More Hopeless Than Romantic

A blog for my barakamon fanfiction

[novelconcepts]

Feel like I’ve seen an uptick in this nonsense lately, so for the record now and always: I fucking hate generative AI, I fucking refuse to use generative AI, I will be writing every story and email and shitpost from my own brain forever and ever, amen. Whatever gnarly, dumbass, horny, awesome, insane shit I write is all homegrown, baby. Each and every em dash and semi-colon has been placed with a kiss and a middle finger to AI.

[divorce-enjoyer]

put those big brown eyes away dude now is NOT the time

[misocucumber]

Smooch !

Art by @devcrap !!

[misocucumber]

for the ask game: ❤️💥🎁🏷️🦈🧪📚🎯💌 (i know that's a lot so feel free to leave some of them out if you don't feel like answering them)

I'm gonna answer them all and you can't stop me!

❤️ What is your favorite line that you’ve written in a fic?

He had gotten dressed tonight with the modest hopes of holding hands with a girl, and instead he had ended up making out with the most ineligible bachelor on the island.

Honestly it sums up what I love about Hirosei -- Hiroshi being sweet and clueless, and Handa being attractive but hopeless to woo. Also Through the Trees is my favourite fic so I just had to choose one from there, but I have lots of other favourite lines.

💥 What is one canon thing that you wish you could change?

I know Barakamon is slice of life, but I do wish there were more major changes to the status quo. I was so sad when Ojou got sidelined in the manga because her chemistry with Handa was great and I really wanted to see more of their friendship, perhaps a little ‘will they, won’t they?’. As much as I ship Hirosei, I can’t really see it working out in canon, with Hiroshi leaving the island and Handa staying.

A time-skip could have also been revolutionary, perhaps 5-10 years in the future with an older Naru. Handa butting heads with a teenage Naru could have introduced some fresh conflict into the story.

🎁 Have a piece of a WIP you want to share?

Hiroshi couldn’t pinpoint the moment he had become friends with Handa, but he remembered the moment he had fallen in love with him.

                It was earlier this year in the middle of spring. Hiroshi had brought Handa lunch and they had eaten together in the back room, the sliding doors open to let in the breeze. Over Handa’s shoulder, Hiroshi could see the cherry tree in the backyard, its stark branches covered in pink, fluffy blossoms. It was a beautiful day, dry but warm, the sunlight pale in the vivid blue sky. They ate a heavy lunch and afterwards Handa stretched out on the tatami like a cat in the sun.

                “Don’t fall asleep, you’re cleaning up,” Hiroshi warned.

                “Mm.” But Handa’s eyes had slipped closed and Hiroshi could see his chest rising and falling, steadily growing slower as his body relaxed into the floor.

                Hiroshi rolled his eyes. Typical. He gathered the dishes and took them to the kitchen, running hot water and scrubbing them clean. Handa might as well get his sleep now before Naru finished her own lunchtime nap and came to bother him.

                The window above the sink rattled and Hiroshi felt a strong gust of wind lift his shirt from behind, blowing his hair into his eyes. With one soapy hand, he brushed it away and turned to shut the doors. He stopped in his tracks.

                Pink petals whirled in flurries on the wind, dancing, drifting, alighting on the floor. Handa lay on his side, head resting on his outstretched arm, eyes closed, covered in cherry blossoms. In his hair, on his skin, caught in the folds of his sweater. He looked so serene, so angelic, so stupidly handsome, a bolt of yearning struck Hiroshi in the chest and it ached.

                Petals stuck to the balls of his feet as he tip-toed across the room and stood over Handa. He knelt. He was close enough to see the cables in his sweater, his long eyelashes, his parted lips. Close enough to kiss him. His heart ached and ached and ached.

This is part of a one-shot in which Handa loses his voice and Hiroshi looks after him. Both of them struggle to communicate. It's very fluffy.

🏷️ Is there a tag you like to search for when looking for fanfics to read?

I'm extremely guilty of writing fanfiction, but not really reading it myself. But when I do, I usually search for a pairing and then HEAVY use the filters. I'm not super great with using tags!

🦈 Which character is the toughest to write?

Definitely Naru, I have zero experience with seven year olds. Handa can also be tricky because he is so neurotic and it's hard to make him do literally anything outside his comfort zone without it sounding out of character.

🧪 Do you research for your fics?

 A little bit, but not much. Sometimes I read about calligraphy, its cultural significance and why and how it is practiced, and occassionally I will look up specific kanji. Recently I went down a rabbit hole reading famous Japanese haikus because I wanted to have Handa write some, and discovered I really love haikus. (This was for a sequel to Like a Vigin in which Handa writes a haiku for a calligraphy competition, perhaps involving Hiroshi 👀)

📚 Is there a fanfic or fanfic writer you recommend?

I truly haven't read fanfiction in a while, but let me dig through my bookmarks to find some gems! (limited to Barakamon).

@nanamicide writes some truly adorable Hirosei fluff, the one I keep coming back to is Patch Me Up for some great secret relationship + doting that is absolutely my jam.

Wintering in Paradise by Itylien is a hidden gem, I love the premise of Handa catching lice and all the banter with the gang is great.

Ordinary Miracles by sencha is another great, more subtle Hirosei that feels like it could be canon, honestly.

Tenser's Night Terrors series is seriously spicy and one of my favourites hehe.

Another spicy one is Home by tastewithouttalent, in-character reunion sex, enough said.

Everything by cortae is just sensational, honestly the foundation of the fandom. My favourite is Both because sneaking around + secret relationship, but also because I love Kawafuji.

🎯 Do you have a writing milestone you’re working towards?

I would like to make a habit to write a little each day, even just for five minutes. Hopefully then I can clean out my WIP folder!

💌 Is there a favorite trope you like to write?

If you haven't noticed yet, I’m a sucker for secret relationships and sneaking around, the drama is just too good. I also like to write characters navigating a fledgling relationship, it's so ripe for tension and mishaps, as well as some really funny and sweet moments.

Thank you anon for sending me so many prompts! I'm currently sick in bed so this was a welcome distraction.

[myth-blossom]

Fanfic Writer Ask Game

These are always fun so I wanted to make one! Reblog this and let others send you an ask based on any of these emojis/questions:

❤️ What is your favorite line that you’ve written in a fic?

💥 What is one canon thing that you wish you could change?

✨️ Out of the comments you’ve received on your fics, what are two or three of your favorites?

👻 What is your wildest headcanon?

✍️ What’s your ideal writing setup?

🚀 Do you like to outline your fic first or create as you go?

🎁 Have a piece of a WIP you want to share?

🏷 Is there a tag you like to search for when looking for fanfics to read?

⏰️ Do you like to post fics on a schedule or at random?

👓 What helps you focus when you write?

💕 What is your favorite fic that you’ve written?

🐇 Do you write for yourself, for others, or both?

🥳 Why did you start writing fanfic?

🦋 Which character is your favorite to write?

🦈 Which character is the toughest to write?

🍬 Do you write for multiple fandoms? If yes, what is your favorite fic of yours for each fandom?

🌻 How often do you read your own fics?

📗 Do you want to write something outside of fanfiction? If so, what about?

🎬 If a movie or show were based on your fic, which fic would you choose and who would you fancast?

💭 What inspires you and your writing?

🧪 Do you research for your fics?

😎 What fics do you prefer on a scale of canon compliant to wildly original?

💎 Do you often write about a relationship or focus on an individual?

🔥 Have you included any sexy scenes in your fics? If yes, do you find them easy or difficult to write?

💘 Is it easier to write angst or fluff?

🚦What sort of endings do you prefer to write: ambiguous, bad, happily ever after, etc.?

💡How many WIPs do you currently have?

🔎 Does anyone beta read or edit your fics?

📚 Is there a fanfic or fanfic writer you recommend?

🤩 What led to your interest in the fandom?

🤖 Are non-fandom friends aware that you write fanfic?

💛 What is the most impactful lesson you’ve learned about writing?

👑 Do you like writing short fics or long fics?

🎯 Do you have a writing milestone you’re working towards?

🔮 Any advice for writers working through burnout or writer’s block?

🤔 Would you ever want to write something canon if you got the opportunity?

💌 Is there a favorite trope you like to write?

🎨 If someone were to make fanart of your work, what fic or scene would you hope to see?

[alisonzai]

my book is out on 5/31!

[blvewvlf]

Need a girl who just washed up on the shore

[misocucumber]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapters: 9/? Fandom: ばらかもん | Barakamon Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Handa Seishuu/Kido Hiroshi Characters: Kido Hiroshi, Handa Seishuu, Kotoishi Naru, Kido Akiko, Kido Yuujirou Additional Tags: Romance, Humor, Slice of Life, Light Angst, Swearing, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, MerMay, I mean not technically mermay but it's got the spirit Summary:

Out of school and unemployed, nineteen-year-old Hiroshi runs from his responsibilities straight into another one: Seishuu, a merman, cast out and alone. Squeezed out of society, together they search for a sense of community, identity and belonging – and maybe catch feelings at the same time.

**Chapter Nine**

[misocucumber]

2022

I don’t normally do this, but I wanted to take some time to share a little of my year and check out some stats

I only published two fics this year, as opposed to the five I posted last year. But! The two I did publish were multi-chapter fics which is a huge achievement for me since I really struggle writing longer works, I tend to run out of steam halfway.

Last year I wrote 30,265 words and this year I wrote 31,719 which is kind of amazing since I feel like I didn’t write much at all this year.

Thank you to everyone who subscribed, bookmarked and left kudos and comments. So many of you left such thoughtful and kind words and I feel so lucky to have this kind of engagement with my readers. It’s really, really special and I hope to connect with you all even more in 2023.

Now real quick under the cut, I want to talk about some upcoming fics I’m working on to get me pumped for 2023!

1. Finishing Lured Away – I still have three more chapters to go and one is almost finished. I always tend to slow down towards the end as I stop having fun and start thinking about how I’m going to bring it all to a satisfying close

2. A rather explicit sequel to Like a Virgin in which Hiroshi’s hands are tied and Handa has to learn to be the dominant one

3. A slice-of-life fic where Handa looks after Naru while she’s sick and butts heads with her grandfather

4. A sequel to Striking Contrast where Handa and Hiroshi meet each other’s parents and come to terms with their difference in class

5. A rather silly oneshot where Kousuke and Hiroshi go on a date – I love this rarepair and I have been wanting to write more of them for ages

6. A short oneshot where Hiroshi and Handa do an experiment together

7. Another short oneshot where they get stuck in a closet together. This one sounds ridiculous now that I say it aloud

8. Now this one is a bit of a wildcard, Handa and Higashino get cooped up together in Handa’s house with a storm outside. I think you can see where this is going

9. A little one-sided pining oneshot where Handa loses his voice and Hiroshi crushes hard

Not sure if any of these fics will see the light of day, sometimes I’ll write half a fic and then lose interest and scrap it, but in going through my draft folder I was surprised to find that half of the fics mentioned above are almost finished and just need a good edit.

My goal for 2023 is to write more freely, care less and be silly.

Thank you for all your support this year and I hope you’ll keep reading my works in 2023!

[misocucumber]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapters: 4/4 Fandom: ばらかもん | Barakamon Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Handa Seishuu/Kido Hiroshi Characters: Handa Seishuu, Kido Hiroshi, Naru Kotoishi, Yamamura Miwa, Arai Tamako, Arai Akihiko, Kido Akiko, Kawafuji Takao Additional Tags: Romance, Drama, Sneaking Around, Established Relationship, Secret Relationship, Kissing, Making Out, Implied Sexual Content, nothing graphic Summary:

In a small village, Hiroshi and Handa’s secret relationship isn’t just practical – it’s also fun. The sneaking around, the make out sessions, the lies, it’s all great. Until it’s not.

**Final Chapter**

[misocucumber]

Lured Away

Amazing art by @wi-fu !!

[misocucumber]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapters: 8/? Fandom: ばらかもん | Barakamon Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Handa Seishuu/Kido Hiroshi Characters: Kido Hiroshi, Handa Seishuu, Kotoishi Naru, Kido Akiko, Kido Yuujirou Additional Tags: Romance, Humor, Slice of Life, Light Angst, Swearing, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, MerMay, I mean not technically mermay but it's got the spirit Summary:

Out of school and unemployed, nineteen-year-old Hiroshi runs from his responsibilities straight into another one: Seishuu, a merman, cast out and alone. Squeezed out of society, together they search for a sense of community, identity and belonging – and maybe catch feelings at the same time.

** Chapter Eight **

[misocucumber]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapters: 3/4 Fandom: ばらかもん | Barakamon Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Handa Seishuu/Kido Hiroshi Characters: Handa Seishuu, Kido Hiroshi, Naru Kotoishi, Yamamura Miwa, Arai Tamako, Arai Akihiko, Kido Akiko, Kawafuji Takao Additional Tags: Romance, Drama, Sneaking Around, Established Relationship, Secret Relationship, Kissing, Making Out, Implied Sexual Content, nothing graphic Summary:

In a small village, Hiroshi and Handa’s secret relationship isn’t just practical – it’s also fun. The sneaking around, the make out sessions, the lies, it’s all great. Until it’s not.

**Chapter Three!**

[misocucumber]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapters: 2/4 Fandom: ばらかもん | Barakamon Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Handa Seishuu/Kido Hiroshi Characters: Handa Seishuu, Kido Hiroshi, Naru Kotoishi, Yamamura Miwa, Arai Tamako, Arai Akihiko, Kido Akiko, Kawafuji Takao Additional Tags: Romance, Drama, Sneaking Around, Established Relationship, Secret Relationship, Kissing, Making Out, Implied Sexual Content, nothing graphic Summary:

In a small village, Hiroshi and Handa’s secret relationship isn’t just practical – it’s also fun. The sneaking around, the make out sessions, the lies, it’s all great. Until it’s not.

**Chapter Two!**

[misocucumber]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapters: 7/? Fandom: ばらかもん | Barakamon Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Handa Seishuu/Kido Hiroshi Characters: Kido Hiroshi, Handa Seishuu, Kotoishi Naru, Kido Akiko, Kido Yuujirou Additional Tags: Romance, Humor, Slice of Life, Light Angst, Swearing, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, MerMay, I mean not technically mermay but it's got the spirit Summary:

Out of school and unemployed, nineteen-year-old Hiroshi runs from his responsibilities straight into another one: Seishuu, a merman, cast out and alone. Squeezed out of society, together they search for a sense of community, identity and belonging – and maybe catch feelings at the same time.

**Chapter Seven**

[misocucumber]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapters: 1/4 Fandom: ばらかもん | Barakamon Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Handa Seishuu/Kido Hiroshi Characters: Handa Seishuu, Kido Hiroshi, Naru Kotoishi, Yamamura Miwa, Arai Tamako, Arai Akihiko, Kido Akiko Additional Tags: Romance, Drama, Sneaking Around, Established Relationship, Secret Relationship, Kissing, Making Out, Implied Sexual Content, nothing graphic Summary:

In a small village, Hiroshi and Handa’s secret relationship isn’t just practical – it’s also fun. The sneaking around, the thrilling make out sessions, the lies, it’s all great. Until it’s not.

[detectivehole]

gay sex will not fix this situation. honestly, it'd probably make it worse. that being said i think we should give it a shot anyway