Two Fic Tuesday

Welcome!

I had both these stories set aside, and when I saw them close to each other, I knew I wanted to pair them one week. They're both sharper, sadder tales, which made them fit together in an interesting way and yes, they both left me with lingering feelings.

I hope you give them both a read, this was a good set to consume together.

Recs

Five Different Realities to Explore, and One to Avoid - Bree Wernicke - Orion's Belt
Short and a little sharp. I loved the way this was structured. It reminded me of my fanfic days where people would write 5+1 fics based on various things. This was something brief, and sad, and full of what could have been. Regret is such a universal feeling, and it's done so well in this.

Five Dispatches from Conflict Zone W-924/B Regarding Post-Battle Deployment of A. Thanatensis - David Anaxagoras - Lightspeed
I was doomed to love this. Not only is it a powerful story, but it carries some absolutely great body horror to it! I know not everyone loves that as much as I do, but it really fascinates me and makes me happy in a way I can't articulate. Also though this story has heart to it. It hurts, and has people facing consequences, and that made it all the better.

Be well, take care, and I hope you read something lovely this week.

• Vale

PS: If you want to find me elsewhere, I'm on Bluesky at @howsweetthewords and I have a Ko-fi and Patreon where I post prompts, more personal/writing updates, microfiction, and miscellany. Tiers start at $1, but there is the occasional free post as well.