hurt/comfort
Pain then healing
Hurt/comfort is a genre of fan fiction in which one character experiences physical or emotional trauma while another provides care and consolation.
The appeal lies in vulnerability, intimacy, and the deepening of relationships through crisis: She writes mostly hurt/comfort fics where her favorite character gets injured and nursed back to health.
Often abbreviated h/c.
Recurring narrative device
- angstDeep unfocused worry
- whumpDull impact sound
- caretakingAttending to needs
- emotionalShowing strong feelings
aftermath · recovery · protective · vulnerability · injury · tenderness · devotion · nursing
Purification through emotional expression
- soothingReducing distress or discomfort
- consolationComfort during distress
- empathySharing another's emotions
- validationConfirming truth or accuracy
support · release · processing · tears · holding · listening · presence · understanding
Caring for or inclining
- woundsBodily tissue damage
- bandagingWrapping wounds with cloth
- warmingIncreasing in temperature
- feedingGiving food to
bathing · carrying · resting · medicine · blankets · ice · massage · sleeping
Establishing mutual confidence
- intimacyEmotional closeness between people
- vulnerabilityOpenness to harm
- dependenceState of needing another
- protectionGuarding against harm
devotion · loyalty · bonding · closeness · connection · attachment · caretaker · guardian
trope
Recurring narrative device
- angstDeep unfocused worry
- whumpDull impact sound
- caretakingAttending to needs
emotional · aftermath · recovery · protective · vulnerability · injury · tenderness · devotion · nursing · cuddles
catharsis
Purification through emotional expression
- soothingReducing distress or discomfort
- consolationComfort during distress
- empathySharing another's emotions
validation · support · release · processing · tears · holding · listening · presence · understanding · safety
tending
Caring for or inclining
feeding · bathing · carrying · resting · medicine · blankets · ice · massage · sleeping · hydration
trust-building
Establishing mutual confidence
- intimacyEmotional closeness between people
- vulnerabilityOpenness to harm
- dependenceState of needing another
protection · devotion · loyalty · bonding · closeness · connection · attachment · caretaker · guardian · nurturing
hurt/comfortfluff
Light, soft fibers
feel-good · lighthearted · humor · comedy · slice of life
hurt, comfort, comfortable, hurtful, hurting, comforting, discomfort, uncomfortable, unhurt