#to me that means trying to explore real intimacy or a real connection

[bosjess]

The guy I had been seeing a bit told me he’s not looking for other dates right now (and at this point we had been ok with no exclusivity so it’s fine) but then goes “in a couple of months when I’m done with work I’ll be on the apps” and I’m like ??????

we discussed that we were trying to take this to somewhere serious and check in (in like a month?) so completely antithetical to that unless like he has already made up his mind to not see me anymore, knowing what I want and what we discussed, just revealed it and still had invited me over to stay anyway (so used me for sex I guess?)

I’m so tired and feel sick so I would be more upset but Jesus Christ

[maelancoli]

Writing Explicit Intimacy More Deeply

okay after the kissing post i've wanted to try to write something about actual sexual scenes. it's taken me a while to figure out what approach to take for such a broad subject because this is such a subjective form of writing and everyone has very strong opinions and varying proclivities. the truth is you are not going to please everyone and there will be a chunk of people who will always dislike your choice of words. and so even in writing a post to help others, there's going to be people who strongly disagree or find what i prefer to be cringe or unerotic.

the portrayal of sexual intimacy and the approaches taken are as varied as the sexual preferences, appetites, turn ons and turn offs of every day real people. this can either make you freeze up when writing, or free you to realize there is no 100% right way to approach erotic art and anyone who tells you otherwise is a smartass or trying to sell you something. so with no further ado, this post will be exactly what it sounds like so proceed at your own risk.

i'm going to focus less on style itself and more on approach. the first thing is that you don't need to divorce 'fluffy' non explicit intimacy from sexual writing. the exact same style and techniques you use for non sexual intimacy can often be applied to the sexual scenes too. kissing scenes, the chaste restrained touches filled with deeper desire, the linger looks from across the room, the build up to the first moments of vulnerability, the first few kisses, the first 'almosts' are connected to the sexual scenes themselves. it is all the same emotions and tensions. they're only heightened. and for sex scenes that are produced from these build ups are a simple escalation. you only need to expound upon what you've already built. don't view it as starting new and having to figure out how to write a different topic/moment. it's a continuation and all you need to do is use the tools you've already given yourself.

my second tip is to spend time shaping your character's tastes, kinks, turn ons and icks, their secret fantasies, their red lines they won't cross, their pleasure zones, the places they find attractive on others that they like to focus on and stimulate. if you want your sex scenes to feel real and not like it's just a emulation of generic smut or porn, you have to do what you do for literally anything else to make it not feel bland or contrived: character development.

where does your muse like to be kissed? what parts of their body make them feel stimulated, what parts are the most sensitive? not everything is about genitals. a lot of people like their foreplay to start with groping in varying erogenous zones. some are unconventional, some like their ears licked, they want their wrists kissed and sucked, they just want their partner to hold them close etc. the more you practice and explore what feels right for your character, the easier building on that foundation of tension will become.

if you feel awkward you can write the characters feeling awkward too because it often is. sex isn't always erotic or super steamy. it can be funny and awkward or just a natural physical thing happening between two people. focus less on if it sounds good in the first draft and focus more on if it makes sense for the characters, focus on how this moment makes them feel, where they feel their arousal and excitement in their body, how they respond to each other, what this means to them or what it doesn't mean etc. after you have gotten that down, then you edit it. add the prose, use the language that either make sit feel less crude to you or more erotic or more poetic etc.

lets take eliza and grabriella from last time so we can expound upon their previous interaction

it wasn't like she had never seen gabriella before. the first time they had seen each other outside of a dorm room or stuffy lecture hall was at dance club which was too crowded and too loud and was less 'dance' and more 'stand around and bob heads and take up too much space on the dance floor.' but she did remember what gabriella wore. she remembered her cropped blouse with ruffled sleeves and how she hadn't worn a bra beneath it. she remembered that she did dance. she remembered how effortless it looked. and the shorts which hugged her thighs and formed that little indentation that first made her wish she could tuck her fingers beneath the hemline and tug her close. she had denied those instincts then, those unrealized desires. but she wasn't denying it now. because now gabriella was on her mattress, sitting on her knees in only her bra and lacy underwear which evoked that same feeling. eliza imagined hooking a finger just at the waistline and tugging. butterflies swirled in her stomach and static radiated through her at the mere thought because this time she could do it. "you okay?" gabriella murmured. she was smiling. that smile made her feel all the warmth of the brightest stars which whispered she was meant to be here, with her. "yeah," eliza breathed out. she leaned closer and feathered her lips along the other woman's. even with a trembling hand she reached forth and brushed her fingertips at the edges of gabriella's panties. "i'm okay," she promised. she allowed herself to smile and in doing so realized she was already grinning. "more than okay." "good," gabriella kissed her back, one of her hands sliding into eliza's hair as the other tenderly began to caress her bare thigh. "have you ever...?"

"no," she admitted. heat gathered in her cheeks which were turning pinker by the second. her ears must have looked sunburnt and she had to resist the urge to cover her face. "not really...not like this." a pause. she bit at the inside of her lower lip and glanced up at gabriella's soft features. when their eyes met, she simultaneously felt all her muscles relax again. but those damn butterflies kept fluttering within her. "have you?" "once," gabriella nodded. then she smiled, a shyness in her expression which only made her features glow all the more. she reached down and gently grasped eliza's hand. she rubbed her thumb over her knuckles. "just follow my lead," she murmured. "we'll make up our own steps." she slowly guided eliza's fingers beneath the lacy waistband. and then further. until she felt the damp warmth between her thighs. eliza's breath hitched and she almost forgot how to control her lungs. "i think i can figure it out," she replied with a small smirk before she tenderly rubbed the pad of her thumb against gabriella's mound. when the other woman breathed in deep, almost moaning, she knew this was a dance she would happily memorize.

i put the rest below the cut to help the post from being too lengthy. but essentially here we see a continuation of eliza feeling uncertain in new territory but finding comfort and reassurance in gabriella. she might be nervous, but she has no doubts about this woman she's attracted to. rather than just describing one action after the other or focusing only on the biological responses happening, we're delving into the continuation of anticipation, we're showing the gentle push and pull between them. eliza has the desire to take control and give pleasure to gabriella. but she finds herself needing gabriella's guidance and that's okay.

because they met dancing, we can use dancing symbolism. deciding the contrasting language and euphemisms you want to use for your ship will help you broaden how you write the intimacy beyond the physical.

eliza wants to be more dominant we see hints of it here, but realistically someone who is new to a situation will not be able to go straight into that. but, say that there is continued scenes of intimacy between them, after the first time, we would start to let her slowly explore that. perhaps gabriella would coax it out of her, maybe eliza will surprise her. she'll tug her close by her belt loops, she let herself bite at her rather than just gentle kisses. it will happen slowly and surely. and that is typically also good advice for if you want to include more kinky content. the first time people have sex they're not gonna jump straight into that. even if they're experienced in kink they still have to get to know one another and get a feel for each other's bodies, what they do and don't like, etc.

there's further tension to explore if you utilize those intimate scenes correctly, continuing to build and escalate each time upon the previous moments. don't just jump straight to crazy sex. build up to it. let them explore each other and their sexuality together. that is where the steam comes from, the continuation of tension, the excitement of getting to know one another. don't just steamroll right over opportunities for development and sensuality.

anyway that's it folks bc this post is long af. have fun, write freaky shit, write cute shit, write what makes u happy and horny.

[acute-crashout-jeyuso]

A03 coming soon..

About Me:

Ry here 🤭 I’m 28 years old, Texas born and raised girly, latinaaaa, WWE fan since Attitude Era brooo 👀 I’m also in my junior year of my college journey and I’m majoring in Social Work. I don’t take any requests, I do try to run polls biweekly to see how everyone is responding to my fics. I have one completed and three ongoing. Quite frankly I’m the biggest Quentin Tarantino fan. 🩷 If you have any questions or need help understanding my fanfics, don’t be afraid to message me :)

Masterlists ⬇️

Between the Ropes Trilogy

Between The Ropes Soundtrack

In Between the Ropes, a secret love between Jey and Rhea slowly evolves from stolen glances and fleeting moments into a blazing passion that threatens to defy the rules of family and loyalty. As their connection deepens, their choices leave scars not only on their bodies but on their hearts. Amidst the scrutiny of the world around them, they find themselves caught in a love they can’t control, with consequences that reach far beyond their personal desires.

Between The Ropes Masterlist

In Sacrifices, Rhea and Jey are about to welcome a new life into the world, but the excitement of impending parenthood brings with it the resurfacing shadows of Rhea’s traumatic past. Old relationships, unresolved pain, and personal demons test their bond as they face pressures from all sides. Their love is put to the ultimate test as they must confront what it truly means to build a future together, but as Rhea’s history catches up to them, their path forward becomes uncertain.

Sacrifices Masterlist

The trilogy culminates in Checkmate, where tragedy strikes, leaving Jey to raise their son, Jeyson, alone. Grief-stricken and guilt-ridden, he isolates himself, consumed by the need to protect his son. Meanwhile, Rhea is forced to confront the consequences of her past decisions as she struggles to survive. Both face immense challenges—Jey with his guilt, and Rhea with her fight for redemption. In the end, the question remains: Will their love survive the ultimate test, or will everything they’ve fought for come crashing down, leaving nothing but regret and broken dreams?

Checkmate: is a chess move that makes it impossible for your opponent to win.

Checkmate Masterlist

Rating: M for Mature Content

Author’s Note: if you are having difficulty with the timeline, a thorough broken down timeline can be found here.

DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. The characters, events, and storylines depicted in this fanfiction are purely fictional and created for entertainment purposes only. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or deceased, or actual events is purely coincidental. This story is not affiliated with or endorsed by WWE, its performers, or any other entities related to professional wrestling. The characters are portrayed in a fictional manner and are not representative of the real-life individuals. This fanfiction is told in a non-linear narrative style, with some events presented out of chronological order. Flashbacks, present-day scenes, and future events are woven together to give a deeper understanding of the characters and their journey. Please keep this in mind as you read, as timelines may shift to enhance the emotional and thematic storytelling.

Across The Ropes… a Zilla Fatu x OC Fic.

Across The Ropes follows Zilla Fatu, a 25-year-old aspiring WWE wrestler, haunted by the legacy of his late father's addiction and death. When he meets Dahlia Martinez, a 20-year-old college student with her own painful past, their connection sparks an unexpected emotional and physical bond. Dahlia, a ward of the state who lost her mother to an overdose, struggles with trust and vulnerability. As they spend more time together, they navigate their shared trauma, facing moments of intimacy, miscommunication, and fear of attachment. Their journey explores love, healing, and the challenges of overcoming their pasts to build something real. Can Zilla and Dahlia find a way to embrace their flaws and heal together, or will their scars keep them apart?

This is set in the Between the Ropes universe with mentions of characters from that trilogy.

Across The Ropes Masterlist

Possession: a Jey Uso x Rhea Ripley x Jimmy Uso fanfic.

Plot: When Jey Uso is sidelined by a severe injury, his girlfriend Rhea Ripley is paired with his twin brother, Jimmy, to compete as a team. Their growing in-ring chemistry soon extends outside the ring, complicating relationships as Jimmy’s professional admiration turns into an unhealthy obsession. WWE capitalizes on their dynamic for a storyline, fueling Jimmy’s possessiveness and straining Rhea’s bond with Jey. Caught between the brothers and the pressures of WWE’s narrative, Rhea faces tough choices that blur the line between fiction and reality, threatening her relationship and career. Will Jey and Rhea’s connection survive the chaos?

This is told in an alternative Wrestling Universe with some elements that have happened incorporated..

Possession Masterlist

Power: a Bloodline x Rhea Ripley *COMPLETE*

Plot: Demi Bennett is caught in a complex and dark dynamic with a group of powerful men—Jonathan, Joe, Joseph, and Joshua—each exerting different forms of control and influence over her. As the tension between them escalates, Demi is pushed to her emotional and physical limits, struggling to reconcile the pain, vulnerability, and occasional tenderness that exists within the power dynamics. As she endures the intense experiences thrust upon her, Demi must navigate her own desires, fears, and a growing conflict over whether to continue down this dangerous path or attempt to escape the grip of those who dominate her life.

A/N This fic was taken down after excessive bullying but after a break and some helpful contributors it is back.

This story falls into the dark romance genre and includes non con/reluctance themes that may be triggering and unsuitable for some readers. This is a work of fiction and I in no way advocate for this type of thing in real life. All characters are operating under the PRICK acronym, Personal responsibility in consensual kink. If this is not for you please keep scrolling.

Power Masterlist

Marilyn Monroe: a Jhea fanfic.

WARNING: This fanfiction explores sensitive themes, including mental health struggles, trauma, mentions of past sexual abuse, suicidal ideation, and things of that nature. Moving forward this fanfiction will contain intense emotional moments and depictions of characters navigating complex personal challenges such as suicide attempts & self harm. This is a work of fiction and does not reflect the real life characters or lives of any individuals depicted in this story. Please proceed with caution, and if you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking support from a trusted professional or helpline. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 & 988

Plot: Jey and Rhea are two broken souls who meet at a support group after separate suicide attempts. They form an intense, volatile connection, finding solace in each other's pain. But as their relationship deepens, they realize their love could either pull them toward healing or push them further into their destructive tendencies.

Themes of: suicide, self harm, mental health, recounts of suicide attempts.

Please proceed with caution in reading this fanfic.

[slipperylittleturtle]

i have all four of the 4* spicy cards now

each one is fabulous, but what i find the most interesting? each secret times feels like it takes place at various stages of a relationship. it's incredibly difficult to compare them because they each offer something completely different.

i decided to analyze each memory, specifically focused on the stage of the relationship. without understanding this context, i think it becomes tricky to understand the subtext and communication between couples when listening to the memories.

spoilers from here on:

xavier -

this is such an early relationship/honeymoon phase memory! these two are exploring, figuring things out, stumbling. it's actually adorable.

it's clear that mc is hesitant and uncertain. she both rushes things and holds back. she's trying to communicate her needs but hasn't quite built up the confidence or language to do so yet.

xavier is hungry. to me, he's desperately trying to figure out what makes her feel good, while simultaneously overstimulated by everything.

this guy is also way up in his head, but i don't think he realizes it. the way he shifts things and takes the lead at times, i am almost certain he's channeling decades' worth of smut he's read and trying to figure out what happens next.

the two, together, have always been big on role-playing. they find every opportunity to embellish the current situation, and that stays true throughout this secret times. xavier's probably got a scrape, mc was worried sick while he was gone, and they will find any excuse to get their hands on each other the moment they can.

rafayel -

sylus -

while this memory is still early relationship, it's well past the clumsy, exploratory stage. these two are still riding the high of falling for each other, more confident but still clingy.

grand gestures, like mc showing up to surprise rafayel, is what makes the most sense at this point in the relationship. how else can they show each other they care? they haven't quite progressed to the true partnership stage of their relationship yet.

these two are handsy, needy, desperate to connect with each other. there's a clear confidence in how their bodies work together, a history of exploring and understanding each others needs and wants.

lust probably outpaces love here. they're building a foundation of trust and love, but lust still has its temptation and sparkle. everything at this stage is about feeling good, satisfying desires, being together.

it isn't shallow, by any means, but their relationship also hasn't built depth and complexity yet. this is the going steady, boyfriend/girlfriend, not quite ready to think about forever but can't imagine not being together, fun part.

sylus and mc are such an established partnership of individuals. they clearly aren't a family unit yet, but there's a trust and a flow here that makes it clear it isn't new.

their coupling is sensual, needy, but lacking the uncertainty and clumsiness of a new relationship. they almost play at uncertainty, clearly communicating under the surface but playing pretend with their words.

they seem to be egging each other on, almost. both are fiercely independent, both are fully capable and trust the other to handle themselves when they are apart. but their exchange feels like a way to share their vulnerabilities and fears with a mask of teasing to make it less raw.

this is partnership. clear communication, reassurance, trust. plus, they clearly know each others bodies. the mess of intimacy is simply part of it, something to laugh at together.

it's such an important part of a growing and lasting relationship, finding your confidence as individuals, together. these two have it locked in.

zayne -

this one is full marital bliss. this is a couple years in, they are busy in their lives, but still completely in love. this is two people taking time for each other when they can't make time for each other.

this one feels so real to me, because it can be so difficult to make space for intimacy in a relationship when the stress of life gets in the way. starting with a massage is a perfect way to transition, mentally and physically, from the fast pace of the world to the bubble of your relationship.

this memory is two people who are making small sacrifices to prioritize their connection and each other's needs. to me, it's the most intimate of them all. they communicate, they play and tease, but all of it comes with a strong foundation of trust. these two know each other so deeply.

[gentlekalita]

Are you a submissive? Find it out

🌟 How Can I Know If I’m a Submissive? 🌟

Hey there, my lovely friends! It’s your Gentle Domme Kalita, and today, I want to chat about a question that I know many of you have been wondering about: “How can I know if I’m a submissive?” I get it; navigating these feelings can be both exciting and a little confusing. So let’s take a cozy dive into this together!

Understanding Submission

First things first—submission isn’t just about giving up control; it’s about really connecting with your desires and exploring that wild side of yourself. It’s all about that spark of excitement when you think about trusting someone else to take the lead. So, how do you figure out if that’s you? Well, here are some thoughts:

1. Self-Reflection

Let’s start with some good old-fashioned self-reflection. Grab a journal—or even just a cozy spot to think—and ask yourself:

Do you ever daydream about scenarios where you’re being guided or cared for?

How does the idea of giving over control make you feel?

What kind of fantasies do you find yourself daydreaming about?

Writing down your thoughts can be super helpful. Just let your mind flow and see what pops up. You might be surprised at what you discover about yourself!

2. Exploring Fantasies

Your fantasies are like little clues to your desires:

Do you find yourself drawn to the idea of being restrained or directed by someone confident?

What roles do you fantasize about—do you enjoy the thought of surrendering or being gently teased?

It’s totally okay to get lost in these thoughts; fantasy can be such a safe way to explore your feelings without any pressure. Enjoying those little daydreams can be a real thrill!

3. Emotional Response

Pay attention to how you feel in different situations:

When someone takes charge, how does that make you feel? Does it spark excitement or maybe a little nervousness?

Are you drawn to the idea of nurturing or being nurtured, of giving and receiving care in a unique way?

Just tune in to those feelings; they can be so telling about what you might enjoy.

4. Interest in BDSM Dynamics

You might find that you have a natural curiosity about BDSM culture.

Are you intrigued by the idea of exploring power dynamics in a consensual way?

Do you appreciate the intimacy and trust involved in these types of relationships?

Gentle femdom, especially, is all about that tenderness mixed with a bit of power. If that sounds appealing, you might want to explore it further!

5. Engaging with the Community

Getting involved with a community can really help clarify your feelings:

Try attending discussions or workshops focused on BDSM and submission. Connecting with others and hearing their stories can be enlightening!

Follow blogs or platforms that resonate with you—like mine! Engaging with these communities can help you feel less alone on this journey.

6. Trial and Experience

Sometimes the best way to know is to just jump in and experience it:

Consider exploring your submission in safe, enjoyable ways. Maybe start with light role play or engage with a trusted partner.

Just make sure you’ve got safe words and boundaries established. Your comfort and safety are everything!

7. Understanding Boundaries

Remember, submission doesn’t mean you lose your individuality or say goodbye to what makes you comfortable. Understanding your boundaries is crucial!

Reflect on what you could see yourself trying and what is definitely off the table for you.

Knowing your limits and being able to communicate them is actually a huge part of establishing a healthy dynamic.

Embrace Your Journey

Ultimately, exploring your submission should feel like a liberating adventure. If you’re finding that these questions resonate, you might just be discovering something amazing about yourself!

Join Me!

Ready to explore your desires in a warm and welcoming space? I would absolutely love to have you join me for my next camming session! Let’s dive into fantasies together and see what gentle domination feels like for you. Check my bio~

[funnylovepuppis]

I should probably shut up about it because there is so many other people talking about it. But I can't stay silent about it. I can't stress enough how upset and uncomfortable I am with being here in buddie fandom right now.

As a bisexual myself, I agree with the importance of its representation in mainstream media. Especially when it comes to male characters, who are really low in static speaking. We can all agree on this, and hopefully, we can all see it. I'm really thrilled about Bi Buck's journey and about finding his happiness. He's not fixed, he just found out about his other sides he never knew they were existed before. As @m3r1m4r5u333 said in their post, bisexuality is not a personality, just a small piece in whatever color that is a part of many more pieces of soul. Buck, like many real-life people, is trying to figure out himself. I honestly don't think that self-journey will ever stop, not just on sexuality but on many other things. That's how living is, right? So yes, it's very exciting and kind of carefree for him, and I'm truly happy. He deserves it big time after all that he has been through. And I really think that Tommy is genuinely the right person for him at the moment.

But aside from me being bi, I'm also demisexual. Honestly it's more than that for me, because besides the need for emotional connection before sexual intimacy, I need some degrees of emotional connection before even getting into dating. So as you can see, I'm very much attached to Buck and Eddie relationship. I'm mostly finding myself a lot in Eddie's character. I do feel a lot of pressure on starting to date someone nowadays. And I'd probably be single for a long time because that's kinda how how people go to date. You meet someone you like and interested to explore the romantic dynamic and that someone is a completely stranger to you so it's kind of scary and stressful.. I'd rather be someone's friend and then lover..

Yes, best friends have a different kind of love than just two friends. That doesn't necessarily mean that it must have a romance subtext or under the surface, especially when it comes to two people of the same gender. And sure, all the things related to buddie are open to interpretations and any ways that people who see it differently are pretty legit.

We can argue about why things are the way they are. I can acknowledge that Eddie is not in the same emotional place as Buck, and it can be taking a long process for him, if at all, to realize his own feelings about himself and Buck. But at the same time, I can say that although it seems like Buck and Eddie communicate in a very healthy way, there's a sense of underground miscommunication that leaves both of them scared to make a move or talk about their deep feelings and observations on their own relationship. Because what they have is great, so why ruin it for a good change, right? And there is lots of evidence that saying buddie are partially soulmates. Having back from each other. Their reactions are when the other one is in a dangerous situation, such as the firetruck, the wall, the shooting, and the lighting strike. The will. The family moments of Buckley-Diaz. Going to each other's home as a safe place. The teasing from surrounding people about them. The jealousy. Their parallels to other couples on the show/

I guess I'm trying to say to the people who are feeling like some people are not very happy about Bucktommy because they are not appreciative of the new queer couple or the very fact that it's B-Buck canon. I understand the need for bi-representations and am happy to see that. It seems very worth the long wait for this. And yet, I want to say, give buddie stans time, including me. Because our feelings are legitimate and matter, too. It may come as rude or not excited about Bucktommy, but I think this is coming from being afraid and uncomfortable with how quickly many people from the fandom are shifting from Buddie to Bucktommy, even if they still believe in Buddie Endgame. Give us time to fall in love with this couple and connect with them. Give us time to warm up for them. Give us time because we have been attached to Buddie for 5 long years. We have been memorizing all of the episodes, plots, and quotes. Writing for 5 years, Buddie fics. Making beautiful gifsets and fan art.

Thank you for reading this if you have reached this far. 🩷

[capinejghafa]

ooh! I would love to hear your thoughts about Kanej and how they could bridge a gap between them being people who love/want each other and lead it to sex… or if you don’t think this way lmk too

I personally think that Bardugo left it open to them to eventually have a physical relationship. But I can also see someone who is ace believe them to never need it, at least never need sex but still enjoy physical intimacy (hand holding, kissing, cuddling, nothing much more beyond that).

I think Leigh Bardugo definitely intended for Kaz and Inej to eventually bridge that gap from holding hands to kissing, to leading them to have sex. I don't think there's nothing particularly wrong people who have such trauma with touch to want to have. In the books, LB has shown us that Kaz, in particular, has romantic feelings for other girls but due to age/circumstances nothing happened. I think it's hard for Inej because she was taken when she was 14.

The problem isn't that Kaz and Inej don't want it, it's that the trauma is severe. Throughout both the book and show, we see them gravitate towards each other. We see the phrase like his girl, his wraith, her husband; we learn about their deep connection that other people notice. Leigh isn't trying to hide what they mean to each other (even Nik sees it lol)

To develop a relationship between the two it's going to take time, it's going to take energy, space, and room to grow together and apart. I would even add maybe exploration of their sexuality, since of the six of crows only three we know for certain. I'm not personally of the belief that they shouldn't be allowed to explore with other people (not that I read a lot of Kaz or Inej with an OC... Kanej has to always has to be the endgame for me). I think that's why I could easily buy into bi!Kanej simply because they are actually rather young and have the capacity to grow, explore, and learn about themselves if they so choose to.

And listen before I get into this next part: there is nothing wrong with being ace, you are valid, you are real.

I don't personally agree with the hc of ace!Kanej. I think i might be more inclined if it was stated that they were on the ace spectrum. Something like demi!Kanej works because they have grown to develop that type of relationship. The personal issue I have with ace!Kaz or ace!Inej is people's assumption that asexuality has to do with trauma, both of the sexual nature or circumstantial nature. As someone who identifies as demi bi, that type of thinking is so harmful and for someone who is a survivor of SA... I take issues with it because it's so personal. At the end of the day, I'm not going to police people for hc-ing Kaz or Inej as ace and that's that on that.

I think it's important to that we acknowledge that these kids aren't getting the therapy they desperately need but they aren't beyond the abilities to grow as characters or in a relationship.

[redroomreflections]

Hi!!! No request/ask or anything. I just really wanted to compliment your work. I absolutely fell in love with TLH and completed reading the series on AO3 and now I’m slowly, but surely, on my way to reading the oneshots (I really want to savor them all). Please mind my grammar and/or spelling it’s literally 6:30am while I’m typing this.

Reading it felt so right to me. I’m a black reader, so obviously when writers describe their readers it means their skin flushes red, they bruise green and purple, their most intimate parts are pretty and pink. This story was consistent in the visual description of everyone. It made me so excited to read. I also am familiar with ATL so getting to read the parts about the kids going to Cascade and even WaffleHouse was so fun. I was smiling hard the entire time because I could literally picture the inside of that rink!!! The way black families operate oh my god..the dialogue and dynamic was so on point. It wasn’t exaggerated, I’m so used to it being that and it wasn’t!! It’s refreshing that I could read this and see my own mom and cousins and uncles in these characters (at some times it’s not the best thing lol).

Every thing about the kids felt appropriate. You know how to write a teenager, children, and a toddler. The way you detail the expressions and personality of the youngest is incredible too. You presented their struggles, you gave them a personality, you gave them weight in the story and that’s something a lot of writers tend to fail at when it comes to kids. Even when you wrote about their cousins it wasn’t repetitive. You didn’t just include children as an influence to/on the couple, they were focused on just as much! I loved when one of the kids would exit or enter the room and the story would follow them. Or when their individual issues are actually followed up in depth! I like that their relationship with the kids was tailored and each of them relied on either parent, or even the grands, for different things. I’m happy you gave them just as much life and made it their story too! I was in awe of your writing through each of their struggles and I loved the way they’re being parented as well.

Melina and Alexei being involved in their lives made me smile. Their little moments with the kids were heartwarming and humorous. And I’d definitely love to read, if you haven’t wrote it yet, how the two of them were introduced back into Natasha (and Yelena’s) life. And I want to see the conversation Natasha had with them about boundaries when it came to parenting and grand-parenting, as well as how they went about repairing their relationship + if they hit any bumps along the way. But mind you I haven’t read all the one-shots yet😣

The understanding, softness, and vulnerability shown by both the reader’s character and Natasha was so well done. I like that we got to see, especially towards the end, how Natasha’s role as an Avenger affects their family dynamic. Not enough people explore Natasha as both a parent and Avenger. And not many people would care to write how the outside world’s views could seep into the minds of their children too AND how they’d handle/discuss it. I also love that out of the two, Natasha was home more often. Whenever Natasha reigns the reader in, and vise versa, it’s super cute to read. They are such a great fit for each other, and I’m trying to say that as objectively as possible. They ground each other well. Their intimacy is warm. Their connection and depth is to die for. The angst was delicious. They felt like two real grown-ups and it was so yummy to read. I love, love, loved how they found time for each other and how much they enjoyed the little moments in between their hectic lifestyle.

I swear to god I have never been so fulfilled reading a black reader story! I felt so much emotion while reading. Every bit you wrote felt so mindful. I cried multiple times throughout the story, I cursed out hella characters too, and I loved getting rowdy when Cara was beating ass. Reading this was so convincing if that makes sense?? It’s like I could see how the camera would pan in certain moments. It felt so real life. It was authentic to me.

Your word choice, pacing, the plot, etc was just immaculate. Truly. I want to write like you!!! I wish I was this gifted. I find it amazing that a thought can come out of your brain and become something so articulate without lacking vitality.

While reading I knew I wanted to leave you a message like this. There have been many things I wanted to say I picked up on and adored but I’ve forgotten, plus it’s 7am now, my eyesight is failing me, and the sun is rising so it’s time I go to sleep! I can’t wait to lose more hours over your one-shots🤭This piece was important to me, and to describe it in full is extremely difficult. I really adore your work. Thank you for writing this🤍

Now that I have a little bit of time, I am kind of emotional over this. As a writer, I always want to be authentic in the way I write and how I use the tools i have to create that authenticity. A lot of these characters are based on real life family members and interactions I have with others. I wanted to also make sure I was keeping Natasha in character which is hard af for me.

It really brings me joy to know that this work really resonates with you. Just know that you will love the one shots and there will be more to come with the family once I'm done with school and can write for all of my WIPS.

Thank you so much friend. This was so kind and you truly brightened my day.

[gaytommykinard]

I would have loved it if Bucks whole sponsor storyline had more emotional impact than just "buck is ready for kids but is hamster wheeling his relationships" - the connect between feeling like a spare parts kid, KNOWING that he wasn't actually wanted, and knowing that Connor and Kameron(?) wanted him (sort of), could have been explored with more nuance and it would have been so 🤩🤩🤩.

Tbh even just how Buck feels about his body - from hurting himself for attention and using sex to avoid intimacy and THEN learning that he's a donor sibling for a dead brother - and then learning he's queer - all of it is so specific to how buck feels about his body as a whole and it would have made such an awesome storyline

that's what i've been saying! i personally love the sperm donor storyline because it happens after he learns he was made for spare parts and he CHOOSES to donate some spare parts to his friend so they can start their own family - it's about the CHOICE - even though we see him struggling with it. s6 was such an interesting season for buck's development because we see him struggling with not being chosen for interim captain, asking bobby "you don't think i'm at ease?" and asking hen "what do you think it is, the secret to happiness?" and then reminiscing about his adventures, choosing to be a sperm donor for connor and kameron, the coma dream full of lessons and affirmations, and trying to deal with the aftermath of his temporary death. hands down fave buck season. they messed it up by trying to get him with natalia (because the show was not being renewed and we can't have people end up single? the horror!) and bringing back kameron to crash at his flat as if she doesn't have anyone else to go to...? fucking bizarre choices. 6b suffered from the impending doom lmao.

anyway! sometimes canon only gives us half a story and we have to dig a little deeper and use the source material to do our meta analyses and try to understand what it says about our favourite character. and i'm really hoping to see buck being confident and settled in s8, even if he's dealing with the fuckery at his workplace, i want to see that he's in a good place in his relationship with tommy, that they're good together, they're still communicating and being open and there's no bullshit like jealousy and exes and cheating and all that cheap drama crap lmao. i want to see buck who makes choices for himself as his own person and what that means for his relationship with tommy.

and while i'm here, because i've talked about wanting madney to have another baby, and i see people say "but it was so bad the first time with the postpartum syndrome etc etc" and once again i want to see maddie CHOOSE to get pregnant again - it's about the CHOICE - i want to see her say yes i want to do this, i've been through it before, and i learned a lot, i healed a lot, and i can do this with the support of my husband and a therapist and a local group for expecting or new mothers.. because the first time around: it was a surprise pregnancy, and she had thyroid problems that no doctor had apparently thought to check? or her having her nursing background? (that SL has some issues for me personally because i know it was done due to actress unavailability lol, i would have done a better job with it no offence) and because this is a fictional show, we can write characters who go through a second pregnancy as a healing experience - something that is hard to do IRL cause life is unpredictable, you know? i wouldn't advocate this for a real life woman is what i'm trying to say but maddie is ficitonal and i can make her have positive experiences. anyway!

excited to see my beloved buckleys in s8 <3

[puppypeter]

(Roy's parents anon again!! Loved your response, as per usual 💕💕)

What I found really intriguing about the potential dynamic of Roy and his parents come from three main factors:

1) Obviously, his closeness with his grandad. Already sets up an interesting family dynamic, and given it was never fully expanded on, there is LOTS of ways to explore this. Did Roy's grandad move in with them because he was sick? Was it actually ROYS parents who had to move in with his grandad because they were struggling financially (he did live in a council estate)? How would this subversion of the usual nuclear family dynamic impact Roy's childhood?

2) the fact that he is obviously close with his sister, despite the real likelihood of not growing up with her in the traditional sense because of his time at Sunderland, but NEITHER of them seem to reference their parents. This more than anything is what got me initially intrigued, because that sort of sibling relationship when you're sort of united against your parents speaks to a more combative or at least contentious relationship. (I also loved how you mentioned his relationship with Phoebe -- there's an interesting angle there that Roy's attentiveness to Phoebe's needs, not just material but ESPECIALLY emotional, could be a means of Roy healing his inner child. I TOTALLY agree that Roy came from a, while not outright abusive, but DEFINITELY emotionally neglectful household).

3) Roy's reaction to Jamie's close relationship to his mom. Now, I know the Watsonian reason was because the show was sort of amping up the whole 'mommys boy' thing and Roy's clear shock and fascination was just meant to exacerbate the joke, but MY reason is deeper than that!!! Because I think it implies that Roy cannot even fathom that type of physical/emotional closeness with his own parents, especially as an adult -- and isn't there a lot to unpack there!!!

I really think there's so much potential here, particularly when it comes to navigating the grey area of "how can I emotionally connect with my parents as an adult when I didn't really grow up with them and they are practically strangers to me?" Especially if your parents weren't outright abusive, AND worked very very hard to provide for your material needs (but neglected your emotional ones), so you have to grapple with the guilt of feeling OBLIGATED to have a relationship with them, while simultaneously feeling resentful of this obligation BECAUSE of your lack of intimacy with them.

Thanks for indulging me, I know this is a sort of niche character interest, particularly because it relies so much on speculation, but your engagement is super encouraging and fun!! ✨✨✨✨

super late on this one too sorry!!! gonna put it all under the cut

I do like the idea that maybe grandpa was sick and just trying to protect him from seeing him like that (you know how i say dog!roy would be a german shepherd and i can confirm they do that too! they hide away from the owners to not let them see them pass in case you fancied a cry!). But the one less mouth to feed/money coming in also very much suits their situation.

There's definitely loads to explore on how his relationship with his sister is so close despite being apart growing up. So many ways it could've gone, whether they got in touch more when he was at Chelsea or later after she got pregnant and had to deal with her shitty husband. Also all depends on how old we think they are! He doesn't mention a baby sister when talking about going to Sunderland so are we assuming she is at least 10 years younger? I absolutely love his relationship with Phoebe and especially how honest and open and vulnerable he is with her - perhaps it's exposing, sure, but not as much as with adults? or maybe he knows she is candid and honest right back and will tell him the truth? I literally was rewatching and made a post about them just the other day > here

Honestly as a roy-shaped-girlie I also took the Georgie&Jamie scene as a wtf you hug your mum like that? with a hint of jealousy. Cause I didn't grow up with physical affection (maybe besides when I was very little) but I don't really cuddle or hug with my parents? So I was also weirded out (not in a puritan way some people were, more in a I wasn't really exposed to this level of intimacy ever). Your added point legit sounds like what I expect my therapist to say to me this week lmao Like I like them because they are my parents but we're not really close? I imagine they obviously know what Roy does etc (especially his dad) and they might talk about "work" but it's like they don't talk about it to listen? The obligation kind of comes full circle back to Jamie being in a somewhat similar position of "I know my dad is a dick but he's my dad"

[galvanizedfriend]

what do you think about the baby plotlines? about hope and the twins? do you think they ruined any chance of klaroline being together? or do you think kc could have been together for real and had a good relationship if the babies didn't exist?

This might seem surprising since I have written over a million words of baby fic (although I will argue that it's not a baby fic, it's a fic that contains a baby, which is very different 😌), but I hate the baby plot. I'm a clown. 🤡

It's not about Hope or the twins in particular, nothing against them, I just think that suddenly including magical babies in a supernatural story about vampires is just about the stupidest thing you can do. Vampires are not supposed to have babies, period. I remember watching the backdoor pilot episode of The Originals not having the slightest clue what to expect because I wasn't in fandom back then, or even following anything about TVD, just watched the episodes as they came out, and the moment they revealed The Originals' move to New Orleans was about a baby, I turned off my TV. Whoever thought that giving Klaus A BABY was the best thing they could do for him, is an idiot that should've been fired on spot.

If they wanted to explore the whole father-child situation, drawing from Klaus' immense well of daddy issues, they could've used Marcel. It would've been so much more powerful and so much more interesting. The thought that Klaus, out of all the Originals, would just decide to embrace fatherhood after getting a one-night stand he didn't even like accidentally pregnant makes NO SENSE AT ALL. This is the man who stabbed his siblings and carried them around in coffins as a love language. And people want me to believe that this violence-first, emotionally constipated hybrid would want to raise a child. Sure.

As for Caroline's pregnancy - I guess once you have established that Klaus could make magical babies, then anything was possible. The excuse they used that Candice was pregnant was so dumb though. So many movies and shows have been shot while the actresses were heavily pregnant, but their characters weren't. Catherine Zeta Jones was six or seven months pregnant in Chicago. Everyone in Grey's Anatomy had babies. Ellen Pompeo had three onscreen babies but none of them were written to match her real life pregnancies. In fact, Candice had to wear a prosthetic belly because she wasn't pregnant ENOUGH. So stupid.

HAVING SAID THAT. I don't think the babies were the reason why Klaroline didn't happen. At the end of the day, it wouldn't have been something that would've kept them apart if the writers had wanted to go there. If anything, babies could've brought them closer. I mean, Klaus should've been completely inept when it comes to taking care of another human being who's entirely dependent upon him. Caroline, as a carer at heart, could've seamlessly fit into the narrative. And especially after they gave her babies as well, they could've easily connected through their snowflake kids.

In fact, my personal headcanon (somewhat backed by real canon) is that they did. Klaus gave her money for her school, and while I don't think he did it so he could send Hope there later on as Legacies tried to make us believe, I do think the reason he ended up allowing Hope to attend the school was BECAUSE Caroline was there. He trusted her with his daughter, in a way he probably wouldn't have trusted anyone else, particularly because he was absent. He needed to know she would be safe and in good hands, and that was definitely not because of Alaric. And I also think they kept in touch during all those years where Hope went to school there and he went on a murder bend around Europe. Hayley couldn't get a hold of him, but Rebekah IMMEDIATELY knew who she could reach out to to find him. If Caroline hadn't seen or spoken to him in 15 years, that would make no sense. The way Klaus is all 'Trying not to flatter myself that you're here on a sudden whim to see me' implies more intimacy than two people who hadn't spoken in over a decade would've had. They were definitely in touch. How much touching was involved is up to your imagination. :)

One thing I wish Legacies had explored was Caroline's relationship with Hope. They obviously had one, we were just never shown it, which is sad, because there were so many interesting layers that could've been explored. It's also in my personal headcanon that Lizzie would've been fascinated with Klaus had him and Caroline ever had a chance to be together and he got to hang around her kids as well, and the irony that her middle name is Jenna is just delicious (Klaus wouldn't have felt the slightest bit of remorse). It would've given Alaric so much grief.

In conclusion, Klaroline could've been together with or without the babies. They weren't what was standing between them. Stupid writing was.

[femmefatalevibe]

hi i think u give great advice so here i am in my hour of need

basically… i feel chronically lonely and romantically starved. i’m almost 21 and have never been in a serious relationship and really have not dated much. a while ago, i had a sexual relationship w someone for a couple of months in which i tried to convince myself he cared about me and dumped him feeling disgusted w myself for being so sexually vulnerable w someone who didn’t seriously care about me.

at the beginning of the new year, i really turned my life around (partly thx to blogs like yours <3) and am now the healthiest and happiest i have ever been (regular exercise, academic discipline, healthy eating etc).

even though i feel really fulfilled in my personal life, i still crave a deep romantic connection. i feel crazy waiting/searching for someone who makes me feel like a lana song. i’m just a deeply romantic person who is going insane in modern adult dating. i would rather be shot than be on dating apps or engage in casual sex but i also feel like thats my only option to try and find love (and not be celibate for another 6 months fml).

anyway, this feels very vulnerable to write out but i really value your perspective and am sure others feel the same. thanks!!!!

Hi love! Thank you for trusting me with this vulnerable part of your life and identity. Know that you're not alone: Modern dating is a hellscape for the hopeless romantic types (I'm way too cynical for this – almost 25 and have no desire to be in a "real" romantic relationship lol). For those who crave romantic/sexual connection but have an aversion to dating apps and casual sex, here's my best advice:

Leverage other outlets to satisfy your needs for emotional and sexual connection:

Invest in your friendships to get that emotional intimacy you crave. Platonic relationships can offer as much depth on an emotional and intellectual level as a romantic partner. Plus, you are more likely to have multiple friends vs. multiple partners, which allows you to engage in different types of conversations, learn about a diverse array of subjects, try out more activities, and appreciate different senses of humor/personalities along the way.

Embrace your single era to further explore your sexuality on your own terms. Try out different toys, entertain yourself with erotic novels, films, and podcasts, invest in hot lingerie or sensual perfumes/beauty and skin products, and educate yourself with books like Come As You Are, She Comes First, Yes Means Yes! and essays on female sexuality. The Quinn app is also a great example of ethical porn made by women, for women. Give yourself some alone time to get real with yourself about your likes, dislikes, fantasies, and hard nos. These self-love practices will allow you confidently and clearly ask for what you want once you find a lover you deem worthy of sharing these intimate experiences with you.

Take time for self-reflection and discover your "ideal type." Create a partner compatibility blueprint and non-negotiables checklist:

Being truly single provides you the time and space to truly get to know yourself. Give yourself the gift of introspection – consider your current lifestyle, interests, habits, values, daily routine, and any ways you plan on changing or evolving these aspects of your life over the next few years. Consider the qualities you like about yourself and those you admire in others (friends, family, coworkers, fellow students, mentors, etc.).

Complete a self-intake to reveal the qualities that would demonstrate compatibility in a partner. Clarify the personality traits, values, and lifestyle habits you look for in a partner. Then, consider your physical type and any other more surface-level qualities you look for in a partner (e.g. a certain level of education, upbringing, languages spoken, profession, morning or night person, any dietary or fitness habits, etc.) to construct your ideal type(s). While you may not ultimately end up with a partner that 100% fits into one of these personas, knowing what you're looking for helps you know what you don't and streamline your vetting process

Use this information to create a "non-negotiables" list to help you easily detect whether someone will be compatible with you from early conversations or, at the latest, after 1-2 dates. These qualities will be very personal due to our own beliefs, lifestyle, and goals – know if something like someone being a smoker, having certain family obligations, dietary restrictions, or having certain political/religious beliefs would be a dealbreaker for you.

Consider dating as a networking tool. Live your life and allow potential partners to enter your purview organically:

Do not make dating into a mission-based, isolated pursuit. Reframe dating as an organic evolution of your social life, leisure activities, and time used to explore your interests. Go out to bars, lounges, coffee shops, and parks. Join activities, social clubs, and interest-based meetup activities (book clubs, sports clubs like a tennis club, and art gallery memberships are great options as well). Take classes based on your interests – like a cooking class, language class, art class, writing class, coding class, etc. and be open to mingling. Having a shared interest is the first step to lifestyle compatibility with a partner.

Be open to accepting invitations to group dinners, hangouts, dinner parties, cocktail events/happy hours, beach days, etc. These social outings are a great way to connect with friends of friends that you probably wouldn't meet out in the wild but are more trustworthy (and are more likely to share compatible attitudes or lifestyle habits) due to your mutual connections.

[a-v-j]

Akills and Hryxy rp-turn-to-short fic

Content warning:

Swearing, not really a polished fic so format can be a bit wonky, mentions of sex, a bit of 4th wall break, existential crisis

Written by @nyxus-nyx and me

Enjoy~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 4: Youre the first

Akills: italic

Hyryx: bold

Akills waved it off and went to stare somewhere else, scoffing at the idea that sex could be as sacred as a SOUL bond.

"Welp, good to know we have difference views and principles when it comes to that...for us, skeletons, SOUL bond is what we consider a big deal. Any skeleton unfortunate enough to be sexual just do it for shits and giggles or basic intimacy" He rambled

”I dont get it.. for halfbreeds.. we use intercorse as the moment we.. soul bond.. its.. just how we Roll..” he holds his own hand to his chest where his soul is.

“Skeletons just do it for fun hm..? Stupid..”

"your kind soul bond thru sex? Well, that's doing two things at once"

"Doesn't mean we dont do that too, sex and a bond can happen when passion peaks high enough. We can just do either just sex or bond, or both. Some skeletons dont have parts for sex so that's why the bond is the main go-to" He continues on, ignoring that slight comment.

”Mm..”

He sighs.

“What does it even feel like.?” He scratches at his chest again.

"heh"

He tilt his head down as he quietly chuckled.

"Ya gotta be specific, buddy"

”Soul bond.. I never did it to my wife.. she never deserved it but stil..”

He clenches his fist.

“Told it felt nice..”

Akills expression softens a bit as he's able to recollect what a soul bond felt like, he stares blankly for a moment as fond memories softly flashed back to him, then he got a faint image of who he was doing it with and made his mood sour. His expression changes but went on to describe it to Hryxy anyway.

"It's more than nice...it felt like a connection...overwhelming, rush-inducing, feeling of completeness, we can actually feel what we feel for each other... it's like you're able to see what's exactly inside. You'll feel a lot of emotions there, some that are even hidden from both of you. It's more than nice, it's feeling fulfilled "

Hryxy looked at Akills and chuckled.

“Sounds like you have a bit of venom in those words..”

He turns to face Akills once more.

"..heh...one of the many things robbed away from me..."

He looks back to Hryxy, his sockets void of his eyelight and expression unreadable. But his vibe indicate it was a big deal for him

”Hm.. did you ever.. find that one person who robbed you of it..?”

He crosses his arms.

"theyre watching us right now"

Hryxy twitches.

“Oh..?”

"theyre the one playing god and making me, me...i never ask to be, to be honest"

"But boy they sure do like exploring possibilities"

He stopped his leaning position and went sitting cross legged, head down, making his face hidden in the shadows.

”Well. Mine is trying to make me, sentimental.. and feel things..”

He grumbles as he grits his teeth.

“Stupid.”

)HEY-)

"its funny how we are aware of it and still play the stories set for us as if it's a real thing...kinda depressing when you think about it..."

Akills started fiddling with his fingers, not looking at anything but still under the darkness of his hood

Hryxy looks at Akills.

“We have to.. or we’ll end up being scrap.. well.. atleast me..”

Hryxy reaches over and pats Akills head.

Akills stiffens at the touch but lets it be

"Heh, id rather be scrapped, left, forgotten. And i don't mean killing myself, it's more like wishing there were never a trace of me ever. It suck to be who i am"

"Pretty sure you feel the same...being thrown in unnecessary angst for the sake of a "what-if"..."

”Yeah. That atleast my whole life.. hated it.. but gotta live through it.. well for me to die through it and grow rotten..”

He laughs a lil rubbing his hooded skull.

“But bud, im not good with.. ‘comfort’ but atleast.. use that anger or hopelessness on thing that drive you.. well.. crazy.. that works for some of us atleast..”

Akills laughs bitterly

"What do you think im doing. Im killing myself off frame by frame. I know it's hopeless. But...

It gives me a sense of purpose.

Even if it's a fake one.

I know for sure i wont be scrapped like those fortunate enough to be uninteresting, might as well take some of what's coming for me"

"Cant exactly fight god, they could let me but it'll never be real. Dont exactly have a choice but play by their rules, pretend i mean what i am and forget all this is just play...

Heh

Sorry, it's getting existentially heavy" 

Hryxy sighs and grabs Akills and pulls him into a bear hug. “Dont say shit.. just fuckin calm down.. not the end of our worlds yet..”

He grits his teeth wanting to scratch his chest but he protests it.

“Not everyday meetin someone.. who wanted to ring you of your spine then get sentimental.. huh?”

Perhaps forgetting the heavy things is therapeutic, he always been doin it and it felt more better to be in character than feel like shit for being aware of being a character.

Akills would usually kill for the unwanted hug but this one felt right. Felt like a kind that actually gets where his coming from and that it indeed appropriate for the situation. He accepts it

"Heh, nope, youre the first"

(End rp?)

"God, fckn finally"

(Or ya wanna add Hryxy's response?)

"Oh ffs"

(we can end it buddy.)

“Lol.”

The end :D

[the1975attheirverybest]

A Theatrical Performance of An Intimate Moment

A/N: okay, so, this isn’t exactly fanfiction, lol. It’s simply me rambling on about my thoughts on atpoaim. I’ve been seduced by the series and I can’t help myself. I also just wanted to use it as a thinking exercise to reflect on where the band is at, what they’re currently doing artistically, etc. So, I totally understand if you decide to skip reading it. But I would love for this to be an opportunity for those who are interested to share their thoughts as well. It’s basically a bunch of questions I’m wondering about! So come talk to me about it if you’d like cuz I’m a nerd for this kind of thing!

Warnings: hella pretentious. I’m a PhD student in English Literature. Pretentious is my middle name.

The Title: the series title presents us with our first paradox. How can something intimate become theatrical, let alone a performance? Intimacy usually implies authenticity, genuineness, connection. Whereas theatricality is often associated with artifice and drama. The 1975 attempt to bring the two together, but is that even possible? Also, how is labeling this series as a “theatrical performance of an intimate moment,” change our perception of it? Like, is it different from watching a vlog? If Matty had announced this as a “behind the scenes document-series” or a “day in my life” we wouldn’t have the same level of distance and suspicion of what we are seeing on screen as we do now. What’s the purpose of creating that kind of experience for the audience?

The cinematography: the way that it’s filmed does two primary things for me: first, it emphasizes artificiality, I.e. constantly reminds us that this is a curated piece of media, edited in such a way that presents us with only PART of the truth (which, again, creates tension with this idea of ‘intimacy’). Through the black-and-white aesthetic that it’s referencing and using, through the humor, through the way that it’s cut and edited. So, what’s it saying to us? That Matty has to perform a certain version of himself to the cameras? If so, why do it at all? What is this series trying to accomplish?

The Performance: while I think that Matty is, here, building on the themes of BFIAFL, he seems to also be interested in exploring larger questions about art/ identity. We could see this as an extension of the mission of ATVB. His onstage persona shares some similar characteristics with the atpoaim series. He’s exaggerating, performing, pretending to be a version of himself to critique certain aspects of culture, consumption, our relationship with art and entertainment. It’s one thing to do so onstage as part of the gig because it offers us a “frame” to view the music/ concert experience. It’s another thing entirely to extend this into his personal life. What’s he saying about identity? That when get so used to performing a version of yourself to the world, it gets so stuck with you that you can’t quite shake it off even when you are alone? That he is constantly trying to mediate between his “real” self and a version of himself that he strives to be? And, of course, the age-old question: if he’s performing all the damn time, doesn’t that performance, at some point, BECOME the real him?

The Time Line: just a quick note that, in typical post-modernist fashion, the series is non-linear in terms of time. It seemed like the first episode was pre-SNL. And it dropped right before SNL so it made sense. Created this illusion of immediacy. We’re seeing things “in real time” if you will. BUT episode two was kind of vague. We see him watching SNL at on screen, so clearly it’s supposed to be AFTER, right? Except that mirror scene might suggest otherwise. He’s practicing “thinkin’ this through” so it might be that he’s preparing to do SNL? Or it could be a clip from episode 1’s mirror scene that is inserted into episode 2. Meaning, it actually happened BEFORE we got to see it. Of course, he’s picking up on the fan jokes that he said “finkin this frue” on SNL, so he’s reacting to something that happened AFTER. Also, as this anon has pointed out, it’s in the context of wiping the mirror, and perhaps suggesting that he’s perfecting an exterior version of himself/ working out flaws.

The Episodes: the first one seems to be primarily about establishing expectations with the audience while the second one is about undermining/ ruining those expectations. Ep 1 gives us the sense that we are getting a glimpse of what Matty is ‘really like’ behind the scenes as he goes about doing mundane things that we all do in life. We might not all be stopped on the street for selfies, but we all have to perform a certain version of ourselves for the world. Ep. 2 on the other hand, highlights the difference between performance and reality when Matty gets caught up in the celebrity status and does ridiculous things such as hide in a suitcase, etc. the definition of “taking the piss” lmao. Also, I couldn’t help but note the ending of episode 2 where Matty meets with an artist who does the same thing but to a ridiculous extent. They have that debate about “what’s more important? Art or people?” Matty seems to come down firmly on the side of people. Is this his ethos, so to speak? Is this a reaction to the way he’s publicly perceived and criticized? Is this him saying that art has limits? If so, what do these limits mean to him as an artist? And how does the fact that this conversation is, in itself, happening INSIDE a piece of art affect its meaning. Like, is that also a performance? Is the conversation about art also art? What’s he trying to say?

That’s all for now….LET ME KNOW WHAT YALL THINK, IF YOU HAVE ANY THOUGHTS ON ANY OF THIS / HOW YOU INTERPRET THE SERIES!!!

[newluvrs]

thank u for ur note abt realistic smut i’ts exactly what i’ve been looking for 😖

my first time ~doing stuff~ was abt a year and a half ago and it basically catapulted me into energizer bunny levels of horniness but the guy wasn’t interested in doing more and i haven’t been able to establish a connection w anyone else (which i’m also not too keen on rushing cuz i discovered it takes me a good long while to get comfy enough to enjoy it)

anyways i’ve basically been left to my own devices all this time, which led to a porn addiction, which i’m working on fixing cause i don’t fw the exploitation but still want to explore my sexuality and such. so while i don’t watch video porn or anything of that sort at all anymore, and have had to block many a creator here because their content would put me on a slippery slope, i really appreciate content like yours because it’s kinda how i imagine intimacy would be like.

hopefully one day i’ll get to experience the real thing, but for now the horny virgin is v satisfied 😭🫶🏾

Thank u for sharing with me!! I'm really happy that you like my content! I get what you mean about the whole connection thing, I'm the same way. I feel like it's kind of hard(?) to find safe ways of exploring your own sexuality without it being with another person, and so I turned to fan fiction a long time ago to try and bridge that gap of wanting to learn things but in a healthy way. I started writing bc I'm going through my own stuff (shitty breakup w/ first love lol) and I wanted to safely explore the idea of intimacy and what that looks like for me without putting myself in a painful spot so im really happy that its resonating with people 🫶🏼 I really hope u enjoy reading !

[p-artsypants]

No, You Go First (6)

Ao3 | FF.net

The rest of the winter felt like a dream. The dragons were gone for the season, off for warmer climates, and the town was free from raids in the meantime. It seemed like people were slowly coming around to Astrid’s failure in the ring. They began smiling at her again, and she could mostly conduct business with the stall vendors as normal. 

Astrid and Hiccup did spend a lot of time together, in between chores, working at the forge, and spending time with Toothless. They never quite had the freedom to return to the hayloft, but they often shared knowing looks. Brief kisses were shared in the cove or up in the sky, never in town. These moments of intimacy were theirs, and theirs alone. No viking tradition would dictate what speed this relationship would go. 

As for Toothless, he seemingly didn’t mind staying in the cove, especially with the addition of Stoick’s hut. The weather in the cove was more mild, thanks to the tall walls. Everytime Hiccup returned to the cove, the dragon had another fort built. And by fort, I mean a mound of snow that was tunneled out so Toothless could hide in it.  

Hiccup’s study sessions with Toothless weren’t yielding as much new information, but their connection grew stronger. Some days Hiccup tinkered with his tail, and sometimes they just flew and explored. 

This evening Hiccup sat by the fire, protected from the wind by Stoick’s shack. He roasted his dinner, a fish on a stick, while Toothless ate his own meal. 

HORK HORK BORFF 

Toothless upchucked half a fish for his boy. 

“Uh, no thanks, I’m good.” Hiccup laughed.

A flock of Terrible Terrors, perhaps the only on the island that hadn’t migrated, came out to try to pilfer the stash of fish Hiccup had. 

Toothless wasn’t having it.

Hiccup watched with amusement as the tiny dragons tried to sneak a fish, only for Toothless to swipe it back with a growl. One brave dragon inhaled deeply to attempt to blow a fireball, only for Toothless to puff a small flame in its mouth, making it burp out its smoke and saunter away dazed. 

“Huh, not so fireproof on the inside…”   

“Ah! There you are, son!” Stoick called from the entrance to the cove.

Winter meant that most people were spending time inside. This meant less drama for Stoick, and more time for him to get his actual duties done. By sunset, he was done for the day, and took a hike out to the cove. 

“Hey dad.”

Stoick stepped around the flock of Terrors, not as keen on them, and gave Toothless a fond pat on the snout. “Keeping busy, lad?”

“More or less. You know, I always assumed that the dragons migrated because they got sick of snow, but Toothless plays in it. I wonder what the real reason is? I wonder where they go?”

“They move to be someone else’s problem.” Stoick said, rather callously. Then added, “no offense, Toothless.” 

The dragon rolled his eyes and smacked his gums. 

“You’re right though. It's a good thing we get a break now. What a disaster it would be if they raided and accidently set the store room on fire!” 

“Aye. We had a hard enough year storing up rations.”

“Even with the eels?” Hiccup winced. 

“Don’t get me wrong, the eels helped! We just had a poor harvest this year.” 

Hiccup frowned, then tried, “imagine how helpful dragons could be with farming? Twice the power of an ox!”

“You’re getting ahead of yourself again, son. Find a way to stop the raids, then you can brainstorm all the ways to get the village to accept dragons.” 

Hiccup sighed. “The second one is easier though! We don’t even know why they raid! Or where they go! Look, Toothless eats fish, almost exclusively. He eats a lot, but he’d certainly be able to catch it all on his own in the wild. And even when he joined the raids…” He turned to look at Toothless, and scratched under his chin. “I wish you could just talk and tell us everything, bud.” 

“Aye, that would be the easiest way, hmm? But if dragons could talk, we would have solved this problem generations ago.”

“Yeah…”

“But, son.” Stoick rested a hand on his shoulder. “You’re the first to get this far. I know you’ll figure it out.” 

Hiccup clenched his fist. “I really hope you’re right.” 

Stoick just rubbed his head with a little smirk and settled into his chair by the fire. Hiccup watched him, noticing the look on his face. It was a different sort of smile, one he hadn’t seen his father show before. 

“Why are you so smug?” 

Stoick grinned wider. “Well, not to toot my own horn…but I made an observation of my own.” 

“Wait, what? Observation? You mean you discovered something about dragons?” 

“I did, as a matter of fact! The other day, you were working late in the forge. I came out here and sat for a while…and noticed this.” Stoick took hold of a large stick in the fire, and pulled it out. The end was mostly embers, with a tiny flame. He stood and brought it over in front of Toothless and the Terrors. They all watched. 

Stoick slowly waved the stick around, making a figure eight in the air. The Dragons all crooned softly as their pupils dilated. 

“Whoa…they’re totally hypnotized.” 

“Dragons like fire…who knew?”

They took turns waving the stick around, making the dragons sing with a pleasant tune. It was kind of adorable. Finally, when the embers burned out, the dragons gave a little shake and went back to normal. 

“That has to be useful, somehow,” Hiccup mused. 

Stoick snorted. “Next dragon raid, we lull the beasts into a state of peace and then whip out the eels and send them scattering.” 

“You joke, but that was what I was working on!” 

Stoick laughed, but then became somber. “Something you said bothered me, son. Why they raid. I had never thought about it before. I guess I had always assumed they were lazy and wanted an easy meal. But they come together, all at once, and all types of dragons, even those that shouldn’t get along.” He looked over to where the Terrible Terrors were harassing Toothless again. He took it in stride, and simply smacked them away when they got too close. 

“It’s almost like the dragons coordinate an attack,” Hiccup mused. “I mean, it’s not that surprising, Toothless is very smart.” 

I am, aren’t I? Toothless crooned. 

“Perhaps then, when the weather is better, you and I could look into it more.” Stoick suggested. 

“Like how?”

“Like, on Toothless. We haven’t had any luck from the boats. Maybe flying is the key.”

Hiccup wasn’t sure he liked that idea, but relented. “It’s worth a shot.”

—--

When spring arrived, it was like waking from the dream. The green grass and spring flowers were still a few months off, and for now, spring meant rain, mud, and gray. 

Once the snow had slightly melted, the dragon raids began again. And the first one was a nightmare. Everyone scrambled to find eels to fend them off, but there were none to be found. The eels had their own winter migration, and hadn’t returned to be caught. 

“How could you do this to us?!” 

“You let this happen! This is all your fault!” 

“I lost three of my sheep! I only have three left!” 

“My house was destroyed!” 

Hiccup stood in the midst of very angry Vikings, all violently yelling and shoving him around. 

“I didn’t—of course I wasn’t—p-please just listen—I’m so sorry…” 

Right before he could burst into tears, Stoick yelled over the crowd. “THAT’S ENOUGH!” 

The crowd settled slightly, but by their body language, they were not happy. 

Stoick crooked a finger towards Hiccup, and silently beckoned him to stand next to him. 

Feeling two feet tall, Hiccup slunk up the stairs and stood next to his father. 

“Now, you all have had your whole lives to know how dragon raids work. We all knew the eels were a temporary fix. And they’ll work again when they migrate back to our waters. This solution is brand new, there were bound to be some hiccups—Ah, no pun intended. Don’t take it out on the poor boy.” 

“You're just saying all that because you're his father!” Someone shouted. 

“And what of it?! I’m the proud father to a genius! I’d like to see any of you stubborn goats come up with a better plan!” 

“Dad,” Hiccup stated, stepping up. “I’ll take it from here.” 

Surprised, Stoick gestured it on. 

Hiccup took a deep breath. “I’m sorry that this happened. I only had the best intentions when I gave the advice of the eels. My goal is to save lives, and it failed this time around. I’m not done coming up with solutions. I want to ask for another chance to help. Eventually, I will find a way to stop these raids all together. Will you believe in me?” 

The response was a wave of muttering. Then Spitelout shouted out, “we don’t have a choice!” And then people started to filter away, frustrated that they didn’t get any justice. 

Stoick gave his son a gentle head rub. “It’s alright son. You are tackling the problem with the most investment in it. People are bound to be upset when it goes wrong. They forget how much livestock was saved last year with the eels.”

Hiccup didn’t respond, just sighed in defeat.

“You had a good speech too. It was good practice.”

“They don’t respect me, dad. They don’t trust me.”

“Your fellow men have a hard time respecting boys. A lot of respect will come with age. Don’t get discouraged.” 

It was easier said than done.

—--

Hiccup was exhausted. His deal with his dad did have two terms. One was studying the dragons and trying to find a solution to the raids. It required brainpower and careful observation. The other part of the deal though, was working in the forge, to grow strong and better handle weapons. This was the exhausting part. Hiccup could observe dragons all day, but this was hard work. 

It was late, later than Gobber usually had him work. Gobber had even left for the day hours ago, leaving the work to Hiccup. 

“There you are!” Astrid heaved a sigh. “I’ve been looking for you. I didn’t think you worked this late.” 

“Not usually, no.” Hiccup set the sword down. It needed to be sharpened, but that could wait a second while he took a break. “Spitelout had a big order come in.”

“And Gobber’s not helping you with it?”

“Spitelout asked me to do it, specifically. Something about wanting to keep me busy.” He rolled his eyes.

Astrid hopped up on the counter by the wall, as Hiccup rested in the only chair the forge had, leaning halfway out the door into the cold spring air. 

“I went out to the cove and hung out with Toothless and Stormfly for a while,” Astrid said. “I assumed you would come out there when you were done, but you never showed.” 

“Yeah, I’ve been swamped…wait, Stormfly? Who’s Stormfly?”

Astrid straightened her back and preened slightly. “She’s my new dragon.”

“What? Who? Since when?!” He laughed. 

“You remember our big rebellion?”

“How could I forget?” He said, with a dreamy smile etching onto his face. After all, that’s when Astrid had first kissed him. 

“That Nadder we released, she must have understood me more than I thought. She was in the cove with Toothless. She must have gone looking for him when she migrated back.” She smiled. “She remembered me too! Pranced right up to me!” 

“Wow…” Hiccup breathed. “That’s…that’s incredible! She must have learned to understand us a little from her time in the arena! I know that Toothless certainly understands us! That’s so cool! I–...” mid-rant, Hiccup noticed what she was trying to hide. “What’s wrong?”

“What do you mean?” She blinked several times, but her red eyes didn’t clear. Her hair was still a mess, and she had dark bags under her eyes. 

“You aren’t wearing your sling. Did you get cleared today?”

Astrid sighed. “Yeah…that’s kind of why I was looking for you originally.” She unwrapped her arm guard from her right arm. A huge, ugly scar spanned the inside of her arm, and a smaller scar was on the outside. The Monstrous Nightmare’s tooth had penetrated her arm all the way through. 

“So, you got a scar. That’s the mark of a warrior, right?” He smiled, trying to help. “Didn’t you say it’s only fun if you get a scar out of it?”

“The scar doesn’t bother me. But…” She held out her arm and attempted to make a fist. Her index finger curled in, and her pinky curled half way. But her middle and ring finger only flexed slightly. 

“Astrid…”

“I hoped that maybe by time it healed, I’d be able to move all of them. I figured my fist would be weak, but…” 

Hiccup picked up a hammer and went over to her, gently laying the handle in her hand. She was able to hold it with a loose grip, the majority of the hold coming from her index finger. Gently, he wrapped her weak fingers around the handle. “Does that hurt?”

“Not at all.”

He let go, and her fingers slowly released. 

He frowned, holding her hand again. “Maybe, with time…” 

“Gothi didn’t think so.” She finished his sentence. 

He looked up at her, realizing her eyes were welling up with tears. 

“It’s okay,” she breathed. “Because I have Stormfly now. She can throw spines…you just have to get the raids to end. Then she can always be with me and protect me when I can’t protect myself.” 

He stared at her hand, studying the way her fingers moved. Maybe there was still something to be done. Some straps or something? “Can you bring your axe to me tomorrow?”

“What for?”

“I think…maybe I can adapt it for you. If you’re willing to experiment with me…” he trailed off, a blush rising to his face.

Astrid smiled, before tugging on his tunic to pull him closer. “You know how I feel about experimenting with you.” She smirked before placing a cheeky kiss on his lips. 

Hiccup giggled after that, before quickly trying to play it cool. “Uh yeah…we…” He gulped. “We’re great at experimenting.” 

She smiled at him then, big and bright and honest. “Thank you. I just came to tell you what happened, and maybe…I don’t know, get a hug out of it. But you actually came up with a solution…thank you.” 

Hiccup stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her. “I can still give you a hug though.”

She breathed against him. “You’re the best, you know?”

“I’ve been told.”

“And humble!”

—--

Only a few days later, Astrid finished up her chores early to meet Hiccup at the cove. They were going to go for their first flight together on separate dragons. She had been so excited! She even got to introduce Stormfly to Stoick.

“Oh, so there’s two now?” He had lamented. 

“You’re next, you know,” Hiccup had teased. 

“I’m not training any beast!” 

It had been rather funny, and the memory still brought Astrid joy. The chief of her clan, more or less approved of her training a dragon! With Stormfly on her side, she was sure to help Hiccup find a way to stop the dragon raids! 

“Astrid, dear, where are you going?” Phlegma asked, jolting Astrid from her memory. 

“I’m meeting up with Hiccup,” she said simply, scooting on her boots. 

“Actually…we have something to talk to you about…” Her mother said, not meeting her eyes. Phlegma was usually an optimistic person, but her tone held nothing but dread. If anything, it was the tone a child had as they told their parents they broke a family heirloom.  

“What’s wrong?” Astrid asked, on edge. 

Axel walked into the room, a grim look on his face. “Perhaps you should have a seat.” 

Astrid sat down on a bench, as she was instructed. Axel took a seat next to her. His hand rested on her back, more gentle than he had ever been, especially with his shift in personality. He gazed at her, eyes full of sorrow and grief. 

“Dad?”

“I’m so sorry, Astrid.” 

Astrid sighed, his apology like a balm on her broken heart. Was he finally over her failure? Was he finally trying to make amends?

“I forgive you, dad.” She smiled.

But he only shook his head. “You won’t forgive me. I’ve done something horrible.” 

And then he proceeded to tell her what had happened. What was at stake, what the future held for her, and that she had no say in the matter. Each word brought her lower and lower, a knife cutting into her chest, threatening to cut her heart right out from her ribs and leave it bleeding and quivering on the floor. Betrayal. Absolute, horrible, betrayal.

“YOU’RE A MONSTER!” She shrieked before bursting from the house. She ran. Ran for her life. Ran to what made her happy, what felt like home, and what she would soon be losing. There, perhaps she could glean a fragment of joy before it was all over.

—-

While the storm was still gathering, and things were seemingly falling apart, lightning struck suddenly and hard, destroying the very foundation to Hiccup’s happiness. 

All seemed well, as he and Stoick spent an evening together in the cove with Toothless. An easy day, a quiet day, a day that didn’t give any indication of what was going to happen. 

“Hiccup!” Astrid’s voice echoed over the forest. 

“Astrid?” He called back. 

“Hiccup!” There was so much pain and sheer terror in her voice. He stood and started quickly towards the entrance. She appeared quickly, running at top speed. “HICCUP!” She cried. She ran to him and flung her arms around him, burying her face into his shoulder and weeping openly. 

Hiccup stood frozen, shaking, before he hugged her back. 

“Lass? What happened?” Stoick asked, his tone serious and hard. 

Stormfly squawked, and stood nearby, crooning cautiously. 

Hiccup pet her hair. “I gotcha,” he whispered. “When you’re ready, tell me what’s wrong?” 

“My father!” She wailed. “He–he–he bet on my fight!”

Both Hiccup and Stoick winced, already knowing this, but not prepared for how badly it would affect her. 

“Well, you know how vikings are–...”

“He bet me! He made a bet with Spitelout and I lost that fight and now I have to marry Snotlout!”

“WHAT!?” Stoick and Hiccup both shouted. 

Astrid pulled away slightly to grab Hiccup’s tunic. “It’s already been arranged! Those weapons Spitelout ordered were for my father! They made up the contract and exchange and everything! I didn’t even get a word in!” 

Hiccup stood shell-shocked. This couldn’t be happening! Everything had been going so well, and now…he was losing her? He didn’t even get a chance to fight for her?

“How do I undo this?” He asked his father. 

Stoick shook his head. “I’m sorry son, but this is a contract between families. The chief has nothing to do with it.” 

“But–but you have to be able to do something! Anything!”

“We could try talking to Axel and Spitelout, if they both agree to call it off…” 

“My dad will agree,” Astrid said quickly. “He wasn’t happy about the agreement. Please, please Stoick. Please talk to Spitelout! I beg you!” 

“Alright lass, alright,” Stoick sighed, patting her head. “Let’s go and have a word with the man.” 

By the time they returned to the village, night had descended. Hiccup walked with an arm firmly around Astrid and held her hand with the other. 

The three went to the Jorgenson household, and Stoick took a deep breath before knocking on the door.

A moment later, Spitelout opened the door. He smiled, though it didn’t seem genuine. “Stoick! What can I do for you so late an hour?” He then noticed Astrid crying, and chuckled. “Oh chief, you’re not getting involved in this, are you? Axel and I have a gentlemen’s agreement.” 

“I’m not here to command you to do anything. I would never use my position as chief to do that. No, I’m here as Stoick, the man. Astrid asked me to talk to you.”

“Well, there’s not much to talk about. The contract has been agreed upon and I paid the bride price, he paid the dowry. It’s settled.”

Stoick kept calm, eerily calm. “Spitelout, I am very curious though. You didn’t see how much time Astrid and Hiccup spent together? Did you not consider that?”

“I noticed, but you and I both know that has nothing to do with it. You and my sister were in a contract, even though you barely knew each other.”

“Yes, but neither I nor Valka were particularly close to anyone before our contract. I’m not saying that Astrid and Hiccup are romantically involved, but given time—”

“Yeah, I know.” Spitelout said sharply. “So that’s why I took my chance now. If I wanted my son to marry well, I needed to make the contract now.” 

Stoick’s nostrils flared. “And so you did that without considering the lass’s feelings?”

“Since when did you ever care about feelings, Stoick?” Spitelout spat. “You certainly didn’t care about my sister.”

“I loved Valka!” Stoick bellowed. “And how dare you insinuate otherwise!?”

Spitelout yelled right back. “If you really loved her, you would have protected her better! She wouldn’t have been taken!” 

“Are you—wait, you’re not doing this for Snotlout, are you? You’re doing this to spite my family!”

Spitelout gave a bitter smile. “It's in the name, Stoick.” And then he slammed the door in his face. 

“Unbelievable.” Stoick bit. He turned to look at the kids, only to see Astrid looking completely devastated. “Lass, I’m–”

“He’s horrible!” She croaked. “A stupid feud! He’s ruining my life over a feud!” 

Stoick shook his head woefully. “I’m sorry, lass. I’ll try talking to him in the morning. Spitelout can be reasonable, on occasion.” 

Astrid didn’t have much hope in that regard, and elected to hold onto Hiccup as long as she could.

—--

The next morning, the horn that signaled an announcement echoed across the village, and everyone assembled in the square. 

Hiccup already knew it wasn’t going to be good, based solely on the fact that his father was standing on the steps, along with Astrid and Snotlout. Spitelout and Axel also stood on the steps, behind their children. Once everyone was assembled, Stoick raised his hands for everyone to settle down.

“Good morning everyone. As you have all surely noticed, the next generation, my son’s generation, has reached the age of marriage. Axel Hofferson and Spitelout Jorgenson have completed a contract to bring their children Astrid and Snotlout into marriage!”

Hiccup scoffed. Stoick was delivering this news as clinically as he could. 

“The wedding will be in the fall, after the first harvest. And because this is an important affair for our family, Hiccup will be conducting the ceremony.” 

“What?!” Hiccup barked out in outrage. 

The assembled immediately began gossiping, and throwing looks over to Hiccup. 

“It will be his first ceremony as heir, but we believe this is the best opportunity for him to learn.” 

Hiccup grit his teeth and clenched his fists. How could his father let this happen?

All in all, the crowd gave congratulatory cheers, more so for the prospect of having a big party than the actual marriage. 

Once they started to disperse, Hiccup rushed up the stairs. “Dad, you can’t be serious! I can’t…please don’t make me…” 

Stoick corralled Hiccup away, a hand on his back. “Look son, I tried, but Spitelout is set. He originally wanted the wedding for this week, but I got him to agree to the fall. That way, you and Astrid have time to adjust.” 

“But why do I have to do the ceremony? I don’t even want to be there!” 

“That’s what got Spitelout to agree. We have to take the blessings where we can get them.” 

Hiccup peered around his father to look over to Astrid. She was standing awkwardly as Snotlout was talking at her. She looked miserable. 

Hiccup couldn’t tell what Snotlout was saying, but by the sneer she threw his way, it wasn’t a pleasant conversation. 

“This sucks.” Hiccup said tersely. 

“You’re a viking, lad. It’s time to buck up.” He gave him a rough pat on the back. “Besides, you still have Toothless.” 

Hiccup scoffed. “Yeah, well Toothless isn’t even allowed in town.”