PINE 4 PINE

Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon | Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
Dai Gyakuten Saiban | The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
The Inheritance Cycle | + short stories
Murdle
Vatican Kiseki Chousakan | Vatican Miracle Examiner

Dear Creator,

Thank you so very much for checking out my letter! I'm thrilled to have you writing for me, and can't wait to see what you come up with <3 Every single one of these pairings is very dear to me, and I would be extraordinarily pleased to receive a gift for any one of them. I will enjoy works of any rating for all of my ships.

I hope you find some of these prompts inspirational; but if not, please feel free to go ahead and explore the story of your heart!

Other Notes:

I am open to treats!
Tags were copied directly from the tagset, so they may have typos or seem unclear. I've tried to clarify some of them in my prompts but when in doubt, go with your heart!
If the identities of "Character A" and "Character B" are unclear, or B seems to encompass B + C depending on the pairing and the prompts are unclear, I'll be happy with whatever interpretation you choose to take.

Happy writing! ✏️

Baka-Tsumibito

My AO3.

General Likes

α Alpha / β Beta / Ω Omega dynamics (omegaverse)
Ambiguous consent
Angst
Aphrodisiacs
BDSM / Bondage
Begging
Brothercest
Casefic
Coming inside
Crying during sex
'Dead dove do not eat'
Desperation
Dom/Sub dynamics
Domestic setting
Double or multiple penetration
First time
Fix-it fic
Fuck or Die
Getting together
Humiliation (public or private)
Hurt/comfort
Incest
Loss of virginity
Mutual non-con
Mystery
Object insertion
Pining
Praise kink
Ritual sex
Sex pollen
Sexual slavery
Soulmates
Spanking
Themes of dependency (+ codependent relationships)
Themes of loyalty
Whump

Opt-Ins (a non-exhaustive list!)

Any POV narration (not including reader insert)
Character death (canonical or not)
Dubcon
Incest
Mpreg
Noncon
Open relationships unless otherwise stated
Psychological themes
Self-harm
Suicide
Underage
Violence

For reference, last year's letter.

SAILOR MOON

Feelings Eventually Requited

Chiba Mamoru / Shitennou (Either Pining)
Hotaru & Souichi (Hotaru / Both Pining)
Hotaru & Haruka & Michiru & Setsuna (Hotaru Pining)

DNWs

Amputation & Permanent loss of body parts (eyes, teeth, limbs)
Unrequested gender/identity headcanons (including female!Zoisite)

Requested Tags

A dies before B can confess their feelings; B time travels back to fix everything
A pines for B while B swears fealty to A
Accidental soulbond while pining
B vanishes from existence and only pining A remembers them
Character A pines for B while swearing loyalty/fealty to B
Character A pines for Character B because they think they're too old for B
Character pines for someone they think is dead
Character(s) cannot express their feelings due to magic and/or curse
Ghost is unwilling to pass on because they want to stay with the object of their affection
Pining after a ghost
Pining for family member
Pining for found family
Pining for Someone Character Keeps Seeing in Dreams
Pining for someone dead and wishing for their resurrection
Pining Impacts Character's Ability to Perform Magic
Pining villain secretly watches over protagonist after injuring them
Platonically pining for a parental figure
Reincarnation - Past Life Memories of Pined-for Character Keep Surfacing
Reincarnation - Pining for Reincarnated Loved One Whose Past Life Memories Haven't Returned (Yet)
The Guilt of Pining for Someone You Should be Protecting

I've used the original (Japanese) names here in my letter, but I wouldn't mind receiving a work with the localised names from the 90's dub either. Feel free to include background ships and any character(s) from the full cast. I'd also prefer that the Shitennou keep their original names instead of having them replaced by civilian names, in the event of them taking up civilian identities. Of course, go ahead and gloss over outsiders' terms of address towards them if that's easiest.

Note: I'm familiar with the manga and original 90s anime. I have yet to catch up on the entirety of Crystal, nor have I consumed all of the musicals, but feel free to reference events therein.

Mamoru / Shitennou

(Mamoru and / or Shitennou pining)

On my latest rewatch, I realised just how badly Mamoru must be pining for his former retainers. What must it be like for him to see the Senshi constantly rallying around Usagi... does it remind him of his own loss? Is he constantly yearning for the days when his men carefully and lovingly served their precious Crown Prince? It would be great to see the Shitennou as a group serve and collectively take care of their precious King.

On the other hand, I'm desperate for more dark!Shitennou/Mamoru (possibly during the time he too was brainwashed!?) content! Give me all the menacing! All of the magical restraints and the whump! Make them go so hard, they can't bear the horror once they return to themselves!

Endymion | Mamoru

Mamoru, that poor guy, always gets brainwashed! I have no preferences for how he is portrayed, and which position he winds up in. I'm always curious to see how the part of him that remembers and resists dark influence wars with his brainwashed side and fights to take back control.

When it comes to Usagi | Serenity, I'm alright with having Mamoru in love with her/in a relationship with her if you'd like. If you choose to go the cheating route, that's also fine with me! My one caveat is that I'd like to avoid any confrontations between the two of them on the topic, on or off-screen. Feel free to go the open relationship route as well.

Shitennou

I'm especially interested in how age and hierarchy play a role in their interactions. The Materials Collection describes the four thusly:

Kunzite (25-26)
Nephrite (19)
Jadeite (18)
Zoisite (16-17)

No need to set these ages in stone! But I imagine that Kunzite and Zoisite give off the feeling of being much older/younger when compared to Mamoru, next to Nephrite and Jadeite, who "feel" closer in age (and possibly maturity as well).

** I've noticed that some translations mistakenly claim that the Materials Collection states that Kunzite/Zoisite are in a relationship. I've checked the Japanese version, which states that ' Kunzite dotes on Zoisite '. ** I'd be happy to see them as treating each other special and having Zoisite be the spoiled younger sibling type, however, I'd prefer that the relationships between them and their prince take priority (as opposed to the Shitennou pairing off at all times)
I don't mean to be overly pedantic, but the original Japanese also states that the height difference goes Kunzite > Nephrite > Zoisite = Jadeite (roughly the same), while fan translations purport that Zoisite is 'taller' and Jadeite is the shortest. It won't ruin the work for me by any means if you choose not to follow this description! On the other hand, I'd be thrilled to receive something following the aforementioned details.

Notes on Smut likes
Depending on how you choose to write them, I'm fine with any of the men topping/bottoming/switching. If they do mix things up, I'd be happy to see the younger two (Zoisite and Jadeite) remain on the bottom at times for Endymion | Mamoru or for the elder Shitennou. I'm particularly curious about how the group hierarchy meshes with their sex lives!

Optional Prompts

It takes time for Mamoru to recover his memories of the Silver Millennium — maybe Helios helps him along; but when he does, he's assaulted with confusing images of men he thought to be their enemies. Why does he long for them so? What did they mean to him, and how can he get them back? And when he does get them back...
Under Beryl's command, the Shitennou kidnap Mamoru and attempt to brainwash him with Chaos - possibly by using physical means. If you'd like to go in-depth on the aftermath (especially once they have been healed), I'm very interested in Mamoru's feelings on the matter.
Mamoru as Tuxedo Mask versus his Shitennou as Beryl's lackeys. Are there any special interactions between them before they become aware of his civilian identity? If Mamoru remembers who they are to him as they're being picked off one-by-one, does he too begin to pine for the old days, back when he trusted them implicitly? I'd love to see a twist where he remembers earlier on and recklessly plunges into the Negaverse to save them.
Mamoru possesses "The Healing Cock", and (possibly with Helios' guidance) makes his way through his former men one-by-one to bring them back to the light.
An injured Kunzite — with the others in tow? Or have they died and gone to their stones already? — flees from Beryl, and there's only one place he can go... his former prince's doorstep. Mamoru must nurse him back to health.

Alternatively, with a twist: Mamoru, who has no memories of his Shitennou, winds up caring for an injured Kunzite. Maybe Kunzite is a complete stranger to him, or maybe Mamoru knows him as the 'enemy' and yet takes him in nonetheless. Is there unbearable sexual tension from their past life going on? Or does Kunzite attempt to repay him with sexual favours? Are the other Shitennou around in their stones, observing this all go down?? Can they join in the fun??
Or, the reverse: Kunzite (who has been freed from Beryl's influence) taking care of injured Mamoru. How can he get his leige to remember him, his men, and the bond they all once shared?

Either Mamoru or Kunzite stop Beryl from punishing the other. Have they recovered their memories, escaped their brainwashing, or do they have ulterior motives?
The purified Shitennou beg Mamoru for forgiveness and attempt to make amends. Subservience (gone sexual?), self-flagellation, the works. Perhaps they make no attempt to resume their former relations, and Mamoru misses the closeness they once had?
A lonely Mamoru insists upon resurrecting his Shitennou. The Senshi have mixed reactions. Perhaps Helios is required to complete the endeavour, given his connection to both Elysion and the crystal. How do things turn out?
The Shitennou may not have corporal forms any longer, but their "ghosts" follow Mamoru everywhere he takes their stones. Or, ghost guardians attempting to protect Mamoru from afar, but alas 😭 A Shitennou POV of all canon's Mamoru whump could be fun, wherein they desperately long to manifest physically and reunite with him!
Beryl banishes the failed Shitennou from existence... Mamoru copes.
Mamoru recalls (or dreams about?) when the Shitennou would spoil their crown prince (and lover) on a memorable occasion during the Silver Millennium.

Back to Sailor Moon

Pining Tomoes

Hotaru & Souichi
(Both / Souichi pining)

For this request, I'm slightly more partial to Anime!Souichi, the less evil version of him who sacrified everything for the sake of Hotaru's survival and out of love for her. I would love to see any insights into his mind either immediately after the accident, over the years as Germatoid took over his body, during the confrontation with Mistress 9 or later, whilst recovering from his injuries and raising baby Hotaru for a second time.

How heartbreaking it was when Setsuna came to pick up baby Hotaru at the beginning of Stars! How much does Souichi remember - is he willingly giving up Hotaru, knowing that she must resume her senshi duties, and that he'll never see his baby again? Are they ever reunited, and how does he react to having an older Hotaru back? What's his state of mind like, and how does he handle it? Does Hotaru go back-and-forth between spending time with him, and living with the Outers?

I'd be interested in seeing Hotaru's side as well. Does she still yearn for her father, or has current!Hotaru's love for him been largely lost with her first death? Having suddenly grown up, does she retain any memories of her father raising her for the second time? What was it like for her to witness his desperation and love for her while trapped by Mistress 9, and how did she feel when she was saying her goodbyes to her papa?

When (anime or manga) Hotaru was being bullied by her peers at Mugen, did she long for the true father she'd lost many years ago? How about after his (manga) death?

Back to Sailor Moon

Hotaru & Haruka & Michiru & Setsuna
(Hotaru pining)

I would be happy to see an exploration of Hotaru's feelings for the rest of the Outer Senshi! Does she miss them, after moving back in with her father? Or is she forced to separate from everyone she considers to be a family, and longs to return to them? What about pre-Stars Hotaru - does she ever see the other three girls, recognise them as Senshi and pine for their reunion? Is it Hotaru, or Saturn who's having these feelings?

Down the line, do the other three ever feel the need to return her to a normal life, while they fulfil their duties without her (Haruka & Michiru travelling the world battling invaders, Setsuna returning to the time gate)? Is it because she's still too young and deserves a normal life? What if the worst happens, and they die leaving Hotaru, the Senshi of death and resurrection - who will always survive through reincarnation herself - behind?

Please feel free to combine any prompts and relationships!

THE GREAT ACE ATTORNEY CHRONICLES

All / Both / Barok / Genshin pining
Asougi Genshin / Barok van Zieks / Klint van Zieks
Asougi Genshin / Barok van Zieks
Barok van Zieks / Klint van Zieks

Jigoku pining
Asougi Genshin / Jigoku Seishirou
Asougi Kazuma / Jigoku Seishirou
Jigoku Seishirou / Mikotoba Yuujin

Kazuma pining
Asougi Genshin / or & Asougi Kazuma
Asougi Kazuma / Naruhodou Ryuunosuke
Asougi Kazuma / Barok van Zieks

Haori | Rei pining
Mikotoba Susato / Murasame Haori | Rei Membami

Either / both / Mikotoba / Iris pining
Sherlock Holmes / Mikotoba Yuujin
Sherlock Holmes / Mikotoba Yuujin & Iris
Mikotoba Yuujin & Iris Watson | Iris Wilson

This series has forever changed my world and has been driving me insane for the past THREE years now. (As I write this, I am frantically manifesting Dai Gyakuten KENJI... please join me.🤞) There are priceless dynamics between everybody, literally! TGAA is also the game that has turned me into a multi-shipper; I freak out over every single character interaction (and everyone is attracted to everyone, don’t ask me how that works). I have a ton of DGS ships and enjoy exploring so many dynamics, especially codependent/messy/devoted forms of love.

Any and all characters from the full cast are welcome. Feel free to use either the original or localised spellings. (In this letter you'll notice I gravitate towards "Klint", "Holmes" and exact transliteration when it comes to Japanese names, but don't feel obligated to do the same!) I have no preference between, say, "Stronghart" or "Vortex". I very much enjoyed the Victorian speech patterns and cultural references in the game, so if you're up for writing in the style I'd be incredibly thrilled!

AsoZieks Pining

Feelings eventually requited

DNWs

Amputation & Permanent loss of body parts (eyes, teeth, limbs)
Depictions of the canonical Asougi & van Zieks marriages as love marriages
Male omegas that have vaginas instead of penises
Treatment of Mikotoba's relationship and marriage with Ayame as his "one true love"/"soulmate"
Unrequested romantic relationships (past/present) for either van Zieks brother - excepting any Asougi
Unrequested gender headcanons

Requested Tags

"Platonic" sex tutoring while pining
A & B attribute C's flirting to cultural differences
A and B Have Hurt Each Other and Both Believe Other Will Never Forgive Them but Pine for Each Other
A attributes B & C's flirting to cultural differences
A B and C pine while convinced the other two are about to get into a relationship
A dies before B can confess their feelings; B time travels back to fix everything
A pines for B while feeling responsible for B's death
Bad Guys Force Mutual-Noncon Between Pining Character and Crush
Character C Pines For Characters A & B Who Are Together - Leads to Polyamory
Character will follow the object of their pining into danger or towards certain death
Characters A and B and C all trying to match-make the other two while all are pining for each other
Characters are mourning their mutual lover
courting by pining character misunderstood due to cultural differences
Deathbed confession of love
Everybody lives AU - previously dead characters pursue objects of pining/are pursued
Ghost is unwilling to pass on because they want to stay with the object of their affection
Pining after your bodyguard
Pining Character A is Character B's Most Important Person but Wants More
Pining for someone dead and wishing for their resurrection

I'm drawn to that (somewhat) blind idol-worship of Barok's, along with all the other traits of the 'little darling' we get a few glimpses of. He really strikes me as a definite bottom, with that maiden heart he has, though depending on the situation I could see him topping (or being forced to top).

As for Klint and Genshin, I have no fixed top/bottom preference when it comes to sexual matters. I do want Klint to remain limited to Barok and Genshin in his relationships, though conversely I can see Genshin as having had plenty of past experience (specifically through shuudou, the samurai's genre of pederasty).

Treat the incest & homosexuality taboos and legality as you'd like - is the relationship a secret? Unconventional, but frowned upon (especially due to Genshin's foreign status and the van Zieks family as nobles?) Totally acceptable and downright standard? Expected, due to inbreeding traditions amongst the upper classes? I'm looking for love and loyalty between the three of them, but beyond that, anything is fair game.

A note on Klint:
I'd prefer if Klint isn't portrayed as cruel, overtly manipulative or violent towards Barok and Genshin, including intentionally non-conning either one outside of the context of mutual dub/non-con.

Concerning the canonical marriages:

I would prefer for both Genshin's and Klint's marriages to be treated as arranged or political affairs - essentially, marrying out of duty as the family head must (and perhaps in Klint's case, to free Barok from the same fate). If you'd like to elaborate - perhaps it was necessary for safety reasons, happened as an agreement between friends, out of necessity, etc. - as long as love marriages or any romantic implications are avoided, I'm happy to see any interpretation. As for the issue of adultery: I'm fine with however you wish to treat this. Handwave things, give them mental anguish, have everyone in open marriages, choose or adapt the setting so that Lady Baskerville is not around yet and maybe never comes into the picture / the Asougi Lady has already passed away - anything goes!

(In Genshin's case, specifically)
Due to his samurai heritage, I can see him as hailing from shuudou traditions wherein it may have been acceptable for him to have other relationships (esp. with younger men) outside of his marriage. I enjoy seeing him portrayed as homosexual, but feel free not to address it if that doesn’t suit your interpretation.

If any of the above doesn't suit your fancy, please feel comfortable glossing over the subject of their marriages and avoiding it altogether.

Genshin / Barok / Klint
(All / Barok / Genshin pining)

My absolute favourite loyalty trio ❤︎ I’m absolutely convinced that they’re all in love with each other, bound together by fate, and all that. I’m fine with any interpretation: two of them together before adding in the third – messy pining by everyone for everyone, whether it's in the context of a relationship or not – “educational” mentorships turning into more – juggling marriages and heirs with true love – literally anything!

I'm super obsessed with these two bro-cons, and the third they pick up somewhere along the way :D It's clear from how much Klint and Genshin both sacrificed for Barok that they loved him deeply, and so he does still in return; he does not strike me as the type to take down Klint's portrait following the Professor reveal, and he seems rather desperate to make amends with the Asougis...

Optional Prompts

I wonder what Klint and Barok would think upon learning that a part of Genshin's "samurai" training (I realise the changes that were occurring in the Meiji Era, but I'm sure Genshin would still have received a similar education, especially as he grew up during such a transitory period) entailed hands-on experience being penetrated. Perhaps this leads to hands-on education of their own...

An AU wherein the Professor case diverges from canon and Genshin & Klint survive. Maybe Klint is innocent after all? Or maybe they choose to take down Stronghart instead? Maybe they are ressurrected or emerge from comas somehow during / post canon? Any excuse for them to take this second chance at life and pursue a relationship (or wind up pursued by Barok himself)!

I'd love any excuse for mess wherein two of these three are together and the third pines, or is slowly seduced. Or, all three of them pine as they think the other two are meant to be? Perhaps Barok thinks there's no place for him between his brother and his partner. Genshin may think he has no place getting in-between the brothers. Klint might worry that he'll inevitably corrupt Barok and choose Genshin to be his replacement.

Maybe Barok can't take either of their deaths and changes matters with his own hands. Does he walk in on Klint dying after the duel, and hear his deathbed confession? Or does he desperately need to revive Genshin post 2-5? Barok has a few scientist acquaintances he might be able to recruit to make him a time machine... Also, ghost Genshin & Klint of any kind are much appreciated, especially if they insist on hanging around to look after Barok together. (Ghost threesome sex that may or may not lead to a resurrection 👻)

Depressed!Barok attempts suicide (does he succeed?) in order to see Klint / Genshin again. Does this happen right after the Professor case? During his 5 year absence from the courtroom (or could it be the reason for his absence)? Post-canon and the Klint reveal? Maybe Barok can’t forgive himself for prosecuting Genshin, sham trial or not. Is Kazuma the one to (inadvertently?) push him over the edge...?

I really enjoy having Genshin and Barok pine for Klint together. Is his wedding impending? Are they mourning him after his death? Do they get together to help cope with the pain?

The van Zieks are often attacked by the mob, sometimes with Genshin by their side. Maybe at some point they are abducted and forced into mutual non-con, "or else".

When training together, Genshin is caught off-guard by how flexible the brothers are, and the "interesting" positions they can bend themselves into...

Back to DGS

Barok / Genshin
(Barok pining)

I love this dynamic of young, innocent Barok falling for his new foreign friend. I get the impression that he was somewhat lonesome even then, and Genshin was his only companion when Klint was busy. Of course we know that Barok had Albert (and possibly others) at university, but Genshin seems to be ‘special’ for some reason. Genshin’s protectiveness over Barok gets me every time – I’m utterly obsessed with the flashback scene where he has his arm outstretched to protect Barok. (Also, how he whispers in Barok’s ear… swoon.)

I imagine the sexual relationship between these two looked very different pre versus post Professor case. Maybe young, inexperienced Barok was much more of a willing submissive and bottom - however, after he started to hate Genshin, he became the dominant, aggressive figure we see in the game, with a buried soft side? I'm open to many interpretations of these two! I definitely see Barok as more of a bottom, especially when Genshin was introducing him to the mechanisms of intimacy, but would definitely enjoy him topping Genshin either in his younger, innocent days, or in his Professor-induced rage. If you choose a post-canon setting, I would be happy to read about how Barok's guilt manifests itself during intercourse.

I would prefer for Genshin's marriage to be treated as an arranged or political matter - essentially, marrying out of duty as the heir must. If you'd like to elaborate - perhaps it was necessary for safety reasons, or happened as an agreement between friends, out of necessity, etc. - as long as love marriages or any romantic implications are avoided, I'm happy to see any interpretation. As for the issue of adultery: I'm fine with however you wish to treat this. Handwave things, give them mental anguish, choose or adapt the setting so that her death occurs earlier - anything goes! There's also the idea of exploring how it was acceptable for Genshin to have other relationships (esp. with younger men) outside of his marriage, as per samurai traditions.

Optional Prompts

Many of the prompts here were also written with Barok / Genshin in mind. Please take a look and feel free to take inspiration from them too!

Why does Barok admire Genshin so much, and how did they get so close? Do they pine over Klint together? I love the image of bodyguard!Genshin. How did the arrangement come about - did Barok (and Klint?) go through a very gruesome attack or kidapping experience? Maybe Genshin also taught Barok some Eastern sword fighting techniques? What about teaching him some Japanese! I am convinced that Genshin was Barok's initiation into the world of love and physical intimacy (in the case of no past Barok/Klint).
Once Klint marries (at any point) Barok will be lonely; maybe he takes solace in Genshin - or does Genshin take advantage of the situation to make a move? Perhaps both Barok and Genshin cope poorly with Klint's (impending?) wedding, which unintentionally leads to the consummation of their own friendship/relationship... they might also do something similar in the wake of Klint's untimely death.
Barok learns about sex and intimacy from Genshin, for whatever reason. It could be shuudou, it could be an arrangement “between friends”, go wild. And if you choose to go that route: I'm sure this all backfires once Barok finds out that Genshin killed Klint... what a betrayal, huh.
A reimagining of the ring theft that turns into mutual non-con
Following his failed execution and near death, Genshin who has nowhere to go ends up at Barok's doorstep. This could be immediately, or some time after the dust has settled when Genshin can no longer survive on his own. (If you really push it, this could line up nicely with Barok's 5-year break...!)
Somehow, Genshin is alive or returns to London post 2-5. The past 10 years and supposed betrayals weigh heavily between them. Does Barok feel like he betrayed Genshin by prosecuting him and mistrusting him all this time?

Maybe Genshin is actually alive - Post canon, Genshin suddenly reappears in front of Barok after the resolution of the Professor case. Barok copes with his reappearance and complicated feelings for him. Genshin readjusts to life as an innocent man, and sorts through the past 10 years of suffering from the moment he found out Klint was the Professor. Looks like they are due for a decade of make-up sex! That is, if they ever manage to touch each other. From Barok's intense distrust of others and Genshin's probably bad experiences in prison and the like, can they ever surmount the hurdles of touch starvation? Does Genshin bear some trauma from his time in prison?

Post 2-5, with Kazuma's presence in his life, Barok wants nothing more than to have Genshin back with them. (And Klint as well.)
Post canon, Barok has a long-overdue talk with Genshin's ghost, which leads to something more. Maybe Genshin comes back to life, or maybe he stays dead.

Back to DGS

Barok / Klint
(Both pining)

These two are simply brother-obsessed. They're locked in mutual idolatry even though it blinds them. I love how they're respectively each other's weaknesses, and how needy and co-dependent they seem to be. While Klint never has to live without Barok, his actions suggest that he would fall apart in a similar way if he ever lost his brother.

Barok clearly loves Klint so, incredibly much. Unconditionally, even, despite the events of canon. I don’t think he’s the type to take down his brother’s portrait, as he still admires him and looks up to the man he loved… probably a little too deeply. I enjoy the thought of Barok looking to his brother’s portrait for advice, and just generally going to or thinking of Klint in times of crisis.

As for Klint, I think the fact that he would’ve rather become Stronghart’s puppet instead of revealing the truth of his misdeeds to Barok (risking the loss of his affections), as well as how he was unable to confess to Barok while he still lived is very telling about how terrifying losing Barok was to him. Klint was paralysed by the need to remain perfect in his brother’s eyes lest he lose Barok’s love. What sacrifices does he make for Barok’s sake? I like the idea of Stronghart blackmailing Klint with the threat of revealing their incestuous relationship.

In terms of dynamics, one of my favourites is top!Klint taking Barok's virginity (and giving him his own, in exchange). Depending on the situation, I could see them switching if the goal is to "educate Barok on matters of intimacy", or if Klint is feeling guilty and attempting to repent.

I'd prefer if Klint isn't portrayed as cruel, overtly manipulative or violent towards Barok, including intentionally non-conning Barok outside of the context of mutual dub/non-con.

On Klint's marriage to Lady Baskerville:

I would prefer for Klint's marriage to be treated as an arranged or political affair - essentially, marrying out of duty as the family head must — and perhaps to free Barok from the same fate...? If you'd like to elaborate - perhaps it was necessary for safety reasons, happened as an agreement between friends, out of necessity, etc. - as long as love marriages or any romantic implications are avoided (for instance, them viewing one another with familial bonds is fine!), I'm happy to see any interpretation. As for the issue of adultery: I'm fine with however you wish to treat this. Handwave things, give them mental anguish, have everyone in open marriages, choose or adapt the setting so that Lady Baskerville is not around yet and maybe never comes into the picture - anything goes! Some of these prompts do suggest a timeframe when Lady Baskerville was definitely in the picture - I don't mind if she shows up, and feel free to have her presence be a point of contention.

If any of the above doesn't suit your fancy, please go ahead and gloss over the subject of Klint's marriage or avoid it altogether.

Optional Prompts

Some of the prompts here also work for Klint/Barok only. Feel free to take inspiration from them as you please!

Getting together before the arrival of the Japanese exchange students, when Barok was not yet an adult. Did Barok pursue Klint, or did their relationship evolve naturally as an extension of their brotherly affections?
When Barok hits puberty, Klint is the one to introduce him to sex and onanism, a lesson that goes much too far. Once they start, they never stop.
It's not enough to be Klint's brother, and the most important person in his life. Barok finds himself needing to have his romantic desires recognised and reciprocated.
Moral crises lead to so-called 'brotherly comforting' and intense secret pining ~
Before Genshin comes into their lives, Klint is the last line of defense when defending himself and his brother. (Alternatively, Genshin might be around already, but not present at the moment.) One day, his best is not enough and they're forced to do despicable things by their tormentors. I have no preference for Barok's age, and if you'd like to set this at a time when he's a little too innocent, by all means!
For A/B/O or dom/sub verses: I’d love to see bottom (omega / sub) Barok mating with/being collared by his brother. It could be out of necessity, to hide Barok’s dynamic (cue alll the pining). It could be convention between siblings within the aristocracy. Anything goes! ** For A/B/O, I'd prefer that omegas keep their male genitalia instead of having vaginas. **
I’m also interested in Soulmate AUs for these two: how does it tie in to their brotherhood? How old are they when they figure it out, and when they decide it's time to confess / consummate? Feel free to sneak in some worldbuilding here.
Barok is never alone; Klint haunts him from the moment of his passing. Ghost!Klint and his poor little darling... does he purposefully choose not to reveal himself out of shame? Or is he desperately trying to make contact for ten long years?
Given the opportunity (maybe ghost Klint refuses to reveal himself to his brother?), Barok would definitely choose to bring Klint back to life through intercourse, established relationship or not.
Somehow, Klint is alive post 2-5, and shuns Barok's affections, believing himself unworthy; no matter that Barok has been longing after him for ten long years.

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Jigoku Pining

Feelings not requited

DNWs

Amputation & Permanent loss of body parts (eyes, teeth, limbs)
Depiction of Asougi Genshin's marriage to his wife as a love marriage (arranged/political marriage is OK!)
Male omegas that have vaginas instead of penises
Treatment of Mikotoba's relationship and marriage with Ayame as his "one true love" / "soulmate"
Unrequested gender / identity headcanons

Requested Tags

A wants to step up and co-parent with B
B is oblivious to A's pining and A wants to keep it that way
Bad Guys Force Mutual-Noncon Between Pining Character and Crush
Character A Admits Feelings Only To Be Rejected
Character A Contentedly Pines for Character B Until a Romantic Rival Appears
Character A incorrectly assumes that Character B knows that A is pining for them
Character A pines for Character B because they think they're too old for B
Character A pines for Character B who is borrowing/wearing A's clothes
Character A pines for their former lover
Crush cares about pining character deeply but not in a romantic/sexual way
Everybody lives AU - previously dead characters pursue objects of pining/are pursued
Guardian pines for Ward
Helping object of pining get ready for a date with someone else
not hiding the fact that you're pining for someone who has rejected you multiple times
Ongoing physical relationship despite pining character having been rejected
Pining for a friend after trauma bonding
Pining for someone who hates your guts
Pining for someone you lost
pining for years
Pining in a casual sexual relationship

Jigoku seems to have a ton of presence, and I get the impression that he might be somewhat of a social climber. He seems loyal to his friends, though susceptible to Stronghart’s compulsions. They seem to have had a significant working relationship, making me wonder how deeply Jigoku fell into his clutches, and how much Genshin knew to be wary of him. It’s mentioned that Jigoku is a sports fanatic and supposedly knows plenty of martial arts, plus purposefully enjoys being big. Given Stronghart’s personality, I have to wonder if this is a self-defense mechanism…

There are some hints that Jigoku also hails from a line of samurai. I think it would be cool for him and the Asougi family to have had a long-standing friendship, maybe even reaching back to Genshin's and his childhood! Similarly to Genshin, I imagine he also went through shuudou training in his adolescence.

Maybe he's the type to want to top, but ends up forced to bottom by Stronghart and the like? My headcanon is that he had crushes on both Genshin and Mikotoba over the years, and perhaps even indulged in a physical relationship with Genshin before they headed to London. Later on, those feelings may even have lead him to take over mentorship of Kazuma, and cross the line between friendly uncle and nenja/Kazuma's top.

Overall, I headcanon that Jigoku had many crushes, though his feelings would never work out one way or another. Feel free to focus on one or include more ships.

As a general idea for any pairing, I'd love to see one of these men dressed in Jigoku's oversized clothing for one reason or another...

Genshin / Jigoku
(Jigoku pining)

I'm very into one-sided Jigoku loving Genshin, perhaps involving a friends-with-benefits type situation before they departed for London. Genshin and Jigoku are both great for ‘oh no I killed you my love’ angst (though not necessarily together). Jigoku risked a lot during Genshin’s trial, even breaking the witness stand out of frustration - while he seems prone to physical outbursts when he gets emotional, he'd have to have cared for Genshin a significant amount to let himself be charged with a crime in his own right.

As for Genshin's own feelings, while he must care for Jigoku deeply on some level, his type seems to align more with the van Zieks (honest to a fault, with strong integrity and firm convictions). Jigoku's various dialogues suggest that he does care about justice and truth to an extent, but he is weaker in his stance and I believe Genshin would have been well aware of that. Whether or not Genshin is aware of the nature of Jigoku's affections is up to you, though personally I lean towards him either having figured it out, or possibly having rejected Jigoku outright - though I can be convinced otherwise depending on the freeform. Perhaps in an earlier setting (during their adolescence, maybe?), their relationship was more about the physicality and companionship than anything romantic.

I often headcanon them to be childhood friends, or at least being long-standing acquaintances before meeting Mikotoba later on in life. They seem the jock type, as opposed to a more studious Mikotoba, and that might shape their bonds a little differently. If you'd like to write about the full exchange trio, please feel free!

Optional Prompts

I'd love to see some pre-canon shenanigans for these two, be it at home in Japan — growing up? — or during their London adventures. I like them best as fuck-buddies (where Jigoku is the only one pining), as well as in situations where they are forced into mutual non-con.

I'm interested in seeing Genshin and Jigoku in some sort of sexual relationship before their trip to London. Maybe they knew each other as adolescents, and possibly underwent shuudou at the same time? I could see them carrying on even after Kazuma was born, though continuing in London was too risky due to what could happen under the harsh buggery laws. If you're looking for historical accuracy, it's possible they lived through the era of the Keikan code, which outlawed sodomy for a time in Japan (in which case, it would make sense for them to rely on each other for secrecy while satisfying their mutual physical needs). I'd also enjoy seeing them fight over Mikotoba, who is blissfully unaware of their proclivities and who is in fact not the bottom they want him to be... X)

How does Jigoku react when Genshin gets into a relationship with the van Zieks in London? Does he cheer Genshin on, in fact helping him out despite his weeping heart?

What makes them start to explore physical pleasures together? I'd also be interested in a situation where Jigoku and Genshin are forced into mutual noncon, and Jigoku catches feelings afterwards. If they're both in the shuudou system, do their nenja (their masters/tops) force them to copulate in front of a group? I'd love to see them forced into mutual non-con in any situation. Also, feel free to have them nonconned/dubconned (as you'd like) into having sex with others! Is it a punishment for the both of them, or simply greedy older mob men taking advantage of these beautiful adolescent youths? Do they serve the rest of the men in addition to copulating themselves? Who's on top, and does this become a point of contention between them later? Is this event (or many, if it happens on the regular) the catalyst for Jigoku's developing feelings towards Genshin?

In the same vein as the above — perhaps it's other higher-ups forcing them into unfortunate situations. What if the non-con was the result of a condition for their exchange trip? Maybe Mikotoba was spared, on the account of the mourning period for his wife. Or maybe they are forced to go through with it in order to spare Mikotoba. I'd also like to see this happen after they've left their homeland / in Britain, either when they're fresh off the boat, or once they've settled in some. Mikotoba, living with Holmes, would have been none the wiser if it turned into a long-term affair...

How does Jigoku pine after (accidentally?) killing Genshin? Does he ever project those feelings onto Kazuma?

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Jigoku / Kazuma
(Jigoku pining)

The little hints we get about the nature of their relationship really get to me and I'm desperate to see it fleshed out some more. I get the impression that they had a close bond before the exchange proposal at least, and I would love to see it go further than just 'Jigoku as an uncle figure, his father's great friend', into physical relationship territory.

I've seen some comments mentioning that their body language looks similar, and that makes me think of the possibility that Jigoku was as much a presence in Kazuma's life as Mikotoba. Their little confrontation when Jigoku is on the stand will never not be tragically funny. What was Jigoku thinking then?? They both seem hot-headed to me, leading me to wonder what other behaviours they share...

I imagine Jigoku was the one to mentor Kazuma in the ways of both the judiciary and of adulthood. They're such a great fit for shuudou, which sets the stage for major feelings of betrayal once the events of Resolve occur... Jigoku topping Kazuma is a great image, but is there ever a time when Kazuma feels the need to turn the tables? Does Jigoku allow him to do so while remembering Genshin? According to shuudou norms, Jigoku should be the penetrating partner. But given Kazuma's personality, is topping used as a bargaining tool instead?

As for how Jigoku feels towards Kazuma, I wonder if he's using him as a replacement for Genshin. How does he feel when Kazuma brings up Genshin? Does the guilt eat him up inside? What about when Kazuma is presumed to be dead; does Jigoku fall apart about having lost another Asougi, and the last piece of Genshin he had? Or, is this relationship a part of Jigoku's repentance for killing Genshin?

Are they sleeping together as a condition of Jigoku's mentorship, or is it more of a romantic entanglement (at least, on one side)? Is Kazuma projecting his "daddy issues" onto his father's good friend? If you can find a reason to have him wear Jigoku's clothes, it would be so cute to see him drowning in Jigoku's oversized things, especially if copious teasing is involved!

Optional Prompts

For these two, I'm interested in seeing them engage in a mentor/student - whether that be shuudou or otherwise - during Kazuma's adolescence and beyond. Who is the one to initiate the arrangement? Is Kazuma the one to insist? Or does Jigoku suggest to Mikotoba that he take over Kazuma's "training" in the way Genshin 'would have wanted'?

Scenes from Kazuma's childhood/adolescence are also wonderful. How did their sexual relationship begin, and who was the initiator? What was Jigoku's reaction to meeting a 'grownup' (read: adolescent) Kazuma for the first time upon his return home? (I assume Jigoku already served as Kazuma's uncle as a child...) How old was Kazuma when it began? (Any age is okay with me! I assume he was underage at the time, but you never know.) Does Kazuma ever grow out of their assignations and leave Jigoku behind (for Naruhodou)? Has Mikotoba caught on to their affair? What about Naruhodou and the others? (And if so, how do they react?)

I'd also be happy to see canon divergence where Jigoku doesn't kill Gregson on the Grouse, and has the opportunity to "interact" with Kazuma in London. What is their reunion (in bed) like? Otherwise, show me some dubious moments between them, especially surrounding the foreign exchange, and Jigoku having Kazuma accept the assassination mission... I'm certain Kazuma would have taken some 'convincing'.

Other ideas:

Arguing about the exchange and its conditions
Jigoku mourning Kazuma
Kazuma growing disillusioned with Jigoku
How does Kazuma feel about sleeping with a guy who's had a lifelong crush on his father?
An altercation following the reveal of Genshin's killer
Do they ever manage to make up?
Does Stronghart know about their relations?
On a lighter note, it would be fun to see Kazuma going to Jigoku for advice about daily matters or even better, about Ryuunosuke
Any excuse to see Kazuma drowning in Jigoku's oversized clothes, especially if there is teasing involved!

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Jigoku / Mikotoba

I love the idea of an oblivious Mikotoba being pursued by his friends for decades, and still being none the wiser. Is Jigoku deterred by Mikotoba's apparent straight-ness, or does he disregard Mikotoba's supposed proclivities in the naïve hope that someday his friend will look his way?

I ship Mikotoba with Holmes, though no pressure to have that going in the background. It would be perfectly fine to keep Jigoku pining quietly from ~~afar~~ up close without letting on to his feelings!

Optional Prompts

Young(er) Genshin and Jigoku fight over Mikotoba, who is blissfully unaware of their proclivities and who is in fact not the bottom they want him to be (!!!).

After they return home from London, Jigoku attempts to insert himself into the Mikotoba's life, purportedly to help him raise Susato...

Maybe Jigoku outright attempts a seduction, knowing that Mikotoba's lover is stuck across the ocean. Unfortunately for him, Mikotoba has eyes for one man and one man only.

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Kazuma Pining

Feelings eventually / not requited

Asougi Genshin & or / Kazuma
(Kazuma Pining)

DNWs

Amputation & Permanent loss of body parts (eyes, teeth, limbs)
Depiction of Asougi Genshin's marriage to his wife as a love marriage (arranged/political marriage is OK!)
Male omegas that have vaginas instead of penises
Unrequested gender / identity headcanons

Requested Tags

A is confused about whether their pining is romantic/sexual or platonic
Character pines for someone they think is dead
developed a crush on relative/friend when a child; feelings refuse to go away despite growing up
Pining for a forbidden love
Pining for a parental figure
Pining for family member
Pining for found family
Pining for someone dead and wishing for their resurrection
Pining so Intensely for Long Dead Person that Time Travel Happens
Pining while enduring a long separation
Pining while separated and not sure if you'll ever see them again
Platonically pining for a parental figure
still pining for first crush years later
Accidental Voyeurism of Crush
Character A Pines for Character B Who is Dead
Reincarnation - Pining for Reincarnated Loved One Whose Past Life Memories Haven't Returned (Yet)

Kazuma's grief over his father is incredibly tragic, and strong enough to launch the events of the game. I'd love to see an exploration of his longing for Genshin! Does he cling to moments from his childhood? Did he ever spend that much time with Genshin in the first place? Does he share his grief over the loss of his parents with Mikotoba and Jigoku? How much do Susato and Ryuunosuke know about his past? I'd be thrilled to see what you come up with here!

Or, perhaps that longing of Kazuma's isn't as innocent as it seems on the surface... Honestly. Would you be surprised if Kazuma's first crush/love turned out to be his father?

Feel free to go the AU route where Kazuma is eventually reunited with Genshin after all <3 What happens to the van Zieks? Are they involved at all?

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Asougi Kazuma / Naruhodou Ryuunosuke
(Kazuma Pining)

DNWs

Amputation & Permanent loss of body parts (eyes, teeth, limbs)
Depiction of Asougi Genshin's marriage to his wife as a love marriage (arranged/political marriage is OK!)
Male omegas that have vaginas instead of penises
Unrequested gender / identity headcanons

Requested Tags

A realizes feelings for B after B's death
Best friends pining for each other (everyone assumes they're already together)
Character A who is gay pines for B who he assumes to be straight
Mutual pining for many years between childhood friends
Mutual Pining Is Resolved Only After One Party Gets (Accidentally/Purposefully) Grievously Injured
Pining A Feels Like They Owe B For Something
Pining A Would Do Absolutely Anything For B (even things B wouldn't approve of)
pining for a sports rival by challenging them to get their attention
Pining for best friend but afraid to ruin the friendship
Pining for best friend but also glad they've found love elsewhere
Pining in a casual sexual relationship
pretends casual friends-with-benefits relationship is fine despite intense pining
Reuniting With The One You're Pining For After Long Separation
A/B/O - Alpha pines for Omega they have only smelled but never met
Accidental Voyeurism of Crush
Character A Both Pines For and Resents Character B
Developing feelings while in dangerous situations together that leads to pining
Obsessive Hatred Turns to Pining
Pining after being cared for by Character during Illness/Injury
Trying to Make Crush Jealous Only Convinces Them Their Own Feelings Are One-Sided

I love the idea of Kazuma's incessant pining for Ryuunosuke after the speech contest! He doesn't make a particular secret of it, so of course, everyone around him/them is on to him... except Ryuunosuke, mister oblivious xD I love the thought of the Mikotobas and Jigoku all realising Kazuma has it bad before ever meeting Ryuunosuke. And can you imagine what their classmates thought of it all??

If Ryuunosuke reciprocates, when is it that he figures out his feelings? Before the exchange trip departure (is that why he agrees to go in the first place)? Or, is it the trip that brings them closer together? What if Kazuma's "death" is the catalyst for his realisation? Kazuma sure has a lot to deal with once he recovers his memories...

I like the idea of them having a physical relationship while Kazuma is deeply pining. Also, feel free to play with the idea of him vaguely recognising his feelings for Ryuunosuke even before his memories return! I absolutely LOVE the idea of the Masked Disciple getting with Ryuunosuke in some form (physically~?) before the end of 2-3.....

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Asougi Kazuma / Barok van Zieks
(Kazuma Pining)

DNWs

Amputation & Permanent loss of body parts (eyes, teeth, limbs)
Depiction of Asougi Genshin's marriage to his wife as a love marriage (arranged/political marriage is OK!)
Male omegas that have vaginas instead of penises
Unrequested gender / identity headcanons

Please see here for requested tags.

I'd love to see anything from the strange mentor - apprentice relationship they have, to something set during that week of intense hatred, to post-canon and their 'begrudging respect' for one another, which might eventually turn into something more. Did Kazuma develop an interest in Barok during his amnesiac days, which was temporarily soured by the return of his memories... all until Barok being himself led to those feelings slotting right back into place? ^^

The relationship between the Asougis and the van Zieks is super fascinating to me. I'm very interested in how they are essentially tied together by fate, the intergenerational trauma, and all that <3 When it comes to Kazuma and Barok specifically, my favourite element of their dynamic might be how they are perpetually haunted by the past (Genshin, Klint). Does Barok see Genshin in every fibre of Kazuma? In Kazuma's eyes, is Barok a living reminder of his father's demise? I'm incredibly curious about their evolving dynamic and how they seek/find peace (or don't) with each other. When it comes to pining, I'm especially curious about whether Kazuma finds glimpses of his father in Barok (much to his dismay), and how much of that pining is begrudging liking in the first place :D

I also have to wonder whether or not any feelings develop on Kazuma's part after watching Barok sacrificing himself on the regular, or being attacked on the street... I'm sure there remains plenty of vitriol on his part — the question is, how much do his feelings compete?

I am a huge GenBaro shipper, and I see AsoBaro as happening under the umbrella of past Barok -> Genshin — which I do feel was reciprocated, regardless of what may or may not have happened (though please don't feel like you have to include that if it's not your thing)! I wonder how Kazuma feels about Barok's romantic feelings towards (which may or may not include a prior relationship with) his father... If you'd like to include Kazuma also pining for Ryuunosuke while Barok pines for Genshin (and/or Klint?), I'd be absolutely delighted!

I do imagine them switching, but Kazuma definitely has the top energy in this relationship :D

Optional Prompts

Omega!Barok and Alpha!Asougi — Is Barok forced to take a mate for societal reasons? Or perhaps Barok's secret dynamic is uncovered in the worst of situations? Does Kazuma have his memories back or is he still the amnesiac, masked apprentice?
AU in which Barok met young!Kazuma before the events of canon. I can only imagine how much tension that would have added, especially if Kazuma developed feelings early...
De-aged Barok!! Kazuma is weak to his cuteness... Maybe he learns to pine after / pines even deeper for this famed innocent 'little darling'. Or maybe he's on babysitting duty for a tiny little prosecutor (whose eyes don't even reach past the bench xD). It certainly livens up their daily routine ~
For one reason or another, Karuma finds its way into Barok. Possibly also/or a wine bottle. Bonus points if Barok is thinking about/being taunted with Genshin!
Barok learned about shuudou through Genshin... Kazuma discovers this fact and is quick to coax Barok into becoming his nenja — never mind that he's already an adult!
Barok and Kazuma using each other as outlets to let out the love and grief they feel for those who they can't have.
Barok, for whatever reason, winds up sleeping with his mute apprentice. Does he suspect anything at all as to the mysterious man's identity? Do his eyes, or maybe his body language and sword play, remind him of Asougi...?
When Barok receives his new apprentice from Stronghart, it is with the implication that the mysterious boy is to be his sexual slave. Maybe he doesn't intend on taking up the offer, but his amnesiac disciple is desperate to do anything to stay in London...
Identity porn featuring the Masked Disciple. What does the mask have to do with their sex life? Does Kazuma's body remind Barok of Genshin, somehow?
At one point in the mentorship, Barok and his apprentice (during or post canon) are apprehended and abducted, to be humiliated and hurt by the mob.
Kazuma takes his anger over everything that has happened to his family out on Barok. Barok goes along with it because he is convinced he deserves it. Does Kazuma eventually express remorse and attempt to rehabilitate the both of them?
- Some other variation on Barok aching to repent for Genshin and putting himself at Kazuma's mercy. While they can't show it in public, when it is just the two of them Barok turns into a complete submissive. Kazuma doesn't take things too far, because he's still actively trying to run away from the darkness within him, but he might just use Barok as an outlet for his anger and resentment at times. I love this with the flavour of pining!Kazuma not being able to release his softer feelings for Barok, instead disguising them under the harder veneer of his anger (or pretending to still carry around a lot of resentment he's essentially let go, that's already turned to affection).
In between his trip to Dover and serving Stronghart, Kazuma pays Barok a visit. Or maybe he drops by Barok's cell in the middle of the night? Any excuse for hate sex (born out of Kazuma's reluctant pining he refuses to face!) with fleeting moments of unexpected tenderness! While the intense hatred is still blazing on both of their parts, they wind up engaging in some hate sex during that last frantic week of October.
Eventually, post canon, the two are on decent terms. Somewhere along the line, Kazuma managed to fall for his mentor and now he has to prove himself while trying to figure out how to seduce him. Little does he know, Barok requires very little convincing on that front. Bonus - with a side of scolding, mothering Kazuma.
- ↳ The tables have turned; Kazuma has grown exceedingly affectionate (whether he has forgiven Barok or not), but Barok cannot escape the guilt and the debt he feels towards the Asougis. He is wracked by doubt no matter how Kazuma tries to convince him to let go.

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Pining Haori | Rei

Feelings eventually / not requited

Haori | Rei / Susato
(Pining Haori | Rei)

DNWs

Amputation & Permanent loss of body parts (eyes, teeth, limbs)
Unrequested gender / identity headcanons

Requested Tags

A is confused about whether their pining is romantic/sexual or platonic
A pining because they think B is pining for someone else
A pining because they think B isn't attracted to their gender/sex
Arranged Marriage - object of pining married off to someone else
Arranged Marriage - pining character married off to someone else
B is courting A who doesn't realize because it's different from how B flirts with other people
Character A incorrectly assumes that Character B knows that A is pining for them
Character A pines for Character B while in disguise
Character A pours heart out to B in anonymous love notes
Character A silently pining for Character B who saved their life
Conversations with double meanings due to pining
Everyone Knows Except Object Of Affection
Guilt over enjoying friendly hugs/physical closeness too much
They Couldn't Possibly Be Ignorant Of How I Feel So I Assume They Must Not Be Interested
Character A Contentedly Pines for Character B Until a Romantic Rival Appears
Pining A so far gone they'd let B do anything to them (B very pleased by this)

I may use "Haori" here, but feel free to refer to her as "Rei" if you prefer!

It was soooo fun to see Haori throwing herself at Susato throughout 2-1, and I'd love to see more! Does their friendship ressemble the Asougi-Naruhodou partnership at all? Is Haori struggling with the fear that Susato's only into guys? There's a lot of room to play here, and I want to see what you come up with!

Is the milk bar their usual 'date' spot? Maybe Haori tries to fish for info on Susato's possible romantic interests and future prospects while Susato is focused on other things.

It would be hilarious if you brought back Ryuutarou for whatever reason! I'm sure Mikotoba, (Holmes) and the others would be more than happy to play along ^^

Optional Prompts

Their milk bar date: does Haori flirt with an unsuspecting Susato, who doesn't get the message because she's no longer dressed as Ryuutarou?
Haori pines because she assumes Susato's heart is already set on a man. (Kazuma, Ryuunosuke, Holmes, Hosonaga, Soseki... maybe Haori goes through a period of suspecting them all?!) I'd love to see someone giving her advice to go for it here.
Haori gets herself into trouble again and again, if only to see Ryuutarou once more (or so Susato thinks)
The girls reach an age where everyone around them is getting married, and soon enough it's their turn. Is this bittersweet, or something more? Maybe they get lucky enough to have Lavender marriages?
I'd love to see them somehow/accidentally saddled with a baby, and caring for the child together brings them closer / kicks off their relationship! Or, in an established relationship, the child gives them the opportunity to have several much-needed conversations.

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Pining HomuMiko

Feelings eventually Requited

DNWs

Amputation & Permanent loss of body parts (eyes, teeth, limbs)
Depictions of the canonical Asougi & van Zieks marriages as love marriages
Gore
Klint forcing himself on Barok or Genshin (mutual non-con is ok!)
Male omegas with vaginas instead of penises
Treatment of Mikotoba/Ayame as "true loves" / "soulmates" when compared to Mikotoba/Holmes
Unrequested romantic relationships (past/present) for either van Zieks brother - excepting any Asougi
Unrequested gender headcanons

Requested Tags

A attributes B's flirting to cultural differences
A pining for B hides feelings due to B's grief over recently lost partner/spouse
Alpha/Beta/Omega - Character A pines for Character B because A thinks B is mated (B is not)
B is courting A who doesn't realize because it's different from how B flirts with other people
Bad Guys Force Mutual-Noncon Between Pining Character and Crush
Character A correctly assumes Character B knows that A is pining for them
Character A incorrectly assumes that Character B knows that A is pining for them
Character A pines for Character B because they think they're too old for B
Character A thinks B rejected advances
Character B realises A is pining but is afraid of losing them if they acknowledge it
Character Going Through Withdrawal Calling Out For Char They're Pining For
Character hides pining behind sarcasm/bratty behaviour
Conversations with double meanings due to pining
courting by pining character misunderstood due to cultural differences
Everyone Knows Except Object Of Affection
Mutual pining but laws/custom/duty keep them apart
Mutual pining while one is injured and the other(s) take care of them
Object of A's pining is an abstract and B tries to embody it
Pining for found family
Pining while separated and not sure if you'll ever see them again

Holmes / Mikotoba
(Both / Either Pining)

I’m absolutely obsessed with this variation on the traditional Sherlock/Watson dynamic. This partnership is the best plot twist I have ever experienced! They contrast and complement one another adorably. From shared parenting to forensic research, HomuMiko really has it all. I very much enjoyed their reunion on the couch of Baker Street, except I’m convinced they must’ve reunited otherwise after a solid decade of pining. Their dance of deduction was SO fun, and I was devastated that they had to separate so soon (though that was one painful and awkward goodbye…).

GAA Holmes’ eccentricity, dramatics and moods are very much played up in the best of ways. He is absolutely insane (I say this affectionately) and his unpredictability is definitely a part of the appeal for me. I love how he strives to protect, even at the cost of the truth, and to me he definitely has one of the most loving hearts of all the cast. Every time he talks about his mysterious partner (especially pre-reveal), I can feel the affection pouring out of him TT^TT Around other men, he is a total flirt and I very much headcanon gay bottom (or omega/sub in the case of AUs) Holmes because of his incessant teasing.

Mikotoba is an interesting foil to Holmes, what with his impeccable manners and patience. I never realised how strange and unusual he is too until looking back on his general behaviour post-reveal. He is so secretive and hides his cute & clutzy side well until Holmes comes along. I really enjoy the dynamics of their partnership, particularly the caretaker aspect which suits his doctor side well (and explains the age gap).

If you're interested in some omegaverse HomuMiko: I tend to prefer Alpha Mikotoba over Beta Mikotoba, but either is okay!

On Mikotoba & Ayame's marriage: I’m fine with having their love acknowledged, however, I would prefer the focus to be on Mikotoba’s feelings towards Holmes. I don’t want to see Ayame portrayed as his "one true love” or “soulmate”, and have Holmes come in second place next to her.

This could be set prior to them getting together, acting as a catalyst for getting them together, or set when they are already in an established relationship. Additionally, feel free to go with any timing (16-10 years ago, around or post canon...) Having an adolescent Holmes is completely fine with me!

Optional Prompts

I’d love to see them talk more science – maybe Holmes is always behind on his patents because he’s waiting for Mikotoba’s input? This iteration of Holmes clearly had a drug addiction at some point, if not still, and I’m very curious about how Mikotoba would have dealt with it. I would LOVE to see Mikotoba wielding sex as a replacement for other stimulants!! Does he relapse after Mikotoba leaves, when he is left alone with only a young Iris by his side?
Omegaverse AU: Mycroft interferes in Baker Street living arrangements because his unmated brother should not be living alone with an alpha. May include atypical physiques for their dynamics. What if Mikotoba had to help wean Holmes off of his suppressant dependency?
More Omegaverse: Mikotoba saves Holmes from heat in undesirable circumstances. Alternatively: Mikotoba gets caught up in breeding Holmes during heat/rut. Panic over their future and Susato ensues.
Mikotoba is (secretly) just as crazy as Holmes...
Holmes CLEARLY knows a fair amount of Japanese, and I'd love to get a peak into his 'education' ;)
I’m very attached to seeing them interact as a duo with all of their London acquaintances, especially in a 10-years pre-canon setting. Having them make a mess of Klint’s crime scenes with Gregson, Genshin and maybe even Barok present is such an exciting idea!! (Hopefully Klint remains in good spirits about it…) I'm obsessed with the full London cast during the first exchange, and it would be great to see them chiming in on the pining. Do Mikotoba's countrymates clue in, and how do they react? What about the other Scotland Yard members, doctors, and the judiciary? Are they all aware that Holmes is 'down bad', or vice-versa? Do they ever make comments along the lines of "the doctor's detective", or "the detective's doctor"?
Feel free to reinterpret old ACD cases, or come up with new, AA-style ones as you please – I’d love to see more dangerous HomuMiko whump, fighting and abduction that might lead to moments as a couple while high on adrenaline/having saved the day/relief. Mikotoba must have some special self-defence moves of his own, no? I'd love any take on this - going undercover, blackmail and coercion, outright kidnapping, failed rescue attempts, Mikotoba performing emergency surgery on Holmes or guiding Holmes to providing urgent medical care on himself, etc.
Perhaps Holmes' investigation goes awry and Mikotoba stumbles upon the most horrifying sight when he finally manages to track him down.
An unhappy client, or maybe a resentful victim, set up a kidnapping of the detective's prized partner as revenge for Holmes' actions. It's Holmes to the rescue!....or maybe not, as he ends up trapped himself, or forced to commit unspeakable acts in exchange for their freedom.
Alternatively: Their children and families threatened, the Legendary duo themselves become bargaining chips, and must submit to the terms of their extorters.
Of all people to "mistakenly" interpret a situation as fuck-or-die.......it would be Holmes.
(Although I'd laugh very hard at Mikotoba earnestly misunderstanding the situation, and Holmes going along with it just 'cause.)
I really enjoy the premise of being forced into mutual non-con, and would be thrilled to see the 'bad guys' imprison these two and force them to fuck (or die? or submit to a mob?). I can see this happening to the younger OR older pair!
In any mutual non-con scenario, I'd love for them to have an unwilling audience of their peers...!
After going through the most terrible ordeal, Holmes grows very clingy and Mikotoba tries to comfort him through their shared trauma (a getting together story, maybe?)
How about some slice-of-life scenes after Iris's birth? Or, Holmes insists on accompanying Iris and Mikotoba back to Japan. Are there any identity shenanigans going on? Maybe Mycroft is involved in order to help forging their papers...
Imagine they had initially been planning to return to Japan together before Iris’s arrival… Holmes had no choice but to stay behind. Much grief ensues.

Or, forget canon! Holmes does go back to Japan with them to help raise their two daughters!
Alternatively: The Professor case never happens, and so things proceed as they were meant to

Perhaps Mikotoba brings baby Susato along on the exchange out of grief, or even a lack of choice. Holmes has no qualms about making this widower father his partner anyway.
- If you'd like to include Jigoku and Genshin too, I'd be interested in seeing how they interact with a grieving Mikotoba, and how they manage to draw him out of his shell and get him to London in order to meet Holmes. What are their interactions with Susato like, if there are any?
Maybe some established relationship pining? Those ten years must've been rough on them. Do they send letters, use code, photographic prints, tokens, etc.? Are they forced to hold back when in front of their family and friends, who aren't yet aware of their relationship & partnership? Did they truly think they would never ever meet again, or only be forced to wait a couple decades?
Coping with the pain of separation through letters, keepsakes and secret communications. How about some coded letters filled with lascivious talk and longing? This could possibly include discussions of Susato’s and Kazuma’s growth, and how Mikotoba still considers Holmes to be his co-parent (and vice-versa).
Set during the ten-year gap: Aborted attempts to visit each other, with ensuing disappointment upon each failure
Set around 1-5: After he is injured, a delirious Holmes repeatedly asks for his partner/Mikotoba. This could involve Susato/Iris/Ryuunosuke/Barok/the hospital staff, etc.
I remain unconvinced that what we saw on screen was the first time they met face-to-face after a decade-long separation. How do they actually reunite? Mikotoba was behaving strangely at the hotel… Show me new interpretations of Mikotoba's glorious return to London Town, and the long-awaited resolution to the decade of pining!!
One word: Reichenbach.

Back to DGS

Sherlock Holmes / Mikotoba Yuujin & Iris
(Mikotoba Pining)

I'd love to receive any of the above prompts with Iris thrown in! How terribly does Mikotoba long to be reunited with the both of them during the 10-year separation? What did having to leave behind another infant, as well as his partner, do to him?

I'd also enjoy this with a side of Genshin & the Professor case angst. And, does Mikotoba feel guilt at the thought of having "replaced" his daughter with a lover and new child in a foreign land?

Back to DGS

Mikotoba Yuujin & Iris
(Iris Pining)

So much of Iris' arc is centred around her pining for her mysterious father, the Great Detective's partner. I'd like to see anything, from general daydreaming over their reunion to Iris' perspective of discovering Klint's autopsy report. Does Holmes talk about her 'father' as a topic of bedtime stories? How does he introduce her to "her father's chest"? What role does the absent Mikotoba play in their lives? Alternatively, this could take place post 2-5, once Mikotoba has yet again returned to Japan.

Though the person she's actually pining for is Mikotoba, feel free to have her use John H. Wilson's name. Additionally, if you'd like to throw in some oblique references to Klint and the van Zieks, I'd be happy to see them too!

THE INHERITANCE CYCLE

Feelings eventually / not requited

Murtagh Morzansson / Eragon Shadeslayer
(Either pining)
Brom & Eragon Shadeslayer
(Either pining)
Murtagh Morzansson & Tornac (the Servant)
(Murtagh pining)

DNWs

Amputation & non-canonical (permanent) loss of body parts (eyes, teeth, limbs, tails, wings & other non-human appendages) — applicable to all races
Gore beyond canon-typical levels
Unrequested gender/identity headcanons

Requested Tags

"Casual" Sex Ends up Being Much More Intense and Full of Pining than Expected
A pines for B while feeling responsible for B's death
A supernatural force compels mutually pining characters to reveal the truth to each other
Alliance Between Piner and Pinee is or might be temporary
Characters hide mutual pining because they're related and each thinks the other will be horrified
Everyone Thinks They Hate Each Other - They're Pining
Grief/Mourning
Mutual pining while one protects the other(s) from enemies
Pining after someone they know they can't have
Pining Character Awkwardly Trying To Show Affection Through Small Gestures
Pining character feels guilt for being aroused by casual touch
Pining Character Suffers from Touch Starvation
Pining Characters Being Willing To Do Anything For Each Other
pining for someone after bad personal history between them
pining for the enemy/rival
Pining while sparring
Sex While Pining - Something Made Them Do It
taking what you can get platonically because you're too scared to reveal your feelings
They Couldn't Possibly Be Ignorant Of How I Feel So I Assume They Must Not Be Interested
Utterly Certain That Their Feelings Won't Be Returned

After reading Murtagh recently, I was inspired to delve into Alagaësia again and has it been a journey! I'm newly desperate for all the AUs, all the fix-its, all the moments we were robbed of and collectively hunger to see. Grr!

I love so many things about this universe: the politics between the races; the dragon-rider bond and the intense codependency & deep love that results from it; the ancient language and how it can be manipulated to control magic; the longer I think about it, the more this list grows.

Murtagh / Eragon
Either pining

Again with the brothers... I need more of these brothers! 😭 I'm still fuming about not getting any direct Murtagh/Eragon interaction in the latest book, though every mention of their time together in the Hadarac desert, and Murtagh's not subtle longing to be on good, close terms with his half-brother drove me up the wall! I hate that they were driven apart by Galbatorix (though it was necessary, for Thorn's hatching), and even more than that, I hate that Murtagh fled without getting any prime attention from Eragon after Galbatorix's defeat. I'm so desperate to see more of them, even if it's fighting (whether that be with their swords or with their words).

I am a big fan of tragic brothers :D By accident of birth, these two led such different lives, and there is SO much potential both for AUs and for development post canon.

I like it when Eragon and Murtagh actually have 'good' times together — for instance, when they were journeying to / at the Varden during Eragon (because that's as good as it got, sadly). Short of that, they had a Talk (at least) before Murtagh fled at the end of Inheritance... please, may we have some more of that eventually...? T-T Because they are doomed to be separated, apparently (side-eyeing canon), we get a surprising amount of quality moments where Eragon and Murtagh are thinking about one another: Eragon, pondering Murtagh's plight and how to free him is always heartwarming <3 And I can't help but laugh every time Murtagh's mind drifts to his brother during the latest book. Just go to him already, would you!? Those simpler days, back from before you were captured, are within his reach — don't you think Murtagh and Thorn would be happier raising dragons?? I swear...

Eragon's empathy is certainly one of his assets, and I enjoy seeing it extend to Murtagh. He's certainly matured over the course of the series, and I think his compassion would do Murtagh a lot of good in his recovery!

Even after all this time, I can't help but be drawn to angsty Murtagh and his dogged desperation for freedom, no matter the cost. It was heartbreaking to see him newly deprived of it by the Dreamers, though it did give us a great opportunity to see how protective he is over Thorn (and I love it). I still wish Eragon could have swooped in and saved him sooner, but alas, that's not how canon works, is it ;__; On the other hand, while he and Thorn may make for a great pair, they aren't enough to keep each other safe and not lonely. Every time I remember Murtagh proclaiming Eragon as his brother on the Burning Plains — and subsequently, how hurt he was in the throne room to hear that they only share one parent — it makes me think about how desperate Murtagh is for real human connection; not only that, but the unconditional love that is family, and dragons, too (I expect), are supposed to promise. Please let him have it already, Mr. Paolini!!

Frankly, I just wanna see these two having some good times for once... or healing together, processing the nightmare of the past few years of loss and destruction while leaning on the one person who knows what it's like. Let them spend actual quality time together, dammit!! >.<

If you're content with canon divergence, I beg you to please save Murtagh and give him a better chance at life! I'll never say no to 'brotherly' hurt/comfort, and it would be great for Eragon to be able to rely on his big brother for once (instead of forging ahead blindly with a young dragon).

I'd love for Murtagh and Eragon to build a 'familial' (read: romantic) relationship – whether that necessitates canon divergence, off-screen moments, or something set post-canon. Go wild with (mutual?) intense protectiveness while they're trying to save the other from certain doom, or worrying themselves into a rut until their dragons have to nudge them out of it. These two always manage to find themselves in terribly risky situations... so I want Eragon to burst down the door and save both Murtagh and Thorn for once! Let Murtagh ask Eragon for help! Even better, let them have an ugly fight (or two, or three) about their respective upbringings and bring all of their resentment out into the open.

Whether you write this as a romantic dragonrider duo, siblings using each other as an outlet for sexual urges or an intensely emotional but platonic brotherly bond (and tie in Brom somehow), I'm fine with all of it — I just need more of this pair!

Optional Prompts

I'd love to see Eragon and Murtagh grow up together. Is Brom involved? How does he react? Or, let them find out about their relation earlier — perhaps with a traveling Brom accompanying them. I'm dying to see Murtagh rescued at some point — from Urû'baen, in the Tornac years or after Thorn's hatching, or from Bachel, you get the drift — and for him to rely on Eragon for once.

(What if Eragon and Murtagh found out about their shared parents after they were already involved? ... Discovering they only share one parent afterwards makes it even messier.)

Back to Inheritance

Brom & Eragon
Either pining

I wish with all my heart that we could have gotten more of Dad!Brom >.< He was certainly a man of many secrets, many of which died with him. I desperately want to see more of him, whether that be his usual cranky yet shrewd, disguised self, or a more vulnerable, honest, family-man Brom — rider of Saphira, father of Eragon, slayer of Morzan and lover of Selena.

Definitely feel free to explore canon Brom and the brief moments we had with him before his untimely death T.T I do, however, crave some canon divergence where his relationship with Eragon can be fleshed out and explored.

I would love to see more interaction between Eragon and Brom, both as acquaintances from Carvahall and openly as father-son. A different take on the 'I am your father' reveal would be delightful. What if Brom had survived? When would Eragon have found out the truth? Would Oromis have convinced Brom to admit Eragon's parentage? Or maybe Brom felt it no longer necessary after the "Shadeslayer" title replaced "Son of None". (Ouch!)

Back to Inheritance

Murtagh & Tornac (the Servant)
Murtagh pining

Murtagh clearly trusted Tornac as family 😭 Every time he starts on reminiscing about the days they spent together, and the lessons he learned from the man, it tears me up, and I'd love to see more! Did Tornac realise what he meant to Murtagh?

MURDLE

Feelings Eventually Requited

Deductive Logico / Inspector Irratino
( Both / Irratino pining)

DNWs

Amputation & Permanent loss of body parts (eyes, teeth, limbs)
Focus on Logico and Irratino in other relationships (mentions are OK!)
Unrequested gender / identity headcanons

Requested Tags

A does not realize that they are in love with B
A starts to court hard-to-woo!B; A's unaware that B has been pining for A for years and still is
Bad Guys Force Mutual-Noncon Between Pining Character and Crush
Best friends pining for each other (everyone assumes they're already together)
Char A and Char B are pining after a break up (getting back together)
Character A doesn't realise they're pining
Character A incorrectly assumes that Character B knows that A is pining for them
Character A pours heart out to B in anonymous love notes
Character A suddenly realizes that they've been pining for B and didn't know it
Conversations with double meanings due to pining
Everyone Knows Except Object Of Affection
Life Threatening Situation Prompts Confession of Feelings
Love Confession: One Character Thought The Other Was Dead
Mutually Pining Characters Didn't Know They Were Dating
Pining character fakes their own death to prompt confession from love interest
Pining character fakes their own death to receive attention from the one they're pining for
Pining Characters Being Willing To Do Anything For Each Other
Rejected a love confession only to fall in love with them later
Tries to Confess but Isn't Believed
Tries to Confess but Keeps Getting Interrupted by Circumstances

This letter does not contain any spoilers for the recently-released novels.

Please feel free to include any references to books 1, 2 or 3, should you so desire!

I’ve gotten very hooked on solving these daily puzzles, all because of this crazy entertaining detective/inspector pair. I love the contrast between Logico’s and Irratino’s approaches. Every Sunday date night brings me such joy! I’ve been playing on-and-off since the very first May, and would appreciate any references to puzzles I may have missed.

I’m very much into dynamics involving detectives and their partners (Holmes / Watson style or otherwise). I also dig ships with a lot of pining and cluelessness on at least one side. The juxtaposition of “logic” vs “occult” is very fun, and produces some great arguments over which one is best. Despite their disagreements, they still enjoy each other’s company (whether platonic or otherwise)! <3

I live for Sundays nowadays when we get date night! Pasta dinners, math lectures and bar visits are very much them. I also look forward to Logico’s surprise and anger over Irratino’s death (which he’s so distraught about, he can’t even clue in that it’s fake…). Otherwise, I enjoy the concept of Irratino’s occultish hints and the fact that Logico needs them in the first place :D Also, Irratino’s smugness if you make the wrong accusation is hilarious.

I enjoy Logico’s ‘logical’ personality, and how it often falls apart when it comes to Irratino. Especially his distress at the weekly deaths, and how he’ll support Irratino’s occult endeavours despite not believing in it himself. He might describe Irratino as “his old rival, antagonist and friend” but his affection certainly runs much deeper… as evidenced by the fact that he notes down astrological signs on his note cards despite not being a believer. I find it funny how he encounters deaths everywhere he goes – he’s like the classic shingami character.

I’m intrigued by Irratino’s choices in faking his death weekly to get Logico’s attention. He’s coming on to Logico so strongly! Why won't Logico notice him?! I love the image of his long hair and slight stature – I wonder if he ties it back regularly?

For these two, I‘d love to see an exploration of their backstory: how they met and / or fell for one another, how the "dates" started, what led to Irratino’s death faking, etc. I’m also very interested in their respective headspaces, particularly when it comes to logic/occult and their feelings. It would be hilarious to see the reactions of their coworkers, the daily criminals (“murdlers”), and other bystanders to their unique dynamic & ridiculous flirting. I’m convinced they must be close enough to go on holiday together, because how else would Irratino be around to provide his hints all the time?!

If you'd like to go the sexy (!) route, for this exchange, I would love to see top/dom/alpha (etc.) Logico, and bottom/sub/omega/pregnant (etc.) Irratino <3 I am a HUGE fan of mutual non-con, and I think seeing these two forced into having sex for an audience would probably be hilarious, if you want to work that in somehow.

I have a slight preference for a more practical take as opposed to a magical/fantastical one (say, where Irratino is actually dying every Sunday). Of course, feel free to play up the occult-ish, unexplainable canonical elements - such as locations (ex: the Old Ruins), and so on.

Optional Prompts

Just a series of scenes where everyone’s constantly thinking or saying “why aren’t they together yet?/are they dating?” because the pining is so incredibly obvious! For a sexy take: somehow it becomes very, very clear that they are sleeping together :D Yet, they still can't get their acts together and confess...... Alternatively, Irratino consults coworkers/suspects/bystanders about how to properly ask Logico out. Does Irratino construct a grid? Is Logico still clueless, or has he actually known/reciprocated in pining all along?
Logico, Irratino and the Murdle cast get into huge misunderstandings about the state of their relationship. Maybe one of them perceives an (unintentional) rejection from the other? Or maybe they have a physical, but not quite romantic relationship that they are both secetly agonising over? Are any grids constructed in this process?
The first time Irratino fakes his death. Logico’s grief. (Also: how did Irratino develop this scheme? For attention? Is it an inside joke these days? Is he doing it to try and awaken Logico's latent feelings for him? Or is his judgement affected by the extent of his pining...) And times thereafter... (see the next prompt)
One day, Logico is fed up of yet another fake Sunday death. The fallout is disastrous. Based off of the "Surely, this time he wasn't faking it. That would just be too much." line.
For once, they find themselves in a REAL life-threatening situation! Maybe Irratino is in danger for once, or maybe one of them has to save his partner in a dramatic rescue attempt! Is one of them savvy in self-defence? I’d love for this to lead to a confession scene to resolve the pining, romantic hurt/comfort or even surprise intimacy & sex!
In a similar vein: getting trapped by a bad guy and forced to copulate for an audience, oh no! ;)
Yet another variation: The time-honoured "undercover as a couple" trope, featuring public sex to demonstrate the legitimacy of their relationship status. (Except somehow they're still oblivious as to the other's true feelings)
It ALL goes down at the prison! What if Logico were to be trapped with Irratino's supposed "corpse", and forced to do terrible, terrible things to it? Does he ever clue in that Irratino is still among the living, or does his rational side desert him in favour of making comments such as "oh, he still feels warm and alive when I touch his insides... he'll never forgive me for this!" And on the other hand, how does Irratino manage to stay "unconscious"? Is his acting terrible or has he really been knocked out, at least for part of it?
During one of the recent Sunday Murdles, Irratino’s body was found in the spa. I have to assume this means he was discovered in the nude… Logico reacts.
Create a new weekly date night! How does it go? Do they get embroiled in a murder case while out? Are they together or is this a friendly date? Are both parties looking for more? Do they get intimate afterwards? Some mutual pining would be great!
Every time one of them attempts a confession, a murder occurs in their immediate vicinity. No wonder they're so cranky!
Maybe they get into yet another debate over grids versus tarot cards. How long has this argument been going on - years? Decades?? Are either of them ever actually seriously offended by this fight?? Does this time finally lead to an (un)expected confession?!
A murder mystery, Holmes/Watson style. It would be great to see some aftercare of injuries or fights they get into! Feel free to reference the usual cast of suspects and their murder weapons. Does one of them have a tragic backstory to reveal? I'd especially love to see the rational Logico admit things he usually wouldn't while especially out of it, dazed from pain, etc. Is he the type to resist getting taken care of until he's in a very bad spot?
If you're up for an omegaverse or BDSM-style AU, I'd love to see something where one of them is keeping their dynamic secret from the other. Has Irratino been flying under the radar as a beta to continue his police work? Or is he the one very blatant in his identity, and instead Logico keeps secret that he could be very dangerous to Irratino were he to go off his suppressants?

If you’re looking for more material from outside canons, I love mystery series (ex: Detective Conan, the complete Ace Attorney series, Hardy Boys & Nancy Drew, Sherlock Holmes, etc.), so feel free to draw upon those worlds/ conventions or even create a crossover if that’s helpful! No pressure to go for casefic, though!

VATICAN MIRACLE EXAMINER

Feelings Eventually Requited

Hiraga Josef Kou / Roberto Nicholas
Hiraga Josef Kou & Hiraga Ryouta
Hiraga Jin / Ada

DNWs

Amputation & Permanent loss of body parts (eyes, teeth, limbs)
Gore and Horror beyond canon-typical levels
Hiraga (Kou) or Roberto having any unrequested romantic or consensual sexual experiences/relationships outside of requested pairing(s)
Male omegas that have vaginas instead of penises
Unrequested gender / identity headcanons

Requested Tags

A and B need each other to live but both think the other isn't into them
A demon compels A to reveal pining to B who is also secretly pining
A demon tries to use characters' mutual pining against them
Bad Guys Force Mutual-Noncon Between Pining Character and Crush
Character A fears revealing feelings for Character B due to laws/rules
Character A pines for Character B guiltily because B has taken a vow of chastity
Character A pines while Character B Thinks They're Already Dating
Character A thinks B rejected advances
Character A tries to convince themself that a platonic relationship is enough
Character A who is gay pines for B who he assumes to be straight
Codependency - Exacerbated by Pining
Conversations with double meanings due to pining
courting by pining character misunderstood due to cultural differences
Cover story complicates hidden feelings
Fake Marriage Becomes Real Between Mutually Pining Characters
Mutual Pining - One pines respectfully from afar while the Other is desperate to be ravished
Pining character meets the parent/s of the one they're pining for
Pining for someone who has zero self-preservation and constantly risks their life
Rescue Mission while Pining
They Couldn't Possibly Be Ignorant Of How I Feel So I Assume They Must Not Be Interested

I love this wacky cast of crazy sweethearts from the bottom of my heart. I enjoy reading about them in all settings — from solving crazy mysteries to (rare) quiet, domestic settings. Of course, feel free to throw in some canon-typical horror / violence / insanity :D I wouldn’t mind some darker fic (along the lines of non-con, injury, death) or some emotional breakdowns and tears. If offscreen, I can deal with canon-typical levels of (body) horror. On the other end, I also love domestic fluff for the whole Hiraga (+ Roberto) family! Hurt / comfort is very suitable to this canon, as is any degree of angst. I also enjoy AUs, whether they be canon divergence only or things like Soulmate AU / Omegaverse. In other words, anything goes!

I enjoy how this series is intellectually stimulating (I'm a huge mystery fan!), while balancing out domestic fluff, existential angst, and whump. I came for the religious aesthetic, promises of early music, and the two male leads whom I thought might be ship-worthy. I stayed despite the horror tag because of the promise of something more to Hiraga & Roberto’s relationship, even if it turned into a decade-long slow burn. Roberto’s arc (the Sofuma trip) is probably my most favourite arc ever, and I knew from the moment it wrapped up that this fandom would become a lifelong obsession. Aside from the two protagonists, my next-favourite character is Hiraga Jin (Hiraga’s father).

P.S.: I’m both an anime watcher and a novel reader, so any canon/characters are fine by me! I’ve read most of the novels, and so I would be delighted to see anyone from the extensive cast.

Hiraga / Roberto

(Both pining)

I adore how the Hiraga - Roberto pair interacts, how codependent their dynamic is and how much they care for one another. Pining and miscommunication is par for the course with them, despite being literal super geniuses. I’m very into the contrast between the two: Hiraga’s innocence and naivety versus Roberto’s maturity and jadedness, the size difference and contrasting specialties, their colour schemes, and more. Go wild with anything - crazy cases, danger at the Vatican, relaxing days off, breaking vows…

I love how Roberto is such a mess (said with affection). He’s book smart and super capable all around - a true Renaissance man - but he somehow turns into an absolute idiot when it comes to his own safety and just everything Hiraga. He might as well walk around wearing a giant sign saying “Hiraga is my biggest weakness. I would break my vows and die for him” in flashing neon lights (though he wouldn’t because what a terrible aesthetic that would be). Hiraga would also not survive without him, since he basically runs Hiraga’s domestic life. I enjoy how he cooks as stress relief and relentlessly chases after knowledge. I’m smitten with his self-destructiveness and self-hatred. Roberto whump scenes will never not be my favourite.

Hiraga is also a genius mess, without the same deep self-hatred. It’s inspiring to me how he always thinks the best of people and has love for quite literally everything. His faith is beautiful, and his admission that he would cast it aside if Ryouta died is also very telling. I suspect he is somewhere on the spectrum, as many geniuses are. Watching him hyperfixate and constantly fail to read the mood is always fun (sorry, Hiraga). Though his character has developed from how he was described in the first book, I’ll always be attached to the portrayal of him as constantly anxious and worrying about doing mundane things correctly. While being an absolute domestic mess, he would do anything for Roberto. His multiple attempts at proposals (matching brain scans, renovating his house for Roberto, searching for new recipes to try) are hilarious and make me feel a little bad for him sometimes. I adore how clueless and protective he is at times. If he ever lost Roberto, I’m certain he would fall deep into a dark pit of despair…

In terms of their ship dynamics, I'm fond of seeing their canon-typical interactions taken to the next level. Having Roberto in a caretaker/service sub-type role is always fun, and so are Hiraga's clumsy attempts to do something nice for Roberto (especially when Roberto is healed by his mere presence)! I enjoy explorations of tension wherein they're hovering on the verge of something deeper, and would absolutely love to see them break their vows outright and go for it. Also, the aftermath of said happenings is incredibly juicy, no matter where you take it!

My favourite canonical shippy moments include: the mouth-to-mouth when Hiraga feeds an unconscious Roberto water; The Suckening Scene & Roberto’s awakening; “I’ve come to love you more and more!”; anytime Roberto saves Hiraga, particularly when he’s using his body like a meat shield; when Roberto tells Hiraga that “you’re my life’s treasure”; Roberto’s many Hiraga hallucinations; Hiraga falling apart when Roberto gets kidnapped and crying; casually giving Hiraga a piggyback or carrying him on his shoulders COMPLETELY NATURALLY IN FRONT OF OTHER PEOPLE; every single cooking scene and exchange of casual touches… There are too many to list them all!

When it comes to explicit content — If you’re up for writing penetrative sex (for these Catholic priests, I know), I lean heavily towards preferring bottom!Roberto, but have no objections about switching/reversible if that floats your boat! I have a slight obsession with seeing Roberto cry during intimacy. I’m also very into the ‘super-handsome-intelligent-attractive-brilliant-Roberto-is-a-virgin-gasp!-no-way’ thing. For this exchange, I'd prefer for them to be each other's firsts, without any prior romantic or consensual sexual experience. Having past non-con is totally fine, however (e.g. abuse by clergy members in childhood).

I'd be happy with anything from flustered adorable first-times & get-together sex to they-don't-communicate-ever crazy guilty sex! I am a HUGE fan of mutual non-con and would absolutely adore something or someone made them do it.

Optional Prompts

Hiraga is furious with Roberto over yet another act of self-sacrifice > leads to a(n accidental?) confession :D
Also, Hiraga taking care of Roberto post-whump > also leads to a(n accidental?) confession :D
How Hiraga finally gets it into Roberto’s thick skull that he loves him
A traumatised Roberto goes mute again, and Hiraga must pull him out of it
Meeting family members, and/or other people from their pasts. I’d be interested to see how they’ve changed since meeting each other. Does anyone let slip a "I've never seen them so head-over-heels before!"?
Roberto meets his beloved Hiraga’s only living parent! Do they get along? What do they think about one another? I can see them as being quite similar — In the Germany novel, Jin seems to have a knack for telling stories — and I wonder how they’d bond over the Hiraga children. Does Jin talk one of these two into confessing?
Any type of grand scheme that these two can find themselves caught up in. Perhaps it's Vatican politics? Or Julia's devastating plot to enlist them as Galdoune's servants. What if someone wanted to abduct Ryouta, or take Lauren, or even Jin, in order to manipulate Hiraga...?
Undercover on a case where they're forced to fake a relationship. Much pining ensues...
General misunderstandings about the state of their relationship: does one of them think they're dating? Or, thinks that they've already been rejected? (I can see this going either way)
If anyone were to continue pining once they were already in a relationship because of some misunderstanding or another, it would be these two... (sigh)
Getting 'walked in' on in a compromising situation by any cast member (Ryouta, Jin, Bill & Elizabeth, Archbishop Saul, Lauren, Dr. Singh...) once the pining is at last resolved
Service sub Roberto, with or without a praise kink. Maybe with some D/S undertones too... of course, while he's still (he thinks) one-sidedly pining (eye roll...)
Hiraga turns to BDSM to help Roberto cope with trauma & stop acting self-destructively > AGAIN, which leads to a(n accidental?) confession :D
↳ OR (pining) Hiraga uses sex as a tool to keep depressed (and pining)!Roberto content and alive
Consummating their relationship whilst in the middle of an investigation
Mutual non-con where they're forced to break their vows. I.e., bad guys made them do it, actually enabling them. Or, they vastly misinterpreted the situation. With a side of religious guilt! And possibly threats of medical experimentation. Becaause, of course, this is how bad it has to get before someone feels it's time to confess.
An exorcism goes wrong, and a demon exploits their hidden feelings.
Resolution of pining leads to getting together and holding their wedding night at last. Or any excuse for consummating their relationship.
Pregnant Roberto!! (This could be a miracle, omegaverse, again, any excuse really.)
Galdoune (or another enemy) finally succeeds in bringing about Roberto's undoing. Maybe through suicide, maybe through an "accident" or outright murder. As a last resort, Hiraga tries to resurrect his corpse with sex. Whether he succeeds or not is up to you.

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Hiraga Brothers (Kou & Ryouta)

(Ryouta pining)

Poor Ryouta, who must have felt left behind by his one and only big brother once Kou went off to the Vatican, and he was stuck at the Baden Hospital all by his lonesome :( Does he spend his days thinking of, and writing to, his brother? Planning what he'll say during their phone calls? Are there any deeper feelings lurking underneath the surface? How does he feel when he is reunited with his nii-san at last, only for Roberto to come along too?

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Hiraga Jin & Ada (the Hiraga parents)

(Jin pining)

I’m obsessed with thinking about the Hiraga parents — how they got together after meeting at the homeless charity, how they juggled Jin’s travels for work with Ada’s busy teaching schedule, their move to Germany and subsequent managing of Ada’s illness, health expenses and death, and so on. I spend way too much time dwelling on bereaved Jin and how much he must miss his wife, as well as how he must always be thinking about her wisdom & praying to her for advice. They have so much storytelling potential: raising their kids and dealing with their international families — especially handling gifted!Kou, what it is that's so special about the two of them that they produced incredibly precocious children, etc. Kou and Ryouta are so exceptional that Ada and Jin must have had their fair share of their own adventures back in the day, don't you think!?

I'm super interested in how they got together in the first place. How did they meet? Was there any courting involved? Who was the first one to confess, and how badly was Jin pining in the meantime? Did Jin have to return to Germany at some point, and was that the catalyst for a confession or proposal? What about the pining going on whilst they were separated by an entire ocean?