#that would be too gauche

[miz-chase]

If you too are avoiding doing your work, help me shop for Maura Isles's Holiday party. Join me at looking at the most expensive dresses on 24S. I'm in love with this Giambattista Valli embroidered dress at $10,000 or perhaps their Botanical long dress, also $10k. I know I've seen that one on tumblr.

Maybe you're feeling more English? Harrods have a lovely selection, I'm quite partial to this Valentino Garavani at a mere £14,000.00.

If you're feeling more budget-conscious, there's always Galeries Lafayette, with lovely dresses like this Balmain lambskin halter dress at an easy 3 290,00 €.

or if you're feeling domestic, there's always Bergdorf like this Jenny Packham crystal halter gown at a reasonable $4,240.

... i meant to only look at cocktail dresses but I got sidetracked

[uncanny-tranny]

I'm making good headway on the blanket I'm currently making, and look at this yellow!!

Right now, this is big enough to be a lap blanket, and it's so warm. You have got to crochet a blanket and let it drape over you, it's so cozy

[bitternanami]

a tank top version of The Mitski Shirt would be so good im about to diy it For Real

[rubyklaasje]

i wish the go fandom (or ...even the show) would just abandon whole 'aziraphale hates bepop' thing, it just .. its not that funny + it smells tastes and quacks like racism .. i know hes supposed to be old fashioned and behind the times but i wish like .. specifically Black american art forms werent always the butts of those particular jokes :-) i know its just straight up textual that he doesnt like it, but everytime im reading a fic where 'eugh bepop' is mentioned or one of those clips is included in a compilation of his 'cute' moments i just ..

[ultimateplaylistmaker]

Celeste is banned from Las Vegas for causing several casinos to go bankrupt

yeah this checks out, but also I think a lot of vegas isn't classy enough for her. She's definitely a high-roller at like, the bellagio, she's allowed to keep gambling because she draws in crowds or people who get inspired by her 'winning streak' to gamble along and lose everything

[ooklet]

a cotton yarn that doesn't feel like absolute dog shit to work with is the cryptid of fiber crafts. i want to believe, but the reality of my dry, raw fingers just won't let me.

[135-film]

i should probably see what my plans were for LPS customs in the past were but rn im thinking that commission cost will be buying the LPS, shipping costs, and then my work fees.

ive never done physical commissions before though so i dont exacctlyyy know how they work...

[spookyscarycreepydollgirl]

I think I’ve mentioned before that you can make more proxies/avatars of Bastion by summoning them. Which essentially gives the new proxy permission to exist in the new state you summoned it in. Some Fae in this world use this to go places that their main Oaths and Mantles keep them from. I.E. Every Fae of the Unseelie or Seelie Court are obligated to attend if the acting Monarch calls them. But Fae like Bastion are bound in ways that would keep them from actually showing up as the entirety of themselves. Hence summoning.

[marklikely]

lbr he (and i) would get a lot of glee from seeing marvel and sony and any company they partnered with gain absolutely 0 dollars in merch sales from one of the most popular characters in their movie because his fans opted to cobble together their own merch or commission directly from artists

put that hot topic spider punk merch down immediately and get out your diy supplies or i swear to god

[theremarkablethingsaboutlove]

it's a funny thing what stories end up developing into all by themselves I certainly never intended or expected to write an epic but the more I poke at my initial plot for the grey lady the more I find myself backed into a corner trying to keep the plot small, personal and contained when the story, and its theme, is simply not landing within that scope

some of it has to do with the fact that I understand my main character better and she simply would not accept such a close look into her mind and feeling without being cornered into it by three countries two empires and a vicious god and that I think both her and I need to be confronted with a plot in which things that are wildly outside of what would be possible in our modern world to accept her situation is not some random joe's bad day which I think a more high (ehhhh) fantasy, epic approach would suit well

above the staggering girl has also provided me with some much needed contrast, given that this is a much much more closed story but which moves in a similar thematic vein (empire) and space (I briefly considered setting them in the same world and I am not sure I will not, but they're definitely not connected). the inherent YAness of above the staggering girl however gives it a cleaner line to follow (the coming of age) which the grey lady by virtue of being adult lacks and which has made some things much harder for me

so good news: the plotting is starting to give in bad news: we're gonna have to asoiaf this bitch

[bellamontwasright]

Ok one more JoJo fanfic post.

Modest Mouse is The nightmare matchup for Risotto Nero.

Fucked up soul rotten human-stand anatomy. Modest Mouse's blood is just his stand. There's probably no iron in it. Even if Metallica could work with MM's whacky physical composition, there's still the next point.

2. Modest mouse (the stand, not the guy) can infect people through contact with their stands.

[thoughtfullyrainynightmare]

What kind of a man is he?

Yami: Ass man. But he does not shy away from placing a kisses to the back of your neck, or neck in general either

Fuegoleon: Ass man. But back and thighs are high on his list as well

Nozel: Thigh man. Legs are the thing for him. His second choice would be boobs

William: Boob man. Legs would also be his second choice

Rill: Hand man as much as a boob man.

Jack: Hip man. Thighs and boobs next.

Finral: Boob man. Legs come second

Nacht: Also boob man. Legs and arms come next

Magna: Also boob man. Thighs would be second choice

Luck: Leg man. Ass man as an extension

Yuno: Ass man. Appreciates thighs just as much

Marx: Ass man. Likes placing kisses onto jawline too

Julius: Thigh man. And one can do a lot with hands too :)

Gauche: Boob and ass. Both are just as nice

Henry: Bare back is so sexy to him. Thighs are second choice

Zora: Thigh man. But "a great ass is a great ass"

[izunx]

Hello! Can I request a Luck x Black bull Reader fanfiction where the reader is head over heels for him, but he's not really interested in romance. She often gives him cheesy pick up lines, and tries to flirt with him only to be met with a neutral reaction. But slowly, Luck begins to see how much she cares for him, whenever they go on missions and whenever she protects him. And he slowly starts to fall for her. Thank you so much for taking requests!! 🖤🖤

LUCK x reader

She fell first, he fell harder

. she tries her ultimate best to gain his attention, protecting him and using her ‘best’ pickup lines on him!

“dhdhd” is speech and ‘fhrhd’ is thinking!

no warnings.

“Y/N come on you know how Luck is!” Vanessa took pity on you, this was the a hundredth time Luck turned down your fruitless attempt at trying to flirt with him, “He’s just not interested at romance at all.”

“He will once I use this line!”

Vanessa could only shake her head at how stubborn you were being, it’s been over a year of your attempts.

You got up in a hurry once you heard the door to the base open; you knew it was him.

“LUUCKKK!!”

Even Gauche was rubbing his temple, knowing the outcome of what you were going to do.

Luck smiled when you came crashing down the stairs.

“Hey Y/N!”

“Luck, do you like raisins?”

Vanessa groaned, knowing what was going to be said.

“Hmm, I guess I do!”

You smirked looking back at the few members watching this play out, ‘I got this guys!!’

“Then.. how do you feel about a date!”

“I guess they’re quite nice too” Luck simply smiled and walked up the stairs in a rush, trying his best to conceal his reddening face.

… everyone looked at you in pity.

“I think it’s time you let that man go Y/N” Noelle pat your back and gave you a sad smile.

“NO” You stormed up following him to try another one of your stupid pickup lines, but we all know how that would turn out.

—

Yami knew what he was doing placing you and Luck on your fifth mission together. You were both sent to clean up after the mess he made and round boars up.

“This’ll be fun Y/N trust me!”

You sigh and keep your arms crossed, you’re running low on these pickup lines.

“Yayyy!!” You try to make the best out of this.

It’s been a few minutes since starting to round these boars up and you had the brightest idea to try again.

“Hey, hey Luck, did you just come out the oven?” You strike the boar with your magic and sit atop it.

Luck just giggles and after hitting the last boar, sits next to you.

“Because you’re hot” You looked at him hopefully.

“That one was a funny one!!” He didn’t want to acknowledge it, but his heart skipped a beat.

…

That was your last straw. It’s been coming up to a year and a half of your efforts in vain, it didn’t look like it was getting any closer to dreams coming true. Hopping off the boar, you sat down against the tree fed up.

“Yep. I’m sure you can handle the few that are left, goodluck Luck.”

He looked at you confused, but didn’t say anything in argument.

Luck went off and it had been a few minutes since he had been rounding the rest of the boars up.

But something was off.

You sensed someone with an overwhelming amount of mana nearby and that didn’t make sense considering the mission was supposedly near by a village in the forsaken realm.

You got up and went on a search for Luck.

“LUCCK”

“hey Y/N!” he just got done with the last boar.

“Did you also sense that mana?”

“Yeah, you too?”

“That’s not normal, we should go check it out”

“Never thought you’d ask!” Luck exclaimed.

Both you and Luck scouted the area, coming towards the source of mana. But you wanted to use this opportunity of silence -

“Hey Luck, have you ever had a crush?”

He giggled at that question, but he didn’t seem to happy, “Crush?! I’ve never felt that kind of thing before, I don’t think i’m even capable of feeling butterflies when I like someone”

He was lying. Of course he was. He feels it when he’s with you, although he would never admit it.

He’s been liking you since he’s realised your constant efforts of trying to protect him, since your constant attempts trying to go out with him.

He was planning on never telling you.

You paused in your place, watching him go onwards. Maybe Vanessa was right in thinking he wasn’t interested in romance, or maybe he just didn’t like you.

Not knowing how to feel, you slowed down letting Luck go first. It was getting closer to the open area near the village.

But at that moment, a strike of fireball magic was flashing towards Luck’s head.

It was instinct really, instinct for you to throw Luck out the way and for you to absorb the impact of it.

You’d die before letting Luck get hurt. Even though he might’ve not done the same.

“Y/N?!” His eyes flew open in shock and he rushed to your side. He heard a cackle coming out the bushes.

“What a shame, I wasn’t even striking for her!” The man in the cloak cackled.

Luck went silent.

‘why would she do that?’ he held onto you tight.

He got up, lightning sparking out of control in his hand.

“Yeah? well I’ll be striking for you.”

—

“Gosh this is bad!” Vanessa held her head in disappointment, staring down at your injured body covered in ointment.

Luck simply sat by you, head down next to your head.

“How’d you let this happen?”

“She threw herself in front of the fireball, for me.”

“She never gives up” she shook her head, “you damaged that man beyond full recovery too”

“He deserves it”

“Well then, make sure to also get some rest, you didn’t exactly get out unscathed either” Vanessa looked at him solemnly before shutting the door.

“… why would you do that, Y/N??”

“Because I like you, a lot”

Luck’s head shot up to look at your painful state just barely opening your eyes.

You groan, getting up and holding your head.

Luck stared at you, ‘Am I deserving of your love?’ he could only think.

“I don’t understand”

“What’s there to understand? I think you have a beautiful heart Luck, ever since I met you you’ve only given me a reason to look forward to my day, you make me happier.”

His eyes watered

“I would do anything for you” you pet his head.

Then and there, he realised how valuable he was to you and frankly how much you meant to him.

“Don’t ever do that again” he hugged you, not tight enough to hurt you but firm, “I’ll do my upmost best protecting you now”

“Can’t make any promises,” you snickered and hugged him tightly.

“I got him good! You should’ve seen his face when I kicked his ass, now he knows not to lay a fucking hand on you again - if he’s even capable enough to recover”

you were silenced.

“I thought I hated romance and love, maybe I was wrong about it” Luck gave his usual laugh and tucked you back to rest.

you were at a loss for words, mouth gaping like a fish.

“no more talking, you gotta recover so we can spar when you’re as good as new!” he grinned widely.

—

“No Noelle, I KNOW it’ll work this time!” You were determined that this attempt was going to be the finale, because it was going to work.

“I’ll have the tissues ready!” she really had no hope for you.

Vanessa giggled and hit you hard in the back.

“come on! I believe you got it this time!”

“The blind leading the blind…” Gauche mumbled.

Luck sped into the house after finishing his spar

“Hey hey Y/N!!”

He sped up and held your hand to his shirt.

“Can you feel my shirt?”

You were puzzled, raising your brow to Magna who followed behind him looking like he was preparing himself for the worst.

“Yeah?”

“You know what material it is?”

“cotton..?”

“Nah. Boyfriend material.”

..

you exploded red. Vanessa was cackling and Noelle and Magna could only shake their heads in disappointment. Finral was nodding in approval.

“And that! is how you pull girls!” Finral slapped Luck on his back.

Maybe your efforts weren’t in vain, Luck did realise his feelings for you.

“Hey Y/N? How about we spar?”

You were still lost for words yet again, but you smiled.

“Yeah, of course Luck”

[the-boy-meets-evil]

not according to plan | hjs (teaser)

summary: your ex-fiance is getting married and everyone you know is going to be there. when he calls to ask if you're coming, you accidentally mention a boyfriend. which would be fine, if you weren't very single. thankfully your best friend comes through with the perfect solution when he sets you up with a friend of his.

pairing: joshua x f.reader genre: fake dating, strangers to ?? | fluff, slight angst, smut rating: explicit (in the full fic), minors DNI word count: ~1.1k in this teaser (full fic ~22k) notes: johnny suh as the ex (sorry!), also includes other idols not in seventeen solely as face claims, there's a heavy focus on the fake dating, mentions of food & drink, warnings to be added to the final fic fic post date: friday, april 26th (full fic here)

a/n: i started this legit months ago as kind of a joke, talking about it with @shuadotcom but it's finally done (and a lot longer than i anticipated).

thank you to: @wonwussy & @kwanisms who read over this for me (too long ago), and to @cheolism @wooahaeproductions @hannieween, & sj for all the brainstorming help along the way. tagging: @aaniag @gyuminusone @crepecakeu

if you'd like to be tagged in this fic (or any of my fics), comment, click here for my tag list, or send an ask 💕

You still think this is a terrible idea, yet agree to meet Jeonghan’s friend, Joshua, anyway. Apparently, he’s somewhat new to the area, doesn’t know many people, and is incredibly easy to be around. There’s no mention of why Jeonghan thinks he might be willing to pretend to be your boyfriend. A part of you wonders if your friend even told him, but he’s not that cruel. So, whatever the case, Joshua must at least have some idea of what he’s walking into. 

Several days pass between the nightmare of a call from Johnny and you actually meeting Joshua, which only adds to your anxiety about whether or not this is going to work. Johnny is asking for a name for the seating chart and for dinner selections. Your mom wants to know when they’ll be able to meet this new boyfriend before the wedding (because “meeting him for the first time at a wedding is gauche” and we wouldn’t want that). Your sister is convinced that he doesn’t actually exist since you haven’t posted him on social media. That you can at least answer to say that not everyone posts their entire life online like she does. It doesn’t seem to allay her suspicions, though. 

Then, there’s the fact that you’re actually meeting Joshua for the first time at dinner. All you wanted was to go for coffee, yet he insisted. You couldn’t exactly press the point. Not when you’re planning to ask this stranger to pretend to date you just so that you can avoid the embarrassment at your ex’s wedding. On top of that, because Jeonghan really is a demon at his core, you don’t know what Joshua looks like. Don’t know who to look for. Which leads to you doing the only sensible thing and showing up 5 minutes late for dinner, hoping that he’ll already be at the table when you get there.

It works.

When you give the reservation name at the host stand, you’re immediately led back to a table. Without even thinking about it, you smooth your hands down the front of your dress, looking for a small amount of comfort in this situation. It’s not even that you struggle around new people, this is just…well, it’s a lot. It’s out of anyone’s comfort zone. Whatever you’re expecting, it’s not the man sitting at the table the host leads you to. He nearly stops you in your tracks. 

His black hair is perfectly styled down to the pieces on one side that come down over his forehead. The black dress shirt he wears is open at least one button too many, but he makes the exposed chest look work in a way models would envy. Even though his pants are black as well, he makes it look classic and effortless, rather than too dark. That’s all without even acknowledging the soft smile on his face. This man would break a thousand hearts without even saying a damn word. While you’re appreciating him, you miss the way his eyes rake over you appreciatively. Miss the way his eyes trace your curves and the way the dress clings to you. 

In one fluid motion, he’s standing up to greet you, a gentle kiss placed on your cheek. Is it weird if your knees are a little weak? Well, even if it is, there’s nothing you can do. You’re completely captivated. 

“You must be Joshua,” you say. Brilliant, you think. That’s obvious.

“It’s nice to meet you. Jeonghan had nothing but good things to say,” he answers with another smile as he pulls your seat out for you. 

“I feel like he hardly told me about you,” you respond. Joshua raises a perfect eyebrow at that.

“Then why did you agree to go out with me?” Joshua asks. 

“Go out with…is this a date?” The question comes tumbling out. 

Joshua’s eyes widen in genuine confusion. “Is it not?” 

“What, exactly, did Jeonghan say to you?” 

A lot and nothing at all, it turns out. Joshua tells you about how he’s somewhat new to the area, which you knew. About how he met Jeonghan through work, kind of. They work in the same building doing very different things and happened to run into each other getting coffee a handful of times before Jeonghan introduced himself. The two had hung out several times, something Jeonghan had not really mentioned, and gotten to know each other over drinks more than once. The very first time, Jeonghan had mentioned you and Joshua admits immediately being intrigued without pressing for more information. 

In any case, Jeonghan talked about you pretty freely, a fact that’s hardly surprising. Before Joshua texted you, Jeonghan had mentioned, in what Joshua calls an offhand way, that you were sick of dating the same people. According to Joshua, through Jeonghan, you were looking to possibly be set up. (Read: Jeonghan thinks he’s crafty and isn’t going to come out and tell this man what you’re really looking for. Typical Jeonghan, honestly. You know that “offhand comment” was anything but. And you had the audacity to think Jeonghan would have to tell Joshua what he’s getting into. Rookie move.)

Now you’re in a bit of an awkward situation because this man is honestly gorgeous, one of the prettiest humans you’ve ever met. And, already, he seems like he might be sweet with a pretty good sense of humor. It’s just…well, you’re absolutely not looking for a relationship and this is the last person you want to get involved in your mess. Thankfully, you get a moment to catch your breath when someone comes by to take a drink order and suggest an appetizer. It’s just enough time for you to talk yourself into telling Joshua the real story.

To his credit, he only looks mildly surprised as you outline your whole situation, inform him that yes, Jeonghan does know all of this, and clarify why you didn’t actually realize it was a date. It’s hard to miss the way his eyes seem to sparkle a bit when you also admit that he’s absolutely stunning in a way that hurts your feelings. Easier to miss is the way his face barely falls when you say that you’re not actually looking for something right now. Interesting. 

“So that’s the whole thing and now that I’ve embarrassed myself in front of you, I’m sure you’ll understand if we never see each other after tonight,” you finish.

“How am I supposed to go to a wedding as your boyfriend in a matter of weeks if we don’t see each other after tonight?” Joshua wonders.

let me know if you want to be tagged when i post the full fic next week 💕 (and what you think so far)

[coco-loco-nut]

Condolences

pairing: max x reader

summary: there is such a thing as being too competitive

masterlist requests open

——————————

The world stopped the moment your phone buzzed. You could barely read past “breaking news” before running into the next room.

“Daniel-“ you barely get the words out before Max nods solemnly.

“I heard,” Max says dejectedly. You sit beside him, letting a sad silence fill the room.

“Is he home?” you ask, not knowing the pain your friend and idol is going though. Your Aussie roots are what helped you and Daniel bond. Without him you wouldn’t have met Max.

A knock on your door interrupts Max before he can reply. You make your way to the door, opening it to see a very sad Daniel Ricciardo.

The trophies and other Formula One decor seem gauche in the moment as your friend is walking through your cozy apartment.

You silently sit down beside your friend and hug him. You and Daniel have only gotten closer since you started dating Max, before you were more like casual acquaintances and now he’s your older brother.

“I’m sorry, Daniel. What they did wasn’t right,” Max says, breaking the silence.

“I knew it was coming, I just didn’t expect it to be so hard this time around,”

“Whatever you need, we are here for you,” you rub his back. Daniel leans into your touch, resting his head on your shoulder as he takes in the comfort of you and Max. Max offers to go to the bar and drown the sorrows in liquor, but Daniel declines, needing to go back to his apartment and call Heidi.

“I just feel so bad,” you sit back down beside Max after letting Daniel out. The plush couch is almost as comfortable as your boyfriend.

“I know. He told me it was a possibility, but I didn’t expect the team to drop him the way they did,” Max squeezes you, holding you close.

“Wait,” you lean back, eyes narrowing as you look at Max. “You knew, and you didn’t say anything to me? You asshole,” you gasp. Jimmy and Sassy look at you curiously, a little confused why you suddenly seem upset. “A little warning would’ve been nice,” you advert your eyes, looking at one of the trophies that adorn your living room instead.

“I had an idea, but I wasn’t one hundred percent sure,” Max awkwardly tries to defend himself.

“Well, I am going to make Danny feel better,” you silently challenge Max as you stand up, ready to make your way to your bedroom with a yawn.

“Oh yeah, I bet I can do a better job than you,” Max doesn’t back down from your challenge, watching you pad across the carpet to your shared room. He opens his phone and takes another look at VCARB’s post. “Worst birthday gift ever,” Max groans.

“I’ll be back, I need to run to the store,” you practically jump off the couch. Max narrows his eyes, but doesn’t say anything.

You spend the rest of the day baking and meal prepping your favorite Australian dishes, hoping that Daniel enjoys the taste of home.

While you occupied yourself, Max searched through his racing memorabilia, hoping to find something that would pique Daniel’s interest.

The first time Max really noticed was when he got home from the gym and noticed the heavenly smells coming from the kitchen.

You stood in front of the stove humming to yourself, different containers and food scattered across the marble counters. Daniel happily sat at the countertop, eating a pesto pasta.

“Hey Max,” Daniel smiles, mouth full of food. Max cautiously walks towards you. You turn to him, a smug smile on your lips.

“Welcome home, Maxie,” your voice is a little too sweet, rubbing in your advantage in the unspoken competition between you. Max narrows his eyes as he leans down to press a quick kiss to your lips.

“I didn’t realize you were making dinner,” he says warily.

“Oh, I’m just making some food for Daniel to take with him. A little taste of Australia and his favorite meals,” you explain. Daniel enthusiastically nods.

“It’s really good, you lucked out man, having such a great cook as a partner,” Daniel tells Max, not having picked up on the competition.

“There’s some pesto pasta left if you want any,” you point your spatula to the stray pot on your left. Max silently takes a portion that you didn’t pack for Daniel to take home.

“Thanks,” Max mutters, plotting his next move. You barely notice as you finish the chicken cutlets. Daniel’s mom happily shared her recipe and preferred brands with you, glad that you are there to comfort Daniel.

A few nights later, you are getting ready for a girls night with some of the WAGs.

“You look beautiful, where are you going?” Max asks, sitting on your bed.

“Some new club that the girls found. I’ll send you the location when we get there,” you say as you put your earring in. Max gets up and grabs your heels for you, motioning for you to sit down.

“Don’t go too hard, I don’t want you to regret it tomorrow,” Max says as he secures your heels before standing up and giving you a hand as you stand.

“Of course, someone has to be responsible for the girls,” you smile, leaning in to kiss Max. Max pulls back from the kiss with a smile, using his thumb to fix your smudged lipstick.

What you don’t expect is to see Max walk into the club with Daniel and Charles half an hour later. You try to ignore them down the bar as you and the girls order another round, like you never saw them come in.

“These are for you ladies from the men across the bar,” the bartender says as he places a round of shots in front of you.

“Did you-?” you ask Alexandra who shakes her head in shock. You whip your head towards the guys and see Max raise his glass in smug greeting to you. You don’t break eye contact as you grab a shot and bring it to your mouth, quickly throwing it back and heading to the dance floor, vodka red bull in hand.

“What did you do to piss her off?” Daniel asks Max, a little concerned.

“It’s nothing, I just beat her at a game,” Max waves Daniel off.

“Seems like you have some making up to do,” Charles says, Daniel nodding in agreement.

The boys eventually find their way to your group, Max pressing himself against you. You try to push him off but he stays glued to you. His fingers brush the back of your neck as he moves your hair to one side. His breath tickles as his lips are against your ear.

“What’s wrong baby?” Max says, you mind dizzy and breathing a little heavy from the alcohol and contact.

“Max,” you breathe as he kisses the sensitive spot behind your ear, purposefully riling you up before turning you around so you are face to face. The look in his eyes is similar to yours. When you did go home, sleep was the last thing on your mind.

This carried on for a week. You would deliver whatever treat your found, or meal you made, while Max brought alcohol or dragged Daniel along to things.

You both found yourselves seated on Daniel’s couch, not meeting each other’s eye. You stare at Daniel’s thrown together yet cohesive display of trophies. You and Max had an unofficial official score between you two for making Daniel feel better and you were in the lead by two points.

“You two need to stop. I appreciate your support, and you are two of my closest friends, literally,” Daniel speaks as if you are children. “It sucks, but losing my seat isn’t the end of the world. You’ve helped, but this competition needs to end,” his stern eyes have you looking at your shoes, embarrassed. Has Daniel always had a cowprint rug under his couch?

“Sorry,” you and Max mutter in unison, resembling schoolchildren who’ve been chastised by their teacher.

“Now, why don’t we all go to the bar and have one last pity party?” Daniel suggests, finally getting a say in how he feels better. Although, he doesn’t mind the taste of home when you bring him food.

“I guess we can put aside our competition,” Max sighs, extending his hand to you. Your eyes flick between his hand and his face, unsure if it’s safe to trust him, but you ultimately shake on it for Daniel’s sake.

“Good, now go get ready. I’ll meet you in 30,” Daniel claps, kicking you out of his apartment and sending you back to yours.

“I won,” you smile as the door closes behind you in Max’s apartment.

“I can’t believe my husband chose my girlfriend over me,” Max says a little exasperated.

“Well, you aren’t a fellow Aussie and all guys are the same. All it takes is some food,” you laugh as Max pulls you close.

“I’ll be an Aussie too once I marry you,” he presses a kiss to your cheek, just below your ear, sending shivers up your spine.

“How long do we have?” you notice Max’s eyes darken.

“Long enough.”

[talxns]

Academic Articles that Analyze Queer Readings of Batman and Robin (Brudick)

There actually exist multiple!…but the ones I want to introduce right now talk specifically about how the creation of the batfamily was DC’s attempt to dissuade brudick readings. and that it can be argued that DC is still doing the same thing today.

The first article is called “All in the Family: Homophobia and Batman Comics in the 1950s”, published in the International Journal of Comics Art in Fall 2000 by Chris York. It was not available for free online, but I bought a digital copy of the volume it was published in and provided screenshots because it’s been 24 years and I hate the fact that academics are behind paywalls so I’m sharing.

This article was actually infamous because DC refused to grant permission for the use of their panels in this article.

Click for better quality.

Notable Quotes:

“National [Periodical Publications]’s biggest step, however, was the introduction of other members of the Bat-family, which would give them permanent female counterparts and solidify their heterosexual status.”

“It is clear that, although Batman and Robin remain partners, their interests are no longer as the Dynamic Duo, but as a Bat-family.”

“Taking the focus of the comic away from Batman and Robin was exactly what these superfluous characters were designed to do.”

The second article, published in the Iowa Journal of Cultural Studies in 2005, is called "Domesticity, Homosociality, and Male Power in Superhero Comics of the 1950s" by Mark Best.

Good news! This article is available online for free and it’s a great read.

Notable Quotes:

“In contrast to the Marvel family, however, the Batman and Superman families were modeled more after the familial relations of the nuclear family and the gender expectations of the domestic ideology.”

“One way the genre attempted to contain any “subversive” potential, including the possibility of homosexual readings of the comics, was through the narrative device of the “super­ hero family.””

Here is more academic reading with the themes of Batman and homophobia, written in 1991. This article is referenced in the former piece.

In summary:

(lest we forget) Batman has had queer readings since its inception, specifically between Bruce and Dick.

The creation of the batfamily served to curtail those brudick readings

It seems pretty obvious that the same attempts are STILL being made by DC, now with the exaggerated push for explicit familial titles like “father” and “son”. And are still working if you see any discourse online from fans who strictly oppose brudick on the basis of their “father/son” relationship (which seems to me a more modern emphasis compared to in the past, maybe i’ll make a different post about that later.) They are unknowingly parroting Freddy Wertham’s concerns and eating up DC’s new strategy of distancing Bruce and Dick, just under an accusation harder to argue against nowadays. It’s gauche to criticize queerness nowadays, but consider it incest and suddenly it’s acceptable to bash again.

I just find it incredibly fascinating that brudick had been discussed and analyzed in multiple academic articles! And reading some comments I saw lately of people exclaiming “I can’t believe Brudick is this popular!/Who on earth is shipping Brudick!?!” made me sigh and really want to pull these out. Brudick has been a thing before all of us were born. DC’s propaganda/internet purity culture has been doing too good of a job lately. We have to remember our roots.