elegantstupidity | Five Figure Fanwork Exchange 2021

Hey there! I may or may not have overindulged in writing this letter; it got pretty long. But that's just my excitement for a good, juicy work for any of these fandoms coming through. Read as much of this as you'd like. If you want to mix and match prompts between fandoms or ships, that's totally great!

I may have requested some of these canons before, so feel free to use a prompt from an old letter, but hopefully anything you need to create a gift for me can be found right here. I would love to see each and every one of these prompts in either fic or comic form, though I don’t get a chance to request comics very often so I’m not sure what details are helpful as prompts on that front. If anything’s confusing, I’m more than happy to answer any questions sent through the mod.

Can't wait to see what you create!

elegantstupidity

Navigation
Yes, Please! and No, Thanks!
Requests

The Gentle Way

A League of Their Own

Tortall - Tamora Pierce

Uprooted - Naomi Novik

Yes, Please!
genres and styles

adventure, angst (though preferably with a bittersweet or happy ending), canon-typical plots, character studies, fantasy and sci-fi, fluff, humor/comedy, hurt/comfort, mysteries and casefic, romance, slice of life
AUs
- especially canon-divergences, canon+ (basically, the canon setting + some fantastical/magical element, ie: body swaps, unexpected telepathic connections, time loops, etc.), or fusions and genre shifts (ie: daemon AUs, Pacific Rim, Hogwarts, in space!, epic fantasy, etc.)
- exceptions I'm not particularly into: A/B/O, de-aging, soulmate/soulmark AUs, or making the setting more ordinary/mundane than canon
character- and relationship-driven plots
crack relationships or premises treated even halfway seriously
epistolary elements
- both letters and texts/emails/digital communication as well as in-universe texts/published materials
missing scenes
parallels and canon callbacks
x + 1 times

details

competence/characters in their element
- alternatively, I do love a good fish out of water scenario
food, baking, and/or cooking porn
worldbuilding
- Even for canons that ostensibly take place in the real world, I love getting a taste of all the little details that add color and texture to these character’s lives.
  - Stuff like: politics/local government, what's on their TBR list, what's in their fridge/closet/bag/car, what kind of celebrity gossip exists in their world, etc.
Honestly, you can't go overboard on the descriptions and detail, no matter how minute or possibly off-topic. Tell me all about the setting or circumstances, the characters' emotions/sensations, bits of backstory, anything!

gen relationships

loyalty and ride or die friendships
complex friendship dynamics
- I prefer when conflicts are resolved at least semi-happily, but angst on the way is excellent!
found families and/or family feels and/or complex family situations
team bonding/group dynamics
- eg: road trips, pranks, inside jokes, friendship building, nights out, games/game nights, betting pools, roughhousing/physical affection, celebrations/parties, etc.
mutual admiration societies/positive partnerships
- I love snark and teasing and even outright antagonism, too, they just have to end up liking each other—even grudgingly.

romantic relationships

anything from above
- I really love romances that are built on friendships/trust/loyalty or at the very least some kind of shared history
pre-relationship and/or getting together plots
- slow burns, UST, mutual pining, denial, flirting, lingering touches, veiled confessions
- [enemies/rivals to] friends to lovers
  - I'm all about snarky antagonism/belligerence/teasing as flirting
- FWBs catching feelings
- breaking the seal
  - i.e. “We just kissed/slept together/did something unmistakably romantic, but we’re definitely not gonna do it again for reasons,” and then they absolutely do it again.
- basically, any kind of romcom trope that you can imagine
enforced proximity
- bed sharing, handcuffed together, locked in a closet, deserted together, curses/spells tethering them, sharing body heat, etc.
secret and/or "forbidden" relationships
HEAs or HFNs

smut/porn

feelings

basically anything that shows how into each other the characters are
romance, trust, enthusiasm, intensity, tenderness, vulnerability, desperation, neediness [to please], intimacy, hand holding, eye contact, laughing/having fun with it
Alternatively, I can definitely get behind some hate/grudge sex.

firsts

first time together or the first time trying something new or sexual awakenings/kink discovery, shy or desperate or a little awkward, etc. etc. and on and on and on
resolving UST to "get it out of their systems" or other transparently thin reasons to bang it out

physicality

rough sex, hair pulling, holding each other down, losing control, marking, not making it to the bed, spanking, etc.
use of athleticism/strength/endurance/stamina/flexibility/focus on character's physique
general handsiness
cuddling/close contact, DP, from behind/bent over something, lap sex, riding, three-/moresomes, wall sex

teasing
- banter/dirty talk, body worship, grinding/frottage, hand/mouth stuff, phone/cyber/video/etc. sex, solo action, lots of foreplay, etc.

art/visual likes

For book/nonvisual canons, I tend not to have strong opinions on the characters' appearances beyond what's established in the text. Feel free to draw them however you like!
Meta art, if that makes sense?
- eg: The design of a character's work ID or baseball/trading card, snapshots they might've taken, or a peek inside someone's bedroom/bag/social media accounts/whatever.
I'm always down for portraits, especially with fun, graphic backgrounds
costume porn, canon-inspired or not
floral prints/flowers are always a plus, as well as other natural elements
domestic scenes or characters at rest/relaxing
any of my narrative likes are also fair game for art
Go as wild stylistically as you like!
Color-wise, I like lots of different things!
- pastels, rich tones, grayscale, minimal palettes, sepia, monochromatic are all great (probably not all together, but I’m not an artist, so it’s not like my opinion on this, or any, front is particularly well informed).

No, Thanks!

established relationship for non-canon ships (unless prompted)
explicit and/or extreme (14 or younger) underage
graphic violence or gore
- injuries, physical fights, etc. that have happened in canon or are canon-typical are fine to include
humiliation

embarrassment is fine to include, but I'd prefer no lingering/extended focus on it

infidelity
non-canonical character death (unless prompted)
parent/child incest
pregnancy and/or parenting non-canonical children (unless prompted)
- babysitting, temporary accidental baby acquisition, or kids who exist in canon are fine
rape or noncon

Requests

The Gentle Way
characters/relationships: Jun/Sekai, Jun/Sekai & Mugen, Jun & Sekai
format: art (one or two comics), fic (one or two fics)

I am such a sucker for so much about this webcomic (which you can find here). I mean, there’s the judo (to be fair, it’s not, in itself, a draw for me—I know next to nothing about it—but such is my love for a good sports drama: competence and competition tied into one, satisfying narrative bundle) and the romance built out of friendship and the characters who remain genuinely kind and caring in spite of their own insecurities. Plus, it’s super cute! Both in a stylistic sense and the overall tone/sensibility of the story. The balance between plot—I do love me a story about overcoming all odds thanks to the power of love and/or friendship—and goofiness has so far made for a really fun read with what’s shaping up to be an excellent slow burn between two absolute cinnamon rolls. Jun’s determination butting heads with her terminal self-doubt and Sekai’s innate kindness overriding his desire to hold himself separate from everything have already made for some great moments. Even if the story hasn’t revealed a lot of concrete info about these characters yet, I still have enjoyed every bit about Jun and Sekai that’s been shown and can’t wait to see more development for them!

I would absolutely love anything focusing on Jun and Sekai’s relationship (with or without Mugen, the goodest boy!), both as friends and potential love interests. The way their individual shortcomings run right up against one another and force each of them to grow and develop and become the kind of friend the other deserves is already so great, and I want more of it! Totally fine if any other characters/background ships show up in supporting roles. I plan on staying up to date with the comic, but I totally get that it’s not feasible to take all (or any) future chapters into account as you create. Pick wherever you’d like as a cut-off point and go from there; I’ll be thrilled to see whatever you make!

prompts

I have no idea how or why it happens—Sekai fending off Yamamoto from the Judo club or Kaoru (because they’re making Jun uncomfortable, obviously, not because seeing them flirting with her made him wish he could throw someone further than a judo ring for the first time in a while) or Jun forgetting herself in a moment of boldness tells Sayuri she’s too busy to do her a favor because she has a date—or why they both go along with it, but I’d love to see these two fake dating!
I’d love to see what these two are like traveling together: napping against one another on the train or taking an actual car so Mugen can come along or having to take the last room at the hotel (or ryokan if you’re feeling particularly traditional). Maybe they’re headed to a tournament or a trip back to someone’s hometown or just on break from university, but I feel like there’s so much opportunity for cuteness here!
I will never not want more of sharing food and snacks as a symbol of care. A love language or whatever. So literally anything involving that would be much appreciated! Some possibilities:

Jun starting to make treats for Sekai to give Mugen once she finds out about him.
Sekai trying (and failing? Being unfairly good at?) to return the favor by making something for Jun. Maybe discovering her sweet tooth and indulging it because she deserves nice things (not because she’s adorable)?

Since judo is such a contact sport, I’m assuming that things can get a little heated (or awkward, depending) with all that physical closeness, and I’d love to see how Jun and Sekai deal with that as their friendship and feelings for one another develop.
Sekai making a project of fostering Jun’s confidence, both in judo and everyday life.

(... if he accomplishes this by tapping into an as-yet unknown praise kink of hers, I would not be mad.)
Like, somehow, they convince themselves that sleeping together is just an extension of training, because it’s the only time Jun doesn’t overthink, so it’s not weird

A League of Their Own
characters/relationships: Jimmy/Dottie
format: art (one or two comics), fic (one or two fics)

This is, hands down, one of my favorite movies of all time. When another movie weaves together history and baseball and gender politics into something that’s actually a joy to watch, I’ll consider letting it take over the top spot. Until then, I will happily rewatch this one for about the thousandth time. Even though I've seen it more times than I can count, there’s always some new detail or moment to appreciate and contemplate. There isn’t a plot beat or minor character that I wouldn’t be thrilled to have an extended backstory for. Above all else, though, comes my yearning for more for Jimmy and Dottie. Both individually and together. To me, they feel like equals and opposites. Equal in their talent and love for the game, even if they’re not equally honest about it. Opposite places in their careers and approaches, even if every moment they spend together brings them closer to equilibrium. However messy it could be, they just fit together. And with Jimmy involved, there is so much potential for messiness. Both because he’s a disaster and he’s more willing to wear his heart on his sleeve. The entire trajectory of their relationship—snarky antagonism evolving into grudging respect to actual friendship to love—is just catnip to me.

Re: Bob, as long as Dottie doesn’t physically—I’m very here for the emotional mess that results from possibly falling for her drunk of a coach while her picture perfect husband is off at war, though I’m pretty sure Dottie does her best not to think about it—cheat on him while they’re still married, I’m fine. You can kill him off, they could split up, never have gotten married or even together in the first place, or he could just not exist at all. As far as background ships go, I’m open to anything: Marla/Nelson, any of the Peaches or AAGPBL players together, Ira Lowenstein’s one-sided crush on Dottie. Any and all platonic friendships/rivalries/whatever including as many of the Peaches, as well as Dottie and Kit’s relationship, are more than welcome, too!

prompts

What does the season look like when Dottie makes an abrupt—and impromptu, judging by the complete lack of fanfare organized by Ira Lowenstein—return to the league? Is it really abrupt, or does it just feel that way to Jimmy?

Having to rebuild trust and camaraderie with the memory of what their relationship used to be. Jimmy trying to stay angry after she left the game (and him, not that it matters) while Dottie pretends it doesn't bother her. Or the fact that they're not bickering, are painfully polite, is just proof that things aren't as good as they say.

Any missing scene, especially one that expands on the progression from Jimmy's utter apathy and Dottie's general disdain for him to their mutual respect and admiration, would be greatly appreciated! Some possibilities:

Aside from sneaking out to roadhouses and breaking into local ballparks, what did Dottie and the Peaches do in their downtime? How hard and how long did Jimmy hold out on joining them?
At some point, Jimmy must’ve accepted, or even actively sought out, Dottie’s opinions on new plays and strategies. Except, I feel like it might be closer to him needling her, on the bus or at team dinners or on the rare afternoons they had off and he just so happened to stop by the boarding house, in the hopes she’d lose her temper and tell him exactly how she would do his job given the chance. Did Dottie ever actually fall for it?
Evidently, there’s an actual deleted scene in which “Dottie isn’t sure if going ‘all the way’ is something married women ‘get to’ or ‘have to’ do.” (Which, c’mon, Bob.) Anyway, please expand on how Jimmy Dugan convinces her otherwise, either during the events of the movie or after.

I feel like the Suds Bucket was not the only time the girls snuck out for a little dancing and fun, and at some point, Dottie must join them. Maybe the first time they run into Jimmy, it's an accident—he's just trying to get a drink that didn't come out of a warm flask and did not count on this gaggle of ballplayers—but all the times after are a little harder to justify.
I’m all about one or both of them sublimating all of their confusing feelings for the other into the game. So: Jimmy doing his damnedest to get Dottie through her first major injury intact because the Peaches can’t afford to lose their star. Emotional dishonesty manifesting as a truly embarrassing case of the yips. More and more late night batting practices where not many words are said, but the game’s always spoken loud enough, anyway.
Maybe Jimmy and Dottie stick around Rockford over the offseason. Does he stay too long at her boarding house, though her landlady keeps turning a blind eye? Are they fixtures at the ballpark, even as fall comes and they have to bundle up to take batting practice? Do they somehow end up getting snowed in somewhere, either because they’re coincidentally together or one of them braves the storm to make sure the other’s okay?

Letterkenny
characters/relationships: Katy
format: art (one or two comics), fic (one or two fics)

This oddball, hyper-specific, little gem of a show has brought me so much joy. I'm so glad there are so many seasons (and iterations! Littlekenny is pretty cute) because I've watched them over and over again, and while I could absolutely watch the same six episodes until I’ve got them memorized, variety is the spice of life. The fact that they've managed to keep finding so much humor and ridiculousness in the low, low drama of small town living is a never ending delight. I love the dialect, and the rhythm of the (pitter) patter when these characters shoot the shit and tease each other. It's truly the sign of people who have known each other their entire lives and get on one another's last nerve every other week but would still go to the mat should anyone else ever try to start something. As much as I enjoy all the Letterkennyites (Letterkennyans? Letterkennyers?), I think that Katy is probably my favorite. I love her balls to the wall confidence and charisma even when she's at her lowest. That sharp edge of reckless determination to get over Dierks was so excellent! She seems both perfectly at home on the farm and with everyone in town, from the hockey studs to the skids. She's probably too cool for Letterkenny, but always neck-deep in the latest nonsense around town, and I absolutely respect that about her.

I will be thrilled by anything that focuses on Katy, either on her own or with some friends (or more!) along for the ride. Beneath the smokeshow on the surface, there’s so much depth to plumb for her, and I’d love something that really does a deep dive on Katy-Cat. On the other hand, one of my favorite things about her is that raw chemistry with everyone she comes across; throwing her up against the familiarity of her brother and friends or someone from outside the bubble of Letterkenny is equally likely to yield something wonderful. So, totally open to pretty much any Katy ship, romantic (though I’m not super into Katy/Stewart) or platonic, or something all about the woman herself.

prompts

I feel like there's a non-zero chance that someone in town has tried to make the Great Letterkenny Bake Off happen, though even odds on whether anyone else actually participated. Does Katy join in or get roped into judging (or just willfully misinterpret the point and get baked herself)?
Katy might be a little too un-wholesome to embody the essence of Nancy Drew, but she definitely can honor her spirit. Because, like the intrepid girl detective, she just can't resist a good mystery.

I don’t know, I just love the idea of Katy as Letterkenny’s unofficial Sherlock Holmes, whether people invite her investigative skills or not. Figuring out who keeps shaving curse words into the neighbor’s sheep or why Modean’s last three shipments of Puppers have gone missing or where it is Dan disappears to on his Wednesday nights. Or even something actually sinister.

When Gail goes on her annual vacation, Katy might not be the natural first choice to run Modean's (especially when Bonnie and Glenn actually work there), but I bet she would still do a great job and have some ideas to liven the place up. If the rest of the town, or just her brother and friends, would actually let her.
I’m very interested in Katy’s time “in the city.” I feel like even out of the small pond of Letterkenny, she’d still be a pretty big fuckin’ fish. If she’d wanted, she totally could have had the run of the place, the head of the big city slams, if you will. Could’ve gotten them to unionize or something.
Give me any and everything about Katy’s softball team. Total beer league or do they take themselves pretty seriously? How long has she been playing with them? Do they ever go out of town to play tournaments? Do Wayne and Dary and Dan come cheer her on, or do they just show up for a reason to drink in public?

On a sports-related tangent, did hockey bros come to Katy as a matter of abundant supply, or is there something more to it? Basically, I love the idea of Katy dominating in peewee and junior leagues before hanging up her skates.

Naruto
characters/relationships: Tenten
format: art (one or two comics), fic (one or two fics)

Does it make logical sense to have landed on a minor female character from a shounen anime/manga as my Absolute Favorite Forever™? No. And yet, here I am however many years later still 100% craving more Tenten content at any and all times. I just think she’s neat! Honestly, I’m all about the potential when it comes to this request, both when it comes to the world of Naruto and Tenten herself. The parts of it that we see—Ninja! with magic! and demon monsters! an incredibly messy political infrastructure!—are all so intriguing, but it is all built to bolster an epic shounen battle saga happening. Which is fair, considering that’s exactly what it is. But the heart wants what the heart wants, and mine wants backstory and character development and worldbuilding for my fave. I mean, what's not to love about a walking arsenal who can hold her own with the weirdos (which I mean wholly affectionately) on Team Gai? I love the glimpses that we got of her in Naruto, her compassion and grit and big dreams, but I am so, so intrigued by what we don't get. So many possible takes on Tenten’s core personality are equally plausible within canon. (And I’d be happy to hear about any of them!)

As far as the graphic violence DNW goes, use your best judgment. I’d prefer no lingering focus on anything particularly gory, but don’t feel like you have to shy away from fight scenes or action sequences. It’s also fine if OCs or enemies get killed off. Hazard of shinobi life, right? Feel free to play around with canon as much as you want, too! Break up endgame ships (I don’t have strong opinions on any of them), resurrect the dead, mess around with the timeline, whatever. Or stick close to canon! Last, any other Naruto characters or ships (including Tenten or not; I’m very, very open to all Tenten-ships, no matter how cracky) you want to include are totally welcome. As long as Tenten’s front and center, I will be thrilled!

prompts

I would never turn down a juicy mission fic/comic. One where Tenten is really in her element and kicking ass. Alternatively, I would not say no to one where she’s got her work cut out for her, the struggle to complete the objective honing her into a better ninja. Is it deep cover intelligence gathering or large-scale mayhem and sabotage? A post with a diplomatic contingent or as a glorified bodyguard for a VIP client? Flying solo or as one of a team? Familiar faces or everyone’s wearing ANBU masks, so it’s hard to say?
I really do like character studies, especially ones where any action is in service of excavating and examining the character in question. And I feel like Naruto, where there’s always time for illuminating monologues and flashbacks in the middle of an action sequence, is the perfect canon for that. Maybe something re: Tenten’s own nindo; how much she learned from Gai or her teammates and friends vs how much of it is all her own. Or how the development/deployment of her offensive style reflects (or doesn’t at all) her personality.
Due to enemy action or her own sealing experiments or a jutsu gone wrong, Tenten—on her own? with a team? with enemies?—somehow ends up back in time. Or in a familiar, but still unsettlingly different, world. A few possibilities:

Time travel: Warring States/Foundation period—she can meet Mito, and it turns out they have more than a shared hairstyle to bond over; the Third War, or basically any time that would put her in Gai and the other senseis’ age group; pre- or during the Second War, letting Tenten meet the Tsunade she admired as a genin.
Ending up in a world that is too much like her memory of the Infinite Tsukuyomi to trust anyone she meets.
A Peggy Sue situation where Tenten ends up in her younger body; how much can she actually affect things, and where do the gaps in her own knowledge of motivations and insider politics trip her up?

Would Tenten ever want to become a sensei herself? I mean, I could see other shinobi coming to her for help with weapons, even the most obscure, and she clearly makes an excellent training partner. But would she formally take on a team of genin? Maybe she’s been given temporary command to help with advanced target practice and finds she actually likes it. Is she as intense as Gai in her own way?

If you don’t want to make up a whole team of OCs, I’m fine if you use Boruto characters.

If you’re feeling angsty or want a darker turn, I’m very intrigued by the possibility of Tenten as a Root agent, whatever that would look like. Or if she ever came close to catching Danzo’s attention and being inducted into the program.

Pitch
characters/relationships: Ginny/Mike, Ginny/Livan/Mike
format: art (one or two comics), fic (one or two fics)

Oh, Pitch. Gone too soon from my airwaves. In some alternate universe, it’s still on TV, and I hope that me is enjoying the hell out of herself. Since technology hasn’t magically advanced enough to send me into that universe, I rely on fanworks for my fix of baseball drama/romance with a compelling, flawed, beautiful female lead. In just ten episodes, Ginny really did manage to become one of my favorite characters of all time. Between her grit and her goofiness, her innate talent and the tension between what she’s doing and who she actually is, there’s so much to love. Like, sure, she’s an overnight sensation struggling but determined to live up to the expectations laid on her, but she’s also a 23-year-old fully capable of acting out and making terrible decisions. And where would Ginny be without her catchers? (I mean, probably exactly where she already is, and arguably less distracted, but.) Mike and Livan are such delights, particularly when they’re trying to one up one another; their cockiness and self-assurance manifests in such different ways, but for fairly similar reasons, resulting in two hotshot catchers with angsty pasts. However little they enjoy each other, they’re in total agreement about Ginny: that she’s great!

Pretty much anything that delves into these characters’ dynamics on or off the field is going to be such a joy. Part of why I like them so much as romances is because of their connections as teammates (and/or rivals) and friends. So, I’m totally happy to see both pre-ship and getting together works. (For Ginny/Livan/Mike, it’s fine for two of the three to already be dating/together as the third gets added in.) If you’d like to go heavy on the baseball—the heroics and the injuries and the gossip and the daily grind of 162 games—I am 100% here for that. If you want to focus more on their downtime or offseasons, that’d be very welcome, too! Same goes for any background ships or characters—don’t limit yourself to just these, but I’ve got huge soft spots for Blip/Ev, Oscar, Eliot, and Cara—you’d like to include.

prompts
Ginny/Mike

As it turns out, Mike and Ginny get very good about not talking about it. Maybe too good. After years of putting the game, their relationship as teammates, athletes, pitcher and catcher first, it’s easier to let their bodies do the talking for them. Which, honestly, isn’t too bad, but it does mean neither of them are quite sure where they stand with the other.
I love how close Ginny and Mike got in the three (three! that’s it!) months that they knew each other. They must’ve put in a lot of time building that trust and rapport, and I’d love to see some of how they managed it.

Does Mike take his rookie out to all his favorite spots in San Diego, trying to get her acclimatized to the city as well as his personal baseball philosophy? How about the cities they play in? Does this tradition persist even after Ginny’s more than found her footing? (How long does it take them to realize they’ve essentially been going on dates for years?)

These two, but especially Ginny, are huge celebrities, basically hypervisible. Having all these random people must feel like they know them, based on what they can read online or watch on TV, has got to be exhausting. That there’s someone who really does understand them—not just as an athlete or spokesperson or media image—it’s no wonder Ginny and Mike gravitate towards one another.

Anything involving their interviews or gossip or Twitter hot takes or actual press coverage and how they deal with it (or don’t; avoidance all the way, baby!) would be super interesting!

So, that almost kiss was the first time they came close to crossing the line, but I doubt it was the last. I don't doubt, however, that each time it happens, it's harder and harder to convince themselves to actually stop. (Alternatively, the first time they kiss is not the explosion to the dam holding them back they both expected. How do they deal with knowing what it’s like to kiss, to hold, to touch the other but not be at liberty to do it again?)
After the Body Issue shoot, I don't think they'd make a point of trying to catch the other undressed, but they definitely think about the possibility a lot. A lot. Do they ever let it slip, maybe on one of their regular, totally normal, nighttime phone calls between teammates? (Or perhaps when one of them has had a little too much to drink? Two AM is well past their normal calls, and a message is for the best.) Does it ever actually happen?

Ginny/Livan/Mike

I am fully dying for a body swap situation. Why does it happen? Who knows! How does it go away? Unclear! But it sure as hell is going to make for a weird game against the Giants!

Would be thrilled by either a Freaky Friday setup (probably between Mike and Livan? but more than happy to see Ginny in on the weirdness rather than the outside perspective trying to figure out what has gotten into both of them at the same time) or a round robin where they all wake up in the wrong body. Just all the ridiculous revelations—“You have a tattoo where?!” or “How do you play on these knees?”—and other nonsense, please!

There may have been an inadvisable victory hookup that definitely isn’t going to happen again because Ginny has her code, and intra-team relationships are always more mess than they’re worth. Except now, they're on a serious losing streak and have been since it was decided there would be no repeat performances, and maybe that’s a sign?
For whatever reason, Ginny or Livan need a place to stay, and like so many rookies before them, find refuge in Mike’s pool house. (Maybe not this exact pool house, since I feel like he bought his fish tank after Rachel left him, but you get the idea.) Unlike so many rookies before them, the week they were supposed to stay turns into a few into months, until they hardly spend time in the pool house at all.
Mike and Ginny's workout scene in LA was, uh, incredible? (Those leggings! Powering through that exhaustion!) Could it be even better with Livan thrown into the mix? Livan and Mike egging each other on, determined not to wimp out. Ginny holding her own or sitting back to enjoy the view. At least until her catchers wise up and make sure she pulls her weight.
Somehow, and getting anyone to agree on the exact sequence of events is a lost cause from the get go, they get left behind somewhere and have to either wait for someone to come back for them or make their way on their own.

Did they get stranded when the team left for the next stop on a road trip? Are they stuck in a small town following some offseason fan outreach and/or Stubbs’ most recent wedding? Did they miss the bus after a spring training game?

The Queen's Gambit (TV)
characters/relationships: Beth
format: art (one or two comics), fic (one or two fics)

This was such a stylishly done show—in pretty much every sense of the word, from costuming to casting to storytelling—with such a beautifully complex, flawed, incredible character at its center, and I loved every minute of it. Which isn’t surprising, personally. A smart, historical (and I generally liked the gentler, sometimes kinder version of midcentury America the show portrayed) sports drama with an emotionally satisfying story arc and a compelling heroine; it almost seems like it was designed to hit me right in the feels. Not least because Beth was such a joy, and sometimes a gut-punch, to watch. The tension between her innate intelligence and skill and her demons and self-destructive tendencies was all in balance, letting her advance and fall back without ever forfeiting and giving up. She might be a bit of an asshole and contrary as hell, but she’s not reflexively combative. Beth’s a mess, and I love that! Especially since she has so many people on her side to encourage her to be better. The best, even. For all her prickliness and the walls she's built up to protect herself, the fact that Beth collected all these people to love and support her—in so many different capacities—is really all I could ask for the poor girl.

I really want whatever you create to have Beth as the center and focus, but I’m also open to something about the relationships she might find herself in, both romantic and platonic. I loved that for all she can be a prickly, awkward asshole, Beth really did manage to build a supportive base for her to fall back on. So any of her friendships, whether based on chess or not, are totally fair game. For romances, I’ve given not inconsiderable thought to Benny, Borgov, Cleo, or Jolene as possibilities, but I’d be happy to see any other romantic prospects, too! Also, even though I know enough about chess to know I don’t really understand it, I’d love as much detail about the game as you want to include. Beth’s passion for the game is as much a draw as she is!

prompts

How different would Beth’s path to the top of the chess world be if, for whatever reason, she’d never been sent to the Methuen Home? Maybe her mother survived the bridge or was successful in leaving Beth with her father, but without Mr. Shaibel, what’s her entry to the game? Is her talent encouraged or does it take her a while to get into the game competitively?
I feel like Beth deserves a vacation that isn't fueled by all of her worst self-destructive tendencies. (Realistically, maybe just some of them.)

How quickly does she get bored? Did she bring anyone with her, or does someone have to track her down when she shows no intention of coming home? Does she find something new to occupy her time and mind, or does she just track down a new opponent?

This might lend itself better to art, but Beth’s sense of style, her active interest in it, is so great! In the boy’s club of chess, I’m sure there was plenty of pressure—comments from her competitors and asides in the interviews that should be about her dominance—on Beth to be less outwardly girly, more serious, and I love that she just didn’t. Anything exploring her style evolution, either what’s shown or into the future, would be so much fun!
Anything that delves into Beth's thought processes/analyses as she plays or trains would be great! Chess is not my game, but I love reading about characters in their element, and this is definitely Beth's.

Some possibilities: Beth training for and/or at the World Championship, or Beth becoming a Master or Grand Master, or more of Beth explaining her gameplay to someone (either another player or a reporter or a complete amateur) or Beth competing in a women's tournament.

I’d love to see Beth turning the Lexington house into her actual home. I feel like the redecoration was too much part of her post-Alma grief, and a lot of her behavior after was too much about trying to fit herself into a mold she wasn’t meant to inhabit. So getting to see her figure out how she actually fits in the house and town, maybe as visitors drop by to complicate things, would be really nice to see.

Ted Lasso
characters/relationships: Roy/Keeley, Roy/Keeley/Jamie
format: art (one or two comics), fic (one or two fics)

This show has been such an unmitigated joy. Just thinking about it can make me grin like a maniac. Everything about it, the football and the intrigue and the humor, but most of all, the earnest kindness that underpins it all, is just lovely. But it’s not just toothlessly sweet. There’s real conflict and struggle that every character faces. It’s just that taking the high road to face each challenge is presented as the best, and often only, path. The world of Ted Lasso just seems a touch gentler and warmer than reality, and I’m not going to turn down a slice of that. Especially considering that the characters who inhabit that world are so wonderful on their own merit. Keeley is absolute sunshine. Her cheekiness and glitter make it easy to underestimate her, but I love that she just doesn’t care; Keeley knows exactly who she is. Roy is… basically the opposite, except he manages to turn that into a good thing. For all he’s a walking growl, likelier to curse than say anything fit for young ears (Hi, Phoebe!), I love how emotionally intelligent and well rounded he is. Especially for a footballer. Speaking of... Jamie’s cocky assholery is excused by his talent and played up to mask his insecurities, which Roy has long grown out of. But even though Jamie could so easily be someone to actively root against, he has moments of true depth and sensitivity.

I would be equally thrilled by something for Roy/Keeley as Roy/Keeley/Jamie. Both dynamics are so great in their own ways—Keeley and Roy’s mutual respect, honesty, and attraction is so swoon-worthy, while Jamie’s history with them throws in a stumbling block or seven to keep things even more interesting. As far as background/side ships go, pretty much anything you’d like to include goes, but I particularly like Ted/Rebecca and Sam/Dani. Any and all friendships—within and without AFC Richmond—are also more than welcome! I’m definitely going to watch all the episodes as they air, so no need to worry about spoilers. Totally fine if you pick a point before or during season 2 and go canon divergent, too.

prompts
Roy/Keeley

Nate telling Roy that he’s slow and his focus drifts just makes me wonder if that’s true off the field, too. Except, off the field, Keeley doesn’t have much to complain about when Roy takes his time with her.
The way Roy came home from his commentary gig and thanked Keeley for her suggestion was perfection itself, but now I have to wonder if Keeley has any comparable tactics for thanking Roy when he goes above and beyond. Does it take her a few attempts to settle on the right approach? Does Roy grumble a bit, but it’s mostly reflex, because how can he complain about Keeley doing that? (Whatever that actually ends up being.
I am a sentimental sap, and a true sucker for a wedding, but I also love to see how they can go sideways. Which I feel is the only way to go for these two? So maybe they’ve been planning for months, only for the day of to be just disaster everywhere. Maybe Richmond, for whatever reason, went to Vegas, and Roy and Keeley woke up married. Maybe it’s another Richmond player trying to get hitched, and Keeley gets roped into planning, all while Roy is surreptitiously taking notes about what she likes for if he ever works out how to give her the ring that’s been sitting in his sock drawer.
Between gossip, press, the team, his injury and retirement, there’s probably a lot of scrutiny of Roy and Keeley’s relationship in their early days. I’d love to see how they navigate the outside pressure and their own issues (Roy refuses to wax, not least because he’s not going to emulate Jamie Tartt in any fashion; Keeley feels like she has to prove she likes Roy, not just that he was a footballer) and get to where they are at the beginning of season 2.
I am always down for an alternate getting together scenario! Some ideas include, but certainly aren’t limited to:

Keeley ends up winning Roy in the charity auction. And, well, she did pay more than £3000...
An AU where the footballer Keeley dated at 18, happened to be a very familiar midfielder. Of course, they haven’t seen each other since then until Jamie Tartt gets loaned to AFC Richmond.
Roy has played for a lot of teams, and somehow, on every single one of them, one of his teammates has dated Keeley Jones. If he ends up hating those pricks more than they strictly deserve, that's his business.
There were a few more of those blisteringly hot kisses—or they turned into some blisteringly hot hookups—before they managed to have a real conversation and get on the same page.

Roy/Keeley/Jamie

The fact that Jamie responds to blow jobs and positive reinforcement, is such a beautiful detail. But does he have to be on the receiving end (of either, but honestly, especially blow jobs) for them to take effect?
Jamie isn’t recalled to Man City, but Roy and Keeley still get together in season 1. Maybe in a different way, or maybe it’s just different because Jamie’s there, always in the background.

For Jamie’s part, being jealous of Roy isn’t exactly a new thing, but he’d never expected to be jealous of Keeley.

Roy is not sure when it happened, and he knows he definitely did not agree to it, but at some point, he’s pretty sure that knob Jamie Tartt moved into Keeley’s house. How else would he explain why he’s just there—after training, in the morning when Keeley’s still asleep, showing up with take away—all the time?

The worst part is, after a certain point, he’s stopped even minding that he’s there. The house feels too empty without the fucking muppet.

Jamie stalking Keeley in order to get her help was excellent—I love how much he continues to value her input, even if it’s mostly because he doesn’t have anyone else—but I feel like it could have been truly hilarious if, rather than acting on her advice right away, he’d picked another, growlier target.
Jamie, in a fit of unprecedented emotional clarity and maturity, decides that since he’s made good with the team, he should do the same with his ex-captain. Only Roy really isn’t interested. Not even when Keeley gets involved, dropping hints that Roy is particularly eloquent in his dislike of Jamie, and maybe that means something.

Tortall - Tamora Pierce
characters/relationships: Kel
format: art (one or two comics), fic (one or two fics)

These books occupy an enduring soft spot in my heart. I mean, I really enjoy all of the Tortall series and heroines—fantasy land with women warriors and magic and fraught politics has been and will be my jam forever—but Kel is in a class all her own. Every time I reread her quartet, I get such a nostalgia hit and come away adoring her even more. I love her understated tenacity, that determination to rise to meet every challenge that comes her way, and unswerving sense of justice, both of which make her such an incredible knight. But I also love that she is just a girl. One who develops inconvenient crushes and likes math and is nice to pretty much every small (and not-so-small) animal that crosses her path. All while turning the expectations for young ladies in her society on their heads because she's excellent at multitasking even if she'd never ask for the responsibility on her own. And would, in fact, rather not have it at all. For all she just wants to be a knight of the realm, one of many, she is too talented and exceptional to ever just blend in with her peers. Which is yet another reason why she’s a cut above the rest; she might not seek out glory, but when it comes to find her (with a heavy dose of duty on its heels), she never thinks about turning it away.

I will be over the moon with anything that expands on or explores Kel as a character, on her own and in company. I am not particularly attached to her being ace, as per word of god; I always liked her crushes in the books and have enjoyed lots of different Kel-ships over the years. But I’d be totally happy with something without any romance in it, too, either focusing on her friendships/camaraderie with other characters (from Tortall and its neighbors or beyond; very much opting into any Emelan characters showing up if you’re interested in a crossover) or something totally character-driven.

prompts

I'm sure there are more than a few embellished versions of Kel and company's foray into Scanra, but has she heard them? What does she think/do upon hearing the first? Second? Fourth? Tenth, etc. etc.?
It probably wouldn’t happen until the border was significantly calmer, but I’d love to see Kel hosting the Palace pages at New Hope for their summer camp. It’s probably considered something of an honor, but less politically fraught than being summoned to Corus or having a party of courtiers within the walls. Plus, while she’s a very good instructor for the common folk, it’d be interesting to see her find her footing with nobles, even just pages.
This one is probably better suited to a comic or shorter fic, but Kel’s dedication to her training—her work with the glaive and lance particularly, but all her weapons—is something I’d love to see detailed and/or expanded on. The meditative ritual of her pattern dances and caring for Peachblossom, donning her armor and riding into the lanes. How does her routine change as she gets older and needs to take better care of herself? Is there one discipline she prefers over others for blowing off steam?
I know there are a lot of great ones out there, but I am always here for more canon divergences!

Like, what if Kel had been forced to repeat the four years of her page training after Lalasa was kidnapped? How does her delay to knighthood affect the situation with Scanra and Blayce?
What if Kel had to go on the run, with or without any of her accomplices, after rescuing the residents of Haven? How does she adapt to life as an outlaw? What injustices can she take on as a knight-errant?
What if Kel decided to turn down the probationary year and waited to become a Queen’s Rider instead?

I'm not sure there's anything that would get her to hold with such foolishness for her own sake, but for a friend's? I could definitely see Kel stooping to a fake courtship, and I'd love to see it!

She's not a bad liar, though she doesn't have a Player's flair for the dramatic, and she's steady as can be. Any one of her friends would be crazy to think she wouldn't play her part well, even if she’s rolling her eyes internally. (Just as they'd be crazy not to fall for her once they've spent so much time together.)

Uprooted - Naomi Novik
characters/relationships: Agnieszka, Agnieszka/Sarkan, Agnieszka/Kasia/Sarkan
format: art (one or two comics), fic (one or two fics)

I am always, always here for fairytale retellings and tropes, and this book knocked it out of the park on those fronts. Largely, that’s based on the world that these characters inhabit, whimsical and sinister all at once. Everything about the snippets of worldbuilding—the history and the institutions and the society—is so tantalizing, especially because it’s just glimpses that make it through. That the rest of the world can’t quite penetrate the insulating bubble of the Valley just adds to the unsettling influence of the Wood. But much as I am intrigued and delighted by this world, it would be nothing without compelling characters. And these three absolutely deliver. I love that even though Agnieszka is a complete hayseed, even stubbornly clings to her provincial sensibility, it’s that perspective that leaves her triumphant in the end. She knows who she is, and even unexpected magical talent can’t change that. Much as Sarkan probably wishes that it would. Of course, his prickly superiority and oceans of talent aren’t enough to shake Agnieszka’s idiosyncrasies, which maybe stops bothering him about a century in. And I can’t leave out Kasia. The fury simmering beneath her lovely exterior adds a vital depth and strength to her character, making her so much more than a victim, of expectations and the Wood. Individually, I adore each of them, but the sheer potential they represent—all that power contained within three fiercely righteous people, is incredible.

Anything illuminating and further fleshing out any of these three characters/relationships would be such a dream. Agnieszka on her own or in concert with either partner(s) presents so much possibility, especially in this world! Feel free to mix and match between tags and prompts, too. For Agnieszka/Kasia/Sarkan, I generally see it as more of a V-formation, with Agnieszka as the hinge, but I’d be very happy to see a throuple, or whatever passes for a quasi-medieval fantasy version of a throuple. Alongside any of these requests, I’m also fine with Kasia/Alosha as a side pairing. Also, if you want to include any other characters from the book, I’m more than happy to see them.

prompts
Agnieszka

For all Jaga has influenced Agnieszka’s magical style, I’d love to see the two of them meeting. Maybe Agnieszka channels her predecessor more than expected and falls back in time, or they both falls out of time to the same place, or Jaga appears to Agnieszka somewhere in the Wood.
How does the legend of Agnieszka of Dvernik (to say nothing of the Dragon and Kasia) grow and twist and warp almost beyond recognition throughout the centuries? Does she ever register an opinion herself, or has she learned, quite possibly the hard way, that trying to set the record straight only ever muddies the waters more?

I’d totally be here for either a more traditional fic/comic or an actual rendition of one of these stories. Possibly several renditions, showing the evolution from reality to myth.

What is Agnieszka like as a mentor? Does she develop a delayed but intense sympathy for Sarkan as she muddles through? Or is she sought after as a tutor—apprentices making the pilgrimage from the capital to the heart of the Wood practically becoming a rite of passage before their examination for the List—much to her chagrin? At some point, does she look up and find that she’s founded a school of her own?
Could Agnieszka ever top her first, greatest accomplishment? Does it depend on who’s asked? While saving the country and its next ruler from an enraged, malignant forest is deeply impressive, her magic is clearly an academic oddity, and I’d love to see her fielding increasingly nosy inquiries from magical scholars. Getting quickly sick of it, and attempting to codify something as meandering and inconsistent as her sense of magic.

Alternatively, the frequency with which she upends the entire paradigm of magical possibility, doing something long considered impossible, is utterly alarming. Which every wizard in the country (and some from without) is sure to let her know.

I’d love to see—literally and figuratively, though I think this could be really interesting and beautiful as a comic, with all the forest-y visuals—Agnieszka gleaning through the Wood. After the centuries of magic feeding it, there must be some truly unique finds as well as fantastical creatures to keep her company.

Are the potions and spells she creates with her gleanings particularly powerful or do they mess with the magic in unexpected ways?

Agnieszka/Sarkan

Agnieszka’s magic—for whatever reason; maybe the Valley had another hedgewitch to take her in hand or the king was more proactive in seeking out magical talent—was discovered when she was younger. By the time of the choosing, to Sarkan’s consternation considering she still seems incapable of the simplest cantrip for all her power, she’s already been established as a hedgewitch, though not consequential enough for the List.
Even with the Wood Queen’s influence put to rest, there’s plenty of danger still at large in the Wood, to say nothing of the rest of Polnya. I’d love to see Agnieszka and Sarkan team up to take on another magical threat.

Has some new monster emerged from the shadows? Or is it something more botanical (hello there, magical sex pollen, effortlessly tearing down all sense of decorum 👀) in nature?

I love the idea of the two of them finding themselves in something of a standoff re: living situations. They both agree that they’re happier together, and don’t mind some time apart, but can’t decide where to settle.

Sarkan refuses to move into Agnieszka’s tree hut, no matter how close to civilized it’s proven to be the times she gets him to visit, and if Agnieszka is less opposed to the tower, she’s not going to just give this to him. Not when he’s so entertaining to provoke.

The intimacy that comes from the intertwining of their magic probably doesn’t get any less heady the more they do it. Is it a struggle when they have to combine forces with an audience around? Does one of them find it more difficult than the other?
What do these two think of the world as it moves on around them? As Polnya progresses and the memory of the Wood’s corruption fades, do wizards and witches occupy the same role? Are there some changes they embrace wholeheartedly?

Agnieszka/Kasia/Sarkan

It will take years, decades, longer even, for anyone other than Agnieszka to feel truly at ease in the Wood, but that doesn’t mean she’s not eager for company beneath its canopy.

Agnieszka merrily dragging a reluctant/wary Sarkan and Kasia off for adventures in the Wood, please! Her promise that it’s only sometimes something might come along and try to kill them, rather than a certainty, is not the comfort she thinks it is.

I’m very intrigued by the possibility of an AU where Kasia is chosen, but Agnieszka still comes to apprentice with him later. Perhaps when Sarkan has to come to Dvernik to clean up the corrupted cattle? How does he deal with two girls of the Valley overrunning his sanctuary? Is Agnieszka any less intimidated by him with Kasia so near? Does Kasia show some of her nerve in standing up for her friend, demanding an explanation for what's happening?
For whatever reason, Agnieszka and Sarkan are required back in the capital, except the summons to court rarely make it over the mountains. Those that do are returned most unceremoniously. Finally, Kasia is dispatched to retrieve the pair.

Once she arrives, has spent some time away from court, she finds their reluctance to leave the Valley all too understandable. Though, maybe it’s not the Valley itself, and more the company she finds there.

Agnieszka’s relationship with Kasia and Sarkan has pretty good foundations in the book, but I’m very interested in your take on Kasia and Sarkan. Especially since they start out so uncomfortable with each other, Sarkan for Kasia’s corruption and Kasia because he represents that feared, resented future that never became hers. How do they find more common ground than just Agnieszka?
I’m not sure what kind of mystery requires the talents of all three of them, but I’d still love to see it. Does the team up remind them a little too much of saving the prince and princess? Or is it all a little too silly, having been called upon to humor some noble who thinks too highly of themself, and they just enjoy having the chance to catch up?

Last updated on August 8, 2021

S	M	T	W	T	F	S
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28	29	30	31

megaphonemonday

not gonna lie, this'll be mostly exchange letters

Five Figure Fanwork Exchange 2021

Five Figure Fanwork Exchange 2021

Profile

May 2025

Most Popular Tags

Style Credit

Expand Cut Tags