Which Fanfics Blend The Indecent Proposal Trope With Character Redemption Arcs?

I recently stumbled upon a fascinating fanfic for 'Attack on Titan' that masterfully combines the indecent proposal trope with Levi's redemption arc. The story, titled 'Bargaining with Shadows,' starts with Levi at his lowest after losing Erwin, drowning in guilt and self-loathing. A wealthy merchant offers him a way out—financial security and resources for the Scouts in exchange for a night with him. The tension is brutal, but what makes it shine is how Levi's journey unfolds. the proposal isn’t just transactional; it forces him to confront his worth beyond violence, peeling back layers of trauma. The merchant, initially a villain, becomes a mirror for Levi’s growth, revealing how both are trapped by societal expectations. The fic doesn’t romanticize exploitation but uses it as a Catalyst for Levi to reclaim agency. The emotional payoff is immense, especially when he turns the tables, using the merchant’s resources to rebuild rather than escape.

Another standout is a 'Harry Potter' fic focusing on draco malfoy, 'gilded Cages.' Post-war, Draco’s family is ruined, and a pureblood widow offers to clear his name—if he marries her daughter. The twist? The daughter is secretly in love with someone else, and Draco’s role becomes protective rather than possessive. The indecent proposal here is framed as societal pressure, a gilded cage Draco must dismantle. His redemption isn’t about grand gestures but small acts of defiance, like helping the daughter flee. The fic digs into pureblood hypocrisy, showing how Draco’s compliance with the proposal initially stems from cowardice, but his refusal later becomes his redemption. The pacing is slow but deliberate, making his eventual rebellion against the system feel earned. Both fics excel in using the trope to expose vulnerabilities, then subverting it to highlight growth.