by Mayv 'SpearBourne' Amaia

Created on: April 10, 2010   Last Updated: September 06, 2011

Hurt/comfort, or H/C, fanfiction is related to, and generally falls under, the genre of darkfic, or fanfiction which deals with darker elements such as violence and loss. In H/C, one character suffers from some trauma, usually with a deep emotional element, and another character provides comfort and support.

Such pairings often have a shipper following, or a number of fanfic writers and readers who wish to see a particular pair romantically involved.

When one character has suffered an emotional loss or sudden traumatic physical injury, he or she needs emotional support; whether the hurt party asks for or even realises this may or may not be a factor in the story. The event that caused the hurt might be depicted at the beginning of the story, described briefly as part of the dialogue, or merely alluded to if it is part of canon and the audience is expected to know about such an event.

The character providing the comfort becomes a shoulder for the injured party to lean on. This might be in that person's nature or it could be the first time that he or she only wants to be there for that particular person..

When one member of a potential romantic pairing is suffering, this could also provide a way for someone to get closer and show the person they love the depth of their feelings. Such an emotional bonding experience often leads to a romantic interlude or even a sexual encounter. Some writers only allude to such an event or use euphemisms to confirm that such an event has occurred. Other writers are comfortable giving a more graphic description of what transpires between the two characters.

Hurt/comfort fanfics might be oneshots, or stories that stand alone and are not part of a series.

They might also be the first part of a story arc that shows a couple embarking on a relationship; sometimes, a Hurt/Comfort fic is a chapter within an epic or longfic.

A related genre of fanfiction is labelled Angst. In these stories, one or more characters suffer a traumatic emotional event or are in the midst of depression but are usually not comforted within the events of the composition. Angst also often has the main character of the fic pining for an unrequited love.

In both genres, characters are put through hell, suffering emotional and/or physical pain that can be debilitating or disfiguring. There might be permanent or temporary damage caused to the body and/or the psyche.

But in Hurt/Comfort stories, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Things will invariably take a turn for the better, as well as have romantic, loving overtones.

H/C fics are often dark, gloomy, or depressing. There also may exist a level of sexual tension between characters that is resolved as a result of the emotional comfort being provided.

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