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Sirius had just finished a long day of classes at uni and really just wanted to crash on the couch, preferably while cuddling his very soft and comfy boyfriend. Remus and he had moved in together 3 months ago, and it was the best decision they had taken since they were either over at his or Remus’s place anyway. It just made sense to move in together.
As he opened the door to their apartment, he breathed in deeply the comforting smell of cinnamon and oranges with leather jacket and motor oil and shouted, “I’m home Moony”. He got no response, but he could hear the sound of furious typing coming from the living room.
Sirius walks into the living room to see Remus on the couch, hunched over his laptop, with the only light coming from his laptop screen. Sirius walks towards him and turns on the lamp on the side table, which bathes the room with warm light. Remus startles a bit and blinks a few times to adjust to the light change before turning towards Sirius. He gives Sirius a tired smile and croaks out a “Hey”. Sirius walks closer and sits beside him, indicating for him to turn. He starts massaging Moony’s back and hears a groan of relief at his sore muscles being kneaded.
In a low voice, Sirius asks him, “So what’s got you so worked up that you didn’t even take a break from the looks of it hmm?”
Remus replies weakly, “It’s just this essay that I have to submit on Friday, and I really need to finish it as soon as possible.”
“What is the essay about?” asks Sirius.
Remus leans back against Sirius’s chest while answering, “I am trying to connect this book that I read called ‘Into the Universe of Technical Images’ by Vilém Flusser and fanfiction”
“That sounds really interesting. It reminds me of myself when I was younger and wrote really bad fanfiction on AO3. I think I might be able to find it still.” Sirius chuckled. “So, how are you connecting them?”
“Well…Flusser talks about how images can change the way we see reality, and in fanfiction, fans make up their own stories about the characters they love. It’s like they are using the original world as the base to create something new, which is kind of how images shape our point of view.”
“Ah yes, that makes sense. Fanfiction does allow fans to create their own story world outside the official one.”
Remus starts playing with Sirius’ left hand while replying, “Fanfiction is also like a conversation between the fans and the original creators. They’re actively involved in making new stories, and in the book, Flusser also talks about images making us think and talk about things more actively.”
“Ah, I see now. Both are about everyone being involved in the stories. Maybe we can also say that the fans are also co-creators.” Sirius started running his fingers through Moony’s hair with his free hand while speaking.
“Uh-hm, Flusser also says that the images can lose some special feeling when they are reproduced a lot, and fanfiction can also sometimes change how people view the original story. It’s like a remix of the original, and it makes storytelling more open and shared.” Remus replies.
“Oh, I get it now. Both shake up the usual way we think about who makes stories and how we see things.
“Exactly! They show that stories and images are a mix of everyone’s ideas, not just the original creators. It’s like they are telling us that storytelling and images are not just for a few people to control. Everyone can be a part of it and create new worlds and ideas together. It is pretty cool when you think about it.” Remus breathes out quickly.
“That does sound pretty cool, and you definitely have to let me read the essay after you are done.” Sirius replies while continuing to stroke Remus’ hair.
“Hmm, I will.” Remus mumbles sleepily.
“Are you falling asleep on me?” Sirius chuckles out but only hears gentle breathing in return.
Sirius leaned back and got more comfortable while making sure Moony didn’t wake up. Taking a nap for an hour or so won’t hurt, thinks Sirius. He closes his eyes and tightens his arms around his boyfriend before falling asleep as well.