#also i sorry i got carried away a little???

[huxhsz]

— weightless paradise

transmigrated non-mc!reader x caleb

prev ch: 12 - aftermath┆series masterlist ┆next ch: 14 - moving

This isn’t how the game was supposed to go. You're not supposed to be here. You're an anomaly. But if you’re already here, then… can’t you just enjoy it for now? Just for a little while? Before the main story begins? Before everything inevitably falls into place? ...Right?

cross-posted on ao3! ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و ♡

CH. 013 — RETURN

The house is warm. Too warm.

The moment you step inside, the smell of old wood and something faintly sweet presses in around you, familiar and grounding. Gran isn’t home—she’d left earlier for the market, which means there’s no one to fuss over you. No one to ask questions.

But you don’t miss the way Caleb’s grip lingers as he sets you down. How he hovers just a second too long, eyes flickering over you like he’s still not convinced you’re real.

You exhale, trying to shake it off. You’re fine.

Eden, of course, has no interest in being normal about it.

“Soooo.” She stretches the word out, eyes glinting. “Are we gonna talk about how Caleb was a second away from carrying you bridal-style?”

Caleb groans, immediately reaching for a pillow from the couch. “I knew it. I knew this was coming.”

Eden gasps, ducking behind you like you’re a shield. “Violence! I’m being threatened in my own home!”

“It’s my house too.”

“Minor details.”

Zayne, who’s been quiet this whole time, finally exhales and rubs his temple. “You’re too loud.”

Eden pokes her tongue out at him. “You love me.”

Zayne, without looking at her, mutters, “Unfortunately.”

Eden grins, victorious.

Meanwhile, you sink further into the couch, heart still not quite settled.

They’re playing it light, letting the weight of what happened fade into teasing and jokes, but the ghost of it still lingers. You catch it in the way Zayne glances at you when he thinks you don’t notice. The way Eden keeps shifting closer, as if reassuring herself you’re still here. The way Caleb—

You stop.

No, actually. You don’t even know what to call the way Caleb is acting. He’s too there, too watchful. Like he’s waiting for you to fall apart.

You aren’t going to.

(You don’t think you are.)

You shift uncomfortably, feeling the weight of everyone’s attention. “I’m fine, by the way.”

Eden scoffs. “You almost got eaten.”

Caleb stiffens. Zayne’s jaw tenses.

You wince.

Eden blinks, then groans dramatically. “Sorry! That was insensitive—” She moves to grab your hands, eyes wide and apologetic. “You know I care about you, right?”

The words sting in a way you weren’t prepared for.

You do know. Of course, you do. You just—

You just aren’t used to being taken care of.

You’ve always been the responsible one—the one keeping Eden out of trouble, the one smoothing things over when Caleb and Zayne fight, the one who doesn’t need help.

But tonight, they aren’t letting you be that person.

And it feels... strange.

“I know.” You squeeze her hands once before gently pulling away. “And I really am fine.”

Eden pouts but doesn’t argue.

Caleb, though. Caleb hums in that way that means he doesn’t believe you.

You glare at him.

He smiles way too innocently before turning to Eden. “And you—where are you getting these dumb ideas, anyway?”

Eden gasps. “They’re not dumb! They’re true! I mean, look at you and—”

She cuts herself off.

The room goes still.

Your heart trips over itself.

Caleb’s smile drops.

Eden’s eyes widen.

Oh.

Zayne, sensing danger, sighs. “You should probably stop talking.”

Eden nods very fast. “Yup. Good idea.”

Caleb squints. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”

You exhale. Crisis averted.

For now.

—

Later, when Zayne has to leave, Eden clings to him like an octopus.

“You should stay.”

Zayne raises a brow. “I don’t live here.”

Eden huffs. “But you could.”

He gives her a long look before sighing and nudging her forehead with his fingers. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Eden brightens immediately.

You watch them with an odd feeling curling in your chest—something warm, but also... strange. Like an old ache.

When the door closes behind him, Eden turns to you with a mischievous glint in her eye.

“Soooo... you and Caleb.”

Caleb groans.

Eden grins. “I’m just saying! He carried you! There was tension!”

You roll your eyes, but your face feels hot.

Caleb throws another pillow at her.

[tsukisangel]

beach trip with bokuto *ੈ𑁍༘⋆

characters ꕤ bokuto koutarou, and you!

cw/tags ꕤ fem reader, super duper fluffy, i love bokuto

wc ꕤ 824

“you have everything?” you asked, looking at bokuto. he grinned at you, nodding. then you put a hand on your hips, raising a brow at him.

“what?” he asked, furrowing his brows. “we have the towels, a change of clothes, uh, that giant umbrella thing, sunscreen, we made sure you brought your books, the volleyball, snacks-” he gasped. “the first aid kit!” he dropped both bags he was holding and ran into your shared bedroom.

you gasped. “kou!” you exclaimed, making sure the stuff in the bags was alright. you sighed, picking up one of the bags as bokuto walked out. he put the first aid kit in the other bag, holding it in his arms.

“okay. now we should have everything.” he said, walking closer to you with a grin. “let's go.” he pressed a kiss to your lips.

you smiled, letting him open the door for you and walking out. the both of you made your way to the car, dropping everything off in the trunk. bokuto held the passenger door open for you, and then got into his side. you sighed happily. “i’m excited. we finally have proper beach weather!” you grinned at him.

he started driving, but he was nodding as you spoke. “me too.” he grinned. “and i love volleyball, but i’m so glad we get this week off.” he looked over at you on a red light. “i’ve missed you.” he kissed your cheek. you smiled, holding your hand out for his free one, which he gladly took. “you know, shoyo wants us all to come to the beach for some beach volleyball!” he grinned, telling you all about his plans as the two of you made your way to the beach. you just listened, as you always did, cutting in every now and then. he loved when you let him talk and talk. nobody usually did. akaashi was one of the few who was also patient with him, but every so often akaashi joked with you about how he was glad that he didn't have to listen to bokuto’s ramblings as often. of course, bokuto would always whine about it.

you grinned wide as bokuto parked, rushing out of the car before he could even open the door for you. “we’re here!” you exclaimed to him. he chuckled, opening the trunk for you both to grab your things. “hurry up!” you exclaimed, rushing over to the beach with him. the both of you ran over, making it a race. sort of. bokuto, as a professional athlete, had to take it a little easy on you. even then he won sometimes. you didn't mind though. you were just having fun with him.

you gasped when he picked you up, running to an empty spot. “i win.” he grinned.

you scoffed. “that’s cheating!” you exclaimed. he kissed your head, setting you down.

“not in my rule book.”

“your rule book stinks.” you shook your head, setting down the bag. both of you set up the beach towel and umbrella, and then you were ready to lounge peacefully.

or, maybe not?

bokuto lifted you up, making you squeal and kick your feet as he threw you over his shoulder. “let's go!” he exclaimed.

“where?!”

“swimming!” you heard his grin.

“i wanted to read before we swam!”

he stopped running, setting you down. “aw, i’m sorry, princess.” he furrowed his brows with a frown, eyes all sympathetic. you could see through it though (he wasn't a very good actor), so you quickly ran away from him. “hey!” he laughed, chasing after you.

“don't try to trick me!” you called to him. “we’ve been together three years!” he laughed, but for some reason it sounded pretty close. when you looked back, you yelled, seeing him getting closer and closer. “that's not fair!” you exclaimed as he grabbed your waist and princess carried you over to the water. you huffed at him.

“what?” he chuckled. “really thought you’d win?” he teased, walking into the water still holding you. you held onto him, your arms around his neck. he grinned. “i’m not mean enough to drop you in!” he exclaimed. he was definitely happy you were holding onto him though. he always was. it was such an ego boost for him that you felt safe in his arms. he told you too. he always told you how proud he was that you loved him, and that you let him into your life. he told you nothing could give him more of an ego boost than that.

you felt the water slightly moving around you as he went deeper, and he set you down onto your feet. it went right under your chest. you still held onto his neck, so you used it to lift yourself up to kiss his cheek.

his grin somehow grew. “what was that for?” he asked.

“love you.” you smiled.

his cheeks went pink. “i love you too.” he kissed your head.

a/n ⋆ i heart him <3 may write another ver of this with tsuki 🤭

m. list

previous work (falling for her - link goes to masterlist) | next work

requests are open !

[mochinomnoms]

Aww the little domestic post reminds me of how my dad behaved when I was born! He almost got in a fight with the nurses because he didn't want to let go

I can see either or both of the tweels wanting to not full on bite yk but just lightly a little nibble on those cute baby cheeks!

So you take the kid away because it was already crying and give him a teether

I feel like Jade would do well with those baby chest attachment things, but Floyd would prefer to have the baby either on his shoulders or in his arms (that thing makes him feel restricted)

Also, making food look cuter so that the kid eats (again based on how my brother didn't want to eat lettuce and my dad cutted it up and arranged it so that it looks like a dinosaur)

Speaking of dinosaurs, I feel like this leech kid fully believes his dad/s are dinosaurs and tells their whole classroom about it

Feel like baby Azul needed something similar to a walker, but instead it has so many holes in the bottom that it looks like a draining kitchen utensil

And if poly, how does it work when the kid is tasked to make arts and crafts for Father's Day?? Would they be allowed to make multiple

Floyd would like unintentionally use some of the baby's toys he's thinking "damn this little shaker thing is fun.. man my baby is lucky I had to play with a seashell"

-Vaquita (always down for domestic stuff)

UUUUGH SO CUTE!!! There's so much potential to write shenanigans and silly things with this!

Jade with a baby carrier is a cute image, but I can see Floyd being that one image with I think Chris Hemsworth where he's carrying his toddler by their ankle upside down. It fits, sorry I don't make the rules.

I think that most schools would allow a kid to make multiple arts and crafts for their parents since they could have stepparents as well, so I don't see why not for a poly family!

Floyd would be real though, I've had to play with my younger siblings and idk those toys are kinda fun actually...

[yokumirumerafan]

HIII‼️I drew you as a gift, hope you like it and I really really LOVE your account, and if you still take request then I have a request! So Y/N and the KNY characters are just walking around the festival market, Y/N is holding a box of their own favorite foods(Like dumplings or mochi or others) when suddenly two people accidentally bumped into Y/N, making the box falls on got stepped on by a lot of people, the two people didn't even apologize to Y/N and escaped,The KNY characters saw that.(can you add Himejima Gyomei,Haganezuka Hotaru, and Rengoku Kyojuro to this one :3?) ALSO HAVE A GOOD DAY AND TAKE CARE 💛

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH THIS IS THE CUTEST THING I'VE EVER BEEN DONE TO!! TYSM!! IT'S GONNA BE MY NEW PFP!!!!!!!

Thanks so much for request I always do them <33

Demon Slayer Characters Reacting to Y/N’s Food Being Ruined at a Festival

Scenario: Y/N and the Demon Slayer characters are enjoying a festival, Y/N happily carrying a box of their favorite food. Suddenly, two careless people bump into Y/N, causing the box to fall and get stepped on by the crowd. The culprits don’t even apologize and quickly disappear. The characters witness the whole thing—how do they react?

Characters Included:

Hashira: Gyomei Himejima, Hotaru Haganezuka, Kyojuro Rengoku

Main Trio + Genya

🔥 Kyojuro Rengoku

Immediate concerned but fiery reaction: “Unforgivable! That was your food, and they didn’t even apologize!”

Tries to comfort you right away, giving you one of his own snacks without hesitation.

Might even track down the culprits to demand they apologize (politely, but intensely).

Buys you twice as much food as you originally had to make up for it.

🗿 Gyomei Himejima

Tears up. Literally.

Deeply moved by your loss, hands clasped together in sorrow.

“Such carelessness… It pains me to see your joy taken away.”

Buys you a replacement meal, probably even offering to carry it for you so it won’t happen again.

⚒️ Hotaru Haganezuka

Angry on your behalf. “What kind of imbeciles don’t watch where they’re going?!”

You have to stop him from chasing them down because he will definitely cause a scene.

Grumbles the whole time but aggressively buys you another serving.

“If anyone dares to ruin this one, I’ll break their swords!” (Even if they don’t have swords.)

🍡 Tanjiro Kamado

Super sweet and understanding. “That was really unfair… I’m so sorry that happened.”

Helps you clean up any mess and immediately offers his own food.

If you’re upset, soothing head pats incoming.

He won’t chase down the culprits, but he will give them a disappointed stare if he ever sees them again.

⚡ Zenitsu Agatsuma

Outraged but also dramatic. “How dare they ruin something so precious? YOUR FOOD?!”

If you look sad, he acts like you’ve been gravely wounded.

“Don’t worry, Y/N-chan! I will avenge your mochi!!” Immediately buys you more.

Might cry a little… more than you.

🐗 Inosuke Hashibira

“HAAAAH?! WHO DID IT?!”

Immediately on all fours sniffing the air to track them down.

Wants to body slam them into the ground, but if you tell him not to, he’ll begrudgingly listen.

Instead, he forces you to take half of his food, even if you protest.

🔫 Genya Shinazugawa

Scowls at the situation. “Tch. Bastards.”

Not the best with comforting words, but he will silently hand you his own food as a replacement.

If you’re really upset, he will try (awkwardly) to cheer you up.

Might even hunt them down later and scare them into an apology.

[windmaedchen-oceanhorn]

Unexpected Bond

A little something inspired by a response from @magister-cyran .

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Yolena absentmindedly played some notes on the piano. She had some free time, between lessons and duties, and she decided to remain seated at the instrument to allow her mind to go free and travel the world. She did not notice at first that someone had stopped by to observe and listen to her little melodies. When she finally noted his presence, she stopped for a moment.

"Magister Cyran! I didn't hear you."

He smiled gently, as he usually did. Yolena didn't know him any other way.

"I was enchanted by your tunes, your Highness. You have a remarkable talent for compositions."

She gleamed at him. "Thank you. Hey, come, sit down. You can play the piano, too, right? Let's go on a journey together."

She moved to the right side to make some space for the Court Mage. He hesitated for a moment, but then elegantly sat down next to her. As Yolena continued her little tune the mage tried to embellish it with some carefully chosen chords.

His attempts were not always successful but Yolena bravely kept playing for a little bit.  She did ponder for a split second how to tell her tutor that his playing didn't match the grace of his appearance, but then she got carried away but her youthful nature and just spoke freely.

"Well, it's okay I guess, but I think I expected more from such a distinguished old man as you..."

Cyran immediately stiffened his pose.

"Manners, your Highness. This is not how you should express your opinion, which should remain humble at all times." 

Oops. Maybe she should have not mentioned his age. But he himself has told her as much and given he was of noble birth... but maybe music wasn't his calling. Best to apologize. 

"Okay. I am sorry. I have an idea: let's practice more together. You came to listen to me, right? If you play as beautifully as you look maybe a lady just as nice will come and--"

"MANNERS." 

Yolena shrunk a little next to him. He could be so unforgiving. Behaviour was everything he thought about - other than her magical training, which was barely more than rudimentary. But he was also really kind and sometimes even more understanding than anyone else for her little troubles. She didn't think about her words at all, and she felt sorry for making him upset. She sighed and played a few single notes while speaking quietly.

"Aww. You know, I think you are a really cool teacher and an awesome mage. And you are so wise and gentle and handsome, too. But kinda alone. So sometimes I wish you could be a little less... strict. Then I think you could be really fun, too." 

Yolena kept pressing down on a few more keys, waiting for Cyran to react. After a moment, he hummed gently and bowed in his seated position.

"You have my sincerest thanks, your Highness."

Yolena sighed again. As formal as ever. But at least, he seemed to have accepted her apology. She took a deep breath. She was about to ask him for a second round but when she saw his broad smile, she hesitated enough for him to take the word.

"Well, your Highness, shall we... "rock the house" ?" 

Yolena snorted loudly. Then she burst out laughing. Where on earth did he pick that expression up? She could not believe her ears and being utterly unable to focus on the piano, she wiggled back and forth trying to not attract too much attention from staff with her unrestrained laughter. When she heard a hearty chuckle right next to her, her chest exploded with joy. What a wonderful sound and she wished with her all might to hear it more often. She knew she probably wasn't so lucky anytime soon, so when the Court Mage began to play his chords, she eagerly joined to add her melodies.

And so they sat for a while, sending their notes on journeys across countries and seas, into the mountains and the air, bridging all gaps. And for a moment, even that between the innocence of a delicate flower and the corruption of an old, black snake.

[kokoasci]

shoutout to the sigma enjoyers (its me i am sigma enjoyers)

[once-in-a-blood-moon]

solomon couldn't stand your pact marks.

well, no, that wasn't the right way to put it. he was proud, even jealous of your pacts. they were one of the many admirable things about you! he just hated... looking at them. he knew what other people thought when they saw them.

when one would see those marks on your skin for the first time, they would be able to get a glimpse at your relationship with the brothers. one of trust and respect, gathered from just a glance. meanwhile, one would have to be told about his and your relationship. one look at you couldn't decipher all the time you two have shared together, filled with chatting between classes, practicing magic for hours, and endless love.

at first, solomon tried to mitigate this with his own marks upon your skin. wearing lipstick as he placed a kiss on your neck, a few stray bite marks from your time together at night. but those, while fun, were temporary. and solomon needed something permanent.

why not a ring?

(Hope you don't mind me adding on, anon. Thank you for the delicious meal! Literally so honored to read your beautiful work! 🥹)

Getting the ring was the easy part. Getting you away from the brothers long enough to propose...was not.

The lengths Solomon went through to be able to have a private moment with you might put him in a record book as the three realms' most whipped man. With the mask of his "shady" persona secured, he lets his silver tongue weave him through these seven obstacles, the sin of each dripping from it with only you on his mind.

Swallowing his pride, breathing in greed, spitting out envy...his wrath, lust, gluttony, and sloth. A vicious rinse, repeat until he's either buttered them up or grated them down until they finally gave in. But he did it. With the day cleared of any interruptions, his plans were set in motion.

He decides to have a redo of your very first date, flying you up and walking in the sky amongst the stars. It's just the two of you against the ever inky black sky of the Devildom, a place that has become synonymous with your presence. Only this time, there are no surprise gales, no surprise drones -- just the surprise of a velvet heart-shaped box in the inside pocket of his coat.

Solomon brings up fond memories of your time together as you both near the spot he's picked to pop the question. He's filled with a giddy glee that soon you'll have something that binds you to him, something to show the world you're his.

Still, there's a little voice in the back of his head reminding him that you could say no. That perhaps he's not worthy. Does he deserve to have matching rings adorned on his and your fingers forevermore? Does he dare stand by your side as your equal when you are, in fact, so far above him?

He decides it's best not to dwell on such thoughts as this is meant to be a happy occasion, as long as all goes well.

Your feet touch the ground once he lowers you both on top of a cliff that overlooks the Devildom, the moon hanging brightly above. As you take in the magnificent sight, he lowers himself on one knee behind you, waiting with bated breath for you to turn on your own volition.

The moment you do, he knows he'll have to keep this memory stored away with his magic, just staring in awe. The moon is angled just right that it shines right behind your head like a halo. Your eyes are as wide as saucers while your jaw is slacked. With the way you look, he truly wonders if he's in the Celestial Realm.

Nervously, Solomon begins his improvised speech after clearing his throat, "my dearest apprentice, it is with great honor that I'm knelt before you tonight. I have dreamt of this moment more than I'd care to admit, yet I never thought it'd come true. But here I am, willing to give you all of me, if you're willing to give me all of you. You are the sun to my moon, the air in my lungs, the very reason why I believe I've lived so long. I was always meant to find you and work side by side to protect the human realm together. And most importantly, to love you. So, please do this old sorcerer a favor...by marrying me..."

He pulls out the ring box, opening it to offer you the ring within. The blessed box is shaking as he trembles, waiting patiently for your answer.

Happy tears spring from his eyes once you say, "yes." The ring is carefully slipped onto your finger, and a single word comes to Solomon's mind.

Mine.

[shakingparadigm]

what is the theory that ivan manipulated the event where till and mizi met the wagyein?

It's not a theory, actually! It's confirmed that Ivan orchestrated the whole event. The true reason as to why however is still unknown. The information provides more context to this scene, though:

During the earlier times of ALNST the most rational explanation for this scene was that Till ran after a flower crown (presumably Mizi's) and Ivan followed him in out of curiosity. Now we know that Ivan was conveniently just standing there because he was waiting.

Side note, I find it heartbreaking (and maybe a little funny, sorry) that Till most likely didn't notice Ivan in this scene. That's just like him, isn't it. Always too busy running after Mizi while Ivan trails behind, an ever-present shadow.

I'm not sure how Ivan manipulated the circumstances for both of them to end up there, but it is confirmed that everything was intentional. What strikes me most is how they describe this particular scene:

I can't copy down what they said word-for-word (Patreon info), but they described Ivan watching "creepily" as Till and Mizi are faced with danger. We know that Ivan was familiar with the Cerberus wagyein beforehand, enough to touch its teeth and even to rest himself inside its maw. To Ivan, the wagyein is not dangerous, but to Till and Mizi, it could be. Ivan prepared the wagyein, led them there, and watched "creepily" from afar as Till fell on his knees, seemingly injured.

The closest I can get to making sense of Ivan's "scheme" is that he wanted to see how other children would react in a dangerous situation. Ivan's always been an observer, after all, and he's learned to survive by copying the more "normal" behaviors of his peers. This situation occured when Ivan was still young and had not yet developed his more charming mask, so perhaps he staged this encounter to study a situational response, to learn and mimic the emotion of fear. And what better subjects for the experiment than two of the most expressive and reactive humans of their batch? It helps that he was already fixated on Till beforehand, too. I think Ivan became irreversibly obssessed after this incident, especially since it's framed as a turning point in Ivan's life, comparing Till to the stars.

This is just my attempt at an interpretation, though. It could very well be for another reason. He most likely chose Till and Mizi specifically for personal reasons, not just for reaction. I'm still not sure on the purpose behind the whole thing.

The team wanted to capture Ivan's "dark emotions" through the shot of his stalking, which could relate to his more sinister intentions. His gaze can be read in a few different ways, though. Curiosity, interest, fear, etc. Maybe that's why they decided to redraw the shot in ROUND 6.

I think this better sells the feeling they were trying to convey.

[jessieren]

So I may have got a bit over zealous with making gifs from the start of Coda... Set 2 below

Bonus time check gif for @too-antigonish and 'illegal' newspaper gifs for @fanficrocks

[asmidge]

Todd Ingram in Scott Pilgrim Takes Off!

[buwheal]

I wanna give him a blanket. Can it maybe just materialize outta nowhere?

(I know fabric wrinkles suck to draw. You don't gotta 😵)

[skyafied]

if you are still taking requests, could you draw heavy surrounded birds like a disney princes and medic looking lovingly from the distance

Hey anon how does it feel to have an absolutely massive brain, like just ginormous

[imnotverybright]

you have an OC who gets sacrificed? please elaborate

hiiii she's named Grace and she was born and raised in a dying christian cult, which she very much believes in. her #1 goal in life is to be the best cultist and go to heaven. she was born knowing she's god's favorite.

anyways, when she's ~15, all of the adults in her church realize that the cult is dying and that *shocker* a bunch of the younger members are fucking off and cutting contact. they try everything but ultimately nothing really works. they decide that all of their young folks leaving is a sign from god that they haven't given enough to him, so he's taking them away as punishment. as a final hail mary, they decide to give god one of their own as repentance. so, they pick the best and brightest of the bunch. the most devout and christlike. hopefully, if they give a little Grace, they'll get a little grace.

Grace thinks this is a huge honor. she's scared, but even the son of god was scared to die on the cross. it's her duty, to her people, to her family, and to god. so, one morning, her parents walk her to church, all dressed in white like she's about to be married or baptized. and everybody in town gathers to watch.

they plan to leave her for three days and three nights, like jesus. on the morning of the fourth day, they go to remove her body. instead of a corpse, they find Grace, alive again.

[lapdogchase]

earlier today i got curious if there were any irl groups for aromantics in my area (answer was no) so i googled it and the first result was a list of 37 groups on meetup.com tagged "aromantic". a lot of the titles didn't mention aromantics at all and only mentioned asexuals so i decided to count up which groups were actually for aromantics. i also decided to look at the locations of the meetings, because almost all of them were in the US.

under the cut because this post is really long! (post archive link)

Out of 37 meetup group names:

17 names mentioned aces but not aros

11 names mentioned aces and aros

2 names used the term aspec (one used the terms aro and ace as well, I counted it twice)

0 groups were primarily/only for aromantics

6 were non-aspec-specific LGBTQ meetup groups

2 didn't mention queerness in the group name at all (one is a volunteer group that's mostly queer, the other was a childfree support group that's explicitly queer-friendly, including aspecs)

(ID: a pie chart with 4 slices showing the above data, minus the ones that used the term aspec. the smallest pie slice is 5% and is for entries that were not queer specific, next is 16% and is for ones that aren't aspec specific, next is 32% for the ones that mentioned both aros and aces, and the largest slice is 46% and is for entries whose titles mentioned aces but not aros. a fifth color in the key, blue, represents groups that were primarily for aros, but there is no blue in the pie chart. end ID)

So I got curious as to whether aros were even included as an afterthought in these groups. as anyone with a normal amount of time on their hands would, I read through all 37 descriptions.

Out of 37 meetup group descriptions:

none were exclusively for aromantics

20 mentioned both aromantics and asexuals

14 only mentioned asexuals

3 didn't mention aros or aces (these were all wider LGBTQ meetup groups)

(ID: a pie chart with three sections showing the above data. 8% didn't mention aces or aros, 38% were ace-inclusive but didn't mention aros, 54% were ace- and aro- inclusive, and 0% were aro-specific. end ID)

Comparing the titles to the descriptions:

6 didn't mention aros in the title, but did in the descriptions

3 didn't mention aspecs in the title, but did in the description

1 mentioned aros in the title, but not the description

3 of the 37 groups mentioned alloaros

2 explicitly said aros are under the ace spectrum (which is not true)

Notes about the descriptions:

One group said they were “aromantic-friendly,” but their description said it was for "asexuals, demisexuals, and grey-asexuals". I counted it as not mentioning aromantics because aromantics were not explicitly invited.

One group said they were for “asexuals and aromantics,” but that it was a “safe space to discuss asexuality” and didn’t mention aromantics again. I counted this as the title mentioning aromantics but the description not mentioning us, because again, we weren't explicitly invited.

One group counted intersex as an asexual identity. I don't even know what to say about that except that it's just... wrong. And shows the leaders know nothing about asexuality. I am so exhausted. The same group said aromantic is under the asexual spectrum.

One group used the term “Aspec” but didn’t clarify who that included. I’m assuming they meant aces and aros and counted it as such.

Locations:

29 of the 37 groups were in the US.

2 were in Australia and 3 were in Canada

The other 3 were in India, Singapore, and Germany, respectively.

here's the map i'm using to define the regions, i did not make it so if u disagree take it up with the bureau of economic analysis, not me

(ID: the US Bureau of Economic Analysis regional map, which divides the country into 8 regions: New England, the Mideast, the great lakes, the plains, the southeast, the southwest, the rocky mountains, and the far west. end ID)

amount of groups in each US region:

New england: 2

Mideast: 5

Southeast: 6

Great lakes: 0

Plains: 2

Rocky mountain: 2

Southwest: 2

Far west: 10

groups in non-US locations:

Canadian locations: Victoria BC, Vancouver BC, Hamilton ON

Australia locations: Melbourne, Sydney

India location: Kolkata

Germany location: Kassel

Singapore location: Singapore

(ID: two maps, showing the same points in various different colors. one is zoomed in on the US and a small fraction of canada's southern border, and the other shows the world map. the groups in the US and Canada are almost entirely clustered along the east and west coasts. there are two in australia, one in singapore, one in india, and one in germany. end ID)

i've made a map (link) of all the meetup entries and their locations, color-coded by how aro-friendly they appear. green means aros were explicitly invited in the title and the description, blue means aros were mentioned in one but not both, and grey means only aces were mentioned. pink are for general queer meetups, yellow is for not specifically queer but queer-friendly events, and red is for entries that conflated aromanticism and asexuality.

a quick search for different aro irl groups didn't bring up much more but it did bring up aromanticism.org (run by AUREA, the aromantic-spectrum union for recognition, education, and advocacy), which has a list of aro-specific groups, and aspec groups in general. there are 36 aspec groups, of which 3 have been confirmed to be explicitly aro-friendly. there are two aro-specific groups. it also brought up acesandaros.org, which has a list of 106 groups. around 34 have the word "aro" in the title. i'm running out of energy so i'm not going to go through them all but i'd bet the statistics would shake out similarly to meetup.com.

and to be clear: it's not bad that there are more ace-focused or ace-exclusive groups. and i don't think this is the fault of ace people, more the lack of visibility and education about aros. what's bad isn't that there are ace groups, it's that these groups are in the aro tag, while not being aro-focused or sometimes even aro-friendly, while we have no groups at all focused only on us in our own tag. and to be clear: it's not really about the tags, it's about aromantics not having our own spaces. i'm tired of aromantics being ignored and pushed aside in aspec spaces and the wider queer community. i'm tired of alloaros being ignored and pushed aside in aro spaces, in aspec spaces, and in the wider queer community. these are all places we should be able to feel comfortable in. they're places we belong in, and we should be able to feel like we belong.

i don't know. i wouldn't have been able to go anyway, even if there was something in my area, i can't drive and have no one to go with. but it would've been nice if i'd had the option. it'd be nice for anyone to have the option.

[sn0wbat]

strange dreams that make you go hmm.

[justaz]

im TIRED of reading fics with period typical homophobia 😭😭 i caint do it 😭😭😭 just let them be gay in peace 😭