This blog recs fics that are five years or older from a variety of sources. It is multifandom, ship-and-let-ship and contains recs that range in rating from General Audiences to Explicit/R/NC-17.
Recs run on a queue.
Ask and Submission Policy
"Please help me find this lost fic" asks will be posted.
Recs will be queued if they meet the 5+ year threshold.
Asks may be answered infrequently.
Tagging & Info
All recs are tagged by fandom and ship.
Non-rec reblogs will be tagged #not a rec.
The included fic info varies by website. Ao3 tags are included in each posting but will not be tagged a second time. Other sources will include as much info as possible.
As this is a text-based blog, content warnings will not be tagged. Fics on older websites may not have the comprehensive tagging/warning system that Ao3 does. Please exercise caution if you are unfamiliar with the roulette that was fanfic discovery of the pre-Ao3 era.
A Thousand Ways to Fall in Love (But There is Only You) by MaskoftheRay
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne have never been friends. They’re barely acquaintances, most days. But Bruce did bring Superman back from the dead, and Clark respects that. Furthermore, he agrees with the ideals that the Justice League was founded on, so he is attempting to move on and forgive Batman for the role he played in Clark’s death.
The problem is that Clark’s brain doesn’t seem to be as on-board with that idea. Because it turns out that coming back from the dead was the easy part— now he has to live with it. So what do you do when you realize that the world isn’t perfect, and your best ally may be the very man who tried to bring you down? Clark doesn’t know, but he’s going to figure it out. The answer may be unexpected.
Rating: Mature
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandoms: Justice League (2017); Batman - All Media Types; Superman - All Media Types; Justice League - All Media Types
Relationships: Clark Kent & Bruce Wayne; Batman & Superman; Clark Kent & Martha Kent; Bruce Wayne & Alfred Pennyworth; Clark Kent & Diana Prince; Superman & Wonder Woman; Superman & the Justice League; Clark Kent & Mortality; Clark Kent & Alfred Pennyworth; Clark Kent/Bruce Wayne
Characters: Clark Kent; Bruce Wayne; Martha Kent; Alfred Pennyworth; Diana (Wonder Woman); Jonathan Kent (mentioned); Jor-ElToyman (mentioned); Victor Stone (Mentioned)
Translation into Tiếng Việt available: Vũ trụ, Thời gian, và Chúng ta by Likelightinglass by LamLinh
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Soulmate clocks start ticking when you first lock eyes, and count down until your time with them is over. Harry’s starts ticking on September 1st, 1991. He has only six years, eight months, and one day.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling
Relationship: Harry Potter/Severus Snape
Characters: Harry Potter;Severus Snape
Additional Tags: Soulmates; Soulmate-Identifying Marks; Soulmate-Identifying Timers; Angst; Angst with a Happy Ending; Mortality; Implied/Referenced Character Death; but don't worry it doesn't stick; Discussions of death
Neme-Versary (Hand-to-Tail combat) by LooneyMooney
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Dear P the P,
Happy Neme-versary. You know, like you're my nemesis and it's our anniversary? Neme-versary!!! It's clever with a touch of evil. And evil wouldn't be the same without you. Come by and we'll celebrate. And by "celebrate," I mean I will trap you in a cage and we'll engage in hand-to-tail combat.
Dr. D
Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Phineas and Ferb
Relationship: Heinz Doofenshmirtz/Perry the Platypus
Characters: Heinz Doofenshmirtz; Perry the Platypus
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
But Radar can sometimes tell what’s going to happen before it does, and he can sometimes tell what people are thinking and feeling, and recently Radar has been picking up different kinds of thoughts and feelings from Hawkeye. Thoughts and feelings that he doesn’t particularly want to dwell on, except he can’t help himself.
Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: MASH (TV)
Relationship: Radar O'Reilly/Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce
Characters: Radar O'Reilly; Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce; Frank Burns (So Briefly)
Additional Tags: Psychic Abilities; First Time Blow Jobs; First Time
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
A meta-human with Cupid-like powers whammies Barry to fall in love with the first person he sees. Just his luck it happened to be Captain Cold.
(“He hasn’t let go of me for almost an hour,” says Len, focusing his steel on Cisco, who shrinks considerably.
“’Cause I love you,” says Barry beside him, his teeth gleaming as he grins. He tries to kiss Len again—god, the seventh time?)
Rating: Mature
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: The Flash (TV 2014)
Relationships: Barry Allen/Leonard Snart; Captain Cold/The Flash
Characters: Barry Allen; Leonard Snart; Cisco Ramon; Caitlin Snow; Mick Rory; Lisa Snart; Joe West; Iris West; Eddie Thawne; Patty Spivot; Mark Mardon; Hartley Rathaway; Lashawn "Shawna" Baez
Additional Tags: Affection; Fluff; Angst; Enemies to Lovers; barry is a lovesick idiot; len feels like the world is laughing at himpretend!boyfriends; Kinda; barry physically cannot leave len's side; minor consent issues; UST; sort of au after season 1; Roommates; Carnival; Eddie Lives; No Singularity; Hurt/Comfort; Slow Burn; The Rogues - Freeform; Minor Violence; Injury Recovery; Angst with a Happy Ending
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Of course this had to happen. Of fucking course. Only Barry Allen could possibly manage to avoid the explosion that levelled half of Central City and yet inexplicably manage to get struck by fucking lightning.
On the night of the particle accelerator explosion, the love of Leonard's life is hit by lightning and Len's whole world begins to fall apart. Mick Rory and a bottle of whiskey are there to pick up the pieces.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category: M/M
Fandom: The Flash (TV 2014)
Relationship: Barry Allen/Leonard Snart
Characters: Leonard Snart; Barry Allen; Iris West;Joe West; Mick Rory
Additional Tags: Angst; oh so much angst; Leonard beats the shit out of a few people
Repeat Your Favorite Mistakes And Love Them All Again by watchingthestars13
🔒*Please sign in to Ao3 before clicking the link
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
"Oh dear," came Alfred's surprised voice from the stairs, and all of them turned to look at him. His face was a little pale as he stared at all the boys, Jason's huge t-shirt, Tim's dress, Damian wrapped in a spare cape that was in the batmobile. At least Dick was able to fit into Tim's Red Robin pants, and Jason in Damian's Robin pants.
Had Bruce been a lesser man, he would've said 'dear god, help'. All it took now was for their eyes to meet before Alfred composed himself.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandoms: DCU; DCU (Comics); Batman - All Media Types; Nightwing (Comics); Red Robin (Comics); Red Hood (Comics); Robin (Comics); Superman - All Media Types
Relationships: Clark Kent/Bruce Wayne; Batfamily - Relationship; Tim Drake/Kon-El | Conner Kent
Characters: Bruce Wayne; Damian Wayne; Dick Grayson; Jason Todd; Tim Drake; Alfred Pennyworth; Clark Kent; Diana (Wonder Woman); Zatanna Zatara; Cassandra Cain; Barbara Gordon; Stephanie Brown; Talia al Ghul; Roy Harper; Kon-El | Conner Kent; Martha Kent; Hal Jordan; Oliver Queen; Barry Allen (last three briefly)
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
After dying, Clark needs to fall in love with humanity all over again. Thankfully, he has some help with that. (Or the one where the batkids accidentally on purpose initiate Clark into their lives and Bruce is a little amused by the whole thing. In fact, he may be encouraging it.)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandoms: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice; Man of Steel (2013); Batman - All Media Types; Superman - All Media Types; DC Extended Universe
Relationships: Clark Kent/Bruce Wayne; Clark Kent & Bat Family
Characters: Clark Kent; Bruce Wayne; Lois Lane; Dick Grayson; Jason Todd; Tim Drake; Alfred Pennyworth; Justice League (DCU)
Additional Tags: Past Clark Kent/Lois Lane; Protective Bruce Wayne; Post-Justice League (2017); Clark Kent Angst; Batfamily Feels
An attempt at aggregating the events I’ve seen. Not affiliated with any event organizers. Key: ☼ Writing - ♥ Reading. (Updated: 2/4/25)
JANUARY
All Month :
♥ - FaFiCoWriMo / Fanfic Comment Writing Month ( @faficowrimo )
Challenge: Comment on every fic you read during the month of January
☼ - Whumpuary ( @whumpuary )
Daily whump-themed writing prompts
Last Two Weeks of January :
☼ / ♥ - Genuary ( @genuary-fic-event )
Authors / readers share favored Gen fics on social media & add them to the annual Genuary AO3 collection
FEBRUARY
All Month :
☼ - February Ficlet Challenge ( @februaryficletchallenge)
Write a 200+ word ficlet based of the daily surprise prompt. Comes with a yearly ao3 collection.
☼ / ♥ - Femslash February
Event celebrating femslash pairings. Participate by writing, reading, commenting on, and recommending femslash fics. Applicable works can be added to the open ao3 collection and tagged with #femslash february
☼ / ♥ - Femslash February Celebrates Black Women
Under the Femslash February umbrella, this event celebrates Black History Month and uses the additional '#femslash february celebrates black women' & '#ffcbw' tags.
☼ - FebuWhump ( @febuwhump )
A month of creating whump works guided by a daily prompt list.
☼ - Feveruary ( @feveruary )
A month of sickfic-based writing prompts.
☼ - Kinkuary ( @kinkuary )
A month of kink-based creative writing prompts.
February 10th - 14th :
☼ - FicWIP's "Hey, Sweetheart" Challenge - ( @ficwip )
Challenge: Use the pet name "sweetheart" in fic or art.
February 15th :
☼ / ♥ - International Fanworks Day / IFD
Celebrates fanwork and has a new general theme every year. Hosted by the OTW, they usually run a week of events to celebrate which (can) include: essay calls, surveys, drabble challenges, games & trivia, along with the annual feedback fest post which solicits 10 fic recs based of the prompt of the year. Applicable works can use the ao3 tag.
MARCH
All Month :
☼ - FicWIP's Level Up Challenge - ( @ficwip )
Running through all of February & March, this challenge asks you to pick an aspect of your chosen creative craft you'd like to improve on and see that goal through.
☼ - Multiamory March ( @polyamships )
Create daily polyam-themed work with an optional prompt list and submit to the ao3 collection.
☼ - Do-May-Stic ( @domaystic )
Daily domestic-themed writing prompts. Includes a yearly ao3 collection.
☼ - MerMay
A month of mermaid-themed creative prompts. While perhaps more widely used by visual artists, AO3 has thriving yearly tags for the event.
☼ - Whumpay ( @whumpay )
Daily whump-themed writing prompts
JUNE
All Month :
☼ / ♥ - Gen Work June ( @genworkjune )
Authors / readers share favored Gen fics on social media & add them to the AO3 collection. Writing prompts also available.
♥ - Fanfic Summer Reading Program (Northern Hemisphere) ( @ao3commentoftheday )
A summer-long challenge to encourage people to read and interact with a variety of fics. Mostly self-guided, but comes with a number of attractive achievement badges.
☼ -AU-gust / Alternate Universe August ( @augustwritingchallenge )
Daily AU-themed writing prompts. Comes with yearly ao3 collection.
☼ - Fic WIP 5k - ( @ficwip5k )
Challenge: Write a complete AU for any fandom in 5,000 words or less.
☼ - Writer's Month ( @writersmonth )
Daily fiction writing prompts. Offers personalized badges at the end and has a yearly ao3 collection.
August 21st :
♥ - Fanfiction Author Appreciation Day
A day to celebrate your favorite fic authors, customarily by commenting on their work, sending a nice message to their ask box, and/or mentioning them in a rec post with the '#Fanfiction Writers Appreciation Day' & '#FFWAD' tags.
SEPTEMBER
All Month :
☼ - Sapphic September ( @sapphic-september )
Daily sapphic prompts with a yearly ao3 collection.
☼ - Sicktember ( @sicktember )
Daily sickfic prompts with a yearly ao3 collection.
☼ - Tropetember ( @tropetember )
Daily prompts based off popular fanfic tropes (5+1, one bed, etc.) with a yearly ao3 collection.
1st Week :
☼ - Trick or Treat Exchange (Begins)
Annual fic/fanart exchange for hosted on ao3. Prep/sign-ups begin in September, and fics are revealed on Oct. 31st to the annual ao3 collection.
2nd Week:
☼ - Yuletide Secret Santa (Begins)( @yuletidetreasure )
Annual fic exchange for rare/obscure fandoms hosted on ao3. Prep/sign-ups begin in fall, and fics are revealed on Dec. 25th.
September 15th :
♥ - Comment Day ( @comment-day )
Pick 1+ fics and leave a detailed, personalized comment.
OCTOBER
All Month :
☼ [BLANK]-ober Daily Writing Challenges
In the spirit of inktober, a drawing challenge that encourages artists to draw start and finish a small drawing daily, often guided by prompts, many creative-writing-centric events have sprung up. Some are more self-directed than others.
☼ - Fictober ( @fictober-event ) - general fiction writing prompts
☼ - Flufftober ( @flufftober ) - fluff-based prompts
☼ - Kinktober - kink-based prompts
☼ - OC-tober - Make art about your OCs daily
☼ - OTP-tober - Make art about your OTP daily
☼ - Whumptober ( @whumptober ) - whump-based prompts
Final Week of October :
♥ - Just Leave a Comment Fest ( @justleaveacommentfest )
Challenge: leave as many comments as possible. Each day comes with an optional reading theme. Mini-events are often run throughout the year.
☼ / ♥ - FicWIP's Ship Week - ( @ficwip )
Multifandom week of celebrating shipping. Includes a week of writing prompts and a support bingo board for non-writers.
October 31st :
☼ - Good Intentions WIP Fest ( @goodintentionswipfest)
A day for celebrating/sharing/posting abandoned WIPS by submitting them to the ao3 collection. Let's give the dead a proper send off.
☼ - Trick or Treat Exchange (Revealed)
Annual fic/fanart exchange hosted on ao3. Prep/sign-ups begin in September, and fics are revealed on Oct. 31st to the annual ao3 collection.
NOVEMBER
All Month :
☼ - Novella November ( @novella-november )
Challenge: Write 30,000 words.
☼ - Rough Draft Month ( @roughdraftmonth )
Challenge: Bring a creative project to completion alongside of other creatives doing the same. Comes with different levels of word-count goals and a flex goal option.
DECEMBER
All Month :
☼ - Hurtcember ( @hurtcember )
Daily whump-themed writing prompts
♥ - Zero Comment Challenge ( @polizwrites )
Challenge: Comment on one or more works with zero comments.
♥ - Fanfic Summer Reading Program (Southern Hemisphere) ( @ao3commentoftheday )
A summer-long challenge to encourage people to read and interact with a variety of fics. Mostly self-guided, but comes with a number of attractive achievement badges.
December 13th - 25th :
☼ - 12 Days of [Blank]
Old fandom tradition of doing daily prompts in the 12 days leading up to Christmas. Some are more self-directed than others.
☼ - 12 Days of Christmas ( @12daysofchristmas ) - 12 days of holiday/winter-themed writing prompts.
☼ - Fluffmas - 12 days of fluff, #fluffmas
☼ - Kinkmas - 12 days of kink, #kinkmas
☼ - Smutmas - 12 days of smut, #smutmas
December 25th :
☼ - Yuletide Secret Santa (Revealed)( @yuletidetreasure )
Annual fic exchange for rare/obscure fandoms hosted on ao3. Prep/sign-ups begin in fall, and fics are revealed on Dec. 25th to the annual ao3 collection.
