We are halfway through Valentine's Week, and those in love are celebrating every single day leading up to Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 2016. To celebrate this beautiful day on Sunday, you need not be in a relationship; you just need to be in love with love.
The more passionate fans of TV shows get obsessive about the characters they want to see together, and make them their OTP (one true pairing). They look for subtle signs and change in body language between these characters, and establish them as a couple, sometimes even before the show implies a romantic storyline.
They are the worshippers of love and shippers of the TV world. Outside the TV show universe, these fans weave their fantasies into a world of fan fiction. In celebration of Valentine's Day 2016, here are some of the most shipped couples on TV today:
- Olicity - Oliver and Felicity from "Arrow"
Felicity (Emily Bett Reckards) was introduced in "Arrow" as a one-episode guest star, but the character hit a chord with fans, and now she is arguably the most popular member of Team Arrow. Her chemistry with Oliver (Stephen Amell) was also evident from their first scene together. Their relationship has evolved from that of an employer-employee to friends to lovers beautifully on the show, and fans are loving it.
Admittedly, anyone who wants to see Oliver and Felicity together can just watch Season 4 of "Arrow", especially their lovey-dovey scenes in the premiere episode. But in case you want a deeper exploration of their relationship, check out the Olicity fan fiction available on Archive of Our Own and Fanfiction.netvia GIPHY - Destiel – Dean Winchester and Castiel from "Supernatural"
Now, this is a shipping that has blown off all the roofs of fan fiction history. Although the hunter Dean (Jensen Ackles) and the angel Castiel (Misha Collins) have a special connection, they are not a couple in "Supernatural". Dean is definitely a lady magnet, while Castiel has had relationships with only women on the show. However, "Supernatural" has broken the fourth wall every now and then, and has teased Destiel-shipping fans with longing looks and touches that last a second too long.
While we may never see Destiel becoming a reality on "Supernatural", you can always check out "what could have been" on fan fiction sites such as Archives of Our Own and Fanfiction.net. - Clexa – Clarke and Lexa from "The 100"
The one torturously beautiful kiss the leader of Sky People and the commander of the Grounders shared in Season 2 still has "The 100" fans craving for Lexa and Clarke to become a couple. Although they show signs of tenderness and love for each other in the current season, their storyline has not proceeded beyond that of a partnership to protect their people. Meanwhile, Bellarke shippers are hopeful to see Bellamy and Clarke together.
Check out the "Clexa" fan fiction stories on Archieve of Our Own and Fanfiction.net. - Captain Swan – Captain Hook and Emma Swan from "Once Upon a Time"
Captain Hook (Colin O'Donoghue) had joined "Once Upon a Time" as a villain, but the saviour Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison) made him change his crooked ways, and in Killian we now have a hero. It is the typical bad-boy-turns-good-for-the-girl story set in the magical land of Storybrooke, where the most romantic couple is Snow White (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Prince Charming (Josh Dallas). But their daughter has a more exciting love life, and the fans are more obsessed with that. So what if kIllian was the foster father to Emma's boyfriend Neal? They make a great couple and the fans want to see more of them.
To read fan fiction of the "OUAT" couple visit Archive of Our Own and Fanfiction.net. - Pipex – Piper and Alex from "Orange is the New Black"
Set in a women's prison, Netflix's "Orange is the New Black" is addictive for many reasons, but the lady-on-lady action is definitely an icing on the cake. Although all fans collectively hated Alex (Laura Prepon) for getting Piper (Taylor Schilling) into trouble in Season 1, her overall coolness has got all the fans hot and bothered. Although the couple broke up in the show, fans are still hoping to see the ladies get back together. Especially now that Piper is a total badass, it would be interesting to see how their dynamic as a couple will change.
Read works of fan fiction by "Pipex" shippers on Archive of Our Own and Fanfiction.net.