Okay so this is a post I was thinking about on the bus for a very long time and it’s about the dynamics of my favourite ships and how they work in fanfic AUs. This isn’t anything concrete or something anyone else has to do for these ships, but if I were to write about them, this is how I would do it.

Ok I've mentioned my fave mlm ships before, as well as the dynamic they fit, AND I even made a post with my fave fanfics for those ships, but while rereading a SakuAtsu fic I liked something hit me:

Why does Sakusa like Atsumu?

You would think I would have my own reason for why one of the characters of a ship I thoroughly enjoy has romantic feelings for the other one, but the only reason I've been able to muster up is that opposites attract? I haven't watched Haikyuu, but from what I know these two have very little interactions with one another.

Ships don't always have to be canon, but the most important factor in a ship is chemistry. I understand why there is chemistry between my other fave ships, so let's dive into that.

----------------------- KiriBaku

Starting off with a strong one, I find it completely believable that Kirishima and Bakugo could have a romantic relationship, because they have a very fun dynamic and strong chemistry with one another. Whether you see it as romantic or platonic, the chemistry is there. Kirishima has a great admiration for Bakugo and his manliness, with Bakugo reciprocating the same admiration for Kirishima as an equal. In fanfics I've read, Kirishima tends to put Bakugo on a pedestal and reveres him constantly, but he also has a strong desire to be close to him and be a support for Bakugo. Bakugo only lets Kirishima be close to him, his friend and the only true equal he accepts and acknowledges. Kirishima is the one who knows him best and vice versa. They work well with one another (it's nice that they have compatible quirks) and they're always encouraging one another to be their best selves.

With these two, the chemistry is strong, it's believable that they could be attracted to one another, and it's clear why I ship them.

-----------------------WrightWorth

Moving onto the very popular Wright and Edgeworth, there's so much damn content to unpack here! I also haven't played the AA games, but I've pored over the wiki and fanmade media has definitely helped me learn more about their chaotic relationship. Their relationship is a crosshair away from being confirmed canon by the people working behind the scenes for AA.

So from I've gleaned from my relentless consumption of narumitsu fanmade media and the fanwiki, is that they're childhood besties who drifted apart due to ciRcUmStAnCEs and there's an element of pining and a mutual feelings on both sides now. Phoenix missed Miles. He was worried about his friend and desperately wanted the chance to reconnect with someone he cares so much for, to ensure his wellbeing. He also just wants Edgeworth to be happy, see him smile like he used to so long ago. His actions speak volumes, and most likely you've come across this post via tags so I'll assume you already know the details and backstory behind the two, so I won't baby any of you by explaining the unspoken meaning behind his actions. In short: Phoenix is head over heels, over head over heels, over head-- because the bitch is still falling for Miles!

Miles also has his own complicated feelings for Phoenix, they're complicated but they are there! He has his own baggage to work through first, but in later games I know that he regains a strong relationship with Phoenix, trusting in him wholeheartedly (hard for our emotionally constipated prosecutor) and being able to lean on Phoenix and provide the same support for the man he loves too. He also missed Phoenix, even if he didn't show that he did at first, but later he makes clear how grateful he is to have Phoenix back in his life. Aaaaand, he also just wants Phoenix to be happy.

The two have amazing chemistry with one another, both comedically and romantically, and again it's apparent to me why I ship them.

-----------------------

MatchaBlossom

I CANNOT WAIT FOR THEM TO BE CANON. I AM HERE COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS TILL SK8'S SEASON 2 AIRS. Ahum. So they're also childhood friends! Clearly Kojiro has liked Kaoru longer, since Mr GNC has been pining over the show's villain since his teenage years. They have such a funny love/hate relationship and their chemistry is undeniable. It may seem kind of one sided rn with Kojiro displaying all sorts of gooey ooey faces and emotions towards his friend, but now that Kaoru is officially over Adam, it means we have ample opportunity for their relationship to really bloom (pun not intended). I'm not a manga reader, so who knows what their relationship is like currently, but who cares! With a ship this fun and romantically charged, fanon reigns supreme!

People have likened them to husbands, ex-husbands, ex-flings, FWB, sneaky links, gay chicken enthusiasts-- it goes on. Kojiro definitely has it bad for Kaoru-- he obviously likes being around him, even if he pretends he doesn't. He has a close friend with which he shares the same passion, and they have a complicated and very interesting past, which I am DYING to see. They do fit into the "opposites attract" category, and boy does it work so well! The reason for Kojiro's attraction is also up to the fans to decide for themselves. Maybe he just realised he liked Kaoru for himself and that was that! Love is love. For me, Kojiro's love is this slow growing, simmering thing that he's fostered throughout all the years spent with Kaoru, and he's had to keep it locked up since he knows how the other man feels about another man.

Now with Kaoru it's a tad more complicated, all and all he had feelings for someone else! But this is the exciting part! He's going to realise that it was Kojiro who has been there by his side all this time, Kojiro who's loved him silently, patiently, devotedly, waiting for Kaoru to realise. That's going to be AMAZING to witness. Flustered Kaoru? Embarrassed Kaoru?? BLUSHING KAORU??? Though being that they are side characters, I half expect them to just be holding hands with one another in the background at the end of the show, wedding bands glinting smugly. I think I would just scoop all my organs out of my body with a rusty spoon if they just keep bickering and we get no closure with their relationship. At the end of it all, they better show us a scrapbook montage of these two getting married, their honeymoon going spectacularly wrong, moving into a new place together and--- hang on I'm getting carried away.

The point is, the chemistry is clear and again I understand why I ship these two.

----------------------- Hisollumi

Eh, I kind of fell off these two. Like I said in my fanfic post, I think I only like reading about them now if they exist in a world outside of HXH. But I'll be brief. Hisoka desires Illumi carnally. And also wants to be killed by him, yadda yadda don't think about it too hard. They view each other as equals and as fucked up as they are on their own, it's always nice to have someone you can be crazy with. Illumi is more than happy to put up with Hisoka, because frankly who else but Hisoka would also put up with him? They are outsiders who belong together, which is quite sweet. They are also canonically married so it'd be a bit weird to not see them as romantic. Their chemistry is actually really funny, less so romantic, but there's a history between the two and they certainly gel well with one another.

Here, it's very clear to see why I ship them.

----------------------- SakuAtsu

So here comes the problem: what's the reason for Sakusa liking Atsumu???? Maybe I'm having this issue right now because there isn't any canon chemistry between these two (that I know of), but that wasn't a problem for me because I was LOVING the fan content.

So I've read a few fanfics of them now, and oh yes, they do have chemistry, but... it's unclear what Sakusa likes about Atsumu. Like I said about Kojiro, I don't really know what his reason for being in love with Kaoru is, but it's believable that he is in love with him. I can easily make up my own reason or see why Kojiro is in love with Kaoru when I read fanfic about them.

Bear with me when I talk about fanfic, I swear it's important for what I want to say. SO I READ THIS SAKUATSU BDSM FIC --AND NO STAY WITH ME-- I didn't get why Sakusa had feelings for Atsumu. This could just be me maybe being on the aromantic spectrum

We interrupt this post to announce that the user is in fact on the Aro Spectrum and will now be shutting the fuck up.

Edit: Ok I am continuing, but it’s because I’m DYING to talk about it.

I can see why Atsumu would have feelings for Sakusa, he likes annoying him, in the fic I read he has a thing (sexual, maybe romantic) for authority figures and people who are reserved and stoic. We know who fits the bill, and he falls for his personality because he likes spending time with Atsumu. But!

SPOILERS AHEAD FOR THE FIC! ITS CALLED TERMINAL CURIOSITY ITS VERY GOOD!

Sakusa ends up deciding to date Atsumu after the other man confessed because he doesn’t want to lose Atsumu… but kind of for the BDSM aspect? Now don’t get me wrong, Sakusa isn’t just dating him to fuck him, they went over that themselves in the fic, but I can’t see why Sakusa would fall for him. Not saying that Atsumu is unlovable, but we know what kind of person Sakusa is, and Atsumu seems to be the exact OPPOSITE of what Sakusa would look for in a partner. We see the fic from both perspectives, but all of what Sakusa feels towards Atsumu seems to be sexual attraction.

Given that I’ve had time to reflect on my aro spec identity, I think Sakusa does lie on the aromantic spectrum. Perhaps it’s implied and I’m just lacking in reading between the lines. I really like this fic, and I hope after my exams I can interview the authors of the fic and ask them about it personally.

I also can see some of the other characters on this ship as aro/ace too! Bakugo for example is someone who I’ve seen with frequent headcanons as lying on the spectrum and Illumi definitely fits into that category. I mean, his wardrobe does consist of the colours of the flags.

Anyway I hope you enjoyed my post! I certainly enjoyed finding out more about myself :)

Wow time to talk about fanfic :0. I made a post about my fave gay ships, (for those who didn’t see that post you’ll see the ships as you scroll, but if you were looking for your ship via tags and this post came up, then it’s most likely here).

Since I’ve read the majority of fics for those ships***, I may as well share my faves and give love to those fantastic fics that certainly made my life better. These fics aren’t one shot smuts (though I can make a post about that too 😌), but most of the fics I read are explicit so check out the tags for all the fics to see what you’re comfortable with. Skip and choose what you like and let me know if these fics were as enjoyable for you as they were for me :D. Enjoy!

***I only recently got into SakuAtsu and I have a whole bunch of fics saved to read, so I’ll probably edit the post if I like them and add them in.

Behind the Scenes - Explicit

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23736202/chapters/57002062

OH MY GOD!!!! So this was one of the first best fanfics I read and it’s my favourite (Kiribaku) fanfic ever!! It’s absolutely CRIMINAL that this fic doesn’t have over 100k hits, it’s so well written. I was on Twitter minding my business and the author was like “Hey! Here’s a link to my fic! Read it!” And I was like “O-Kay!”. Best decision I’ve ever made. Everything about this fic is great: the premise, the romantic tension, the SEXUAL tension, the characterisation, the SMUT, the angst, the TOSHINORI YAGI DRAMA? WOW!!! The only thing I didn’t absolutely love was how abrupt the ending felt. But I’ve read this fic (skipped the angst coz I just got really sad and it’s not even that angsty lol) like 10 times over now and I never get tired of it. If you don’t like this fic, come comment below and I’ll give you a free psych eval.

Just One Yesterday - Explicit

https://archiveofourown.org/works/26248282/chapters/63890596

Oh my god, no offence but the summary is… BORING!!! BABES BAKUGO IS A FUCKING MOTORBIKE RACER??? AND KIRISHIMA IS HIS MECHANIC????? This fic is WILD!!! Bakugo gets in a crash and Kirishima takes care of him but they have to deal with UNRESOLVED TENSION!! Their friends don’t know that their relationship ended, so they’re putting up a façade that everything is A-OK, as well as dealing with their emotional baggage. The flashback scenes in this fic can utterly devastate you if you’re not careful. This is again ANOTHER fic that simply DOES NOT have enough hits! It’s a slow start, but it’s a goddamn satisfying read. The smut?? Mwah. There’s even this really cute art on Twitter by @nanama_a that may have been inspired by this fic.

They Say Laughter Is The Best Medicine But This May Be A Close Second - Explicit

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13092606/chapters/29953008

What an long title hoho! Brag for the author: THEY WORK AT NASA NOW BOY!!!! This fic is just one long self indulgent smut. And it’s great! There’s not much plot, the two are adult pro heroes, but it’s so nice to see their relationship :). One of the best smut I’ve read, and a very enjoyable read.

Kneel - Explicit

https://archiveofourown.org/works/18419600?view_adult=true

Oh this fic, oh this damn, damn fic. I wouldn’t call it a fave, and I have a bunch of issues with its pacing and how things progress, but I enjoyed it! There’s a reason I keep coming back— there’s something so soft in the way that Bakugo and Kirishima rely on each other both physically and mentally. That need to comfort and care comes from a place of real unconditional love, not even romantically. They do have some great gay sex but 👍. I think the second work improves on portraying what Bakugo’s anxiety is like, and the emotional beats hit a lot harder for sure. My touch starved, care starved ass just wants someone to love me the way Kirishima does. Give this one a shot!

A Long Way to Fall - Explicit

https://archiveofourown.org/works/781461/chapters/1472014

I think this was my first ever WrightWorth fic, and oh boy is it good! This author is probably like joint third for my fave fanfic author. I have learned so many new words because of them and I have learned how to be a better writer because of them. The summary of the fic made me scroll immediately past it because that was NOT my sort of thing. I thought it would be some angsty yandere shit written by a moody preteen but THIS SHIT IS BALLS TO THE WALLS?!! I have never played Ace Attorney, but I imagine this is how one of the cases would play out (albeit a lot more mature and with someone other than Edgeworth having a one night stand). Check the tags!

The first few chapters are a slow simmer, and this one’s a SLOW BURN TOO LADS HOOOOOOO. This author goddamn EXCELS at romantic and sexual tension, I found myself getting butterflies when the characters did— even with as something as mundane as a simple touch! But very soon the heat turns up and we’re hit out of the frying pan and into the fire baby! The action ramps up bit by bit and ends in a blazing crescendo. My fire metaphors are a bit shit I’ll be honest, but believe me, you won’t be bored reading this fic.

I absolutely beg you to also check out this author’s other works, they have the writer’s Midas touch, I love them so, so much. They have so many fics to spare too! This fic doesn’t even have 100k hits! This fic and this writer is deserving of a solid 500K. I could gush about this author for days, but I’ll let them prove themselves through their writing.

The Gambler - Teen and Up Audiences

https://archiveofourown.org/works/30046272/chapters/73989528

WHERE 👏 IS 👏 MY 👏 PROMISED 👏 EXPLICIT CHAPTER 👏👏👏👏. BEST MATCHABLOSSOM FIC!!! This fic is so them. I need to reread this fic, it’s been a while. Some fanfics I like to reread the best bits over and over because I didn’t like a certain chapter or the ending or something else, but this fic has little to no flaws! Everything was written and wrapped up superbly! It’s also really fucking funny. They’re so fucking gay for each other, and they’re so fucking stupid. I love all the stuff they get up to, and the romantic tension in this one is LETHAL. I absolutely adore the metaphors in this fic too, and the song titles for chapter names/arcs is amazing. I was like “I love that song!”. I think it’s just nice to see someone with the same taste in music as me ljwiskslsksps.

How To Seduce A Himbo Who Already Likes You - Explicit

https://archiveofourown.org/works/29993646/chapters/76062926

Another fic I have to revisit! But what I remembered most about this fic, was the absolutely heart wrenching monologue that Kojiro serves to Kaoru, absolutely RAW. He’s a chef! He did this in his own restaurant no less! That monologue had my jaw on the floor. nearly screaming and wailing. I won’t say it’s my fave fic, and there’s a lot I would like to correct or complain about, but this author knows Kojiro and Kaoru’s characters expertly well. Prepare for heavily seasoned angst.

Terminal Curiosity - Explicit

https://archiveofourown.org/works/26350249?view_adult=true

[flopping on floor like a fish]. WHO KNEW. WHO KNEW. THAT A FUCKING KINKY ASS BDSM FIC. COULD MAKE ME HOWL AND WAIL UNTIL MY THROAT WAS RAW. Yes this fic is just pure horny smut. BUT, it also does a great job of building so much concentrated romantic and sexual tension. As well as angst [sobs]. This is like my favourite fic right now as I write this. And this post has been in my draft for three weeks just about. ACKCHUALLY. I think this fic was the one that made me want to create this post 💀.

Haikyu vets can decide for themselves but I think this is one of the best portrayals of Sakusa Kiyoomi I’ve read! Saying this, I have only read two SakuAtsu fics as of writing this and I haven’t watched a single episode of the anime but still! This fic was almost strong enough to make me watch! I’m in love with Miya Atsumu to an unhealthy degree. But anyway, this plot is just the two of them doing BDSM scenes but it still manages to outclass the vast majority of fic that I’ve read.

This fic is very unique in the fact that instead of chapters it decided to opt for works, which is quite clever if you ask me. I think we’ve all been browsing fic at one point or another, and come across a fic with an intriguing plot summary, good tags and—- oh wait it’s 25+ chapters and 100K…

“It’s not you! I’m sure you’re a great fic, with a satisfying ending and you’re well written throughout… but it’s late and y’know, I was looking for a quick 1-4 chapter, 8k fic so I could pass out. Sorry.”

I went on a tangent there. This fic swiftly eliminates that by enticing you in with a quick 9k work, leaving you hungry for more. You see it’s part of a series! Well you can binge that easy peasy! If all the works are about this length, then I can read one every night! Spoiler, but one of those works was at least 20k, and only about two thirds in did I think “Huh longer than usual this one.”. This fic be sneaky! The word count gets slightly longer each time, but you don’t care! You CRAVE more! Also probably more unique than that is the fact this fic is co-written by two authors :O?!

I didn’t realise this until I was about halfway through the series. My dumbass can be quite unobservant when it wants, this fic just hooked me in and I forgot about even checking tags! So, EVENTUALLY I decided to check tags just so I wouldn’t be as surprised as Atsumu was every time he walked into Sakusa’s bedroom, and my eyes snagged on TWO authors?! I was shocked. I’d never seen this before. I was intrigued. I hadn’t even noticed, their writing styles were so similar the transition between POV’s was seamless. Once I knew this fact I could spot the minute differences in writing style, but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the series one bit. I really want to interview the two authors and find out more about their whole process. Hopefully I’ll make that post one day!

Right now, GO READ THE FIC! Enjoy a fun story that’ll unexpectedly rip your heart out and give you some of the best smut you’ve ever read. And please, READ THE TAGS.

A Visit From the Zoldyck’s - Explicit

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25468990/chapters/61779202

I remember very little about this fic, because it’s been more than a year since I’ve read it. BUT! This was the fic that lead me to this author’s other fics AND my favourite HisoIllu fic. I love this author’s writing, they are an absolutely phenomenal writer. I haven’t seen such beautiful, stylish writing in a fanfic. Some fanfics tend to be very flowery and pretentious but this one is so charming and witty. However, READ THE TAGS. This fic contains some absolutely brutal content that may be difficult to stomach or triggering to read about, so please do familiarise yourself before diving in.

Springtime Rising - Explicit

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25909156/chapters/62966380

Here it is, my favourite Hisollumi fic :). God I love this fic, and I’ll tell you why! It has a bit of a slow start, but my god is this fic one of the best written HisoIllu fics you’ll ever read. Like the last fic it also covers sensitive subject matter so please do READ THE TAGS.

Hisoka and Illumi’s weirdness you would think comes from the world they live in— we certainly don’t get their breed of crazy in our world. Hisoka’s past is unknown, but likely very fucked up and Illumi certainly got the traumatising Zoldyck upbringing for rearing the perfect little killing machine.

So I was content with reading fics that happened in universe, all good, all fine. This goddamn fic changed that. It shows that Illumi is fucked up because of his family trauma, that can and does absolutely happen in this world, (not to the extent of HXH but that’s an anime so why would we ever look to that for realism) and that Hisoka can still be as charming as he is in canon without being a murderous magician.

This fic humanises them. And we get to see them be somewhat normal teenagers, which is fanservice for me at least :D. Who doesn’t wanna see what these two were like as teens? This is probably the most realistic portrayal of teenagers I’ve seen in fiction— BECAUSE IT WAS WRITTEN BY ONE. Seeing these two just interact casually as snarky, moody, ten tonne emotional baggage carrying teenagers is everything I didn’t know I wanted— or needed. I loved the gradual progression of their relationship so much, and The Phantom Troupe are the best side characters you could ever hope for.

This kind of story wouldn’t be possible without an insanely talented and skilful writer, and the author absolutely is. The fact this fic has less than 30k hits makes me want to throttle somebody. This should have 100k at least. If you love HisoIllu and you haven’t read this yet, please do.

My ship dynamics ❤️