue #666 PEDICURES for YOUR MAN SPECIAL ISSUE see WHAT THESE CELEBRITIES HAVE TO SAY by CollyWobbleKiwi, dearly_anonymous
Fandom: The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
Pairing: Luo Binghe/Shen Qingqiu
Summary: "Binghe," he couldn't help it if his voice was a bit breathless, okay, it was suddenly really hard to breathe; especially when Binghe wriggled forward, grinding his cloth covered erection into the arch of Shen Qingqiu's foot. "Binghe, do you like this?"

This fic wrecked me in the best of ways. The emotions here are so raw, the love so deep and all-consuming. It's about giving up your entire self, about being vulnerable to the one you love. I love it to pieces.

7. Coming of Age by sebastiansais
Fandom: BBC Merlin
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Summary: Arthur decides he wants to be better. Modern AU.

This was one of the first fics I read in Merlin fandom which made me really think about who I was as a person. It's not easy to admit that you're a work in progress and that you have to rip apart old habits in order to become a better, newer version of yourself. My love for it is deeply personal. Arthur's growth as a person is so relatable.

8. Hold On To What We Are by giselleslash
Fandom: BBC Merlin
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Summary: The world as they know it is gone, but Merlin and Arthur have each other and maybe that’s all they need. (Basically The Walking Dead Celebrates Christmas :))

I wrote an extensive rec on my Merlin fic blog here so I won't repeat myself. I just love setting as a device to show emotions and vulnerability.

9. Crossguard by cordialcount
Fandom: Bi no Isu
Pairing: Kabu Nariaki/Nirasawa Shuu
Summary: Murder: both cockblock and aphrodisiac.

The smallest of fandoms, based on a BL manga oneshot from 2008. I gushed about this fic in my comment, so I'll just copy-paste it here: The POV is so tight, the writing style and tone perfectly aligned to the original. Most times, I feel a disconnect between canon in such a different medium and a textual fanwork. But the author has transformed the original manga into something new while retaining the gritty, raw, fucked up tone of the original. And I don't think it's an easy feat, considering the setting, but they've got all these little details about the yakuza world that immerse the reader to give a sense of immediacy, like they're right there.

10. Grinkov by waldorph
Fandom: Yuri!!! on Ice
Pairing: Viktor/Yuuri, Otabek/Yuri Plisetsky
Summary: The 2022 Olympics were Yurio's to lose.

I will warn straight up that this is Major Character Death. Its non-linear structure feels like snapshots of memory, and it's really effective and fucking painful. The sadness comes not from death, but from the ones that are left behind.

This entry was originally posted at clawdine with comments.

Dear Chocolatier,

Thanks for offering to draw or write for one of these fandoms. This is my second chocolateboxcomm fest, and I want to make the experience as pain-free possible for you. These are meant to be suggestions in case you need inspiration, but I'm sure I'll love whatever you make!

My AO3 is claudine and Pinboard is also claudine, where you can see the stuff I bookmark if that is of any help. My Twitter is here.

I have requested both art and fic for all fandoms!

General fic likes:
vignettes, slice of life, post-canon fic, missing scenes, canon-divergent AUs, introspection, characterization, friendships, found family, trust/loyalty, canon setting details in fic, sense and sensuality (physical touch, setting imagery), fluffy pining

General art likes:
Warm, comforting scenes. ^^ I specified some prompts for art but I'm pretty easy with anything!


Do not wants for this fest (unless specified for the fandom!):
Alpha/Beta/Omega verse, mpreg, scat, treatment of non-anal sex as "not real sex"

I prefer non-mundane AUs and canon, but if your heart fixates on an AU where they are in high school or smth, I will be pleased all the same!

---

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This entry was originally posted at clawdine with comments.

The Coming of Spring by xfortytwo (Arthur/Merlin, 10k, NC-17, canon, pining)
Kings, even new ones, were not supposed to long for their menservants. They shouldn't let their eyes linger on their wrists, the plump of their lips, or the shape of their thighs. Arthur knew this, but he still wanted. There was nothing about Merlin he didn't want.
♥♥♥ It's an Ingberry canon fic. O___O This should tell you "GO READ IMMEDIATELY". But in case you wanted more coherent commentary, it's a beautifully told tale of pining and Arthur being a king, adjusting to his new role and missing the old. Some parts are really poignant and the sex is scorching and emotional at the same time, not an easy feat for a canon fic. The banter is so them and the ending... *sighs* It's so well-done.

So Brightly Dangerous by nympha_alba (Bradley/Colin, 3k, PG-13)
Four times that Colin and Bradley nearly kissed and one that they really did (or two, but the first didn't count).
♥♥♥ Ahhhh this is the cutest. I really loved their characterizations here. And it has a reference to fandom which had me cracking up. Lovely read! ♥

Happily Ever After by aharesbreath (Arthur/Merlin, 2.8k, PG-13, modern AU, fluff)
In which Arthur rescues his damsel in distress and gets his happily ever after.
♥♥♥ I don't know what I was expecting but it certainly wasn't this lovely little fic. It's adorable in the best way, with a charming writing style that never felt too saccharine IMO. :D Also, ARTWORK!!!

For Starters by malu_3 (Arthur/Merlin, 15k, PG-13, modern AU, age difference & coming of age)
Pendragon’s restaurant is like a second home to ten-year-old Merlin, and the older Arthur his idol. Returning to Camelot after many years away, Merlin follows his nose and stomach back to Pendragon’s – and his heart to a new understanding of Arthur.
♥♥♥ Oh, this fic. How do I even begin? It's such a wonderful coming of age story with solid characterizations, strong writing and about the best damn child POV I've read in a while. It's simultaneously painful and yet also freeing--that change from child to adult and how it's shown to us feels a bit close to home. Also, ARTHURRRR. (I'm just imagining him with a more military-ish haircut here and it's doing things to me. But I digress.) It's a lot better than I'm making it sound but I'm all out of words tonight.

yoooo glomp_fest in the house.

P IS FOR PINING. P-P-P-PINING.

Arthur's Scandal by digthewriter (Arthur/Merlin, 4.3k, R, modern AU, fake relationship)
Arthur's been caught in a scandal, and he needs to establish a prominent relationship with someone who will help him with his image.
♥♥♥ This was a nice start to the fest. Pining! Pretend relationships! I liked M and A a lot in this story and was glad to finally see them get together. XD

I Only Wanna Dance With You by neuroticnick (Arthur/Merlin, 7.8k, NC-17, modern AU)
Merlin is in love with his best friend, Arthur. Every year they go to Gwen and Lance's spring party and every year Arthur leaves Merlin to dance with countless men while Merlin gets drunk. This year is different.
♥♥♥ I love this because they start out as friends already, and the awkward transition from friendship to something more was done well. It was adorable and--you can't go wrong with 1. teenagers 2. pining. PINING TEENAGERS. Also tongue piercings. Nuff said.

Golden Threads by mssdare (Arthur/Merlin, 11.6k, NC-17, canon, spells)
When Arthur drinks enchanted water Merlin does everything that is in his power to save his king, even if it breaks his heart.
♥♥♥ Whoa, Merlin is Piney McPine here. (My trope love, let me show you it.) That said, this is so beautifully written. I'd previously read the author's PL, so I knew the writing would be good. It's fantastic since I didn't expect such a lovely story from just the summary alone--but trust me, it turns into a beautiful canon fix-it (yes!) story. AND HOLY SHIT ARTHURRRR. ARTHUR, I want to hug this story's Arthur to bits. Ugh he was so Arthur. He was a great Arthur. A wonderful Arthur. I loved Gwen here as well. And the M/A relationship? TAKE MY HEARRRTTTTT.

For Every Hand is Lunatic by tu_es_mi_amour (Arthur/Merlin, 22 notes, PG, modern magical AU, epistolary)
Arthur and the knights are frat brothers who turn to their magical roommate Merlin to deal with various supernatural crises.
♥♥♥ What the summary says! This is a media fic and it's fantastic! The author has a great sense of their voices and it's adorable and hilarious at the same time. Go give them your love!!

I'll catch up with the rest on the weekend!

I might make this into a weekly thing.

The Telegraph Boy by corilannam (Arthur/Merlin, 2.6k, NC-17, historical)
Merlin had only meant to deliver a telegram. He hadn't meant to break the laws of God and Queen Victoria. Truly, he hadn't.
★★★ This was an extension of a Pthon entry and boy does it deliver. It's well-written and really, really hot. O___O I don't know why I hadn't read it before.

Mere Fancy by olavina (Arthur/Merlin, 13.5k, NC-17, modern AU, body issues)
[KMM fill] Arthur is a cryptozoologist. Merlin has a vestigial tail.
★★★ Talented is the author who takes a somewhat odd/cracky prompt and turns it into something human and relatable. This is a quirky and yet emotionally intimate tale of trust and adventure. Its issues are sensitively dealt with. I really enjoyed it.

From glomp_fest:

Mapping the Distance by emjayelle (Arthur/Merlin, 4.5k, NC-17, modern AU, professor/musician)
From the beginning, Arthur's unable to look away from Merlin, but there's just too much distance between them, too many moments stretched over too many years. But then there's music and hands, and the slow unfolding of time, until Arthur thinks it might not be so impossible to reach Merlin after all.
♥♥♥ I love this. It has a lot of beautiful turns of phrases and expressions and it's really vividly written. I love the observations made through the characters' eyes. Really lovely piece of writing, breathtaking for something that's less than 5k.

sense in a manner by preromantics (Arthur/Merlin, 3.4k, PG, modern AU)
Arthur makes what is probably qualified as a very undignified sleep-noise in response, something that vaugely planned to be a 'thanks' in his head. The boy spares him one more glance before leaving, probably under the impression Arthur is slow.
★★★ I loved this. It has a soft, flowing style that brings to mind hot, lazy summers and young love.

Spontaneity by anon (Arthur/Merlin, short, PG, modern AU)
[KMM fill] Arthur is a businessman with a very big, fancy office many, many floors up in a large sky-scraper. Merlin is the new window-washer.
★★★ This is a short bit of adorableness that you might have otherwise missed. ♥

The Sky Might Open Up by ekishou (Arthur/Merlin, 16k, NC-17, modern AU, escort)
For as long as he could remember, Arthur Pendragon has been expected to lead a certain kind of life: to earn top marks in school, to follow his father’s footsteps in politics, to marry a woman of which his father approves and present a particular image to the world. Arthur has always felt the weight of that duty acutely, which is why he has ruthlessly repressed his sexuality. It was a complication to the master plan he knows his father would never accept.
Arthur has never really allowed himself to act on his long-held, deeply-felt desires, but when a chance meeting with an old friend leads him to Merlin, a discreet, high-class escort, Arthur decides that — for once in his life — he is going to throw caution to the wind and experience what he’s been missing.
★★★ Rentboy!fic you might have missed from merlin_sexstars. Lovely turns of phrase and deeply satisfying.

I haven't read a few more that I wanted to, yet, but here are some recs before reveals go live.

FIC
Threads by corilannam (Arthur/Merlin, 5.7k, NC-17, canon AU, soulbonds)
Canon AU. When a visitor to Camelot tries to bind Arthur's heart for eternity, Merlin stops her--but ends up bound himself.
♥♥♥ I loved the old-school feeling of this. Spells gone awry! Soulbonds! Pining! I loved that the thread they were joined by was actually the weakest of everything that bound them together. THEIR LOVE IS CANON OK /sobbing

Christmas May Come a Little Late This Year by doctoraicha (Arthur/Merlin, 8.5k, G, modern AU, Hannukah!fic)
Arthur is a barrister, Merlin is a shopkeeper. Can they make it through flat building works, tough cases, and Hannukah gift misunderstandings to find love? And will Arthur ever stop lurking behind newspaper racks?
♥♥♥ Adorable in so many ways. So heart-warming, with Arthur just trying to be nice but it coming off wrong. I loved this.

What If I Told You? by cassie_black12 (Arthur/Merlin, 9.2k, PG-13, modern AU, closeted!fic)
Merlin's dreams of university life don't turn out quite the way he wanted.
♥♥♥ This is so heartbreaking. I really felt for the both of them here. I love the ache of break-up fics, and this is worse since to everyone else there was never a relationship. And ok, I just re-read this to rec it and it made me have tears in my eyes.

It Didn’t Mean Anything by xfortytwo (Arthur/Merlin, 9k, NC-17, modern AU, temporary bonding)
Merlin Emrys: receptionist at Camelot Inn and magic user in training, not yet certified. When something unexpected happens, Merlin has to use his magic to save Arthur. It has rather impractical consequences. To say the least. Merlin’s not entirely sure how they’re both going to get through this with their sanities intact.
♥♥♥ ALL THE PINING! (Today's recs have an unintended theme lol) I loved that Merlin's crush was already out, but it's not until they get forced to stay together that things change. :)) This was really nice.

ART
fly like great birds by fuckyeah (R, Arthur/Merlin, canon)
♥♥♥ So did you know the animal transformation trope is one of my fave? It is! And the story that goes with the manips really complements it.

A Christmas Tale by spacealtie (G, Arthur/Merlin, modern AU, Christmas trees)
♥♥♥ This is so adorable :333 And Arthur in glasses! I really love the colour palette as well.

Good Clean Fun by alby_mangroves (NSFW!!!!, Arthur/Merlin, canon, baths)
♥♥♥ ARTHUR AND MERLIN IN A BATHTUB RUBBA DUB DUB. Nuff said. Well, extra commentary: I really love the technical details of this, the shadows, the water, the expression. It's amazingly done.