Rare Pair Fest!
Jun. 16th, 2017 09:58 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
effectaffectRequests below the cut alphabetically by fandom. Thanks for considering making content for these ships of my heart! I'm excited to create and I bet you are too, so I'll try to get through this flailing quickly!
For this exchange I DNW major character death, parent/child incest, racism as a central plot device, or graphic depictions of eating disorders and self-harm.
I am delighted to opt in for identity headcanons, unusual formats including IF, epistolary, diary entries, second person POV, Alternate Universe settings, outside observers, background relationships, breakups and unhappy endings.
I especially enjoy content with shifting/switching dynamics, polyfidelity, character embellishment, flawed plans, toying with what characters believe to be true, explicit oral, safe sex, dubcon, secret relationship tropes, shared moments of vulnerability, and body worship.
Aldnoah.Zero (Anime & Manga)
Tragically these pairs didn't get as much screen time as I had hoped would develop them during the anime! I'm really looking for any expansion of what hinted structures are in place under emotionally dynamic encounters between each of these couples looks like, and hoping for a glimpse of that tucked into the established timeline or post-canon. I loved the way the show ended but if you want to go for canon divergence or a total AU I will happily follow these ships down whatever path you make for these characters!
Klancain Cruhteo/Slaine Troyard - I was so delighted with the way the series ended and set up a far-future scandal to be uncovered. I'd love for curiosity to get the better of Klancain or eat at him til it can try. After trading barbs about Count Cruhteo's influence, Klancain having met Slaine near to his worst self, I would love something involving Klancain's curiosity about the wreck of a human being that Slaine is and what exactly is in him that Asseylum can't bear to lose him even though his survival is the sort of secret that could topple empires. Political intrigue leads to interpersonal drama and deepening entanglements! Learning about his empress through her dearest and most troubled choices in crisis! Jealousy and possessiveness and power dynamics!
Amifumi Inko/Nina Klein - Some of my ships are complicated and some of my ships are very simple. I just want Nina and Inko to be able to grow up and explore life and dating and become highly decorated officers and have a fabulous wedding?? Inko in uniform and Nina in an over the top dress, and they get to be happy and none of their friends get shot in the face? This is a thing I want for them.
Darzana Magbaredge/Mizusaki Kaoru - Do you know why you can't get a date? Is it because you're being constantly courted at work by a shamelessly flirting commanding officer? It's because there's no chance for captain and first mate to take a real break at the same time when there's sailing to be done, but shore leave will come some day... in the mean time what they have isn't dating so much as a series of clandestine encounters. Finding time for one another all over the ship! Nothing quite like a hookup after a near death experience is there, captain? My needs are so simple here.
Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters
I may have finally gotten around to watching this show because I saw it in the tagset during nominations and it was the Correct Decision! There is a lot of serious plot going on -- the depiction of how much wor and energy Eri's career takes and Astra's dedication to his family are ongoing but there is also a lot that is still kind of up in the air, like with Yuujin's having no mental privacy because of his creepy home situation or Hajime having been successfully transformed into another shape??!! Like, I have wanted mind controlled possibly-robot child and forced transformation post-human plotline for what feels like a thousand years, and now I can't wait for someone to come DO THINGS WITH THESE SETUP SITUATIONS? Like there is a lot of meat on these characterization bones but surprisingly little has been done with it in 36 episodes! So really I'd like anything that plays with those concepts to bring the characters closer together or highlight their shine.
Oozora Yuujin/Shinkai Haru - how long have these kids been secretly into each other? Haru fretting over keeping secrets from Yuujin and keeping him safe combined with Yuujin's obvious placement of Haru at the center of his world makes me wonder how Yuujin has managed not to blurt out his feelings any more clearly than the "I would die to protect you" speech. Haru has all the power in their dynamic and I (and Yuujin) want him to swoop in and save his best friend, and possibly pose looking as rugged and handsome as a thirteen year old nerd can do that Yuujin can swoon and cling to his leg? I just. Haru is clearly adored on a level he can't quite wrap his head around. If Yuujin doesn't confess soon, Haru is going to get snatched up by a main character sort of love interest! Or maybe Yuujin will be reprogrammed before he gets the chance and Haru will have to perform a daring rescue.
Katsura Rei/Shinkai Haru - Rei insisting he doesn't trust or need anyone is like a spotlight beam into Haru's heart! He clearly needs loving support from peers but his trying to be a cool loner is thwarting all their attempts. I'd love to see Haru corner him to make him process some of his fears about Hajime and prepare himself for the long slog. Haru wanting to bring hope to Rei and support him through the horror of whatever might have happened and the promise to find a way to make it okay seems like excellent ground to plant an awkward crush for Rei to wrestle with. I love the high stakes for Rei, and Haru being all curious and helpful getting in the way with Feelings is a great catalyst for Rei to have a little meltdown. He needs catharsis! (And hugs!)
Karan Eri/Asuka Torajirou - Hello adultified Lifestyle Brand children, it is time for you to bond now. I love that these two egg each other on and for all their public styles are different, they are both good hardworking kids who have a lot of follow-through. Astra occasionally forgetting to be goofily over the top (even though it's fun for him, even though it's a true part of who he is) and Eri's methodical politeness despite her arrogant catchphrase make me want to see more of them working on brand synergy and moments when they wrestle with their obligations and their own conflicting desires... I would be so thrilled for them to try and fail to get together a couple times before the chemistry and timing works out. I'd also like to see more of their bonding over performance, or!! Exploring traditional arts (like Tora's beautiful calligraphy or Eri's powerful kata)? Especially now that Astra is being moved to tears watching Eri do her best, I want to see him struggle to communicate the depth of his feelings and maybe be totally shocked she likes him? Even though she did tell him to take off his underwear on TV that one time? I'm just loving how much their relationship has grown since they met.
Katsura Rei/Oozora Yuujin - For some reason their introduction getting highlighted with Haru's making note of it being the first time they'd met. I wonder if that's true? I would love to investigate Yuujin's secret background. I like the idea of these two as rivals for Haru's attention, but their slowly realizing they have Complicated Feelings in common could bring them together. Their difficult to voice situations might even be connected! Was Hajime made into a digimon (like maybe Hackmon or offmon!!)?What is the deal with the Drive Duo? Rei wanting more information on Yuujin could be a great setup for surprise developments or a plot-forces-them-to-confess-feelings sort of resolution to collaborate? With Haru being gone on Ai-chan, these two tumbling together in realization their crush is the same person. Rei could even hack Yuujin's mind, or Yuujin could force Rei offline for nefarious purposes, if you wanna go along a darker route.
Little Witch Academia
I love the fun energy of this show, that it manages to be light-hearted and also scary, and lets the characters be desperate at times and carefree at others. Akko as the beating heart of the show has totally destroyed me, I can and will ship her with anyone but these dynamics especially warm my heart. In-tone experimental first encounters or far-flung future shenanigans (may they never ever stop getting in trouble) would be equally welcome. I just want to spend more time enjoying the magic between Akko and her many glorious companions.
Diana Cavendish/Kagari "Akko" Atsuko - I just kept thinking when we learned that the ceremony to become the head of household had to be performed in a special place where only Cavendish witches could go and Akko went with Diana that CLEARLY MEANS Akko will be joining the Cavendish family. By winning Diana's heart and becoming her bride someday. I love them and their growing mutual admiration despite not hitting it off exactly at first. Akko's big soft heart leads her always into fierce displays of courageous affection and Diana doesn't really dislike that sort of thing-- when she lets herself resonate along Akko's wavelength Diana noticing the thread of fate between them and getting flustered by her own feelings would be perfect. Especially with their growing closeness I just... love what they bring out of one another!
Andrew Hanbridge/Atsuko "Akko" Kagari - He has been trying to play it cool but Miss Kagari keeps thwarting his efforts. I love the dynamic of the compartmentalizing elite forced to open up and feel things. I would really enjoy them having an adventure that requires they be open about their feelings or act impulsively or share something precious to them, any excuse to get Andrew willing to admit he wants to be around her and enjoys whatever irritating feeling this is Akko makes him feel. She is resourceful and infectious and there is something about the way she gets things happening that compels Andrew to trust her and lets him feel something akin to magic doing its work under his skin to make him fond of her. What is that connection?! And when Andrew realizes he wants to spend more time with her even if she is frivolous.I love that she leaves him in a state of wonder every time. I love when he tries to be nonchalant about it..
Diana Cavendish/Kagari "Akko" Atsuko/Andrew Hanbridge - JUST IMAGINE the cousins all agreeing to trade info about the girl they both like, comparing details and encouraging each other to go for it! Get the girl that makes their hearts flutter! Diana and Andrew have the long familiarity of branch family relations but the FORCE OF WILLPOWER these three manifest together is likely to affect the whole wizarding world as the heirs grow into their positions. With Akko's heartfelt willingness to act as a compass, Andrew and Diana can really make their worlds change, magic and mundane, and the possibilities for the kind of future they all build together are endless. I love the idea that Akko's high power distilled affection and hard headedness can unite them, hah.
Sucy Manbavaran/Kagari "Akko" Atsuko - CAN WE TAKE A MOMENT TO TALK ABOUT SUCY'S INNER DREAMSCAPE and how Akko loves ever iteration of Sucy that dares to exist there even at risk of squashing? Sucy loves to tease her and watch her do her thing and Akko is all earnest heartfelt affection for her sarcastic maybepossiblysquishedgenderqueer companion? I love the idea of Sucy recognizing that there is A Crush Which Cannot Be Crushed and dryly settling into the roller coaster of feelings even though getting all covered in heartfelt content is less fun than watching Akko flail. Sucy deserves to have fun with it once resigned to a ride on the feelings train.
Natsume Yuujinchou | Natsume's Book of Friends
Ensemble dynamic as complicated emotional entanglement web! I love how much more present a part of Natsume's life his human classmates and friends are in later canon, as they start to become comfortable with a sort of routine togetherness. Natsume building a place called home with them, or becoming aware of how much they all contribute to each others' lives and experiences and how precious shared experiences are would be great. The sensation that time together is limited,the sort of urgency of emotional content expressed through nostalgia that influences the text would be an awesome inclusion here. I'd also love to see more of how folks who aren't Natsume or even in the know experience this world together.
Kitamoto Atsushi/Nishimura Satoru/Tanuma Kaname/Natsume Takashi - For this request I caught myself thinking about the bits and pieces of Natsume's past the guys can put together even without knowing about his abilities. I'm especially thinking of the time Nishimura discovered that Natsume keeps his photos up in the closet near the floor- a secret spot for treasured items, that hints at the kind of insecurity and terror that would leave him feeling most comfortable hiding! Or like, the baffled look Natsume gives them when he realizes he's surrounded by friends, and how just noticing it makes Kitamoto frustrated and Nishimura wondering whether Natsume will ever trust them enough to open up. I love that Tanuma wants to be Natsume's support and help protect Kitamoto and Nishimura from dangerous supernatural things, but that he doesn't let Natsume stay too distant when sharing moments all four of them will enrich his smile. Is the time they spent at Tanuma's aunt's ryokan going to level up their intimacy, or is their repeated visiting and regular demonstrations of care going to crumble Natsume's defenses before he entirely realizes? Natsume wanting to convey how precious their presence is and coming across as otherworldly and ephemeral would be great. His friends notice when he is fragile and surround him with cushioning affection... they warm my heart!
Sasada Jun/Taki Tooru - Jun and Taki Investigation Dateventure! I can see Jun getting tickets for like a Ghost Tour or spirit scavenger hunt event and Taki going with her because a little fright is fun and then A Presence Makes Itself Known and the girls escape and/or save the day with cleverness, togetherness, and possibly a makeup mirror and some flashcards? Holding hands and walking slowly, taking in the atmosphere! Friends who like each other and don't quite know how to become more-than-friends. If Sasada takes a hundred photos and captures a Mysterious Presence TM (Nyanko-sensei for example) to brag to the gang, I will be thoroughly delighted.
Matoba Seiji/Natsume Takashi - I've been thinking about the creepy adults in Natsume's life and really enjoy the idea that Matoba, for all that he is dangerous, is very rigorous about honesty. I wonder about a Matoba who considers himself to be kind and scrupulous even in the contexts we see-- of course, everyone has ulterior motives, but Matoba's not denying it is more true than someone else who is unaware of their own true intentions or refuses to acknowledge that they are there. Natsume untangling his respect for Matoba's abilities and curiosity about his knowledge from the distaste he has for the choices Matoba sometimes makes would be really fun. I would love to see him realize that Matoba has fears and insecurities and moments of sweetness within him just like any person. Matoba being uncomfortable in the knowledge he owes Natsume a debt would be a great inclusion if you want to go for action-and-romance!
Ookiku Furikabutte | Big Windup!
My theme for this request seems to be "Similar but Different"-- I really love all these characters and want to see the guys interact maybe not realizing how much they have in common, but that common ground becomes the foundation of a solid bond. I just love the idea of exploring who these characters are through their interpersonal dynamics and the experience maybe helping them to grow up.
Akimaru Kyouhei/Mihashi Ren - OKAY HEAR ME OUT I know this is a long shot but these two could have a fun dynamic? Like Akimaru is patient and kind and Mihashi is curious and hardworking despite everything against him-- I just imagine them having a chance encounter shopping for gear or in a bookstore or ON A BI FORUM or because idk Akimaru is looking into the university where Mihashi's mom teaches literature and they talk mostly emotion communication and school stuff but also about their battery mates and Mihashi encourages Akimaru to pursue pitching even if it is just to calm down after hard study sessions and maybe Akimaru gives Mihashi advice on talking to forceful people outside of team building sports contexts? I'm just trying to say I feel like they could totally bond? IDK, I love the idea of them having secret friend meet ups that become secret dates. Why not?
Hanai Azusa/Abe Takaya - Grouchy classmates!! Bully types!! Tender-hearted socially awkward boys!! What a pair of power-and-glory loving competitive jerkishness-prone sweethearts. They're really on a similar wavelength and seem to communicate with each other a lot more easily than with the others. Hanai worries way more about appearances, which I think is fun to toy with, but he definitely has the upper hand when it comes to approachability. I like how they are both focused, full-power-forward on the things they want to achieve, which makes me want to see them rely on one another and be temporarily vulnerable. Whether you wanna go for early on bonding over the urge to bully guys like Mihashi or later wrestling with team dynamics around relief pitchers and backup catchers, anything with these two trying to grow up even a little and leaning on each other to get there would be rad.
Tenkuu no Escaflowne | The Vision of Escaflowne
Dilandau Albatou/Jajuka - Protective Lion Boyfriend!!!! Dilandau so desperately needed positive connections, the impact of discovering Jajuka in the series and their backstory was a hugely intense part of the canon for me. I just love the brief, intense glimpses of their time together and I NEED MORE OF THAT. I would love anything exploring their relationship, especially if it folds in Dilandau's trauma around his identity and what his position demands of him. Moments of comfort, moments of distress or dismay, and the sense that there is a force beyond all of their power pushing and pulling people and events-- the atmosphere of clinging to one another or losing everything and the devotional desperation Jajuka has to preserve even an ounce of safety for Dilandau buried somewhere within themselves is amazing. Formative bonds and love and co-dependence are all candy I will devour. If you feel like exploring Jajuka's mixed feelings about what he can do for Dilandau and what he is doing and whether or not it is really helpful I will be delighted, having failed to find Jajuka stuff before, much less from his POV!
World Trigger
This is a canon I picked up not too long ago and I think it's really got a lot of interesting hooks in the setting and the characters. Exploring more of the neighbourhood or uncanny neighbor things with these ships would be extra cool if you like worldbuilding!
Kizaki Reiji/Amatori Chika - I love how proud he is of her! I'm a sucker for big tough muscle dude who seems stoic but loves cute soft kind earnest girl with a pure hearted intensity, and I would love to see him wrestling with his feelings about her. She is so powerful! But so delicate! And she is diligent and so they spend lots of time together and he has it bad. Surprise, Chika is still kind of unaware of what she is interested in for relationships, as focused as she is on her goal, but I would love for her to try to untangle her feelings. I am so down for the internal struggle! Of course, I'll be just as happy if they practice shooting, fall in sync, and have sweets at the branch office after a refreshing workout. They're adorable and I need more of them.
Kuga Yuuma/Mikumo Osamu - Possibly alien boyfriend from a parallel universe is so protective of his maximum-effort nerd boyfriend, I can't resist their connection. Kuga's respect for Osamu and belief in him despite the huge gap in their abilities just warms my heart. Destined partners!!! The mutual admiration! I'd love for them to do some learning about each other's cultural expectations around affection and courting, and maybe some exploratory first encounter? Kuga using his side effect to bully Osamu into admitting he likes him would be amazing.
Yoroiden Samurai Troopers | Ronin Warriors
Mouri Shin | Cye Mouri/Shuu Rei Fuan | Kento Rei Fang - An ultimate ship from the past! I love these two and their dynamic, sort of a playful and heartfelt friends-and-lovers kind of rhythm. I'd be really into something melodramatic and trope laden like a soulmate or reincarnation AU for these two because I think the context of magical destined companionship lends itself well, what with the fate on each set of armor as plot. Shin and Shuu discovering a connection from the past or leading them together would be fun too. If you are not into the AU ideas, I would love something about their growing familiarity and closeness -- it seemed to me that Shin was the type to tease his crush, and Shuu the type to get flustered, with the affection of like childhood friends or a comfort that both acts as a cover for romantic feelings and an excuse to be intimate. Whether they are established or not or folks know or not is up to you! And if you like angst, both of them awkwardly pining for each other would absolutely be my jam.
機動戦士ガンダム 鉄血のオルフェンズ | Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
Heartwrenching and/or uplifting post-canon or timeskip content for some of my precious surviving cast is the gist of what I want for these ships. They deserve to get to be happy and feel safe and loved! It is my deepest hope that both of these ships have beautiful romantic moments of joy AND MAYBE SOME ANGST OR SURVIVORS GUILT ABOUT THAT???
Atra Mixta/Kudelia Aina Bernstein - I would so love something about their OBVIOUS MARRIAGE DURING THE TIMESKIP or fretful preparation for Akatsuki's birth or far-future sitting together in rockers looking out at the farm! The pair dealing with Kudelia's work pulling her away from the family and sweet reunions would be wonderful. I want to see them take on adulthood together in this world they made... but!! If you are more interested in their bond growing while they are working with Tekkadan, I would really enjoy their time in space together, and Atra's firm resolve to build loving connections and the rejection of rivalry in their dynamic. Atra grounding Kudelia with loving openness, and Kudelia sharing her hopes and plans so that the two of them can see it through together. They are so precious to each other from the start, I really enjoy the way their bond evolves along friendship and respect to loving comfort. Laying in each other's arms talking about hope, inspiring each other to be the version of themselves their kids will need... I love them. They can save the world.
Chad Chadan/Yamagi Gilmerton - I was so delighted to see Chad blushing and getting teased about wanting to take out Yamagi after the timeskip, I would love something set during those ~5 years showing the path Chad and Yamagi took growing closer and maybe finding the beginning of a relationship, or something post-canon focusing on what they seem to be reaching for in each other even after the many tragedies of their lives. I love the idea of Chad's gentle warmth reaching Yamagi across his grief and Yamagi's sharpness leaving Chad feeling like he is totally readable/obvious while they both struggle through their feelings. I JUST WANT THEM TO FIND HAPPINESS TOGETHER SOMEDAY ;0; Finally admitting how they feel over a drink or three? Awkward deliberate courtship or accidental realization that they are already kind of dating? I will be so happy for these two to curl up together in a corner of engine maintenance or administration and just be close and happy, after everything. If you're into outsider POV stuff, Shino observing them in spirit or Merribit and Yukinojo guiding and keeping eyes on them would melt my little heart. I love domesticity for them if you feel like showing one crystallized moment of connection-- like Chad with his hair wrapped for night-time and Yamagi still grease-smudged from system work sharing hot tea with rum in the small hours when the rest are sleeping. I love them so much together.
ID-0 (Anime)
I didn't expect to see this shiny new thing in the tagset AND YET HERE WE ARE!! I am really interested in the posthumanism/transhumanism aspect of this show. How are people who became I-machines able to maintain their sense of self, if they manage to? How is maintenance performed on them like WHAT IF DATA BECOMES CORRUPT and how do they adapt to the scale of existence in space as an i-machine? Some of them are so used to it, but at the same time there is this common existential horror around losing your body that is fascinating here? And I am really curious about how the evertrancers care for their emotional and physical needs being somewhat disconnected from physical experience while simultaneously... still existing and experiencing things. How that does or doesn't effect their relationships and how they forge connections is super interesting to me.
Mikuri Maya/Grayman | Jake Hojo - I was charmed by the way he didn't know how to act and got worried she wouldn't like him for doing his job as the captain and boss. He doesn't want her not to like him, so whether or not he is successful I'd enjoy some truly awkward courting attempts. It's endearing. I like how they especially don't want to disappoint each other.
Rick Ayer/Amanza Volchkova - AMANZA MY PUMPKIN going from "you twisted robot bastards" to reassuring Rick their time together is real absolutely destroyed my heart. What did they share with drinks before moving out of online space? I'd love to see them try to translate some of that connection to scale in their embodied realities, seeing how they explore and navigate their encounters and feelings.
For this exchange I DNW major character death, parent/child incest, racism as a central plot device, or graphic depictions of eating disorders and self-harm.
I am delighted to opt in for identity headcanons, unusual formats including IF, epistolary, diary entries, second person POV, Alternate Universe settings, outside observers, background relationships, breakups and unhappy endings.
I especially enjoy content with shifting/switching dynamics, polyfidelity, character embellishment, flawed plans, toying with what characters believe to be true, explicit oral, safe sex, dubcon, secret relationship tropes, shared moments of vulnerability, and body worship.
Aldnoah.Zero (Anime & Manga)
Tragically these pairs didn't get as much screen time as I had hoped would develop them during the anime! I'm really looking for any expansion of what hinted structures are in place under emotionally dynamic encounters between each of these couples looks like, and hoping for a glimpse of that tucked into the established timeline or post-canon. I loved the way the show ended but if you want to go for canon divergence or a total AU I will happily follow these ships down whatever path you make for these characters!
Klancain Cruhteo/Slaine Troyard - I was so delighted with the way the series ended and set up a far-future scandal to be uncovered. I'd love for curiosity to get the better of Klancain or eat at him til it can try. After trading barbs about Count Cruhteo's influence, Klancain having met Slaine near to his worst self, I would love something involving Klancain's curiosity about the wreck of a human being that Slaine is and what exactly is in him that Asseylum can't bear to lose him even though his survival is the sort of secret that could topple empires. Political intrigue leads to interpersonal drama and deepening entanglements! Learning about his empress through her dearest and most troubled choices in crisis! Jealousy and possessiveness and power dynamics!
Amifumi Inko/Nina Klein - Some of my ships are complicated and some of my ships are very simple. I just want Nina and Inko to be able to grow up and explore life and dating and become highly decorated officers and have a fabulous wedding?? Inko in uniform and Nina in an over the top dress, and they get to be happy and none of their friends get shot in the face? This is a thing I want for them.
Darzana Magbaredge/Mizusaki Kaoru - Do you know why you can't get a date? Is it because you're being constantly courted at work by a shamelessly flirting commanding officer? It's because there's no chance for captain and first mate to take a real break at the same time when there's sailing to be done, but shore leave will come some day... in the mean time what they have isn't dating so much as a series of clandestine encounters. Finding time for one another all over the ship! Nothing quite like a hookup after a near death experience is there, captain? My needs are so simple here.
Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters
I may have finally gotten around to watching this show because I saw it in the tagset during nominations and it was the Correct Decision! There is a lot of serious plot going on -- the depiction of how much wor and energy Eri's career takes and Astra's dedication to his family are ongoing but there is also a lot that is still kind of up in the air, like with Yuujin's having no mental privacy because of his creepy home situation or Hajime having been successfully transformed into another shape??!! Like, I have wanted mind controlled possibly-robot child and forced transformation post-human plotline for what feels like a thousand years, and now I can't wait for someone to come DO THINGS WITH THESE SETUP SITUATIONS? Like there is a lot of meat on these characterization bones but surprisingly little has been done with it in 36 episodes! So really I'd like anything that plays with those concepts to bring the characters closer together or highlight their shine.
Oozora Yuujin/Shinkai Haru - how long have these kids been secretly into each other? Haru fretting over keeping secrets from Yuujin and keeping him safe combined with Yuujin's obvious placement of Haru at the center of his world makes me wonder how Yuujin has managed not to blurt out his feelings any more clearly than the "I would die to protect you" speech. Haru has all the power in their dynamic and I (and Yuujin) want him to swoop in and save his best friend, and possibly pose looking as rugged and handsome as a thirteen year old nerd can do that Yuujin can swoon and cling to his leg? I just. Haru is clearly adored on a level he can't quite wrap his head around. If Yuujin doesn't confess soon, Haru is going to get snatched up by a main character sort of love interest! Or maybe Yuujin will be reprogrammed before he gets the chance and Haru will have to perform a daring rescue.
Katsura Rei/Shinkai Haru - Rei insisting he doesn't trust or need anyone is like a spotlight beam into Haru's heart! He clearly needs loving support from peers but his trying to be a cool loner is thwarting all their attempts. I'd love to see Haru corner him to make him process some of his fears about Hajime and prepare himself for the long slog. Haru wanting to bring hope to Rei and support him through the horror of whatever might have happened and the promise to find a way to make it okay seems like excellent ground to plant an awkward crush for Rei to wrestle with. I love the high stakes for Rei, and Haru being all curious and helpful getting in the way with Feelings is a great catalyst for Rei to have a little meltdown. He needs catharsis! (And hugs!)
Karan Eri/Asuka Torajirou - Hello adultified Lifestyle Brand children, it is time for you to bond now. I love that these two egg each other on and for all their public styles are different, they are both good hardworking kids who have a lot of follow-through. Astra occasionally forgetting to be goofily over the top (even though it's fun for him, even though it's a true part of who he is) and Eri's methodical politeness despite her arrogant catchphrase make me want to see more of them working on brand synergy and moments when they wrestle with their obligations and their own conflicting desires... I would be so thrilled for them to try and fail to get together a couple times before the chemistry and timing works out. I'd also like to see more of their bonding over performance, or!! Exploring traditional arts (like Tora's beautiful calligraphy or Eri's powerful kata)? Especially now that Astra is being moved to tears watching Eri do her best, I want to see him struggle to communicate the depth of his feelings and maybe be totally shocked she likes him? Even though she did tell him to take off his underwear on TV that one time? I'm just loving how much their relationship has grown since they met.
Katsura Rei/Oozora Yuujin - For some reason their introduction getting highlighted with Haru's making note of it being the first time they'd met. I wonder if that's true? I would love to investigate Yuujin's secret background. I like the idea of these two as rivals for Haru's attention, but their slowly realizing they have Complicated Feelings in common could bring them together. Their difficult to voice situations might even be connected! Was Hajime made into a digimon (like maybe Hackmon or offmon!!)?What is the deal with the Drive Duo? Rei wanting more information on Yuujin could be a great setup for surprise developments or a plot-forces-them-to-confess-feelings sort of resolution to collaborate? With Haru being gone on Ai-chan, these two tumbling together in realization their crush is the same person. Rei could even hack Yuujin's mind, or Yuujin could force Rei offline for nefarious purposes, if you wanna go along a darker route.
Little Witch Academia
I love the fun energy of this show, that it manages to be light-hearted and also scary, and lets the characters be desperate at times and carefree at others. Akko as the beating heart of the show has totally destroyed me, I can and will ship her with anyone but these dynamics especially warm my heart. In-tone experimental first encounters or far-flung future shenanigans (may they never ever stop getting in trouble) would be equally welcome. I just want to spend more time enjoying the magic between Akko and her many glorious companions.
Diana Cavendish/Kagari "Akko" Atsuko - I just kept thinking when we learned that the ceremony to become the head of household had to be performed in a special place where only Cavendish witches could go and Akko went with Diana that CLEARLY MEANS Akko will be joining the Cavendish family. By winning Diana's heart and becoming her bride someday. I love them and their growing mutual admiration despite not hitting it off exactly at first. Akko's big soft heart leads her always into fierce displays of courageous affection and Diana doesn't really dislike that sort of thing-- when she lets herself resonate along Akko's wavelength Diana noticing the thread of fate between them and getting flustered by her own feelings would be perfect. Especially with their growing closeness I just... love what they bring out of one another!
Andrew Hanbridge/Atsuko "Akko" Kagari - He has been trying to play it cool but Miss Kagari keeps thwarting his efforts. I love the dynamic of the compartmentalizing elite forced to open up and feel things. I would really enjoy them having an adventure that requires they be open about their feelings or act impulsively or share something precious to them, any excuse to get Andrew willing to admit he wants to be around her and enjoys whatever irritating feeling this is Akko makes him feel. She is resourceful and infectious and there is something about the way she gets things happening that compels Andrew to trust her and lets him feel something akin to magic doing its work under his skin to make him fond of her. What is that connection?! And when Andrew realizes he wants to spend more time with her even if she is frivolous.I love that she leaves him in a state of wonder every time. I love when he tries to be nonchalant about it..
Diana Cavendish/Kagari "Akko" Atsuko/Andrew Hanbridge - JUST IMAGINE the cousins all agreeing to trade info about the girl they both like, comparing details and encouraging each other to go for it! Get the girl that makes their hearts flutter! Diana and Andrew have the long familiarity of branch family relations but the FORCE OF WILLPOWER these three manifest together is likely to affect the whole wizarding world as the heirs grow into their positions. With Akko's heartfelt willingness to act as a compass, Andrew and Diana can really make their worlds change, magic and mundane, and the possibilities for the kind of future they all build together are endless. I love the idea that Akko's high power distilled affection and hard headedness can unite them, hah.
Sucy Manbavaran/Kagari "Akko" Atsuko - CAN WE TAKE A MOMENT TO TALK ABOUT SUCY'S INNER DREAMSCAPE and how Akko loves ever iteration of Sucy that dares to exist there even at risk of squashing? Sucy loves to tease her and watch her do her thing and Akko is all earnest heartfelt affection for her sarcastic maybepossiblysquishedgenderqueer companion? I love the idea of Sucy recognizing that there is A Crush Which Cannot Be Crushed and dryly settling into the roller coaster of feelings even though getting all covered in heartfelt content is less fun than watching Akko flail. Sucy deserves to have fun with it once resigned to a ride on the feelings train.
Natsume Yuujinchou | Natsume's Book of Friends
Ensemble dynamic as complicated emotional entanglement web! I love how much more present a part of Natsume's life his human classmates and friends are in later canon, as they start to become comfortable with a sort of routine togetherness. Natsume building a place called home with them, or becoming aware of how much they all contribute to each others' lives and experiences and how precious shared experiences are would be great. The sensation that time together is limited,the sort of urgency of emotional content expressed through nostalgia that influences the text would be an awesome inclusion here. I'd also love to see more of how folks who aren't Natsume or even in the know experience this world together.
Kitamoto Atsushi/Nishimura Satoru/Tanuma Kaname/Natsume Takashi - For this request I caught myself thinking about the bits and pieces of Natsume's past the guys can put together even without knowing about his abilities. I'm especially thinking of the time Nishimura discovered that Natsume keeps his photos up in the closet near the floor- a secret spot for treasured items, that hints at the kind of insecurity and terror that would leave him feeling most comfortable hiding! Or like, the baffled look Natsume gives them when he realizes he's surrounded by friends, and how just noticing it makes Kitamoto frustrated and Nishimura wondering whether Natsume will ever trust them enough to open up. I love that Tanuma wants to be Natsume's support and help protect Kitamoto and Nishimura from dangerous supernatural things, but that he doesn't let Natsume stay too distant when sharing moments all four of them will enrich his smile. Is the time they spent at Tanuma's aunt's ryokan going to level up their intimacy, or is their repeated visiting and regular demonstrations of care going to crumble Natsume's defenses before he entirely realizes? Natsume wanting to convey how precious their presence is and coming across as otherworldly and ephemeral would be great. His friends notice when he is fragile and surround him with cushioning affection... they warm my heart!
Sasada Jun/Taki Tooru - Jun and Taki Investigation Dateventure! I can see Jun getting tickets for like a Ghost Tour or spirit scavenger hunt event and Taki going with her because a little fright is fun and then A Presence Makes Itself Known and the girls escape and/or save the day with cleverness, togetherness, and possibly a makeup mirror and some flashcards? Holding hands and walking slowly, taking in the atmosphere! Friends who like each other and don't quite know how to become more-than-friends. If Sasada takes a hundred photos and captures a Mysterious Presence TM (Nyanko-sensei for example) to brag to the gang, I will be thoroughly delighted.
Matoba Seiji/Natsume Takashi - I've been thinking about the creepy adults in Natsume's life and really enjoy the idea that Matoba, for all that he is dangerous, is very rigorous about honesty. I wonder about a Matoba who considers himself to be kind and scrupulous even in the contexts we see-- of course, everyone has ulterior motives, but Matoba's not denying it is more true than someone else who is unaware of their own true intentions or refuses to acknowledge that they are there. Natsume untangling his respect for Matoba's abilities and curiosity about his knowledge from the distaste he has for the choices Matoba sometimes makes would be really fun. I would love to see him realize that Matoba has fears and insecurities and moments of sweetness within him just like any person. Matoba being uncomfortable in the knowledge he owes Natsume a debt would be a great inclusion if you want to go for action-and-romance!
Ookiku Furikabutte | Big Windup!
My theme for this request seems to be "Similar but Different"-- I really love all these characters and want to see the guys interact maybe not realizing how much they have in common, but that common ground becomes the foundation of a solid bond. I just love the idea of exploring who these characters are through their interpersonal dynamics and the experience maybe helping them to grow up.
Akimaru Kyouhei/Mihashi Ren - OKAY HEAR ME OUT I know this is a long shot but these two could have a fun dynamic? Like Akimaru is patient and kind and Mihashi is curious and hardworking despite everything against him-- I just imagine them having a chance encounter shopping for gear or in a bookstore or ON A BI FORUM or because idk Akimaru is looking into the university where Mihashi's mom teaches literature and they talk mostly emotion communication and school stuff but also about their battery mates and Mihashi encourages Akimaru to pursue pitching even if it is just to calm down after hard study sessions and maybe Akimaru gives Mihashi advice on talking to forceful people outside of team building sports contexts? I'm just trying to say I feel like they could totally bond? IDK, I love the idea of them having secret friend meet ups that become secret dates. Why not?
Hanai Azusa/Abe Takaya - Grouchy classmates!! Bully types!! Tender-hearted socially awkward boys!! What a pair of power-and-glory loving competitive jerkishness-prone sweethearts. They're really on a similar wavelength and seem to communicate with each other a lot more easily than with the others. Hanai worries way more about appearances, which I think is fun to toy with, but he definitely has the upper hand when it comes to approachability. I like how they are both focused, full-power-forward on the things they want to achieve, which makes me want to see them rely on one another and be temporarily vulnerable. Whether you wanna go for early on bonding over the urge to bully guys like Mihashi or later wrestling with team dynamics around relief pitchers and backup catchers, anything with these two trying to grow up even a little and leaning on each other to get there would be rad.
Tenkuu no Escaflowne | The Vision of Escaflowne
Dilandau Albatou/Jajuka - Protective Lion Boyfriend!!!! Dilandau so desperately needed positive connections, the impact of discovering Jajuka in the series and their backstory was a hugely intense part of the canon for me. I just love the brief, intense glimpses of their time together and I NEED MORE OF THAT. I would love anything exploring their relationship, especially if it folds in Dilandau's trauma around his identity and what his position demands of him. Moments of comfort, moments of distress or dismay, and the sense that there is a force beyond all of their power pushing and pulling people and events-- the atmosphere of clinging to one another or losing everything and the devotional desperation Jajuka has to preserve even an ounce of safety for Dilandau buried somewhere within themselves is amazing. Formative bonds and love and co-dependence are all candy I will devour. If you feel like exploring Jajuka's mixed feelings about what he can do for Dilandau and what he is doing and whether or not it is really helpful I will be delighted, having failed to find Jajuka stuff before, much less from his POV!
World Trigger
This is a canon I picked up not too long ago and I think it's really got a lot of interesting hooks in the setting and the characters. Exploring more of the neighbourhood or uncanny neighbor things with these ships would be extra cool if you like worldbuilding!
Kizaki Reiji/Amatori Chika - I love how proud he is of her! I'm a sucker for big tough muscle dude who seems stoic but loves cute soft kind earnest girl with a pure hearted intensity, and I would love to see him wrestling with his feelings about her. She is so powerful! But so delicate! And she is diligent and so they spend lots of time together and he has it bad. Surprise, Chika is still kind of unaware of what she is interested in for relationships, as focused as she is on her goal, but I would love for her to try to untangle her feelings. I am so down for the internal struggle! Of course, I'll be just as happy if they practice shooting, fall in sync, and have sweets at the branch office after a refreshing workout. They're adorable and I need more of them.
Kuga Yuuma/Mikumo Osamu - Possibly alien boyfriend from a parallel universe is so protective of his maximum-effort nerd boyfriend, I can't resist their connection. Kuga's respect for Osamu and belief in him despite the huge gap in their abilities just warms my heart. Destined partners!!! The mutual admiration! I'd love for them to do some learning about each other's cultural expectations around affection and courting, and maybe some exploratory first encounter? Kuga using his side effect to bully Osamu into admitting he likes him would be amazing.
Yoroiden Samurai Troopers | Ronin Warriors
Mouri Shin | Cye Mouri/Shuu Rei Fuan | Kento Rei Fang - An ultimate ship from the past! I love these two and their dynamic, sort of a playful and heartfelt friends-and-lovers kind of rhythm. I'd be really into something melodramatic and trope laden like a soulmate or reincarnation AU for these two because I think the context of magical destined companionship lends itself well, what with the fate on each set of armor as plot. Shin and Shuu discovering a connection from the past or leading them together would be fun too. If you are not into the AU ideas, I would love something about their growing familiarity and closeness -- it seemed to me that Shin was the type to tease his crush, and Shuu the type to get flustered, with the affection of like childhood friends or a comfort that both acts as a cover for romantic feelings and an excuse to be intimate. Whether they are established or not or folks know or not is up to you! And if you like angst, both of them awkwardly pining for each other would absolutely be my jam.
機動戦士ガンダム 鉄血のオルフェンズ | Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
Heartwrenching and/or uplifting post-canon or timeskip content for some of my precious surviving cast is the gist of what I want for these ships. They deserve to get to be happy and feel safe and loved! It is my deepest hope that both of these ships have beautiful romantic moments of joy AND MAYBE SOME ANGST OR SURVIVORS GUILT ABOUT THAT???
Atra Mixta/Kudelia Aina Bernstein - I would so love something about their OBVIOUS MARRIAGE DURING THE TIMESKIP or fretful preparation for Akatsuki's birth or far-future sitting together in rockers looking out at the farm! The pair dealing with Kudelia's work pulling her away from the family and sweet reunions would be wonderful. I want to see them take on adulthood together in this world they made... but!! If you are more interested in their bond growing while they are working with Tekkadan, I would really enjoy their time in space together, and Atra's firm resolve to build loving connections and the rejection of rivalry in their dynamic. Atra grounding Kudelia with loving openness, and Kudelia sharing her hopes and plans so that the two of them can see it through together. They are so precious to each other from the start, I really enjoy the way their bond evolves along friendship and respect to loving comfort. Laying in each other's arms talking about hope, inspiring each other to be the version of themselves their kids will need... I love them. They can save the world.
Chad Chadan/Yamagi Gilmerton - I was so delighted to see Chad blushing and getting teased about wanting to take out Yamagi after the timeskip, I would love something set during those ~5 years showing the path Chad and Yamagi took growing closer and maybe finding the beginning of a relationship, or something post-canon focusing on what they seem to be reaching for in each other even after the many tragedies of their lives. I love the idea of Chad's gentle warmth reaching Yamagi across his grief and Yamagi's sharpness leaving Chad feeling like he is totally readable/obvious while they both struggle through their feelings. I JUST WANT THEM TO FIND HAPPINESS TOGETHER SOMEDAY ;0; Finally admitting how they feel over a drink or three? Awkward deliberate courtship or accidental realization that they are already kind of dating? I will be so happy for these two to curl up together in a corner of engine maintenance or administration and just be close and happy, after everything. If you're into outsider POV stuff, Shino observing them in spirit or Merribit and Yukinojo guiding and keeping eyes on them would melt my little heart. I love domesticity for them if you feel like showing one crystallized moment of connection-- like Chad with his hair wrapped for night-time and Yamagi still grease-smudged from system work sharing hot tea with rum in the small hours when the rest are sleeping. I love them so much together.
ID-0 (Anime)
I didn't expect to see this shiny new thing in the tagset AND YET HERE WE ARE!! I am really interested in the posthumanism/transhumanism aspect of this show. How are people who became I-machines able to maintain their sense of self, if they manage to? How is maintenance performed on them like WHAT IF DATA BECOMES CORRUPT and how do they adapt to the scale of existence in space as an i-machine? Some of them are so used to it, but at the same time there is this common existential horror around losing your body that is fascinating here? And I am really curious about how the evertrancers care for their emotional and physical needs being somewhat disconnected from physical experience while simultaneously... still existing and experiencing things. How that does or doesn't effect their relationships and how they forge connections is super interesting to me.
Mikuri Maya/Grayman | Jake Hojo - I was charmed by the way he didn't know how to act and got worried she wouldn't like him for doing his job as the captain and boss. He doesn't want her not to like him, so whether or not he is successful I'd enjoy some truly awkward courting attempts. It's endearing. I like how they especially don't want to disappoint each other.
Rick Ayer/Amanza Volchkova - AMANZA MY PUMPKIN going from "you twisted robot bastards" to reassuring Rick their time together is real absolutely destroyed my heart. What did they share with drinks before moving out of online space? I'd love to see them try to translate some of that connection to scale in their embodied realities, seeing how they explore and navigate their encounters and feelings.
