When I look back at the fics I read this month, I’m startled that these were all in the same month. April was LONG…

First: An Architecture of Feelings by thisisshiny. When Crowley loses his vision, he loses everything else, too. His boyfriend, his job, his ability to navigate the world properly. He’s terrified, and becomes a hermit counting empty days – until his neighbor Muriel forces him to interact with a newcomer to the building. Aziraphale comes onto the scene with a whole load of his own baggage, and the two have to learn how to be brave in the face of traumas that echo against each other’s. This was gorgeously written, extremely respectful and full of feeling.

Second: Gaycation to Ibiza by Ro_Fell. Aziraphale and Crowley help form a GSA at the school where they teach, which leads to a friendship, which leads them to sign up for a gaycation in Ibiza. To immerse themselves more in the culture. For their students’ sake, obviously. I loved every word of this one!

Third: every day is a holiday (when I’m near to you) by sunrisesinthesuburbs. Cute story about a nightmare destination wedding, two best friends entering into a fake relationship for the ten-day trip, and an eventual HEA. Sweet and funny story.

Fourth: Our Own Hike by snae_b. Hiking + rediscovering yourself again post-divorce = what’s not to love? This was sweet and sexy, and I loved the message of finding your own hike. As a hiker, I very much approve!

Fifth: Maid of Honour by beerok23. The author of this fic was one of my very first readers, and a dear friend that I got to meet in person for a few minutes a year ago. She started the five-person Discord group that is my favorite, and I’ve watched her stories evolve from her first back in 2024 until now. And this one? This one is my favorite! It’s a retelling of Made of Honor, which I actually haven’t seen, and I would drop just about everything to read a new chapter each time one came out!

Sixth: If Love is the Law by Hermiola. Cute little enemies-to-lovers plus hidden-identities fic that I read in the evenings on a long road trip. I’ve written one of these types of stories (with more angst than Hermiola, because her version of these two are far more sensible, hahaha), and I really enjoy reading them too. Only complaint is that I wish it could have been twice as long!