#alternative pairings

[bethanydelleman]

Have you ever done a post on which Austen heroines and heroes woud be good couples together if they didn’t marry their canon spouse?

I workshopped a post on it but I wasn’t creative enough and kept pairing half the female characters with Mr. Knightley! 😂 (It’s not my fault he’s such a good combination of intelligence, sense, principle, and kindness. I think most women who weren’t total romantics like Marianne could be happy with him.)

I did a whole post about pairing characters from Pride & Prejudice with other novel characters. Here are some thoughts:

Anne Elliot & Colonel Brandon as mutual second chance at love

I wrote Anne Elliot & Fitzwilliam Darcy / Elizabeth Bennet & Captain Wentworth (plus other Pride & Prejudice/Persuasion crossover pairings)

I actually have a hard time pairing Mr. Knightley because he likes Emma and she has kind of a unique personality among the Jane Austen heroines. She's extroverted and snobby; she does has a caring side with her father; she's also parentified. I don't think he'd like Elinor Dashwood or Anne Elliot because they are so self-contained. Maybe Catherine Morland, but you'd have to age her up because I think he also admires Emma's mature, management side (like at the Christmas party). That's an Anne Elliot thing, but she's more introverted... it's hard. Maybe Elizabeth Bennet?

Fanny Price is hard for me to pair too because she likes... Edmund. She might work with Edward Ferrars? He has integrity. I think she'd find Henry Tilney to be too much. She would probably like Mr. Knightley but I don't know if he'd like her (I think he and Mr. Darcy would both try to adopt her as a little sister)

Catherine Morland, also tricky. Maybe Bingley? Double sunshine pairing!

Marianne Dashwood and Captain Wentworth would be a delicious disaster. They both need a prudent pairing, the two of them would be too passionate.

Elinor Dashwood & Charles Bingley. Elinor Dashwood would like Mr. Knightley, though I'm not sure it'd be mutual.

Emma Woodhouse & Elizabeth Bennet... I don't know who else she works with. I don't know who else would be willing to move in with her father!

Jane Bennet and Henry Tilney!

These are hard, share ideas in the notes

[ravenadottir]

I have a what if scenario that I’d like to get your thoughts on (if you’re interested—otherwise you can totally delete this ask, haha).

What if Marisol went home instead of Hannah? (For instance if MC started with Gary and Bobby decided to save Lottie’s best friend because he’s so big on friendships, even if there wasn’t a spark between him and Hannah and she’d been grafting on Gary all day… Or any number of possible setups) How do you think s2 would play out? And what would R!Marisol be like?

ooooooooh this is what i'm talking about!!! i love this role reversal type of scenario, so let's jump right into it!

if marisol left on day 3, then we would have

mc + gary, lottie + rocco, hannah + bobby, priya + ibrahim, hope + noah.

the kiss between gary and lottie would've never happened, because she wouldn't have the excuse that she was upset, but i believe lottie's feelings for him would still flourish around that time.

rocco would still try with the girls, because he felt threatened, except i think hannah wouldn't go for him, and would blow the whistle to lottie, who would absolutely lose her shit and rave about loyalty.

either bobby or rahim could be the guy for hannah, at least at that moment.

if lottie talked to hannah about gary, and the possibility of them being a couple, i reckon the redhead could give in because she sees how incompatible she and gary are, but she would still be sad and hurt lottie didn't take her feelings under consideration.

rocco wouldn't have anyone to crack on with, unless hannah became so bitter about gary and lottie that she decides to just explore that option since lottie is over him, bobby is so into mc and rahim is with priya.

no roccogate. it would take hannah and rocco maybe two chats to realize it would be a huge mistake, so hannah has to settle for lurik.

hannah chooses villa!lurik, because gary is already coupled up with mc. i think henrik could could be a good choice for hannah since there's nobody else for either of them.

casa amor would be really difficult for hannah. everyone is so far off from the prince charming she thought she would meet during her love island experience. she would have to bring someone back because it's not meant to happen between her and lurik. my bet is on arjun because he was so tender.

hannah would come out of her shell. i reckon time spent in the villa would be helpful but on day 24, when marisol returns, things would be set in motion for the bad.

hannah already feels guilty for taking someone's place in the villa and not working out for her, and now that marisol is back, with a vengeance and thirsty for gary, i think the tension between the four girls would be excruciating.

marisol would bring it and not hold back. Hair flipping, easy smiles, charmingly talking to gary, openly flirting, touching him all over, finding excuses to chat with him alone, things to provoke mc, and to make lottie go out of her mind, besides showing hannah how it's done.

there's something about returning!marisol that speaks to me on a primal level! she wouldn't hold back for nobody but you know what i think? it would be the perfect slowburn!route for her and mc.

coming back, thinking all she's doing is to get gary and realizing she has a huge crush on mc would be so superior! and having to deal with the fact that gary and elisa are into mc as well? are you kidding me? that would be so messy but i would love it more than returning!hannah.

there would be a true opportunity of having something with marisol that would make sense! she realizes it at the end of the welcome back party but only says something to mc before bed, possibly being extremely flirty and telling her how she missed her and how painful it was to watch her get with other people, similar to what returning!lurik says during the date, but this time in the villa.

i think the way she comes back, full on drama mode, only to realize she doesn't really care about hannah staying, or lottie being into gary, but how much she wanted to stay because of mc is my favorite part of this whole ordeal, and the only thing that would make sense for her, because there isn't anyone else in the villa for marisol besides mc.

[blueflufferberry]

Infection

// Fanfiction - Sailor Moon / Dark AU /Romance, Drama //

Shipping: Haruka x Usagi (primary)

Ami x Makoto , Minako x Rei (side)

Summary: The four generals, Jadeite, Nephrite, Kunzite and Zoisite designed and unleashed a virus to harvest energy, control the human population, and begin overtaking the world for Metalia which awakened the sailor soldiers in their second year at university. The virus rapidly changed the world and their sense of normal. People who are infected have their energy and clarity sapped as a cough, sneezing and bouts of aggressive insanity spread the infection faster than anyone can keep up! Many die after this phase but stronger individuals proceed into a more gruesome phase of infection: As the virus progresses the victims begin to crave blood and attack others under the illusion that their blood lust will cleanse them. Attacks are well documented but governments are overwhelmed with testing. The world needs help!

Usagi, Minako, Ami, Rei, and Makoto must stop the virus from spreading, find a way to heal those infected AND defeat Metalia before it's too late. The soldiers already suffered loss, losing Mamoru, Naru, and Yuuichiro over the last six months with the virus only closing in on them and the world.

On the flip side of these star crossed lovers, Haruka has lost everything to this virus. Unawakened as a sailor soldier, she watched Michiru perish in her fight but continues on in order to complete their mission: find the origin of the virus and destroy it. With nothing left to lose, and an infection that could overwhelm her at any time Haruka was losing hope.

And when two hopeless soldiers crashed into each other they both sense an electricity that seemed like a nostalgic memory. Will they find hope, something to protect?

When Usagi crosses path with Haruka will their fates change?

Together, can they forge a new future?

TW: violence, death, zombie-like (cannibalistic human) themes, sexual themes, profanity, hospital settings, medical terminology (occasional)

----

Chapter 1 (Haruka POV)

At some point you get used to always running.

Sprinting from it all, dashing away; wherever away is. It’s just running. From her, from them, running until there's an all too familiar slimey solitude-cocoon webbing across your eyes; the threads pull every piece of personality, of relatability, away from the faceless passerbys. 

At another point you realize that everyone else has been caught in the same webbed mess.The threads of paranoia and mistrust bind us closer than previous vessels like love and friendship. You can never be sure who is safe, who can be trusted. 

It didn’t used to be like this. I used to trust someone with everything. But she was taken by the damned virus that’s changing our very idea of normal. It’s going to destroy the world and that’s far from a secret. 

These days everyone looks over their shoulder, no matter who walks by.

Under the endless blanket of gray skies that canvassed the autumn months people congeal into a faceless mass every rush hour. It’s as certain as the sun setting or fall’s blank skies. Somehow, I found myself caught in this routine mess. 

With a pointless sigh I berated myself for getting slowed and teased with all the smells. While it was this nameless group of people that I wanted to protect from others like myself they always seemed to get in the way of my efforts to protect them. 

As if anything could save us anymore. 

I weaved through the crowd that still roused at every rush hour. Work was about the only constant flow left driving people. They trotted forward to go home, sleep, rinse and repeat the cycle. Until they too were infected, that is. With the masks they began to feel even more like faceless sheep before a slaughter, unaware of the truth behind the virus and their demise. 

Perhaps this cursed reaction to the virus was meant to teach me patience. Maybe that’s why I never became sick with insanity, or terrible illness like— 

An intoxicating smell of jasmine and lilacs wrapped around my face in long, golden threads. A soft, small warmth crashed into my core. Were people really this clumsy, still this blindingly trusting? 

Without thinking I embraced the small woman radiating this penetrating heat. In that instant I never wanted her to leave my arms. 

For a split second it felt as if my heart skipped a beat. As if it held a rhythm these days. 

Without skipping a beat I steadied the small woman in my arms. She leaned into the embrace as she found her footing. We both lingered several moments too long as if we were equally lost in each other’s sensations. 

As she looked up at me I knew I wanted to see her again. 

Piercing, bright blue eyes shined up to me. Her cheeks became cherry stained in tempo with that vivace heartbeat. Her equally flushed lips parted and searched hopelessly for words.

If I had my own heartbeat that stunned, and moderately smitten, expression would have been enough to stop it. Who is she?

[vermaxen]

In which I write medieval AU SasoSaku which is not at all healthy! That might be their charm though.

I went off the deep end for a while with some Sasori/Sakura AU content.  Every now and then this pairing grabs me by the gut and forces me to write them, but very very rarely.  I like reading it, though!  

I am only linking to Ch 1 but it is complete in both locations I’ve posted it.

Link to AO3 if you prefer that format.  Because the Pit is the Pit.

[hellospunkiebrewster]

wait so who would you pair the d&d characters with??

I assume you’re referring to my teeny tiny comment at the bottom of one of my asks that says I don’t particularly agree with the pairings PB is potentially going to give us for other characters in Desire and Decorum...

Take all of this with a grain of salt. It’s the product of crazy spaghetti flinging with @shwarmi. Some of these pairings are more compatible with the Desire and Decorum universe in my head, than the one PB gave us. Like this first one.

OOF THIS GOT LONG.

Here’s one you all know I like. Hamid x Holloway. I think she’s precisely what Hamid needs to make his time as an envoy in England more successful. She’s no nonsense and commands attention. I can just see him helping her realize that her life doesn’t have to be only domestic endeavors if that’s not what she wants (and if she’s honest with herself, she thinks she’s capable of much more than that even though she does still want children and a great home down the line). Like Hamid’s got a meeting with some MP or another and just...

Footman: Sir, the envoy from the Ottoman Empire has arrived for your appointment.

Random kind of shitty and stubborn MP who isn’t planning on negotiating with Hamid at all, crossing the study and shuffling in a drawer for some cigars: Fantastic! Send him in.

Footman, trying not to look uneasy: Are you sure you wish to receive him in here?

Random MP: Why wouldn’t I?

Footman, not making eye contact any longer: Well you see sir, he’s brought his wife.

Random MP, knowing Felicity is notorious for not taking ‘no’ for an answer any time she accompanies her husband anywhere: Shit.

And then the couple leave the residence several hours later, the random MP looking frazzled, Felicity looking smug, and Hamid positively giddy to get home and write to his cousin, the Sultan, about today’s meetings and how successful they were. 

POWER COUPLE.

Nextly, Annabelle x Theresa. I just love the dynamic here of loveable dumbass (who is a legend and has your back) and absolute badass. Theresa does mention in the shop in Book one that she thinks MC would look good in anything. I wanted it to be flirting so bad, and so, in my book IT IS OKAY?!

Just think of the two of them at dinners and balls and other events and just being able to know how to call out all of the kind of shitty other members of the ton on their bullshit. Because they know all of their secrets, because Annabelle is an expert people watcher and Theresa has the hearing of a bat. Just imagine Annabelle taking Theresa to all the popular literary clubs and Theresa feeding off that energy and turning even the more serious attendees into ladies who can’t wait to hear more of all the actually true juicy stories she has to offer.

YET ANOTHER POWER COUPLE.

Lastly... Luke x (wait for it) Harry. The Viscount Foredale is such a fucking disaster and mess that even after his father said he’d support him if he didn’t think he was ready for marriage, HE STILL FAKED HIS DEATH AND RAN AWAY. Harry needs a centering and stabilizing presence in his life and while Vincent was alive I think it was him. But Harry was never truly open with his father, because he felt the need and desire of his father for Harry to be the next Earl superseded all of Harry’s own wants. If he had been more open, perhaps he’d have realized that wasn’t the case, and that Vincent was kind and supportive and unwaveringly devoted to his children. I think this is something Edmund realizes better than Harry, even though he’s “only” a stepson.

When Harry returns in a whirlwind he has a hard time connecting to everyone he knew at the estate before due to the crippling guilt he feels after what he put them all through. The lies he had Edmund tell on his behalf. The grieving he put both his parents through. The way he had to grieve his own father without the proper chance at a goodbye. Like can you JUST imagine the regret gnawing at him when he hears the news his father has fallen ill from Gideon Paynard? Even if it’s too late for him to make the trip back it destroys him.

He finds solace in escaping his mother’s prying ways insisting he marry soon to save Edgewater from his treacherous sister by spending time in the stables and there he gets to know Luke Harper (who is also hiding out, but for other reasons, the fact that he really doesn’t feel like he belongs in the house among those of the ton). The two become fast friends, Luke a grounding presence for Harry when he feels like no one is listening to him. Harry provides Luke with a close ally who isn’t so preoccupied by pending nuptials, planning them, reconstructing an estate, or keeping the call to return home a continent away at bay. It isn’t that his other friends don’t have time for them, but he more feels that they have bigger things to worry about. Harry helps him take up his role, giving him tips for setting up his own home, helping him find a gentleman’s wardrobe, and along the way something more blossoms from it. 

IN THIS HOUSE WE STAN MUTUAL SUPPORT.

[ravenadottir]

i saw you answered this for season 2 so now i really want to know about season 1 & 3 as well. who did “the producers” predict would be couples? hopefully you understand my question lol, english is not my first language

mate, yessss, this is perfect! also, your english is great, and it’s not my first language either, so like, clown communication exceeds all the rest! but you’re nailing it, in my opinion!

let’s see... producers pairing season 1 probably would have a hard time to pair them. if you take a look, almost none of them have things in common. also, let me give a score out of five hearts (ღ) of how much i think the producers thought they would fit together.

❝season 1❞

ღ ღ ღ jen and jasper. it seems they would have more in common than the others, mostly because they come across “posh”, but i do think they share interests they never had the time to discuss. jen appreciates a mature guy, and jasper was initially the most mature that would go for someone like her.

ღ ღ ღ ღ tim and sammi. my girl @the-bisexual-mermaid absolutely killed with this pairing, and i do think producers might’ve drawned a heart on their names together. they just have the same energy, ideals, tolerance. the two of them simply fit together, and i think the crew was surprised they never got to couple up.

ღ ღ ღ allegra and miles. i genuinely think they have more in common than they realize, and villa!miles didn’t have enough time to get to know her because they were always putting on a front, and banging around the villa.

ღ ღ ღ jake and erikah. i know it sounds weird, but on paper they have the same sweet ways. erikah appreciates the poem and someone who’s a bit more mysterious than the others. jake likes a girl that knows what she wants, and after mc, who can have three personalities (because of the players), erikah is really closer to his ideal girl.

ღ ღ ღ ღ talia and mc. mc is talia’s type no matter who she is, because the three paths mc is allowed to be are still talia’s ideal girl. and talia is really honest and loyal, which in my opinion would be the first choice to bi/gay mc’s.

ღ ღ ღ ღ cherry and mason. they both love having a good time, and it seems they have similar ideas about intimacy and relationships. they don’t care about what people say, and just go for it!

as for rohan, reese and lucy i truly believe they were wildcards in the producers’ eyes. even though erikah is attracted to rohan and reese, it’s not like they could’ve predicted the girl would end up with reese. they have nothing in common besides attraction, and as for rohan, i think he was “he’s gonna be dumped” bet of the season, backstage.

❝season 3❞

ღ ღ ღ ღ seb and iona. both have a hard time to be so sparkly and unicorn-like, and i think it would’ve been the pair that made the most sense. he’s sarcastic and not into the whole “colorful” attitude, and iona is the same. i don’t know why they thought iona and camilo would be a good couple!

ღ ღ ღ ciaran and elladine. they are both into the idea of romance before attraction, and given how innocent ciaran is, i reckon they could’ve been paired up. elladine says she wouldn’t have sex in the show, and i think that’s the exact attitude ciaran had at first, too.

ღ ღ ღ ღ ღ tai and aj. it happens later, on the boat party (i’m not sure to what extent) that aj finds out she’s a lesbian. but she and tai have very similar ideas of love, and they both have that puppy energy that would honestly be a really good match, in my opinion. plus, sports in common, the willingness to travel and have drama-free fun, and they both like the idea of adventures. dogs and kids are in the plans, so like... yeah! 5 ღ out of 5

ღ ღ ღ ღ yasmin and nicky. besides the music in common, they’re both extremely caring, and yasmin is mature enough to not remind him of his younger sister. also, yasmin is drama-free and laid back, and that’s exactly what nicky is! 

ღ ღ ღ harry and genevieve. i know they get together before she couples up with seb (WHICH TO THIS DAY IT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE TO ME, BUT POP OFF) harry and viv have this determination factor in common. ‘business school’ meets ‘medical field’ and it just... fits! they have more in common than they realize, from the idea of romance, to the goals they have in life. and viv says how it’s not working because he’s too young. that’s the only reason she doesn’t stay with him. if age was the only determinant in a relationship, harry would’ve only got with aj, and we know that’s not a good match.

ღ ღ ღ ღ miki and rafi. i just want to picture miki excited about the facial expressions rafi would deliver at all times. they both have “similar” careers, want to make a name for themselves, which leads me to believe despite being sweet they’re very determined. rafi is about family and i think miki is too. their social media posts would be insanely entertaining too.

ღ ღ ღ bill, i think, was also paired up with miki, because she digs nonsense talk, and that’s everything bill has to bring to the table. he wouldn’t fit with any other girl because of how opinionated he is. it seems miki was the most tolerable there, and they make it very clear on that night the girls spend in the hideaway.

ღ ღ ღ camilo and aj. just like the pairing with tai, and the same reasoning, aj and camilo would’ve been an excellent couple! energy to give away, close to family, sports, no time to waste when it comes to romance... i can see them together.

now here’s the thing. about aj and a girl: i don’t see her with any of them, if they were all lgbtq+. yasmin is not a good fit for her, nor is any of the others. i guess you could pair her with miki, if the influencer was into girls, but there’s not a a lot happening there either. it would’ve been some sort of “no options for aj”, and that’s not good enough to make people couple up.