#Nonsexual acts of Intimacy

[catchameme]

the art of intimacy

a variety of actions or prompts consisting of nonsexual acts of intimacy and devotion! note: prompts are set as the receiver performing the actions/initiating; send "+ reverse!" to swap roles.

[ TOUCH BASED ]

my muse brushing or playing with your muse's hair. my muse reaching for your muse's hand. my muse resting their head on your muse's shoulder. my muse embracing yours in a hug. my muse moving to sit or stand closer to yours. my muse taking your muse's hands in theirs, blowing air into/onto them to warm them up. my muse pulling your muse into a dance.

[ ACTS OF SERVICE BASED ]

my muse cooking yours a delicious meal/dessert. my muse bringing yours breakfast in bed. my muse washing your muse's hair. my muse bringing yours a drink/snack while they are busy. my muse folding your muse's laundry. my muse holding the door for yours. my muse buckling your muse into a vehicle. my muse running yours a warm/hot bath. my muse planning a date/vacation with your muse.

[ OTHER / MISC. ]

my muse sending yours affectionate messages. my muse writing yours a letter. our muses cooking/baking together. our muses playing a game together. our muses sharing space and doing their own thing. my muse reading to your muse. my muse singing to your muse. our muses taking a walk together. my muse shares a dessert with your muse ( and feeds it to them ) my muse sharing a blanket with your muse. my muse gifting yours with flowers. my muse surprising yours at work.

[tame-the-lion-writes]

I feel like mainstream romance media is oversaturated with grand gestures of love. 

That’s not to say that grand gestures of romance are bad—I think a lot of people dream of being pampered with riches or having an eloquent poem written about them. And to a bigger extreme, if you’re willing to die for someone, you’re willing to die for someone.

At the same time, though, those grand, dramatic gestures give an excuse to avoid the small and domestic. The everyday person isn’t going to fall in love with a billionaire or period-piece duke. And while it’s fine to fantasize, there isn’t much focus on cooking together in the kitchen, casual gift giving, or sharing the same space. Instead, it feels like every confession has to end in a kiss, or more.

When you have that expectation in romance, there’s a weird cognitive dissonance between modern media and the idea of love between two very human, very real people. I want more stories about awkward dancing in raggedy sleeping clothes, or sharing hot chocolate under a midnight sky. Give me the flexed hand from Pride and Prejudice—more so than the proposal.

[sercophe-sinderwidth]

Yes. Adding to this masterpiece for your consideration:

Brainstorming a story then shipping your characters together (not physical but I like it so it stays lol)

Holding their hand close to your chest as you watch movies

Draping limbs over one another like you are cats and listening to thematic symphonies

Hug-dancing to songs that remind you of them

Greeting them whenever you arrive in the room by touching them on the waist or kissing their shoulder

Having a normal conversation while kissing the warm skin of their tummy

Putting on their makeup for them (if they wear it) or a facemask

Tracing the lifelines on their palms

non sexual intimacy!!!! bathing together, washing each other, playing with each other's hair, kissing every inch of their body, writing love letters on their back with your finger, connecting their moles and freckles to create constellations on their skin, running your hands up and down their thighs, ugh just expressing physical love without it having to be about sex!!!!

[lymtw]

Thinking about those soft, nonsexual, intimate moments where you and Toji are lying in bed, with you on top of him. You're straddling him and your arms are thrown over his shoulders, clinging onto him like a little koala. Your face is buried into his neck and your eyes are shut as you bask in the warmth of his body.

"What's wrong, baby?" He asks, letting his arms come up to rest on your back. Having Toji's arms around you was like leaving every bad thing you've ever experienced behind. He radiated the warmth of a thousand suns, and it soothed you like nothing else.

You didn't respond to his question, instead your lips pressed to his neck, brushing against him with the gentleness of a light breeze. You're smart enough to know that if you kiss him too hard, it'll start a fire in a moment where one isn't necessary.

He's smiling, softly, at your sign of affection. His palms rub your back, comfortingly, with little to no pressure. Toji is all for having sex with you, all the time and anytime. He's well versed in this method of intimacy with you, but he's not an emotionless machine. He recognizes well enough when you need more than an orgasm. He understands that you have a heart, and sometimes it needs to be tended to, regardless of whether it's damaged or not. Sometimes you just want to feel loved, and when times like these are presented to him, who is he to ridicule you for needing him?

He chuckles, softly. "Just wanna love on me, don't you, baby?"

His hands lower to the hem of your shirt, sliding beneath it to get to the warmth of your bare skin. The tranquilizing motions on your back return.

"Just need you to be with me, right now," you mumble into his neck. "I know this probably seems weird, but I just wanna stay like this for a while."

"Shh... you're alright, my sweet girl. We can be quiet for a bit."

You go back to lazily kissing his neck. You can feel his heartbeat thrumming against your lips, a rhythm that makes your own heart start to pick up that same pace. You take a deep breath and slowly let it out, pausing your movements to appreciate the distinct smell of his cologne. It makes you want to squeeze him until he can't breathe, or at least attempt to squeeze him that hard.

"Toji," you say, quietly, like you're saying it to yourself.

"Hm?" He responds, stilling his hands.

"Nothing. Just wanted to say your name. I like saying your name."

Another laugh rumbles through his chest, the movement shaking you a little. "It's yours to say."

"Can I keep saying it? Until it doesn't sound like a name anymore?"

He smiles, pulling one hand out of your shirt to place it on the nape of your neck. "By all means. Don't need my permission."

You giggle, the sound so clear beneath Toji's ear. If he had the warmth of a thousand suns, you had the beauty of the night's guiding moon.

"Toji," you say, softly. After every repetition of his name, you ghost your lips all over his neck. Toji thinks he could stay like this for longer than a bit. He feels at ease, knowing you're there, acting as his most cherished blanket. He feels so light, like he's not even in his body anymore. You don't even know how happy he is. You can't see the soft smile on his face and how it's failing to disappear.

"Toji," you repeated one last time.

He had lost track of how many times you said his name, but not once did he get tired of hearing it. He wanted to answer your call, this time. "Yeah, baby?"

"Love you."

In all your gentleness and loving, you offered him serenity, and he enveloped himself in it. If your love could be bottled, he would live off of it. He would cook it into his every day meals. He would blend it into his protein shakes. He would bathe in it. He would mix it with his cologne. He would live off of it like it's the secret to a life spent with you loving him the way you do. So what if he's addicted? It seems like the perfect way to go.

Toji could hear your light breathing. You stopped kissing him, and your arms went limp on his shoulders. You fell asleep. It was a common occurrence whenever you shared moments like these with him. It was the security, and his embrace, and his warmth, and his scent... all things that made you feel safe enough to doze off.

He pressed multiple quick kisses to your temple. Both of his arms returned to your torso, wrapping around it with a slightly tighter hold than before. "Love you, too, mama," he muttered against your temple. He ended up falling asleep to the sound of your breathing.

[babyleostuff]

svt as nonsexual acts of intimacy | ot13

❥ seungcheol 

being your prince charming 

carrying your bag even if it’s as light as a feather? check. not letting you drive because you’re his passenger princess? check. buying you random gifts just because? check. putting your safety before his? check. it would be an understatement to say that cheol worships the ground you’re walking on - nothing can stop him from treating you like a princess, and he makes sure to remind you of it every single day. try all you want to be independent, and cheol will still find a way to do that thing for you - you and kkuma are the royalty, end of story. call him a simp, he doesn’t care + is he your prince charming or a sugar daddy? 

❥ jeonghan 

sharing a dessert 

hannie would share whatever he was eating with you in an instant - you wouldn’t have to ask, you wouldn’t even have to look, and he’d be ready with a spoon full of whatever he’d be eating. sharing desserts was extra special for him though - it made his heart swell with love, like he was falling in love with you all over again, besides - he loved how your face lit up whenever he extended his plate to you. he’d know your favourite sweets, cookies, candies, baked goods, etc. by heart. one day when you asked how he knew that that specific type of cookies were your favourite he just shrugged his shoulders saying “he just knew" - and that was true - when it came to you he knew even the smallest details.

❥ joshua

taking a bath together 

in joshua’s opinion it’d be a perfect way to spend the evening after a long and tiring day. you’d be lying opposite of each other (so he’d be able to see your face) with a glass of wine shared between you as you’d talk about anything but work-related, trying to soak in each other’s presence before the next day would start. joshua would have his hand on your calf, wanting to have some physical contact between you, as he usually got a bit clingier when tired. it‘d be all so calming and blissful, and you’d be wrapped in this little bubble of safety and love, forgetting about all of your problems - it’d be just you and joshua. you’d sit in the water until you were all wrinkly and all of the bubbles would disappear, not wanting to get back to the real world.

❥ jun 

slow dancing in the kitchen 

with one of his hands on your hip, and the other caressing your cheek, jun would rock you from side to side to the rhythm of the song quietly playing from his phone. it’d be all so romantic (and so so cliché, but neither of you cared) and domestic that you couldn’t wait to see how many more of such nights were ahead of you. because of jun’s absence due to the neverending flights and schedules you often longed for each other’s touch, and dancing in your kitchen at 3 am seemed like the perfect time to spend some quality time together. there would be no need to speak, you’d just hold each other as if it was the last time you’d get to do that.  

❥ hoshi 

accidentally falling asleep together 

more often than not, soonyoung came home utterly exhausted (not that you blamed him), which led to: nap time! most of your dates ended up with his head on your boobs (his favourite pillow), arms wrapped around your body, and a random blanket thrown over the two of you. he’d swear he wasn't tired, but as soon as you’d look away his eyes would close immediately, and not a second later he’d be happily snoring like a mad-man. not his fault your boobs were so comfortable. and even if you wouldn’t be particularly tired or sleepy, you’d still fall asleep - there’d be something so comforting and calming about having him so close to you that you’d fall asleep not long after him.

❥ wonwoo 

making you lunch/ dinner  

is he a good cook? not really. does that stop him from making you lunch or dinner? no. wonwoo might be busy because of his crazy schedules, and lack energy to do the most mundane things, but that doesn’t stop him from making sure you’re well fed and happy - even if that means he has to stay up extra late. you’re not even surprised when you find your lunchbox on the counter in the morning with a sweet post-it note next to it anymore. + he’d get all shy and blushy whenever you’d compliment him and his super duper cooking skills :))) 

❥ woozi 

doing groceries 

you treat grocery shopping as proper dates since he rarely gets any days off, and you have to try and make the most of every moment you get to spend together. no matter how tired or overwhelmed he is, your little afternoon shopping outings are a highlight in his week - it doesn’t matter if you’re only buying butter and milk or the whole grocery shop - jihoon’s content as long as he’s with you. he loves watching you as you get frustrated because you can’t find a certain product (even though it’s right in front of you), and when you get excited over the fact that your favourite type of bread is still in the bakery. whether he’s the one pushing the trolley or not, jihoon always makes sure to be close to you, bumping his hip into yours from time to time. he’s just happy that something as mundane as grocery shopping can fill him with so much love, and it’s all thanks to you.

❥ dk 

sending good morning/ goodnight messages 

it doesn’t matter what time zone he is in, how busy he is, and how tired he is - seokmin will send you a good morning text the second he opens his eyes, and if by some miracle he forgets, he makes sure to send you an extra long one in the evening. words of affirmation are his love language, he lives for telling you how much he cherishes you, how much you mean to him - what a ray of happiness and sunshine you are (you can be the biggest black cat, and he’d still view you as a golden retriever). you deserve all the love you can get, and seokmin makes sure you feel appreciated and taken care of in every way possible - that’s why he’s so adamant on writing those messages. besides, he misses you like crazy when he’s away on tour and schedules, and writing those messages make him feel like he’s a bit closer to you.

❥ mingyu 

cuddling in a blanket fort 

try to imagine this big 6'2” babygirl trying to fit his long ass limbs and big muscles into a blanket fort made in his apartment (you stole some of wonwoo’s blankets) + the fact that he’s the clumsiest puppy to ever exist. gyu would be so excited, though :((( and you knew he tried to be as careful as possible (you had to redo the fort like five times), but he simply wouldn’t be able to wait for the endless cuddles among all of the blankets, pillows, and plushies. he most definitely would make you wear his clothes, insisting they were a lot comfier than yours, and he’d be so so giddy looking through the closet for the biggest and fluffiest hoodie he owned

❥ minghao 

reading together 

bed + blankets + tea + your head resting on his shoulder as you’d read your own book, a comforting silence surrounding you with a faint sound of the outside world coming through the open bedroom window = a fucking dream for hao. he loved being close to you, but still being able to focus on his own thing - like reading. the fact that he didn’t feel like he had to talk to you, or that the silence didn’t make him feel awkward made him fall in love with you even more. hao would look over at you from time to time, smiling to himself at your reactions to what you were reading, wishing he could take a picture of your adorably concentrated face + the weight of your head on his shoulder would calm him down, it’d better than meditation in his opinion

❥ seungkwan 

doing your skincare together 

seungkwan is a loud person that always has something to say, and sometimes he doesn’t even realise how much that tires him. he quickly discovered how easily he calmed down around you and didn't feel the need to be the idol boo seungkwan, but just your boyfriend who liked to sing and travel around the world with his brothers. that’s why doing his nighttime skincare routine with you always brought him a sense of peace and comfort - hidden in the safety of your bathroom - you’d wash your faces, apply different moisturisers, try to understand the ingredients of the products, laughing about the complicated names you couldn’t even pronounce, and apply face masks to each other, accidentally sticking your fingers in each other's eyes. a big smile wouldn’t leave seungkwan’s face for even a second.

❥ vernon 

watching movies together

movies had to be one of vernon’s favourite things in the world, and it meant everything to him that you never said no to movie night dates. it’d be the one time when vernon would drop his guard down completely, and let you hold him through the whole night. maybe it wouldn’t be the most romantic thing to do, and some would probably laugh at you for staying home instead of going out to party, but vernon would never want to change a thing - he loved being cuddled into your side, sharing short but soft looks with you, commenting on all of the silly things happening in the movie. the fact that he got to experience it all with you made him feel like he won the lottery + it was intimate yet reassuring to share something so close to his heart with you, and he would never be able thank you enough that you accepted him and all of his quirks with an open and loving heart 

❥ chan 

patching up a wound

the oh so soft and caring channie that never failed to treat you like a princess, making sure you were safe and that no one was making you feel uncomfortable. it wouldn’t take much for him to worry about you, and even a little scratch would send him into cardiac arrest. he’d be the softest when patching up your wound, not wanting to hurt you even more - his fingertips would delicately run over your skin as he’d inspect your injury with a worried look on his handsome face. he’d have a set of ten different band-aids ready, all in different colours, patterns, shapes, and sizes, and let you choose whichever you’d want (his features would soften a bit seeing how excited you were to choose your fav band-aid). after patching you up chan would kiss your wound very very gently.

taglist (if you want to be added, check my masterlist): @weird-bookworm @sea-moon-star @hanniehaee @wonwooz1 @byprettymar @edgaralienpoe @staranghae @eightlightstar @itza-meee @immabecreepin @hyneyedfiz @honestlydopetree @dkswife @marisblogg @whatsgyud @aaniag @jeonghansshitester @daegutowns @carlesscat-thinklogic23 @embrace-themagic @soul-is-a-strange-kid @ohmyhuenings @nidda13 @hrts4hanniehae @k-drama-adict @f4iryjjosh @isabellah29 @hafsah-ali @mrswonwooo @lllucere @athanasiasakura @onlyyjeonghan @chillseo @bangantokchy @hrts4hanniehae @haecien @caramyisabitchforsvtandbts @hannahhbahng @valgracia

[nanamis-bigtie]

nonsexual acts of intimacy ↬ finding the other wearing their clothes

❧ ino takuma x gn!reader | cw: domestic fluff, established relationship ❧

"Have you seen my—"

Ino freezes mid-step when he realizes what he is looking at. It feels weirdly…inappropriate to see you like this, wearing nothing but the hoodie he's been looking for. He's like an intruder amid your little morning serenity, with a cup of warm drink in your hand and bread in a toaster. Your hair is disheveled and face you turn to him: as sleepy as it can be at six in the morning in the narrow kitchen, under the dim light of an old ceiling lamp. 

Then, a shame scratches at the back of his head. It's not a fresh hoodie; he returned home late and found power to only hang it on a chair to "air it out" instead of running a quick laundry. Fate knows how much he had been running that day, sweating buckets and soaking in the city's stench. It just…can't smell good—and you're wearing it, snuggled cozy, balancing on one foot to warm the other against your calf, your favorite mug enveloped by your hands…

"Seen what?" Your voice is raspy and louder than a whisper only just a little. You squint your eyes and tilt your head to the side to avoid the direct light—and Ino's heart melts at how cute you look right now. All his qualms fade when his chest fills with mushy warmth; he doesn't feel awkward or ashamed anymore, just sweetened and weak, and weirdly needy of your touch.

He wants to have you in his arms again, the same way as he cradled you in your shared bed, so happy and relieved to live through another day, to yet again be blessed with sneaking to rest by your side and listen to your calm breath.

"Mmm, nothing." He approaches close and wraps his arms around you, waiting just a moment for you to put the mug on the counter and climb next to it. 

Ino likes to cuddle with your head resting on his chest—but never misses on an opportunity for the opposite. He brushes lips against your neck and lingers for longer in its crook, to breathe the intimate smell of sheets and your skin before the morning shower. But soon enough he trails lower and nuzzles to your chest, into your warmth and the steady sound of your heartbeat. 

You run fingers through his hair, gathering it to the back and exposing his scar, which you soon trace with a thumb, "We need to get you to a hairdresser."

He nearly purrs, then giggles when you wrap legs around him, your cold feet brushing against his bare calves, "Thought you liked me with longer hair?"

"You can barely see."

When you let his strands fall free again, they indeed block the majority of Ino's vision, or rather of its field already restricted by your chest and folds of the hoodie. But he sees your half-lidded eyes and warm love in them, a little droplet of drool dried at the corner of your lips, and all the wrinkles and nooks that make your face so familiar and special.

He has never felt more in love before than in this split moment of early and dark autumn morning in the middle of the kitchen of a little rented apartment on the outskirts of Tokyo, "I have everything I need to see right here." 

a/n: trying to get myself back into writing with the power of fluff and autumnal yearning for touch. i hope to run through the whole list eventually and before the time for winter comes! this one with dedication to @mirkaaaluv 'cause she really helped me develop a soft spot for ino ❤

[entirelysein-e]

『 First Time 』

☼ synopsis: Tengen takes your virginity with utmost care and full of devotion to bring you pleasure

☼ character: Tengen

☼ wc: 1.5k

☼ cw: fem!reader, afab!reader, body worship, fingering, oral (reader receiving), mentions of handjobs, virginity loss, painful first time with comforting Tengen, love making, creampie, aftercare

Tengen was clear and respectful about it when you first told him that you have no experience and would therefore rather wait to indulge in any bedroom activities with him or even with his wives. He would wait for you as long as you needed, no pressure from his side, not even any advances. Your one-on-one time was usually spent showing each other nonsexual acts of intimacy, or maybe making out if you felt brave.

Each time you felt how excited he got, he would simply excuse himself and settle to cuddling you or doing something else entirely, always making sure to keep his promise of waiting and showing that he respects you - that was until you climbed back onto his lap after he carefully lifted you off. “My flower… do you want me to hold you?” He asked in a gentle voice, trying to keep your hips from touching his clothed erection. His smile faltered for a fraction of a moment when you shook your head but it came back when your lips locked with his again, trying to wiggle your hips out of his grasp.

“What's your plan, hm?” He asked curious between kisses and you finally managed to rub your covered core against him. “I'm ready… I think,” you whispered in his ear before leaving open mouthed kisses on his neck and his grip on your hips loosened, letting you grind yourself against him.

With Tengen nothing was taboo as long as it brought you pleasure, enjoying the way you tried to pleasure yourself by grinding against him, big hands guiding your hips slightly for more friction on both sides. “You think? Or are you sure?” He questioned curious, his lips ghosting over your pulse on your neck

“You know I will wait forever and ever without a single complaint,” he whispered the reminder against your skin but you let go of a breath. “I’m sure,Tengen Uzui… I want to be yours, body and soul.” You whispered back, sounding as sure as never before which made him shudder. To have you entirely was all he ever desired, to love and protect you, to call you his wife and part of his family.

As if a switch flipped within him, his kisses grew more desperate, tongue begging your lips for entrance with a smooth swipe across them and you let him in. His wet muscle was exploring your mouth like all these times before, but it still felt so unfamiliar, a need behind it you've never experienced before. Your arms wrapped around your boyfriend, grabbing and tugging at the fabric of his shirt which resulted in him taking it off quickly. “Someone’s eager… calm down, flower. Let me take care of you,” he hummed and flipped you around so you were under him, his impressive frame looming above yours which made the heat rise to your cheeks.

Skilled hands had your clothes removed in no time, leaving you in your underwear beneath him as endless praise fell from his lips. He compared you to the most beautiful things in the world, making your heart flutter for him. “If you need me to stop or slow down… don't hesitate to open your pretty mouth. Tonight is just about you,” he reminded you, lips traveling from your neck to your breast where he slowly took your bra off before attacking your chest with his skilled hands and lips. Soft mewls escaped your lips when he started gently sucking on your hardened bud, pinching the other one so you got equal stimulation. Before you got restless his kisses trailed further south, ending right above the hem of your underwear “Are you sure, my love?” He asked once more, looking at you full of love and lust, earning a nod from you in return - you were ready, needing him to touch you.

Tengen didn't need to ask a second time, trusting your words and actions and that you would stop him if you happened to change your mind. Soft hands removed the last piece of fabric on your body, a small smirk crept on his face upon seeing the effect he had on you.

“You're so wet for me already” he hummed in a teasing way before letting a single finger glide through your folds, stopping right on your clit just to see your reaction. The little whine he heard was enough to make him move his finger in slow circular motions until he had you squirming, replacing his finger with his tongue, a loud moan erupting from his chest when he tasted your slick. His eyes fluttered close, enjoying the way your juices melted on his tongue, the warmth of your cunt was addicting and before you knew it two of his fingers were buried knuckle deep inside of you. He took his time to push them inside but the sensation of his tongue swirling around your clit had all your attention at that moment, the attention slowly shifting over to his fingers working you open, curling against your sweet spot and scissoring them slightly.

Only after three orgasms he slowly pulled away, his face glistening with your juices while he licked his fingers clean.

“Do you want more? Or was this enough for your first?” He asked curious, not expecting you to please him in return or to go further than just getting pleased for the first time - he didn't mind much about his own pleasure, it was enough to see your chest heaving up and down from the harsh breaths you took after he worked his magic on you. To his surprise you sat up, skin glowing in the dim light and he swore that there's an angel sitting in his bed. When you reached for his pants, slowly pulling them down to expose his rock had length and letting it hit his abs he couldn't even react, enthralled by your ethereal beauty. With utmost care he took your hand from his length and held it in both of his

“You don't need to touch me… i just want you to lay back and relax today, let me spoil you,” he hummed, not wanting to be selfish and take the attention away from you when this was your first time - something he should make unforgettable for you. Your little pout caught him off guard “I promise you can touch me all you want after this… Tonight still or whenever but for now let me take care of you, yes?” He asked so gentle, trying to bring his plan across to you and you gave in, agreeing to him which also made you a little grateful that he's so selfless for your first time.

Tengens fingers resumed to cour core, fingering you and rubbing your clit with his thumb while he kissed you passionately for a while, his body back on top of yours. the moment you were asking for him to make you his, he chuckled and wrapped your legs around his hips, the tip of his cock already nestling between your folds, gently pushing into your entrance.

He was kissing you the entire time he pushed in, knowing that he was quite big so he took it slow, his hands laced with yours. The way your nails left behind crescent shaped cuts in his hands hurt his heart, hating the fact that he was the one hurting you - but the sweet moans falling from your lips once you got used to the stretch were like band aids to soothe his heart.

He wiped the tears from your cheeks with his thumb and cupped your cheek gently before kissing your forehead and your lips “You're doing so well for me, my flower. Taking me so well,” He whispered loving, hips rocking against yours with a slow rhythm along with his hand snaking between your bodies to rub your bundle of nerves to give you the most pleasure. Your walls squeezed him like a vine when the knot in your stomach tightened and his hips started to stutter, his eyes shut tight until he felt your walls pulsate around him, watching your face contorted in pleasure as a silent scream fell from your lips followed by his name, whispered in repeat like some lewd chant and that was all it took for him to reach his high, pushing himself as deep as he possibly could before emptying his hot seed inside of you. The way he moaned your name almost had you falling over the edge once more, never have you heard your name in such a context, he sounded like an angel falling from grace above you.

Once the both of you have calmed down he remained slotted deep inside of you, his forehead resting against yours until he caught his breath. “I love you,” he whispered with a dumb grin, one of his hands traveling over your body to caress your sore thighs, knowing how your poor cunt must hurt after all of this and he couldn't wait to spoil you some more. “Let's take a bath, shall we?” He asked, still grinning like he just won the lottery as he picked you up, still impaled on his cock. “Only if you promise to keep going” You giggled into his neck, addicted to having him inside of you already.

Networks: @pixelcafe-network @interstellar-inn @houseofsolisoccasum

[moncheriprompts]

nonsexual acts of intimacy

a prompt list by @moncheriprompts

wearing each other’s clothes

holding hands

washing each other’s hair

falling asleep in s/o’s lap

cuddling in a blanket fort

sharing a bed

head scratches

sharing a dessert

shoulder rubs

reading a book together

^ reading to each other or separately—just reveling in other’s presence

caring for each other while ill

patching up a wound

taking a bath together

playing with each other’s hair

accidentally falling asleep together

^ laying practically on top of each on a couch and falling asleep while watching a movie

forehead or cheek kisses

s/o adjusting the other’s jewelry/neck tie/etc

back scratches

slow dancing

interlocking fingers while holding hands

[hellyeahscarleteen]

How to Handle No Like a Pro

So they’ve said no. You took the plunge and asked if someone wanted something, and they don’t. Dang.

Now where do you go from there? Here are some ways you can react or prepare without making the situation uncomfortable or destructive for yourself or others:

DO: Let your partner know, before you are in a sexual situation, that they should never feel bad for saying they don’t want to do something: that saying no, not now, not yet, or not that way, is always okay.

DO NOT: Feel guilty for saying no yourself. If the person you’re with is worth much of anything, they will want you to speak out when you are uncomfortable.

DO: Keep in mind that saying no can be even scarier than hearing it. Let the other person see you aren’t upset with them, and that it really is okay for them to tell you no.

DO NOT: Pout or throw some other kind of passive-aggressive temper tantrum. Maybe you are disappointed they don’t want to try something new with you, or it’s just something you’ve been looking forward to. Maybe you are worried or sad. It is okay to experience any feelings that come up, but it is not okay to use those feelings to make someone feel guilty, because that can influence them into doing things they do not want to do so that you'll leave them alone and stop acting this way. Do not let your own feelings make your partner feel bad for what they do or do not want. It is important for your partner to understand that it is safe for them to refuse.

DO: Ask them what they DO want. If you suggested something and they turned you down, maybe they have something else in mind. They might feel like doing something new, or even completely different. Maybe they want to deescalate the situation and do something nonsexual. See what’s up and ask them.

DO NOT: Pester. Don’t keep asking for the same thing multiple times when you’ve been given your answer. While it is true that a person can turn down an offer, only to later change their minds, it is best to let them take the reins if they have a change of heart. A good rule of thumb is that unless the situation you’re in has changed, their answer most likely hasn’t.

DO: Tell them to inform you if they change their minds. This way they know it wasn’t a one time only offer, and you don’t need to remind them again.

DO NOT: Expect perfection. Sometimes interactions are going to be a little awkward, embrace it! What you wanted is off the table for now, so a few uncomfortable pauses while you mentally adjust is not uncommon. It is okay. Most ways of being intimate, including sex, feel awkward or clumsy sometimes: that's just part of how intimacy goes.

DO: Figure out if they are specifically disinterested in what you asked, or if they’re generally uncomfortable with the situation. The surest way to find out is to -- you guessed it! -- ask them.

DO NOT: Interrogate. You might feel like if you only knew the reason behind a no, you could fix it so they won’t have a problem. However, in the heat of the moment it might be hard for the other person to calmly assess why they do or do not want something. If someone is uncomfortable with being sexual or with certain sexual actions, let them have those feelings and don’t cause undue stress by forcing them to give you some perfect explanation why. No one owes you an explanation for why they don’t want something; it is up to you as a caring partner to simply accept and respect their wishes.

DO: Immediately accept that the other person has made their choice. Even if it was something you were really looking forward to it is important to internally accept the situation and the other person as they are.

DO NOT: Try and push, convince, bribe, trick, or threaten anyone into changing their answer. If you don't know, for sure, these are NOT things you will do sexually with someone, step back from potential sexuial situations until you are sure.

DO: Remember that no matter how important doing something seems, it is never more important than being a respectful, gentle and sensitive person and partner.

DO NOT: Bemoan how disappointed you are. It might seem like a harmless joke, or even a compliment, but in sensitive situations even jokes can cause feelings of guilt, obligation or shame.

DO: Be thankful they are comfortable enough in your relationship that they are being honest with you.

DO: Take a breath. Whatever is happening is not the end of the world.

There isn’t any list that could be long enough to name all the ways to be caring or cruel during sex. Just remember that no sexual activity (even that one you really really want) is worth acting like a jerk over.

[in-another-april]

─ patching up a wound | s.r

summary/prompt + genre - ♟/12 from "Nonsexual acts of Intimacy” : "Patching up a wound" | hurt/comfort, fluff

warnings - mentions of minor injury and a bit of canon typical violence about a case

wc - 702

notes - first post on this blog! thanks for reading!!!

────────────────

You had just returned home after a long, strenuous case that left the entirety of your team exhausted and more grateful than ever for the weekend ahead. While the day, fortunately, concluded with the victim found safe and the unsub taken into custody, you were injured in the process. A hit to your forehead, resulting in a relatively small gash. Which, although minor, had Spencer fretting over you as soon as he took notice of it. You managed to convince him to take you home, knowing the last place either of you wanted to end the night was in the hospital.  

Despite his agreement, he still took the drive home as an opportunity to share his collection of statistics regarding infections, concussions, and the like. He knew you were strong, that you could take care of yourself. Even so, he’d be lying through his teeth if he said his worry for your safety wasn’t always an unyielding buzz in his mind, a consistent white noise that had been playing since the moment he met you. Now, in your shared bathroom with the first aid kit splayed on the counter below, you carefully tend to the injury and hope not to worry him too much.

“You okay?” The question pulls your attention away from the mirror, eyes flitting over towards the source of the gentle voice. There stood Spencer in the doorway, a concerned yet knowing expression displayed on his soft features. Your eyes make it a point to avoid his gaze, well aware of the “I told you so” look waiting for you within it.

“Mhm,” You hum, shifting your focus back to pressing the alcohol pad over the wound, wincing in pain from the stinging sensation. “I’m alright.” Your attempts at convincing him are clearly not as effective as you hoped, given the worried furrow settled between his eyebrows as he takes a tentative step towards you.

“Can I?” He asks, stepping close enough to envelop you in the scent of his cologne, faint from the long day but still ever so comforting and familiar. “You don’t have to take care of it all by yourself.” His words have an added heaviness that follow along with them, a meaning running deeper than just him tending to your injury, and you’re eager to alter the mood as best as you can.

“Of course, go ahead.” Your hand ceases its movements and falls back to your side as you watch him pick up the pad and set the entirety of his focus on you. Spencer reaches to tilt your chin up, allowing himself a better view of the gash. You try to ignore the feeling his touch ignites in you as he holds your face and begins wiping at the cut, touch so delicate and light it would barely register to you if you weren’t aware of what was happening.

That is, until he applied more pressure and the burning feeling returned at once, pulling a hiss of pain from you at the suddenness of the sensation.

“I know,” He all but cooed, brushing the stray hair out of your face. “I’m almost done.” His assurances were whispered in such a soft tone making you practically melt in his hold, the intimacy of the situation bordering on overwhelming. Opening up and accepting comfort is never easy, but it’s almost second nature with Spencer. It feels as though he defines a new level of gentleness as he loves you, irrevocably and fully, and he grants you the gift of being able to do the same to him.

He gives you a once-over after he’s finished, admiring both his work and the way you look under the glow of the warm bathroom lighting. He leans in to press a featherlight kiss over the bandage, the cheesy display of affection causing you to tuck your head into his shoulder in an attempt to hide the soppy smile making its way onto your face.

“You wanna head to bed?” He speaks quietly, so as not to disturb the peaceful silence that had enveloped the two of you. He lets out a soft chuckle as a yawn answers for you before you give a proper reply. 

[veren-cos]

Hi!! How are you?? :)

I'm not sure if you're still up for taking requests, but I'm gonna try anyway!

This is actually the first time I've gotten myself to read Stardew Valley stuff, I was looking for content and came across one of your posts (the comforting after a rough day one) and I just couldn't help but keep reading. I love the few I've read so far honestly!!

I have a very specific topic in mind for the bachelors that you could use for headcanons; it would involve the farmer being asexual, the bachelors' reaction to that knowledge and how they'd act towards the farmer from that point on in their relationship (already dating), since I know that some people actually feel weird about it after finding out (needless to say that I'm in fact ace myself)

You can decline the request if you're not open to that at the moment but most importantly if the topic makes you uncomfortable in any kind of way, I'll understand and accept it right away :)

I'm a really awkward person so since I don't really know what else to say, thank you so much (even for reading this) and keep up the good work!! <3

Coming out as asexual to the bachelors

These are assuming you are already in a (relatively new) relationship.

These are also more for sex repulsed aces. Not really a tw, but Alex's section is a little more angsty than the rest?

Sam

• Would not have heard of asexuality at all.

• He honestly gets confused for a second and thinks that you didn't like him at all.

• But once you explain that you just don't want the sexual aspect of a relationship, he is actually pretty chill about it.

• He wasn't expecting anything to happen with you for a while because you'd just started dating.

• So it really took the pressure off of him because he was really nervous.

• Nothing really changes with him! He would probably just show you a lot of nonsexual physical affection. Like a lot more than before.

• There is no pressure to go any further. I could honestly see this guy being ace himself, but regardless he loves you.

Sebastian

• Sebastian would probably be like. One of maybe 3 Bachelors who have heard of asexuality.

• And he would by no means have any problems with it!

• He would just love on you by sososoo many cuddles.

• He likes being intimate with you physically, and doesn't want to pressure you at all.

• He understands that you definitely still like him, you just don't feel the sexual attraction or want to have sex.

• Like Sam, I could see Sebastian being ace. He just wants to be with you, in whatever ways you want to be with him. <3

Alex

• Okay so I love Alex. And I like to think of him as accepting. But he basically canonically has internalized homophobia.

• I don't think he would of even heard of asexuality.

• It truly depends on how much character development he has had.

• So basically. He would either be like chill about it, or break up with you (and not because he doesn't like you! That's important!)

•

• If he was chill, I think the relationship would progress just as normal!

• He would just hold your hand, and give you so many kisses.

• He would try and learn ways to show you affection without crossing your boundaries.

•

• But if his character hasn't developed, I could see him breaking up with you. And it's not because he wouldn't like you anymore. Please don't get him wrong, he really likes you.

• He just seems like the kind of guy where sex would be the epitome of intimacy. I don't think he would know what to do, and he doesn't want to pressure you.

• If he hasn't had character development, he would want to go back to just being friends. He wouldn't know how to express how he feels about you in a non sexual way.

• Alex would, however, much come to regret that. So once he has a grasp on his own emotional needs and learns more about emotional intimacy, give a relationship with him another try. He will be great :)

Harvey

• Harvey!!

• Harvey would be so respectful.

• He probably wouldn't have heard of it before? Not in like a sexuality way anyways. Maybe like in the science way tho. So he can guess.

• He wouldn't want to push you, and he hadn't made any sexual advances in the first place so it's not like there would be any backtracking.

• He loves you for who you are, not what you can do for him.

• Once you explain what it is, or for your specifically what it is, he just hugs you and tells you he loves you.

• Harvey is a sweetie.

Shane

• Shane wouldn't care.

• It's your business lol

• I couldn't see him being ace himself, but I could see him having a really low sex drive.

• Depression can often decrease a sex drive if ya didn't know 🤠

• Soo yeah, it wouldn't be a big deal to him :)

• He, like Sebastian, would just give you a lot more cuddles instead! Shane just likes to be close to you

Elliott

• Elliott would be so amazing with it?

• He just wants to love you the way you want to be loved. And if that means never having sex? He us okay with that.

• He was already the king of nonsexual intimacy.

• He would love taking baths with you, washing your hair, etc.

• He wants to make sure you know he loves you, and is incredible respectful of your boundaries and sexuality.

An* To my ace readers ilysm!! Aroace-spec identities are so underrepresented. So I was so happy to write about it! I love giving fiction for underrepresented subjects. Hope you enjoyed!

And to you who requested thjs, ty! I'm glad you like my writing, that means a lot to me :) I'm always open for requests, they just take me a while- so feel free to send more if you'd like :3

If something about this fic is iffy or weird, please let me know. I'm not ace (I don't think? But that's a different topic lol) so I don't know if I wrote things right. I'm mostly iffy about Alex's response. So if you have a suggestion please do lmk. 🤠👍

Masterlist

[prince-liest]

I am so sorry if i come off stupid with this ask but i’m not very educated on this topic and my english isn’t that good so pls dont take any offence but i’ve read some of ur fics (ur very skilled btw!!) and in some of them vox and alastor are depicted to be sexual at times but isn’t alastor acesexual? I used to think that ace ppl were repulsed(?) by sex and touch in general and now im a bit confused is he only comfortable with touch because they have a deep bond or is him being repulsed by touch just an act?

No worries at all, I think this is something that a lot of people get caught up on! Asexuality isn't very commonly talked about in terms of actually explanations, so a lot of folks tend to have the impression you did.

Asexuality is a spectrum that often correlates with but isn't actually inherently linked to comfort with touch! Asexual people can be sex-positive, sex-neutral, or sex-repulsed—or a combination of those three things depending on the context and their feelings at the time. I always write Alastor as aromantic and asexual, but I play around with his comfort levels regarding all those things depending on the fic or even how he feels in the moment, oscillating between sex-positive to fully touch-repulsed (or sometimes both, which causes some complicated feelings for him). (There are also demisexual and graysexual people but I'm just going to talk about asexuality here.)

I think a key point to understand is that for an asexual person to have sex, they're just going to have different reasons from an allosexual person. Alastor is never having sex in my radiostatic fics because he thinks Vox is hot and is super attracted to him (unlike Vox, whom I write as allo and who pretty consistently thinks Alastor is hot and wants to fuck him). Instead, some of the reasons he's slept with Vox in my works include: curiosity; societal pressure; nonsexual enjoyment of kink; sexual enjoyment of very specific acts (again, still not the same as "being sexually attracted to Vox"); seeking intimacy; being under the influence; etc.

If you think about it, allosexual people also have sex for reasons outside of sexual attraction. Lesbians may have sex with men out of social pressure or personal exploration; a lot of people have sex just because they're lonely and it's how they find intimacy; you can even imagine the stereotypical frat bro who has sex with a girl because he sees her as a status symbol; etc, etc. Just because someone is ace doesn't mean they can't have sex, it just means that their reason isn't going to be sexual attraction.

[raythekiller]

omggg the masky nsfw alphabet was 😍

how abt eyeless jack nsfw alphabet? maybe? :)

🦇 anon

🗒 ❛ NSFW Alphabet ༉‧₊˚✧

Featuring: Eyeless Jack

#Notes: THERE'S LIKE 4 OTHER PEOPLE ASKING FOR HIS NSFW ALPHABET IN MY INBOX, FINA YALL WILL WRITE IT 😭

pronouns used: none, gn! reader

˗ˏˋ back to navigation ´ˎ˗

A - AFTERCARE 

Will absolutely not let go of you. The whole act is so personal and intimate and important to him he can't help but want to hold you close.

B - BODY PART 

Pretty nonsexual, but your face. He just thinks you look so pretty, even if he can't see properly.

C - CUM 

Major breeding kink, will cum inside of you multiple times in a row until you're filled to the brim.

D - DIRTY SECRET 

He's never had actual sex before, most far he's ever gotten was a blowjob or two.

E - EXPERIENCE 

As mentioned above, not too experienced, but he makes up for it with his eagerness and will to satisfy you.

F - FAVORITE POSITION 

Mating press. He's able to thrust deeper, hold you close and stare at your face all at the same time.

G - GOOFY 

He gets into an animalistic state and is unable to speak, so humor isn't really that present.

H - HAIR 

Clean shaven, makes him feel more hygienic. It's darker than his hair.

I - INTIMACY

Again, unable to speak, but the way he's clinging to you like his life depends on it says it all.

J - JACK OFF

Barely does it at all, unless he's got someone on his mind, then he'll do it a couple times every week.

K - KINK

Here's a full post on his kinks.

L - LOCATION 

Definitely the bedroom, yours or his. Makes it more private and personal.

M - MOTIVATION 

Hates to admit it, but your scent drives him crazy. Even better if you're horny, since he can smell your arousal in the air. It's intoxicating.

N - NO

Either of you being tied up is a hard no. He doesn't like it on himself for obvious reasons (cult sacrifice) and doesn't like it on you cause he's afraid he might lose control and needs you to be able to get away from him if he does.

O - ORAL 

Definitely giving. Those tongues of his work miracles.

P - PACE

Starts off slow and sensual, becomes brutal and animalistic after a while.

Q - QUICKIE

Prefers taking his time with you, so quickies aren't really a thing you do often.

R - RISK 

Pretty vanilla when it comes to this. Doesn't like experimenting or doing anything risky, but might budge if you ask nicely.

S - STAMINA

Just doesn't get tired. Only stops when you beg him to, otherwise he's gonna be breeding you for days.

T - TOYS 

Doesn't own or like to use any. Just doesn't see the point in it.

U - UNFAIR

Ends up accidently teasing you with how much foreplay he does, but it's completely unintentional.

V - VOLUME

Barely moans, only growls and groans. His noises are deep and raspy, unlike his normally calm and gentle speaking voice.

W - WILD CARD 

Sometimes when you're away, he sneaks into your room and jerks himself off on your bed, inhaling your scent off the sheets and pillowcase.

X - X-RAY 

This motherfucker is big, almost 11 inches, although not too thick.

Y - YEARNING

His sex drive isn't normally high, but he has some "heat periods" to deal with where he gets extremely needy.

Z - ZZZ 

Waits for you to fall asleep first, just relishing in the fact that you trust and feel comfortable around him enough to be at your most vulnerable. Will drift off after with a smile on his face.

[kenobihater]

ANYWAYS is it just me or is anyone else sad that you can't comfort astarion in multiple ways in the act 2 confession scene? i want to both hug him AND assure him that sex isn't a necessary part of the relationship. he strikes me as someone who views sex as the ultimate form of intimacy (and violence as well, but that's another post entirely), and judging by his absolute shock at being hugged, he likely can't remember the last time he was touched without either sexual or violent intent. he likely can't remember the last time someone truly cared for him, rather than simply lusting after the persona he puts on. so, to me the hug is vitally important, but so is him not feeling obligated to have sex just to keep someone around!! he absolutely views sex as transactional and needs to rediscover his relationship or lack thereof to it as a concept, and that's important too!!! but you can't pick both, and that makes me feel like shit bc you can't offer him both nonsexual physical intimacy (sorely needed) and verbal reassurance of his innate worth (also sorely needed)!!!

[nanamis-bigtie]

nonsexual acts of intimacy ↬ sharing a bed

❧ fushiguro megumi x gn!reader | cw: aged up character, vague mentions of sex ❧

Fushiguro has been preparing himself for this moment for a whole day, if not straight up from the moment you decided to stay at his place for a weekend, and yet, just a single glance over the situation confronts him with the fact he's not quite ready.

Seeing you in his bed, cozy and reading a book mids his very private territory, clenches his chest in a way weirdly similar to anxiety—but at the same time as far removed from it as possible. He fears to move, to breathe even, and at the same time happiness tears him apart. A smile presses on his face, it's almost painful to force it down, under his indifferent, cool mask. His eyes probably betray him, he feels, and averts them as soon as you catch him staring and give him an encouraging smile of your own.

"Cat got your tongue?" You tease and scoot to the side, his usual side, leaving some place for him and his misery.

"Don't be ridiculous," Fushiguro scoffs and, still keeping eyes as away from you as humanly possible, slowly crawls on the mattress, almost tripping forwards when it dips further than he's expected. Ignoring your chuckle, he quickly slips under the cover, ready and sort of comfortable as soon as you turn the light off.

"Do you want to be a big spoon?" You ask but you're already rolling back to him, so he just mumbles a half-hearted 'whatever is fine' and casually—or he hopes so—throws arm over your middle. He scoots close but doesn't press tight to you, even if his arms are yearning for your presence.

In theory, it's a double bed, but now, in darkness, with your back gently nestled against his chest, it seems tighter than the very first bed, or rather a sofa, you two shared. You weren't even dating back then and maybe that's why it was easier, way easier than now at his place, in cozy darkness, alone and in dull silence mixed with your breaths and the wind howling behind the window. 

Fushiguro already knows the feel of your naked skin against his. He knows the taste of your lips and the touch of your fingers, and the way his name rolls on your tongue when you whisper pleadingly. He knows your weight in his lap and knows your breath tickling the back of his neck. He knows almost everything, but he's somehow missed the simplest and the most important, the most terrifying in its closeness. 

Tsumiki once told him that sleeping together is way more intimate than sex. He rolled his eyes back then, a stupid kid he was. It's embarrassingly late to admit she's been right, but he has to, at least in his thoughts while cursing himself for being so stubborn instead of listening.

"Megumi?" You look for his hand in darkness, intertwine your fingers with his as you cradle it close to your chest. "Why are you so tense? Come here, it's cold…"

He caves, full of reserves at first, but as soon as you press close into him, back flush into his torso, legs sneaking in between his, he melts around you. It's still awkward and pulse thuds dull in his ears, but he finally finds a way to embrace you, face nuzzled into the nape of your neck and eyes closed as he breathes in the most intimate, most loved scent of yours, already mingled with the scent of his bed. As if his bedding already marked you into his possession.

a/n: writing tsunderesque characters is not as easy as it sounds LMAO but intimacy starved megumi is the best megumi 👌

[frillsinadress]

NONSEXUAL ACTS OF INTIMACY - REDSONG

characters : shanks , pearl , uta , marco (mentioned) , a secret mention of a certain tragic oc of mine ;)

warnings : angst - some comfort , the threat of character death , feelings of helplessness.

word count : 0.6k

authors note : another of the prompts done! i wanna try to have two done a day, just so its a lot more manageable! but if more getg one, more get done. this was was championed by @loganwritesprobably - who chose the prompt via random number!

prompt : caring for each other while ill (specify which party is which)

shanks liked to call himself a capable man. anything he wished was at his fingertips. feared as a pirate, there were little problems he had to struggle with. 

maybe thats why he felt so helpless, watching her die. he had managed to stave off death so far, but it was an active threat. in the dim lighting of her room, a corner was ignited purely by the embers of her vivre card. pearl belon was at death's door, fighting a rapid infection and serious fever. at first he tried to be playful, especially when the others had managed to gather in a rare moment. his job was to ensure no one was too miserable before pearl, to ease her mind and let her focus on recovery. but as they all left, burdened by their own responsibilities shanks began to falter.

he carefully dipped the towel into the bucket of ice water, squeezing it tightly in his hand and placing it once again on her forehead. pearl softly whined, leading him to coo at her. 

“sorry beautiful, doctors orders.” he whispered, brushing her hair from her face as she shivered. pearl had always been an indomitable woman, steadfast in front of even the most devious of enemies. it was hard to really imagine this being his beautiful pearl. pale-faced and quaky, she had lost a lot of weight in her illness. all they could do was make her as comfortable as possible as they tracked down marco. the doctor could undoubtedly break the fever, and kill the stupid infection once and for all. if she had still been around then well — ah no matter, no point in thinking of avenues that he wasn't willing to go down. at least not yet. shanks was growing more and more tempted to raise gryphon once more to enact revenge that was well overdue. 

but for now he stood guard at her bedside, tending to her through the night. occasionally she broke through to consciousness, and he quickly moved to soothe her worries, gently convincing her that she was not a burden and that while he admired her devotion to him enough to die, shanks much preferred to have his wife alive. 

the door cracked open, and shanks rose his eyes to face whoever dared to intrude. only for his gaze to soften at the sight of his daughter. 

“how's mom doing?” uta asked softly, clinging to the door as she stared down pearl's slow breathing. no doubt she was overanalyzing everything and making the worst appear in that vivid mind of hers. shanks’ eyes shone in sadness as his hand reached out for her. uta's eyes watered, rushing to grab her father’s hand and collapse at his knee, burrowing her face in his lap as she began to sob. shanks sighed softly and combed his fingers through her split-toned hair. it was hard for anyone to watch their parents suffer, and while they all stayed strong it was impossible to expect perfection.

“do you..do you think she’ll live?” uta said between hiccups, looking at her sickly mother. it was hard to say, and shanks didn't want to completely wave away the possibility that they may be having a funeral rather than a celebration of her recovery. 

“you know pearl, she's a strong woman. a crafty one at that— she will do her best i'm sure of it.” he replied, hushing her cries as she desperately tried to hold back. uta felt a wetness on her head and she looked up to a sight she had never seen before. she rose to hug her father as he tightly held her close, the two continuing in their crying. never had the two dreamed to imagine that pearl would be in such a predicament, and there was feasibly nothing they could do but wait.

 it was so terribly difficult to keep their spirits up, sometimes this was warranted.