#Intimacies from Writers

[star-struck09]

I’m sorry for not doing enough. I was scared, too.

[yudzukii]

Touch

?'s are bridges

Over rivers of uncertainty

Where pulses encounter

Two hearts leaning towards

Two hearts forming chords

Lost and lonely soloists

play heartstrings monophonic

Desperate instrumentalists

snap the heartstrings in two

The name of this bridge is:

"tell me who are you?"

What's the sound of your heart?

[thegentleintellectual]

I met you and now I am kind to myself in my sleep and how do you explain that?

TELL ME GENTLY by Laura Marris 

[lost-in-time-marie]

I say, “Can I tell you a secret?”. It’s the second one I find myself willing to share tonight. I tell you about this unfamiliar yearning that inhabits my body, a heat that builds between my legs until it sets my skin on fire with desire. When you touch me, anywhere, it doesn’t matter, even the most innocent graze of your skin on mine, and I find myself wild with wanting. My nails digging into the delightful firmness of your back. Your fingers finding the depths of me and the gasp that escapes from my lungs. The weight of your body pressing onto mine as our hips meet again and again in perfect time. The throbbing ecstasy of your release in me. The deep rumble in your throat when you ache for me, and the same satisfied grumble when we’re a tired tangle of limbs in the aftermath.

I never thought I would want intimacy, that I could crave it, the way I’ve seen others, but here I am, plotting ways to lure you to bed at every chance I get.

~K.

[paperbacksunday]

Come close to me, come closer. I promise you it will be beautiful.

— Anaïs Nin, Henry and June: From the Unexpurgated Diary of Anaïs Nin

[wandixx]

I can't stop thinking about this one time I called my angsty fic "smut" because in my mother tongue sadness is "smutek" and it didn't even occur to me, that it can mean anything else. Just, you know, localized term for angst or somehitn

[star-struck09]

I tell you there is something tender in your expression, a gentleness that I have never known before. You tell me you think it is love. I don’t know how to respond.

[daisyachain]

There are places where I think a sex scene can dramatically impact a story in a way that enriched the viewing experience and conveys important information. There are movies and/or tv shows in which this happens. I haven’t seen any of them. So much of the time it’s there to do exactly what it says on the tin. A woman and a man are banging. Sure. Fine. Happy for them. It’s just a literal scene used to pull a bit of a ‘well you didn’t think THEY would be involved’ plot twist or a ‘we’re so edgy’ signal. The only show so far that I’ve seen that uses sex scenes as an actual tool of storytelling is Black Sails, and the reason it works in Black Sails is that the sex is Bad. People are bored. People are distracted. The characters are so bound up with the plot that it’s physically prevented them from fucking like normal human beings. That works. The rest doesn’t

[foxmulderautism]

last reblog something i have found interesting lately too in my writing is beau and bobby having sexual intimacy without being sexual partners…like, they both know what the other is into, and they talk about it so casually that even when they’re joking about the other persons kinks it normalises the idea of having a kink itself and there’s no shame between them. they tell each other about who they’re sleeping with and there’s nothing tmi and this is rly important because they always had an external pov on the things they were doing in a vulnerable space, esp since they were so young. like it’s so important to have someone you can talk about kink nonsexually with because they might be able to spot a red flag you can’t.

they’ve seen each other at sex clubs, bathhouses, sex parties. they’ve watched porn together. they’ve mutually masturbated. they MIGHT have done things together idk im undecided but it would’ve been because they were both young and inexperienced and wanted to try things for the first time with someone they trust and feel safe with, which the intimacy from that is much more interesting to me than some kind of irresistible desire between the two of them, and whatever they did together did not change their friendship at all or unlock some hidden desire. which i am absolutely not someone who thinks sex will always irrevocably change a friendship + i like this idea of intimacy because it shows how they’re influenced by the sexually liberated culture they grew into adulthood in, and how important it is to hold onto those values as the story gets deeper into the 80s and the crisis. and i like how strong their sense of friendship is that they know their intimacy and also their boundaries that let’s them dip into closeness in ways that makes sense to specifically them. bobby will sit on beaus lap at a party and that’s normal for them. one time beau let himself into bobbys place and he was asleep and then beau fell asleep in bobbys bed too, and bobby jokes that it’s been a while since he woke up to a man in his bed. when they start intentionally sleeping in the same bed + cuddling, bc they know they don’t have a lot of time left together so let themselves be close however they want to be…and then their intimacy develops when beau is taking care of bobby, which i think all caretaking is intimate but quite literally at one point he helps with personal care; he sees him naked which is entirely non sexual but i think everything established above is what makes their dynamic such a safe space for bobby to feel comfortable with needing that care and the person giving it to him. like! it’s a different intimacy but it works together with the very complex intimacy they’ve always had which is why they are able to be there for each other in such deep ways and that’s why their dynamic is so compelling TO ME

idk! intimacy is so fun and complex to play with in writing when you don’t have a bitch with hetero/amatonormative ideas of love and sex shouting in your ear that this isn’t how friends behave !

[mizumonohomo]

ok fiiiiine i'll say it. i was mad that Last Night in Soho wasn't toxic yuri. you got me.

[paperbacksunday]

We did not touch each other. We were both leaning over the abyss.

— Anaïs Nin, Henry and June: From the Unexpurgated Diary of Anaïs Nin

[the-acid-pear]

There'd be essays about the way prison break deals with queerness from a in and out of universe perspective too. I won't write it myself someone else do it.

[star-struck09]

I don’t dare allow myself to fantasize a life with you because I fear the implications of it.

[maelancoli]

Writing Intimacy

i often see writers sharing a sentiment of struggling with writing kiss scenes which honestly bleeds into other portrayals of physical intimacy. i see it a lot in modernized styles of writing popularized by the recent trend in publishing to encourage short, choppy sentences and few adverbs, even less descriptive language. this makes intimacy come across awkward, like someone writing a script or clumsy recounting of events rather than a beautiful paragraph of human connection.

or just plane horniness. but hey, horny doesn't have to be mutually exclusive with poetic or sensual.

shallow example: they kissed desperately, tongues swirling and she moaned. it made her feel warm inside.

in depth example: she reached for the other woman slowly and with a small measure of uncertainty. the moment her fingers brushed the sharp, soft jaw of her companion, eliza's hesitance slid away. the first kiss was gentle when she finally closed the distance between them. she pressed her lips lightly to gabriella's in silent exploration. a tender question. gabriella answered by meeting her kiss with a firmer one of her own. eliza felt the woman's fingers curling into her umber hair, fingernails scraping along her scalp. everything inside eliza relaxed and the nervousness uncoiled from her gut. a warm buzz of energy sunk through her flesh down to the very core of her soul. this was right. this was always where she needed to be.

the first complaint i see regards discomfort in writing a kiss, feeling like one is intruding on the characters. the only way to get around this is to practice. anything that makes you uncomfortable in writing is something you should explore. writing is at its best when we are pushing the envelope of our own comfort zones. if it feels cringy, if it feels too intimate, too weird, too intrusive, good. do it anyway! try different styles, practice it, think about which parts of it make you balk the most and then explore that, dissect it and dive into getting comfortable with the portrayal of human connection.

of course the biggest part comes to not knowing what to say other than "they kissed" or, of course, the tried and true "their lips crashed and their tongues battled for dominance" 😐. so this is my best advice: think beyond the mouth. okay, we know their mouths are mashing. but what are their hands doing? are they touching one another's hair? are they scratching or gripping desperately at one another? are they gliding their hands along each other's body or are they wrapping their arms tightly to hold each other close? do they sigh? do they groan? do they relax? do they tense? are they comfortable with each other or giddy and uncertain? is it a relief, or is it bringing more questions? is it building tension or finally breaking it?

get descriptive with the emotions. how is it making the main character/pov holder feel? how are they carrying those emotions in their body? how do they feel the desire in their body? desire is not just felt below the belt. it's in the gut, it's in the chest, it's in the flushing of cheeks, the chills beneath the skin, the goosebumps over the surface of the flesh. everyone has different pleasure zones. a kiss might not always lead desire for overtly sexual touches. a kiss might lead to the desire for an embrace. a kiss might lead to the impulse to bite or lick at other areas. a kiss could awaken desire to be caressed or caress the neck, the shoulder, the back, the arms etc. describe that desire, show those impulses of pleasure and affection.

of course there is the tactile. what does the love interest taste like? what do they smell like? how do they kiss? rough and greedy? slow and sensual? explorative and hesitant? expertly or clumsily? how does it feel to be kissed by them? how does it feel to kiss them?

i.e. examine who these individuals are, what their motives and feelings are within that moment, who they are together, what it looks like when these two individuals come together. a kiss is not about the mouth. it's about opening the door to vulnerability and desire in one's entire body and soul.

[luna-azzurra]

Body Language Cheat Sheet For Writers 

╰ Facial expressions

These are your micro-signals, like the blinking neon signs of the soul. But they’re small, quick, and often lie harder than words.

Raised eyebrows — This can mean surprise or disbelief, sure. But it can also be a full-on, silent “Are you serious right now?” when someone’s being ridiculous. Or even curiosity when someone’s too emotionally repressed to askthe damn question.

Furrowed brow — That face people make when they’re doing long division in their head or trying to emotionally process a compliment. It’s thinking, yes—but also confusion, deep frustration, or quiet simmering rage.

Smiling — Can be happiness… or total fake-it-till-you-make-it energy. Some smiles are stiff. Some don’t reach the eyes. Show that.

Frowning — Sure, sadness. But also: disappointment, judgment, or the universal “I’m about to say something blunt, brace yourself.”

Lip biting — It’s not just nervousness, it’s pressure. Self-control. Anticipation. It’s the thing people do when they want to say something and decide, at the last second, not to.

╰ Eye movement

The window to the soul? Yeah. But also the window to when someone’s lying, flirting, or deeply trying not to cry in public.

Eye contact — Confidence or challenge. Eye contact can be gentle, curious, sharp like a blade. Sometimes it’s desperate: “Please understand me.”

Avoiding eye contact — Not always guilt. Sometimes it’s protectiveness. Sometimes it’s “I’m afraid if I look at you, you’ll see everything I’m trying to hide.”

Narrowed eyes — Calculating. Suspicious. The look someone gives when their brain’s saying “hmmm...” and it’s not a good hmm.

Wide eyes — Surprise, yes. But also sudden fear. The oh-God-it’s-happening look. Or when someone just found out they’re not as in control as they thought.

Eye roll — Classic. But try using it with tension, like when someone’s annoyed and trying very hard not to lose it in public.

╰ Gestures

This is where characters’ emotions go when their mouths are lying.

Crossing arms — Not just defensive. Sometimes it’s comfort. A self-hug. A barrier when the conversation is getting too personal.

Fidgeting — This is nervous energy with nowhere to go. Watch fingers tapping, rings spinning, sleeves tugged. It says: I’m not okay, but I’m trying not to show it.

Pointing — It’s a stab in the air. Aggressive, usually. But sometimes a desperate plea: Look. Understand this.

Open palms — Vulnerability. Honesty. Or a gesture that says, “I have nothing left to hide.”

Hand on chin — Not just thinking. It’s stalling. It’s delaying. It’s “I’m about to say something that might get me in trouble.”

╰ Posture and movement

These are your vibes. How someone occupies space says everything.

Slumped shoulders — Exhaustion. Defeat. Or someone trying to take up less space because they feel small.

Upright posture — Not always confidence. Sometimes it’s forced. Sometimes it’s a character trying really, really hard to look like they’re fine.

Pacing — Inner chaos externalized. Thinking so loudly it needs movement. Waiting for something. Running from your own thoughts.

Tapping foot — Tension. Irritation. Sometimes a buildup to an explosion.

Leaning in — Intimacy. Interest. Or subtle manipulation. (You matter to me. I’m listening. Let’s get closer.)

╰ Touch

This is intimacy in all its forms, comforting, protective, romantic, or invasive.

Hugging — Doesn’t always mean closeness. Could be a goodbye. Could be an apology they can’t say out loud. Could be awkward as hell.

Handshake — Stiff or crushing or slippery. How someone shakes hands says more than their words do.

Back patting — Casual warmth. Bro culture. Awkward emotional support when someone doesn’t know how to comfort but wants to try.

Clenched fists — Holding something in. Rage, tears, restraint. Fists mean tension that needs somewhere to go.

Hair tuck — Sure, flirtation or nerves. But also a subtle shield. A way to hide. A habit from childhood when someone didn’t want to be seen.

╰ Mirroring:

If two characters start syncing their body language, something is happening. Empathy. Chemistry. Shared grief. If someone shifts their body when the other does? Take notice. Other human bits that say everything without words...

Nodding — Not just yes. Could be an “I hear you,” even if they don’t agree. Could be the “keep going” nod. Could be patronizing if done too slow.

Crossed legs — Chill. Casual. Or closed-off, depending on context. Especially if their arms are crossed too.

Finger tapping — Time is ticking. Brain is pacing. Something’s coming.

Hand to chest — Sincerity, yes. But also shock. Or grounding—a subconscious attempt to stay present when everything feels like too much.

Tilting the head — Curiosity. Playfulness. Or someone listening so hard they forget to hide it.

Temple rub — “I can’t deal.” Could be physical pain. Could be stress. Could be emotional overload in disguise.

Chin stroking — Your classic “I’m judging you politely.” Often used in arguments between characters pretending to be calm.

Hands behind the back — Authority. Control. Or rigid fear masked as control.

Leaning body — This is the body betraying the brain. A tilt toward someone means they care—even if their words are cold.

Nail biting — Classic anxiety. But also habit. Something learned. Sometimes people bite because that’s how they self-soothe.

Squinting — Focusing. Doubting. Suspicion without confrontation.

Shifting weight — Uncomfortable. Unsure. Someone who wants to leave but doesn’t.

Covering the mouth — Guilt. Hesitation. The “should I say this?” moment before something big drops.

Body language is more honest than dialogue. If you really want to show your character’s internal world, don’t just give them lines. Give them a hand that won’t stop shaking. Give them a foot that won’t stop bouncing. Give them a mouth that smiles when their eyes don’t. And if you’re not sure what your character would do in a moment of fear, or love, or heartbreak, try acting it out yourself. Seriously. Get weird. Feel what your body does. Then write that down.

[scarlettcryptid]

hardcore projecting my avoidancy onto dabi in this soulmate au thing i started in november