#not to tell you that you are something <3 whether someone is aro or not i think that going through some basic aro theory

[vulpinesaint]

idk if you remember, but you responded to my anon a few days ago and i really wanted to respond.... but my energy levels.... anyway, it was the one about potentially liking my friend romantically? and to quote some of your tags for remembering purposes:

(2) brain buzzing though trying to think of what kind of quiz i would make that would allow that kind of understanding

(3) (something about how the quiz Should not be about that topic because of drawing conclusions yourself instead of i.e. being told "you have abandonment issues")

(1) anyway. idk if you meant this original ask in an aromantic way. but i mean everything aromantically so <3

and yeah I wanted to respond because thoughts? though it's a little counterproductive to be on anon for this, I just feel like I've already seemed pathetic and parasocial enough in your notes recently

1: did I mean it in an aromantic way? maybe. I wouldn't know, frankly. same as with my sexuality, it is inseparable from my trauma, and I've stopped trying to see where it starts, and my "true nature" ends it's part of who I am, but it also makes it difficult to know if I would truly enjoy a romantic or sexual partnership without throwing myself into one - which I don't want

while I certainly don't experience attraction the same way many others do, I do enjoy the thought of a partnership that includes stereotypical romantic behavior. I like dates, though I haven't been on many, I like showing someone they hold a special place in my heart, and I enjoy having someone hold that special place, too. I think I want to marry someday, have a child if circumstances allow it, etc.

what am I not having fun with, is knowing if the person I have in mind is one that Should be that, you know? because I very much get attached to others in an unhealthy way, focusing entirely on pleasing them, and giving myself a role to play. when they go "off script" and try to get closer to me themselves, I get scared and back away. or, if things go on too long, I burn myself out and distance myself from them, ashamed of not being able to keep up the standard I set for myself.

it's a superficial performance of affection without allowing anyone into my space

and there has been times things still worked out! one friend I felt this way about (and still do sometimes, admittedly) now has a girlfriend - which of course immediately shut anything down that could have developed in the future. and it was fine! we actually talk and video chat more now, though I couldn't say if that might have happened either way with us simply knowing each other longer

2: truly, I feel like a quiz about performance in general would fit this topic. at least when it comes to my own experiences. holding a monologue on an empty stage. talking towards the audience, speaking to another character but really spreading their emotions far and wide. losing yourself in the crowd, clamoring for a single cause. dissonant duets. 3: is it too on the nose? maybe. but there is so many, very detailed, scenarios in (I was personally thinking of) stage performances and live theater. I think maybe I'm the supporting cast moving things around dressed in all black. blending into the background by my own will. meant to be invisible, putting focus on me works against the role I have put myself into. etc etc. idk

anyway emotions are hard. I don't think I'm in a position where I could hold any deeper relationship, romantic or not, to an extend I'd be happy with. I don't want to be a charity case, but there will also be no perfect time. the fact I tend to be interested in people living far away, too, is... both definitely something I need to unpack, and also simply part of me preferring English over my native language (though you've probably noticed my writing being sub-par, it's something I struggle with deeply).

I was not planning on letting go on for so long, but here I am rambling again. in the end, I won't know if a romantic relationship is what I want (with him or anyone else) unless I try it. but I am not at a point in my life where I feel comfortable experimenting with it. it will remain a mystery for the foreseeable future, and I will have to do my best to leave my performer role and allow others to get closer to me

hello yes i remember!!! i apologize in advance because this is going to be a longass answer so. sorry. read what you want <3

i am unfortunately the worst person to express thoughts about being aromantic to because my answer is always going to be that there is a way for aromanticism to win haha. that said! i am going to try and. not write paragraphs here. but this means that i am going to link to other posts to expand on my thoughts there i think. speedrun.

trauma is a completely valid reason to identify with aromanticism

(i'm not microlabel boy personally but there is a label + community of people who identify their aromanticism as specifically resulting from trauma. / could be useful for seeking out other similar thoughts + perspectives)

labels are only a means of communication and self-categorization and are not necessary unless they are wanted + do not indicate an innate or universal way of being

aspec labels and community are centered around feeling attraction in a lesser/different way than the "typical" experience. if those are useful to you, they are there for you.

a lot of aro people do not like the expectation of romance-relationship-marriage-children that's pushed by amatonormativity. this doesn't preclude aro people in general from wanting those things though! personal preferences are personal preferences. romantic relationships can be nice for people. this is why people often get into them haha

you can have all those things in a nonromantic way if you want <3 queerplatonic relationships are rlly cool and you also just. don't have to call something platonic/nonplatonic. my gf and i are planning on getting married and having kids and our relationship is not romantic to me. i am a really big fan of doing whatever the fuck you want forever <3

acting out what you think is expected of a relationship is like The aspec experience of all time to me. sometimes what being aromantic looks like is performing exactly what you think the response of romance should be. because you can see it but don't feel it.

(again. microlabel specifically about liking the idea of romance but being repulsed by it once it's reciprocated/you get too close to it)

(or being aro but just wanting a romantic relationship)

(aplatonic people bring a really interesting perspective on this kind of feeling around platonic relationships instead of romantic)

absolutely not saying that what you want isn't real. but would also like to put forward from my own experience that sometimes what i wanted from typical romance conventions was not actually what i wanted. amatonormativity is a hell of a drug and personally i had to figure out that the 'partner' i was imagining in my head was just like. someone i wanted to hang out with. that the romantic relationship i might have been imagining was really just what i thought had to happen in order to have the deep soul-rending connection that i want with people. i had to unpack a lot of those kinds of things and it might be something that applies for you too <3

as for quiz concept.... mmmmm.... that's really good actually... rotating that in my head for sure. entirely predictably i have been a theater kid my entire life and i could theater it up. wax poetic on performance. god knows as an aromantic transsexual i have my fair share of experience with performing in a multitude of aspects haha. note to self think about theaters and haunting... was reminiscing about the puck monologue i did for my theater class in senior year of high school earlier today. miss that. i wanna act again...

ur writing is literally fine 👍 minor errors are minor errors but i think you express yourself very well. anyway. i think i have gotten back to you on everything here... one thing about talking to me it is like taking a quiz. and the quiz is "are you aromantic" and the answer i give is always yes haha

[deadend-if]

DEMO TBA | INFO | 17+

Most people would describe your life as normal. You live in a small apartment in the middle of a bustling city. It's a city bursting with life and opportunities, things you’ve grown accustomed to. It's been a few years since moving here with your former college roommate, turned best friend. Life pulled the both of you to the city to pursue your careers, living comfortably since. So, when someone comes knocking at your door with wide, panicked eyes, you feel the urge to just move on with your day. That is, of course, not possible when they drop the fact that your roommate is dead, followed by an invitation to get them back.

This IF is written in twine and will be posted on itch.io. It is currently a work in progress. Advice is appreciated due to this being my first attempt at something like this <3

This story will delve into grief, death, and dying, all while exploring everything the underworld has to offer. Face ghosts of everyone's pasts, get into trouble with Underworld Law and become closer along the way.

Play as a fully customizable character, choose your character's name, pronouns/gender, sexuality, appearance, college degree, and more!

Travel through the underworld, explore the vast layers the city of the dead has to offer and meet the people who reside there.

Determine how you traverse loss and all the things that come with it. Either ignore or come to terms with what might happen at the end of it all.

Build a relationship with 1 of 4 character options (or 1 of 2(?) poly options!), two gender selectable, and two set genders (non-binary spectrum). (Play as aro, gay, straight, bi, trans, etc. Platonic relationships will be just as important in this game!)

This game is for 17 and up. There will be NO sexual themes, but there will be heavy topics, explicit language, and graphic descriptions of death. More Content Warnings will be listed in the demo.

The Best Friend | Abel/Abella Robinson [he/him or she/her] - RO

Your best friend since freshman year of college, once random strangers sharing a dorm, now living together of your own free will. A is an elementary school teacher with a calm, gentle heart. They are a bit of a doormat but are kind despite the world being cruel. For years they have been a loyal friend and helped you whenever you needed it, now it's time to help them escape the clutches of death.

The Guilty Reaper | Mortimer/Mort/Mortie [any pronouns] - RO

Mortimer has your best interests in mind, at least that's why they tell you when they pop up at your doorstep with tickets to the underworld. Being out of touch with humanity is supposed to be an asset for reapers, but Mortimer has always wanted to know everything there is to know about humanity. Can you even believe someone like them? Mort seems a little too honest, and a little too curious, but they're the only tour guide for the underworld that you know of.

Your Best Friend's Best Friend | Santiago/Santina "Santi" Vega [he/him or she/her] - RO

You know A has other friends, but what you don't know is why they hate you so much. Santi has never liked you, not four years ago, not today. They are sarcastic and confident. They will always take the opportunity to outshine you, it's hard to understand why someone like A would even tolerate being around them. Whether you like it or not, they're still A's other best friend, and are just as determined to get them back safe and sound... Even if it means having to do it with you.

The Guard | Kyo [he/they] - RO

A (begrudging) friend of Mort and one of many guards of the underworld. They're a mystery to you and even to their closest friend. Kyo doesn't speak much. They are blunt, easily annoyed, and strictly there to keep an eye on everyone. He prefers to follow the rules and stay under the radar, especially since he seems to have something to lose. They seem to only tag along to keep Mort out of trouble, but there has to be something more to their goals. Why else would they risk so much for people they don't know?

Poly Options <3

A & S K & M (A secret third option, perchance?)

DEMO TBA | INFO

[my-secret-shame-but-fanfiction]

Hello! Would you do how Anselm, Nathan and the Moon Boys handle/be with a person with tremors/general shakiness? No rush!

Of course, I hope I did this justice! <3

Tremors

Multiple Oscar Isaac Characters x gn!Reader • Rating: 18 + pals Masterlist• ao3• want to be tagged? | request info • buy me a coffee? • ask-travaganza masterlist •

Warnings: Fluff, mention of sexy times, mention of murder (Anselm's gotta shoot someone), not beta read, please let me know if I have missed a warning!

Word Count: 509

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Steven Grant

Researches and then does lots of different relaxation techniques with you to see if any of them help reduce the shaking.

Literally becomes a walking encyclopaedia of information on the subject.

Will loudly dress down anyone who dares to say anything rude.

“Relaxing is meant to help, love, yeah?” Then proceeds to make you come against his mouth until you beg him to stop.

Tells you he loves you and kisses the area/s that are shaking.

Marc Spector

Marc’s the king of acts of service, he just wants to be helpful. If the tremors are getting too much for you he would quietly offer to help, whether it’s dressing, writing, cooking, whatever you need. But will always ask first. He doesn’t want to baby you or be over the top.

Goes to any doctor’s appointments and listens quietly. He makes notes for you so that you can refer to them later. Will only speak if it seems like the doctor is talking over you/not taking you seriously.

Gives you a massage to help relax you.

Tuts at Steven for overstimulating you with oral sex, then gets you to cockwarm him until you feel like jelly.

Jake Lockley

Holds your hands, a lot. Especially if you get self-conscious about any shaking. 

Will definitely joke about you wrapping your fingers around his dick when the tremors are bad to make you smile and tut at him.

“Amor, maybe I should fuck you until you’re shaking from exhaustion instead?” 

You giggle but he gets an earful from Marc about his lackluster jokes. 

Fucks you into the mattress until you’re too blissed out to care about anything.

Nathan Bateman

Spends days designing equipment to help you. Depending on what causes the tremors affects what he’s going to do, whether it’s something for you to wear that helps with the shaking or just tools that will counteract the movement, or a mixture of both.

Never mentions it until you bring it up first.

Likes to hold you and wrap his arms around you. You apologised once for your shaking and how it must be disturbing him.

He told you how much he actually liked it, “feels like a massage chair.” He’d teased, but you realised he was so hopelessly in love with you that he finds absolutely everything about you to be attractive. 

Doesn’t bring up the idea of intimacy to help relax you first, but once you do he’s quick to ask every time after.

Anselm Vogelweide

Very gentle. Whatever you need you’re getting. And if anyone even says something that remotely upsets you, they’re getting shot. 

Flies in every specialist to help.

Threatens to burn anything/anyone to cinders who causes you any stress.

Some shaking started/increased once when an associate raised his voice once and you thought he was going to pull out the man’s eyes and shove them up his ass.

With your permission, he likes to tie you up and fuck you senseless. “See, my love? No shaking when you’re bound up so beautifully.” 

--------------------------------

Thank you for reading!

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[necromancer-at-abattoir]

Hi, it’s “Rick really shot himself in the foot when he tried to differentiate Greek and Roman mythology and failed” anon again, and I just learned that apparently Rick is not only misrepresenting the gods and Greek culture, but actual Ancient Greek philosophers, and that really pisses me off as someone with a degree in philosophy.

I haven’t been a part of this fandom in a long time. I never finished HoO (I dropped it before the series was even finished), but I saw something upsetting the other day. I’ve seen a few posts talking about this one passage from HoO (Or, at least, I think it was from HoO. If I read that part, I don’t remember because It was a long time ago.) talking about “a story by Plato about how male and female were created because they used to be the same being that was split in half, and now they’re two halves of a whole looking for their soulmate or whatever” and this was supposed to create angst or something because then Nico didn’t know how he was supposed to fit into that equation.

Again, I don’t exactly know the context (I tried Googling it, but I couldn’t find anything), but I do know that it’s referencing The Symposium. The Symposium just so happens to be one of my favorite pieces of philosophical writing, and once had to write over 20 pages on this bad boy for an academic paper, so believe me when I tell you - that story is a load of BS, and I will not tolerate Plato slander.

First of all, that wasn’t even Plato that said that. It was Aristophanes. Yes, The Symposium was written by Plato, but he was essentially just documenting stuff that was said at a dinner where a bunch of dudes got together and decided to philosophize about what love is (there are 6 speakers in total, that all lead up to Socrates, and Aristophanes is just one of them). People debate about whether all the people and situations Plato wrote about were even real, or if they’re just a device to bounce ideas off of each other, and there’s even this whole theory that Socrates wasn’t a real person - but I’m not going to get into all of that. What’s important is that we DO know that Aristophanes was a real person, and it’s important to note that Aristophanes was NOT a philosopher. He was a playwright and basically the Ancient Greek equivalent of a comedian. I have seen a lot of people act like it was some profound theory of how humans came to be, but it was never meant to be taken seriously.

Now, I have seen that story be taken out of context many times, and it always annoys me, but this might be the most egregious one yet. The Symposium is not heteronormative in the slightest. In fact, it is VERY queer, which is what drew me to it in the first place.

The ACTUAL story that this is trying to reference is when Aristophanes tells a story where originally humans had 2 heads, 4 arms, and 4 legs, and there were 3 genders - male, female, and androgynous (which represented the sun, earth, and moon, respectively). The gods were intimidated by the humans, so they split them in half. The ones that were originally male became men who were attracted to men, the ones that were female became women attracted to women, and the ones that were androgynous became men and women attracted to the opposite sex. That is the very short version, but needless to say, very inclusive of homosexuality.

I see how what Rick was trying to do could’ve worked for asexuality or aromanticism, however, this is only just one small part of The Symposium, and there is actually a lot of stuff in The Symposium that I would argue are very ace and aro coded, but I’m not going to get into all of that, though, because this would be very long and that’s beside the point.

(Just one thing, though, because I can't resist. It’s not relevant to this, but it’s cool, and it relates to my previous ask. At one point, one of the speakers, Pausanias, tries to define love as a complex being and says that Aphrodite is the personification of love. He acknowledges that there are two different versions of Aphrodite that the Ancient Greeks believed in, from different parts of Greece (again, this is pre-Roman), and instead of trying to determine which is the “true” Aphrodite, he embraces both of them and says they are the personifications of two different kinds of love, which eventually results in him basically figuring out the split attraction model 2000+ years before it was called that, and I love it so much.) Anyway, everyone should read The Symposium, it’s public domain.

All that to say, this means one of two things. Either Rick knew this story and intentionally changed it to be heteronormative to create angst, or he read some other version of the story, that was not a primary resource, where someone else had already changed to be heteronormative - and that really freaking bothers me, because it could not be farther from the truth.

As a queer person who found a lot of comfort in The Symposium, I find it disgusting that it was twisted for the sake of making a queer character feel bad about themself for extra angst (and don’t even get me started on how Nico’s character was handled, that is a whole other thing I can go off about, but I won’t because this is about Plato). Shame on you, Richard.

Again, I haven’t touched HoO since I was in high school and it was still being released, and I honestly don’t remember reading that part. So, if I am taking this out of context and later in the book they say “Wait, but that’s not actually how the story goes!” then I will be pleasantly surprised for once, and you can disregard all of this.

You are wonderful, anon, and I love you and this message that you've sent so much. I will definitely check out Plato's Symposium sometime soon.

Don't worry-you're not taking this out of context. What you're talking about is, unfortunately, written in either HOH or BOO-I clearly remember that.

Rick Riordan does tend to misrepresent cultures in his stories-especially Greek culture, so I wouldn't be surprised if this was true. His views on Hellenistic Paganism and Greek Gods when he was writing PJO and HOO were unfortunately very derogatory and it's clearly reflected in his writing.

The fact that he changed a story to fit his version does not surprise me at all, though it's painful to learn that he has committed yet another infraction regarding Greek Mythology.

It's terribly discouraging to me when I see how many people think that what Rick Riordan writes is true and urge them to read up on real sources regarding Greek Mythology. This twisted version of Plato's Symposium is only one of many examples in Percy Jackson.

Knowing Rick Riordan, he either read the full version and twisted it to form his own terrible version, which he has done before (Hephaestus' attempted rape of Athena) and is quite good at or he read a version that wasn't the primary resource and just took it to be the real thing (like he did when researching for Piper Mclean).

Nico's moment there was pretty poignant, very relatable for many LGBTQ readers wondering how they would fit in to heteronormative society...........

But unfortunately, a lot of nice moments in PJO come at the cost of incorrectly interpreting Ancient Greek Gods and culture. It's pretty sad, honestly. Rick really likes to slander Greece in his works. First with the flame of the West, then with slandering all the gods and all those mythological inaccuracies, now with this twisted Symposium version of his.

Rick Riordan doesn't even do his research properly, so of course he said that Plato said it and not that Plato wrote down what Aristophanes said out loud. I wonder if it would actually kill him to do some more research. Is he really that bad at it?

Anyway, I will read the Symposium to gain more insight onto how Rick could have handled it better. I really like aro-ace coded stuff, too, so I'll love this one.

[k-s-morgan]

Hello Katrin! I Hope you’re doing well.

I have been struggling recently with thoughts on if I’m aroace or not, and since you’re aroace I thought who better to ask?

Im curious on if you’ve ever had crushes on people and then the moment they like you back it just fades away. This is kinda what’s been happening with me and I’m wondering if it’s normal to feel so repulsed by someone I thought I liked.

Anyways I’m looking forward to your update for those gentle slopes <33

Hi! Thanks for sharing this with me <3 As an aro-ace, I never had crushes on anyone - what I thought to be crushes turned out to be cases of aesthetic attraction. Maybe this is something you're feeling, too? Like, you enjoy looking at a person, you find them very appealing, but the moment you get a chance to date them, you nope out because this isn't what your feelings are really about.

Sexuality is very complex, so I'm not sure if my words will be helpful here. Still, to share some personal examples: I once thought I had a crush on a very popular and good-looking boy in a camp. He was so beautiful, I found it fascinating. I couldn't stop looking at him. When he reciprocated, I was very pleased. We were considered a power couple, and it was all very exciting for me.

However, even back then, I could tell something was wrong. I was happy with his attention - I enjoyed being liked by someone so popular, and I still considered him beautiful, but when he tried to make me jealous by telling me about some other girl he also liked, I found that I was completely indifferent. I still remember that moment vividly, staring at the ground, listening, and wondering if there was something wrong with me because I couldn't be more bored. I had no desire to kiss him, and the thought of holding hands made me shudder in distaste.

Now I know it was just aesthetic attraction and maybe some vanity on my part. It's nice being liked by someone everyone admires.

Other than this, I believed I had two big crushes on popular people as a teen - David Bowie and Johnny Depp. I tried writing stories about myself with them, but then, hilariously, I ended up giving them other partners because I always preferred to ship someone else.

It might be difficult to understand where you are coming from, but I think you just need to be patient with yourself. Think about your feelings, but don't overdo it. Be happy as much as you can. Whether you figure out your sexuality now, in a year, or never, what matters most is how you feel.

[dinthoqaf]

Tell us about your guild? IC story/relations and members/roles as well as OOC information. Are they active? Recruiting?

Probably my favorite thing to talk about! Before I go on to explain anything about the guild, I do wanna say that I truly am blessed as the GM of the Sanctum. I was blessed in our first run-through up till we needed to take our hiatus, I was lucky as a GM when I opened up my Goblin Guild for a few years on @frostahesmegabite and I'm just as lucky with reopening it with a completely different crew. I've been blessed with great writers and even better people and it's only reinforced my opinion that coming back to Villian-based RP was a good idea. Now that I'm done fluffin' my folks (lol), I can answer your stuff for ya! Structure/Roles: The Sanctum of the Forbidden isn't an 'Open for everyone' type of guild. I'm picky on who we recruit, who we bring in character-wise, and how we go about things and that's for a large variety of reasons. The primary reasons are that the concepts of playing a villain tend to require an advanced understanding of story writing, and being able to work with the community you're both in and surrounded by (ie the guild and the public RP population). Structurally we go from New Bloods (New Members) to one of three groups, those being The Onslaught (Our Militant wing), The Shades (Think Rogues, Hunters, Engineers, Specialists essentially.), and Mystics (Individuals who excel at Magical Arts and/or Research). Most members never go beyond this as the next rank is the Inner Sanctum. This belongs to our Officer Core and there's 1 Officer per branch (Once we grow larger if needed, a new rank between that 3 and Inner Sanctum will be created for Sub-Officers to help officers work with their associated branches.) and then you have Dinthoqaf at the top. These roles do not dictate what events you can/can't do or anything, it's merely what your character would prefer to do work-wise, and if your character wants none of them? Then we'll go with what works best as we emphasize personal RP as much as possible over forcing a square peg into a round hole. (I should also add, we're neutral, so Alliance or Horde toons are welcome!) All in all, it's a pretty simple system. The guild operates OOC a bit more loosely however while I do make decisions on things that directly dictate the direction of the guild (final approvals like most GMs), I try to defer to the Inner Sanctum (Officers) in most other matters. Discussing issues, guild reforms on rules if needed, disciplinary actions on what's suitable, and things of that nature. When decisions are made, we go over them with everyone. At this point, we invite everyone in the guild (New Bloods too, even a brand new one.) to offer opinions and insight on the decision and to offer counters on whether they feel something is too strict and things along that nature. No one in the Sanctum is above reproach, especially myself and none of the officers are either. If they mess up, if they did something poorly, I want to know so it can be corrected and fixed. If -I- do something wrong, I cannot begin to fix anything if I don't know about it and I try to make sure all of my members know that they can discuss anything with me, even my failings, without the worry of reprisal. (And I know, it's easy to -say- that, but I try to make sure my actions speak louder than my words in this aspect whenever possible. Best example I have is just a couple weeks ago I made a small poll that offered complete anonymity on my performance and critiques on how people thought the guild was functioning and I've made it a point to adhere to that. No email collections made sure to keep reiterating no specific examples that would out someone, etc.) But I digress cause this is probably already immeasurably longer than you wanted! (Sorry! lol)

Recruiting/Recruitment? Yes, we're always recruiting as our most common method is through referrals/word of mouth. I do have a few discord ads floating around, but I don't like recruiting on the wow forums and I refuse to recruit through the wow public chat channels in-game (Trade, LFG, etc.). You will also catch us occasionally supporting WRA's in-game Guild Faire (Horde side currently till I can be bothered to make an Alliance toon to level and represent us with lol) to support server growth/rp! If you ever see any Sanctum members online and you have questions, give us a poke! Either we'll answer ya or if it's a non-officer, they'll poke/lead you to one of us for ya! :D Activity! Right now the Sanctum is going a bit slow. It's the holiday season. Most of our members have families (Kids, spouses, SO's, etc.) and hold full-time jobs and as some folks know, companies love Overtime this time of year but don't let that dissuade you. Some just have extended travel plans. We're expected to hit full speed on everything again as schedules return to normal in early to mid-January! Story Line? The Sanctum has its overall storyline, which is currently a 'holy war' between Dinthoqaf and his brother, Ammaelin, who absolutely hate one another. Dinthoqaf is making efforts to become a God (It'll never happen, promise. This story has been smoldering for 12 years now and Din will never get what he wants cause, come on.) and his brother stands directly opposed to letting it happen. Not because Din's a 'bad guy' (which he is tbf) but because his brother is just as much an asshole as Din is and believes that Din needs to be put down for the betterment of his family's history and future (That and the fact he's been wounded/humiliated by Din several times has nothing to do with it *wink wink*. Belf Paladin Pride, amirite?). The Sanctum is a core group of individuals who support and/or have belief in Din becoming what he aims to be in the desire that once he becomes this God, he'll cleanse Azeroth of its petty factional squabbles and make it a place where people such as himself and those who follow him will no longer be outcasts or shamed/hated by society simply for being who/what they are. (Essentially, he feels the Horde/Alliance are complicit in their powers and trample on people like he used to be and who he recruits and he is a power monger intent on ripping it all down.) We also have another big bad playing the bigger scene too on this war/rivalry, but, spoilers~.

People tend to join Dinthoqaf primarily because they hate the factions, because they're outcasts and need someone to help them survive, or they just don't know where to go anymore in life. Whatever the reason is, Dinthoqaf takes all willing to serve and aid his cause and becomes something of a father figure to all those who need it.

While this is our 'general' guild storyline, I keep the story relatively simple primarily because I emphasize and encourage personal storylines. Guild story is great, but you know what's more satisfying? Seeing your character -grow-. I'm a storyline whore like that. Dinthoqaf aims to become a god, yes, but I try to play him as a Support Role as often as possible. I want to help -you- build the stories you want to build, to help your character hit the next benchmark you want them to build. As much as I like to lead, I obtain my satisfaction as GM through being a tool to help you get what you need out of your RP. If you read all the way to this, you have no idea how much I appreciate you sticking it out. I have a lot to say but that's because of how proud I am of the community we've built. <3

[venaue]

" Woah... I've never been to a forest before... Arf! "

[ SR ] Anchor Wilthorne - Golden Frost Festival

( event made and hosted by @the-rini-rush !! )

Voicelines + Extra Images (hoodless version + both w/ out card overlay) under the cut! <3

Voicelines:

" Huh? Fairies that can change the weather..? I thought they could only do that in storybooks... "

"It's kinda sad this event only happens every ten years... Though between you and me, pretty sure it's even sadder that Night Raven hasn't gotten invited for almost a whole century. Heh... "

" They're changin' it from summer to winter, right? Arf! That sucks real bad. I bet it's gonna be so much harder to find places to nap in the cold... Wait- Did I even bring any cold winter clothes to Night Raven?! "

" Forests look so peaceful... I've always wanted to visit one, actually. It's... such a vast difference from what I'm used too... At least- that's what I've gathered from movies and such anyway- arf! "

" Hey, what do you even do at a festival? It's not like I've ever been to one before... "

" ...Even though Aros did up my outfit himself, I seriously can't tell whether it's actually appropriate, or whether he just wanted to play dress up on me... Hmph... "

" Did- arf! Did Aros really have to tie the front of my hood into a little bow... Arf! Well- I guess I can't complain too much, he did make the entire thing from scratch for me... And scritched my ears as an apology for the trouble... A-ack! You- arf! You didn't hear that! "

" I wish Mace would stop making that stupid pun out of my name... saying 'Anchor will thorn' and then snickering immedietaly after got old after the first time... when we were like- five... arf! "

" Oh, Jack's coming? Neat. At least I might have someone to talk to during the event... Lookin' at scenery can only last you so long before it gets boring... Trust me, I'd know. "

" I bet I could bring Xen along and no one'd bat an eye. Grk- not that I'd ever be friendly enough with that thing to pull that off-... Arf! 'Sides- I'm pretty sure it'd peck my eyes out if I even thought about seperatin' it from Yuuto... "

"...There was a pocket in this vest, so I just stuck my phone in it. Pretty smart, right? ...Eh? It doesn't match the outfit at all..? Well- Arf! It's too late to do anythin' about it now! I really thought I was onto something... "

(mb i had so many voiceline ideas this is such a huge block of writing for voice lines of all things omg ...)

--

Extra Images:

[eddiediazismyhusband]

Thanks so much for your thoughtful response! I definitely see Eddie leaning towards gay as well. If anything I think he’s demi just based on the way he has such a hard time connecting to his past love interests (who he barely knew before dating) vs Shannon (his best friend) and how he treats that relationship. I’m not sure I’m fully on the aro Eddie train yet either but I love hearing everyone else thoughts. I was just curious about it because as someone who discovered they were aro-spec later in life as an adult, a lot of Eddie’s behaviors and things he’s said (dating feeling like a performance standing out a lot to me) just really resonate with the way I feel. Plus regardless of whether you ship Buddie platonically or romantically, there’s just something incredibly queer about their dynamic.

Even if we never get Buddie (I still believe we’re heading in that direction tho!) their relationship just screams queer platonic life partners to me which is something I don’t think I’ve ever really seen on TV and it’s just soooo important to me.

Ryan’s interviews truly mean so much to me for all the reasons you said. I love how much he loves Eddie and how much love and respect he not only treats him, but h tbh e fans.

Anyway thanks for sharing your thoughts! I love hearing your perspective and obviously these are only my thoughts/opinions as a probably very biased ace aro-spec queer woman. Lots of love! Hope your day…night…morning also is going amazing <3

No I agree, Ryan’s interviews always showcase how much love and care he has for both the fans and the characters, especially with how supportive he is of the fans interpreting Eddie in a way they can relate too, and how important that is to have a character like that.

Like I’ve mentioned plenty of times before I deeply relate to Eddie for various reasons, and having Ryan say that those of us who do are seen and heard in our love for the character is so special.

I may not always like that he gets put in PR jail and sometimes has to be really can-y, scripted, answering-without-really-answering questions in interviews when we all know that man is a little chaos demon who lives on trying to back the writers into a corner (along with oliver, forever the captains of our ship 🫡) but even still, you can always tell that he is so deeply intune with Eddie and how much the audience loves and cares for him, and all the nuances and complexities that come with a character like him.

I genuinely mean this when I say it, but I don’t think I have ever seen a character with as much emotional complexity and depth on a procedural drama, and i unfortunately think that’s a reason why so many people don’t like him because they don’t necessarily understand where he’s at mentally, and where he has come from, which just makes him all the more special to me.

I love getting to dive deep into the minds of characters, so your original ask (and this one too!) was so fun for me to sit down and think out— thanks for giving me an excuse to yap about eddie 💕💕

[modelbus]

Ayup! I saw that your requests are open so I was wondering...if you have time, could you possibly write something about CC!platonic!Wilbur x GN!aromantic!teen!reader and they have a cute sibling relationship? Maybe after reader comes out to the public, they get hate for "ruining" romantic ships that fans created with reader and someone else (can't think of any specific person so it could be reader's best friend they've had on stream a couple times) and Wilbur stands up for them?? As an aromantic who craves and adores this type of content, it kinda bums me out that I can't seem to find it anywhere. (sorry if this is too long or too specific, i just really like the way you write). Could be headcannons or a oneshot, whichever is comfy and easiest for you. Whether you'd like to ignore or write, it's up to you, feel free to do with this what you will. Have an amazing day/night! :]

Happy Pride month!! Here's some headcannon things! I used "Alex" as the best friend's name because it's pretty androgynous and can be used for any gender.

I've been crazy busy recently, and so caught up with other things, but hopefully this offers you the content you wanted <3

Pairing: CC!Wilbur x Gn!Aro!Reader (Platonic)

Abashed Aromantic

Wilbur is absolutely pissed when he sees the sheer amount of hate you're getting on Twitter.

He wants to make a statement right then, but you convince him it's fine and that the love you're getting from the community greatly outweighs the hate.

It takes a lot of convincing to get him to stand down though, he's just so upset that people would dare be mad at you for who you are.

"Are you sure you don't want me to say anything? You know I'd gladly tear into them. It's not right-"

"I know, Wilbur. I'm sure." You say softly.

Wilbur nods, then pauses and starts again, unable to help himself it seems.

"They're all full of shit anyways-"

No matter how much hate you get, you keep telling him it's okay, so he respects your boundaries and doesn't say anything.

Even as your dm's flood with threats and messages about how you're ruining "ships" for your fandom, you stay quiet, hoping it'll just go away.

That is, until the hate goes too far, to the point where not even your Moderators can manage all the hateful messages on streams. Some slip by, and, of course, those are the ones you manage to read.

It's meant to be a peaceful "just chatting" stream when the donation comes through, somehow making it past all of your mods.

The stream donation sound sounds out over your headphones, and you perk up, waiting for text-to-speech to read the message aloud.

"I can't believe you're ruining all of our ships by being aromantic. You really would've been perfect with Alex. Fuck you." The robotic voice reads out. For a voice that's usually so comforting, ice-cold hurt races through your veins at the message.

It's just too much. You were trying so hard to ignore all the hate, ignore how the ship name for you and your best friend trended for days after you came out, but you can't anymore. And all because of something you couldn't even control.

Silence falls in the stream. That is, until Wilbur speaks up. You had almost forgotten he was in a call with you, so swept away in the donation.

"Who said that? Who was that?" He asks. Wilbur didn't get truly mad often, but in this moment you're glad you're not the one he's pissed at. "To that person and anyone else who thinks that message is okay, fuck you. That's not okay."

"Wil-"

"No. It's not okay." You snap your mouth shut, realizing that there's no stopping Wilbur. Even though you tried to stop him, a part of you can't help but rejoice at him speaking up for you, protecting you. "You aren't ruining anything by being yourself. Hear that, chat? Get that through your heads."

You scan chat, waiting anxiously to see their reactions. For the first time since you came out, it's overwhelmingly positive. True relief comes rushing through you, like a breath of fresh air.

"Now. Where were we?" Wilbur asks, nudging you along. "We were talking about bees, right?"

Later, you thank him, but Wilbur won't even let you thank him. He just keeps saying that it was "his job to protect you" and to "fuck the haters."

He makes sure to post a Tweet about it too, once you give him the okay to.

...and he makes an Instagram post with just photos of you two. Just to make it very clear.

In order to make sure you're entirely okay, he insists on having a movie night and binge-watching all of the Marvel movies in order. Popcorn, snacks, blankets, and all.

(Wilbur is upset at himself for a while after because he felt like he should've done something sooner, but eventually he's just glad to have put an end to the overwhelming hateful messages you were getting.)

And, of course, he makes sure to not let anyone give you shit after that. Even the slightest hint of hate towards you has him loudly proclaiming how amazing you are.

"You're aromantic, right?"

You pause at the question from the other streamer before answering carefully. It's your first time talking to them, and it's in a MCC no less. "Yeah."

"Oh. That's... interesting."

Maybe it's the tone of their voice, but something about the statement rubs you the wrong way. You shake your head, planning to move on, but Wilbur jumps into the conversation.

"Damn right it's interesting. And only in the best of ways." He proclaims.

You smile to yourself, thankful for Wilbur every goddamn day.

"What's your Ace Race time again?" He asks you. "Isn't it ridiculously fast? You're just so good at MCC, you'll have to carry this team. You'll get us the points there for sure, probably single-handedly get us to victory-"

[flashdoesahundredyarddash]

ok but what do you think of demiromantic hal?? someone mentioned that he's aro coded and it's something I didn't knew but needed it 😭

As someone who is on the ace spectrum (demiromantic and asexual), I really like when people write about some of my favorite characters having the same sexualities as me.

I do headcanon him as demiromantic, and also pansexual.

(Down below is me explaining him being demiromantic when it comes to his feelings and also Barry + Carol...)

HOWEVER, he is... as Ollie says a space tomcat, he takes on emotions much more seriously in my hc. He can do whatever, but when it comes to how he feels romantically it became a lot harder for him to express himself romantically too. <- Trouble with love genuinely but with trying to tell people anything related with love has been a topic for him. Which is also an explaination of the acts that he does for the people he cares about because it REPLACES him trying to explain his feelngs. When you think about it, the way Hal shows his love towards people or showing that he cares comes into a lot of wild acts or making sure that he'll come to the ends of the Earth when it comes to someone. (Like in your post, which I forgot to reblog and add to it :3, in DC vs Vampires, how Hal wanted to rule the world with Barry....) ------ Unrelated but related-- While yes, he does save people, Hal is deepened through emotional bonds both platonically and romantically... (I like to take this literal, as a form of being bonded by lantern ring emotion such as Carol with holding to Star Sapphire and Barry with being expressed by HAL to hold the mantle of hope, because it took years with these two for Hal to be linked with them in some type of way -> Sorry, I'm kinda normal about the bond Carol and Hal have, there's many levels of a relationship that these two have -- Including Barry and Hal together. There's a lot of things to talk about these two.)

This first occurs with Carol. As they grew older (Teen years to Adulthood <- Before JL), it gave Hal time of falling for her. Whether it was those long talks out on drives or opening up to each other about the deeper things. Plus, bringing in the things they face together and the collaborations these two agree on or disagree or OVERALL the way they communicate through different forms when it came to both in suit and out of suit. One of my thoughts for my Demiromantic Hal hc. Not only this but they also have a deep connection together later when it comes the Star Sapphire Possessions + Hal being Reborn in Spectre while Carol has presumably moved on. Although it took a bit to figure himself out, he both cares and loves Carol in impossible ways that could be explained. Which leads me to the next case...

(I had to ramble about them... They are like the best friends ever + including Barry and Iris when they come along.)

Sharing to add on for your post... But this is ALSO an idea I've been having for a fic... But I don't have time to write it ALL because I want to make it to many chapters. Be Prepared because I like when you mention HalBarry to me, I get happy because I don't talk about it to people. I also love to hear HalBarry thoughts because I project things that people don't get much like what I'm about to write..

The way Hal feels when it comes to being in love, is partially dumbfounded, it's something that sets him back when he realizes that there's an elephant in the room. One he describes as longing in a way where he didn't know he felt this fast. When in reality it has been years since this friendship. Yes, feelings for one of his best friends. One that he's been friends with since the beginning of the Justice League formation. Which was long... His hair is grey and the smile that was once without wrinkles now forms lines whenever he smiles or laughs.. In his mind, it feels that the feelings that are coming into play feel dangerous. How it makes his palms sweat just being near Barry. How when he isn't being occupied by anything busy, he's thinking about a fond memory with Barry. How Barry makes him smile, the way everything about his friend just makes him giddy like some teenage puppy love. Something he never got to experience but god, when he's with Barry, he feels so young. That even imagining them growing old together is just one step to keeping Hal feeling so young. It's like being awkward when you have no idea where to put your hands. Especially with a friend you've had for many years. A friend who's been there by his side that Hal now begins to think an eye for god knows how many minutes. The friendship teasing between the two and the playful chases that they would take on those evenings when everything just seemed perfect. How standing on that cliff when they were younger, the intimacy of the stare they held. Their deep connection that brings Hal to appreciate every moment he's had with him. How they're practically linked in color. How hope filled the willpower that settled in his personality. That when it came to Barry, it felt like he might have something to lose. Something and someone he's lost before. He knows what it felt to lose Barry. Which one proved his love for Barry to be a lot stronger than what he first thought when it came to the last glimpse of friendship. How that bond turned into a strong form for what Hal should keep fighting for. It was so unexpected. So unexpected to be in love with your best friend.

[aro-thoughts]

I quite like to compare attraction/relationships to food. I used to think it was a pretty good analogy but wasn't perfect, but the more I think about it now the more I think it's actually quite perfect.

We've all heard of the analogy of "some people like chocolate, some people like vanilla, some like both and others like neither" but I think you can take it much further than just that.

Eating food can mean having relationships with other people - sexual, romantic, platonic, whatever - not just having sex, but I suppose just interacting with other people in general. One of the reasons I thought this analogy was imperfect is because eating food is something you need to do to survive whereas sex isn't necessarily like that, but comparing eating to just interacting with people fixes this issue since it's quite difficult to go thru life without interacting with anyone. So hunger is the need for interacting with someone, since you have to anyway.

Attraction is not about hunger nor just 'liking' a food but actually craving it. A strong desire for it, often regardless of whether you're already hungry.

Hunger is just the need for eating something, craving is the desire for a specific food.

I already knew 7 years ago that sex wasn't something I was interested in. I've never craved it and I doubt I ever will, at least not massively. Then for 3 years I've known I don't crave romance. That's how I realised I was aro, that I see everyone around constantly wishing they had a boyfriend or girlfriend but I've never wished for one like that.

Last year I realised I don't crave friends either. There's always that stupid thing people say like "it's ok to be ace cuz you can still date", " it's ok to be aro cuz you still like having friends" but it's not so straight forward is it? For what reason does my lack of attraction need to be 'redeemed' with another one? That's what being aplatonic is like.

I do want friends, yes, like how I like pizza, but to tell the truth I don't usually crave pizza. The main reason I order pizza is just because it's convenient. Pizza Hut has a deal called 2 for Tuesday's, meaning that if it's a Tuesday you can order 2 for the price of 1. No joke. Pizza is like friends. It's convenient.

I do think it's pretty difficult to live completely without interacting with other people, relationships are important and necessary but they're also kinda like cutlery as well. I could eat food with my hands but it's just less messy if I use cutlery.

I guess that's what being loveless is for me. I need other people and I do love them in a sense but I don't crave them - the only cravings I've ever had are for fictional people and people who a relationship probably wouldn't work very well with

[theflyingfeeling]

Still bored, so here are some random BC fanfic ideas I've been playing with for a while but will never write due to a variety of reasons (so they are free to use!) ✨

~

1) Joel/Joonas with Joel being ace/aro and oblivious to Joonas being hopelessly in love with him (or maybe he does know but he just pretends he doesn't because he has no idea what to do about it). Bonus points if Joonas gets together / fools around with Niko and it works as a distraction quite nicely, until it doesn't (cue Niko being a good friend and calling it quits himself when he understands the true state of affairs and encouraging Joonas to do something or the very least tell Joel about his feelings, even if nothing would ever come out of it, because Joel deserves to know and, most of all, Joonas deserves to move on 😔)

~

2) A massage therapist AU in which Joonas is a masseur and Tommi his client. Tommi gets an awkward surprise boner during a massage and Joonas is bold enough to mention that they do also offer, ummm, erotic massages as well, in case Tommi is interested 😏 It takes Tommi a few more visits (and awkward boners (because maybe he's also developing a crush on his nice-looking masseur)) until Tommi finally books a prostate massage, and oh my oh my! 💦 his whole world turns upside down as he comes untouched by Joonas' skilful hands 😳 He's hooked from the very first prostate orgasm of his life and becomes a regular, with 2-3 weekly sessions booked, and he gets excited about them in the morning already (maybe a little too excited, if you get the gist 😌), and maybe eventually he manages to ask Joonas out 💕 (also inluded in this AU: Olli/Allu as Joonas' co-workers who are also boyfriends/husbands and use each other's massage rooms for their personal "sessions" at the end of the workday, yes very unprofessional I know 🥰)

~

3) Some sort of historical AU, with Olli as some kinda royalty or a nobleman or just a rich person in general, the rebel of his family however, having a secret fling with Aleksi the merchant's son. Cue lots and lots of flirting at the marketplace and passionate sex / rough fucking wherever and whenever, but tragically, Olli in this AU is also a bit of a fuckboy and manages to piss off Aleksi and/or make him jealous by acting unnecessarily touchy-feely with someone at the tavern. Aleksi gives him the silent treatment (picture him just silently working at his market stall ignoring Olli's flirting and his pleas). Heartbroken by this, Olli gets a little too drunk at the tavern and ends up in some kind of trouble from which Aleksi saves him (all the while sighing at his idiot boyfriend 🙄). The next morning in Aleksi's modest bedroom/house, Aleksi tries his best to maintain the cold shoulder attitude (because he is still kinda mad at Olli), but he fails horribly when Olli catches him staring and starts teasing him about it like the smug bastard he is 🥰 Also, an extremely important visual from this AU is Olli in a white, loose shirt whenever possible 🥵

~

4) A while back I was also thinking about another historical AU (because I looooooove historical AUs and period dramas 💖) about Niko being some kinda clergyman, a cantor perhaps, and Joonas a homeless person Niko made acquaintance with in the breadline, but sadly I can't remember too many details about this one 🤔 I guess Niko just starts doing a little extra to help out Joonas, and it's up for you to decide whether it's "helping him out" as in offering him food and maybe a roof above his head (secretly letting him stay overnight inside the church when the weather's too rough to sleep outdoors), or "helping him out" as in fucking him in the candlelit organ loft after the evening Mass 😌 Isn't the latter such a romantic image though? It's pitch black and stormy outside, the entire church is dark except for the candles they lit up on the organ loft, some old tapestry as their mattress (a holy relic, Niko later learns as he overhears the vicar and the sexton wonder about the strange stains on it 🤨), the sounds of their lovemaking echoing in the church... 🥺

~

5) I can't remember the pairing for this next one 🤔 Joonas was the other but I can't remember who the other was, so I'll leave it up for you to decide or suggest who'd be the best match for Joonas in this! Anyhow, an AU in which Joonas and Person B are neighbours, acquaintances and maybe crushing on each other a little, but not properly friends or anything like that. Mostly when they talk to each other it's because of Joonas' cute fluffy dog which Person B loves petting (and while he's at it he may as well exchange a word or two with the fluffy-haired owner 🥰). Person B is a little lonely and these interactions mean the world to him, but he's too shy/intoverted to actually ask Joonas to hang out other than in the hallway or front yard of their apartment building. One day, Person B sees Joonas going in his apartment without the dog, which he finds unusual, and through the paper-thin walls he hears Joonas sob his heart out. Worried, Person B goes knocking on Joonas' door to see if he's alright, and he finds a heartbroken Joonas telling him the dog had fallen suddenly ill and had to be put down that morning 😭 Person B steps in to comfort Joonas through the night, and so their budding friendship begins to bloom and maybe eventually turn into something more 💕 (now that I typed this it sounds all a little familiar but I can't put my finger on it if I've actually read this in a fic before 🤔 so I'm sorry if I copied someone's idea, it was not my intention!)

~

6) Okay this one I could write but won't because 1) I already wrote something similar, and 2) I don't want to portray Olli and Aleksi as some kinda horny and selfish cheaters, and if you don't want to even imagine that kind of things about them I suggest you stop reading now, and anyway PLEASE remember this is only fic talk, but ggghhghggghgaaaaahhhhggg I just can't stop imagining them hanging out in Aleksi's studio (late at night) and eventually one thing leads to another (wine may or may not be involved) and they end up kissing while Aleksi's spouse is upstairs 😭 maybe they even get interrupted by the spouse calling for them from outside the door or something and they'd sort of snap out of it and realise what they've done. Now there are a couple of the different scenarios for what could happen next (the 'evil' in this is the author):

neutral good: they realise they're in love with each other and peacefully break up with their spouses and live happily ever after 💞

chaotic good: they realise they're in love with each other and peacefully break up with their spouses who also somehow fall in love with each other (peer support turns into something more? 😌) and they ALL live happily ever after 🥰

chaotic neutral: they freak out and Olli immediately goes home (he lives nearby) and it's awkward for a while between them but eventually things go back to normal. They never speak about the kiss and pine for each other until the end of their days, never knowing if the other actually feels the same 💔

lawful evil: they freak out and Olli immdediately goes home and it's awkward for a while between them until it happens again and again and a couple of times more until they realise it's wrong and they should stop and then they pine for each other until the end of their days, fully aware the feeling is mutual 😭

neutral evil: they start fooling around behind their spouses' backs until they get caught by Aleksi's spouse (who, tbf, had began suspecting something by then; the amount of time they spent at the studio was getting a little to o suspicious). To make it extra evil, maybe the spouse doesn't even walk in on them but sees them through the window of Aleksi's studio and doesn't even do anything about it at first, deciding to give Aleksi multiple chances to spill it himself (as if that would change anything now the damage has already been done) 🫣

chaotic evil: Olli is staying at Aleksi's that night (he lives in Oulu) and they are forced to act normal while having dinner upstairs with Aleksi's spouse 💀

...thanks for reading 😇

[rest-your-head-in-my-lap]

too scared to post it on my blog so I'll just ask here in case someone relates. I'm hypersexual and sometimes, especially irl (because it's more rare to see someone being open about it there), I just feel safer with ace/aro people because it's like my brain just goes "oh, alright, they don't like this stuff. oh, I don't have to worry about them sexualizing me either"

it's not even like I get sexualized that often (well, if I try hard enough, yes), but there's just something about it. last time I fell in love, it was with a demisexual person, and I felt the safest in the world until she told me she had started feeling attracted to me. then it was a mixture of that "euphoria" when someone is openly sexual with me, happiness because I made her feel safe with me to do that, and fear because I didn't want to think of us differently, sexually, because it was safe before, and things had changed.

sorry for rambling, and please tell me if I said anything wrong, I don't know.

Hey, there's nothing wrong with you feeling like that. It can be very, very difficult to find someone who doesn't sexualize you. Not always, but a lot of times yeah. And it isn't at all strange to want to avoid that possibility entirely by hanging around people who mostly don't feel things like that. But hey, I know it's not much consolation; but if you're looking for someone who will love you and not sexualize you, there will be someone like that out there, promise. I've had a partner who basically just saw me as a way to pass the time and bend to their wishes. My beloved has had partners that started feeling sexual attraction towards it that felt awkward and strained and just- not in the right ways. I was so terrified of engaging in that sort of thing because I was scared it'd get upset and feel like I was doing it for its sake; Or I would have to leave it hanging at times and make it feel bad. But we talked about it, and I feel very secure and confident in what we have now. And I know if anything changed it would still be okay... Point is; people have been there, you aren't alone. And you can find somebody; whether they be a best friend or a partner or someone you think of as family. And I sincerely hope you find something <3.

[peach-pot]

songs that’re in my aro playlist and why 😎

(I ❤️ misinterpreting lyrics for the sake of aromanticism. also I'm on the grayro spectrum and that influences this a lot.)

1. World of Two by CAKE

feels like being aromantic and two people in your life start dating and making a BIG show of it

"I don't want to / Live in your world / Of two / There's only room for you"

2. When by dodie

"I think I've been telling lies / 'Cause I've never been in love"

"I'd rather date an idea / Something I'll never find"

"They tell me I loved, teach me how to think"

"I'm waiting to live, and waiting to love / Oh, it'll be over, and I'll still be asking when"

come on.

3. don't quite belong by dodie

feels like knowing there's something up with you and romance, but not yet knowing what being aromantic is

"Holding hands like it's planned / How do they know what they mean? / I go up to a friend, grab his arm / "What's the code I should know? / Do you struggle like me?""

"Am I / Missing something vital here? / 'Cause I / Woke up feeling kind of weird / Guess I'll just pretend / Play along 'til they figure it out / I don't quite belong"

4. Beside Myself by The Escape Artist

"The way I love you is if I were someone else / And I'm sat here beside myself / God, I can't keep doing this"

"I guess I don't know what I want / Who knows better? / Oh, everyone / So this is why we're alive / To procreate, perform, pretend, prescribe / It's just the way things work"

"Now we're talking, and I know just what he wants / So I stop him / This time I'm honest for once / "Hey, man, this is really not something I do." / But he won't quit, just wants my number as "friends" / And I hate it"

"I know you see me as if there's something wrong / And it's hard not to play along"

come on. I mean come on.

5. I Wanna Keep Yr Dog by illuminati hotties

it's about getting out a relationship and missing the dog more than the person. very easy to make about being aro if you ask me.

"I felt very little for you, oh well / Thanks for taking care of ol' me"

"You’re alright, but I wanna keep your dog / This is the last night unless you let me keep your dog / I know you want me close / But when you're gone, it's her I miss the most / I'd rather keep your dog"

6. Happy Unhappy by The Beths

feels like being happy being aromantic and then having a crush for the first time and it being more of a bother than anything else. (describing being single as being "happy unhappy" feels like a very aro thing to me on its own.)

"'Cause I was fine on my own / Tolling steady like a dial tone / Couldn't you leave me? / I was happy unhappy / But now I'm overthrown / Wish my heart were really made of stone"

7. Too Soon by Liza Anne

I relate this a lot to my experience being grayromantic where every time I think I have a crush I overthink it, whether or not the feelings are real at the end of the day. feels like thinking you might have a crush and not wanting to overthink it so you can instead just try to have a bit of fun with the feelings for however long they last.

"I think that I am gonna try to / Be a little less in my mind to / Overthink a good thing / Under feel a real thing / I wanna lose my mind a little / I wanna love you"

8. I Think I Love You by The Partridge Family

"I think I love you so what am I so afraid of / I'm afraid that I'm not sure of a love there is no cure for"

"I don't know what I'm up against / I don't know what it's all about / I got so much to think about"

^^ what experiencing romantic attraction is like when you're me and you're grayro and every time it takes several weeks to figure out if what you're feeling is even romantic attraction in the first place.

[agressivelyaro]

hi!! so ive been identifying as aro for about three years now, and im a freshman in college in need of advice.

i met this girl 2 or 3 weeks ago and weve been meeting up a bunch (6 times now). she more than likely has a crush on me (weve been doing very romantic-coded things like a sunset picnic/stargazing, coffeeshop, dinner, etc) and shes said a lot of things that are prob flirting (calling the view pretty while looking at me, making me a hozier playlist, taking me to a coffeeshop that reminds her of me and saying that it could be “our place,” texting winky faces, joking about how im the crowley to her aziraphale and the reputation to her lover, you get the idea)

the problem is: now i’m questioning whether or not im actually aro. im at the very least arospec, theres no way im not, i just cant figure out if i like her or not. i got really flustered and kinda excited when i first realized she might like me like that, but i also just went through a really traumatic friend breakup and im not sure if me being excited about it is just me searching for validation after what happened or is me actually reciprocating. also since ive only been in college for a few months, i dont know if this is just me wanting to try new things or me actually liking her like that.

i want to figure out how i feel soon before she actually starts explicitly calling us hanging out dates so im not leading her on. i dont want to tell her just yet bc i dont want her to immediately take it as a rejection, but im terrified of leading her on or making her feel like im using her as an experiment. any advice on how to figure out if im feeling romantic attraction or really strong platonic attraction?

sorry this was so long im so confused 😭

hello I'm so sorry if this has been sat in my inbox for ages, I didn't notice I got it!!

I think that fundamentally I can't tell you how you feel, but I can suggest things to consider what it might be

first off, I'm not sure if this is a term, but it could be something similar to comphet? someone likes you romantically, so you could be forcing yourself to feel like you reciprocate out of guilt or just inbuilt expectations. you could be having butterflies, but in reality if you actually ended up in a relationship with this person you could feel uncomfortable.

You could also be enjoying the time spent together as friends. although they're not as common nowadays, in the past I've heard terms like "squish" for friendship crushes or stronger platonic feelings than is typical for people

it could be purely physical attraction, it could be like you said. It also could be genuine, romantic attraction

It's good that you're reaching out to me, but this is an issue you need to sit with and figure out yourself. I'm sorry I can't help more but I hope you get everything figured out. good luck <2

if anyone else has any thoughts feel free to add on + I'll rb so hopefully they see it. I'm a little out of my depth here haha

[fairyringsandwings]

can you please share with us your writing tips (especially for beginners and stories for romance and smut).

also, can you share some tips on how to overcome anxiety and worrying on whether on not your should publish a story, especially if its a self-indulgent or ooc fanfic .

Hello Dear Anon!

I completely understand you having anxieties and worries over whether or not to publish your writings. It's quite scary putting your work out there for people to read. I actually still get very anxious before updating or publishing new stories. I go through a whirlwind of 'people are gonna hate this' and 'this is the chapter they realise how terrible a writer I am' and 'they're gonna abandon my story cause of how badly I wrote this chapter'. But, I enjoy writing, and every time there's always at least one person who likes the story too and that definitely makes it worth it to me.

For what it's worth, the majority of fanfic readers are kind and supportive, regardless of the writer's skills. I think over the 12 years I've been writing fics, I've maybe had 3 or 4 mean comments (and it's always been from anti-shipper/rival ship shippers who are only out to upset people and stir drama). Most people remember that fanfic is FREE and written by people of all writing levels, during their free time. No one can complain about it and most will only give you advice, tips, and criticisms if you ask for it in your author notes and most are very kind when doing so.

Whatever kind of fic you want to share, there is definitely someone out there who will love it! Don't worry about it being ooc. It's always fun and interesting to see different interpretations and sides of characters + you might be writing them more in character than you realise, but it's your nerves telling you otherwise. And a story can neeeever be too self-indulgent. My stories are all 100% self-indulgent! They are perfectly catered to my oddly specific likes - fanfics are just as much for their authors as they are for their readers.

As for writing advice, I don't really know what kind of advice to give, but I'll share with you some of the tips + resources others have given me which really helps me! :D

Descriptionary | Helping Writers Find The Words (wordpress.com)

This is an amazing site! It'll help you find ways to describe things like emotions, colours, environments and physical appearances. It'll also give advice on other aspects of writing like pacing.

I also use Grammarly to help me pick up spelling and grammar mistakes.

Always remember, your first draft of a chapter doesn't need to be perfect. It can be messy, mistake-ridden and filled with blanks or lines like *they fought*, *they kissed*, *something happens*. Just get that first draft down - the skeleton of the chapter, if you will - so you can go back and edit it, fixing the mistakes, fleshing it out, finding better word choices and filling in the parts you got stuck on. It's much easier once you get a draft down, no matter how messy and chaotic it is. If you get stuck, move on to the next part. You don't have to write it linearly. Having an ending in mind can also really help as it gives you a target to aim for.

Read lots and write whenever you can!

As for writing smut and romance, it's my fav things to write about but I really struggle with it as truth be told, I'm a sex-repulsed ace/aro who has never even kissed anyone xD So, I can't draw from experience and sex ed in my catholic school was pretty... um... well, not helpful. So, I turn to these links for guidance and quick help.

The Ultimate Guide to Writing Smut Fic by QuinnAnderson

How To Write A Kiss (Old Tumblr post. Original deleted. But it's got useful tips that I like to refer to)

Interesting Writing Words (Tumblr post)

Emotion Cheat Sheet (Tumblr Post)

If anyone has any writing advice, please feel free to share!