#kevneil friendship

[ulysses-s-wishes]

I think people forget that Neil was willing to die if Kevin made it out. Like from the start of the season. Not just when he learned all of the backstory, but right from the start he decided Kevin was worthy of living even if Neil inevitably couldn't

[alalalalaa]

i was never the same after the "will you still teach me?" "every night" scene

[dykekarkat]

au where neil is way more obvious about crushing on andrew except since kevin is always Right There everyone thinks its kevin Including kevin. which leads to a "ur a great guy neil and id totally blow u if the chance came up but im super heterosexual because sports blah blah blah" conversation and neil goes to the upper classmen later and is like "craziest thing happened today. kevin thought i was crushing on him??? where would he have even got that from??" cue realization.

[ijosten03]

So theres’s this beautiful French singer named Pomme and she has a song called “allô” and that fucking shit is so Kevneil coded that I think I’m going to die.

Like, specific lyrics that remind me of Kevneil:

J'ai ce sentiment de te connaître depuis des années (I have this feeling that I’ve known you for years)

Because they have known each other for YEARS even if Kevin doesn’t remember it at first. Neil has know Kevin since forever and follows his life through media (hence the binder) and Kevin knows Neil, deep down, he knows him.

Toi, ça fait longtemps que tu navigues contre vents et marées (you have been navigating for years against the wind and the tides)

Because both of them have been fighting for their lives all of those years, Neil on the run and Kevin on an abusive cult

Dans tous les cas, tu es là. Je peux te prendre dans mes bras. Dans tous les cas, je suis là. Tu peux m'apprendre à être moi (in any case you are here. I can hold you in my arms. In any case, I am here. You can teach me to be me)

Because they are really lost children, whose only priority is playing exy (for kevin) and surviving (for Neil) and they both mutually teach each other to be more than that, Kevin shows Neil that he can have a future through exy and Neil shows Kevin that he can be brave and fight back against the people who have hurt him

[joejhang]

scenes that we know happen but that i would give a lung to have written out by nora sakavic (or scenes i'd like to see from other povs)

andrew choking kevin after neil gets kidnapped from andrew's pov (i just NEED to know the fear and anger andrew must've felt in that moment. and kevin "you were always going to lose him" day like isn't that just so crazy)

aaron's trial from neil's pov (i would honestly love any pov of this but i feel like neil as someone who isn't very involved in the situation would provide the most insightful pov and GOD I'M FOAMING AT THE MOUTH the THINGS i would do to have a whole book about neil's sophomore year GODDDD)

the garter scene after nicky's wedding from andrew's pov (late-twenties neil is SO unserious i just know it)

nicky's wedding from literally anyone's pov (it would be just like. pure joy tbh.)

dan + matt's wedding from dan/matt's pov (again. see above.)

katelyn + aaron's wedding from aaron/neil's pov (i say neil pov bc i would LOVE to see how aaron and neil's relationship fares after they get over their beef. and i know neil would be happy for aaron and kate. and yeah obv aaron pov because again, see above.)

neil convincing andrew to go to aaron and kate's wedding from andrew/neil's pov (idk it could either be really sad or really funny)

kevin's phone call to jean in tfc from jean's pov (i NEED to know exactly the emotions jean was feeling when he saw kevin's name on his phone and heard his voice again)

the scene where andrew handcuffs neil after stuart dies from andrew's pov (this is genuinely one of my roman empires. the way nora wrote about this in the ec is genuinely embedded in the folds of my brain. neil kissing words into andrew's jaw. the sick gleam in his eyes that makes him look like nathaniel. i LIVE for andreil angst actually.)

andrew punching his pro team coach after he makes neil play injured from neil/andrew's pov (another roman empire. post-tkm andreil my SHAYLAS)

the angsty kevneil conversation in trk from kevin's pov (i'm just. so curious on kevin's perception of neil tbh.)

the robin cross arc from andrew/neil/robin's pov (i LOVE robin cross she's acc my favourite part of aftg lore. i would DIE to see her dynamic w andrew and neil. robin and neil friendship you are so loved by me)

neil buying his car w robin + i forgot who else was there from neil's pov (random but i just KNOW it would be funny)

the US court winning gold at the olympics from kevin/neil/andrew's pov (ugh the serotonin RUSH and the post-match andreil hug they have me in such a chokehold)

when allison and kevin find out that allison's son has a crush on kevin's daughter from kevin/allison's pov (HELLOOOO THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE AFTG EC CRUMBS IT'S SO FUNNY)

neil hanging out with amalia from neil/amalia's pov (TELL ME they wouldn't have the funniest dynamic)

wymack picking neil up from the airport after evermore from wymack's pov (idk it would be so fun to see how absolutely blindsided everyone is by neil's fucked-up lore)

practically any andreil scene in the series from andrew's pov (foaming at the mouth chewing on drywall clawing at the bars of my enclosure for it)

ok i know i said every andreil scene but this HAS to be included separately: THE BALTIMORE REUNION FROM ANDREW'S POV (oh this would make me crazy)

tetsuji and kayleigh in their university days from either pov (like this is just crazy. that they were like. good friends. they literally made a world famous sport together tf.)

nathan wesninski's trial (the one where neil has to testify) from neil/andrew's pov (the complexity of it all)

andrew yelling at bee after she wakes up in the hospital from andrew/neil's pov (it would be fun. i think.)

the birthday blood scene from andrew's pov (like i know nora's already said what andrew was thinking in that scene but like i reread it recently and it was actually crazy how PISSED neil was idk i would just love to see andrew's reaction to neil being THAT mad)

fall banquet riko roast from literally anyone else's pov (i just know i'd reread that shit religiously)

kathy ferdinand riko roast also from literally anyone else's pov (imagine watching neil "quiet boy" josten absolutely CLOCKING riko moriyama's shit on LIVE TV)

the twins' session with betsy from andrew's pov (after reading aaron's pov it just made me so much more curious to get inside andrew's head in that scene bc that was just crazy tbh)

the foxes' skiing trip from neil's pov (neil pov just bc he's the one i'm most used to. but yeah i NEED this)

[foxhole-pipe-dream]

Remembered I can ask the audience instead of my friend who I torment with my Andreil brainrot, SO...

1. Chapter 11 of Reckless - Runaway Neil spends the night trading secrets with pro Andrew, sleeps with him, and disappears the next morning—only to realize he's pregnant when he's states away. Neil finds him a year later and they make a deal. Featuring trans Neil. 

2. Online Friend AU - Neil moves in with Stuart after Mary's death and becomes a recluse, staying in the house. Andrew and Neil bond through an online friendship and eventually meet up. Heavy NSFW themes.

3. Chapter 2 of Mother May I - Nathan is dead and the Moriyamas have been dealt with. Mary and Neil move to Columbia, where they become neighbors with the monsters. Neil has to deal with the shared paranoia & codependency they've gained on the run while also sneaking out to see (and maybe kiss) Andrew.

4. Kevneil/Kandreil FWB AU - Kevin and Neil become friends with benefits after both being dumped. It's good. It's strictly platonic. But once his old friend Andrew comes to town and starts showing clear interest in Neil, Kevin might have a problem on his hands. And he has to admit maybe his platonic arrangement with Neil isn't so platonic. Heavy NSFW themes.

5. Sexiled/Matt & Neil roommate AU - After having the perfect friendship for years and becoming roommates, Matt and Neil start having issues over hogging their apartment for private couple time—aka, sexiling each other. Also, Aaron is a cockblock. It's funny. Heavy NSFW themes.

6. Cruise AU - Neil goes on a five day cruise as Allison's fake boyfriend to help make Seth jealous. He finds romance with another passenger—who keeps stealing all the desserts at the free buffet.

[you-know-i-get-itt]

Break their ass down—I'm going basic so—Neil Josten Edition

NEIL!!

How I feel about this character: loser-ass bitch. i'd die for him. i love him to proportions that haven't been seen since andrew minyard himself okay

All the people I ship romantically with this character: just andrew, i think (but maybe jean under very very specific circumstances)

My non-romantic OTP for this character: aaahh i don't know! i love kevneil's friendship i love neilaaron bestfriendisms i love his friendship with matt and oh okay. jean and neil. misplaced forever partners. yeah

My unpopular opinion about this character: ...i don't think he's ever killed anyone. given the fact that part of what mary was taking him away from was learning to be a killer, i don't think she would have let him be in a position where he needed to kill

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon: i want him to think jeremy is an incredibly awesome person (while jeremy's side-eyeing him in the background because he Does Not Trust Him)

[cabeswaterdrowned]

kevneil & kandrew ratingz ?

Kevneil: 6.5,  it’s a ship that theoretically aligns with themes I enjoy and is an interesting dynamic that’s very important to the fabric of Aftg so if I were in an Aftg hyperfixation spiral I might round up for that, but it’s not one that pulls on my emotions a lot part of that is definitely for char biased Andrew Stan reasons other aspects of Aftg aren’t going to get as much emotion out of me, another part of it is that while I like the ship in theory I don’t tend to like interpretations of it where Neil is written as being really lustful regarding Kevin from early tfc because of how that erases the way Neil’s demisexuality is portrayed. Of the Kandreil fics I’ve read I enjoy more when Neil has a realization about his growing/deepening feelings that he didn’t notice forming while they did more similar to that Andreil scene. 

Kandrew: 9/10 I was fully insane about them for like a couple years …. I love a right person wrong time tumultuous homoerotic friendship with a class disparity turned divorced couple (yes ik the on the nose parallels in the fandom are Ronsey-Kandrew Adansey-Kevneil and why that is but, when it comes to things that really Get Me in ships Adansey and Kandrew are aligned in some ways imo. They’re also aligned in sparking more annoying discourse than any of the other duos it girls! legends!). They’re soo compelling and honestly this is a case where I think not getting either chars pov and instead getting an imperfect picture of the dynamic from Neil with all the past history alluded to makes me 10x more insane about it and excites my imagination a lot more than if we did have that. 

(Send me ships to rate out of 10)

[codename-adler]

Letter Ask Game: R, S, and M?

R - Which friendship/platonic relationship is your favorite in fandom?

(i’m assuming we’re speaking of canon) since TSC, it really has to be Cat & Jean. truly punched a hole through my chest. she showed up and delivered and by god did she really understand Jean. they are both so lucky to have simply… clicked? just like that? it’s incredibly rare and special and i did not expect Nora Sakavic to go so hard with them, with Cat. 

pre-TSC i’m not sure i had one… at least not one that was canon. maybe Kevneil or Kandrew if we consider it from the canon-ish platonic pov? i’ll go with that. yes. ofc from a pairing/ot3 pov their friendship is also at the heart of it, how it was trust, loyalty, safety and protection first, an even match on all fronts. perfect perfect perfect. even better when they clash and come together again after.

S - Show us an example of your personal headcanon (prompts optional but encouraged)

girl which one… i’m drowning in them! currently i’m very into the hc that Seth had a little brother he lost tragically, i spoke about that briefly some time ago. i’m also exploring the idea of Bee’s secret wife being Abby. 

i think Matt has acne scars on his face. i think Dan is gap-toothed. I think Laila and Jean bond over their love of Monet. i think Neil listens to movie soundtracks and original soundtracks. i think Allison’s parents disowned her for more than playing Exy, and it was for liking girls too. I think one of Robin’s favorite food is seriously hot cross buns.

M - Name a character that you’d like to have for a friend.

Catalina. Neil.

[wuzeio]

Can I just say, your design for Neil is just immaculate!? Those big eyes?? you cant help but fall in love with that 🥺

Also the vibes for Neil and Kevin's friendship in your drawings are absolutely awesome as well, i love it<3

Lastly, in the Zombie AU, how come Neil is apparently resistant, do you know? 👀 g2g, gonna go find a fic for a zombie AU now.

🥺❤️❤️omg I don't know how I missed this fhsjkdfhdfg, thank you so much!!! T__T <3 (i'm very inspired by @/02511213942 neil's design too !!! :D )

I am a kevneil fan all the way ... I want them to bicker and argue and then sleep on each others shoulders heheh

As for the Zombie AU,, I haven't thought about that for a hot MINUTE but Neil being resistant was inspired by Ellie from TLOU 🥹 I've been revisiting the Walking Dead Telltale games recently tho so I might make some more AFTG zombie AU art because of that loll. Also if you're looking for a good fic, I would really recommend reading anywhere else is hollow by Likearecord!! It's currently unfinished but its very very good, and Aaron has a silly pink baseball bat :D

[chronic-optimistt]

The thought of Kevin and Neil being best friends is pretty much my favourite thing ever

I know that I’m the Brosten enthusiast most of the time but Kevneil is severely underrated

I do think that Neil steals Kevin’s sweatshirts as much as he does Andrew’s

I do think that Neil falls asleep some movie nights on Kevin’s shoulder and Kevin is like ew why is it touching me but he doesn’t do anything to move him

I do think that when one of them notices the other hasn’t eaten for a while they’ll stick some fruit in a bowl and shove it into their hands without comment

I do think that when they’re watching an exy rerun on Kevin’s laptop they share earbuds and sit with their sides pressed against each other

I do think that the odd time Kevin joins Neil on a morning run Neil is just like “hey nerd bet you ten bucks I can make it back to the tower quicker” and Kevin’s already sprinting towards the dorms yelling profanities behind his back

I do think that they’re constantly shouting sarcastic insults in french at each other during games that makes them laugh their asses off

I do think that Neil Josten and Kevin Day are platonic soulmates and deserve someone to lean on other than their significant others

I do think that they each deserve the world.

Edit: everyone go read “it's a night for running (away from your problems and possibly the law)” by @elyteracy it’s got the same vibe and I’m obsessed with it

[ulysses-s-wishes]

Okay the time has come for me to elaborate: I've seen a lot of discussion about who has a brotherly relationship in All for the Game and I do think a lot of it comes down to people thinking that found family needs defined familial relationships, which is a post for a different day. So first off, I'd like to put in my two cents about which relationships are not brotherly:

Matt and Neil. They are friends. They're best friends. They're adorable together. There is nothing brotherly about their relationship. At most, Matt is the cool brother-in-law/boyfriend-of-your-older-sibling who looks out for you.

Andrew and Kevin. They have a messed up relationship (affectionate) but it is not brotherly. It's friendship. It's based in protectiveness and understanding, as some have said they are the first two who really saw each other. Andrew does have a messed up relationship with his actual brother, but it is so quintessentially brotherly it's insane. They didn't grow up together, but they understand each others' minds, they squabble and they would throw down with or for each other without a second of hesitation. Kevin and Andrew are family, but they are family because of their close friendship, not because they behave like siblings.

Jean and Neil. This comes the closest to a brotherly relationship. But in the end, they are too similar. And simultaneously too different. They care about each other and would protect each other and see where the other is coming from, but they match too well. They are misplaced forever partners. They see each others' whole backstory, and even if they had been in the nest together, they would have been two young boys struggling through together as one unit. Not as siblings.

You know who are brothers? Kevin and Neil.

Neil is the surrogate brother Riko never was. Kevin was raised to see his court partner as his brother because that was the actual Moriyama encouraged dynamic between them. (Jean simply saw his partner as that - he wouldn't have seen Neil as a sibling no matter what). So when Neil shows up, becomes striker, he is taking the role of Kevin's partner that Riko formerly held, except he actually respects Kevin - and Kevin respects him! He believes in his potential! They are just like Riko and Kevin, except they actually support each other!

Moreover, Kevin and Neil understand each others' pasts and upbringings, not because of how similar they are (like Jean and Neil) but simply because they can see it in the way they live. They resent each other for having different lives. They fundamentally cannot conceive of the other person's mindset, but at the same time they understand it perfectly. Their worldviews are inherently opposed, worldviews that have been beaten into them, and yet they both, individually, spit in the face of that for each other.

Neil was raised to put himself before everyone else, to form no attachments, to cut and run to save his own skin. He was raised to think nothing mattered short of his own survival. And yet he tells himself, tells the ghost of his mother "'one of us has to make it, Mom.' It wasn't going to be Neil...But maybe Kevin could do it... Neil couldn't leave until he knew Kevin would be okay." Neil spends two pages thinking about how it's unfair that Kevin got a family and a game even if that family was awful, thinking that Kevin has all of these people devoted to him, Andrew, Wymack, Neil himself - and Neil resents him for that. But in the same breath he reaffirms that he is devoted to Kevin, and thinks his own death would be worth at long as Kevin turned out okay. Which is so siblings stuck in a toxic environment? Constantly making sacrifices, hating their siblings but loving them more?

Neil hates him at this point, is furious that Kevin is so bossy and condescending, and this is before he even knows Kevin thinks he's court material, but when Kevin tells him how to improve, he does it, because he respects that Kevin is better than him, and Kevin respects that Neil can get as good as him - the very thing that was lacking in Kevin and Riko's partnership/brotherhood.

And on the reverse side! The premise of the books was the founding principle of Kevin's childhood: All for the game. Exy is the only thing that matters, and anything else can and should be sacrificed so long as Kevin is winning. Anything that is a distraction from the court, or the Court or the Perfect Court is a waste of time and energy, and must be disregarded. So when Kevin decides he's going to make Neil the best, it's okay because it's in service of the game. But then he finds out that Neil is going to die. Finds out that Neil has no plans of making it through the year, that even running won't save him. And Neil asks if he will still train him - it would make sense if he said no. Neil isn't going to make it to Court, he isn't going to be a phenomenal exy player, he isn't going to last long enough. He has, essentially, become a waste of Kevin's time. and yet still, Kevin promises to train him every night. Not to get him to Court, not to help them win championships and create a great team out of the Foxes, but because it's Neil's dying wish.

When Neil tells the press about his tattoo and he and Kevin fight, first of all, Andrew lets them because he knows they would never actually hurt each other - even Matt doesn't get that consideration, because Neil and Kevin's relationship is unique. But more importantly, Neil confronts Kevin. Tells him he's not judging him for his fear, but that he needs to be able to hold his own, needs to think of himself as capable of being free or this is all for nothing and most importantly says he doesn't understand how Kevin can keep his head down when he's the one of the two of them who will actually survive, will be good enough for court, will have a life. And Kevin says that Andrew had told him the same - but it's clearly hitting differently coming from Neil - and that he isn't like Neil. He admires Neil's refusal to take anything lying down so much, even though he can't conceive it. There are characters in this book who are similar, but none who are so different yet so in tune with each others' mindset.

They fight, they bicker, they insult each other, Neil smacks Kevin upside the head for being a pessimist, and then they turn around and have each others' back. They aren't protectors like Andrew is for them, but they are protectors like Andrew and Aaron are for each other. They aren't partners like Jean and Neil would have been, they're partners like Kevin and Riko claimed to be.

[snailvee]

I am here to talk to you about Kevin Day, queen of Exy. Kevneil friendship is the best! Even though it was awkward, those times Kevin offered to be there for Neil were so sweet. Their relationship had a rocky start (Kevin generally being an asshole to Neil during summer training), they grew so much!! I just really love their friendship. If you feel like it talking more, I would love to know your top Kevin moments. There are so many great ones to choose from!

YOO ANON UR SO COOL TY TY /GEN

hmm i havent read the books in. a long time so i dont remeber many specific moments but. kevin drunk off his ass getting the queen tattoo is very good. again not specific moments but kevin is such a tragic character ??? like he grows up with the ravens and doesnt really know anything outside of that and then not only does riko (seemingly) derail his career by breaking his hand but its also how he finally gets out of that environment. and also thea sucks she was way to old to be romantically involved with kevin and also was a very active participant in the abusive environment he was in. she was super loyal to the ravens yknow ? OH another moment i like from him is his interactions with jeremy like. let them be best friends. pls. i will stop talking for now but i also have lots of thoughts and opinions about neil and andrew's dynamic (spoilers: theyre negative) and also just. idk those books in general ok TYSM AGAIN ANON BYEE

[neqtunes]

Cute little things ft. Kevneil

In my opinion, Kevneil is the cutest shit ever holy fuck

Kevin and Neil, starting a new type of friendship which becomes more without neither of them knowing

Small concerning looks, nothing big

Turns into stares of longing

Guilt forms into regret

Apologies never suited either of them, but they still said it quickly before walking away

Some apologies were not forgiven, but thats okay - at least expressing it releases some form of anxiety and built up emotion

Gentle gestures, small touches

Kevin squeezing Neils shoulder at late night practices

Arm brushes

Nothing big

Until they unconsciously started hold hands while walking downtown with the foxes

Both of them flinching so hard at the unknowing contact, but nonetheless, continued holding hands - which was hard for them to do

They were walking behind the whole group anyways, avoiding eye contact with each other

They don’t hide it - there was no reason too

Kevin “iT’s bEttEr tO rEmAiN hEtRoSeXuaL” Day holding Neil “I dOn’T sWinG” Jostens hand

None of the foxes point it out, but Matt tries to break something out of Neil from time to time

Kevin staying quiet as Aaron accidentally blurts something homophobic

Cue to Andrew throwing a biology textbook at him

Nicky also has tried to get something out of Neil, but that boy would not fucking talk

It’s his and Kevin’s, not anyone else’s to share with

Kevin and Neil leaning on each other on the benches after one of their late night practices, tired and exhausted more than usual

Andrew never texting on the groupchat decides to suprise everyone by sending a photo of Kevin and Neil with a straight face

In coming with Nicky sending endless fucking emojis

Neil checking his phone only to see the photo and the blur of texts from the other foxes

Brief moment of anger before he relaxes and ends up saving the photo with a soft almost unnoticeable smile

Neil and Kevin in the locker room after the late night practice, this time Kevin decides to stay and not leave Neil behind

He had a feeling that Neil was off today, his posture and the way he played said so

Kevin can tell who someone is through exy, the movement of a player can simply tell him whether someone was ‘off’

The way someone holds their racket, their foot movement, their running, the amount of times one got hit to the ground and the seconds it takes for that same individual to get up

Kevin can tell

And unfortunately, he cared for Neil more than he’d like

They barely talk, but there movements say enough

Kevin walks towards Neil, hovering over him as Neil stops midway when taking off his uniform

Kevin raising his hands and hesitantly presses it against Neils stomach, who responds with a small step back, but stays put

Kevin doesn’t ask what's wrong, he knows that this short fucker would reply with “I’m fine.”

So Kevin stays where he was, with his hand on Neils stomach before Kevin feels a hand rest on top of his own

Neil slightly intertwining their fingers together, moving both their hands in sync from one end of his waist to the other

Kevin feels the bump of scars underneath his palm, not wanting to break eye contact with Neil

“You should have never.”

“Neither should’ve you, but here we are.”

[foxhole-pipe-dream]

No one asked, but here's a list of my AFTG fics and unposted WIPs. 

Reckless, on ao3 — Runaway Neil spends the night trading secrets with pro Andrew, sleeps with him, and disappears the next morning—only to realize he's pregnant when he's states away. Neil finds him a year later and they make a deal. Featuring trans Neil. (+ fic tag)

No Saints Here, on ao3 — Kevin Day, better known as the famed superhero Daylight, is co-captain of the Perfect Legion. He's tasked with tracking down the supervillain duo Blackguard and Red Rapid. Superhero AU. Kandreil.

Dialed, on ao3 — Neil finally upgrades to a smart phone. And he accidentally butt dials the Foxes while in Columbia with Andrew. Complete.

Learned to Lose You, Can’t Afford To, on ao3 — Aaron reflects on how normal brothers act. Or, Andrew annoys Aaron by doing typical sibling things. Complete.

Based on a Tumblr post by @do-i-still-love-kevin-day.

Mother May I, on ao3 — After the downfall of his father and the Moriyamas, Neil Josten spends his days dealing with his mom's unending paranoia, concealing his scars and breaking curfew to kiss their new neighbor. Neighbor AU.

Make This Whole Town Disappear, on ao3 — Heathers AU, to be revamped. Complete.

Ocean Eyes and Fairy Lights, on ao3 — Neil and Andrew go Christmas shopping. NSFW themes. Complete.

Kiss & Swell, on ao3 --- Neil discovers he has a... rare allergy. NSFW themes. Complete.

Crossfire, on ao3 - What Happened to Monday AU. Complete.

Down For It, on ao3 — Neil moves in with Stuart after Mary's death and becomes a recluse, staying in the house. Andrew and Neil bond through an online friendship and eventually meet up. NSFW themes.

Kevneil/Kandreil FWB AU [WIP] - Kevin and Neil become friends with benefits after both being dumped. It's good and strictly platonic. But once his old friend Andrew comes to town and starts showing clear interest in Neil, Kevin might have a problem on his hands. And he has to admit maybe his platonic arrangement with Neil isn't so platonic. NSFW themes.

Sexiled [WIP] — After having the perfect friendship for years and becoming roommates, Matt and Neil start having issues over hogging their apartment for private couple time—aka, sexiling each other. Also, Aaron is a cockblock. It's funny. NSFW themes.

Cruise AU [WIP] - Neil goes on a five day cruise as Allison's fake boyfriend to help make Seth jealous. He finds romance with another passenger—who keeps stealing all the desserts at the free buffet.

The Quarry AU [WIP] — Based on the horror video game The Quarry. The Foxes are camp counselors and there's werewolves. Andrew and Renee have guns. 

The Long Walk AU [WIP] — Based on the Stephen King book. 

There’s an annual walking marathon across the US composed of 100 walkers. They are not allowed to stop walking or slow down below 4 MPH for any reason. If they do, they get 3 warnings before they're shot dead. The last person standing gets whatever they want for the rest of their life.

Neil enters the marathon along with many other characters, who all have their own motivations. This will not be a happy AU and will feature MANY character deaths (sorry. kinda). Most of this has been planned out. 

12 Minutes AU [WIP] — Andrew gets stuck in a short loop. He repeatedly tries to stop Nathan's people from breaking into their home disguised as cops to kill him and Neil. With each loop, he learns more secrets and just how much of a liar Neil can be.

iCarly AU [WIP] — Literally just a silly AU that's an excuse for Andrew to beat people with a butter sock and have an obvious crush on Neil. (+fic tag)

[fallingin-like]

aftg fanfic review masterlist

(aka my nanowrimo 2019)

i’m super excited to say here are the fics that i will be reviewing for november so far! feel free to read through these and comment on them with me! thank you so much to everyone who responded to my post and requested fics~

*edit: i removed a fic because i forgot to check the tags/TWs before and when i did look, i didn't feel comfortable with the content. sorry!*

1. atlas by @purearcticfire / @pipedream-truths​

a magic au that features shapeshifters and a cursed neil, so immediately you know i’ll like it. this fic has some cool uses of italics, caps, spacing, etc. that creates a stylized story that helps build tone and gives the story a clearer voice. this was such a fun read and it gets very intense. this fic is incomplete.

[read the rest of my review here!]

2. andriel into the future (series) by @dustbottle

these are some wonderfully written post-canon fics that make you feel warm and safe. we get to see neil and andrew’s relationship grow and strengthen. there’s neil’s year at psu without andrew, a minyard-josten rivalry fic, just some good times, coming out, and cats! there are 5 fics in this series. 

[read the rest of my review here!]

3. my cousins by @filteredred

this wonderful fic delves into tilda’s decision to give up the twins and how it was influenced by luther and maria. told from maria’s perspective, we get a better look at the rational behind what happened and, of course, we get to see kid!nicky and baby!twinyards.

[read the rest of my review here!]

4. “i hate you” sounds like “as you wish” by @luci-cunt

this is a princess bride!au and as a person that has never read/watched it, this was a wild ride. a really funny fic, i thought this was such a fun read!!

[read the rest of my review here!]

5. paper skies by @allforthebee [requested by @annawrites]

this is a fic with absolutely amazing descriptions and imagery. featuring librarian!andrew and a lot of introspection. the writing is so beautiful, i could not possibly capture how it made me feel in words. this fic was so so good.

[read the rest of my review here!]

6. falling in reverse by @lolainslackss [requested by @annawrites]

this is a beautiful fic that really demonstrates the strength of the relationship between neil and andrew. this fic navigates neil’s difficulties following retirement and how andrew supports him during these times. features wonderful imagery, reflection, and andriel on a houseboat!!

[read the rest of my review here!]

7. call me neil by @fox-sleeping-minyard

this wonderful fic follows andrew and neil in an au where they form a friendship as kids/teens after andrew dials the wrong number and accidentally calls neil. this fic is cute, but may also break your heart.

[read the rest of my review here!]

8. i just had a growth spurt (took so long, my tippy toes hurt) by @tallsinspace [requested by @gluupor]

maybe i’m biased because i like kid!fics but i loved this fic so so much. i love the way that andrew and aaron interact, both with each other and the other characters. the characterization on this was amazing and it’s such a hilarious and fun read!

[read the rest of my review here!]

9. not all who wander are lost: the “not all that glitters is gold” remix by @leahlisabeth [requested by @gluupor]

this is a remix fic, but you definitely don’t have to read the original one first. this is a fascinating magic!au that really draws you in and makes you so invested, even though it’s a relatively short fic. this is a renee-centric fic that does a great job of analysing her character.

[read the rest of my review here!]

10. til death do us part by @apprenticedmagician ​[requested by @leahlisabeth]

this is a fantastic post-canon fic which follows neil as he ropes aaron along into joining him in visiting his mother’s grave in california. this fic does a great job of demonstrating the growth that both characters have experienced.

[read the rest of my review here!]

11. taller than giants by @allforthebee ​ [requested by @horton-hears-a-doctor-who]

this wonderful fic is a lovely take on neil and andrew as best friends in university. it’s a softer version of these characters but maintains the great dynamic between them we’re familiar with.  this fic will break you apart and knit you back together.

[read the rest of my review here!]

12. peu à peu by @zombiesolace​ [requested by @jsteneil]

this is a really interesting character study on post-canon kevin and how he finds his place within the foxes and deals with the aftermath of the events within the series. this fic has a lot of introspection and does a really great job of unpacking everything.

[read the rest of my review here!]

13. don’t bury me (with a coin under my tongue) by @mr-im-fine​ [requested by @jsteneil]

this is a wonderful fic with urban fantasy, with a lot of the characters as demigods. this was really fun to read and it sucks you in so you don’t realise you’ve reached the end of the chapter until you can’t scroll anymore.

[read the rest of my review here!]

14. sleeping with ghosts by @boybeaulieu​ [requested by @fuzzballsheltiepants]

this fic is a super cool band!au that has andrew and gang playing placebo songs and neil as a solo singer. there has great use of a non-linear timeline. be prepared to feel all of the feelings

[read the rest of my review here!]

15. like a hazy summer morning by shadowdreams [requested by @fuzzballsheltiepants]

this was an adorable and really sweet fic that has neil as a youtuber! and andrew can’t help but keep watching his videos. this is such a fun fic. you have to be logged into an ao3 account to read this.

[read the rest of my review here!]

16. l’amour parle en fleus by @scribbleb-red [requested by @fuzzballsheltiepants]

this is a wonderful and heartbreaking fic that deals with grief and the beauty of life. it is soft and sweet, while dealing with hard topics and loss. this fic is incomplete.

disclaimer: i reviewed this fic when it had 7 chapters, so no comments on chapter 8. sorry!

[read the rest of my review here!]

17. above the clouds by @gluupor​ [requested by @fuzzballsheltiepants]

this is an absolutely amazing fic that features airships, android!neil, and fantastic world-building. it’s a really fun and adventurous read, but still contains enough angst to break your heart. if you haven’t read this yet, drop everything and read it now. if you have read it, read it again.

[read the rest of my review here!]

18. apartment 314 by @nikothespoonklepto​

this is a really interesting kevneil fic that has them as detectives! it’s funny, but gets intense, with great interactions between kevin, neil, and andrew.

[read the rest of my review here!]

19. tenuous by undertow *

this is one of my favourite fics in the fandom. it has DID!neil and features a really great relationship between him and aaron, and him and andrew. i love their style of writing. please read this fic

[read the rest of my review here!]

20. back to the start by @fuzzballsheltiepants​ [requested by @nikothespoonklepto]

containing an injured!andrew who loses all of his recent memories, this fic has heartbreak and healing. this fic has great pacing and flow, you don’t even notice that you’ve read 30k words until you’re done.

[read the rest of my review here!]

21. push to talk by @alexjosten​ [requested by @nikothespoonklepto]

this is a delightfully engaging fic based on the game firewatch that follows neil as he spends a summer as a fire lookout, isolated except for radio communication with andrew, a fire lookout in the adjacent sector of the park. this is such an intense, fun, beautiful, and humorous fic.

[read the rest of my review here!]

22. fox sleep by @annawrites [requested by @allforthebee]

this is an amazing fic that features shapeshifter!neil who arrives at the foxhole coven in the form of a fox. it is such a sweet, playful, and comforting fic with a wonderful tinge of magic, i cannot recommend this fic enough.

[read the rest of my review here!]

23. the real folk blues by @annawrites [requested by @allforthebee]

this absolutely amazing and captivating fic has the foxes as space bounty hunters and neil who is, as usual, an exceptionally skilled runaway. set away some time to read this fic as soon as possible, because once you start, you won’t be able to put it down until you finish.

[read the rest of my review here!]

24. heart on your sleeve, eyes on the streets (the heart-eyes remix) by  @apprenticedmagician [requested by @soft-ravenclaw-apollo​]

this is an adorable and hilarious jeanneil fic that includes soccer! this fic is lighthearted, but has enough much pining and a bit of angst to keep things interesting.

[read the rest of my review here!]

25. neil hatford by @soft-ravenclaw-apollo

following the story of neil being adopted by stuart at a young age, this is an interesting exploration of what would happen if neiil never had to grow up as a wesninski. it’s so great to see how this changes the development of neil, but also the life of stuart. this fic is unfinished.

[read the rest of my review here!]

26. a two-man team by @idnis​ [requested by @foxsoulcourt​ and @sig66​]

this super cute fic features nicky who is doing his best to raise a kid while simultaneously falling for said kid’s teacher, erik mountain man klose. as one might imagine, this is hilarious and so fun to read

[read the rest of my review here!]

27. thick skin, an elastic heart by @badacts ​ [requested by @foxsoulcourt​ and @sig66​]

an incredible jerejean fic that focuses on jean’s transition to the trojan’s and how jeremy struggles with falling in love with him. this fic is funny and emotional and includes a lot of really interesting introspection.

[read the rest of my review here!]

28. right side of rock bottom by @littlespooneven [requested by @foxsoulcourt​ and @sig66​]

a wonderful fic that follows andrew and neil, post-canon as they grow closer and learn how to love each other. this is sweet and so lovely to read, with insightful moments of introspection.

[read the rest of my review here!]

29. baltimore blues by @spanglebangle  [requested by @foxsoulcourt​ and @sig66]

you’ve probably already read this fic, but in case you haven’t, it’s an amazing exploration of andrew’s perspective on the binghamton riot and baltimore. this fic has fantastic scenes with introspection and is just so impressive to read.

[read the rest of my review here!]

30. one way or another (or maybe neither) by @nakasomethingkun [requested by @foxsoulcourt and @sig66]

this is an absolutely amazing exploration of neil’s sexuality and what it means within the context of his and andrew’s relationship. with the best description of demisexuality i have found in a fic, everybody needs to read this immediately.

[read the rest of my review here!]