Transformers Iacon Literature Fest 2019
it’s time for @cannibalisticcutie’s TFILF again! already missed a few days, alas. so I’m just gonna rec some good angst AUs, since they’re my jam!
Reprise d'Attaque by @neveralarch
Fencing AU! Because in what other sport would Starscream have a convenient excuse to take a flying leap at someone with a pointy weapon? Reprise is the first fic in the Attaque Composée series, and I don’t know a thing about fencing, but I know some good writing, some delicious Starscream trauma, and some sweet Starscream/Wheeljack when I read it. The translation from canon Autobot/Decepticon wartime interaction to a long-standing space alien robot fencing feud is perfectly done, the Starscream characterization is fucking crisp, Stageflight is best girl who emulates Starscream’s victory screech when she scores points, and in at least one tumblr-only ficlet Wheeljack jokes about getting a mustache. 10/10, would scream again. I need...more...
And I Alone Have Escaped To Tell You by @astolat
With an additional plug here for @shibara‘s absolutely gorgeous fanart for this fic, located here: http://shibara.tumblr.com/post/179461125334/aaaah-it-is-finished-this-piece-is-a-lonnng. It feels almost redundant to rec one of Astolat’s fics when they’re so well known, but the fact is her writing is phenomenal, I’m a sucker for competency porn-style/time travel/fix it fic (especially ones where you get to explore people’s reactions to someone who’s just that good), and I do so enjoy works that do Quintessons right. Cyclonus winds up with a second chance to do things right after losing everything, and by god is he going to be good at it.
You Are Listening To by @zekkass
Nonbinary Soundwave, check. A stunning exploration of some G1 AU worldbuilding, check. Soundwave/Optimus, check. Soundwave is a deeply integrated part of the living comms/datanet, part of the unique kind of community politics and culture that stems from what kind of information and coverage you provide in the network as you move up in the city, and I adore the perspective and tone it gives the narration from Soundwave’s point of view. I recommended it already for last year’s TF literature fest, but I’m doing it again.
Your Face Becomes The Sun by @spockandawe
I just reread this at regular intervals and noodle about Starbladejack to friends constantly. The slow, growing discomfort as Wheeljack struggles to balance his old relationships with his current loyalties when he goes to visit Earth, while OP pushes more than he should, and then the relief and comfort once Wheeljack gets some space to breathe is v cathartic, and I love it.