#savejatp

It’s Not Sunset Cis Either by WhatsYourNameMan (@wr0temyway0ut) (T, series on AO3, incomplete) If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ve definitely seen me talk about this series. I’ve basically decided this is canon now and Netflix can’t tell me otherwise. A truly wonderful AU in which Nick, Luke, Alex, and Reggie are trans men, Willie and Flynn are non-binary, and Julie is gender-fluid. One thing I really love about this series is Rio’s handling of Bobby/Trevor: acknowledging what he did (and giving a reason that's not “he’s a terrible person”), allowing the boys to forgive him, and making him a part of the family again. Bobby is depicted as just as valued and important to Sunset Curve as Alex, Luke, and Reggie, and Bobby and Alex have the sweetest friendship. I also love how Rio writes Willex, specifically Willie and his Caleb trauma. Some of these stories broke my heart (I’m looking at you, Spider Beetle Bee, The Vagabond, Boy on a String, and Dance Dance), but this is still my comfort series and I love it so much.

The Spotlight’s Your Hiding Place by @wr0temyway0ut (NR, SMAU on Tumblr, complete) Enemies-to-lovers modern AU. Nick, Willie, and Bobby are in JATP’s rival band. After discovering that Caleb Covington has been abusing Nick, Willie, and Bobby, JATP comes together to help their rivals escape Caleb’s control. I love all of Rio’s work, but this one is particularly good. I love a good SMAU, and Rio delivers. Full of drama and angst, but also the fluffy moments Rio does so well.

My Safest Place to Hide by @willexxmercer (NR, SMAU on Tumblr, complete) A Willex modern everybody lives/nobody dies AU. When Alex gets sick on their honeymoon, Willie must put his worries about Caleb and the gossip columns aside to take care of him. With Caleb threatening to make Willie’s life worse, Willie learns to lean on his husband and friends and accept their help for once. That was a terrible summary, but I truly love this SMAU. Lots of sweet Willex moments and hating Caleb Covington moments. I also love Kit’s OCs.

Lie a Little Better by @willexxmercer (NR, SMAU on Tumblr, complete) I know…another SMAU. I just love them so much, okay? A Willex modern everybody lives/nobody dies AU. Alex needs a getaway from the hectic Hollywood life, so he goes to a resort in Canada. While there, he falls for Willie Covington, nephew of Caleb Covington, the one person Julie and the Phantoms swore to stay away from. When Caleb finds out about Alex and Willie, well, you can imagine what happens. I love this SMAU because it’s sweet but also suspenseful and keeps you wanting more. Kit is masterful at the cliffhanger and making you really, really hate Caleb Covington. Know That It’s Probably Magic by thessalonike (starblessed) (@julies-butterflies) (T, one-shot on AO3, complete) “A study in grief, loneliness, and the nature of haunting.” Julie thought Alex, Luke, and Reggie were haunting her house, but Flynn might be onto something when she says the boys are haunting Julie. This realization brings Julie’s world crashing down. They can’t be haunting her, right? This fic is beautiful and deep and perfectly written to be emotional without being over the top. There are amazing Double Trouble moments, and Flynn especially is very well-written.

Gave Me No Compasses, Gave Me No Signs by weneedglitter (@weneedglitter) (G, one-shot on AO3, complete) After the Orpheum, Julie discovers her powers go beyond magic hugs, and the bond she has with Alex, Reggie, and Luke is stronger than she thought. This is pretty similar to Know That It’s Probably Magic (it was inspired by that fic), but the premise is just different enough to make it special. I really loved Morgan’s take on the Orpheum and how Julie was able to pull the boys to her.

Heaven Has Got Nothing On Us by fairylightsandrainydays (@fairylightsandrainydays) (T, one-shot on AO3, complete) This is a fascinating take on the relationship between Willie and Caleb Covington. After he dies, Willie realizes he can’t see color. He joins the Hollywood Ghost Club with the promise of getting color back, but soon realizes it’s not at all what he thought it would be. Rainy gives a very interesting take on how and why Willie joined the Hollywood Ghost Club.

I’d Fall Anywhere With You by novaquill (NR, multi-chapter on AO3, complete) Everyone has a soulmate, except for Alex…or at least that’s what he thinks. After the incident with the hot dogs, the boys of Sunset Curve learn that soulmates can be found in unexpected places. I love a good soulmate AU, and this did not disappoint. I loved this fic because it explores the boys of Sunset Curve’s friendship and how best friends can be your soulmates.

Raw Nerves Can’t Kill Me (But God Do They Want To) by HearJessRoar (@hearjessroar) (G, one-shot on AO3) Julie has a bad day, and it’s up to Flynn and the boys to cheer her up. I love Jess’s portrayal of the friendship between Julie and the boys, it’s so sweet and the boys just want to help.

Are You for Me or Against Me (Hold Yourself Against Me) by siriuslyrose (@siriuslyrose) (G, one-shot on AO3, complete) Modern everybody lives/nobody dies AU in which Caleb adopted Willie. Five times Alex thought Caleb hated him, and one time he was proven wrong. I love Mel’s writing, and this does not disappoint. Mel does a great job of integrating Carrie and Bobby into the group and creating the character of good dad Caleb. Also I love Willie’s dog.

How Long Till My Soul Gets It Right by partyghost (Arokel) (G, one-shot on AO3, complete) This is probably my very favorite Willie fic ever. Astronomer!Willie owns my soul. This story gave me Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe vibes (that’s a complement, I love that book). A great insight into Willie’s character and potential backstory.

Give Me Something to Hold On To by sunsetcurbed (@sunsetcurbed) (T, multi-chapter on AO3, complete) Modern everybody lives/nobody dies AU. As Kay puts it, “Alex and Willie meet young, fall in love young, and fall apart young. But some things have a way of making sure they’re meant to be in the end.” I was hesitant on this one at first, because I don’t usually go for friends to lovers to exes back to lovers stories, but Kay’s writing won me over. This story is so well thought-out and beautifully written, and Kay captures the emotions of a break-up perfectly. I think I cried when I read this. As you might expect, it is a sad story, but I promise the end is happy.

Far Away From Hurt Is Where Healing Occurs by chickwiththepurpleguitar (@chickwiththepurpleguitar) (G, one-shot on AO3, complete) After the Orpheum, Julie has to explain to Ray that there are three sort-of-ghosts living in their studio. Luckily, Ray is the best dad ever, but when caring for the boys means forgiving Bobby/Trevor Wilson, Ray finds it a little harder than he expected. Sometimes time really does heal all wounds. I love how Lilly explores the relationship between Bobby/Trevor, Ray, and Rose, as well as the relationships between Luke, Alex, and Reggie and their parents.