Okay after thinking about it some more I've figured out what I *actually* want: an escapist story prominently featuring characters who love and support each other.

Does anyone have suggestions?

@starkatt Have you read any Becky Chambers?

@starkatt https://www.otherscribbles.com/books

This is, for lack of a better world, the comfiest SF I've read in a long time. Intentional families finding their way in a really lovely and well-crafted universe.

Also: Pansexual polyamorous feathery-lizard ladies.

@indi @starkatt Yeah, I was going to recommend that too. :-D

@emanate @indi Any suggestions on which I read first? :D

@starkatt @indi The Long Way one first, it introduces the characters. A Closed is the sequel, largely. :-}

@emanate @indi This is the perfect suggestion so far. I absolutely see and appreciate what you mean by it being fanfic-inflected -- it lends a playfulness that I didn't know I was craving until I had it.