#omgcp fic recs

[doggernaut]

Thank you to @parvuls for the BINGO card and motivation to do this. I love fic, and I love sharing fic recs (and I love hunting down fics for people!), especially those that fly under the radar. I think there's a good mix of "classics" and what I hope will become new favorites for people in here.

(I'm going for the blackout here, folks, but will post one line at a time because I just got back from one trip and am trying to plan another (not to mention catch up on everything I put off during the week I was away), and putting these rec lists together is time consuming. )

genfic (no ships) • Atwater Market by WrathoftheStag (@wrathofthestag)

I love this little fic about Bitty and Bob bonding as they shop for dinner. There's something really satisfying about reading about positive relationships between a character and their partner's family members, and I love that Bitty and Bad Bob have their own "thing" they're able to connect over that has nothing to do with Jack. @wrathofthestag also writes so evocatively about cities and food; when I can’t travel, her fics scratch that itch.

crossover • And the Day Winding Like Dreams by HugeAlienPie (@hugealienpie)

This is less a crossover than it is a fic inspired by Inception, though characters from that movie are mentioned in passing. What this is is a fic that takes Inception’s world building and skillfully transfers it to a post-canon SMH fic that’s also a heist AU and an incredibly romantic getting together story. Read it even if you aren’t familiar with Inception; I did and I loved it, and when I finally saw the movie it was that much easier to follow because I’d read this fic.

hurts so good • This Unsheltered Place  by westernredcedar (@thewesternredcedar)

Buckle up and brace yourself because this is it, the ultimate angst fic. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read this fic and still have to skim the first few chapters because they’re so painful. But, painful in w way that poking at a bruise is kind of satisfying. Despite the pain, this is one of my top five fics of all time. Yes, there is a breakup, but the coming back together is so satisfying and, because of the way it happens, feels so earned. This is also a wonderful Jack Zimmermann character study that delves into his anxieties and insecurities (a thing that @thewesternredcedar is so so good at in every fic). His decisions in this fic aren’t always the best decisions but they always make sense, and that’s largely because the author is so skillful at making the reader to see Bitty through Jack’s eyes. (Mind the tags, because I mean it when I say this one can be rough.)

still a WIP • It's Only a Change of Time  by Sophia_Prester (@missweber)

I don't want to say too much about this time loop fic but that's because 23 (out of a projected 25) chapters in, I still can't begin to guess how it's going to end. It's a time loop and a mystery and there's a bit of hockey history and Jack Zimmermann/Zimmermann family backstory thrown in as well. Johnson is there. Through it all, it's Jack's love for Bitty and the life he wants to build with him that drives him to do what he does. Over and over again. This fic is so well thought out and executed. As soon as it finishes I plan to read it all over again from the beginning because I know I'll see things I missed the first time around.

you read it instead of sleeping • Heart of Ice by flowerfan (@flowerfan2)

This is a 55K fic that I read in one night. I couldn’t put it down. Without giving too much away, it’s a mystery of sorts that begins with Jack disappearing. I read this straight through because I couldn’t sleep without knowing why Jack left. The chapters depicting the months Bitty spends alone, grieving the end of his relationship and forging ahead with his post-college life, felt as long to me as they must have to him. As the story progresses the reason for Jack’s disappearance, and the way he and Bitty navigate their new normal upon his return, is slowly revealed. This fic is so well-crafted and though an AU, it has all of the elements of a classic Zimbits fic: their love for one another despite the apparent obstacles, and Bitty’s kindness and belief in Jack, are its foundation. 

#omgcp #omgcp fic recs #omgcp fic rec bingo

[ohyoufool]

yo!

Want to know MY thoughts?

Read “creation myth” on ao3

by @montrealmadison and @ohyoufool

#omgcp #i speak #omg check please #zimbits #omgcheckplease #eric bittle #jack zimmermann #check please #omgcp polls #fic rec #kent parson

[omgpoindexter]

any nurseydex fics on ur mind lately? I find myself thinking about them more lately but seem to have read everything for them!

to be honest i’ve not been reading too many new fics lately, i’ve mainly been writing. hopefully some of my own fics will be out there and on your mind early next year!

but here’s some from the amazing folks on this here site that stay on my mind. most of them aren’t new, i’m not very good at keeping up to date, but hopefully there’s something new for you here that you’ll love!

under the cut because this got long <3

a comprehensive guide to not talking about it by @alocalband

Nursey tried to kiss him.

Derek Nurse tried to kiss him.

The more Dex thinks about it, the more absolutely ridiculous it sounds.

one of my favourite fics of all time. just perfect. read anything by them actually, they’re all brilliant! this one though, i revisit it so often i could recite it by now.

to be alone with you also by alocalband

Will and Derek spend their junior year learning how to live together, learning how to be friends, and, eventually, figuring out that they'd like to be more.

im not going to list all of their fics (even though i could) but this one needs listing. always on my mind.

marie, hold on tight (and down we went) by @petedavidsonscock

Nursey says, “I’m melancholic as fuck right now, bros.”

Chowder opens his mouth to prompt him to continue, but Dex elbows him and mutters, “Don’t encourage him.”

short but so, so sweet. they’re best friends!!! also poor chowder. his endless over it-ness is one of my favourite nurseydex tropes

counting stars (what we could be) also by petedavidsonscock

Nursey has spent the last four years pretending to believe in astrology to annoy Dex. But with graduation coming up, the bit has to come to an end. Luckily, Dex is probably going to take the news in a really chill, normal, casual way.

this made me laugh out loud. nursey would totally do this and it would absolutely play out in this exact way. hilarious

in front of the same bathroom mirror by @geniusorinsanity

It's not surprising that sharing a room changes things, but neither of them expect the most important conversations in their strange, awkward friendship to happen in their shared bathroom.

(Or: five conversations Dex and Nursey have in a shared bathroom, and one in bed.)

UGH! just something about nursey and dex learning to live alongside each other and talking about the important things and being BEST FRIENDS. and kissing. obviously. this is another fic i reread every month or so

too much (extra) by @denois / @sexydexynurse

Dex nodded, not moving his gaze from the path in front of them. "Well, if there's anything I can do to help, I've got your back."

Snorting, Nursey's mouth let out the first words he thought without his permission. "Not much you can do unless you're going to date me."

i was smiling all the way through this and so i think more people need to read it. it’s super cute. dex wooing nursey is honestly one of my fave things because he deserves it!!!!

kiss my chapped lips and call me yours by @omgdexnursey

Dex prefers things that are easy, simple, and straightforward.

Nursey is none of those things.

angst warning, but also CUTE WARNING. this is a really sweet story. because nursey is SO MUCH and dex doesn’t get it until he does. but them learning to take care of each other and being soft… i need a minute

i’m sinking fast (it’s alright)

Dex blinks up at the ceiling a few times, trying to reckon with himself and the constant loop of what are we doing what are we doing what are we doing spinning through his dehydrated brain.

When he turns his head, Nursey's already dozing off. Dex sighs, gazing back up at the ceiling, puzzled by the warm press of Nursey’s leg against his, the very insistence of them sharing a bed.

Friends don’t do this, he thinks.

the character development in this is just. i love it. the journey through the seasons, the passage of time… gorgeous

i’m a fire and i’ll keep your brittle heart warm by @jennybeantime

It's senior year and No, Dex is Not attracted to Nursey and No, he is Not going to do anything about it.

use a taylor song as your fic title and you’ve got me. obsessed with how soppy and cute this story is. obsessed with dex having absolutely zero self control. obsessed!!!!

can’t hide from you like i hide from myself by @andtimestoodstill

In which Dex has only applied to jobs in cities that Nursey has applied to grad schools in. They are Not Together.

oh gosh, their banter and interactions in this are so charming, chowder and the others included. even the arguing (there’s arguing!! angst warning!!!). i really enjoyed this, i never read much later fic but this is a great example. adorable

#edit added another good’un! #i hope at least one of these is new for you!!!!! #i need to get better at reading recent nurseydex fics i always just go back to my old faithfuls #new years resolution read more ! #nurseydex #answers #anon #omgcp #fic rec

[nursedexy]

Hello, I just finished the Hat Trick Hearts series by SomewheresSword and ohhhhh my god, it was SO GOOD.

If you like PBJ and you like seeing these boys happy, I highly recommend this series. It's 463,312 words of them being in love and figuring out how that relationship works, both in private and in this heteronormative and monogamy focussed world, and it's very low on angst. It's not pure fluff, there's anxiety and homophobia and dealing with past hurt, but there's no manufactured angst in the relationship, just lots of love and comfort and actual communication! Especially once they get together, which I promise doesn't take too long.

The series is canon divergent from Epikegster, based on the premise that Bitty went to the 2010 Olympics as a figure skater and met (a very sad) Kent there. They became close friends, but only through phonecalls/skype/texting and somehow neither realised that Bitty's captain who he was crushing on was the same guy that Kent had been heartbroken about all these years. So when Kent shows up and sees them taking selfies together, the night goes very differently. Despite this divergence, the series still includes a lot of canon moments, before eventually moving past where the comic ends and folowing these boys for many more years.

I'll link to the fist fic, if the idea of commiting to the whole series is too daunting, you could technically just read this and have a satisfying (and happy) ending in about 90k words. Or just start here and enjoy the journey!

#omgcheckplease #omgcp #do we actually have a tag for pbj? i mean it can't just be #pbj #can it? whatever people looking for the sandwich get to see this fic rec now #jack zimmermann #kent parson #eric bittle #pb&j #pimmbits #<<< found that one on some (excellent) art and i like it #omgcp fic

[parvuls]

I saw several people wondering how to participate in this bingo event. so this is how it goes: you look through your recs, you fill out the card, and... you post it 😉

to make this even more interesting, every author that gets tagged in a bingo card is now challenged to fill their own. I said what I said.

---

main character is a side character to fail better by orphan this is an unusual rec for me since the main character is camilla collins, and the main relationship explored here is jack/camilla. but really, I adore it because it's a rare example of an outsider pov on jack through the eyes of someone who likes him, and maybe sees more of him than he know. there's something very sad about jack at this point of his story, but his and canilla's awkward attempts to make something real of what they almost have are really endearing. plus: even if jack didn't fall in love with camilla, I definitely did.

still a WIP Increasing Engagement by always1895 I have a problem of hoarding WIPs and occasionally checking on them like I'm waiting for them to return from the war. this is one of those WIPs. there are two things I can never turn down, and those are social media fics and an enemies to lovers arc. just know my ass is sat down for whenever this fic is finished, and yours should be too. (*) if anyone knows the author's tumblr handle, please tag them!

short fic Patient as Pie by @edgarallanrose no fluff hits quite as hard as zimbits fluff. this short fic has jack being needy and affectionate and domestic, and it just makes me warm and gooey inside whenever I read it. which, you know, is often.

inspired you to write Two Things Only by @thewesternredcedar I'm going old school with this one, because whenever I think of a fic that inspires me I think of the summer I read this fic six times to get through my own fic. this may be in my top ten favorite fics of all time. it has endless amounts of pining, hilarity, silliness, and to top it all off, it's set during my favorite time to read about: right after graduation and before Y3. it does such a good job of nailing that jack and bitty essence that I just can't help coming back to it for inspiration.

bookmarked recently (...ish) say my name (and call me a liar) by @weneedtotalkaboutfic it may be cheating to rec a fic that was written for you, but uh, I don't care. this fic just hits all the right spots. it's smart, it's funny, it's mysterious, it's sexy, it's emotional. it has both super slow-burn and whatever the opposite of that is, thanks to a wonderful two-person-love-triangle. and if that's not enough, the real star of this fic is jack zimmermann and the journey of his sexuality and his happiness, which just blew me away.

BONUS: canon divergence But this place still stands, this place remains unchanged by @doggernaut I already have my bingo but I have more to rec, so. this fic is a really fun glimpse into a future that could've been, and it's supported by a wonderful ensemble cast (of both canon characters and realistic-feeling OCs). this fic made me laugh out loud and clutch my chest, and even though I knew where the story is headed, I couldn't wait to arrive there with it.

BONUS: isn't on AO3 lighthouse au by @appalamutte this is one of those tumblr snippets I wish I could will into becoming a full fic. just that one scene, along with the bonus background, made me fall instantly in love. historical au's can be hit or miss for me, but this was so unique and so intriguing, and (as already established) I can't resist a good enemies to lovers action.

BONUS: FREE here you come again by @ivecarvedawoodenheart honestly, no one rips my heart out of my chest quite like syd does. the first time I read this I was too emotional to think thoughts, but the second (and third, and fourth) I was just like: tell me everything about this. immediately. the phrasing lives in my head rent free? this short fic literally does.

#omgcp #omgcheckplease #zimbits #I just wanna stand on a podium and make a rousing speech convincing all of you to WRITE MORE FICS #and if you didn't fill your own bingo card until now: go rec some fics. now. thank you. #fic recs

[cornsobsessions]

It's the end of 2022 so here are my favorite fics that I read this year! These weren't all written in 2022, in fact many of them were not, but I did read all of them this year. 

They cover a wide range of ratings and topics so please read any of the writers tags and content warnings before reading. a * means you need to be logged in to ao3 to read. 

Anything in Italics is my thoughts.

1. consider the hairpin turn (do not choose sides yet) by jjcofeesa (@30samwiches) zimbits, holsom, shardo, pimms | 50k You are not in a car with a beautiful boy. You are in a car next to a beautiful boy. And in a car behind your ex. And in a car ahead of your best friend. If you're Jack Zimmermann, current World Driver's Champion, that is. If you're Eric Bittle, you're too nervous about your rookie season to be thinking about what the boys in the other cars look like. (You tell yourself you're too nervous, anyway. You do think about it.) If you're on Twitter, well. They're all beautiful boys, and you wish you could be in the car with them. I don't know when this became a comfort fic for me but I have read it several times now and it has been wonderful every single time

2. action painting, abstract in the making by unconventionalturtle (@watermelonmountaindew) zimbits | 35k A stolen painting. A forged painting. A mysterious blonde. That's how it all begins.Jack Zimmermann thinks he’s set himself up for a nice, simple life when he quits playing hockey and gets started on his degree. But for the grad student, and night shift security guard, the summer of 2015 seems to have other plans. A fun story about the gang and you get to learn about some cool paintings along the way!

3. Defining Expectations by cricketnationrise (@cricketnationrise) nurseydex | 32k When Will joins the team at Samwell Dictionary, he doesn't know what to expect about anything other than his job description. With the help of good friends (and good pie) he might just have a shot at defining his expectations.

4. Got Your Back Means I'll Get You Out by cricketnationrise (@cricketnationrise) bitty and shitty | 17k Bitty Comes Out. Shitty Comes To Get Him. heartbreaking, wholesome, and full of platonic love

5. getting used to letting go by jennycaakes nurseydex, farmer | 37k Dex was supposed to have a fancy job in some city upon graduation, but his plans changed once his uncle died and left the family home in Maine to him. Without immediate obligations of their own, Nursey, Chowder and Farmer follow Dex up there to help him clear it out and clean it up. The way this feels so true to life is insane

6. I Don't Know What I Would Do by specklesandflowers jack and shitty | 57k The adventures of first-year Shitty Knight and Jack Zimmermann and the beauty that is their friendship I love Jack and Shitty’s friendship so much and this was so fun to read

7. The Gay Favour by FightMeImSmall nurseydex | 43k “I need a favour.” Will said intensely to the group of people assembled before him. “Okay so last year my brothers were ragging me about going to a liberal arts college and just generally being dicks. Sibling stuff, and like, that was fine. But then Christopher was like ‘found yourself a boyfriend yet?’ like as a joke and I’d had it up to here with their shit and replied, ‘so what if I have?’ So now my family think I’m gay and expect me to bring a boyfriend to this big ole reunion. If I don’t bring one they’re just going to get worse.” His friends all blinked at him, surprise evident in each of their faces. “I’ll do it.” Nursey said slowly The OCs are amazing and it was just so fun to read

8. Breathe With No Air by bluflamingo parswoops | 25k After Jack kisses Bitty on the ice, Kent's attacked one night by drunk, homophobic hockey fans. He's got no memory of the attack, but that doesn't make it any less traumatic. Fortunately, he's got his friends to get him through, in more ways than one. Pain but its also so beautiful

9. got the feeling you're the right thing after all by bisexualnursey nurseydex | 74k Two and a half years after he breaks up with Dex to go to grad school across the country, Nursey runs into him again when he visits New York for the holidays. What starts as them just rekindling their friendship quickly turns into a whole other thing: a 100% no-strings-attached friends with benefits arrangement while they’re in the same city. Which is totally chill because Nursey is definitely over Dex. He swears. He’s going back to California soon anyway.

10. (simply having) a WTF christmas time by loud_as_lions * whiskeytango, wtf | 17k All the Ford siblings are home for the holidays. Denice’s brothers are more than a little surprised when their sister brings not one, but two men home for Christmas. Logically, they assume she’s dating one of them. Which one, though? Just so much love can be felt and the OCs are wonderful

11. write our names in the wet concrete by MyCupOfTea zimbits | 20k “Oh my God, has it? Been ten years already?” The Olympics are never without their fair share of drama, scandal, and movie worthy storylines. However, the 2018 Winter Olympics remains burned into the sports world’s memory especially bright. And the sports world, despite their somewhat recent retirement, includes Eric Bittle and Jack Zimmermann. I love the way this is written

12. I've been waiting for a lifetime, for a moment just like this. by pandabob parswoops | 25k It's Jeff's last Christmas hospital visit before he retires so Kent is determined to make sure that he visits everyone, little does he know that this visit will change their lives forever.Heart wrenching and beautiful

13. Your heart hurts, mine does too by the_p_in_raspberry zimbits | 19k Shitty had always thought that because of Samwell’s LGBTQ+ friendly rumor, if one of his teammates weren’t straight they would come out eventually, only waiting because they weren’t ready yet, but never waiting because they were scared. He could see now how his logic was flawed. heartbreaking and heartwarming, all at the same time

14. From the Ground Up by Rianne kent/omc | 167k Kent has a pretty good life. It’s been a couple years since the Aces last won a cup, but he’s still at the height of his career. He has an apartment with a stunning view over Vegas, a best friend who’s always dragging him to basketball games, a cat to cuddle with, and more money than he could ever spend. Everything is fine. So it won’t be a problem at all if he strikes up a friendship with that guy he meets at the All-Star party. ---- Tomas enjoyed the years he spent in Minnesota, but he’s ready for a new life in a different city. It means he’ll be even further from his friends and family in Quebec, and he’s not sure he’s going to adapt well to the desert. But he’ll have his new job to distract him, and he’s never minded the challenge of developing a new circle of friends and acquaintances. He doesn’t expect Kent Parson to be part of that.

15. mon pays by weneedtotalkaboutsherlock (@weneedtotalkaboutfic) zimbits, shardo, farmer, zimmerparents | 41k He didn't suggest they come to the cabin because he misses home, not really. At first, it was a senior thing between Shitty and him, one last weekend together before their final semester at Samwell, before graduation, before their lives inevitably change and diverge in ways Jack doesn't want to think about too much. Shitty suggested that Lardo and Bitty should tag along, and Jack agreed. Having them at the cabin… it was a good thought. He'd have them for his own, for a few days. But then, four became six, when Holster and Ransom heard about their plans, and cherry on top, the Frogs tagged along as well after that. So much for a quiet weekend between friends. snow filled shenanigans

16. four calling birds by wit (@parvuls) zimbits, shardo | 11k "You are now listening to Shits and Bits on Hub 98FM!" In which four radio hosts and one medical emergency result in Jack and Bitty co-hosting a show the night before Christmas Eve.

17. Friend Request by WrathoftheStag (@wrathofthestag) zimbits, shardo, nurseydex, fordtango | 26k When Eric Bittle was 18, he made out with 20-year-old hockey player, Jack Zimmermann, at an Olympic after-party. 25 years later, an unexpected friend request from Jack throws Eric for a loop. What’s a guy to do?

18. Time and Hearts by rickysims katyageorge, zimbits | 16k In 2002, a figure skater from Russia and a hockey player from Canada met at the Olympics. They fell in love. Jack and Bitty know that part. What they don’t know is what happened next and why Katya and George might not want to rekindle flame that went out 20 years ago.

19. Becoming Lardo by loud_as_lions * shardo | 9k Larissa was different with these boys than she was with anyone else. She had always thought that all the talk about finding yourself in college was bullshit, but these boys were making her wonder just how much of what she had previously believed might be changed by this place. An absolutely wonderful lardo character study

20. Like Our Own Private Island by imafriendlydalek * zimbits, shardo | 85kAfter Eric loses his spot on the SMH team and Lardo graduates, they're both left floundering with few options. So when the opportunity comes up to manage a cafe on a remote island in Quebec, it seems like as good a place as any to figure out their next steps in life. Even if it does mean he'll need to brush up on his French. The last thing Eric expects to find in a place like this, reachable only by ship in the warmer months or tiny little tin-can airplanes, is a town full of people who welcome them like family. Well, everyone except one: the enigmatic, irresistible Jacques Laurent.

21. Eric Bittle, NBC 10 by foryouandbits zimbits | 82k In 2009, Jack Zimmermann was drafted 2nd overall to the Providence Falconers. After a tumultuous first season in the minors, Jack returns to the NHL and is named captain within a year. Known to the media as the "hockey robot," no one seems to be able to break through the polite barrier that Jack has built — no one until Eric Bittle, newest intern at NBC 10. Bitty, interning as a requirement for his journalism degree at nearby Samwell University, forms an instant connection with Jack. Throughout the rest of the season, and the rest of Bitty's junior year at Samwell, the two grow closer while learning how to both trust each other and succeed in their respective careers. A fun alternate meeting AU

22. thinking outrageously (I write in cursive) by bumblegremlin (@bittysthesis) pimms, zimbits | 15k Jack was glad Bitty wanted a long engagement. It gave him time to address the very large, very pressing issue at hand. Eric Bittle was Jack Zimmermann’s fiancé. Kent Parson was Jack Zimmermann’s husband. A fun and funny fic in which Kent is a little shit and so is Jack

I read so many awesome fics this year and like last year making this list was very difficult! I can't wait to see what all you write in the future (or have written in the past) that I will get to read!

#i read a lot of fics over 10k this year sorry not sorry #i am not lying when i say narrowing this list down is so hard #my 'short' list is over 60 fics long and i read many many more #i hope you all enjoy and i can't wait to read more! #fic recs #best of 2022 #omgcp #check please #omgcheckplease

[appalamutte]

Writing Patterns

Rules: List the first line of your last 10 (posted) fics and see if there's a pattern!

Thank you so much to @doggernaut for tagging me!! This was definitely eye-opening, to say the least lol.

seeds to supper:

You're sixteen, moseying through your local bookstore when you come across it.

number thirteen:

Haus Bylaw Number Thirteen: Fuck the Lax Team.

hey, sweetpea:

Hey, Sweetpea.

with all of yesterday inside of me:

When Jack opens his eyes, they're standing in a field.

you with a suitcase:

Eric knew this day would come.

tether:

Sometimes Jack feels like he's outside his own body.

mr. bittle:

Mornings have always been Jack's favorite.

the many homes of mine:

It's been two years since Eric's been back to Madison.

always so forgetful:

Reiner has this recurring dream.

within the void:

Marco knew he was going to die.

And since I've only posted eleven fics total, I'm throwing the eleventh (first? chronologically speaking?) fic in too--

gravity in my orbit:

They lived in a small village due west of the canal, a half-day ride from Wall Rose, where trees climbed high above them and deer flocked through the billowing grass.

I assume we can all see the pattern here...haha. What can I say, I'm a sucker for short and simple openings, but I never realized it was to this extent. I do think it's interesting that my very first fic's first line is a long-winded establishing of a setting, and that my most recently posted fic is somewhat similar, while everything else is 10 words at MOST. But yeah, across two fandoms, two years, and 26k+ words, I seem to prefer shorter :)

Tagging: not sure who's already been tagged or not, but @thoughtsofthegirlwiththecurl, @vitaliskravtsov, @a-very-gay-disaster, and anyone else who wants to play!!

#this was fun!! #tag game #omgcp #fic rec #<- shamelessly

[rhysiana]

Fic rec redraw for @notenoughgatorade, who, despite having multiple fandom overlap with me, ended up with a first rec for an unrelated fandom: "i'm gonna send you then 37, 201 and the last number 600 and something" (Surely one of these will work this time!)

37. Ahahahaha, I expected this to be for a cdrama, but it's one of my very rare recent OMGCP bookmarks!

if it's not you it's not anyone by jennycaakes (Nurseydex, OMGCP, 23,830 words)

Summary:

Will has a concussion, and with that concussion comes nearly a decade worth of amnesia. His memory better come back quickly because not only is he married to Nursey now, he's also apparently keeping secrets from him.

201. Okay, this one is actually a cdrama, as expected.

From my heart's ground. by orange_crushed (@robotmango) (Wangxian, Untamed, 37,997 words)

Summary:

After a while he can feel a palm against his face, gentle fingers soft and soothing. It’s not real, not exactly: he can tell the difference between a ghost’s touch and a living person’s, between a spirit-vision and an overactive imagination. His education has been thorough. But the beating has also been thorough, so for now he forgets what he knows and leans into it, into the hand cupping his cheek. It’s soft and dry as those forgotten petals, as the touch of a pillow. He can smell wildflowers, can taste blood and dirt. My baby, his mother says, and he closes his eyes. My treasure. He barely remembers the sound of her voice, but the feeling of it is just the same. Just the same as ever. [In which Lan Wangji loses almost everything, plants a garden, and grows a second chance.]

684. aka my very first bookmark, which is a little misleading, because when I first got into OMGCP, the fandom was small enough I could just remember the titles of everything I liked. ahahahahaha...

love you as the plant that never blooms by sugarybowl & wishingonalightningbolt (Nurseydex, OMGCP, 27,241 words)

Summary:

Dex doesn’t roll his eyes, but only because he’s overwhelmed with the thought that he really does have feelings for Nursey. Gooey feelings. Romantic ones. They see each other every day; they’ve been close, there’s been touching, and maybe—maybe it’s not quite as platonic as Dex assumed it was. From watching Ransom and Holster, anyone could get the idea that that’s just what friends do. But… It feels different. “I like him,” he says, soft, contemplative. “I like when he’s around and it’s frustrating to watch him go. It’s horrible to think he might be upset at me, or that he thinks I lied to him. It’s killing me.” -0- Dex doesn't know what it is to want. With Nursey, he learns.

This was the one that cemented Nursey's love for Neruda in my mind as permanent fanon, and also features ace!Dex.

[Ask for recs while my queue is empty]

#fic rec #nurseydex #omgcp #wangxian #the untamed #asked and answered

[wrathofthestag]

Fic Author Self-Rec Meme

@doggernaut tagged me on this, thanks for the tag. Okay, first off, go and read all of her stuff. You can start with these, but really, read all of them. Okay, was there a minimum? Maximum? Hmm... I'm going to follow her lead and pick five. I mean, do I pick my five favorite? Five most popular? Um... Okay, I'll do three OMGCP that I really like, and will throw in a couple from other fandoms.

OMGCP - I have over 200 Check, Please! fics, so it was hard to pick just three.

Blessing in Disguise - Zimbits I'm starting with this one, because it's my latest Zimbits fic and I was really happy with how it turned out, but pretty bummed by the number of hits. It was part of a OMGCP AU event, and the prompt was "AU where Jack didn't go to Samwell, but has a younger sister who does. She befriends Bitty and SMH, and Jack ends up hanging out with them when he visits her." I changed it in that Jack went to Samwell but graduated the semester before Bitty or his sister began. There's a lot of longing and missed connections, but don't worry, they finally get it together.

Weekender - Zimbits I think this is my longest fic? Um, I think so. I wrote most of this fic while I was in another country traveling for work. It was also the fastest fic that came to me. It was over 30K words and I wrote it in less than a month by the seat of my pants. Jack and Bitty meet at Falcs Fest. This fic was inspired by the time I went to Fan Expo Canada. It got me thinking, what would happen if you connected with a famous someone you met at a fan expo? Here's what happens.

Bits of Heaven - Zimbits Okay, I couldn't make up my mind between Bits of Heaven or All the Best Parts, but I went with the former. Here we meet a 40-something Jack and Bitty who get a second chance at love. Friends to lovers, with septuagenarian Bad Bob (and teenaged Frogs) acting as cupid. I love second chance at love stories, and oh! It features beautiful artwork by @ibakesouffles

Other Fandoms:

Glenn Miller and Blood: Or How to Court Someone in the 21st Century - Sam/Bucky This took off in a way I didn't expect. I wrote it after watching The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Did I ever ship them? Nope. Did I after watching the show? Heck yeah. I imagined how awkward dating would be for Buck. Then I imagined HOW AWKWARD it would be for him to realize he was in love with Sam---and I just went for it. It's fluff, just like a lot of fluff, okay? But it was fun!

Gauge Your Interest - Hannigram I wrote this one in 2016, so I don't really remember my thought process behind this one other than wouldn't be it funny if Hannibal thought Will was cheating on him, but instead Will was doing something completely innocent (and sweet)? Hannigram crack, for realsies.

Tagging five people: @devereauxsdisease @parvuls @fragile-teacup @zacharybosch and @hullomoon <3

#omgcp fic #sambucky fic #hannigram fic #self rec post

[cricketnationrise]

Fic Rec Friday

This week's theme: Rec a fic that starts with the same letter as your username (or, if you like, a part of your username) The rules: Tag a fic that starts with the same letter as your username and describe why it's so good / how it has a hold on you. Then tag some people to see what everyone else is reading. Spread the love! Also, she'll do the round up on Sunday, so if you're still recc-ing on Saturday, no pressure! Please tag @welcometololaland or tag #fic rec friday so she can compile the masterlist.

thanks for the tag @cha-melodius (and now my picks are harder bc our usernames start with the same letter! :p) RWRB: confess my truth (in swooping, sloping cursive) by viciouslyqueer

Camp Llwynywermod by bleedingballroomfloor

Count the Stars and Constellations by @everwitch-magiks

Check Please!: Crossed Wires by @lecrivaineanonyme

Chris Chow, Matchmaker Extraordinaire by 42hrb

Cromwell Cinematic Universe by @sincerelyreidburke (am i cheating because it's a series? yes. i am unrepentant.)

[bonus that fudges the theme but its so fun i can't not: at certain times by @parvuls]

i'm tagging: @celeritas2997 @xthelastknownsurvivorx @the-lincyclopedia @parvuls @thoughtsofthegirlwiththecurl @freebooter4ever @parseisflat @weneedtotalkaboutfic @zimms and @randomnoteforfuturereference bc i'm nosy and want all the recs

#fic rec friday #fic that starts with the same letter as your username #fabulous theme lola #fic recs #rwrb #omgcp

[doggernaut]

OMGCP Fic Rec BINGO - Day 3

(Previous BINGOs here and here)

it's canon to you • rocky shore by wit (@parvuls)

One of the things I like best about Check, Please! is that by focusing on big moments on the page, Ngozi leaves so much room for us to imagine all the things that might have happened in between those big moments. This fic by @parvuls covers the first part of Year 3, as Bitty and Jack navigate their new relationship and all its complexities, including Bitty's anxieties about sex and the secrets they're keeping. It includes all of those missing moments we didn't see in the comic, but we know must have happened in order to get them to that solid place they're at by the time they come out to their friends. (And remains canon-compliant in the process!)

subverted trope • You and Me, We're a Miracle by PorcupineGirl (@porcupine-girl)

I love a good soulmate fic, but sometimes I have a hard time suspending my disbelief when two would-be soulmates discover their connection and are suddenly in love. This soulmate fic subverts the trope by establishing early on that Jack doesn't have a name on his wrist, and is okay with it. He still manages to fall in love. @porcupine-girl's world building is always top-notch, even in a short fic like this, and her headcanon for deeply in love, smitten Jack is so close to my own that I know I'll finish reading any fic she's written with a goofy smile on my face.

free spot • Nature by foryouandbits (@foryouandbits)

When I want to get lost in a fic, I choose something by @foryouandbits. This AU, in which the members of SMH are performers in a Cirque du Soliel-like troupe, is probably my favorite of theirs. It recreates the Zimbits story we know and love in the terms of this specific AU. All the plot beats are there: a traumatic backstory for Bitty, a Zimmermann family legacy, SMH found family, and Bitty and Jack working together to overcome Bitty's fears. It also has one of the most romantic scenes of any Zimbits fic I've ever read.

short fic (under 1K) • Poems for Jack by YourPalYourBuddy (@ivecarvedawoodenheart)

This is exactly what it says on the tin. Two years of Bitty and Jack’s developing relationship, remixed into poems from Bitty’s POV. His humor, frustration, and growing feelings for Jack are all there. The fact that the author was able to pull this off in only 445 words yet still hit all the important canon plot beats is nothing short of remarkable. 

you weren't sure you'd enjoy it but REALLY did • [podfic] Hockeyed Up by read_by_Sophie (Sophie)

This pick might be cheating a little because this is one of the first fics I read in the fandom and I immediately loved it; this author’s characterization of Jack just felt so right to me and continues to be a fic I return to when I need to get into Jack's head for my own writing. The fic I chose for this spot, though, is the podfic version of Hockeyed Up. I only started listening to podfic a few years ago; I had never been able to get into audiobooks and I wan’t sure I’d like podfic any better. However, needing something to listen to during a long run and not enjoying any of the books I’d downloaded on Libby, I decided to try listening to a podfic of a familiar fic. This one was about as long as my run, so I chose it. And I loved it. And now I listen to podfic on the regular. But this is the one that started it all, and it’s a favorite so I re-listen to it at least once a year. Bonus: the author/reader of this fic has a French-Canadian accent, which really adds to Jack’s characterization since it’s from his point of view. (This is also my commercial for podfic: this fandom has so many wonderful podficcers; if you haven't tried listening to podfic yet, you absolutely should!)

#omgcp #omgcp fic recs #omgcp podfic #omgcp fic rec bingo

[the-lincyclopedia]

Fic Rec Friday (on Saturday)

This week's theme: Rec a fic that starts with the same letter as your username (or, if you like, a part of your username)

The rules: Tag a fic that starts with the same letter as your username and describe why it's so good / how it has a hold on you. Then tag some people to see what everyone else is reading. Spread the love! Also, she'll do the round up on Sunday, so if you're still recc-ing on Saturday, no pressure! Please tag @welcometololaland or tag #fic rec friday so she can compile the masterlist.

Thanks to @cricketnationrise for the tag!

I went through my bookmarks and picked a LOT of fics whose titles start with T or L, so I’m inserting a cut so you don’t have to scroll past the whole thing. Also, I’m not tagging anyone to participate because Saturday is almost over.

tell me what it’s like (to be loved by you) - Check Please - by @likeshipsonthesea

Look, this fic has it all. Mutual pining? Comfortable friendship that neither of them wants to wreck? Co-parenting in the aforementioned dynamic? Check, check, check (please). The writing is gorgeous, also.

Life of the Party - Check Please - by penguinsledding

Another kid fic, this time featuring Jack and Lardo co-parenting a kid who resulted from a one-night stand they had right before Jack was supposed to be drafted. Bitty is the kid’s favorite YouTuber. This fic gives me so many feels.

the girl who lived (again) - Harry Potter - by @ink-splotch

I struggled with whether to include a Harry Potter fic in this list given . . . you know . . . but this is a beautiful interpretation of trans!Harry and makes the best case I’ve ever seen for why queer and trans young people need queer and trans role models, so I’m keeping it on the list.

Learned Our Lessons Well - Check Please - by @mcbangle

Shitty and Jack friendship so well-written that I wrote in my comment on it that I was happy-squealing. A great take on the ultimate brotp.

Land of Wishing Wells - Check Please - by @alexeiiimashkov

Patater fake dating at the Zimbits wedding. I have reread this fic SO many times. I’m a sucker for fanon Kent Parson, particularly when the writer gives him this much of an inferiority complex.

Love at the Juice Bar - Check Please - by orphan_account

The disability rep here makes me so happy! This fic features deaf!Jack and CODA!Bitty. It’s also just so cute, in general.

Three Points Where Two Lines Meet - Check Please - by @luckiedee

This fic has a two-person love triangle featuring Jack and Bitty falling for each other both at the grocery store and via email as Jack reads Bitty’s blog, without realizing that they’re the same people in both venues. And THEN Shitty and Lardo try to set them up. The TROPES. I love this one a lot.

The Kit-den Catfe - Check Please - by @justwritins

This writer is AMAZING at writing a Kent Parson who has been abused and is trying so hard to heal and figure things out. In this fic, Kent owns a cat cafe and Tater falls hard for him. Gosh, I want to reread this immediately.

The Placebo Effect - Check Please - by @doggernaut

Trope subversion alert! In this fic, Bitty and Jack fake being soulmates only to realize that they’re just as in love as they would be if it were predestined. I love when writers mess with the soulmate trope, and doggernaut is just so good.

That’s How the Light Gets In - Sherlock - by sylviarachel

This has been one of my all-time favorite fics for very nearly a decade now, which is utterly wild to realize, but it’s so deserved. This is an ace!Sherlock fic that helped me come to terms with my own asexuality, and my partner and I have been quoting it to each other since I read it to him a few weeks into our relationship. I don’t have words for how much this fic means to me.

#fic rec friday #a lin original #fic rec #fic recs #fanfiction #check please #omgcp #omgcheckplease #harry potter #hp #sherlock #bbc sherlock

[toughpaperround]

Leaf Day

Podfic of the lovely municipal event meet-cute Buddie story by rowan_wood, read by me ToughPaperRound.

Rated Teen (a few swears) and 6k words (so ~40 minutes long). Story first, a few minutes of natter afterwards.

Many thanks to the author for permission to record (now found @comaboybuck )

(More podfic in my 911 series or check out the ao3 tag)

#911 podfic #buddie #911 fox #fic rec #toughpaperround reads #leaf day #911 abc #buddie au #i have also recorded podfic for shadowhunters and omgcp #mp3 and wav available #it's been a while! Hi! #aargh when will i learn not to put useful info in the bottom left of banners

[atlasthemayor]

HEY YOU

Do you like Dex? Do you like Holster? Are you a fellow degenerate? if you answered ''YES'' to at least one of these, then you should check out this HoltzDex fic: https://archiveofourown.org/works/54256243

''no regrets, 'cause you're my sunset'' By: Marinanoon

Summary:

“You’re a guy,” Holster says slowly, his eyes slowly trailing down Dex’s frame where he’s slouched over his laptop. “Astute observation.” Holster breaks and makes the puppy-dog eyes again. “Will you sleep with me, Dex? Please?” “What the fuck, Holster?” - Dex has never slept with a guy, but is not entirely opposed to the idea. Holster is here to help.

This was surprisingly sweet for an 18+ fic tbh, I absolutely recommend it if, like me, you like seeing Dex flustered <3

#omgcp #dex #holster #check please #fic rec #fanfic #ao3 link #dexholtz #holtzdex #adam birkholtz #william poindexter

[pocket-lin]

For the fandom asks, numbers 9 and 20 please!

hello stranger!! thank you for making that fandom ask game, this has been so fun!!

I answered 9 (for the hp fandom) and 20 here, and 9 for the sandman fandom here, but I'm gonna do 9 again for another fandom because I'm enjoying this so much!

9. a ship that isn't your OTP but that you enjoy

when I got back into fandom in 2022, I realized how much I had completely fucking missed in the 8-10 years that I'd been away from it (huge shoutout to abusive relationships!! 0/10 do not recommend!). one of the first of my "old" fandoms I looked into on ao3 was check please! zimbits truly is my otp (which I'm now realizing is one of my rare actual canon ships??) but of course ya boy took a peek into the bitty/parse/jack ship tag and fell totally in love with the trio (also now realizing how many polyam ships I love, which is bizarre if you know me irl). I think I am forever chasing the high that I got from the Hat Trick Hearts series by SomewheresSword. highly highly highly recommend!!

#fandom asks #ask game #fic recs #omgcp #check please #I still have no clue what the right tag/ship name is for bitty/parse/jack!!!

[appalamutte]

Hi! I'm hopping to get some check please fic recs from you? If you have any, of if any of your mutuals do? I'll take any classic favs, though in particular I'm dying for a fic that features Bitty's love for Beyonce 😂

hi anon!!

i'd never thought about it until you asked, but i actually don't know of many omgcp fics that feature bitty's love for beyonce? at least not many i can remember haha. but there is one i can think of off the top of my head and another one i found:

Starstuck by boomsherlocka [1.4k words | gen] it's such a sweet little thing where both jack and bitty meet their idols. and honestly, thank you for asking me this anon, i would never had found it if it weren't for you! .

heavy on the sugar by wit (@parvuls) [41.7k words | teen] god, i've reread this one more than any other fic i think. it's just got the perfect amount of coffee shop and feelings and just enough angst to scratch that itch but it's resolved fairly quickly. bitty's love for beyonce is also featured a small bit toward the end! .

and of course, to rec some of my classic favs:

maybe i'm waking up by idrilka (@idrilka) [157.9k words | mature] one of my all time fav omgcp fics, and just one of my fav fics overall. the amount of money i'd give to be able to read this for the first time again. it's the most beautiful blend of mixed media elements, story/plot, original characters, coming out and the fear that brings. .

No Matter How Small by weneedtotalkaboutsherlock (@weneedtotalkaboutfic) [125.4k words | explicit] this is just one big overload of cuteness, but like in the most realistic way. it's a kidfic and a getting back together future fic, and the amount of comfort this fic brings me is incomprehensible. so soft, so warm, so authentic, so overwhelmingly gorgeous. .

Port Out, Starboard Home by onawingandaswear (@whoacanada) [11.6k words | not rated] talk about realism, my god. you ever realize your boyfriend comes from a famous, prominent, totally-different-tax-bracket family? if not, this fic helps you experience what that feels like, and if so, you can relive that experience while reading this. .

live through this and you won't look back by nighimpossible [4.1k words | teen] a fic that perfectly encompasses the continual grief you feel when you think the boy you're in love with is straight. it's painfully good. and it also has a happy ending! .

Better With Time by foryouandbits (@foryouandbits) [118.5k words | mature] now i know this is a high school au, which can be polarizing depending on the person, but frankly i haven't read another fic that better captures bitty's relationship with his father. i mean, i cried more than once when i first read this, both happy tears and i-relate-a-bit-too-hard tears. .

that's just a few of my favorite omgcp fics. i have a ton more bookmarked on my ao3 if you want more recs! also, i highly highly highly recommend all of these author's other fics, as well as other omgcp fic authors: PorcupineGirl (@porcupine-girl), writingonpostcards (@17piesinseptember), RabbitRunnah (@doggernaut), and WrathoftheStag (@wrathofthestag). these authors all have fics i absolutely adore, and if i didn't care about not wanting too long of a post, i'd list them all out individually lol.

also, these are all just for zimbits. if anyone else wants to add onto this post and rec fics for other ships, or just any other fics in general, please do so! and if anyone else knows of any fics that feature bitty's love for beyonce, please add them as well!

hope this helps anon, happy reading!

#ask #omgcp #omgcheckplease #fic rec