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AspecEx 2025
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forsworn and I requested fic in six fandoms. Treats are welcome!
Navigation: DNWs | General Likes | Hurt/Comfort Likes | Smut Likes
Bridgerton: Simon/Anthony
DNDHAT: Doric/Xenk | Edgin/Xenk | Simon/Doric | Simon/Edgin | Simon/Xenk
Little Women (Gerwig): Jo March
Star Trek AOS: Kirk/Bones
This Means War: FDR/Tuck
Wonka: Noodle & Wonka
DNWs:
General Likes:
Hurt/Comfort Likes:
Smut Likes:
Simon Basset/Anthony Bridgerton
There's clearly such a deep connection between these two. In their first scene, Simon's grumpy mood disappears the moment he sees Anthony again, and there's such a sense of fondness between them. I love that Simon's response to Daphne's line that one should marry their dearest friend is: "Are you suggesting I marry your brother?" But Anthony and Simon struggle to express their feelings and open up about their problems, leading to various punchups between them - is that simply about inarticulated frustration, or is there a subconscious desire for physical contact?
Despite his charm and rakish attitude, Simon resents being vulnerable - and uses his sharp tongue as a shield. Protective Anthony is more open despite his trauma, but struggles with the burden of responsibility vs his urge to indulge - though he once had a more humourous, even prank-loving side, which Simon alone seems familiar with. There's a complete contrast with their family situations - Anthony and the fond bustle of all his siblings, only child Simon rejected by his father - and I think that could lead them to different, interesting outlooks on (and hopes for) personal relationships. But they're both rakes, happily indulging their forbidden desires, and while others might disapprove maybe Simon and Anthony would celebrate that commonality.
But there are some desires too taboo even for a rake. Even in the Bridgerton universe, the Regency time period means homosexual love and attraction are completely forbidden. I can see that resulting in a certain amount of internalised homophobia - a reluctance to admit even to themselves what they're feeling, a belief that it's something that shouldn't be indulged, that it's something shamefully unmanly, even dangerous. (And they wouldn't be entirely wrong - they could be hanged if society found out; I'm fine with that worry being present, with that vague threat hanging over them, but please don't out them or have anyone actually threaten them.) Maybe all of that combines with a more standard hesitation about intimacy, and results in them mutually pining - even for years. Or maybe, as they're already scandalising polite society, they don't see the problem as long as their relationship stays secret, and happily hop into bed. But that need for secrecy, the fact they can only be their true selves in private, could also lend a certain intensity and closeness to the whole thing.
You could set this during their Oxford days, or later when they're rakes about town, or a no-wives AU. I enjoy this both as a romance and as FWB who accidentally fall in love. And I'm happy for the other Bridgertons and/or Lady Danbury to appear - and even to find out, and quietly approve of, Simon/Anthony's secret relationship. (Benedict obviously won't care, lmao.)
Happy for both to be demiromantic, or for either to be demiro and the other allo.
Requested tags:
demiromantic character falls in love with best friend(s)
Demiromantic character falls in love with FWB
Demiromantic Character unsure what to do with the romantic feelings they're experiencing for the first time
Doric/Xenk Yendar
We don't really get any focused moments between these two in the film, but Doric actually seems like the least hostile to Xenk from the beginning - ironic considering her stance on humans started as "hateful and selfish" and "just can't help but lie"... but then Xenk and his ridiculous paladin goodness are so obviously the opposite of that! If Xenk joined the party for further adventures, I like to imagine they'd become good friends, and then fall in love (maybe after mutually pining).
I love Doric's combination of a sharp tongue with her moral integrity and intense environmental concern, and how that contrasts and blends with Xenk's stern intensity, his awkward ways, and his own intense sense of justice and goodness. They're both visibly outsiders in ways the others aren't, so maybe they would have a natural understanding - or they'd bond over the angst of losing their families because of it.
(Please don't mention Simon and Doric breaking up. I'd rather you give them an open relationship, make it an AU where they were never into each other, or just ignore that ship altogether.)
I would love to see asexual Doric/asexual Xenk!
Requested tags:
Ace4Ace couple enjoy cuddling
Ace4Ace couple enjoy holding hands
Ace4Ace couple enjoy kissing
Edgin Darvis/Xenk Yendar
These two have such a great dynamic. I love their banter and how they spark with each other - Xenk and his literal mind bouncing off Edgin's usual wordplay, still prompting smiles in each other, even as they clash over Edgin's thievery and Xenk's paladin ways. That contrast somehow settles to a comfortable blend, with Edgin reluctant for Xenk to leave. And I love how touchyfeely they are - Edgin in general, and Xenk with all his (offers of) handholding... Pressing his hand to Edgin's on the Harper's seal, pulling him up after saving him, their earnest handshake as they prepare to part. So much touching! And so much banter! But they also challenge each other to grow, and I'd love to see how their relationship develops after the film, with a softer friendship blossoming into romance.
Despite his 20 minutes of screentime, Edgin's narrative arc is so bound up with Xenk. Edgin's been projecting this image of a cheerful, charming leader for so long, hiding his deep trauma over Zia with quips and songs. He's focused all of his pain into hating the Red Wizards, blaming Thayans for his loss - maybe because it's easier than blaming himself. But then he meets Xenk, a Thayan so noble and innocent that it shatters Edgin's foundation. And Edgin can't even console himself with the idea that anyone in his position would've been tempted by that gold - because again, Xenk is so pure and moral, and proves that people can be better. Even makes Edgin promise to be more than a common thief, reigniting his old Harper heroism. Xenk is the pivot point of Edgin's growth and healing.
Xenk's own angst is mostly implied, a subtext to the fascinating details we get. He's a paladin, a holy warrior, so strict in protecting others - but he's also a Thayan, a hated outsider, visibly marked by necromantic magic. I love the tension in him being both blessed and cursed. Does Xenk feel the need to be the perfect paladin to balance out the terrible opinions people have about Thayans? Once people have accepted his cursed nature, do they tend to place him on a pedestal, glorifying him as a legendary paladin instead? He glides away from the crowd's praise after saving that catbaby; his retort to Edgin's anti-Thayan sentiment is not to defend himself, but to speak of other Thayans, innocents turned into monsters. Does he think of himself as a monster? But Xenk is so kind and caring, risking himself to save Edgin - and so stern and serious, rigidly sticking to his moral framework. Does he feel bound by his duty, by his paladin vows - even to the point of repressing his own wants, needs and hopes? Does he feel he has to earn his own humanity, by so harshly rejecting his own partially undead nature, by being such a paragon of virtue? Does Xenk feel like he can't be less than perfect? Maybe his insistence that Edgin can be a better man is a reflection of Xenk's need to believe in his own goodness.
With all of those worries swirling around, these two could slip so deep into mutual pining. Maybe Xenk thinks he can't be with anyone because of his duty as a paladin, or because the Beckoning Death has left him cursed, partially undead, lacking part of his soul, etc. Maybe Edgin finds out Xenk is a virgin and assumes the guy isn't interested in sex at all. (I do headcanon Xenk as a virgin - and maybe he isn't interested in sex, but he is interested in Edgin.) Or Edgin thinks Xenk's too noble and pure to want a criminal like him, or thinks Xenk wants someone more serious or more intellectual. Xenk thinking Edgin's too charming and sociable to want someone as awkward and unbending as him... I love the angsty possibilities of all this, the two of them keeping their feelings secret even as they're practically bursting with longing. And when combined with their touchyfeely natures - they must be torturing each other!
Established relationship and getting together both welcome. Edgin's lingering angst over Zia is fine. Or you could do some angst focusing on that mutual pining, or some physical hurt/comfort, or soft fluff, or fun tropes - maybe as part of a new adventure for them. I'm open to both autistic Xenk and/or ADHD Edgin, or neurotypical depictions. I mainly see Xenk as being sworn to justice, as a general concept, rather than a specific god - but feel free to pick one, if it suits the themes of your work. (Like, Ilmater is a great choice if Xenk is suffering, whether in whump or in sexy painplay.) And feel free to include any or all of the party!
I'm happy with any combo of [asexual or demisexual or demiromantic or allo] Edgin with [asexual or demisexual or demiromantic or allo] Xenk that fits these tags.
Requested tags:
Ace4Ace couple enjoy cuddling
Ace4Ace couple enjoy holding hands
Ace4Ace couple enjoy kissing
Ace/Allo couple are happy and communicative
Allosexual reassures asexual and/or sex-repulsed partner that it's okay if they never have sex
Demiromantic character never expected to find love again after tragic loss of spouse
Demiromantic Character unsure what to do with the romantic feelings they're experiencing for the first time
Demisexual A did not expect to be sexually attracted B
Demisexual couple explore sexual intimacy together after both develop sexual attraction to each other
Simon Aumar/Doric
I love how soft Simon gets around Doric and I'd love to see her showing a softer side to him in return. (I do love Doric's spikiness though.) And I love that over the course of the film, she was very interested every time Simon's competency was shown or discussed - she was always into him, she just had this one dealbreaker, and then he fixed it! (Well, maybe he didn't entirely fix it: I love Simon having more confidence, but it might be nice to see him struggle a little - with Doric encouraging him, now she's convinced of his capability.)
Both of them have angsty pasts: Doric as a tiefling rejected by her parents, who's visibly an outsider wherever she goes; Simon as a sorcerer trying to live up to his family's long legacy of wizardry. Plus, as a half-elf, wherever he was raised, he was probably too human for the elves and too elven for the humans. As they get to know each other better, it'd be great to see them open up to each other about these things.
Maybe their courting is awkward at first, possibly hampered by Simon's tendency to break things or fall over, but I absolutely believe they're a good match and would love to see a happy relationship grow between them.
I would love to see asexual Simon/asexual Doric!
Requested tags:
Ace4Ace couple enjoy cuddling
Ace4Ace couple enjoy holding hands
Ace4Ace couple enjoy kissing
Sex-Repulsed Ace Tearfully Comes Out to Seemingly-Allo Partner Only for Partner to Also Be Ace
Simon Aumar/Edgin Darvis
I love how Edgin is absolutely convinced of Simon's potential badassery (he has a mental list of all the times Simon's magic worked!) and how he's determined to make Simon believe it too - and this, for some reason, involves touching Simon's face a lot. Simon is awkward and sulky in the face of this, even though he's perfectly willing to trust Edgin and follow his lead in other areas - maybe Simon is pining, and can't let himself believe that Edgin cares about him, or is worried about opening his heart? Depending on the situation, maybe Edgin feels too weird about the age difference, and doesn't want to take advantage of Simon... until something pushes them together. Could be post-canon, or a missing scene any time from Simon first joining Edgin's crew of thieves up to Korinn's Keep.
(Please don't mention Simon and Doric breaking up. I'd rather you give them an open relationship, make it an AU where they were never into each other, or just ignore that ship altogether.)
I would love to see asexual Simon/asexual Edgin!
Requested tags:
Ace4Ace couple enjoy cuddling
Ace4Ace couple enjoy holding hands
Ace4Ace couple enjoy kissing
Sex-Repulsed Ace Tearfully Comes Out to Seemingly-Allo Partner Only for Partner to Also Be Ace
Simon Aumar/Xenk Yendar
In the film, Simon mostly seems to get on Xenk's nerves (being sarcastic! destroying the bridge!) but he's not doing it on purpose and I really think if they spent more time together they could become good friends - and then fall in love. Despite his initial jealousy, Simon is eager for Xenk to stay at the end. Under his sarcasm, his awkwardness, and his occasional sulkiness, Simon is rather sweet and kinda adorable. And once you see past his stern manner and paladin morals, Xenk is kind and actually sorta awkward too.
I like the idea that they're both a bit dorky, deeply interested in niche subjects, in a way none of the others understand. But I think they could find some common ground. But maybe Simon worries that Xenk doesn't like him, or doesn't respect him? And Xenk isn't great at social interaction, so he might not realise Simon feels that way, or might not know how to explain that he actually does care. Potentially some angst there, but I'd also love some fluff - or some hurt/comfort.
(Please don't mention Simon and Doric breaking up. I'd rather you give them an open relationship, make it an AU where they were never into each other, or just ignore that ship altogether.)
I would love to see asexual Simon/asexual Xenk!
Requested tags:
Ace4Ace couple enjoy cuddling
Ace4Ace couple enjoy holding hands
Ace4Ace couple enjoy kissing
Sex-Repulsed Ace Tearfully Comes Out to Seemingly-Allo Partner Only for Partner to Also Be Ace
Josephine "Jo" March
Look, I thought Jo/Bhaer was cute, but I felt it would've fitted the film's themes more if Jo ended up happily single - so I'd love an AU where she's aroace. Could be set during either part of the timeline, with Jo as a teenager or an adult, or even post-canon. I love her determination, her hot-and-cold nature, and her deep platonic attachment to her sisters and to Laurie. And I love her passion for writing - it'd be great to see her enjoying success as a novelist, or her time as a young and struggling writer. Or some fluff, hurt/comfort, or angst with her (found) family. While I'd like her to get a happy ending, you can absolutely include the canon loneliness plotline from the film, or something similar, with Jo feeling alone and adrift - especially if you include Beth's death and/or Amy's trip to Europe. If it doesn't fit the tag, you don't have to show Jo finding satisfaction and fulfilment via creativity and/or platonic bonds - but that is the future I hope for her, so please don't end on a note that contradicts that.
I'd be especially interested to see her interacting with any of Amy, Beth, Meg or Laurie. For the "sibling is also aro and/or ace" prompt, I opted into ace Amy, ace Meg, ace or aroace Beth - you can include any or all of those. No Jo/anyone please - except for Laurie's unrequited crush on Jo, which you can include for any of the tags, but especially the "kissing a friend" one. (No more than kissing though, please. But I am fine with Jo indulging other kinds of platonic affection with Laurie - or with her sisters!) And feel free to include the other canon relationships - ie Meg/Brooke, Amy/Laurie, Marmee/Mr March - in the background if they would be happening when your piece is set.
Requested tags:
Aroace character tries kissing their friend who has a crush on them
Aroace character who is happily single
Aroace character(s) finding fulfilment in platonic relationship(s)
Aroace character(s) finding fulfilment through creative expression
Coming out to a sibling; sibling is also aro and/or ace
Coming out to a sibling; sibling is supportive
Non-romantic love
Non-Sexual Intimacy
Platonic Cuddling
platonic declarations of love
James T. Kirk/Leonard "Bones" McCoy
I love Bones and his sassy grumpiness, and how under that he clearly cares (though possibly he wishes he didn't). Kirk starts off rebellious and traumatised, but obviously has a keen mind and an urge to protect people. Really enjoy both Bones despairing at young, reckless, flirty Kirk, and the more tender moments once Kirk mellows into a slightly-more-responsible captain, like when they're sharing the booze that Bones stole from Chekov.
(No preference for whether you call them Jim/Bones or Kirk/McCoy, use what you prefer.)
I would love to see aro Kirk with aro or allo Bones, or demiro Kirk with demiro or allo Bones. Kirk seems to treat his sexual partners callously outside the bedroom, and I'd love to see him unlearn some of those behaviours through his emotional connection with Bones - or for them just to have some hot aro or demiro sex. (Kirk can continue being a slut, as long as Bones is fine with it.)
Requested tags:
Aro Couple's Lack of Traditionally Romantic Mutual Feelings Irrelevant to Happiness and Chemistry
Looks like Romance to Others; Is Actually D/s
Aromantic Character knows they love Partner just not "like that"
Aromantic character realises they have strong platonic love for their FWB
Aromantic Couple Happy in Their Non-Traditional Relationship
Aromantic Friends With Benefits
demiromantic character falls in love with best friend(s)
Demiromantic character falls in love with FWB
Demiromantic Character unsure what to do with the romantic feelings they're experiencing for the first time
Franklin "FDR" Foster/Tuck Hansen
I love these two and the dynamic they have: working smoothly together, protecting each other in danger, happily declaring their love for each other, bantering, hanging out. They're deeply competitive but deeply loyal, though there's also a fragility to their friendship. They're such different people - smooth, flirty FDR who hides his angsty past, and earnest, romantic Tuck who's longing for love but doesn't know how to find it - but they have such an easy rapport and genuinely like each other. (Except when they don't.)
When do their declarations of platonic love turn to romantic ones - and do they even notice that change happening? Maybe they mutually pine for a while, or maybe they're already casually having sex before they realise they have romantic feelings - or the intimacy of a dubcon scenario pushes them to confess. Or show me what they're like as an established relationship! Fluff, smut, hurt/comfort or spy adventures all welcome.
Being spies, they're required to do some dark things - killing, lying, stealing - and that puts them in a bubble together, both because they can't share those secrets and because others might not understand if they did. The fact that they were both so relaxed about surveilling Lauren (and each other) suggests they're not on the same page as most people - but they are on the same page as each other. I'm fine with you acknowledging that, as a "they're fucked up in the same way, and therefore perfect together" type thing, but you're also free to ignore that thread and keep it light - this canon isn't a serious examination of what espionage does to the soul, it's a fun comedy.
I love the idea of demiromantic FDR falling in love with Tuck. Happy for Tuck to be either demiro or allo.
Requested tags:
demiromantic character falls in love with best friend(s)
Demiromantic character falls in love with FWB
Demiromantic Character unsure what to do with the romantic feelings they're experiencing for the first time
Noodle & Willy Wonka
Their friendship is adorable. I love the joy and support they bring to each other's lives. And despite the age difference, that exchange is mutual, and I love how that adds to the dynamic. At 22, Wonka is a young man embarking on his career, confident in his chocolatier skills and brimming with optimism - but he's also illiterate, somewhat vulnerable, and very much missing his mother. At 14, Noodle still has a childlike yearning to be mothered - but she's weary beyond her years, resigned to the harsh realities of life, and steadily self-assured. That combination of her teaching him to read as he teaches her to hope is so interesting and so sweet. And then there's the more equitable interactions of them working together to achieve his dream. I love the magical realism of Wonka's chocolates - and the contrast between this calm and practical young girl, and this bonkers and whimsical adult man! Such a cosy and fantastical film.
I get big aroace vibes from Wonka. He's so focused on chocolate and (found) family. Attraction doesn't seem to figure at all, even when helping other people fall in love. He's so confident, optimistic and unashamedly himself that I don't think he'd suppress an interest if he had one, so I can only conclude that he doesn't. All of his most important relationships and emotional moments are platonic ones. And I love his friendship with Noodle, and would love to see her depicted as aroace too!
AroAce besties
Aroace character(s) finding fulfilment in platonic relationship(s)
Aroace character(s) finding fulfilment through creative expression
Aroace characters dancing together
Aroace characters singing together
Non-Sexual Intimacy
Platonic Cuddling
platonic declarations of love
Navigation: DNWs | General Likes | Hurt/Comfort Likes | Smut Likes
Bridgerton: Simon/Anthony
DNDHAT: Doric/Xenk | Edgin/Xenk | Simon/Doric | Simon/Edgin | Simon/Xenk
Little Women (Gerwig): Jo March
Star Trek AOS: Kirk/Bones
This Means War: FDR/Tuck
Wonka: Noodle & Wonka
DNWs:
- 1st or 2nd person POV
- Cheating
- Breakups
- Noncon
- Major character death
- Gore
- Vore
- Bestiality, sex while in animal form
- Scat, watersports, vomit in a sexual context (non-sexual vomiting is fine)
- Underage sex (18+ only)
- Unrequested acespec depictions, unrequested arospec depictions
- For Bridgerton: Anthony's father and/or Simon's parents dying is fine
- For DNDHAT: Edgin/Holga, Kira/anyone. Past Holga/Marlamin is fine; past Edgin/Zia is fine.
- For Little Women: sexual content (kissing is fine); requited Laurie/Jo, consummated Laurie/Jo (kissing is fine); Jo/anyone else (including Bhaer); canon character deaths are fine; ace Meg, ace Amy, ace or acearo Beth are fine
- For Wonka: sexual content (OCs or background characters kissing is fine)
General Likes:
- Fluff. Domestic fluff. Hopeful spring vibes. Cosy autumn or winter vibes. Rainy evenings in. Lazy sunny mornings. Cooking together, eating together. Playing board games. The daily routines of travelling together longterm.
- Banter. Getting together. Established relationship. Found family. Characters showing affection in their own way. Groups amusing themselves with jokes and stories while spending every day together. Characters trusting in each other's skills. Competence kink.
- Cheek touches. Hand on the back of the neck. Hugs and cuddling. Cheek kisses. Forehead kisses. (Platonic versions welcome!)
- Holding hands. Kisses described in loving detail. Brushing fingers over lips. Size difference (if canon).
- Angst with a happy ending. Hurt/comfort. Mutual pining. Repression and self-denial. Intense sense of duty or loyalty. Complicated family legacies. Self-esteem issues.
- Dreams and nightmares. Shared dreams. Prophetic dreams, dreams of future soulmate. Nightmares of past trauma.
- Truth spells. Telepathic bonds. Soulbonds, accidental or deliberate. Magical tattoos that show connections: soulmate marks, pistilverse, etc.
- Kidfic, of the canon character being de-aged type. Kidfic, of the having and caring for children type. Pregnancy, including mpreg. Pregnancy fluff: anticipating child, preparing, taking care of pregnant partner. Pregnancy angst: worrying about being a good parent, worrying about the birth (esp for mpreg). Pregnancy hurt/comfort: morning sickness, pampering partner.
- Forced proximity: stuck in a prison cell together, only one bed, trapped by a cave-in, hiding in a closet, handcuffed together, magic spell, etc.
- Sparring and combat tutoring. Character A defending character B with character B's weapon.
Hurt/Comfort Likes:
- Emotional hurt/comfort. Physical hurt/comfort. Whump. Mild hurt/comfort.
- Nightmares. Flashbacks. Crying. Staying with character B as they fall asleep.
- Impact bruises. Being manually choked. Twisted ankles.
- Stab wounds. Arrow wounds. Pulling the arrow out. Nosebleeds as fight injury. Grazes and abrasions.
- Magical torture, psychic torture, and other kinds of pain inflicted without harming the body.
- Bedside vigils. Holding injured character close. Carrying or supporting someone who can't walk. Character A catching character B as they collapse (even if character A isn't strong enough to hold them up and just helps slow their descent to the floor). Helping injured character undress, remove armour, etc.
- Seasickness. Morning sickness. "Oh no, that thing you just ate was poisoned." Vomiting in the context of hurt/comfort - the loss of control, the pain of throwing up, the vulnerability of being seen that way - whether due to nausea, induced by emetic, or induced by fingers (theirs or partner's). Not interested in the vomit itself, though fine to mention it looks/smells/tastes gross.
- Struggling through sex pollen/an omegaverse heat/etc without having sex, only giving non-sexual comfort for the symptoms.
- Premature ejaculation. Erectile dysfunction. Shame over sexual desires.
- The awkward vulnerability of comfort requiring a new level of intimacy.
- Stern/gruff characters making tiny gestures as a comforter and the comfortee understanding that significance. A comforter understanding when the comfortee only wants tiny gestures, and the comfortee being grateful for that understanding. People who are comfortable with each other giving and accepting large amounts of comfort.
- Stoic hurt characters refusing to break down. Stoic hurt characters letting it all out.
- I love both the hurt and comfort parts of the equation! Go heavy on one part and less on the other, or have an equal mix of both.
Smut Likes:
- Positions: Missionary, riding and other face-to-face positions, for eye contact and/or lots of kissing. But spooning pairs well with gentle sex, and oral fingering's probably more easily done from behind.
- Locations: In bed, in a chair, against a wall, on the floor... In the bedroom, in the living room, in an alley, in a forest, in a dungeon, on a ship, on the victorious battlefield... Basically anywhere? Yeah.
- Acts: Anal sex, including het anal. Vaginal sex. Loss of virginity. First time bottoming. Pegging. Strap-ons. Deepthroating. Oral fingering. Kissing during sex. Breastplay (fondling, gently squeezing, kissing). Nippleplay (pinching, kissing, licking).
- Moods: Gentle sex. Tender sex. Fluffy sex. Hurt/comfort sex. Sex with lots of feelings. Vulnerability and trust.
- BDSM: Dom/sub. Bondage. Pinned down. Kneeling. Collaring. Praise kink. Orgasm delay/edging. BDSM AUs.
- Dubcon: Sex pollen. Fuck or die. Sex caused by magic or to perform magic. Pining during dubcon. (Whether they admit their feelings during, after, or not at all.) Having to trust each other with the unexpected intimacy. Worrying about being so vulnerable but being kind to each other and coming out stronger on the other side.
- Size kink and stretching: Big cocks. Painful penetration. Lots of foreplay/prep, slow and gentle penetration so it isn't painful. Large object insertions. Sounding.
- Omegaverse: Alpha/Omega. Painfully big alpha dicks. Knotting. Sexy pheromones. Pheromones that communicate fear, or anger, or other emotions. Alpha pheromones that make the omega feel safe, or protected, or calm.
- An undercover situation requires them to fuck while being watched, but they successfully fake it - except the kisses, the touches, the proximity, and the "is it okay if I..." questions whispered right in each other's ears were all very real. And some of those moans didn't sound fake. Either they're so wound up they fuck for real once they're no longer being watched, or the feelings keep simmering until they boil over later.
Simon Basset/Anthony Bridgerton
There's clearly such a deep connection between these two. In their first scene, Simon's grumpy mood disappears the moment he sees Anthony again, and there's such a sense of fondness between them. I love that Simon's response to Daphne's line that one should marry their dearest friend is: "Are you suggesting I marry your brother?" But Anthony and Simon struggle to express their feelings and open up about their problems, leading to various punchups between them - is that simply about inarticulated frustration, or is there a subconscious desire for physical contact?
Despite his charm and rakish attitude, Simon resents being vulnerable - and uses his sharp tongue as a shield. Protective Anthony is more open despite his trauma, but struggles with the burden of responsibility vs his urge to indulge - though he once had a more humourous, even prank-loving side, which Simon alone seems familiar with. There's a complete contrast with their family situations - Anthony and the fond bustle of all his siblings, only child Simon rejected by his father - and I think that could lead them to different, interesting outlooks on (and hopes for) personal relationships. But they're both rakes, happily indulging their forbidden desires, and while others might disapprove maybe Simon and Anthony would celebrate that commonality.
But there are some desires too taboo even for a rake. Even in the Bridgerton universe, the Regency time period means homosexual love and attraction are completely forbidden. I can see that resulting in a certain amount of internalised homophobia - a reluctance to admit even to themselves what they're feeling, a belief that it's something that shouldn't be indulged, that it's something shamefully unmanly, even dangerous. (And they wouldn't be entirely wrong - they could be hanged if society found out; I'm fine with that worry being present, with that vague threat hanging over them, but please don't out them or have anyone actually threaten them.) Maybe all of that combines with a more standard hesitation about intimacy, and results in them mutually pining - even for years. Or maybe, as they're already scandalising polite society, they don't see the problem as long as their relationship stays secret, and happily hop into bed. But that need for secrecy, the fact they can only be their true selves in private, could also lend a certain intensity and closeness to the whole thing.
You could set this during their Oxford days, or later when they're rakes about town, or a no-wives AU. I enjoy this both as a romance and as FWB who accidentally fall in love. And I'm happy for the other Bridgertons and/or Lady Danbury to appear - and even to find out, and quietly approve of, Simon/Anthony's secret relationship. (Benedict obviously won't care, lmao.)
Happy for both to be demiromantic, or for either to be demiro and the other allo.
Requested tags:
demiromantic character falls in love with best friend(s)
Demiromantic character falls in love with FWB
Demiromantic Character unsure what to do with the romantic feelings they're experiencing for the first time
Doric/Xenk Yendar
We don't really get any focused moments between these two in the film, but Doric actually seems like the least hostile to Xenk from the beginning - ironic considering her stance on humans started as "hateful and selfish" and "just can't help but lie"... but then Xenk and his ridiculous paladin goodness are so obviously the opposite of that! If Xenk joined the party for further adventures, I like to imagine they'd become good friends, and then fall in love (maybe after mutually pining).
I love Doric's combination of a sharp tongue with her moral integrity and intense environmental concern, and how that contrasts and blends with Xenk's stern intensity, his awkward ways, and his own intense sense of justice and goodness. They're both visibly outsiders in ways the others aren't, so maybe they would have a natural understanding - or they'd bond over the angst of losing their families because of it.
(Please don't mention Simon and Doric breaking up. I'd rather you give them an open relationship, make it an AU where they were never into each other, or just ignore that ship altogether.)
I would love to see asexual Doric/asexual Xenk!
Requested tags:
Ace4Ace couple enjoy cuddling
Ace4Ace couple enjoy holding hands
Ace4Ace couple enjoy kissing
Edgin Darvis/Xenk Yendar
These two have such a great dynamic. I love their banter and how they spark with each other - Xenk and his literal mind bouncing off Edgin's usual wordplay, still prompting smiles in each other, even as they clash over Edgin's thievery and Xenk's paladin ways. That contrast somehow settles to a comfortable blend, with Edgin reluctant for Xenk to leave. And I love how touchyfeely they are - Edgin in general, and Xenk with all his (offers of) handholding... Pressing his hand to Edgin's on the Harper's seal, pulling him up after saving him, their earnest handshake as they prepare to part. So much touching! And so much banter! But they also challenge each other to grow, and I'd love to see how their relationship develops after the film, with a softer friendship blossoming into romance.
Despite his 20 minutes of screentime, Edgin's narrative arc is so bound up with Xenk. Edgin's been projecting this image of a cheerful, charming leader for so long, hiding his deep trauma over Zia with quips and songs. He's focused all of his pain into hating the Red Wizards, blaming Thayans for his loss - maybe because it's easier than blaming himself. But then he meets Xenk, a Thayan so noble and innocent that it shatters Edgin's foundation. And Edgin can't even console himself with the idea that anyone in his position would've been tempted by that gold - because again, Xenk is so pure and moral, and proves that people can be better. Even makes Edgin promise to be more than a common thief, reigniting his old Harper heroism. Xenk is the pivot point of Edgin's growth and healing.
Xenk's own angst is mostly implied, a subtext to the fascinating details we get. He's a paladin, a holy warrior, so strict in protecting others - but he's also a Thayan, a hated outsider, visibly marked by necromantic magic. I love the tension in him being both blessed and cursed. Does Xenk feel the need to be the perfect paladin to balance out the terrible opinions people have about Thayans? Once people have accepted his cursed nature, do they tend to place him on a pedestal, glorifying him as a legendary paladin instead? He glides away from the crowd's praise after saving that catbaby; his retort to Edgin's anti-Thayan sentiment is not to defend himself, but to speak of other Thayans, innocents turned into monsters. Does he think of himself as a monster? But Xenk is so kind and caring, risking himself to save Edgin - and so stern and serious, rigidly sticking to his moral framework. Does he feel bound by his duty, by his paladin vows - even to the point of repressing his own wants, needs and hopes? Does he feel he has to earn his own humanity, by so harshly rejecting his own partially undead nature, by being such a paragon of virtue? Does Xenk feel like he can't be less than perfect? Maybe his insistence that Edgin can be a better man is a reflection of Xenk's need to believe in his own goodness.
With all of those worries swirling around, these two could slip so deep into mutual pining. Maybe Xenk thinks he can't be with anyone because of his duty as a paladin, or because the Beckoning Death has left him cursed, partially undead, lacking part of his soul, etc. Maybe Edgin finds out Xenk is a virgin and assumes the guy isn't interested in sex at all. (I do headcanon Xenk as a virgin - and maybe he isn't interested in sex, but he is interested in Edgin.) Or Edgin thinks Xenk's too noble and pure to want a criminal like him, or thinks Xenk wants someone more serious or more intellectual. Xenk thinking Edgin's too charming and sociable to want someone as awkward and unbending as him... I love the angsty possibilities of all this, the two of them keeping their feelings secret even as they're practically bursting with longing. And when combined with their touchyfeely natures - they must be torturing each other!
Established relationship and getting together both welcome. Edgin's lingering angst over Zia is fine. Or you could do some angst focusing on that mutual pining, or some physical hurt/comfort, or soft fluff, or fun tropes - maybe as part of a new adventure for them. I'm open to both autistic Xenk and/or ADHD Edgin, or neurotypical depictions. I mainly see Xenk as being sworn to justice, as a general concept, rather than a specific god - but feel free to pick one, if it suits the themes of your work. (Like, Ilmater is a great choice if Xenk is suffering, whether in whump or in sexy painplay.) And feel free to include any or all of the party!
I'm happy with any combo of [asexual or demisexual or demiromantic or allo] Edgin with [asexual or demisexual or demiromantic or allo] Xenk that fits these tags.
Requested tags:
Ace4Ace couple enjoy cuddling
Ace4Ace couple enjoy holding hands
Ace4Ace couple enjoy kissing
Ace/Allo couple are happy and communicative
Allosexual reassures asexual and/or sex-repulsed partner that it's okay if they never have sex
Demiromantic character never expected to find love again after tragic loss of spouse
Demiromantic Character unsure what to do with the romantic feelings they're experiencing for the first time
Demisexual A did not expect to be sexually attracted B
Demisexual couple explore sexual intimacy together after both develop sexual attraction to each other
Simon Aumar/Doric
I love how soft Simon gets around Doric and I'd love to see her showing a softer side to him in return. (I do love Doric's spikiness though.) And I love that over the course of the film, she was very interested every time Simon's competency was shown or discussed - she was always into him, she just had this one dealbreaker, and then he fixed it! (Well, maybe he didn't entirely fix it: I love Simon having more confidence, but it might be nice to see him struggle a little - with Doric encouraging him, now she's convinced of his capability.)
Both of them have angsty pasts: Doric as a tiefling rejected by her parents, who's visibly an outsider wherever she goes; Simon as a sorcerer trying to live up to his family's long legacy of wizardry. Plus, as a half-elf, wherever he was raised, he was probably too human for the elves and too elven for the humans. As they get to know each other better, it'd be great to see them open up to each other about these things.
Maybe their courting is awkward at first, possibly hampered by Simon's tendency to break things or fall over, but I absolutely believe they're a good match and would love to see a happy relationship grow between them.
I would love to see asexual Simon/asexual Doric!
Requested tags:
Ace4Ace couple enjoy cuddling
Ace4Ace couple enjoy holding hands
Ace4Ace couple enjoy kissing
Sex-Repulsed Ace Tearfully Comes Out to Seemingly-Allo Partner Only for Partner to Also Be Ace
Simon Aumar/Edgin Darvis
I love how Edgin is absolutely convinced of Simon's potential badassery (he has a mental list of all the times Simon's magic worked!) and how he's determined to make Simon believe it too - and this, for some reason, involves touching Simon's face a lot. Simon is awkward and sulky in the face of this, even though he's perfectly willing to trust Edgin and follow his lead in other areas - maybe Simon is pining, and can't let himself believe that Edgin cares about him, or is worried about opening his heart? Depending on the situation, maybe Edgin feels too weird about the age difference, and doesn't want to take advantage of Simon... until something pushes them together. Could be post-canon, or a missing scene any time from Simon first joining Edgin's crew of thieves up to Korinn's Keep.
(Please don't mention Simon and Doric breaking up. I'd rather you give them an open relationship, make it an AU where they were never into each other, or just ignore that ship altogether.)
I would love to see asexual Simon/asexual Edgin!
Requested tags:
Ace4Ace couple enjoy cuddling
Ace4Ace couple enjoy holding hands
Ace4Ace couple enjoy kissing
Sex-Repulsed Ace Tearfully Comes Out to Seemingly-Allo Partner Only for Partner to Also Be Ace
Simon Aumar/Xenk Yendar
In the film, Simon mostly seems to get on Xenk's nerves (being sarcastic! destroying the bridge!) but he's not doing it on purpose and I really think if they spent more time together they could become good friends - and then fall in love. Despite his initial jealousy, Simon is eager for Xenk to stay at the end. Under his sarcasm, his awkwardness, and his occasional sulkiness, Simon is rather sweet and kinda adorable. And once you see past his stern manner and paladin morals, Xenk is kind and actually sorta awkward too.
I like the idea that they're both a bit dorky, deeply interested in niche subjects, in a way none of the others understand. But I think they could find some common ground. But maybe Simon worries that Xenk doesn't like him, or doesn't respect him? And Xenk isn't great at social interaction, so he might not realise Simon feels that way, or might not know how to explain that he actually does care. Potentially some angst there, but I'd also love some fluff - or some hurt/comfort.
(Please don't mention Simon and Doric breaking up. I'd rather you give them an open relationship, make it an AU where they were never into each other, or just ignore that ship altogether.)
I would love to see asexual Simon/asexual Xenk!
Requested tags:
Ace4Ace couple enjoy cuddling
Ace4Ace couple enjoy holding hands
Ace4Ace couple enjoy kissing
Sex-Repulsed Ace Tearfully Comes Out to Seemingly-Allo Partner Only for Partner to Also Be Ace
Josephine "Jo" March
Look, I thought Jo/Bhaer was cute, but I felt it would've fitted the film's themes more if Jo ended up happily single - so I'd love an AU where she's aroace. Could be set during either part of the timeline, with Jo as a teenager or an adult, or even post-canon. I love her determination, her hot-and-cold nature, and her deep platonic attachment to her sisters and to Laurie. And I love her passion for writing - it'd be great to see her enjoying success as a novelist, or her time as a young and struggling writer. Or some fluff, hurt/comfort, or angst with her (found) family. While I'd like her to get a happy ending, you can absolutely include the canon loneliness plotline from the film, or something similar, with Jo feeling alone and adrift - especially if you include Beth's death and/or Amy's trip to Europe. If it doesn't fit the tag, you don't have to show Jo finding satisfaction and fulfilment via creativity and/or platonic bonds - but that is the future I hope for her, so please don't end on a note that contradicts that.
I'd be especially interested to see her interacting with any of Amy, Beth, Meg or Laurie. For the "sibling is also aro and/or ace" prompt, I opted into ace Amy, ace Meg, ace or aroace Beth - you can include any or all of those. No Jo/anyone please - except for Laurie's unrequited crush on Jo, which you can include for any of the tags, but especially the "kissing a friend" one. (No more than kissing though, please. But I am fine with Jo indulging other kinds of platonic affection with Laurie - or with her sisters!) And feel free to include the other canon relationships - ie Meg/Brooke, Amy/Laurie, Marmee/Mr March - in the background if they would be happening when your piece is set.
Requested tags:
Aroace character tries kissing their friend who has a crush on them
Aroace character who is happily single
Aroace character(s) finding fulfilment in platonic relationship(s)
Aroace character(s) finding fulfilment through creative expression
Coming out to a sibling; sibling is also aro and/or ace
Coming out to a sibling; sibling is supportive
Non-romantic love
Non-Sexual Intimacy
Platonic Cuddling
platonic declarations of love
James T. Kirk/Leonard "Bones" McCoy
I love Bones and his sassy grumpiness, and how under that he clearly cares (though possibly he wishes he didn't). Kirk starts off rebellious and traumatised, but obviously has a keen mind and an urge to protect people. Really enjoy both Bones despairing at young, reckless, flirty Kirk, and the more tender moments once Kirk mellows into a slightly-more-responsible captain, like when they're sharing the booze that Bones stole from Chekov.
(No preference for whether you call them Jim/Bones or Kirk/McCoy, use what you prefer.)
I would love to see aro Kirk with aro or allo Bones, or demiro Kirk with demiro or allo Bones. Kirk seems to treat his sexual partners callously outside the bedroom, and I'd love to see him unlearn some of those behaviours through his emotional connection with Bones - or for them just to have some hot aro or demiro sex. (Kirk can continue being a slut, as long as Bones is fine with it.)
Requested tags:
Aro Couple's Lack of Traditionally Romantic Mutual Feelings Irrelevant to Happiness and Chemistry
Looks like Romance to Others; Is Actually D/s
Aromantic Character knows they love Partner just not "like that"
Aromantic character realises they have strong platonic love for their FWB
Aromantic Couple Happy in Their Non-Traditional Relationship
Aromantic Friends With Benefits
demiromantic character falls in love with best friend(s)
Demiromantic character falls in love with FWB
Demiromantic Character unsure what to do with the romantic feelings they're experiencing for the first time
Franklin "FDR" Foster/Tuck Hansen
I love these two and the dynamic they have: working smoothly together, protecting each other in danger, happily declaring their love for each other, bantering, hanging out. They're deeply competitive but deeply loyal, though there's also a fragility to their friendship. They're such different people - smooth, flirty FDR who hides his angsty past, and earnest, romantic Tuck who's longing for love but doesn't know how to find it - but they have such an easy rapport and genuinely like each other. (Except when they don't.)
When do their declarations of platonic love turn to romantic ones - and do they even notice that change happening? Maybe they mutually pine for a while, or maybe they're already casually having sex before they realise they have romantic feelings - or the intimacy of a dubcon scenario pushes them to confess. Or show me what they're like as an established relationship! Fluff, smut, hurt/comfort or spy adventures all welcome.
Being spies, they're required to do some dark things - killing, lying, stealing - and that puts them in a bubble together, both because they can't share those secrets and because others might not understand if they did. The fact that they were both so relaxed about surveilling Lauren (and each other) suggests they're not on the same page as most people - but they are on the same page as each other. I'm fine with you acknowledging that, as a "they're fucked up in the same way, and therefore perfect together" type thing, but you're also free to ignore that thread and keep it light - this canon isn't a serious examination of what espionage does to the soul, it's a fun comedy.
I love the idea of demiromantic FDR falling in love with Tuck. Happy for Tuck to be either demiro or allo.
Requested tags:
demiromantic character falls in love with best friend(s)
Demiromantic character falls in love with FWB
Demiromantic Character unsure what to do with the romantic feelings they're experiencing for the first time
Noodle & Willy Wonka
Their friendship is adorable. I love the joy and support they bring to each other's lives. And despite the age difference, that exchange is mutual, and I love how that adds to the dynamic. At 22, Wonka is a young man embarking on his career, confident in his chocolatier skills and brimming with optimism - but he's also illiterate, somewhat vulnerable, and very much missing his mother. At 14, Noodle still has a childlike yearning to be mothered - but she's weary beyond her years, resigned to the harsh realities of life, and steadily self-assured. That combination of her teaching him to read as he teaches her to hope is so interesting and so sweet. And then there's the more equitable interactions of them working together to achieve his dream. I love the magical realism of Wonka's chocolates - and the contrast between this calm and practical young girl, and this bonkers and whimsical adult man! Such a cosy and fantastical film.
I get big aroace vibes from Wonka. He's so focused on chocolate and (found) family. Attraction doesn't seem to figure at all, even when helping other people fall in love. He's so confident, optimistic and unashamedly himself that I don't think he'd suppress an interest if he had one, so I can only conclude that he doesn't. All of his most important relationships and emotional moments are platonic ones. And I love his friendship with Noodle, and would love to see her depicted as aroace too!
AroAce besties
Aroace character(s) finding fulfilment in platonic relationship(s)
Aroace character(s) finding fulfilment through creative expression
Aroace characters dancing together
Aroace characters singing together
Non-Sexual Intimacy
Platonic Cuddling
platonic declarations of love