Dear FicMountain Author
Dear FicMountain Author,
Thank you for writing for me! These fandoms are near and dear to my heart and I’m very excited that someone will write me a story in one of them. The order of the fandom/requests and/or the number of details/prompts for each is no indication of how much I want something - I would be delighted with fic in any of these fandoms and with any of the ships/characters I’ve requested. Optional details are optional, of course, but if you're like me and like to have lots of info to work with, I've tried to provide some info on the sorts of things I like (and don't) and give prompts for each of the ships/characters I’ve requested.
GENERAL STUFF
Parings/Sex/Ratings:
Likes:
Likes:
War and Peace
[I specifically nommed and requested the book, but just in case -- I didn’t care one bit for the newest adaptation, so show!canon and characterizations are a strong DNW for this fandom.]
Dolokhov/Anatole. I ship Dolokhov/Anatole SUPER HARD. Dolokhov obviously tries to take care of Anatole in his own way (see scene where he tries to talk Anatole out of running away with Natasha) and canon even says that Anatole “genuinely loves” Dolokhov. Personal headcanon is that Dolokhov takes not just a leading but protector-type role in this relationship, but you can play with that as you like. I think Dolokhov would secretly enjoy being someone’s hero - he’s good at taking care of people he actually loves. I also feel like Anatole would allow him to be himself in a way that he doesn’t get to do elsewhere, because Anatole doesn’t expect him to be righteous nor is he judgmental nor does he care much for things like rank and position. They share interests, they share friends. It just works. (In fact, if you’d like to see some of my notes/meta on Anatole’s characterization, here’s my Anatole tumblr tag. It’s not all useful but in case you’re interested and linking to there prevents letter-bloat.)
You could do anything with these two! Happy fluffy summertime fic, banter, first time, UST (especially at a ball), friendship-turned-more, drunk fooling around. All the hurt/comfort (post-war/Borodino, post-Natasha fiasco, post-duel). Or awfully angsty war!fic. What about that whole Anatole/Natasha thing? How does that fit in? Did it cause a rupture in their relationship or was it a catalyst for realizing they have feelings for each other? Maybe Anatole has a teenage crush on Dolokhov, who ignores it at first because they have a significant age difference. Anatole goes away for some time (abroad?) and comes back a few years later. Suddenly, they’re both adults and maybe this time the tables have turned?
For something more “serious” - having to hide their relationship; maybe Anatole is in denial about having romantic feelings for men? There are some major socioeconomic imbalances in this relationship, but Dolokhov has the upper hand personality and intellect wise and an exploration of how all that translates into power dynamics within the relationship would be cool. Not to say that their relationship has to be flawless. With someone like Dolokhov it’s never going to be. I’m sure there would be plenty of jealousy and cheating and hurting each other (probably unintentional on Anatole’s end and intentional on Dolokhov’s). I’d be up for a kinda-fix-it where Anatole survives the war and well…that’s going to cause its own slew of problems and issues, but maybe a happy ending of sorts if you go in this direction? I do want these two to be happy, but their angst has the potential to be extremely delicious.
Екатерина | Catherine (TV 2014)
Canon is on youtube in 12 parts.
Peter/Liza. I love that of all the women Peter could have had he chose Liza. Not some flawless, sexy toy but a rough-around-the-edges, “unattractive” girl with a limp who loves what he loves and seems to understand him and knows all the right things to say (right in his POV). She makes Peter happy and I really like it when he’s happy. In fact, they make each other happy. They’re both outcasts in some way: Liza is not the flawless, demure bride prized by society at this time and age; Peter is stuck in a country he cares little for, far from what he considers home, his marriage is unhappy, he’s under the control of a tyrannical aunt… But when these two find each other, it’s like everything else goes away.
I don’t have many specific prompt, I admit. I just want fluff, I guess? I want them to be happy, to make each other happy. Oh, maybe Liza is actually in control of this relationship? Not in a creepy manipulative way, but like, she’s the only one who can talk Peter down from one stupid thing or another and she knows that though he might think that all the good ideas are his, they’re actually hers. Maybe an AU of some sort where they manage to run away to Holstein during the coup and go through a period of adjustment but then end up living happily. Or, IDK, an AU where Catherine is removed out of the way somehow (she dies in childbirth, takes Peter up on his offer to go back to Prussia, whatever I’m not picky) and they get married and rule happily together. I don’t think I want too much angst with this ship, or at least, even if there’s angst I’d want a happy ending. Canon ends so heartbreakingly for them that I don’t think I could stand it :/
For artists: general happiness, bright colors, warm colors, candles, pretty dresses (for Liza), wedding (day, vows), holding hands, hugs from behind.
Please no sex. I'd prefer a rating of PG-13 or lower for art.
Peter/Brockdorff. Obviously, feel free to skip historical research as this is not an RPF request, but in case you're interested:[Who is Christian August von Brockdorff anyway?]Before Peter III was called to Russia to take his place as the crown prince, he grew up in a German/Prussian family. His father was close with Brockdorff's father. Peter and Brockdorff obviously knew each other during Peter’s childhood (potentially they were agemates - I haven’t been able to find a reliable source to confirm Brockdroff’s date of birth) because by the time Peter was called to Russia (he was 14), Brümmer, who was in charge of Peter’s education after the boy’s father died, advised Russian ministers that Brockdorff had such an influence on Peter, that he should not be allowed into the country. (Brümmer considered it negative influence, but given the man’s tendency to be abusive and generally not give a damn about Peter’s best interests, his assessment is highly suspect. Catherine didn’t like Brockdorff either, but they had a personal rivalry going.) So when Brockdorff tried to follow Peter to Russia, he was turned away at the border. Several years later he ended up basically sneaking into the country (in the guise of a glass merchant) anyway, came to Petersburg, got a warm reception from Peter and stayed as the latter’s Kammerherr. (Source).
Also, I wrote a shipper’s manifesto in case that’s helpful to anyone? [BE ADVISED there are GIFs, though they are under spoiler cuts.)
Brockdorff is always in the background but also always around, even when it doesn’t seem like he has a “duty” to be. (Or any comprehensible reason? Like when Peter is woken up in the middle of the night to go watch Catherine give birth and Brockdorff is there with him. I mean, other than like providing moral support, why would he be there?) Even if you don’t want to use historical background, Brockdorff seems to be the one person who is always exclusively on Peter’s side. (Well, Liza too.) There are just so many little, subtle things. But the potential in this ship for loyalty kink and hurt/comfort and kinda awkward/messed up power dynamics is through the roof. This could even be a one-sided ship. I love the dynamic of the emotionally vulnerable, mildly daft Prince and his loyal and more competent/composed underling (chamberlain in this case).
You could go fluffy - private, happy moments. Maybe they fly that kite (and watch it burn up in the air!). Maybe the reason Peter mentioned the kite at all as something that would make him happy is because that’s something he and Brockdorff would do as kids back in Holstein before things got complicated. Pre-canon childhood fic in general! Triumphant moments/success during Peter’s short rule and/or grand plans for a brighter future. (Oooh! Their first kiss?) Some cute scenes with Pavel maybe? If they get into a relationship, when/how do they make the switch from formality to informality? (Especially Brockdorff, as Peter is already all over the place with his yous and thous. but Brockdorff is always overproper and I'd love to see how that formality may break down in intense/intimate moments.)
Or all the angst! Brockdorff’s one-sided love or a complicated relationship made even more complicated by Peter’s constantly worsening paranoia and dissatisfaction with everything. Peter having to leave home (Holstein) and everyone/everything he knows behind. Brockdorff dealing with the coup and Peter’s death - when you’ve basically committed and built your entire life around someone, that’s a lot of empty space to suddenly fill when they’re gone. Having to say goodbye when Peter is first called away to Russia (and Brockdorff swearing he’ll come and join him as soon as he can?).
Hurt/comfort would be amazing <3 Aftermath of Peter’s smallpox and all the emotional fallout and insecurity there and/or remaining physical weakness, for more tradition h/c. Or maybe Brockdorff walks in on Peter during a private breakdown/vulnerable moment after he finds out that Catherine is going to have a child after all and that child might very well not be his. Peter’s constantly dealing with a lot - social pressures of being the heir, insecurity/sense of inferiority instilled by Elizabeth’s constant disappointment, homesickness (especially during his first years in Russia), a failed marriage, constant fears about the future. It’s ripe for some hurt/comfort!
For artists: anything cute/adorable, hugs and cuddles, kissing, holding hands, horseback riding, nature setting, summer days, balls and fancy clothes, longing looks (hidden or not, requited or not), mementos/things that remind one of the other (Peter’s sword with the ribbon comes to mind, also his violin), flying a kite (which burns up in the air!), quiet/intimate moments, curling up under blankets during a thunderstorm, snowy settings…
Please no sex. I'd preffer a rating of PG-13 or lower for art.
18th Century Russia RPF
Pavel Petrovich | Paul I/Andrei Razumovsky. Ok, so. In his youth, Paul carried on a very-very close relationship with Andrei Razumovsky, a charming, handsome officer, and Paul’s childhood friend. They were extremely close - I’d even say that Razumovksy was the first true friend Paul had, as well as one of the very few people in his life with whom he had a genuinely close relationship with zero trust issues. Paul’s letters to Razumovsky are incredibly sweet, almost romantic at moments. He’d close with lines like “Farewell, my dear friend. I love you with all my heart.” In one letter, Paul confesses that he is waiting impatiently “for the moment I can see you [Razumonvsky]” especially since a whole 3 days had passed since they had last seen each other. Paul, who was already fighting the demons that would consume him later in life (loneliness, bitterness, anxiety and trust issues), would tell Razumovsky how much the latter helped him deal with these issues - gave him more confidence and tranquility. (There are a bunch of their - mostly Paul’s - letters collected here starting from page 6. They’re all in French though...)
[How it all ended - for those who might not know but would like to.]
Their Friendship fell apart not without Catherine’s help. Andrei was close to both Paul and his first wife Natalia (whom Paul loved dearly) and there were even rumors that Andrei and Natalia were involved, but there’s no actual evidence of this. Whether Catherine bought into the rumors, disliked Andrei’s political maneuvering and closeness to Paul (she liked to isolate Paul from people he had a mutual affection with) or she just wanted Paul to forget Natalia as quickly as possible when she died, the result was the same: she monopolized access to Paul long enough after Natalia’s death to convince him that Andrei and Natalia had been lovers and Razumovsky was send away from court, allowing him no chance to defend himself to Paul. This was basically the end of their friendship. Which - sad!
Prompts! Umm...I'm so bad at this seriously. But I’d love to see something like an exchange of letters or intimate moments together. How was Razumovsky able to break through the walls that Paul was already building up? Paul - more lively, romantic-idealistic and anxious at this point than anything else (as opposed to the more hardened versions of these traits he expressed much later in life) - discovering a first love (maybe without even fully realizing it). Them supporting each other during the days that Natalia was ill/dying. Razumovsky’s bafflement at the sudden change in Paul’s disposition after Natalia’s death or Paul’s destress as he gives in to his mother’s manipulation and starts to believe that Andrei had in fact betrayed him (by being Natalia’s lover). Just, like, happy and fluffy summer adventure things. Andrei trying (and failing) to teach Paul to dance. AU where they actually manage to mend their friendship many years later. Taking this relationship one step further from friendship to slash would be so easy, seriously, but would scratch my id like a lot. (Although, I can’t imagine them having an overtly sexual relationship. Romantic with a little more touching/kissing than would be exactly platonic - yes, but overtly sexual would feel strangely OOC for Paul, I think, given how platonic his other intense non-marital relationships were.)
Thank you for writing for me! These fandoms are near and dear to my heart and I’m very excited that someone will write me a story in one of them. The order of the fandom/requests and/or the number of details/prompts for each is no indication of how much I want something - I would be delighted with fic in any of these fandoms and with any of the ships/characters I’ve requested. Optional details are optional, of course, but if you're like me and like to have lots of info to work with, I've tried to provide some info on the sorts of things I like (and don't) and give prompts for each of the ships/characters I’ve requested.
GENERAL STUFF
Parings/Sex/Ratings:
Likes:
- I'm good with slash, het, gen (and fem for background ships), though I do have a general preference for slash outside of specifically requested ships.
- All ratings up to R.
- A focus on the romantic/emotional aspect of a relationship and some semblance of a plot/point rather than just sex.
- Unrequited (or secretly requited) pining.
- Complicated relationship dynamics, love triangles, relationships that take some effort/time to work, loving each other but because [insert reasons here] not always being able to be together/communicate those feelings, etc in this vain.
- UST. Eventually resolved is probably better than not, however, not a must-have.
- Conversely from the above - romantic partners who just can’t help but adore each other.
- Praise kink (in the sense that there’s a lot of emotional investment in and getting-off on getting praised or otherwise acknowledged as worthwhile. Works especially well with characters who are deeply insecure. I’m generally fond of other related things, such as body worship, partners being encouraging during sex in a very sweet, reassuring way, etc).
- Threesomes/moresomes and polyamory.
- Incest (unless specifically asked for or canon).
- Parings with large age disparity (over 15 years) unless specifically asked for.
- Pedophilia (please keep minors in sexual relationships with adults 16 and over; if both partners are teens 14-15 is ok if treated appropriately).
- NC-17 and PWPs.
- BDSM, omegaverse, and most kink. (NOT included in this: foreplay; bantery/lighthearted roleplay for the purposes of foreplay; preferences for a certain sexual position, fascination with a partner’s physical trait, such as, e.g., preferring redheads or virgins or younger partners or being fascinated by someone’s shoulders; rough/aggressive/desperate sex or outside-of-bedroom inequalities that transfer into the bedroom, even though there may be pining down of wrists or some other element that could be considered a kink or part of BDSM; anything specifically listed as a “like”).
- Foot fetishes (I know I said liking specific body parts is fine, but feet are the exception).
- Humiliation (both sexual and not).
- Non-con/rape (dub-con that leans toward/ends up as consensual is ok).
- Mpreg; cross-dressing; genderbending/genderswap.
Likes:
- Angst, drama. (Please don’t try to use this as a challenge to see how many angst/dark tropes you can fit into a single fic. I have no issue with dark themes, angst is my crack and things like character death don’t bother me, but if it feels like it’s just a marathon of horrible things happening with no light anywhere to be seen…that’s a little too intense for me.)
- Humor is fun too, but I like it more as an element in the story rather than a story that sets out to be funny first and foremost.
- Hurt/comfort (for m/m). I don’t mind if it’s “saccharine,” I love things that make me go “aww” and give me cuddly feelings.
- LOYALTY KINK! Themes of loyalty in general. Protectiveness.
- Friendship, family (dynamics), platonic love.
- Fluff, banter, cuddling/snuggling, kissing, general adorableness (and adoration!).
- Well-rounded characters, characters with emotions/sympathetic motives; the “other side of the story”.
- Politics, intrigue.
- Crack!fic, parody.
- AUs that subvert the universe or drastically change the setting (eg: genderswaping the cast, setting a modern fandom as a fairytale, turning a historical fandom all Sifi, Coffee Shop/College AUs, etc. This includes stuff like A/B/O and inserting magic/supernatural elements into a non-magic/supernatural universe).
- Crossovers.
- Time travel.
- Character bashing. (Especially with requested characters.)
- Graphic gore and violence.
- Torture. (Mentions are fine if torture is something that happens in canon. BUT no deaths/executions by torture - eg: drawing and quartering - whatsoever. No torture of requested characters whatsoever.)
- Humiliation; any sort of glorification of bullying (this includes things like victim blaming, etc).
- Narrative implications that “sex = love” or that romantic partners HAVE to have sex to have a “valid” relationship or to be “really” in love with each other.
War and Peace
[I specifically nommed and requested the book, but just in case -- I didn’t care one bit for the newest adaptation, so show!canon and characterizations are a strong DNW for this fandom.]
Dolokhov/Anatole. I ship Dolokhov/Anatole SUPER HARD. Dolokhov obviously tries to take care of Anatole in his own way (see scene where he tries to talk Anatole out of running away with Natasha) and canon even says that Anatole “genuinely loves” Dolokhov. Personal headcanon is that Dolokhov takes not just a leading but protector-type role in this relationship, but you can play with that as you like. I think Dolokhov would secretly enjoy being someone’s hero - he’s good at taking care of people he actually loves. I also feel like Anatole would allow him to be himself in a way that he doesn’t get to do elsewhere, because Anatole doesn’t expect him to be righteous nor is he judgmental nor does he care much for things like rank and position. They share interests, they share friends. It just works. (In fact, if you’d like to see some of my notes/meta on Anatole’s characterization, here’s my Anatole tumblr tag. It’s not all useful but in case you’re interested and linking to there prevents letter-bloat.)
You could do anything with these two! Happy fluffy summertime fic, banter, first time, UST (especially at a ball), friendship-turned-more, drunk fooling around. All the hurt/comfort (post-war/Borodino, post-Natasha fiasco, post-duel). Or awfully angsty war!fic. What about that whole Anatole/Natasha thing? How does that fit in? Did it cause a rupture in their relationship or was it a catalyst for realizing they have feelings for each other? Maybe Anatole has a teenage crush on Dolokhov, who ignores it at first because they have a significant age difference. Anatole goes away for some time (abroad?) and comes back a few years later. Suddenly, they’re both adults and maybe this time the tables have turned?
For something more “serious” - having to hide their relationship; maybe Anatole is in denial about having romantic feelings for men? There are some major socioeconomic imbalances in this relationship, but Dolokhov has the upper hand personality and intellect wise and an exploration of how all that translates into power dynamics within the relationship would be cool. Not to say that their relationship has to be flawless. With someone like Dolokhov it’s never going to be. I’m sure there would be plenty of jealousy and cheating and hurting each other (probably unintentional on Anatole’s end and intentional on Dolokhov’s). I’d be up for a kinda-fix-it where Anatole survives the war and well…that’s going to cause its own slew of problems and issues, but maybe a happy ending of sorts if you go in this direction? I do want these two to be happy, but their angst has the potential to be extremely delicious.
Екатерина | Catherine (TV 2014)
Canon is on youtube in 12 parts.
Peter/Liza. I love that of all the women Peter could have had he chose Liza. Not some flawless, sexy toy but a rough-around-the-edges, “unattractive” girl with a limp who loves what he loves and seems to understand him and knows all the right things to say (right in his POV). She makes Peter happy and I really like it when he’s happy. In fact, they make each other happy. They’re both outcasts in some way: Liza is not the flawless, demure bride prized by society at this time and age; Peter is stuck in a country he cares little for, far from what he considers home, his marriage is unhappy, he’s under the control of a tyrannical aunt… But when these two find each other, it’s like everything else goes away.
I don’t have many specific prompt, I admit. I just want fluff, I guess? I want them to be happy, to make each other happy. Oh, maybe Liza is actually in control of this relationship? Not in a creepy manipulative way, but like, she’s the only one who can talk Peter down from one stupid thing or another and she knows that though he might think that all the good ideas are his, they’re actually hers. Maybe an AU of some sort where they manage to run away to Holstein during the coup and go through a period of adjustment but then end up living happily. Or, IDK, an AU where Catherine is removed out of the way somehow (she dies in childbirth, takes Peter up on his offer to go back to Prussia, whatever I’m not picky) and they get married and rule happily together. I don’t think I want too much angst with this ship, or at least, even if there’s angst I’d want a happy ending. Canon ends so heartbreakingly for them that I don’t think I could stand it :/
For artists: general happiness, bright colors, warm colors, candles, pretty dresses (for Liza), wedding (day, vows), holding hands, hugs from behind.
Please no sex. I'd prefer a rating of PG-13 or lower for art.
Peter/Brockdorff. Obviously, feel free to skip historical research as this is not an RPF request, but in case you're interested:[Who is Christian August von Brockdorff anyway?]Before Peter III was called to Russia to take his place as the crown prince, he grew up in a German/Prussian family. His father was close with Brockdorff's father. Peter and Brockdorff obviously knew each other during Peter’s childhood (potentially they were agemates - I haven’t been able to find a reliable source to confirm Brockdroff’s date of birth) because by the time Peter was called to Russia (he was 14), Brümmer, who was in charge of Peter’s education after the boy’s father died, advised Russian ministers that Brockdorff had such an influence on Peter, that he should not be allowed into the country. (Brümmer considered it negative influence, but given the man’s tendency to be abusive and generally not give a damn about Peter’s best interests, his assessment is highly suspect. Catherine didn’t like Brockdorff either, but they had a personal rivalry going.) So when Brockdorff tried to follow Peter to Russia, he was turned away at the border. Several years later he ended up basically sneaking into the country (in the guise of a glass merchant) anyway, came to Petersburg, got a warm reception from Peter and stayed as the latter’s Kammerherr. (Source).
Also, I wrote a shipper’s manifesto in case that’s helpful to anyone? [BE ADVISED there are GIFs, though they are under spoiler cuts.)
Brockdorff is always in the background but also always around, even when it doesn’t seem like he has a “duty” to be. (Or any comprehensible reason? Like when Peter is woken up in the middle of the night to go watch Catherine give birth and Brockdorff is there with him. I mean, other than like providing moral support, why would he be there?) Even if you don’t want to use historical background, Brockdorff seems to be the one person who is always exclusively on Peter’s side. (Well, Liza too.) There are just so many little, subtle things. But the potential in this ship for loyalty kink and hurt/comfort and kinda awkward/messed up power dynamics is through the roof. This could even be a one-sided ship. I love the dynamic of the emotionally vulnerable, mildly daft Prince and his loyal and more competent/composed underling (chamberlain in this case).
You could go fluffy - private, happy moments. Maybe they fly that kite (and watch it burn up in the air!). Maybe the reason Peter mentioned the kite at all as something that would make him happy is because that’s something he and Brockdorff would do as kids back in Holstein before things got complicated. Pre-canon childhood fic in general! Triumphant moments/success during Peter’s short rule and/or grand plans for a brighter future. (Oooh! Their first kiss?) Some cute scenes with Pavel maybe? If they get into a relationship, when/how do they make the switch from formality to informality? (Especially Brockdorff, as Peter is already all over the place with his yous and thous. but Brockdorff is always overproper and I'd love to see how that formality may break down in intense/intimate moments.)
Or all the angst! Brockdorff’s one-sided love or a complicated relationship made even more complicated by Peter’s constantly worsening paranoia and dissatisfaction with everything. Peter having to leave home (Holstein) and everyone/everything he knows behind. Brockdorff dealing with the coup and Peter’s death - when you’ve basically committed and built your entire life around someone, that’s a lot of empty space to suddenly fill when they’re gone. Having to say goodbye when Peter is first called away to Russia (and Brockdorff swearing he’ll come and join him as soon as he can?).
Hurt/comfort would be amazing <3 Aftermath of Peter’s smallpox and all the emotional fallout and insecurity there and/or remaining physical weakness, for more tradition h/c. Or maybe Brockdorff walks in on Peter during a private breakdown/vulnerable moment after he finds out that Catherine is going to have a child after all and that child might very well not be his. Peter’s constantly dealing with a lot - social pressures of being the heir, insecurity/sense of inferiority instilled by Elizabeth’s constant disappointment, homesickness (especially during his first years in Russia), a failed marriage, constant fears about the future. It’s ripe for some hurt/comfort!
For artists: anything cute/adorable, hugs and cuddles, kissing, holding hands, horseback riding, nature setting, summer days, balls and fancy clothes, longing looks (hidden or not, requited or not), mementos/things that remind one of the other (Peter’s sword with the ribbon comes to mind, also his violin), flying a kite (which burns up in the air!), quiet/intimate moments, curling up under blankets during a thunderstorm, snowy settings…
Please no sex. I'd preffer a rating of PG-13 or lower for art.
18th Century Russia RPF
Pavel Petrovich | Paul I/Andrei Razumovsky. Ok, so. In his youth, Paul carried on a very-very close relationship with Andrei Razumovsky, a charming, handsome officer, and Paul’s childhood friend. They were extremely close - I’d even say that Razumovksy was the first true friend Paul had, as well as one of the very few people in his life with whom he had a genuinely close relationship with zero trust issues. Paul’s letters to Razumovsky are incredibly sweet, almost romantic at moments. He’d close with lines like “Farewell, my dear friend. I love you with all my heart.” In one letter, Paul confesses that he is waiting impatiently “for the moment I can see you [Razumonvsky]” especially since a whole 3 days had passed since they had last seen each other. Paul, who was already fighting the demons that would consume him later in life (loneliness, bitterness, anxiety and trust issues), would tell Razumovsky how much the latter helped him deal with these issues - gave him more confidence and tranquility. (There are a bunch of their - mostly Paul’s - letters collected here starting from page 6. They’re all in French though...)
[How it all ended - for those who might not know but would like to.]
Their Friendship fell apart not without Catherine’s help. Andrei was close to both Paul and his first wife Natalia (whom Paul loved dearly) and there were even rumors that Andrei and Natalia were involved, but there’s no actual evidence of this. Whether Catherine bought into the rumors, disliked Andrei’s political maneuvering and closeness to Paul (she liked to isolate Paul from people he had a mutual affection with) or she just wanted Paul to forget Natalia as quickly as possible when she died, the result was the same: she monopolized access to Paul long enough after Natalia’s death to convince him that Andrei and Natalia had been lovers and Razumovsky was send away from court, allowing him no chance to defend himself to Paul. This was basically the end of their friendship. Which - sad!
Prompts! Umm...I'm so bad at this seriously. But I’d love to see something like an exchange of letters or intimate moments together. How was Razumovsky able to break through the walls that Paul was already building up? Paul - more lively, romantic-idealistic and anxious at this point than anything else (as opposed to the more hardened versions of these traits he expressed much later in life) - discovering a first love (maybe without even fully realizing it). Them supporting each other during the days that Natalia was ill/dying. Razumovsky’s bafflement at the sudden change in Paul’s disposition after Natalia’s death or Paul’s destress as he gives in to his mother’s manipulation and starts to believe that Andrei had in fact betrayed him (by being Natalia’s lover). Just, like, happy and fluffy summer adventure things. Andrei trying (and failing) to teach Paul to dance. AU where they actually manage to mend their friendship many years later. Taking this relationship one step further from friendship to slash would be so easy, seriously, but would scratch my id like a lot. (Although, I can’t imagine them having an overtly sexual relationship. Romantic with a little more touching/kissing than would be exactly platonic - yes, but overtly sexual would feel strangely OOC for Paul, I think, given how platonic his other intense non-marital relationships were.)