I'm so excited to be matched to you or to have possibly piqued your interest! I'm cinereous on AO3, and I hope this letter is helpful to you!
I enjoy reading a very broad spectrum of different genres and love to try out new styles and ideas often so please feel free to be as creative and self-indulgent as you like. I will genuinely enjoy anything. G rating to E, fluff, angst, smut, slice of life, AU...there is very little I don't like. I enjoy slice of life just as much as something plot heavy, and I enjoy a heart wrenching sad story as much as a happy, feel good piece. I'm also extraordinarily open to smut. It's about all I write, so if you are nervous to gift that to me please don't be!
I enjoy background pairings, mentions of past relationships, friendships mixed in with romances, and even how canon character deaths/tragedies can play into the narrative. If you're the sort of writer who enjoys lore or world details I super enjoy that too!
Listed below I've got my likes, DNWs, brief summaries of my pairings and what I like about them, and some plot ideas if you need a springboard.
🛇 - graphic gore or body horror (less graphic wound care is lovely. Blood, gashes, bullet wounds, stitches, animal bites are all welcome! This is more to avoid visible bones and organs.)
🛇 - non-con
🛇 - permanent non-canon death of requested characters (canon death, non-permanent death, side character character death, and established ghost scenarios are fine!)
In general, Bully feeds my love for characters being bloody, bruised, and full of aggression. And it definitely also feeds my love for misunderstandings of feelings, lots of act now think later moments, and tons and tons of wound care and stunted emotional comfort.
I have always had an incredible soft spot for Gord in particular. I'm learning that I definitely have a bit of a type! That type being vain, materialistic, self-centered, and charming as fuck. Every time I needed a kiss to replenish my health you better believe I scoured the map looking for Gord so that I could enjoy his corny as hell little one-liners. The fact that he's so over dramatic, loves to 'slum' it by dating outside of his social circle, and cares so much about his appearance are all things I love. I also love that he's definitely more down to earth than his other prep peers. He is already talking about working for his father's law firm. He's going to have to get a law degree to make his dreams come true. He's also not afraid to get his hands dirty. He'll join any fight and get his knuckles bloody with the rest of them!
As for Jimmy, I love what an absolute force of nature he is. I love that there's not a single fight he backs down from, and he's not afraid to fight dirty to win it either. Jimmy is scrappy as fuck. I love how he's got a heart of gold buried underneath sarcasm and aggression. He makes all of these genuine connections to those around him and he is wonderfully unpretentious. He is wholeheartedly himself from start to finish. I'm very drawn to his angry dog level of aggression when he's in a fight, his adorable swagger and over-confidence after a win or wooing a boy/girl, and his caring, jovial attitude when he doesn't have beef with you. He's got a lot to love as a character. The writers did a great job.
As a couple, these two create a dynamic that I love to pieces. They're both over-the-top, fliratious, and over-confident. And otherwise, they're extremely different. They come from two very different worlds. Gord has pressures that come from his station and desires that don't fit into that. He obviously wants adventure and to experience different walks of life, and is confined within the old money bubble. Jimmy, on the other hand, doesn't buy into expectations. At all. He insults his mother and step-father mercilessly in the opening sequence. He doesn't like the labels of the groups, he doesn't like hierarchies or rules or fitting boxes whatsoever. I love that clash in personality between them, and probably love it even more because there's a bit of Jimmy's idealogy inside of Gord that I'd personally love to see come out.
✚ - I'm really into future fic for Bully in general. either as older teens, college students, or full on adults. I'm highly intrigued by the growth they would undergo or the directions their lives would take based on their choices and relationships. What careers would they have? When would they come together? Would Gord rebel against his father to live the more adventurous life that he craves? Or would they remain a secret, creating a point of contention between them? Or would they think sneaking around is hot? Would they fight about class differences? Their differening levels of ambition? Their parents? Their priorities? I enjoy the many different pieces and possibilities that could color their future together. Fun, sexy, wholesome, angsty, or all of the above!
✚ - As is probably expected, I'm also just plain old interested in seeing them during their Bullworth days beating the shit out of one another or at least being there to help one another after having the shit beat out of them lol. Black eyes that are tender to the touch, split lips that sting mid-kisses, split and bloody knuckles, smears of blood, difficulties walking, clutching at injured ribs. I LOVE IT ALL. I am a huge sucker for it, and I love so many facets of it. A whiny injured Gord who is more concerned about blood on his clothes than he should be? Yes. Jimmy refusing to quit or backdown or seek help despite how badly he's hurt? Fuck yes. One performing wound care for the other afterwards? Very yes. Fooling around while still injured and constantly having to break it up to laugh or hiss in pain or rearrange? Amazing.
✚ - What I love about Bully the most is how fun the mundane is in the game. And for that reason I'd love to see Jimmy take Gord out on a date that involves being an all around 'bad kid'. Gord never hides his interest in taking a walk on the wild side and it'd probably be the best night of his life. The two of them going to a local punk concert, crammed in with too many sweaty bodies and tons of screaming vocals that Gord turns his nose up at. But I bet he'd not turn his nose up at making out in the crowd. The two of them having a late night meal in a dingy, sticky all night diner so that Gord can try pleb food. The two of them walking around dark streets with stolen alcohol and just talking. Or getting up to shennanigans like bricks through windows, tping trees, climbing up to enjoy the roof of City Hall, etc. Just full on teen adventure!
I'm a really big DND nerd and a DM. So, despite his flaws, I am very fond of Melvin. He obviously takes GnG very seriously when we meet him within the game, and I love how ridiculous he is and how much he is living in a fantasy world. To the point he has to correct himself to use the word 'bucks' instead of 'grots'. I also enjoy that his character design comes across a little princely? I feel like he cares about his appearance a bit, trying to maybe portray a well-to-do paladin in real life? Despite proving that, at least at that age, he's hardly a saint.
Knowing that Duncan plays Grottos and Gremlins with the nerds in town even though he's this badass townie has always pleased me to death. There is something about someone with a rough, badass exterior enjoying nerd culture that really gets to me. I always wonder how alone or misunderstood Duncan might feel and also curious to know how much of his enjoyment of the game is escapism. The townies, in general, always seemed to have a shitty lot. They are the characters that Bullworth failed. Duncan dropped out due to excessive bullying and expresses regret for doing so. Every little tidbit we know about him paints an extremely interesting character. He obviously enjoys excitement. Biking too recklessly to the point of constant injury, thinking of himself as a barbarian, and that his greatest thrill in GnG is killing things and taking their stuff.
Together, I like the idea of clashing backgrounds/ways of life mixed with an almost found family dynamic. Melvin absolutely comes across as a kid with most facets of his life together. He's smart, creative, has plenty of free time for his hobby. He looks well groomed and dressed. And yes, he's a nerd who suffers bullying, but I don't think what he deals with can even hold a candle to what Duncan likely had to put up with during his time. Duncan who looks like a punk, gets high, and does stupid shit on a regular basis likely comes across as a complete fuck up and loser to Melvin, and there is nothing quite as delicious as watching a character learn more about the other and have to readjust the shitty things they thought about them and come to terms with the fact that they are the asshole. I imagine Duncan's home situation is a mess and likely needs a lot of support that he's not asking for.
✚ - Melvin seems like the sort of DM who falls into roleplaying a lot. I would love to seen an encounter where they're in the middle of a normal session, but Duncan decides he wants to hit on an npc. It'd be hliarious and a lot of fun to seem him frazzle Melvin or just showcase a lot of sexual tension beteween the two of them. And I think this one could work well both in school and well after it. Tabletop is a great escape from the drudgery of adulthood.
✚ - In the same vein as the previous prompt, instead of flirting with an npc I would also love to see a normal GnG session but where things devolve into something uncomfortable. Duncan, reckless as he is, would probably not think twice about dragging his baggage into a game, especially so if he's drunk/high. I like the idea of this leading to an argument or meltdown between the two of them and some ugly truths finally being admitted to in the heat of the moment. And maybe some confessions of a happier nature as well. I think Duncan deserves a lot of comfort and understanding.
✚ - As with all of my Bully requests, I really love future fic. Seeing my favorite little teenagers grown up and seeing how they've changed or stayed the same is a gift. I'd be fascinated to see scenarios of these two getting together later in life. Did Melvin get to go to college and get a good job? Or did he, like so many, find that promises of career after education were bullshit? Either way, seeing Melvin grapple with the 'real world' after school would be wonderful, especially if he runs across Duncan who has been dealing with the 'real world' since he was a teenager. I'd love to experience the crash between the two of them. Would Melvin judge him? Or understand him better now? Would Melvin adorably get high for the first time with Duncan? Try other things? All in the name of feeling comfortable with himself and his adult life for the first time?
✚ - And if you'd prefer, I'd also be very much down to see a scenario where Duncan finds himself on Melvin's doorstep. Injured or just kicked out of his home. The idea of him getting to stay with the O'Connors and get the comfort, support, and kindness he deserves would be lovely. And it would be great for these two to bond during that time and see what grows between in that close, emotionally raw proximity
Pinky is my favorite girl in the game. I mentioned with Gord that I may have a type. I definitely like a princess. Bratty, spoiled, self-centered, and charming because of it. The very moment Pinky yelled "I. Am. A Princess!" was the moment I fell in love. I am an absolute sucker for her unrivaled self-confidence. Pinky knows who she is and what she wants, and that complete comfort in herself and what she deserves is very attractive!
The way Jimmy responded to that bratty attitude was equally charming to me. He was so quick to accommodate her! And he never once told her no. He acted put upon and annoyed, but Jimmy did it all so this girl didn't have to wait in line for a movie. I don't know why, but that almost Princess Bride dynamic between them was fun.
I can't help but wonder if Jimmy likes a partner who tells him what to do a little bit. He seems to definitely defer to girls in a relationship and I think that's adorable. It makes sense for a boy who spends so much time putting others into their place!
I love their differences. They're almost literally from different worlds, and they're a joy to watch interact because of it. They're just fun.
✚ - With Bully, I really like future fic. I want to know what adult Jimmy and Pinky look like. Are they married? Engaged? Hiding their longterm relationship from her parents because they wouldn't approve? Do they both work? What do they do? Has Pinky relaxed or is she every inch the little princess she was at 15? What do they do on a Saturday night? There are 101 possibilities and I love every single one of them. I'd love to see which one you pick!
✚ - Pinky went as a princess to Halloween within the game. If Jimmy attends Bullworth for later years that means they'd experience 2-3 more Halloweens together. I'd love to see what they did to celebrate! Is Pinky a princess again? What is Jimmy when he gets to pick it himself? Would they go out on the town and maybe spend the night in the lighthouse? Go enjoy a Halloween themed day at the carnival? A candle lit dinner in the attic above the girls' dorm?
✚ - As with Gord and Jimmy, I'd definitely be interested in seeing their culture clash in date form. Does Jimmy try to take her for a walk on the wild side? I have to imagine that Pinky will not handle it with as much interest and enthusiasm as Gord would, but I'd love to see her princess swan about and maybe even find some things that she does like.
I am a simple soul. When I like two pairings with a shared character, chances are I will always smoosh them together. This is no exception.
Jimmy is a strong, brave soul and only he would be stupid enough to fall in love with two of the most high maintenance people he's ever met. But I absolutely adore that about him! He has never met a challenge he didn't like. It makes all the sense in the world to me that he would choose his partners based on that same need to be constantly challenged. Pinky wants a caregiver who lets her get her way. Gord wants a partner who's a little on the wild side. Pinky and Gord have a very sensible relationship between the two of them that their parents would like, and they would likely get along like wildfire with their shared interests. Everyone wins.
They're perfect for comedy and drama, and have the potential to also be very good for each other if a little chaotic.
✚ - I would be super interested in get together fic set in their later years of Bullworth. Threesome relationships aren't the norm as it is, but it'd be fascinating to see who gangs up on who to bring in as the third party. I'd love to see how they take those first tentative steps into something even more complicated, but also more fun, exciting, loving, and fulfilling. Jimmy seems like he would be the one falling all over himself to make them both happy while they also simultaneously drive him crazy with how frustrating they are. Would Gord and Pinky clash because they both want to be the center of attention? What would their dates look like? I'm here for them figuring it all out together.
✚ - I'd also like a glimpse of them as adults trying to make it work. Have they had kids? Working on it? No plans to even consider it? Did Gord and Pinky get married? Or did they, at some point, throw the middle finger to the world and decide if they couldn't marry together that they wouldn't? Is Gord a lawyer like he planned? How have all three of them changed over the years thanks to the influence of each other? There are just SO many questions I have!
✚ - And if you're interested, I'm very fond of pampering and grooming activities in the bedroom. The idea of Pinky or Gord painting everyone's nails, massaging each other down with nice smelling lotions, bubble baths, foot massages, face masques, lingerie (for all three even!), hair brushing...really any form of luxury like that is so nice and so in character for Pinky and Gord! And I'm sure Jimmy would have interesting things to say about it all. Or maybe he vocally enjoys it too.
I personally cannot even fathom what it must be like to lose your twin, especially so violently right before your eyes. Carver cuts an incredibly tragic figure, and what I've always liked about him is that he is not made better for it. He's such a bitter pill of a person, flawed to his bones. I also love that underneath his veritable briar patch is an incredibly tender heart. He wants to help. He wants to be involved. He wants to take care of his family that means so much to him. And while I do think that the major reason he joins the templars is out of a thirst to strike out on his own and make a name for himself without his sibling's shadow pressing down on him, it's also just who he is. He's a soldier and likely wants to be in a position to keep them safe and provide for his mother. And I think Carver truly found his place in the templars under Cullen.
Cullen's continued presence throughout the game and his issues are extremely interesting, especially so because by Inquisition he seems to have done a lot of growth. I really love that he has been in a position of authority under Meredith and now the Inquisition and how very different those roles were. I love how tired and competent he comes across and the almost aching nostalgia and homesickness to him in DA:I. He very obviously just wants to rest and more than deserves to at this point in his life. That he went out of his way to quit lyrium despite no one telling him he should speaks volumes to his character and strength, and I think he made an excellent leader.
Together I've always enjoyed the thought of a mentor relationship between them during their time as templars. Cullen taking Carver under his wing because he feels tenderness for him that he can't quite put his finger on. The idea of that same level of trust and care and concern still being felt and put into practice while they work within the Inquisition is lovely. I absolutely believe that Carver would follow Cullen's footsteps and also quit lyrium. If he admires Cullen he'd want to do him proud, and I also feel like he'd strive to do the 'right thing'. Especially after Meredith.
✚ - I am dying to see what the two of them dealing with lyrium withdrawal looks like. They're both headstrong, proud men who would power through it and do their best to work despite falling apart. The two of them being irritable and taking it out on one another is delicious. The two of them taking meals together if only because they are the only two who wouldn't judge them as they just stare at it and don't eat because of nausea. Brushing away sweat damp hair and feeling for fever, one catching the other from falling when they grow too weak or light headed. Sleeping in the small loft of Cullen's office, clinging to one another because the nightmares are getting worse. Anything and everything!
✚ - I'd be very interested to see romance between them during their time in the Templars in Kirkwall. They're both stuck in an awful situation, their morals in constant war with their trauma. I think it'd be really nice to see them bond over being Fereldan and how terrible Kirkwall is. Carver is exceptionally moral and interested in fairness and I'd really love to see Cullen take him under his wing as his captain.
✚ - On a softer note, I'd be very pleased to see these two in retirement as they so deserve. The idea of them living in the country with their mabari and helping other templars also break free from lyrium use. I'd love to see them tenderly massaging at war wounds and bad backs and aching knees, offering soft comfort at night when the other wakes from nightmares, reminiscing over silly stories about other knights and shenanigans during their Kirkwall days while pointedly ignoring all the terrible things going on during that same time period that they were involved in. I'm here for old men finding something approaching contentment and true happiness together after a hard life.
I adore Felix so very much. From about the moment he's introduced I was starry eyed. I love how quiet and somber and respectful he is. His utter calm in the face of his own death is just so extraordinary, and he obviously cares very, very much for his father and Dorian. There is definitely something about knowing how precious your time is that makes you live as your best self and I feel like that is exactly Felix, using his limited time to help with the war effort! He's a good man. To say nothing of his nerdy math interest and the interesting dynamic created by his lack of magic in Tevinter and the tragic story behind his condition.
Cullen's continued presence throughout the game and his issues are extremely interesting, especially so because by Inquisition he seems to have done a lot of growth. I really love that he has been in a position of authority under Meredith and now the Inquisition and how very different those roles were. I love how tired and competent he comes across and the almost aching nostalgia and homesickness to him in DA:I. He very obviously just wants to rest and more than deserves to at this point in his life. That he went out of his way to quit lyrium despite no one telling him he should speaks volumes to his character and strength, and I think he made an excellent leader.
The two of them essentially doing their best to be the best versions of themselves at this point in their lives makes for a very interesting pairing. Especially so because I feel like Felix presents a very strange sort of figure to someone like Cullen. He is both a mage, something that Cullen deeply distrusts, and also unable to really use his magic. That dynamic would be so good to explore really! A beautiful, soft-spoken, nerdy little time bomb that shows up in a time in Cullen's life when he could use it.
✚ - I would love to see the two of them essentially suffering alongside one another and having to help one another cope. Felix working against the Blight still wreaking havok on him (assuming we're in fix-it territory where he's healing!) and Cullen dealing with lyrium withdrawal. The two of them absolutely miserable, but also feeling optimistic and gratified to not be going through it alone. Taking meals together to avoid the noise of the crowds and to pick at their food. Helping one another with dressing, bathing, and grooming. Trusting one another to help with shaving despite tremors in their hands. Keeping one another warm at night and constantly trying to keep the other from catching a small illness like a cold that could prove deadly when they're already struggling. I want all the hurt and all the comfort. x_x
✚ - I would like to imagine that if Felix had returned to Skyhold with Dorian that he would have spent a good portion of his time down in the freezing cold dungeon to sit with his father who was awaiting trial. I'm sure Cullen would hear about it and eventually wander down to see them talking and really take in Felix for the first time. Take note of all the signs of illness and love and pain in him. The idea that he might advise the Inquisitor to spare him when he wouldn't have done so before because he's missing his own family and Felix has already lost so much and done so much to help them. I think it would be wonderful to give Felix that comfort, but I also think that the act of doing so would be cathartic and healing to Cullen as well.
✚ - Would Dorian drag a recovering Felix to the Winter Palace for the ball as his plus one? Parties likely feel closer to home for the two of them. Does the shyer and more reserved Felix inevitably end up hugging the wall with Cullen to avoid attention? I think it'd be cute to see them complain together and keep each other company in their quieter way. Plus, Felix would get front row seats to all the nobles hitting on Cullen and he can offer a running, witty dialogue on just what he thinks of each one with a rating system and everything. Plus I'm a sucker for characters dressing up and stunning their love interests. They can get fresh air together after the mission is over and maybe Felix can get himself a dance in.
Dorian is my favorite love interest in DA:I. Princely characters are my weakness, and Dorian fits that so well. His constant disdain for nature and his heightened fashion and sense of aesthetics are so charming. His intelligence, however, is the real gem. He just casually worked on time travel. He figured out how to get him and the Inquisitor back to their timeline in less a minute while under extremely stressful circumstances. He basically lives in the library in Skyhold. And not only can he hold an intelligent, thoughtful conversation, he can do it with wit and flair. To say nothing of the fact that when he's hurt he lashes out. I am so weak to that. He's a combination of so many of my favorite things.
Cullen is far more understated. He's obviously very clever and intelligent, but he doesn't tend to show it. He focuses on his work and works hard, doing his best for the greater good. I love how tired and competent he comes across. That he went out of his way to quit lyrium despite no one telling him he should speaks volumes to his character and strength, and I think he made an excellent leader.
Together, they are fascinating to me. I love that they both started playing chess together to pass the time and to unwind. They come across as such an unlikely pair. Fashionable hellion to the pious military man. I feel like they both show a great reverence for their home towns. They're both opinionated and extremely passionate, and at their core they both want to uphold the things they feel strongly about (Tevinter and the Templars) and also change things for the better. They'd be such a power couple, just out there saving and changing the world.
✚ - I'd love to just see them get together. At what moment during the story do they find they're attracted to one another? At what moment do they confess or kiss one another? I have such a deep love for Inquisition. I love every location and the story has so many great beats that whatever flavor of their romance blossoming you choose will be unique and so satisfying.
✚ - Some day to day glimpses into their romance once established would also be highly enjoyable. Seeing them fight when his lyrium withdrawal is bad. Dorian bringing him fancy wines and cheeses and things to try. Hidden moments kissing against bookshelves, Dorian spending time just watching Cullen boss people around in the courtyard, or sleeping in Cullen's bed under the stars and shivering under the snowy draft. There's a ton of room for these missing moments that I would eat up.
✚ - I'd very interested to also see a sort of missing scene after their comedic night of Wicked Grace. Seeing poor Cullen go racing naked into the night was very hilarious, and Dorian seems like the exact sort to take advantage of the situation and follow him, all full of genuine helpfulness and lecherous commentary. I'm a sucker for making Cullen blush and act so sweetly virginal, and Dorian is a perfect partner for dragging that out of him and possibly taunting him/pulling him along into something sexy.
I personally cannot even fathom what it must be like to lose your twin, especially so violently right before your eyes. Carver cuts an incredibly tragic figure, and what I've always liked about him is that he is not made better for it. He's such a bitter pill of a person, flawed to his bones and I love that about him. I also love that underneath his veritable briar patch is an incredibly tender heart. He wants to help. He wants to be involved. He wants to take care of his family that means so much to him. To the point he does things he's not happy about. He doesn't want to be in Kirkwall. He wants his older sibling to keep their head down. And while I do think that the major reason he joins the templars is out of a thirst to strike out on his own and make a name for himself without his sibling's shadow pressing down on him, it's also just who he is. He's a soldier and likely wants to be in a position to keep them safe and provide for his mother while Hawke is away in the Deep Roads.
Felix's story isn't much better. The fact that he was almost killed because of his lack of magical ability must have colored his childhood with paranoia and a sense of inadequacy despite his loving parents. He instead was able to study at the University of Orlais which should have been amazing, but instead it was the reason that he and his family were on the road and attacked by the hurlocks. Losing his mother and catching the blight had to be devastating. That Felix, when you meet him in game, is so calm, helpful, and even amused made me love him. He is so at peace with his slow arriving death. Further, he shares in Carver's desire to be helpful. Even dying, he makes it his mission to sneak around and help the Inquisition.
Where Carver is all snaps and growls and vinegar, Felix is all calm, quiet reslience. They are so different, but the exact sort of opposites attract that might help one another cope or at last ease the wounds festering inside of them. Carver needs perspective and kindness and being seen. Felix needs more impulse and care and fire. They are both overshadowed by others in their lives and things that are bigger than them. They've largely not had the chance for comfort when they're so busy being strong in the background, and I'd love to see that rectified! I think Carver's boyishness and Fereldan sensibilities would appeal to Felix, and I think Felix's softness, intelligence, and determination would appeal to Carver.
✚ - I am absolutely feral for Felix being sick. Aches, pains, nausea, having trouble walking, eating, sleeping. The fact that he has been sick with this between 3-6 months by the time you meet him in the story breaks my heart. It's such a slow death for him when it seems to instantly kill others. I can't even imagine how hard that must be, especially knowing how quickly it took him after you complete the quest. I would love tentative fix-it. I'd love to see Felix get new treatment and start showing signs of improvement, but the improvement being very slow going and leaving everyone unsure if he'll relapse. I would be thrilled to see Carver bopping around Skyhold working under Cullen and falling in love with Felix, taking care of him when he can. Helping him bathe, cuddling him for warmth, rubbing feeling into his fingers, getting him food easy on his stomach. Carver is a helper and needs to feel needed. I'd love to see him doing just that.
✚ - A nerdy part of me wants a scenario where Felix, little math lover that he is, is brought out to the astariums or some other rune/relic/phenomenon to study them as part of his connection to the Inquisition and as thanks to them finding a way to save his life. I've always enjoyed an ex-templar Carver kicking around the Inquisition just given the templars disbanded. It'd be a lot of fun to see him out there being all shoulders and muscles and broadsword fighting bears and setting up tents while smaller, more delicate Felix watches and exists as a delightfully strange mystery to unravel and get to know. Plus camping creates fun scenarios. Maybe it rains and Felix's tent collapses on him during the night! That's okay, Carver is willing to share. Warmer anyway.
✚ - I would also be very much on board for a scenario where Felix doesn't die at the same point in the story, but continues to fight against it with no signs of improvement. The idea of Carver falling in love with him inside of Skyhold, taking care of him and feeling absolutely unsure and unable to do anything to help him. Carver who had lost his father, his sister, and his mother and now has finally met someone he feels a true connection with that is already touched by death, but so much worse because he sees it coming. What lengths would he go to in that scenario? Would he betray the Inquisition to get the help he needs? Break Gereon out and demand help? Dabble in blood magic? Agree to house a demon in payment for Felix's health? I am so on board with anything and everything. Seeing him tear the world down for love is exactly my jam. (I realize this one is a huge prompt, so even just a scene or introspection would be heavenly.)
Frederic is so fucking charming it kills me. Every time I am replaying the game and get to the Western Approach I am giddy to go find him again and listen to his nerdy dialogue. He is so passionate and full of childlike glee over dragons! And who can blame him! I LOVE dragons too! He is living the dream. And that his codex entry paints him as this absolutely brilliant man who also seems to forget to check his clothes or comb his hair makes him all the more wonderful to me.
The Inquisitor probably hadn't been prepared for a weird lone nerd in the desert, but I feel like the Inquisitor loves dragons too. How could they not?! They fight so many and his interaction with Bull after their first one is so cute. I love that the Inquisitor helps this nerd by collecting things for him, running off enemies, and deactivating and baiting traps all just to bring back a report on his findings of this dragon's hunting patterns. It's so much work and effort and suggests a shared passion.
Knowing that Frederic joins the Inquisition as their resident draconologist is so great, and I can't imagine they don't run across each other in Skyhold (even if the game is rude and doesn't allow the opportunity for me to go listen to him nerd out loud some more.)
✚ - After you defeat the dragon you get to recruit Frederic, and let me tell you, no one is as salty as me that I don't get to see him around the castle afterwards. So I would be more than thrilled to have that rectified. Does Frederic drive everyone at Skyhold insane? Where is he sleeping during his stay? Does he find himself at the tavern most nights chatting it up with Iron Bull about his favorite subject? And if he has a little too much is there a handsome Inquisitor to help him back to his room? What is it like working together? And does an Inquisitor say 'I love you' by handing him a giant dragon tooth?
✚ - Knowing that the Inquisitor sets up a camp right next to Frederic's is great. (I sure did like having an instant teleport to him!) I think it'd be very enjoyable to see them inviting Frederic in for the camp meal. Both to take care of this absent-minded man and also to get some good campfire flirting in. Let the inquisitor enjoy the competence porn of Frederic being unable to shut up about his chosen obsession.
✚ - If the Inquisitor and Frederic fall for one another during the events of Inquisition, what does a life after Trespasser look like? I can't help but imagine they go out to seek more dragons! Trudging through humid jungle, freezing mountains, and breezy coastlines together would make for a lot of fun, especially knowing it's leisurely instead of under the great pressure of Corypheus. And I giggle to imagine that the Inquisitor tells anyone who listens that he lost his arm to a giant dragon and he was saved by his dashing husband who is rolling his eyes inside his mask.
Akira is such a great silent protagonist. I was so into him because the way the story has him react (or well, not react as the case may be) to everything that happens to him feels very much like Akira is stuffing all of his emotions and needs down deep, accumulating them for an eventual explosion. Which he would deserve! He's dealt with a million slights from being arrested, to being sent to live with a stranger who doesn't even give him proper living arrangements, to being harrassed by every goddamned adult he crosses, to falling on the sword at the end. I love that silent soldier attitude, especially coupled with daredevil, brassy personality that he lets show when he's Joker. He's such a creature of duality and I eat it up.
Iwai is my absolute favorite confidant in the game. I love everything about him. I love his sexy character design with his stubble, tired eyes, and scowls. I love that he's a dad. I love that he's ex-yakuza. I love that he's an absolute nerd about his hobby to the point of going from competent and knowledgable straight over to adorable and ridiculous. And I feel awful for him. Having his past come back to haunt him just out of the blue and putting his son in danger is such a scary thing to go through. He's putting himself on the line quite a bit. The fact that you're introduced to his character when police visit his shop and he has Akira take that bag? He's obviously dealing with a lot of shit looming down on him and he handles it better than most would. I have great respect for him and his competence and confidence is sexy.
As a pairing, Akira is fun and wild and smart. He's vibrant for all that he is quiet and unassuming. I love all the mystery and intrigue he carries that would garner Iwai's eagle eyed appraisal. I love that Akira can breathe excitement and danger back into Iwai's life. I always imagined that he missed that from his yakuza days. He never seemed like the sort to fully embrace the mundane civilian life just given his job and activities! And Akira who's parental situation is at best absent, and at worse, toxic given neither of them so much as call him during the entire game...I'd say Akira is in desperate need of those parental vibes and understanding and even a bit of a that flavor of authority that Iwai exudes as easily as breathing.
And I have to throw in that if you're interested in writing a genderswapped Akira for this pairing I'm all about it! I love girlkira.
✚ - I'm a huge sucker for wound care. I'm all about bloody gashes, bullet wounds, animal bites, stitches, etc. I'd be thrilled to see a scenario during the story or sometime after where Akira shows up to the shop wounded and in need of help and sanctuary. Perhaps he's still fighting crime as best he can as a young adult, but without his powers it's far more of a struggle day to day? Either way, bleeding on his shop floor and getting tended to by large, rough hands makes me swoon. Even better if Iwai takes him home with him to keep him safe and Akira gets to sleep in his bed.
✚ - I tend to enjoy the idea of Kaoru leaving home to study abroad for college, and the idea of Iwai as an empty nester is ridiculously appealing to me. He comes across as a person who is pretty useless without keeping himself occupied. Doing models, handwriting his own fucking price tags, looking after a kid, going out hunting or shooting, etc. Iwai keeps himself busy. I'd like if Akira showed back up in his life during this transitional period and was the very sexy, fascinating, and fun distraction that Iwai needs and deserves. Plus, if Akira's been gone from Tokyo for a few years if he shows up looking hot as fuck haunting his dreams? Please and thank you.
✚ - I'm also super into smut that, in some way, incorporates Iwai as a gunslinger. If he has a palace, if he's a persona user, or just a big AU set in the Wild West. My man deserves to be the sexy cowboy of his dreams and Akira deserves getting to see him in all of his sexy glory. Even better if this is a female version of Akira. Saloon girl attire would give me heart eyes.
✚ - I'm also quite taken with this pairing existing in a Cyberpunk universe. I don't know what is unique to them that makes that sort of scenery and worldbuilding pop for me, but it really does! Iwai seems like exactly the sort to deal with cybernetics or cyberpunk weaponry. He's shown his enjoyment of fiddly things and a desire for things that look 'cool'. I can't help but imagine him fitting in perfectly amid all the aesthetics and coolness (as well as the grittiness). And Akira just screams cyborg/android/gynoid to me. Physically perfect and delightfully unnerving. Or at least possessing some really amazing augments to make them really shine like the little Phantom Thief they are.
Akira is such a great silent protagonist. I was so into him because the way the story has him react (or well, not react as the case may be) to everything that happens to him feels very much like Akira is stuffing all of his emotions and needs down deep, accumulating them for an eventual explosion. Which he would deserve! He's dealt with a million slights from being arrested, to being sent to live with a stranger who doesn't even give him proper living arrangements, to being harrassed by every goddamned adult he crosses, to falling on the sword at the end. I love that silent soldier attitude, especially coupled with daredevil, brassy personality that he lets show when he's Joker. He's such a creature of duality and I eat it up.
Shiho is also a silent sufferer, but one that wears her pain far more obviously. I loved the way that she shouldered the brunt of Kamoshida's abuse to protect her best friend (and likely the rest of her team). And worse, she knew the others were happy for her to be the lamb to the slaughter given the way Mishima basically spelled it out for the audience. Shiho is, to my knowledge, the only character who showed sympathy towards Akira despite going through her own nightmare at the time. I think she's beautiful and strong. Her returning to the roof even though she could barely walk was so powerful. I just really like her.
Shiho obviously used to be a girl with a lot of confidence, and while a lot of us grow out of some of that as we age, I have to assume that Kamoshida was the majority of the reason she's so meek and reserved when we meet her. Now more prone to introspection and self-doubt in all areas of her life, I think that Akira would be a truly wonderful candidate to help her grow back into herself. They've both been hurt and unfairly punished for things out of their control. They've both had to claw their way back to a semblance of normality and rewrite the scripts of their life. In a way, after the events of the story, they're both starting over with the opportunity to truly be themselves after a period where they were hiding.
✚ - We know in the game that once she's healed up enough Shiho transfers schools. I love the idea that where she ends up attending school is in Akira's home town. When he returns after the events of the game it would be lovely for him to be greeted by Shiho. A familiar face and someone who cared about him from the beginning. After the events, they are both in dire need of talking, being taken care of, and learning how to feel normal again. As cute or as serious as you'd like to write it. I love both takes, and either way it's comforting two people who desperately need it.
✚ - A scenario where Akira visits her in the hospital and takes her into the metaverse would be so much fun. I've always been fascinated by the idea of Shiho becoming a phantom thief! I think she'd be so cute. Maybe a shield maiden design? Either way, the idea that Akira can essentially whisk her away to a place of adventure, freedom, and power over your enemies. A place where she's no longer injured and can maybe work out some aggressions or at least feel like she's on an adventure like in a video game. She deserves it!
✚ - If you're more into epistolary, then I think it would be so cool to see letters or emails between the two of them from their separate towns. I love the anonymity giving them more openness and the ability to really share what they've both been through as well as offer comfort to one another. Besides! I feel awful that Shiho wasn't allowed much in the way of a shown internal life. I'd love to get to know her better!
Iwai is my absolute favorite confidant in the game. I love everything about him. I love his sexy character design with his stubble, tired eyes, and scowls. I love that he's a dad. I love that he's ex-yakuza. I love that he's an absolute nerd about his hobby to the point of going from competent and knowledgable straight over to adorable and ridiculous. And I feel awful for him. Having his past come back to haunt him just out of the blue and putting his son in danger is such a scary thing to go through. He's putting himself on the line quite a bit. The fact that you're introduced to his character when police visit his shop and he has Akira take that bag? He's obviously dealing with a lot of shit looming down on him and he handles it better than most would. I have great respect for him and his competence and confidence is sexy.
I also love Shiho. Her silent, strong suffering in the background is very compelling. I loved the way that she shouldered the brunt of Kamoshida's abuse to protect her best friend (and likely the rest of her team). And worse, she knew the others were happy for her to be the lamb to the slaughter given the way Mishima basically spelled it out for the audience. Shiho is, to my knowledge, the only character who showed sympathy towards Akira despite going through her own nightmare at the time. I think she's beautiful and strong. Her returning to the roof even though she could barely walk was so powerful. I just really like her.
Iwai, a man who is confident and settled in himself who never seems to brag or show insecurity, is the direct opposite of Kamoshida in every way. Despite how chaotic his life is during his social link, he still presents a cool calm. And Iwai is an absolute bleeding heart, even if he'd never admit it. I love the idea of Shiho finding safety, calm, and reliability in Iwai. And I've always loved the idea that Shiho is into video games or would just find the weapons in Iwai's shop cool. It'd be fun to see something blossom between these two people from two very different worlds and walks of life.
✚ - I headcanon that Shiho has some nerdy hobbies. It's confirmed that Ann enjoys video games and I've always loved the thought of Shiho being super into gaming too. Especially medieval fantasy escapism. Legend of Zelda, Dragon Age, Fire Emblem, Witcher, etc. So I think she'd be super interested in wandering around Untouchable to admire all the weapons and armor. And Iwai would answer her questions and watch her like he does to Akira. Maybe it all culminates in him eventually ordering things specifically for her after hearing her make mention of them in passing. I just want them nerding together and being unbearably attracted to one another.
✚ - After everything with Kamoshida, is it possible that Shiho goes even further backwards? Maybe after her hospitalization and her move things just never get any better. She's still plagued by her past and isn't healing, eventually leaving home and going back to Tokyo, falling in with the wrong sort of people, trying to find purpose and meaning in self-destructive ways. Cue Iwai running into her amid the mess she's created and trying to talk sense into her and help her because he's a complete bleeding heart, and he'd care even more after finding out she's associated with Akira. He'd feel all the more pressed to look after her. I'd love to see how that messy beginning could lead to greater intimacy and romance.
✚ - I'd be very interested in post-school Shiho figuring out her life and connecting with Iwai in some mundane way. Making eyes in a convenience store, her visiting his shop, a connection through Kaoru, whatever sounds fun! Basically a meet cute for two characters who really deserve some cute in their life after having to deal with a lot of issues the years prior. Besides! I bet Iwai was a bit of a lady's man in his younger years and could be a romantic if he wanted to be!
I loved Dammon from the moment I met him in the druid grove. His voice is so beautiful to me, and the soft grace of his movements and facial expressions just really got me. I love his bright eyes, his gorgeous teeth, and his hair! He's so gentle and passionate and eager to help for nothing in return. What a great person!
Rolan, on the other hand, is loud and pompous. He brags and hates being teased, and does his best to project power and prestige. I love how overly sensitive and insecure he is! I love how very deeply he loves his family, and how thirsty he is to prove himself. His scenes in the Last Light Inn break my heart. And then seeing him bruised and miserable under Lorroakan broke it further.
I love hurt comfort, and the idea of the very hurt Rolan finding comfort in the warm kindness of Dammon is my jam. And there are so many wonderful points in the storyline where these two are together or near one another, allowing for amazing missing scenes of possible conversations, comfort, flirting, or even misunderstandings.
✚ - As I mentioned, I loooove Rolan in the Last Light Inn. Him being drunk and miserable, angry and spitting at anyone who looks at him wrong really does it for me. I can just imagine how he might act around Dammon who is just trying to have a drink after a day of working. Everyone is miserable and trapped and scared, but Rolan seems the most miserable, trapped, and scared of them all. Perhaps Dammon could find some words to help him cope. Or offer distraction.
✚ - In the same vein, I'd also love to see them in Baldur's Gate! They've both gotten to the destination, but things aren't perfect. Rolan's big dream has become a nightmare. Could they perhaps run into one another walking out and about and Dammon is able to see the bruises on his face? They lived in the same community for however long, so Dammon is at least aware of him and who he is, so I can imagine him being concerned to see him so different and obviously being hurt. And Baldur's Gate is a great place for an actual date. Or is it a date?
✚ - Is it possible that one or both of them have a crush on the other from druid's grove moving forward? I'd be down for pining and misunderstandings. And they travel as a group leaving the grove so there are likely at least a few nights of camping that could lead to some fun UST before the inevitable trauma of being attacked and kidnapped begins. And I'm all for examining that fateful night when things got really fucked for Rolan. Hopefully a somewhat familiar face was there to keep him moving towards the Last Light Inn.
✚ - Rolan and his siblings show up to the camp for the party, and I think it would be lovely if Dammon was there as well! A happy and tipsy Rolan with a quiet, but equally tipsy Dammon in a moment of safety and celebration would be so nice. Bedroll sharing. Magical fireworks. And all the other characters milling around? It's such a great moment in the game that would be even better shared.
Jeralt has a lot of the qualities to him that I love. He's older, gruff, and has a sort of tired vibe to him. He's a father and also a leader of a mercenary group. That level of responsibility and leadership and looking after people is really sexy to me. He's grounded and knows what he's about, and can handle himself with calm and confidence. Excellent all around.
Seteth is an interesting mix of competence and not always succeeding at what he wants to me. He is in a position of authority, has strong beliefs, and is an attentive father. He's also judgmental and snipes. He has confidence, but his is not as rock solid as Jeralt's. And he's definitely way more uptight, which I love.
I am utterly in love with the idea of these two together. Seteth is so prim and straightlaced, but obviously perfectly well-versed with having a romantic partner. I can't imagine he's not devastatingly lonely just like Jeralt would be. The thought of Seteth positively vibrating and thirsty every time he so much as passes Jeralt in the halls makes me so damned happy. I wholeheartedly believe that Seteth is a hot mess under his cool, calm facade through years of practice. Plus, maybe Jeralt has a thing for quiet, green haired partners. (Though this one definitely has some bite to him!)
✚ - I mostly just want to experience Seteth's thirst and pining for Jeralt. I think both of these men are exquisitely attractive in very different ways, and I can't help but imagine that Seteth is here for the big muscles, the scars, the facial hair...so different from his past relationship and definitely distracting him from his duties and his loyalty to Rhea. I want to watch this poor man squirm a bit!
✚ - On the other end of this, I'd also love to see Jeralt developing feelings for the prim, cranky man. Maybe he reminds him of his late wife. I like to imagine him going out of his way to be where Seteth might be, joining him at meals, always finding some sort of question to ask, always up early to be there when Seteth trains with his wyvern. Maybe Jeralt joins him when he fishes to enjoy the silence or finds out that he stars in a story or two that Seteth has written as a prince character/love interest.
✚ - Or maybe Flayn and Byleth decide to set them up Parent Trap style, constantly finding excuses to force them together. I think the scheming and sneaking around would be extremely fun. Their dads both need love, and they will make it happen.
✚ - If you wanted to just do something sexy, introspective, and flirtatious involving the saunas then I am allll about that. I bet Seteth is so uncomfortable in them and Jeralt super pleased about being half-naked and sweating. Bet it makes his back feel great though!
Caspar is a character I did such a wild 180 on. When I first saw him in game I thought he was such a little twerp. But then I got a good look at him post time skip and my heart honest to god fluttered in my chest. What a fucking glow up! The more I played and interacted with him the more I had to admit...he was actually so charming. I love him.
I also love Gatekeeper. For an npc that literally doesn't have a full face or even a name, he stole my heart. He's so earnest and sweet, and takes his job so seriously. I feel like he connects to people and is the definition of an empath. He feels the pain of others deeply and every victory or loss hits him hard as if he had been present.
I think there are no two characters quite as earnest and genuine and easily excitable in the whole game than the two of them, and I would love nothing more than to see the two of them come together like some radiant little goodness bomb. They both deserve that level of passionate, single focus love and affection.
✚ - I would love to see Caspar coming back from battles and just spending a good hour or two giving Gatekeeper a play by play complete with little explosion sounds and mimicked weapon maneuvers for maximum engagement. Gatekeeper would be so excited to hear of his heroic exploits and a beloved tale of triumph over evil. He'd come to look forward to each and every one of these replays. And sometimes when they return they are more haggard and exhausted, bruised and injured, but even amid all of that negativity Caspar would be there, a bright blue beacon with a smile for him.
✚ - I'd love to see Caspar teaching Gatekeeper how to fight better and how to use different weapons in their free time. He has enough enthusiasm to drown most people, but I think Gatekeeper would just be so eager to learn and have a friend. If this leads to tumbling around the training room floor together all sweaty and laughing and full of happy affection I'd die happy. Them sharing meals, starving after all of that roughhousing and training. Maybe a post-time skip Caspar offers his clothes to him because Gatekeeper is, shockingly, starting to grow out of his clothes after all of this training! There are so many tiny bits I'd love to see between them.
✚ - Personally, I'd just love to see Gatekeeper go through the same level of earnest freak out and panic over just how stupidly hot Caspar became over time. It's unfair that a little twerp like him became so damned pretty! And Gatekeeper seems like the exact sort who likely has had a silent crush on him from afar well before that and it'd probably wreck him. Awkward confessions or just straight up bumbling around each other would be so enjoyable.
✚ - As mentioned with Jeralt/Seteth, I'm here if you want to do something simple and sexy with the saunas. I loved them as an addition for bonding, and it'd be nice and rife with sexual tension and cuteness to have these two bond there.
