#adam fenwick symes

[twinksintrees]

this shot of bright young things ended me. the way adam looks at miles, he loves him so much, he doesn’t know how much pain miles is in, doesn’t know he’s going to be forced to leave the country, in that moment before everything comes crashing down and he takes off the glasses everything is perfect between them. even if they’re in a mental hospital and agatha’s hurt and nina’s with ginger, everything is okay because they’re together and they’re dancing and they are friends and they care about each other so much.

[grinchwrapsupreme]

there's a lot going on in Bright Young Things but the two-hit combo of the radio announcing that Britain is at war and all of the older men who went through the first war turning and looking at Adam, the only young man in the room, combined with the Major (now General) recognizing the name Fenwick-Symes from the previous war being recontextualized on the battlefield anew really knocked me tf out like war is cyclical!! It happened to Adam's father and now it will happen to him!! And one day, the narrative promises, it will happen to Tommy too

[thebreakfastgenie]

The anon who sent you the message about the “obscure fandom” I think was talking about the 1930 satirical novel about rich socialites, Vile Bodies.

From Wikipedia, part of the character list:

Adam Fenwick-Symes, an aspiring novelist

Nina Blount, his on-and-off fiancée

Ginger Littlejohn, eventual husband of Nina

Agatha Runcible, wild party girl

Simon Balcairn, depressive gossip columnist

Miles Malpractice, predatory gay partygoer

oh!!!!!!! interesting!!! should I read it.....

[caztiel]

adam fenwick symes my favourite boring white guy

[lunarmultishine]

Prompt: "I need a hug,"

(Here it is, lovely. I’m sorry it took so long! I hope you enjoy it!)

"Adam," Miles voice was subdued enough to worry Adam, and he glanced up at Miles. There was some darkness clinging to him and the blanket around his shoulders practically drowned him, more than his usual jackets.

"Are you alright?"

"M'fine," but the smile was less than convincing, "I just, um..."

Adam smiled, softly, "Do you need a hug?"

"I need a hug," Miles agreed, sighing, and he leaned gratefully into Adam's shoulder. He had learned to voice his needs like that a little better in the months past, but a little prompting helped. "Terribly sorry, darling."

"Oh, hush."

It was one of Miles's bad days. He had had more of them since he had been pulled back from France. Adam didn't push Miles to tell him what had happened since he left Agatha's sick room. Tiger had been one of the first to talk to Miles when he came back, in secret. Miles had been defensive, but eventually believed it when Tiger told him that it was an accident, that he had been careless with the letters.

They had been so happy when they finally got back together, more wrapped up in each other than before, if possible. After they got over the guilt and blame and hurt, of course.

Often Tiger or Agatha were the first people Miles would go to on his bad days, but Tiger was out of town, would be for a while. When Miles had asked him to visit, well, who was he to say no? He enjoyed Miles's company, and if his friend ever needed him, he was not one to turn down someone in need if he could help. He had been there a few days, though today was really the first time Miles was in bad spirits during the visit. Tiger's absence only added to his general gloom.

Adam was still holding Miles gently -  Miles being rather grateful for the warmth since he got awfully cold on days like these - when Agatha bounced into the room.

"I've got good news!" she grinned, "I just got a message - Tiger will be back a in a few days instead!"

Adam felt Miles start and stand up straighter, and there was indeed some more light on his face. Tiger had been already gone for a little while, and Miles was sorely missing his beau.

Adam sat on the sofa and patted the spot next to him, watching the blanket clad Miles sit down, with a small, real smile on his face.

"Want me to get you a book?" Adam asked, watching Miles curl up comfortable against the sofa.

"Mm mm," Miles opened one eye, looking almost a little sly, "Bring me one of your stories instead."

Adam rolled his eyes dramatically and took a deep breath, "If you insist. Which one?"

"Ask Agatha," he waved a hand, and heard his best friend giggle in amusement.

"Always making me make the hard decisions," Agatha commented dryly.

"It's a game, darling," Miles hummed, settling back against the worn cushions.

"The one with the forest. Miles loves that one."

"Good choice." Miles agreed, smiling almost lazily.

"Glad to have the approval of Mother," Adam remarked as he went in search for the scrap paper that held his words.

Soft, comfortable laughter followed him out of the room.

[dogboy-willgraham]

Hand holding prompts: platonic hand-holding

(So I am having Feelings about Bradshaw (From Mary Reilly, which if I’m honest I haven’t seen) being sibs with Miles Maitland (Bright Young Things, which I have seen. They were separated in their parents divorce and never got a chance to talk much. Both queer as rainbows, but Bradshaw ended up with his very homophobic father, and was estranged the moment he accidentally outed himself, but the matter was kept private. Miles was fortunate enough to stay with his mother, who’s a lot more accepting. Of course he still suffered the price of queerness, but differently. So, Bradshaw getting to meet Miles’ friends and the rest of his not homophobic family.) 

Bradshaw was only a little nervous. 

“Darling? Your fidgeting and near shaking again,” Miles had pointed out as he walked by in the flat. 

Okay, maybe ‘a little’ was an understatement. But how couldn’t he be driven up the walls mad with anxiety? It wasn’t everyday one was going to meet the part of their family they hadn’t seen in well over a decade and their sibling’s friends. It wasn’t everyday Bradshaw met many people to begin with. 

“Are you alright dear?” Miles asked softly, setting down what he was reading beside him, and patting the space to the other side. “Come, sit for a moment, tell me what’s gotten on your nerve’s so if you wish,”

Bradshaw sat and Miles wrapped an arm around him, he leaned into the touch. “It’s silly Miles, I’m deathly anxious to be meeting everyone this afternoon, I’ve never been good much with meeting new people, much less some being family,” 

“Oh, come now,” Miles said, taking Bradshaw’s hands. “They’ll adore you, truly. Not just because they have a relation to you or to me,” 

“I believe you Miles, but it does little to ease my nerves,” Bradshaw actually doubted the words, but he thought it best to try and not give into such thoughts. 

“I understand dear,” Miles smiled gently. “Truly, I wish I could more, but I promise, you’ll see it for yourself,” 

Bradshaw smiled. “I count on it,” 

-

Bradshaw barely had a moment to say hello before he was pulled into a tight almost crushing hug. There was silence between him and whoever hugged him, but after a moment he was let go. 

“Ah, um, sorry about that,” The woman apologized, he recognized her a little, Lady Maitland, his mother. “It’s been a very long time since I last saw you Bradshaw, a little emotional you know,” She smiled sweetly. 

“He’s not going anywhere mum,” Miles gently teased. “I don’t blame you though,” 

“Ah, it’s nice to meet you uh-ma’am?” Bradshaw greeted. 

“Don’t be so formal dearest,” Lady Maitland said. “Be as personal as you wish, or not, of course,” 

“Alright,” Bradshaw said. 

“Well, if it isn’t the mysterious Maitland you’ve all been talking about,” Mary stood beside Lady Maitland. “You must be Bradshaw, so I’ve heard, it’s nice to finally meet you. Name’s Mary,” Mary held out her hand and Bradshaw shook it. 

“Pleasure to meet you,” 

Another Maitland daughter stood beside Mary. “Nice to meet you as well, Bradshaw, it was quite the effort to get everyone gathered up to see you, but it seems to be well worth it. My name is Lorry by the way,” 

Bradshaw smiled. “All the same to you,” 

“Good to see you again Bradshaw,” The eldest Maitland child came up to Bradshaw, she was nearly a head taller than him and held herself strongly. “You were so little when you left,” 

Bradshaw remembered her a little, a newly minted teen when he had gone. It was all blurry though, much like the memories he had of his mother. “Your name, it was something like...Petal wasn’t it?” 

“Close,” Leaf cracked a smile. “Leaf. Father had an affinity for odd names didn’t he?” 

“Lucky I only let him name two of you,” Lady Maitland joked. 

Bradshaw laughed. “Fair enough,” 

“Wait a minute,” Mary said. “How old are you Bradshaw?” 

“Oh, just a few years older than Miles,” Bradshaw answered. 

“Yes! Miles is still the baby of the family,” Mary laughed. 

Miles pouted, before brightening up. “Ah, I was wondering when the rest of you would show up,” 

A pair of men and a pair of women showed up. Bradshaw prayed he’d be able to keep up. 

“Oh hush it Miles,” The short blonde woman said. “We didn’t just come for you, you know, well, most of us didn’t,” She shot a glance to the stocky man beside her. 

“Oh, you wound me truly,” Miles laughed. “It’s good to see you Aggie, you too Adam, Nina,” 

“It’s nice to meet all of you,” Bradshaw smiled. 

“Ignoring someone Miles?” The stocky man, who Bradshaw presumed wasn’t Adam, growled. 

“It’s hard not to tease you a little love,” Miles responded coyly. The man took up Miles wrist and kissed it. “Tiger, please, we’re in public love,” 

:Ah, you must be the man Miles is so fond about,” Bradshaw said. “He talks about you much, in private of course,” 

“Ah, yes,” Tiger sorted himself out. “It’s nice to meet you,” 

“Well, should we be going now we’ve met? We are pressed for time, been planning this for a little bit you know,” Miles asked, and everyone nodded. 

Bradshaw smiled, this was going to be okay. 

He knew it. 

[thefabuniversesofaziraandcrow]

Adam @ Tiger: When will you learn?

Adam, holding a crowbar above his head: When will you learn, THAT YOUR ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUNCES-

[ironasss]

Ok so I finally started watching the sandman, and, disregarding the whole ass plot:

they mention the book Vile Bodies,right? Unless im stupid? In 1926, they mention Vile Bodies. As far as i can tell,the only Vile Bodies book is Evelyn Waugh.

which didnt come out until 1930. Ugh.

Ok next!

The movie adaptation! Bright Young Things (2003)! Has David Tennant, James McAvoy, and Michael Sheen! All of which are in episode eleven!!! Stephen Fry, director of the film! Is in three other episodes!!

Bill Patterson,also in good omens and bright young things,in episode one of the sandman!

Also, they said it would "keep you awake"? My guy that book wasn't very keep you awake.

[julielilac]

[patricianandclerk]

i can’t believe miles maitland wastes these pretty, flirtatious “i’ll blow you in the coatroom” eyes on fucking adam the hetero himbo, and then pouts when adam doesn’t notice

babe, why are you like this

[imaginary-existence]

Stephen Campbell Moore as Adam Fenwick-Symes and Emily Mortimer as Nina Blount in Bright Young Things (2003) 

[novoki]

I personally thought Adam should have gone to France with Miles at the end of Bright Young Things.

I mean, he said himself to Agatha he had nothing left. Sure, we then find out Nina’s only with Ginger because Adam has no money, but he didn’t know that then. 

Miles is clearly upset and struggling, and leaves with just brief goodbyes and whilst Agatha clearly isn’t sober/okay. Adam should have just bucked up and gone with him to France.

This ensues a bunch of ridiculous adventures of them in another country, adopting new young adults and teaching them the joy of life

[withswords]

Chapters: 1/2 Words: 7254 Fandom: Bright Young Things Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Miles Maitland / Adam Fenwick-Symes Characters: Adam Fenwick-Symes, Miles Maitland, Simon Balcairn, David Lennox (Decline and Fall), Nina Blount Additional Tags: Romance, Friends to Lovers, alternative history, Implied/ Referenced Character Death, Alcohol, Vignette, Post-Canon, Pre-Canon, Marriage Part 2 of the Serious Pleasures series

Summary: Snapshots of a life, from Oxford to France. As the future moves forward, the past only falls further away.

more bright young things! baby’s first series! do you want: gay college relationship drama? older settled gays being very in love? hello!

(part 1 isn’t required reading strictly speaking, but it will probably help)

[rumata-est]

[novoki]

my thoughts exactly

Objectively I know why Miles/Ginger is a thing but Adam is Right There

[deadpoetsmusings]

My first Evelyn Waugh and it failed to make an impression. It was very funny at times but that’s the only redeeming thing about it. (In fact, Waugh had something similar to say about this book in the introduction.)