gekigengar gargant III!!! (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
aestivalis) wrote2019-01-05 11:36 pm
aestivalis) wrote2019-01-05 11:36 pm
Chocolate Box Letter!
Hello, Chocolate Box writer! Or should that be Chocolatier?!
Thank you for being here! I'm not sure what fandom we have matched on, but I hope that you can find something here in this letter that appeals to you c: I'm Gargant, and can be found under that name over on AO3 as well!
With this, as with all exchanges, the most important thing to me is that you have fun with whatever it is you create. Please consider this letter as a jumping off point, a source of inspiration, and don't feel restricted by anything I've written! Do not feel obligated to create something that doesn't interest you! I'm not very easily put off, honestly—the only hard no I have is detailed medical fic. But there's very little reason to believe these prompts would bring that up anyway!
So that being said, here's some general points about what I like!
Thank you for being here! I'm not sure what fandom we have matched on, but I hope that you can find something here in this letter that appeals to you c: I'm Gargant, and can be found under that name over on AO3 as well!
With this, as with all exchanges, the most important thing to me is that you have fun with whatever it is you create. Please consider this letter as a jumping off point, a source of inspiration, and don't feel restricted by anything I've written! Do not feel obligated to create something that doesn't interest you! I'm not very easily put off, honestly—the only hard no I have is detailed medical fic. But there's very little reason to believe these prompts would bring that up anyway!
So that being said, here's some general points about what I like!
General:
♥ When it comes to media, there's basically nothing I'll turn away as long as it's handled with an appropriate level of self-awareness or gravitas. While this particular exchange is definitely geared toward romance or fluff, I am more than happy to receive works that lean into the more dark or twisted side of things. Incest is fine, dubious consent (or lack thereof) is fine, any level of violence is fine.
But again, this is a relationship-focused exchange (gen or otherwise), and I want to make it super clear that I love lighter topics as well! Cute fluffy snapshots of everyday life are fun (especially if they focus on something unique to the fandom setting in question). Fluff is good, familial is good. It's infinitely possible to explore serious character themes without having to call back into things typically associated with darkfic. Create the content that speaks to you!
♥ Character exploration is good. "What if"- scenarios are pretty much my all-time favourite fandom conceit—there's nothing I love more than a good canon divergence AU. Alternate life choices taking characters down different paths = always super engaging to me. In terms of art, how might some of these characters appear different if they'd made those choices and lived those different lives?
I also love exploring the things that make each fandom setting unique. Going out for a coffee in Pokémon and going out for a coffee in the Star Wars universe should look very different from one another, and I really like works that take the bit of time to reflect on those details that shape the characters we love.
♥ As mentioned above, ONE SQUICK. I would ask to avoid medical details where possible. Thank you!!
That all being said, go crazy!! Follow your heart and create content that works for you! Also see below for some specifics c:
Free!:
Relationships: Matsuoka Rin/Ryuugazaki Rei
Free! is one of those shows I never thought I'd watch, but then somehow I found myself stuck on the couch unable to move and suddenly I'd binged the whole first season and become completely charmed by these two boys. Rei in particular is exactly my type of character, and I was really starstruck by his relationship with Rin. Just requesting them for this exchange has made me want to rewatch the series and experience it all again—Rei's complicated feelings as though he's failing to fill some Rin-shaped hole in the swim team's lives, and Rin equally watching his old friends swimming with this stranger who isn't even good but dammit they're all smiling without him. I loved how proactive Rei was about trying to learn more about Rin and repair what he'd lost, to the point that he actively sought Rin out and was willing to get confrontational with him. Rei was so good for Rin even at his own expense, and I think Rin knows that better than anybody.
They just have a really wonderful and unexpected relationship with one another, and it's perfectly offset by the fact that they a) have perfect matching red/blue aesthetics, and b) both just Want To Be Cool but are secretly fucking useless. God bless them both.
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Prompts: ♥ We've seen Rin teaching Rei different swim strokes — what can Rei teach to Rin in return? Something to do with Rei's history in track & field, or maybe how to bake butterfly cookies?! It can be something serious or something completely silly, I just love watching these two learn from each other, learn about each other, and learn about themselves through each other.
♥ This is one pairing where I'm not really invested in the setting (Free! is lovely but it's very mundane), so please feel free to just go full-blown AU if that speaks to you! Anything fantastical would be fun to see. What roles might they occupy in another world, and would their relationship be just as tumultuous to begin with? Would it become just as special, given time to grow and breathe?
♥ When in doubt, visit Australia! How would Rei get along in that climate, and with such a different culture? Would his English skills hold up? Would Rin look after him, or poke fun at his expense (or both)? If you want to go even further abroad, take them somewhere else. Maybe Rin is competing somewhere and Rei's along for the ride. What might they get up to out there? And will Rin be successful? Go where your heart takes you!
♥ If you want to look at this from an art perspective, you just can't go wrong with that classic red/blue aesthetic. Feel free to design them in that fantastical alternate universe I vaguely imagined! Or else just something playful and cute playing with their matchy-matchy fashion sense. God, boys, what are you thinking.
BanG Dream! Girl's Band Party!:
Relationships: Maruyama Aya/Shirasagi Chisato, Seta Kaoru/Shirasagi Chisato, Seta Kaoru/Yamato Maya, Seta Kaoru/Uehara Himari, Okusawa Misaki/Seta Kaoru
Holy moley, that's a lot of pairings to go through! Bandori is a relatively new fandom for me, and I've been so pleasantly surprised by the consistency of the character writing in this game. A lot of mobile games have writing that has to conform to an eternal status quo, but I really feel like the character's in Bandori have real development, and it's development that actually sticks. You can feel a passage of time, and see a change in character relationships, and it's delightful!
It's also great having something so focused on female relationships. Some are fluffy, some are complicated, some are even a little bit dark—it's a beautiful minefield and I'm thrilled to have it!
Since there are so many pairs this time I'll try to do a little something for each of them without going overboard. That being said, please bring your own personal interpretation to these characters and pairings options!
♥ Aya/Chisato: I really love how these two are similarly hard-working and dedicated but come at it from completely opposite ends of the spectrum. They're able to learn from each other even when they don't expect to, and I think Aya has really helped Chisato to find something a little bit blindly hopeful and optimistic in herself—a piece of her she probably thought didn't exist any more. On the flipside, I think Chisato has shown Aya that hard work is important, but it comes in many forms, and it isn't just enough to wear your sunniest smile and wait for the universe to notice your effort—you have to go out there and make it take notice.
Prompts-wise: - Something where Chisato is surprised to find herself the inexperienced one, and Aya has to lead the way. This could be as silly or as serious as you want it to be! It would be nice for them both to rely on the other without even realising it, with perhaps a chance to reflect on that by the end of the day. Art for this could involve them out and about promoting PasuPare in some way!
- Chisato gets sick! Is she determined to power through even when she shouldn't, or is she sensible? Regardless, does Aya get the chance to look after her, and how does that go? Feel free to include other PasuPare members here! The mental images accompanying this are so cute, so it might be a really nice art prompt.
- Aya finds something particularly scathing online. Is it about herself? About Chisato? Maybe even something scandalous about them both?! How do the girls cope, individually and together?
♥ Chisato/Kaoru: The thing I really like about this pairing is the fact that it isn't necessarily the healthiest. Chisato doesn't seem to have much patience for "her Romeo", even despite the unique bond they share. Kaoru puts up with the scorn, or possibly doesn't even recognise it for what it is. I'm very interested in other people's interpretations of this strange childhood friendship-turned-estrangement. I especially love the idea that Kaoru is the only person who knew Chisato before she became a child star—that Kaoru might be the only person who knows 'the true her', and how that might account for why Chisato keeps her at such a distance.
Prompts: - Kaoru is the biggest idiot. We all love her, but come on, we know it's true. So feel free to do absolutely anything playful with that ridiculous flamboyant element of her personality. Perhaps she somehow makes a complete disaster of an audition (probably without realising it) and Chisato finds herself intervening for her old friend in spite of herself. A real 'why am I bothering' situation, hahaha.
- One idea I really love is the thought that when all else fails, Chisato feels like she can rely on Kaoru. Maybe Kaoru deserves better than to be a safety net in a distant relationship, but it still makes for a very interesting and bittersweet relationship. Maybe PasuPare have received some really bad press and Chisato doesn't feel as though the other band members understand how devastating it could be—she can't cry on their shoulders, or use them as emotional punching bags, but Kaoru is perfect for both of those things. (How does Kaoru feel about this???)
- An alternative to the above—I love the thought of Chisato messing up her train ride and ending up who KNOWS where. How is she supposed to deal with this?! How is she supposed to admit to this! So who can she call but Kaoru, one person she can count on to drop everything for her and one person she's sure will keep a secret. If the train thing doesn't work for you, anything similar that requires Chisato having to swallow her pride and reach out would definitely make me happy!
♥ Maya/Kaoru: This time I have to make a confession. Kaoru and Maya are both top 5 girls for me, but I've never really given much thought toward the idea of them together! When I saw the tagset for this exchange I was really surprised and intrigued to see them paired together, so honestly I've requested them with the simple hope of seeing what other people see in them as a relationship!
So I'm sorry for not really providing any prompts, but if you're here because you've been especially matched for these two then please, follow your heart and give me a little snippet of what it is about them that makes you smile! Something sweet with them supporting each other, practicing together, or just something silly and fun!
♥ Himari/Kaoru: Himari's crush on Kaoru is just the cutest thing, and I'd really love to see something that plays with it! Kaoru just flirts so effortlessly with everyone, but I feel like most characters are immune to her goofy attentions. Himari, though, can't resist the whole Prince Charming aesthetic, and seeing her swoon is always just so funny and cute. I'm not sure if the two would ever have an actual relationship, but I'm definitely intrigued to see how things might work between them. Would Himari ever be able to get beyond that shiny exterior, and what might she even find?
Prompts: - Costume party! I'm not sure what special occasion might have the Bandori girls dressed up, but anything that might cast Kaoru into that perfect Charming persona for Himari to swoon over would be great fun. BUT, feel free to try the alternative as well! What if Himari was the Prince, and Kaoru found herself as the unexpected Princess? Could cute earnest ditsy Himari pull it off? Would Kaoru be able to keep herself in check?
- I know it's cheeky and against the rules, but if you want to do something that involves Tomoe as well I wouldn't say no to that.....
♥ Misaki/Kaoru: This is one of my absolute favourite Bandori pairings. I love Misaki being the straight man to Kaoru's antics, but also how Kaoru can manage to make Misaki a little flustered despite herself. I think they're just so cute and funny together, and they both have the chance to bring something unique out in one another. Misaki can be very serious, so maybe Kaoru can help her have a little fun. Kaoru tends to be absurd, but maybe Misaki can keep her a bit more grounded. I'm sure they can both have fun along the way!
Prompts: - Kaoru gets Misaki to help her practice lines for her next play. Bonus points if the dialogue ends up mirroring unspoken feelings, or if Misaki ends up getting drawn into the occasion despite herself only to be showered with praise from Kaoru for her ~amazing acting. Alternatively, Misaki attends the performance. Is she impressed, mortified, or a little bit of both?
- Practicing together! Or perhaps composing together? Maybe HHP need inspiration, and it's somehow fallen to these two to try and find something that might do the trick. This could even evolve into going out and finding something Fun!! You can go absolutely crazy with that—if Kokoro can make anything happen, then maybe that Kokoro influence (and the People In Suits) can help these two experience something truly remarkable!
- Misaki isn't well! And, for some reason, no one can find Michelle? Is there something, anything, that Kaoru can do to help? This can be cute comforting fic, or you could go full bonkers and have Kaoru forced to fill in for Michelle, just for one day! Can poorly Misaki provide instructions for Kaoru to fill the role of Michelle? She is an actor, after all!
Kingdom Hearts:
Relationships: Maleficent/Pete, Axel/Saix
This past year has seen me replaying some of the original Kingdom Hearts games, as well as working my way through the titles I hadn't played before. It has affirmed my love of Maleficent/Pete (I'm not sorry), and also helped me realise that Axel/Saix have actually been prime shipping material all along. That friends-to-enemies-but-maybe-still-lovers vibe is exactly my kind of thing, and I'm so here for it. Despite everything, I'm still so here for it.
♥ Maleficent/Pete: This has been my Kingdom Hearts forever pairing for the longest time, and it honestly blows my mind that someone NOT ME submitted this pairing for the exchange. I've been assuming for so long that I was just alone in this! Who are these other fans?! Come and share your world with me!!
Prompts: - Maleficent meets Captain Justice! Or maybe Captain Dark? If you want to take this in the silliest possible direction, maybe the Captain needs a sidekick? I can't even begin to imagine how this might work, but my god I'd love to see it happen.
- What happened to Maleficent and Pete in the finale of Kingdom Hearts II? The last thing we see if them about to face off against a horde of Heartless—how did that turn out for them? Just how astonished was Pete to find that they actually somehow survived. And hell, how surprised was Maleficent that Pete has still managed to make it through—the one consistent minion she has, even despite all his ludicrous flaws?
- ... what would they get each other as presents? JUST WORK WITH ME HERE, THEY ARE VERY DIFFERENT PEOPLE (?) AND IT COULD BE SO FUNNY AND CUTE.
♥ Axel/Saix: I've only recently come to realise just how many layers are going on with these two. The friendship they used to have, the strain it was placed under after they became members of the Organisation, and then everything that's happened between them ever since—it's become a real mess, but I think it's clear that they do both still care about each other. Sometimes that manifests as concern, sometimes it manifests as spite. I am so here for both things.
Prompts: - More of that wonderful red/blue aesthetic! If you want to try and draw or write something symbolic, these two are just covered in all that red and blue, sun and moon, fire and ice stuff that's just unavoidably delightful. Maybe one of the other of them ruminating on that fact, how those differences have drawn them together and equally torn them apart.
- They don't have hearts, but they remember what it was like when they did. What does that feel like? What do they actually remember? How do those echoes of emotion resonate within them? Is it motivating, or just painful?
- I'm always interested in divergence AU's, and one that might be interesting here would be a scenario where they didn't part ways. Originally they had their own plans for Organisation XIII, and it might be fun to see something exploring that scenario. Can it ever work out? Would they ever be satisfied? Can Kingdom Hearts really mend the rifts inside them?
Tales of Xillia:
Relationships: Julius Will Kresnik/Rideaux Zek Rugievit
I mean, it says Tales of Xillia up there, but it really might as well say Tales of Julius and Rideaux's F'd Up Relationship. I'm absolutely mad about any kind of interaction between these two. Give them the happy ending they could never have, or dwell in all the mess and complication that their canon relationship holds—I'm delighted either way. I will always, ALWAYS, have time for these two disasters.
Prompts: - Explore a fractured dimension! This is such an easy prompt, but it's a classic for a reason. There's so many little divergences you could explore within Xillia 2, and these two are implicitly wrapped up in so much of it. For a starter... a dimension where they're in a happy relationship—until Prime Julius and/or Rideaux arrives to destroy the catalyst. You could write this from the perspective of the Prime characters, or the perspective of the happy couple; either way it as the potential to be pretty devastating. That being said, feel free to just linger in the happiness instead! Focus on the good times, the happy little domestic moments they've never really had the chance to enjoy.
- What if something happened to Bisley? It could be orchestrated by Julius and/or Rideaux, or maybe it could be completely unrelated to them. But one way or another, what happens to them and their relationship if Bisley is suddenly no longer a factor. Who runs Spirius? Do either of them continue to pursue Origin's Trial, or do they decide to just retire from that life and live out whatever days are still left? If they disagree, do they part ways, or does someone try to force the issue?
- When in doubt, just have one of them hurt. It seems like I always have time for a little nursing/comfort fic, and it's not difficult to imagine situations where these two could be roughed up. It could be as lethal as a divergence catalyst battle gone wrong, or as innocuous as a really bad hangover. Follow your heart, and make it as fluffy or as bitter as you like! note: feel free to play with the idea of Rideaux's chronic illness, but please don't go into any surgical details if you can help it. thank you :x!
Tales of Berseria:
Relationships: Artorius Collbrande/Kanonushi | Innominat
I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO TELL YOU. I was captivated by this horrible disaster the moment the plot twist revealed it, and I would be completely fascinated to see any art or fic dealing with this weird and messed up relationship. Feel free to lean as hard as you like on Innominat's origins and how Artorius feels about that; nothing is going to be too squicky for me. I know what I'm getting into here. That being said, feel free to have Artorius be completely uncomfortable with the whole thing but drawn along despite himself. Keeping Innominat satisfied for the greater good and all that.
Prompts: - Does Innominat understand his own origin? We see him use Laphicet Crowe's knowledge/memories to taunt Velvet, but just how much of it does he really understand? And does he understand what the relationship between Artorius and Laphi was? Does he ever ask Artorius questions, and how does Artorius go about responding to such a difficult topic? Artorius is extremely dedicated to Reason over Emotion, but that can't make this situation any easier to contend with.
- Does Innominat feel Artorius is worthy of him? Hell, is Innominat everything Artorius believed that he would be? What are their initial impressions of each other, and does that evolve at all over the short course of their knowing one another? I would love to see any works that explore the tenuous balance of power between them. Who's in charge, and who thinksthey're in charge...? And how does armatization play into that?
- IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO THINK OF ANY LIGHTHEARTED PROMPTS FOR THESE TWO, but if you think you can pull something out of the bag, then I'm certainly intrigued! GO CRAZY, think of whatever it is I can't think of!
Tales of Symphonia:
Relationships: Colette Brunel/Sheena Fujibayashi, Mylene Wilder & Zelos Wilder, Lloyd Irving/Zelos Wilder, Kratos Aurion/Zelos Wilder
The forever fandom. Tales of Symphonia has been part of my fandom life since... well, it's pretty much where my interaction with fandom began, honestly. I have so many feelings tied up in these characters; some have changed over time, and some have stayed very much the same.
♥ Colette/Sheena: One of my favourite thoughts with these two is exploring the enemies-to-friends trajectory their relationship took. Sheena was so determined to do what she had to do to protect her home, but Colette just whittled her down with kindness until Sheena not only gave up her original mission but flipped it around and started protecting Colette. It's so cute! But that being said, never overlook the amazing early moment where they discuss how it might come to violence between them—they both show such grim determination and respect for one another, agreeing both to fight and fight back if such a day should come. That was the moment I fell into this ship.
Prompts: - For a bit of a crazy AU, what if Sheena actually succeeded in her mission to assassinate Colette, but after living with the consequences of that action and her own guilt at what she's done... something grants her a chance to do it over again? How would she feel about that chance? What would she do differently? Or would she force herself to make the same choices all over again, even despite the suffering it causes her...?
- LET'S GO A BIT LIGHTER. Colette wants to be less clumsy, and who better to help with that than an expert ninja! Sheena gives Colette ninja training, never even mind the fact that Sheena is more than a little bit clumsy herself. This could be so cute! Feel free to have them using ninja skills to play pranks on other party members, or just have them get completely distracted by dressing Colette up in a cute outfit to match with Sheena's! I'm sure she'd love a bow like Sheena's, even if she'd probably end up lamenting the fact that she can't quite.... fill.... the outfit like Sheena does......
- A story set after the events of Symphonia (but perhaps disregarding DotNW), where the Chosen comes to visit Mizuho. Sheena has to receive Colette the way a leader should receive an important diplomat, but privately they both want nothing more than to just hug it out and be thrilled in seeing each other. Could they play a professional facade and wait to unleash their enthusiasm in private, or would they just be themselves—they've both shouldered enough judgement for one life, who cares what other people think!
♥ Mylene & Zelos: It tends to turn heads, but Mylene is one of my all time favourite Tales characters—just like her son is. I'm endlessly fascinated by the Chosen system, and feel like Mylene is just as much of a victim as anyone else who's ever had the misfortune of being tied into those bloodlines. "You should never have been born" is true if you think of it from the perspective of a woman forced into a loveless marriage specifically to breed a saviour-sacrifice—I have a lot of time for Mylene's personal tragedy, and wish things might have turned out differently.
Prompts: - To that end! How about an AU where Mylene doesn't actually die in the attack? She survives, but she's still spoken those fateful words to her young son. How does their life together develop from that point on? How does she feel watching Zelos grow away from her; does she ever regret it, or does she consider it better that way? Does she ever try to support him or teach him, or does she just leave it all to Sebastian in hopes of maybe reclaiming some of her own lost freedom? And importantly, how does Zelos feel now? Does he ever confront his mother about what she said? Does he try to carry on as though it never happened, or does he pull away from her? You can make this as triumphant or as bitter as you like, there's really no end to what you could do with this!
- Alternatively, just snapshots of the life they had together before that day in the snow. Did Zelos ever suspect his mother was unhappy, and did he ever consider himself to be the cause? What did he try to do to help or cheer her, and did it ever succeed? Did Mylene realise that she was being cruel to a blameless child? And if so, does that thought ever make her hesitate, or does it only make her all the more bitter? Were there times when she actually found herself loving the child they'd forced her to bear? Did those moments give her hope that maybe she could learn to make something of this, or did those moments make her feel betrayed by a maternal instinct she never asked for?
- I'M SORRY I JUST PROJECT AN AWFUL LOT OF EMOTIONS ONTO THIS BARELY EXPLORED RELATIONSHIP OKAY
♥ Zelos/Lloyd: The ship of dreams, the one that got me into fandom in the first place. In a lot of ways I feel like there's already a lot of Zelos/Lloyd fan material out there, and it's difficult to ask for something "unique" at this point. In other ways I don't even care because they are sweet candy for my soul and I will always love them. Fluffy, complicated, life-changing, embittering, inspiring hope or inciting betrayal—there are so many things you can do with these two, and it delights me to no end.
Prompts: - Absolutely anything set during the post-game Exsphere journey! This can be as simple and fluffy as camping out (is it a soft summer night, or are they weathering a horrible storm?), cooking together, passing through familiar areas and seeing how much things have changed since the worlds were reunited, or anything else you can think of! There's a lot for them to think about with such a bold new future ahead of them, and you can definitely use the literal day-to-day activities as a bit of a mirror for what they might be thinking or feeling. Or seriously, just go cute and fluffy with it, it all works, they can be so jokey and cute together and I always have time for that.
- For another post-game prompt, Zelos and Lloyd visit a town (Luin, maybe?), where people don't really recognise Zelos but Lloyd is treated like a hero. How do they react? Does Lloyd let the fun of it go to his head a bit and get carried away, or is he mostly embarrassed and wondering how Zelos can ever put up with this much attention? Is Zelos jealous that Lloyd's the one getting attention, or maybe is he jealous that all these other people are showering attention on his favourite person?! Or hell, maybe Zelos is just secretly enjoying the feeling of being a bit anonymous for a change—it's nice to not be the Chosen now and then.
- If you want something set during the game, though, anything that follows up on the betrayal scene is always welcome. Or alternatively, something exploring how Zelos feels watching ~innocent little half-elf friend Mithos~ interact with Lloyd and the others. Is he surprised to find himself with misgivings? Just when did he start questioning his allegiances here, anyway?! Stupid Lloyd and his stupid good heart making everything so stupid complicated >:(
♥ Zelos/Kratos: HOO BOY THIS ONE BE MESSED UP. Or at least that's how I tend to view it. If you think you can do something a bit fluffier with this then by all means, I'd love to see it! But I see a lot of bitterness between these two, and in particular I think Zelos projects a lot of his issues onto Kratos and Kratos just kind of takes it because he thinks he deserves it which just makes Zelos angrier which just becomes a forever cycle of frustration. In a weird way they're mirrors of each other and reflect things that they hate about themselves, which makes for a ugly brew of animosity but also a weird kind of kinship.
Prompts: - I'd love anything set during that widely-accepted fanon time period of Kratos training Zelos. I think they could have a messy sort of father/son relationship that neither of them really wants or knows what to do with, and given how transient Zelos's life is and how much dishonesty he has to deal with on a daily basis, I can really see him latching on to his stoic-but-blunt sword instructor. I mean, Zelos would probably do everything in his power to make life difficult for Kratos, but that doesn't mean Kratos is allowed to just leave or something. Zelos is lonely and angry, and if he can hit a jerk with a sword then hey, that's a totally healthy outlet, right?
- Kratos leaves with Derris-Kharlan, saying farewell to his son before he goes. But what if Zelos saw it coming and confronted him about it? What might Kratos have to say to Zelos before he departs forevermore? Is Zelos even willing to hear it? Would they be able to have any kind of tenderness in a final moment, or would all the years of anger and bitterness keep any recognition of their strange bond left unsaid?
THANK YOU FOR READING THIS!! Please have fun creating for me, whoever you are! And remember, the true most important thing in all of this is that I want you to create something that makes you happy. I want you to show me how you view these relationships, and I really want you to have fun. Go out there and show the world what speaks to you!
♥ When it comes to media, there's basically nothing I'll turn away as long as it's handled with an appropriate level of self-awareness or gravitas. While this particular exchange is definitely geared toward romance or fluff, I am more than happy to receive works that lean into the more dark or twisted side of things. Incest is fine, dubious consent (or lack thereof) is fine, any level of violence is fine.
But again, this is a relationship-focused exchange (gen or otherwise), and I want to make it super clear that I love lighter topics as well! Cute fluffy snapshots of everyday life are fun (especially if they focus on something unique to the fandom setting in question). Fluff is good, familial is good. It's infinitely possible to explore serious character themes without having to call back into things typically associated with darkfic. Create the content that speaks to you!
♥ Character exploration is good. "What if"- scenarios are pretty much my all-time favourite fandom conceit—there's nothing I love more than a good canon divergence AU. Alternate life choices taking characters down different paths = always super engaging to me. In terms of art, how might some of these characters appear different if they'd made those choices and lived those different lives?
I also love exploring the things that make each fandom setting unique. Going out for a coffee in Pokémon and going out for a coffee in the Star Wars universe should look very different from one another, and I really like works that take the bit of time to reflect on those details that shape the characters we love.
♥ As mentioned above, ONE SQUICK. I would ask to avoid medical details where possible. Thank you!!
That all being said, go crazy!! Follow your heart and create content that works for you! Also see below for some specifics c:
Free!:
Relationships: Matsuoka Rin/Ryuugazaki Rei
Free! is one of those shows I never thought I'd watch, but then somehow I found myself stuck on the couch unable to move and suddenly I'd binged the whole first season and become completely charmed by these two boys. Rei in particular is exactly my type of character, and I was really starstruck by his relationship with Rin. Just requesting them for this exchange has made me want to rewatch the series and experience it all again—Rei's complicated feelings as though he's failing to fill some Rin-shaped hole in the swim team's lives, and Rin equally watching his old friends swimming with this stranger who isn't even good but dammit they're all smiling without him. I loved how proactive Rei was about trying to learn more about Rin and repair what he'd lost, to the point that he actively sought Rin out and was willing to get confrontational with him. Rei was so good for Rin even at his own expense, and I think Rin knows that better than anybody.
They just have a really wonderful and unexpected relationship with one another, and it's perfectly offset by the fact that they a) have perfect matching red/blue aesthetics, and b) both just Want To Be Cool but are secretly fucking useless. God bless them both.
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Prompts: ♥ We've seen Rin teaching Rei different swim strokes — what can Rei teach to Rin in return? Something to do with Rei's history in track & field, or maybe how to bake butterfly cookies?! It can be something serious or something completely silly, I just love watching these two learn from each other, learn about each other, and learn about themselves through each other.
♥ This is one pairing where I'm not really invested in the setting (Free! is lovely but it's very mundane), so please feel free to just go full-blown AU if that speaks to you! Anything fantastical would be fun to see. What roles might they occupy in another world, and would their relationship be just as tumultuous to begin with? Would it become just as special, given time to grow and breathe?
♥ When in doubt, visit Australia! How would Rei get along in that climate, and with such a different culture? Would his English skills hold up? Would Rin look after him, or poke fun at his expense (or both)? If you want to go even further abroad, take them somewhere else. Maybe Rin is competing somewhere and Rei's along for the ride. What might they get up to out there? And will Rin be successful? Go where your heart takes you!
♥ If you want to look at this from an art perspective, you just can't go wrong with that classic red/blue aesthetic. Feel free to design them in that fantastical alternate universe I vaguely imagined! Or else just something playful and cute playing with their matchy-matchy fashion sense. God, boys, what are you thinking.
BanG Dream! Girl's Band Party!:
Relationships: Maruyama Aya/Shirasagi Chisato, Seta Kaoru/Shirasagi Chisato, Seta Kaoru/Yamato Maya, Seta Kaoru/Uehara Himari, Okusawa Misaki/Seta Kaoru
Holy moley, that's a lot of pairings to go through! Bandori is a relatively new fandom for me, and I've been so pleasantly surprised by the consistency of the character writing in this game. A lot of mobile games have writing that has to conform to an eternal status quo, but I really feel like the character's in Bandori have real development, and it's development that actually sticks. You can feel a passage of time, and see a change in character relationships, and it's delightful!
It's also great having something so focused on female relationships. Some are fluffy, some are complicated, some are even a little bit dark—it's a beautiful minefield and I'm thrilled to have it!
Since there are so many pairs this time I'll try to do a little something for each of them without going overboard. That being said, please bring your own personal interpretation to these characters and pairings options!
♥ Aya/Chisato: I really love how these two are similarly hard-working and dedicated but come at it from completely opposite ends of the spectrum. They're able to learn from each other even when they don't expect to, and I think Aya has really helped Chisato to find something a little bit blindly hopeful and optimistic in herself—a piece of her she probably thought didn't exist any more. On the flipside, I think Chisato has shown Aya that hard work is important, but it comes in many forms, and it isn't just enough to wear your sunniest smile and wait for the universe to notice your effort—you have to go out there and make it take notice.
Prompts-wise: - Something where Chisato is surprised to find herself the inexperienced one, and Aya has to lead the way. This could be as silly or as serious as you want it to be! It would be nice for them both to rely on the other without even realising it, with perhaps a chance to reflect on that by the end of the day. Art for this could involve them out and about promoting PasuPare in some way!
- Chisato gets sick! Is she determined to power through even when she shouldn't, or is she sensible? Regardless, does Aya get the chance to look after her, and how does that go? Feel free to include other PasuPare members here! The mental images accompanying this are so cute, so it might be a really nice art prompt.
- Aya finds something particularly scathing online. Is it about herself? About Chisato? Maybe even something scandalous about them both?! How do the girls cope, individually and together?
♥ Chisato/Kaoru: The thing I really like about this pairing is the fact that it isn't necessarily the healthiest. Chisato doesn't seem to have much patience for "her Romeo", even despite the unique bond they share. Kaoru puts up with the scorn, or possibly doesn't even recognise it for what it is. I'm very interested in other people's interpretations of this strange childhood friendship-turned-estrangement. I especially love the idea that Kaoru is the only person who knew Chisato before she became a child star—that Kaoru might be the only person who knows 'the true her', and how that might account for why Chisato keeps her at such a distance.
Prompts: - Kaoru is the biggest idiot. We all love her, but come on, we know it's true. So feel free to do absolutely anything playful with that ridiculous flamboyant element of her personality. Perhaps she somehow makes a complete disaster of an audition (probably without realising it) and Chisato finds herself intervening for her old friend in spite of herself. A real 'why am I bothering' situation, hahaha.
- One idea I really love is the thought that when all else fails, Chisato feels like she can rely on Kaoru. Maybe Kaoru deserves better than to be a safety net in a distant relationship, but it still makes for a very interesting and bittersweet relationship. Maybe PasuPare have received some really bad press and Chisato doesn't feel as though the other band members understand how devastating it could be—she can't cry on their shoulders, or use them as emotional punching bags, but Kaoru is perfect for both of those things. (How does Kaoru feel about this???)
- An alternative to the above—I love the thought of Chisato messing up her train ride and ending up who KNOWS where. How is she supposed to deal with this?! How is she supposed to admit to this! So who can she call but Kaoru, one person she can count on to drop everything for her and one person she's sure will keep a secret. If the train thing doesn't work for you, anything similar that requires Chisato having to swallow her pride and reach out would definitely make me happy!
♥ Maya/Kaoru: This time I have to make a confession. Kaoru and Maya are both top 5 girls for me, but I've never really given much thought toward the idea of them together! When I saw the tagset for this exchange I was really surprised and intrigued to see them paired together, so honestly I've requested them with the simple hope of seeing what other people see in them as a relationship!
So I'm sorry for not really providing any prompts, but if you're here because you've been especially matched for these two then please, follow your heart and give me a little snippet of what it is about them that makes you smile! Something sweet with them supporting each other, practicing together, or just something silly and fun!
♥ Himari/Kaoru: Himari's crush on Kaoru is just the cutest thing, and I'd really love to see something that plays with it! Kaoru just flirts so effortlessly with everyone, but I feel like most characters are immune to her goofy attentions. Himari, though, can't resist the whole Prince Charming aesthetic, and seeing her swoon is always just so funny and cute. I'm not sure if the two would ever have an actual relationship, but I'm definitely intrigued to see how things might work between them. Would Himari ever be able to get beyond that shiny exterior, and what might she even find?
Prompts: - Costume party! I'm not sure what special occasion might have the Bandori girls dressed up, but anything that might cast Kaoru into that perfect Charming persona for Himari to swoon over would be great fun. BUT, feel free to try the alternative as well! What if Himari was the Prince, and Kaoru found herself as the unexpected Princess? Could cute earnest ditsy Himari pull it off? Would Kaoru be able to keep herself in check?
- I know it's cheeky and against the rules, but if you want to do something that involves Tomoe as well I wouldn't say no to that.....
♥ Misaki/Kaoru: This is one of my absolute favourite Bandori pairings. I love Misaki being the straight man to Kaoru's antics, but also how Kaoru can manage to make Misaki a little flustered despite herself. I think they're just so cute and funny together, and they both have the chance to bring something unique out in one another. Misaki can be very serious, so maybe Kaoru can help her have a little fun. Kaoru tends to be absurd, but maybe Misaki can keep her a bit more grounded. I'm sure they can both have fun along the way!
Prompts: - Kaoru gets Misaki to help her practice lines for her next play. Bonus points if the dialogue ends up mirroring unspoken feelings, or if Misaki ends up getting drawn into the occasion despite herself only to be showered with praise from Kaoru for her ~amazing acting. Alternatively, Misaki attends the performance. Is she impressed, mortified, or a little bit of both?
- Practicing together! Or perhaps composing together? Maybe HHP need inspiration, and it's somehow fallen to these two to try and find something that might do the trick. This could even evolve into going out and finding something Fun!! You can go absolutely crazy with that—if Kokoro can make anything happen, then maybe that Kokoro influence (and the People In Suits) can help these two experience something truly remarkable!
- Misaki isn't well! And, for some reason, no one can find Michelle? Is there something, anything, that Kaoru can do to help? This can be cute comforting fic, or you could go full bonkers and have Kaoru forced to fill in for Michelle, just for one day! Can poorly Misaki provide instructions for Kaoru to fill the role of Michelle? She is an actor, after all!
Kingdom Hearts:
Relationships: Maleficent/Pete, Axel/Saix
This past year has seen me replaying some of the original Kingdom Hearts games, as well as working my way through the titles I hadn't played before. It has affirmed my love of Maleficent/Pete (I'm not sorry), and also helped me realise that Axel/Saix have actually been prime shipping material all along. That friends-to-enemies-but-maybe-still-lovers vibe is exactly my kind of thing, and I'm so here for it. Despite everything, I'm still so here for it.
♥ Maleficent/Pete: This has been my Kingdom Hearts forever pairing for the longest time, and it honestly blows my mind that someone NOT ME submitted this pairing for the exchange. I've been assuming for so long that I was just alone in this! Who are these other fans?! Come and share your world with me!!
Prompts: - Maleficent meets Captain Justice! Or maybe Captain Dark? If you want to take this in the silliest possible direction, maybe the Captain needs a sidekick? I can't even begin to imagine how this might work, but my god I'd love to see it happen.
- What happened to Maleficent and Pete in the finale of Kingdom Hearts II? The last thing we see if them about to face off against a horde of Heartless—how did that turn out for them? Just how astonished was Pete to find that they actually somehow survived. And hell, how surprised was Maleficent that Pete has still managed to make it through—the one consistent minion she has, even despite all his ludicrous flaws?
- ... what would they get each other as presents? JUST WORK WITH ME HERE, THEY ARE VERY DIFFERENT PEOPLE (?) AND IT COULD BE SO FUNNY AND CUTE.
♥ Axel/Saix: I've only recently come to realise just how many layers are going on with these two. The friendship they used to have, the strain it was placed under after they became members of the Organisation, and then everything that's happened between them ever since—it's become a real mess, but I think it's clear that they do both still care about each other. Sometimes that manifests as concern, sometimes it manifests as spite. I am so here for both things.
Prompts: - More of that wonderful red/blue aesthetic! If you want to try and draw or write something symbolic, these two are just covered in all that red and blue, sun and moon, fire and ice stuff that's just unavoidably delightful. Maybe one of the other of them ruminating on that fact, how those differences have drawn them together and equally torn them apart.
- They don't have hearts, but they remember what it was like when they did. What does that feel like? What do they actually remember? How do those echoes of emotion resonate within them? Is it motivating, or just painful?
- I'm always interested in divergence AU's, and one that might be interesting here would be a scenario where they didn't part ways. Originally they had their own plans for Organisation XIII, and it might be fun to see something exploring that scenario. Can it ever work out? Would they ever be satisfied? Can Kingdom Hearts really mend the rifts inside them?
Tales of Xillia:
Relationships: Julius Will Kresnik/Rideaux Zek Rugievit
I mean, it says Tales of Xillia up there, but it really might as well say Tales of Julius and Rideaux's F'd Up Relationship. I'm absolutely mad about any kind of interaction between these two. Give them the happy ending they could never have, or dwell in all the mess and complication that their canon relationship holds—I'm delighted either way. I will always, ALWAYS, have time for these two disasters.
Prompts: - Explore a fractured dimension! This is such an easy prompt, but it's a classic for a reason. There's so many little divergences you could explore within Xillia 2, and these two are implicitly wrapped up in so much of it. For a starter... a dimension where they're in a happy relationship—until Prime Julius and/or Rideaux arrives to destroy the catalyst. You could write this from the perspective of the Prime characters, or the perspective of the happy couple; either way it as the potential to be pretty devastating. That being said, feel free to just linger in the happiness instead! Focus on the good times, the happy little domestic moments they've never really had the chance to enjoy.
- What if something happened to Bisley? It could be orchestrated by Julius and/or Rideaux, or maybe it could be completely unrelated to them. But one way or another, what happens to them and their relationship if Bisley is suddenly no longer a factor. Who runs Spirius? Do either of them continue to pursue Origin's Trial, or do they decide to just retire from that life and live out whatever days are still left? If they disagree, do they part ways, or does someone try to force the issue?
- When in doubt, just have one of them hurt. It seems like I always have time for a little nursing/comfort fic, and it's not difficult to imagine situations where these two could be roughed up. It could be as lethal as a divergence catalyst battle gone wrong, or as innocuous as a really bad hangover. Follow your heart, and make it as fluffy or as bitter as you like! note: feel free to play with the idea of Rideaux's chronic illness, but please don't go into any surgical details if you can help it. thank you :x!
Tales of Berseria:
Relationships: Artorius Collbrande/Kanonushi | Innominat
I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO TELL YOU. I was captivated by this horrible disaster the moment the plot twist revealed it, and I would be completely fascinated to see any art or fic dealing with this weird and messed up relationship. Feel free to lean as hard as you like on Innominat's origins and how Artorius feels about that; nothing is going to be too squicky for me. I know what I'm getting into here. That being said, feel free to have Artorius be completely uncomfortable with the whole thing but drawn along despite himself. Keeping Innominat satisfied for the greater good and all that.
Prompts: - Does Innominat understand his own origin? We see him use Laphicet Crowe's knowledge/memories to taunt Velvet, but just how much of it does he really understand? And does he understand what the relationship between Artorius and Laphi was? Does he ever ask Artorius questions, and how does Artorius go about responding to such a difficult topic? Artorius is extremely dedicated to Reason over Emotion, but that can't make this situation any easier to contend with.
- Does Innominat feel Artorius is worthy of him? Hell, is Innominat everything Artorius believed that he would be? What are their initial impressions of each other, and does that evolve at all over the short course of their knowing one another? I would love to see any works that explore the tenuous balance of power between them. Who's in charge, and who thinksthey're in charge...? And how does armatization play into that?
- IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO THINK OF ANY LIGHTHEARTED PROMPTS FOR THESE TWO, but if you think you can pull something out of the bag, then I'm certainly intrigued! GO CRAZY, think of whatever it is I can't think of!
Tales of Symphonia:
Relationships: Colette Brunel/Sheena Fujibayashi, Mylene Wilder & Zelos Wilder, Lloyd Irving/Zelos Wilder, Kratos Aurion/Zelos Wilder
The forever fandom. Tales of Symphonia has been part of my fandom life since... well, it's pretty much where my interaction with fandom began, honestly. I have so many feelings tied up in these characters; some have changed over time, and some have stayed very much the same.
♥ Colette/Sheena: One of my favourite thoughts with these two is exploring the enemies-to-friends trajectory their relationship took. Sheena was so determined to do what she had to do to protect her home, but Colette just whittled her down with kindness until Sheena not only gave up her original mission but flipped it around and started protecting Colette. It's so cute! But that being said, never overlook the amazing early moment where they discuss how it might come to violence between them—they both show such grim determination and respect for one another, agreeing both to fight and fight back if such a day should come. That was the moment I fell into this ship.
Prompts: - For a bit of a crazy AU, what if Sheena actually succeeded in her mission to assassinate Colette, but after living with the consequences of that action and her own guilt at what she's done... something grants her a chance to do it over again? How would she feel about that chance? What would she do differently? Or would she force herself to make the same choices all over again, even despite the suffering it causes her...?
- LET'S GO A BIT LIGHTER. Colette wants to be less clumsy, and who better to help with that than an expert ninja! Sheena gives Colette ninja training, never even mind the fact that Sheena is more than a little bit clumsy herself. This could be so cute! Feel free to have them using ninja skills to play pranks on other party members, or just have them get completely distracted by dressing Colette up in a cute outfit to match with Sheena's! I'm sure she'd love a bow like Sheena's, even if she'd probably end up lamenting the fact that she can't quite.... fill.... the outfit like Sheena does......
- A story set after the events of Symphonia (but perhaps disregarding DotNW), where the Chosen comes to visit Mizuho. Sheena has to receive Colette the way a leader should receive an important diplomat, but privately they both want nothing more than to just hug it out and be thrilled in seeing each other. Could they play a professional facade and wait to unleash their enthusiasm in private, or would they just be themselves—they've both shouldered enough judgement for one life, who cares what other people think!
♥ Mylene & Zelos: It tends to turn heads, but Mylene is one of my all time favourite Tales characters—just like her son is. I'm endlessly fascinated by the Chosen system, and feel like Mylene is just as much of a victim as anyone else who's ever had the misfortune of being tied into those bloodlines. "You should never have been born" is true if you think of it from the perspective of a woman forced into a loveless marriage specifically to breed a saviour-sacrifice—I have a lot of time for Mylene's personal tragedy, and wish things might have turned out differently.
Prompts: - To that end! How about an AU where Mylene doesn't actually die in the attack? She survives, but she's still spoken those fateful words to her young son. How does their life together develop from that point on? How does she feel watching Zelos grow away from her; does she ever regret it, or does she consider it better that way? Does she ever try to support him or teach him, or does she just leave it all to Sebastian in hopes of maybe reclaiming some of her own lost freedom? And importantly, how does Zelos feel now? Does he ever confront his mother about what she said? Does he try to carry on as though it never happened, or does he pull away from her? You can make this as triumphant or as bitter as you like, there's really no end to what you could do with this!
- Alternatively, just snapshots of the life they had together before that day in the snow. Did Zelos ever suspect his mother was unhappy, and did he ever consider himself to be the cause? What did he try to do to help or cheer her, and did it ever succeed? Did Mylene realise that she was being cruel to a blameless child? And if so, does that thought ever make her hesitate, or does it only make her all the more bitter? Were there times when she actually found herself loving the child they'd forced her to bear? Did those moments give her hope that maybe she could learn to make something of this, or did those moments make her feel betrayed by a maternal instinct she never asked for?
- I'M SORRY I JUST PROJECT AN AWFUL LOT OF EMOTIONS ONTO THIS BARELY EXPLORED RELATIONSHIP OKAY
♥ Zelos/Lloyd: The ship of dreams, the one that got me into fandom in the first place. In a lot of ways I feel like there's already a lot of Zelos/Lloyd fan material out there, and it's difficult to ask for something "unique" at this point. In other ways I don't even care because they are sweet candy for my soul and I will always love them. Fluffy, complicated, life-changing, embittering, inspiring hope or inciting betrayal—there are so many things you can do with these two, and it delights me to no end.
Prompts: - Absolutely anything set during the post-game Exsphere journey! This can be as simple and fluffy as camping out (is it a soft summer night, or are they weathering a horrible storm?), cooking together, passing through familiar areas and seeing how much things have changed since the worlds were reunited, or anything else you can think of! There's a lot for them to think about with such a bold new future ahead of them, and you can definitely use the literal day-to-day activities as a bit of a mirror for what they might be thinking or feeling. Or seriously, just go cute and fluffy with it, it all works, they can be so jokey and cute together and I always have time for that.
- For another post-game prompt, Zelos and Lloyd visit a town (Luin, maybe?), where people don't really recognise Zelos but Lloyd is treated like a hero. How do they react? Does Lloyd let the fun of it go to his head a bit and get carried away, or is he mostly embarrassed and wondering how Zelos can ever put up with this much attention? Is Zelos jealous that Lloyd's the one getting attention, or maybe is he jealous that all these other people are showering attention on his favourite person?! Or hell, maybe Zelos is just secretly enjoying the feeling of being a bit anonymous for a change—it's nice to not be the Chosen now and then.
- If you want something set during the game, though, anything that follows up on the betrayal scene is always welcome. Or alternatively, something exploring how Zelos feels watching ~innocent little half-elf friend Mithos~ interact with Lloyd and the others. Is he surprised to find himself with misgivings? Just when did he start questioning his allegiances here, anyway?! Stupid Lloyd and his stupid good heart making everything so stupid complicated >:(
♥ Zelos/Kratos: HOO BOY THIS ONE BE MESSED UP. Or at least that's how I tend to view it. If you think you can do something a bit fluffier with this then by all means, I'd love to see it! But I see a lot of bitterness between these two, and in particular I think Zelos projects a lot of his issues onto Kratos and Kratos just kind of takes it because he thinks he deserves it which just makes Zelos angrier which just becomes a forever cycle of frustration. In a weird way they're mirrors of each other and reflect things that they hate about themselves, which makes for a ugly brew of animosity but also a weird kind of kinship.
Prompts: - I'd love anything set during that widely-accepted fanon time period of Kratos training Zelos. I think they could have a messy sort of father/son relationship that neither of them really wants or knows what to do with, and given how transient Zelos's life is and how much dishonesty he has to deal with on a daily basis, I can really see him latching on to his stoic-but-blunt sword instructor. I mean, Zelos would probably do everything in his power to make life difficult for Kratos, but that doesn't mean Kratos is allowed to just leave or something. Zelos is lonely and angry, and if he can hit a jerk with a sword then hey, that's a totally healthy outlet, right?
- Kratos leaves with Derris-Kharlan, saying farewell to his son before he goes. But what if Zelos saw it coming and confronted him about it? What might Kratos have to say to Zelos before he departs forevermore? Is Zelos even willing to hear it? Would they be able to have any kind of tenderness in a final moment, or would all the years of anger and bitterness keep any recognition of their strange bond left unsaid?
THANK YOU FOR READING THIS!! Please have fun creating for me, whoever you are! And remember, the true most important thing in all of this is that I want you to create something that makes you happy. I want you to show me how you view these relationships, and I really want you to have fun. Go out there and show the world what speaks to you!