Candy Hearts Exchange 2026 Letter

Hi, welcome to my letter! If you’re here, it means you have excellent taste, congratulations!

But more seriously, though I do not always have time to sign-up to this exchange after all the Yuletide rush, I’ve enjoyed it tremendously over the years. It’s actually the first exchange I did back in the day, when it was still called chocobox, and some of my favourite fics were written for it.

Anyway, you can find me on AO3 under the name Beatrice_Sank (fair warning, my bookmarks are a mess). I like to provide lists of likes and prompts, but if you’ve come here with an idea you already like, please go for it, I really want you to have fun.

Language note: I also read French (it’s my first language), so I’m happy to receive something either in English or in French if you prefer to write in that language.

I’m (more than) fine with treats and unplanned gifts!

Themes, atmosphere and tropes

Banter, future fics, fix-it, backstory, plot used to develop relationships, world-building, character study, experimental writing, alternative story-telling forms (letters, found manuscripts or records, outsider point of view…), found intimacy, difficult intimacy, intimate body language, found families, queer narratives, conflicting world-views and people having their reasons, moral ambiguity, historical details, sensory notations, time-loops of the “Groundhog Day” kind, AU of the “what if” kind, heist fic, tropes subversion, humor, melancholy, a little psychological cruelty when it fits the story.

Ships-wise: romantic and sexual tension (resolved or unresolved), pinning, slow burn, friends to lovers, enemies (to friends) to lovers, love/hate relationships, power struggles, fake/pretend relationships, angst, accidental proximity, subverting power dynamics, people falling in love While Trying Not To, things changing so gradually it’s hard to name it, little touches and physical reactions, sensual things going on at a slow pace, first kiss/getting together (not a fan of established relationships = the characters are already together when the fic begins), porn used as character study, characters expressing their feelings by actions instead of words, characters being so comfortable with each others they barely realize they’re behaving like couples and live in denial.

Smut-wise: praise, alternate power dynamics, desperation, teasing, repressed character letting go, dom/sub undertones or even full dom/sub dynamics depending on the context, sex in semi-public places, voyeurism and mirrors, overstimulation, banter and generally talking during sex, body worship, phone sex, edging, intimacy issues, clothed sex. I’m fine with dubcon, but no non-con, please.

It’s worth noting that I’m open to sex scenes for every ship requested, but it’s by no mean mandatory if you don’t want to write them (fade to black is fine by me, as well as romance without sex).

Opt-ins: any rating, any tense or point of view, any additional character showing up, experimental writing if you feel like it.

 

Parlement

Eamon Geragthy/Carmen Saru
 

These two are basically the Greek Gods of the show (and of the European Parliament of course). Right? I mean. They seem to float above the never ending ridiculousness with a sort of poise and prescience that I found fascinating. Of course I ship them. The fact that they embody more or less rival institutions makes it even better. I just want more of them being classy éminences grises all over the place and judging everything from afar while staring at each other in the eyes over the buildings at night just to see who will yield first.

I was also very moved to see in the last season that Carmen was ready to cross countries to find Eamon because at the end of the day, he’s the only one who understands her and will listen. No matter how depressing that episode was, it was still rather beautiful to see them like that, ready to face the catastrophe together. This is really something I need more of.

I’m okay with mentions of real life events for this, but if the current political atmosphere depresses you too much, feel free to invent something more fun.

One final note: go multilingual with this if you want to, it’s in the spirit of the show and I’m here for it, no limits on the number of languages, I’ll manage.
 

Prompts:

- I would love to see them compete over political issues (or perhaps, hilariously, over some administrative trifle), being very Machiavellian, very polite about it (probably using a whole international army of interns), until things begin to escalate and get out of control. They probably both refuse to admit it’s a war, and in the end, it’s always personal. It can go where you want to take it from there…

- Because of Reasons (a common foe raising to power, an institutional threat, budget cuts, etc.) they have to form an uneasy alliance. How do they work together (great comical potential, if you ask me)? Do they learn things about each other they wouldn’t have imagined? Do emotions find a way into this?

- I’m very fond of the idea that they perform hostility almost out of professionalism, but they may secretly have established traditions that allow for truces and proximity. Something like: they can go on a date every time they’re both satisfied with an adopted bill, or when the other looses too sorely and is entitled to some form of compensation. I like the idea that things would be very contractual between them, perhaps even to their secret frustration (after all this time, maybe they aspire to a bit more spontaneity, or have trouble sticking to their cold and distant personas). With sex in the equation, there are lots of possibilities too.

- What if, by a lucky coincidence, Carmen had been on a research trip at the European University Institute at the same time as Eamon, and they both ended up together in Fiesole (as seen in season 4, episode 7)? What could develop there?

- Alternatively, what happens after she finds him in the European University Institute in said episode? I mean, are they going to talk about the fact she basically has travelled 1000 km (and took like, three trains I guess) just to see him, his alleged Nemesis? Or just pretend some more it doesn’t mean anything, while staying for a while (I would be game for that too)?

- Little ways they have of annoying each other over legalese and technical details that nobody else understands or cares about. And in the same vein, little gestures and attentions they have for each other that nobody sees or understands. In general, I’m very interested in the way they tend to communicate indirectly.

- A moment of vulnerability / of letting go after a very, very long night of negotiations (just like we saw with the Blue Deal trilogue).

- Generally, I’m open to all the tropes related to the “enemies to lovers” thing, and I think the Parliament offers plenty of space to experiment with that.
 

DNW: major character death, gore, underage, non-con, A/B/O, watersports, alternate universe that changes the setting.

 

The Remains of the Day

Mr Stevens / Miss Kenton

I think what interested me here is the way the tragic and failed romance blends with social themes like service in England from the 30s to 60s, and the whole idea of sacrificing one’s autonomy in one way or another. I love how repressed the characters are, even if it drives me completely mad with frustration. And the way Miss Kenton and Mr Steven keep challenging each other, especially when it comes to values. I don’t think I’ll ever be tired of reading possible scenarios of how they finally get together (despite what my rational mind tells me), and I’m a big fan of the little things when it comes to them: touches, hidden emotions, unresolved tension that escalates, looks, etc. I’m very much here for any exploration of the emotional and/or sexual tension between them, through whatever mean you may think of. I’m interested in historical realism here, but on the other hand I’m not afraid of romance tropes either.
 

Prompts:

- Miss Kenton is offered a job elsewhere, and Stevens does everything in his power to convince her to stay (including perhaps resorting to his knowledge of romance novels, or being a decent human being for once).

- In the same vein, but for something rather more acrobatic: Stevens announces her out of the blues that he plans on leaving Darlington Hall. Perhaps their relationship, professional as it may be, has become too much for him to handle. Perhaps something happened that compromised that professionalism. Perhaps it’s unrelated and he has to go for another set of reasons entirely. How would that play out? I’m thinking perhaps this, and not Miss Kenton going, could be an interesting way to develop their relationship.

- I’m amazed I never prompted for this before since I do it for basically all my fandoms but I’d love to see them solve a (small) mystery together around Darlington Hall or the village! Could be a great and more lighthearted way to see all that tension simmer, and to bring them together. Perhaps a servant is wrongly accused of stealing something, perhaps there are rumours about a ghost going around the village and they have to debunk it, perhaps there is an actual murder… I’m not afraid of a little ridiculousness here, I’m all for some good Agatha Christie fun.

- Okay it seems I’m going crazy with this respectable and dignified fandom, but: what about a time-loop? The night before Miss Kenton departure comes to mind, of course, but I’m sure there are other points in time where it would be interesting to force them to relive their decisions. Also I suppose I’m here to see Stevens loose his patience and suffer while trapped by his own mistakes, oops.

- Let’s take everyone out of Darlington Hall for once: I’m sure Lord Darlington travels with his staff sometimes (perhaps with reduced staff, but still). What about a melancholic trip to the seaside? Or whatever strikes your fancy, really. Does a change of setting influence how they behave or see each other? Perhaps they meet new people there too, which could lead to some interesting developments. I’m all for shaking their habits up a bit and see what happens.

- What if she did come back after he offered her the job at the end of the book/movie? How does one go back to being a servant in the 60s after all this time and everything that happened? When you’re older? And how do you rekindle an old romance, especially when both parts are aware that your return has something to do with it but no one dares mention it?

- Any fake/pretend relationship/forced proximity scenario you can come up with: for example, their new employer only wants married staff and they concoct a lie, or they have to pretend for an event, or because an important guest of the house has taken a fancy to one of them and they need a cover.

- Miss Kenton is led to believe that Mr Stevens, as extraordinary as it sounds, is having an affair with someone (staff or someone in the village, perhaps a guest, I don’t know). It’s actually not the case but it drives her absolutely up the wall. Or perhaps it’s even more complicated than that and they have to go through a whole comedy of errors.

- Something something “reversed book scene” something (after the book scene, a situation in which it’s Stevens who tries to initiate contact, and Miss Kenton who’s reluctant).
 

DNW: Permanent major character death, gore, underage, non-con, A/B/O, watersports (sexual activities involving urine and/or feces), unrequested crossovers, soulmates and that brand of AU where you change the setting (coffee shop, space, vampires, etc.): canon divergences are fine.

 

Slow Horses

Jackson Lamb/Catherine Standish

I’ve just binged watched the whole show, and I’m obsessed. I think I have now read all the fics in this tag, and there are many, and many that I love. So now I desperately need my fix of these two disasters, and I’ve got a million suggestions, but I’m also here for your dream idea: if you signed up with something in mind, I’ll be happy to read it.

I really enjoy how complex things are with them. Lamb being so disdainful and even cruel, but going berserk when Standish is kidnapped. Standish trying to distance herself, but also being completely tangled into their (awful yet sweet) twisted codependency. The fact that he’s kept her there for twenty years to save her somehow and yet jokes about her being oblivious to her boss’ suicidal intents when he’s the one who killed him. How he also did it to punish himself, and to punish her somehow, even though he knows she doesn’t fully deserve it. The way they understand each other mutely. How he’s appreciative whenever she breaks her “prim and proper” character while still refusing to acknowledge she’s actually competent (because she clearly is, even outside of her field). His comments about her appearance, which are suspicious at best. The alcohol thing, and the way he uses her to channel his own self-loathing. How he wants everyone to quit, and doesn’t bat an eyelash when they do (see: Louisa), except when it’s her. There are so many layers to their relationship, and yes it’s warped and tragic but also occasionally funny and hot, and I’m here for the intensity of it all.

A note on characterization: I’m very attached to what the actors bring to these characters, and I haven’t read the books exactly but let’s say I’m aware of them and have spoiled myself a bit. I really don’t mind if you want to include some elements from the books in your fics: some of my favourite stories do, and it’s by no mean a problem for me (I don’t care about spoilers either).

And while I know the show insists on being bleak when it comes to the personal life of its characters, it’s okay to allow them a bit of hope, as a treat.

Prompts:

- Undercover as a couple: classic, but I’ll never tire of it. They already act like an old dysfunctional married couple most of the time, but being forced to actually play the part, say the words, do the gestures and to acknowledge where they stand regarding intimacy, well, that’s a recipe for. Perpetual tension! Pinning! And, to be honest, quite a lot of comedic potential too. What’s not to love?

- In the show, I don’t think Lamb ever calls Standish “Catherine” when he addresses her, only use her name when he’s talking about her with other characters. I’d like something that explores that and shows us exceptions (a 5+1 for example).

- Catherine saves Lamb (from an actual life-threatening situation or a tangled plot from the Park, for example): how does he react? I’m very curious about this, because we never see anyone take the fall for Lamb, and given how self-destructive he is, but also how loyal in his own way, I expect this would be quite explosive emotionally speaking. And I mean, Catherine would, wouldn’t she?

- Stuck in a safe-house with all the slow horses, while the tension between them escalates. It’s basically your classic “snowed-in” trope, but with the whole dysfunctional family squeezed together, with a lot of forced intimacy but also barely any intimacy when the tension gets too high and they’d need some space to think/talk/act… Perhaps they’re being chased by some lunatic and everyone is exhausted and vulnerable, perhaps it’s more comical with a lot of ridiculous “accidents” and Lamb harassing River while trying very hard not to crack. Alternatively I think this would also work great if they had to camp inside the office for an extended period of time for some reason, with everyone having to make do in dire conditions.

- Anything involving Diana using one of them to get to the other for some reason. I mean she knows Lamb has an interest and might want to investigate, or to try and discover how Standish sees it (if she sees it); that might reveal certain long buried facts.

- Something AU that explores how things change after Catherine’s return between season 4 and 5. It’s gradual and she doesn’t notice at first, but there’s something different in the air and it’s slowly driving her insane. I believe Lamb can be subtle, to a point (especially since he hates having to talk about anything), but what happens when she either catches up or looses her mind over it? I'm not opposed to Catherine making the first step or taking measures, I feel like it's an option that is less commonly explored and that interests me.

- Though I haven’t read the books, I’m vaguely aware of a conversion between Standish and (I think) Molly where they discuss Lamb’s habit of pouring two glasses and offering her one. Molly asks her what he would do if she actually tried to drink it: prevent her, or cheer. I think it’s quite an interesting question: what about a character study or 5+1 or something of the sort that explores that cruel tradition and its ambiguities. You don’t have to choose between the two options necessarily, in fact I think they both apply to some extent, considering Lamb’s own alcoholism. I could also very well see how Standish could rebel and use that ritual against him, to provoke him or even to flirt, because somehow that is a very intimate issue.

- If in doubt: classic “fight that turns into a kiss and possibly more”, any good old hurt/comfort scenario, or “feelings are somehow revealed” will always make me very happy. I especially like when Catherine thinks at first it’s just in the spur of the moment for him, only to come to understand it’s been twenty years in the making.

DNW: one of them dying, gore, underage, non-con, A/B/O, watersports, alternate universe that changes the setting.

 

The Young Pope

Angelo Voiello; Sister Mary

The relationship between Voiello and Sister Mary is probably my favourite thing about this show (besides its stunning visuals and overall craziness). It ticked all the boxes for me because 1) I love myself some enemies to friends to lovers (or in that case, enemies to friends to cockblocked by the Pope) 2) I have a passion for nuns in fiction 3) older people’s romance rules and 4) I love when people bond by plotting together. All their scenes are both hilarious and adorable, and it was great to see how their relationship was used to add nuance to their characters. Their journey through the season is also quite fascinating because in some way they’re the most “normal” people in the show: they both can appreciate the value of a balanced position for the Church, the way they come to feel about each other looks worldly, simple. And yet it is anything but, because they can’t have that normalcy: they’re surrounded by people doing (*waves hand at the show*) this, the Church looks like it’s going to explode every episode, while the Pope does strange miracles and sips coke and also dies, and they’re basically star-crossed lovers of their own accord. *sigh*. I just wish they could get some peace and quiet from time to time. But on the other hand, I do love how they respond to all this by secret meetings-turned-dates in the wild and crazy schemes (we think Voiello because sure, it’s expected, but remember Sister Mary was responsible for the whole ‘fake parents’ debacle, and wasn’t that something). I like that those elderly people, who want nothing more than take a nice walk holding hands and watch sports on TV together, just have to be the Vatican’s gray eminences, because someone has to do it (okay and because Voiello loves it).

Let the record show that if you write slash for them I’m absolutely open to sex scenes (I’m a champion for older people –and nuns, apparently-- having sex lives), but I’m not prompting for that specifically and not particularly expecting it, go where you heart take you and do what you’re comfortable with. And if you want to write about something post-canon, feel free to take into account the events of The New Pope or to ignore them completely, I really don’t mind.

Prompts

- I’d really love to read anything about them getting together, in whatever context (feel free to change the canon, create you own little pocket of time inside it or go full post-canon, etc). If you need inspiration, you can give me All the Tropes: since they’re so hesitant, forced proximity seems a good start (from “stuck somewhere together” to “there was only one confessional” (bed is good too)).

- Now that I’ve mentioned it, anything involving a confessional is very welcome (yes, I’ve watched Fleabag too many times).

- Something showing how their relationship evolved across a long period of time could be great too; if you go there, feel free to ignore canon and have them reunite in some way, or just continue to live their lives in the Vatican (what if, for example, Lenny never collapsed and stayed in function?). In that spirit, I feel we don’t really see Voiello falling in love with her before his outburst in episode 5, and I’m curious about that.

- 5 times + 1 (they were tempted and resisted; “someone may see them”; they learned something about each other... etc).

- They’re so cute at the end of the show, but I was really into their early dynamic too, with all the banter going on and the idea that they’re going to be rivals: I think it would be really fun to expand on that and develop their relationship from there.

- A confrontation between them about political or theological matters gets out of hands and evolves into… something else.

- They have to plot together to save the Church / Lenny / whatever important cause in the Vatican, and it brings them closer. Is it an uneasy or a natural alliance? What do they learn about each other in the process? What sort of unexpected intimacy does that create?

- Even though I’m forever frustrated by the finale, it had one silver lining. Lenny tells Sister Mary, who’s supposed to leave for Africa in the morning: “Before you go, if you like, you can say goodbye to the Cardinal Secretary of State”. Wink wink. That’s a missing scene if I ever knew one. Besides, I like to think of Lenny’s words as a sort of free pass for… well, whatever you like (I’m certainly not opposed to them breaking their vows). But for something more vague: since they keep meeting outside, and we never see them alone in a private context, so I’m very curious about that, especially when the emotional stakes are so high.

- God ships it. I’m kidding mostly, but I’d love to read about a series of mysterious coincidences and signs similar to what we see in the show pushing them together when they insist They Shouldn’t.

- Though I’d prefer a hopeful ending for them, I’m not opposed to exploring the more tragic aspects of their situation. The show has always been a mix of goofy and tragic (well I guess it’s mostly tragic in fact, but still hilarious), and they’re a nun and a cardinal in love, which must involve some degree of internal conflict. Something about how they torture themselves, and ideally each other too, could be interesting. Alternatively, perhaps they find each other while facing the various tragedies the show throws at them?

- What if someone (be it Lenny, one of the next Popes or even Voiello himself once he’s Pope) allowed for all the clergy to get married? How would they react? Would they still be conflicted, would truths emerge or would they disagree on theological options? I’m interested in the possibility for a relationship here, not necessarily in having them marry (although the idea of the Pope publicly marrying a nun after authorizing it is crazy enough to look promising).

- I could also see Lenny subtly (or perhaps not so subtly) creating occasions for them OR on the contrary, trying to prevent anything between them in the background (little devil that he is).

- The walls have eyes and ears in the Vatican, so it could be nice to see how their relationship is perceived by others (so outsider’s point of view, your pick of character(s)).

- For a somewhat different mood: them catching a break, being comfortable together and Not Labelling It, having little cute moments. Heck, I’m even open to some downright fluff, there I’ve said it. I mean “napping together” would be perfect too.

- A series of dreams they have about each other and how that affects their daily life.

DNW: gore, underage, non-con, A/B/O, watersports, non-canonical character death, tragic ending, alternate universe that changes the setting.