#fx fargo

Gator Tillman AUfic!

“I can’t close my eyes without you in my dreams.”

Gator Tillman wasn’t surprised when his wife Emily asked for a divorce, what surprised him was how serious she was being. It’s been a long three months…. But now it’s time for her to come home and Gators gonna get her there…. whether Emily likes it or not.

Warnings: MDNI!, SMUT!(Piv! Fingeringfem! Rough Sex! Choking! Mean Gator! Name calling! (Use of the word Bitch!)) Dark Elements!(STALKING! KIDNAPPING! MURDER!) Violence!, Mentions of death!

WC: 4.7k

Authors note: Hello so… yeah I mean definitely leaning into a dark romance here. This story will go between the past and the present, kind of breaking down Gator and Emily’s relationship and how they got to where they are now. Fucked up things will happen in this story so please read my warnings before each chapter. Read at your own risk! This first chapter is pretty tame compared to what’s in store. But yes please enjoy my little dark Gator. 🖤

P.S. thank you to anyone who comments, likes, reblogs and asks to join the Taglist it means the world to me, super appreciated but never expected! Happy reading angels! 💕🖤

Masterlist

Chapter one: Dove

February 2015…

“Class this is Emily Smith, it’s her first day I expect you all to be welcoming.” The sweet older homeroom teacher said.

Emily just glanced over the room clutching her binder. She didn’t like all eyes on her. Why couldn’t she just come in and sit down? Why make a spectacle out of her to a bunch of high schoolers? She had just moved to town last week, with her Aunt Ashley and Uncle Eddie. It was early February and her senior year of high school. What a great time to start a new school. But the timing was out of her control. What happened to her parents and brother was out of her control. She’s not going to think about them now, she’s had six months to think about them.

“Emily you can take a seat back there.” The teacher pointed.

Emily nodded her head thanking her. As she walked over to her seat no one seemed to be paying attention to her anymore. Except for the guy that her seat was directly next to. He just watched her every move as she sat next to him. Emily turned her head, he just kept staring at her. He had brown hair that was hidden under a green and white trucker cap, he had on backwards. He was handsome she couldn’t lie. He had a nice jawline and pretty brown eyes. He seemed indifferent as he stared at her. Emily gave him an awkward smile unsure what to do. Then she just looked away from him. Opening her sketch journal and drawing random shapes to pass the time.

When her lunch period came around. A blonde girl approached Emily as she sat at a table all alone eating lunch. The blonde girl was in a cheerleading uniform. The way she approached Emily came off friendly.

“Hi I’m Sarah.” She smiled brightly sitting down next to Emily.

“I’m Emily.” She smiled a little nervous.

“Yeah I know that.” She glanced her over. “I also heard you were flirting with my boyfriend.” Her tone shifting sharply.

Emily blinked at her.

“Um.. I’m sorry? Who’s you’re—“

“Spare me.” She put her palm to Emily’s face.

Emily was so confused.

“My friend Jessica saw the whole exchange in homeroom. If you know what’s good for you, stay away from Gator Tillman.” Sarah stood up, her chair scrapping loudly against the floor. “Oh and one more thing.”

She grabbed Emily’s lunch tray and dumped everything all over her. Emily gasped in shock, the whole lunch room bursted out into laughter.

“Better go clean yourself up whore.” Sarah snickered.

Emily immediately jumped up from her seat and ran to the nearest bathroom. She turned on the water in the sink, grabbing a bunch of paper towels trying to clean herself off. Her hair covered in mashed potatoes and chicken noodles. Her yellow hoodie soaked, her jeans seemed to not get anything on them luckily. She couldn’t help but to cry.

She thought what’s the worst thing that could go wrong, on her first day as the new kid? And this is it, she pissed off the most popular and meanest girl in school. Who clearly thinks she’s an 80’s movie villain.

“Fuck.” Emily muttered throwing the paper towels harshly into the trash can.

The bell rang for next period. Emily didn’t want to go to class looking like this. She thought she should just skip, jump on her bike and ride home. But no Emily just went to class accepting her humiliation, looking like a hot mess. She could hear people snickering behind her in class. Three hours felt like it lasted three days. When school let out Emily made a beeline out of school. Taking the biggest strides she could.

“Hey dove.” A deep voice called out behind her.

Emily just continued to walk, assuming this person wasn’t talking to her. Once she was outside in the cold, a fresh sheet of snow on the ground. She didn’t even bother going to her locker for her winter coat. She just wanted to get out of there. Emily assumed the fifteen minute bike ride home couldn’t be that bad.

“Hey dove.” The deep voice called again only closer this time.

Emily stopped at the bike rack unlocking her bike. She turned her head to see, who she knew now had to be Gator. He was just staring at her curiously.

“You need a ride?” He asked.

She looked at him confused.

“No thanks.” She replied awkwardly shaking her head.

“Not gonna be easy to ride through this snow.” He pointed out, following her as she started walking with her bike.

“It’s fine.” She shook her head, trying to walk with her bike fast, but the snow was pretty dense. Making it hard to get through the snow.

Emily couldn’t help but to notice more people leaving school. She was nervous one of Sarah’s minions would see them together. Or worse Sarah.

“No dove I insist.” He said snatching her bike with one hand carrying it away.

She followed him to a black truck, he put her bike in the truck bed. Then walked over to the passenger door opening it. Emily just stood there, not sure what to do.

“Come on.” He gestured with his hand, like she was a dog.

Emily listened to him, getting inside his truck. When she looked at him, he had this little grin on his face. Gator closed the passenger door carefully. He walked around his truck, just as he opened the driver side door, Sarah’s voice chirped from a distance.

“Gator? What the fuck are you doing?”

He completely ignored Sarah. Getting inside his truck and driving off. As he drove out of the parking lot, she could still hear Sarah yelling at Gator. Emily thought tomorrow’s gonna be hell for her. Maybe her Aunt Ashley and Uncle Eddie would let her be homeschooled.

The drive felt awkward at first then Emily realized she never gave Gator her address.

“I live on Ellenhurst road by the way.” She said turning to him.

He glanced at her, then just nodded his head.

“You hungry?” He asked.

Emily pursed her lips. She was hungry considering most of her lunch had been dumped on her. But she also wanted to shower and change clothes.

“Not really.” She answered flatly.

“You one of those girls that don’t eat or somethin’?” His voice even.

Emily blinked not looking at him just staring at the road ahead.

“No I would just like to shower and get out of these clothes because…” Emily’s jaw tightened, she could feel herself getting mad. “Your lovely peach of a girlfriend dumped my lunch all over me.” She smiled tight lipped.

There was a long silence between them. Then Gator pulled up to her house, the for sale sign with big red SOLD words across it. Still standing in the yard. Emily went to open the door, then Gator put his hand on her thigh. His grip wasn’t tight at all, he just put his hand there casually, like he’d already done it before. She noticed the veins in his hands, his long thick fingers. And how warm his palm felt even through her jeans. Emily felt her mouth go dry. She looked at Gator with hesitation. He stared at her just like he stared at her in class.

“She ain’t my girlfriend. Never has been. Ask anyone in town.” He shook his head lazily. “Sarah’s just pissed cause she knows I think you’re pretty.”

Emily felt her cheeks get hot. A guys never told her shes pretty before. She didn’t know what to say. He moved his hand from her thigh. Giving her this small smirk.

“I’ll see you around dove.”

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June 2025…

Emily just pulled into the driveway at her aunt and uncles house. She took a deep breath and rested her head against the steering wheel. For three months she’s been staying here while they travel Europe. They think she’s just coming over occasionally to check the house. She hasn’t told anyone that she’s left her husband of almost ten years. And today she just filed for divorce. She got out of the car and made her way inside the house.

When she came inside she walked into the kitchen, turning on a couple of lights. Grabbing a beer and a bag of chips. She made her way down the hallway into the living room, as she turned the light on she gasped. Dropping her beer and chips. Lucky the carpet kept the beer bottle from breaking. Gator was sitting at the couch, totally relaxed man spreading.

“Jesus Christ Gator!” Emily clutched her hand with her chest.

She knew she shouldn’t be surprised he’s here. He just watched her hitting his pen. He seemed calm, which made her nervous. He was in his uniform, gun strapped to the side of his cargo pants. That nice shiny deputy badge pinned to his vest.

“Come here.” He gestured.

“I’m good here.” She swallowed.

He gave her a small grin.

“Come here.” He said again smacking the side of his thigh.

Emily moved almost on instinct coming over to him. He watched her every move as she sat down next to him on the couch. His leg pressing right against her leg.

“It’s time you come home Emily.” His voice calm and smooth.

She folded her hands in her lap.

“I don’t know if I can.” Her voice uneven, she wouldn’t make direct eye contact with him.

Gator wouldn’t say anything, she hated how he was fine with letting the silence linger between them.

“I wasn’t askin’ you Dove.” He shook his head lazily.

That grabbed her attention she made eye contact with him. He still looked at Emily with the same calm look.

“Willing or not… you’re coming home.” His voice deep and a warning tone.

Emily blinked at him, she tried to get up but he stopped her, putting his hand on her upper thigh.

“You know you can’t run from this.” He shook his head.

She took a hard breath puffing it out through her nose. She knew he was right. He was always right. He cupped the side of her face.

“Do you think about me?” His tone soft, almost sad even.

“All the time.” She admitted in a small whisper.

He pulled her into him, they embraced kissing each other hard. Gator moved so fast, before Emily knew it she was lying down on the couch, with Gator on top of her. They were making out hard and hungry. She knew they should stop. But she also didn’t want to, a part of her was scared of him. But then there was this other part of her that just craved him. Needed him even.

Emily helped him pull off his radio, vest and his gun putting them on the coffee table in front of them. Something they’ve done together plenty of times over the years.

“Fuck I’ve missed you.” He said as he kissed her desperately pushing her back into the couch.

Gator had her dress bunched up, then the sounds of him ripping her underwear off. Emily let out a little gasp. His fingers teasing up her wet slit. He rested his forehead on hers.

“Damn dove, if I knew you needed me this bad I would have came sooner. She’s fuckin’ cryin’ for me.” Gator groaned out.

Emily moaned, her eyes rolling to the back of her head as Gator worked her over. Two fingers pumping inside of her, while his palm pressed flat into her clit. She knew she was close, just as she was about to hit her peak Gator stopped.

“Not yet.” He growled in her ear.

The sounds of him unbuckling his belt and unzipping his pants. He pushed inside of her in one go. Giving her no time to adjust to him. Emily clung to his shoulders letting out a pathetic moan, as he stretched her open. He started a punishing pace. Fucking her like he was mad at her. And she knew he was. He was mad at her for leaving and he was even madder that she filed for divorce. He didn’t need to say it, she knew him well enough.

He slammed into her over and over, pushing her leg back more and more. Practically splitting her open. Emily digging her nails into the fabric of his shirt. One thrust so hard Emily cried out a little in pain. He grabbed her throat, wrapping his hand tight around her. His eyes dark and possessive.

“Fuckin’ take it bitch.” He gritted through his teeth.

“Yes… sir.” She whimpered still clinging onto him.

Gator let out a deep satisfied growl. Her cunt clamping around his cock, she wrapped her other leg around his waist. She was close to cumming, she hoped Gator wouldn’t stop again. Her body heating up and little moans escaping her lips, she couldn’t control. Then his name leaving her lips. She knows she shouldn’t say it. She shouldn’t be giving into him, but she can’t stop herself.

“I love how you say my name when I’m balls deep in you.” He groaned in her ear.

She moaned at that.

“You close?” He teased.

“Yes.” She whimpered.

“I can tell.”

Gators cock started twitching inside of her, he was letting out these deep raspy moans. His pace now sloppy and losing rhythm. He let go of her throat. His hand snaked between them as he rubbed her puffy sensitive clit. They both moaned in tangent. Climaxing together and clinging onto each other. Gator put all of his weight into Emily as he laid on top of her.

“Fuck mama.” He breathed out. He sat his head up and kissed her forehead.

He pulled out of her. Adjusting himself and buckling his pants.

“Go clean yourself up and then we’re leaving.” He gestured.

Emily just nodded her head. She stood up, her legs feeling like jello. As she walked to the bathroom. When the door closed it hit her. She might need to runway. After ten years she knows too much. What if Gator wants to kill her? She knows he’s more than capable of it. He just fucked her to keep her nice and calm. Like a family when they take their sick dog out for their last good day, before they put them down.

“Come on mama, don’t keep me waiting” Gator warned.

Emily looked at the window in the bathroom, she knew she could fit through it easily. She flushed the toilet and turned on the sink, hoping she could move fast enough to get out the window. Before Gator knew what she was doing. Just as she slid the window open and had one foot out. Gator was knocking at the door.

“What are you doin’?” He said. “Open the door.”

The door handle shaking. She threw herself out the window. Landing on her ankle awkwardly. She cried out in pain as she fell to the ground. Then sounds of Gator kicking open the bathroom door. Grabbed Emily’s attention away from her pain. She got up taking off running as fast as she could. But she was limping, she tried to push through the pain.

“Where ya goin’ mama?” Gator called out from the bathroom window.

Emily just kept running, not sure where she was going. Just wanting to get as far away from Gator as possible. She ran into the woods. But before she could make up her mind which way to go, Gator slammed into her tackling her to the ground. She screamed but Gator covered her mouth.

“Shush it’s okay dove it’s okay. I know you’re scared it’s okay.” His tone so calm, yet him pinning her down against the dirt ground is anything but comforting for her, as she tried to get out of his hold.

But it didn’t matter, Gator easily overpowered her. Pinning her down, her stomach flat against the ground. She just started crying, snot running out of her nose. Dirt getting in her mouth and eyes. The sound of Gators handcuffs rattling. As he cuffed her hands behind her back.

“I’m sorry it had to be like this.” He said as he stroked the back of her head tenderly.

Then she felt a sharp pinch into her neck, then she passed out almost instantly.

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February 2015….

The next morning when Emily got up for school. She realized Gator never gave her, her bike back. All she could think was she’s going to have to walk in the snow. Her aunt and uncle both work third shift at the same factory job. So as she was coming downstairs for school, they were usually heading up for bed.

“Hey how was the first day of school?” Ashley asked as they stood on the stairs crossing paths.

“It was alright.” She shrugged.

“Make any friends?” She smiled supportively.

“Um… yeah I guess.” Emily thought back to Gator seeming to be the only person that was nice to her.

“Eh it was your first day, I’m sure once everyone gets to know you they’ll love you.”

Emily nodded her head agreeing with her.

When she got outside to start her walk to school. Gator pulled up next to her, rolling down his window.

“Need a ride dove?” He said.

“You could just give me my bike back that would be great…” She nodded.

Gator stuck his head out the window looking in the back of his truck bed.

“Hmmm sorry it’s not there anymore.” He shrugged. “Come on I’ll give you a ride.”

She glared at him.

“Why are you doing this to me?” Her tone bitter.

“Doing what? I’m being nice to you. I’m not nice to a lot of people. Ask anyone.”

“Okay well your girlfriend or whatever she is to you. She’s probably going to keep dumping trays of food on me, unless you just leave me alone. I can only imagine the shit she’s going to do to me today.” Emily started to stomp off in the snow.

Gator followed her idling his truck.

“You want me to make her leave you alone? I can do that, just ask.”

“I want you to leave me alone.” She retorted.

“Nah. You’re too interesting to me dove.”

When she didn’t respond, she heard him throw his truck into park. The sound of his boots crunching the snow. Then he was standing in front of her, blocking her path. She sighed at him.

“Hey if you want me to get her to leave you alone, just say the words.”

“What are you gonna do to her?” Emily eyed him curiously.

“You don’t worry about that dove. Just tell me. Do you want me to make her leave you alone?” He was almost towering over her.

Emily gripped her backpack straps nervously. She pondered his offer for a moment.

“Why would you want to help me out?” She asked.

“I do something for you. And you do something for me.” He shrugged.

“And what do you want from me?”

He grinned at that.

“Let me take you out Friday night.”

“Okay…” She emphasized her next words. “If you get Sarah to leave me alone.”

“Trust me that won’t be an issue. I dealt with her last night, she won’t be bothering you anymore.” He said proudly. “So I’ll pick you up at seven on Friday.”

The rest of the school week Sarah had left Emily alone. Even with Gator driving her to school and home everyday this week. Sarah just ignored Emily. She wondered what Gator did to get Sarah to leave her alone. Whatever it was. It worked that’s for sure.

Emily sat in between bookshelves inside the school library eating a bag of chips and reading. Because even though Sarah was leaving Emily alone. She didn’t want to sit alone or be in a room full of people who laughed at her. So she opted to have lunch in the library. As she was getting lost in her book, someone approached her. But she didn’t notice him, until he said something.

“Damn I’ve been looking for you dove.”

Emily looked up from her book, seeing Gator standing over her. He took his backpack off and sat down next to her.

“What are you doin’ in here on your lunch period?” He asked. “Did Sarah say somethin’ to you?”

“No. I just wanted to be in here.” She shook her head. “I don’t know it’s quiet.”

“What are you reading?” He grabbed the book from her hand.

Emily tried to snatch it from Gator. He pulled it away from her reach giving her a smart ass smirk. He flipped the cover reading it to himself. Then opened the book to the page she was on. He pulled the book closer.

“Damn no wonder you didn’t notice me walking up to you.” He let out a breathless chuckle.

She was reading one of her smut books. And of course Gator finds her when she’s reading a sex scene. This time she successfully snatched her book back from him. Shoving it inside her backpack.

“It’s just a book.” She muttered.

“You don’t gotta be embarrassed, I like reading playboys.” He said nonchalantly.

Emily laughed at that instantly.

“I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface with you in the last four days.” He smiled.

Emily furrowed her brows at him.

“Meaning?”

“Meaning…. I’ve been giving you rides everyday and all I really know about you is that you’re from Illinois, you live with your aunt and uncle, you like the color yellow and you hate the snow.” He tilted his head a little at her. “You have your walls up so high…. I’m just curious what’s back there dove.”

“Nothing interesting.” She shook her head, with a sheepish grin.

“It would interest me.” His big brown eyes just taking her in.

Emily was never used to getting attention, especially from a guy as handsome as Gator was. She couldn’t really understand why he was so taken with her. Or why he decided to be her protector.

“What did you do to get Sarah to leave me alone?” Emily asked trying to look firmly into his eyes. But failed miserably.

“I can’t tell you that.” He shook his head lazily, a little grin on his lips. “But I can tell you if she ever bothers you again. She’ll really fuckin’ regret it.”

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June 2025….

When Emily came to again she woke up in a bed, with nothing but an oversized t-shirt on, that just brushed above her knees. She sat up feeling a little light headed. She saw a glass of water next to her, she grabbed it drinking most of it. Emily didn’t recognize the bedroom she was in. The sun was out, she had to assume it was morning. She could hear Gators voice outside the bedroom door. She walked up to the door pressing her ear to it, to try and hear what Gator was saying. Emily really couldn’t make much out. She reached for the handle and realized it was unlocked. She opened the door slowly peaking her head out.

Gator was standing in a living room on the phone with someone, when he noticed Emily he ended the call.

“Hey, you should sit down.” Gator suggested pointing to the couch.

Emily just blinked at him, taking in her surroundings they were in a cabin. It was nice, the furniture looked new. It was decent size for two people. Open living room with a kitchen off to the side and a dinning room. Emily noticed a door in the kitchen. Wondering how far she could make it. And if anyone is close by that would hear her scream for help.

“I wouldn’t.” Gator warned in a daring tone.

When she looked at him, he had a stern look. He watched her the way a wolf watches its prey. Emily started to move and he moved with her. She stopped taking a nervous breath.

“Where are we? Why am I here?” She asked.

He tried to approach her but Emily took a few steps back. He stopped, squinting his eyes at her clearly offended.

“Somewhere we can be alone for a while. And I’m doing this to keep you safe.” His tone sincere.

“So you drugged me and kidnapped me.” She deadpanned.

He let out a long sigh.

“Well when you put it that way I mean it sounds bad.”

Emily grabbed a lamp setting on the table and picked it up.

“You have officially lost your fucking mind, let me leave!” She screamed.

Gator seemed to be entertained by this, smiling brightly.

“Damn there’s that vicious Emily I know, where have you been? It’s been a while.” He teased.

Emily snapped throwing the lamp at Gator, he moved out of the way. Emily picked up an ash tray. As Gator tried to corner her, she chucked it but missed him, hitting a picture frame on the wall. Emily took off running for the kitchen door. She swung it open, but before she could even step foot outside. Gator grabbed her from behind the waist pulling her back inside. She let out a yelp. Digging her nails into his arm.

“Let me go!” She fought. “Let me go! God damn it Gator!

Gator slammed the door shut, dragging her back to the living room and pinning her down on the couch. His face only inches from her. She was breathing heavily, really scared of what he might do.

“You can keep trying to leave but I’ll just keep catching you dove.” He brushed a piece of loose hair from her face. “I told you, you can’t run from this.”

Emily broke eye contact with him. Still trying to get out of his hold but she couldn’t. She was growing tired trying to fight him. She slumped under him.

“Are you going to be calm if I let you go?” He asked.

She nodded her head in defeat, knowing it was pointless. Gator let her go. They both sat up on the couch. Emily pulled her legs to her chest.

“Gator are you going to kill me?” She asked in a shaky voice.

His eyes widened in shock, he looked at her so offended.

“No.” He shook his head. “Why would you say that?”

Emily started tearing up thinking about that night three months ago.

“Because of what I did.”

“You were scared, I don’t blame you.” He assured her. “But in the end you made the right choice. That’s all that matters.”

“What if Roy—“

“He won’t.” Gator cut her off.

Emily held herself even tighter. Thinking about that night, it makes her blood run cold. She shook the memory from her head.

“I know you don’t believe me. But I’m doing all of this to keep you safe.” He promised. “There’s a lot I’ve done to keep you safe and you know it.”

She glared at him.

“You hungry? I’m sure you are.” He said getting up and walking into the kitchen, changing the subject.

Emily just watched him from the couch as he made eggs and coffee. The two things he knew how to make. He turned on the little tv that sat on the kitchen counter. The news was on. Emily wasn’t paying too much attention to it. More so watching Gator. She hadn’t really seen him the last three months. Then again she was hiding at her aunt and uncles house like a shut in. The only time she left was to get groceries and to file for divorce. She was kind of surprised Gator waited so long to show up.

She wanted to say she didn’t miss him, but that was a big lie. Even with all their problems she missed sleeping next to him. She missed seeing him everyday and hearing his voice. Feeling him touch her. But right now she wants to throw another lamp at his stupid handsome face. She watched as he put two plates of eggs and two cups of coffee on the table.

“Come on.” He gestured to her to come.

It took her a minute but Emily finally got up and sat down at the table. They ate quietly, only the sounds of the forks scrapping the plates. And the news playing quietly on the tv. The news reporter on tv caught Emily’s attention.

“Up next on the morning news, the ten year anniversary of Sarah Childers disappearance. Her family still wants answers as to what happened to their eldest daughter the night of her graduation, the police say she was a runaway, her family disagrees and is still fighting for answers, more on that after the break.”

Emily swallowed down her eggs hard. Now there’s a blast from the past. Something or well someone her and Gator buried a long time ago. Gator just turned off the tv.

They both promised to never speak of that night again. One of many things they don’t ever talk about.

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July in January Fest is a monthlong fanworks event for the FX series Fargo and the 1996 Coen Brothers movie which inspired it. Unlike the source material, works created for the event should take place in (or be themed to) the summer months.

The third annual event will run during the entire month of January 2026.

OPTIONAL SCHEDULE:

🥵 MONDAYS: Heatwave 🌴 TUESDAYS: Vacation 🧣 WEDNESDAYS: Shedding Layers 🎆 THURSDAYS: Independence Day 🏫 FRIDAYS: School’s Out 👰 SATURDAYS: Summer Wedding 🔥 SUNDAYS: Sunburn

Why summer?

Haven't you ever wondered what your favorite Fargo characters do when it’s hot outside? How do they dress? Do they relish the sunshine or pine for snow? Do they stay home or go on vacation?

Contrary to what’s depicted on screen, the Midwest isn’t always cold. Transformative works give us the opportunity to explore the season we never get to see.

What types of fanworks are allowed?

In previous years, only fanfiction and fanart were allowed. This year, all types of fanwork are welcome, as long as they follow the theme.

Want to create a playlist full of songs your OTP would listen to on a summer road trip? Go for it! Itching to compose a lengthy essay about which ice cream flavor your favorite character would choose on a hot day? Have at it!

As long as your work can reasonably tick the boxes for both ✅Fargo and ✅Summer, you're good to go.

Are crossovers allowed?

Crossovers between the Fargo TV series and the Fargo movie are allowed. Crossovers with non-Fargo fandoms are not.

Do I have to follow the schedule?

The schedule is completely optional, and is only there to provide inspiration for those who might need it. Feel free to ignore it entirely, or switch around the days. 

The prompts will repeat each week according to the corresponding day, so if you want to keep to the schedule, you’ll have a few chances.

Where and when should I post my work?

You can post your fanworks in the AO3 collection, and/or on Tumblr. When posting on Tumblr, be sure to use the tag #julyinjanuary2026, and/or mention @julyinjanuaryfest​ in the post.

The collection will open at approximately 12 am EST on January 1 and close at approximately 11:59 pm EST on January 31. Eligible works posted on Tumblr during the same period will be reblogged to this account.

Are there any other requirements?

Nope! Works of any length, rating, category, and archive warning are eligible, featuring any character(s) from the Fargo universe. Feel free to post as many works as you’d like, as long as they fit the theme.

If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Reminders and updates will be posted to this blog, so give it a follow if you’d like to stay up to date.

Fargo (2014 — Present)

2x01: Waiting for Dutch

Directors: Randall Einhorn and Michael Uppendahl

Highly Irregular Fargo Week is a weeklong fanworks event celebrating rare characters in both the FX series Fargo and the 1996 Coen Brothers movie which inspired it.

The third annual event will run from Sunday, July 13, to Sunday, July 20, 2025 — because a week with eight days is highly irregular.

OPTIONAL SCHEDULE:

📖 SUNDAY: Backstories 🥚 MONDAY: Characters with Zero AO3 Works 💞 TUESDAY: Rarepairs* ❓ WEDNESDAY: Missing Scenes 🎥 THURSDAY: Movie Characters 🤝 FRIDAY: Never Met in Canon 🔮 SATURDAY: “The future is…” 🙃 BONUS DAY: Highly Irregular

*see below for more information on rarepairs

What counts as a highly irregular character?

Highly irregular characters are rare characters. For the purposes of this event, characters with under 50 works in the Fargo (TV) and Fargo (1996) tags on Archive of Our Own (AO3) as of this posting are considered rare.

For reference, the currently ineligible characters are: Mr. Wrench, Mr. Numbers, Gator Tillman, Lorne Malvo, Lester Nygaard, and Molly Solverson.

Can my work include a non-rare character?

Non-rare characters may be mentioned or appear briefly, but the major focus of the work should be on at least one rare character. Basically, if the non-rare character’s appearance would warrant them being tagged on AO3, they feature too prominently.

What if my work focuses on a rarepair?

This is a rare character event, not a rarepair event. However, rarepair works are welcome as long as the pairing doesn’t include any non-rare characters.

So, for example, Nikki Swango/Mr. Wrench would be ineligible, because while the pairing itself has under 50 works on AO3, Mr. Wrench as a character has over 50 works. 

Are crossovers allowed?

Crossovers between the Fargo TV series and the Fargo movie are allowed. Crossovers with non-Fargo fandoms are not.

Are original characters allowed?

Yes, as long as the work also prominently features at least one rare canon character.

Does it have to be fanfiction? Can I post art or other types of fanwork?

All types of fanwork are welcome, as long as they focus on at least one rare Fargo character. That includes art, GIFs, graphics, fanmixes, fanvids, meta, etc.

Do I have to follow the schedule?

The schedule is completely optional, and is only there to provide inspiration for those who might need it. Feel free to ignore it entirely, or switch around the days.

Where and when should I post my work?

You can add your fanworks to the AO3 collection, and/or post them on Tumblr. For Tumblr posts, be sure to use the tag #hifargoweek2025 and/or mention @hifargoweek​ in the post.

The collection will open at approximately 12 am EDT on July 13 and close at approximately 11:59 pm EDT on July 20. Eligible works posted on Tumblr during the same period will be reblogged to this account.

Why do you hate [insert popular character here]?

I don’t! The purpose of this event is simply to give more attention to the less popular characters in the fandom, and to challenge fans to stretch their creative muscles.

Are there any other requirements?

Nope! Works of any length, rating, category, and archive warning are eligible. Feel free to post as many works as you’d like, as long as they meet the requirements for rare characters.

If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Reminders and updates will be posted to this blog, so give it a follow if you’d like to stay up to date.

Ways to approach the poll if the character isn’t a royal: