#3: Cursed
Read It Here!
Author: molossiamerica (afjakwrites).
Genre: Romance, fantasy.
Rating: T+.
(USUK/UKUS/USUKUS)
One-shot (3.693 words).
Summary: The Jones family is cursed, but Alfred doesn’t view his demon as much of a problem.This fic is based off of the comic Cursed by the lovely charminglyantiquated (tumblr), who gave me permission to post this. :) If you haven’t seen the comic or any of their other stuff, I highly recommend you check it out!
Drama level: All is rainbows/A small problem happens for like a second/Some conflicts and tense situations but you can handle it/You may shed some tears/NO TEARS LEFT TO CRY
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- Analysis -
The recommended story this time is not as long as the other ones. It is more like a tasty snack for the end of your day instead of a three-course meal. It is based on an original comic posted on tumblr that I really like, but it has enough variations in the story to be unique and enjoyable to read even for those who have already seen the comic.
Alfred's family members carry a curse that causes them to be tormented by personal demons (literally) from the age of seventeen. Fortunately, they have a ring that protects them, preventing the demons from being able to touch them.
The story begins when Alfred turns seventeen and his personal demon, Arthur, appears. Although Arthur clearly likes to annoy and tease Alfred, he doesn't really want to hurt him. After a year, they start becoming friends and began developing feelings for each other, but there is a hesitation on Alfred's part to take off the ring, which causes a physical barrier between them.
For anyone who likes to see Alfred and Arthur bantering, the dialogue here is gold. The romantic and sexual tension of having two characters who like each other, not being able to touch each other until they are sure that they completely trust each other is very good to read, which makes this premise very interesting. We definitively need more of the combo demon + fluffy. It is unusual but delightful.
It’s also quite fun to see the evolution in Alfred and Arthur’s relationship from mutual disapproval to genuine affection. I think the author did a great job of summarizing a long period of time with significant marks of what happened in it. The progression of the characters' relationship seems very natural and genuine because of it. Here is a scene that shows this talent of the author:
Because Alfred lives alone, they spend most of their time together. Alfred becomes accustomed to cooking enough for two, and they take turns watching TV. They start a list of movies they both want to see, and once a week Alfred rents one off the list for them to watch together. Arthur feeds Alfred’s cat, Hero, and tends to the plants Alfred purchased for him. When the American is too tired from work and school, Arthur tidies up the apartment for him. Alfred even buys a futon for Arthur when the Brit mentions the awkwardness of staying up all night while he sleeps and gives the spare room to Arthur.
See? The choice of what is being shown of their lives during this period of time is enough for us to not only to have a picture of their day-to-day lives but also see the building of mutual trust and affection. This almost feels like a movie scene. It’s very visual and subtle at the same time.
I won’t say how the story ends, so be sure to check it out to find out yourself! It is a very cute and fun one and I definitely recommend it!
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Some of my favorite parts:
- “Well, it’s your family’s fault some witch decided to curse your ancestors. Now a demon is randomly selected every time one of you idiots turns seventeen. You would think your family would simply stop reproducing, but apparently the primal urges of your nature far outweigh the emotional toll it takes on your offspring.” The man scowls.
“Hey, man, you won’t have to worry about that with me. Trust me, I wouldn’t ever subject a kid to the sight of eyebrows like that.”
- Arthur resents that ring. The more time he spends with Alfred, the more he craves Alfred’s touch. The more he wishes he could run his hands through Alfred’s hair, down his body. He wants to explore Alfred’s gorgeous form; cup Alfred’s face in his hands, run his palms down the American’s muscular chest… He wants Alfred to touch him, too; to take him into his arms and kiss him roughly, hold him tight. He wants to kiss every inch of Alfred’s body, and he wants Alfred to do the same. He wants to feel Alfred everywhere, wants to feel the American pressing into him, ravishing him. Yes, he resents that ring.
-“You know we can’t touch each other, love.”
“Yeah, we fucking can,” Alfred growls out, looking annoyed.














