according to An Immense World, apparently giant squid eyes are, like, UNREASONABLY large, even for something their size living at those depths. the next largest eyes on earth, blue whale eyes, are less than half the size, and swordfish, who live at similar depths as giant squid and have the largest eyes of any fish, have eyes that could fit inside a giant squid's pupil.
eyes hit serious diminishing returns wrt resource costs vs vision quality as they get bigger, so the question became: what the FUCK do giant (and colossal) squid need to see so badly that they couldn't see with swordfish-sized eyes that's justifying that massive energy cost? that nothing else in the deep ocean needs to see so fucking badly??
turns out the one strength eyes that big really have over much smaller eyes is: seeing large glowing objects in water deeper than 500 meters from an appreciable distance.
sperm whales are the primary predator of giant squid. sperm whales don't glow. BUT! water that deep is full of bioluminescent creatures-- these creatures light up when bumped into. something a sperm whale's size is continuously bumping into those critters, it's just surrounded by a glowing field all the time when it's swimming at those depths, visible from a distance-- if you have the right eyes-- as a massive glowing shape. so basically the only reason to have eyes the size of soccer balls is if you live in the deep ocean and your life depends on having a heads up when a hungry sperm whale lurking around
and also I gotta say, the imagery... the huge lurking threat betrayed only by the ambiguous glowing shape of its movements through the water, is really evocative, if spooky deep-sea games aren't already using that to make things extremely ominous then they should really start
❄️Any Zayne girlies here? I hope I managed to capture his features… it was the first time I tried to draw him.
I love Zayne… but in a different way. I don't know why, but while reading the story, I kept getting these 'father figure' vibes, the kind I never really had. There was something so comforting about him, so familial… The way he’s always checking if I’ve eaten or worrying about my health… He’s just such a good man.
Finally coming out of the slump! Thank you for the wait! I know I still have hot spring Caleb's unfinished WIP, but I also know stressing over finishing it will do me no good 💆
I also will sell digital fancomic on my Ko-Fi later if it's more than 5 pages, currently working on it (There will still be free comics so dont worry :D)
you can be peeling a boiled egg and think to yourself wow. that was so simple. and then you peel another one and it’s like being in the throes of war. shell everywhere. egg mangled. tears in your eyes. that’s how god keeps you humble
with my commentary :) (i fear it is very easy to tell what i like)
will continue to be updated • please mind any mdni tags!
feel free to recommend any fics to be added! (asks and dms are open!) and please let me know if any links don’t work.
I tried really hard to find a good variety of fics from a lot of authors, but putting together a fic rec list is kind of difficult. There are so many treasures I missed, so please don’t take it to heart if your fic did not get mentioned, and feel free to even recommend it be added!
STARRING: XAVIER SHEN
Sleep Well, Little Star | @loveanddeephistory
As someone who took a minute to warm up to Xavier, this firmly got me in the boat and helped me understand a lot of his characterization, especially because it’s so expertly done. I think the approach to the self aware trope is so incredibly interesting here that I’ve already re-read it a couple times. I absolutely love this fic and really consider this to be the fic that got me obsessed with Xavier.
Random Xavier Headcanons | @xaviersbunny
I think these bring some adorable and hilarious points of view on Xavier that might not seem obvious at first but are so true. Prepare to see xaviersbunny a few more times lol, her random headcanons are perfectly in character and I couldn’t leave them out.
Paper Rings (and All My Dreams) | @starryeyed-knight
The sentimental side of Xavier is one I think we don’t get to see very often, and I cannot express how much I love it whenever I get a glimpse. There’s something so intimate about this fic, it truly feels like a secret whispered between lovers.
Thrown to the Wolves | @xinghuisknight
This hurts in the best way possible. Each line in this fic is so beautifully written, it’s impossible to pick out a favorite quote. Everything about this is just masterfully done, and the emotions are so raw and real. It’s absolutely delicious.
Into the Sun | @starkissedxav
Xavier has such a subtle kind of care that I absolutely love to see. He’s so attentive and observant, and this fic makes sure that that aspect shines through. This fic is so wonderfully soft, it feels like a warm hug with every sentence. It holds a good reminder that although things may get heavy, there’s always someone to help lighten the load.
STARRING: ZAYNE LI
To Come Home | @mythblossoms
So domestic and sweet, this is what Zayne truly deserves. I love the way this fic is written, the subtle care and love feels like it’s woven into each sentence.
Random Zayne Headcanons | @xaviersbunny
These made me laugh so hard and manage to show some (albeit minor) faults in the typically picture-perfect Doctor Zayne. I love seeing different sides of him in these headcanons that aren’t front and center in a lot of the in-game cards.
Love Beyond the Game | @pawpurrin
I really love the self aware turned reverse isekai perspective of this fic, and it really kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved seeing the slow build of the relationship and all the comforting domesticity. The sad ending is so beautifully heartbreaking, and the happy ending is just perfectly warm, I love them both.
Learned by Heart | @deepspacenova
Zayne and his way of loving is captured beautifully here. I live for the domesticity of their love. And his little nerdy side is absolutely adorable (as expected lol). This is certain to make anyone fall in love with him, whether they’re a Zayne main or not.
More than Macarons | @miscellaneous-misty
Zayne is so pathetically in love in this fic, it’s absolutely adorable. Seeing him so unguarded is so much fun, it’s almost as if he’s letting out his inner child that’s never gotten a chance to shine. Even our most stoic doctor deserves a moment of relief <3
Two Halves of a Whole | @snowypi
What can I say, I love the yearning. And this fic might just be the personification of it. Seeing Zayne so (quite honestly) pathetically in love is so heartwarming. This sort of innocent love is hard to come by in the aptly-called Love and Depression, but seeing it here feels so natural. It’s just like a warm embrace.
My Love Mine All Mine | @zaynezone
This almost made me cry. The descriptions of the aftermath of a nightmare were perfect, and Zayne’s comfort was absolutely wonderful. I love seeing his authoritative care throughout, and the his comments about alternate universes really stuck with me. I just love this piece so much.
STARRING: RAFAYEL QI
Masks | @dissociativewriter
There are so many metaphors woven throughout this fic that I absolutely love seeing built upon as it continues. The use of masks to show Rafayel’s struggle to be himself felt so real and the depictions of depression felt so real. This is just such an interesting read that I’ve come back to read a few times.
Vlogger!Rafayel Tries to Survive a Week Without You | @jellyelle
The progression on this is absolutely perfect, it makes this fic such an entertaining read. I love Rafayel slowly descend into that pathetic loverboy who misses his cutie. A perfect amount of dramatization and realness combine to make a perfect characterization.
Precipices | @starryeyed-knight
There’s so much yearning in this fic and I love it so much. Abysswalker!Rafayel is such an interesting character, and being able to see through his nonchalant mask is wonderful. Combine that with beautiful prose, and this fic is just absolutely amazing.
His Hands, Your Sculptor | @soursugarbomb
This fic is just so beautifully poetic. It’s a wonderful examination of Rafayel’s character and the way he loves. His need to have this love last without slipping through his hands is heartbreaking, and the entire fic is just gorgeous. In my opinion, it’s a must-read.
Random Rafayel Headcanons | @xaviersbunny
These are sure to bring a laugh while also being so true to his character. There’s a unique perspective on Rafayel here that I think isn’t seen very often but is so so correct. I think this really shows that chaotic nature of his personality, and the vulnerability hiding not far beneath the surface.
Eye of the Beholder | @dissociativewriter
I really love the perspective on art and beauty here and I think it correctly shows how Rafayel would view it as well. It’s an unexpectedly comforting read with a lot of beauty to be found in such a short fic.
Submerged Devotion | @acaffeinated-constellation
Seeing it go from self aware to reverse-isekai is soooo cool. Lemurian Sea God Rafayel is so beautiful and terrifying to see, and I love the way he appears in this fic. Throughout this entire series, there is such creativity flowing through it that keeps me intrigued and on my toes.
Paparazzi and Parasols | @hirayalia
It’s just so cute to see Rafayel get flustered (I love his little blush!) but I really love the relationship dynamic they have going on here. I don’t see the bodyguard role come into play a lot in fics, and I love seeing it here. Plus Rafayel is so perfectly dramatic, this is just an adorably entertaining read all around.
STARRING: SYLUS QIN
Relentless Conqueror | @dragondelulu
This really captures the strategist part of Sylus’s character, and it perfectly meshes with the softness he holds for his love. Seeing him quickly adapting to life in a new world is so interesting to see, this fic is just perfect.
CEO!Sylus x Secretary!Reader | @souliloqui
Hilariously combining the Y/N & CEO trend with a delusion Y/N makes this one of the funniest fics I’ve read. Even through that humor, there are moments of vulnerability in the series that I love getting glimpses of, however brief. This is a spectacular read all around.
Crow Family Shenanigans | @dissociativewriter
Luke and Kieran as six year olds is something I didn’t know I needed, and yet I’m obsessed. Quiet family life with Sylus is absolutely adorable, and seeing him navigate the possibility of a new relationship even with his trust issues and desire to protect his sons is so interesting and wonderful to see.
Sylus’s Little Twins | @abyssyby
Urs gives Sylus the soft epilogue he truly deserves, and Lucian and Kyros are so insanely adorable, I can’t take it. Managing to make everything so intimate and yet silly is truly a gift, and this is a must-read for anyone, Sylus main or not.
Until You Are Ready | @atzeroo
Sylus’s insistence that his partner recognize their worth is displayed beautifully here, and in a way that is sure to comfort the reader as well. Though it nearly made me cry, this is a fic I’ve reread again and again due to the quiet beauty of it.
To Call | @terriblesoup
Seeing Sylus’s reaction to someone finally trusting him with their vulnerability is somewhat heartbreaking, and yet beautiful at the same time. I love this fic and I think it truly shows Sylus’s tendency to take care of those close to him, it’s all just so so sweet.
The Choices We Make | @thechaoticarchivist
I, unfortunately, have not yet read nearly as much of this series as I would have liked to. However, from the very beginning, it becomes so clear why everyone who reads this fic so highly recommends it. Masterful writing and an intriguing plot line make this an absolutely wonderful read. :)
Doomed | @dissociativewriter
Though some of the gore may be a bit difficult to get through, the raw devotion of this fic is beautiful. It nearly made me cry but it’s so worth it. Poetic throughout, the yearning and heartache makes this a wonderful read.
Sweetness | @terriblesoup
I really love quiet comfort with Sylus, and this fic might just be the personification of that. He always gives his lover the space to be themselves, and this really shows his need to have them come to him first. I think everyone needs an understanding like what Sylus gives here.
Oceans | @blessdunrest-deactivated2026042
Don’t worry, the link still works even though blessdunrest deactivated (I made sure it was a reblog lol). A wonderful snowcrow fic that puts Sylus’s insecurities at the forefront. I love the way it addresses his hesitance and blessdunrest always writes the most beautiful fics.
Random Sylus Headcanons | @xaviersbunny
To me these really let Sylus’s softer side shine through. Giggling at kids movies and being so willing to dote on his lover, it all just makes him seem more endearing. These headcanons seem nothing like the intimidating persona he often puts on, and yet they’re so in-character at the same time.
STARRING: CALEB XIA
Echo | @mythblossoms
This is such a beautifully crafted story. The depression is so real and viscerally depicted, and (without spoiling lol) the feeling that something is wrong follows you through the entire fic. It’s just expertly written and a wonderful read that had my head spinning.
His Hands, Your Gravity | @soursugarbomb
This is so gorgeously written that it honestly hurts. The way Caleb revolves around you, and the way you revolve around him in your own little universe is so beautiful. It’s just beautifully written, I’m afraid I’m at a loss for words.
Random Caleb Headcanons | @xaviersbunny
This really emphasizes Caleb’s different facets, although his habit of not taking care of himself is a moment of heartbreak in the midst of funny headcanons. Either way, Kenn once again nails characterization with some funnier perspectives.
Forget Me Not | @lowkeylaufeysons
Caleb is so disgustingly adorable in this and I am here for it. Seeing him have a naive sort of innocence, however brief, is absolutely wonderful. This is so sweet, seriously.
Making Up After a Fight | @starryeyed-knight
The aftermath of a fight always holds an interesting air, especially with such an intense character as Caleb. His devotion shines through, but even more so is his desperate reliance on MC. A wonderful hurt/comfort dynamic that I think sheds a lot of light on Caleb’s character.
Text Me Back When You Get Home | @someonestopsoren
This hurts so much. The grief, the feeling that something is missing, the regret is all beautifully written. I really enjoy any fics that show MC grieving Caleb, and the loss is so fresh in this fic that each feeling seems so real, like it’s happening to me.
Figured You Out | @deepspacenova
There’s something terrifying about this fic in a way that’s uniquely Caleb. His yandere tendencies dictate such a huge part of his character, and I think this fic expertly puts them front and center. It’s so interesting to read and really kept me on the edge of my seat.
Rely on Me | @mrsqins
I think this perfectly portrays the friction in Caleb and MC’s relationship after his return, as well as Caleb’s desperation to have her rely on him. Every reaction felt raw and real, and the shift from reliance to independence is so interesting to see.
MULTI
Meet Cute Scenarios | @chronosdawn
Each scenario is so cute (as the title suggests) it makes my heart hurt. Each interaction is so different and yet perfectly fits the kind of relationship I think each Love Interest would encourage. It seems like a view into a much softer world than that of the Love and Deepspace universe, and one I would definitely recommend.
Soulmates?! | @starkissedxav
This is absolutely adorable. Little glimpses of vulnerability combined with some flustered-ness makes this so sickeningly sweet. And there are some beautiful lines in here to boot. Just a wonderful read all around.
LADS Men Read Thirst Tweets | @jellyelle
This is so incredibly funny, I love it so much. Zayne misunderstanding everything is hilarious, Rafayel consistently mentioning his bodyguard is so evil of him, Sylus living up to his grandpa nickname is perfect, Xavier being so naive is adorable, and Caleb just feeding into everything is so mischievous. This is just so perfect, I love it.
Falling For You | @heartofafiend
To me, this really is a great examination on how the Love Interests love and what they tend to focus on. Each of them have a tendency to almost worship their significant other, and this fic picks apart how they would go about that. Plus it’s so, so sweet.
Oh, You’re a Disaster, Aren’t You? | @xxfrozenpearlsxx
I think this fic really shows each Love Interest’s desire to take care of their lover and the different ways they go about it. The comfort and subtle authority is just so perfectly in character, I found this to be a wonderfully heartwarming read.
Unnatural Affinity | @dissociativewriter
This is a perspective on isekai that I don’t see very often. I love the feelings of dissociation littered throughout and it truly keeps you on your toes. Heartbreaking at times and comforting in another, this is definitely a unique read that I keep coming back to.
At the Beach | @lunarify
Pure fluff that I think shows the kind of softness the Love Interests deserve in a relationship. I absolutely love seeing them away from the stress and pressure of their normal lives, and what better way to decompress than a day at the beach with their lover? ;)
Thunder Muffin | @gardenialily
This has to be the funniest Love and Deepspace fic I’ve read. The dynamics of each Love Interest combine beautifully here into a dramatically funny AU that I can’t wait to see more of.
What Will Happen to the LADS Men When You Finally Choose? | @snowypi
This is a difficult read, but it is so viscerally true. Each reaction feels so in character and the pain feels so real. I hate that they can’t all be chosen, but I guess that’s just how the story goes. I love seeing this interpretation of their characters. It’s the truth, no matter how bitter it tastes.
!!! asklfkalfklae omg thank you so much for including my work in this list! And not just one fic, but two! I'm so humbled, thank you, really!
I was struggling with my cyclical Big Stupid Feelings about my writing, so this definitely came at the right time :)
It must have taken a lot of time to include your thoughts for every single fic, wow! You are so sweet for doing this.
This is a great list, I'll definitely check some of these out.
Thank you again, sending good things your way op 💖🌹
