Dear NPT Writer 2018
Dear lovely writer!
Thank you in advance for the fic you’re going to write! I’m really looking forward to it and I hope I’ve put in enough options here to make things easier for you. (I probably went overboard as usual lol) Any prompts are just suggestions! Feel free to use your own if nothing here catches your fancy.
Let’s begin with general likes and dislikes before diving into the individual requests. First and foremost, I love fics that make me laugh! I really enjoy humorous silly fics where all the characters are having a good time (even if there’s at least one exasperated character in the mix there too lol). Throw in some running gags and some dumb puns, and I’m pretty much set. But I also like characters getting stuck in absurd situations and characters whose Life is Hard (but they always have friends who help them out when Life is Hard).
If you’re not comfortable writing humor or not a fan of that genre, no worries! I also really cute domestic fluff (like characters doing things around the house or going on simple dates), quiet introspective character studies, anything focusing on developing friendships, anything optimistic, slice of life, and angsty stories that have a happy ending. I enjoy stories that have an opportunity for character development and growth if possible, but I also like stories that are simply a snapshot into the lives of the characters. Healthy relationship dynamics (romantic or platonic) are a plus too.
Basically, I like happy stuff. Fanfic is escapism for me :D
(Also, judging by my prompts for a lot of these, I am desperate for road trip fic LOL. I am sorry.)
My dislikes are simple: I don’t read graphic sexual content. I don’t mind if sex is implied if you think that’s warranted for the story, but I don’t need the details. I’m also not a fan of character death (of course, if it’s canon, there’s not much else you can do about that). But if a character dies in canon, I’d prefer the fic to focus on a time before that character passes instead of something like flashbacks and other characters grieving. Of course, non-canonical deaths are a big NO too.
Additionally, I’m not a fan of anything that strays too outlandishly far from canon, like mpreg or ABO. I’ll note for each individual fandom whether AUs are welcome or not.
So here’s a breakdown of potential (mostly vague) prompts by fandom and pairing. The order doesn’t indicate preference at all. It’s just the order from my signup. And feel free to add any additional characters outside of the main pairing focus should the story warrant it.
Fandom 1: Fruits Basket
I’ve always loved that Fruits Basket was a story about learning to accept yourself. It was also a story about growing up. And friendship was a crucial theme as well. I’d love to see any of these themes reflected in fic. I prefer the manga canon to the anime, but I’m certainly not opposed to anime canon. I wouldn’t mind if the fic was set before, during, or after the manga ends for this fandom. I don’t think I’m interested in any AUs for this one… (except for maybe the “Sorta Cinderella” universe of that silly school play they did… that might be fun!)
Honda Tohru/Sohma Kyou
I think these two are really sweet together, and the manga does a great job of developing them both to the point where they fall in love and end up together. I’d really love a post-canon look at what they do after the manga ends.
Potential prompts: Kyou and Tohru adjusting to living on their own together; Tohru asks Kyou to teach her the basics to martial arts; the two of them go on a trip somewhere together; celebrating a holiday together
Sohma Hatsuharu/Sohma Rin
Again, another couple that I’d love to see what happened to after the manga ended. My prompts for this pairing are basically the same as the ones for Tohru/Kyou too… I’ve got nothing real specific for them in mind. I’d just like to see them be happy together, more than they had a chance to during the manga.
Hanajima Saki & Honda Tohru & Uotani Arisa
I loved their friendship so much. Hana and Uo were so supportive, and Tohru was the same in return. Though sometimes Hana and Uo were a bit overprotective, it seemed like the three of them had a very healthy friendship.
Potential prompts: a story set in the early days of their friendship (were things ever awkward? What was it like learning more and more about each other?); a post-canon sleepover fic (sorta like a comparison to the first time they visited Tohru at Shigure’s house); the three of them spending a girls day together (where would they go? What would they do?); two of them trying to find a birthday gift for the third
Manabe Kakeru & Sohma Yuki
These two make a great comedy duo, tbh. But that dynamic really helps Yuki come out of his shell a bit more. Plus, like I said earlier, I apparently just really like exasperated characters (and the people who make them so)
Potential prompts: Kakeru trying (and failing) to give Yuki helpful life advice; the two of them just hanging out somewhere outside of school; Kakeru inviting Yuki over to do something stupid like make ranger costumes for the student council
Sohma Kyou & Uotani Arisa
I love how Kyou and Uo are such hotheads who push each other’s buttons all the time (particularly when they first met).
Potential prompts: Kyou and Uo being partners on a school project; Kyou reluctantly getting advice from Uo about something to buy for Tohru; the two of them challenging each other to some sort of stupid/mundane competition; Uo telling Kyou more about Tohru’s mother (perhaps if you want a more serious prompt for them)
Sohma Kyou & Sohma Yuki
For these two, I’d really like a look at how they interact post-canon. What kind of tentative friendship do they forge after the curse is broken? How often do they keep in touch? Do they ever find something to really bond over?
Sohma Hatsuharu & Sohma Kyou
When I think of this pair, I always think about Haru’s first introduction in the story: when he interrupts their class run to pick a fight with Kyou. I think it’s interesting how they push each other’s buttons, especially when Haru goes “black.” But there’s also the contrast of Haru being pretty chill when he hasn’t snapped.
Potential prompts: Haru getting the two of them lost somewhere and Kyou having to navigate back; the two of them just sparring together at Kazuma’s dojo; any of their canon interactions written from Haru’s POV; Kyou getting angry and challenging Haru to some sort of mundane task
Honda Tohru & Sohma Rin
They certainly became an unlikely friendship because of how opposed Rin was to it at first. I think a post-canon look at what their friendship looks like would be interesting. I have no specific prompts for them, however.
Fandom 2: Avatar: Legend of Korra
The Avatar universe has always been a fascinating and well-built place. I’d really enjoy a post-canon look into these pairings, but I don’t mind stuff set during canon either. And this is a fandom where I wouldn’t mind an AU if you had one in mind. (Note: I think there are comics which might continue the story, but I haven’t read them. My knowledge of canon ends with the series finale)
Korra/Asami Sato
I shipped these two so much during the show but didn’t think they’d ever be canon. So I was delighted that the show ended with them together. Basically I’d be happy with anything post-canon for these two. What kind of dates do they go on? What are the rough patches in their relationship they have to work through? What is it like dating and balancing their very busy jobs? How do they celebrate holidays together?
Bolin & Mako
Just like friendships, I enjoy stories that explore family relationship bonds too.
Potential prompts: their start in the pro-bending world; a story set during their childhood looking at the hardships they faced as well as the things they enjoyed; times where the two of them clashed because of their opposite personalities but learned to work together anyway; Bolin getting Mako into some wacky scheme and Mako just being annoyed
Bolin & Korra & Mako & Asami Sato
I just simply would like a story of the four of them hanging out together, whether it’s sometime during the series or afterwards. Maybe they’re celebrating a holiday or a birthday? Maybe they’re just playing a game of Pai Sho together? Maybe they’re just reminiscing? Maybe they take a road trip?? Anything is good.
Fandom 3: Spider-Man Homecoming
Ned Leeds & Peter Parker
Nerdy friends are great friends :D
Potential prompts: how the two of them met/became friends; the two of them just hanging out putting together Star Wars models and playing video games and such; Ned asking Peter if he can meet Tony Stark; Ned making up various (weird) excuses for why Peter keeps missing Academic Decathlon practice; the two of them brainstorm various superhero names for Ned (you know, just in case he ever needs one)
Fandom 4: Elementary
My favorite quality of Elementary is how quirky it is. But that’s closely followed by the abundance of interesting character moments. Though I wouldn’t say no to a good mystery fic if you wanted to write that. This is a fandom where I wouldn’t mind an AU if it was something like how would these pairings react meeting under different circumstances and in different settings. But canon fic is lovely too!
Sherlock Holmes & Joan Watson
Potential prompts: alternative ways (AUs) they could have met; any important scene rewritten from the opposite POV than what we saw in the show; the two of them attempting to cook something weird together; the two of them taking Clyde to the vet for his usual checkup; a series of vignettes where Sherlock brings random animals home and Joan says NO; the two solve a locked-room case
Marcus Bell & Joan Watson OR Marcus Bell/Joan Watson
I ship these two, but I like their friendship as well. So feel free to chose whichever incarnation of this pairing you’d like. (If romantic, please don’t treat Marcus’ canon girlfriend awfully for the sake of getting Batson together)
Potential prompts: the two of them bonding over something that’s not Sherlock or case related; the two of them working a case without Sherlock; an AU where they meet because they’re stuck beside each other in the DMV line and become great friends in the process (why is this one so oddly specific, I don’t know, I’m sorry)
Joan Watson & Kitty Winter
Female friendships are great! They’re both protégées of Sherlock, so that could be a perspective to focus on, but it’s not a requirement of course.
Potential prompts: any missing scenes from when Kitty was around during season 3; Joan and Kitty corresponding after Kitty reconnects with them in season 5; the two of them bonding over something that’s not related to cases or Sherlock
Sherlock Holmes & none
For this, I would like an introspective fic where Sherlock simply thinks about his life. His failures and regrets along with accomplishments and what he wants to do moving forward. If you want to go really crazy, you could try to write a fic where Sherlock imagines himself in different life situations (i.e., different AUs) and tries to decide if his perspective on life would have changed or stayed the same.
Marcus Bell & Sherlock Holmes & Joan Watson & Kitty Winter
Feel free to write either canon fic or an AU where Kitty had been able to stay around with the group longer. Lots of potential friendship dynamics to explore with this group.
Potential prompts: everyone has a free Friday night and somehow they all end up playing board games at the Brownstone; the four of them on a road trip; celebrating a holiday together; Sherlock holding a remedial lockpick lesson for them (though they insist their skills are fine)
Joan Watson & none
Basically the same kind of thing that I wrote for Sherlock Holmes & none. Just focused on Joan instead.
Marcus Bell & Sherlock Holmes
They’ve had some rough patches over the years, but they have a great working relationship. I kind of want to see these two interact more outside of work too. This is that kind of exasperated dynamic that I really enjoy.
Potential prompts: The two having to work a case without Joan; Marcus inviting Sherlock for dinner; Marcus constantly having to apologize to people for Sherlock’s quirky interrogation/investigation methods during cases; going on a road trip together
Fandom 5: Girl Meets World
This show got awful in its last season, but it had lots of fun potential in exploring young friendships. Anything set before, during, or after canon is fine! I’d prefer canon fic but if you have a great AU idea, I’m not opposed. (Just as long as it’s nothing too outrageous. Like a nice coffeeshop AU is good for them). Also IDK how Zay became my favorite character, but he is.
Maya Hart/Riley Matthews OR Maya Hart & Riley Matthews
I thought these two had a lot of romantic potential, but I like their friendship as well. Either relationship dynamic is fine.
Potential prompts: Maya helping Riley with Spanish homework; sleepover fun; buying friendship bracelets; ROAD TRIPS; getting lost somewhere in NYC; commiserating over how difficult/annoying college applications are; (for a romantic relationship, I’d add: their first couple dates; moving in together)
Zay Babineaux & Maya Hart
This friendship had so much potential, and then the show forgot about it. They could have been snarky fun together.
Potential prompts: bonding over difficult homework assignments; bonding over their best friends dating each other (when that was actually happening); they (reluctantly?) help each other pick out clothes for the school dance (that they don’t really care about actually attending); Zay volunteers to be a model for one of Maya’s art projects
Zay Babineaux & Lucas Friar
They’re supposedly best friends but the show never got to explore that very often :(
Potential prompts: their time growing up in Texas together and how they met/became friends; reminiscing about life in Texas and how they feel about living in NYC; thoughts on going away to college; going on a road trip
Zay Babineaux & Farkle Minkus
Another wasted potential friendship the show didn’t explore very much.
Potential prompts: the two of them playing the game Farkle gave Zay for Christmas; the two of them teaming up to buy a birthday present for someone; having to do a school project together
Riley Matthews & Isadora Smackle
It would be nice to see Riley develop another female friendship outside of Maya.
Potential prompts: Riley telling Smackle about what Farkle was like as a child; the two of them joining an extracurricular club together; the two of them baking a cake together and all the chaos that would ensue
Zay Babineaux & Lucas Friar & Maya Hart & Riley Matthews & Farkle Minkus & Isadora Smackle
Potential Prompts: just anything with the group hanging out (study group, board games, ROAD TRIP, etc); their high school graduation; an AU where they all meet for the first time; Farkle and Smackle drag them all into that roleplaying game Zay got for Christmas; what they do on summer vacation
Fandom 6: NCIS Los Angeles
I actually love the team friendships and bonds they’ve developed over the years way more than I like the actual cases they investigate. But I do like how they often get to do brief undercover work while investigating. Fics can be set anytime during the series, but I honestly do not remember the earlier seasons that well. Oops. Also, I would not like any AU’s for this fandom.
I’m not going to break this fandom down by pairing because all my prompts for each are pretty much the same. I would love to see any of these pairings hanging out outside of work. And I’d love to see some exploration of how this core group has learned to trust and support each other so much over the years.
Fandom 7: Orphan Black
I tend to prefer post-canon fics for this fandom because I’m curious how their lives go after all the clone intrigue has settled down, but fics set before and during canon are not too bad either. I also think I would also prefer canon fic to an AU.
Art Bell & Felix Dawkins
All I really want from this pair is the buddy cop comedy we all deserved! Though Felix obviously is not a real cop, they make a hilariously weird team to investigate things together. I wanted more of them teaming up in the show.
Felix Dawkins & Sarah Manning
Potential prompts: reminiscing over their childhood together (did they always get along so well?) and what it was like growing up with Mrs. S; Felix trying to teach Sarah to paint; the two spending a night out on the town together;
Felix Dawkins & Kira Manning & Sarah Manning & Mrs. S
I’d just like a snapshot look into what life was like when all four of them were together. What were the times that made them all happy? What moments really helped them bond as a family? What was a hardship they had to overcome (outside of the whole clone conspiracy stuff?)
Helena & Donnie Hendrix
They’re such a comedy duo together.
Potential prompts: Helena watching Uncle Donnie play with her babies; the two of them running an errand for Alison (and having chaos ensue); Helena somehow convinces Donnie to go camping (it goes slightly better than the last time they were hiding out in the woods); Helena attempting to cook while Alison is away (and Donnie has to keep making sure nothing catches on fire)
Helena & Sarah Manning
I loved when these two really started to bond during the series, so I’d love a story that continued to explore that. I’d love to see some sweet sisterly moments between the two, or I’d love to see them have a serious discussion about how dark some parts of their lives have been. Also, sending these two on another road trip would be fun :D
Delphine Cormier/Cosima Niehaus
A story about them traveling the world together, finally getting to be happy together. Celebrating a holiday together. Doing science stuff together. Going on a cute date together. Literally anything cute for these two would be wonderful.
Fandom 8: Star Trek Voyager
This series was my childhood, and I still love it so much despite its flaws. What I really liked about the series was how they basically had to do everything on their own without assistance from Starfleet. I’m sure that affected everyone in some way over the seven years they were out in the Delta Quadrant. I don’t mind fics set during or after canon (feel free to ignore the novels set after the series). And I don’t want an AU for this fandom, though having fun on the holodeck is fun!
Tom Paris/B’Elanna Torres
Potential prompts: the two of them adjusting to being new parents; a look at how their lives change once Voyager returns home; any missing scene from an episode about them that needed expansion; a cute date on the holodeck; Tom talks to B’Elanna more about the events of “Extreme Risk” (this one if you want a serious prompt. I’ve always been disappointed how B’Elanna’s sudden bout of depression was never talked about again. Realistically, she probably would have struggled with it more.)
Harry Kim & Tom Paris
Potential prompts: imagine Tom and Harry somehow getting stuck filling in for Neelix in the kitchen when he gets sick; any missing scene for the two of them; Harry being interested in learning more about 20th century pop culture and Tom being interested in learning more about music (I like when friends take an interest in their friend’s hobbies); the two on a weird away mission together
Harry Kim & B’Elanna Torres
This pair was my favorite friendship, and I wished “Starfleet” and “Maquis” had more screentime.
Potential prompts: any missing scene; going on an away mission together; bonding over something that isn’t Tom; getting stuck in a turbolift together (but not like the clichéd romantic elevator trope); Harry and B’Elanna being the ones filling in for Neelix; playing sports together on the holodeck and getting really competitive over it
Kathryn Janeway & Tuvok
I thought their long-lasting friendship was so sweet.
Potential prompts: the early days of working together before Voyager; giving each other advice; Janeway trying to convince Tuvok to try coffee; spending time with each other after Voyager got home (like Janeway coming to visit Tuvok and his family)
Harry Kim & Tom Paris & B’Elanna Torres
Pretty much the same kinds of prompts listed for Harry & Tom and Harry & B’Elanna.
The Doctor & Seven of Nine
They had a weird teacher/student friendship, except I feel that at most times they were both just students bumbling along together in trying to understand humanity.
Potential prompts: The Doctor has a particular song he wants to sing but Seven refuses because she doesn’t really like it; Seven is the only one who patiently sits through The Doctor’s holo-photo presentations; any missing scene or away mission together
Tuvok & None
Okay, I’ve always thought of Tuvok as kind of like the mildly exasperated father of the crew who’s always thinking “kids these days.” So any story exploring his thoughts on the crew would be cool to read.
Seven of Nine & Naomi Wildman
I enjoy their unlikely friendship.
Potential prompts: Seven watching Naomi grow up even after Voyager returns home (how their friendship changes as they get older); the two of them hanging out on the holodeck together; the two of them trying to learn something new together (like a new hobby)
So that’s it! I hope you found something helpful here! If you feel like you need more ideas, feel free to stalk my fics here or giftfics I’ve received here. They’re all good examples of things I like to read LOL. You can also stalk me over on twitter @Notorious_HAT but I don’t tweet about all these fandoms as much.
Thank you again! Good luck writing!
Thank you in advance for the fic you’re going to write! I’m really looking forward to it and I hope I’ve put in enough options here to make things easier for you. (I probably went overboard as usual lol) Any prompts are just suggestions! Feel free to use your own if nothing here catches your fancy.
Let’s begin with general likes and dislikes before diving into the individual requests. First and foremost, I love fics that make me laugh! I really enjoy humorous silly fics where all the characters are having a good time (even if there’s at least one exasperated character in the mix there too lol). Throw in some running gags and some dumb puns, and I’m pretty much set. But I also like characters getting stuck in absurd situations and characters whose Life is Hard (but they always have friends who help them out when Life is Hard).
If you’re not comfortable writing humor or not a fan of that genre, no worries! I also really cute domestic fluff (like characters doing things around the house or going on simple dates), quiet introspective character studies, anything focusing on developing friendships, anything optimistic, slice of life, and angsty stories that have a happy ending. I enjoy stories that have an opportunity for character development and growth if possible, but I also like stories that are simply a snapshot into the lives of the characters. Healthy relationship dynamics (romantic or platonic) are a plus too.
Basically, I like happy stuff. Fanfic is escapism for me :D
(Also, judging by my prompts for a lot of these, I am desperate for road trip fic LOL. I am sorry.)
My dislikes are simple: I don’t read graphic sexual content. I don’t mind if sex is implied if you think that’s warranted for the story, but I don’t need the details. I’m also not a fan of character death (of course, if it’s canon, there’s not much else you can do about that). But if a character dies in canon, I’d prefer the fic to focus on a time before that character passes instead of something like flashbacks and other characters grieving. Of course, non-canonical deaths are a big NO too.
Additionally, I’m not a fan of anything that strays too outlandishly far from canon, like mpreg or ABO. I’ll note for each individual fandom whether AUs are welcome or not.
So here’s a breakdown of potential (mostly vague) prompts by fandom and pairing. The order doesn’t indicate preference at all. It’s just the order from my signup. And feel free to add any additional characters outside of the main pairing focus should the story warrant it.
Fandom 1: Fruits Basket
I’ve always loved that Fruits Basket was a story about learning to accept yourself. It was also a story about growing up. And friendship was a crucial theme as well. I’d love to see any of these themes reflected in fic. I prefer the manga canon to the anime, but I’m certainly not opposed to anime canon. I wouldn’t mind if the fic was set before, during, or after the manga ends for this fandom. I don’t think I’m interested in any AUs for this one… (except for maybe the “Sorta Cinderella” universe of that silly school play they did… that might be fun!)
Honda Tohru/Sohma Kyou
I think these two are really sweet together, and the manga does a great job of developing them both to the point where they fall in love and end up together. I’d really love a post-canon look at what they do after the manga ends.
Potential prompts: Kyou and Tohru adjusting to living on their own together; Tohru asks Kyou to teach her the basics to martial arts; the two of them go on a trip somewhere together; celebrating a holiday together
Sohma Hatsuharu/Sohma Rin
Again, another couple that I’d love to see what happened to after the manga ended. My prompts for this pairing are basically the same as the ones for Tohru/Kyou too… I’ve got nothing real specific for them in mind. I’d just like to see them be happy together, more than they had a chance to during the manga.
Hanajima Saki & Honda Tohru & Uotani Arisa
I loved their friendship so much. Hana and Uo were so supportive, and Tohru was the same in return. Though sometimes Hana and Uo were a bit overprotective, it seemed like the three of them had a very healthy friendship.
Potential prompts: a story set in the early days of their friendship (were things ever awkward? What was it like learning more and more about each other?); a post-canon sleepover fic (sorta like a comparison to the first time they visited Tohru at Shigure’s house); the three of them spending a girls day together (where would they go? What would they do?); two of them trying to find a birthday gift for the third
Manabe Kakeru & Sohma Yuki
These two make a great comedy duo, tbh. But that dynamic really helps Yuki come out of his shell a bit more. Plus, like I said earlier, I apparently just really like exasperated characters (and the people who make them so)
Potential prompts: Kakeru trying (and failing) to give Yuki helpful life advice; the two of them just hanging out somewhere outside of school; Kakeru inviting Yuki over to do something stupid like make ranger costumes for the student council
Sohma Kyou & Uotani Arisa
I love how Kyou and Uo are such hotheads who push each other’s buttons all the time (particularly when they first met).
Potential prompts: Kyou and Uo being partners on a school project; Kyou reluctantly getting advice from Uo about something to buy for Tohru; the two of them challenging each other to some sort of stupid/mundane competition; Uo telling Kyou more about Tohru’s mother (perhaps if you want a more serious prompt for them)
Sohma Kyou & Sohma Yuki
For these two, I’d really like a look at how they interact post-canon. What kind of tentative friendship do they forge after the curse is broken? How often do they keep in touch? Do they ever find something to really bond over?
Sohma Hatsuharu & Sohma Kyou
When I think of this pair, I always think about Haru’s first introduction in the story: when he interrupts their class run to pick a fight with Kyou. I think it’s interesting how they push each other’s buttons, especially when Haru goes “black.” But there’s also the contrast of Haru being pretty chill when he hasn’t snapped.
Potential prompts: Haru getting the two of them lost somewhere and Kyou having to navigate back; the two of them just sparring together at Kazuma’s dojo; any of their canon interactions written from Haru’s POV; Kyou getting angry and challenging Haru to some sort of mundane task
Honda Tohru & Sohma Rin
They certainly became an unlikely friendship because of how opposed Rin was to it at first. I think a post-canon look at what their friendship looks like would be interesting. I have no specific prompts for them, however.
Fandom 2: Avatar: Legend of Korra
The Avatar universe has always been a fascinating and well-built place. I’d really enjoy a post-canon look into these pairings, but I don’t mind stuff set during canon either. And this is a fandom where I wouldn’t mind an AU if you had one in mind. (Note: I think there are comics which might continue the story, but I haven’t read them. My knowledge of canon ends with the series finale)
Korra/Asami Sato
I shipped these two so much during the show but didn’t think they’d ever be canon. So I was delighted that the show ended with them together. Basically I’d be happy with anything post-canon for these two. What kind of dates do they go on? What are the rough patches in their relationship they have to work through? What is it like dating and balancing their very busy jobs? How do they celebrate holidays together?
Bolin & Mako
Just like friendships, I enjoy stories that explore family relationship bonds too.
Potential prompts: their start in the pro-bending world; a story set during their childhood looking at the hardships they faced as well as the things they enjoyed; times where the two of them clashed because of their opposite personalities but learned to work together anyway; Bolin getting Mako into some wacky scheme and Mako just being annoyed
Bolin & Korra & Mako & Asami Sato
I just simply would like a story of the four of them hanging out together, whether it’s sometime during the series or afterwards. Maybe they’re celebrating a holiday or a birthday? Maybe they’re just playing a game of Pai Sho together? Maybe they’re just reminiscing? Maybe they take a road trip?? Anything is good.
Fandom 3: Spider-Man Homecoming
Ned Leeds & Peter Parker
Nerdy friends are great friends :D
Potential prompts: how the two of them met/became friends; the two of them just hanging out putting together Star Wars models and playing video games and such; Ned asking Peter if he can meet Tony Stark; Ned making up various (weird) excuses for why Peter keeps missing Academic Decathlon practice; the two of them brainstorm various superhero names for Ned (you know, just in case he ever needs one)
Fandom 4: Elementary
My favorite quality of Elementary is how quirky it is. But that’s closely followed by the abundance of interesting character moments. Though I wouldn’t say no to a good mystery fic if you wanted to write that. This is a fandom where I wouldn’t mind an AU if it was something like how would these pairings react meeting under different circumstances and in different settings. But canon fic is lovely too!
Sherlock Holmes & Joan Watson
Potential prompts: alternative ways (AUs) they could have met; any important scene rewritten from the opposite POV than what we saw in the show; the two of them attempting to cook something weird together; the two of them taking Clyde to the vet for his usual checkup; a series of vignettes where Sherlock brings random animals home and Joan says NO; the two solve a locked-room case
Marcus Bell & Joan Watson OR Marcus Bell/Joan Watson
I ship these two, but I like their friendship as well. So feel free to chose whichever incarnation of this pairing you’d like. (If romantic, please don’t treat Marcus’ canon girlfriend awfully for the sake of getting Batson together)
Potential prompts: the two of them bonding over something that’s not Sherlock or case related; the two of them working a case without Sherlock; an AU where they meet because they’re stuck beside each other in the DMV line and become great friends in the process (why is this one so oddly specific, I don’t know, I’m sorry)
Joan Watson & Kitty Winter
Female friendships are great! They’re both protégées of Sherlock, so that could be a perspective to focus on, but it’s not a requirement of course.
Potential prompts: any missing scenes from when Kitty was around during season 3; Joan and Kitty corresponding after Kitty reconnects with them in season 5; the two of them bonding over something that’s not related to cases or Sherlock
Sherlock Holmes & none
For this, I would like an introspective fic where Sherlock simply thinks about his life. His failures and regrets along with accomplishments and what he wants to do moving forward. If you want to go really crazy, you could try to write a fic where Sherlock imagines himself in different life situations (i.e., different AUs) and tries to decide if his perspective on life would have changed or stayed the same.
Marcus Bell & Sherlock Holmes & Joan Watson & Kitty Winter
Feel free to write either canon fic or an AU where Kitty had been able to stay around with the group longer. Lots of potential friendship dynamics to explore with this group.
Potential prompts: everyone has a free Friday night and somehow they all end up playing board games at the Brownstone; the four of them on a road trip; celebrating a holiday together; Sherlock holding a remedial lockpick lesson for them (though they insist their skills are fine)
Joan Watson & none
Basically the same kind of thing that I wrote for Sherlock Holmes & none. Just focused on Joan instead.
Marcus Bell & Sherlock Holmes
They’ve had some rough patches over the years, but they have a great working relationship. I kind of want to see these two interact more outside of work too. This is that kind of exasperated dynamic that I really enjoy.
Potential prompts: The two having to work a case without Joan; Marcus inviting Sherlock for dinner; Marcus constantly having to apologize to people for Sherlock’s quirky interrogation/investigation methods during cases; going on a road trip together
Fandom 5: Girl Meets World
This show got awful in its last season, but it had lots of fun potential in exploring young friendships. Anything set before, during, or after canon is fine! I’d prefer canon fic but if you have a great AU idea, I’m not opposed. (Just as long as it’s nothing too outrageous. Like a nice coffeeshop AU is good for them). Also IDK how Zay became my favorite character, but he is.
Maya Hart/Riley Matthews OR Maya Hart & Riley Matthews
I thought these two had a lot of romantic potential, but I like their friendship as well. Either relationship dynamic is fine.
Potential prompts: Maya helping Riley with Spanish homework; sleepover fun; buying friendship bracelets; ROAD TRIPS; getting lost somewhere in NYC; commiserating over how difficult/annoying college applications are; (for a romantic relationship, I’d add: their first couple dates; moving in together)
Zay Babineaux & Maya Hart
This friendship had so much potential, and then the show forgot about it. They could have been snarky fun together.
Potential prompts: bonding over difficult homework assignments; bonding over their best friends dating each other (when that was actually happening); they (reluctantly?) help each other pick out clothes for the school dance (that they don’t really care about actually attending); Zay volunteers to be a model for one of Maya’s art projects
Zay Babineaux & Lucas Friar
They’re supposedly best friends but the show never got to explore that very often :(
Potential prompts: their time growing up in Texas together and how they met/became friends; reminiscing about life in Texas and how they feel about living in NYC; thoughts on going away to college; going on a road trip
Zay Babineaux & Farkle Minkus
Another wasted potential friendship the show didn’t explore very much.
Potential prompts: the two of them playing the game Farkle gave Zay for Christmas; the two of them teaming up to buy a birthday present for someone; having to do a school project together
Riley Matthews & Isadora Smackle
It would be nice to see Riley develop another female friendship outside of Maya.
Potential prompts: Riley telling Smackle about what Farkle was like as a child; the two of them joining an extracurricular club together; the two of them baking a cake together and all the chaos that would ensue
Zay Babineaux & Lucas Friar & Maya Hart & Riley Matthews & Farkle Minkus & Isadora Smackle
Potential Prompts: just anything with the group hanging out (study group, board games, ROAD TRIP, etc); their high school graduation; an AU where they all meet for the first time; Farkle and Smackle drag them all into that roleplaying game Zay got for Christmas; what they do on summer vacation
Fandom 6: NCIS Los Angeles
I actually love the team friendships and bonds they’ve developed over the years way more than I like the actual cases they investigate. But I do like how they often get to do brief undercover work while investigating. Fics can be set anytime during the series, but I honestly do not remember the earlier seasons that well. Oops. Also, I would not like any AU’s for this fandom.
I’m not going to break this fandom down by pairing because all my prompts for each are pretty much the same. I would love to see any of these pairings hanging out outside of work. And I’d love to see some exploration of how this core group has learned to trust and support each other so much over the years.
Fandom 7: Orphan Black
I tend to prefer post-canon fics for this fandom because I’m curious how their lives go after all the clone intrigue has settled down, but fics set before and during canon are not too bad either. I also think I would also prefer canon fic to an AU.
Art Bell & Felix Dawkins
All I really want from this pair is the buddy cop comedy we all deserved! Though Felix obviously is not a real cop, they make a hilariously weird team to investigate things together. I wanted more of them teaming up in the show.
Felix Dawkins & Sarah Manning
Potential prompts: reminiscing over their childhood together (did they always get along so well?) and what it was like growing up with Mrs. S; Felix trying to teach Sarah to paint; the two spending a night out on the town together;
Felix Dawkins & Kira Manning & Sarah Manning & Mrs. S
I’d just like a snapshot look into what life was like when all four of them were together. What were the times that made them all happy? What moments really helped them bond as a family? What was a hardship they had to overcome (outside of the whole clone conspiracy stuff?)
Helena & Donnie Hendrix
They’re such a comedy duo together.
Potential prompts: Helena watching Uncle Donnie play with her babies; the two of them running an errand for Alison (and having chaos ensue); Helena somehow convinces Donnie to go camping (it goes slightly better than the last time they were hiding out in the woods); Helena attempting to cook while Alison is away (and Donnie has to keep making sure nothing catches on fire)
Helena & Sarah Manning
I loved when these two really started to bond during the series, so I’d love a story that continued to explore that. I’d love to see some sweet sisterly moments between the two, or I’d love to see them have a serious discussion about how dark some parts of their lives have been. Also, sending these two on another road trip would be fun :D
Delphine Cormier/Cosima Niehaus
A story about them traveling the world together, finally getting to be happy together. Celebrating a holiday together. Doing science stuff together. Going on a cute date together. Literally anything cute for these two would be wonderful.
Fandom 8: Star Trek Voyager
This series was my childhood, and I still love it so much despite its flaws. What I really liked about the series was how they basically had to do everything on their own without assistance from Starfleet. I’m sure that affected everyone in some way over the seven years they were out in the Delta Quadrant. I don’t mind fics set during or after canon (feel free to ignore the novels set after the series). And I don’t want an AU for this fandom, though having fun on the holodeck is fun!
Tom Paris/B’Elanna Torres
Potential prompts: the two of them adjusting to being new parents; a look at how their lives change once Voyager returns home; any missing scene from an episode about them that needed expansion; a cute date on the holodeck; Tom talks to B’Elanna more about the events of “Extreme Risk” (this one if you want a serious prompt. I’ve always been disappointed how B’Elanna’s sudden bout of depression was never talked about again. Realistically, she probably would have struggled with it more.)
Harry Kim & Tom Paris
Potential prompts: imagine Tom and Harry somehow getting stuck filling in for Neelix in the kitchen when he gets sick; any missing scene for the two of them; Harry being interested in learning more about 20th century pop culture and Tom being interested in learning more about music (I like when friends take an interest in their friend’s hobbies); the two on a weird away mission together
Harry Kim & B’Elanna Torres
This pair was my favorite friendship, and I wished “Starfleet” and “Maquis” had more screentime.
Potential prompts: any missing scene; going on an away mission together; bonding over something that isn’t Tom; getting stuck in a turbolift together (but not like the clichéd romantic elevator trope); Harry and B’Elanna being the ones filling in for Neelix; playing sports together on the holodeck and getting really competitive over it
Kathryn Janeway & Tuvok
I thought their long-lasting friendship was so sweet.
Potential prompts: the early days of working together before Voyager; giving each other advice; Janeway trying to convince Tuvok to try coffee; spending time with each other after Voyager got home (like Janeway coming to visit Tuvok and his family)
Harry Kim & Tom Paris & B’Elanna Torres
Pretty much the same kinds of prompts listed for Harry & Tom and Harry & B’Elanna.
The Doctor & Seven of Nine
They had a weird teacher/student friendship, except I feel that at most times they were both just students bumbling along together in trying to understand humanity.
Potential prompts: The Doctor has a particular song he wants to sing but Seven refuses because she doesn’t really like it; Seven is the only one who patiently sits through The Doctor’s holo-photo presentations; any missing scene or away mission together
Tuvok & None
Okay, I’ve always thought of Tuvok as kind of like the mildly exasperated father of the crew who’s always thinking “kids these days.” So any story exploring his thoughts on the crew would be cool to read.
Seven of Nine & Naomi Wildman
I enjoy their unlikely friendship.
Potential prompts: Seven watching Naomi grow up even after Voyager returns home (how their friendship changes as they get older); the two of them hanging out on the holodeck together; the two of them trying to learn something new together (like a new hobby)
So that’s it! I hope you found something helpful here! If you feel like you need more ideas, feel free to stalk my fics here or giftfics I’ve received here. They’re all good examples of things I like to read LOL. You can also stalk me over on twitter @Notorious_HAT but I don’t tweet about all these fandoms as much.
Thank you again! Good luck writing!