#Recovery Fitness Tools

[gofitnesspro]

Top Fitness Trends You Need to Know in 2024

Top Fitness Trends: The fitness industry continues to evolve, with new trends emerging every year. Here are the top fitness trends you need to know in 2024: Hybrid Fitness Models Combining online and in-person workouts, hybrid fitness models offer the flexibility of home workouts with the social and motivational benefits of group classes. Integrated Online and In-Person Classes Flexibility:…

[panharmonium]

for @keepyourpantsongohan‘s “happy naruto thoughts” request: yamato weaponizing his weirdness to mess with the kids 🌳❤️🌳

[impossible-rat-babies]

really feeling a way about eyrie being a healer tonight

[voguegenics]

Fitness Takes Center Stage This December: Trends You Need to Know

🎄 10 Festive Fitness Trends to Keep You Active This December! From cozy cardio to strength training with a side of holiday cheer, find your new favorite workout. 💪✨ #FitnessTrends #HolidayWorkouts

Ah, December—a month of glittering lights, sugary indulgences, and a constant battle between “let’s be cozy” and “let’s be productive.” If you’ve been waiting for a sign to prioritize your fitness (between marathon cookie baking sessions and wrapping presents), this is it. The holiday season has a way of throwing routines out the frosty window, but fitness is here, not just surviving, but…

[marcomarconii]

💡5 Recovery Tools To Soothe Sore Muscles

We all know that sore, post-workout feeling. These 5 recovery essentials can help you bounce back faster and keep your muscles happy:

1️⃣ Massage Gun Perfect for working out deep muscle tension with adjustable intensity. Great for targeted relief after a hard workout.

2️⃣ Epsom Salt Add to a warm bath to ease muscle aches and reduce inflammation. Relaxing for both your body and mind.

3️⃣ Foam Roller A go-to tool for loosening tight muscles and boosting blood flow. Roll it out to relieve tension and improve recovery.

4️⃣ Cooling Gel An instant cooling effect to calm sore spots, reduce inflammation, and speed up recovery.

5️⃣ Stretch Strap It helps you go deeper into stretches, releasing tight muscles and enhancing flexibility.

➡️ Add one or more of these to your post-workout routine and feel the difference in your recovery game!

P.S. Know someone who could use a little extra recovery help?

Repost this with them ♻️

[esotericalchemist]

𝟔𝐓𝐇 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄 - 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐔𝐩 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐝: 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 & 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

Masterlist this series - TikTok (Matrix of Destiny) - Masterlist - YouTube (subliminals)

This is the sixth post in a 12-part series dedicated to helping you glow up using the wisdom of astrology. Each post explores one of the astrological houses and how it influences key areas of your life, offering insights and actionable steps for personal growth and transformation.

In this post, we’re focusing on the sixth house—the house of health, routines, work habits, and service to others. This house represents the rhythms and practices that support your physical and emotional well-being, as well as the ways you contribute to the world through meaningful service. Glowing up your sixth house means cultivating a balanced and sustainable approach to health, building empowering routines, and ensuring that your work-life balance leaves room for self-care and renewal.

𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝟔𝐓𝐇 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄

The sixth house governs health, daily routines, work habits, and service to others. When Aries rules this house, your approach to these themes is dynamic, energetic, and proactive. Ruled by Mars, Aries in the sixth house brings a fiery drive to your routines and a fearless attitude toward tackling challenges. Your glow-up involves channeling this energy into maintaining your physical health, creating empowering daily routines, serving others with passion, and balancing your ambitious work ethic with intentional self-care.

Physical Health: Energized and Action-Oriented Wellness

With Aries ruling your sixth house, physical health is best maintained through active and engaging pursuits. You thrive on movement and intensity, making high-energy activities like running, weightlifting, martial arts, or competitive sports particularly beneficial. Exercise is not only a way to stay fit but also a vital outlet for your abundant energy.

To glow up your health, focus on creating a fitness routine that excites and challenges you. Incorporate dynamic workouts that keep you motivated, and set goals that spark your competitive spirit. Balance this intensity with proper rest and recovery to prevent burnout or injury—Aries energy can sometimes push too hard without pause.

Fuel your body with a diet that supports your active lifestyle, prioritizing nutrient-dense meals that sustain your energy levels. Experiment with cooking quick, hearty meals that fit into your fast-paced routine.

Routines: Dynamic and Motivating Habits

Aries in the sixth house brings a no-nonsense, action-first approach to daily routines. You prefer habits that feel purposeful and exciting, often thriving on spontaneity and variety. While this energy keeps you proactive, maintaining consistency can sometimes be a challenge.

Your glow-up involves building routines that balance structure with flexibility. Create a morning ritual that jumpstarts your day, such as a quick workout, a power-packed breakfast, or a short meditation to channel your focus. Use tools like timers or apps to keep you on track without feeling bogged down by rigid schedules.

Set clear, achievable goals for your daily tasks to keep your motivation high. Break larger projects into smaller steps that give you a sense of accomplishment, and don’t shy away from rewarding yourself for progress.

Service to Others: Passionate and Impactful Contributions

Aries in the sixth house makes you a bold and enthusiastic contributor in service to others. You approach acts of service with determination and a willingness to take the lead, often excelling in roles where you can inspire or motivate others.

To glow up in this area, focus on channeling your passion into meaningful causes. Volunteer for initiatives that align with your values, such as community fitness programs, youth mentorship, or advocacy for empowerment. Your leadership skills shine when you take the initiative and encourage others to step into their own strengths.

While your energy is a gift, be mindful of pacing yourself to avoid burnout. Balance your contributions with time for personal rejuvenation to ensure you can give your best to others without depleting yourself.

Balancing Work with Self-Care: Energized yet Grounded

Aries in the sixth house brings a tireless work ethic and a tendency to dive headfirst into tasks. While this drive is admirable, it’s essential to balance your productivity with intentional self-care.

Your glow-up involves incorporating moments of rest and rejuvenation into your schedule. Take short, energizing breaks throughout the day to recharge your mental and physical energy. Practices like stretching, mindfulness, or even a quick walk outside can help you reset.

Set boundaries in your work life to avoid overcommitting. Prioritize tasks that align with your goals and delegate when necessary. Aries energy loves efficiency, so streamlining your workload allows you to maintain momentum without compromising your well-being.

𝐓𝐀𝐔𝐑𝐔𝐒 𝟔𝐓𝐇 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄

The sixth house governs health, daily routines, work habits, and service to others. With Taurus ruling this house, your approach to these themes is steady, grounded, and focused on creating a sense of ease and comfort. Ruled by Venus, Taurus in the sixth house brings a love for consistency and beauty to your daily life, emphasizing the importance of sustainable health practices, nourishing routines, and finding pleasure in the act of service. Your glow-up involves cultivating a harmonious balance between work and self-care, prioritizing your physical well-being, and crafting routines that feel both practical and enjoyable.

Physical Health: Steady and Nourishing Wellness

Taurus in the sixth house thrives on routines that support long-term health and well-being. You’re drawn to activities that feel grounding and enjoyable, making practices like yoga, walking in nature, or gentle strength training particularly effective. Consistency is key for Taurus energy, so creating a fitness plan that you genuinely enjoy ensures that you stick to it.

To glow up your physical health, focus on nourishing your body with wholesome, satisfying meals. Cooking at home can become a form of self-care, especially when you prioritize fresh, natural ingredients and take the time to prepare meals with love.

Incorporate moments of relaxation into your routine, such as stretching before bed or indulging in a luxurious skincare ritual. These small acts of care reinforce your connection to your body and create a sense of peace and stability.

Routines: Grounded and Enjoyable Habits

Taurus in the sixth house values routines that feel manageable and pleasurable. You thrive on stability and are most productive when your schedule is consistent and your environment is calming.

Your glow-up involves crafting routines that combine practicality with indulgence. Start your mornings with a cup of herbal tea or a nourishing breakfast to set a peaceful tone for the day. Use aesthetically pleasing planners or apps to organize your tasks, as visual beauty motivates Taurus energy.

While you appreciate consistency, avoid becoming stuck in habits that feel too rigid. Introduce small changes, like switching up your workspace or adding a new hobby, to keep your routines fresh and enjoyable without sacrificing their grounding effect.

Service to Others: Thoughtful and Practical Contributions

Taurus in the sixth house makes you a reliable and nurturing presence when serving others. You approach acts of service with patience and care, often excelling in roles that involve creating comfort, stability, or beauty for those around you.

To glow up in this area, focus on sharing your talents in ways that align with your values. Volunteer for projects that involve community gardening, cooking, or organizing spaces for those in need. Your grounded energy brings a sense of calm and dependability to any group effort.

Be mindful of overextending yourself in service to others. While you enjoy helping, ensure you’re prioritizing your own well-being and not taking on more than you can handle.

Balancing Work with Self-Care: Calm and Sustainable Productivity

Taurus in the sixth house excels at creating a balance between work and self-care. You value productivity but prefer a calm and methodical approach to tasks, avoiding unnecessary stress or chaos.

Your glow-up involves ensuring your work environment feels supportive and comfortable. Invest in a well-organized desk, soothing decor, or ergonomic tools to make your workspace a place of ease. Incorporate breaks into your day where you can step away, recharge, and return with fresh energy.

Taurus energy loves small indulgences, so reward yourself for completing tasks with treats that nourish your senses—a delicious snack, a scented candle, or a relaxing moment in nature. These acts of self-care enhance your motivation and keep you grounded.

𝐆𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈 𝟔𝐓𝐇 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄

The sixth house governs health, daily routines, work habits, and service to others. With Gemini ruling this house, your approach to these themes is dynamic, curious, and multifaceted. Ruled by Mercury, Gemini in the sixth house brings a lively and communicative energy to your daily life, emphasizing the importance of variety, adaptability, and mental stimulation in your routines. Your glow-up involves cultivating a flexible approach to health and productivity, finding joy in intellectual and social activities, and balancing your fast-paced energy with mindfulness and self-care.

Physical Health: Active and Varied Wellness

Gemini in the sixth house thrives on movement and variety in physical health routines. You’re drawn to activities that engage your mind and body simultaneously, such as dance, aerobics, martial arts, or fitness classes that involve learning new techniques. You may also enjoy outdoor activities like cycling or hiking, where you can explore new surroundings.

To glow up your physical health, incorporate variety into your fitness regimen to keep it exciting and sustainable. Experiment with different forms of exercise, and consider mixing physical activity with social interaction by joining group workouts or sports teams.

Nourish your body with light, balanced meals that align with your active lifestyle. Gemini energy often gravitates toward quick, easy options, so focus on healthy snacks and simple recipes that fit into your dynamic schedule.

Routines: Flexible and Engaging Habits

Gemini in the sixth house approaches routines with curiosity and adaptability. You thrive on variety and are most productive when your schedule includes opportunities for learning and creativity. While you excel at multitasking, consistency can sometimes be a challenge.

Your glow-up involves creating routines that balance flexibility with structure. Use tools like planners or apps to organize your day while leaving room for spontaneity. Break tasks into shorter time blocks to keep your mind engaged, and switch between activities to maintain focus.

Incorporate habits that stimulate your intellect, such as listening to podcasts while exercising or using downtime to read or journal. Gemini energy thrives when routines are both productive and mentally stimulating.

Service to Others: Communicative and Resourceful Contributions

Gemini in the sixth house makes you an excellent communicator and problem-solver when serving others. You have a talent for finding innovative solutions, sharing knowledge, and connecting people to resources or opportunities.

To glow up in this area, focus on service roles that align with your natural skills. Teaching, mentoring, or volunteering in areas like literacy programs, community organizing, or social media advocacy can be deeply fulfilling. Your ability to adapt and connect with diverse groups makes you an asset in any service-oriented role.

Be mindful of spreading yourself too thin or overcommitting to too many projects. While your energy is abundant, ensuring quality over quantity in your contributions will help you make a lasting impact.

Balancing Work with Self-Care: Stimulated yet Grounded

Gemini in the sixth house often juggles a variety of tasks and interests, which can lead to overexertion if balance isn’t maintained. While you’re energized by mental activity, intentional self-care is essential to avoid burnout.

Your glow-up involves incorporating moments of stillness and grounding into your routine. Practices like mindful breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga can help calm your racing thoughts. Schedule breaks where you can step outside, call a friend, or enjoy a cup of tea to reset your focus.

Use your love for communication to support your self-care journey—talk about your experiences with a friend, join a wellness community, or keep a journal to process your thoughts. Balancing mental stimulation with moments of peace ensures sustainable productivity and well-being.

𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐑 𝟔𝐓𝐇 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄

The sixth house governs health, daily routines, work habits, and service to others. With Cancer ruling this house, your approach to these themes is nurturing, intuitive, and emotionally connected. Ruled by the Moon, Cancer in the sixth house brings a deeply caring energy to your daily life, emphasizing the importance of emotional well-being, holistic health practices, and creating routines that feel supportive and comforting. Your glow-up involves prioritizing your emotional and physical health, building routines that honor your need for care and connection, and serving others with compassion and understanding while maintaining strong boundaries.

Physical Health: Gentle and Intuitive Wellness

Cancer in the sixth house encourages you to take a nurturing and intuitive approach to physical health. You’re drawn to activities that feel soothing and restorative, such as yoga, swimming, or tai chi, which allow you to connect with your body in a mindful way. Water-related activities are particularly rejuvenating for Cancer energy.

To glow up your physical health, focus on creating rituals that feel emotionally grounding and comforting. Start your day with a calming stretch or end it with a warm bath to relax and reset. Listening to your body’s needs is essential—honor your energy levels by choosing workouts that match how you’re feeling on any given day.

Nourish yourself with home-cooked meals that bring both physical sustenance and emotional warmth. Cooking for yourself or loved ones can be an act of self-care that strengthens your connection to your body and emotions.

Routines: Supportive and Comforting Habits

Cancer in the sixth house thrives on routines that feel emotionally supportive and aligned with your natural rhythms. You’re most productive when your environment is calm and nurturing, so creating a workspace or daily schedule that reflects these qualities is key.

Your glow-up involves crafting routines that balance productivity with emotional care. Incorporate moments of comfort into your day, such as lighting a candle while working or taking a mid-day break to journal or reflect. Using tools like mood trackers or gratitude lists can help you stay in tune with your emotional needs while remaining focused on your goals.

Consistency is important for Cancer energy, but avoid routines that feel too rigid. Allow space for flexibility and self-compassion, knowing that your best efforts will vary depending on your emotional state.

Service to Others: Compassionate and Heartfelt Contributions

Cancer in the sixth house makes you a deeply caring and empathetic presence in acts of service. You approach helping others with warmth and emotional understanding, often excelling in roles that involve caregiving, nurturing, or creating a sense of home and belonging.

To glow up in this area, focus on finding service opportunities that resonate with your heart. Volunteer at shelters, support mental health initiatives, or work with children, families, or communities in need. Your ability to make others feel seen and supported is a gift that can create lasting impact.

While your compassion is a strength, ensure you’re maintaining boundaries to avoid emotional exhaustion. Balancing your need to help others with self-care ensures you can give from a place of abundance rather than depletion.

Balancing Work with Self-Care: Nurturing and Restorative Practices

Cancer in the sixth house often prioritizes the needs of others, but your glow-up involves ensuring your work-life balance includes time for self-care and emotional renewal. You thrive in environments where you feel emotionally connected and supported, so creating a sense of safety and comfort in your workspace is essential.

Incorporate restorative practices into your routine, such as setting clear boundaries around work hours or creating a ritual to transition from work to relaxation. Practices like journaling, meditation, or spending time near water can help you recharge and maintain emotional balance.

Cancer energy benefits from creating a sense of “emotional hygiene” alongside physical health. Take time to check in with your feelings and prioritize activities that soothe your soul, whether it’s connecting with loved ones or enjoying quiet time alone.

𝐋𝐄𝐎 𝟔𝐓𝐇 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄

The sixth house governs health, daily routines, work habits, and service to others. With Leo ruling this house, your approach to these themes is bold, passionate, and centered around self-expression. Ruled by the Sun, Leo in the sixth house brings a creative and confident energy to your daily life, emphasizing the importance of vitality, purpose-driven routines, and shining in roles that allow you to serve others with heart and leadership. Your glow-up involves prioritizing radiant health, building routines that celebrate your individuality, serving others with generosity, and balancing your work ethic with self-care that nourishes your inner light.

Physical Health: Radiant and Energizing Wellness

Leo in the sixth house connects your physical health to your sense of vitality and confidence. You thrive on activities that make you feel strong, vibrant, and alive, such as dancing, aerobics, or team sports. Your health routine benefits from a touch of creativity and excitement, as repetitive tasks can easily bore Leo energy.

To glow up your physical health, choose activities that feel joyful and celebratory. Dance classes, yoga with upbeat music, or even outdoor adventures that challenge and invigorate you can help you stay motivated. Leo energy loves a bit of flair, so embrace stylish workout gear or reward yourself with small indulgences after a great workout.

Nourish your body with colorful, wholesome meals that reflect the vibrant Leo spirit. Incorporate a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and energizing foods that keep you feeling radiant from the inside out.

Routines: Purposeful and Uplifting Habits

Leo in the sixth house thrives on routines that allow you to shine and express your individuality. You prefer schedules that feel inspiring and purpose-driven rather than rigid or mundane. Incorporating creative elements into your daily tasks keeps your energy high and your focus sharp.

Your glow-up involves creating routines that center around self-expression and personal fulfillment. Begin your mornings with affirmations or visualization exercises that connect you to your goals and passions. Add a touch of fun to your day—whether it’s using a colorful planner, playing music while you work, or designing a workspace that feels uniquely yours.

While you enjoy being in the spotlight, remember to balance your need for recognition with meaningful productivity. Prioritize tasks that align with your long-term vision while allowing space for creative exploration.

Service to Others: Generous and Heart-Centered Contributions

Leo in the sixth house makes you a natural leader and motivator when serving others. You approach acts of service with enthusiasm and generosity, often excelling in roles that allow you to inspire, mentor, or uplift those around you.

To glow up in this area, channel your charisma and creativity into service opportunities that bring joy and empowerment to others. Volunteer for roles like coaching, organizing community events, or working with children and youth. Your ability to make others feel seen and valued is one of your greatest gifts.

Be mindful of overextending yourself in an effort to shine. While your big heart loves to give, ensure that you’re also reserving energy for your own well-being. Balancing generosity with boundaries ensures you can continue serving with passion and purpose.

Balancing Work with Self-Care: Energized and Restorative Practices

Leo in the sixth house brings a dynamic work ethic and a love for productivity, but your glow-up involves ensuring that your self-care practices are just as vibrant as your work life. You thrive when you feel appreciated and purposeful, so creating a balance between effort and reward is essential.

Incorporate restorative activities into your schedule that help you reconnect with your inner light. Creative hobbies, pampering rituals, or simply basking in the sun can recharge your energy and keep you feeling inspired. Celebrate your accomplishments—Leo energy loves recognition, so don’t shy away from rewarding yourself for a job well done.

Practices like journaling about your achievements or setting personal milestones can help you maintain your confidence while keeping burnout at bay. Remember that self-care is an essential part of shining your brightest.

𝐕𝐈𝐑𝐆𝐎 𝟔𝐓𝐇 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄

The sixth house is Virgo’s natural domain, and when Virgo rules this house, its energy is amplified in the areas of health, daily routines, work habits, and service to others. Ruled by Mercury, Virgo in the sixth house brings a practical, detail-oriented, and holistic approach to managing your daily life. Your glow-up involves prioritizing physical and mental well-being, creating efficient and meaningful routines, serving others with care and precision, and finding balance between productivity and self-care.

Physical Health: Mindful and Holistic Wellness

Virgo in the sixth house connects your physical health to a sense of order and mindfulness. You thrive on wellness practices that emphasize consistency and a connection between the mind and body, such as yoga, pilates, or meditation-based movement.

To glow up your physical health, focus on routines that address all aspects of your well-being. Develop a balanced fitness regimen that includes both strength-building and restorative practices. Virgo energy loves tracking progress, so consider keeping a wellness journal or using apps to monitor your achievements.

Nutrition is especially important for this placement. Emphasize clean eating with a focus on whole, natural foods. Meal prepping or planning healthy recipes can streamline your routine and ensure you’re fueling your body with the nutrients it needs. Be mindful of stress, as Virgo energy can sometimes manifest as tension, and incorporate relaxation techniques into your daily life.

Routines: Organized and Meaningful Habits

Virgo in the sixth house thrives on creating efficient and purposeful routines. You feel your best when your day is well-organized and includes a balance of productivity and self-care. Virgo’s attention to detail ensures that even the smallest habits can have a profound impact on your overall well-being.

Your glow-up involves designing routines that are both structured and adaptable. Start your mornings with grounding practices like meditation or journaling, and set clear priorities for the day ahead. Use planners, to-do lists, or digital tools to organize your tasks and track your progress.

Incorporate rituals that feel meaningful to you, whether it’s enjoying a cup of herbal tea in the afternoon or dedicating time each evening to reflect on your accomplishments. Virgo energy thrives when every part of your day feels intentional and aligned with your goals.

Service to Others: Thoughtful and Impactful Contributions

Virgo in the sixth house brings a deep sense of care and dedication to serving others. You excel in roles that require precision, organization, or attention to detail, often thriving in environments where your talents can make a tangible difference.

To glow up in this area, focus on sharing your skills in ways that feel rewarding and impactful. Volunteer in roles that align with your strengths, such as organizing community events, mentoring, or working in health and wellness initiatives. Your natural ability to assess and improve systems makes you an invaluable asset in any service-oriented effort.

While your sense of responsibility is admirable, avoid falling into the trap of perfectionism or overextending yourself. Balance your desire to help others with the need to care for yourself, ensuring that your contributions come from a place of abundance rather than depletion.

Balancing Work with Self-Care: Precise yet Compassionate Practices

Virgo in the sixth house brings a strong work ethic and a desire for productivity, but your glow-up involves ensuring that your self-care routines are as meticulously planned as your work schedules. You thrive when your day includes moments of rest and rejuvenation, giving your mind and body time to recharge.

Incorporate self-care rituals that feel restorative, such as a skincare routine, mindfulness exercises, or dedicating time to a creative hobby. Virgo energy benefits from acts of care that also enhance your sense of order—like organizing your workspace or decluttering your home.

Set boundaries around your work-life balance, ensuring that you’re not taking on too much or striving for unattainable perfection. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small, and remind yourself that progress is more important than perfection.

𝐋𝐈𝐁𝐑𝐀 𝟔𝐓𝐇 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄

The sixth house governs health, daily routines, work habits, and service to others. With Libra ruling this house, your approach to these themes is harmonious, aesthetic, and relationship-focused. Ruled by Venus, Libra in the sixth house brings a desire for balance, beauty, and connection to your daily life. Your glow-up involves prioritizing health through elegant and enjoyable practices, creating routines that feel balanced and fulfilling, serving others with grace and diplomacy, and ensuring your work-life equilibrium supports both productivity and self-care.

Physical Health: Balanced and Graceful Wellness

Libra in the sixth house connects your physical health to balance and enjoyment. You thrive on activities that feel both energizing and aesthetically pleasing, such as yoga, pilates, ballet, or swimming. Your wellness journey is enriched by practices that bring a sense of harmony to your body and mind.

To glow up your physical health, prioritize exercises that are gentle yet effective, helping you feel aligned and refreshed. Group classes or working out with a partner can motivate you, as Libra energy enjoys connection and collaboration. Choose fitness routines that include music or visual elements that uplift your spirit.

Nourish yourself with beautifully prepared meals that delight your senses. Libra energy benefits from mindful eating, so take the time to savor your food in a calm and pleasant setting. Hydration and a focus on fresh, natural ingredients will keep you feeling vibrant and balanced.

Routines: Harmonious and Enjoyable Habits

Libra in the sixth house thrives on routines that create balance and beauty in your daily life. You’re most productive when your environment feels calm and organized, and your tasks are approached with a sense of elegance and ease.

Your glow-up involves crafting routines that feel balanced and enjoyable. Start your mornings with a ritual that centers you, such as sipping tea while journaling or practicing gentle stretches. Incorporate moments of beauty into your day—like lighting a candle while working or using aesthetically pleasing tools and planners to organize your tasks.

Libra energy values relationships, so consider incorporating social elements into your routines. Co-working sessions, shared meals, or group activities can make your day feel more fulfilling and connected. Balance your productivity with intentional downtime to maintain harmony.

Service to Others: Diplomatic and Graceful Contributions

Libra in the sixth house brings a natural talent for creating harmony and fostering connection in acts of service. You excel in roles that require diplomacy, collaboration, or a focus on aesthetics, often thriving in environments where you can bring beauty and balance to others’ lives.

To glow up in this area, focus on service opportunities that align with your love for connection and creativity. Volunteer in roles that involve event planning, art initiatives, or mentorship. Your ability to mediate and create harmony makes you a valuable presence in group settings.

Be mindful of maintaining boundaries while helping others. Libra energy can sometimes overextend in an effort to keep the peace. Prioritize service opportunities that bring mutual benefit and ensure you’re nurturing your own well-being alongside your contributions.

Balancing Work with Self-Care: Elegant and Intentional Practices

Libra in the sixth house emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and creating a sense of harmony between productivity and rest. You thrive when your work feels purposeful and aligned with your values, and your self-care practices are as intentional as your work routines.

Your glow-up involves infusing elegance into your self-care rituals. Pamper yourself with a skincare routine, indulge in aromatherapy, or spend time in a beautifully designed space that inspires relaxation. Activities like painting, reading, or attending cultural events can also rejuvenate your spirit.

Set clear boundaries around your work to avoid overcommitment. Libra energy benefits from creating a structured yet flexible schedule that allows you to focus on tasks while leaving room for creativity and leisure.

𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐏𝐈𝐎 𝟔𝐓𝐇 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄

The sixth house governs health, daily routines, work habits, and service to others. With Scorpio ruling this house, your approach to these themes is intense, transformative, and deeply focused. Ruled by Mars and Pluto, Scorpio in the sixth house brings a magnetic and determined energy to your daily life, emphasizing the importance of holistic health, purposeful routines, and service that creates lasting impact. Your glow-up involves harnessing this intensity to transform your well-being, building empowering and meaningful routines, serving others with depth and compassion, and balancing your passion for work with practices that nurture your emotional and physical resilience.

Physical Health: Transformative and Empowering Wellness

Scorpio in the sixth house connects your physical health to transformation and emotional healing. You thrive on wellness practices that are intense and restorative, such as weightlifting, pilates, martial arts, or hot yoga. Activities that help you release pent-up energy and emotions are particularly beneficial for this placement.

To glow up your physical health, focus on practices that encourage both strength and renewal. Balance high-intensity workouts with deeply restorative ones, such as meditation, breathwork, or therapeutic massage. Scorpio energy thrives on the mind-body connection, so explore healing modalities like acupuncture, energy work, or somatic therapy.

Your diet can also be a key part of your transformation. Prioritize detoxifying, nutrient-rich foods and hydrate well to support your energy levels. Avoid extremes in your health routines and aim for practices that create sustainable vitality.

Routines: Empowering and Purposeful Habits

Scorpio in the sixth house thrives on routines that feel deeply meaningful and aligned with your goals for transformation and growth. You approach your daily habits with intensity and focus, often diving fully into what you’re passionate about.

Your glow-up involves creating routines that empower you while leaving space for flexibility. Start your day with a practice that grounds and energizes you, such as journaling about your goals, meditating, or setting an intention for transformation. Break larger tasks into actionable steps, and focus on completing them with precision and dedication.

While your intensity is a strength, avoid falling into all-or-nothing thinking. Incorporate small, sustainable changes into your routines that build momentum over time, and celebrate your progress along the way.

Service to Others: Transformative and Compassionate Contributions

Scorpio in the sixth house brings a deep desire to serve others in ways that are meaningful and transformative. You excel in roles that require emotional depth, intuition, and a commitment to creating change, often thriving in environments where you can make a profound impact on people’s lives.

To glow up in this area, focus on service opportunities that align with your values and passions. Volunteer in areas such as mental health advocacy, crisis intervention, or empowering marginalized communities. Your ability to connect deeply with others and offer solutions to complex problems makes you a powerful force for positive change.

Be mindful of maintaining boundaries while serving others. Scorpio energy has a tendency to absorb others’ emotions, so ensure you’re protecting your energy and taking time for self-care.

Balancing Work with Self-Care: Passionate yet Restorative Practices

Scorpio in the sixth house brings a passionate work ethic and a desire for mastery, but your glow-up involves ensuring that your intensity is balanced with moments of rest and emotional renewal. You thrive when your work feels purposeful, but burnout can occur if you push yourself too hard without pause.

Incorporate self-care practices that help you release stress and recharge. Activities like journaling, soaking in a hot bath, or spending time near water can help calm your mind and restore your energy. Practices like boundary-setting and mindfulness can also help you balance your emotional and physical needs.

Celebrate your accomplishments and progress, no matter how small, and remind yourself that rest is a crucial part of maintaining your transformative energy.

𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐔𝐒 𝟔𝐓𝐇 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄

The sixth house governs health, daily routines, work habits, and service to others. With Sagittarius ruling this house, your approach to these themes is adventurous, optimistic, and freedom-loving. Ruled by Jupiter, Sagittarius in the sixth house brings an expansive and dynamic energy to your daily life, emphasizing the importance of exploration, growth, and learning in your routines. Your glow-up involves cultivating physical health through adventurous practices, building flexible and purpose-driven routines, serving others with wisdom and generosity, and balancing your desire for freedom with consistent self-care.

Physical Health: Adventurous and Expansive Wellness

Sagittarius in the sixth house thrives on movement and exploration when it comes to physical health. You’re drawn to activities that feel dynamic and engaging, such as hiking, cycling, horseback riding, or group sports that combine fitness with fun and connection. Outdoor adventures are particularly energizing for this placement.

To glow up your physical health, focus on creating a fitness routine that allows for variety and spontaneity. Plan activities that inspire you to explore new places or try new challenges, such as participating in a charity run or joining an adventurous retreat.

Nourish your body with wholesome, energizing foods that support your active lifestyle. Sagittarius energy benefits from exploring global cuisines and incorporating diverse flavors and nutrients into your meals, making healthy eating both exciting and enjoyable.

Routines: Flexible and Purposeful Habits

Sagittarius in the sixth house approaches routines with a love for freedom and variety. You thrive when your schedule allows you to explore new ideas, skills, or opportunities, but maintaining consistency can sometimes feel restrictive.

Your glow-up involves designing routines that balance flexibility with purpose. Start your day with an inspiring practice, such as reading motivational material, meditating on your goals, or setting an intention for learning or growth. Use tools like calendars or goal-setting apps to keep track of your priorities without feeling overly constrained.

Incorporate activities into your day that align with your passion for exploration, such as learning a new skill, studying a subject that excites you, or engaging in creative brainstorming sessions. These habits not only keep your mind engaged but also help you stay motivated and fulfilled.

Service to Others: Generous and Visionary Contributions

Sagittarius in the sixth house makes you a natural mentor, teacher, or guide when serving others. You’re drawn to roles that involve sharing knowledge, expanding perspectives, or inspiring growth, often excelling in areas like education, community organizing, or international service initiatives.

To glow up in this area, focus on service opportunities that align with your values and passions. Volunteer for causes that promote learning, travel, or cultural exchange, or get involved in initiatives that advocate for freedom, justice, or empowerment. Your optimistic and enthusiastic nature inspires others to aim higher and dream bigger.

While your generosity is a strength, ensure you’re setting boundaries to avoid overextending yourself. Balance your passion for service with time to recharge and refocus on your personal goals.

Balancing Work with Self-Care: Expansive yet Grounded Practices

Sagittarius in the sixth house brings a love for exploration and growth to your work life, but your glow-up involves ensuring that your self-care is as dynamic and fulfilling as your ambitions. You thrive when your work feels purposeful and aligned with your long-term vision, but grounding yourself in consistent practices helps sustain your energy and focus.

Incorporate moments of adventure into your self-care routine, such as taking mini getaways, exploring a new hobby, or simply spending time outdoors to reset your mind and spirit. Practices like journaling about your aspirations or meditating on gratitude can help you stay connected to your goals and maintain a positive outlook.

Set boundaries in your work life to ensure that your desire to explore and expand doesn’t lead to overcommitment. Prioritize tasks that align with your values, and celebrate your progress as you move closer to your dreams.

𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐍 𝟔𝐓𝐇 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄

The sixth house governs health, daily routines, work habits, and service to others. With Capricorn ruling this house, your approach to these themes is disciplined, practical, and achievement-oriented. Ruled by Saturn, Capricorn in the sixth house brings a steady and structured energy to your daily life, emphasizing the importance of long-term planning, consistency, and mastery. Your glow-up involves prioritizing health through sustainable practices, building routines that enhance productivity and focus, serving others with responsibility and dedication, and balancing your ambitious nature with restorative self-care.

Physical Health: Grounded and Sustainable Wellness

Capricorn in the sixth house connects your physical health to discipline and structure. You thrive on wellness practices that are goal-oriented and results-driven, such as strength training, endurance exercises, or fitness plans that emphasize progress over time. You’re drawn to activities that build both physical and mental resilience.

To glow up your physical health, focus on creating a regimen that is both practical and sustainable. Set achievable goals and track your progress to stay motivated. Activities like hiking, weightlifting, or pilates can align well with Capricorn’s love for structure and strength-building.

Capricorn energy benefits from a nourishing and balanced diet that supports long-term health. Meal planning or preparing nutrient-rich dishes in advance can streamline your routine and help you stay on track. Prioritize consistency over intensity, ensuring that your practices are sustainable and fit seamlessly into your busy life.

Routines: Structured and Purposeful Habits

Capricorn in the sixth house thrives on routines that are efficient and goal-focused. You prefer schedules that maximize productivity while leaving room for steady progress toward long-term aspirations. Your practical nature makes you skilled at organizing your time and resources.

Your glow-up involves refining your daily routines to align with your ambitions. Begin your mornings with a practice that grounds and motivates you, such as reviewing your goals, setting priorities, or engaging in a calming ritual like meditation or journaling. Use tools like planners or productivity apps to keep track of your tasks and ensure you’re working efficiently.

While you value structure, avoid overloading your schedule. Incorporate small moments of relaxation or creative expression to balance your disciplined routines with emotional nourishment.

Service to Others: Responsible and Impactful Contributions

Capricorn in the sixth house makes you a reliable and dedicated presence in acts of service. You excel in roles that require organization, leadership, or problem-solving, often thriving in environments where your efforts create tangible results.

To glow up in this area, focus on service opportunities that align with your strengths. Volunteer in roles that involve mentorship, community development, or career guidance. Your ability to take initiative and bring structure to projects makes you a valuable asset in any service-oriented effort.

Be mindful of balancing your sense of duty with self-care. While your commitment is admirable, ensure that you’re not taking on too much responsibility or neglecting your own needs in the process.

Balancing Work with Self-Care: Disciplined yet Restorative Practices

Capricorn in the sixth house brings a strong work ethic and a drive for achievement, but your glow-up involves ensuring that your self-care routines are as consistent and intentional as your professional efforts. You thrive when your day includes moments of rest and rejuvenation, giving your mind and body time to recharge.

Incorporate self-care practices that feel grounding and restorative, such as a regular skincare routine, a calming tea ritual, or spending time in nature. Capricorn energy appreciates routines that serve a dual purpose, so consider activities that both relax and inspire you, like reading personal development books or taking mindful walks.

Set boundaries around your work to avoid burnout. Prioritize tasks that align with your goals, delegate where possible, and allow yourself time to celebrate your progress. Remember that self-care is an essential part of sustaining your success.

𝐀𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐔𝐒 𝟔𝐓𝐇 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄

The sixth house governs health, daily routines, work habits, and service to others. With Aquarius ruling this house, your approach to these themes is innovative, unconventional, and future-focused. Ruled by Saturn and Uranus, Aquarius in the sixth house brings a unique and progressive energy to your daily life, emphasizing the importance of individuality, community-oriented service, and modern solutions to maintaining well-being. Your glow-up involves embracing health practices that inspire curiosity and freedom, creating dynamic routines that evolve with your needs, serving others through visionary ideas, and balancing your fast-paced mind with grounding self-care.

Physical Health: Innovative and Dynamic Wellness

Aquarius in the sixth house thrives on wellness practices that are modern, engaging, and diverse. You’re drawn to activities that feel unique or cutting-edge, such as fitness apps, wearable health technology, or group classes with a social twist. Exercise routines that include variety, like circuit training or dance fusion classes, help keep your interest.

To glow up your physical health, explore innovative practices that challenge and inspire you. Try activities like aerial yoga, rock climbing, or team sports that encourage connection and movement. Aquarius energy thrives on intellectual stimulation, so learning the science behind fitness and health can keep you motivated.

Your diet benefits from exploring new ideas, such as plant-based eating, meal planning with smart apps, or trying global cuisines. Keep your approach flexible and aligned with your evolving preferences to sustain your energy and enthusiasm.

Routines: Adaptive and Visionary Habits

Aquarius in the sixth house approaches routines with creativity and a desire for freedom. You’re naturally drawn to systems that are adaptable and open to evolution, often preferring methods that prioritize efficiency and innovation over rigidity.

Your glow-up involves crafting routines that reflect your individuality and support your goals. Start your day with activities that stimulate your mind, such as journaling ideas, listening to thought-provoking podcasts, or setting intentions for creative problem-solving. Use digital tools like habit trackers or smart planners to keep your schedule organized without feeling constrained.

Balance your love for innovation with grounding practices. Incorporate small rituals that add stability to your day, such as taking regular breaks, hydrating consistently, or practicing mindfulness to keep your mind and body in sync.

Service to Others: Visionary and Inclusive Contributions

Aquarius in the sixth house brings a passion for serving others through forward-thinking and inclusive efforts. You excel in roles that involve technology, social innovation, or community-building, often thriving in environments where your unique ideas can create meaningful change.

To glow up in this area, focus on service opportunities that align with your visionary mindset. Volunteer for causes that promote sustainability, innovation, or social justice, or work on projects that connect people through shared ideals. Your ability to think outside the box makes you a catalyst for progress in any community or organization.

Be mindful of balancing your enthusiasm for change with practical steps to implement your ideas. Aquarius energy sometimes focuses on the big picture, so ensure your contributions are both inspiring and actionable.

Balancing Work with Self-Care: Grounded yet Inspired Practices

Aquarius in the sixth house often juggles a variety of interests and responsibilities, but your glow-up involves ensuring that your self-care supports both your fast-paced mind and your need for balance. You thrive when your work is meaningful and aligned with your values, but grounding yourself in consistent self-care practices is key to maintaining focus and well-being.

Incorporate activities into your self-care routine that recharge your energy while sparking creativity. Engage in stargazing, take nature walks, or indulge in hobbies like crafting or exploring futuristic concepts. Aquarius energy loves innovation, so experiment with tools like guided meditations or biofeedback devices to enhance relaxation.

Set boundaries around your work-life balance to avoid burnout. Prioritize tasks that align with your long-term vision, and make time for reflection to ensure your efforts remain aligned with your purpose.

𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝟔𝐓𝐇 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄

The sixth house governs health, daily routines, work habits, and service to others. With Pisces ruling this house, your approach to these themes is intuitive, compassionate, and often fluid. Ruled by Jupiter and Neptune, Pisces in the sixth house brings a dreamy and empathetic energy to your daily life, emphasizing the importance of holistic health, meaningful service, and routines that align with your emotional and spiritual well-being. Your glow-up involves nurturing your physical health through gentle and creative practices, building flexible routines that honor your intuition, serving others with compassion, and balancing your tendency to overextend with intentional self-care.

Physical Health: Gentle and Holistic Wellness

Pisces in the sixth house connects your physical health to your emotional and spiritual state. You thrive on wellness practices that feel soothing and restorative, such as yoga, tai chi, or swimming. Water-based activities, in particular, resonate deeply with Pisces energy, helping you recharge and reconnect.

To glow up your physical health, focus on gentle yet effective practices that nourish your body and mind. Incorporate activities like meditation, breathwork, or walking in nature to bring a sense of calm and flow into your day. Holistic healing methods, such as Reiki, acupuncture, or aromatherapy, can also support your well-being.

Nutrition should prioritize balance and variety, with an emphasis on hydrating foods and meals that uplift your energy. Avoid overindulging in foods or habits that sap your vitality, as Pisces energy can sometimes lean toward escapism.

Routines: Flexible and Soulful Habits

Pisces in the sixth house approaches routines with fluidity and intuition. You’re drawn to schedules that allow room for creativity, daydreaming, and emotional alignment, rather than rigid structures. While this adaptability is a strength, it can sometimes lead to disorganization or procrastination.

Your glow-up involves creating routines that feel flexible yet purposeful. Start your mornings with grounding practices like journaling, visualization, or setting a daily intention. Use creative tools, such as vision boards or apps with soothing visuals, to keep track of tasks while maintaining your intuitive flow.

Build moments of inspiration and joy into your day. Listen to uplifting music, surround yourself with calming scents, or take small breaks to recharge. By aligning your routines with your emotional and spiritual needs, you’ll stay productive without feeling overwhelmed.

Service to Others: Compassionate and Healing Contributions

Pisces in the sixth house makes you a deeply empathetic and intuitive presence in acts of service. You excel in roles that involve caregiving, emotional support, or creative problem-solving, often thriving in environments where you can bring healing or inspiration to others.

To glow up in this area, focus on service opportunities that align with your compassionate nature. Volunteer for roles in mental health, the arts, or environmental causes, or consider contributing to initiatives that address societal or spiritual needs. Your ability to connect with others on a soul level makes your contributions truly transformative.

While your desire to help is a gift, be mindful of maintaining boundaries to avoid emotional burnout. Balance your efforts by taking time to recharge and reconnect with yourself.

Balancing Work with Self-Care: Intuitive yet Grounded Practices

Pisces in the sixth house often takes on the emotional weight of others, making self-care essential to maintaining balance. Your glow-up involves prioritizing practices that support both your emotional sensitivity and your physical vitality.

Incorporate grounding rituals into your self-care, such as a warm bath with essential oils, mindfulness exercises, or creative activities like painting or journaling. These practices can help you release stress and stay connected to your inner peace.

Set boundaries in your work life to ensure you’re not overcommitting or neglecting your own needs. Use gentle reminders or alarms to stay on track with tasks while giving yourself the freedom to work at your own pace. Pisces energy thrives when work feels meaningful and aligned with your purpose.

Masterlist this series - TikTok (Matrix of Destiny) - Masterlist - YouTube (subliminals)

[euporiez]

thinking about this. so hard.

one day I will brave enough to either post about my hc of barok having an eating disorder or at least explain it to someone

[owlheartt]

Something I really like about timebomb is that Ekko actually knows what he's getting into.

I'm not really seeing it get talked about but in season 1 they mention that Ekko and the firelights help people addicted to shimmer get off it and lead more fulfilling lives within the community. I should probably rewatch the scene for the exact wording (might be misremembering tbh) but that comment implies A LOT.

First: Ekko's mission is helping people where he can, he would probably try and help Jinx even if he wasn't in love with her

Second: He has experience dealing with severe mental illness as that often goes hand in hand with drug abuse, namely depression/suicidal ideation like what Jinx was exhibiting

Third: He's probably mapped out best course of action FOR dealing with this and has already figured out his own limits/boundaries. Meaning he knew what he was getting into trying to talk Jinx out of suicide, and was thus more equipped to deal with the aftermath

Fourth: He's probably helped ex members of Silco's gang. The firelights seem to have a theme of healing and repairing and recovering, so they've probably also learned to forgive. If they're mission is to rebuild the lanes into a safe space, they can't exclude people they don't like, they have to make room for them. I think they fought Silco out of necessity, and I doubt Jinx would be the first person they help who's killed one of them.

These all might be a bit of a stretch but I think it really fits. Beyond that, it shows that Ekko can ACTUALLY help Jinx. As much as unconditional love can do, Ekko has the tools for Jinx's recovery and a path ready for her. He also probably knows that her "healthy" will look different from AU Powder's "healthy." On top of that, I expect he knows how to respect her even in the middle of psychotic breaks and won't agitate her already frail mental state

[mashpotatoe]

when i started internalizing the idea of everyone having their own gender it elevated my trans experience tenfold but it also helped me realize the same rhetoric applies to most if not all other things in life everyone has their own body type everyone has their own recovery time and we categorize them in order to label them so you know theyd be easier to refer to but language is a tool for us to use not to build our identities around to fit those categories PEEEACE ✌

[kg0384617]

Faster Recovery: Unwind with a Massage Gun After Workouts

Post-workout recovery can make or break your fitness progress. After an intense session at the gym, your muscles need time to recover, rebuild, and get stronger. But what if you could speed up that process and say goodbye to those days of hobbling around like you've aged 50 years overnight? Enter the massage gun—the recovery tool that's been buzzing in fitness circles for good reason. Let’s dive into why a massage gun might be your next best fitness investment and how to use one like a pro. https://renpho.com/collections/massage-gun/products/renpho-power-massage-gun

[suedoodle]

Since Dad's been in post-surgery recovery, I've been taking over a lot of his duties. Grilling, mowing, taking out the trash. An unexpected result was unfettered access to all his tools. I have embraced the inner Dad, and with that grew a strong urge to build stuff with wood 🪚

Got some white oak and started making free-floating shelves. (Made three but just showing one) I sanded the wood, stained the wood, painted the edges, distressed the edges with more sanding, splattered it with black paint, added a clear topcoat, drilled in some brackets, and it came out lovely; really elevated the NSR wall corner.

Now I'm addicted. Can't stop, wont stop; wanted to refinish a tiny table. Sanded it even more than the previous white oak planks. Same as before; stain, paint, re-sand to distress the edges, topcoat, and complete.

This pleases the inner Dad. Now it was time to take it up a level. I bought an old oak chair from an antique shop 🪑 It was scuffed, and the old cushion was the wrong fit and nasty looking, but the price was cheap for oak. The trick was chemically removing the old finish. Took hours but I managed.

Oh the sanding I had to do to this chair... I think it might've been 5 whole hours of nothing but sanding. Hand hurt the next day, but got all the scuffs out and cracked open the furniture paint. 🖌️ Plus picked out some cotton canvas for the new cushion.

Chair came out pretty. Cushion is a tad thicker than I was going for but not terrible for a first attempt. Sorry Dad, you have been usurped. I've learned all the Dad tool lore and grew a singular beard hair to establish my newfound position 🛠️. Anything you can do, I can do better now add more color and flowers 😂

[ai-musclebound]

He always believed in discipline. From an early age, he admired those who were able to set goals and achieve them through sheer determination. That admiration turned inward the day he looked in the mirror and saw someone he considered average – a thin frame, slouched posture, and nothing remarkable about him. That would change, he told himself. He would sculpt himself into something extraordinary, something no one could ignore.

The journey began with simple habits: a morning run, a small set of dumbbells in his room, and a diet plan he found online. But as weeks turned into months, he wanted more. Early mornings stretched into grueling two-hour workouts, followed by carefully measured meals, each calorie weighed and accounted for. He tracked his progress obsessively, noting every pound gained and every millimeter his muscles grew. He devoured bodybuilding forums, YouTube tutorials, and fitness science articles, searching for the secret formula to maximize his growth.

As his body began to change, so did his mindset. Compliments from others felt meaningless compared to the satisfaction he found in pushing his own limits. Friends who once joined him for casual workouts faded away, unable to keep up with his relentless pace. Family gatherings became rare as he prioritized his strict meal schedule over socializing. None of it mattered. He was focused on his goal, a singular vision that consumed every thought: becoming the biggest, most powerful version of himself.

With each success, he upped the intensity. Double sessions at the gym. Meal preps so meticulous they took up most of his evenings. Sleep became a tool, not for rest, but for muscle recovery. His life was stripped down to the essentials: train, eat, sleep, repeat. As his muscles grew, so did his obsession. What began as a desire for self-improvement had become something far greater – and far darker.

[stuckymonkey]

Stolen

Mafia Bucky Au

Pairing - mafia!bucky x fem!reader

Summary - y/n lived an ordinary life as a surgical resident in New York. Her father left when she was young, and her mother recently passed away. Bucky was promised by her father to get his firstborn daughter, unfortunately for y/n, that fits her description perfectly. Kind of enemies to lovers.

Warnings - violence, angst, being taken against will/kidnapping, mentions of death, stitches and medical things, mentions of suicide, mild cursing

Word count - 3.5k

a/n - i was feeling some angst, let me know what you think! feedback is always appreciated!

masterlist bucky masterlist

"Clamp" Joe said from across to table to one of the scrub nurses. "Lap pads" I said. We were doing a coronary artery bypass graft on a six year old patient. Five hours in and Lena was doing really well. She had maintained stability the entire time, making recovery look good for her.

I was about to irrigate when the door to the OR burst open. Me and Joe didn't look up, too focused on finishing Lena's cabg, starting to close up her heart with delicate sutures. "Y/n Y/L/N?" a low masculine voice boomed out. My head shot up to meet Joe's eyes, silently asking what to do. Her eyes were almost as wide as mine.

That voice belonged to James Barnes, head of the Brooklyn mafia. They had access to anywhere and everywhere in Brooklyn, no questions asked.

After having a silent conversation, we both opted to go back to Lena's heart. The voice boomed again, this time louder and much closer. "Y/n, scrub out." Joe whispered. I couldn't scrub out. Not now. Not while it was just me and Joe with a few scrub nurses. She couldn't close alone. "No." I kept suturing, almost to the point where we could start to close up entirely. "What?!" her head jerked up "I said no. You can't close on your own. Lena has been my patient for six months. I know everything about her, and her family. I am finishing this surgery with you and I will be there when they see their baby girl for the first time in six hours." I clipped the last suture, ready to close up her chest. "Y/n, I think you should listen to Joe and scrub out."

I suddenly felt cold metal pressed to my temple. "Put the tools down Y/L/N. I'm not afraid to pull this trigger." I heard the click of a bullet sliding into place at the end of his threat. I was shaking with tears running down my cheeks at this point. "I'm sorry," I said to Joe, it was obvious that I was crying. Through blurry eyes, I saw a tear slide down her cheek too.

What was going to happen to Lena? And her family? What would Joe tell them? I stepped back from the table and let Mike, my favourite nurse, help me take off my gown and relieve my trembling hands from my sterile blue gloves.

Even if I wanted to, I couldn't go back to that table. By pressing a gun to my head, James had broken the sterile field. "Well done," James spoke lowly into my ear. I hadn't noticed when, but his hand was wrapped securely around my arm. He led me away from the table, out of the OR and into the hallway where he stood in front of the elevator. The entire time my sobs never ceased and neither did the grip he had on my arm.

He let go before we left the elevator. Outside, many of what were probably his men waited for us. They lined the hallways. I felt like a sheep being herded by big, powerful, scary wolves. Tears were still running down my face as I made eye contact with my Chief of Surgery and Resident Chief. I had grown close with them over the years, and now they were watching me be escorted out of the hospital.

They knew what this meant. I was taken. The mafia had me now. Tears ran down their faces, and the faces of my coworkers who I loved like family. I tried to keep my head up to let them know I would be okay, but I couldn't help the way my shoulder shook from my sobs.

James helped me into a black car. In the front seat was a blonde, with a driver who had dark skin and short hair. I didn't try to hide the fact that I wanted to be anywhere but here. I felt exhausted, more emotionally than mentally.

"Where are we going?" I asked. "Home." James said, adjusting the cuff of his dress shirt. "I hate you, James Barnes." I said, defeat laced in my tone. "Please, call me Bucky." he said. He sounded sad. That bastard. How did he have the nerve to be sad when he is the one who chose to steal me out of my OR. "What are you going to do when I kill myself?" I asked. "You won't kill yourself." the driver spoke up. "Sam-" the blonde said in a nervous and warning tone.

"She won't." he said, looking at the blonde. "You're y/n y/l/n. You're a surgeon." he said, looking at me through the rearview mirror. Everyone's attention was on him as he refocused on the road. "You saved my sister's life, Sarah Wilson. Pancreatic cancer. Four hours after being in your OR she was cancer free. We were told to start planning her funeral. I was signing paperwork to legally adopt my nephews, but you saved her life." he looked into the rearview mirror at me again. "Thank you."

We arrived at "home". During the long ride to the outskirts of Brooklyn, I learned that the blonde's name is Steve. He and Sam were Bucky's seconds in command. Steve helped with the dirty stuff like interrogations, and dealing with orders and shipments of weapons. Sam helped as well but he was also really good at chauffeuring Bucky wherever he needed to go.

There was a very very long gravel driveway leading up to Bucky's huge mansion. It was pretty, I had to admit. Nice dark brick with ivy, a beautiful garden that I bet Steve helped out with, and a peaceful fountain in the center of the drive. I noticed more fountains in the garden area. We had passed tall black iron gates on the way in, giving me an eerie feeling of what the interior of the mansion would be like. Probably dark and scary.

Boy, was I wrong. The inside was beautiful. White marble stairs, golden curtains and natural light everywhere. It felt soft and safe, while still looking professional and wealthy. I was scared to touch anything, it all looked so clean and like everything was in its place.

Bucky dismissed Sam and Steve, leading me up the stairs and to the right of the hall. We walked for quite a bit before he turned into a room. "This is yours. You are to sleep here and I will have all of your stuff here in the next two weeks." He turned to face me, "My office is down the hall to the left, first hall to your right. My room is down the hall to the right, first room on your left hand side. If you need anything, ask me, Sam or Steve. Nobody else lives here but the four of us." he sounded so calm and collected. Did he steal people often?

"I don't live here." I corrected him. The quirk in his eyebrow let me know I shouldn't have spoken. I didn't care. It couldn't get any worse than this. "You do live here. You will not leave this property until you ask me for permission and you have been assigned an escort." "I do not live here! You do not own me, and I am going home. I have to go to work, and I will not stay here." I clenched my jaw, waiting for him to say something.

"Y/n, you live here. Your father promised me his first born daughter just before your mother got pregnant. He was a horrible man, you knew that. Your mother never knew about the deal. You are mine and you will not be leaving. Are we clear?" I hated how the tone of his voice made me clench my thighs together, but I hated even more how he was speaking to me and how he thought he could just keep me here.

"No! I will not stay here! You stole me out of my OR while I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A SURGERY! An open heart surgery. A poor young girl's life was in my hands, Bucky!!!! You could have killed her!! She was INNOCENT!! I hate you. She could have died. Her parents have been in and out of hospitals with her for six years!! Six years, Bucky! She is six years old and her whole life has been within the walls of hospitals and I had a chance to change that. You could have ruined her life and I hate you." I was so angry, tears were running down my face again. I felt warm and exhausted. The urge to just sleep and hope this was a really really bad dream came over me. "Get out." I spat through my teeth, daring him to challenge my order.

He almost looked pitiful as he left my room and closed the door behind him.

The bed was uncomfortable, and I had none of my own possessions. Bucky had come in later to apologize, which fell on deaf ears. He had thankfully given me one of his shirts and some sweatpants before he went back to his office. The sheets on the bed were scratchy, and his pants were too warm.

At around 2 a.m, after no luck at sleeping, I slipped out of my room and headed towards his office, just like he had directed. I figured he would be there, being a surgeon I know what it's like to stay up late to get work done, especially if you're stressed. Which I assume he was after kidnapping someone.

I opened the door slowly to reveal Bucky. His jacket was discarded and a few of the buttons on his shirt were undone. "What are you doing here?" He asked after looking up at me. I felt his gaze rake over my body, now only clad in his shirt and a pair of my underwear. "I need your help," I said calmly. I was desperate after only a few hours with this man. I felt pathetic.

Bucky's eyebrow quirked, encouraging me to continue. "My dog, Joe is probably watching her. I wouldn't know because you took my phone, but that's what I'm assuming." he looked intrigued, with his head tilted to the side and his hands still instead of typing. "If Joe isn't watching her, she only has enough food and water for one day, unless she drinks out of the toilet bowl, but I don't really want her to do that, not that it isn't clean! But she's a big dog and-" "y/n." His cold voice stopped me right in my tracks. Shit. This is probably where he refuses to help me get my dog.

"Please," my eyes began to water at the thought of her at home, all alone, wondering where I went, and then possibly starving to death without anyone to take care of her. "She's my best friend, and I promise she won't be any trouble, I'll pay for everything, I'll even pay a rent fee or something! I just really need my dog back." I think he could see my lip wobble because that look of pity from earlier came back.

"I used to have a dog," his voice surprised me just as much as his words. I looked up at him inquisitively, "She was a Great Dane named Nala. I get it. I'll arrange to pick her up tomorrow, and some of your things later in the week." "Thank you." I whispered before turning to leave his office.

"What's her name?" I heard just before I reached the door. "Hazel," I smiled at the memory of her. "She's an Irish wolf hound." I said sheepishly. at my confession, he smiled. "Goodnight y/n." "Goodnight Bucky."

It's been a week since we got Hazel, and Bucky has seemed kinder and kinder every day. It was probably just because Hazel was such a good dog, but a part of me hoped I helped to make him happier too. When I brought it up to Steve and Sam they had both agreed it wasn't just my dog.

Another night rolled around and I still didn't have anything else of my own. I had been sharing clothes with all three of the men, including underwear. The night was the worst time for me, always leaving me frustrated at my inability to get comfortable enough to sleep. Hazel had no problems, sleeping soundly at the foot of my bed just like she would at home. Or my old house? Was this place really my home?

At 1 a.m, when I hadn't heard any movement in a while I snuck out to Bucky's bedroom where I knew he wouldn't be. He was still in his office working, I knew because I hadn't heard him walk to his room, something he doesn't usually do until at least 3 a.m. Hazel had decided to follow me, making this a bit harder to get away with when being followed by a huge Irish wolfhound.

Slowly, I opened the door to his bedroom. It was gorgeous. He had an abundance of pillows, a soft blanket at the end of his bed and thick creamy coloured duvet. Dark wood furniture decorated the room, complemented by dark curtains and hunter green walls. The place was gorgeous and very well decorated. I moved closer to his bed and found an extra soft blanket under the duvet. I slid it out and draped it over Hazel's back so my hands could hold other stuff. I grabbed a body length grey pillow, deciding he wouldn't miss it for one night.

Before he came to his room, we scurried back to my bed as quietly as possible, Hazel not dropping the blanket once.

"That's the best she's slept in weeks, boss." I could hear voices outside of my bedroom. Steve. The curtains were closed, so it was still nice and dark in my room, then another voice spoke, "Really? She hasn't been sleeping well this whole time?". Bucky. "No, she tosses and turns all night. Honestly, I would too if I didn't have anything of my own.". Sam. "She likes your pillow though." Steve commented.

I didn't want to get up yet but I didn't want to be watched either. I slowly opened my eyes and lifted my head to see the three men in my doorway. Steve and Sam smiled before walking away with waves directed at me. I waved back before focusing my gaze on Bucky.

"I see you like my stuff." he smirked, slowly making his way towards my bed. Hazel jumped off to go find food, her bowls had been placed in the kitchen. "You know, it's wrong to steal sweetheart." Bucky was looking down at me now, his hands in the pockets of his neat dress pants. "You left me with no other choice," I said without much confidence.

"I don't have any of my things, and these sheets are god awful and scratchy." "Maybe I just like seeing you in my clothes," he hummed. A warm blush coated my cheeks as he leaned closer. "You're kinda cute sweetheart." At this point I could smell his minty breath, and feel it as well. "Give me my stuff, and you'll get yours back." I suggested before flopping down on my bed and pulling the covers over me, specifically the blanket I stole right off of his own bed.

He laughed before tugging at the blanket to reveal me clinging to his body sized pillow like a koala. I refused to meet his gaze, instead keeping my eyes closed. "I can't sleep unless I'm comfortable." I stated.

"I get that. We'll have Steve pick your stuff up, but you can keep the pillow." he winked.

That afternoon, Bucky had sat down and had lunch with me. He made eggs, bacon and fluffy toast. I helped a little, making us tea and setting the plates at the black marble island.

"So, I was thinking, you can start working remotely until they absolutely need you back at the hospital." his eyes met mine, waiting for a reaction. I was excited, but I tried not to show it too much since I really shouldn't have been taken from the hospital in the first place. "Then, once I'm sure it's safe, you can go back."

"Safe?" How did my safety play into this decision? I was confused, I was always safe at the hospital, save for the occasional confused patient. "Y/n, your father had a lot of enemies, quite a few of them are associated with other mafias, none as well built or known as my own. He promised you to me in hopes that peace could be made, but he betrayed several of his promises and upset more people than he could handle. Because they can't get to your father, they might get to you next."

"Fine. But I need to get to the hospital sooner rather than later. I have a million patients and I've missed so many rounds. For all I know, Lena could be out of the hospital by now. I haven't had contact with anyone for weeks." I sighed, to which he frowned at. "I know, and I do feel bad but I also care about your safety."

I blushed at his admittance, not used to being romantically cared for. Over the days that turned into weeks, we had grown to like each other. Maybe this arrangement would end up working after all.

"Fuck."

Bucky had given me a space to work within his office, so that's where I was when I heard a string of curses and muffled groans near midnight. The door suddenly swung open, revealing a bloody and battered Bucky.

"James?" I asked. "Hey -shit- y/n/n." He clutched his right arm to his abdomen. There was so much blood from so many different places. "It looks like you need my help," I sassed, getting up to help him settle down on the leather couch. His "yeah" was cut off by a groan. "I need to take your shirt off, okay?" Concern was surely painted on my face as I saw his blood soaked jacket.

"At least buy me dinner first," he laughed. "Ha ha. I'm glad you're in a decent mood," I said while starting to unbutton his white work shirt. I rolled up the sleeves of his black Henley that I was borrowing. He had three major wounds: one on his cheek, one on his right arm and one located on his lower abdomen.

"This is going to hurt," I warned, getting the first aid kit from across the room and preparing the peroxide. He hissed as I poured it over every wound, dabbing them after with gauze. "You're doing great," I tried to smile sympathetically while remaining focused.

"I'm going to stitch your face first, okay?" I asked, getting the supplies ready. "I don't need stitches." he countered. "Bucky, this wound is deep and it's not going to stop bleeding until I close it. You need stitches." "Doll, I'm fine, just leave it."

"Right! Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry! I forgot that you had a medical degree." I said sarcastically. He blushed in return and stayed still while I started to stitch his cheek.

A part of me wanted to make a jab about being out of practice, due to being kidnapped from the hospital, but I held back. Bucky was a good man and we were starting to bond and get along way better than I had ever anticipated. I learned that he had a sister, Steve had been his best friend since highschool, and he had inherited the mafia from his father.

James was a man who loved dogs, and making sure the ones he loved were safe, from his best friend all the way down to Anne, the maid and housekeeper. Another hiss pulled me from my thoughts. "Sorry," I winced. "Almost done."

"Thank you" he said after I patched each site with gauze and polysporin. "Anytime." "I guess we make more sense than I thought." he said as we sipped coffee in the kitchen. "How so?" I laughed. "A surgeon and a mafia boss. I could use you doll." He smiled. I tilted my head to the side in mock offense. " 's that all I am to you? A good pair of hands to tend to your messes, Mr. Barnes?" I asked. "No no no! I just mean that we make sense, you know?" I smiled at him over my mug. "I know."

He started leaning closer to me, to the point where I could feel his breath on my lips. Bucky's eyes met mine over the small table, his flesh hand coming up to cup my cheek, the other resting its cooler touch on my neck, pulling me in. I never fought once, instantly kissing him back when I felt his lips meet mine.

I sighed into the kiss, letting him hold my face and tip it back. His tongue caressed my lower lip before bringing it into his mouth, sucking on it tenderly. My hand moved to cover his flesh one, leaning into his touch slightly. He inhaled me as he pulled back. I felt my face flush and go warm and his hungry gaze, as if I was his prey and he wanted to devour me whole. "Bucky," I panted.

He smirked devilishly. "You like that, doll?" I nodded dumbly at his question. Bucky's eyes creased at the corners when he smiled, tilting his head down to look at me. "I like you," I whispered. He leaned closer, "I like you too, printessa."

Over the weeks, I had started sharing Bucky's room with him. I had an abundance of plush blankets and soft pillows to cuddle with. He had started coming to bed earlier, and I have started back at the hospital. Joe and my other friends missed me while I was away, and I can guarantee that I missed them just as much, if not more. My Resident Chief and Chief of Surgery both cried when they saw me walk back into the hospital lobby, happy and unharmed.

Life was good again, and I finally felt peace.

[merwgue]

The A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) fandom is one of the most divided literary communities today. It’s not just a matter of which characters people ship, but rather a deep schism over how people interpret the characters, themes, and real-life issues embedded in the story. The arguments go far beyond typical fandom disagreements and have morphed into full-fledged debates about morality, trauma, and the human condition. At the heart of these conflicts is the tendency for fans to project their own experiences and values onto the characters, creating new "canon" versions of the story to fit their narrative. What makes this even more significant is that ACOTAR isn’t just fantasy fiction—it touches on real issues like domestic abuse, sexual coercion, trauma, and mental health. These are not fictional concepts; they are lived experiences for many people. By brushing these topics aside or simplifying them, the fandom risks doing a disservice to the people who see their own pain mirrored in the pages of these books.

"It’s Just Fiction" — A Dismissive Take on Real Issues

When people say "it’s just fiction," they’re missing the point. Fiction, especially in fantasy, is often used as a mirror to reflect real-world problems. In ACOTAR, we see characters grappling with trauma, mental illness, abuse, and recovery—things that real people face every day. It’s not simply a story of faeries and magic; it’s a story of survival and the human struggle to overcome deep-seated pain.

Take Rhysand’s actions, for instance. Under the Mountain, he subjects Feyre to what can only be described as sexual coercion, making her dress in revealing clothing and sit on his lap while drugged, all under the guise of "protecting" her. In the real world, this would be considered sexual harassment or even assault. The argument that he was forced into these actions to protect her doesn’t erase the trauma it inflicted on Feyre. Fans who brush this off as a romantic plot device are ignoring the very real dynamics of power, consent, and coercion that exist in abusive relationships.

Similarly, Gwyn’s backstory, though not heavily detailed, strongly implies that she was gang-raped by Hybern’s forces during the war. The fact that this is left as an undertone in the series, not explicitly addressed, doesn’t make it any less important. Sexual violence, like what Gwyn endured, is a topic that has far-reaching emotional and psychological consequences for survivors. Yet, in some corners of the fandom, these moments are glossed over in favor of debating which romantic pairing is better.

Tamlin: Abuser or Victim of Circumstance?

Tamlin is one of the most hotly contested characters in the series, and it’s easy to see why. His actions in A Court of Mist and Fury—where he physically confines Feyre, restricts her movements, and isolates her from the outside world—are textbook examples of domestic abuse. There’s no argument that what he did was wrong. But there’s also context that complicates his character and, in some ways, makes him more sympathetic than he’s often given credit for.

Tamlin was traumatized by the events Under the Mountain, forced to watch helplessly as his people suffered for fifty years. He was powerless, and that sense of impotence likely contributed to his need for control once Feyre returned to the Spring Court. He was terrified of losing her, and that fear manifested in controlling behavior. Does that excuse what he did? Absolutely not. But it provides a context that many readers seem to ignore. Tamlin was also suffering, and he lacked the emotional tools to cope with his trauma in a healthy way.

Feyre, too, was suffering, but neither of them communicated effectively, and their relationship deteriorated as a result. Both were deeply broken, but instead of healing together, their trauma pulled them apart. Some fans take this complexity and reduce Tamlin to a one-dimensional abuser, ignoring the fact that many abusers come from places of deep pain themselves. Others take it too far in the opposite direction, defending every action he took. The truth lies somewhere in between: Tamlin was an abuser, but he was also a victim of his own unresolved trauma.

Rhysand: Savior or Manipulator?

Rhysand, on the other hand, is often seen as Feyre’s savior, the one who rescues her from Tamlin’s abuse and shows her how to be strong. But the fandom’s lionization of Rhysand ignores many of his own toxic behaviors, particularly his emotional manipulation of Feyre.

While Tamlin physically trapped her, Rhysand’s control was far more insidious. He isolated Feyre mentally, ensuring that the only people she trusted were members of his Inner Circle—people whose loyalty ultimately lies with him. Over time, Feyre’s connections to anyone outside of Rhysand’s immediate orbit are severed. Lucien, who had been a close friend, is gradually pushed away, and Feyre is left with no one to question her relationship with Rhysand.

This emotional isolation is a form of manipulation that can be just as damaging as physical confinement. Rhysand controlled the narrative around Feyre, making sure that she only saw the world through his lens. This is most evident in A Court of Silver Flames, when he instructs his Inner Circle not to tell Feyre about the dangers of her pregnancy. He withholds vital information about her own body, taking away her agency and reducing her to a bystander in her own life. The fact that Mor, Cassian, Amren, and Azriel all follow his orders without question only reinforces the power imbalance in their relationship.

Many fans excuse Rhysand’s actions because he’s portrayed as the "good guy" in contrast to Tamlin. But when you strip away the romantic lens, Rhysand’s behavior is just as controlling and manipulative, albeit in a different way. The fact that Feyre wasn’t physically confined doesn’t make his actions any less problematic.

The Creation of a New "Canon"

Given the complexity of these characters and the morally gray areas they inhabit, it’s no wonder that parts of the fandom have taken to creating their own "canon" versions of the story. Fans rework characters’ motivations, rewrite key events, and even create alternate universes to fit their preferred narrative. In some ways, this is a normal part of any fandom; people create headcanons and fan fiction to explore different possibilities within the world. But in the ACOTAR fandom, this rewriting often feels like a necessity rather than a choice.

Pro-Rhysand fans, for instance, downplay or outright ignore his more problematic actions, painting him as the perfect mate for Feyre. On the flip side, anti-Tamlin fans erase any nuance in his character, labeling him irredeemable and unworthy of any sympathy. It’s as if the original narrative can no longer be accepted as it is because it doesn’t fit into a simple good vs. evil framework.

This rewriting of canon can be harmful because it erases the complexities that make these characters human. Tamlin is not just a villain, and Rhysand is not just a hero. Both characters have committed acts of abuse, but they also have their own traumas and struggles that inform their actions. Ignoring these complexities simplifies the narrative in a way that doesn’t do justice to the story’s deeper themes.

The Seriousness of ACOTAR’s Themes

The divisions within the ACOTAR fandom aren’t just about ships or character preferences; they’re about how seriously the themes of the series should be taken. Domestic abuse, sexual coercion, trauma—these are not just plot points to be dismissed as fiction. They are real, painful experiences that people face every day.

Feyre’s experiences with both Tamlin and Rhysand reflect different forms of abuse, and neither should be diminished. Tamlin’s physical control was overt and obvious, while Rhysand’s emotional manipulation was more subtle but no less damaging. Both forms of abuse are real, and both deserve to be addressed with the gravity they warrant.

Similarly, Gwyn’s implied assault is a reflection of the horrors that many survivors of sexual violence face. Her story is not just a subplot; it’s a reflection of the very real trauma that many women endure. Dismissing these moments as mere fiction invalidates the experiences of readers who may have lived through similar pain.

Conclusion

The ACOTAR fandom is divided because the series itself is complex, filled with morally gray characters and real-world issues that demand serious consideration. By rewriting canon to fit personal narratives, parts of the fandom are erasing the very complexities that make the story impactful. Domestic abuse, sexual coercion, trauma—these are not topics that should be brushed aside or simplified. They are reflections of real pain, and they deserve to be treated with respect and understanding. Both Tamlin and Rhysand are flawed characters, and both engage in abusive behaviors, though in different ways. Acknowledging these complexities is essential to understanding the series as a whole, and it’s something the fandom, as divided as it is, must come to terms with.

[drdemonprince]

Hi I keep thinking back to your book unmasking autism, I recently was diagnosed with level 1 by my new psychiatrist but with losing my healthcare I feel lost on how to function without medical assistance. I typically mask and been learning how not to, but it always feel at the opportunity cost of more money, overly explaining to family or grief. I’ve been in a loop of feeling I shouldn’t exist due to my disability and it a sad feeling.

I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this. I'm certain you already know this, but it's not the case that you shouldn't exist because you are disabled. The vast majority of people on this planet find it absolutely soul-sucking and exhausting to present as what gets called "neurotypical" at work. It's too many hours of pretending to be someone you are not, with no space allotted for your full humanity, with not enough energy or hours left behind to look after oneself, have nourishing authentic relationships, and ample space to recover, be playful and joyful, and dream. Every person requires ample time and space for themselves to recouperate, and to listen to the actual feelings that they have inside, and capitalism instead demands that we suppress all of it, and it can slowly eat away at us and make it difficult to access authentic pleasure or connectedness. For Autistics it's especially pronounced because we are such a bad mismatch with what capitalism demands, and because we need so much energy recovery time, but it's simply the case that you are not broken or defective for failing to fit within such an oppressive system. It is that system that should not exist, and that terrorizes everybody, to varying degrees. I bet if you look at the most "well adjusted" hard working people that you know, you see how their lives have been totally ruined by overworking and killing what's wild and free about themselves, or what used to be those things.

I have spoken to hundreds of Autistic people in the situation you are in at this point, and I have found that for the majority of us, embracing our disability and articulating our needs means that very dramatic changes have to happen in our lives. Some people have to reorient how they interact with their families, establish new boundaries, push to really educate them on neurodivergence, go no contact, or rethink what family means to them altogether. Lots of us leave careers or switch to part-time or remote work, or have to get incredibly creative and resourceful in order to survive in a way that we can stand: going on disability benefits, public assistance, living with friends, pooling resources, going off the grid in some way, finding some side hustle or scam that makes it possible to survive, doing sex work or freelance, taking on childcare or eldercare duties for a friend who is employed, or something of that nature are all options I've seen a lot of unmasking Autistics pursue. None of these options are ideal, and they all come with significant costs and risk factors. But then, so does killing oneself slowly with work.

I have a whole book coming out next year in March about these specific considerations, with lots of tools and decision trees and research and quotes from other Autistics. The book is designed to help Autistics who are in that second stage of their unmasking journey sort out what a life where it is possible to be less masked means for them. Where can they live? Who is gonna support them? What matters to them in their life? How can they reset their relationships in light of their neurodivergence? What does it mean to grow old as a disabled person? These are the kinds of questions the book will hopefully help me explore, and discover the best answers for themselves. Of course, many people would say that their only way out of this is the downfall of capitalism, but I personally am of the mind that we have to make that end happen ourselves by working less hard, consuming less where possible, leaning on other people, providing support to our neighbors, becoming less reliant upon our employers and the government, and building our collective escape from the capitalistic machine. And we can all have some small part in that, even if only for ourselves and those immediately closest to us. That's enough.

I hope that you find a way of life that is sustaining and feels whole and good for you. As neurodivergent people we do things very differently. And that is both the curse and the beauty of us. The prescribed script we've been given for how life is supposed to look is never going to work for us. Indeed, it's not working for most anybody else either. There way forward will not be easy, and the lot you've been given to deal with is not fair, but there are also millions of other disabled people just like you who are leaning on one another, slowing down, refusing to play into the existing system's hand as much as is possible for them, and making a new world. And just by pondering the things that you are, you're helping already to make that new world too.

[fluorescentbalaclava]

training season's over

chapter 1: Ground Zero

Summary:

After 5 years of service in KorTac, they consider you capable enough to hold yourself in solo missions. Money and freedom, what else could you ask for? But what feels like a good start, progressively starts to backfire.

TF141/female reader, Konig/female reader

spy reader, forced bonding, slow burn, slow build, militar inaccuracies, suggestive language, language, canon typical violence

This is an introductory chapter. Mandatory mention that English isn't my first language so apologies in advance. Hope you enjoy!

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Movies were absolutely right in one thing, one of the big parts in the life of a spy consisted in being shoved into small spaces for a bit too much time, mostly air vents. A little fact they forgot to add, is how fucking boring it could be while you waited for the for the moment to act.

They are late. You thought as you rested your head against the wall of the same air vent you’ve been in for the last forty-six minutes.

1900 – You were dropped in a nearby building by a car without a number plate, property of KorTac.

1920 - You’ve managed to catch a maintenance man smoking a cigarette on his break, successfully making him nap with an always handy syringe of tranquilizer, stealing his card, as well as his overall and cap, using it to sneak inside the building. Once you got inside, you saw the maintenance cart, and you used it to hide your tool bag. The way up wasn’t too complicated, as everyone seemed to respect the uniform, probably assuming something just needed to be fixed, and since you had the maintenance key card, you didn’t have to ask for permission to get through doors.

1945 – You were already on the roof, after what felt like a life climbing stairs to avoid most of the cameras, you discarded the uniform, and got everything needed from your bag before letting it hang from your back. You walked to the edge of the roof, big fall but not a big gap between buildings, you knew you could make the jump, but before that, you pressed the comm.

“Sage to Control, how copy?” You said quietly, while taking a moment while you wait to admire the view of the city. Perfect October day, the night already fell, the cold breeze hit your face, making you lift your face mask, only leaving your eyes uncovered. The streets beneath were full of traffic, full of lights, full of life.

“Control to Sage, send traffic.” Your station chief said through the comm, reminding you that you were here for work, not to admire the view.

“I’m in my first position, everything peachy so far. Remind me to check on the tied-up janitor in the alleyway on my way back”.

“For now, just try to get in there without a fuss. Remember---”

“I know, no execution authority, don’t get caught, recovery mission only. Get the intel without the 141 noticing, got it. I’m not a rookie anymore, remember? Playing on the big leagues now” You said with a hint of amusement, and the man behind the comm could hear the smile on your voice, which made him sigh.

“Listen, Sage, I know the first solo mission sounds exciting, but König was right to be worried when we left. The 141 is a dangerous unit, you must avoid contact by any means necessary…I don’t even know why they’re sending you alone in this, I think it’s a bit irrespon---”

“---sible to send a rookie? Don’t worry, I am not planning on getting caught. And for your information, I am being sent because all the other spies from the force are already in other missions, and I’m the only one left that fits into an air vent…but honestly, it’ll be fine, and if not, please bury me with my Sylvanian Families collection.” You said as you were eyeing the jumping distance, letting out a grunt as you throw your tool bag, which landed in the roof of the other building. “141 is supposed to be here at 2030 according to the intel, right? I should get going to get in position. I will listen but I will have to cut contact from my end, update me on the status”.

“You have a Sylvanian Families collection?” The voice now sounded confused on the other side of the frequency.

“Unimportant now. Update me on the status of the guests every 15 minutes. Over” You said before cutting communication on your side.

You took a few steps back, before running to the edge and jumping, landing on your feet in the next roof, which made you feel a small sense of pride, and it was a shame no one was there to witness your dexterity skills

The briefing for this mission made it very clear that this was a very important one, hour after hour spent studying the blueprint of the building, the map of the air system, and going through multiple contingency plans for every scenario that could happen. Alone, back in your bunk bed, you felt that the blueprint was already burned into your eyelids. Not only that, but four manila folders were often read back-to-back by you, and four names were constantly in your head.

Price.

Ghost.

Soap.

Gaz.

The folders contained multiple transcriptions of some of their communications, information of previous deployments, and some of their personal data. You also got some files on your work laptop containing security videos obtained of them. They were not only clearly bigger than you, but their form didn’t stop them from being able to be sneaky and fast. If they found you around, for sure you were dead.

From the roof, you went down an air vent with the help of a rope, until you reached a horizontal vent, which allowed you to start crawling. It was easy from here, forward, then left, then right, and straight until you reached the vent over two hallways in the shape of a T, and in the hall at the side there was a large window with view to the city, where the 141 was supposed to arrive any minute now. The hall was empty, as the armed guards were outside, protecting the three doors that connected the main building to the halls, and there it was, a heavy metal door that led to the office when the needed intel was. Some files about imports and exports, you weren’t really given much information about them, only their label to be able to identify them and the order to burn the rest of the papers.

Going down the air vent to the office wasn’t an option, as it would trigger the security system, the only way was to get in from the front with the keycard but get it from the guards directly would get the attention of the rest of them, going against the orders of being subtle. You had to wait for the 141, and use them as a distraction, knock the guard, steal the keycard, create further distractions, steal the files and leave a charge of explosives in the office. Easy-peasy.

“Control to Sage. They were dropped by a helo on the top of the building. Get ready to act. Over” The words snapped you out of your boredom, and you already felt your body pumping adrenaline to get you ready to move.

Soon enough, a loud crash of glass broke the silence, followed by three loud stomps on the floor, making the shattered glass on the floor crack underneath their boots. They seemed even bigger in person but given their entrance they were stealthier in the recorded footage.

“Bravo 0-7 to Watcher-1. We are in position, waiting for contact” A husky voice said, and you recognized the man as Ghost, which wasn’t hard considering he was wearing the same skull mask as in the files. The three men had their arms ready, and you heard the sound of the keycard granting access, soon followed by gunshots. The first ones to go down were the guards of the hall that was beneath you, the two dead bodies falling into the ground. But the group didn’t have a rest as guards started shooting from the other doors, and from the fallen guards corpses you could hear how they others were calling for back ups through the comms.

Shit. Be fast.

You opened the vent grid, the sound of shooting covering the sounds of metal, and taking advantage of the situation, you threw a smoke grenade at their feet.

“Fuck!” Another voice said as smoke starting to cloud the vision of a part of the hall. You quickly dropped from the air vent, your feet barely making any sound against the ground, and you crouched, stealing the key card from the dead guard, and quickly making your way to the office, not before throwing another smoke grenade at them to keep them busy.

The key card granted you access, deactivating the security system, and you quickly entered the empty office, hearing some coughing from the outside, and more shooting and screaming that got muffled as soon as you closed the door. You quickly put a chair on the door, in case they would try to get in, it would grant you some more minutes.

You searched through the office, not bothering to be tidy, just dropping the papers on the floor…and then you found the file, a twinkle of excitement appeared in your eyes as you put the folder in your mouth, stepping over the desk and taking from your bag a little box of tools. You took out a screwdriver, and tried to rapidly, but calmly, unscrew the grid of the air vent. Your eyes widened when you heard a loud “Clear!” from down the hallway, followed by heavy footsteps. You managed to make the grid fell, and you swiftly climbed into it. Once up there, you threw the explosives down the office with a detonator, which grant you three minutes to crawl your way out of the air vent. As you passed by, you could see the task force going through the corpses to find a keycard.

“Found one, LT” You heard underneath you, as one of them stood up, holding a key card. Mohawk = Soap, you thought to yourself.

“Wait, you hear that?” Another one says. Pretty boy = Gaz.

You stopped on your tracks, not even breathing. Before you heard a gasp for air coming from a guard, followed by a shot.

“Found it” Ghost answered.

You felt relief flooding your body, but you couldn’t enjoy your small victory properly as the sound of the explosion left your ears ringing. A heavy warmth flooded the air vent, and under you, the sound of glass, grunts and three heavy bodies falling onto the ground. Your ears were still ringing, the heat was slowly becoming unbearable, and the smell of smoke flooded the narrow space as you tried to crawl faster through it.

As you reached the vertical vent, you used your ascender and quickly got to the top. You gasped for air as you felt the cold autumn breeze on your face. As your eyes adjusted to the night, you saw the ropes and some other equipment the 141 left behind them. It wasn’t time to rest yet, as you took the file out of your mouth, saving it to your bag, before throwing it across the gap and into the roof you came from. Soon enough, you followed after, jumping across the gap between both buildings.

Your fall wasn’t as graceful as the first, accidentally missing a step and landing on your knees with a grunt. But you let yourself fall on your back against the concrete. Your face felt like it was burning, the breeze was pleasant against your flushed skin, your clothes and hair reeking of smoke, but once again oxygen was filling your lungs. As you catch your breath, you pressed your comm.

“Sage to Control. How copy?” You asked in a low voice, panting.

“Control to Sage. Are you okay?” The voice quickly answered.

“Yeah, yeah, got the intel. I’m in one piece. Ready for extraction, a shower, and a nap”

“Copy, Sage. Picking you up on the alley, remember to untie the handy man”.

Back in the base the mission was considered so successful that for the next few months your rank went from sergeant to "Task Force 141 shadow" as the first mission and your survival rate apparently meant that you were the first choice for any mission that involved them. They considered the indirect approach worked better than directly engaging in combat against them, which left casualties between the KorTac ranks in the past.

Every mission for intel they had, you were behind them, lurking in the shadows, waiting for them to just start shooting to use the confrontation as a distraction to get to the target first. It was funny to hear them frustrated and annoyed over the comms when they realized that once more, they lost the intel. And then it's fate was obvious once KorTac put it on the market, selling it to the best bidder, or sometimes even using it to complete their own missions.

"You have to be careful, maus. I know you think it's fun, but they're dangerous, like us" You found cute when König used pet names. It was truly amazing how such a unit of a man was capable of being soft at the same time, ever since you started working there under his command until now.

But lately you didn't feel like a mouse, you felt like a hyena or a vulture, just scavenging while the bigger predators weren't looking.

"It's alright, don't worry, bud. I promise you I'm being as careful as I've always been" You said in a reassuring tone, a soft smile on your lips, and you squeezed his arm as he was sitting across you on the common room, a hot tea brewing in front of you.

"That's why I'm worried" König had an unsure look, under his sniper hood, his eyes fixated on your mug, rather than you. And you could tell he was anxious by the way he was shaking his leg. "Just don't leave any tracks, ja?"

What you weren't going to admit to him, is that you were growing slightly fond of the task force you so dutifully followed around. During these months you learned plenty of things about them, just by staying hidden and listening, like Ghost's dad jokes, Gaz unluckiness with helicopters, Soap's preference to play as a goalkeeper while playing football.

You blamed the growing one-sided familiarity by the fact that your new assignments made you spend lots of hours alone, lurking, stalking, in position ready to strike the moment things unfold. Back in base, and since you started to work alone, it was only in rare occasions you were at the same time as your old unit, the opportunities to catch up with them and being social becoming scarce.

And they seemed to be so close, so used to each other, so comfortable to even use their names sometimes. You had to admit you weren't used to that. You didn't even know König actual name let alone his face, and even if other members were more open about their names, their backgrounds were still vague. Not that you were an open book, as you only went by your callsign, your real name a secret between your contractors and you. But back in KorTac the less you knew, the better. It's probably for the best, anyway. Another very possible reason for your newfound fondness was the fact that after every successful mission came a very generous check. In fact, so generous that it was enough, plus your savings, to purchase a flat. Not too fancy, but cozy and big enough for you and your things, and something to call your own as well.

Moving in was tedious, lots of boxes and newspapers wrapped around the fragile stuff, and you were too tired from work to really unpack everything, leaving only the necessary items out. You definitely needed to have dinner and have a nocturnal nap before you keep on unpacking stuff, and the other things weren't as urgent. Besides, it would be a few weeks before your next mission, so you had plenty of time to enjoy settling down in your new home and looking around the neighbourhood. For now, you could really use some food, and at this hour you certainly weren't going to cook. You grabbed your jacket and went down the street.

Thankfully, there was a Chinese place in a five-minute walk. There were lots of people around, going to pubs, as it was a bit of a commercial area. It was nice, some fairy lights, some decorations, people sharing drinks, laughing, you could get used to walking around here. You ordered a serve of chow mein and three spring rolls, got it in a bag and made your way back to your flat.

The building you lived in now was a bit old, so you had a fob for the main entrance and a key for your flat. The door creaked a bit when you opened it, and you closed it behind you, but as you turned around you bumped into something that felt almost like colliding against a brick wall, you turned around and you saw some hands inside a mailbox.

"So sorry, si---" You said looking up and as soon as your eyes focused on the figure you felt how your face went pale, and how all the blood of your body went to your legs, your mind screaming you to flee.

Black eyes stared back at you, and that was the only part you could see, as the rest of the face was covered by a balaclava with a skull print on it. Fuck...

"Staring is rude" That husky voice you were so used to hearing through a comm sounded so clear, and the grip on the takeaway bag tightened.

The fuck is Ghost doing here.

"I-I..." You had to clear your throat, to manage any words out. "Sorry, I'm usually more polite, you just...caught me off guard."

"Haven't seen you here before" He lives here?! No way. This is a trap.

"Moved in this morning" You answered as flatly as you could.

"Ah" He said in an uninterested tone, as he went back to check the mail.

You couldn't help but stare up at him, completely dumbfounded. He was wearing a hoodie covering his head, blank pants, and heavy boots. Why isn't he attacking me? Does he know who I am? What the fuck is this? Jesus, I could throw up.

"Can I help you with something?" He answered in the same tone, not bothering to look back at you a second time.

"You live here?"

"Third floor" He answered plainly.

"Ah" Does he genuinely just lives here? No way, they're setting me up. "Why check the mail at night?"

"Just arrived" He answered as he broke one of the envelopes and checked it's contents. Light bill, and you heard him cursing under his breath.

He is so much taller up close.

"Right…alright, see you around…" You said before quickly going up the stairs, so taken aback that you completely forgot about the elevator.

You arrived to your flat, a bit agitated, and closed the door with the lock behind you. And added a chair under the doorknob, for good measure.

You left the food on the table, and quickly went to grab one of your guns. A SIG Sauer P320, and you checked every room, not that there were many rooms to check. The bedroom, the living-dining room, and the bathroom. Both for people and for cameras or mics, but everything looked normal, nothing out of the ordinary, nothing out of place. Lock the windows just in case.

After your thorough search, you sat at your dinner table, left the gun next to you, before beginning to unpack your food. You ate as your eyes were fixated on the door, waiting for someone to come in shooting, for a team, for a raid, anything.

0000 – No contact.

0100 – No contact.

0200 – Still no contact.

0300 – Fuck, I’m tired.

Not today, it seems...fuck, this isn't a coincidence, out of all the buildings in this fucking island he lives here? No bloody way. They know.

next: chapter two "charlie foxtrot"

if you like it leave me some kudos or suggestions on ao3! <3