recs and links

Residents rallied for decades to save a nearly century-old dilapidated bridge in Kew Gardens, Queens. Now it will be repaired with the help of the M.T.A.

Grace is a little cranky about having to go on a Bergstein-Hanson family vacation, even more so because nobody knows she and Frankie are together. Oh heart.

After the events of Infinity War, Jess and Matt make terrible decisions in New York City, like unto two wrecked trains crashing into each other. (Also post JJ season 2, so spoilers for that contained herein). I enjoyed this a lot.

Nice look at Leia dealing with everything in the six months after ESB.

Lovely look at Beru's relationship with Shmi.

Faith and Buffy as adults still navigating their prickly friendship. This felt really true to both of them.

As he knew would happen, Ronan didn't answer. Not in words. Ronan was teaching him a new language, where asshole was a term of affection, Adam was the answer to a question, and there was no word for no. Yes, said the touch of Ronan's lips on his cheek. More, said the brief press of his body against Adam. Now, said the clasp of his hand. Yes, Adam responded, following him up the stairs. really lovely post TRK Adam/Ronan.

“on jakku giving people food freely (i.e. as a gift with no expectation of return) and saying its a gift is how they propose marriage. Giving different food back is how you accept. Rey in the resistance is SO CONFUSED. Why are you all into polygamy resistance people. Everyone is proposing to me. Im flattered general but really jfc where did this come from. I don't even know you random mechanic #6! Oh.... poe/finn... thank you for the apple. Would you like a space potato?” Rey is killing it at being married to Finn and Poe. ADORABLE.

I'm not crying you're crying

Sharp, heartbreaking coda to Jessica Jones season 2.

He cannot bear to deny her anything, not knowing she is his and hers alike; her blood, his blood. Her tears, his tears. He has torn the galaxy asunder for Palpatine, but he will stitch it together for Leia. His Leia. He had known from the moment she took her Senate seat; incorruptible, all eyes on her as she led an unpopular issue (the rights of the remaining clone troopers, he remembers) and turning the tide of the galaxy to her side. Palpatine had wanted to end her and the entire Senate for daring to succeed where he had failed. Vader had ended Palpatine for her. She, and she alone, had convinced him he was capable of it. AU where Vader kills Palpatine and sets Leia up as Empress in his place. Sharp and disturbing in the best way.

In which Debbie and Danny have a conversation. Nice coda to the movie.

Ahsoka and Sabine need some help on their quest to find Ezra, and end up hiring Aphra to do the job. This is lovely.

In which Obi-Wan and the Council do the smart thing and read Anakin in on the Rako Hardeen mission. Anakin gets some validation and their trust isn't nearly as broken. This gave me so many feelings.

Anakin didn't fall with the Republic, but he's not well when Ahsoka finally finds him again. This is sad and lovely and I really want to read all their adventures together in this AU.

AU for the ending of Twilight of the Apprentice - Vader is injured and wakes up with no memory past that long-ago trip to Mortis. Ahsoka is there to help him. Oh my heart. Snips and Skyguy together again. Melancholy and so in character it hurts.

Obi-Wan takes Luke to Tatooine. Bail takes Leia to Alderaan. both think about their lost friends. Brief but achy.

Leia can't teach Luke anything about the Force, but she can teach him how to use a sword. Oh my heart.

Excellent Avengers vid.

Five times Peter Parker thinks he's figured out something about his relationship with Tony Stark. Oh Peter. Oh heart.

Jack and Bitty have an aspiring reporter for a new neighbor. This is adorable. *sniffle* (it's posted as a chapter in a story with other short stories as chapters, not a wip in and of itself)

"You didn't go right to Bitty and tell him you want to come out. You came to me instead, which means you're planning something, you asshole." Shitty’s eyes get bigger and a little too bright. "Jacques. You delicate spiderweb of human emotion. I want to cradle you against my bosom and whisper lost secrets into your hair." Jack groans. "Please tell me you're high." "I am fuckin' elevated, my bro. El-e-va-tion." "Thank God," Jack sighs in relief. Shitty sticks out his tongue. It's green. ADORABLE.

Paris outs herself and Rory during a televised argument with Michele Bachmann. Peskiest of all is the fact that Paris and Rory aren't actually dating. A documentary crew wants to make Paris And Rory's Modern Stars Hollow Family anyway. Meanwhile, Rory goes slowly and quietly nuts. (And doesn't like Paris like that -- why would you even suggest such a thing?? Not that ... anyone did.) Long, hilarious, finally finished Paris/Rory fake dating featuring reality TV meeting Stars Hollow.

Han runs into Enfys Nest at the celebration following Endor. Short and sweet. (as an aside, I need like 9 million words about Enfys Nest and the Rebellion)

Leia and fathers and loss. GROSS SOBBING.

Lou’s shrugging out of the top of the jumpsuit now, letting it slide away from her like water. Debbie lets her eyes follow the motion, obvious, and flicker back up to Lou’s face. Her hands are itching with the same instinct to touch that surges up in museums, at beautiful things. Lou would’ve made a lovely statue, she thinks, idle, sprawled languidly out in the sun as some artist’s muse. And then Debbie would’ve had to steal her, too. Very hot post-heist reunion sex.

Beautiful Leia vid. #i'm not crying it's just raining on my face

Steve uses food as a way to acclimate to the 21st century and help with Bucky's recovery. Lovely. (though could have used another line edit to remove some Briticisms)

Clear-eyed look at the compromises Peggy had to make over the years.