Fics under 500 kudos that deserve more Hype
I saw someone make a post like this, and I wanted to do this as well!
https://archiveofourown.org/works/89623056/chapters/238065421
Roads Diverged in a Wood (WIP)
AnActualPenguin
I just recommended this and I am going to recommend it again because it is CRIMINALLY underrated. Mainly about our Shane who temporarily swaps universes with a Shane who never reconciled with Ilya after tuna melt. Excellent writing and really beautiful analysis of how one decisions can change so much and there are infinite Shane’s and Ilya’s where any singular decision changes so many outcomes. >!It broke my heart when our Shane got switched with a Shane who lost Ilya to the plane crash, and that Shane lived with the knowledge there are universes where Ilya lives while his died. This just one singular scene-!< relatively low angst overall considering the situation.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/92007481/chapters/245099216
Live Like You Are Going to Die (Completed)
Soupcasserole
I didn’t think I was going to like this one because I thought it was going to be a “love cured Ilya’s depression” story, but it was not that at all. Genuinely HILARIOUS moments and Ilya gets like passing life advice from other players, but also I thought the author did a great job depicting a depressed mind even during “happy moments.” There are no MCD or graphic deceptions, but the last chapter kind of hits you like a truck though so proceed with caution. It’s not huge displays of love or a relationship that gives people the strength to keep living, it’s “stupid” things that keep people going for another day.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/91000936
You Make Me Brave (WIP)
I initially was reading this by the same author. I LOVE confident Shane pursuing Ilya is this kind of reminded of Drawn In because it’s a college AU (hockey player Shane, gymnast Ilya) and Shane is down bad. In this one, Ilya is the one who is hesitant to go public with their relationship which I don’t see written too often, and I they do a great job explaining why non famous people also have plenty of reasons for not coming out, but I am still waiting for the author to explain how Shane and Ilya are going to tackle those challenges in just one chapter.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/90341306
Cocaine Rat (Completed)
Anonymous
Short one where Ilya has a stalker and this story is told in the POV of the stalker. Might be bizarre to say, but I was almost disappointed there wasn’t more violence. I think they did a great job balancing delusion with the confidence of the stalker.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/91596271
I see you creeping (i see you from the sideline)
avenueblue (Completed)
This one has more than 500 kudos, but I just finished it last night and it’s EXCELLENT and deserves even more hype. It takes place between Tampa and the cottage where Shane and Ilya haven’t fully come to terms with their love for each other, and I love how Ilya shows up for Shane in this even when Shane doesn’t want to drag Ilya into his “mess” (Shane’s words, not mine). Like not asking for help is sometimes the more “selfish” thing to do.