#but i mean it's because it never happens and because of heteronormativity that it's surprising

[tossawary]

So, I don't really like the characterizations in this "Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire" novel. They're serviceable for the most part? They're mostly fine. There hasn't been a "yeah!!! THAT'S the character I know and love!!!" moment so far for me, but there have been a few "ohhh nooo, HARD disagree on this characterization choice" moments. This following passage from Leia's POV is one of the paragraphs that wrinkled my nose the most with its baseline heteronormativity / amatonormativity / sexism:

(CONTEXT: Leia and Luke are on the Falcon with Lando, Chewie, R2-D2, and C-3PO, on their way to try and get Han back from Boba Fett, who has not yet delivered Han to Jabba the Hutt. Luke and Leia had actually separated after the events of Ep5, briefly, so that Leia could try to track Boba Fett and Luke could build himself a new lightsaber, but they have met up again for this mission.)

"She turned and watched Luke as he cleared the micrometeor dust from Artoo. Luke wanted to rescue Han as much as she did. Which was interesting, given that she'd felt the competition from them for her attention. A lesser man than Luke might take advantage of a rival's absence, but so far he had not. That was the thing about Luke. He wanted to win, but he wanted to win fairly." (pg55)

I don't like this. At all.

Where to start? I resent the fact that this is a thought being put into Leia's head as a character. A lot of Leia's thoughts in this novel are too focused on weighing the men around her as romantic partners for my taste, though this is partially because the book keeps having them hit on her. Like, yeah, she's thinking about Han all the time because she loves him and they're trying to rescue him from Boba Fett, but I feel the text could be flavored more with her also occasionally thinking about the loss of Alderaan or her career in the Imperial Senate or her work for the Rebellion, anything to remind us that Leia as a female character has a lot more going on in her life and past besides her male love interest(s).

"Luke wanted to rescue Han as much as she did. Which was interesting, given that she'd felt the competition from them for her attention."

Leia thinking it's "interesting" that Luke wants to rescue Han is a weird fucking choice. Luke and Han have been friends for a couple years at this point, working in the Rebellion together. They're FRIENDS. In the films, Han saves Luke's life once during the Death Star run in "A New Hope" and then again on Hoth in "Empire Strikes Back", so Luke also owes Han a couple life debts. Han was also only targeted and captured by Darth Vader because Vader was after Luke, so Luke is likely to feel partially responsible for Han's capture and wants to fix it. Of course he wants to rescue Han.

"A lesser man than Luke might take advantage of a rival's absence, but so far he had not."

Like, I understand that this is Leia thinking that Luke is DIFFERENT compared to other guys; this passage isn't suggesting that Luke Skywalker would ever leave a friend behind due to something as selfish romantic jealousy. Leia is thinking poorly of OTHER MEN not known to us, sure. But the fact that this is Leia's POV means that it's LEIA noticing again RIGHT NOW, years into their friendship, that Luke is a Nice Guy, and it just contributes to the problematic pattern of having Leia always weighing the men around her romantically. The particular timing of this passage makes it feel like Leia IS a little surprised here and now that Luke would weigh friendship over trying to "win" her attention away from a "rival", and that's a shitty thing to have Leia think at all about Luke and the other men in her life.

Leia's surprise implies to me that, while Luke was getting his robotic hand, they never had a normal fucking conversation about what had happened to Han and what they wanted to do about it. Like, framing him as a "competitor" suggests to me that she doesn't know Luke fairly well by now? Luke and Leia are ALSO FRIENDS, in my mind, but the poisonous "men and women can't ever be friends" mindset is insidious. If I was writing fanfiction here, the recovery post-Ep5 would be the perfect point to have a scene of Luke and Leia grieving together, even if they don't actually talk about it, so it's weird to me that that didn't apparently happen. Like, sure, maybe neither of them had a full emotional breakdown and talked about all of their feelings for hours, fine, they don't know they're siblings yet and their feelings for each other are weird, but I don't think it's OOC for Luke to have said something like, "This is my fault. Han saved my life and I owe him. Leia, we'll get our friend back, I promise."

Like, damn, just let them be friends. Friends who have confusing Force feelings about each other sometimes, sure, but still friends first and foremost rather than "woman" and "suitor". The way that Luke and Leia act in "Return of the Jedi" always suggested to me that Leia had flat-out told Luke by then that she's in love with Han and Luke was cool with it; honesty cutting through any more potential love triangle nonsense. There's no "competition" anymore!

"That was the thing about Luke. He wanted to win, but he wanted to win fairly."

Again, I DO NOT like Leia framing herself as something to be "won" at all. Gross. This is just... a weird thing for anyone to think to me, especially Leia, who has a thousand other things to think about in the fight against the Empire besides love. If Leia didn't come up with this thought on her own, then someone else must have said it or something like it, and I really don't like the idea that it might have been Luke, who ALSO has a thousand other things to think about in the fight against the Empire. I don't like this characterization.

Of course, this is one small passage, not written with bad intentions, and I can admit that I am not reading it with generosity. But the way Leia's POV scenes up until this point have largely prioritized potential romantic connections as the central thing she's thinking about has been really annoying, and this passage is where that pattern gets concentrated into something even more direct, so it annoys me even more than it might have on its own. I do kind of enjoy that most SW relationships are a hot, confusing, poorly defined mess on a good day; their lives suck a lot of the time. I do not need the story to be purely about THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP where no one is motivated by romantic love.

But I do wish I could ban anyone writing Leia's POV from ever having her think about the men around her as "rivals" for her attention. No. Bad. There's a fucking war on. Her parents are dead and planet is gone. Give her A SECOND THING to think about besides love, please, since apparently it's too much to ask SW that Leia (or Padmé after her) is regularly given another female character to talk to.

[flatassthrowaway]

Passionately and Deeply

Thank you to everyone for the support! I'm so glad that everyone has been enjoying the story thus far.

Unfortunately, this chapter may not sit well with some readers. Obviously, reader discretion is advised, and I will put the content warnings below.

CW: Subtle homophobia, heteronormativity enforcement (from a parental figure), feelings of inadequacy

If you're still here, enjoy! Let me know what you think as usual.

New here? Read the prologue.

~Chapter Four, Childfree Edition~

“C’mon! The original gummy koalas are the best! I mean, I like the sour version, but nothing beats the original!” Mabel exclaimed.

Today was the day before my birthday, and Mabel decided to get to know me further. I’m kind of glad she was kind enough to not interrogate me, but get to know me in her own way. We’ve been talking for quite a while. I came over in the late afternoon, and it’s nearly ten at night!

“Okay, okay! What about the pride gummies? You have to have tried the pride gummies!” Mabel said.

I shook my head. “I don’t even know what those are, hon.”

“So, you know what the LGBTQ+ community is, right?”

I nodded. “Of course.”

“Soooo it’s pride gummies that are made of the flags based on sexual or romantic orientation, or even gender! You should try them…” Mabel said, her usual vibrance toned down.

What happened? She was in a good mood.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

She shrugged. “Oh… nothing,” she said.

“You were all smiles and cheers until you spoke about queer pride,” I pointed out. “If you’re comfortable, do you mind telling me?”

Mabel sighed. “I just…”

“Yes…?” I said, beckoning her to continue.

“Talking about the pride gummies reminded me that my dad doesn’t like the fact that I like girls,” Mabel said.

My eyes widened slightly in realization. “Oh, so you’re a lesbian?” I asked.

Mabel shook her head. “No, I’m bisexual. It’s just… he thinks it’s just a phase, but I know in my heart that this is for life,” she revealed.

Goodness… I never would have thought something so heavy would be weighing on her shoulders. Especially with how she presents to the outside world.

I guess it just goes to show how little you really know about someone’s life from their demeanor.

“I haven’t known you very long, Mabel, but I can already tell from the six days that I have known you that you’re a vibrant, kind young lady,” I told her. “You’re so kind that you gave me a chance, even when your Great Uncle Stan and Dipper wouldn’t. And I understand that you’re at the age where you still want approval from your parents, whether you want to admit it or not.”

Mabel chuckled at that part.

“But what really matters is what you think. Not what your parents think. Not what your great uncles think, or what I think. Not even what your brother thinks. It’s ultimately your life, hon. You decide what you want. And if people don’t want to fall in line because of that, they can go piss off for all you care.”

I got her to giggle at least.

“You’re right. I just… I wish he would approve of me. All of me, I mean,” she said.

I smiled. “I know what you mean, hon,” I told her. “If you really want to, sit him down, and tell him your feelings. Perhaps ask him why he feels that way, too. By communicating, there should be a good way for a resolution to come about.”

Mabel nodded before yawning. “That sounds like a good idea…” she said before resting her head on my lap.

Ordinarily, I would be surprised, but it’s Mabel.

On instinct, I started rubbing her scalp with the tips of my fingers. “You deserve all the love you want, Mabel,” I told her. “Never think that you deserve any less than that.”

“Thanks…” she said my name. “I feel like I’m back home with my mom…”

I’m not sure if that should be taken as a compliment or an insult.

“I’m not your mom, hon,” I told her “But I appreciate your compliment.”

Mabel’s eyes closed, and she started to softly snore on my lap.

I gingerly maneuvered her underneath the covers, and Waddles joined her on the bed, snuggling by her feet and began to snooze himself.

I smiled at the scene, and nearly made my way downstairs. When I opened the door to go down, Ford was at the doorway, and I almost ran into his chest.

Speaking of Ford, since that sensual moment happened six days ago… that burning in the pit of my stomach got even worse. It’s like I can’t even function without thinking of him at least one time per hour per day.

The work that I’ve been doing suddenly got boring, even though I enjoy it. I lie awake at night, wondering what it would be like for him to caress my waist, my breasts, or my ass… among other places.

I haven’t been sleeping well because of it. I don’t remember my libido having this profound of an effect on me whenever it was active.

Hearing his voice makes it worse, too. It’s not that I hate his voice, it’s far from that. I absolutely adore his voice.

I try to make sure that I appear as normal as possible so that he doesn’t suspect anything, and now I think it’s working.

I hope it continues to work.

“Ford!” I said in a quiet voice. “How long were you there?”

“The last ten minutes,” he told me in an equally quiet voice. “I was going to get the both of you since I know the both of you enjoy mint chocolate ice cream, but seeing her knocked out now, I think it’s best to leave her alone.”

I smiled. “I think she’ll be fine come morning.”

Ford smiled. “I agree.”

Is his five o’clock shadow coming back? He looks so handsome with it…

Also, is it just me, but was he giving me a really handsome, smoldering gaze? And is it hot in here?

Let me focus now.

“So are you just going to tempt me with my mint choco, or are you gonna give it to me?” I asked playfully.

Ford’s eyes widened in realization. “Right this way, my dear,” he said as I followed him. While I walked through the living room, Stan called my name.

“Hey, uh, can we talk?” he asked in his gruff, Jersey accent.

I nodded. “Yeah.”

Stan twiddled his thumbs, while Dipper put a hand on his great uncle’s shoulder. “Listen,” he said my name. “We heard what you and Mabel were talking about. I think she switched on her walkie talkie at some point, but I heard a lot of what you said. And… I just want to say I’m sorry.”

I tilted my head in confusion. “For what?”

“I’m sorry for villainizing you before I gave you a chance. The way you were kind and gentle with my sister made me realize I was wrong about you. Mabel’s always telling me how critical and cut-throat I can be, so… I hope you can forgive me,” Dipper said, rubbing the back of his neck.

I smiled earnestly at him. “I forgive you, Dipper. Not that you hurt me in the first place.”

“That’s where I come in,” Stan chimed in. “I’m sorry for being so mean to ya. Ya clearly care for my brother, if how ya acted with my niece was real. So, I’m sorry that I was mean to ya, and for hurting your feelings.”

I shook my head. “You didn’t hurt me, Stan,” I told him. “You were protecting your brother. I understand that.”

Stan shook his head. “Nah, you were hurt. I saw it in your eyes.”

Was I? I didn’t feel hurt, though.

I shrugged as Ford came to get me. I turned to follow him into the kitchen, and gave me my bowl of mint chocolate chip. I thanked him as I started to dig in.

Dipper and Stan came into the room, and Stan spoke again. “And, I know this isn’t gonna make up for anything that I did, but… I was gonna take the whole family to Hug Point State Park for two weeks, and… I was kinda hopin’ that you would join us.”

My eyes widened before I smiled and nodded. “I’d like that, Stan. Thank you for considering me.”

“Stanley, you are aware that her birthday is tomorrow, right?” Ford asked.

Stan rolled his eyes. “Yes, Poindexter, I’m fully aware,” he said. “That’s why she isn’t paying for anything.”

Stan then turned to me. “I’ll drop by your house with the RV. I’ll load ya up and then we’ll be on our way.”

“Do you know where I live?” I asked.

“Poindexter told me it was the same house Soos and his grandmother lived in before they moved here,” he said.

I smiled. “Then it’s settled,” I said, eating the last spoonful of my ice cream.

Ford kindly took my bowl, and I thanked him. I then turned to Stan and Dipper. “I’ll see you both bright and early tomorrow.”

“Goodnight.” “Night,” Stan said my name.

“Wait, dear,” he said, placing the bowl on the drying rack before rushing to me. “Let me walk you back.”

I nodded. “Thanks, Ford.”

“Alright,” he said my name. “I need him back by midnight.”

I raised an eyebrow jestfully. “Is he Cinderella now?”

Stan bursted out laughing, as did Dipper and myself. Ford chuckled, but seemed to blush more than anything. Oh, I hope I didn’t embarrass him too much!

“Why didn’t I give you a chance before? See ya tomorrow.”

With one last goodbye, Ford and I walked out of the shack, and towards my home.

“I’m glad you spoke to Mabel. The relationship between her and her father has been strained since she came out. If Stanley, Sherman and I can accept her the way she is, why can’t her father?” Ford mused.

“Sherman?”

“My brother, Sherman Pines, is her grandfather,” he clarified.

“Oh, I see,” I said. “Perhaps seeing Mabel come out as bisexual shattered the future he had for her, as peculiar as that sounds. He imagined a heteronormative and amatonormative future that fit into his mind for his daughter, without keeping in mind that his daughter is her own person who can form her own ideas of who she wants to be.”

Ford didn’t say anything about that. When I looked at his face, it was unreadable.

Oh no, did I inadvertently insult his family?

As we arrived at my home, I began to apologize to him. “I’m sorry for the rashness of my words. I didn’t mean to insult-”

Ford cut me off by giving me a strong hug. Out of shock, I didn’t hug him back right away. After a few seconds, I recovered and wrapped my arms around him.

I was never so close to him that I could smell him. He smelt of books… and a scent that I knew was just… him.

“I’m so thankful that you’re in my life,” Ford said my name. “Not just my life, but my family’s lives as well. It means the world to me that you are willing to spend time with them, as well. And just from today, you enriched my great niece’s life with your presence alone. Now they see what I see when I’m with you. Thank you so much, my dear.”

I smiled, tearing up a little. Not out of sadness, but of elatedness. “Ford…” my voice wavered. “Thank you.” The tears that threatened to fall eventually did.

Ford pulled away suddenly, and saw my tears. “Hey, what’s wrong?” he asked.

I smiled at him through my joyful tears. “I’m just… really happy,” I told him, starting to feel my body shake. “I feel like I finally belong.”

Ford pulled me back into a hug, and this one was just as loving as the first one he gave me. “You always did, sweetheart,” he said, the new nickname making my heart skip a beat. “I’d argue and even say you saved me.”

I pulled away to look into his copper-brown eyes. “Don’t say that,” I said.

“It’s true,” Ford told me. “That day when we met in the diner… I felt anhedonia. Nothing brought me joy anymore.”

“Oh Ford…”

“I stayed in my lab for over three months at that point. Stanley was the one who kicked me out of there. He said, ‘Even if you get some food, at least get out and socialize!’”

I laughed as I sniffed. “That sounds like Stan.”

“I looked outside, wishing I could disappear. All of those memories from over thirty years ago… it kept me frozen in time. Meeting you, my dear… you were the one who thawed me out, and helped me to move in time again,” he told me, kissing my forehead.

I wonder which memories he’s talking about… he does seem like he harbors quite a bit of trauma. But… tonight is not the night to talk about it. I think he’ll talk when he’s ready. For now, I just want to enjoy his company.

I smiled, feeling my face burning up from the action Ford just did. “I’m really glad I could do that for you.”

Ford smiled at me. I felt like we just continued looking in each other’s eyes before my phone beeped. I broke eye contact, and saw that my phone was beeping to let me know that my notifications were going on Do Not Disturb.

It was 11:30 now.

I looked up at Ford. “Thank you for telling me that,” I told him. “Promise you’ll come pick me up?”

Ford smiled. “I’ll make sure to bug Stan as much as possible about it,” he said.

“Good,” I said, smiling. “Goodnight, Ford. Sweet dreams.”

“Goodnight,” he said my name. “Rest well.”

I opened the door and closed it before locking it. Once I did, I heard Ford’s footsteps retreat back towards the shack.

I sighed, reminiscing about his hugs and his forehead kiss while I packed for this vacation.

I think he really likes me.

💚💚

Thanks for reading! Likes and reblogs are always appreciated~

[gsstories]

I don’t like church

I never liked church as a kid because it was cold, boring and long as Hell. One day, we stopped going and never went for years and I was actually happy with that. Recently, my mom for some reason decided to go back there on Sundays and I had to tag along. I’m more patient now so I don’t really care about how long it takes because now I know it’s only like 2 hours long. Still cold but it’s fine, I have a jacket. Still boring but I manage. What I now dislike about the church we go to happened today.

While listening to the sermon, the LGBTQ+ community topic came up. For that bit, I paid attention and I was highly disappointed. The priest spoke about how the homosexuals and lesbians needed to be saved, how they would not be saved if they kept going like this, and more bullshit. I was surprised, I had never heard such things come from the priest’s mouth before. I hated that. He even said ‘There are politicians who claim they are Christians but support them!’ and I am sitting there thinking ‘Gee, what a tragedy!’ I couldn’t look him in the eye when he shook my hand after it was over.

I have witnessed jokes about the community, nothing bad, just poking a lil bit of fun, actually funny. But this was just disappointing. When did love become a bad thing? How the hell does a community that loves the same gender or love more than one affect you? If God really loves everyone, which includes liars and thieves, then why would he not love those who love in different ways?

I am not religious at all but I believe in God to an extent. I am bisexual and most likely on the ace spectrum. Does that mean I am not to be saved if I don’t repent for my ‘sins’, aka conform to society’s heteronormative views? Am I really going to burn in Hell because I am not following the so called rules you find in the Bible? The first time I heard such slander and it came from a priest who is so respected. What a joke.

Religion disappoints me but I know not everyone is like this. If you are seeing this, know that you are valid no matter what. No matter your gender, sexuality, anything, you are still loved and acknowledged. To be loved is to be accepted and embraced, to be protected and saved. Happy end of pride to everyone. Stay proud, stay safe.

[wolveria]

To the anon that sent another message about this ask:

There is no misunderstanding. I knew what you were trying to say, and I answered accordingly.

Acknowledging your discomfort was the first thing I did. It was also one of the last things I addressed. But I also said feelings aren't an indicator of truth or reality, which can be a harsh thing to hear. But it doesn't mean I don't care about what you said.

You've repeatedly said you're upset about how aroace identities are treated in fandom, and I think it would be helpful to examine why.

I hope you read this post in its entirety, because I feel what I have to say is important and might provide some insight as an older aroace.

To put it bluntly, I think you're defensive and protective of aroace characters, because you feel your own identity is being dismissed and threatened in fandom spaces.

What you said here tells me that this isn't actually about fictional characters. This is about how you feel as an aroace in the queer community.

I completely understand. Aphobia is real, it's pervasive and insidious, and it can feel like we're outsiders in the queer community. Unfortunately, this isn't uncommon, and we're not the only ones to get that exclusionary treatment.

But it's important to understand aphobia isn't caused by what fans do with fictional characters. Nor is it an indicator of any actual aphobic thoughts or beliefs.

If fans are already hostile towards aroace people, you would assume they would also be shitty towards aroace characters, right?

That's a dangerous assumption. You would be surprised how many racist bigots are much more tolerant of characters of color than they would be of a real person of color standing in front of them.

Continued below (tw for mention of rape fantasies):

And then take me, someone on the aroace spectrum. My most abused characters are my aroace ones. I have absolutely horrific fantasies and stories of them. I will put them in the most fucked up sexual situations, including corrective rape scenarios. I'm an absolute monster to them.

Am I erasing their aroace identity? You could argue I am. I would say it's the least problematic thing I'm doing to them, in the grand scheme, but the question is: Do you think I'm a part of the problem? Or is it okay because I'm also aroace? Why are my fantasies acceptable, when a non-aroace having the same fantasies isn't?

And that's what all of this is: fantasy. A fan taking a canonically aroace character and treating them as cishet is their fantasy.

(And that's not even acknowledging that you can never truly know if that's what's happening. An aroace character can display romantic behavior, have sex, and do all the things that would make them pass as cishet. That doesn't make them any less aroace, does it?)

But for argument's sake, lets say that this hypothetical fan truly is making them straight as an arrow.

So what? Why is that any more harmful than my rape fantasies? Why do my fantasies get a free pass, but their fantasies can be labeled as aphobic?

My argument is, there is no moral difference between my fantasies and anyone else's.

Because how someone treats fictional characters can never be an accurate indicator of how they will treat real people.

Aroace character treatment in fandom isn't a source, or a sign, of aphobia. Only actions against actual people are.

Again, this is not addressing media representation. I can't tell you how many times I've seen an asexual-coded character be forced into a weird, awkward, heteronormative situation, and it's made me feel angry and erased. But I focus that anger at the responsible party, the people who got paid to make these choices. I try not to aim my hostility at fans for doing the same thing. Because one is a play fantasy, and the other is a decision with millions of dollars behind it. They are not the same.

Fanon interpretation can go away with a block button. Aphobia in media is a lot harder to contend with, and being upset with fans won't address the core issue. It's a larger problem that doesn't have an easy solution, and sometimes, being angry at other fans can feel like a way of hitting back.

It isn't. You're only lashing out at people as powerless as you.

I'm sorry for upsetting you, that you believe I'm not being sympathetic to other aroaces, but I just don't have the bandwidth to give a shit about fictional people.

I care about real people, including you, Anon, so I hope you have a support system that can help you feel validated in your identity. Because from some of the things you said, it sounds like people are being aphobic toward you. And that's a real problem that can and should be addressed.

Fandom can be a very hostile place for anyone, especially aroace people, and I hope you find other, kinder spaces for validation and safety in your identity.

[will80sbyers]

With due respect - it is disingenuous to compare Mike to Robin's character.

Robin was only added to the show in ST3 and in that same season, her sexuality got revealed after the short straightbait situation.

Mike is literally a main character we have been following for years. Trying to throw off the majority of your audience by revealing in the last season that the flagship of the show was actually never meant to last and that that character was gay/bi in a surprise, some sort of a ''plot twist'' or ''reveal'' fashion is entirely a different thing. It is also not that great that they've kept this thing for the last season.

I do not find this a good representation. Treating a character's sexuality or a potential gay relationship as some kind of a plot twist or the big reveal of the last season of the show instead of focusing on the relationship and its progression naturally is not exactly a great choice for representation.

first of all who even told you HOW it's going to happen? you don't know how they are going to handle the show next season, they can even do a gradual reveal for Mike like they did for Will's feelings for Mike this season, and that is what I personally think they are going to do, showing Mike's interest towards Will and having them get all the moments that other couples before them got too

Will is paralleled to Robin not Mike and we got his almost coming out this season, Mike is paralleled to Vickie, bisexual, but I believe they are going to focus on their love for each other and not on their lables anyway

and I don't see how it would be "disingenuous" just stating a FACT in the show that they DID already make a plot twist revelation about a character's sexuality, as they did for Vickie too in season 4 implying she's into Robin only at the end of the show... the writers are doing that, not me, I don't write the show... I'm pointing out the patterns already present in the show

BTW if you're "thrown off" by bisexuality it's because you are not considering it at all and it needs to be shoved in people's faces exactly because of that, straight people need to stop thinking they are the default. No one knows Mike's sexuality for now!

about the representation that's your own opinion, I think it's great representation because it makes it clear that just because someone has a boyfriend or girlfriend doesn't mean they are by default straight and that is a heteronormative mindset that people should start throwing in the trash if they really care about queer people

if you can't see it as positive Idk what to tell you, go and watch only the shows already marketed as queer from the start, I personally don't want my representation to be relegated to those

[illnessfaker]

~reclamation~ is not nearly as a big of a deal as most people make it out to be imo but i also don't necessarily decide my comfort around who can ~reclaim~ what words based solely off what someone has actually been called honestly. the only context in which i've been called a cripple is when i sprained my ankle once (though this happened as a result of being wrongbodied) and it wasn't even done with malicious intent. that's not why i call myself a cripple. conversely, i don't think i have any business ~reclaiming~ the r-slur because when people have called me what they're basically doing is using intellectual disability - something i do not have - as an insult, so they're using their prejudice against someone else's experience as a weapon against me. it's ableist regardless but like the venom behind that word is the dehumanization of intellectually disabled people. and frankly i think "well i'm not id and i've been called it, so" is a especially a weak argument in that case cause like. basically everyone and their mother has been called that word lol it's entered the common public lexicon in the same way that faggot has.

like, all slur ~reclamation~ stuff for me is a facetious way of indicating my relationship to sociocultural norms in the same way labels that aren't slurs do (trans, disabled, etc.) i call myself a cripple (or dynamically crippled) because the way in which i move my disabled body, particular in terms of speed, is not to the expectations of able-bodied society and it is something i have been socially punished for since birth. i will occasionally call myself a faggot not only because i'm an effeminate gender mess who likes men but also because it feels like the best way of articulating my relationship to gender as someone who's been read and essentially classified as an effeminate gender mess since i was a kid. i call myself queer because my gender and sexual orientation situation often doesn't slot under more specific labels and it is at odds with the expectations of heteronormative society. these words as slurs are symbolic of the workings of broader power structures (faggot as punishment for transfemininity and gbq manhood or experiences perceived in alignment with such; cripple as punishment for mobility impairment or experiences perceived as in alignment with such; queer as punishment for being not cis and/or straight or experiences perceived as in alignment with such) so it's never been about who gets called what from my perspective, it's about the symbolism and the ideas being communicated, or the sociocultural norms that are being replicated and reinforced via language.

but it's also a show of what groups of people in society i see myself as sharing enough of an experience or embodiment to, in a sense, at least consider us "siblings" if we are not apart of the same communities. and these reasons are why i get pissed off when other cafab nb people call themselves fags or throw around the word faggot while other times treating gbq men or gnc men solely like they're the butt of a joke rather than a marginalized group that they make it clear through their actions that they don't see themselves as apart of in any significant capacity. that's why i get pissed at able-bodied nd people pitching a fit because a physically disabled person who tragically left this world on their own terms started an internet movement that explicitly didn't include them because "able-bodied" and "cripple" are...surprise... mutually-exclusive social locations and just because we're all disabled doesn't mean we need to be obfuscating difference. like it just seems to me like most people just wanna be edgy and say forbidden(tm) words, or in terms of the able-bodied nd people who act like the big bad cripples(tm) that are strangers on social media are "gatekeeping" shit, they outright seem to be playing the victim in circumstances in which they are most assuredly not because they fail to recognize the privilege they hold even if they are also subject to social marginalization.

this isn't me saying you gotta pass some kind of test or be somehow virtuous in the way in which you ~reclaim~ slurs. that'd be fucking ridiculous. but the way in which you view these things can often be pretty indicative of the way in which you address or feel about certain topics/groups of people. if someone tells you "you shouldn't use the r-slur if you're not intellectually disabled because it's using intellectual disability as an insult" and you go "well it's been used against me too, so" the way i read that is "i don't care (about the broader things that this represents.)"

[ryuichirou]

Hi! I love both your art and character analysis very much. I understand that for you two positioning doesn't change in ships, and I've been curious as to why positioning is the element that sticks.

I don't mean this to come across as critical at all, and hope no one comes after you for this sort of thing. Just for me, and in my irl experiences, those dynamics tend to change from relationship to relationship if not encounter to encounter, and it's a bit surprising you don't see Any of the twst lads as switches.

Or have any dynamics where a bottom would be the more dominant of the two.

I was hoping to understand what people attach to positioning and why it seems important to different cultures and communities as it simply isn't in mine.

Thanks a ton either way!

Hi Anon!

First of all, thank you for approaching this topic with no judgment, I really want to stress how much I appreciate it; I always say that, but we are way too used to people simply arguing with us about it, so it’s great to hear from someone who just wants to have a conversation. And the thing is, we never really think about those things too deeply, so it’s going to be fun to reflect a little bit, I think?

The short answer would be is that this is purely out of our personal taste, based on our own bias.

Like you said, in your irl experiences you tend to see the dynamic changing a lot, and it’s fair, because people really are very fluid in how they interact with people around them. But at the same time, when it comes to romance, there’re people who are strictly bottoms or tops, and we (Katsu and I) are an example for that, and it’s just a matter of preference, in my opinion. And both of us wouldn’t be very into any romantic/sexual scenario in which our positions would be switched, be it with each other or any other person. It’s just uncomfortable and unpleasant to imagine, with both of us not having fun. Besides, it’s also not really that unusual for same-sex couples to have fixed «roles».

And the thing is, we’ve heard a lot of “well why don’t you/they/someone switch it up sometime”, “isn’t it way too heteronormative”, “doesn’t that mean that there is a guy and a girl in a couple?”, all that stuff that we’re really tired of hearing. The fact that someone is more dominant and the other person is more submissive, especially when it comes to intimacy, doesn’t mean that there is “a guy and a girl”, both in real life and in fiction, people are just different and like different things. Continuing with a personal example, I wouldn’t want to be forced to do something simply because “it’s unfair that it’s fixed”, I guess? We can get really defensive about it lol and I can rant about it for a long time, but I think you get my point. So yeah, in a way we are biased because of that.

Also, I want to remind that being a top or being a bottom (especially irl, but also in fiction) doesn’t mean putting someone into the box and expecting them to only act a certain way. There are all kinds of tops, and also all kinds of bottoms, and that’s the beauty of it.

Even with us, we do have ships where the top is somewhat submissive, and a bottom is proactive, clingy and has more power in a couple in general (just not in twst, that’s why it’s hard to notice). But there are certain tropes and scenarios that we tend to gravitate towards more due to a number of reasons, and because of that somewhat passive bottom and an obnoxiously unhinged top is our go-to a lot of times – they just match that specific type of personalities we like.

Another thing is, like you said, the dynamic can change in different situations, and it’s kind of happens with ships too. Not always, but a lot of times, when the positions are switched, the dynamic between characters also changes, and we are kind of sensitive to this lol; for example, IdeAzu seems a lot like AzuIde (duh), but the vibe is still very different. Doesn’t mean it’s bad, just not our cup of tea. They’re basically another couple, where different points of their interactions are stressed and not the ones that we would choose, and same goes for their personalities. In a lot of cases, for us, it ends up being way too OOC, to be honest....

I also don’t think it’s necessarily a cultural thing. In the shipping community that we grew up in  switching isn’t really a taboo either: there are a few people who are strict about it like us, but overall people don’t really overthink these things, I believe? It doesn’t matter to them, and having fixed positions has always been a minority in any shipping community. People from the eastern side of fandoms are usually more strict about it, however. At least I think so, I can’t say for sure.

I hope I managed to explain it somewhat properly, but if you still have any questions, feel free to ask them!

Once again, thank you for your genuine curiosity and wanting to hear our perspective, and it really was a fun question to think about.

Have a great day!

[yoan-portfolio]

Eskimo sisters: Building friendship out of disappointment

Is sharing still caring when it comes to exes?

It’s no secret to anyone in their twenties that the dating scene can get heated. Heartbreak, lies, betrayal are on the daily rota and can easily send you spiralling into a second puberty, where you’re laid on the floor of your bedroom, Taylor Swift on full blast. The monologue you are having about how no one understands you would be almost cinematic, if it hadn’t been a week since you last showered…

However, as love has turned up its pace under the influence of hookups and dating apps, chances are, someone has been there, done that. And by that, I mean your ex.

This person is your eskimo sister, and we’re not talking Inuits. It’s a term defined by Urban Dictionary as “a woman who has shared a sexual partner with another person and the two are on friendly terms”. Historically, it relates to Inuit women sharing beds to keep the cold away. Cute, isn’t that just what you need!

Eskimo sisters are hardly a new concept - a short comedy from 2015 with the same name follows a group of people in a bar as they slowly realise they have all slept with each other. As we move with the times and more people expand their dating pool outside of the heteronormative, you may find your eskimo sister is not much of a sister after all.

“I was shocked when it happened.” says 24-year-old Merily Takel, who came into an unlikely siblinghood. “For me it all started as a workplace romance where me and this guy were friends with benefits. That went on for a couple of months before we started dating - like properly seeing each other. Eventually, we had a pretty classic break-up. We were still working together, so we remained friends.

“I learned he was seeing someone else just a couple of days later. I wanted to meet up with him and get a drink, because I wanted to talk to someone. He assumed I was inviting him for sex - because he thinks he is so irresistible! So he just told me he can’t because he is seeing someone. I was at work when this happened and I was hurt so I went for a cig and broke down.

“I hadn’t told anyone about my relationship and I had no one to talk to. When one of my coworkers saw me crying in the smoking area I just told him everything - we hugged, I cried some more and he asked me to get a drink after our shift. 

“We shared a bottle of vodka in a park where he told me he was the one seeing my ex. The more we drank that night, the more emotional we got - it was an overall fun time but the shock, the emotions (and the vodka) caught up to the point where we sat on my doorstep at 6 am crying our eyes out before I was dragged in because I couldn’t stand up anymore.

“I was surprised to find out they broke up a month later, a bit happy, a bit sad - a lot of things at once. I didn’t even once think me and my coworker could never be friends after what happened, maybe it was a bit weird at the time, but I thought “why would we be fighting over someone who’s hurt us both - it’s just not worth it”.

Romantic rivalry is a story as old as time, though, and it can be hard to escape a concept that seems so ingrained in our minds. Not giving yourself the time to listen through Lana Del Rey’s entire discography with a tub of melting ice cream on your lap can lead to comparison, resentment or getting you and your eskimo sibling on a crazed stalking spree. None of them are a hot look.

“Shared experiences and pain can be super attractive and make people bond faster than otherwise but doesn’t always mean that they’ll share the same relationship when faced with different circumstances.” says relationship counsellor Ruchi Ruuh.

“These shared traumas can certainly act as a glue in social settings, creating connections and belonging, but the connection that feels so authentic at the moment might not turn out to be the same. One person might start projecting their trauma onto another or both.”

Siblings are not necessarily friends, anyone who’s grown up with one would tell you so - sometimes, the favourite top you “lost”, which randomly pops up in your sister’s closet a year later can have you disown her for weeks. Same goes for your eskimo sibling - though a shared experience of disappointment can kickstart a lifelong friendship, it is not enough to sustain it.

“I met my eskimo sister on a night out.” says Molly Howe, a 21-year-old history student “I’d seen her briefly before and we shared a friend group so I thought why not be friends! We had more Jagerbombs that night than I had orgasms during my whole relationship with the guy and yeah, we hit it off!”

“I could tell we were both very different people right away and since he broke up with her just a month before, it was obviously very fresh in her mind. The more we spent time together I realised she was more interested in me as a charity therapist than a friend. 

“She’d ring me at 4 am crying, saying she wants to be back with our ex, the next day we would meet and she’d slag him off. Eventually all our talks led to this guy who I was over to the point where she’d make me relive my whole relationship, which wasn’t worth it in the first place.

“It went on for over a month until I couldn’t take it anymore and cut ties with her. As far as I know they are back together now, but I don’t care and it feels so refreshing. Maybe she helped me see how banal it was that I used to be so obsessed with someone who didn’t care about me.”

“People who have shared experiences, especially negative ones, create quick bonds of trust and dependency.” explains Ruuh. “Imagine you meet someone nice at a yoga class, you start talking and realise that both of you like sharing memes, listening to similar music, and have a taste for sarcasm. Further in the conversation, you find out both of you come from dysfunctional families and were made to feel inadequate by the parents.

“Now a common ground is created to share your experiences, an empathic person who knows exactly how you feel. You feel understood and loved, and suddenly you are finishing each other’s sentences and boom the thought pops “We are soulmates”. There is nothing wrong with connections that are based on shared trauma or experiences but it doesn’t mean that you’ll share the same compatibility or chemistry as the relationship progresses.”

We all have a different healing process and while forgiving and forgetting can be rewarding and mature, sometimes, a hit below the belt is what you need and revenge a-la-The Other Woman can be a cathartic moment, as it was for Merily:

“Two days after their break-up my now eskimo brother asked me to go for a drink at Spoons, saying I was the only one who could understand what he’s going through right now. So we did that, we talked about everything from our point of view and all of our ex’s lies came out.

“In an emotional fit we both went to his place. He came out and didn’t say anything - he took turns looking at us both before my friend told him he’s a piece of shit and went for it - just beat the crap out of him while our ex was standing there with his stupid face trying to process everything. We went up, we screamed, we both slapped him again and my friend vomited vodka crans all over his carpet (that stains like hell). Maybe not the most mature response but it was definitely satisfying!”

Once the break-up ice cream tub is back in the freezer and you are back to your regular showering routine, grab a coffee with your eskimo sibling. No need to be awkward about it either - if you were both fucked over by the same person, you’ve basically had sex with each other. Have a laugh over your ex’s dick size, his weird obsession with Lego or his ridiculous screen time. Then block him and see what else you have in common. You might have just made a friend for life!

“Now the whole thing is behind us, me and my eskimo brother are doing a lot better.” says Merily. “We are still friends, we don’t talk about our ex because he just doesn’t deserve the attention. We still drink, just without the crying part. I regret that I ever dated him, but I guess in the end it was meant to happen. Maybe eventually we would have become friends anyway - just with a lot less drama!”

[writing-for-life]

Sorry, this is probably gonna turn into a long rant, but I’m in the mood at the moment. So don’t read if rants aren’t your thing…

Only a few days ago, someone actually commented on one of Neil’s posts:

“Male characters are written better and have interesting complex relationships with other male characters. We need more complex female characters we can relate to and root for!!”

If that were a general call to reflect, I’d be all for it. But they seriously gave that as the reason for the lack of m/f and f/f ships. They basically said it’s the creator’s fault they’re only able to ship m/m! In a post that talked about the Sandman (amongst other things)! The one comic/show with really no lack of interesting women and queer folks. And yet, we have to pick the two arguably (!, you’re free to disagree) most straight-leaning guys out of the bunch and ship them. I mean, it doesn’t surprise me, it’s just what fandom does predictably, and at this point, I don’t think it’ll ever change.

And I’d even be fine with that, but on above justification, I honestly call bullshit. YOU write fanfic! YOU choose to read it because you want to read about two guys, and that would honestly be okay (some needed reflection from time to time notwithstanding) if you stopped making these ridiculous excuses.

If I wanted to draw a parallel: Yaoi is not Bara for a reason. It’s written by (usually straight) women for (usually straight) women. One of the guys is always feminised. I mean, just look at some of the fan-art, read the dynamics of the stories, it’s so obvious I don’t even know where to start. The whole purpose is for a woman to project on a guy and turn a “gay” relationship—heteronormative. Honestly, if they were at least honest about it, but this “queer-positive, subversive™️ feminist shipping agenda” BS just really makes me want to vomit at this point.

I generally don’t ship at all because shipping simply doesn’t interest me. But I started to ship show!ConstantDream out of spite (and I swear if Constantine were still a guy, it would have been a bigger ship than the one that shan’t be named). You know why? Because I want the people who say “but that’d be a straight relationship” to STFU. She’s been established as bi with a meaningful wLw relationship. It’s the bi-erasure crap I’ve been dealing with all my life. People automatically assume I’m straight, when a m/f relationship with one (or two bi) partner(s) is, and always will be, queer. And my partner is straight, but our relationship is not and never will be anything but queer. The shit we both have to put up with to this very day needs no further explanation. I was in a civil partnership with a woman before. I’m not “curious” or “questioning”, or “really just into guys and need to find the right one to never look at a woman again.” He’s not interested in a “hot threesome with two girls” *winkwinknudgenudge*. I happen to be attracted to both men and women, and whom I have long term relationships with depends on the person, not their gender. And I’m honestly so tired of it all and just feel like, “Yeah, that’s the reason why I, the militant non-shipper, want bi Jo and Dream to be a thing.” So us bi folks actually get some representation at some point that doesn’t turn us straight OR gay and just, for once, gets who and what we are.

I’m too deep into my OC fic at the moment, but apart from the Rachel x Jo one shot, I honestly want to write a Morpheus x Jo fic at some point because out of all the canon characters, she makes me feel seen. The only thing that has put me off so far is how deeply I’d need to get into that whole demon business (unless it’s just a one-shot), and I’m honestly not sure if that’s my thing as a writer, and it scares me a bit.

But yeah: The f/f rare pair fic (established in canon though) that doesn’t involve Dream: 41 hits. OFC x Dream: Well over 5,000 (and that’s nothing in the grand scheme of things because it’s an OC fic, plus it’s not PwP. Yet, it quite clearly shows what we’re talking about here).

But to the people who complain that there are “no interesting female characters and that’s why I have to ship m/m”: In the Sandman, that’s a blatant lie, but there’s always the option to write your own if you can’t find the dynamics you like. You can make it so if you don’t find in canon what you’re looking for. I often don’t either because I usually can’t get over what doesn’t make it work in canon (if it did, they would be an item, but that’s just the way my warped brain operates). And that’s okay, it’s a personal thing, everyone’s different, and it’s not about telling people what they should or shouldn’t like. What annoys me is the thinly disguised inverted misogyny dressed up as “being progressive”. If they were looking for real women who are interesting, there are enough in canon (but they deny they even exist). Or they could write their own if they feel they need different relationship dynamics. But they aren’t looking for real women who are strong yet vulnerable. Who aren’t just the walking trope of either the perpetually weak bunny who willingly submits, or the boss babe who has everything under control, including the guy she’s pegging (of course). They aren’t looking for messy, for flaws and deep humanity, for fucking up spectacularly but also trying. For wanting and being allowed to want for themselves. For wanting to support while also being supported. For having their own life and liking it while also hating it and finding a way through. In one word: Being real (and I’m aware that fiction is often wishful thinking, so maybe that’s the problem?).

They are just looking for two hot guys. And that’s fine, but then please don’t engage in this ridiculous charade. These pretend justifications really get on my nerves. Just own up to the fact that you want to see two guys fuck because you get more of what you’re hot for. *That* would be less inwardly misogynistic than this “feminist” BS in the quote at the start of this post. And that crap is everywhere, and every time I read it, I honestly see red (as one might have gathered). It’s not progressive. It throws us back decades, and I’m well and truly old enough to remember. And yes, I do feel like a broken record at this point because I’ve said all of this before.

Also, and on the topic of metas: I see it every time I write one about the women: The interest is so noticeably lower that you just have to assume people don’t even follow any tags apart from “those ones”. And it’s self-perpetuating because at some point, you just feel like, “Why am I even writing them? I spend time on this that I scarcely have, why even bother if no one cares?” Add to that I’ve been an absolute simp for Morpheus since I was a teenager, and I sometimes really think, “Why not just write about him, it’s so much easier because no one gives a shit about the rest anyway.” It is immensely frustrating. And don’t get me started on posts in general, be they art or meta: Art that isn’t Dream, the one who shan’t be named or a combo of the two is never as interesting to people. Posts that so clearly aren’t about the ship (I mean, people should know by now I don’t ship, and especially not “that one”), and yet, they have to make them about the ship. To the extent that I have to retrospectively, passive-aggressively retag that for once, this isn’t about them riding off into the sunset together, and for once, you could actually read what I’ve written instead of just going for the headline or projecting what you want to see onto what I’ve written. Metas that make my position (and that’s all it is) so very clear, and yet, people pretend I said exactly the opposite of what I said so they can keep on existing in their bubble.

I want everyone to enjoy what they’re enjoying. But the juggernaut already dominates 90% of fandom. It’s on ALL main tags, you can’t “just filter it”. So for once, leave us our 10% (and I’m being generous here) without making them all about what you like as well. I don’t comment on your stuff because I have no desire to make it about me and what I like. I don’t even see it if you have tagged it properly (alas, people don’t). It’s sad enough to make us feel like what we prefer doesn’t matter half of the time (because by extension that means: We, as that part of fandom, don’t really matter either), be that in general or during fandom events. But at least don’t try to steamroll whatever juggernaut-free zone there is left and claim it for yourself as well, because then I honestly start to lose the plot.

It also needs to be said that I have mutuals I love dearly who ship the thing, and they don’t engage in any of this crap and haven’t completely lost their ability to reflect. But from time to time, the shit just clogs the drain because there’s so much of it at once, and I need to clean out the pipe. Sorry (but also not sorry) that happened here…

As an actual irl dyke, a certified Lesbian, I fuck with the m/f Sandman crowd, the Morphienne and the CocoRose and the Cocoluce, the Dreamuse folks a million times before I'd fuck with any person who puts out or reblogs one post about how Lucienne and/or Rose and/or Gault is a Lesbian/Bi Icon Yaaas Queen Work Slay and then proceeds to give the other 99% of their attention to the same two or three dudes and those pairs over and over and clearly has no deeper thought or real interest in the personality relationships or inner lives of these ladies.

[lesbolieeh]

BBG (m)

Sub!BFF!Chungha ✦ Sub!GF!Sunmi ✦ Dom!F!Reader

WC—3.2 ✦ k

WARNING—threesome ✦ best friend!chungha + girlfriend!sunmi x reader ✦ power bottom(s) ✦ thigh riding ✦ marking ✦ teasing ✦ breast worship ✦ nipple play ✦ praise kink ✦ stripping ✦ brief mommy kink ✦ princess kink ✦ babygirl kink ✦ mentions of alcohol consumption, breath play, fingering, oral sex, penetration, rewards & punishments

THEMES—borderline smut ✦ open relationship au ✦ best friend au ✦ future smut

NOW PLAYING—Stay Tonight ✦ CHUNG HA

[A/N.] finally a threesome!

this is NOT sex ed, this is entertainment! in real life you have to discuss safe words, boundries and preferences before sex! and after sex it’s important to have aftercare!

M.LISTS—f!idols ✦ latest updates ✦ read on wp

All rights reserved © lesbolieeh

✦ ੈ ✦ ‧₊˚ * ੈ ✦‧₊˚＊* ੈ ✦ ‧₊˚ * ੈ ✦‧₊˚＊* ✦ ੈ ✦ ੈ ✦ ‧₊˚ * ੈ ✦‧₊˚＊* ੈ ✦ ‧₊˚ * ੈ ✦‧₊˚＊* ✦ ੈ ✦

"Let's get you home, yeah?" I asked rhetorically.

I had always thought of my best friend Chungha as an attractive person — damn, I'd even had a crush on her when we were younger! But she never showed me any signs of reciprocating my feelings whenever I'd invite her to "hang out sessions" that were way too romantic to be considered friendly. I mean, how heteronormative must one be if your best friend and you make tea together and then cuddle as you watch the Fear Street series and you think it's a friend thing?! So it was therefore an eye-widening surprise when she grabbed my face and kissed me 20 minutes ago.

We had gone to a party tonight "to have some fun" as Chungha'd phrased it, which I hadn't thought too much about. Had she meant this type of fun? Kissing each other? Or was it just the alcohol that had made her desperate enough to seek out her best friend to let out her sexual frustration on? Lalisa's all girl party seemed to be full of women (and other non-men) too occupied with each other so I definitely understood why she had a hard time finding someone "to have some fun" with.

"I don't want to go home, ____," she mumbled into my shoulder from behind me. Right after she'd kissed me I'd decided it was time to go because I thought she was too drunk and didn't want her to have a horrible hangover the next day, thus we were now outside, waiting for an uber to come and pick us up and away from this place. I was carrying her on my back — thankfully she had decided to wear shorts and not a mini skirt or dress tonight — because I was scared she was drunk enough to pass out any minute and didn't want so much as a scratch on her precious skin. She had told me she wasn't that drunk, only a little tipsy, but I didn't believe her since she had kissed me and I only expected that to be a possible scenario when she's really, really, really drunk.

"You need to go home," I replied. I hadn't called an uber driver and waited 15 minutes for us to stay at this crazy place. She hung her head into the crook of my neck, making her blonde curls fall onto my exposed collarbone and tickle me unintentionally, as well as blessing me with a breeze of lavender instead of the puke I smelled when I had walked past Sakura, Eunbi and the rest of their crew. Tough night for Sakura I'm guessing, I heard that her ex had moved on with Somi (yes, that's a reference to my Somi fic).

"Stay tonight?" my best friend asked softly into my ear.

"You can stay at my place tonight," I suggested instead of going to hers because Sunmi, my girlfriend, had earlier today requested if we could watch a movie together and I didn't want to disappoint her with lack of attention and care. Whenever we had sleepovers — which happened often — we would be at Chungha's place since she had no roomate, so this would therefore be our first time having one at my place. Her and Sunmi weren't the bestest friends so I wasn't sure how this would go. They didn't hate each other; they just didn't click well together for some reason.

"Yay!" she giggled calmly into my ear, tightening her legs around my waist and her arms around my shoulders even more, making it a little difficult to breathe but it was fine because she seemed happy and that made me happy. It didn't seem to matter to her that we would stay at my place instead of hers, whether it was because she thought Sunmi wasn't there or because she was drunk I wasn't sure — but once again as long as she was smiling I was fine with whatever.

She was always such a cutie whenever she was drunk, always saying or doing weird stuff cutely, like making ugly faces [cutely because looking ugly is impossible for her] or singing songs in very high pitches to make me laugh. Only Chungha was this cute when she was drunk. Other people looked like they were done with everything when they were drunk. And then there were those people who were straight up obnoxious and too loud when they were drunk but let's not talk about them!

Before I could soften up even more at her hair and nose tickling me, the uber was here. For a microsecond Chungha pouted and then got off my back, but I didn't notice as I was too busy opening the door for her as the considerate friend I am. I followed suit into the car and as if on cue she put her head on my shoulder. It was natural to me; I was used to her affection at this point, but I wasn't aware of the thoughts roaming inside her head. She played with my fingers to distract herself. The silence left me thinking. What had happened today? Why did she get drunk? How could she look sad yet happy?

Thankfully I didn't live too far away from Lalisa's so we were soon at our destination. The driver stopped the car and we could finally get away from the cramped space and breathe fresh air. We were two blocks away from my place as I always gave uber drivers an address a bit away from my real one in case they were creeps; yes, I had trust issues. "Hop on!" I said and bent down so Chungha could climb onto my back again.

During the seven minutes trip of me walking with her on my back she held onto me not as people normally did to not fall down, but rather as if it were a backhug, nuzzling into me. She was talking about random things she had on her mind, like how she was craving a bag of flamin' hot cheetos (she was one of those spicy chicks) and how she liked the smell of my perfume. But sadly enough she wouldn't get any cheetos since the last package at home had been eaten by someone — whether it was by me or Sunmi was a mystery — to which she pouted.

When we finally were standing in front of my house I told her to get off my back as quietly as I could muster, as we were outside and it was late and I didn't want to wake any neighbours up because I was the golden neighbour and would want those fuckers to do the same back when I was in my priceless slumber. She complied and waited patiently for me to unlock and open the door. But before I even got to put the key into the hole the door opened and revealed Lee Sunmi in all her glory, waiting with a big smile resting on her tired-looking face.

"Finally you're here, ____!" she whisper-beamed (the door was still open) and hugged me closely — being alone and waiting for her girlfriend to give her some attention always made her extra affectionate and clingy.

But I wasn't alone as she'd wished.

"Oh, she's here," my girlfriend said, visibly less excited. To that Chungha could only roll her eyes, she too wished she wasn't there; that Sunmi was at her friend's place or on a vacation I hadn't mentioned to her — anywhere but here.

"Yup and she will stay tonight."

"Great," Sunmi's smile decreased, closing the door a little harder than necessary, trying not to sound like she's lying although everybody could sense she was. Chungha didn't react to that; after all, she wasn't too happy to see her either.

"I'm just gonna put her to bed and then we'll watch a movie like I promised, Babe!" I explained before my girlfriend even could mention a movie, and pulled Chungha with me to my room (after we'd taken off our shoes, of course, because we weren't American). Sunmi huffed in frustration, but she understood why I'd want my drunk best friend to sleep so she didn't say anything.

Chungha followed my lead to the room upstairs, right above the living room. I opened the door for her and she closed it after us, which was a little strange but she had been acting strange the whole night so I didn't question it too much. Normally when we had sleepovers I would jump onto the bed and she'd do the same, but now it was different because not only was she drunk, we were going to have a sleepover at my place and not hers; the same rules didn't apply here.

"Let's get you to sleep, Baby," I said with a tone a mother would use for her baby or a teenager would for a stranger's puppy, because that's what Chungha was to me. My baby, my puppy, my cute best friend.

"I don't want to sleep, ____," she said with a small pout after I gently tried pulling her down onto the bed beside me — which she refused. Laughing at her drunk state, I patted the spot beside me to tell her difficult ass she should lay down and sleep. With no hesitation she ignored my motion and instead sat comfortably on my thighs. It wasn't unusual for her to sit on my lap or hug me for a minute or two — I was used to all of that. But this time it was different. I could see in her eyes that her intentions weren't the same as they usually would to be.

"If you don't want to sleep what do you want to do?"

She didn't say anything. Instead she looked me in the eyes and began grinding lightly on me. In a way her eyes were asking me if it was OK for her to move like that. I didn't say anything. Instead I looked at her face and then her hips. What was happening? I always had something to say, so why were no words leaving my mouth? And most importantly: why didn't it feel bad when my best friend grinded on me? As she had gotten a silent OK from me she grabbed my hands and put them on her luscious waist.

Sunmi was in the living room doing who-knows-what and here I was casually laying on our bed with my best friend grinding on top of me. Technically, I wasn't cheating on her as we were in an open relationship so this was allowed. We didn't necessarily get jealous when the other had sex with someone else as we agreed that for now in our relationship we were free to experiment different things as long as we used protection when necessary. Plus, when we had threesomes they'd always be adventurous as we never had a clue what the third person liked or had or hadn't tried before. But the difference between having sex with a new person and your best friend is that, although you don't know what to expect from either, it's going to be more eye-opening with your best friend and it could most likely affect your friendship afterwards. I know that Sunmi was OK with me having sex with new people, but would that still apply if that new person was my best friend?

Chungha knew we were in an open relationship as I had on multiple occasions told her about fun experiences I'd had with different people, which is why she had the courage to do something like this, knowing I already was taken but not exclusively.

Finally I opened my mouth to say something, and with a tone deeper than before, which shocked her a bit. "If you're gonna ride me, pick one thigh and do it good." Soon she was on my right one [as she knew it was slightly thicker and muscular than the left one] and rolling her hips smoothly, seducing me more than I ever thought a best friend possibly could.

My thigh between beautifully sculpted ones was an appealing sight indeed. She grinded her clad pussy on my thigh with so much grace it was obvious she was a dancer — and a very experienced one at that. The way she moved her hips so alluringly, the way she circled her arms behind my neck and kept eye-contact with me, her aura — everything — was art. It was like a performance. Her breathy whimpers was the music and worked tremendously at impacting the audience, which was me.

"Touch me, ____." Never in my whole life had I ever gotten affected like this. How she moved so slowly to enjoy and remember every single thrust against my muscles was killing me. She didn't need to tell me twice, my hands travelled up and down her deliciously curved body instantaneously. Never in my whole life had I been with a power bottom...

...but I liked it.

Sunmi was always an obedient good girl — which I loved — and the open relationship was meant for us to experience different sensations sexually such as this one.

"You should speak nicer to me, Babygirl," I teased with a smirk and smacked her ass, to which she let a small, pitchy moan slip.

To tease me more she leaned to my ear and innocently whispered: "Sorry, Mommy."

I didn't know how to react. My best friend called me Mommy. What was I doing? I had always enjoyed taking care of her because I knew she had worries and didn't like talking about them with me and so knowing that I was caring for her when she needed it filled me with joy. Maybe that was why she was grinding on me? Maybe that was why I let her? Maybe that was why we fucking liked it?

She pulled off her blouse, revealing a black push-up bra that held her boobs up perfectly. It was her favorite bra. I knew that because she called it her "lucky bra" she wore on special occasions. Instead of wondering if fucking with me was her special occasion I admired the sight in front of me. She smiled a little. She was still a little shy as she'd never showed her boobs to me in a sexual context before. I could tell that she was feeling a little nervous all of a sudden at showing her body so I put my face between her boobs. That way she wouldn't have to see my face and overthink any small detail and misinterpret it as judgement or dissatisfaction. I placed wet kisses all over the space between them and up to her collarbones, making her giggle cutely at my affection.

After a few minutes of Chungha giggling and whimpering at the tickling feeling of my lips and tongue on her boobs (at least what wasn't covered), I broke away from her body and looked up at her to slowly slipp off one of the straps of the bra. The strap rolled down her arm and exposed her shoulder and part of her boob. "Can I?" I asked, referring to the other strap. She nodded profusely, like she had wanted this all night or a little longer, and muttered a small "yes". Once again I pulled it off slowly as to tease her, seduce her.

And so both straps were resting on her forearms, shoulders naked, collarbones defined. Looking up at her face, I searched for any sign of uncertainty, but there weren't any; she was sure she wanted me to do this. My hand moved from her waist up her back until it felt the bra's fabric. Click! The bra dropped and revealed her plump boobs. She smirked smugly at my reaction and threw the pointless bra away confidently. "Wanna taste?"

I didn't answer, I just started sucking on her nipple as if my life depended on it, giving the other attention by pinching it lightly between my index finger and thumb. Gasping, she tugged a hand into my hair so she could have a grip somewhere to feel like she was at least somewhat in control. But she wasn't. My tongue swirling and my lips sucking on her sensitive nipple sure proved me right. The way she needed to pull my hair back to loosen a little of my power over her as she was panting showed how she was crippling on the inside. During this whole time she was looking at me going at it, having dreamt of seeing me do it to her for too long. I released her boob with a pop sound. The nipple was red and needy, and so was the other — even more so than the one I'd been sucking; I was always better with my fingers.

"Choke me," she said after regaining her breathing.

"Want my fingers around your neck?"

"Yes, please."

"Want my fingers inside you?"

"Yes, p-please."

"Do you think you deserve it, Babygirl."

The front door opened, making both of us turn our heads to the opening, and there she stood, Lee Sunmi, in all her glory.

"Did someone say Babygirl?" she asked and closed the door behind her.

"Don't tell me you're fucking her and not me," she whined with a needy pout, "I've waited for you for hours. The least you can do is invite me, y'know."

She never whined [in a non-sexual way] or complained because she was my good girl but she was now filled with tiredness and deprived of attention and that changed her behavior. I looked back at Chungha, noticing immediately that she was a little annoyed. Bingo!

"Babygirl, if you want to prove to me that you deserve my fingers I have a little mission for you," I said, intriguing her interest.

"You're going to make me cum with your pretty mouth whilst I prepare Sunmi for my strap. Then when I fuck her I want you to watch and handle it without touching yourself, understood?"

"Yes," Chungha said confidently; she'd never had any complaints about her tongue before and she'd do anything for my fingers tonight. I smiled and tucked some hair behind her ear.

Turning my attention to the attention deprived girlfriend by the door, my smile turned into a smirk. "Princess. There. Now," I pointed towards the floor in front of the bed, to which Sunmi obeyed in a second as she was a good girl. I knew she always listened to me, so I felt satisfied. However, there was something about that little naughtiness of Chungha's that intrigued me.

"Good. Now take off your clothes for me." Fuck yes. Sunmi didn't know how to feel about her girlfriend with her best friend in bed — she would've preferred for me to be with someone other than Chungha as she was a threat since we'd known each other for much longer than Sunmi and I. She was tired and a little jealous (I had spent all night with Chungha!), so it only flicked a new side of her. Teasingly, she stood up on her feet and slipped off her tank top in what seemed like slow motion. She took off her shorts even slower and smirked at me. This wasn't like her usual. Was she trying to be...naughty?

"What do you want now?" she asked, not with that sweet tone she always used, but with a rude tone that made me want to punish her for the first time.

✦ ੈ ✦ ‧₊˚ * ੈ ✦‧₊˚＊* ੈ ✦ ‧₊˚ * ੈ ✦‧₊˚＊* ✦ ੈ ✦

❝ 다가와 내게 이 순간 Stay tonight, stay tonight, stay By my side Stay tonight, stay tonight, stay

이 밤 향기에 또 취하고 멈추지 않아도 돼 sta-a-a-ay 더는 움직일 수 없도록 깊숙이 스며들어 Stay with me, ooh

Tonight, stay tonight Tell me what you wanna do Run away or stay toni-ah-tonight ❞

( Come to me in this moment Stay tonight, stay tonight Stay by my side Stay tonight, stay tonight, stay

Get drunk on the scent again tonight You don't have to stop, sta-a-a-ay Slip in deeply Until you can't move anymore Stay with me, ooh

Tonight, stay tonight Tell me what you wanna do Run away or stay toni-ah-tonight )

—kim chungha; 2020

[flatassthrowaway]

Passionately and Deeply

Thank you to everyone for the support! I'm so glad that everyone has been enjoying the story thus far.

Unfortunately, this chapter may not sit well with some readers. Obviously, reader discretion is advised, and I will put the content warnings below.

CW: Subtle homophobia, heteronormativity enforcement (from a parental figure), feelings of inadequacy

If you're still here, enjoy! Let me know what you think as usual.

New here? Read the prologue.

~Chapter Four, Other Edition~

“C’mon! The original gummy koalas are the best! I mean, I like the sour version, but nothing beats the original!” Mabel exclaimed.

Today was the day before my birthday, and Mabel decided to get to know me further. I’m kind of glad she was kind enough to not interrogate me, but get to know me in her own way. We’ve been talking for quite a while. I came over in the late afternoon, and it’s nearly ten at night!

“Okay, okay! What about the pride gummies? You have to have tried the pride gummies!” Mabel said.

I shook my head. “I don’t even know what those are, hon.”

“So, you know what the LGBTQ+ community is, right?”

I nodded. “Of course.”

“Soooo it’s pride gummies that are made of the flags based on sexual or romantic orientation, or even gender! You should try them…” Mabel said, her usual vibrance toned down.

What happened? She was in a good mood.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

She shrugged. “Oh… nothing,” she said.

“You were all smiles and cheers until you spoke about queer pride,” I pointed out. “If you’re comfortable, do you mind telling me?”

Mabel sighed. “I just…”

“Yes…?” I said, beckoning her to continue.

“Talking about the pride gummies reminded me that my dad doesn’t like the fact that I like girls,” Mabel said.

I raised my eyebrows slightly in realization. “Oh, so you’re a lesbian?” I asked.

Mabel shook her head. “No, I’m bisexual. It’s just… he thinks it’s just a phase, but I know in my heart that this is for life,” she revealed.

Goodness… I never would have thought something so heavy would be weighing on her shoulders. Especially with how she presents to the outside world.

I guess it just goes to show how little you really know about someone’s life from their demeanor.

“I haven’t known you very long, Mabel, but I can already tell from the six days that I have known you that you’re a vibrant, kind young lady,” I told her. “You’re so kind that you gave me a chance, even when your Great Uncle Stan and Dipper wouldn’t. And I understand that you’re at the age where you still want approval from your parents, whether you want to admit it or not.”

Mabel chuckled at that part.

“But what really matters is what you think. Not what your parents think. Not what your great uncles think, or what I think. Not even what your brother thinks. It’s ultimately your life, hon. You decide what you want. And if people don’t want to fall in line because of that, they can go piss off for all you care.”

I got her to giggle at least.

“You’re right. I just… I wish he would approve of me. All of me, I mean,” she said.

I smiled. “I know what you mean, hon,” I told her. “If you really want to, sit him down, and tell him your feelings. Perhaps ask him why he feels that way, too. By communicating, there should be a good way for a resolution to come about.”

Mabel nodded before yawning. “That sounds like a good idea…” she said before resting her head on my lap.

Ordinarily, I would be surprised, but it’s Mabel.

On instinct, I started rubbing her scalp with the tips of my fingers. “You deserve all the love you desire, Mabel,” I told her. “Never think that you deserve any less than that.”

“Thanks…” she said my name. “I feel like I’m back home with my mom…”

I’m not sure if that should be taken as a compliment or an insult.

Knowing Mabel, it was most likely a compliment.

“Thanks, hon.”

Mabel’s eyes closed, and she started to softly snore on my lap.

I gingerly maneuvered her underneath the covers, and Waddles joined her on the bed, snuggling by her feet and began to snooze himself.

I smiled at the scene, and nearly made my way downstairs. When I opened the door to go down, Ford was at the doorway, and I almost ran into his chest.

Speaking of Ford, since that sensual moment happened six days ago… that burning in the pit of my stomach got even worse. It’s like I can’t even function without thinking of him at least one time per hour per day.

The work that I’ve been doing suddenly got boring, even though I used to enjoy it. I lie awake at night, wondering what it would be like for him to caress my waist, my breasts, or my ass… among other places.

I haven’t been sleeping well because of it. I don’t remember my libido having this profound of an effect on me whenever it was active.

Hearing his voice makes it worse, too. It’s not that I hate his voice, it’s far from that. I absolutely adore his voice.

I try to make sure that I appear as normal as possible so that he doesn’t suspect anything, and now I think it’s working.

I hope it continues to work.

“Ford!” I said in a quiet voice. “How long were you there?”

“The last ten minutes,” he told me in an equally quiet voice. “I was going to get the both of you since I know the both of you enjoy mint chocolate ice cream, but seeing her knocked out now, I think it’s best to leave her alone.”

I smiled. “I think she’ll be fine come morning.”

Ford smiled. “I agree.”

Is his five o’clock shadow coming back? He looks so handsome with it…

Also, is it just me, but was he giving me a really handsome, smoldering gaze? And is it hot in here?

Let’s focus now.

“So are you just going to tempt me with my mint choco, or are you gonna give it to me?” I asked playfully.

Ford’s eyes widened in realization. “Right this way, my dear,” he said as I followed him. While I walked through the living room, Stan called my name.

“Hey, uh, can we talk?” he asked in his gruff, Jersey accent.

I nodded. “Yeah.”

Stan twiddled his thumbs, while Dipper put a hand on his great uncle's shoulder. “Listen,” he said my name. “We heard what you and Mabel were talking about. I think she switched on her walkie talkie at some point, but I heard a lot of what you said. And… I just want to say I’m sorry.”

I think they were all outside the door, but Ford was the only one there. I didn't see any walkie talkie.

I tilted my head in confusion. “For what?”

“I’m sorry for villainizing you before I gave you a chance. The way you were kind and gentle with my sister made me realize I was wrong about you. Mabel’s always telling me how critical and cut-throat I can be, so… I hope you can forgive me,” Dipper said, rubbing the back of his neck.

I smiled earnestly at him. “I forgive you, Dipper. Not that you hurt me in the first place.”

“That’s where I come in,” Stan chimed in. “I’m sorry for being so mean to ya. Ya clearly care for my brother, if how ya acted with my niece was real. So, I’m sorry that I was mean to ya, and for hurting your feelings.”

I shook my head. “You didn’t hurt me, Stan,” I told him. “You were protecting your brother. I understand that.”

Stan shook his head. “Nah, you were hurt. I saw it in your eyes.”

Was I? I didn’t feel hurt, though.

I shrugged as Ford came to get me. I turned to follow him into the kitchen, and gave me my bowl of mint chocolate chip. I thanked him as I started to dig in.

Dipper and Stan came into the room, and Stan spoke again. “And, I know this isn’t gonna make up for anything that I did, but… I was gonna take the whole family to Hug Point State Park for two weeks, and… I was kinda hopin’ that you would join us.”

My eyes widened before I smiled and nodded. “I’d like that, Stan. Thank you for considering me.”

“Stanley, you are aware that her birthday is tomorrow, right?” Ford asked.

Stan rolled his eyes. “Yes, Poindexter, I’m fully aware,” he said. “That’s why she isn’t paying for anything.”

Stan then turned to me. “I’ll drop by your house with the RV. I’ll load ya up and then we’ll be on our way.”

“Do you know where I live?” I asked.

“Sixer told me it was the same house Soos and his grandmother lived in before they moved here,” he said.

I smiled. “Then it’s settled,” I said, eating the last spoonful of my ice cream.

Ford kindly took my bowl, and I thanked him. I then turned to Stan and Dipper. “I’ll see you both bright and early tomorrow.”

“Goodnight.” “Night,” Stan said my name.

“Wait, dear,” he said, placing the bowl on the drying rack before rushing to me. “Let me walk you back.”

I nodded. “Thanks, Ford.”

“Alright,” Stan said my name. “I need him back by midnight.”

I raised an eyebrow jestfully. “Is he Cinderella now?”

Stan bursted out laughing, as did Dipper and myself. Ford chuckled, but seemed to blush more than anything. Oh, I hope I didn’t embarrass him too much!

“Why didn’t I give you a chance before? See ya tomorrow.”

With one last goodbye, Ford and I walked out of the shack, and towards my home.

“I’m glad you spoke to Mabel. The relationship between her and her father has been strained since she came out. If Stanley, Sherman and I can accept her the way she is, why can’t her father?” Ford mused.

“Sherman?”

“My brother, Sherman Pines, is her grandfather,” he clarified.

“Oh, I see,” I said. “Perhaps seeing Mabel come out as bisexual shattered the future he had for her, as peculiar as that sounds. He likely imagined a heteronormative and amatonormative future that fit into his mind for his daughter, without keeping in mind that his daughter is her own person who can form her own ideas of who she wants to be.”

Ford didn’t say anything about that. When I looked at his face, it was unreadable.

Oh no, did I inadvertently insult his family?

As we arrived at my home, I began to apologize to him. “I’m sorry for the rashness of my words. I didn’t mean to insult-”

Ford cut me off by giving me a strong hug. Out of shock, I didn’t hug him back right away. After a few seconds, I recovered and wrapped my arms around him.

I was never so close to him that I could smell him. He smelt of books… and a scent that I knew was just… him.

“I’m so thankful that you’re in my life,” Ford said my name. “Not just my life, but my family’s lives as well. It means the world to me that you are willing to spend time with them, as well. And just from today, you enriched my great niece’s life with your presence alone. Now they see what I see when I’m with you. Thank you so much, my dear.”

I smiled, tearing up a little. Not out of sadness, but of happiness. “Ford…” my voice wavered. “Thank you.” The tears that threatened to fall eventually did.

Ford pulled away suddenly, and saw my tears. “Hey, what’s wrong?” he asked.

I smiled at him through my joyful tears. “I’m just… really happy,” I told him, starting to feel my body shake. “I feel like I finally belong.”

Ford pulled me back into a hug, and this one was just as loving as the first one he gave me. “You always did, sweetheart,” he said, the new nickname making my heart skip a beat. “I’d argue and even say you saved me.”

I pulled away to look into his copper-brown eyes. “Don’t say that,” I said.

“It’s true,” Ford told me. “That day when we met in the diner… I felt anhedonia. Nothing brought me joy anymore.”

“Oh Ford…”

“I stayed in my lab for over three months at that point. Stanley was the one who kicked me out of there. He said, ‘Even if you get some food, at least get out and socialize!’”

I laughed as I sniffed. “That sounds like Stan.”

“I looked outside, wishing I could disappear. All of those memories from over thirty years ago… it kept me frozen in time. Meeting you, my dear… you were the one who thawed me out, and helped me to move in time again,” he told me, kissing my forehead.

I wonder which memories he’s talking about… he does seem like he harbors quite a bit of trauma. But… tonight is not the night to talk about it. I think he’ll talk when he’s ready. For now, I just want to enjoy his company.

I smiled, feeling my face burning up from the action Ford just did. “I’m really glad I could do that for you.”

Ford smiled at me. I felt like we just continued looking in each other’s eyes before my phone beeped. I broke eye contact, and saw that my phone was beeping to let me know that my notifications were going on Do Not Disturb.

It was 11:30 now.

I looked up at Ford. “Thank you for telling me that,” I told him. “Promise you’ll come pick me up?”

Ford smiled. “I’ll make sure to bug Stan as much as possible about it,” he said.

“Good,” I said, smiling. “Goodnight, Ford. Sweet dreams.”

“Goodnight,” he said my name. “Rest well.”

I opened the door and closed it before locking it. Once I did, I heard Ford’s footsteps retreat back towards the shack.

I sighed, reminiscing about his hugs and his forehead kiss while I packed for this vacation.

I think he really likes me.

💚💚

Thanks for reading! Likes and reblogs are always appreciated~

[legless-fish-on-rollerskates]

All the morons trying to claim that Dean wasn't saying anything to Cas because he was holding back slurs or something equally ridiculous... what show have you been watching? Surely not Supernatural. Like, yeah, Dean had some internalized shit for a while (mostly cause of how he was raised, let's be real), but this isn't season fucking one. Dean's in his goddamn forties now guys.

But you still think Dean Winchester is homophobic? Let's examine the evidence then, shall we?

1. Aaron Bass: Dean was flustered because he's not used to being hit on by dudes, but he was completely respectful. And he was alone, too. It wasn't like he was trying to "hide his homophobia" from Sam. He could've said whatever he wanted in that moment without anyone ever knowing, and he chose to awkwardly walk backward and wish Aaron a nice day. Then later, when they're working with him, Dean says nothing about it (other than a quick "he was my gay thing" to Sam), doesn't make it weird, and talks to him exactly the same way he would talk to anyone else.

2. Jesse and Ceasar: Dean's surprised when he realizes that they're married, again because he's not really used to it and so he made the wrong assumptions (which I will point out is really really normal, it happens all the time even between queer people, because heteronormativity is very much a thing in real life). But what does he do when he finds out? He asks them about their marriage - with genuine curiosity. What's it like to be in a relationship with a hunter, is it hard, all that jazz. Never asks about the fact that they're both men, none of those gross "so who's the woman" questions, literally just. Talking to two married hunters. That's it. Then later, when they're working, he never once questions their capability as hunters or suggests that they're weak in any way. There's no "you're less 'manly' because you're gay" mindset at all. And at the end of the episode he's genuinely happy for them, two hunters who managed to get out of the life and retire together.

There's lots of other examples (several male cops have been obviously into him over the years, his reaction to Jody talking about Claire and Kaia, all the subtext surrounding Lee, etc.) but for my last one for now, let's not forget...

3. Charlie fucking Bradbury: Arguably Dean's best friend besides Cas (no I haven't forgotten about Benny, I love Benny, but he was part of a very specific chapter of Dean's life and that chapter is done). We've known she was a lesbian from the get-go, and Dean takes it in stride when he finds out, immediately improvising to coach her through some painfully awkward flirting so she can get into the office ("you've just come home, and Scarlett Johansson is waiting for you"). And yes, there's the whole "I feel dirty" "yeah so do I" bit there, but that's clearly established as a joke, plus the guy was gross - as someone who is attracted to both women and men, I would feel dirty after flirting with him too.

The next few times we see Charlie, she and Dean are geeks and dweebs together, Dean is having more fun than we've seen in years, and we see him be a really good friend - in some ways, a better friend than he is to Cas. Charlie talks to him a little bit about girls, they LARP, they go shopping together, Dean comforts her when she has to let go of her mom. When she's killed, he gets so upset he goes on a murderous rampage (maybe not the most healthy way to deal with greif, but nonetheless showing how much she mattered to him). When he sees an alternate version of her in trouble he's immediately ready to risk his own life to help her even though she doesn't know him. He loved her like a sister, and he never once expressed any issues with her sexuality.

So let's go back to Cas. Cas is in love with Dean. Not much of a surprise there, he's said it before. But this is the first time Dean understands that that's what he's saying. It makes sense that he's a little stunned, especially considering that Cas is also saying that he's about to die. I mean, if your best friend of twelve years told you one day that they've been in love with you all along, that just knowing you has irrevocably changed them for the better, and that also by the way telling you this means they're going to die, mightn't you be rendered a tad speechless?

Dean does not hate Cas for this. Not at all. Because whether or not Dean is bi, whether or not he reciprocates, Cas is still his best friend. We've seen how hard Dean grieves every time Cas dies. We know how much Cas matters to him. Of all the shit they've put each other through, there's absolutely no logical reason for this to be the thing that damages their friendship beyond repair. Not after everything. No fucking way.

Dean says nothing because he doesn't know what to say, because he's still processing Cas's confession but also already grieving and blaming himself for Cas's death. The way he breaks down at the very end of the episode? That's not a man who's disgusted. That's a man who's shattered.

How dare you try to simplify this incredibly complex and emotional moment into Dean being a dick. How dare you. It's positively insulting. The entire point of Cas's speech was that Dean is so much more than that. If you can't see that, than I'm sorry, but you're missing the whole message of the show.

Supernatural is about family and sacrifice. It's about free will, making your own choices. And it's about being more than just who you're supposed to be, going beyond what other people want or assume. All the depth beneath the surface. That's the show. That's why we're still watching after all this time. Because it means something important. Something relevant. Something real.

Don't you fucking discredit that.

(thank you for coming to my TED talk)

[thesoundofchains]

I read your anti Sessrin article and THANK YOU for pointing out the blatant heteronormativity in the shipping of them! Besides the obvious pedophilia and grooming this was always my main pet peeve in people seeing their relationship as “eventually becoming romantic.” Nothing in the OG never even gave a hint of that ever happening (on the contrary, Rin was shipping SessKagu herself) I bet you anything if Rin was a boy no one would’ve thought twice to ship them, I mean look at how Kohaku is treated in regards to Sesshomaru as your article said. But no because Rin has a vagina and Sesshomaru a penis, and they’re close companions who aren’t blood related of course that means they’ll inevitably hook up one day, I mean didn’t you know unrelated men and women can never be JUST friends? /s

Yashahime didn’t just ruin Sesshomaru and Rin’s dynamic by turning Sesshomaru into a Pedo/Groomermaru, but it’s also ruined it for those of us who found their relationship incredibly refreshing and a testament that strong platonic bonds between the opposite genders can in fact exist, their friendship/guardianship was like a beacon of light to those of us who have constantly been bombarded by the media that men and women’s relationships must always have a sexual/romantic undercurrent, that if an unrelated man is nice to you, it just means he wants to get in your pants and nothing more. Thanks for ruining that one last hope for those of us thinking there might come a day when a boy and girl’s strong platonic bond won’t be inevitably sexualized by it’s creators, thanks for nothing Yashahime!

I read your anti Sessrin article and THANK YOU for pointing out the blatant heteronormativity in the shipping of them! Besides the obvious pedophilia and grooming this was always my main pet peeve in people seeing their relationship as “eventually becoming romantic.” Nothing in the OG never even gave a hint of that ever happening (on the contrary, Rin was shipping SessKagu herself) I bet you anything if Rin was a boy no one would’ve thought twice to ship them, I mean look at how Kohaku is treated in regards to Sesshomaru as your article said. But no because Rin has a vagina and Sesshomaru a penis, and they’re close companions who aren’t blood related of course that means they’ll inevitably hook up one day, I mean didn’t you know unrelated men and women can never be JUST friends? /s

Yashahime didn’t just ruin Sesshomaru and Rin’s dynamic by turning Sesshomaru into a Pedo/Groomermaru, but it’s also ruined it for those of us who found their relationship incredibly refreshing and a testament that strong platonic bonds between the opposite genders can in fact exist, their friendship/guardianship was like a beacon of light to those of us who have constantly been bombarded by the media that men and women’s relationships must always have a sexual/romantic undercurrent, that if an unrelated man is nice to you, it just means he wants to get in your pants and nothing more. Thanks for ruining that one last hope for those of us thinking there might come a day when a boy and girl’s strong platonic bond won’t be inevitably sexualized by it’s creators, thanks for nothing Yashahime!

Yeah I really think it's just so weird that people can look at their relationship in any type of romantic way and not see anything wrong. It's weird that people can see an adult taking care of a child that isn't biologically theirs and think that way about their relationship. There's a lot to talk about here especially with people who don't necessarily ship them seeing Rin in the og and being like "Oh yeah, that's his future wife." or "It's not surprising that she's the mother of his kids." Like she's a child. I go a bit more into depth in the other article I wrote. I see people haven't really read that one and it's important too.

[parkers-gal]

start searching P.P.

(not my gif)

just a nice, first makeout session with our best boy, peter :)

wc: 2.6k <3

A study session for decathlon turned into six teenagers playing a ridiculous game of confessions. You’d started off strong, going through notes and flashcards and books for the upcoming meet, but after a good hour and a half, MJ had nudged all academic-related supplies out of the way, shoving them to join the floor with the living room rug.

After Peter had gone into the kitchen to get some sodas, Flash had decided on playing truth or dare. When he nearly broke Peter’s front door, Betty had suggested just making it “truth or truth.”

“That’s not even a thing.” MJ plays with the neck of the soda bottle, fingers moving around it sensually.

“It is too!” Betty defends her suggestion. “The girls play it all the time during gym.”

“Is that what you’re always doing?” Ned’s shameless with his question. Betty nods, turning to you and Peter for approval. Peter shrugs, unknowing of his answer, and you nod meekly.

After a measly confession of old crushes and cheated tests, the topic of Flash and his many girlfriends comes up, which lead to deeply over-personal confessions about his sex life. MJ snortled at the heteronormativity, sharing her experiences with a girl from his party a few months ago.

“A real question for the guys, though.” Betty doesn’t falter with her follow up questions. “What’s your favorite thing to do to a girl?”

“During.. It? Like- like it-it?” Peter wheezes out his question, nervousness rushing through him.

“Not necessarily. I mean, just during a makeout session or something.”

Flash hums in thought, and when Ned does the same thing, Peter rolls his eyes.

“You’re not actually going to answer that, are you?”

“Damn right I am.” Flash surprises Peter, and though he’s red in embarrassment, Peter rolls his eyes again with a mumbled “whatever.”

“I’d say… maybe just neck kisses. Boobs are great too, though.” Flash concludes his confession with a proud smirk, and Betty buzzes at the response.

“Boobs are great, though.” MJ agrees with him absentmindedly. “I love me some neck kisses, though.”

You look away from the group, catching Peter’s eyes for only a moment before you look the other way again. MJ catches the entire encounter, turning the conversation to you.

“Y/N/N,” She nods her head at you. “Neck kisses or regular kisses?”

“I’ve never gotten neck kisses before,” You hide the disappointment in your voice as best you can. “So I really have nothing to compare regular kisses to. Any kisses are great, though.”

Flash’s brows furrow, and before MJ can stop him, he asks a follow up question. “Aren’t you like… dating Parker?” He motions toward the wall-crawler sitting beside you, and MJ physically slaps her forehead.

“Shut up, dingbat.”

His eyes widen. “You two haven’t even made out yet?!”

“Shut up, Flash!” Betty tries to whisper-yell it while slapping his leg. The boy holds his hands up defensively, shrugging his shoulders.

“Just seems a little weird, especially when Peter’s a little horny ball of excitement.”

“Excuse me?” Peter gasps dramatically. “I am not a ball of horniness.” Flash tilts his head, eyebrow raising while he sends him a side eye. Peter huffs. “I’m not! MJ, back me up here!”

“No can do, Parker.” She shrugs, and Flash yells out a loud “HA!”

“Whatever.” Peter replies, face burning with a bright blush. You chuckle, grabbing his hand to play with his fingers.

When the game goes on, you get up to grab a few snacks from the kitchen, and MJ follows you into the room, jumping at the opportunity to question you about earlier. Neither of you notice Peter, who’s listening from a crevice with empty soda bottles in his hands.

“You’ve never even made out with him? Don’t you want to?”

You feel yourself burning up at the intensity of the questions. “Of course I do! We just haven’t… I don’t know? It’ll happen, I guess. I’m staying the night so maybe something’ll happen later.”

She nods along, and the two of you continue conversing about other things. Peter’s face is as hot as the sun, and though he tries to contain it, he can’t do anything but allow himself to blush.

When two minutes go by, he turns the corner and enters the kitchen, setting the empty bottles in the recycling bin.

“Hey, babe, MJ.” He sends each of you a nod before directing his attention to you. “Are you cool if we… pack up a little early today? I’m exhausted.”

You nod understandingly, getting ready to clean up and put everything away. When Peter leaves the room, MJ finally lets out an exasperated breath.

“Y/N!”

“What?!” You turn to her, slightly frightened.

“He totally heard us!”

“What?”

“He wants us to leave early! What do you think he’s going to do when he gets you alone, hm?” She raises her brows, and you roll your eyes.

“He said he was tired.”

“No, he said he wanted everyone to leave because he’s tired.”

“And the difference is?” You shut the sink off, scrubbing a glass and rinsing it before handing it to MJ for drying.

“He may be tired of us, but he won’t be tired of you.”

“That’s a stretch.”

“Sure it is.” She sets the final plate into the cupboard before drying her hands. You do the same, grabbing a paper towel before standing upright, eyes on MJ. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

You nod, leaning in for a hug. It lasts momentarily, and then she’s leaving the kitchen. You wave goodbye as Betty and Ned leave through the front door, hands intertwined. You send Flash your last smile while he takes a bag of doritos with him.

MJ is deep into conversation with Peter, and you don’t think anything of it while you put the food away.

“Did you only kick us out because you want to make out with Y/N?”

“Wh-what? No!” He scratches the back of his neck sheepishly, assuring her otherwise. She sends him a look, and he huffs, giving in. “Fine, yes I did. But she doesn’t know, right?” MJ smirks, shaking her head. “Not a clue.”

Peter lets out a cute “phew,” and MJ rolls her eyes one final time before grabbing her coat.

“Don’t be too much of a horny ball, though.”

“Yeah yeah, whatever.”

As the front door finally closes, Peter joins you in the kitchen. You’re cleaning the counter, and when he wraps his arms around you from behind, you hum in approval. He’s warm, and you melt into him.

“Hey there.”

“Hi.” He’s mumbling into your back with a soft smile.

“Whaddya wanna do now?”

You turn around in his grasp, hugging him back while you peer up into his eyes. He nibbles on his lip nervously, not sure how to respond to your question with the answer he’s thinking of.

“Hello?” You giggle, waving a hand up. “I said what do you want to…” It’s only then that you realize how close his face is to yours, lips mere inches away. You glance down at them for a moment, something Peter takes note of. “Do?” You finish your sentence with a shaky exhale. You’re grateful you brushed your teeth after eating. Peter’s glad he did, too.

“I want you to…” He plays with a strand of your hair, twirling it softly. You hear him swallow thickly, and it makes you do the same. “To teach me how to… make out.”

Your eyes widen, and you bite your bottom lip to suppress any smiles and sheepish smirks. “Yeah? What makes you think I’m a good teacher for that?”

It’s his turn to bite his lip, but he doesn’t do a very good job at not smiling, because his smirking face is centimeters away from yours.

“Just my gut feeling.”

You blink, eyes darting around the room. You realize you’re still in the kitchen, a place entirely unfit for the occasion. “Bedroom?”

His eyes widen at the sudden suggestion, and you’re quick to roll your eyes. “Keep it in your pants, Parker. You know what I meant.”

He smiles sheepishly again, scratching his neck while he nods. He offers you a hand, and when you intertwine your fingers, he’s smiling again, pulling you quickly into the safety of his room.

Eventually, the two of you get ready to sleep before sitting across from each other on the mattress. Peter is nervously fiddling with his fingers, tugging on the ends of his navy blue Midtown High hoodie. You’re seated calmly across from him, but inside you’re burning up out of anxiousness for what’s about to come. You have no idea what you’re going to do or say, but you have a few ideas in mind.

“What… what’s first?”

“Your hands.” You point to them as if he doesn’t know they’re his own. You swallow before continuing. “You can put them… in my hair,” You demonstrate, hands guiding him. “Holding my face,” You nuzzle into his grasp,“On my waist,” they move again, “My hips. My back.” his fingers run along your spine, the action causing goosebumps to rise.

“And what about…” Peter swallows again, tongue darting out to lick his lips, wetting them. “What about my lips?”

You scoot closer to him. “Against mine,” You whisper it with how close you are to the brunette. He breathes in, holding his breath while biting his lip again. His hands stay on your waist. “And then… and then you can move to my jaw, and my neck, and my collarbones. And you can… you can kiss and…” With the proximity between you and Peter, you’re holding your breath. He’s waiting for you to finish so he can start the hands-on part, but he takes the opportunity to speak instead.

“And… and hickeys? Am I allowed to mark you like that?”

“Mhm.”

“Okay.” His words are soft and gentle, but the context of them makes you hot with anticipation. His next words capture your breath. “Can I kiss you?”

“Mhm.”

When his lips first make contact with yours, it’s awkward and tense. You can feel the nervousness oozing out of the both of you, but after a few moments and some scarce giggling, you loosen up. Peter gets comfortable too ��� hands reaching out for your skin while your lips move feverishly. He’s growing restless, and after a few moments, he pulls you closer, only breaking apart momentarily to bring you onto his lap. With his super strength, the task seems simple and easy, but you laugh nonetheless.

His fingers are calloused when compared to your soft and supple skin. They’re rough yet tender, touching you gently but needily. His hair is arranged messily, curls strewn about while your fingers distractedly tug and twist the strands. Peter emits small noises, huffs and gruffs, and you exhale shakily, out of breath.

He sends you a messy grin, face flushed and hair jumbled. Within seconds, his lips are back on yours. He leans in hesitantly, almost as if he’s asking for permission, and when you nod, he smiles against your lips, filling the gap.

You adjust as your lips continue their love fest, and suddenly, you’re straddling him. His hands are low on your back, fingers moving delicately. When your fingers move to his hair, pulling and tugging, his lips move away from yours and down to your neck and jawline. He moans against you, the vibrations sending tingles through your spine and core.

“Who taught Peter Parker how to kiss so well?” You suck in a breath as his lips find your sweet spot for the first time. You feel his lips curve into a smile, shy yet cheeky, and he chuckles.

“You.”

You exhale shakily, head tilted up while you smile. “Was it me who corrupted the innocent Peter Parker?”

He hums, lips detaching from your neck to peer at you. You exhale again, eyes connecting with his. He grins again, and your face flushes as you realize his hair is an absolute mess.

“You gave me so many reasons to switch.” He breathes out his words, slurring them together while his lips urge to connect with your skin again. They find your sweet spot easily, as if it’s second nature, and they suck a hickey into your skin. His tongue peaks out from his mouth, licking over the freshly nipped skin. You suck in another breath, unprepared and unexpected for the feeling of it.

Eventually, his lips move away from your special spot. They trail further down your neck, sucking in hickeys and nipping and kissing the skin. Your fingers move from his hair to his shoulders, gripping him with every kiss. Your eyes are closed in bliss, and when Peter looks up for a moment, he smirks to himself, admiring your state of bliss.

“Reasons to switch to what?” He hums against you, pulling away again. “Maybe not to switch but... just to unleash the beast.”

You giggle, eyebrows raising slightly. “Is that so?”

“Mhm.”

“And… this so-called ‘beast’... what makes him so beastly?”

Peter bites on his bottom lip, an action that doesn’t go unnoticed by you. You don’t mention anything, though, merely sucking in a breath and waiting for his response.

“He’s… dirtier.” “Dirtier?” You giggle again. “You sound like a schoolgirl.” “It’s true!” He huffs. “He’s dirtier and kinkier and sexier.”

“Is that so?”

“I seem to think you believed that, too.” His lips hover over a spot on your neck, breath warm as he exhales against you. You know what he’s doing, and as you exhale shakily, you nod your head.

“We’ll see about this beast of yours.”

He hums again, lips continuing their journey against your skin. He’s warm and encapsulating against you, lips wet and slick. You lick your lips, head tilting downwards after a few moments. Peter peers up again, hand moving up your spine sensually. You inhale again, biting your bottom lip while you connect your lips again. He kisses back immediately, grinning against you.

The two of you get lost in the kiss, and his hands move low on your back again. Yours take home on his chest, fingers toying with the strings of his hoodie. He’s snug, sitting right under your touch, and you long to feel his skin. You huff, tugging at the hem of his sweatshirt. He grins again, pulling it off and throwing it mindlessly to a corner of his room.

“Don’t get fussy on me.” You can hear the grin on his face. His biceps come into your view, and your fingers immediately wrap around them, squeezing sensually. It’s Peter’s turn to suck in a breath, taken aback.

Your plush lips find his neck for the first time, and suddenly the roles have reversed. You’re hesitant at first, lips discovering his golden skin, testing the waters. When you come across a particular spot that makes him gasp, you smirk and suck a hickey into the skin. You’ve found his sweet spot, and now you’re endlessly nibbling its skin.

A few moments go by and eventually your lips move on, tongue darting out to lick at the spots you’ve sucked purple marks into. Peter’s holding his breath as you do so, flustered and breathless. You smirk again.

“Doesn’t seem very beastly to me.”

He huffs, peering at you whilst you chuckle. “He’s in there.”

“You’re gonna make me find him?”

Peter shrugs from within your grasp, and the two of you burst out into laughter.

“Still wanna find the beast?” Peter’s hopeful after a few moments of separation from your lips. You roll your eyes but nod anyways.

“‘M not gonna stop until I find him.” You mumble your words against his lips, eyes darting back and forth between his eyes and his mouth. He tongue plays with his sharpest tooth, and then his lips are back against yours again.

“Then start searching.”

[lesbianmarrow]

thinking about gender and legends of tomorrow 5.08 “romeo v juliet: dawn of justness”

at the heart of this episode is the ray & nate friendship, which has for a long time been interested in examining and defying gender stereotypes. on a team whose members are mostly either queer, women, or both, what does it mean for these two straight men to have such a strong yet nonsexual friendship? the show repeatedly characterizes this bond as mutually healthy and supportive, with ray and nate often showing their affection for each other through hugs and i-love-yous. and yet, because they are both heterosexual men, their friendship can only be temporary. as heterosexual men, both characters aim to eventually get married to women, and when that happens their friendship will no longer be a priority for either of them. so as much as the show strives to defy gender stereotypes with ray & nate’s friendship, its unwavering choice to portray them both as straight men forces it to stick to heteronormative life trajectories for them. 

like i’ve said before, it makes perfect sense that ray & nora getting married would require them to leave the ship. because marriage is rooted in patriarchal societal norms, and the legends very literally exist outside of that society and its rules. so to get married is to choose a life within society over a life outside of it. it’s clear that ray wants to begin his married life with nora, but he is also sad to leave behind his friendship with nate. because he knows that their kind of male bonding can’t exist when ray is married. it can only exist on the waverider. 

the show sets up this idea of boys vs girls pretty early on, when the boy team goes off on the mission while the girl team stays behind. i find it interesting that charlie is included in the boy team - she has to come along for plot reasons, but i feel like it also points at her queerness and specifically her implicit transness. we have our bachelor and bachelorette parties, and both show us the joy of this kind of homosociality. each group has fun in their own way - the boys get drunk and start a fight, the girls get drunk and dance. as joyous as it is for both parties, the celebrating has to come to an end abruptly so the legends can fix time. this kind of gender-segregated bonding can’t last forever if nora and ray want to move on with their lives. 

the show then complicates its depictions of gender and gender roles when two of its characters crossdress for the romeo & juliet performance. first we see ava in the role of the prince, wearing men’s clothing complete with a codpiece and fake goatee. ava already defies gender roles just by being a lesbian, so seeing her crossdress isn’t all that surprising. this isn’t the first time the show has placed ava in a masculine role, although it’s never been this blatant before. then we see nate as juliet, in his dress and wig and makeup. as a heterosexual man, nate is placed in a feminine role far less often, but it happens occasionally. ava and nate crossdressing for the romeo & juliet performance underscores the queerness and the fluidity of gender roles which possible on the waverider but not in regular society. ray isn’t involved in this gender-bending performance because he has already chosen heterosexual marriage, which does not permit such gender fluidity. 

scenes of ray preparing to leave and nate running after him are juxtaposed with constantine and zari as romeo & juliet performing the balcony scene (side note: since constantine is bisexual, it’s interesting to have him as romeo first wooing a juliet played by a man, then a juliet played by a woman). t it’s very obvious that romeo & juliet declaring their love for each other is being paralleled with ray & nate telling each other that they love each other as they say goodbye. the reason romeo & juliet can’t be together is because of their families’ rivalry. but the reason ray & nate can’t be together is because of their heterosexuality. though they love each other dearly, ray has chosen the rigid conventions of heterosexual marriage over the queer possibilities of the waverider, and that means his friendship with nate has to end. nate is still partly in his juliet costume when he says goodbye to ray, showing that even though nate is heterosexual, being on the waverider allows him to flirt with queerness in a way that ray will no longer be able to. 

ultimately, this episode honors and appreciates homosocial bonding, but maintains that for heterosexual characters, heterosexual marriage is necessary for true growth, and this marriage precludes the deep homosocial bonds and the fluidity of gender roles which are possible on the waverider. i feel a bit disappointed in the show’s inability to imagine a heterosexuality that isn’t bound to suffocating gender roles and allows for central same-gender friendships, but i do appreciate the consistent coding of the waverider and the legends as a team as queer. 

[hawkinsschoolcounselor]

The reason I'm convinced that Byler is real is not the huge amount of evidence actually, its because the way the creators and the fandom treat it is way different from the usual ship that ends un being queerbaiting. These ships are usually very popular in the fandom and the creators take advantage of it by constantly promoting this characters togueter and teasing the possibility of something happening only to end up not doing anything with it. However while Byler has a lot of fans Mileven is undeniably the most popular ship in the fandom, its not like the majority of the fandom want Byler to happen. Also, the Duffers have never really talked about Mike and Will in a romantic way so its not like they are using them to promote the possibility of a queer ship happening, all the people that believe that Byler will be canon are convinced solely because of the evidence not because of the creators making us feel this way. If anything they seem to only cater to mileven fans which seems like straighbaiting to me lmao

But seriously why will they make it seem like mileven is the main ship when so many evidence of Byler exists? That should tell people that something is going on and that they are planning to surprise us with the actual endgame (they are only going to surprise the heteros but still)

First, kudos for submitting this with your name attached. I know the temptation to do it anonymously is great, so I hope you meant to do it this way.

Second, I had to reread this a few times out of confusion. I kept misreading it as you being convinced the Byler is not real. In my defense, I am slightly hungover from drinking a lot of nog last night. Drink responsibly, kids. Well, not at all if you’re really kids, but even young adults are kids to me now.

I think I understand what you’re saying now. They’re not using the prospect of Mike and Will as a couple to promote the show. I do see them occasionally show some love to it, but, yeah, they aren’t promoting any type of ship war or anything. Thank whatever is up there for that, too, because such things are so reductive. This isn’t Twilight or something where the characters are so shallow that they’re defined by their relationships.

They aren’t really going to talk about Byler because even the characters haven’t really, yet. For the Duffers to explicitly acknowledge it would be to ruin the entire arc. We’re meant to be following these characters on this journey, never really sure where it’s going to end up. We’re getting more and more clues as we go, but they clearly don’t want us to know yet. Hell, they even went out of their way to show that Mike and El’s relationship didn’t really end on anything close to a clear note.

I can’t say I like the idea of straight baiting much more than queer baiting, though. I can see how it plays on people’s expectations, and I know the Duffers love to subvert such expectations, but it seems wrong somehow to do it intentionally. I’d be willing to say they’re letting it happen organically, because people are going to fall into heteronormative habits anyway, but they do seem to push Mike and El at times, or, at least, Netflix does. It seems sort of mean to build up the Mileven fans, only to pull the rug out from under them, but, I suppose, they didn’t really have to do much to build them up in the first place. I guess it really only does take a male and female lead to make a ship. 

I agree with your larger point, if my clouded mind is understanding it correctly, that, if they were really trying to bait us, they would be bringing up Mike and Will’s romantically-coded moments more and more. If there is any baiting, then I feel like it would be accidental. Though, to be fair, that would require a tremendous amount of ignorance and coincidence. Imagine nobody on that show seeing what we see and continuing to build up those elements if it wasn’t meant to be.

I do think we’ll see public acknowledgement of Mike and Will’s feelings once they become explicit on the show. There’s no way the Duffers are hacks to the point that they’d create a gay character without doing him justice.