#<- at least I'm pretty sure this counts as that

[indiaalphawhiskey]

Hi India, sorry if this comes like I’m looking for reassurance or anything… I’m just going through the first stunts after being away for a long time.

When McDomilson started, it was a little rough, but I brushed it off pretty quickly and didn’t give it more weight than it deserved because I was like, “Louis is gay, this isn’t real.” And it’s always been that way with Louis, even when bng happened, I’ve always felt sure about him.

But with Harry, it’s different. Like, when I saw that recent video, I swear it hit me harder. At first, it just felt like an emotional ouch, and then my brain went straight to, “maybe he is with her, he looks happy dancing,” “maybe he’s not gay,” stuff like that. And I know it sounds absurd, especially because I’ve been around since at least 2014.

And I thought it was just me — but I’ve seen a lot of people express this kind of doubt specifically when it comes to Harry. I guess it’s because a big chunk of Louis' fandom is queer and sees right through the bullsh*t, but Harry’s public image is so shaped by the media — 90% of people either project the “boyfriend fantasy” onto him and see him as a womanizer. That image holds more weight, and now that Harry’s gotten so famous, it creates even more distance between the people who’ve been here a long time and him.

And I just feel really bad for doubting him, India.

So I wanted to ask: why do you think that happens ? And have you ever had doubts about Harry? And what would you recommend I do when I feel like this? Thank you for your time💛

Hey, love!

I've written about half a novel's worth on think pieces regarding the perception around Harry - both by the public and by the fandom - but I'm a terrible archivist so of course I can't link anything, so I'll make this short and sweet. (Famous last words.)

You said you've been away for awhile, and I don't know how long that is, but personally, after having lived through Olivia Wilde, I'm pretty numb to Harry stunts. That was suuuuuuuch a shitshow, and she was so infuriating, and the narrative around them was so cringe that my tolerance for anything less than whatever that crapshoot was just skyrocketed.

But, if you're asking for a more wholistic answer (which I think you are), I think you and I fundamentally disagree on two things:

1) Harry didn't look like he was having fun to me, and honestly, he never does. That kiss - faces as distanced as humanly possible and completely upright to make sure everyone got a clear view of who he was, and eventually, who she is - screams 'sigh. Another day at the salt mines.' That is not how you kiss a budding romantic interest. That's not even how you kiss a drunken one night stand. He looks like he's a breath away from counting Mississippis out loud.

And that's the thing - the only time I've seen Harry truly enjoy his time with women is when they're clearly in a platonic relationship. Family, friends, co-workers, creative collaborations, artists he looks up to... I mean, the guy bought a dulcimer to be more connected to Joni Mitchell. With that amount of passion, you'd think he could muster enough strength to cross a bridge in Civita without looking like he wanted to fling himself off it.

The truth is, we've seen Harry be so interested and in the moment with so many women, just not the ones he's supposedly in relationships with or the ones the tabloids/GP are interested in. And that's what sets us apart from the GP -- we actually have fifteen years of data, and it should mean that it's easier for us not to have such difficulty with object permanence when it comes to Harry.

Which leads me to:

2) Harry is so steeped in queer culture, it's hard for me to even fathom him as straight. From the dedication to flying the rainbow flag at his concert every single night, to wearing a rainbow pin in his off time, to the people he chooses to spend his off time with (Alessandro Michele) to his taste in art (David Hackney) to his fashion references (Keith Haring, Christopher Kane) to his collaborations and investments (Harris Reed, SS Daley) to the movie he actually fought to be in (My Policeman) -- and these are only surface level, because I, myself, am not as knowledgeable in art and queer culture as he is -- I just can't view Harry the way the GP views him anymore.

There's so much context to who he is and what he chooses to do with his free time and how he interacts with queer culture that to view him as straight is to take him so far away from fifteen years of context that it flattens him to a one-dimensional person. A snapshot in time, which, incidentally, are what all his stunts are: one-dimensional.

Because, let's face it, at the end of the day, all those stunts have one thing in common: they ended. Always. No matter how many tabloid articles talk about how serious he is, and whether he's met their family, this, that, and the other, all those women end up in the same place -- the past.

You know what never ends, though? Talk of him being queer. That is continuous - whether it's debating his fashion choices or whether or not he's queer-baiting (he's not, real people can't queer bait) or who he's dating or his songs (hi, Medicine, miss u so much girl) or whether or not he's with Louis - his proximity to queerness, the questions around it, is what always pops up and stays present. Sometimes, it gets drowned out by the GP and the tabloid articles about the female orgasm or whatever, but it never really goes away, does it?

Because Harry doesn't let it.

So, yeah. I think this fandom has always had an object permanence issue with Harry specifically, and I have no idea why that is because I don't share in that issue. I look at him, and I see a guy with a pretty solid sense of self, who has matured over the years and made concessions for his circumstances like all adults have to do, but who has only become more and more himself in his art and his queerness, and that's why the stunts don't bother me. Because I don't think they're reflective of his values, the same way I don't think Louis' stunts are reflective of his values.

I trust them both to be good people, not because I'm blind or I can't adjust to nuance or change my mind, but because I have fifteen years of context and data, none of which has ever led me to believe they're not good people, even after all this time.

And no one has to agree with me on that, but if you're asking how I keep sane, it's that. I trust them. That's all.

[towasdandelion]

Texting Jabberwock and Frostheim ghouls "If I get arrested you're my one phone call"

Something silly for today (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠) (before we dive into some angsty angst)

At first Ren throws his usual "okay" but then he rereads and he's actually very concerned? Just what the hell is happening if you're saying stuff like that? His head is instantly filled with weird scenarios of him having to help you "clean up" after whatever you did. How annoying! (Notice how he's concerned more about the work that comes with it rather that your supposed crime? Yeah that's Ren for you) At least you can still count on him!

Towa is not happy at all! What do you mean one phone call? Arrested? He's confused. Who is daring enough to try taking you away from him? He'll make them regret. If you don't want to experience a sudden downpour and thunder that will make everyone pray for their lives then you better explain what's really going on... It might take a while to reassure him but he will understand in the end, more or less. Well, at least you know he's got your back no matter what! (I feel like he would defend you even if you did something bad so..)

Haru's eyes widen when he reads your message. Did his sunshine get into trouble? Just how bad is it? Before you can explain what's going on he's already abandoning his work and gathering his stuff, ready to go wherever you need him. With that being said, he does breath a sigh of relief when he finds out you were simply testing his reaction. He'd hate it if something bad happened and he wasn't there to help you. I guess it doesn't even matter if you're the one at fault or not..

Tohma lets out a sigh, silently hoping you're not actually being serious. Though unfortunately he's already used to your... "talent" of getting in trouble. Well at least he knows how to stay calm. That's the experience speaking! You just wanted to see his reaction hm? Good, then he won't have to deal with a new batch of work. What work you might ask? He won't hold back from anything when it comes to helping you out. You can be sure of that.

Jin is always ready for whatever you might want to throw at him I'm pretty sure (as long as it can be solved with money) so he won't waste time asking unnecessary questions. Just tell him whatever is going on later, he needs to know that you're safe first! Oh you were just joking? Well too bad cause he wasn't. He actually demands you to come to him first before acting. Will support whatever you want or come up with something even better. So be careful, okay? Just saying.

Kaito is on a verge of passing out. He had his fair share of "interesting experiences" so his mind is filled with scenarios of what possibly happened! And right now when he got you to be his girlfriend? Life is so unfair! Anyways, don't expect him to just wail, he would actually help no questions asked, even if it meant risking going to jail with you. You were just seeing his reaction? Oh thank God. He already has your whole wedding planned in his head and he's glad it is going to happen after all. (Hint hint katio you gotta pop the question first)

Luca is the sweetest ever, always. He will literally never judge you even if he personally disagrees with something. Are you in distress? Do you need to talk? He's right there for you! He'd rather have you talk to him first instead of jumping into action without thinking. He's calm and collected too. Whatever it is he will help and make sure you're okay. Oh, it's just a reaction test hm? Well, it doesn't change anything. Everything he said and did was sincere.

[thisapplepielife]

Written for @corrodedcoffinfest.

What the Kids Are Calling It

Prompt #2 - Selling the Drama | Word Count: 1000 | Rating: T | CW: None | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Steddie | Tags: AU, Meet Cute, Movie Set, Famous Corroded Coffin, Regular Guy Steve Harrington

"Cut!"

Eddie slumps back into his director's chair. They're in over their heads here. This was a really bad idea, none of them know how to act. The label has lost their minds if they think this is gonna help their career. It's just gonna be an embarrassment. 

He needs a minute, so he slips away from the set, heading back to the craft service table. It's the only thing he likes about this situation.

Studying the choices, he zones out. Acting is stressful. More than he ever imagined it'd be.

"Looking for something in particular?" 

Eddie looks up. There's a guy standing next to him. He's never seen him before. 

"Uh, not really. Just. You know. Avoiding."

"Your job?" he asks. It makes Eddie laugh.

"Exactly," Eddie teases. 

"You're doing good," he says, and Eddie doesn't think that's true at all. But he's used to having smoke blown up his ass after being in the business this long. "Really selling the drama."

Eddie laughs, a sudden burst of sound that he knows surely made people look in his direction.

"This is supposed to be a comedy," Eddie says, and this guy blushes a pretty pink.

"Okay. I haven't seen any of it. I'm a fill-in. Robin, my best friend, she's sick today," he says, and Eddie looks at him, utterly charmed. "I'm Steve. Don't tell anyone I'm not in the union. I think the punishment is digging my own grave at Hollywood Forever."

Steve flips over his badge, which is conveniently backwards. Eddie recognizes Robin from her picture.

"My lips are sealed," Eddie says, "I'm Eddie."

"And you're an actor that doesn't want to act?" Steve asks, brow furrowing in confusion.

"I'm not an actor. I'm a musician. We're a band, and they're trying to make some sort of knockoff version of This is Spinal Tap. It's not going well. Don't sign contracts you don't fully understand," Eddie advises.

"Noted," Steve says with a grin. 

He's handsome. If Eddie has to be tortured, at least getting to talk to him for a few minutes is a nice consolation. 

"Eddie!" Gareth yells, and Eddie turns.

"That's my cue, I guess," Eddie says and Steve nods.

The next break he has, Steve is waving him over. Eddie goes. Of course he does.

Steve leads him back towards the makeshift kitchen, opening the freezer. Retrieving a truly monstrous ice cream sundae.

"Holy shit," Eddie says, taking it from Steve when it's offered to him.

"I worked in an ice cream shop as a teen. This was our crown jewel. The U.S.S. Butterscotch."

Eddie laughs, and honestly, he can't eat all this. For one, he won't have the time, "You better grab yourself a spoon too. I'm definitely gonna need your help."

When Jeff and Goodie find him, he's laughing at a little table, sharing ice cream with Steve. Flirting. He's definitely flirting.

Goodie clears his throat, and Eddie looks in his direction.

"Having fun?" Goodie asks, and Eddie nods. Of course he's having fun. 

"You know it," Eddie says, "this is the best part of filming so far."

Jeff rolls his eyes, but walks over and puts both of his hands on Eddie's shoulders, guiding him up out of his chair, "We've got work to do, if you're done playing old fashioned soda shop."

Eddie laughs, and jabs his spoon back into the ice cream, getting one last bite before he's pulled away, Steve smiling as he goes.

Craft service is still fully stocked, but Steve is nowhere to be seen. Eddie feels a clench in his gut. He should have gotten his number, should have asked him out, should have done something, anything.

Then he relaxes, just a bit. Robin. Robin will be back. He can get through to Steve that way.

He gets led to the makeup trailer, and they take off his wig, and start removing his makeup. When he steps down out of it, Steve is standing there, leaning against the wall. Legs crossed at the ankle, arms folded across his chest.

"Whoa," Steve says, and Eddie reaches up towards his lack of hair. He cut it short a few months ago, and he's still a little self-conscious about it, even if it's much easier to take care of now.

"Yeah, surprise, I guess. I forgot," Eddie says. Because he did. He doesn't think about the wig.

Steve takes a step forward, holding out a slip of paper in his hand, "My number. If you ever want to hang out."

"Hang out," Eddie repeats, teasing him, "is that what the kids are calling it?"

Steve laughs, and nudges Eddie with his elbow, "Stop."

"How 'bout now? Are you available to hang out right now? I know a good spot for tacos," Eddie offers.

"I think maybe I should feel bad if you're leaving set still thinking about more food."

Eddie grins at him, "I was just looking for a way to keep you around."

Steve reaches forward and grabs him by the shirt collar, tugging him closer, "We could hang out at my place."

Eddie swallows and nods. Definitely. He wants to hang out with Steve. He hasn't felt like this in a long time. Like he's not Eddie Munson, the celebrity. Instead, he's just Eddie. Some guy that happens to like playing music.

"You really didn't know who I was?" Eddie asks, and he's sure that makes him sound like an asshole.

Steve shakes his head, "I'm not really into metal. Is that a dealbreaker?"

"It's not," Eddie says, "but there are lots of kinds of metal. Surely we could find something you like. Even if it's not my music."

"You're more than welcome to try," Steve offers, and Eddie will. He definitely will.

And Eddie holds out his arm, suggesting Steve lead the way to his car. 

Steve backs out of his spot, and pulls out of the studio lot, waving at the guard as they pass the booth.

Eddie hopes they hang out all night.

If you want to write your own, or see more entries for this challenge, pop on over to @corrodedcoffinfest and follow along with the fun! 🦇

Notes: I definitely thought of when all of Metallica cut their hair in the 90s. Maybe Eddie Munson followed suit, lol. Could Steve have just waltzed onto a set? I mean, if anyone's capable, it's Steve Harrington. Let him turn on his, *snap, snap* - charm.

Okay, they totally just recognized him as Robin's friend that tags along with her and ignored his dumb lie. I just know it. 🤣

[mysteryshoptls]

Ortho Shroud Chat Lines

Same as the King of the Underworld.

Ortho: You're curious about my hair? It's made of flames, just like my brother's. Ortho: I hear it's the same as the King of the Underworld, too. Ortho: And his even turned red whenever he got angry! Ortho: My hair is managed by a program, so by changing the gas composition, I can make it any color I want. Ortho: Ehehe, it's so cool, don'tcha think～?

A Gamer's Soul

Ortho: Hey, Prefect, what sort of games do you like? We should play together sometime in my dorm. Ortho: We can play any type of game. Ortho: Even if my brother doesn't own the game, I'm pretty sure there'll be at least one person in the dorm who'll have it. Ortho: Ignihyde's filled with a bunch of guys who love computer games and board games. Ortho: They say that the King of the Underworld also planned his strategies on a chessboard, so maybe he liked games too. Ortho: Maybe that's why those with a gamer's soul end up in Ignihyde!

Transform into Anything

Ortho: Oh man, your heart's racing... You must've just come from PE class. Ortho: Maan, you're so lucky. I wanna be able to exercise too! I should see if I can get my brother to swap out my attachments. Ortho: I hear that the King of the Underworld's minions could transform into anything at will. Ortho: When they want to fly, they turned into birds. Ortho: When they wanted to run fast, they turned into horses. Basically, they were shapeshifters. Ortho: Isn't that super handy? If only I could get equipped with a similar function～

Watching Sparring Matches (New!)

Ortho: Most people know that the King of the Underworld loved watching sparring matches. Ortho: Sometimes he'd just watch it casually, snacking the whole time, but there were times he'd get really into it. Ortho: My brother and I like to watch livestreams of fighting games a bunch, too, so I definitely understand. Ortho: Like, the other day, the streamer we were rooting for lost, so we both ended up shouting at the screen. Ortho: I wonder if the King of the Underworld also had a champion he liked to cheer on? I should do some more research on that!

Small Talk

Idia: They say that the King of the Underworld was great at small talk and could negotiate like no one's business... Idia: B-But I can't even get through a research presentation in class without stuttering... Idia: As Ignihyde's Housewarden, presiding over a dorm honoring the King of the Underworld... Idia: This is beyond pathetic, isn't it...? [sighs] Ortho: I mean, as long as you're not actually talking to someone face-to-face... Ortho: ...You can spit a million words a second that'd even throw the King of the Underworld for a loop! Ortho: Replaying an excerpt from your chatlog, recorded 15 hours and 42 minutes ago: Ortho: "Can always count on Muscle Red's support in a pinch! See, vets are a totally different breed～!" Ortho: "Now, for the main event～ All your rare drops are belong to me! Yahoo!" Idia: S-Stop... Please, nooo...!

Like Lightning (New!)

Ortho: Um, Vil-san, I'm having a bit of a difficult time figuring out the right emotions behind this script. Vil: Why are you asking me this? I'm sure you're capable of searching up anything you need. Ortho: Yeah, that's true... But I feel like "as angry as lightning" is a little too metaphorical for me. Ortho: When I looked it up, I hit on a story of how the Thorn Fairy brought down lightning in a rage... Ortho: But it's way too hard for a mere actor to show anger like lightning. Vil: Being able to express that is what being an actor is all about. There is nothing I can help you with. Ortho: Yeah, but I feel like you'd get the performance you're wanting if you give me more specific instructions, don't you? Ortho: Or, maybe you're just don't know how to handle these kinds of stuff efficiently, huh? Oh well, I guess I just gotta give up, then～ Vil: I know you're just trying to anger me in order to see an example of the correct expression. You won't glean anything from me. Ortho: Aww man, you saw right through me. Oh well. This is all to help my understanding in expressions, so I'll keep on trying!

Something He Left Behind (New!)

Ortho: So, there's this tale about how a prince rode a magic carpet to go see a princess... Ortho: But wasn't she startled to see someone just floating in mid-air all of a sudden like that? Vil: Rather than being startled, it seems she and the prince went off on a date right after. Ortho: Whaaat!? You mean, even though he could've been some kind of intruder, instead her affection level went up!? Vil: I bet your brother would be the type to faint if some unknown party were right outside his window. Ortho: You're probably right... Oh, but the other day, I flew up to a window in my brother's classroom and delivered something he left behind. Ortho: 'Cause that's faster than climbing the stairs to deliver it! Vil: You were calling him an intruder, but you did the exact same thing as that prince...

Requested by @monavitty.

[pineconepie]

CHARACTERS: Vincent, fem!reader

WARNINGS/TAGS: Parental yandere, light infantilization, fem+afab reader, periods, period comfort, embarrassment from periods, non-sexual nudity, reader implied to be younger, cuddles, Vincent doting on Reader

WORD COUNT: 1.7k

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is the other part of a commission that was done with Octavian!

You're sure you've never felt as miserable as you do now; your cramps feel like they're going to kill you, you've been nauseous all morning and you just want to stay curled up in bed all day, hiding under your covers.

Unfortunately for you, however, today Vincent is off work. Normally you'd love that, because then you could spend more time together. But right now, it feels like a curse; because how else are you supposed to hide this from him?

You're not ready to deal with it, nor do you want to.

To seem as least suspicious as possible, you try not to clutch your stomach as you descend the stairs towards where he sits, drinking his morning coffee.

Vincent looks up at you with a warm smile. "Good morning, sweetie."

Despite everything going on inside of your body and mind, you force yourself to return his greeting. "Hi."

You walk past him and quickly gather some cereal for yourself. You can tell Vincent notices, because he watches you with curiosity. "What's wrong? No 'good morning, Dad'? Just 'hi'?" He chuckles, but you can tell he's going through a million different possibilities as to what's wrong.

Instead of answering verbally, you shrug, pour yourself a bowl and grab a spoon. Then you make your way over to where he sits, taking a seat beside him instead of across.

Maybe that way his gaze won't be fixated solely on you.

Unfortunately, your plan fails, because he's still staring at you when you glance over.

"I was gonna ask if you wanted pancakes or waffles," he says finally.

"Nah, its fine, I'm alright with cereal this morning," you reply.

Vincent raises a brow, raising a hand to feel your forehead. "Are you sick? Getting a fever?"

"No, no," you stutter. "Nothing like that. I just, um, didn't sleep well last night..."

"Really?" Vincent asks. "Did you have any nightmares? Anything you want to talk about?"

Great. Now you're cornering yourself and lying even further than before. You're pretty sure part of him can tell you're lying, because he's so used to working with other liars. He reads people better than most could, which is probably part of his profession.

Knowing that just makes you more anxious.

For all you know, he probably sees through your facade completely and is waiting to call you out on it.

"I dunno... maybe? I don't remember my dreams," you say quickly.

"Hm." His expression shows that he's not entirely convinced by your answer.

You try changing the topic to distract him, and hopefully yourself. "Do you have anything specific planned for the day?"

Vincent blinks, then smiles fondly at you. "I'm going to leave it up to you. If you want to go shopping or go out to eat, that'd be fine with me. Or we could have a lazy day watching movies together. Anything you like, princess."

You feel nervous at his choices of options, considering you'd prefer not leaving the house today if you can avoid it. Maybe watching films together sounds nice, though even that gives you anxiety.

"I guess some movies would be nice," you mutter.

Vincent smiles, much to your relief. "Sounds good to me. Why don't you pick one for us to start with?"

So you do.

You get settled down on the couch after turning off the lights in the living room and opening the curtains for maximum viewing experience, snuggled tightly beneath a large fleece blanket. Vincent joins you moments after setting things up.

He wraps a strong arm around you, pulling you closer to his side.

Throughout the movie, he glances down at you occasionally as if checking up on something. Which makes sense since he seems worried about you for whatever reason. You pretend to pay attention to the screen while your mind races on elsewhere.

Every now and then there's a painful twist in your lower abdomen causing you to flinch slightly, although you try hiding these reactions from Vincent.

About halfway through the film, you start getting fidgety, wanting to switch positions constantly.

When you decide to curl up into a ball and bury yourself deep within your blankets once again, Vincent shoots you another glance. "(Y/n)?" he asks quietly.

"Huh?"

"What are you doing, honey?"

"Oh..." You look down embarrassedly. "Just getting comfy."

Vincent pauses for a moment before continuing. "Are you sure nothing is wrong? Nothing you want to talk about with me?"

Your heart pounds faster than normal and butterflies swarm your stomach. Your fingers tighten their grip on your sleeves as you answer: "Positive."

"Okay."

The movie continues playing, but neither of you speak anymore during the remainder of it. At certain points you catch Vincent giving you concerned stares again, especially whenever your hands wander absentmindedly underneath the blanket to press against your belly. When the credits roll around, however, he breaks the silence.

"I don't buy that."

You laugh nervously. "You love buying things," you attempt to joke.

He usually always finds amusement in your jokes, even the bad ones, but now he just looks frustrated. Its a rare expression on him, and definitely not one you like. "I'm serious."

You shrink back. "Sorry..."

Vincent's expression goes from stern to guilt-ridden immediately at your scared reaction. "I'm not mad. I'm just worried about you. Please talk to me."

"There's nothing to worry about." Your voice shakes as you say those words.

"(Y/n)." His tone sends shivers throughout your body. "You're lying to me." A pause. "Please don't lie to Dad."

You chew on your bottom lip anxiously. "...I... I don't wanna talk about it... please." Your voice cracks. Tears build in the corners of your eyes.

Vincent coos at you, pulling you into his lap. You bury your face in his chest as you cry softly. He rocks you gently, kissing your head every few seconds.

"Its okay, it's okay, sweet girl. Shhh..." Vincent hushes you soothingly. He keeps rocking and swaying slowly. One hand rubs calming circles along your upper back. His other cradles the back of your neck tenderly.

After a couple minutes of crying like this in his arms, he leans away slightly to lift your chin. With a thumb, he wipes the tears streaming down your face away carefully.

Then he smiles brightly down at you. "Hey there, kiddo."

You hiccup and sniffle. "Hi." Your voice quavers. "I feel so gross."

Vincent grabs a tissue from the tissue box on the coffee table, using it to clean off your runny nose and damp cheeks. "Much better now, huh? Crying is healthy for the soul. Even if it breaks my heart to see you cry, I'd rather you cry than hold it in. Just means I get to comfort my baby." He teasingly squishes your cheeks, which manages to bring a smile to your face. "There it is," he chuckles fondly. "How's about I go draw you a nice bath?"

That sounds appealing, honestly. "Yeah... sure," you agree.

"Perfect. Up we go." He hoists you into his arms and carries you upstairs, setting you on the counter in the bathroom.

He rolls up his sleeves before leaning forward and switching the faucets to get the perfect temperature.

You watch as the water fills up the tub, making little splashing noises when it hits the ceramic.

Once he gets satisfied with how full the basin is, he turns the knobs off.

Vincent hums as he searches through various cabinets, grabbing some scented bubble bath bottles. "Orange mango or watermelon?" After you give your answer, he tosses the opposite bottle back into the drawer, pouring the other into the bath. He stirs it in, letting the suds rise. "Let me know if it should be warmer or colder, kiddo."

He turns to grab shampoo and conditioner, giving you the privacy to step in. It feels nice, easing your cramps ever-so-slightly.

"Feels great," you sigh dreamily. "Thanks, Dad."

"Anything for my favorite daughter," he sing-songs.

"Your only daughter," you snort.

He laughs at that, placing the shampoo and conditioner in convenient reach. "Still true." He grabs a cup. "Now tilt your head back so I can..." he trails off.

You're quick to realize why. The water is a brownish-red hue.

To your relief, Vincent doesn't freak out. A look of realization spreads across his face, only after the initial shock. He chuckles in relief. "Oh, thank God. It's just your period." His expression turns to serious again. "Right? You aren't injured, are you?"

"No," you squeak out. "It started this morning. I'm sorry."

He holds his hand to his chest in further relief. "I was just a few minutes away from calling a doctor, you know that?" His expression softens. "Why would you hide this?" His voice seeps with genuine confusion and worry.

"...'cause..." You pause. "Because its embarrassing." You hug yourself anxiously. "And gross."

Vincent looks heartbroken. "Princess... you know periods are natural, right?" When you shrug, he frowns deeper. "(Y/n), I promise its okay." He rubs your shoulder. "Its nothing to be ashamed of. I'd never judge you for anything, let alone this."

"Thank you," you murmur. "It just feels so awkward."

Vincent laughs softly. "I've been preparing for this conversation for a while. Not really a fan of how we ended up here, but I'm just glad you aren't hurt." He sighs fondly. "I'll order you some pads, and when bathtime's done, there'll be a heating pad with your name on it."

You smile gratefully. "Thanks."

"Of course. My little girl is not allowed to suffer," Vincent says lovingly. "No, sirree. None of that allowed under my roof. Got it?"

"Got it," you laugh back. "Um, can we continue our movie marathons after I'm done washing up?"

He smiles warmly. "Of course. Since I'm such a good dad, I'll even let you pick one extra movie."

"Only one?" You groan dramatically. "All your movies are boring."

"They are not."

"They absolutely are. They're either the same 80's comedies over and over again, or the same superhero action movies over and over again."

"You're just saying that because you're a baby with a baby brain, and I have good taste." He sticks his tongue out playfully, showing he isn't actually upset. "Real movies, made for people who know good cinema."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," you roll your eyes. Your face softens. "Thanks, Dad. For being not-awkward."

He beams proudly. "Anytime, kiddo. I'm just cool like that."

You roll your eyes.

[strawbearry-writes]

"The Bet"

“Haha! No really!?”

You can here the red and blue jester's laugh come from Jax's room. Pomni was over there “hanging out” with the asshole. At least that's what Ragatha thought.

She was with Zooble and Gangle chatting. (Well, mostly Zooble and She was so close with Pomni when she first came here. Why would she want to hang out with him?

“Ragatha?” Ragatha snapped out of thoughts when she heard Zooble. “Oh, I'm sorry, what are we talking about?”

“We were wondering why you were staring so hard towards Jax's room?”

“Uhh, nothing! Don't worry about it!”

“You sure?”* Zooble said looking worried.

“Yes! No worrying here!”* Ragatha sheepishly.

“HELLO MY HAPPY CAMPERS!”

"S#@! GOD What the #@$/! CAINE.”

...

“Haha! No, really!?” Pomni was sitting across from Jax on the edge of his bed while he was chilling on a beanbag.

"Yup! I'm basically a survivor of a traumatic experience.”

The rabbit smirked at his friend. *“Why? You don't agree?”

“Yeah… I don't think accidentally bumping into your co-worker who was making donuts and getting first degree burns counts.” Pomni giggled.

“Sure it doesn't…” Jax laid down next to Pomni on his bed. “Honestly, yesterday's adventures were pretty fun.”

*“Yeah, only mine though.”

Pomni turned towards him to get a better look at him. “Oh come on, what about the baseball one?"

“You mean when I was in the dress, forget about it.”

“I meant about when you were giving ‘evil’ you rabies afterwards.”

“Yeah and the evil you was pretty cool too.”

Pomni furrowed her nonexistent brows for less than a second so Jax didn't notice. She didn't want him to think she was jealous.Jax noticed however. “I mean that doesn't mean you're not cool either.”

"Really?”

“Yeah! You're funny to hang around and torture.” Jax nudged her on her arm.

*“I can see the torture part.”*Jax chuckled. They then just laid down with Pomni closing her eyes and falling asleep but Jax didn't stop looking at her.

Suddenly Jax heard knocks on the door and sparked up. *“Oh come on!”* Jax groaned as he got up and walked towards the door, grumbling.*“What?”* He exclaimed as he opened the door only to see Ragatha. *“Oh it's you.”

Ragatha looked and had her usual demeanor but there was this hint of something that Jax couldn't describe. But he knew it was towards him.

Ragatha smiled as she responded, *“Caine wants us to go to eat lunch, he said we could just relax all day.”*

“Ok, but I’m not in the mood of eating fake food again so im not joining,”* He said as he was closing the door. However, Ragatha put her foot between the door.*“Um, actually I was wondering if Pomni wanted to join?”* Ragatha asked ‘sweetly’ as she pried open the door.

Internally having to talk to Jax was pissing her off so bad. Especially, talking about Pomni.

“Uhhh,”* Jax looked at his bed where Pomni was, back to sleeping. She looked so peaceful. *“I think she's busy,”*Ragatha tighten her fists together as she slowly felt he patientce running out by half a second.

She still kept a forced smile.

“Oh really? With what?”*Jax looked at the rag doll and smirked. He was always up for some light taunting.

“My bed.”

“Jax! Y-”*Jax put his hand over her mouth.

“Shhh shh shhhhh. Keep it down will ya?”

“Why is she in your bed?”

“She's sleeping. Jeez Raggy.. what did you think we where doing? You dirty doll~”* *“It's still not right to insinuate that you were sleeping with Pomni!” Ragatha whispered screamed.

“I’m not sleepin, she is.” Jax said smuggly.

“You know what i mean!” Ragatha crossed her arms and looked away.

“I know that's what **you** want.”

*Ragatha turned around and uncrossed her arms, looking dead onto Jax's eyes.

*“What…”

“Please! Its so obvious you like her… you're jealous. And it's so sad to see.”

Jax was honestly scared since this reaction was out of character for Ragatha. If she noticed how this slightly jumbled Jax, she didn't make known. Yet still continued with his smug facade.

“I’m not jealous!”* The RagDoll faced him completely now. “Also why wouldn't Pomni want to go out with me than with a jerk like you!”

“Because I'm just better. That's why she's with me.”* Jax said pointing at himself*.**“You guys aren't dating!”

“Not yet!”*

*“I wouldn't be so sure about that.”*

Jax was about to turn back to his room but then slowly turned back.*“Is that a challenge?”* He leaned on the doorway as he looked at his circusmate intrigued.

“You know what Jax,”* Ragatha stepped closer to him and put her arms on her hips, saying in a smug tone *“Yes, yes it is. I bet that you won't date Pomni.” Maybe this could work in her favor.

Jax leaned closer towards Ragatha as she crossed her arms.“I bet you wont even try.”

She smirked.*“I bet Pomni won't even get off on you.”*Jax stepped back in mocking fear, even thought those words did hurt a bit.*“Wow, guess you're serious about this.”*

*“That's new.”

“If I get Pomni you stop being an insensitive jerk to everyone.”* she responded ignoring his snide remark

“Ok… But when you dont, I get to rub it in your face and you don't say anything. Also you have to eat a centipede in front of her.”

“O-”

*“And! You have to like it.”

“…”

Ragatha stared coldly at Jax as his deal felt like too much. That must be how much it meant for him to be a jerk.

“Fine.”

“Deal?”

Jax reached out his hand in front of the doll with a wicked grin. Ragatha took a deep breath before shaking it.

“Deal.”

"Ok! Now that that's over with I'm go back to my girlf- oops! I mean friend~ See ya Raggy.”

As Jax closed the door, stood there a while processing what she just did. She was not gonna let him get her when he doesn't deserve her, Pomni deserves better. She deserves her. She went back to sitting over by the couch with Zooble and Gangle pretending as if nothing had happened.

…

Jax closing the door, smug with his deal. Not because of seeing Ragatha embarrass herself in front of him, but but because he knows that he confident that Pomni will date him.

She was the only ones that actually seemed to care about him. And that he opened up too. Pomni shouldn't be with a toxic person. Though that may be contradicting, since he may be considered by others that way. But who cares about others, he cares about her.He sat down next to Pomni at the bed looking at her fondly.

“You look so stupid~”* Jax whispered. He loved just being next to her. He really hoped she loved being next to him too.

Author's note~ I love Funnybunny and Jealous Ragatha. x100. I also love this trope as stated in my earlier post. Anyways thanks for reading! <3

[elumish]

Okay actually I said that my thoughts on sapphic books being Literary and gay books being Commercial would take more words than I have, but that was a lie, I always have more words.

I think that one of the biggest hindrances to sapphic romance becoming more popular (other than the misogyny and such) is that there aren't enough series.

If I look at both straight and m/m romances, there are a lot of series, and particularly a lot of interconnected standalones, which for romances are series where each book is a new couple, but they're set in the same world (same university, same family, etc.). If I look at the top 50 Best Sellers in LGBTQ+ Romance on Amazon right now (7/1/25), based on a very rough count something like 60-65% of them are M/M, 10-15% are M/M/F, M/M/F/M, etc., at least one is M/F with bi rep, and the rest are sapphic.

Of those M/M books, something like 2/3 of those are interconnected standalones, and then virtually all of the polyamorous ones are as well. These numbers are comparable to when I look at contemporary romance overall, which is basically all straight romance.

I think only one of the sapphic books is part of an interconnected standalone.

Why does this matter?

There are a few reasons.

Interconnected standalone romances tend to be (or at least feel) simpler and more straightforward, which makes them more approachable to someone who is new to the genre. They feel very commercial, which is very appealing when you don't want to have to think very hard about what you're reading.

Interconnected standalone romances tend to give a more consistent feeling. You can be pretty sure when you pick up book two (or three, or five, or ten, or thirty) that you're going to get something similar to what you got previously, whereas when you are picking up a new standalone book by an author you might be getting something super different. That novelty can be appealing, but it also increases the risk to the reader that they're going to be buying a book that they won't like.

Series help build readership. If I read a standalone book by an author and then read a different standalone book by them three years later, I may not associate them with the same author--but if I read book one in a series and then I read book two, even if it's been a while, I'm going to associate it with that person. Particularly given point two, I'm probably more likely to trust that I'm going to like the next book in the series and buy it or even pre-order it, but I'm less likely to do that with an author who writes primarily standalones.

Series build a backlist. If I see book 12 has come out and it looks interesting, I might go back and read book 1 (and then, if I like it, books 2-12). If I see a standalone has come out, I'm not necessarily going to go back and read all of their other books unless I love the standalone, and sometimes not even then.

Series build industry names. Off the top of my head, I could name you 5-10 authors who write M/M and M/F romances. For sapphic romances, off the top of my head I can think of three (Rachel Lacey, Haley Cass, Radclyffe). That's not to say that there aren't more, or more that I've read, but if I've read one-off books by them, they're not necessarily going to stick in my head the same way.

Some subgenres lend themselves to series, and right now sapphic books are super limited in them. Paranormal romance, urban fantasy (not technically romance), and romantic suspense in particular are severely lacking in sapphic series, and these are all subgenres where a series often has a meaningfully different vibe than a standalone book.

There are several fantastic authors writing award-winning books (particularly fantasy and sci fi) about queer women, but those aren't the books you're generally going to go to for a fun read. For a beach read. For an "I've had a long day" read.

And this is not at all to discount those books, because it's so important and amazing to see queer (and particularly sapphic) books winning awards, especially now. But we are still seeing a huge disparity between sapphic and non-sapphic books in the more commercial/approachable parts of publishing (trad publishing and otherwise).

[nymphaea-blue]

Love and Deepspace boys on vacation with you.

Info : 1.1k+ word count (about 300 per part), pure fluff.

Notes : I'm trying to go back to writing now that summer started but I have no ideas ^^, I will slowly go back to posting though!

Rafayel 

Likes to spend time with you in meaningful ways, so some days the two of you stay inside his studio, perhaps painting together or doing some silly crafts together, and other days he takes you out on a trip somewhere pretty. With him, vacation is never boring, no matter how short or long it is.

The two of you probably visit all the galleries and art sites available if you go on vacation somewhere abroad. Rafayel loves art so it was a no-brainer that he would want to see art from other parts of the world as well. If you are not someone who likes museums though then don’t worry, afterwards he can take you somewhere more fun!

Beach days with him are frequent, he literally lives on an island so the two of you have easy access but also even if you are abroad and it’s possible, he asks you to go to the beach. Rafayel looovess swimming so if you are up for it then of course he wants to do so with you, if you prefer to tan or stay on land then it’s okay as well, the two of you can build sandcastles together! Also, he’s like extremely prepared for beach days. I'm talking about having a full bag prepared and snacks always stocked kind of prepared. You didn’t even know you were going to go to the beach that day but somehow he still had all the stuff with him.

He always takes pictures! Rafayel liked to capture your happy memories together, so you never really need to worry about whether or not you will have a souvenir from your vacation since he always takes photos, sometimes you don’t even notice it! Most of the photos are of you and the views, which he then uses for inspiration for his paintings.

Zayne

He rarely gets vacation but when he does, of course he wants to spend it as best as he can but I don’t think the two of you would travel far, perhaps to the beach max. Most of your holidays are spent catching up with each other and spending quality time as well as doing domestic things such as cooking together.

When the two of you do go to the beach though, he goes full doctor mode - he applies sunscreen on you, makes sure you won’t tan when the sun is at its highest, keeps you under the umbrella when possible, gives you cold drinks, the whole works. Zayne will however chill out a little when you ask him, since he was supposed to be relaxing and not fussing over you and he might even join you for a swim.

Zaynes favourite part of the day is waking up next to you because for once, the both of you can sleep in and since he usually wakes up earlier than you, it means he gets to watch you sleep and he swears he can melt at the sight of you sleeping so peacefully. 

No matter where the two of you go, he seems to have everything planned out and figured out already, even if he claims he didn’t prepare beforehand (he always does because he doesn’t want you to worry about getting lost). He carries everything with him as well, from snacks, to medical supplies, to even a change of shoes for you in case your current ones won’t fit well. He is happy to carry all the souvenirs you buy as well.

Xavier

Captain Jenna at this point expects that you both will put your time off request at the same time, at first she was annoyed at it because two of her best employees were gone during the same time but she came to understand that at least that way the two of you can spent the whole day together, so she approves it anyways. Xavier has a lot of unused vacation days so it’s never a problem if you want to go somewhere, even if it’s for a longer time.

You probably go somewhere nearby, not too far from Linkon. Xavier wants to experience new things, but also long rides easily cause him to get sleepy and he doesn’t want to miss out on the time the two of you have together. Somehow, the destinations he picks all turn out amazing and you are not even sure how he knows those spots.

Street food is the main part of your vacation - both of you want to experience the culture, no matter where you are, and the best way is through food to taste all those different flavours and new dishes. Later on, you try to find some entertainment like arcades or whatever is in the area, then at the end of the night it’s usually stargazing at a pretty spot before going back to your hotel.

Xavier somehow doesn’t get lost, even if he doesn’t know the place and isn’t familiar with the map. He also gets along with the locals well and has no issue asking for directions when needed. I do think that he naturally walks fast because of being a hunter but if you need breaks then he doesn’t mind.

Sylus

The type to take you on an expensive vacation abroad, but then spend most of the time doing domestic and simple things, you still love it though. He can take you wherever you want in the world whenever you want since he has private transport and he always takes care of any hotels, so you literally have no reason to worry during your time together.

The days are often slow and relaxing. Sometimes you spend it in the hotel together, perhaps reading or just catching up on whatever was going on in your lifes. Other times it’s spa when the hotel offers it, he gets you beauty treatments as well if you want those. But when the two of you do go out, it’s very fun and exciting. Sylus knows all the best restaurants around and reserves a table for the two of you, he also has some nice spots planned and knows when to go so there would be less people around.

He loves to take you shopping. Souvenirs, clothes, whatever it is you want he will get them for you, it’s no issues since he has money and if you try to talk to him about it then he just says that it’s your vacation and you deserve to be spoiled so you don’t need to worry.

Sylus knows many languages and he likes to use them, which means that he takes care of talking with others. He also loves to experience the different cultures so you often wander through the main streets, try the street food, listen to the local music and see what’s popular in the area, as well as learn the history of the place.

[fictionadventurer]

Fun Catholic Lord of the Rings trivia for you:

Tolkien had a devotion to St. John the Evangelist (which should not have been surprising, given his name).

Traditionally, the symbol of St. John the Evangelist is an eagle.

There's no indication it's intentional allegory, but it does add a very cool layer to those scenes.

[jibanyans-chocobar]

"Standing tall and standing strong

I have found where I belong

In the arms of somebody

There is no more need to cry"

[free-luigi-mangione]

also i'm losing count of exactly how many NYPD officers have been charged for falsifying evidence in different cases, and are getting reported in the last few days

[semi-completely-original]

this is how i envision childe and skirk's time together in the abyss went

[thebitchlapin]

The one time (up to all three times if you also count Noah and/or Sylvester) any of Ally's PCs have had romantic feelings for male characters that relationship was already established before the start of the campaign and I like to think (because it's the funniest interpretation) that that's because for the life of them, Ally cannot figure out how to play someone falling in love with a man

[sysig]

what if you drew the cutest little mettaton. possibly shitty despot king mettaton looking sooo cute on his throne. or adorable shy ghostie mettaton. or literally any mettaton. what then.

Day 9 - Teeny Tiny Tyrant

[darkpoisonouslove]

Angel isn't cruel to her spirits in the same way that Karen was but she still doesn't respect them. The only reason she let Scorpio and Aquarius go on their date was that that took Aquarius out of the equation easier than a battle would have. She was still mean to her other spirits, though at least she cared enough to learn a bit about them, if only to serve her own interests.

Lucy, on the other hand, loves her spirits (and not only her own) so much that she even moved Gemini and made them refuse to hurt her. Considering Angel's threat of payback, it's likely that Gemini have suffered her wrath before and yet, they chose to spare Lucy regardless of what that would mean for them.