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Elle Argent/Tao Xu
| Pairing | |
|---|---|
| Pairing: | Elle Argent/Tao Xu |
| Alternative name(s): | Telle |
| Gender category: | F/M |
| Fandom: | Heartstopper |
| Canonical?: | Yes |
| Prevalence: | Moderate |
| Archives: | |
| Other: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
This article or section needs expansion. |
Elle Argent/Tao Xu is a canonical pairing in the Heartstopper fandom.
Canon
Throughout season one (and the early webcomics), Elle and Tao go through a friends-to-lovers arc.
Before Elle transitioned, she met Charlie and, through him, Tao and Aled (in the comics)/Isaac (in the show). The four of them were really close friends, and they supported Elle through her transition (she had a hard time due to being at an all boys school and people's transphobia) and changing schools. Tao and Elle are best friends, understanding and confiding in each other.
Separately, they realised they liked each other, but they were scared of telling the other out of fear of ruining their relationship. Therefore, that storyline drags out for longer until they finally confess their feelings and start a romantic relationship. After that, their bond only strenghtens even more, both being a rock for each other.
Their personalities are very different, so they complement each other.
Fandom
Heartstopper fandom is mainly focused on MLM. Tao and Elle are the most popular het pairing.
Elle/Tao is a fairly popular pairing, particularly on Tumblr where there are a lot more Gifsets, fan art, and discussions of the characters and their relationship. Many people appreciated the way the friends-to-lovers arc played out, especially as there are still few duaric relationships on television where one of the characters is trans and the other is cis and straight[1].
Fan Commentary
tao xu and elle argent starting to fall in love broke a very core part of my brain, because i have quite literally never seen representation on screen of this before. a straight boy falling in love with a trans girl, and being fiercely protective and caring and accepting of her; and a trans girl falling in love with said straight boy and laughing with and caring deeply about him too... I JUST ADORE THEM WITH MY WHOLE HEARTmalyen0retsev [2]
at any given moment I am crying over Elle and Tao #me: I want them to get together gradually and take their time like in the comic#also me every time they’re on screen: KISS FUCKING KISS.#elle argent#tao xu#heartstopper#elle x taoroyalswille [3]
Common Tropes and Fanon
| Examples Wanted: Editors are encouraged to add more examples or a wider variety of examples. |
Controversies
On Archive of Our Own, Elle/Tao experience a similar tagging issue to Tara/Darcy, where, because they are a canonical pairing, their relationship is often background tagged in works to the fandom's juggernaut ship, Nick/Charlie. This tagging practice also crops up on Tumblr, where posts about Nick x Charlie are also tagged with Elle x Tao. This can make it more difficult or frustrating for fans of Elle/Tao to find works and discussions about them. As of October 2023, Elle Argent/Tao Xu is a tag on 759 works, but just 35 of those are otp:true.
Creator Response
Example Fanworks
Fanfic
- Sparks Fly by Anneliese_Marie - A what-might-be fic exploring Elle and Tao's relationship before season two aired.
- something there by brainyisalwayssexy - A fic exploring Elle's developing feelings for Tao from her perspective during season one.
- Elle/Tao by Yojfull: exploring their relationship.
- what a waste of token straights by randomascas: During the Paris trip, Elle is jealous of Tao and Imogen.
- tao and elle: all their firsts.
- you are in love by sargent: them being in love.
- Golden Ivory by writerbitch_letsgooo: they have a movie date night and say some special words.
- Is it okay to break a promise? by moonstruck_writing: they declare their love for each other.
- Somethin’ Stupid. by nelliefiles: them during their relationship.
- One Step Closer by Attystark: they share a private dance in the middle of prom.
- Just One Dance by fandom_wh0re: they only go to the school dance with the hope they'll get to dance with each other.
- Love Made New by planttaxonomy: exploring their relationship during several years.
- Why are there no songs about being sixteen? by p0psicle_ashtray: Elle and tao have been happily dating all summer now, it’s been the most wonderful few months and Tao is so happy. But now it’s his birthday, and for the first time ever Elle is going to meet his extended family, how will it go?
- Together, Obviously by Saychi_lady: their journey with sex.
- Happy New Years by eclipsj: their first time.
- The Certainty of Us by androidsdreaming: a day in their domestic bliss, including a trip into London.
Fanart
Fan Vids
Other Fanworks
Meta
Archives and Communities
Other Fannish Resources
(Rec Lists, Big Bangs, Thing-a-thons, Holiday Exchanges, wiki links, etc.)
- Elle Argent/Tao Xu tag at Archive of Our Own
- Elle Argent/Tao Xu opt:true works at Archive of Our Own