#I’ve seen some take where people mix them together

[w3ndytheraccoon]

Oh hey btw, while I enjoy The Manwhore AU as a silly thing, I hope people do realised it would be very toxic and a very much Circe, if not Calypso situation, in canon, which is NOT cool.

Enjoying this AU as crack is good (since all party are fine, if not slightly disgruntled with it as far as I can tell) but it’s a very slippery slope and someone might take what you say the wrong way or you might unintentionally imply something you didn’t realised you did, so be careful and remember to separate it from the actual musical and Odyssey !

(Especially the Odyssey. Gods know Odyssey!Odysseus got enough (false) shit already for Kirke and Kalypso)

[celaenaeiln]

in like a one person gets one, who would dicks soulmate (platonic or not idk) be? i’ve asked this to several ppl and the answers are usually wally, donna, or jason though i’ve seen some ppl say slade, roy, and bruce.

Anon your ask has literally been haunting me at night. I thought I knew the answer but then you hit me with a Donna!! But between Bruce and Donna, I can't decide so I'll just present a case for both.

Bruce

Bruce and Dick are soulmates on a cosmological scale. The DC universe ordained them to always find each other because they're quite literally a fated pair.

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Issue #23

Bruce: The only regret is that I'm out there alone. It felt good having someone at my back, being part of a team...but no sense wasting time wishing for something I'll never have.

Dick: He's cool, dad...d'you think we'll ever see him when we play Gotham?

The universe literally brings them together no matter the circumstances.

Convergence Issue #4

"The bond between you and Bruce Wayne echoes in every reality."

I don't think there's any stronger evidence for Dick and Bruce being soulmates than this.

But if that's still not enough I have more-

The Multiversity: Guidebook

In Bruce's world he lost Dick and in Dick's world he lost Bruce, but still in the end they somehow find each other. In every universe that has Batman, if someone is his partner it's always Dick.

In the medieval ages world-

Batman: Dark Knight of the Round Table Issue #1

The world of "A Christmas Carol" with Ebenezer Scrooge -

Batman: Noël

In a world where Bruce is a doctor at Arkham -

The Batman of Arkham

Dick is always there as his second.

Here's another interesting but depressing fact: In worlds where Dick Grayson has died as Robin, Bruce Wayne has never taken in another Robin.

This is because on top of the fact that Dick and Bruce as fated to meet, Dick means the entire world for Bruce. Like sometimes Bruce will come across a case with a child involved and the first thing he'll think about is Dick.

Batman: City of Madness Issue #2

Bruce's mind and life is literally consumed by Dick Grayson on a cosmologically spiritual level.

Donna

Donna is Dick's soulmate on a twin-sister spiritual level. Dick and Bruce are two halves of a whole, yin and yang. Dick and Donna though are one person. Their relationship is like taking paint and mixing it together to get something new. Like in those comics where two people look at each other and there's a "zing!" and suddenly it's an instant connection. That's them.

Titans (2016) Special 1

additionally:

Titans (2016) Special 1

New Titans (1988) Issue #89

Dick and Donna have no secrets. They're like a jigsaw puzzle, their pieces fall right into place.

He's always there for her-

The New Teen Titans (1980) Issue #38

They're so special and integral to each other that when an evil witch erases Donna from everyone's memories, there is only one focal point for her. One focal person for her throughout the years. Even though he doesn't remember her, Dick literally goes back in time with his future daughter Mar'i to help Donna, his soul-sister-

The Titans (1999) Issue #25

In every. single. moment of Donna's past Dick appears again and again to comfort her and be her pillar from Robin to civies to Nightwing. In the "Who is Donna Troy" Arc, as the story goes from the origins of Donna to the present, it becomes very clear that Dick is her centerpoint.

They're the definition of soulmates.

She knows him better than anyone else and he knows her. She even had him walk her Donna the aisle for her wedding. He was given that honor because of who they are to each other.

Tales of the Teen Titans Issue #42

I...

just-

Tales of the Teen Titans Issue #50

to love like that...

They're made for each other.

[shellbells-things]

I’ve seen a lot of discourse over the Jikook Car Convo. I think on the surface, it sent mixed signals. But if you think about what you know about Jikook and how important being together is to them…there might be a different way to look at it. Jungkook started off by saying something about how they were supposed to have a drink together (code for hang out), but didn’t …and it went on from there. And that’s where people got hung up at. I have a perspective on this based on a recent experience of my own.

Recently, my daughter and I decided to take a trip to Disney World because I had a business trip down there anyway. (Adult Disney is a blast btw. Great food, drinks, Epcot, Disney Springs, etc). On the car trip down we talked a mile a minute. During the trip we ate and drank and hung out. So fun! We literally said the words “it’s been so long since we’ve been able to just hang out. We haven’t gone anywhere fun together in a while. We’ve been so busy with work and just life in general. I’m glad we are taking time out to have some fun!” Interestingly….my daughter lives with me. I see her every day. But the trip was fun time spent together, not just the day-to-day stuff. We weren’t two ships passing in the night, two ultra busy people who work, eat, sleep and repeat. We were in the moment, having fun together, no distractions! (Yes, It’s a mom/daughter relationship instead of a couple relationship, but still. Spending quality FUN time together to nurture a relationship is important!)

I wonder if Jikook, who have since confirmed that they saw each other during that time (but clearly not enough)….meant that they hadn’t been taking much needed down time with each other, hadn’t been able to step out for some drinks or other fun for a while because they’ve both had opposing schedules and have just been so busy. I felt like Jungkook was sort of admonishing Jimin for being too busy to have fun…but then admitted that he had also been too busy…that if it wasn’t for deciding to MAKE TIME and take this trip, they might have just continued being too busy to prioritize quality time with each other. Then he said “You’re here. Finally”. Like that boy breathed a sigh of RELIEF!

That’s what I think this convo meant. Its NOT that they didn’t see each other, because I’m betting they saw each other all of the time, but that they didn’t make time to have fun with JUST each other like they usually do.

And here’s the deal. You don’t end up going on MORE trips, saying you want to do a travel show together until your fifty, and enlisting together where you will be together every single day for 18 months….with someone you were not close with and never saw prior to this convo. You don’t go from “no longer close” to this 👇 in a day.

Nope. So I think the car convo was them sort of lamenting that they had been so busy and had made the mistake of not taking the time for each other that they deserved. Listen, Jikook are normal humans who love each other, but let their crazy busy schedule get in the way. Very unusual for them I think. But they finally said ENOUGH, and decided to make time, steal time, whatever, just to prioritize themselves as a unit. I loved the show. I saw lots of domestic moments, lots of fun/giggly moments, some 👀 and 🫣 moments….but most of all, I saw happiness. I saw love. And THAT makes me happy. So anyone that says Jikook aren’t close or that they don’t love each other….pfft. 🙄

[burreauxsworld]

Locked In (1) | Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow x Singer!Reader

Exboyfriend!joshallen x Exgirlfriend!reader

•••

Being in the spotlight isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Yeah, there’s glitz and glamour and getting to live out your dream you’ve had since you were a little girl, but deep down you’re still human, with normal human emotions. Emotions that are completely normal, even when people tell you to never show them. You honestly were doing so well considering the circumstances you were left with. A completely shattered heart, an album that had just dropped (full of love songs written about the person that shattered your heart), and a sold out stadium tour that would take place over the entire summer. You were thriving. Slowly but surely, your heart mended itself back together every time you took the stage. Nothing could stand in your way.

Then football season rolled around and people started noticing that you weren’t in your normal spot, in a suite at Highmark Stadium. Supporting the man you believed you would spend the rest of your life with. Even had the ring to prove it. But it all came crashing down the night you walked in on him in bed with his ex from college. It absolutely crushed you. Especially because Josh Allen seemed like the perfect guy. He treated you well, showed you off in public, spoke about you in post-game interviews, the whole nine yards. You never would have saw this coming in a million years. But it did, and it felt like the worst day of your life.

Pre season wasn’t too bad, people just assumed you were busy. Then week one came and you still weren’t there, and people started to question things. Headlines quickly made their way into the world, it was mentioned in sports news all over the country, and you and Josh had started to trend on Twitter. It was all mixed feelings. Mostly just men that were happy to see you go, the women tearing Josh down, and some fans that were devastated about the split. You never commented on the topic. You figured you’d let it die down, and at some point it would be addressed in a normal adult way.

Josh had other plans.

He’d gone on a podcast for barstool sports, and when asked about the topic he didn’t shy away from lying to the entire world. “We both have pretty busy lives. She was going to be starting her tour and didn’t really have a lot of time on her hands. There’d be times where she’d go days without reaching out to me. I just couldn’t live that way anymore”

You were dumbfounded. Completely and utterly baffled. “Brittany and I reconnected last season when we played the Chiefs. It had been such a long time since I’d seen her. We kept in touch. But assure you, there was no crossover. I’d never even think about cheating on a woman”

Blow number two. The cheating had went on far longer than you’d realized, and right under your nose. You were too busy catching up with Taylor Swift in the suite to notice that your fiancé met up with his ex. “I think I’m the happiest I’ve been in a while. I can’t speak for Y/N but I can honestly say for myself that I checked out of that relationship a year before it ended. I could not physically live that way anymore”

You couldn’t watch anymore. You powered your phone off and threw it to the end of your couch. Tears streaming down your face, your heart feeling like it shattered all over again. He’d just proposed to you in July of last year, the two of you started planning your wedding for the off season. It was all a lie.

You thought about retaliating. Putting him on blast the same way he did you, but that wouldn’t make you feel better. At this point, you weren’t sure what would make you feel better, but you knew you couldn’t be sad over him anymore. You needed to pick yourself back up.

•••

2 days later

You laughed hysterically as you threw your head back. When you realized your management team wasn’t laughing with you, you slowly stopped laughing. “Oh you guys are serious?” You question, dumbfounded. “Absolutely not. I’m not stepping foot into another football game for the rest of my life” you say firmly. “Y/N, it’s just to sing the national anthem, and then you can leave. You don’t have to stay for the entire game” your manager, Ryan, tells you with hope in his voice.

“And what reason am I going to give the media for leaving? That I was a heartbroken little child so I couldn’t stay? That’ll do more harm than good and you know it” you rant, letting out a sigh. “I don’t have a choice, do I?” You question, and put your head down when Ryan makes a face.

“It’s out of my hands. The record label won’t produce your album if you say no”

“When and where?” You say, reluctantly. “Sunday, October 6th, and in Cincinnati. This is the first AFC North divisional. There will be a lot of viewers and attendees already but you singing the national anthem would raise those numbers. The NFL is paying you very well to do this, plus you have a private suite with your name on it if you would like to stay,” Ryan explains, not tearing his eyes from you. He knew how hard this would be for you. He hated even having to ask you to do this.

“I’ll be there. But only because the future of my album rides on this. The NFL literally makes me sick to my stomach right now” you rant, rolling your eyes. “You can’t let one guy deter you from your passion of football. You loved football even before he who shall not be named. Besides, I will be there the entire time, and so will Megan. Megan is kick ass at what she does. All this Voldemort nonsense is gonna be put behind us. Clean slate, Y/N/N” Ryan assures you, and you crack a smile. “Voldemort?” You question.

“Oh yeah, he sucks. He’s lucky you’re giving him the grace that you are, and that you held me back from beating his ass that night” Ryan rants, and you laugh. Grateful that not only is he your manager, but one of your best friends. “But seriously, I’ll be there, next to you the entire day. And a little birdie told me you have some fans on the Bengals. Who knows, you may find a hotter guy that’ll be an upgrade from shit-for-brains” Ryan teases, and you scoff.

“I doubt it. I’ve sworn off athletes. Especially ones that play professional football”

“You say that now,” Ryan winks as he leaves the room, and you roll your eyes, yet again.

•••

Sunday October 6th, 2024

You heard the whispers as you walked past people. The judgmental comments about you neglecting your relationship, how you were the reason for its demise. The awful things people were saying about you, and screaming at you, almost made you want to crawl into a hole and never come out. The worst ones, were the looks of sympathy you got from the women in the stadium. You knew you shouldn’t have agreed to this.

“Ryan, I don’t know if I can do this. They all hate me” you stress, and he’s already shaking his head at you. “They don’t hate you-“

“Slut!”

“Seriously?” You say, with a flat tone. “Okay, so some macho men are just mad that you’re here. Who cares? Y/N, your career is literally riding on this”

“I can get a new label” you retort and Ryan sighs. “Y/N, you got this. You’ve literally dealt with so much worse than this-“

“Y/N, you’re on in 10” an NFL official says, walking past the two of you. You feel like your throat is closing up. There’s a lump that wouldn’t go away. In all the years you’ve been performing for big crowds, this one had you nervous. “Josh turned me into a social pariah when it comes to the NFL. He literally blamed me for everything, Ryan. I shouldn’t be here” you rant, tears brimming your eyes. “You absolutely deserve to be here. And for what it’s worth, I wouldn’t have been upset if you spoke your truth. Damage control is my job, let me worry about that. You just go out there and sing your heart out” another voice chimes in, and you turn your head to see Megan, your publicist.

“It’s time,” Ryan says. “Y/N, keep your head held high. You can do this. I’ll be right over on the Bengals sideline waiting for you to finish” Ryan assures you, as the three of you walk toward the opening to the field. Here goes nothing.

•••

After The Game

You should’ve known that staying at the game would mean Ryan would convince you to go to the after party. Although the game ended in a Ravens win, the team still seemed to be in good spirits. A lot of them were actually a lot of fun to be around. You were originally invited by Ja’Marr Chase, who made a point to come up to the suite and invite you personally. Letting you know that he and a few other guys were big fans, though part of you thinks he was just being nice.

You came in and conversed with him and a few other guys before making your way to the bar, then to an empty booth in the corner of the room. Ryan was mingling with some of the coaches and Megan decided not to attend the party, so you were pretty much left to your own devices. You nursed your dirty shirley as you scrolled through twitter. A lump forming in your throat at the harsh things being said about you.

“You really shouldn’t look at that stuff. I’ve learned that the hard way”

Your head snapped up at the sound of the unfamiliar voice, as the couch dipped next to you. “I hope this seat isn’t taken, though you’ve been sitting by yourself for the last half hour. Not that I was watching like a creep. I promise. I just got tired of standing at the bar” the deep voice rambled. “You’re okay. The seats not taken” you say, a small smile gracing your features.

“I’m just not very popular at the moment” you admit, taking another sip of your drink. “You played really well today, by the way. If you ask me, the Bengals had that in the bag” you say, changing the subject and he scoffs. “Always room for improvement,” he says, sipping his drink. “I’m Joe, by the way” he says, extending his hand to you.

“Y/N,”

“And since we’re voicing opinions, you didn’t deserve to be dragged down in the media. I’m not sure what actually happened, and by no means am I asking you to tell me, but I think it should have stayed private. Josh seemed like a nice guy, but that was a low blow” Joe says, not looking at you, as he yet again sips his drink. You frowned at the mention of Josh, and sank back against the couch. “Thanks, I guess,” you mutter, bringing your glass up to your lips. Joe looks over at you, and mentally face-palms.

“I’m so sorry. I overstepped. I shouldn’t have commented on something I know nothing about,” he says, a sense of urgency in his tone. “I literally came over here with liquid courage, with the intention of getting to know you and I fucked it up by bringing up your ex. I’m such an idiot” Joe rants, leaning back against the couch. You look over at him, a strange feeling in your stomach.

“Joe, it’s okay. You were trying to make conversation-“

“But I could’ve asked like what your favorite color is, not brought up your ex” Joe says, internally beating himself up. “It’s yellow” you answer, and he looks over at you confused. “My favorite color is yellow” you say, and he smiles. “Let’s start over. I’m Y/N Y/L/N,” you say, extending your hand with a smile.

“I’m Joe Burrow. It’s nice to meet you, Y/N”

[johannestevans]

Where do I find the queer people?

Making friends and finding social & community spaces as an LGBTQ+ adult.

Originally published with Prism & Pen. Also on my Patreon.

Photo by Brett Sayles via Pexels.

A friend and I recently went to a Queer Open Mic night after I saw it advertised on the same afternoon. While we were on the way back, she asked about how I’d found it.

“I just feel like you always know loads of queer events that are on,” she said, “and I don’t know how to begin to find them.”

I sat down with her a few weeks later and showed her some of the ways I find events, regular or otherwise, and where I look for others — especially given that on social media in the past few days I’ve seen a few people talking about the difficulty of finding and meeting with new queer people when not online.

I thought it might be useful to put it together here.

It’s quite hard with the pressure on and elimination of many third spaces to go out and easily meet people, and given that most of us use a lot of online socials and dating apps, it can feel difficult to seek out and engage with in-person spaces without knowing exactly what the protocol or format of the event is going to be.

Especially given that many people are still more isolated than they were before the start of the Covid pandemic, and/or struggle with seeking out events for themselves having finished school or university or other more structured environments, there can be a lot of anxiety about attending events or meeting new people. But it’s worth it to remember that pretty much everyone else is in a similar spot, and there’s nothing weird or unusual about wanting to make friends or have social time with others.

I am based in the North of England and generally go between the UK and Ireland. So this guide might be less useful depending on where you are. Obviously, in countries with more repressive legislation on queer identity, community groups will by definition be far more underground. Even in areas where this isn’t the case, some of these suggestions might be more viable than others depending on how densely populated your area is, how accessible different venues and events are, and how active your local queer communities are. So, just take what’s good for you and leave the rest.

Finding Local Queer Community Groups

In your search engine, put in simple search terms — [queer] [group] in [my area].

If you can, narrow your search to websites updated in the last 6 months to 2 or 3 years — you’ll sometimes find a website from six or seven years ago where the events haven’t been running for half that when you were already excited about it.

Search your town, city, or county first, and then widen your search — I normally initially look for Bradford and Leeds respectively, but then might broaden my search to West Yorkshire or even North England depending on the time of year and if I’m more willing to travel for certain events, e.g. looking up summer events around Pride, or specific holiday events if you’re looking at Halloween, Christmas, New Year’s, etc.

Combine:

“Queer”, “LGBT” or “LGBTQ”, “Trans”, “Gay Men’s”, “Lesbian”, “Transgender”, “Transsexual”, “Gay Rights” or similar terms

With:

“Charity”, “Support Group”, “Social Space”, “Community Space”, “Meetup”, “Society”, and similar terms

Swap around the terms and find what language seems to be used in your area — remember that depending on the age group and demographic you’re looking at or for, there might be terms you prefer.

I personally search for a lot of gay men’s groups because the average age tends to be a lot older and focused more on the experiences and social spaces of men who love men rather than general queer spaces, which I find can be a bit too young and fast-paced for my speed.

In general, I find that there’s a loose separation between younger trans and queer social groups, which tend to be a mix of differing identities and ages but with a big emphasis on young adults in the 18–25 area, and then specific gay men’s or lesbians’ groups, which will have a wider swathe of ages and might be a little bit less online.

I understand the fear some people have of these spaces being more transphobic than younger spaces — that’s not personally been my experience, as transphobia and lateral bigotry might happen in any social space, but unfortunately, you just don’t know the specifics of an event or a group until you get there and actually meet and talk to the people.

Some charities or community groups that run a variety of spaces might have specific age or identity guidance on group titles — some might be particularly for younger or older people, be for trans people more than cis people, and some might focus on particular sub-communities, such as BIPOC queer groups or specific religious or ethnic meetups, disabled queer groups, etc.

You also might find meetups that are centred around certain hobbies, professions, or interests — boardgames or Magic the Gathering, Doctor Who or fantasy novels, medical professionals or blacksmiths, etc, depending on how big the area you’re in is and how populous it is.

If you are already a member of an institution or society, whether that’s your school or university, your union, some workplaces, your temple or other religious institution, etc, you might find that there are already events running for you!

Finding Queer Events Online

There are almost certainly queer events on, and they’re probably advertised, but where do you find them?

What’s annoying about the Internet as it exists, corporate online spaces and otherwise, is that most events will be posted in one or two spaces out of hundreds. The good ones will sometimes be hard to find because there’s a bunch of shitty advertising in the way, and because individuals and small charity or community advertisers don’t necessarily know about things like search engine optimisation or how to make a good, searchable post. There will be really cool events that are advertised online, but just aren’t tagged or easy to find.

This means that it’s worth looking often but keeping it casual — glancing through the top page for events that might be coming up or meet some keywords, but if most of what you see is ads, just leave it and move on. Digging through for the good events in busy areas that are also ad-heavy can take ages and might not even turn up much.

If you find socials for local community groups or charities, even if they don’t run events themselves, they might regularly share other local events or cool ones, so it can be worth following them!

Ditto for other queer people in your community — follow local artists, performers, academics, creators, public speakers, craftspeople, or any local community leaders or public figures, and see if they share and boost local events.

They might boost special interest events that are of interest to you if you follow people who share certain communities or interests. If, for example, you have an interest in lolita fashion and follow queer lolita dressers in your area or in areas you can travel to, they might post events that are of interest to them and maybe to you — whether that means specific lolita events, other clothing and fashion events like gothic or steampunk markets and shows, or even anime cons or renaissance faires or whatever.

Obviously searching on social media can help — looking for keywords like “queer event” or “LGBT social” on one site or other can be especially good if it’s a site where you can localise your search results, such as Facebook or Instagram.

With that said, Facebook and Instagram are increasingly difficult sites to use given how much they’re overwhelmed by sponsored and corporate posts as well as spam and bot posts. So, it’s generally worth it more when you focus on either events in smaller and limited areas, such as small towns, or when you’re looking for crossing over of different areas of interest, such as particular queer hobbyist or interest groups. When you start looking for broader spectrum events in a busier or more populous area, you can get inundated by spam and copy-and-paste duplicate ads that have all been promoted. But it’s still worth it to have a glance and see if anything is up at the top!

Sites and apps like Eventbrite or TicketSource, or equivalents in your area, will often let you search for specific events . As with social media, these sites can have the same problem of sponsored events coming up first, and annoyingly you can’t block particular event providers or organisers to make sure they don’t show in your search results if they’re not your thing.

Use every option that comes up and see if you can cross search where you can — pick a particular location or area, click on free or paid events, pick events at certain times, pick a certain kind of event, add in tags like LGBTQ or similar if it’s a site that allows it, etc.

If an event comes up that you like the idea of, note it down, then look the organizer up on social media and see if they run or share other events.

Looking for local tourism sites will let you search for other local events as well — especially if you live in a city or regularly visit one, they’ll often have a What’s On page or a Visit [Blank] website or equivalent, and you can search through that — most of them will have cultural events or a specific LGBTQ section you can glance through.

Here’s the Visit Bristol site, for example:

What’s On in Bristol — VisitBristol.co.uk Click here to find out What’s On in Bristol!…Get the latest information on the latest Events, Festivals, Carnivals…visitbristol.co.uk

For obvious reasons, sites like most of the above will focus on paid events, especially evening and party events. Pub quizzes, drag events, bingo nights, balls, drinks offers, parties, etc.

These events aren’t for everybody — and if they’re not for you, focus on events that take place, if not in cafés and restaurants, then in libraries, universities, museums, and other public buildings.

Queer Events Locally Advertised In-Person

Wait, do people still do that?

Look for poster and notice boards in:

Libraries, museums, community centres, university lobbies

Vintage and alternative clothes stores, music venues, etc

Your temple, church, or other religious institutions

Gay bars, queer cafés, LGBTQ centres, queer bookshops

Doctor’s offices, GUM clinics, and sexual health clinics

Anywhere else you see a noticeboard with events showing!

Also look on flag poles or in windows around your local gay bars or businesses if you have any, generally around the gay village if there’s one to go through.

How do you know the events are good? How do you know they’re legit?

How old does the poster look? Do you see many copies of it around?

Look for dates for the event(s) they’re advertising on the poster, and then look up the venue the events are meant to happen at. Do the dates match? Is it a regular event? Is the event showing on the venue’s website or social media?

Is the event run by a local group, collective, or charity? When you search them, do they have socials or a site of their own? Do they seem active?

If a local queer poster gives you socials, check those socials out — do they have any followers you’re familiar with? Do they post their venues publicly and have defined and public meeting times? Do they seem to have active and engaged commenters? Is there a face or faces behind the social media, or are they anonymous?

If an event is run by anonymous people, or if it seems like they don’t have many followers on social media or very active ones, that might be a bit more suspicious — ditto if an event just gives you a phone number but not any further identifying info.

It’s not inherently suspicious for a queer event to be at an undisclosed location, because of course people do want to ensure some safeguarding and vet people before they come, but if it’s an undisclosed location in combination with anonymous organising, that might be a bit suspicious, and should probably be avoided.

Finding Queer People in Specific Hobby or Other Community Spaces

You don’t have to go to queer-specific events to meet other queer people — any hobby or community you can think of, there’s probably queer people in attendance.

If you’re in a busier or more populous area, say there are 5 events that centre around the same hobby — of those 5, some of them will have more queer people than others, and it might be worth checking them out just to see if you click with anyone there.

My partner and I attend queer-specific board-game evenings that are run out of gay bars or by queer clubs, but pretty much any board-game night is likely to have one or two queer people knocking about, whether they know or would identify themselves as LGBTQ+ off the bat or not.

While there are obviously more open queer people at the queer events, I would say that when we went to a local board-game night run by older straight guys, about a quarter of the attendees were older queer people.

Of my queer friends, pretty much all of them have varied interests and attend different groups or clubs with a lot of other queers knocking about without them being labelled or explicitly queer events — knitting and crocheting, computer coding, electronic music and DJing, fandom, blacksmithing, glassblowing, stand-up comedy, improv, cooking, gardening, board games, cosplay and historical costuming, LEGO, live-action roleplay, tabletop roleplaying games, Magic the Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, and other trading card games, poker, burlesque, sports games and clubs, swimming, cycling, fishing, photography, book clubs, bug collecting, birdwatching, weaving, painting, sculpture, pottery, video games, singing, songwriting, poetry…

The list goes on.

Hell, half the people I know seem to go and meet new dates at the local climbing wall, where it seems like all the lesbians and gay guys are crawling all over one another. Another friend of mine attends their local WI, and have met other queer people there.

Other Tips

Remember you can meet people on dating and hook-up apps and that doesn’t necessarily have to be for sex and relationships, whether that’s Grindr, Her, Lex, etc — or you can ask hook-ups and casual dates where they go or if there are local events they think are good or fun. Poly people are particularly useful for this, because they’ll often have a whole network of regular events crossing over and diverging.

If you’re nervous about going to an event alone and you don’t have anybody to go with you, it can be worth checking it out on socials first and see if you have any mutual friends with people that are going — if not, it’s worth heading along anyway, because people might well speak to you before you have to open the conversation with them.

Community groups will often have icebreakers or sessions where people swap names, pronouns, and basic introductions, and that can ease the way into getting used to the space.

If you see somebody else on their own who seems nervous to talk to people, they can be good to approach and say, hey, I also don’t know anyone here, what brings you here? And so on. Remember, other people are pretty much always in the same boat as you.

For me, one of the biggest anxieties about going to new events alone is the fact that I’m disabled and dependent on public transport, and that combo can make it tough on me if I get to a place and it’s inaccessible or just not my speed, and then I have to sort of immediately turn heel and leave, but wait ages for a bus in the meantime. I’ve missed more than one event I was really excited about just because transport didn’t line up for me.

Some considerations to keep in mind when you look for events:

Is the event free or paid? Is this clearly marked? Do you need to buy tickets in advance?

How recent is the posting about the event? Is it posted on a web page or a social media page? Are there recent comments or engagement on the entry? If there is a contact for the event, is it active and responsive?

Is this event regular or recurrent? Is it for a special occasion, and does it have sister events or concurrent events?

Is the event exclusively online, exclusively in-person, or do they change between the two formats? Would you prefer to attend online before you attend in-person?

Do you want to go to a closed and more private group — for example, one that has you message them for the time and location, seems to have capped attendee limits, seems to have a regular community. Or do you want to attend a more casual event in a larger, open space where people might not notice as much as you come and go? Is it going to be very crowded or more spaced out?

Where is the event located, and will you be comfortable in that venue? Is it in a community building such as a charity space, community group, religious institute, school, or university? Is it in a café, restaurant, pub, bar, club, or late-night venue? Is it an explicitly or dedicated queer space? If you are not out to other members of your community, will going into this space reveal that you might be a member of a queer group?

Is the venue age-restricted, and will it require ID? If you must provide ID, will providing your ID in a dead name or in a different gender presentation to your current one be anxiety-inducing or a potential problem for you?

How accessible is the venue to you? Is it walkable, on a regular bus route, or does it have appropriate parking for you? Does it have ramps or elevators? Is it well-ventilated, and does it have a HVAC or other air filtration and purification protocol? Is masking enforced, and/or are masks provided? If you might be watching something together, is there a hearing loop, will there be subtitles on a screening? Is there a first aider at the event? Does the venue serve food or drink, or provide refreshments?

If you are attending alone and have specific needs or requirements, or might need to leave abruptly, is there someone you can let know at the event, such as a first aider or community leader? Are there regular buses, a taxi rank, or online taxi access if you need to quickly head home? Have you let someone else know where you are going, just as a safety concern?

Is the event activity-based, or is it a space where people just sit and talk? Would one or the other of these feel more natural or comfortable to you? Do you have to bring your own activity, such as with a craft or knitting circle, or are supplies provided, such as boardgames or a screening?

Does the group or host for the event(s) have social media? Do they advertise the regular events on socials, or have a newsletter, or some other helpful reminder system?

Most community events will be free, but if it’s an activity group or society, or if it’s a private event, especially one where they buy equipment or supplies, there might be an up-front ticket or access fee, a membership fee or a collection jar or similar — most events will tell you in advance if there is a fee or if they might request a donation.

Most importantly, like… Have fun.

If it sucks, hit the bricks — there’s no obligation to stay anywhere if it’s not fun or doesn’t satisfy you in the way you were hoping.

There’s always other events out there, and you’re very unlikely to truly be the only gay in the village, even if it sometimes feels that way. Good luck!

[tizeline]

I’ve never seen a separated au with Leo being raised by big mama, what do you think that would be like? (Since he’s kinda rebellious)

For the record, there are AUs where Leo's been raised by Big Mama, the ones I know of are Gemini AU by tangledinink and True Colors AU by v-albion. I'm not super familiar with either of them, but they're there if you wanna check them out.

That being said-

LEO being raised by BIG MAMA omg I have THOUGHTS

Listen, I don't see enough people compare Leo to Big Mama, but he's quite similar to her. Splinter and BM never got a kid together, BUT IF THEY DID that kid would literally be Leo he's basically just a fusion of the two of them!!

As I've mentioned several times before because I love bringing it up, Leo is strategic, quick-witted, observant and good at talking. In the show (as well as in my own AU) Leo's strengths aren't really recognized, let alone aknowledged for a big portion of the story. Because of that, for a long time he doesn't really get the chance to develop these skills, as much potential Leo has to become a master planner his impulsiveness and inexperience has a tendency to get him into trouble.

BUT! All of these skills also happen to be skills that Big Mama has and would value in Leo. So if he were to actually have to opportunity to not only be raised by BM but also trained by her for his entire life. If he got to properly learn strategy, planning, manipulation...?

... Holy shit Leo would be terrifying.

Think about it, canon!Leo managed to out-smart BM in Many Unhappy Returns without any real experience, just imagine what he could do with a whole life-time of training.... yikes!

Not sure what exactly Big Mama and Leo's relationship would look like. In my opinion she would view him as her son and love him dearly, especially if she knew that he's Splinter's biological son.... it's just that BM has interesting ways of showing affection. ("The love of my life just proposed to me?? Great! I'm gonna lock him up in my gladiator fighting ring for the rest of eternity!") She'd at the very least be quite controlling, I imagine.

As you pointed out, Leo can be quite rebellious, so that mixed with Big Mama's obsessive need to be in complete control of everyone around her would certainly cause some tension. Actually... considering how clever Leo would be in this AU... uh oh.

All of these qualities that BM initially appreciated and encouraged in Leo, what if, as Leo became more and more capable, Big Mama started to eventually view them in a more negative light? If she feels like she's loosing control over Leo, if she interprets Leo's rebellion as not just a normal teenage need for independence but rather him malicously working against her. What if she starts viewing him not as an asset or as a tool, but rather a threat?

If BM has reason to believe that Leo might try to overthrow her and take control over her criminal empire, she might take preemptive action and get rid of him before he has the chance to get rid of her.... Not like murder-get-rid-of, I don't think she'd just kill him, lol! But like lock him up, maybe throw him into the Battle Nexus, I dunno. Anything that would allow her to remain in control of both him and her business.

As for Leo, maybe he would actually try to overthrow BM. Considering he was raised by a literal mafia boss, his moral compass is gonna be a bit wack. Maybe Leo's desire for control over himself would cause him to try to seize control over his mother's business. Oooooorrrrr maybe Leo just wants some independance but doesn't actually want to compete with BM, so when she interprets his actions and behavior as malicious he's not prepared for that at all and, as a result, is more than a little hurt that his own mother would take such extreme actions against him. Who knows?

Hhhhhhh there's a lot of fun posibilities here but MAN I'm not really in the mood to work on an entirely new AU. Maybe I'll create some art for it I dunno, this concept is really fun, but I'm not gonna turn this into a proper Thing, so if anyone else wanna steal this concept and explore it for themselves, feel more than free to do that!

[wings-of-fire-confessions]

Alright let’s talk about the fandom. Seriously.

Immaturity and bad takes are impossible to avoid since this is literally a book for pre to post teens, a lot of older people either love or grew up with it, but have left because of the loud majority of minors. This post is mostly for those younger people, so keep that in mind.

I’ll just say this real quick, if you’re 12 and under. Get off, it’s truly for your own safety you shouldn’t even be online, be patient and wait, it will be worth it I promise. Young minds should definitely NOT be interacting with this fandom at all.

These books and the fandom means a lot to me, and to see it on fire breaks my heart, so here I propose some temporary solutions and suggestions:

Draw people’s ocs! No matter how off cannon or op they may be, this fandom is full of children and a little kindness can go a long way

Encourage nuance, I know it’s not our job to parent the kids who are left abandoned on the internet, but I think it’s important to understand where these kids are coming from. Learning is hard for some but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be held accountable for your actions. Differing opinions might be trivial to some who grew up in an echo chamber of the same views as them, so take a mindful approach of sharing new ideas, don’t just say “This idea is correct and because you don’t think it is you’re wrong”.

Positivity and kindness. This one is very important, you need to listen to one another and give everyone a chance to speak, there are so many diverse people across the fandom and we all just want to enjoy our dragons. Ruining the fun by harassing innocent people is not okay, relax a bit and step back, this is all just a series about a fictional species with rules that can be easily bent for fan content, everyone is having fun together, and you can either watch, partake, or ruin it.

I think that’s all I have to say for now, I just love psychology and growing minds are fascinating to me, I love children with all of my heart (not like that) and it’s upsetting to see them fighting with each other or getting dog piled by older people! Please, this fandom has to be way more mindful of it wants to continue, minors in fandoms are unavoidable but you can easily make 16-18+ servers or groups.

With that being said, I genuinely love you all and I wish to see this thrive, continue doing your art, your writing, or whatever the hell you do, I’ve seen so much amazing mixed media projects about these dragons and it makes me so happy that people are sharing this stuff with the world. I love you artists, fellow fandom siblings, and to all else who reads this, have a good day/night 💖

.

[jocelynscrazyideas]

Right here? Right now? | Jack Hughes x Reader

Warnings: SMUT!!! Language, breeding kinks, unprotected, alcohol.

Summary: Jack has this incredible idea to have some extra fun at Jesper’s house at a party.

A:N- idk if this has been done, but I thought it was fun!!! Lmk if you’ve seen something similar (sorry)

* . °•★|•°∵ ∵°•|☆•° . *

Today is December 31, New Year’s Eve. Jesper decided to throw a party to celebrate with the team. Some of us couldn’t make it, but we did party all night. Most of the couples came, and Nico, Luke, and John came as solos.

“We should hit body shots!” Nico insists, obviously I back away from the conversation. I’m wearing a red lacy thong underneath my black leggings, I have a matching bralette lying in between my skin and Jack’s grey navy hoodie. Not to mention the fact I’m like the most insecure person on the room.

I step back into the couch that sits in Nicole’s and Bratter’s living room. I lay on my back lying flat across a piece of the white couch. “You gonna try?” John walks over to me. He sets his cup of beer onto the coffee table in the middle of the sitting area. He scooches over to me and lets me rest my head on his lap.

“No. I’m really tired.” I announce as I rest my hands and let John play with my hair. “You coming baby?” Jack walks over to us.

“no. I’m exhausted from our day today.” I responded to jacks question.

John and I have known eachother from our days in Pittsburg. I’ve followed him down to Jersey, he’s like a brother to me.

~

If he hurts you, y/n, I’ll make sure he’ll know not to do it again.

~

I mean that’s what John said the first time I told him that Jack and I are going out.

“Please! I want to body shot. I don’t what to do it with Nico, or Luke. Sure as hell not John.” Jack says as he points around the kitchen towards the guys. John picks my head up and walks over to the group of boys.

“Now it’s just you and me.” Jack whined. “You can say it. Just tell me if you don’t want to do it. Just letting you know, it’s gonna look wierd if we don’t do it.” Jack jolts at me. I sit up letting his head resting on my shoulder. I wrap my arm around his back and I lift my legs to cross them over his legs.

I kiss jacks cheek, “well if it makes you happy, I can get up there and do it.” I let go of jacks body and start over to the counter.

I hope ontop of the cold granite and lay flat on my back. Jack walks over and pushes through the crowd and rolls down my leggings. He reveals my belly button and he sets a small lemon ontop of my belly, he pushed my top up until you can see my bra.

Luke hands him a bag of leftover crushed jolly rancher mixed with sour patch kids smashed together. Jack sprinkled a little bit in between my breast. My cleavage slips jacks fingers inside letting him spread a bit. He sets a fireball in my mouth and he backs up, looking at his masterpiece from afar.

The party goes silent as people turn down the music and record. “10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5-“

The count down starts for the new year! Jack walks up to me. He rolls his sleeves up from his own hoodie and sets his hat down. “-3-2-“

Jack takes the small lemon from my bellybutton and squeezes it into his mouth. He licks my abdomen from any crumbs that spilt on my torso. His warm wet tounge slips between my breasts and he takes all of the candy onto his tounge. The sourness hits him as he clings to me shoulder. With no hands, Jack takes the fireball from my mouth and takes the shot into his own.

He grabs me to pull me up. He walks over to where he set his beer last. He sips on his cooled drink and hands it to Nico.

“Yeah, goodluck trying tonight! She’s not letting you get anywhere near her. Especially at Bratters house.” Nico chirps at Jack. Jack smiles and walks away.

“I know, and I still am gonna try.” Jack holds his eye contact on my boobs as I pull down my hoodie from our fun event.

I laugh out, maybe I should let him try to buy me in. “Okay, go ahead.” I say and I hold jacks chin, and pull his mouth to my ear letting him whisper into me. He kisses my check before starting.

“I got like really- like really hard, I’m horny- I’m like REALLY , really turned on. Y/n please. Don’t make me beg.” Jack holds my left ass check in his right hand and he holds my back- right under my shoulder blades with his left hand.

He swaddles me in his hold for a minute as he prances around the room. We dance to the music, “it’s a new year anyway, we can celebrate!” Jack convinces me. He slides his right hand into my leggings discreetly and he pulls at my thong. He lets go as he lets it slap into my skin.

“Baby, I can’t wait any longer.” Jack pulls away from our hug that lasted like five-ish minutes. He runs towards Jesper.

“hey, um- I’m gonna need that guest room okay? And don’t let other people walk in, me and y/n are going through it. She’s really tired and I wanna stay so keep the music loud enough where you can’t hear us aguribg.” Jack sets our story up. Knowing Jesper, he already knows that Jack is trying to get in my pants. Jack walks around with his dick pressing against his pants whenever he sees me.

I whisper in his ear before he runs away with me, “seriously? Right here?” I judge him, he doesn’t care.

He takes my hand and runs into the room Jesper sets up for the party people- well Jack requested one, he always does this.

~

Jack throws me onto the bed, “legs.” He commands, I’m the only WAG that’s not wearing a sexy dress. I don’t need to impress anyone, Jack is the only one who’s seen me, and will probably be getting it.

I slides off my leggings and let him take off the rest of my clothes. He leaves my bra on, he takes my legs and sets them up. He moves my thing to the side. I’m already really wet.

“Wow, either you peed, or you really are horny.” Jack devilishly looks up from my pussy.

“No, you’re the one who’s horny, I just got off of my period.” I correct him. He’s never right, and I’m never wrong. “Fine, so that means your ovulating? Right?” Jack giggles as he stuffs a finger into my hole. He gets up licks his finger and locks the door.

He comes back and I’m already dry.

“You took to long.” I angrily reply to Jacks confused face. Jack jumps down onto his knees as I scorch up to the head of the bed. I hid a pillow between the wall and the headboard. I open my legs and throw off my underwear.

I unclip my bra and Jack tears it off my chest. He beds me down, my ass in his face, he lays down on his back as I sit ontop of this face. He moans as he takes me in. I start to jump on him. I feel like I’m going to cum, so I get up from him sucking inside of me, the suction form his mouth and my pussy breaks and I turn around.

Climbing into Jack, I face his hard dick, and he faces my very wet cunt again. “Again?” Jack gets annoyed. “Yes, you’re getting special treatment as well.” I pull onto his dick.

I play with his balls bad start taking his tip into my mouth. He lifts his hips up, the bdeige of his back lifted, my naked body lying on his bare skin. He licks my pussy out, cleaning every droplet of cum, and creating more. I do the same, except jack dumps everything at the same time.

“Excited, hey?” I tease him, Jack hits his nose into my bud. I realse more than ever and white juice spill onto jacks face. I get up finishing Jack.

~jacks pov~

Liftibg my hips, my shaft still in her mouth I thrust my dick into her throat, almost feeling her tonsils. I feel her tounge massaging every bit of my skin. My tip almost reaching to her stomach at this point I cum. I can feel her swallowing, impressive.

I pull a special on her as I hide my nose into her pussy, what a slut, a slut only for me.

She arrives and finishes on my face, dumping every ounce of fluid onto my face. I make her lick me clean and I lick her creases dry, leaving her actual holes wet, awaiting for her king to touch her.

“Baby, you can take it can’t you?” I ask her, out of breath already I stand up, I push her down onto her back, in missionary I fall into her. Spreading her legs I grab one and throw it over my shoulder.

Grabbing an extra pillow, I fold it stuffing it under her hips, allowing me to hit her G-Spot. She moan out, the music draining all of her cry’s. She ccleched her pussy onto my dick, closing all of the possible gaps. No air is filling her holes, noting but our cums bonding together, and my cock filling her vagina.

~ur pov~

He stuffs every inch of his cock into me. Jack talks me through it:

“Breathe for me.”

“Come for me, I can’t keep hitting you.”

“You’ve taken it before.”

“You’re such as little whore.”

“Slut”

“I love you.”

“You feel so good”

“You so tight.”

*moaning*

Jack is a horny person, and that’s his personality, I love him for it. He grips I to me and finally finishes his love for me. He pulls out belong up with the inside of his hoodie.

He slides his clothes back on and helps me up, he clings to my side as we head back to the party. My hair is frizzy, the perfect curls that I trwiled in a hot tool for hours are ruined, my shirt is crinkled. My makeup is messy, and I have red bits makes everywhere. Jack just seems out of breathe. But he’s a pretty boy, and he’ll get anything he wants.

We pretend like nothing happened. The party ended when John decided to body shot on Nico- not licking his abs, or taking the shot class for his mouth but performing a dance for us and eating a lemon with eachother. I drove John home and made sure he got to bed alright, by the time we got home Jack was sleeping and Luke had to help me carrru him in the house.

I guess there is no part two to our fun tonight.

[littlewigglers]

Okay I’ve never asked on tumblr but I just found your page and I’m OBSESSED!!! I want to get/make a Vivarium/bioterrarium for millipedes and isopods and I can’t WAIT!! Please please if you have any advice at all, I’d love to hear it! Where to get supplies, the buggies themselves, how to handle them, what do you do if they get sick, how much space to they need for how many there are, etc? Your buggy babies are so cute!!

First off thank you! I love all my little guys as well <3

I ramble kinda a lot so I'll put this under a read more.

For advice I'm still very much a novice when it comes to keeping but I'll tell you what I can!

For tanks I got my glass ones second hand or ones made my the store I buy used to buy my millipedes from, you'd be surprised how cheap you can get a nice big one! For Acrylic THESE are the ones I've had the best luck with not warping BUT they sometimes have kinda blurry parts on the plastic, but still I'd say good for the price if you can't afford glass. I tape up some of the ventilation holes to keep more moisture in.

For soil that ISN'T bought from a specialist stores(Sometimes I can't afford it) I use Peat free compost, paired with leaves and rot wood I buy off ebay stores that sell bug/reptile products, I mix them together with some water and leave them in a tub for 1 week to soften up the leaves. Some people go out and get their own leaves and wood but I'm not really in an area to do that so I can't give advice on that. It's important to keep it moist BUT NOT WET!

Heat mat! You want one to put on the SIDE of the tank and not under it, just one would be enough. I have a timer plug for mine so they're on a few hours a day on and off all day. If you REALLY wanna spoil them then I've seen a few people use reptile headlamps.

For moss and plants I again just buy it off ebay in sheets and give it a cheap over to make sure there are no hitchhikers on it before I put it in the tank. It needs watered and looked after for a while for it to take to the tank. Carpet moss is mostly for looks while sphagnum moss is used to keep moisture in areas and should be water/sprayed often. I have a little fern plant in my tank rn they seem to leave alone. I know a lot of people use fake plants as well for decor!

You should make a point to put a little temp and humidity monitor in your set-ups as well. The special reptile ones can be expensive so I just but the little ones you put in rooms and have had no issues with them.

Don't forget to give them hides! Cork wood/bark or coconut shells are nice and cheap. You can also use man made items just make sure they can handle the moisture and aren't made of anything toxic to your new friends. Also give them little sticks and things to climb up on. Just make sure the lid is secured so they can't escape.

For food I just use kitchen scraps like carrot peel, cucumber, apples and melon, give them a cuttlefish bone and some dried tiny shrimps in small amounts once a week or so, but you can also use fish flacks instead. But remember! Leaf litter and rot wood is meant to be their main diet for most species.

For the millipedes I would recommend Ivory millipedes as a good starter one, they're lovely in colour and are often up top, hardy as well, and usually you can get them captive bred which I've had much higher survival rates with vs wild caught. For each species you'll have to look up their needs yourself though, there isn't a 100% catch all set up for all species. Woodlice/isopods I'd suggest dairy cows as they're lovely and also very easy to get a hold of. I will say species of Armadillidium(roly poly/pill bugs) are my fave and I'm very biased and want 500 of them.

For handling just be gentle! I wear gloves in a lot of my videos but that because I've incredibly sensitive skin and can't stand soil under my nails. The worse they can do to you is them staining your skin(not all species), or give you a little nibble. Make sure if you're handling to wash your hands off BUT be careful what hand soaps you use! Wash hands after as well some can be toxic to bugs from what I've heard.

For tank size hmm that's hard, usually you want soil as deep as their body but that can be hard, 10-15cm is what I aim for my BIG boys and 7-10cm for my others, deeper is better but sometimes you'll also just never see them again! You'll want a tank at least a few times longer than your pets body or at least big enough for them to filly stretch out in if you get really big millipedes like giants and a 120cm tank is just kinda unrealistic haha.

I do not have a lot of advice for if they get sick sadly, it's kinda of hard to tell honestly and usually when you can it's too late. I would just say don't beat yourself up too much if some pass away sometimes bugs just do that especially if you don't know their history.

Where to get them depends on where you're from and what you want. A ton of reptile/specialist stores will have wild caught which isn't great but they will have the largest range of species and usually also sell all the stuff you need to tank care of them. Ebay is where I've gotten most of my captive bred and I just message people if I've questions about their bugs there.

I think that's everything I can think of,

Again I'm a big novice when it comes to bugs, @onenicebugperday and @crevicedwelling likely know way more than me, though idk if they're open to questions but they likely already have a lot of info on their blogs.

[https-harlow]

Mixed Emotions - Drunken Nights Out

Summary- A night out leads to something that Jack and Gabriella never thought would happen.

Warnings- Smut 18+ only

Also, thank you to @harlowcomehome for helping me with the smut!

The three weeks before Jack’s tour felt like the busiest three weeks in Gabriella’s life. Realistically, her final's week was ten times more stressful, but at least she didn’t have to deal with Jack during her finals.

She might have styled Jack for some events, but she wasn’t a stylist, so she didn’t know what she was doing. She spent the first two weeks putting as many outfits together as she could. Then the last week before tour was spent in Louisville at Jack’s parent’s house. Gabriella had told her parents that she was going to be in town, but they couldn’t change their plans to see her. Gabriella understood, but she also wanted her parents to put in the effort to see her sometimes, instead of it always being the other way around all of the time. 

Now they had been on tour for about 2 weeks, and ironically, even though this was the closest they had been since they were kids, it was also the best that they’ve ever gotten along. Part of it was because Jack was on his best behavior around her, wanting her to stay as long as possible so he didn’t have to find another stylist, and part of it was Gabriella getting to be a little bossy towards Jack.

A bigger part of it though was that Jack finally understood her a little bit more after their conversation when he asked her to be his stylist. He truly never realized all the pressure her parents put on her or the fact that if it wasn’t for his parents, she would have never had a parental figure there for her for most of her life.

They still had their moments, though. Right now, they weren’t speaking because Jack vetoed going to her favorite restaurant for dinner. Some could say this was petty on Gabriella’s side, and maybe it was, but their whole relationship was based off of random petty arguments. 

Gabriella was sitting on the tour bus, waiting for everyone else to finish taking showers at the venue. They were staying in the city overnight, but everyone decided to stay on the bus instead of booking hotels. Gabriella, on the other hand, was looking at booking a hotel room. She didn’t want people to think she thought she was better than them or anything, but being on a small tour bus was tough. Though the hotel across the street was looking better every second. Plus, they were staying in the city the next day, so if she was going to do it, this was her chance.

Urban was one of the first people back on the bus.

“Do you think people would be mad if I booked a hotel room?” Gabriella asked Urban.

“No? Why do you think people would be mad?” Urban asked.

“Because I don’t want to be seen as some rich girl who can’t handle being in a tour bus.”

“I think everyone will understand if you get a hotel room for the night. We’re used to this, you’re not, and that’s okay. We have a day off tomorrow, get the hotel room. I mean this in the nicest way possible, you’re a clean freak, I’m surprised you’ve made it this long on the bus,” Urban teased Gabriella.

“I am so not a clean freak,” She defended herself.

“When you lived with Jack and me for 2 weeks, you had the whole place cleaned in two days, I think that was the cleanest it’s ever been. Plus, I’ve seen your apartment. You even have all those plastic containers in your fridge.”

“That’s just being organized, not a clean freak. Plus, they are acrylic, not plastic.” Gabriella sighed, maybe Urban was right, not because of the plastic containers, but she was going to freak out if there was one more shirt left in the seating area of the bus. Everyone had a spot for their clothes, how was it that hers were always where they were supposed to be but no one else’s were.

She booked a room at the hotel across the street and by the time Jack was back on the bus she had her duffle bag packed with the things she would need for the night and next morning.

“Where are you going?” Jack asked Gabriella as he saw her bag.

“I booked a room at the hotel across the street for the night.”

“When?” 

“About 20 minutes ago.”

“Oh, well a bunch of us are going out tonight if you want to come.”

“You’re inviting me out?” Gabriella asked.

“Come on, I’m not an asshole. I’m not going to only exclude you. We’re just going to come club down the street, if you don’t want to come, you don’t have to.”

“Yeah, why not, I’ll come.”

Gabriella checked into her room before getting ready to go out, meeting everyone outside the bus. They all walked to the club, making her regret her choice of heels. Everyone immediately ordered their first round of drinks, practically taking them like shots. The last two weeks were a whirlwind and this was finally their first moment to relax.

Even though Gabriella said she was only going to have one drink and then go back to her hotel, she didn’t stop at one. Gabriella didn’t drink, let alone get drunk often, but she was beginning to learn how to control the amount of pressure she put on herself all the time. If she wanted to have a drink or get drunk occasionally, that was okay.

Gabriella slightly stumbled over to where Urban and Jack were.

“I think I’m going to go back now, I’ll text you when I get back,” Gabriella yelled at them over the music.

“You’re not going back by yourself,” Urban said, somewhat distracted by a girl but willing to ditch her to walk Gabriella back to her hotel.

“I’ll walk you back,” Jack said. “I was just about to go back to the bus anyway.” He said. Urban nodded, before turning back to the girl he was talking to. Gabriella would have been confused at why Jack was willing to leave and walk her back, but even she knew, when it came down to it, Jack did care about her being safe, he never hid that. 

Jack was a little less drunk than Gabriella, but still drunk. If it wasn’t for their giggles every time they stumbled or fell into each other, their walk would have been silent. Jack kept one arm around Gabriella, holding her, she was stumbling more than him because of the heels she was wearing.

Once they got to the hotel, they both stopped, unsure of what to do next.

“Do you want me to walk you up?” Jack asked and Gabriella nodded.

“Yeah, come hang out with me until everyone else gets back, then you can go to the bus,” She said with more enthusiasm than she’s ever had when talking about hanging out with Jack, turns out, if they are both drunk, they get along a lot better.

Jack followed Gabriella into the elevator, his hand making its way to her waist as she stepped inside. Something took over Jack, as he stood in front of Gabriella, he wanted to kiss her, so he did. He slowly backed her into the wall as she kissed him back. Her hand’s went to his curls, but she quickly pulled them away when the elevator door opened. They stood there awkwardly. Partly because they just got caught making out in the elevator, and also because she never pressed the button for her floor. As soon as they got out of the elevator, they broke out into giggles again as they walked to her room.

Gabriella pulled the hotel key card out of her purse, dropping it on the floor before picking it up and putting it in the scanner the wrong way.

“Have you always been this clumsy?” Jack chuckled to himself as he leaned into Gabriella, taking the card from her and flipping it over to the correct side to open the hotel room. Gabriella hiccuped as the door swung open, Jack quick on her heels as the door shut behind them. 

“You like it though,” she giggled as she started to undress. 

“Woah, wait! I’ll leave,” Jack covered his eyes with his forearm, making Gabriella giggle at his overdramatics. 

“The last thing I want is for you to leave,” Gabriella was a little more than tipsy, but she was conscious enough to know what she wanted and at this moment it was Jack. 

“Mean it?” Jack cocked his head to the side, eyeing Gabriella’s cleavage that sat perfectly in her lace bra. 

“Stay,” She looked up at him with big eyes and a pouty lip as she sat on her knees waiting for him to make a move toward her. 

Jack eagerly started to take off his shoes, stumbling over to the bed before he fumbled with the button on his pants, Gabriella giggled as she helped him get undressed, ripping some of the buttons off his dress shirt in a hurry. Jack took her face into his hands, as he crawled on top of her. He started placing sloppy wet kisses against Gabriella's collarbone, working his way up her neck. 

“I need you, I want you,” Gabriella moaned, throwing her head back. 

“What’s that Ella? I can’t hear you,” Jack teased, knowing the anticipation was making her more and more sexually frustrated, but he liked hearing her beg. 

“Don’t tease me,” Gabriella pawed at his neck, scratching him slightly with her nails as she aggressively kissed him, her free hand searching for his hard cock and taking it into her warm palm as she started to stroke it. 

Jack's breath became uneven as he became putty in her hands, babbling on about how he wouldn’t last much longer was music to her ears. 

She stood up from the bed and Jack moved closer to the headboard, lying on his back. His pupils were blown, a wild look in his eyes as Gabriella took off her bra and underwear, slowly giving him a strip tease. 

“Please,” Jack moaned, tugging on his own cock impatiently. His eyes were on her breasts, and he couldn’t take another moment of waiting. Gabriella couldn’t wait another moment, crawling toward him on the bed. She intertwined his fingers with hers, wanting to be the more dominant one in her approach. 

“Let me-“ he tried to interrupt, but she quieted him with a kiss, she knew he wanted to be in control, he always did with everything. 

“Give me a few minutes, and then we can switch positions” she whispered in his ear as she continued to ride him, his length stretching her to a comfortable size. 

It didn’t take long for Jack to convince her to switch positions, flipping them over so he was in control.

“I fucking hate you,” Gabriella told Jack, her words fueling his adrenaline as he continued to thrust his hips into hers.

“Yeah? Well, I fucking hate you too,” Jack challenged.

“It doesn’t matter how good you fuck me, my feelings for you will never change,” She told him before Jack leaned down to kiss her.

Neither of them meant it, but it was more of a “I’m actually in love with you, but I’ve pretended to hate you since we met, but now we're drunk and having sex and I still can’t let my walls come all the way down because I’m scared” I hate you. Complicated, but so was their entire relationship.

His strokes started to slow as she matched his rhythm, the slow pace made Gabriella orgasm, she was loud and forgetful that they were in a hotel room and Jack was easily turned on by that, reaching his own climax a mere thirty seconds later.

Jack pulled out of Gabriella, laying down next to her as they both caught their breath. After a few minutes, Jack got up to clean up and help Gabriella do the same, but buy the time he got back, she was already asleep. He pulled the blanket over her, before laying back down.

He didn’t think he should stay, but he also wasn’t the kind of guy who would just leave after a hook-up. He decided he would stay for a little while to make sure she didn’t wake up. It was unnecessarily cold in the room, so he ended up throwing his boxers back on and pulling the blanket over himself as well. 

Before he could leave, he ended up falling asleep next to Gabriella, and all he could think is what the fuck just happened.

Tag list @jackharloww @harlowcomehome @nattinatalia @hoodharlow @itsyagirljaz @heavyhitterheaux @harlowsbby @awhore4moree @harlowslefttoe @twerkforambrose @jackmans-poison @ilovenudy @taniapri @killatravtramp @easternparkway @macey234 @toocriticalharlow @lightsoutstyles @rachxc13 @iknowdatsrightbih @idktbh101 @blossomluvv @middlechild404 @hufflewhore128 @christinabae @lafavoritaangel

[ghcstao3]

dunno if this is anything but i have in my head a ghostsoap persuasion au just rattling around…

i hope you mean the jane austen persuasion because if not i am so very sorry. here’s a little drabble but i’d love to hear your take

(period-typical homophobia is nonexistent here) (setting is also tweaked a little)

-

John stands frozen, feeling as if a bucket of cold water has just been poured over him as his eyes catch those that have continued to haunt his mind for nearly a decade.

Eight years. Eight years since he had broken off his engagement with Simon; eight years since John has seen the man last. And against all odds, eight years later, here Simon stands at a gathering in the very house where John had called things off after immense pressure from his family to do so.

Simon looks... good. He's always been handsome, but the years have lent him a certain ruggedness that adds to his charm—surely a cause of his time in the navy. Simon had only been enlisted for a short time before things ended between him and John, but John sees now that his uniform indicates he's climbed the ranks to Captain.

He must've recently come home.

John still can't bring himself to move, so it's Simon who ends up approaching him.

"John," Simon greets, and how it stings, "it's been some time, hasn't it?"

"It has." John tries not to wince at the words catching in his throat. "How—how have you been? I—"

"Well enough,” Simon says. Then he ducks his head, lowering his voice so as to not allow others to eavesdrop, “What are you doing here, Johnny?”

John swallows thickly. Though Simon's words are terse, his tone isn't at all resentful like John might've imagined it would be. No, no it's—it's almost... pained.

If John revels in the warmth of their closeness for just a moment, then he should just hope that Simon is none the wiser.

"Was visiting my sister,” John says. “And I was asked to check on the house. My parents, they—“

“They’re renting to my brother and his wife,” Simon finishes. He shrinks back, shoulders relaxing with a mix of relief and realization and... something else. Something John can't quite place.

A terrible silence falls over them, in spite of the low hum of chatter from those all around the gathering.

"...I'm sorry," John blurts. Simon's brows immediately knit together, but he says nothing to dismiss the sudden apology. The slight curve of Simon's frown, the new scars that adorn his skin—they all spur John on to continue. So John's words all tumble out at once: "I'm sorry for how things ended, Si—Simon. I never should have—if you can't forgive me, then I can't blame you."

John braces himself for a scoff, for a response marked by disdain, but it isn't either of these reactions that he receives. Instead, all Simon does is offer a sad, subdued smile.

“I could never fault you,” says Simon. “As much as I’ve missed you. But we’re different people now, Johnny. And—“

“But do we have to be?” John pleads.

Taken aback by the response, Simon wets his lips before pulling them into a thin line. He sighs and glances around, a certain hollowness weighing on his expression that hadn’t existed in all the time John had known him prior.

Ultimately, Simon hangs his head a moment before those dark eyes return to John’s, far too earnest and hurt.

“I’m afraid we do.”

John opens his mouth to argue, but eventually his jaw can only snap shut with nothing to say. Numbly, he nods, and makes no move to stop Simon from returning to a conversation with a group of guests.

And now with no more reason to stay, John takes his leave with his spirits dampened.

[obsessedwithyouxx]

Pt. 1 of Random Sodapop headcannons bcz why tf not

I don’t have these thought out in advance I’m js writing as I go so i take full blame for mistakes and shit

- He totally has a high pitched girly scream

- Yk how Pony commented on his spelling in the letter? Well news flash: Soda cannot spell for his life.

- His handwriting is a messsss

- Him n Dal have a shared fear of spiders and they totally got trapped in a room together with a spider one time and were screaming at each other to kill it

- He’s like SO oblivious you can full on shove a pickup line right in his face and he won’t realise your flirting until you outright say “I’m flirting with you.”

- He did go to Vietnam after the books events but he DIDN’T die bcz i said so😊

- Food colouring in everything he cooks. If it’s not food colouring, it’s mixing the most weird ass food combinations. It was already mentioned me made green pancakes, well, some of his other favourites were his pink muffins, blue potato mash and purple roast.

- All of the above (and most things he cooks) taste like absolute dog shit, but his brothers eat it to make him happy (Soda actually enjoys it)

- He gets bored way too easily and can’t sit still for his life

- He genuinely loves the snow and will spend hours in it without even realising he’s cold, but the moment Darry drags him back inside he basically collapses in the couch

- He’s totally sick all Christmas season, like, the reddest nose you’ve seen and sniffling all day which he loves complaining about, but the moment someone actually takes him seriously he’s all like “no I’m fine don’t worry about me”

- He totally uses his fingers for math but them moment he doesn’t have enough fingers he’s screwed

- Whenever he has to write out checks (what’s a check? don’t ask me i don’t think i used the right word) or whatever you call it where you like write the (receipt? the bill?) the amount something costs for the customers at the DX he just gives it to Steve bcz he A) can’t do math and B) can’t spell and C) his handwriting looks like a dog spewed its guts everywhere

- He he totally the type of guy to be watching a horror movie with his friends and then be laughing at everyone who’s scared but the moment he actually looks at the screen there’s a massive jumpscare and he screams soo loud

- you could send him to get the groceries, and instead he’ll come back with every weird trinket he finds OTHER than what’s on teh shopping list

- he was totally part of the Ponyboy naming team, like, he was so obsessed with horses that he kept asking for a horse and so his parents told him “you’re getting a little brother, not a horse” and then he started saying Ponyboy

- when they used to attend church, pony would be half asleep, Darry would be sitting, listening, but soda would be basically bursting at the seams and end up making the randoms most off topic comments

- and when his brothers didn’t react to that he’d start elbowing them and trying to get their attention but just end up getting told off

- the same thing basically happened in school too

- He’s lactose intolerant which is technically kind of canon bcz it was in a fanfic the S.E. Hilton herself wrote

- He’s also totally one of those people who will have the randomest allergic reaction and brush it off like it’s fine even though he’s practically anaphylactic or sum shit

I’ve written too much but yall are totally getting a part two heheheh

[theunsinkableship1]

Being a Lukola Shipper When You’re Prone to Seasickness

Dear Lukola Shippers,

This journey isn’t always smooth sailing, but here we are, navigating the high seas together. So, I have a question for you: do you want to jump overboard, reach for a life jacket, or stay the course with us? Personally, I’m committed to this ship, and I’m here to tell you why.

First, I should clarify that I’m not usually one to get attached to celebrity relationships. For me, it’s always been about the work, the art, the characters, the stories actors bring to life. I believe that celebrities are people, flawed like the rest of us, and I generally avoid placing expectations on people I don’t personally know. They are humans and not idols. And yet, here I am, invested in this one connection. This is the first time I’ve actively rooted for a real-life relationship between public figures, and it’s certainly unexpected. But the connection between Nicola and Luke feels unique, something so rare and beautiful. I may be wrong in the end, but I feel so strongly about it that I’d be willing to stay on this ship even if I’m the last one standing.

There may or may not be other connections in their lives, other relationships that we as fans don’t see or fully understand. But that doesn’t diminish the genuine bond we’ve seen between them, them being in other relationships now is inconsequential in the belief that they should be together but in the end it’s their choice. It’s a bond that’s been visible over years, from interviews and behind-the-scenes moments to mutual praise that speaks to a deep friendship and mutual admiration. Sure, there could be reasons they’re not a couple right now, timing, career priorities, personal choices. And if they never become more than friends, that’s their decision. But what we’ve seen and felt over the years is hard to ignore. It’s as if we’ve been on this journey with them, waiting for their story to unfold. And it feels like we’ve been waiting for years for it, in fact we’ve been “wainting” for years and their journey might take even more years. It’s frustrating because we know that life is short, and they should just go for it We don’t know why they’re not a couple yet, at least officially If they don’t end up together, it will feel like a missed opportunity, like letting go of something too rare to find again.

The discourse surrounding their relationship is seemingly endless and exhausting. Some people dismiss or belittle their bond, saying it’s “just friendship” or a simple work connection. But if you look beyond the surface, there’s a history of moments and words exchanged that show a depth not common in everyday friendships. To dismiss this as “ordinary” feels shortsighted. If you are here, you can at least believe what they’ve said and continue to say about each other. They are coworkers but also friends.  Some of us believe that they are more than friendly. Sure, we don’t have to agree, but at the very least, we can acknowledge the special quality of what they have. I sometimes envy future generations who may read about this in biographies, finally able to understand the whole picture that’s unfolding now, without the guesswork. The feelings are real, but the reality of the situation feels surreal, and that’s not insignificant. The “roller-coaster” dynamic filled with highs and lows, ambiguous moments, and mixed signals points towards deeper emotional entanglements than simple friendship. It mirrors dynamics more commonly associated with romantic connections that are still evolving or are unacknowledged publicly, where feelings may remain under the surface.

What makes this journey frustrating is the unkindness and judgment that sometimes comes with fandom. People criticize or leave negative comments not only about Nicola and Luke but also about those close to them. This negativity is hurtful and unnecessary, and I don’t condone it. True fans can root for a relationship without crossing boundaries or resorting to hate. And in the end, Nicola and Luke don’t owe us any explanations. They didn’t sign up to give away their private lives, but it might be helpful for them to consider how they interact with their fans. An unambiguous stance might spare us all some drama in the future, perhaps choosing to keep more personal moments off social media and I’m not talking about what they’re not putting out themselves, or maybe clarifying the boundaries between personal and professional interactions. This isn’t about blaming them but rather acknowledging that parasocial relationships are complicated, and even one-sided relationships come with a kind of social contract. Considerate is the word for both sides.

So, where do I stand? I’m here on this ship. Their story may or may not unfold the way we hope, but as long as there’s a glimmer of possibility, I’ll keep cheering them on. They are, after all, just people with lives, choices, and relationships outside of what we see. But for me, this journey is worth it, because in a world often filled with shallow connections, what Nicola and Luke share feels like a breath of fresh air, something real, rare, and worth rooting for. I’m on this ship and I will go down with it.

[teenwolfbywitchofhellridge]

My little crush on Tyler Hoechlin

Alright, let’s talk about Tyler Hoechlin, my inexplicable (or maybe very explicable) crush, wrapped up in a mix of his roles, his genuine charm, and his whole vibe that just gets me—a Polish introvert who finds herself absolutely smitten by this effortlessly warm American actor.

Let’s start with the roles that first hooked me in. Obviously, Teen Wolf’s Derek Hale, that brooding, growling, protector-with-trust-issues, instantly stole my heart. I’m here for all that tortured, misunderstood energy, wrapped up in a leather jacket and a stare that could probably kill vampires, if it came to that. And then, fast-forward to Superman & Lois, and suddenly Tyler is this open, clumsy, adorkable Clark Kent who’s trying to keep his life together with a dimpled smile and big-hearted sincerity. Talk about a range! From intense alpha werewolf to the world’s sweetest superhero, he’s got both ends of the spectrum covered—and he nails them both, effortlessly.

But it’s not just those headline roles. No, the crush really deepened when I started to notice him in some of his lesser-known projects. Take Bigger, where he plays Joe Weider, a guy with this quiet resilience, building a fitness empire from the ground up. It’s a subtler performance, filled with understated glances and moments that could easily go overlooked if you’re not paying attention—but Tyler makes you pay attention. He brings this determined vulnerability to the character, making you believe that Joe really did have what it took to change the world, one dumbbell at a time. It’s not flashy, but that’s what makes it so good; he gets the art of holding back, of letting the quiet moments do the talking.

And speaking of talking, don’t even get me started on his interviews. Tyler’s one of those rare actors who doesn’t just go through the motions; he brings a thoughtfulness to his interviews that’s downright magnetic. He’s humble, insightful, and introspective, the kind of guy who makes you want to listen to his perspective on, well, everything. He’ll casually talk about how he’s drawn to roles with depth or explain why certain characters matter to him, and suddenly I’m nodding along like I’m in a mini philosophy class. He’s clearly someone who cares about what he does, and that sincerity shows in every role he takes.

And then, the cherry on top: how he is with his fans. Now, as a Polish introvert, I’ve always marveled at that American openness, that effortless way of connecting with people without a second thought. Tyler takes this openness to another level, especially when he’s meeting fans. He doesn’t just do the polite smile and nod; he’s actually present. You can see it in the way he takes his time with each person, his expression saying, “Hey, it’s totally okay if you’re a little starstruck—I get it.” It’s like he understands that fans might be a bit nervous, maybe even overwhelmed, and he doesn’t just brush it off; he embraces it. He’s calm, kind, grounded, making everyone feel seen, even those of us who’d rather be hiding under a table than meeting a celebrity.

I can’t quite explain why that resonates so much with me. Maybe it’s my introverted heart that’s secretly in awe of someone who can be that open and kind, or maybe it’s just him. Because while I’d be mentally preparing for hours to hold a decent conversation, he seems to connect with people from all walks of life in a heartbeat. There’s a sincerity there, a genuine warmth, and it makes me admire him not just as an actor but as a fellow human. So, yes, call it a crush or maybe a bit of a fascination, but I’ll happily admit that Tyler Hoechlin isn’t just a talented actor or a charismatic presence on screen. He’s someone who’s got this blend of thoughtfulness, authenticity, and warmth that somehow manages to charm even the quietest, most introverted corners of my Polish heart. There’s something comforting in knowing there are people out there like him—kind, grounded, and entirely okay with meeting fans in whatever emotional state they’re in. It’s rare, and it makes him more than just another celebrity. He feels, honestly, like a genuinely good human.

And hey, I’m not usually one to get sentimental (okay, maybe a little), but if we’re talking about life and last wishes here… well, it’s pretty clear. If I were dying and somehow had one final wish, some precious wish granted through one of those hospice programs for kids (and fine, I know I’m not a kid, but bear with me!), that wish would absolutely be dinner with Tyler Hoechlin. Just a simple meal, no glamor or glitz, where I could sit across from him, laugh, and maybe get to see up close if he’s really as down-to-earth as he seems.

A part of me thinks he’d make it unforgettable, not just for me but for anyone lucky enough to be there. And even if my introvert soul would be struggling to form coherent sentences, it’d still be perfect, just for the chance to see that kind smile in real life, even for a little while.

[ihni]

I wanna dance with somebody

For @harringrovesummerbingo, square B2, free space (I chose "dancing"). Rating: G, 1,8K.

Summary: Steve wants to dance with somebody. (Just a sweet and trouble-free moment at a bonfire at the end of summer.)

(Also on AO3)

~~~

It was a warm night, for the middle of August. A moment at the end of summer; when nights start to darken enough that the sky will seem littered with stars, at least this far from the town’s artificial lights.

They were a mixed bunch of older teens and young adults who’d gotten together this evening – people who only months ago would never have been seen hanging out together. But living through supernatural events changes a person, and the bonds forged when fighting monsters together are strong. They were all survivors, and as such, they were out here now. Tonight was a celebration of making it through, as well as an acknowledgement that another eventful summer was ending. Soon, it would be back to normal. Business as usual.

They’d lit a bonfire on the gravelly shore of the quarry, which crackled merrily and sent sparks up to briefly join the starry sky. The fire lit up the beach and cast long shadows on the surroundings that might have seemed eerie to some, but despite what they had all been through, none of them worried on this night. Because the monster was dead, the portal was closed, and the shadows from the fire were just the absence of light. It was over, at least for the moment, and that was well worth celebrating.

Someone had brought a battery-operated boom-box and was playing a mixtape with a wide variety of songs. Metallica’s For Whom the Bell Tolls gave way to a-ha’s Take On Me, which was followed by Starship’s We Built This City. There seemed to be something for everyone, only proven by the way Steve Harrington’s face lit up with glee when the opening notes of Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody started playing.

“Billy,” he said imploringly, eyes huge and sparkling, seeking out the blond where he was sitting between Robin and Argyle, with his boots digging into the stones at his feet.

“No,” Billy immediately said, shaking his head as Steve walked up to him. When Steve reached out a hand, he leaned back to avoid it. “Steve, no.”

“But baby,” Steve crooned and joined Whitney as she started singing the chorus, “I wanna dance with somebody,” Billy buried his face in his hands as the other people around the fire snickered, “I wanna feel the heat with somebody,” Steve made a little twirl and held out his hand again, pouting when Billy slapped it away, “Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody,” and grabbing Billy’s wrist, he leaned close as if Billy’s hand was a microphone as he finished off with, “With somebody who loves me!”

“I hate you,” Billy grumbled, his face red with embarrassment, which only caused more laughter around the fire. Steve stepped away to the beat of the music and turned to Robin, pulling her to her feet when she – with a pointed look in Billy’s direction – accepted the outstretched hand. She didn’t dance as much as provide support when the second verse started.

“I’ve been in love and lost my senses,” Steve said, pointing to Billy, whose ears were burning, “Spinning through the town.” He spun Robin around, laughing as she stumbled awkwardly. “Sooner or later, the fever ends, and I wind up feeling down.” He pouted again, and Robin assumed a faux-pitying face and patted him on the head, more than up for playing along with his antics.

“I need a man who’ll take the chance,” he continued, looking Billy in the eye and holding out his hand again in clear invitation, “On a love that burns hot enough to last.”

“So when the night falls!” a new voice cut in, and Eddie sprang up from the log where he’d been sitting curled up next to Chrissy and grabbed theatrically at his chest, “My lonely heart calls!” Everyone laughed when he took hold of Steve’s hand and assumed a dramatic pose as the chorus started up again.

“Oh, I wanna dance with somebody,” Steve sang, eyes glittering with mirth as Eddie flailed around him. “I wanna feel the heat with somebody.” More laughter as Eddie started lewdly humping Steve’s leg at the ‘heat’ part while sticking his tongue out in Billy’s direction. Billy’s whole face was red now. “Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody,” Steve continued with a shrug of his shoulders, “With somebody who loves me.” At that, Eddie pressed a big sloppy kiss to Steve’s forehead, drawing even more laughter from their friends, and then turned to Billy with raised eyebrows, like ‘yeah I did, what are you gonna do about it?’

No one was surprised when Billy stood up suddenly. He’d never been able to resist a challenge.

“Oh, I wanna dance with somebody,” Whitney continued from the tinny speakers as Billy stopped in front of the two dancing boys, raising his eyebrows right back at Eddie, who grinned but offered Billy his spot in front of Steve. “I wanna feel the heat,” Billy jumped in surprise and everyone laughed again when Eddie slapped his butt while walking past him to get back to his spot by Chrissy. “Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody,” Billy, face still red, hesitantly took Steve’s hands and pulled them apart in an awkward first move. Steve took pity on him and took a step back, drawing Billy along and pulling him in close enough to press a kiss on his nose. “With somebody who loves me.”

Billy’s face couldn’t get any redder, but he raised his chin in determination as the song continued, and held up Steve’s hand and twirled him around, before he started dancing around where Steve was standing. His moves were less smooth than Steve’s or Eddie’s, as he was obviously not used to dancing, but that didn’t stop him from giving it his best. Ignoring the cat-calls from around the fire, he jerked his hips in time with the music and clapped his hands above his head, fighting against a smile when Steve whistled appreciatively, “Oh yeah baby! Shake that thing!”

On the other side of the fire, Eddie had pulled Chrissy to her feet, and they too were dancing. The rest of them stayed sitting, but Heather had sidled up next to Robin and they were shaking their shoulders in time with the music, arms touching. Nancy was leaning her head on Jonathan’s shoulder as he raised his camera surreptitiously, trying to get the perfect photo of the dancing couples. Noticing this, Billy glared at him even as he twirled Steve around again, but Jonathan just grinned and took the shot. And Billy mustn’t have minded after all, because he just turned his attention back to Steve and continued dancing.

“Don’tcha wanna dance with me baby,” Whitney sang, and Steve belted out the words right along with her. “Don’tcha wanna dance with me boy?”

“I really don’t,” Billy answered, smiling now. “But I’ll do it for you.”

“Don’tcha wanna dance, say you wanna dance, don’tcha wanna dance,” Steve and Whitney continued, shaking his head so his hair almost slapped Billy in the face.

Billy laughed and backed up, but smoothly turned it into a dance move instead, pulling Steve against him, back to chest. Wrapping his arms around him in what was more embracing than dancing, he leaned in close and sang along to the song, low enough that Steve was the only one who heard, “With somebody who loves you.” He pressed a light kiss to Steve’s ear and then, just as the song ended, twirled them both around and dipped Steve low with one hand out. Steve shrieked in delight and twisted in Billy’s grip, hanging on to his shoulders for dear life. But he couldn’t help the laughter bubbling out of him as Billy’s eyes glittered in the light of the fire and effortlessly held him up in a grandiose finish.

They held their pose as the last note rang out in the night air, and then, to the sound of their friends’ cheering and applause, they stood back up and accepted the praise. Billy, taking a leaf out of Eddie’s book of good manners, bowed and kissed Steve’s hand, and Steve snorted out a laugh and pulled his boyfriend in for a proper kiss instead, which elicited both coos and groans from around them.

“Come on guys,” someone said, “get a room!”

Billy gave them the finger without looking, and then pulled back from Steve only to lean in again and press another kiss to his lips demonstratively with a loud smack. “If you didn’t want a show, you shouldn’t have bullied me into dancing.”

“We didn’t bully you,” came Eddie’s insistence from where he was moving along to the next song with Chrissy. “We just … gently encouraged you.”

“By putting your hands all over my boyfriend,” Billy growled, but with an amused spark in his eye.

“Well can you blame me?” Eddie said even as he swayed Chrissy to and fro, holding her smaller frame close. “Look at him! When a handsome man like that asks you to dance, you don’t say no, Billy! Or someone else might take the chance instead.”

Billy stuck out his tongue at Eddie like they were toddlers at the playground, which led to more laughter. Steve laughed too, but threw an arm around Billy’s shoulders and scolded his friends, “Stop teasing him. I’ll never get him to dance again, at this rate!”

“If it means we don’t have to watch whatever travesty those moves were, I’m fine with it,” Eddie said, but quieted down as Chrissy grabbed his face between her hands and told him to behave. He beamed at her, obviously smitten, and promised to play nice.

As everyone started settling back down around the fire, Billy leaned in and whispered in Steve’s ear, “I wouldn’t say never, pretty boy.”

“Yeah?”

“I mean. In the right circumstances, I could be persuaded.”

Turning his head so that he was facing Billy, Steve raised his eyebrows and asked through a smile, “Out of curiosity, what would those circumstances be?”

Billy bit his lip. “Well first of all, no audience next time.”

“Is this your way of offering me a private dance?”

“Mmm. What if it is?”

“You know we can hear you, right?” Robin interrupted, motioning to herself and Heather who were sitting on the log only a couple of feet away. “We’re literally right here. And you’re not subtle.”

“Or quiet,” Heather added, and leaned forward, making herself comfortable with her elbows on her knees and chin resting in her hands. “But please, continue. It was just getting good.”

“Good?”

“Good as in X-rated.”

“You wish,” Billy quipped.

“I wouldn’t mind,” she said angelically.

They continued their banter to the backdrop of laughter and music, as the bonfire kept on sending its sparks towards the star-littered sky over the quarry. And none of them had any worries, because it was a night of celebration, and they’d all made it through.

[rocketqueen1989x]

Babydoll

AxlRoseXreader

Warnings : reader gets uncomfortable, another male makes reader uncomfortable , alcohol , drinking , reader gets drunk , sex references , mention of weed , drugs . fluff and soft

(This is kinda long so apologises)

📍: LA

⏰: 12:08 am

1986

***

His lips were so delicate against mine as we kissed. His long pale arms were wrapped around me protectively as we sat in the booth of the night club. my hand rested on his thigh as he deepened the kiss but I moved away before we could get carried away and forget where we both where at.

The smell of alcohol, cigarettes , weed and sweat filled my nose. Yes ,not the most pleasant smell but my boyfriends scent of his cologne filled my nostrils making up for it. flashing disco lights bounced out everyone’s faces around me as the music boomed through the club

laughter , voices and people shouting we’re all mixed together into the music. Tonight I was with my high school sweetheart and his band just having a night out with them. I rarely drink anyways so I’m not planning on getting absolutely smashed like the rest of them were.

well the rest of the band were half way there already including Axl. My eyes never left him as he was speaking to our childhood best friend ,izzy stradlin ,who was also in the band with Axl. I’ve knew these two since I was 14 .

Axl now had his arm wrapped around my shoulder and my hand was in his hand that hung over my right shoulder. my other hand was still on his thigh under the round table in our booth. I watched as all the other guys were talking and taking in turns drinking while other one talked.

i looked around the club and it was packed. there was bodies everywhere. i don’t know how we’re all gonna get out of here by the end of the night. I have never seen so many people before in one room.

my eyes watched people dancing and talking at the bar until my eyes latched themselves onto a group of guys. their looked around the same age as us but there was one in particular who was already looking at me

He was leaning against the bar next to his friends I suppose because they all look alike. The leather jackets , leather pants and black boots.He had the same hair style as duff just that his hair was jet black with red dyed strips in it and he looked actually quite small for a man but I knew he was definitely taller than me and he was a slim build

I’m pretty sure I’ve seen him before while out partying. oh well

i turned back and Axl was still talking to izzy who was still beside just drinking away. I felt a hand on my shoulder making me jump but it was only Steven coming back with all the drinks . “Jesus Steven “ I chuckled and he giggled apologising

Around the table it went me , Axl , izzy , duff , slash then steven. we were all having a good time , talking , laughing , cracking jokes and drinking away but I still couldn’t shake off the feeling of eyes on me.

I shifted in my seat looking around again and there he was. The same dude looking at me once again. for some reason he gave me some weird vibes and I didn’t like it. To be honest I started to get a little uneasy and uncomfortable just by him staring at me with that creepy smirk on his face but I didn’t say anything to anyone . I just began to ignore it but Axl knew something was wrong

He knew something was wrong because my leg started to bounce that his hand was on my thigh and I started to move in my seat every few seconds

i felt a little light squeeze on thigh and I looked at Axl beside me. His beautiful blue eyes looked into mine and he gave me a little smile before going to my ear to talk to me.

“you okay baby doll ? “ Axl said loudly so I could hear him over the music and I nodded pulling away giving him a reassuring smile but he wasn’t stupid. He’s knew me long enough to know when something is wrong

My heart warmed when he called me that. It’s a little nickname he’s always had for me ever since I met him.

Axl gave me a little squint with his eyes and licked his lips. I smiled leaning forward grabbing his jaw and pecking his lips and he kissed me back. “you sure ? You seem a little uneasy “ he said and I shook my head lying

“I’m fine “ I told him as my hand stroked up his arm that his hand was on my bare thigh still until the tabke now giving it slow strokes up and down. From my knee to the bottom of my leather skirt and he just looked at me. I knew he didn’t believe it but he didn’t saw anything else but nodded

Axl gave me a peck on lips before going back now talking to duff who was sat across from us

A few minutes past and I realised that creepy guy as moved from that spot giving me some kind of comfort now that I know he’s not staring into my soul anymore but that’s until I heard a voice

“slash ? hey man “ I looked and it was him. he knows slash ?

“Jay! Hey dude ,what’s up ?” Slash smiled looking up at him .

For fuck sake. I turned away not even looking at him anymore and blocked him out. I moved closer to Axl .if that was even possible and he looked at me giving me a smile. I smiled back him.

A few minutes rolled by and this Jay guy was now sat with us with one of his friends. Apparently steven and slash know him and have done for about a year or two. From what I’ve heard he deals with slash and Steven. you know with drugs and all that shit.

“have you got any cigarettes more on you ?” Axl said in my ear and I nodded pulling some out of my purse and handed him one and his lighter. he lit it up and inhaled it while looking at me with those angel eyes

god I love him so much. He’s so beautiful

out of the corner of my eye I could see Jay staring at me. He was leaned forward with his elbows on the table . His brown eyes never left me. i gave him once glance and a big weird smirk came up on his lips. he licked his lips as his eyes snaked down from mine to my chest then my breasts.

I had on an off the shoulder shirt on . It was black and it showed a little bit of my cleavage but what didn’t help was I wasn’t wearing no bra so my nipples could be seen a little since it was pretty cold in here.

right then . That very moment I felt sick. Just by him looking at me like that . I didn’t feel right . I didn’t feel safe around him. I knew he was up to no good and I quickly looked away . I didn’t want him looking at me like that. The only man who is allowed to look at me like that in that certain way was my boyfriend , Axl rose

I turned to axl and he wasn’t talking to nobody . He was just listening into Izzy’s and duffs conversation about some new music they had written yesterday. I reached to Axl shirt pulling on it a little and turned to me

he didn’t have time to say anything before my lips smashed onto his. Axl was took by surprise and I knew he was but I pulled him in by his shirt more and he kissed harder. My hand went to neck to the back ,pulling him in deeper and our lips began to move in sync slowly

His lips tasted like jack Daniels and coke but the feeling of his lips against mine felt like heaven. I could sense Jay still looking at us and I wanted him to know I was taken

I moaned in the kiss and licked axl’s bottom lip and he let me in happily. Our tongues danced slowly and now how full body was turned to me. I smiled As we were kissing and sucked on his tongue. I knew he loved that and my hand squeezed the top of his thigh

I heard izzy giggle and say duffs name probably to look at us and tease us that we were making out now in front of all of them.

Axl groaned and I moaned quietly feeling his hand now snaking up around my thigh to my ass giving it a little squeeze. I smile pulling back from the sloppily but slow kiss we were having and he opened his eyes looking into me

Axl smirked at me going to my ear “what was that all that about ?” and I giggled shaking my head grabbing his jaw

“nothing, just wanted a kiss from you “ i said back and I heard duff whistle loudly. I rolled my eyes playfully at him and Axl have him the finger making me giggle

I noticed that Jay was still looking but with a kind of angry look now. He was staring at Axl but then he looked at me and that smirk came back. I frowned at him and turned away not looking at him

I genuinely can’t be bothered with him now. He’s irritating me

“I think she wants more than a kiss Axl “ Steven muttered and everyone laughed. Axl laughed looking at me then back at Steven. I shook my head giggling looking down

As the night carried on I could feel myself getting more tipsy and more tipsy. Axl was now drunk and so was everybody else but I knew Axl knew what he was doing , saying and where he was. He wasn’t drunk drunk yet.

Jay has now gone. Thank fuck. That’s dude was starting to get on my nerves

“ y/n “ Axl slurred my name into my neck and i hummed stroking his soft ginger hair back from his face and he mumbled something but I couldn’t hear

“huh baby ?” I asked putting my ear to his mouth lifting his head up a little. “wanna go “ Axl hiccupped ad I pulled back looking at him. His eyes looked glossy from all the alcohol and his body was slouched into mine.

“you wanna go home ?” I asked and he nodded leaning in and started pecking my cheek down to my neck with wet kisses .An hour later we all ended up home. Me and Axl were now in bed and he cannot keep his hands off me.

“Ax , go to sleep “ I giggle pushing him back lightly. His hands were roaming my body and his lips were all over my neck and my lips. Axl pulled back frowning and groaned.

“come on “ Axl whispered and he sounded so desperate. It was kind of funny hearing him like that. His hands tracked up my thigh to around my ass and gave it a squeeze once again and his lips smashed onto my neck. He’s already gave me a big hickey already

actually a few. some were at the top of my tits were he’d been sucking and kissing hungrily. my hands were in his fiery hair as he started to suck on my skin once again. I tugged a little and I moaned softly as he sucked more and more.

“let me make love to you “ Axl whispered in my ear and my eyes were closed taking in ever movement and word he said. i smiled at his words and it made me feel funny inside but the good kind

“please “ axl lifted up a little and rolled me onto my back gently now hovering over me. i looked up and he looked down at me with a warm smile

i nodded smiling back and he gave me a big half drunken smile. Axl softly stroked my hair from my forehead leaning down and pecking my forehead a couple of times before going to my lips giving me a long soft kiss .

No other man will ever compare to him