the constellations in these freckles

Coming this September to an internet near you: Rinch Fest 2026, a ship week for Harold Finch/John Reese from Person of Interest! This is a low-pressure event meant to encourage the creation of more fanworks for Finch/Reese or Finch & Reese’s friendship. Fic, art, gifs, vids, podfic, you name it—all are welcome, as long as they’re Rinch-centric.

Posting for Rinch Fest will run from September 24 through September 30, 2026

Day One – September 24 Errands• Amnesia• Pining • Ice Cold• Forgiveness

Day Two – September 25 Misunderstanding• Dance• Darkness• Candy• Escape

 Day Three – September 26 Suave• Silence• Vacation• Sharing • Fracture

Day Four – September 27 Teachingr• Tears• Dreaming• Stolen• Always

Day Five – September 28 Rain• Laughter• Reunion • Resurrection • Surprise

Day Six – September 29 Soulmates • Confession • Hurt/Comfort• Suffocating • Moving In

Day Seven – September 30 Free-For-All/Catch-Up Day

Who’s running this? @stingalingaling

Any changes since last year? Yes. There's a new rule prohibiting AI-generated work because we live in such times. Sigh.

Why not call it Rinch Week? It started out as Rinch Fest on The Rinch Loft on Discord, and that’s what stuck.

Plus, Rinch Fest and Reese & Finch share the same initials.

What’s allowed? Complete fanworks focusing on Harold Finch and John Reese in a romantic or close platonic relationship with each other. Fic, art, vids, remixes, sequels, you name it! No length requirements, no style requirements, all ratings allowed—do what you want!

Anything not allowed? Works where Finch/Reese or Finch & Reese is not the primary relationship (additional ships are fine), works that are incomplete at the time of posting, and remixes or other transformative works for other people’s fanworks that are done without the original creator’s permission. Anything else is fair game, as long as it’s labeled.

Also, don’t be a jerk.

What about [insert controversial topic here]? Can I make something with x?/OMG someone made something with x! Anything else is fair game, as long as it’s labeled. This includes works featuring tropes and kinks that you may not like or approve of. As long as it’s warned for, it’s fine and allowed.

Please warn for the usual AO3 warnings (Major Character Death, Graphic Violence, Rape/Non-Con, and Underage) and any subjects others may find deeply unpleasant, and clearly label any NSFW works.

What about poly? Gen? Poly is wonderful, but this is a Finch/Reese or Finch&Reese event. Sorry.

Finch & Reese gen is allowed!

What do I do with x prompt?/Can I do [insert concept here]? Anything goes! Seriously, however you want to interpret a prompt is fine.

Do I have to make something for every prompt? No! You can if you want, but it’s not required. Feel free to skip days, combine prompts, create multiple fills for each day, anything! This is as flexible as it gets.

If it fits multiple prompts, when do I post it? Whatever day works best for you!

What if I want to do something NSFW? There's no nsfw prompt this year. Is it still allowed? YES! Bring on the spicy if you want!

What about a multi-chapter/piece thing where each chapter fulfills one day’s prompt? When do I post that? Post an update each relevant day until you’re done! (Just make sure you can finish it by the end of the event.)

What if it doesn’t fit a prompt? That’s what Day 7 is for! :D

What if I need to post my fill(s) on a different day? Life happens. The AO3 collection is set to Unrevealed, so I can reveal early submissions on the right day, but if that doesn’t work for you, I’m sure we can work something out.

Can I work on a previously-posted WIP? As long as it’s finished when you make your post for the event, sure! If you’re just updating a WIP without finishing it, no.

Can I start working now? Absolutely! That’s why I’m announcing it now—so there’s plenty of time for people to make things.

Can I talk about/share previews of what I’m working on? Sure!

Is AI-generated work allowed? Absolutely not. Harold did not unleash ICE-9 for nothing.

Wait, there’s a Rinch Discord server? Do I have to join to do this? Of course not. We’d love to have you at The Rinch Loft, and it’s a fun place to hang out, but Rinch Fest is for anyone into Rinch.

If I want the Discord link… Send in an Ask to the @rinchfest Tumblr, contact stingalingaling somewhere, or ask around. It’s open to anyone who likes Rinch or Person of Interest. I’m happy to give it out to anyone who wants it.

Where do I post? On Tumblr, post to your blog and use the #rinchfest26You are They are being watched. 👁 And maybe add @rinchfest in your post to be sure. Tumblr is as hungry as Bear and Shaw.

Submissions are also open.

On AO3, you can post it here: Rinch Fest 2026 AO3

Do I have to have a Tumblr? AO3? As long as you’re on some kind of platform and can get a link to the work to me somehow so I can share it with the world, you’re welcome to play.

On October 1st, I’ll make a round-up post full of links to all the shiny things people made. If I know you made it, it’ll go in!

(And if you want to sneak in some Day 7 things a little after, as long as they get posted before the Master Post goes up… 😉)

The Contingency Con panels you were waiting for!

Ships Ahoy: Let's Chat About Your Favorite POI Ships Saturday 12:00 AM ET and Sunday 9:00 PM ET

A Bird and His Guard Dog: An Open Chat for Rinch Shippers Saturday 10:00 AM ET and Saturday 7:00 PM ET

Four Alarm Fire: Root and Shaw Saturday 1:00 PM ET and Sunday 8:00 AM ET

The thing with feathers beat its wings

JOHN AND FINCH YAOI

scrumptious emertummy/emerthigh/emerbulge hunger collection

YES my michael emerson thirst posts get more pathetic and weirdly sexual by the day

Registration and con programming submissions are open for Contingency Con, a free, virtual, fan-run Person of Interest convention celebrating 10 years since the finale. July 31 to August 2.

Join us for a weekend of POI love!

Submit Content and Register at contingencycon.com