#aaron and neil are enemies to friends to enemies

[wickedwitchofthewesninski]

Neil: Who wants to make fifty bucks?

Aaron: How?

Neil: I need someone to take the fall.

Aaron: What did you do?

Neil: I can't tell you. Yes or no, no questions asked.

Nicky, from the other room: Oh my god.

Aaron: ...

Nicky: OH MY GOD!

Aaron: Make it a hundred.

Neil: Deal.

[jeanvaljeancheri]

Here are some recs with the secret relationship trope! Most of them are andreil but the last one is jerejean :) i organized them by word count to make it easier.

The Enemy of My Friend is My Super Enemy 2k

Grace stands in solidarity with her teammate and friend Andrew Minyard.

Therefore, she hates that asshole Neil Josten.

don’t hate the player, hate the game 2k

Allison smirks suddenly. “At least I got an up close view of that ass.”

“Not a total loss then.” Nicky grins at her and they fist bump.

Kevin just sits there watching them, silently judging them and siping his vodka.

(neil is a hot stranger at the bar. people try and get with him. kevin drinks copious amounts of alcohol.)

Raven's Nest Burning 2k

While Andrew and the Foxes were in the stadium parking lot, next to the team bus, waiting for Wymack to appear, Evermore's East Tower exploded.

Pointless 3k

The Foxes have only ever known him as the vicious, vindictive Monster he’s portrayed himself as. Now, he’s a mystery no one knows how to solve; hard and violent for strangers, soft and gentle for this boy with the sharp smile.

5 times the Foxes accidentally spied on Andrew and his secret boyfriend and the 1 time they actually get to meet him.

Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day 4k

Neil has one of the worst days and Andrew is able to make it a little bit better.

Welcome to my Professor Neil and Professional Exy Player Andrew world! This is probably going to be a series where I explore more of this little AU that I love dearly!

i'll keep you 4k

Aaron asked, “What’s your deal? What’s going on?”

Andrew had no choice. He stood up, walked to the bowl of freshly cut melon surrounded by pools of watermelon juice and an assortment of black seeds, and plucked a piece of the fruit. It was dark red and glistening and sweet on his tongue.

It tasted like ash. Like a dirty little secret. Like a mistake.

The Bet 5k

“I bet the monster will come alone again this year,” he says, his voice scratchy like the sound of a blender in the early hours of the morning.

“I’ll take that bet,” Aaron says, face a blank slate, anger cooling behind his eyes.

“Five hundred bucks,” Seth replies, eyes sparkling in amusement. He’s got the face of someone who thinks they’ve won.

“A thousand,” Aaron counters. Andrew’s eyebrow twitches up imperceptibly, a feeling like a laugh bubbling up his throat.

(In which Neil and Andrew are secretly married.)

it's disillusion, and confusion (this illusion of me) 5k

“Okay, kid. You can fend for yourself I’m sure, but you won’t be able to beat the guy whose car this is. He’s dangerous.” Ignoring the way Neil snorted, Matt barreled on. “Like, really dangerous.” He trailed off; Neil looked as though he was torn between amusement and anger.

or; 5 times the foxes were confused over neil and andrew's relationship and the 1 time andrew made it clear

 Not-So-Secret Someone 6k

Eight times the Foxes discover that Andrew is seeing someone and one time they meet Andrew’s elusive partner

about u 9k

Neil and Andrew have been friends since they were kids. Recently though, those feelings had turned into more. While they try to keep their relationship secret because they’re scared of their families’ reactions, they go on a family beach vacation. Chaos ensues.

Brother of Mine 12k

'Aaron should have known something was going on with Andrew when he had agreed to change their deal.

Thoughts of Katelyn, of not having to hide her anymore, took up all the space in Aaron’s mind and he never wondered why Andrew would have relented so easily.

Looking back, it should have been obvious what was going on.'

OR: 5 times Aaron should have realized Andrew had somebody, and the one time he met him.

Odd Eye 16k

Andrew spends most of his childhood thinking he is a psychopath. He is not. Andrew is, and always will be, just Andrew.

That Isn't Nothing 38k

A look into the lives of pro exy players Andrew Minyard and Neil Josten. The world says they hate each other, but when Andrew gets transferred to Neil's team, their teammates begin seeing something else between them.

Sixteen hours 120k

started out with a kiss, how did it end up like this (affectionate)

Jean and Jeremy secretly start dating in their final year at USC.

In my top three favourite jerejean fics of all time!

[aftgficrec]

Do you have anything for settings outside of cannon?? Like au's or completely different universes

(Preferably neil centered but not exactly a necessity)

Ahhh there are many amazing AUs in our fandom, and of course a high percentage star Neil Josten. Generally, canon themes are still woven throughout the stories. Also check out AUs on our tags page where you can explore by theme. -A

a small sampling of AU themes:

single parent aus here

more band aus here

sitcom/romcom vibes here

long no exy aus here

new Hogwarts aus here

staff recs Mermay here

florist/tattoo artist andreil here

andreil enemies to lovers here

some Neil-centric AUs:

famous Neil (no exy) here

Neil as barista/waiter/bartender here

Neil with wings and lots of magic here

Oblivious ace-disaster Neil here

quirky Neil like ‘WUTBF’/‘Quicksand’ here

fics like ‘A Different Matter’ here

‘Neil’s Guide to Stalking Your Neighbor’ here

‘Dear Advice Guy’ here (complete)

‘The bittersweet between my teeth’ here

‘Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger’ here

‘Point Nemo’ here

‘still’ here

‘12 Ways to Woo a Minyard’ and ‘Deadly Affections’ here

Perennial by notyouranswer [Rated T, 11373 Words, Complete, 2023]

Neil downloaded a dating app (at Matt's insistence) to make some friends, but accidentally rejected a stranger right in front of him. Mild chaos ensues leading to conversations over coffee and a walk in the park.

tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: bullying

Into The Deep by Fortheloveofexy [Rated E, 21435 Words, Incomplete, Updated June 2023, Locked]

Part 1 of Tales From Foxhole Aquarium 

Neil Josten stares at the large building in front of him, his mouth twisted into a small frown. Yesterday, Browning had handed him a manila folder containing his new name, his new life. Included in that file had been a note, the same slightly crumpled note he’s holding in his hand now, with the name of his new employer. Foxhole Aquarium. Ask for David Wymack.

tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: implied/referenced self harm, tw: implied/referenced torture, tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: animal abuse, tw: implied/referenced character death, tw: blood, tw: panic attacks

NB: fic art of merAndrew by @fortheloveofexy

Only Fools Fall. by Random2002 [Rated T, 19789 Words, Incomplete, Updated Feb 2023]

Neil tests how faithful his clients partners are. Roland is a client; he's worried about his boyfriend. It isn't long until Neil notices some serious rifts in the relationship he is meant to test.

tw: child abuse

White Hands by doodlingstuff [Rated T, 23308 Words, Complete, May 2023]

Neil's life isn't exactly a life except for Stuart, trying to cheer him up, and his paintings, whenever he's inspired. Andrew's life isn't exactly a life except for his family and his volunteering work, keeping him afloat as the time goes by. When Andrew stumbles into Neil's life unwillingly, both will learn one day at a time that they still have reasons to fight and dreams to fulfill. --- Another take on Artist!Neil and Bartender!Andrew full of soft and fluff.

tw: implied/referenced csa, tw: heavily referenced abuse, tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: implied/referenced self harm 

If Neil, Then Fox by AlrightDarlin (WhoopsOK) [Rated T, 12838 Words, Complete, 2023, Locked]

Neil Josten’s machine warns him Aaron Minyard needs his help, but Neil isn’t prepared for the way Andrew Minyard is about to turn his life upside down.

tw: murder, tw: canonical character death, tw: implied character death, tw: drug use, tw: violence

Professor Neil series by HalfpintPeach [Rated G/T, Collection with 2 complete works, updated Feb 2023]

Part 1: Necessary Losses [T, 9783 Words, Complete, 2023] Neil's grad students invite their Exy-obsessed professor out to one of the most anticipated matches of the Exy Season, the Dallas Palms vs the Denver Yellowjackets. Neil is excited to join to watch his husband and one of his best friends battle it out on the Exy court.

Part 2: Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day [G, 3640 Words, Complete, 2022] Neil has one of the worst days and Andrew is able to make it a little bit better. Welcome to my Professor Neil and Professional Exy Player Andrew world! 

I'll be a Brand New Day by especiallythezefronposter [Rated T, 15519 Words, Complete, 2017]

Neil meets a man who looks a lot like his least favorite teammate, Aaron Minyard, and it ends up changing his life. (A Winter Soldier AU, because this fandom deserves a Winter Soldier AU)

tw: self harm, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: gun violence, tw: blood, tw: murder, tw: nightmares

Unlucky Lies by Winterlynne_Norvic [Not Rated, 26365 Words. Complete, 2019]

Neil hates being a demon. Andrew hates Neil. Their lives are hell, but maybe with each other it doesn't have to be.

tw: graphic depictions of violence, tw: temporary major character death, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: demonic possession, tw: bullying, tw: assault, tw: attempted rape, tw: blood, tw: murder, tw: car accident, tw: canonical character death, tw: eating disorders

Neighbours series by transjorts [Collection, Rated T, Complete, 2021]

Part 1: Cat Burglar [6393 Words, AFTG Exchange Spring 2021] Neil has settled into his quiet life in Palmetto with a job at Barnes and Noble and a friend called Matt. But someone was breaking into his apartment and stealing his stuffed animals. What kind of fuckery is this?

tw: implied/referenced child abuse 

Part 2: Foxes and Fruitcake [12819 Words] Neil dives deep into Minyard-Hemmick family drama, plays exy and eats fruitcake.

tw: involuntary outing 

You're different than the others by Kml19 [Rated M, 21024 Words, Complete, 2017]

Neil works for the Moriyamas from inside the prisons as a guard, he doesn't think much about his own life, he is just glad that he is alive. That is until he meets a new prisoner that may change how he sees things.

tw: graphic depictions of violence, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: implied/referenced murder, tw: assault

NB: inspired by @requiemofkings’ artwork of prison guard Neil and inmate Andrew

Allurement by sundowne [Rated E, 20323 Words, Incomplete, Updated May 2023]

"You think I would use my allurement on you?" "You're not?" - A vampire AU in which Neil needs a new goalie and Andrew needs someone to feed from, so they strike a deal.

tw: blood, tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: implied/referenced torture

Remember! Proplifting is Shoplifting! by Mystrana [Rated T, 3697 Words, Complete, AFTG Summer Exchange 2022]

Neil works at the garden center. He hates his job. Andrew is an amateur gardener who enjoys tormenting garden center employees. Somehow, he makes Neil's job better.

If You Knew What I Know by interstellarflowers [Rated G, 12361 Words, Complete, 2021]

Neil runs a relationship advice column, and Andrew is a skeptic.

Whiskey Sour by maqicien [Not Rated, 6,870 Words, Complete, 2022]

In which Neil is a bartender and Andrew is the crime lord that owns the bar.

tw: graphic depictions of violence, tw: assault, tw: blood/gore, tw: murder

jellyroot and many other causes of catastrophy series by jeanmorexu (papencuts), papencuts [Rated M, Collection with 2 complete works, AFTG Reverse Big Bang 2019]

Part 1: (a comprehensive guide to princes and knights and how not to acquire jellyroot) [10959 Words] Neil is a young prince of Palmetta. When he was just a boy, he was saved by a mysterious kid from a thug. Neil isn't sure who he is, or why he did what he did. That is, until he sees him again and this time, he's going to get some answers.

tw: homophobia, tw: assault

Part 2: united under kingdom, and unto each other [​​2099 Words]

“Can you imagine what this would do the crown? Backwater boxing matches, associating with drunkards, and criminals… These bruises, Andrew, gods… People are going to think I beat you.” “No one is going to think that. It’s almost assumed that you like me to beat you.”

NB: knight and prince art prompt by @requiemofkings

CVS by anxietycorner [Rated G, 38689 Words, Incomplete, Updated May 2023]

Neil had always worked the night shift alone. A co-worker couldn't hurt, right?

tw: graphic depictions of violence, tw: abuse, tw: child abuse, tw: torture, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: ptsd, tw: flashbacks, tw: implied/referenced murder, tw: suicidal thoughts, tw: vomit, tw: alcohol, tw: bullying 

Art

Dirtyhands Neil art by @prince-peachie

spiderman au art by @rainbowd00dles

tattoo artist!neil comic by @jordanshenessy here and here 

the little siren au art by @allfortheslay25, wip 1, pre render

jellyfish Neil au comic by @emry-stars-art, also here

pirate Neil art by @heymrstargazer

winged Neil art by @mistykaru here, here, here, here and here

escaped single father Jean with baby Neil art by @estavs

[kweenkday]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let’s spread the self-love 🤍

Awww. Thank you, lovely!

Here we go. My faves of what I've written so far:

1. To one's surprise: I Will Find You Here Inside The Dark.

There's healing, there's angst, there's softness, Kevin is the best. friend. ever! And Andreil name their kid after Aaron. Okay? Okay.

2. Inked Petals

Amnesia 👏 fics 👏 make 👏 me 👏 weak 👏

(Also KevJean, and they PROTEC BABY NEIL🥺)

3. The Shore We'd Come To Find

Some Kandreil love. One of my unpopular ones but writing it made me feel all the feels, and they write letters to each other! And hide them in public libraries all over Europe! Come on... 😍

4. Was Sorta Hopin' That You'd Stay

Enemies to lovers & neighbor pranks. That's all I'm gonna say.

5. Least Favorite Only Child

Aaron-centric. Another very unpopular one but it's very dear to me. *Some* plot, lots of healing and trauma exploration. Andrew keeps the letter Aaron wrote him in his wallet. 🥺

[emdubyaz]

@felixcosm I’m sorry tumblr deleted my answer when I wanted to add tags idk what happened but here we go again I guess,,,,

Like I said I’m really the wrong person to ask for book recs bc I only ever read fucked up and niche stuff that you definitely need to check the CW for first (and a lot of queer fantasy like these are all queer!)

But sure let me give you a tour through some of my fav book series!!!

The raven cycle/ the dreamer trilogy (4 books + an extra 3 (plus a short story)): CW (bc there are a few) my favourite book series,,, it’s all about vibes and the connection between family, friends, the world and your place in it. Ronan Lynch is my absolute fav character of all time omg there is no one like him!!!! 😭😭😭

some of my fav quotes:

“While I'm gone," Gansey said, pausing, "dream me the world. Something new for every night.”

“If you never saw the stars, candles were enough.”

“They were always walking away from him. But he never seemed able to walk away from them.”

“Trees in your eyes ... Stars in your heart.”

All for the game (4 books as of now but there will be another one): read the CW I’m so serious! this book series is like crack to me,,, Neil is such a little shit and funny main character! The way Andrew and Neil invented consent is revolutionary! Also heartbreaking twin brother relationship that has me on my knees (Aaron you deserve so much better I love you baby boy) also fucked up sport that is connected to the mafia (and so is every second character) last book is from Jean’s and Jeremy’s pov and that’s such a slay too tbh 🙂‍↔️

some book moments I always think about:

“You know, I get it. Being raised as a superstar must be really, really difficult for you. Always a commodity, never a human being, not a single person in your family thinking you’re worth a damn off the court— yeah, sounds rough. Kevin and I talk about your intricate and endless daddy issues all the time. I know it’s not entirely your fault that you are mentally unbalanced and infected with these delusions of grandeur, and I know you’re physically incapable of holding a decent conversation with anyone like every other normal human being can, but I don’t think any of us should have to put up with this much of your bullshit. Pity only gets you so many concessions, and you used yours up about six insults ago. So please, please, just shut the fuck up and leave us alone.”

“Who said 'please' that made you hate the word so much?" Andrew gazed at him in silence for a minute. "I did”

“Yes or no?” "It's always yes with you."

captive prince trilogy (3 books + short stories): CW again a lot of people don’t like the slave themes in the first book but then love the second and third which makes me think that they didn’t understand the story at all. the book with the main characters who’s horny despite all the shit that’s going on, Damen the man that you are!!! ALSO BITCHY BLOND WHO RUNS THE WORLD LAURENT I LOVE YOU SO MUCH (no fr Laurent is out here playing real life chess and Damen just stands by like “whatever you want sweetheart”)

these books are so unserious sometimes:

Laurent could inspire homicidal tendencies simply by breathing.

“Is there anyone at this court who isn't my enemy?" “Not if I can help it," Laurent said.”

Dark Rise trilogy (2 books and the third comes out soon,,,,, hopefully the cliffhanger is killing me): another book with a bitchy blond (James alone is enough reason to read this book) I left work early to continue reading this book and I think that all you need to know about this book! Also Will has never done anything wrong I love him so much!!! Some of the organizations in this frustrated me a lot tho like why are you so stupid????? (They deserved their fate I’m not even sorry)

this book has all the right themes and messages:

“I think what people were is less important than what they are. And what people are is less important than what they could be.”

“My whole life, all anyone's ever wanted was to possess me," said James. "The only one who ever set me free was you.”

“Kindness is never a mistake," said the Elder Steward. "Somewhere in the heart it is always remembered.”

Spell bound (stand alone): this is such a comfort read!!! So cozy! Enby representation around every corner, a door mat that likes to trip people, boy without magic learning how to use magic, emotionally unavailable person turns into a cat and snuggles with the love interest, THE POWER OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP

the starless sea (stand alone): do you love books and reading? Then this is for you! Everything is connected and I mean EVERYTHING. So magical and cool and beautiful written. Had me spinning in circles while I was trying to connect all the dots (I didn’t connect shit)

this book speaks to me personally:

“Not all stories speak to all listeners, but all listeners can find a story that does, somewhere, sometime. In one form or another.”

“But the world is strange and endings are not truly endings no matter how the stars might wish it so.”

“A boy at the beginning of a story has no way of knowing that the story has begun.”

“Having a physical reaction to a lack of book is not unusual.”

“There is no fixing. There is only moving forward in the brokenness.”

I’ll stop here bc I fear I won’t shut up if I don’t. Yeah these are just some of my favs I do have more but I think these are also the ones you see me post about the most!

(sorry again that the other one was deleted, I tried my best to recreate it as best as I could!)

[stabbyfoxandrew]

I know you're a voltron lover ny friend so which fox would be which paladin and why?

okay so i got this ask like as soon as i woke up and i was like HUH bc i forgot about last night :'))

after some consideration, of the monsters:

Kevin would be Shiro, Neil would be Keith, Nicky would be Lance, Andrew would be Hunk, and Aaron would be Pidge. (none of these assignments has anything to do with shipping purposes. like i'm not saying neil and nicky would be klance? i just wanna make that clear?)

Anyhow you can think otherwise, i don't mind! But to me, these just make sense.... I will explain myself below.

long, sort of insane ramble under the cut. you have been warned.

Kevin is the slightly older mentor to Neil (the shiro to neil's keith) who is very traumatized by his time with a Bunch of Evil Shits and has gray hair and had his hand (arm) ruined by the enemy! He learns and grows and tries to make his team the best it can be. He never wants to stop until the ravens (galra) are defeated! He's scared bc he's far from home but he's brave as hell anyway! Braver than he should have to be, he's just in his 20s. PLEASE GIVE THIS MAN A BREAK (and also he's separated from his bf. ik kevjean isn't canon but let me make this connection anyway bc they're canon to me)

Neil is the hotheaded asshole who actually sorta wants to be friends with people but has the social skills of a raccoon who was shoved into a trash can and shaken around for, oh, ten years or so. He looks up to Kevin, wants to be like him, but knows he could NEVER fill his shoes! And he doesn't want to! He wants to help Kevin, not be Kevin. (getting the quote wrong for sure but the 'one of us should make it and i want it to be you' kinda mindset is so keith? keith literally almost died to KEEP EVERYONE SAFE!!!! LIKE NEIL'S STUPID MARTYR ASS)

Nicky is the sweet, funny one who cares deeply about everyone and who gets the least consideration from the rest no matter how he tries? (the man willingly moved away from his family (ERIK) to take care of people who don't give a shit about him (supposedly), like lance who was taken from his family to fight to save the world? like... come on.) he's unapologetic about who he is and tries to get along with everyone, for the most part. but he has no problem biting back one someone starts smth. (ie. his beef with Seth and Allison) He is misunderstood, bc while he's outgoing and friendly he also has another side that's just straight-up Traumatized. Like... he's not all jokes. He's just hiding behind them.

Andrew is is strong and is largely a Protector. People misunderstand him because of things outside of his control, by this I mean Andrew is 'evil and crazy,' but it's because of the drugs that he's on bc he was fiercely protective of his cousin. He cares about his people and wants to protect them. (Like Hunk is rightly scared and Andrew acts apathetic, but they do care. That's the important part.) I'm not saying Andrew has a secret heart of gold and he's a Sweet Lil Cinnamon Roll or all the shit people used to say about Hunk (bc let's be honest, making the fat brown character into a uwu baby is rage inducing) but he cares. OH ALSO THEY BOTH HAVE A FEAR OF HEIGHTS!!!! (or hunk did at the beginning anyhow!) Also this is unrelated but I think Andrew would enjoy having a bayard. It could turn into lots of different knives? sign him up : )

Aaron is green. (i was gonna leave it at that to be funny but that would be mean to aaron) So... Aaron is Andrew's everyone's annoying sibling who's actually really smart but also is a dumbass at the same time. He's got ulterior motives to be there. (Aaron plays exy to get his education, Pidge is part of voltron to find her dad and brother.) And Aaron is going into the medical field which is science related, thusly... assigned green paladin by Moi.

Anyway, it just fits. I could probably go into even more detail but I'd rather be dead than discuss this show at length bc I'm not a really voltron fan. I love the characters and the first three seasons. that's where it stops for me. the rest of the show makes me wanna die. lol i couldn't even tell you what happens after s3. i've blocked it all of that shit from my memory. :')

ahhh sorry for this novel. i just apparently had a lot of thoughts. i was gonna go and do the upperclassmen as well but... this is too long and they're not my Pookies so.

(ps: sorry this is so badly formatted. i didn't feel like making it look nice :'))

[verystrxxwberry]

ALEXANDER, HELP ME, IM DYING-😭😭😭 my bestie just said to me: hear me out, and im like, "what kind of abomination is your crush now?" and im fr, after she told me she liked Adam(HH) wITHOUT THE MASK I thought nothing could be worst. spoiler, IT CAN💀 she's like, "no, is a ship" and i just go "fuck" (she's the kind of person who shipps TojixGojo) ... im just going to copy-paste our conversation in here:

(i love her but bitch you r crazyyy):

Lili: it's a Moonlight Lovers ship

Me: If this is your Ethan x Ivan again I'm gonna punch you

Lili: it is not, hear me out😭

Me: u don't deserve me hearing you out after your James Potter x Severus Snape bullshit of the other day reading marauder's fanfiction but ok

Lili: ok, i realized that Vlad is an interesting character

Me: what do you mean by interesting💀?

Lili: that he just is such a cutie patootie that can be shipped with anyone in the manor except Ivan☺️✨

Me: WHAT

Lili: like Rapha x Vlad is such a cute couple, or Aaron x Vlad. is like a safe place.

Me: u r mad af

Lili: no, pls. like, Ethan x Vlad is just right. they can heal each other!

Me: u said this exact shit a week ago during the HP marathon in the scene Hermione punched Draco. wich im tempted to do rn, but we are, sadly, online

Lili: and Beliath x Vlad is just the perfect enemies to lovers! or rivals to lovers, better said. is my (second) personal favorite

Me: YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE A PERSONAL FAVORITE, THIS IS JUST INSANE😭😭😭

Lili: waittt, there is one more. THE one, with Vladiath. or the name is Belimir?

Me: NO💀 Lili, DON'T YOU Dare

Lili: 🥺🥺🥺🥺

Me: d-o-n-t s-a-y i-t

Lili: my top tier: Neil x Vladimir

Me: WHYYYYYYYY, WHY YOU GOTTA BE LIKE THISSS

Lili: but is just right 😭😭!

Me: make it have sense!!!! IT'S IMPOSSIBLE

Lili: it is not!!!

Me: ur parents shouldn't be ashamed of you being trans, they should be ashamed for this. u little fuck, whyyyy. just leave Vladimir alone!

Me: ur parents shouldn't be ashamed of you being trans, they should be ashamed for this. u little fuck, whyyyy. just leave Vladimir alone!

Lili: hsgajshkahsj, bitch🤣 ily, but i don't get how do you were chill after an actual conversion and mad about this

Me: I just have principles. My god, how crazy you are

Lili: Tumblr this to or verystrxxwberry! you'll see he'll have to agree with me on something.

Me: I swear if anyone in the entire world agrees with you on this I'll kill myself

anyways, she came over to my house and we're eating Nutella while i send this to you. you are both of us favorite's Moonlight lovers content creator, but my girl lili is just messed up in the head. (just joking, someday she'll be my bridesmaid,) it's awesome to be her friend, tho.

have a nice day, mah boi, and dON'T AGREE WITH THIS ATROCITY 💀💀💀💀.

You know, my heart did a giant backflip when I saw this giant message. Still, I am very glad I am very glad I am your fav ml content creator, that increases my ego 😎 (kidding but it makes me very happy to know!)

About ML ships... well, I genuinely believe that if we are talking about Vladimir, the healthiest ones would be with Raphael and Aaron. I never thought about the chance of Vladimir with Ethan or Beliath because they aren't his type at all, then Ivan is like the rebel kid on the mansion so.. no... but Neil 💀💀 I must confess he is my least liked character because I never ❗️ know❗️ what❗️to❗️write❗️for him❗️so my mind kinda deletes his presence most of the times. Still, it would be a very toxic ship if we dared to think abour Vladimir x Neil. If Vlad is already depressed, I think Neil would only drag him lower.

[evenfallwriter]

If We Have Each Other Verse

An AU in which Neil and Andrew meet much earlier. Promises are exchanged, deals are made and they become each other's sanctuary soon after meeting.

So wanted to talk about my AU a bit, and drop it here so I don't end up forgetting certain details.

Neil's mother kills Nathan when he is 4 years old before sending him to a 'friend' of hers. She dies soon after and that 'friend' drops him off at the orphanage.

Andrew is 8 and Neil 6 when they meet for the first time in the Spear household.

Mary used to call him Abram, Nathan called him Nathaniel, his mother's 'friend' Chris and than he was named 'Alex'. Andrew is the one who gives him the name Neil, and tells him to stay.

Andrew is 3 years younger than Aaron, and Tilda dies from an accident (Andrew isn't the one to kill her).

Nicky still comes back and tries to take in Andrew, but it isn't easy and he can only get the custody of Aaron- none of the Hemmick's know where Andrew is. (by that time, Andrew would be 10, Aaron 13 and Nicky 17-18)

Andrew Joseph Doe becomes Andrew Dobson and Alex Doe becomes Neil Winfield quickly enough thanks to the accident that puts an end to Tilda.

They are adopted around the time Wymack creates the Foxes. (so pretty much Seth's first year)

Seth:These two are shit-heads, but hurt them, and you gotta deal with me (along with the other four foxes)!

Also Seth: Andrew fucking Dobson! Get your ass over here, Jesus Christ, why the fuck would you think it a good idea to change my shampoo with pink hair dye?!

Andrew: You should be grateful to me! Now both your insides and outsides filled with shit! And you look like one from head to toe too!

Seth: You little-

They meet the three ravens much earlier and promises are exchanged between our duo and two of the raven's.

Neil and Andrew also get to go to the same school growing up and gain the heart of 'a certain captain of USC Trojans Exy team'.

Their childhood is much better after they are adopted, and while in canon their relationship is more 'Enemies to Lovers' it turns into 'Childhood Friends to Lovers'.

Matt just loves picking up Neil and running around with him on his shoulders, but is low key scared of Andrew, because who the fuck gave this kid knives?!

One day, Andrew is in Wymack's office as he is looking at Potential players, and sees Aaron's photo and goes; "I want that one." and Wymack is done with it all, but who is he to say no when Andrew really wants something.

Aaron sees Andrew for the first time after years, and is thinking 'what am I supposed to say' when Andrew straight out tells him that he is only in the Foxes because of him, and yeah, Aaron hates the little menace (not really though) Nicky is apologetic, but Andrew knows how hard he tried to get custody of him, so he doesn't harbor any negative feelings towards him.

Dan is scared of what will happen when the duo is old enough for Uni, because Andrew promised to be a problem for her and she knows that he wasn't joking.

But Lola is still alive and a bitch, so that's nice.

(ft. Andrew never has to take his pills, Neil never has to fear his father the way he does. Mama Betsy and Abby, Uncle Wymack. Andrew and Neil meeting before they are supposed to and coming to an understanding between each other and never really hiding anything from each other. They would def still end up together. Like, after Neil realizes that he can love someone and not get punished for it. Foxes love to spoil the duo.)

[jingerhead]

I'm in desperate need to know more about your 'As you wish' WIP if you would like to share 💞 💞

Hello lovely! I'd love to tell you all about it hehe, this is my Princess Bride AU and honestly I'm really proud of how the planning turned out hehe. Play the WIP game with me here!

So basically, this is an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers fic. Yup. The story starts in the middle of a war between the kingdoms Moriya and Baltimore. Near the edge of the Moriya kingdom is a farm that Nicky, Andrew and Aaron live on. One day, Andrew stumbles upon a fallen soldier clinging to life and impulsively takes him back to the farm, where he's nursed back to health. The soldier introduces himself as Neil, and offers to help around the farm as payment for the cousins healing him.

Andrew puts Neil straight to work, almost trying to drive him away with what he's asking Neil to do. But Neil always does it easily, and always with a simple "As you wish". Slowly, as the weeks go on, Andrew finds himself losing his suspicion. He takes Neil around the countryside, is less harsh with his demands and begins poking at Neil's backstory until they start trading truths, and the words 'as you wish' take on a whole new meaning.

They fall for each other quickly, and this is when Neil finally breaks and tells the cousins the truth: that he's the prince of Baltimore, and that he's only keeping them in danger by staying there. He decides to leave in an attempt to put a stop to everything, promising to return once he does. While Andrew does feel betrayed at first and has little hope in his heart that Neil would be able to stop a war alone, he lets Neil go and holds onto that promise.

But before the war can end, it reaches the farm, and everything burns to the ground. Neil wasn't fast enough, and there's no evidence that any of the cousins survived. He ends up agreeing to end the war by uniting the two kingdoms, having to marry Riko to do it.

And that's all I'll say for now! Here's a little snidbit I wrote a while ago!

~*~

"He died quickly, if that brings you any comfort," The Monster said, turning his back to Nathaniel with a scoff. "I kill many people, your Highness, but there was something about him I could never forget."

Glaring at the man's back, Nathaniel began to reach for the knife hidden in an invisible pocket on his vest. "Really," he said, intending to sound just as murderous as he felt. Instead, it came out weakly, almost a whisper he was sure The Monster wouldn't hear.

"It's what he said before he died that gave me pause," The Monster continued. "All will beg for their lives when they reach the end, but he didn't make a sound."

That…certainly sounded like Andrew. Nathaniel didn't realize he was holding his breath until his chest seized, and he managed to take in air again as subtly as he could. There was a burning in the back of his throat growing more persistent by the second, and a part of Nathaniel absolutely hated that even after all this time he wasn't over that man.

"It wasn't until I raised my sword to his throat that he finally spoke. I remember he said to me: 'I need to live.'" The Monster finally turned, masked eyes gaging every reaction Nathaniel had to his words. Knowing the game being played, Nathaniel attempted to keep his expression the stony mask he was all too used to wearing by now. "I asked him why. 'Nothing', he replied."

Breath catching again, Nathaniel finally looked away from The Monster to fix his gaze on the nearest rock. It helped to keep him from standing up and running like he wanted to. He already knew he wouldn't make it far given the area was so open like this. The only place to hide was the Fire Swamp, which was nothing short of a death wish.

"And now I see exactly what he meant," The Monster goaded, though his words were laced with malice. It caught Nathaniel off guard to hear that tone, and he looked back up at the masked face before him, expecting to see fury in the man's eyes, but he still couldn't see them.

"And what did he mean?" Nathaniel growled.

"Exactly that: nothing," The Monster replied, turning back around. "You should be thanking me for keeping him from seeing just how far you've come. Tell me, Highness, when you found the ruins of that farm did you sign an engagement treaty at the same hour? Or did you wait a week out of respect for the dead?"

Rage unlike any Nathaniel had ever felt before filled him. He leapt to his feet and rushed The Monster, reaching out to roughly grab his shoulder and spin the man around while the other hand grasped his hidden knife. "Never mock me again," Nathaniel hissed. "I died that day! And you can die too, for all I care - "

Just before he could plunge the knife into The Monster's stomach, a firm hand held tightly to Nathaniel's wrist. No matter how much he struggled, Nathaniel couldn't break free from the hold, eventually dropped the knife to the ground when the grip squeezed tightly enough. Nathaniel looked up in desperation, then froze when he finally realized he could see the color of the eyes previously hidden by the mask.

"As you wish," The Monster whispered.

[noirshadow]

I posted 1,017 times in 2022

That's 833 more posts than 2021!

105 posts created (10%)

912 posts reblogged (90%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@slightlyrebelliouswriter23

@moodymelanist

@santababysteve

@cassianandfenrysaremyboyos

@sydneymack

I tagged 806 of my posts in 2022

Only 21% of my posts had no tags

#aftg - 216 posts

#all for the game - 187 posts

#andreil - 93 posts

#kdrama - 61 posts

#shadow and bone - 47 posts

#acotar - 46 posts

#darklina - 41 posts

#the foxhole court - 39 posts

#neil josten - 37 posts

#ao3 - 34 posts

Longest Tag: 62 characters

#double agent but can’t do it without magic help from the enemy

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Got my friend to finally read aftg and her first words after first book are: ‘Andrew seems interesting.’ YES GIRL WE KNOW. STRAP IN.

77 notes - Posted October 14, 2022

#4

Thinking about the monsters’ personalities and their Exy positions and it’s just so fitting. Andrew plays goalie because he’s an island. He does care about his team and is the last line of defense but he prefers to go it alone, staying in goal where he fights alone and the whole team’s ultimate result rests with him. He carries that burden alone, where his actions can make or break the others.

Aaron and Nicky are backliners. They let Andrew shout commands and they act as they’re told. Equally, off the court, Andrew dictates their actions and they’re almost scared of him, letting him call the shots even with important personal decisions.

Neil is a striker but he started as a backliner, and it’s still what he knows first and foremost. He’s been on the defense his whole life with the threat of Riko and his dad always looming. With the Foxes, people he comes to care about end up getting involved and he’s forced to go on the attack. No more running, no more defending but to strike first and fight for what he loves.

Kevin is a striker but not the way Neil is. He does it as an island out front, almost in opposite of Andrew, acting completely independently of the others. He is a strategic striker, completely calculating, and Neil can’t play the same way as him. Even off court, Kevin’s attack is more subtle: what he did was to escape the Ravens and keep fighting them quietly, on the court, as a Fox.

Both strikers are incredibly focused and disciplined. However, Kevin yearns to play the perfect game and Neil’s drive is pure fiery passion. He’ll do the risky moves, the down and dirty ugly but necessary plays to win. Kevin wants to win without sacrificing the aesthetic and in a way, that hinders him.

All the Foxes are running from something. It takes Neil’s arrival to shake things up. He is constantly pushing them to all work together, both on and off the court, which worked; ultimately it was the only way they could all overcome everything.

93 notes - Posted November 3, 2022

#3

346 notes - Posted January 10, 2022

#2

So we know Andrew loves and protects his car because it’s his baby, the constant in his life that has never failed him. He fully owns it and it’s not something he has to share with siblings or owe back to a foster parent. It’s portable so it’s also his exit, in case he needs to leave.

When it gets ruined by the Ravens, he is utterly bereft, like a piece of him is missing. But when Neil gets him the new Maserati, Andrew doesn’t know what to do with himself because he now owes a guy he’s trying desperately not to open up to. And somehow, without Andrew saying anything, Neil knew that this was important to him, enough to blow his own exit fund/life savings. And just that willingness on Neil’s part to do it showed Andrew that he didn’t need the car anymore, not really, because Neil was his new safety net. Inadvertently, letting Neil buy him a new version of this most important possession and sharing his keys is the first real step that Andrew is opening up and sharing his heart.

350 notes - Posted October 22, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

At what point does the preliminary obsession with aftg finally slow down? Asking for a friend.

508 notes - Posted September 13, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[mrsdallway]

AFTG FANFIC WIP: The Foundations of Decay

[aftgficrec]

Hello, hope you’re having a nice day, finally caught you open!! Any high school aus? Or like friends to lover? Mainly for Andreil but anything works!! ( possibly complete or 1/1 thanks!!)

Please enjoy andreil friends to lovers, high school edition. -A

also see:

andreil childhood friends to lovers here (see high school section)

andriel friends to lovers 3 here

andreil enemies to lovers 2 here

canon angst no exy high school aus here

complete boarding school here

non-andreil high school here

breakfast club/foxes in detention here

‘Way Down We Go’ here 

‘In Our Bedroom After the War’ here 

‘Make Some Sense’ here

‘hard candy christmas’ here 

‘The Photo Strip Predicament’ here

‘Small Smiles’ here

‘Yours, Abram’ here 

‘Pictures on a Wall,’ ‘on thin ice,’ ‘Make This Leap (Geronimo),’ and ’winter, formal’ here

‘Ain’t it fun’ and ‘Paper Cut Hearts’ here

‘such a feelin'’ here

‘This Is It. Forever.’ series here

‘Highly Improbable’ here 

‘Something About The Sunshine’ here

‘Made of Stone’ here

‘I Don’t Dance’ and ‘Make It In America’ here

‘Somebunny To Love’ (completed), ‘I have a Prom-Posal’ (updated), and ‘Of Proms and Peas’ here

‘venus as a boy’ here (completed)

‘saturday night dinner…’ here

‘Angel Near Beside Me’ here

‘The Foxwhore Court’ here

‘all i want (is love that lasts),’ and ’Make This Whole Town Disappear’ here

‘Inked Truths’ series (parts 1-3) here

‘waiting up for better things’ here

‘genderswap andreil minifics’ here

‘Love, Neil’ and ‘Far Too Young to Die’ here

‘i know that we can survive now that we made it’ here; part 2 ‘my eyes are filling with salt (oh this is nobody's fault)’ here

‘The Wild Fox Den’ and ‘Roses Grow Between Bone’ here

‘Tell me to hold on’ here

‘all I want is what I can't have’ and ‘AU where Andrew's the one Mama don't like’ here

‘take care of all the lonely souls’ here (completed)

‘A Key Rusted In The Rain’ and ‘If you must’ here 

‘Through Rose Coloured Glasses’ here (significantly updated)

‘Andrew and The Phantoms’ here

‘like real people do’ here

‘baby i’ll bleed you dry’ series here

‘Sent to Drain’ here

This I So Swear. by AgentCoop [Rated G, 3145 Words, Complete, 2022]

When new-kid Neil transfers to a new high school, he's not expecting to get thrown into theater class. He's definitely not expecting to be forced into a fake wedding. And he's definitely, definitely not expecting to like it.

Not even a little.

Two Scoops of Happiness (To Go) by AgentCoop [Rated T, 6565 Words, Complete, AFTG Summer Exchange 2022]

Andrew

I stopped talking to you. I did not stop thinking about you. 

Neil stares at the message. His heart beats so fast in his chest he’s pretty sure he’s about to internally combust.

Haha, he types.

Andrew doesn’t type anything else.

Neil doesn’t either.

***

The one where Neil gets a summer job working at a rundown ice cream parlor and runs into the guy who broke his heart.

signed, sealed, delivered by superfluous (sapphirestark) [Rated T, 1053 Words, Complete, 2022]

Andrew,

Thank you for your heartfelt reply. I really feel we have a personal connection now. Also, I’m doing this for English credit, so I will most definitely keep sending you letters.

He is warmer than my books, how? by PateticabutBunny [Rated G, 1702 Words, Complete, 2022]

"Say it"

"Hm, I- I was going to say that in your case looks like the cover and the inside are the same"  he said, blushing more and nervously smiling

Andrew blinks "I don't know what planet you are from but here this is not the face people make when they are calling someone ugly"

Neil's eyes are wide and like he can't believe what Andrew said "what?

a heart that's full up like landfill by spanglychild18 [Not Rated, 7872 Words, Incomplete, Updated July 2022]

Neil Josten isn’t living, but he is surviving. When he enrols himself into Millport high school, he sets 3 rules for himself:

1. He’s ready to run at any moment

2. He’ll keep his head down

3. He can’t, under any circumstances, get attached to anyone

Too bad he fails, quite spectacularly, at all 3.

tw: implied/referenced torture, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: implied/referenced self harm

"Home" is where you are. by athenatears [Rated T, 9369 Words, Incomplete, Updated June 2022]

The truth is, Andrew wasn't ready to start feeling things for the only person he can call without hesitation: friend. The truth was that he didn't expect to pin all of his wishes on one person. Nor longing to have all those things that teen romantic comedies promise you: a love. A soulmate.

No. Andrew definitely can't feel love for Neil. Not in an unbrotherly way. Especially since he is completely sure that Neil Josten, his faithful friend of nine years, does not feel that kind of affection for him.

Because Neil definitely doesn't swing.

And if he did, he wouldn't be around someone as broken as Andrew.

Or if?

full heart and other organs by darlingargents [Rated T, 2604 Words, Complete, 2020]

“Riko wants you,” Wesninski says. “Riko always gets what he wants.”

Or, a Raven and a Fox can't stop meeting.

It's Always You series by justdk [Rated T, Ongoing Collection, 2017-2020]

Part 1: It's Always You [6,985 Words]

In which Neil Josten, rising high school senior, participates in a car wash fundraiser and meets the infamous Andrew Minyard.

Part 2: An Unpleasant Surprise [3,689 Words]

Neil's visit to the haunted house is not fun. At all.

Part 3: Sleepover [3,678 Words]

Neil's excited and nervous about an impromptu sleepover at Andrew's house

Part 4: Say Goodnight [2,280 Words]

homeless and cold, Neil reaches out to Andrew

Part 5: I Just Want You [4,111 Words]

Neil takes Andrew to prom and it turns out to be better than expected

swim au series by JustGail [Rated G/M, Complete, 2017]

Part 1: Under Clear Waters, a gift fic for Skylar [G, 4370 Words]

It had been two years since Neil had last stepped into a pool.

tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: implied/referenced child abuse

Part 2: Muddled Waters [M, 3551 Words, Andreil Week 2019]

Andrew Minyard was not a man who wanted.

tw: implied/referenced drug addiction, tw: implied/referenced torture,  tw: implied/referenced murder

Poetry in Motion by crumplelush [Rated T, 2845 Words, Complete, Andreil Week 2019]

Being 15 is difficult enough, but it's so much worse when you're the only openly gay guy in your school and head over heels in love with your best friend.

Tumblr Prompts ⋆ by Idnis [Rated T, Collection, Complete, 2018]

Chapter 5: There was never a choice.

tw: homophobia, tw: bullying

Art

Palmetto High art by @p0tatonoah

Katelyn/Aaron high school au art by @thematicallycoherent

Neil Josten from ‘Way Down We Go’ art by @kittyfeathersflying

[thespineoftherighteous]

"i thought you were a bitch until i got to know you" relationship but make it Aaron and Neil

[double-aa-batteries]

Fic Rec Fridays - Week 2 - AUs

If you want to check out any of the other 3 fic recs you can find the master post here

Andreil

the sound by jemwrites on AO3 here (17k, 5 chapters)

The cottage looked unassuming and quaint, with a wooden ramp up to the front porch and rose bushes beneath the windows. A little sign was nailed above the door, reading The Foxhole. It seemed peaceful. Quiet

Its patrons, however, were neither of those things. Neil could already hear the raucous lot from where he was stood outside the door. Having never spoken to anyone outside of rare, whispered words to his uncle, or his cat, or his mother's grave, Neil knew this would be interesting.

A blond woman opened the door with a smile and glittering eyes. Neil's stomach rolled over itself. He hoped this wasn't a dumb decision.

TW: mentions of neil’s past and kevin’s. some minorly graphic descriptions of past abuse

its always you series by justdk / @dkafterdark on AO3 here (5 parts)

andreil high school au in a series of short  fics where neil is still on the run, squatting in abandoned houses, when he meets andrew. he hadn’t planned on staying in town so long but things get more complicated when feelings become involved

read tags in each part for TWs

you kind of do though by Rory_writes on AO3 here (4k, 1 chapter)

Unspecified alternate universe where neil and andrew meet later in life.

Someone breaks into Andrew's house one night, drunkenly looking for his friend and instead finding a cat and, well, Andrew. (+trans andrew)

no trigger warnings, mostly fluff and crack

Kandreil

Listen, all these kandreil fics just absolutely wrecked me and in my opinion are absolutely worth the read

the shore we'd come to find by JayJFox on AO3 here (17k, 4 chapters)

Kevneil are hiding from Riko after running away and break into someone’s empty house for the night. only...it isn’t empty. They meet andrew and stay with him, getting comfortable, until Riko makes moves and kevneil become worried for their own safety as well as andrew’s.

This is just. Fucking pure angst (with a happy ending). it wrecked me.

TW: Riko and Nathan and riko and nathan adjacent trauma

a brick to the stomach; a bullet between the eyes by fluorescencx on AO3 here (5k, 1 chapter)

Roommates AU

A 5k roller coaster of pure angst and neil pining for the two people he loves but can never have.

But could? have them? no. of course not.

it’s stupid, but he dreams about it anyway.

no trigger warnings, only angst and pining.

Nicky/Erik

i knew you were trouble (when you broke in through my window) by neilwrites on AO3 here (1k one shot)

AU where Nicky didn’t meet Erik in Germany

Nicky’s drunk and goes to the wrong apartment. Lucky for him, the person who lives in said wrong apartment is German and extremely cute.

no trigger warnings

Jerejean

farmer's almanac by cloud talking on AO3 here (3k, 1 chapter)

Soulmates AU

soulmates know everything that their other knows, excluding who they are. jeremy knox knows his soulmate is in danger and the world will burn as he changes that.

TW: Riko. takes place in the nest. but less trauma and violence than canon. knives

Kevaaron

picture perfect by officialstarsandgutters on AO3 here (22k, 1 chapter)

photography aaron and model kevin au

Freelance photographer Aaron Minyard gets a gig doing fashion photography for a catalogue, where he meets Kevin Day, typical arrogant haughty model asshole. Or so Aaron thinks.

More fluff than enemies to lovers, but enemies to lovers adjacent. Listen, this is just romance. These boys love each other. (+non binary Kevin)

TW: riko and riko adjacent things. graphic torture scene involving knives that is easy to be skipped if needed. kidnapping and drugging, talk of past riko regarding trauma and abuse. scars and talk of kevin’s broken hand. it’s all the usual until the near end where you needa watch out a bit

r u mine? by alex_wh0 on AO3 here (2k, 1 chapter)

Tattoo parlor AU

After two years of unrelenting silence, Kevin comes back into Aaron's life. Andrew is PISSED, Neil is secretly thrilled. And Aaron — Aaron doesn't quite know what to do. (+genderqueer kevin day)

TW: Riko. Again. That rat bastard. recount of kevin’s broken hand and talk of Kevin’s time at the nest

[spacepanda7]

I know a lot of AUs of AftG/TFC have been done in the Avatar universe, but has anyone done an Avatar: the Last Airbender AU?

Kevin, the Avatar has been missing for 100 years, before he is unwittingly discovered inside an iceberg by estranged waterbender twins Aaron and Andrew and their nonbending cousin Nicky who live in the Southern Water Tribe. (Aaron and Andrew do not give me waterbender vibes, but changing the nations didn't work that well, since either their trips would end up way shorter or the Air Nomads would be the world invaders. Which, no. Oh well, Aaron wants to heal people.) They find out he is the Avatar and reluctantly agree to accompany him to the Northern Water Tribe to learn waterbending. Along the way, they find out the exiled fire nation Prince Nathaniel is hunting the Avatar, in order to regain his honor. He is traveling alongside former General David Wymack, a taciturn man who nonetheless tries to guide and help his ward.

Along the way, they meet some interesting people and new friends including Roland, the leader of the Freedom Fighters, Dan, a young earthbender who Kevin helped break out of prison, and Erik, who leads the Kyoshi Warriors, and also encounter new enemies, including Commander Tetsuji of the Fire Nation. Once they get to the Northern Water Tribe, they meet the waterbending master Chuck. Initially, he wants to make Aaron go into warrior training instead of healing, as he wishes, due to the fact that male waterbenders are drafted to fight. But after a beatdown from Aaron, the Healing master Abby, and the fighting master Betsy (women fight here, they have an option but men have to) he agrees to let Aaron train as a healer. Andrew learns how to fight alongside Avatar Kevin. The Fire Nation invades, Kevin is briefly captured by Prince Nathaniel who Andrew defeats in a few seconds flat, and Commander Tetsuji tries to kill the Moon and is dragged into the Spirit World. Goodbye and good riddance to him.

So, next stop is the Earth Kingdom, where they look for an earthbending master. Eventually they find Katelyn, a young earthbending prodigy who was blinded in an accident as a child, and is therefore overly sheltered by her parents and sneaks out to fight in the Earth Rumbles. She travels with them to teach Kevin earthbending, and despite her disagreements with Kevin and Andrew (Aaron is immediately rather taken with her), she becomes a part of their group. They find out they have a new pursuer, the Crown Prince Riko of the Fire Nation and his two close nonbending friends, Jeremy, a cheerful chi blocker, and Jean, an apathetic swordsman (Knives will be Neil's thing). Meanwhile, Nathaniel and Wymack end up pursued by Riko as traitors, and are forced to go incognito in the Earth Kingdom, taking on the names Kyle (idk, in honor of Kayleigh, okay?) and Neil Josten.

Their paths cross in Ba Sing Se when they meet the conniving leader of the Dai Li, Proust. They tangle with the Dai Li and the incognito Prince Riko who is disguised as Erik, who recently rekindled a romance with Nicky on their way across the Serpent's Pass and was captured shortly after. After Nathaniel and Andrew are captured and thrown into the catacombs together, they talk, during which time Nathaniel expresses remorse for the suffering and personal trauma the Fire Nation inflicted on Andrew. He in turn, reveals that he is only after Kevin due to fear of what his father, Firelord Nathan, would inflict upon both him and Kevin's group if he doesn't obey, saying that while he is attemoting to capture Kevin to prove himself worth keeping alive, he is also trying to keep Kevin and the team out of his father's hands. Andrew tells him to "stop being a martyr". However, after they are freed and encounter Riko and Wymack in the catacombs, Nathaniel appears to change his mind and joins Riko in fighting Andrew, Kevin, and Aaron. Wymack surrenders himself in order to let the others escape. Riko mangles Kevin's left hand and almost kills him but Aaron manages to heal him and Andrew promises to protect him.

The Monsters regroup incognito in the Fire Nation to wait for the Day of Black Sun invasion. The invasion day arrives and everything seems to be going as planned until Kevin, Aaron, Nicky, and Katelyn encounter Riko in the throne room instead of Nathan. Nathaniel confronts his father and escapes to join the Monsters and most of their allies end up captured, though their old Freedom Fighting friends Matt and Allison and the earthbender Dan escape with them. They arrive at the Western Air Temple to recuperate and attempt to think of a new Firebending teacher for Kevin. Nathaniel, who now goes full time as Neil Josten, arrives and offers to help. He is immediately scorned by Kevin and mocked by Aaron and Andrew. However, when the assassin Gorilla (sent by Riko) arrives to kill the Monsters, Neil saves them and they reluctantly accept him. He warms up to the group members one by one, helping Nicky break Erik out of the Boiling Rock and helping Aaron hunt down and kill his brother's former tormentor Drake. While at the Boiling Rock, Jean makes a split second decision to save Neil, who he used to be close friends with, and Jeremy jumps in to help, resulting in their capture. After their "field trips", Neil tentatively earns Andrew's intrigue and Aaron's reluctant acceptance.

The comet arrives and Kevin goes missing. The rest of the monsters find their old mentors including Betsy and Abby, and Neil discovers Wymack as well. They reconcile and he advises them about what to do next. As the comet approaches, Aaron, Katelyn, Nicky, and Erik travel to the airship base to hopefully meet up with Kevin as he confronts Firelord Nathan. Neil and Andrew travel to the Fire Nation to confront Riko. After an extended, tough battle, when all hope seems gone, Kevin manages to hit Nathan, momentarily incapacitating him enough to kill him. Riko challenges Neil to an Agni Kai which he accepts. He is winning until Riko aims lightning at Andrew instead and Neil dives in front of him. Andrew fights Riko and manages to chain him and smash his arm. As a result, he has a psychotic break and kills himself. Andrew heals Neil and yells at him for making himself a martyr. Neil says that he wouldn't have done anything that might result in losing Andrew. He so explains that if he had turned on Riko in the catacombs, he would have been exposed, and his father would have stopped at nothing to break him, including torturing the Monsters. Andrew appears to accept the explanation.

And we know the rest: Kevin is crowned Firelord, and he, Jean and Jeremy, figure out where to go from there. Aaron travels home with Katelyn, Andrew stays to protect Kevin, and Neil stays with him, and Nicky and Erik leave to travel the world. Dan and Matt, and Allison and Renee get together and return home as well. And they live, not happily ever after, but something approaching it.

P.S. a few years later, Kevin goes on a search for his mother Kayleigh.

[itscloudsocks]

Guide to my AFTG stories!

Hello! I haven´t been active at all on tumblr but maybe that´ll change now that I wrote a few stories and am looking for new ideas or inspiration! Here´s a little guide that I´ll hopefully remember to keep updated with whatever l´ll write next :)

Please check the end notes of all stories before reading them, the topics will be listed :) 

Paint me a picture of you

~ Chapters 8/8 (completed 2022-05-10)

~ 20.525 words

~ Neil/Andrew

~ Summary: 

After spraining his wrist, Neil is off-court for four weeks. It doesn´t take long for him to start spiraling down. Luckily there´s Andrew and his new interest in painting to keep him afloat. Still, nightmares suck and his wrist is a constant reminder that the yakuza can take him out whenever they want.[Or: Neil has a bad couple of weeks and Andrew does whatever he can to take care of him.]

590% 

~ Chapter 1/1 (completed 2022-04-19)

~ 2.187 words

~Neil/Andrew

~ Summary:

Neil gets a mullet. Andrew doesn't know how to act.

[Or: Andrew has one long gay panic over the course of two days before deciding what to do.]

~ Inspired by the incredible peachykun.art on instagram (Reference)

Show me your world, Oh brother

~ Chapter 1/1 (completed 2022-04-28)

~ 3.541 words

~ Aaron/Katelyn, Aaron & Andrew

~ Summary:

Aaron still has nightmares about the trial and everything that happened with Drake. Katelyn tries her best to be there for him. Andrew hates him, they talk, they don´t yell at each other- does that count as a success?

A Reason To Hold On 

~ Series (4/4, completed 2022-10-22)

~ Summary: 

AJ meets Margo and Andrew meets Neil.

They go from hating to tolerating to accepting to enjoying to needing each other. 

AJ meets Margo (Part 1)

~ Chapter 1/1

~ 7.384 words

~ Summary:

Andrew has not always been Andrew the same way Neil has not always been Neil. When they meet as children, they are AJ and Margo, one in the foster system and one on the run. Help and trust is crucial for the both of them but when the ghosts of the past come too close, Neil has to make a choice: stay with Andrew and endanger him or leave the first friend he has ever had to keep him safe.

Andrew meets Neil (Part 2)

~ Chapters 2/2

~ 12.884 words

~ Summary:

Neil survived years of the run, his father and the FBI. The next step is a college degree in maths. With the help of Matt and Dan he feels like more of a person but then he meets an angry short man infront of Eden´s and everything goes downhill from there. Margo was never supposed to be more than a shadow of his past, one of his roles. But Andrew is determined to find out the truth.

The Thing About Cats

~ Chapters 3/3

~ 9.602 words

~ Summary:

From enemies to friends to roommates Andrew has to face two problems that could very well change his mundane, jobless life.

Problem number one: Neil desperately wants a cat.

Problem number two: Andrew has everything but negative feelings about his new roommate.

Everything´s well with Kevin Day

~ Chapters 8/8

~ 21,532 words

~ Summary:

Kevin is crashing, nobody knows why. But Andrew and Neil are determined to find out. There´s a lot of digging in the past and hating on dead people.

It was just a little fall

~ Chapter 1/1 

~ 5,706 words 

~ Summary:

Alternative title: Just a sprain (Nothing to worry about)

Neil slips and hides his injury for the sake of Exy (Andrew is not happy about it).

You didn´t come back

~ Chapter 1/1

~ 6,320 words

~ Summary:

Neil is back, scars barely healed and memories fresh. And yet it is not Neil who breaks. It´s Andrew.

Soundtrack

~ Series (ongoing)

~ Summary:

A collection of fics inspired by songs.

Fine

~ Chapter 1/1

~ 5,561 words

~ Summary:

An insight of Neil "I´m Fine" Josten, three times he´s struggling and one time Andrew helps him relax.

With you I´m less alone

~ Chapter 1/1

~ 3,079 words

~ Summary:

The anniversary of Riko is coming up and Jean reflects on his life so far. Jeremy is there to comfort him.

Feverish Minds

~ Chapter 1/1 

~ 5,757 words

~ Summary:

Andrew comes down with a nasty cold which, considering the fact that covid is a very real thing, is unfortunate timing. Luckily Neil is there to keep a watchful eye.

I find comfort in your clothes

 ~ Chapter 1/1

~ 4,277 words

~ Summary:

Three times Neil steals clothes from the Foxes and one time he doesn´t have to steal.

Kevin Day appreciation hour

~ Series (ongoing)

Comfort Crowd

~ Chapter 1/1

~ 3,523 words

~ Summary:

What´s better than a Fox cuddle pile?

Kevin Day in the middle.

A Troubled Mind

~ Chapter 1/1

~ 8,512 words

~ Summary:

Kevin Day takes a "Am I gay?" quiz and finds comfort in unexpected places.

Talk to Me

~ Chapter 1/1

~ 3,958 words

~ Summary:

Kevin and Seth are happy and safe from a particularly insane Exy fanatic trying to make their lives harder. Still, Kevin struggles with his self-worth as Seth´s boyfriend. Seth being Seth, does everything he can to bring his boyfriend out of dark places and difficult memories.

This was a gift for my lovely friend @thefoxesraven! Go ask them about Seth and make them happy!

Busyhead

~ Chapter 1/1

~ 13,937 words

~ Summary:  Kevin is alone for the weekend. He gets visited by Riko and Nicky and finds light in even the darkest places.

Third wheeling

~ Chapters 5/ (ongoing)

~ currently on hiatus

~ Summary:

Kevin and Neil are happy, have been happy for the past three, almost four years. Then, with a new season comes a new goalie. Andrew Minyard. Followed are questioned feelings, confused conversations and crumbling self-esteem.

The Cursed And The Gifted

~ Series (ongoing)

~ Summary:

Cursed and haunted by his fathers men, Neil is ready to slip away once more. Then, he meets Kevin, a face from the past with a similar problem and Andrew, an asshole that can´t seem to stay out of Neil´s business. And if he wants it or not, Neil will have to face his problems face first if he wants to get out of this mess alive.

some wounds need more than time

~ chapters 10/ 

~ Summary:

For years has Neil been running. Just as he´s thinking of slowly settling down in his little cabin in the forest, a face from the past visits and he gets sucked into a world he wanted to forget. Through blood and bruises, trauma and curses he meets people that have the power to change his life forever, for better or for worse.