stsg fic rec list (2023 edition)
I’ve skimmed through every single stsg fic published on AO3 in English in 2023 and here’s my humble rec list.
disclaimer: I strongly prefer goge dynamic in fics (top Gojo/bottom Geto), so in explicit fics this dynamic is implied. all works are completed
something you can hold on to. by saffrontea
this fic was accidentally the first one I really enjoyed when I started going through the tag and the one that left the most lasting impression. simultaneously it is a good example of what to expect from this list: our tastes in fiction probably align if you find this fic as beautiful as I do. it’s one of the better stsg fic out there and hands down the best Geto character study I’ve had a pleasure to read. very thoughtful and heartfelt piece about acceptance in its many forms, that is also beautifully written.
the eater, my birthmother, was speaking by No_Ir
this author have a very distinct style of writing which is just not my cup of tea, but I really liked this reflection on Gojo’s relationship with his mother.
i steal a glance, you steal my heart by fromthefarshore
a heartwarming canon compliant getting-together story, I loved that one for the banter that felt very natural and endearing characterisation. I also love fics where author portrays them as best friends that really enjoy each other's company (a feat not as simple as it might seem).
one solitary day by chuuyasoup
I feel like you must know this author if you ever read stsg fics before, they are very good. this fic is an exploration of mourning, there’s nothing bombastic going one, just a boy slowly coming to accept that his best friend is gone.
empty spaces by HamsterQinghua
I’m a sucker for fics with outsider POV, this one has absolutely delivered on it. fun and easy read (until it isn’t).
Heartstrung Ghosts by CharmPoint
another outsider POV, but this time reflecting on Geto’s death. I loved how author portrayed Gojo, Geto and Shoko relationship (none of this “trio” dynamic that is very much prevalent in the fandom). Yaga’s part was also extremely satisfying to read.
now & forever, time will tell by valisse
this fic is soft. the best kind of soft. it’s so very delicate with a touch of angst. I feel like the author also did an immense work with the text itself, the mood of the story and the style of writing are meshing together perfectly.
Paradise Calling by PreseaMoon
sensuality captured in a text like a lightning, I love how it’s not explicit, but it reads very much so. the fic is a real treat.
light a match by fromthefarshore
a rare AU fic, but I loved it a lot. again, the author did a lot of work to make a fic set in modern Japan read authentic. characters are easily recognizable, the romance is sweet and the plot is captivating, despite being just a description of day to day life basically. Geto is a monk in this one (not really), that was the premise I couldn’t resist. author also touched upon the subject of homophobia very delicately and tastefully, which left me pleasantly surprised.
The Spider's Bride by Anonymous
another AU, Geto is a chosen sacrifice for a Spider deity. tags say all you need to know about this fic, I can just add that it’s extremely well written. highly recommended if you are not put off by extremely dubious consent warning (and, well, everything else it has to offer).
symphony, coda by medicinal
one-shot about Gojo accidentally meeting Geto some years after his defection. I loved characterisation a lot, can easily picture it happening exactly like this in canon.
compulsion by aloera
multiverse kind of fic, with stsg being the doomed yaoi couple in all those different universes, it was a fun read (if your definition of fun is suffering).
catch it like lightning by pennydaniels
I feel like you must know this author if you ever read stsg fics before [2]. though they have a very peculiar characterisation, it’s really a hit or miss. but since in this fic Geto loses his memories, I wasn’t too distracted by it. it's one of those fics you simply can't put down until you finish it. and the next thing you know is you pulled an all-nighter and it's time to get up for work.
on the subject of misfortune by haysel
sentinels AU, which I didn’t really see before in English (basically it’s a soulmate AU, but edgy). this fic, however, is everything but. It’s subtle and clever in how it implements this particular AU in the canon setting. I’m a sucker for exploration of their codependency and all its implications, for these purposes this AU is just perfect.
