It's A Holy Trinity! Socrates, Aristotle And Plato?

father when can i leave to be on my ooOoOOown 💅💅

Reblog to have something lgbt happen to you this summer

You know what broke me down?

When eleven was stuck with vecna and mike was trying to find the words to say to her so she could come back to him, he obviously was about to give up but Will Byers went and told him 'don't stop, you are the heart' and mike found the words to say to her.

Mike found the words because he believes that eleven thinks he's the heart. He found the words because he believes that eleven created that painting for him and that Wills words were hers.

But Will Byers is a fucking hero. He saw that mike needed something to hold on to eleven and Will pushed on through and instead of admitting that he created the painting for mike, that he is the one that believes Mike is the heart, that he is the one afraid of losing Mike because he needs him, he decided to chip away more of himself and told mike that it was eleven.

And because Will decided to put his best friends and sisters feelings above himself, he gave mike the words that helped eleven who in turn found the strength to continue the fight.

So yeah Will Byers is a true fucking hero.

And that absolutely broke me down. How can a character continue to give and give and give and not feel any resentment for not receiving?

oil paintings by peter ravn

Any new andriel friends-to-lovers?Any prolonged mutual pining (not necessarily long) is also good! I've read so many and can't get enough.

Friends-to-lovers and mutual pining are just a combination made in heaven! Here are some of the newer fics we found, plus we trawled through our previous posts in case there’s something here you’ve missed. Have fun! - S

Also see…

Andreil - friends to lovers here

more like ‘if you must’ here

andreil friends to lovers + Neil & Aaron = Andreil here

10k+ andreil friends with benefits to lovers here

‘We’ve been dating all along!’ ‘Have we?’ here

Previously recommended (with the newest fics first):

‘Somebunny To Love’ here

‘The Massive Continuity of Ducks’ here

‘00:00 (Zero o'Clock)’ and ‘Secrets & Santas’ here

‘Since The Last Nonsense’ here

‘Take Me Home’ and ‘Band AU’ here

‘always you’ here

‘wreck my plans’ here

‘leave the room (with a little dignity)’ here

‘so maybe tonight I'll be the libertine’ here

‘take care of all the lonely souls’ here (now complete)

‘The Calculus of Nocturnes’ here

‘it's you i've been wishing for’ here

‘i just wanted you to know (this is me trying)’ here

‘You're the Sunflower’ here

‘can i get a kiss (can you make it last forever)’ here

‘Andrew Minyard and the Intricacies of Faerie Wooing’ here

‘Dare You’ here

‘let the bells ring on a fool's holiday’ here

‘For Better Or For Worse’ here

‘No Place Like Home’ here

‘i think i'm falling, i'm falling for you’ here

‘All I really wanna do is love you’ here

‘Love's Keen Smell’ here

‘When I’m In Your World (Gray Turns To Color)’ series here

‘dating & other disasters’ here

‘Revelation’ here

‘If You Must’ here

‘He’s my best friend’ here

‘Call Me Neil’ here

such a feelin' by nightquills [Rated T, 1870 words, complete, Aftg Mixtape 2022]

Andrew had been battling with his attraction to Neil since practically the moment they met, and it got harder and harder to keep fighting when his feelings grew at seemingly every single thing his stupid little exy junkie of a best friend did.

Andrew didn’t particularly care for his own birthday, but the thought that Neil did? That Neil cared enough to put something like this together for him, as dumb as it might be? That he must have spent at least a few hours on this, must have come into school early so that he could put it up before Andrew arrived?

So Much Younger Yesterday by thisisnotourlasthunt [Rated T, 21028 words, complete, Aftg Mixtape 2022]

Andrew Minyard and Neil Josten: Famous musicians and online rivals that are forced (at first) to form a friendship.

Drew and Abram: Two dudes that began texting through Twitters' DM's on secret accounts so no one knew who they actually were.

Truths are shared. Feelings are shared. Kisses might get shared.

But all with due time because this is a slow burn fic.

tw: panic attacks, tw: flashbacks, tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: implied/referenced self harm, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon

this room, our universe by moonix [Rated E, 13081 words, complete, 2022]

Andrew is tired of being a thirty-three-year-old virgin. Neil offers to help out.

tw: explicit sexual content

Shark Bait by moonix [Rated T, 8524 words, complete, 2021]

Andrew is a shark shifter in a tiny mountain town. He's also incurably in love with his best friend.

It's a toss-up which one is worse.

What happens when you fall for your barista by greencherrybomb [Rated T, 2793 words, complete, 2021]

Andrew has been going to The Foxhole cafe for 2 months now just to see the snarky redhead barista and when Neil confesses his feelings, Andrew freezes.

Or

Andrew loves Neil, Neil loves Andrew and the two dance around each other while badly flirting.

(Also possible Kevaaron if you want it to be)

Colour Me in You by kanekicure [Rated E, 12392 words, complete, 2021]

Neil and Andrew have always been inseparable since the day they first met in seventh grade - when Neil was Natalie and Andrew was no longer a Doe.

They grew up side by side, sharing everything with the other - everything besides their feelings for each other.

But now their nineteen and eighteen, and after Andrew kisses Neil, they begin exploring a side of each other they never thought they would.

Well, that, and they still aren't sharing their feelings for each other too.

i've been blossoming alone over you by athenachild [Rated T, 19291 words, complete, 2021]

Neil and Andrew have been best friends for years, but when they nearly kiss and don't speak about it, it leaves Neil with a bundle of complicated emotions he doesn't know what to do with, and this time he can't run to Andrew for help. How can he possibly get over the person who understands him the most?

aka Neil and Andrew are both pining fools trying to respect each others' boundaries and fucking things up in the process

you make my head spin by moonix [Rated T, 5479 words, complete, 2021]

Between his record store, Andrew, and his three cats, Neil's life has finally settled into a comfortable routine. Things are thrown very slightly into turmoil when Andrew shows up with a dog one day.

stone heart (broken open) by moth_writes [Rated T, 1583 words, complete, Aftg Spring Exchange 2021]

Kevin decides Neil needs a date for a banquet. Not only that, but it needs to be a committed relationship, too.

Neil asks Andrew, his best friend, to be his fake boyfriend and date. Andrew, of course, agrees.

There's just the small fact that Andrew is in love with Neil and this fake dating thing might just kill him.

tw: implied/referenced child abuse

Staff Recs: (some of) Our 2021 Faves

2021 is a wrap, but it won’t feel complete until we share some of our favourite fics of the year. Here’s our 2020 roundup, and check out our random recs and staff faves tags for more of what we love. We are happy to serve from our little corner of the fandom and wish you all a safe, healthy, and happy 2022. - AFTG Fic Rec Fam

wingpeople by likearecord [Rated T, 11313 Words, Complete, 2021]

I mean, what else could Nicky have done when he spotted Andrew smiling at the hot guy making his coffee?

Not meddle?

Not get all the Foxes on board?

It’s like you don’t even know him.

FUN FACTS: Uh. By our quasi-scientific research, this little number is the FANDOM FIC OF THE YEAR. It has the most kudos of any 2021 AFTG fic on AO3, and its random rec is our most liked post to date. 

finders keepers by moonix [Rated M, 40906 Words, Complete, 2021]

Andrew meets Nathaniel through a scavenger hunt app. As their team takes part in a hunt that sends each of them to creepy, abandoned places alone to solve clues and gain points, Andrew and Nathaniel begin a little treasure hunt of their own…

tw: body image issues

FUN FACTS: YOU GUYS. It’s sort of a confirmed rumour that moonix is reworking this into an original novel! Novella. Nutella?? Anyway, please read this secret identity puzzler with all the pride of knowing it sprouted in our fandom.

Shut Up and Dance (With Me) by OfficialStarsandGutters [Rated E, 168160 Words, Complete, 2021]

….Andrew Minyard dances alone. Everyone knows this. Until a wide eyed, desperate rabbit of a boy stumbles into his path, and he breaks his self imposed rule.

tw: graphic depictions of violence, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: torture, tw: suicidal thoughts, tw: implied/referenced self harm, tw: anxiety, tw: depression, tw: panic attacks, tw: implied/referenced drug abuse, tw: explicit sexual content, tw: implied/referenced eating disorder, tw: vomit, tw: graphic injuries, tw: non-consensual drug use

FUN FACTS: While you’re burrowed under the covers squinting to finish one more chapter, remember this was meant to be a one-shot! The dancing is fun and the andreil is delicious, but wow. The interpersonal relationships between the twins—and dare we say kevaaron—are GRIPPING. 

Was Sorta Hopin’ That You’d Stay by JayJFox [Rated M, 25740 Words, Complete, 2021]

Neil and Andrew have HATED each other since an incident in college. They really, really do. The Minyard-Josten rivalry is not a sham.

But now Andrew’s transferring to Neil’s team and all hell is about to break loose.

tw: alcohol, tw: implied/referenced self harm, tw: explicit sexual content

FUN FACTS: An enemies-to-lovers story with so much pranking and chest heaving PINING you have to wonder how they have time to play exy! It’s now part of a series with a kissing-filled-sequel-prequel, ‘Before I Hated You.’

12 Ways to Woo a Minyard by NikNak22 [Rated M, 69292 Words, Complete, 2021]

Neil is a math nerd who, by a stroke of dumb luck, falls into a group of friends that are the closest thing to family he’s ever had. So, when he tells them about his new mysterious crush, he shouldn’t be surprised how immediately they come up with a plan to help win them over…

FUN FACTS: This fic is just pure delight. You can tell Neil has caught Andrew’s attention but poor Neil doesn’t know, and the Foxes are at their meddling (and betting) best. 

never said that i didn’t need you by incogneat_oh [Rated T, 10458 Words, Complete, 2021]

Aaron and Andrew spend an evening hanging out in the emergency department.

tw: implied/referenced abuse

FUN FACTS: Do not pass go, do not collect $200—you don’t need it, AO3 is free! But do make haste to read this excellent take on some grudging twinyards healing post canon.

that’s just something people say by nanatsuyu [Rated T, 119396 Words, Complete, AFTG Big Bang 2021]

Neil makes the mistake of stealing the wrong car. Andrew makes the mistake of offering a ride to a liar. They both make the mistake of turning the whole affair into a road trip ‘home.’

tw: violence, tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: panic attacks, tw: alcohol, tw: drugs, tw: implied/referenced torture

NB: companion art by @starcrossedfates​ here

FUN FACTS: This meet ugly turned andreil road trip is jam packed with character development and memorable moments. As time passes and truths are traded, Andrew is a goner. But can he trust a runner?

Tart by justadreamfox [Rated M, 11473 Words, Complete, AFTG Summer Exchange 2021]

In which Neil likes someone, Andrew makes an assumption, and Kevin is a really good friend.

FUN FACTS: The gang vacations in Uncle Stuart’s beach house with all the sand, sun, fruity drinks, and kissing you could hope for. Andrew just met Neil, but he’s already possessive and jealous of his touch and cuddle friendship with Kevin. We are so down for this.

The Massive Continuity of Ducks by fuzzballsheltiepants [Rated T, 12280 Words, Complete, AFTG Exchange Fall 2021]

Andrew Minyard had it all planned out. He’d drive home to New Hampshire for fall break, stopping to check out some law schools along the way and having his existential crisis in private. Except somehow Neil Josten ends up tagging along, and nothing ever goes quite as planned, does it?

tw: panic attacks

FUN FACTS: It was only a missed kiss—how did it end up like this?? So. Much. Pining. + Two. Clueless. Boys. + Ducks. = a fic you never knew you needed.

00:00 (Zero o'Clock) by shadowdreams [Rated G, 44364 Words, Complete, 2021]

Neil and the fail-safe 10-step plan to get the man of your dreams to fall in love with you!

FUN FACTS: It’s like…you start with this very narrow/tiny view of what’s going on and then it spirals outward and gets bigger and better as you go, and the pieces finally fall together in the last chapter with Neil’s pov. Bonus if you’re into it: Neil punches Roland in the face.

Ghost of You by Major_816 [Not Rated (we say T), 26756 Words, Complete, 2021]

After the events of Baltimore, the FBI convinces Nathaniel to join the Witness Protection Program at least until the rest of his father’s people have been arrested or found….AKA - the one where Neil hides.

tw: panic attacks, tw: self harm, tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: implied/referenced torture

FUN FACTS: We found this imagining of Neil entering witsec instead of returning to the Foxes unputdownable. If you can handle angst with a happy ending, this one’s for you.

Before Rainfall by tsauergrass [Rated G, 2417 Words, Complete, 2021]

On his path were traces Neil had left: a dent in the couch, a mug half-full with coffee on the table. They were eleven hours apart and neither of them celebrated Christmas, but still Neil had come.

FUN FACTS: This is just stunning. Yearning for and missing each other from Andrew’s pov. Poetic. Lovely. A gem.

Inked Truths series by Paradoxolotl [Rated T/M/E, 130173 Words, Collection, Updated Sept 2021]

Part 1:  Brother of Mine (T, 11884 words)

Aaron should have known something was going on with Andrew when he had agreed to change their deal.

tw: implied/referenced self harm, tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: car accident

Part 2:  Ink Stains and Paper Cuts (M, 38089 words)

….A boy with a razor tongue and secrets, Andrew can’t help but find himself interested in the stranger trading truths with him through poorly written letters.

tw: violence, tw: homophobia, tw: implied/referenced csa, tw: dissociation, tw: self harm, tw: scars, tw: implied/referenced underage sex, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: drugs

Part 3: Ink Blotted Memories (E, 62353 words)

(Andrew has) already given up everything for Aaron, so he offers his twin a deal.

Besides, with Abram missing, he really has nothing left to lose. 

tw: violence, tw: nightmares, tw: blood & gore, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: implied/referenced csa, tw: child abuse, tw: drug addiction, tw: car accident, tw: minor character death, tw: suicidal thoughts, tw: implied/referenced torture, tw: withdrawal

Part 4: Inked On My Skin (E, 16841 words, incomplete)

…Andrew knows it’s only a matter of time. To gain something, you must always give something up. At the end of his time at PSU, he’ll have gained a piece of paper and lost everything else he once held close.

tw: homophobia, tw: scars, tw: self harm discussion, tw: drugs, tw: drug addiction, tw: alcohol abuse, tw: non-consensual drug use, tw: vomit, tw: withdrawal, tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: implied/referenced suicide, tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: panic attacks, tw: car accident

Part 5: Team Minyard (T, 1006 words)

It’s Andrew’s first game as a professional exy player, and some of his fans tune in to watch.

FUN FACTS: There is so much of canon here presented in slightly divergent ways. The angst and grit, the violence and loss. The protectiveness. The love. If you crave some good canon-verse Andrew pov—LIKE OF MATT’S TRIP TO EDEN’S WITH THE MONSTERS (in part 4)—this is for you. 

prove your love by bazookajo94 [Rated T, 6537 Words, Complete, AFTG Exchange Spring 2021]

To boost office morale, Andrew and Aaron’s company puts together a week-long Valentine’s Day event, complete with increasingly embarrassing activities that must be completed as a pair. The winners get two free vacation days.

Andrew picks some random man off the street. Aaron asks his long-time work crush and lunch buddy.

Guess which couple wins.

FUN FACTS: Andrew and whoever that guy is keep winning and are publicly flirting (wait, is that foreplay?) 🤔 Aaron keeps forgetting to be mad about it because his secret crush is so dang adorkable.

(inspired very much by this lovely post)

It do be like that

suddenly found myself attracted to shawn spencer and am cursing myself. i can only assume this is the exact same regretful process that every single character on psych went through.

Get up girls we have another day of obsessing over fictional characters to cope with reality ahead of us

i’m getting so tired of people thinking that everyone is mad at the writers simply because a silly little ship didn’t become canon. no, i’m fucking mad because they literally had will’s character arc revolve around mike and el’s relationship drama and that he was sidelined once again, with barely any plot relevance of his own. it’s the fact that in volume one, it seemed like mike and will’s friendship was finally going to start getting better again (”friends, best friends”), but instead, mike regressed right back to where he was and treated will like trash in volume two. it’s the fact that will’s narrative with his unrequited love was essentially pointless, except for how it helped further mike and el’s relationship, because even without his feelings for mike, a lot of us already knew will was gay. it’s how they took will’s moment in the van, his beautiful monologue about his feelings for mike, and then had mike’s monologue to el be eerily similar to what will said instead of having mike discover for himself what he should say to el on his own. it’s the fact that will has been suffering over and over again, and having nothing narratively come out of it. so no, i really don’t give a shit about byler and if it’s canon or not. i give a shit about will byers and how his character has been sidelined, treated like garbage, and only used to further the development of other characters and their relationships instead being treated like the main character he’s supposed to be, by being plot relevant and having character growth for himself, and only himself. that’s why i’m angry.