this is what you've been waiting for

Fluff is a big category. Is it just about the ending?  Can there be angst along the way?  I decided to focus on stories that make me smile.

recovered echoes by @goldenfiligree

“I didn’t know you were afraid of dogs,” says Alex. “I’m not afraid of dogs,” says Michael. He just doesn’t get the human obsession with them: loud, dirty, dumb, always getting into everything.

I think we are all a little in love with the idea of Alex having a dog.  Watching Michael reluctantly accept and learn to love Ripley is a true joy.  Bonus for a wonderful Isobel in this story.

To Begin Again by @litwitlady

Michael and Alex are back together but haven’t told their friends yet. 

I really admire writers who can write frequently.  She has a lot of fluff to choose from, but I choose this story because it is one of my favorite troops.  Michael and Alex are just not subtle.

Unwind Me by delgay

“Think you can manage that? Sitting next to me, without picking a fight?” Michael challenged. “Can you?” Alex returned. “No idea,” Michael admitted with a sideways grin that never failed to make Alex’s stomach turn over, “But I’m eager to find out.”

Alex is avoiding everyone, but he can’t seem to escape Michael.

Due to my previously mentioned habit of losing fics, I spent a lot of time today looking for this one.  It was so worth it.  Its not pure fluff, but it brings such joy to me heart.  Alex is completely unaware that Michael is trying to court him.  Even Kyle helps!  My favorite example of Michael building Alex a leg.

you can see it from space by @bellakitse

“I think I’m in love.”

Isobel lets out a snorting noise next to him, and Michael tears his eyes away from Alex to look at her.

“First,” Isobel starts, holding up a finger. “Remove the ‘think’ part of that statement.

I have never mourned an author moving on from a fandom as much as I mourned @bellakitse no longer writing Malex.  I tried really hard to love Tarlos, but it just didn’t click for me.  I could list so many of her stories here.  She writes my favorite kind of fluff, the kind that is rooted in emotion.  There is a joy and vulnerability in her writing that sticks with you.  When I am having a bad day, hers are the first stories I go to.  This one is especially comforting to me.  Future established Malex fluff that lets all of us bask in their love.  It doesn’t get any better than that.  Read all her Malex fics and cherish them like I do.

Bonus recs for @bellakitse because I can’t leave it at one

Cause all of me, love all of you

Michael breathes in deep and gives Alex a fake bold smirk. “What do you want to talk about?”

Alex gives him an unimpressed look, calling Michael’s bluff. “You told me you loved me and then you left before I could say anything about it.”

****

Isobel hosts a single’s mixer at Maria’s bar, as Michael watches guy after guy hit on Alex, it forces him to confront his feelings.

Michael’s attempt to avoid the conversation with Alex is one of the funniest things I’ve ever read.  Maria and Isobel are wonderful in this.

more than he loves the stars

Michael shows Alex the pods and shows him everything he feels.

Fluff is not really my wheelhouse - I am more an angst, hurt/comfort, AU fan. So just know that most of my fluff recommendations have a bit of salty along with the sweet (that makes it better, right? Like a chocolate covered pretzel, ha).

Love is a burning thing by @sabrinachill

AO3 author page

Oh I love this one. Love it. One of the best Alex portrayals. There is some tension (multiple fires, which silly me didn’t realize was a theme tied to the title till I’d read this multiple times, ha). And I have CERTAINLY read it multiple times. Really great meet-ugly right at the get-go, too. Can’t go wrong with any of this author’s works.

There was only one bed by @gra-sonas

AO3 author page

This is a short, cute, and sweet AU where Alex and Michael are strangers in an airport, their flight is delayed, they’re provided with overnight accommodations, aaaaaand cue title, ha. This is actual legit fluff and it’s very cute and fun.

Recovered echoes by @goldenfiligree

AO3 author page

This is a story about Alex getting a dog, and so much more. There are mentions of Michael’s childhood in this, along with other not so fluffy topics like Caulfield, but it ends well for everyone. It’s beautifully written.

Til it leads you to the one you love by @bellakitse

AO3 author page

It’s a Malex Holiday AU. I love it. My very favorite scene is when Alex and Michael meet g G or the first time. I really like the way Alex is written in this, too.

The spark before the dark (come a little closer) by @acomebackstory (is there an updated tumblr for this author???)

AO3 author page

This is Isobel/Kyle, and is single-handedly responsible for me even considering his pairing. It’s not all fluff (Isobel is post-Noah), but I do love what Kyle and Isobel are able to give each other here.

Make no mistake of the good times and bad by @andrea-lyn

AO3 author page

He’s not my boyfriend. This man is more to me that you can dream. He’s the moon when I’m lost in darkness and warmth when I shiver in cold. And his kiss still thrills me, even after a millennia. His heart overflows with the kindness of which this world is not worthy of. I love this man beyond measure and reason. He’s not my boyfriend. He’s all and he’s more. You’re an incurable romantic.

srjglksda;gdsl

otabek is dating a huge a cat