Brontide, by Pantalaimons (T)
Fandom: RÓMEÓ ÉS JÚLIA
Pairing/Characters: Mercutio, Benvolio, Romeo (more or less bring your own subtext)
Length: 1240 words
Author on Tumblr: pantalaimons
Author Website: fic on AO3
Why this must be read:
One of the most interesting things about the Hungarian production of this musical is the relationships between Mercutio, Benvolio, and Romeo, which take on different flavors according to the actors. The scene this story takes as its starting point is set right after the Capulet ball, when Mercutio mockingly flirts with Romeo and Benvolio in turn-but how much is mockery and how much is flirtation is hard to say-and it's based on the younger second cast interactions.
Here Pantalaimons has written a layered story full of poor communication, ambiguity, the bitter ache of unrequited love, and under it all the sense of impending doom foreshadowed by the title. Pantalaimons has a great feel for blending Shakespearean language with references to the musical.
“A poor prize, my fair lady,” he laughs into Benvolio’s ear, and Benvolio can feel his cheeks redden (and for a moment he’s glad for the darkness before it occurs to him that Mercutio must know he’s blushing anyway). This time, Mercutio kisses him squarely on the lips, tasting too much of wine and pressing too hard for teasing. Their mouths are closed, but there is bite behind it. Benvolio accepts it without a response at first, his eyes closing for a moment, feeling his brain is still moving too slowly. They’ve kissed before, and hardly stopped at that if the night is dark enough, but this feels like a cover on a darker mood. Mercutio’s sparkling drollery has a bite beneath it. Benvolio is half-hearted in pulling back, and Mercutio’s snort sounds ill-humored. “And here I thought you would be more yielding. Clearly, your affections do not sway towards me. I suppose we knew that already.”
Brontide
If you enjoy this story, please take a moment to tell the author. Tiny fandom writers always appreciate encouragement!
Pairing/Characters: Mercutio, Benvolio, Romeo (more or less bring your own subtext)
Length: 1240 words
Author on Tumblr: pantalaimons
Author Website: fic on AO3
Why this must be read:
One of the most interesting things about the Hungarian production of this musical is the relationships between Mercutio, Benvolio, and Romeo, which take on different flavors according to the actors. The scene this story takes as its starting point is set right after the Capulet ball, when Mercutio mockingly flirts with Romeo and Benvolio in turn-but how much is mockery and how much is flirtation is hard to say-and it's based on the younger second cast interactions.
Here Pantalaimons has written a layered story full of poor communication, ambiguity, the bitter ache of unrequited love, and under it all the sense of impending doom foreshadowed by the title. Pantalaimons has a great feel for blending Shakespearean language with references to the musical.
“A poor prize, my fair lady,” he laughs into Benvolio’s ear, and Benvolio can feel his cheeks redden (and for a moment he’s glad for the darkness before it occurs to him that Mercutio must know he’s blushing anyway). This time, Mercutio kisses him squarely on the lips, tasting too much of wine and pressing too hard for teasing. Their mouths are closed, but there is bite behind it. Benvolio accepts it without a response at first, his eyes closing for a moment, feeling his brain is still moving too slowly. They’ve kissed before, and hardly stopped at that if the night is dark enough, but this feels like a cover on a darker mood. Mercutio’s sparkling drollery has a bite beneath it. Benvolio is half-hearted in pulling back, and Mercutio’s snort sounds ill-humored. “And here I thought you would be more yielding. Clearly, your affections do not sway towards me. I suppose we knew that already.”
Brontide
If you enjoy this story, please take a moment to tell the author. Tiny fandom writers always appreciate encouragement!