2021 is a wrap, but it won’t feel complete until we share some of our favourite fics of the year. Here’s our 2020 roundup, and check out our random recs and staff faves tags for more of what we love. We are happy to serve from our little corner of the fandom and wish you all a safe, healthy, and happy 2022. - AFTG Fic Rec Fam
wingpeople by likearecord [Rated T, 11313 Words, Complete, 2021]
I mean, what else could Nicky have done when he spotted Andrew smiling at the hot guy making his coffee?
Not meddle?
Not get all the Foxes on board?
It’s like you don’t even know him.
FUN FACTS: Uh. By our quasi-scientific research, this little number is the FANDOM FIC OF THE YEAR. It has the most kudos of any 2021 AFTG fic on AO3, and its random rec is our most liked post to date.
finders keepers by moonix [Rated M, 40906 Words, Complete, 2021]
Andrew meets Nathaniel through a scavenger hunt app. As their team takes part in a hunt that sends each of them to creepy, abandoned places alone to solve clues and gain points, Andrew and Nathaniel begin a little treasure hunt of their own…
tw: body image issues
FUN FACTS: YOU GUYS. It’s sort of a confirmed rumour that moonix is reworking this into an original novel! Novella. Nutella?? Anyway, please read this secret identity puzzler with all the pride of knowing it sprouted in our fandom.
Shut Up and Dance (With Me) by OfficialStarsandGutters [Rated E, 168160 Words, Complete, 2021]
….Andrew Minyard dances alone. Everyone knows this. Until a wide eyed, desperate rabbit of a boy stumbles into his path, and he breaks his self imposed rule.
tw: graphic depictions of violence, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: torture, tw: suicidal thoughts, tw: implied/referenced self harm, tw: anxiety, tw: depression, tw: panic attacks, tw: implied/referenced drug abuse, tw: explicit sexual content, tw: implied/referenced eating disorder, tw: vomit, tw: graphic injuries, tw: non-consensual drug use
FUN FACTS: While you’re burrowed under the covers squinting to finish one more chapter, remember this was meant to be a one-shot! The dancing is fun and the andreil is delicious, but wow. The interpersonal relationships between the twins—and dare we say kevaaron—are GRIPPING.
Was Sorta Hopin’ That You’d Stay by JayJFox [Rated M, 25740 Words, Complete, 2021]
Neil and Andrew have HATED each other since an incident in college. They really, really do. The Minyard-Josten rivalry is not a sham.
But now Andrew’s transferring to Neil’s team and all hell is about to break loose.
tw: alcohol, tw: implied/referenced self harm, tw: explicit sexual content
FUN FACTS: An enemies-to-lovers story with so much pranking and chest heaving PINING you have to wonder how they have time to play exy! It’s now part of a series with a kissing-filled-sequel-prequel, ‘Before I Hated You.’
12 Ways to Woo a Minyard by NikNak22 [Rated M, 69292 Words, Complete, 2021]
Neil is a math nerd who, by a stroke of dumb luck, falls into a group of friends that are the closest thing to family he’s ever had. So, when he tells them about his new mysterious crush, he shouldn’t be surprised how immediately they come up with a plan to help win them over…
FUN FACTS: This fic is just pure delight. You can tell Neil has caught Andrew’s attention but poor Neil doesn’t know, and the Foxes are at their meddling (and betting) best.
never said that i didn’t need you by incogneat_oh [Rated T, 10458 Words, Complete, 2021]
Aaron and Andrew spend an evening hanging out in the emergency department.
tw: implied/referenced abuse
FUN FACTS: Do not pass go, do not collect $200—you don’t need it, AO3 is free! But do make haste to read this excellent take on some grudging twinyards healing post canon.
that’s just something people say by nanatsuyu [Rated T, 119396 Words, Complete, AFTG Big Bang 2021]
Neil makes the mistake of stealing the wrong car. Andrew makes the mistake of offering a ride to a liar. They both make the mistake of turning the whole affair into a road trip ‘home.’
tw: violence, tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: panic attacks, tw: alcohol, tw: drugs, tw: implied/referenced torture
NB: companion art by @starcrossedfates here
FUN FACTS: This meet ugly turned andreil road trip is jam packed with character development and memorable moments. As time passes and truths are traded, Andrew is a goner. But can he trust a runner?
Tart by justadreamfox [Rated M, 11473 Words, Complete, AFTG Summer Exchange 2021]
In which Neil likes someone, Andrew makes an assumption, and Kevin is a really good friend.
FUN FACTS: The gang vacations in Uncle Stuart’s beach house with all the sand, sun, fruity drinks, and kissing you could hope for. Andrew just met Neil, but he’s already possessive and jealous of his touch and cuddle friendship with Kevin. We are so down for this.
The Massive Continuity of Ducks by fuzzballsheltiepants [Rated T, 12280 Words, Complete, AFTG Exchange Fall 2021]
Andrew Minyard had it all planned out. He’d drive home to New Hampshire for fall break, stopping to check out some law schools along the way and having his existential crisis in private. Except somehow Neil Josten ends up tagging along, and nothing ever goes quite as planned, does it?
tw: panic attacks
FUN FACTS: It was only a missed kiss—how did it end up like this?? So. Much. Pining. + Two. Clueless. Boys. + Ducks. = a fic you never knew you needed.
00:00 (Zero o'Clock) by shadowdreams [Rated G, 44364 Words, Complete, 2021]
Neil and the fail-safe 10-step plan to get the man of your dreams to fall in love with you!
FUN FACTS: It’s like…you start with this very narrow/tiny view of what’s going on and then it spirals outward and gets bigger and better as you go, and the pieces finally fall together in the last chapter with Neil’s pov. Bonus if you’re into it: Neil punches Roland in the face.
Ghost of You by Major_816 [Not Rated (we say T), 26756 Words, Complete, 2021]
After the events of Baltimore, the FBI convinces Nathaniel to join the Witness Protection Program at least until the rest of his father’s people have been arrested or found….AKA - the one where Neil hides.
tw: panic attacks, tw: self harm, tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: implied/referenced torture
FUN FACTS: We found this imagining of Neil entering witsec instead of returning to the Foxes unputdownable. If you can handle angst with a happy ending, this one’s for you.
Before Rainfall by tsauergrass [Rated G, 2417 Words, Complete, 2021]
On his path were traces Neil had left: a dent in the couch, a mug half-full with coffee on the table. They were eleven hours apart and neither of them celebrated Christmas, but still Neil had come.
FUN FACTS: This is just stunning. Yearning for and missing each other from Andrew’s pov. Poetic. Lovely. A gem.
Inked Truths series by Paradoxolotl [Rated T/M/E, 130173 Words, Collection, Updated Sept 2021]
Part 1: Brother of Mine (T, 11884 words)
Aaron should have known something was going on with Andrew when he had agreed to change their deal.
tw: implied/referenced self harm, tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: car accident
Part 2: Ink Stains and Paper Cuts (M, 38089 words)
….A boy with a razor tongue and secrets, Andrew can’t help but find himself interested in the stranger trading truths with him through poorly written letters.
tw: violence, tw: homophobia, tw: implied/referenced csa, tw: dissociation, tw: self harm, tw: scars, tw: implied/referenced underage sex, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: drugs
Part 3: Ink Blotted Memories (E, 62353 words)
(Andrew has) already given up everything for Aaron, so he offers his twin a deal.
Besides, with Abram missing, he really has nothing left to lose.
tw: violence, tw: nightmares, tw: blood & gore, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: implied/referenced csa, tw: child abuse, tw: drug addiction, tw: car accident, tw: minor character death, tw: suicidal thoughts, tw: implied/referenced torture, tw: withdrawal
Part 4: Inked On My Skin (E, 16841 words, incomplete)
…Andrew knows it’s only a matter of time. To gain something, you must always give something up. At the end of his time at PSU, he’ll have gained a piece of paper and lost everything else he once held close.
tw: homophobia, tw: scars, tw: self harm discussion, tw: drugs, tw: drug addiction, tw: alcohol abuse, tw: non-consensual drug use, tw: vomit, tw: withdrawal, tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: implied/referenced suicide, tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: panic attacks, tw: car accident
Part 5: Team Minyard (T, 1006 words)
It’s Andrew’s first game as a professional exy player, and some of his fans tune in to watch.
FUN FACTS: There is so much of canon here presented in slightly divergent ways. The angst and grit, the violence and loss. The protectiveness. The love. If you crave some good canon-verse Andrew pov—LIKE OF MATT’S TRIP TO EDEN’S WITH THE MONSTERS (in part 4)—this is for you.
prove your love by bazookajo94 [Rated T, 6537 Words, Complete, AFTG Exchange Spring 2021]
To boost office morale, Andrew and Aaron’s company puts together a week-long Valentine’s Day event, complete with increasingly embarrassing activities that must be completed as a pair. The winners get two free vacation days.
Andrew picks some random man off the street. Aaron asks his long-time work crush and lunch buddy.
Guess which couple wins.
FUN FACTS: Andrew and whoever that guy is keep winning and are publicly flirting (wait, is that foreplay?) 🤔 Aaron keeps forgetting to be mad about it because his secret crush is so dang adorkable.
!! There has been!!!! So much angst!! Some wholesome twinyard bonding!!!! Some wholesome monsters bonding!!!! Some wholesome upperclassmen and the monsters bonding!!! we all deserve some happy fics!!!
Here’s a bunch of bonding with a side of happiness. - A
friendly foxes here
team bonding here and here
twinyards bonding here
nicky & the twins as adults here
‘AFTG/TFC minifics…matt & nicky’ here
‘wingpeople’ here
‘countless’ here
‘Surreal But Nice’ here
‘Bittersweet & Sugar Free,’ ‘survive the night’ and ‘empty swimming pools’ here
‘Honey I Shrunk the Kids’ here
‘Milkshakes And Mathematics’ and ‘Next to You’ here
‘tit for tat’ here
‘Just Because I Can’ here
‘time might tell’ here
‘ten and a half stories’ here
‘Bonding over Bubble Teas’ here
‘Together Away’ and ‘Never Letting This Go’ here
‘The Dry Cleaner’ here
‘you could give an aspirin the headache of its life’ here
‘learn my soul’ here (completed)
‘Stay Home With Me’ and ‘Happy Birthday’ here
‘Apartment 314’ series here (updated)
andrew has friends <3 series by hyxcinthus [Rated G/T, Collection, Complete, 2021]
Part 1: The New and the Strange [G, 1937 Words]
three times one of the foxes defended andrew and the one time they all defended him
tw: alcohol
Part 2: Still New and Still Strange [T, 2474 Words]
the time andrew minyard defended the foxes back
tw: homophobia, tw: sexual harassment
work in progress by foodforworms [Rated G, 2805 Words, Complete, 2022]
Matt spun after Andrew, who was already a few parking spots closer to the tower. Fuck. “Wait, umm…” Matt tried to put it all together, unsure if this was going to end in his extremely embarrassing demise, or a monumentally surprising success. “I could trade you for it?”
Andrew stopped walking, Matt stopped breathing. He threw a wide-eyed glance towards Neil, sort of pleading, asking for reassurance, but Neil was waiting for Andrew to react, looking far too relaxed for how Matt was feeling.
Andrew slowly turned back around.
“You have my attention.”
nowhere i’d rather be by nightquills [Rated T, 3223 Words, Complete, AFTG Exchange 2021]
Dan takes care of her team as they go to music festival together over the summer.
The Rob Chronicles by demesh [Rated G, Collection, Updated Sept 2021]
Part 1: There's a Fox in Fox Tower! [20318 Words, Complete, 2020]
The Foxes have always prided themselves on exactly that -- being Foxes. But what happens when a different kind of fox invades their midst?
(It finds a home. That's what happens.)
Part 2: A Foxy Incident [14411 Words, Complete, 2021]
Allison picked up the paper and cleared her throat. Even Andrew straightened, paying full attention as she read Neil’s explanation out loud.
“A cult kidnapped me and turned me into a fox for their ritual,” she read. “But I ran away before they could finish it.”
tw: alcohol
Part 3: Andrew's No Good, Very Bad Day [3186 Words, Complete, 2021]
In which Andrew contracts Disaster Disease and is left behind to fox-sit Rob, the team's mascot.
Part 4: The Fox Heart [14276 Words, Incomplete, Updated Sept 2021]
In which the Foxes try their hand at raising a litter of fox pups.
Two Truths and a Lie by buriedinbaltimore [Rated T, 10850 Words, Complete 2021]
Remix of my tumblr bullet fic of the foxes playing two truths and a lie, including the stories behind their truths and the inspirations for their lies.
tw: alcohol
NB: find @buriedinbaltimore’s original hc and more drinking games here
if you can't take the heat… by Ominous [Rated T, 3679 Words, Complete, 2021]
Andrew knows this is partially his own fault as well, but he'll blame Aaron any chance he can get.
Besides, it's only fair.
Andrew can't believe Aaron would agree to a double date with two cute redheads at a spicy noodle restaurant, fully knowing neither of them can handle even a pinch of spice.
count my fingers, not the thumbs by interstellarflowers [Rated G, 5293 Words, Complete, 2021]
Four times Neil learns to be platonically intimate with some of the foxes!! The one time he doesn't have to learn!!
Renee’s Very Soft 24th Birthday by allforthegayz [Rated G, 1764 Words, Complete, 2021]
Renee spends her 24th birthday with her girlfriend and her family.
Meeting the Foxes + 1 ft the Foxes and Co. by Warrior_of_Art3mis [Rated G, 1904 Words, Complete, 2021]
Aaron meeting some of the Foxes +1 special person
Alternatively,
3 times exy connected the Foxes and 1 time an outsider didn’t really need it (but it helped)
tw: recreational drug use
Microsleep by SensationalSunburst [Rated G, 1104 Words, Complete, 2018]
Neil couldn’t believe that Nicky was the one to point it out.
Aaron only slept when Andrew was around.
hochzeit by okayantigone [Rated G, 894 Words, Complete, 2018]
they're in germany for nicky's wedding. somehow, life happened, and they're grownups now. andrew tries not to think too hard about it.
Foxes headcanons by @triquetrine [Tumblr, 2020-21]
aaron’s relationships with the foxes
kevin and matt friendship, fox onesies
foxes being protective of each other
neil’s first friendsgiving
introducing neil and kevin to childhood staples
foxes celebrating aaron
foxes post canon
neil and the foxes part 1 | part 2 | part 3
the foxes + vlogging part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 4 | referenced: being athletes
David 'dad' Wymack things hc by @thespineoftherighteous (Tumblr, 2021)
it's a big joke between the monsters that neil drives like a grandma hc by @jensen57 [Tumblr, 2021]
the foxes play flashlight tag hc by @jensen57 [Tumblr, 2021]
aaron why animation by @mochawlw
the girls celebrating winning art by @daggersau
my CHILDREN art by @feluart
Foxhole Court photo wall project art by @frisslimbim part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 4
the foxes as draw the squad memes art by @obsessing-over-fictionn part 1 | part 2
sweet sweet victory art by @styx-x
thinking about re-reading book art by @oliwiascarlett
Neil gets to be the tallest fox for once art by @oblivionsdream
family means something different to us edit by @terriblymightythings
Little did we know, when we hit upon the idea of choosing Foxes as writers as the theme for a staff rec, how many, many fics we would find. Fanfic authors seem to especially like turning Andrew into a writer, but Neil, Kevin and Jean are also represented here. So there’s plenty to choose from! - Aftg Fic Rec Fam
‘I'm Haunted by You’ here (completed)
‘Foxhaven’ here
‘you mean you forgot cranberries too’ here (completed)
‘Andrew Minyard's Diary’ here
‘The Sparrow’ here
‘Read between the lines’ here
‘You Know I Never Forgot’ here
‘fame and infamy (you're a fairytale to me)’ here
‘blueberry pancakes’ here
‘Apartment 314’ series, part 1-13 here
‘Boy Memorized.’ here
‘red sky at morning’ here
‘When the frost is in bloom’ here
‘Cryptid Serial Killer Witch Man’ here
‘The Foxhole Apothecary’ here
‘always you’ here
‘exycast’ series here
‘Sunflower, Vol. 6’ here
‘lie to me (for i do not wish to live the truth)’ here
‘Disillusion's All You Left For Me’ here
‘Absinthe Makes the Heart Grow Fonder’ here
‘april showers, april snow storms’ here
‘made up of light and shade’ here
‘of ice blue eyes & twisted veins’ here
‘Baby, you're nothing but a pipe dream’ here
‘Spun Sugar Truths’ here
‘We're All Stories In The End’ and ‘Bang Slash Click’ here (completed) - songwriter
‘dating and other disasters’ here - poet
‘Still, There Are Scratches Along This Wall’ here - poet
‘Dear Advice Guy’ here (completed) - advice columnist
‘the passenger’ here - journalist
‘better than nothing’ here - journalist
‘Constrast’ here - journalist
‘Four Roses, Neat’ here - journalist
‘Red Rabbits’ - here - podcaster/journalist
‘Such a fool for sacrifice’ here
‘laws of motion’ here - fanfic writer
‘Tonight (I Wish I Was Your Boy)’ here - fanfic writer
‘Lost in Translation’ here - journalist
‘fear in a handful of dust’ here - journalist
‘all that i’ve been dreaming of’ here - journalist
‘Oops (Didn't Mean It)’ here - journalist
‘Bittersweet Letters’ here
‘A Cabin in the Woods (But Not Like That)’ here
‘Why do we feel alone?’ here (completed)
‘tell me the story (of who i am)’ here
‘per my last email, you're an asshole’ here (updated)
‘Drop In, Drop By’ here
‘Breath of Fresh Air’ here - journalist
Honourable mention goes to ‘Hush, Don't Say a Word’ featuring one Katelyn Mackenzie as a reporter in a supporting role here
A Quiet Little Seedling by Lostintheuniverseslies [Rated E, 108116 words, incomplete, last updated Aug 2024]
Neil had a lot of secrets. He didn’t want much in life except to live quietly, run his botanical store, upload TikToks covering plant care, and for not a single person to find out that he’s the best-selling author N.A.J who published one book anonymously five years prior and disappeared. His life takes a turn when his literary agent tracks him down for a follow-up book with the theme of feeling settled and at peace. Two things Neil is not. Thus begins his journey of planting roots in a town he’s lived in for years, starting with making friends with people who have tried to bring him into their circle. As Neil gets closer to them and his secrets become less guarded, there’s still that one big secret he intends on taking to his grave. But the closer he gets to his friends the closer he unknowingly gets to that secret being revealed.
tw: dissociation, tw: ptsd, tw: implied/referenced torture, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: violence, tw: vomit
If I Knew You by AceSirenSinger [Rated T, 43145 words, complete, 2024]
Neil is imprisoned at sixteen years old for being the Butcher of Baltimore. Andrew obsesses, and Aaron obsesses because Andrew does, and everything goes wrong and raw and painful. Feat. the twinyards breaking each other’s hearts, and a decent amount of shade on the American justice system.
tw: implied/referenced murder, tw: recreational drug use
The Critical Chapter by JuiceGremlin [Rated E, 43460 words, complete, 2024]
Andrew was made to love. Neil was made to be loved. For a handful of weeks, Andrew deludes himself into believing the opposite. AKA Andrew writes self-insert vampire porn and needs his roommate to show him how to fuck tenderly.
tw: explicit sexual content, tw: violence, tw: blood, tw: implied referenced child abuse, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon
growth over old roots by diabolicalandderanged [Rated T, 15541 words, complete, 2024]
andrew is a poet and neil is a painter, both searching for a muse, and an answer they never thought they needed.
Step By Step by Whyreme [Rated M, 6372 words, incomplete, last updated Aug 2024]
Total freedom was still new to Neil Josten, but he was ready to discover every aspect of it one step at a time. Exy coach for his newfound association, he wanted to help kids through the sport he had always been passionate about. Little did he know that the famous criminologist and author obsessed with the Butcher of Baltimore, Andrew Minyard was closer than he thought. Or, Neil is trying to live though his life and is caught by the old foxes.
tw: ptsd, tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: violence
Golden by nightlight9 [Rated T, 17547 words, complete, 2024]
Years after escaping the violence of the Nest and starting a new life in California, Jean is content with his life. Sure the fear lingers around every corner, but at least he has a chance to live for once. Besides, he has Neil and his merry band of misfits, and it is enough. But then a chance encounter with a beautiful stranger and a blossoming friendship make him want to be brave enough to take a chance on happiness even as the shadows of his past threaten what he’s come to hold so dear.
tw: implied/referenced abuse
What Ghost Around, Comes Around by KweenDay [Rated M, 14093 words, incomplete, last updated Aug 2023, locked]
Andrew moves to a new apartment and finds out it's been haunted. By a very snarky, very attractive (to his horror) ghost. Neil, the petty ghost, refuses to accept he's dead and won't leave so Andrew has no choice but try to exorcise him. Except it doesn't work. So maybe Neil really isn't dead? Whatever. Andrew's going to solve the ghost-Neil mystery and get his ass out of his apartment. Preferably without falling in love with the ghost boy.
A lifetime of stories by dyfampox [Rated G, 889 words, complete, 2023]
Andrew is an author and Neil reviews books. People think Neil’s a big fan of Andrew. Andrew does an at-home Zoom interview. Everything is going fine until Neil is seen in the background in Andrew's room
the language we speak by athenachild [Rated T, 22884 words, complete, 2023]
Andrew is a fanfic writer who feels adrift online. But once an internet stranger named Neil messages Andrew about his fics and calls out his vulnerabilities, Neil becomes the perpetual thorn in Andrew’s side. And maybe something more. But Andrew has never been one for romantics.
tw: panic attacks, tw: implied/referenced self harm
Pencil Shavings and Ink Stains by ajminyard03 [Rated T, 12290 words, complete, Aftg Reverse Big Bang 2023]
Andrew Minyard has been coming to the small clearing the woods to write ever since he discovered it. Neil Josten, a freshman during Andrew's sophomore year, discovers the clearing when Andrew isn't there and finds its a great place to write. The two of them slowly get to know one another.
NB: find art for this fic by @goopllmw here
Like Moth to the Flame by camaraderie [Rated M, 21982 words, complete, Aftg Reverse Big Bang 2023]
Andrew didn't make working with him easy. He quickly got bored, annoyed or simply didn't care enough to stick with his editors, making Kevin lose his head over his best home writer's career. No one piqued Andrew's interest; not until a certain redhead contradiction fell into his life, making him alternate between internal crises and horny-gripping every five minutes.
tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon
NB: find art for this fic by @kayzowl embedded in the fic
it’s an autobiography by sircrackers [Rated G, 1890 words, complete, 2023]
In which Neil writes a book, and his favourite BookTuber Andrew Minyard posts a review of it. --- Based on a Tumblr headcanon by kitausu.
Character Development by JostenlovesMinyard [Rated T, 2197 words, complete, Aftg Exchange Winter 2022]
Andrew is a bestselling author living with his YouTuber roommate Neil. When Neil suggests they begin fake dating in order to get prying fans off their backs, Andrew discovers how he really feels about Neil and their arrangement.
I Haven't Seen You (since that summer) by attfna [Rated M, 19094 words, incomplete, last updated 2022]
Andrew thinks he's finally met his match in the form of a snarky redhead that works at the shitty diner on the outskirts of his college town - until the day Neil disappears and Andrew is left to pick up the pieces of a life he'd barely had a chance to imagine. Ten years later he comes across a familiar stranger in small swiss town. Can they pick up where they left off? Or has too much time....too much distance come between them?
tw: implied/referenced torture, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon
Friendly Neighborhood Poltergeist by AL_fiction [Rated T, 2397 words, complete, 2022]
Neil Josten was in love and only wanted to be noticed, unfortunately for him he was dead and the ghost stuck haunting the Wesninski mansion. On the other hand, Andrew was very much living and just wanted to write a good story. Maybe Andrew will open his eyes and just see the biggest story was in front of him the whole time.
tw: major character death, tw: torture
Fuck Riko: The Musical by justwhatialwayswanted [Rated T, 7650 words, complete, 2022]
"Okay, but we still need a show," Dan says. "A very cheap one." "Andrew," Aaron says. "No," Andrew says. "You didn't even wait for me to ask my question." "I know what you're going to ask, and it's a stupid idea." Neil looks back and forth between them and says, "But it would make Riko so mad. You could write him out of the show." "Fuck." Andrew sighs. "I don't know anything about music." "I do," Jean says, so quietly that for a second Kevin thinks he's imagined it. "Just to be totally clear," Nicky says. "Are we talking about Andrew and Jean writing us a musical?" * or: What happens if you piss off every other theater kid in your very insular theater kid friend group? If you're Riko Moriyama, they write and perform an entire musical as revenge.
How to Write a Love Story by tomat0head [Rated T, 6362 words, complete, 2022]
Romance novelist Andrew Minyard is stuck with writer’s block, definitely not because he’s stuck on his longtime best friend and roommate, Neil Josten. Determined to fix both his issues, Andrew decides to find a man to fake date. Idiocy ensues.
Escapism by jingerhead [Rated T, 3026 words, complete, 2021, Aftg Collaboration]
Neil writes fanfiction to live in a better reality than the one he's currently in. He finds a comment on one of his works that intrigues him.
Points of Contact by Paradoxolotl [Rated T, 1183 words, complete, 2021, Aftg Collaboration]
Andrew finds an author who writes fanfiction about him. He doesn't hate it.
until you stood before me by saturnwaves [Rated M, 13295 words, complete, 2022, locked]
Jean is supposed to be finished with the first draft of his second novel by now but he hasn't even typed a single word. Hoping to strike inspiration, he books a vacation to the Italian coast. There he meets Jeremy Knox, a man that smiles like the sun, and somehow knows his former college roommate Kevin Day, and he gets swept into a 'vacation friend' plot by that very same man. Can Jeremy's easy smile, bright laugh, and the rush of love with an expiration date be enough to inspire Jean to finally write? Maybe he didn't need a vacation to inspire him … maybe he just needed a person.
intonate by racingshadows [Rated T, 2569 words, complete, 2020]
“I was wondering…” Neil stopped, but continued as he tried to clear his mind, “... if Bee ever asked you to write.” “Write.” Andrew repeated. “Yes, keeping a diary, maybe? Or just, you know, write a short story or something.” (or: Neil wanted to know if Andrew had ever written something. He meant a journal or something Andrew could pour his words onto, Neil didn’t expect a whole novel written by Andrew.)
Right in Front of You by alex_wh0 [Rated G, 726 words, complete, 2019]
Bookstore AU where Andrew is a writer and also owns a bookstore. What happens when Neil wanders in one night?
for the first time by injo [Rated G, 3764 words, complete, 2018]
Andrew wielded his words like he wielded his knives: cutting, blithe, honed to a sharp point that cut through the bullshit of his thoughts to leave only spidery letters on a page. He wrote stories about fast cars and cruel men, hollow eyed youth and the sting of alcohol down your throat on a perfect winter’s day. **** An AU where Andrew is a writer and Neil is his editor.
a brief primer for the end by animediac [Rated G, 21425 words, complete, 2022]
The guy sitting across from Neil in the diner, surrounded by star-charts and maps, looks like someone’s just told him the world’s ending. Well. It is. But that’s not really the point. At the end of the world, Neil Josten ends up chasing a meteor.
tw: implied/referenced abuse
The straight men's attraction to Ryan Reynolds by queenofseventeen [Rated G, 3056 words, complete, Aftg Exchange 2022]
Andrew is a journalist looking for the son of the butcher. Aaron doubts he can do it. When the guy he saw in the mall turns out to be that son Andrew needs to convince him for an interview.
first date with a writer's block by oisforoblivion [Not Rated, 871 words, complete, 2020]
Andrew might just scream if he thinks more about that boy.
So I've been meaning to start a german diary for a while now and I did it today after seeing this post (which is, funnily enough, a screenshot of a Tumblr post, which I couldn't find).
Andrew awoke to Neil moving restlessly where he lay next to Andrew in their shared bed.
“Andrew,” Neil whispered, pressing the side of his knee against Andrew’s back as he moved himself to sit up. Andrew made a noise to indicate to Neil that he was awake before pushing himself to sit up from where he lay beside Neil.
he caught a glimpse of Kevin's alarm clock from across the room. the bright green numbers showed it was just a few minutes after two.
“drive me to the court,” he whispered.
Andrew got up without a word. he grabbed his phone from their bedside table and opened the door of their bedroom slowly as to not wake up Kevin or Robin.
Neil came out of the room a few moments later, his socked feet making a barely-there rustling against the carpet. Andrew watched as he grabbed his shoes next to the front door and slipped them on.
----
Andrew always felt odd when arriving at the court at night with the lights off. something about the lack of fox paws and neon orange just didn't sit right.
as soon as Andrew put the car in park, Neil opened the passenger's side door and walked straight for the door to put the password in. Andrew stayed where he sat, letting the bright lights slowly dim until everything was dark again. he folded his arms across the top of the steering wheel and rested his head on top of his arms.
he was exhausted. he knew Neil was too. Neil couldn't stay still, which in turn meant that Andrew couldn't fall asleep. Neil was getting better at hiding when he was having hard days, but Andrew wasn't at the point to be able to read through his tells. he was still restless though.
the lights from the court suddenly turned on, plunging Andrew out of the darkness. he decided that now was probably a good time to follow Neil into the lounge. he unfolded his arms from on top of the steering wheel and unlocked his car door before locking up the car and walking in after Neil.
when he walked into the lounge he found Neil in the process of changing. the clothes he came in were in a pile on the floor beside him, and he was standing by his locker in clean white gym shorts. he started to pull some padding out from his locker. light padding, Andrew noted.
"don't hurt yourself," Andrew said as he walked further into the large room. Neil looked up at him in an expression Andrew couldn't describe. he just looked so frail in the quick moment, so tired.
"yes or no?" Andrew asked. Neil hesitated for a moment. he reluctantly nodded. that wasn't good enough for Andrew. "just a hug." he added.
Neil walked closer to Andrew, and Andrew met him a few steps later. he wrapped his arms around Neil, letting him slump into his chest. he ran his fingers over Neil's bareback, tracing the line of his spine and the scars on his back. he felt Neil let out a deep breath and his body finally started to relax.
"i need to run," he whispered.
"will you stay in the court?" Andrew asked. he knew Neil would. he wouldn't have asked Andrew to take him out here if he didn't intend to stay.
Neil nodded against his chest. Andrew loosened his arms to let Neil continue to get ready.
Neil looked at the padding he pulled out for a moment before neatly putting it back in his locker.
at least he knows not to push himself right now. that's good.
once Neil finished putting everything on, Andrew followed him out the doors and into the court. Neil looked back at him with mock annoyance.
"i don't need a babysitter," he stated when Andrew gave him an odd look.
"from my experience with you, you sure as hell do," Andrew responded. "get running, Josten. i have class tomorrow."
Neil looked back at him before he started his first lap with a slow jog, eventually building up to a full-speed sprint around the court.
Andrew would never tell anyone, but watching Neil run makes something in his chest stutter. he pinned it down to how focused Neil is. something about his stupid face when he's focused.
he supposes there's always something about his stupid face.
----
Neil ran for as long as he physically could before going back into the lounge, stripping off his gear, and taking the fastest shower of his life. he was far more relaxed when he emerged from the shower a few minutes later, his wet hair dripping onto a clean hoodie that he stole from Andrew. Andrew guessed it was because of how exhausted he was.
"let's go back," Andrew said. "you look like you're about to fall asleep."
Neil smiled at Andrew. "carry me."
"you have two legs. you can walk."
Neil rolled his eyes before reaching his hand out to Andrew. Andrew put his hand in Neil's and walked them out of the lounge and into the parking lot. he opened the passenger's door and waited for Neil to fully get in and close the door before walking around the back of his car to the driver's door. he started the car, getting a half-awake hum in return from Neil.
Neil was asleep by the time they reached Fox Tower. Andrew sighed as he opened his door and saw Neil's still sleeping face. he closed his door and went over to Neil's side before tapping on his window to ensure he was awake and opening the door himself. he reached over Neil and undid his seatbelt and took his hand to urge him to his feet. Neil grunted as he stood and leaned into Andrew's side.
"get inside before you fall asleep again," he said. "i'm not carrying you in."
Reblog to have something lgbt happen to you this summer
You know who could stop homophobia? Kokomi teruhashi.
Imagine she casually mentions that she thinks gay people are ok. If the most perfect girl in the world isnt homophobic then no one should be. all of a sudden the kokomins are gay rights activists gay marriage is legal everywhere and homophobia is a thing of the past. It could happen
001 was right. Every day we wake up, eat, work, get queerbaited, die
It do be like that
suddenly found myself attracted to shawn spencer and am cursing myself. i can only assume this is the exact same regretful process that every single character on psych went through.
Not a huge poster in any kind of way, but psych just made me write smth. This show is so funny, that it's impossible not to tell about it. Also, just found out the new movies are still being made so this will be another one of my life long obsessions. Which currently include: teen wolf, HP (fuck rowling), Percy Jackson, skam (just been in the mood for rewatching cause I'm gonna study abroad??? and in Norway, so... yeah) and now psych
So, maybe I even come back to writing fanfiction just because I fucking can? And I love me an ADHD bisexual main character that is Holmes variant
Fuck, forgot tma and aftg
How could I???
Just shows that to remember all your obsessions one must at least check your feed....