Nightswimming

by waxjism

My Teenage Romance.

Bandom fic, Frank/Gerard.

Genres: Fan Fiction, Romance, Gay

255 pages, ebook

First published February 11, 2008

Reviews

[Nicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay first off the age gap is so weird and unecessary, even having frank be 17 instead of 15 and having gerard be slightly younger wouldve made it so much less weird without having to change basically anything about the story. but ignoring that while reading it, this is a really good fic. "my teenage romance" is such a good description, it really is just a slice of life type thing about falling in love in the summer, the world feels so cozy and small and like the relationships between these characters is the only thing that matters. the first time i read it i didnt properly process the actual plot and subtle character development that happens in this fic because i was so wrapped up in the fluffy romance stuff and the worldbuiling (i use small towns in fiction as escapism, its a problem but i dont plan on stopping. as a person who has lived in a major city their whole life surburbia feels like some far away fantasy).

franks characterisation as the rebellious teenager from hell is done to the right extent where you can empathize with his mom but also you still find him likeable. he feels so real in his outbursts, doing things he knows are wrong and fucking up, making things worse for himself all the time, but also not wanting to stop because hes just a teenager and wants to do stupid, fun, rebellious teen stuff. and he does change and become better by the end, but not to the extent where it feels unrealistic and forced.

one thing i wish was handled better is gerards character, i feel like he shouldve had the same amount of development as frank, and his addiction storyline is set up but doesnt really have a satisfying conclusion. it also is kind of used as a plot device to show frank maturing by helping gerard at his lowest points, which is fine but could be supported by having gerard learn to help himself and want to get better not just being helped by frank. still, i really like this fic and have good memories of passing time reading it in class when i probaly should not have been doing that... but, yeah, its very comforting.

[Zoeapo · Rating 5 out of 5]

满分5星的话，给10星

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in one night. I think that is sufficient to describe how great it was.

[Perri Jude · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually write reviews, but this fanfic legitimately changes me every time I read it. It perfectly depicts what it’s like being a stupid edgy teenager who falls in love hard. The character depictions are so real and make it feel more believable. Reading this fic throughout different points in my life, makes me reflect on what I experienced when I was that young teen in love.

[c · Rating 5 out of 5]

ugh. the perfect summer read. FUUUUCK i love the writing in this so MUCH.

2025 reread*
this goes crazy at any time of year. omfg so good.