Fanfiction Cliches (and Where to Find Them)

McLennon Bingo!

I found the above bingo board online and decided to see how many squares I would cover using one of my own fics as a source.

The only really McLennon fic I've written is called McGirly. So let's see if this fic would win me a game of bingo!

And if I don't manage to get a bingo, I'll total my score and see what percentage of my fanfic is a cliche McLennon fanfiction.

Let's go!

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B column

1) Paul being referred to as a "bird"
Paul isn't referred to as a bird in McGirly. I'm not too fond of the term anyway, so I don't use it.

2) Homophobic George
George isn't so much homophobic as not wanting to get directly involved. I'll call it a point, but it's not definite. What do you guys think?

George paused for a moment. "I don't want to get too involved with Paul's problems. I've got enough commitments at home, what with this talk about a tour and a movie and a new album... and my little girl..."

3) Leather pants described in detail
No leather pants in this 1963 setting... unfortunately.

4) A back alley
Ah-ha! The most important scene in McGirly takes place in a back alley! One point for me!

Anyway, I sauntered around to the back of the building, out of view from any passersby. Then I positioned myself against a back wall, shoved my hands in my trouser pockets, and waited.

5) John's breath smells like alcohol
Strictly no alcohol in this fic. I don't really like or agree with drinking.

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I column

1) Something being "gear"
I don't believe I've used this term in McGirly... or anywhere else, for that matter.

2) Liverpool is cold and rainy
McGirly doesn't take place in Liverpool. Most of the plot happens in Abbey Road Studios, London.

3) Description of Paul's eyelashes
Gorgeous, thick eyelashes framed either one. Paul had always had long eyelashes but now they seemed to have grown even longer, just like the hair on his head. They made him appear all the more attractive.

Well, fuck. Another point.

4) Gazing at each other during a performance
John and Paul don't gaze at each other during a performance, but they do gaze at each other during a press conference. One point!

Seeing John staring and smiling at me in such a way made me feel... happier, like I was walking on air, but my stomach also started churning violently. I felt sick, yet utterly thrilled.

5) Gay sex is illegal
Well, technically, McGirly doesn't contain gay sex (since Paul is actually a woman in this fic), but he's still Paul - he identifies as male despite his new body - so I'm going to call one point.

"We shouldn't be doing this."

"Why not?"

"We're not meant to be queer for each other!" I shouted, starting to sob. "It's wrong, but it feels right! I'm so confused."

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N Column

1) John punches someone
No punches, but a lot of threatening to do so.