#These are important conversations to have

[gghostwriter]

Three's a Sideshow

Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader

Summary: Spencer misses an important date and ends up paying the consequences Trope:Angst w.c: 4.2k a/n: this is one of the many many requests of @lavonee (her exact request was: maybe spencer misses an important date/anniversary because of jj and reader is finally fed up being second place to her) trying my best to address all of them. Not proofread. Comments and reblogs are highly appreciated! 💗 masterlist

The hazy dim light of each candle on the white linen covered table gave the restaurant an orange hue. Various aromas of meat, wine, and complimentary cheese wafted through the enclosed space. Sensual tones of the saxophone lightly played on the speakers perfectly weave through each muted conversations between loved ones—couples and families. The high-end restaurant basked in good food and great company. 

Everything was perfect.

Every costumer joyous and warm from the delicious wine. 

All except for one, alone by the corner booth, phone pressed to your ear and eyes scanning for the tall, lithe form of the date for the night.

Beep. Beep. Be—

You grimaced at the busy line tone that answered you, again. Hands gripping the draped linen, trying your best not to tap your newly manicured fingers on the table—trying to blend into the background, unsuccessfully. 

You stuck out like a sore thumb. All dressed up with no partner or food on the table, just a glass of once chilled wine—condensation all around it like tears of abandonment and longing. 

The same waitress who escorted you to the table—15 minutes ago, approached with a perfectly rehearsed smile.

“Ma’am, are we ready to order?”

You sighed. “Actually, my boyfriend isn’t here yet—”

She bit her lip, nodding, before quickly averting her eyes to the queued up line outside the premise.

Right. It was a Friday night and every adult in the vicinity wanted a night out to unwind and start their weekend on the right foot.

You tightly smiled, the embarrassment of tonight painting your cheeks a deep maroon, unnoticed through the flickering of the orange candlelight. “—you know what, I think I’d just have a slice of your chocolate cake to go. Yeah, I’m sorry about holding up the table.”

The waitress nodded, understanding washing on her face. “That’s alright. I’ll have your order packed and ready to go.”

“Thanks,” you murmured as you watched her leave. 

Tonight was suppose to be special. 

You dressed up in the same white with purple printed flower midi length dress, styled your hair effortlessly, and spritzed on your favorite perfume that smelled like a luscious garden after a rainy night.

Everything was just like how it was two weeks ago—including your boyfriend of three years, Spencer Reid, not showing up for the date.

You didn’t even know why you bothered. Why his promise of being here tonight made you feel giddy and trusting. Why his commitment on having do-over for the actual anniversary dinner that he missed two weeks ago made you think it was going to end differently and why you gave him another chance—

Another chance to let you down.

Another crack in your belief that you were important.

Another heartache to soothe.

Another let down. 

When you first entered the relationship, you understood the gravity of his work. How his career will always come first and how unpredictable it all may be.

That part—accepting those facts, were easy. You were always one to be tolerant and understanding ever since childhood, labeled as the easy kid—the independent, the self-sufficient. Mixed in with your highly demanding career as a doctor, you got it—the patience and consideration of a saint.

A martyr, your good friend once bluntly said. 

But what good was being a martyr when the person you’re killing yourself for didn’t notice?

It didn’t matter at first. Missed messages, missed calls, missed dates were just a work of rotten timing from both ends. Sometimes it was you having to run to the hospital for an emergency surgery and sometimes it was him having to catch a plane to a latest serial killer case.

The tandem of both independent and busy people in the relationship worked, love blossomed regardless.

What made it different was, there was three of you in the relationship.

The third party being an intense platonic, as he once defended, connection with Her.

You felt it for the first time during a get together with his found family. Your set of eyes trained to read in between the lines for the truth patients unwittingly hide from their doctor. It was a skill that you honed and never hated, up until that moment.

The stolen glances when the other wasn’t looking.

The emotion veiled between the eyes.

The unsaid words that seemed to spill from the silence.

Never mind that there were two presences in the vicinity that could have their life altered in any minute from the secrets long hidden in vaults. It was as if you and her husband were considered ornaments, pieces of a possible aftermath not worth saving. 

You knew of their past—Spencer admitting to having a crush on her during his early days with the team, asking her out on a baseball game date, and her recent admission during a case.

Everything was water under the bridge, your boyfriend assured you. But the thing was, water had a way of overflowing from confinement, turning deadly, and ravaging what once was an idyllic garden that bloomed from your affection. 

Now as you pay for the tab and collect your things, you felt the tides that destroyed the solace inside of you well up to your eyes—wanting the release you’re fighting to keep at bay.

A fight you’re bound to lose.

You whispered a thank you to the waitress, soft and quiet that you were unsure if she even heard it but that was the best you could do, the sobs closing your vocal chords and threatening to escape, making you a spectacle—leaving the restaurant alone, with a boxed cake on hand.

What a sad sight.

You fumbled with the phone again, hands shaking as you insert the key on the ignition.

Beep. Beep. Be—

Nothing. 

What even was the point of all of this, you wondered. All this emotion, love, that was once sweet and heavenly now all felt rotten, puss oozing from its pores and flies exalting for a feast. 

Slowly backing your black 4-door sedan out of the parking lot, you pondered if this was the end—did you have any more left to give? Or was this just a bump on the road for the your future selves to learn and heartily laugh about? 

———

The rattling of your keys as you dropped it on the ceramic plate across the main door disrupted the silent, empty apartment.

A small smile graced your face as you remembered spontaneously booking a ceramic wheel class with Spencer in tow. His initial worries about getting under the nails dirty and the bacteria that could be collected from any stranger that used the items before the both of you swept away with your giggles and assurances to double up on vitamins. 

There was a wide grin on his face then, accepting defeat from the sight of your enthusiasm and glee. 

It was one of your greatest memory with Spencer and when the glazed pottery came from the mail—yours, a wonky blue green plate and his, an uneven moss green bowl, you had him promise to take you again.

A promise that never came to fruition.

You sighed, eyes tracking the rented space you never quite moved in to. The walls painted this dark green color, reflecting the somber mood you frequently found yourself in and the shelves filled to the brim with books you never dream of reading.

in hindsight, maybe your subconscious was telling you something. Why you never agreed to Spencer’s casual asking of you to live with him. Why you were adamant of keeping your own apartment regardless of the nights you spent outside of it.

This place became your pseudo-home, comfortable but never quite permanent. 

The distant murmur of a car being parked on the street had you clambering up from your defeated, slouched position on the leather couch. In your gut, you knew who it was.

You spotted them exiting the SUV.

The two figures that make the relationship three—a sideshow for everyone to see.

Spencer and JJ. 

They talked for a bit, probably saying pleasantries of goodbyes, before she leaned in for a hug. One that he reciprocated, patting her back as he went. 

They looked like a couple and if you were in your right state of mind, you’d chalk the exchange up to nothing but you weren’t—you were wounded and unsure of your standing ever since you exited the restaurant.

Were you his first still?

Or were you just second place? 

They were questions you never wanted no, needed, to be addressed but it seemed like tonight was the night of reckoning.

As you watched Spencer enter the apartment, the smile on his face from spotting you slowly become a furrow between his brows, you fidgeted—pulling the coat tighter to your body, the one you never hung on the back of the door—ready to bolt.

“Love, I’m so sorry I missed our reservation—”

He went in for a kiss on your glossy lips. 

A simple act that you didn’t have the energy to accept, you turned your head to the side. His lips catching your cheek instead.

“It’s fine,” you sardonically replied. “It wasn’t like I was waiting for you for half an hour to show up. It’s fine, Spencer.” 

His brow twitched. 

“It sounds like it’s not fine. Why don’t you tell me what you really feel? We promised to openly communicate, didn’t we?”

You huffed, throwing your hands up in the air. “I said it’s fine, Spencer. Why don’t you give it a rest?”

“You look beautiful,” his calloused fingers gently caressing your hair. “I’m sorry I didn’t show. It’s just that JJ and the tea—”

Your last thread of reason snapped clean from hearing her name.

“It’s always going to be like this, isn’t it? Me coming after her?”

“Love.”

“Don’t touch me—don’t call me that,” you pushed his hands away, tucking the escaped tendrils behind your ears. 

His own, raking the wavy brown hair you loved, in frustration. You could tell, with how his hands opened and closed, that he was itching to touch you, comfort you. 

“Her? You mean, JJ? She’s a friend. Just a friend.” 

“And if this friend wasn’t married with kids, would you still be here with me now?”

Silence. 

There, you said it.

“What—yes, yes of course. Why would you ask that? Why would you doubt it? Doubt me?”

Your gut twisted inside of you. It was inconceivable for someone like Spencer to lie, wasn’t it? He was a good guy, one of the best. But all the hidden resentment in your heart—a pile you weren’t even aware of, no longer wanted to be silenced. It no longer wanted to be pushed to the side for optimism and denial. 

“I don’t know, Spencer. Maybe it’s the way you look at her—” voice raising up an octave. You’ve lost control, verbally dumping out everything. “Do you think I don’t see it? You look at her with this, this nostalgia and—and this emotion that I can’t compare to—never seen it when you look at me! Or maybe, maybe it’s because you drop everything for her? Including me?”

“Are you talking about when Henry got sick?” his hands finding a home on his hips. “I thought you understood—you of all, should have.”

Your laughter turned into a sob. “I do—I did, until you dropped me of unceremoniously back here, in this apartment, just so you could rush out to her home. Like I was some kind of secret, you didn’t want to bring around her. Like I was some sort of disease, you didn’t want her catching. Didn’t you think I would be of great help? A licensed medical doctor?”

“I wasn’t thinking straight—I thought you, you shouldn’t be exposed to the type of flu Henry contracted. You could have gotten sick too and could have passed it on to your other patients.”

“It’s my job to take care of the sick, don’t you think I take measures for my own health? Spencer, please, for once just be honest with me.”

He tilted his head. “Honest about what?”

“If it’s her you really want and if I’m just a passable substitute to settle down with.”

You could see his eyes blazing with such—disgust? Anger? You didn’t know what emotion it was before it was snuffed out, leaving his expression blank and almost sad. It was a look you were familiar with, his profiler look.

“I don’t need you profiling me and my insecurities, Spencer. I just want the truth. The God-honest truth.” 

“I love you. I can’t imagine a life without you—I won’t imagine it. Isn’t that enough?”

Your hands drop to your side.

“I don’t know. Is it?”

The distance created by the silence between you and Spencer was vast. You’ve never felt quite alone and isolated in the relationship until this moment. Was this it, then? The end to your once dreamed of happy ever after? 

“I’m sorry I missed the dinner. Why don’t you let me make it up to you? We can book the same restaurant for next week and—”

“You can’t just make up for a make up anniversary dinner, that’s not how it works in real life, Spencer. And besides, I don’t want to see the same pitying looks the workers there give me when they realize my date is again, and again, a no-show.”

He sighed, slowly invading your space. The arms that once felt like home to you, circling your waist, now felt foreign. You never imagined you’d get here but then again, who did? 

Your hands clasped his button down before loosening its grip. Taking in one more whiff of his cedar-wood and mint perfume, you pushed him away. Stepping backwards from his presence and all he had to offer.

“It’s late. We’re both tired—”

He nervously smiled. Intertwining his fingers with yours and started to walk backwards to the direction of the bedroom. “Yeah, we can talk about it in the morning once you feel better.”

You wiggled your hand free.

“Actually, I think I have to go.”

Spencer paused, panic coloring his face. “That’s—that’s not what I meant, love. Anything but that. Please, please I love you and I’m sorry.”

“Me too, Spence. Me too.” 

You slowly gathered your things, sans the chocolate cake left opened and untouched on the coffee table. 

“Happy anniversary, I need space to think this all through—to think us through.”

He stood still, blocking your way, trying to wrap his head around the direction this was going to. The inevitable downfall of him and you. It was a car crash no one could no longer escape from. 

“Please, let me fix this. I can do it, just—tell me how. Do you want me to limit my time spent with JJ? I-I can try, just please, don’t leave me.”

It wasn’t a promise, you noted. With how many broken promises there were between the span of your relationship, you wondered if that was a conscious choice of wording from him. It sounded hopeful, gleaming with oath even. But they were just words at the end of the day, packaged pretty for you to swallow.

“I need time, Spencer. I’m not breaking up with you, I just need space,” you placed a kiss on his cheek, wet from tears. “Can you give me that, love?”

He choked a sob. 

“Promise me you’ll be back. Promise me.”

You tightly smiled, making your way back to the door. The unanswered plea hanging in the air like a blade, waiting to slash down between you—waiting to sever the connection that was once shiny and new. 

Shakily removing the spare key of the apartment from your chain, you chanced one last look at his hunched form—sobs emitting from his sweet lips and acid rain spilling down his cherub cheeks, regretting that this might be your last memory of Spencer Reid.

You didn’t know if you’d be back. 

If the thought of being second place will ever go away.

But the sinking feeling in your gut tells you the truth—that this is it.

This is final.

This is the end. 

Comments and reblogs are highly appreciated!

[loveemagicpeace]

⭐️Planetary Rulership of the Zodiac Signs: What it means for you⭐️

☀️Sun as your chart ruler-you will always have some self-confidence that will be exposed. When the Sun is your chart ruler, it brings a bright, expressive energy that influences your life’s direction and sense of self. Self-expression is essential to you. Whether it’s through art, communication, leadership, or daily life, you naturally want to share your personality with others. You are driven to live with purpose and find meaning in your life. This often involves following a path that aligns with your authentic self. You’re often drawn to leadership roles or situations where you can take charge. This influence encourages you to cultivate self-belief, even if it doesn’t come automatically. People will often put you in leadership positions, regardless of how you turn out. People will automatically see you as a leader.  You’re likely to feel most “yourself” when you’re healthy and connected to what energizes you. You will often have the need to be visible and for people to notice you. When the Sun is your chart ruler, there may also be lessons around ego and self-worth. This can include overcoming insecurities or working through situations that challenge your self-esteem. You’re here to shine, but balancing self-assurance without arrogance is a key life lesson.

🌙Moon as your chart ruler-emotions and inner intuition will often guide you in life. You will feel things that others may not. Many times you won't talk about it with others. It is typical for these people that they feel a lot and collect energy, but they really don't talk about it. You will need to spend a lot of time with people you know. You love your family and the people you know, and this also brings great joy in life. You will want to create a home, and indeed a home that will be special and warm for you.  You will experience many things through emotions. You may feel things deeply and often have a sensitive, empathic side, making you highly receptive to energy and moods in your environment. You often seek to create a “safe space” for yourself and others and may be drawn to pursuits that allow you to offer emotional support. You likely experience emotional highs and lows, and it’s normal for your needs or interests to shift with time. Awareness of these cycles can help you work with them rather than feeling overwhelmed. You may feel closely tied to memories, traditions, or your personal history. The Moon emphasizes the importance of your roots and the experiences that have shaped you. Processing and reflecting on these aspects can play a big role in your personal growth journey.

☿Mercury as your chart ruler-your life depends on your expression and how much you talk about it with others. Communication is an important part of your life and you will like to express everything through it. You will be inclined to want to solve many problems even if they are not your concern. You will want to learn a lot, but you prefer to gather information that is quick and short. You may have a problem with staying on one thing for a long time. You need a lot of stimulation and change. New ideas and knowledge invigorate you, and you’re often drawn to conversations, books, and experiences that challenge your thinking. Intellectual stimulation is a core need for you. New ideas and knowledge invigorate you, and you’re often drawn to conversations, books, and experiences that challenge your thinking. Intellectual stimulation is a core need for you. Mercury is associated with youth and liveliness, and with Mercury as your chart ruler, you may approach life with a playful, inquisitive energy. Even as you mature, you likely retain a youthful curiosity and love for mental exploration. You may have wide-ranging interests, as Mercury loves variety. Hobbies, fields of study, and career paths may be varied and often shift with time. This diversity keeps life interesting and suits your love for exploring different perspectives and areas of knowledge.

💗Venus as your chart ruler-your life will include a lot of love, romance, money, luxury, gifts. You will look for love in all aspects of life. You will usually want to find the fair side of life and weigh all sides. Your life will be like a dance with strong, intense, loving movements. At every step you will be accompanied by love and the relationships you will build with people. You will strive for quality, long-term, stable and loving relationships. Most of the time, you will be looking for the perfect partner for yourself and want to spend everything with that person.  You’re drawn to meaningful, supportive relationships and tend to invest time and energy in maintaining them. You may be naturally drawn to art, design, fashion, or any form of aesthetic expression. You probably have a strong appreciation for the finer things, enjoying the pleasures of good food, soothing environments, and rich sensory experiences. You might feel drawn to stable, loyal partnerships and friendships. Venus as your chart ruler gives you a patient, committed approach to your closest bonds. You might prioritize establishing a stable foundation in love and friendships, feeling more fulfilled when you know you’re valued and safe with the people you care about. You will always carry a kind of bright side inside you and you will always be ready to help others no matter how many times you are hurt by others. You will always have a lot of love to give to others. 

✨Mars as your chart ruler-you’re likely a go-getter, driven by purpose and goals. Mars’s influence makes you determined, always pushing forward to overcome obstacles. Your chart ruler empowers you to meet challenges with courage and pursue what you want with intensity and focus. You’re likely to value independence and may often choose to handle things on your own rather than rely on others. This makes you someone who gets things done efficiently, and you’re likely to take initiative in relationships, career, or other areas of life. You’re rarely one to sit back and wait; instead, you seize opportunities as they come. You have a competitive spirit inside you that will never stop competing or give up on something you love. Passion will guide you in many things in life. You likely value honesty and appreciate others being straightforward with you, as you tend to be with them. Physical activities can also play an essential role, as Mars loves action and thrives in movement. You may thrive in difficult situations and have an instinct to overcome adversity. This quality often makes you a natural protector of yourself and others, ready to stand up for what’s right or defend those you care about. You’re likely to be intensely loyal, giving your all to those who matter. However, Mars can bring a bit of fire, meaning you might need relationships with a similar level of energy to keep you fully engaged.

🎲Jupiter as your chart ruler-In life, you will always be guided by things that will teach you something and lead you in the right direction. You will always carry with you optimism and a good outlook, regardless of the situation and circumstances around you. You will have the joy of motivating people and showing them the way. People will find in it someone who can lead them on the right path and a person who is wise and smart. You’re naturally curious and driven to explore new ideas, cultures, and philosophies. Formal education may appeal to you, but you’re also likely to pursue knowledge through travel, experiences, and self-study. You’re likely to be always seeking to grow, improve, and expand your worldview. You may be someone who naturally wants to give, whether it’s time, advice, or material support. This generosity makes you an uplifting friend and loved one, and people often find comfort in your presence. You may be inclined to take calculated risks, believing that rewards come from putting yourself out there. Whether in career, travel, or relationships, this openness to new experiences drives personal evolution. You may possess a confident, magnetic energy that others find inspiring. This makes you a natural networker and can open doors for you, as people are often drawn to your warmth and charisma.

🪐Saturn as your chart ruler- you will always carry strength and courage with you, regardless of the challenges you will have to go through, you will always overcome everything. You may feel naturally inclined to take on tasks and roles that require commitment and perseverance, often feeling that it’s up to you to “hold things together.” You’re often willing to put in the hard work and endure challenges to reach your goals. This can make you someone others look up to when they need guidance on resilience and persistence. You have a lot of self-worth and respect and you will never let people treat you badly. You may feel driven to create something lasting, whether in your career, personal projects, or relationships. Saturn brings emotional resilience and a “tough skin,” helping you weather difficulties and learn from challenges. You tend to mature early and may have faced significant responsibilities. You’re unlikely to enter into relationships lightly and tend to seek people who share your values of trust and reliability. You have a serious approach to life and people, you are very loyal to the people you love. You always succeed in life regardless of the challenges. You can endure many hard things and even cruel things. You are a person who is hard to break. You may sometimes struggle with being overly cautious, but once committed, you’re deeply loyal. Your journey may be one where wisdom is gained through challenges, making you a source of valuable insights for others who look to you for advice and mentorship. You always have power with you and you are relentless towards people who hurt you. Saturn helps you and brings people who hurt you on your way, so that you can see their karma.

🌱Uranus as your chart ruler- You may resist conventional roles and labels, wanting to live in a way that feels authentic to you. This often means seeking freedom in your choices, relationships, and career. You might enjoy exploring new ideas, places, and ways of thinking. This makes you open to change and innovation, often seeing new directions as opportunities for growth. You’re drawn to progressive ideas, technology, and anything that challenges the status quo. This can make you a leader or trendsetter, often inspiring others with fresh perspectives and ideas. You’re likely to have a strong internal compass and a desire to do things your way, regardless of what others might expect or think. You’re likely to be curious, seeking experiences that bring excitement and variety into your life. You may experience sudden changes or realizations that shift your perspective or life direction. This visionary energy makes you someone who can quickly adapt and pivot to seize new opportunities. Uranus makes you open to non-traditional forms of relationships, valuing mental connection and mutual respect above all. You may have sudden “aha” moments or flashes of insight, which guide you in unexpected ways. Trusting these moments can help you make inspired decisions.

🧚🏻‍♀️Neptune as your chart ruler-You may easily pick up on the emotions of others, which makes you an empathetic and compassionate person. Your intuition guides many of your decisions, and you may have an innate understanding of things that others cannot see. You might be drawn to meditation, energy work, astrology, or other practices that connect you to something greater than yourself. You may often find solace in connecting with the unseen world, feeling a deep sense of interconnectedness. Neptune is strongly linked to creativity, and with it ruling your chart, you likely have a rich imagination. Whether it’s through art, music, writing, or other forms of self-expression, you may find that creativity is a natural outlet for your emotions and ideas. You might dream of a perfect world, seek out ideal relationships, or believe in a higher purpose. U can also daydream a lot. You may feel a deep desire to help those in need, whether emotionally, physically, or spiritually. You’re likely drawn to work or relationships that involve healing, teaching, or offering guidance, as you have an innate understanding of others’ pain and struggles. Superficial relationships won’t satisfy you, and you may feel the need for spiritual and emotional bonds that transcend the physical. You may have a love for soft colors, flowing fabrics, and art that evokes a sense of magic or fantasy. Your style and surroundings may reflect your inner world—a place of imagination, spiritual exploration, and wonder.

🦋Pluto as your chart ruler-People may feel drawn to you, sensing that there is more beneath the surface. You are likely someone who doesn’t settle for shallow interactions and prefers to dive deep into people, situations, and emotions. You may go through phases of great intensity, where you shed old layers of yourself and emerge renewed, stronger, and more empowered. These transformations can sometimes be triggered by crises or deep emotional experiences. You may be drawn to psychology, investigative work, or anything that allows you to peel back layers and discover what lies beneath the surface. You may have an air of mystery or secrecy about you, and others might sense that there’s more to you than meets the eye. You are often enigmatic, and people may feel that they need to get closer to understand you, although you may not always make it easy for them to do so. You are not afraid to face your emotional wounds, and this resilience allows you to heal and grow from challenges. You may also be attracted to people who exhibit power or authority in some way, but it’s important to ensure these relationships are balanced and healthy. You may feel the need to keep certain aspects of your life hidden, either because you value your independence or because you fear being vulnerable. You are likely to seek out people who challenge you, push you to grow, and are willing to confront the darker aspects of themselves. Shallow, casual connections may not hold your interest for long.

-Rebekah🧚🏻‍♀️💗🎸

[esotericalchemist]

𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐠𝐨 + 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬

Masterlist this series - TikTok - Masterlist - YouTube (subliminals)

Virgo energy embodies precision, service, and a quest for improvement, guided by the discerning influence of Mercury. Unlike signs that embrace spontaneity, Virgo in each House encourages us to refine, analyze, and organize, bringing a practical approach to various life areas. By exploring its rulership through the Houses, we discover how this grounded energy helps us solve problems, pursue excellence, and find purpose in the details. This journey reveals the unique ways Virgo inspires us to be of service, strive for mastery, and create order, guiding us toward a life of meaningful work, mindfulness, and dedicated growth.

𝐀𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Aries rising, Virgo governs the 6th house, the house of work, health, daily habits, and service to others. With Virgo ruling this house, Aries risings are likely to approach their daily responsibilities with a sense of precision, organization, and efficiency. Virgo’s influence here encourages Aries risings to pay attention to the details of their work and to cultivate routines that support both productivity and well-being. They might bring a sense of dedication and practicality into the workplace, often excelling in roles that require analytical skills and attention to small but important tasks. When it comes to health, they may adopt structured, mindful routines, focusing on practical steps to maintain physical well-being.

Mercury through the Houses:

Mercury in the 1st House: With Mercury in the 1st house, the Virgo 6th-house energy of precision and practicality flows directly into the self. The native presents themselves as thoughtful, detail-oriented, and analytical. They likely have a systematic approach to their daily routines, bringing an organized, efficient energy to their interactions and first impressions.

Mercury in the 2nd House: The Virgo 6th-house energy of careful planning and diligence channels into finances and values. The native is practical with resources, valuing efficiency and precision in managing money. They may bring a disciplined approach to their earnings and possessions, viewing financial security as something that requires consistent attention to detail.

Mercury in the 3rd House: With Mercury in the 3rd house, the Virgo 6th-house energy is expressed through communication and learning. The native is an articulate, meticulous communicator, often taking a logical approach to conversations. They may excel in fields that require precise language and attention to detail, like editing, technical writing, or teaching.

Mercury in the 4th House: The Virgo 6th-house energy finds expression in the home and family environment. The native may have an organized, structured household, and they might play a caregiving role within the family. They value routines that promote order and comfort at home, and they may be health-conscious regarding the family’s well-being.

Mercury in the 5th House: The Virgo 6th-house energy channels into creativity, hobbies, and self-expression. The native may approach creative projects in a precise and detail-oriented way, often excelling in activities that require fine motor skills or organization. They bring structure to their play and may enjoy hobbies that involve analysis or strategic thinking.

Mercury in the 6th House: With Mercury in its own 6th house, the Virgo energy of discipline, analysis, and practicality is emphasized in daily work, health, and service. The native is highly efficient and detail-oriented, often excelling in tasks that require organization and structure. They may be particularly health-conscious and attentive to routines that promote well-being.

Mercury in the 7th House: The Virgo 6th-house energy of attention to detail flows into partnerships. The native may approach relationships with a practical mindset, valuing clear communication and shared responsibilities. They often seek partnerships where both parties contribute to daily routines and mutual goals, finding fulfillment in well-functioning, harmonious connections.

Mercury in the 8th House: The Virgo 6th-house energy of analysis and precision channels into transformation, shared resources, and intimacy. The native may be drawn to research or work that requires a meticulous approach to deeper subjects. They bring an investigative mindset to finances, shared resources, or psychological exploration, valuing clarity and thoroughness.

Mercury in the 9th House: With Mercury in the 9th house, the Virgo 6th-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may approach learning with precision, valuing well-researched facts and practical knowledge. They might enjoy exploring beliefs that are grounded in logic, finding meaning in systems that offer structure.

Mercury in the 10th House: The Virgo 6th-house energy flows into career and public life. The native is likely seen as responsible, organized, and competent, often bringing a strong work ethic and practical skill set to their profession. They are recognized for their dedication to excellence and detail in their career, valuing precision and reliability.

Mercury in the 11th House: The Virgo 6th-house energy is channeled into social networks and group involvement. The native may approach friendships and group work with a methodical attitude, often playing a supportive role. They may contribute to their community by helping organize or bring structure to group goals, finding fulfillment in efficient teamwork.

Mercury in the 12th House: With Mercury in the 12th house, the Virgo 6th-house energy of practicality and analysis takes on a more introspective, subtle form. The native may have a hidden or private approach to their daily routines, often reflecting on their habits and routines in solitude. They may bring a thoughtful, quiet dedication to service, helping others from behind the scenes.

𝐓𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐮𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Taurus rising, Virgo governs the 5th house, the house of self-expression, creativity, romance, and children. With Virgo ruling this house, Taurus risings bring a thoughtful, detail-oriented, and practical approach to their creative endeavors and personal relationships. They often find joy in activities that are not only enjoyable but also meaningful and purposeful. Virgo’s influence suggests that Taurus risings may take a grounded approach to romance, seeking partners who are dependable and attentive to details. In creativity, they are often precise and methodical, excelling in activities that require careful planning or organization. They may also approach parenting or working with children with a strong sense of responsibility and attention to the details that nurture growth and learning.

Mercury through the Houses:

Mercury in the 1st House: With Mercury in the 1st house, the Virgo 5th-house energy of thoughtfulness and precision flows directly into the self. The native presents themselves as articulate, grounded, and practical. They likely have an organized approach to creativity and bring a sense of intelligence and logic into their personal expression.

Mercury in the 2nd House: The Virgo 5th-house energy channels into values and finances. The native may approach hobbies and creativity in a way that’s practical and sustainable, often looking for activities that bring both joy and value. They may also be skilled at turning creative ideas into tangible resources or income, approaching finances with a methodical mindset.

Mercury in the 3rd House: With Mercury in the 3rd house, the Virgo 5th-house energy is expressed through communication and learning. The native may bring analytical skills to their creative pursuits, enjoying activities like writing, research, or other intellectual projects. They are often detail-oriented in conversation and enjoy sharing thoughtful ideas with others.

Mercury in the 4th House: The Virgo 5th-house energy finds expression in the home and family environment. The native may create an organized, thoughtful atmosphere at home, bringing structure to family life. They may also enjoy teaching or guiding children with a focus on learning and personal growth, valuing practical support in family relationships.

Mercury in the 5th House: With Mercury in its own 5th house, the Virgo energy of analysis, precision, and responsibility is emphasized in creativity, romance, and personal expression. The native is highly skilled in creative pursuits that require focus and detail. They may be attracted to intellectual hobbies and bring a thoughtful, attentive energy to romance, valuing meaningful connections.

Mercury in the 6th House: The Virgo 5th-house energy channels into daily routines, health, and service. The native may find joy in work that allows them to be of service or to express their creativity in a practical way. They bring a sense of discipline and attention to detail into their creative and romantic life, often integrating these into their daily routines.

Mercury in the 7th House: The Virgo 5th-house energy of practicality flows into partnerships. The native may look for partners who share their love for organization and attention to detail. They approach romance thoughtfully and seek meaningful, stable relationships where clear communication and mutual support are valued.

Mercury in the 8th House: The Virgo 5th-house energy of precision channels into transformation, shared resources, and intimacy. The native may explore creativity through psychological or investigative pursuits, valuing depth and thoroughness in their expression. They might bring analytical skills into joint financial matters or creative projects that involve shared resources.

Mercury in the 9th House: With Mercury in the 9th house, the Virgo 5th-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may approach creativity through intellectual exploration, finding joy in activities that broaden their understanding. They bring a practical, logical mindset to travel and philosophical pursuits, often seeking structured, purposeful adventures.

Mercury in the 10th House: The Virgo 5th-house energy flows into career and public life. The native may be known for their skill in creative problem-solving or analytical thinking. They may pursue a career that allows for creative expression, often excelling in fields that require precision, planning, and dedication to detail.

Mercury in the 11th House: The Virgo 5th-house energy channels into social networks and group involvement. The native may find joy in organized group activities or creative projects with friends. They bring a sense of structure and thoughtful input into social causes, valuing meaningful connections with like-minded individuals.

Mercury in the 12th House: With Mercury in the 12th house, the Virgo 5th-house energy of analysis and practicality takes on a more introspective, reflective form. The native may enjoy solitary or spiritual creative pursuits, like journaling or meditation, often reflecting on their inner world. They bring quiet dedication to creative projects, focusing on personal fulfillment rather than public recognition.

𝐆𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Gemini rising, Virgo governs the 4th house, the house of home, family, emotional foundations, and one’s private self. With Virgo ruling this house, Gemini risings may approach their home and family life with a sense of order, structure, and practicality. They might value a clean, organized, and efficient living space that provides both comfort and functionality. Virgo’s influence in the 4th house suggests they pay attention to details within their household, often taking care of family needs and providing support through practical help or problem-solving. Emotionally, they may seek stability by focusing on daily routines, self-care, and taking a logical approach to navigating family dynamics. This placement also encourages Gemini risings to cultivate an inner sense of security through mindfulness, wellness routines, or self-improvement practices that bring clarity and peace to their home life.

Mercury through the Houses:

Mercury in the 1st House: With Mercury in the 1st house, the Virgo 4th-house energy of organization and stability flows directly into the self. The native may present themselves as thoughtful and reflective, often bringing a grounded presence into their interactions. They prioritize creating an ordered, calm environment around them and may seek security through self-expression.

Mercury in the 2nd House: The Virgo 4th-house energy channels into values and finances. The native may be meticulous about managing finances to ensure home stability, valuing practicality in their possessions. They are often careful with resources, working to build a stable foundation for themselves and their family through a structured approach to material security.

Mercury in the 3rd House: With Mercury in the 3rd house, the Virgo 4th-house energy is expressed through communication and close relationships. The native may enjoy discussing family matters, heritage, or home improvements. They are likely to be detail-oriented in communication, bringing clarity and thoughtful conversation to relationships with siblings or close friends.

Mercury in the 4th House: With Mercury in its own 4th house, the Virgo energy of analysis, order, and care is strongly emphasized in home and family life. The native may feel most secure in a well-organized and peaceful home, often dedicating time to family needs and providing practical solutions to household issues. They seek to create a harmonious and functional family environment.

Mercury in the 5th House: The Virgo 4th-house energy channels into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may approach creative pursuits with a meticulous eye for detail, often finding joy in hobbies that require precision. They bring thoughtful care to romance, preferring relationships that are both playful and supportive, often seeking a strong emotional foundation with partners.

Mercury in the 6th House: The Virgo 4th-house energy channels into daily routines, health, and service. The native may take a disciplined approach to home life, viewing daily routines and wellness practices as ways to nurture emotional well-being. They value health-conscious habits at home and often contribute to the household by establishing effective routines.

Mercury in the 7th House: The Virgo 4th-house energy of practicality flows into partnerships. The native may look for a partner who shares or supports their need for an organized and secure home life. They bring a thoughtful, reliable approach to relationships, often taking on the role of creating structure and stability within the partnership.

Mercury in the 8th House: The Virgo 4th-house energy of analysis channels into transformation, shared resources, and intimacy. The native may approach shared finances or family legacies with precision and responsibility. They are often thoughtful about matters of emotional depth, and they may feel called to understand or transform family patterns in a systematic, healing way.

Mercury in the 9th House: With Mercury in the 9th house, the Virgo 4th-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may bring a practical, grounded approach to learning about family history or spiritual beliefs. They may feel secure when exploring philosophies or cultural perspectives that offer them structure and meaning.

Mercury in the 10th House: The Virgo 4th-house energy flows into career and public life. The native may take pride in managing both their home and professional responsibilities effectively. They bring attention to detail and a practical mindset to their career, often finding ways to balance family life with work obligations and valuing career paths that support their emotional foundation.

Mercury in the 11th House: The Virgo 4th-house energy channels into social networks and group involvement. The native may find security in friendships or community activities that support their values or goals for home life. They are likely to bring order and practicality into group settings, often finding fulfillment through social causes that benefit family and community well-being.

Mercury in the 12th House: With Mercury in the 12th house, the Virgo 4th-house energy of analysis and care takes on a more introspective, spiritual form. The native may be drawn to meditation, journaling, or quiet reflection as ways to create an inner sense of security. They may find emotional peace in solitude or in practices that connect them with their deeper self and family roots.

𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Cancer rising, Virgo governs the 3rd house, the house of communication, intellect, close relationships (such as siblings and neighbors), and short-distance travel. With Virgo ruling this house, Cancer rising individuals tend to approach communication and learning with a practical, analytical mindset. They may pay great attention to detail, choosing words carefully and often preferring to discuss topics that have practical value. Virgo’s influence here makes them precise and thorough in their approach to information, often excelling in tasks that require careful analysis or meticulous research. When it comes to relationships with siblings or neighbors, they tend to take a responsible, supportive role, often offering practical advice or assistance. They may also have a curious, questioning nature, always seeking to understand things deeply and thoroughly.

Mercury through the Houses:

Mercury in the 1st House: With Mercury in the 1st house, the Virgo 3rd-house energy of clarity and analysis flows directly into the self. The native may come across as thoughtful, analytical, and attentive in their interactions. They communicate in a precise, logical manner and may feel a strong drive to gather useful information, often offering practical insights to others.

Mercury in the 2nd House: The Virgo 3rd-house energy channels into finances and values. The native applies their analytical mind to matters of income, resources, and self-worth. They may approach financial decisions cautiously, valuing practicality and efficiency, and they may communicate in ways that reflect their thoughtful approach to stability and security.

Mercury in the 3rd House: With Mercury in its own 3rd house, the Virgo energy of detail, precision, and logic is strongly emphasized in communication and learning. The native is highly observant and articulate, often excelling in fields that require careful analysis and structured thinking. They have a natural talent for learning, teaching, and sharing knowledge with others in clear, practical ways.

Mercury in the 4th House: The Virgo 3rd-house energy finds expression in the home and family environment. The native may be very thoughtful in family communication, often providing advice and practical support to family members. They value clarity and structure in the home and may be detail-oriented when it comes to creating a harmonious household.

Mercury in the 5th House: The Virgo 3rd-house energy channels into creativity and self-expression. The native may have a structured, methodical approach to creative projects, often preferring hobbies that require precision, like writing or analytical games. They may express themselves thoughtfully in romance, valuing meaningful, well-considered connections.

Mercury in the 6th House: The Virgo 3rd-house energy flows into daily routines and service. The native may have a strong focus on organizing daily activities, finding fulfillment in work that requires careful planning or helping others. They value clear communication in the workplace, often excelling in roles that allow them to express their analytical skills.

Mercury in the 7th House: The Virgo 3rd-house energy of precision and practicality channels into partnerships. The native may look for partners who appreciate clear communication and logical problem-solving. They approach relationships with attentiveness to detail, often bringing a structured, supportive energy to partnerships and prioritizing mutual understanding.

Mercury in the 8th House: The Virgo 3rd-house energy channels into transformation, shared resources, and deeper understanding. The native may bring an analytical approach to matters of psychology, shared finances, or personal growth. They are likely drawn to studying life’s mysteries in a structured way, valuing clarity and truth in emotional and intellectual exploration.

Mercury in the 9th House: With Mercury in the 9th house, the Virgo 3rd-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may take a methodical approach to exploring cultural and philosophical ideas, often valuing facts and practical knowledge. They may enjoy studying languages, cultures, or belief systems with a logical, inquisitive mind.

Mercury in the 10th House: The Virgo 3rd-house energy flows into career and public life. The native may be known for their clear, precise communication skills, often applying their analytical mind to their profession. They are likely to pursue careers where logic, order, and organization are valued, excelling in roles that require careful analysis and structured thinking.

Mercury in the 11th House: The Virgo 3rd-house energy channels into social networks and group involvement. The native may approach friendships and group activities thoughtfully, often providing advice or support to friends. They are likely to bring practical insights into their social circles and may find fulfillment in community projects that align with their values.

Mercury in the 12th House: With Mercury in the 12th house, the Virgo 3rd-house energy of analysis and order takes on a more introspective, contemplative quality. The native may enjoy solitary learning or private reflection, often exploring their inner thoughts quietly. They may find peace in journaling or other reflective practices, bringing insight and structure to their inner life.

𝐋𝐞𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Leo rising, Virgo governs the 2nd house, the house of finances, resources, values, and self-worth. With Virgo ruling this house, Leo risings approach money and resources with caution, precision, and a tendency to analyze every detail. They may prioritize financial security and stability, often handling their resources with a practical, disciplined mindset. Virgo’s influence here suggests that Leo risings value organization, efficiency, and practicality in managing their assets. This placement encourages them to focus on quality over quantity, valuing possessions that are useful, durable, and functional. Leo risings may also derive a sense of self-worth from being reliable, responsible, and meticulous in how they handle their finances, taking pride in the security they build through careful planning.

Mercury through the Houses:

Mercury in the 1st House: With Mercury in the 1st house, the Virgo 2nd-house energy of precision and practicality flows directly into the self. The native may present themselves as thoughtful and grounded, often taking a logical approach to personal decisions. They take pride in their attention to detail and may apply a practical mindset to their self-expression, valuing clear and purposeful communication.

Mercury in the 2nd House: With Mercury in its own 2nd house, the Virgo energy of analysis, planning, and practicality is strongly emphasized in finances and self-worth. The native has a meticulous approach to managing resources and may excel in budgeting, saving, or analyzing investments. They may find security in knowing that their finances are well-organized and carefully managed.

Mercury in the 3rd House: The Virgo 2nd-house energy channels into communication and close relationships. The native may value clear, concise communication and is likely to apply logical thinking when discussing practical matters. They are drawn to intellectual exchanges that offer practical insights and often express their values through thoughtful, precise language.

Mercury in the 4th House: The Virgo 2nd-house energy flows into home and family life. The native may focus on creating a secure, organized home environment, often prioritizing practical items that enhance family well-being. They are likely to handle family finances with care and may take pride in creating a comfortable, well-structured home.

Mercury in the 5th House: The Virgo 2nd-house energy channels into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may have a practical approach to creative projects, excelling in activities that require focus and precision. In romance, they may be drawn to relationships grounded in mutual values and shared responsibilities, finding joy in meaningful, practical expressions of love.

Mercury in the 6th House: The Virgo 2nd-house energy flows into work, health, and daily routines. The native may derive self-worth from their work, valuing roles that require attention to detail and structured routines. They may also be mindful of the practical side of health and wellness, investing in habits that ensure long-term physical stability and security.

Mercury in the 7th House: The Virgo 2nd-house energy of practicality and analysis channels into partnerships. The native may seek a partner who shares their values around responsibility and financial security. They bring thoughtful communication to relationships and may look for partners who value stability and consistency, often seeking balance in both material and emotional support.

Mercury in the 8th House: The Virgo 2nd-house energy of precision and responsibility channels into transformation, shared resources, and intimacy. The native may handle shared resources with care, approaching joint financial matters or investments with caution. They may also bring a discerning, logical approach to deeper emotional matters, valuing honesty and clarity in intimate bonds.

Mercury in the 9th House: With Mercury in the 9th house, the Virgo 2nd-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may have a practical approach to exploring cultural or philosophical ideas, often valuing knowledge that has real-world applications. They may enjoy traveling or learning in ways that enhance their long-term stability and security.

Mercury in the 10th House: The Virgo 2nd-house energy flows into career and public life. The native is known for their methodical, reliable approach to work, often building a reputation for being dependable and efficient. They may be financially driven in their career, valuing roles that offer both stability and growth, and are likely to achieve success through careful planning.

Mercury in the 11th House: The Virgo 2nd-house energy channels into social networks and group involvement. The native may value friendships and social circles that support their practical goals and align with their values. They are likely to be seen as a reliable friend within their social groups, often sharing practical advice or helping organize group goals.

Mercury in the 12th House: With Mercury in the 12th house, the Virgo 2nd-house energy of practicality and planning takes on a more introspective, private quality. The native may find value in quiet, reflective practices and may keep financial matters discreet. They often find fulfillment in self-reflective pursuits that enhance their inner peace and emotional stability.

𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐠𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Virgo rising, Virgo governs the 1st house, the house of identity, appearance, and self-expression. With Virgo ruling this house, Virgo risings present themselves as thoughtful, precise, and often reserved. They are likely to be detail-oriented and conscientious, approaching life with a strong sense of duty and responsibility. Virgo’s influence here suggests that Virgo risings are often modest and practical in their demeanor, preferring a refined and understated approach to their appearance and interactions. They may focus on self-improvement, viewing life as a series of opportunities for growth, refinement, and learning. Virgo risings are generally seen as helpful, reliable, and thoughtful individuals who pay close attention to details in both themselves and their environment, often striving to create a life that reflects order and efficiency.

Mercury through the Houses:

Mercury in the 1st House: With Mercury in the 1st house, the Virgo energy of analysis, clarity, and practicality is strongly expressed in the self. The native is likely to come across as intelligent, organized, and precise in their communication and mannerisms. They often strive for self-improvement, paying close attention to how they present themselves and valuing clarity in all they do.

Mercury in the 2nd House: The Virgo 1st-house energy of practicality and diligence channels into finances and self-worth. The native may be cautious and thoughtful with their money, managing resources carefully and valuing financial stability. They tend to be financially prudent, often associating self-worth with their ability to create security and reliability in their life.

Mercury in the 3rd House: With Mercury in the 3rd house, the Virgo 1st-house energy flows into communication and learning. The native is articulate and detail-oriented, excelling in fields that require clear communication or technical skills. They may find fulfillment in intellectual pursuits and often express themselves with precision, focusing on clarity and useful information in their interactions.

Mercury in the 4th House: The Virgo 1st-house energy of organization and care channels into the home and family life. The native may be meticulous about their home environment, valuing order and harmony within the family. They are often the family member who takes on responsibilities or organizes family matters, bringing a practical approach to home life.

Mercury in the 5th House: The Virgo 1st-house energy channels into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may be drawn to structured or detail-oriented creative projects and may take a practical approach to romance. They tend to seek meaningful and consistent connections, valuing relationships that support personal growth and share common interests.

Mercury in the 6th House: With Mercury in its own 6th house, the Virgo energy of precision, service, and structure is deeply emphasized in work, health, and daily routines. The native takes great pride in their responsibilities, excelling in work that requires organization and discipline. They value wellness and often have health routines that reflect their meticulous approach to self-care.

Mercury in the 7th House: The Virgo 1st-house energy of practicality and discernment flows into partnerships. The native may seek a partner who values clarity and mutual support. They approach relationships with care, often looking for a partner who shares their sense of responsibility and who values consistent communication and practical support.

Mercury in the 8th House: The Virgo 1st-house energy channels into transformation, shared resources, and intimacy. The native may approach emotional or transformative experiences with a desire for clarity and understanding. They bring an analytical mindset to shared financial matters and often seek depth in their personal growth, valuing honesty and precision in intimate connections.

Mercury in the 9th House: With Mercury in the 9th house, the Virgo 1st-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may have a practical approach to spiritual or philosophical pursuits, valuing structured knowledge that offers personal meaning. They are likely drawn to exploring beliefs and perspectives that can be applied to practical self-improvement.

Mercury in the 10th House: The Virgo 1st-house energy flows into career and public life. The native may be recognized for their precision, reliability, and competence in their profession. They bring a detail-oriented approach to their career, often building a reputation for thoroughness and professionalism, and may seek roles where they can contribute meaningfully.

Mercury in the 11th House: The Virgo 1st-house energy channels into social networks and group involvement. The native may value friendships and social circles that support their personal goals and growth. They are likely to be seen as reliable and thoughtful within their community, often taking on roles that allow them to organize or bring structure to group projects.

Mercury in the 12th House: With Mercury in the 12th house, the Virgo 1st-house energy of analysis and self-improvement takes on a more introspective quality. The native may have a private approach to self-reflection and growth, often exploring their inner world through solitude or quiet study. They may find fulfillment in practices that connect them with their inner self and bring clarity to their subconscious mind.

𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Libra rising, Virgo governs the 12th house, the house of spirituality, solitude, the subconscious, and hidden strengths or challenges. With Virgo ruling this house, Libra rising individuals may approach self-reflection, healing, and spirituality with an analytical, structured mindset. They may feel a need for regular periods of solitude to recharge, and they often seek to bring order and understanding to their inner world. Virgo’s influence here suggests that Libra risings may be drawn to practices that support mental clarity and inner healing, such as journaling, meditation, or quiet study. They may find comfort in routines that help them process their emotions and experiences, using their introspective nature to cultivate self-awareness. This placement can also signify a talent for helping others from behind the scenes, offering practical support and guidance in ways that may not be immediately visible.

Mercury through the Houses:

Mercury in the 1st House: With Mercury in the 1st house, the Virgo 12th-house energy of introspection and clarity flows directly into the self. The native may present themselves as thoughtful and reflective, often coming across as someone who values depth and understanding. They may have a quiet, introspective side and could approach life with a reserved yet articulate presence.

Mercury in the 2nd House: The Virgo 12th-house energy channels into finances and values. The native may keep financial matters private, often approaching money management with caution and precision. They may value simplicity and discretion when it comes to their resources, finding peace in managing their finances in a careful, quiet manner.

Mercury in the 3rd House: With Mercury in the 3rd house, the Virgo 12th-house energy is expressed through communication and learning. The native may approach communication thoughtfully, often preferring quiet or one-on-one conversations. They may enjoy studying subjects that bring mental clarity, such as psychology or spirituality, and may have a talent for expressing complex ideas in simple terms.

Mercury in the 4th House: The Virgo 12th-house energy finds expression in the home and family environment. The native may create a peaceful, organized home life where they can retreat and recharge. They may approach family matters with a sense of responsibility and often provide quiet, practical support to family members behind the scenes.

Mercury in the 5th House: The Virgo 12th-house energy channels into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may be drawn to creative pursuits that are quiet, thoughtful, or introspective. They may express themselves through art, poetry, or other reflective outlets, and they tend to approach romance with caution, valuing depth and sincerity over casual encounters.

Mercury in the 6th House: The Virgo 12th-house energy flows into daily routines and health. The native may prioritize wellness practices that bring calm and clarity, such as yoga, meditation, or holistic health routines. They are likely to approach their work with a quiet dedication, often excelling in service roles that involve careful attention to detail.

Mercury in the 7th House: The Virgo 12th-house energy of introspection flows into partnerships. The native may seek partners who respect their need for quiet reflection and mental clarity. They may value privacy and depth in relationships, often seeking partners who encourage inner growth and are comfortable with periods of solitude and self-exploration.

Mercury in the 8th House: The Virgo 12th-house energy of precision and discernment channels into transformation, shared resources, and intimacy. The native may approach shared resources or financial matters with careful planning and a practical mindset. They tend to explore the deeper aspects of life thoughtfully, often finding value in transformational experiences that lead to inner healing.

Mercury in the 9th House: With Mercury in the 9th house, the Virgo 12th-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may be drawn to quiet forms of learning or travel, often favoring retreats, pilgrimages, or philosophical studies that promote inner reflection. They may seek practical wisdom that helps them understand and bring clarity to their inner life.

Mercury in the 10th House: The Virgo 12th-house energy flows into career and public life. The native may work behind the scenes or in roles that allow them to help others without needing public recognition. They are often known for their integrity and practical problem-solving skills, finding fulfillment in careers that involve care, analysis, or service-oriented tasks.

Mercury in the 11th House: The Virgo 12th-house energy channels into social networks and group causes. The native may find peace in social groups that support mental clarity or spiritual growth. They may prefer smaller, close-knit social circles or groups with shared ideals, often working quietly in the background to support group goals or helping others in ways that are not immediately visible.

Mercury in the 12th House: With Mercury in its own 12th house, the Virgo energy of analysis and reflection takes on a deeply introspective, spiritual quality. The native may be drawn to meditation, journaling, or quiet study, often seeking to connect with their inner self through solitude. They may have a talent for finding clarity in complex or hidden areas of life, often providing insight and healing for themselves and others through introspective practices.

𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐢𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Scorpio rising, Virgo governs the 11th house, the house of friendships, community, social causes, and aspirations. With Virgo ruling this house, Scorpio risings are often thoughtful, practical, and discerning in their friendships and social networks. They may prefer quality over quantity in friendships, carefully choosing friends who share their values, work ethic, or ideals. Virgo’s influence here suggests that they may approach their goals in a systematic, well-organized manner, setting realistic steps to achieve their dreams. Scorpio risings with Virgo ruling the 11th house may also feel drawn to serving others through community involvement or humanitarian work, often providing practical help or advice to those in their social circles. They are likely to find fulfillment in social causes that align with their sense of purpose, and they bring a meticulous, committed energy to group efforts and friendships.

Mercury through the Houses:

Mercury in the 1st House: With Mercury in the 1st house, the Virgo 11th-house energy of practicality and service flows directly into the self. The native may present themselves as thoughtful and precise, often coming across as someone who values practical solutions and clear thinking. They may prioritize long-term goals and enjoy helping others in ways that have tangible benefits.

Mercury in the 2nd House: The Virgo 11th-house energy channels into finances and values. The native may focus on building financial stability to support their aspirations and community involvement. They are practical and analytical in managing resources, and they may attract friends or social opportunities that align with their financial or material values.

Mercury in the 3rd House: With Mercury in the 3rd house, the Virgo 11th-house energy is expressed through communication and learning. The native may take a thoughtful, careful approach in group discussions and may enjoy intellectual friendships. They are likely to be the friend who provides reliable advice or insightful perspectives, often helping their social circle with their analytical skills.

Mercury in the 4th House: The Virgo 11th-house energy finds expression in the home and family environment. The native may bring friends into their family life or may value friends who feel like family. They may also be drawn to organizing or participating in family-oriented community events and may offer practical support to friends and family alike.

Mercury in the 5th House: The Virgo 11th-house energy channels into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may enjoy collaborative or group-oriented creative projects that involve planning and attention to detail. They might connect with friends through shared hobbies or intellectual pursuits, often appreciating friends who encourage thoughtful and meaningful self-expression.

Mercury in the 6th House: The Virgo 11th-house energy flows into daily routines, work, and health. The native may find friends or social causes connected to work or service and may enjoy helping others with wellness or work-related advice. They are likely to approach group projects with a strong sense of responsibility, often excelling in roles that allow them to bring organization to the team.

Mercury in the 7th House: The Virgo 11th-house energy of discernment flows into partnerships. The native may form friendships that feel like partnerships or may look for a partner who values community involvement. They may seek intellectual connections within friendships and romantic partnerships, valuing shared goals or ideals and mutual support for each other’s aspirations.

Mercury in the 8th House: The Virgo 11th-house energy of precision and analysis channels into transformation, shared resources, and deep connections. The native may have friends with whom they share profound, transformative conversations or goals. They are drawn to friends who value depth and honesty and may support each other’s personal growth in meaningful, thoughtful ways.

Mercury in the 9th House: With Mercury in the 9th house, the Virgo 11th-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may connect with friends through shared intellectual or cultural interests and may enjoy exploring philosophical or ethical discussions within their social circles. They value practical wisdom and seek friends who broaden their understanding of the world.

Mercury in the 10th House: The Virgo 11th-house energy flows into career and public life. The native may be known for their practical, reliable approach to social causes or professional networks. They might form friendships within their career field and are often valued in their profession for their organizational skills and ability to work well within teams or group projects.

Mercury in the 11th House: With Mercury in its own 11th house, the Virgo energy of service, detail, and practicality is strongly emphasized in friendships, social networks, and aspirations. The native may take an active role in organizing or supporting group activities, often excelling in roles that allow them to bring structure and clarity to team efforts. They are likely to be a valued friend and community member, known for their analytical insight and helpful nature.

Mercury in the 12th House: The Virgo 11th-house energy of analysis and order takes on a more introspective, private quality. The native may be drawn to support others quietly, often working behind the scenes in social causes or helping friends in discreet ways. They may find peace and fulfillment in reflecting on their long-term goals or participating in spiritual or compassionate social initiatives.

𝐒𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Sagittarius rising, Virgo governs the 10th house, the house of career, reputation, public image, and life path. With Virgo ruling this house, Sagittarius risings bring a dedicated, detail-oriented, and practical approach to their professional life and public image. They are often known for their reliability, responsibility, and strong work ethic. Virgo’s influence here suggests that they may pursue careers that require analysis, organization, and service to others, excelling in roles that demand precision and attention to detail. This placement may also encourage them to build a reputation for being helpful, trustworthy, and methodical, often working behind the scenes to achieve big goals. While Sagittarius rising may have broad dreams and ideals, Virgo’s influence in the 10th house helps them ground their aspirations, channeling their natural optimism into practical accomplishments.

Mercury through the Houses:

Mercury in the 1st House: With Mercury in the 1st house, the Virgo 10th-house energy of professionalism and clarity flows directly into the self. The native presents themselves as articulate, organized, and thoughtful, often coming across as detail-oriented. They are likely to be mindful of how they are perceived in public, valuing clear communication and often bringing a disciplined approach to their goals.

Mercury in the 2nd House: The Virgo 10th-house energy channels into finances and values. The native may be practical and analytical in managing resources, often aligning their career with financial stability. They tend to make calculated career choices that support their material security, valuing positions that allow them to build a stable foundation.

Mercury in the 3rd House: With Mercury in the 3rd house, the Virgo 10th-house energy is expressed through communication and learning. The native may be drawn to careers that involve writing, teaching, or public speaking. They are likely to approach their profession with precision and bring a structured, detail-oriented mindset to their work in communication fields.

Mercury in the 4th House: The Virgo 10th-house energy finds expression in the home and family environment. The native may balance professional responsibilities with family life, often handling both with great care and organization. They may be drawn to careers that allow them to work from home or serve their community, and they often bring a nurturing yet structured approach to their role in the family.

Mercury in the 5th House: The Virgo 10th-house energy channels into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may be drawn to creative careers that require technical skills or analytical thinking, such as design, editing, or project management. They approach their public roles with thoughtfulness and are likely to be recognized for their precise contributions in creative or artistic fields.

Mercury in the 6th House: With Mercury in its own 6th house, the Virgo 10th-house energy of service, discipline, and precision is strongly emphasized in career and public life. The native is likely to have a highly organized approach to work, valuing consistency and efficiency. They may excel in service-oriented professions or in fields that require daily attention to detail and problem-solving.

Mercury in the 7th House: The Virgo 10th-house energy of analysis and practicality flows into partnerships. The native may choose a career that involves collaboration or working closely with others. They bring precision and reliability to their partnerships, often seeking professional alliances that support their long-term goals and provide stability.

Mercury in the 8th House: The Virgo 10th-house energy of meticulousness and analysis channels into transformation, shared resources, and deep exploration. The native may be drawn to professions that involve research, finance, psychology, or healing. They are likely to be known for their ability to analyze complex issues with depth and clarity, often excelling in careers where they can uncover hidden truths.

Mercury in the 9th House: With Mercury in the 9th house, the Virgo 10th-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may pursue careers in education, publishing, or fields that allow them to combine practical skills with broad knowledge. They bring a precise, systematic approach to exploring and sharing ideas, often excelling in fields that bridge practical knowledge with higher wisdom.

Mercury in the 10th House: With Mercury in its own 10th house, the Virgo energy of responsibility, precision, and communication is strongly emphasized in career and public life. The native is recognized for their analytical skills, professionalism, and reliability. They are likely to pursue a career that involves clear communication, organization, or service, and they often rise to respected positions due to their work ethic and dedication.

Mercury in the 11th House: The Virgo 10th-house energy channels into social networks and group involvement. The native may approach group activities and friendships with a professional attitude, often aligning with friends who support their career goals. They may excel in organizing or leading community projects, valuing practical efforts that benefit the collective.

Mercury in the 12th House: With Mercury in the 12th house, the Virgo 10th-house energy of analysis and practicality takes on a more introspective, private quality. The native may work in roles that require discretion or involve helping others behind the scenes. They may bring an analytical mindset to spirituality, psychology, or healing professions, often finding success in fields that support quiet service.

𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Capricorn rising, Virgo governs the 9th house, the house of philosophy, higher education, spirituality, and long journeys—both literal and metaphorical. With Virgo ruling this house, Capricorn risings approach their quest for knowledge and wisdom with practicality, diligence, and a strong attention to detail. They often have a disciplined approach to learning, preferring structured paths such as formal education, certifications, or meticulously planned travel experiences that provide tangible insights. Virgo’s influence suggests that Capricorn risings may focus on finding practical applications for philosophical or spiritual knowledge, seeking truths that are useful and grounded. They may also be drawn to careers or life paths that allow them to teach, serve, or contribute to society through their acquired wisdom, applying a methodical approach to guiding others on a similar path.

Mercury through the Houses:

Mercury in the 1st House: With Mercury in the 1st house, the Virgo 9th-house energy of wisdom and analysis flows directly into the self. The native presents themselves as thoughtful, articulate, and disciplined, often embodying a logical approach to life. They are likely to seek practical wisdom and may come across as well-educated, insightful, and detail-oriented in their interactions.

Mercury in the 2nd House: The Virgo 9th-house energy channels into finances and values. The native may approach learning and spirituality with a focus on material security, often seeking knowledge that enhances financial stability. They may value resources and career choices that provide them with long-term security, treating practical knowledge as an asset in building their life.

Mercury in the 3rd House: With Mercury in the 3rd house, the Virgo 9th-house energy is expressed through communication and learning. The native may enjoy discussing philosophical or intellectual topics with siblings or close friends, often applying analytical skills to expand their understanding. They are likely drawn to intellectual pursuits and may be known for their thoughtful, articulate way of speaking.

Mercury in the 4th House: The Virgo 9th-house energy finds expression in the home and family environment. The native may bring philosophical or spiritual values into the family, emphasizing structured learning or discussions on meaningful topics within the home. They may enjoy researching family history or roots and may prioritize education and higher learning for family members.

Mercury in the 5th House: The Virgo 9th-house energy channels into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may express philosophical or intellectual insights through creative outlets or enjoy activities that require both precision and thoughtfulness. They may be drawn to hobbies that expand their mind or provide a deeper understanding of life, and they may bring a logical approach to self-expression.

Mercury in the 6th House: The Virgo 9th-house energy flows into daily routines, work, and health. The native may bring their quest for knowledge into their work or wellness routines, seeking careers that allow them to apply higher wisdom in practical ways. They might take a systematic approach to spiritual practices, often integrating their beliefs into daily habits and routines.

Mercury in the 7th House: The Virgo 9th-house energy of learning and service flows into partnerships. The native may seek partners who share their interest in philosophy or intellectual growth. They approach relationships with a thoughtful, detail-oriented mindset, often looking for partners who encourage their spiritual or philosophical exploration.

Mercury in the 8th House: The Virgo 9th-house energy of analysis and depth channels into transformation, shared resources, and deeper understanding. The native may be drawn to study psychology, metaphysics, or transformative philosophies, applying logic to their exploration of life’s mysteries. They may have a natural talent for analyzing complex or hidden subjects, often bringing profound insights to their own and others’ growth.

Mercury in the 9th House: With Mercury in its own 9th house, the Virgo energy of precision, clarity, and analysis is strongly expressed in higher learning and spirituality. The native is likely to be a meticulous learner, taking a structured approach to studying philosophy, spirituality, or culture. They may be recognized for their knowledge and may enjoy roles in teaching, research, or guidance.

Mercury in the 10th House: The Virgo 9th-house energy flows into career and public life. The native may be drawn to careers in teaching, publishing, or roles that require analytical thinking and structured learning. They may build a reputation for their intellectual contributions and often apply their practical knowledge in a way that benefits others in their professional sphere.

Mercury in the 11th House: The Virgo 9th-house energy channels into social networks and group involvement. The native may connect with friends through shared intellectual interests or community projects. They might enjoy participating in groups that discuss philosophy, spirituality, or social causes, often bringing a practical perspective to collective goals and encouraging others to think logically.

Mercury in the 12th House: With Mercury in the 12th house, the Virgo 9th-house energy of learning and analysis takes on a more introspective, spiritual quality. The native may be drawn to study or contemplate philosophy or spirituality in solitude, often finding peace in private study or meditation. They may explore the depths of their mind, valuing contemplative practices that provide inner clarity and wisdom.

𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Aquarius rising, Virgo governs the 8th house, the house of transformation, shared finances, intimate connections, and deep psychological exploration. With Virgo ruling this house, Aquarius risings approach intense emotional experiences, shared resources, and personal transformation with a practical, discerning mindset. They may seek to understand the mysteries of life through a logical, methodical approach, often drawn to research, psychology, or fields that require analytical depth. Virgo’s influence here suggests that Aquarius risings may be cautious with shared finances and emotionally discerning in intimate relationships, preferring connections that are sincere, organized, and reliable. They may also have a natural gift for helping others through crisis or transformation, bringing a sense of order and healing to complex or chaotic situations.

Mercury through the Houses:

Mercury in the 1st House: With Mercury in the 1st house, the Virgo 8th-house energy of depth and analysis flows directly into the self. The native presents themselves as thoughtful, introspective, and observant. They may come across as insightful, with a natural curiosity for life’s deeper aspects. They analyze situations and people carefully, often projecting a practical approach to complex matters.

Mercury in the 2nd House: The Virgo 8th-house energy channels into finances and values. The native may approach financial partnerships cautiously, focusing on shared resources and budgeting with precision. They value security and stability and are likely to be detail-oriented in managing both personal and shared assets, viewing financial security as a cornerstone of their self-worth.

Mercury in the 3rd House: With Mercury in the 3rd house, the Virgo 8th-house energy is expressed through communication and close relationships. The native may engage in conversations about life’s mysteries or hidden aspects with a logical mindset. They are likely drawn to psychological or intellectual discussions and are often known for their insightful perspectives on emotional and complex matters.

Mercury in the 4th House: The Virgo 8th-house energy finds expression in the home and family environment. The native may bring a practical approach to family finances or shared resources within the family. They may feel a sense of responsibility in managing family matters that involve legacy or transformation, often approaching family dynamics with careful thought and depth.

Mercury in the 5th House: The Virgo 8th-house energy channels into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may approach creative projects with a thoughtful and meticulous attitude, often drawn to art forms or hobbies that explore psychological or transformative themes. They may seek meaningful connections in romance, valuing emotional depth and intellectual connection.

Mercury in the 6th House: The Virgo 8th-house energy flows into daily routines, work, and health. The native may work in fields that involve research, healing, or crisis management, approaching their work with a detailed and precise mindset. They may be drawn to wellness practices that support mental clarity and emotional stability, often integrating routines that help with inner transformation.

Mercury in the 7th House: The Virgo 8th-house energy of depth and analysis flows into partnerships. The native may seek partners who value honesty and emotional transparency, often approaching relationships with a thoughtful, practical mindset. They may find fulfillment in partnerships that support mutual growth and healing, often valuing a partner who shares their interest in deep, meaningful connections.

Mercury in the 8th House: With Mercury in its own 8th house, the Virgo energy of precision, analysis, and introspection is strongly expressed in areas of transformation, psychology, and shared resources. The native is likely to excel in understanding life’s mysteries and may have a talent for uncovering hidden truths. They may work well in fields that involve research, psychology, or finance, applying an analytical approach to deeply transformative areas.

Mercury in the 9th House: The Virgo 8th-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may take a structured approach to exploring philosophical or spiritual beliefs, often drawn to subjects like metaphysics, psychology, or theology. They are likely to seek answers to life’s mysteries in a logical way, valuing practical wisdom and insight into the human condition.

Mercury in the 10th House: The Virgo 8th-house energy flows into career and public life. The native may be known for their skills in managing complex situations, perhaps working in fields like psychology, finance, research, or crisis management. They build a reputation for their analytical ability and precision in handling shared resources or transformative work.

Mercury in the 11th House: The Virgo 8th-house energy channels into social networks and group involvement. The native may be drawn to social causes related to psychology, transformation, or crisis support. They approach group dynamics thoughtfully, often bringing analytical insight into collective goals and valuing friendships that support mutual growth or transformation.

Mercury in the 12th House: With Mercury in the 12th house, the Virgo 8th-house energy of analysis and introspection takes on a more spiritual or private quality. The native may be drawn to study life’s mysteries in solitude or engage in healing practices that require self-reflection. They may find peace in exploring their inner world quietly, often helping others through private, behind-the-scenes support.

𝐏𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Pisces rising, Virgo governs the 7th house, the house of partnerships, marriage, and close one-on-one relationships. With Virgo ruling this house, Pisces risings approach partnerships with a sense of responsibility, practicality, and discernment, despite their natural romantic and idealistic tendencies. Virgo’s influence suggests that while they may have a dreamy, compassionate nature, they value grounded, reliable, and supportive relationships where both parties can contribute meaningfully to each other’s lives. They often seek partners who bring structure, attention to detail, and a sense of dependability, balancing their own emotional depth with practicality. Pisces risings may also find fulfillment in partnerships where they can be of service to each other, finding joy in helping and improving each other’s lives. Virgo ruling the 7th house encourages them to prioritize mutual growth, clear communication, and understanding in relationships.

Mercury through the Houses:

Mercury in the 1st House: With Mercury in the 1st house, the Virgo 7th-house energy of discernment and clarity flows directly into the self. The native may present themselves as thoughtful, observant, and communicative, often projecting a balanced approach in their interactions. They are likely to take a practical and considerate approach to relationships, valuing clear communication and mutual respect.

Mercury in the 2nd House: The Virgo 7th-house energy channels into finances and values. The native may bring a practical, analytical approach to shared financial matters in relationships, often valuing stability and mutual support. They may seek partners who share similar financial values or who can provide a sense of security and groundedness in life.

Mercury in the 3rd House: With Mercury in the 3rd house, the Virgo 7th-house energy is expressed through communication and close relationships. The native may be highly communicative and thoughtful in their partnerships, often drawn to partners with whom they can have stimulating, practical conversations. They value intellectual compatibility in relationships and often build connections based on mutual understanding and shared ideas.

Mercury in the 4th House: The Virgo 7th-house energy finds expression in the home and family environment. The native may be drawn to creating a harmonious, well-organized family life with their partner. They value stability in the home, often approaching family matters with a thoughtful and detail-oriented perspective, working together with a partner to build a solid foundation.

Mercury in the 5th House: The Virgo 7th-house energy channels into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may seek practical yet supportive partnerships that encourage personal growth. They may be drawn to romantic relationships that feel steady and grounded, preferring partners who are reliable and who encourage them to develop their creative talents in structured, thoughtful ways.

Mercury in the 6th House: The Virgo 7th-house energy flows into daily routines, work, and health. The native may find partnerships where both people work together toward shared goals, often appreciating partners who value discipline and a sense of service. They may build close relationships with colleagues or in professional settings, approaching teamwork with precision and respect.

Mercury in the 7th House: With Mercury in its own 7th house, the Virgo energy of analysis, clarity, and service is strongly expressed in partnerships. The native is likely to be highly attentive to their partner’s needs, valuing mutual support and open communication. They may seek a partner who is practical and reliable, and they often bring a thoughtful, careful approach to building meaningful, long-lasting relationships.

Mercury in the 8th House: The Virgo 7th-house energy of depth and precision channels into transformation, shared resources, and deeper emotional bonds. The native may seek a partner who is trustworthy and practical, often valuing clear boundaries and honesty in intimate relationships. They approach shared resources or investments carefully, taking responsibility for the practical aspects of intimacy and transformation.

Mercury in the 9th House: With Mercury in the 9th house, the Virgo 7th-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may look for a partner with shared intellectual or philosophical interests. They are likely to value conversations that expand their perspectives, finding fulfillment in relationships where learning and growth are central themes.

Mercury in the 10th House: The Virgo 7th-house energy flows into career and public life. The native may be drawn to partnerships that support their career ambitions or professional goals. They may prefer partners who are practical and supportive of their public image, often choosing relationships that enhance their standing or reputation.

Mercury in the 11th House: The Virgo 7th-house energy channels into social networks and group involvement. The native may approach friendships and partnerships thoughtfully, often choosing friends who support their aspirations and goals. They bring a logical, practical approach to social interactions, valuing friends and partners who encourage them to grow and achieve their dreams.

Mercury in the 12th House: With Mercury in the 12th house, the Virgo 7th-house energy of discernment and service takes on a more introspective, compassionate quality. The native may be drawn to partners who appreciate quiet time or spiritual pursuits, often seeking a relationship that supports their inner life. They value supportive, understanding partners and may find fulfillment in helping their partner grow in private, behind-the-scenes ways.

[autumnscribbles]

truth | rc

pairing: bsf!rafe x reader, rafe x sofia

summary: y/n overhears sofia and hollis unintentionally, and as rafes friend decides to tell him

warning: swearing, that’s about it i think

wc: 1.8k

a/n: thank you to the anon who sent this in! i’m loving the rafe angst lately, i’ve been having so much fun getting back into writing!! I legit couldn’t think of a title so for now there isn’t one lmaooo

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅ ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅ ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘

The fresh night air filled your lungs as you took a deep breath. You always loved walking at night. The air always felt better, the way everything quieted and slowed down always brought you peace. You loved to sit on the dock, listening to the crash of the waves. You watched the stars, mentally pointing out your favorite constellations as you spotted them.

You were brought out of your trance by a familiar voice coming from one of the boats in your vicinity.

“How much?”

You turned your head, leaning your body to try to get a good view. You spotted Sofia, sitting on a boat with that blonde lady you saw the other day. What was her name again? Holly?

“25, dear,” she said. “No questions asked.”

You slowly rose to your feet, trying to get a better view and be more in earshot. You had to stop your jaw from dropping when you heard the conversation. Twenty five grand for Sofia to convince Rafe to take the Goat Island deal. The well put together woman tried to make it same like it was for Rafe’s benefit, but you could tell by Sofia’s reactions that it wasn’t. She just wanted the money, she didn’t care how.

“What the fuck,” you whispered to yourself.

You saw Holly…Hollis! That’s what it was! She handed something to Sofia, and you caught a glimpse of what looked like cash inside. The conversation started wrapping up and you quickly picked up your pace, walking in the opposite direction and off the dock so neither of them saw you.

The sound of your shoes on the pavement sounded too loud in your ears as you hurried back to your house. You knew you weren’t supposed to overhear the conversation, but what were you supposed to do with that information now that you had it? You had to tell Rafe, right? He was your friend. You couldn’t let him get screwed over, especially not when he thought Sofia had good intentions.

You sat on the edge of your bed, breathing shallow as you went over everything you heard. You let out a mix of a sigh and a groan as you flopped onto your back, staring at the ceiling. You’d sleep on it, and decide how to go about telling Rafe tomorrow. You were supposed to meet him at the beach, maybe you could catch him alone before that.

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅ ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅ ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘

The sun was bright and unforgiving, your eyes squinting automatically as you walked down the street. You decided you’d meet Rafe at his place before going down to the beach together. You needed to catch him alone.

You already felt the sweat forming on your forehead as you approached his front door, knocking urgently. When he didn’t answer, you knocked again. Eventually, the door flung open, his eyes half closed once the sun hit his face.

“Can you chill out?” he groaned, shielding the sun with his hand.

You could tell he had just woken up. Usually you’d feel bad, but honestly, you didn’t care. You needed to talk to him, to tell him what you heard and saw last night.

“Rafe I need to tell you something,” you said. “It’s important.”

He groaned slightly before stepping aside, silently inviting you in. He disappeared for a minute or two, arriving back with two mugs of coffee in his hand. You let him take a few sips, waiting for the caffeine to be in him before you started explaining. He needed to be alert and awake when he heard it.

“I was out at the dock last night, just clearing my head,” you started. “And I overheard something I think you should know.”

He stared at you, urging you to continue. His bright blue eyes were fixated on you now, fully awake.

“I saw Sofia and…Hollis?” it came out as more of a question. “I heard Hollis telling Sofia that she would give her 25 grand to convince you to sign the deal.”

“What?” Rafe said, his eyebrows ruffling together and his head shaking as he set his mug down on the coffee table beside him. “You must have misheard.”

“I saw Sofia take the money, Rafe,” you sighed. “I’m sorry, I know you really like her and everything but I really thought you should know and-”

“Just stop, y/n!” Rafe cut you off, raising a hand as if to pause you. “Spare me the fucking dramatics. Why are you trying to fuck with me?”

His jaw clenched, twitching as if he was biting his tongue. You hit a nerve, you could tell. You sat up a bit straighter, trying to show that you were serious. He wasn’t believing you. He didn’t want to think you might be right.

“I’m not!” you protested. “I just thought you should know. I think this Goat Island thing is sketchy, and she’s in on it.”

“Are you seriously that fucking jealous?” he asked, his voice raising as he stood up, towering over you. “You seriously can’t handle the thought of me being happy with someone so much that you have to make shit up?”

“Rafe this isn’t about Sofia!” you defended, standing up to match him. “I want you to be happy, but I can’t not let you know she’s being shady behind your back!”

“No, you know what y/n?” he asked, not waiting for the answer. “I’ve waited for you forever. Just waiting for the day you finally give me the time of day. For once, my attention is on someone other than you. And you can’t fucking handle it.”

You took a step back, your mouth opening slightly. You were at a loss for words. He really thought this was a jealousy issue? That you made up a whole complex story just because you don’t like Sofia? Sure, you were a little hurt when they got together. She was beautiful, and kind, and there were moments you wished he looked at you the way he looked at her. But this wasn’t about hurting her, or getting your way.

“You just loooooved pulling me around behind me like your puppy,” he continued, matching your step back with one forward. His voice lowered and his eyes narrowed, meeting your gaze. “You loved holding me close. You know how I feel for you, and you love it, y/n. You love the attention and you love how you can use it to your advantage.”

“Are you hearing yourself?” you screamed. “You’re fucking delusional Rafe. I’m trying to tell you something serious and you think this is just a love triangle? A lovers quarrel?”

“Stop messing with my head!” he shouted, tapping his temples with his index fingers. “That’s all you do, is fuck with my head! All the time!”

Your mind was reeling. Is that how he felt? Like you were just stringing him along. You never knew Rafe saw you as anything other than a friend. If you weren’t so focused on trying to tell him the truth, you would have held on longer to what he said about waiting for you. Did he mean he had feelings for you all this time? You always buried your feelings for Rafe, pretending they didn’t exist. It was easier that way. Easier to accept you’d never be together.

Rafe had always made your heart flutter, but the baggage that came with him often kept you at a distance when it came to getting closer. He was your friend, you cared for him. You never told him about how you truly felt, because you knew it would likely be a bad idea to be romantically involved. You assumed he’d never feel that way about you anyway, so you buried the hatchet.

“Fine,” you exhaled. “Don’t come to me when you find out your little girlfriend screwed you over. It’s your 400k, not mine.”

Trying to keep up an air of strength, you clenched your jaw. You wouldn’t cry, you wouldn’t react emotionally. He’ll find out the truth eventually, the truth always comes out. He’d admit you were right if you gave it time.

Until then, you walked out his door, leaving it open behind you. His earlier words still coursed through your mind. The mean ones, and the ones about his feelings for you, but as always, you swept them under the rug. You couldn’t face the truth yourself.

You felt something tug at your wrist, turning around to meet Rafe’s blue eyes once again. You thought they looked glossier, a sheen over them. Was he tearing up? No way, Rafe Cameron never cries. Not over this.

“Y/n,” he said lowly, a stark contrast from his previous shouting. “Tell me the fucking truth. Are you just saying this to fuck with me and make me question my relationship with Sofia?”

“No, Rafe,” you said honestly. “I know what I saw. This isn’t some ploy to get you to break up with her or be with me instead. I’m just trying to protect you.”

It was the truth. Despite how you felt about Rafe, you wanted the best for him. If Sofia was what was best, you’d support it. You almost wished you hadn’t seen what you saw at the dock. That way, you wouldn’t have to insert yourself in their relationship at all. You could continue to stand on the sidelines, watching his life pass with you becoming less and less present.

“Protect me,” he scoffed, mocking your words.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” you asked harshly.

“Protect me from what, huh? My little poor heart being hurt?” he asked sarcastically. “It’s too late for that, y/n. You can’t protect me from anything when you’re part of the problem.”

You shook your head at him, at a loss for words. He clearly wasn’t done speaking, but you ran out of snarky retorts. You felt like you had whiplash from all the directions this conversation was going. He stared at you for a moment, his mouth slightly open, his hands running over his newly buzzed hair. You heard him release a quiet sigh, his head hanging down.

“No one will ever be good enough in your eyes,” he said, looking back up at you. “Not Sofia, and not me. I was never good enough for you, and Sofia isn’t good enough for me. So you can’t protect me from ‘heartbreak’, y/n. Because you are the problem.”

He pointed a finger at you, his teeth clenched together as the words left his lips. He turned around swiftly and walked back into his house, slamming the door behind him. Unable to process what just happened, you stared blankly in his direction, met with nothing but the front of his house. By trying to help, you somehow managed to make things so much worse, and so complicated.

“Now what?” you said to yourself under your breath.

[starlight-tav]

Yeah! And it's not just that there are top surgery scars, but that your Rook can be transgender and that has weight in the narrative.

You can relate to and bond with characters by sharing your hurt, joy, and pride in being transgender. There are certain romances where you have the important conversation of "I want this with you, but I need to know if you know who I am and if that's a deal breaker."

The moment where Rook unpacks their belongings and can say how they feel about who they see in the mirror was the first time in any game where I got to be trans, be proud, and have it mean something.

And the timeliness of it. It means so much to me that I got to be transgender and a hero. I got to build a family and support them through their own hurts and joys. I got to be the man that defeated the gods and helped the world become better.

This game deeply moved me. I cried all the way through act 3. In grief, in joy, in love, in embodiment. I got to be strong and save the world.

I needed that right now. In reality, I can't go on a linear journey and fight a battle to make peace and banish evil. But getting to see a Rook so much like myself fight and keep fighting and win? It gives me hope.

I don't know if I'll see a better future in my lifetime, but I'm going to keep fighting for one. For my friends who have had their cultures violated and erased. For my friends who have to hide themselves to survive. For my friends who are realizing that the very thing they worshipped actually wounded the world and oppressed it's people. For my friends who are afraid of dying and being forgotten. I'll fight, I'll struggle, I'll remember. Because someone has to and I'm here, so I'll do it. And the people I love will do it with me.

Is this game perfect? No. Is it beautiful and hopeful and the game I needed in this horribly bleak moment? Absolutely. I'm so grateful to the writers, devs, actors, and artists who made it happen.

And yeah, I know it's a game. It's entertainment. And not everyone has to find meaning to enjoy things. But I found meaning and I know there are other folks out there who did as well. And I see them and I hope they see me.

Dragon age having top surgery scars as an option in the character creator is like. Actually groundbreaking and I think we need to talk about it

[kaidasdesires]

“Your Eyes Only.” : Heeseung

☾ grouping: Heeseung x afab reader

☾ rating: 18+, explicit content

☾ wc: 7.6k

☾ content warnings: aphrodisiac, altered state, y/n feels like she's been drugged, explicit sex, wax play, light choking and hair pulling, brief oral

☾ summary: Heeseung calls y/n to the studio to show her a new song he's working on. He thinks y/n is as beautiful as a piece of art and wants to show her what that looks like to him.

Or, Heeseung is a siren and uses his voice to seduce y/n and show her how good he can make her feel.

☾ author note: This story is fiction and does not reflect the personalities or desires of those it is written about. This story has some scenes that may be uncomfortable for some readers, read at your own discretion.

☾ taglist: @who-tf-soddhi , @imnotyizhuo , @deobitifull , @ochaluver , @jakeswifez , @helenngxz , @enhalusional , @d-dilemma , @heerinnie , @qeeun-didi , @capri-cuntz , @strxwbloody , @jungwonloverr , @b3tt7boop , @zara2318 , @simbabyj , @gnvi-eve , @babygirlskz98 , @nshmrarki , @50-husbands , @peonywon , @moonpri , @binneulton , @leeheeso , @roslayy , @tunafishyfishylike , @fancypeacepersona , @irenic-max , comment below to be added! <3

It had been a few weeks since the night you got drunk and Jungwon told you everything. Jungwon had still tried to avoid the conversation when he could so you didn’t get much more information out of him. However, as you predicted, nothing had changed. Even with the confession, all of the boys continued to act the same. Sure maybe a little more handsy or flirty than before but nothing crazy. 

It was late in the evening, you had just gotten out of the shower, the steam clinging to your skin as you reached for your phone. A notification lit up the screen, and your heart skipped a beat as you saw the sender's name: Heeseung.

Hey, are you awake?

You cocked an eyebrow, intrigued. It was unusual for Heeseung to text you in the evening like this. He was usually busy with practice or working on new music.

I’m awake. You okay? 

As you waited for his response, you dried your hair, a towel wrapped around your head. Your mind raced, contemplating why he would be texting you like this suddenly and at this hour.

A moment later, your phone buzzed again.

Can you come to the studio? 

A slight pang of nervousness hit you. Heeseung didn’t answer you if he was okay and normally his messages weren’t so short. Your hair was dry enough so you quickly changed into a tank top with a cardigan and leggings. 

I’m on the way. 

You texted him back, a sense of urgency hitting you as you left your house and locked the door behind you. The walk was only about 10 minutes and you quickly stopped by the convenience store to get some snacks and coffee for Heeseung. You knew he would appreciate the gesture, as he often spent long nights in the studio working on his music.

Once you got to the building you rang the doorbell and Heeseung buzzed you in. You headed to the elevator and quickly hit the close door button behind you. As you waited for the elevator to arrive on the right floor you thought briefly about how you could cheer Heeseung up if he was having a hard time. Maybe these snacks would help. 

You headed down the hallway to the studio door and when you knocked Heeseung let you in. 

“Hey!” You said a little bit out of breath from your walk and carrying things. When you sat down on the little couch you noticed that Heeseung was alone in the studio. “Where is everyone? Is everything okay Heeseung?” You asked concern in your voice was evident.

“Yeah, I’m okay. I just wanted you to hear something I was working on before I showed it to the rest of the guys.” He responded, closing the door behind you. 

“Oh!” You nodded before giving him a sweet smile. “It must be something important to you. I’d be honored.” 

He smiled back. His eyes trailed to the bags you brought with you. “What’s this?” He questioned. 

“I brought you some coffee and snacks. I was honestly a little worried Hee, you don’t typically text me this late at night.” You responded, pulling the snacks and a canned coffee drink out of the bag. 

The studio was a bit cramped. A small couch, a desk that held the music mixing equipment and Heeseung’s computer, a swivel chair, and then the mixing booth. Heeseung sat on the swivel chair in front of you. He took the coffee drink, popped the tab with one hand, and took a sip. 

“I’m just fine. Better now that you're here though.” He said. When you met his eyes he was eyeing you up and down before he took another sip. 

You couldn’t help but blush as his eyes trailed down your body. Your tank top was exposing your chest more than normal but you had just grabbed something that wouldn’t stick to your damp post-shower body. 

Heeseung stood up and pulled a lighter out of his desk before using it to light a few candles around the studio. Heeseung preferred it to be dark when he sang or was working on writing something. You remember he had mentioned before that he didn’t care for artificial light either which is why he opted for candles instead. 

“I hope you like it, I wrote it with someone I like in mind,” Heeseung said, a smirk on his face even though he wasn’t looking at you. 

“I don’t think you’ve ever shown me something I don’t like Heeseung.” You complimented him in response. Then you sat back on the couch getting more comfortable while Heeseung went into the booth and put on his headphones. You assumed his comment wasn’t about you. He started the music and your ears were met with a slow sensual beat. You closed your eyes and listened as Heeseung sang. 

My body is burning up because of you

My heart thirsts because of you

Like a fever, fever, fever, fever

His voice was so beautiful that it seeped into your ears like warm honey. The smell from the candles only heightened your senses as you listened. The smell was something like cedar, a comforting woody smell but with a hint of cinnamon. It was a nice smell. You wished that you could smell this sort of scent all the time. 

I want to embracе you

I want to embrace you

Push me away but my firе still burns

Turn to ash but the flame still rises

You opened your eyes to find that Heeseung was looking right at you as if he was singing to you. You blushed, not realizing he had been watching you. A second after your eyes met his you felt your head spin. You leaned forward and clutched onto the couch to help stabilize yourself. You weren’t the type to suddenly get dizzy like this. Maybe the smell from the candles was getting to you. Heeseung continued to sing, the melodic tune washing over you. He was still watching you but he didn’t seem concerned. 

Like a fever, fever, fever

I want to ache for you

I want to ache for you

Your body started feeling hot and tingly. You were worried you were getting sick suddenly, but you didn’t feel bad per se, just a burning sensation against your skin and a bit dizzy. If it wasn’t so sudden you argue that it felt kind of nice in a way. You lifted your head back up, and everything seemed to be moving a little bit slower than before. You looked back to Heeseung, he was still looking at you, watching you. 

Don't stop 

Yes, all day, all day burn me

Please stop 

My sun, stop baby, oh baby

I beg you, do something, anything

His voice was like fire in your veins, every note he sang you felt like an electric pulse through your body. You felt an overwhelming feeling of desire, a craving for touch and closeness. You pulled off your cardigan, the heat becoming too much for you to handle. 

You didn’t notice when Heeseung had stopped singing and exited the booth. You were still trying to understand why you suddenly felt so weird. He sat beside you and gently patted your head. His hand coming down to rest on the back of your neck. 

“It’s okay, you’ll get used to it soon.” He said, once again glancing over your more exposed skin. “It’s not too much is it darling?” he asked looking at the goosebumps raised on your arms. 

“Heeseung– what– what did you do?” you asked, head still spinning. The sudden pet name almost manages to go over your head. You wanted him to be closer, touching you, anything to help ground you. You grabbed onto his sleeve hoping it would help the feeling. 

“I know Jungwon told you about us. But I noticed that nobody has had the guts to make a move on you yet. Unsurprising really.” He replied, insinuating that the other boys were weak or scared. “This is… just part of who I am. But you're okay, don’t be afraid.” 

“You drugged me?” you asked, feeling even hotter now. That was the only thing that made sense in this situation. Or did it? How could he have possibly drugged you when all he did was light candles and sing to you?

Heeseung laughed before he placed a hand on your chin and pulled your face up to look at him. “I would never do that pretty girl. Don’t you remember what I said? I told you not to worry and that none of us would ever hurt you.” He reassured you, the corner of his mouth lifting into a smirk. 

That voice you had heard in your head at first the other night had been him. Now you felt crazy. A little scared and surprised by the way you couldn’t but help want Heeseung to kiss you. He was so close and you wanted more. 

“Come here, you can sit in my lap until I'm done working on this.” He spoke up, obviously aware that you didn’t want to let him go considering you still had a death grip on his sleeve. The older boy pulled your arm gently to get you to let him go before he grabbed both your hands and helped you onto your feet. Your knees threatened to buckle below you as you followed him to the chair.

This wasn’t something you normally would ever do. Of course, you found Heeseung handsome but he was always so calm and mature. You never dared hit on him because all his flirting seemed like just something he’d say to make someone feel good. You were sure he had someone he was seeing or that he wasn’t interested in you. But then again you felt that way about all the boys before Jungwon’s confession. Why would they be interested in you when they could have any girl they wanted? 

Heeseung guided you to the chair with care before he sat down. At first, you went to sit in his lap with your back pressed against his chest but he stopped you. 

“Turn around.” He said, gently turning you by the waist. His tone was somehow soft but firm at the same time. You knew he wouldn’t tolerate any pushback you gave him, so you obliged his demand. Then he guided you to staddle him and sit in his lap. You wrapped your arms around his neck and adjusted your hips which resulted in a quiet grunt from the older boy. You couldn’t help but press your face into the crook of his neck. Normally you wouldn’t be this bold but you just wanted to be touching him. The smell of his cologne only fueled the heat you felt as you breathed against his neck.  

After a minute of listening to Heeseung clicking on his keyboard, he instead opted for filling the room with the sound of his humming. The vibrations against your face and the sound so much closer to you made you want more of him. Why was his singing making you feel this way? 

You felt worked up, and hot. You just wanted him to touch you. It was almost subconscious when you made the slightest shift against Heeseungs hips.

He responded with a quiet “mmm.”, not giving you the response you had hoped for. 

You pressed your lips against his neck, giving him a few small kisses. Maybe that would get him to react.

Again, there was almost no response from the older boy. Instead, he just continued to hum. 

Your pussy was starting to throb. This whole thing confused you. You didn’t understand why you were so ungodly horny. You didn’t understand why your body was reacting this way. You sat there, contemplating between letting the feeling overtake you or maintaining the image Heeseung had always seen you as. At most, the boys had only ever seen you making out with a guy or in your bathing suit, besides the other night, nothing of this level of intimacy had happened between any of you. You were sure they saw you as a bit modest and shy, which wasn't necessarily true, but that's all you ever showed them.

You pushed your forehead into Heeseung’s collarbone in defeat before using your hips to grind into him. 

“Oh, what’s this?” Heeseung teased as he stopped typing and placed his hand on the small of your back, his thumb rubbing small circles on your skin where your tank top had risen on its own. 

You huffed a bit. You were desperate for him to do something at this point, but he wasn’t giving you anything. But you were too stubborn to blatantly give up your still somewhat respectable appearance. You did the same action again, except this time, you could feel that he was getting hard underneath you. 

“Darling, I’m not done yet.” he cooed, trying to act like your actions weren’t getting to him. 

You couldn’t help but let out the smallest little whine. You felt him smile, probably a cocky one. Nonetheless, he continued with his humming and typing while you continued slowly grinding against him. His cock twitched in his sweatpants begging for more friction. You obliged, tightening your arms around his shoulders to get more leverage as you pushed harder against him. 

This earned you another quiet grunt, followed by the sound of Heeseung’s laptop being shut suddenly. The noise caused you to jump. 

“You’re lucky y/n,” he said, his voice much darker than before. “You’re lucky that I'm going to go easy on you since I’m the first.” 

You felt his hand slide up your back and his fingers tangle into your hair before he tugged your head back suddenly. You squeaked, not expecting the sudden action nor the pain tingling across your scalp. 

He looked over your face. It was red, flushed with desire. Your eyes were glossy and round, begging him for more. Mouth slightly parted as you processed his actions. He smirked. 

“Look at you, so pretty and desperate for me already” Heeseung whispered, leaning into your ear “I should make you ride me right here like this.” 

His hot breath tickled against you and sent shivers down your spine. His sudden change in demeanor was intoxicating and his words made you only want more. 

Instead, Heeseung reached both hands under your ass and lifted you and himself from the chair before moving you to the couch. You clung onto him, not wanting to lose the feeling of his body against yours. He kept you on his lap, but this was more comfortable for the both of you than the swivel chair. 

You looked at him, he too looked a little bit flushed and needy, not that he would admit that. 

He reached up to grab the nape of your neck, and he finally gave you the attention you had wanted. He pulled you to him and kissed you. His kiss was much harder than the kiss at the party but it was still slow and drawn out. He kissed you passionately like he was savoring every single movement. 

His hands found your lower back again but slowly started to push up the fabric. Then they roamed over your sides leaving trails of tingling heat behind them. The kiss deepened as Heeseung’s tongue licked its way into your mouth and you started to rut against him again. 

“Fuck,’ He cursed as your clothed pussy rubbed against him. You could tell he was holding back because of the way his fingers pressed deeply into your sides, almost as if he was trying to ground himself. 

You pulled away from him, briefly taking over the lead to reach your fingers under the hem of his shirt and pull it off. You looked over him, his muscles and toned body surprising you. You hadn’t expected his body to be so nice. 

“Your turn.” He said after giving you a second to look him over. He lifted your shirt slowly over your head, keeping eye contact with you the entire time until he threw your shirt onto the floor.

Then his hands roamed the softness of your exposed body fingers gliding over your sides and under your breasts. He pulled you back down into the kiss before slowly kissing along your jawline and onto your neck. He sucked and bit on your neck not hard enough to leave any lasting marks but enough to elicit quiet whimpers from you. You ran your fingers through his hair earning a hum of satisfaction. As he continued to kiss your neck, you felt his hand travel up your back until it reached your bra, and in one smooth motion, he unclasped it. 

Heeseung pulled back from you, still maintaining eye contact with you. “Can I see you, darling?” He asked, not wanting to do anything that you were uncomfortable with. 

You nodded and let the bra fall off your shoulders and into your lap exposing your breasts. Your nipples hardened quickly at the change in temperature earning a smirk from the older boy who was already admiring you. 

“Wow y/n, you’re beautiful.” He whispered, reaching out to knead the soft mounds in his hands. You blushed, suddenly feeling shy and exposed. 

“Such a pretty girl.” He continued with his compliments, now taking your nipples in between his fingers. He played with them for a minute, rubbing them and pinching them causing you to shiver at the feeling. 

He looked over your features once more, and seeing that you maybe felt a little shy or nervous he started to hum again. This time humming quietly while he leaned down to suck on your nipples. The vibrations and the sound cause that dizzying hot feeling to overtake you again. He continued like this for a minute, swapping between his fingers and his mouth before he gently pushed you over to where you were lying back on the couch. 

You watched him as he stood up and pulled down his pants. Leaving him in just his underwear. His cock was hard and his underwear was wet where he had already begun to leak. He didn’t seem embarrassed by this and it only made you more aroused, knowing that he was just as worked up as you were. 

“Please.” The words came out of your mouth before you could stop them. 

“Hmm? Please what darling?” Heeseung replied, leaning down over you and reaching his fingers into the band of your leggings. He kissed down your stomach as he slowly pulled your leggings down. He continued to hum between the kisses, the humming keeping you intoxicated and warm. 

He pulled your leggings off, leaving you exposed except for your panties. You were so hot, but also the tiniest bit cold since his body wasn’t touching yours anymore.

“Have you figured it out yet?” Heeseung asked, stepping away from you momentarily to the other side of the room. 

You couldn’t see where he had gone since he had disappeared behind your line of sight. 

You weren’t sure exactly what he was asking, your mind consumed with just wanting him to fuck you already. “Hee,” you whined, “want you.” The second part came out much quieter than his nickname.

“Oh, I know you do pretty. But you just need to wait a little while longer. There was a pause before he continued.”You know how much I love to make art right?” He asked, voice now coming back closer to you. 

You could only nod in response. 

“Close your eyes.” He demanded gently. You did what he asked, shifting your thighs back and forth to give yourself some sort of friction, the heat and need unbearable between your legs. 

“You’re so breathtaking y/n, that I can’t help but use you as a canvas.” He said, a smirk evident in his voice. 

It was hot. Incredibly hot as it trickled down your chest, in between your breasts, and towards your belly button. You yelped, surprised by the sudden pain that quickly turned into pleasure. 

And again, burning hot down your thighs, trickling over the edges towards the couch. You fidgeted, unable to hold back the surprised squeaks every time the feeling came. 

You opened your eyes to see Heeseung standing over you, the pine and cinnamon candle that he lit earlier in hand. The red wax left hot trails across your body. He tipped the candle again, watching your face as the wax trickled inwards on your thighs towards your heat. He enjoyed watching your face squeeze up in pain followed by a wave of pleasure. 

He continued this for a while, trickling hot wax across sensitive parts of your body while admiring you. By the time he was done, red wax that almost looked like a pattern of lightning or tree branches covered your body. 

“There, now that I’ve painted my beautiful canvas, it is also up to me to ruin it.” He said, voice laced with a darkness that you hadn’t anticipated. 

He placed the candle back on the table before inviting himself between your legs. He was quick to pull off your panties, not giving you a chance to be shy or nervous. It was obvious he couldn’t hold back anymore. 

He admired your pussy. Using one finger to trace between your folds and tease your clit before running back down. 

You gasped, begging him for more without asking. 

He slipped one finger in with no resistance, and then a second. He was lacking the same patience he had had for hours beforehand. His eyes were full of a hungry lust. 

You mewled as his fingers pressed into you, the feeling relieving your aching heat just a little bit. “Ah– Heeseung,” you moaned quietly. 

He curled his fingers as he pumped them in and out of you, reaching for the spot he knew would have you squirming under him. He leaned forward over you, took one hand, and wrapped it around your throat. He didn’t squeeze enough to really choke you, but enough to make sure your attention was solely focused on him. 

“Tell me what you want darling.” He said, speeding up his movements and purposefully hitting the sensitive spot over and over. His dark eyes peered into yours as he waited. 

You moaned as your body tensed up to his touch, both hands coming up to grab onto his arm that was still around your throat. You could barely catch your breath with the way your body was tensing up, hips arching off the couch, but you knew he wouldn’t give you any mercy until you gave him what he wanted. 

“Heeseung–ah– please,” you whined, little gasps coming out between each thrust of his fingers. 

“Ah, so pretty for me honey, but not enough.” he cooed, fingers continuing their assault. 

“Nngh– please Heeseung, please fuck me,” you begged, tears pricking at your eyes. 

He chuckled, slowing his fingers down and watching you as you panted. He released his hand from your neck before pulling his fingers out and sticking them into his mouth to clean them off. 

“Good girl,” he praised, “I thought you'd never ask. All this time you’ve been trying to keep this side of you hidden from me. But look at how good you are, listening to me and doing what I ask. Do any of the other boys know you’re such a slut darling?” 

His words overwhelmed you. Sure you weren’t a virgin, but you’d never done anything with the boys. Gotten off to the idea of fucking them before sure, but that was a secret that you kept to yourself. You never wanted to risk harming them by getting caught or hurting the bond that you had with them. 

You shook your head, giving Heeseung an honest answer. 

“I’m so lucky, getting you all to myself like this, even if it's just for a little while.” Heeseung smiled, the dark glint of desire ever present in his eyes. He pulled away from you again, standing up to take off his underwear. You watched as his cock hit the skin of his stomach. You found yourself surprised once again, his cock was bigger than you anticipated. 

He pumped his length in his hand, running a finger over the head to smear the pre cum along his shaft. He looked so good like this.

With a sudden wave of desire and determination to earn more praise you sat up and replaced Heeseungs hands with your own. You stroked him a few times before leaning over and kitten-licking the top. You didn’t hear any reaction from Heeseung, so you decided to push it further. You took a deep breath before taking him into your mouth. When you sunk down on him you finally looked up at him through your eyelashes. 

“Fuck–ah fuck,” Heeseung groaned as you took him into your mouth. You had caught him off guard and were rewarded by his surprised reaction. It took him a second to compose himself, his eyes opening to meet yours. He watched you for a moment as you bobbed up and down on his cock slowly. You could tell he was savoring the view and the feeling of your mouth on him.

Then he reached forward to run his fingers through your hair, an affectionate action before his fingers tightened around the strands and pushed you farther down onto his length. 

“You’re so pretty like this y/n,” Heeseung cooed as he held you down on his cock, far enough down that you felt your throat starting to spasm around him.

You tried your best to not gag as he held you down. Tears welled in your eyes as you looked up at him. His words were gentle, but his actions were stern and dominant. 

“You’re so good darling, showing me how badly you want to please me. But,” he paused before pushing you all the way down onto his length till your nose hit his stomach, “I don’t think you could handle it.” He whispered, before releasing you completely. 

You choked as you pulled off of him, followed by a gasp for air and a few tears running across your cheeks. You hadn't been prepared to deep-throat him like that, but the action turned you on tremendously. How his words were so sweet but his actions only made you want to egg him on. To see how rough he would get with you. 

Heeseung interrupted your thoughts as he leaned over to kiss your forehead before laying you back on the couch. He got on top of you and your heat clenched around nothing as you felt his cock slide against you. 

“I’ve been wanting this for a long time y/n,’ Heeseung whispered into your neck as you felt him reach down. He ran his cock up and down your folds, sliding easily because of how wet you were. 

You gasped at the feelings before reaching up to grab onto his shoulders. 

He teased you like this for a moment, watching you carefully in between leaving kisses on your neck and jaw. 

“Tell me you want me darling,” Heeseung urged, pushing the tip against your entrance. 

“God– please Heeseung, I want you… so bad Hee,” you begged, raising your hips in an effort to coax him into you. 

With your consent, the older boy groaned, slowly pushing himself into you. He rested a hand on your cheek as he did so, watching carefully for any indication of pain. 

You leaned your head back, mouth parted in a silent moan as he bottomed out before slowly pulling back out and repeating. 

He continued to fuck you slowly, leaning down to kiss you passionately as he thrust into you. Your fingers entangled into his hair, tugging gently which earned you a moan from Heeseung between kisses. Your tongues fought for dominance, and occasionally Heeseung took your bottom lip in between his teeth. 

After a minute of this, Heeseung dipped his head back into your neck before speeding up his thrusts. He fucked into you faster and harder and you wrapped your arms around his shoulders. His thrusts brought out continuous strings of lewd moans from you. 

You opened your eyes in surprise when you felt Heeseungs hand press over your mouth. “Your noises are so beautiful darling, and I so badly want to hear them. In fact, I wish all the boys could hear you moaning for me baby. I wish everyone in this building knew who you belonged to tonight,” he paused, taking a moment to peer into your eyes. “But I can’t have you letting the whole building know what we are doing in here hmm? That might get me in a bit of trouble.” He finished his thought with a quick raise of his eyebrow. 

You could only nod in response as he continued his motions, a spring of tension coiling in your stomach with every thrust. 

With his hand still over your mouth, you could only listen to the sound of his panting and quiet grunts. His voice was still beautiful even in this situation. 

“Oh, by the way,” Heeseung spoke again suddenly, “I’m a siren.” 

He removed his hand from your mouth and instead moved to pull your legs up to your chest so he could get a deeper angle. Gasps and whines left you in quick succession, this position only tightening the coil in your stomach further. 

You were having trouble processing what Heeseung had just said to you and of course it was hard to believe any of what Jungwon had said was real but the new information gave you clarity on what made you feel so aroused tonight. Heeseung’s voice. It intoxicated you and consumed you and it was all at Heeseung’s will. 

You moaned quietly at the idea of this. How he could get you so worked up with just his voice. 

After a moment, Heeseung reached down in between the two of you and his fingers found your clit. He rubbed small circles as he continued to fuck into you harshly. 

You dug your nails into his back and began to tremble from the overwhelming stimulation. You knew it wouldn’t take you that long to cum considering how worked up you had been. Heeseung knew this too. 

“You know what that means?” He asked, sweat causing his hair to stick to his forehead slightly. 

You shook your head, giving him a curious look in response. 

“It means,” He smirked. “From now on, every time you hear my voice. You’ll be reminded of this moment. You’ll be reminded of how good I made you feel, and how desperate you were for me. How you trembled underneath my fingers darling.” 

The idea of this sent you into a spiral of arousal, you heard Heeseung singing all the time. He practically never stopped singing. How would you ever be able to sit in on any of their practices or concerts? Heat rushed to your core at the images and scenarios in your head. You whimpered, a small pathetic noise of desperation. 

“Heeseung,” you moaned as his fingers and thrusts continued. You felt his cock twitch inside of you, the sound of you calling his name obviously getting to him. 

You couldn’t hold back much longer and you knew he couldn’t either. His thrusts were becoming a bit sloppy and rushed. 

His eyes met yours again, neither of you saying anything for a moment before you spoke up. Your orgasm was approaching quickly now. 

“Heeseung, please, please don’t stop.” You begged, your head rolling back again as you allowed yourself to be consumed by the feeling of him fucking you. 

He picked up speed with determination and he leaned down once more kissing the side of your jaw and then your ear. 

“You’re so pretty y/n, I know you want to cum for me.” He said, his voice though not singing, sent that dizzy wave of overwhelming arousal over you again. 

“Hee—hee, please.” You cried as you were thrown desperately toward the edge, the coil so tight you could barely breathe. 

“Cum for me. Cum nice and hard for me darling. Show me how good you feel.” He all but commanded into your ear, his thrusts and fingers maintaining a slower but consistent speed and motion. 

And you did. Unsure if it was from his voice or at your own will but you came hard. You came so hard that no sound escaped your lips, you were breathless, air stolen by the waves of pleasure as they cascaded over you. Heeseung fucked you through your orgasm and kept fucking you until you shook from overstimulation. Once he finally pulled his hand away from between you he was able to focus on his own climax. 

His pace quickened, and your body still clenched around him, overstimulation causing tears to brim at your eyes. 

“Heeseung,” you moaned, and it was lewd. You sounded almost straight from a porno and that was all he needed. 

“Fuck—,” he cursed, surprised by what you had just done. His thrusts became uneven and frantic before he pulled out and came over your stomach. His quiet groans alone were almost enough to get you fired up again. 

Your head was floaty as you watched him come down from his own high. He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed happily. Then his eyes met yours and he looked so much different than before. He looked at you endearingly and lovingly, any sadistic dominance gone from his eyes. 

He was quick to get up, grab tissues, and wipe you off. You looked down and saw the wax that still covered your body. That was going to be a pain to clean up but it was so worth it. 

Heeseung helped you back into your clothes before he got back into his own clothes and settled back onto the couch sitting beside you. 

There was now somewhat of an awkward silence as you didn’t know what to expect next. You honestly just anticipated that you would go home from here and it would be just like a one-night stand of sorts. 

You fiddled with your fingers in your lap, a slight twinge of disappointment at the ideas your head was creating. 

Heeseung grabbed your hand and laced his fingers in between yours. 

“Y/n, I’m sorry. For being so quiet that is.” He said, obviously having sensed your anxiety. “I’m just honestly speechless. You’re so beautiful and I feel lucky to know you and get to experience and share a friendship and… this…with you.” His other hand motioned vaguely not sure what to consider your relationship at this moment in time. 

You couldn’t help but smile at his words and nod in agreement. 

The older boy took your hand and pulled you up. He grabbed your cardigan and helped you slip it on before leading you to the door and turning off the lights. 

“Let’s go.” He said, hand still entangled in yours. 

He grabbed a sweatshirt from a hook by the door and slipped it on pulling up the hood over his head. Then he pulled out two black masks from the pocket and handed one to you before putting on the other one. He looked over to you, his eyes showing a big smile.

“Where are we going?” You asked, having enough comprehension skills to realize that he was taking you somewhere and that’s why you both needed to have your identities covered a bit. 

“Home of course,” Heeseung replied, pulling you out the door and closing it behind him. He led you towards the elevator. 

“Oh—, Home?” You questioned. It wasn’t often that you went over to the dorms so late at night. Did he mean back to your place? The boys never came over to your place either and it definitely wasn’t in good shape for any guests.

“Mhmm.” He replied as the elevator doors closed. He was still holding your hand tightly, almost as if he was worried you might not want to come with him. 

Truth be told, you were still feeling the post orgasm high and you didn’t really care where you went right now as long as it was with him.

He continued leading you outside of the building and when you made it outside he turned to head towards the dorms. 

“The dorms?” You questioned. Obviously, you knew this was the likely answer but it somehow still surprised you. 

“Yep!” Heeseung replied, not giving you anything more than short answers that way you couldn’t argue or try to change his mind. 

“But Heeseung, uhm… why?” You asked. It was late, and coming over just to hang out wasn’t really the best idea. You’d need to leave soon before you got too sleepy. 

He chuckled, his fingers squeezing yours for a moment. “I’m not going to just let you go home after that y/n. I’m not a fuck boy.” 

“Well, I didn’t say that.” You replied, whacking him on the shoulder with your free hand. He laughed again and you wished you could see his smile instead of the mask. 

The rest of the short walk was quiet except for the various sounds of isolated cars or chit-chat of other people walking around. The city truly never slept around here. 

Heeseung unlocked the door when you arrived, finally releasing your hand before pushing open the door. The dorm was quiet except for the TV in the living room which was playing some sort of anime. You slipped off your shoes and cardigan welcoming the comforting warmth of the dorm. 

Heeseung went into the kitchen to grab you both some water. As you waited you noticed that Jake had fallen asleep on the couch. You smiled and walked over to turn off the lamp that was shining in his face. 

When you turned back around you jumped, surprised to be somewhat face to face with Jungwon. He was wearing a tank top and sweatpants. His muscular arms caught you a bit off guard as he normally never wore exposing clothes like that. 

“J-Jungwon!” You whispered, trying not to wake up Jake. 

“What are you doing here so late?” Jungwon asked, his brows furrowed a bit. 

“Oh- I was just-,” you stammered.

Obviously, you weren’t going to tell Jungwon what you had been doing. But coming up with something else was impossible, your brain wasn’t awake enough to come up with anything quick enough. 

“She came with me,” Heeseung spoke suddenly from behind you once again causing you to jump. 

Jungwon looked at Heeseung, and then to you, and then back to Heeseung. Then Jungwon looked back at you and your skin prickled as you watched him eye you from top to bottom. The look in his eyes changed, but to what you couldn’t tell. His eyes stopped on your chest briefly before he nodded and his facial expression went back to normal. You flushed, Jungwon didn’t normally steal glances at you so obviously like that. 

“Ah,” he paused his tone unreadable, “That’s good. I was worried about you y/n, showing up late like this.” 

“Don’t worry,” Heeseung replied, “She’s safe with me Jungwon.” 

Jungwon nodded again before walking away and into the kitchen himself. Heeseung handed you a glass of water before he took your hand again and pulled to towards his bedroom. 

You were surprised, however, when Heeseung stopped and pulled you into the bathroom. 

“I’ll grab you some clothes of mine you can wear to sleep in. I can shower with you if you want, or you can shower by yourself if you’d be more comfortable,” he said before turning to head towards his bedroom, “Oh, and use whatever shampoo or body wash you want, everyone has different tastes so there’s a few to choose from.” 

You nodded and closed the door behind him. Processing everything that was going on was overwhelming but the idea of staying in the dorm made you feel a little giddy inside. You took a few sips from the glass of water before sitting it down on the counter. 

Heeseung’s knock brought you out of your thoughts as he slowly opened the door. In his hand were some sweatpants and a T-shirt. He smiled at you before setting them down on the counter beside the glass of water.

“Do you want me to shower with you?” He asked. Heeseung’s eyes also trailed your bare skin. “You might need some help getting all that off.” He continued pointing to your chest. 

You looked down and suddenly your face started to burn. How the fuck did you forget the wax! It’s not that Jungwon was looking at your tits but instead, he was looking at the wax that covered your chest and cleavage in tiny trails. 

You looked back at Heeseung, the mischievous look on his face told you that he knew exactly what you were thinking about right now. But it was too late now, there was nothing you could do about it. 

“I think that would be nice actually. Thank you, Hee.” You replied. 

Heeseung was happy to help. He helped you undress and got the water going for you so you could get in and enjoy it for a moment while he brushed his teeth and undressed himself. 

You let the warm water trail down your body washing away any other stress and anxiety you had about the situation. 

When Heeseung joined you couldn’t help but admire him once more. The way his bronze skin glistened in the water as it cascaded over him. The older boy took your hand and placed it on his chest.

“Don’t be afraid.” He said quietly. You tilted your head confused but when you looked up and met his eyes you saw they were now bright blue with small slits in them. The blue color was so bright it reminded you of glaciers as they floated in the ocean. His skin twitched under your fingertips as small silvery blue scales pushed through his skin in various places the water was hitting. 

“Oh—wow.” You responded, shocked by what you were seeing. 

You looked up again and saw small spikey fins that had grown out from the tips his ears. Everything else about him stayed the same. 

“Heeseung. You’re stunning.” You said, blown away by what you were seeing. When he released your hand you noticed that his fingers had become webbed too, obviously to help him swim if he was in the water. 

He smiled. “You’re not scared right?” 

“No not at all just… do you... have a tail fin?” You questioned, giving him an innocent but curious look. 

The older boy laughed. “Of course I do. I can just control it better than my scales and fins. It would be quite awkward if I just grew a tail and fell over right now wouldn’t it?” He responded, chuckling again at the image he had created in his head. 

You laughed with him at the scenario. 

Then he helped you wash and made sure to get all of the wax off your body before also helping you wash your hair. You allowed yourself to be pampered by him even just briefly. You wondered if you’d ever get to see his tail and watch him swim. 

After you both finished washing, Heeseung helped you towel dry your hair and get into his clothes before he took you along into his bedroom.

You chuckled as you watched the older boy flop onto the bed and tuck himself under the covers. 

“Well,  come here darling.” He said, patting the bed beside him and holding up the covers for you to get in. 

You got into the bed with him and he opened his arms for you to get comfortable and lay on his chest. You were surprised by how quickly his siren features disappeared after getting out of the water and drying off. It was silent for a moment besides the sound of his heartbeat in your ear

“Are you sure this is okay?” You said, breaking the silence. 

“What? Cuddling with me?” He questioned you. 

“Well, just all of it.” You replied anxiously. 

His arms tightened around you. 

“Don’t worry to much y/n. Do what makes you happiest and we will all be happy. You should know that I will— well, we all will do everything in our power to keep you happy.” He replied, his tone a lot more serious now. You could tell he was being genuine. 

You nodded, before leaning up to give Heeseung a kiss. Even though it was dark you could tell he was blushing by your sudden action. 

When you laid back on his chest, he began to hum once again. Except this time, instead of arousal you just felt warm and fuzzy. His humming enveloped you in a soft blanket of safety and comfort. You felt loved and appreciated and beautiful in his arms, and you weren’t sure you’d ever want to leave them. 

The warm cozy feeling Heeseung was creating for you was quick to whisk you to sleep but before you drifted off you wondered briefly how you had gotten so lucky to be sought after by this group of boys. You wondered if this was a dream and if you’d wake up soon. You wondered if you’d figure out what monsters the other boys were, and secretly you hoped you’d find out just like you did with Heeseung tonight. 

☾ author note: thank you for reading! this chapter is arguably the tamest out of them all so please look forward to whats to come next! can you guess who is what monster?

chapter two (coming soon)

chapter directory

[lu-is-not-ok]

A Narcissistic reading of Hong Lu

Yup, I'm actually doing this.

To lay down some facts first: I have NPD, alongside a bunch of other things that coalesce into a nuclear concoction strong enough to kill every dark empath in a five mile radius. If I find you ableisting it up, I give myself the permission to smite you. This is a threat and a warning.

Now, let's talk about Hong Lu. Because as it turns out, he might just be the most difficult literacy check in Limbus Company according to what I've seen.

I could just say "I'm a narcissist and Hong Lu is just like me fr fr so he's a narcissist too" and end the post, but honestly, where's the fun in that? There are, legitimately, things I want to yap about, so I'm going to yap about them, and no chucklefucks can stop me.

So, to start this off, let's make one thing clear.

Hong Lu is not only a good actor, but also a skilled liar. The way he navigates conversations and the methods he uses are just as important to analyze as the actual words he says, if not more so. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that trying to understand him based Only on what he says and not how he uses the things he says would result in an understanding that's not only incomplete, but potentially outright wrong.

Now, this isn't really tied to why I think Hong Lu could be very reasonably read as having NPD, at least not directly. Narcissists aren't inherently evil liar manipulators, and if that's what you take away from this post, that's more of a you problem (and you can go ahead and block me considering I'm one of the evil liar manipulator narcissists according to you).

However, there is a reason why I have to bring it up. And it's because almost all of Hong Lu's narcissistic traits become a lot more obvious once you look at the exact ways he takes control of conversations.

With that out of the way, what exactly are we even looking for?

NPD, in my experience, primarily affects one's sense of self-worth and self-esteem. I personally found that the analogy of a pendulum makes the most sense to me - a narcissist's sense of self-worth can swing between massive highs and massive lows, almost never staying in a middle "balanced" position, with even the tiniest things being able to throw it to one side or another.

The ways this can present outwardly are. Quite frankly, way too fucking many to count. But there are some common threads we can keep in mind:

High sensitivity to criticism

Need for an external source of validation

Tendency to seek out ways to make oneself feel more special, important, or powerful

So, does Hong Lu fit those criteria?

Well. Yeah. This post wouldn't exist if he didn't.

Let's talk about the first point, high sensitivity to criticism. And, immediately, I would like everyone to remember Hell's Chicken, specifically the scene where Meursault begins to verbally roast his team's dish, and in the process laying down a verbal smackdown on everyone involved. That scene ended like this.

Curious, isn't it? The moment Meursault was about to start criticising Hong Lu, he just jumps in and distracts Meursault with a change of topic - something even Dante's narration points out.

Mind you, this isn't an isolated event. This is just the most obvious example of Hong Lu exhibiting this kind of behavior.

Don't believe me? Just look at these.

These are all examples of Hong Lu either backpedaling, changing the subject, or otherwise trying to avoid the acknowledgement of something that criticizes his status, thought process, or (in the last example) which would reveal an emotional vulnerability.

This is a fairly consistent pattern for him, and that's not even getting into the fact that the line he says when hovering over him before a skill check he has a Very Low chance at succeeding in has him suddenly try to excuse himself and leave.

Hong Lu is absolutely highly sensitive to criticism, it's just that his primary emotional reactions aren't ones we're privy to. Instead, what we get to see is how he acts to try and minimize the impact of those criticisms, if not outright find ways to never let them leave someone's mouth in the first place.

Next up - need for external validation.

This one doesn't have as many examples as the previous point, as Hong Lu is a generally closed off person who keeps a certain level of distance from most other Sinners. However, that doesn't mean I don't have any.

One such example comes from Canto 4, where soon after acting out his part in the play, Hong Lu seeks validation from Yi Sang.

Then there's this moment in Canto 6, where Hong Lu, once again, seeks validation for something he's done.

And then there's also these lines from Hong Lu's various Identities.

Aaaand then there's these base Identity voice lines, which, if you ask me, feel a bit like fishing for compliments.

This point is a lot harder to say is a definitive one, mainly due to Hong Lu's more closed off projected personality. That being said, the fact that one can find examples of it despite that is pretty notable.

And for the final one - trying to make oneself feel more special, important, or powerful.

This is one that's a bit harder to provide exact examples for, as again, Hong Lu isn't someone who talks about how he feels often, and when he does it's not always exactly trustworthy. He's not like Rodya, who while still putting on a facade, is pretty open and easy to read about how she actually feels.

But, there's still some non-mutually exclusive interpretations I want to posit here. Two, in fact.

One - I believe that for Hong Lu, the thing he sees as power is control.

See, avoiding criticism isn't the only time Hong Lu steers conversations. In fact, it's something he does All The Time. He's often the one asking questions to get the group moving, trying to gather information that might be relevant to him, and generally taking over the direction a conversation is going in. Chances are, if Hong Lu speaks up, it's likely to alter the conversation he joins in noticeable ways.

This, I think, is one of the ways Hong Lu makes himself feel more powerful. After all, it's not that hard to guess from what little bits of his background we have that Hong Lu lacked agency for most of his life. So, wouldn't it make sense for him that having that agency, that being able to be socially in control, would be the exact kind of thing that would boost his self-esteem?

In fact, the only times we see him rendered completely speechless, seemingly stripped of that confidence in conversations he usually exhibits, are in Canto 7 - specifically in scenes where he's Not In Control of what the others are talking about. Those scenes being when the other Sinners start shit-talking Xichun in front of him, and when Xichun actively tries to bother Hong Lu by alluding to the way he's been treated back at home.

Extremely confident until something external happens that utterly strips him of that confidence... sounds familiar, doesn't it?

Then, there's the second interpretation.

See, with NPD, there are two ways a narcissist can try to make themself feel more deserving of attention. One is the one most probably think of when they think about narcissists - setting out to fulfill extremely high goals to feel amazing when one reached them and then feeling utterly crushed in the case one doesn't. This would be someone like Rodya.

However, there is also another way, one which I personally have much more experience with - to undersell. To set extremely low expectations, so that it's as hard as possible to fail reaching them, and to feel way better upon surpassing them than one would with higher, more "regular" expectations.

This, to me, is exactly the kind of narcissist Hong Lu is. Think about it. He's constantly putting out this image of an extremely sheltered person that barely understands the outside world, with notable moments where it's made clear he's Just Making Shit Up at points. Wouldn't making one seem unable to do anything, only to then proceed to do things you've led people to not expect of you, make it feel like you're much more exceptional than you really are?

The underselling goes the other way too. When the other Sinners point out something odd about Hong Lu in a more positive way, he's often quick to point out how it's Nothing compared to what his Family expected of him. Wouldn't that make one feel exceptional, to make it seem like whatever effort you're putting in to do well is but a fraction of what else you can do? That you don't even have to try to be able to be special?

...So, there. That's all the analysis and interpretation I find important to do to get my point across.

Just to make it clear, I don't think that the only thing wrong with Hong Lu is the narcissism. There's definitely a lot more shit going on in that head of his. But, I'll be honest, the NPD reading felt so obvious to me that it genuinely took me by surprise that other people don't see it.

Though... maybe I shouldn't be shocked. Some fuckers out there still think Faust is a narcissist when she's literally just autistic.

[quasi-normalcy]

So, to summarise this case, for those who haven't been paying attention: Indigo is the major bookstore chain in Canada. It's billionaire owner, Heather Reisman (together with her husband, Gerry Schwartz, who's also a dick, but that's not important here) is the founder of a "charity" called the HESEG Foundation, which pays for foreign volunteers in the Israeli Defence Force to settle in Israel after their terms of service is up. Naturally, this attracted major political controversy and calls for boycott after the IDF started its genocide in Gaza last year. Last fall, a group of protesters defaced an Indigo storefront in Toronto with red paint and posters accusing Reisman of funding genocide. This was immediately and near-uniformly decried in the Canadian media as an "antisemitic attack", even though the posters did not even mention Reisman's Jewish heritage. The Toronto Police Department announced that it was investigating it as a "hate crime", and a few days later, 11 protesters, including several university professors, were arrested by more than 70 Toronto police in pre-dawn raids normally reserved for drug busts and organised crime. Since then, all charges were dropped against 4 of them, and the strongest charge, criminal harassment, was dropped against all of them (due, of course, to how utterly, obviously insubstantial it was); meaning that there's a massive, well-publicised trial complete with predawn raids and over 70 police officers, to hold seven people to account for public mischief.

Now it's come out that Reisman spoke to the Toronto police chief twice on the day of the attack, and the defence wants the police chief to testify as to what these conversations were about. They also want the court to order Reisman to produce records as to the exact nature of HESEG's activities. Naturally, her lawyers are now accusing them of trying to turn the trial "into a political soapbox".

Anyways, the long and the short of it is, billionaires can apparently just ring up the chief of police and get predawn raids by over 70 officers conducted in cases of misdemeanour defacement of property. Also, if you're in Canada and you're buying books for anyone this holiday season, for God's sake, get them at an independent bookstore.

[eu-nicola]

the finish line part 4

and final

summary: you are the girlfriend of Lando Norris, Max Verstappen's rival with whom the tension between the two is undeniable.

warnings: nothing

word counter: 4264

author's note: english is not my first language

tags: @a-beaverhausen @maluzets55

The last few days of vacation had been anything but peaceful. It wasn't just Max's attention that weighed on you, but also the curious glances of others. Every time you went out, whether alone or in company, you felt like everyone was watching you, as if they suspected something beyond what was evident. Although you tried to remain indifferent, the pressure was beginning to affect you.

Max, for his part, seemed to handle everything with the same confidence with which he drove on the track. However, not even he could escape the public eye. When the vacation finally ended and the drivers returned to their routines, the questions at the press conferences began to take on a more personal tone. Instead of focusing solely on his recent championship, the journalists wanted to know more about his life off the track.

"Max, after your victory, you were seen celebrating intensely. Can you tell us more about that?" asked one of the reporters with an insinuating smile.

Max, sitting with his usual confident expression, just raised an eyebrow. “I celebrated like any champion would. It was a special moment for me and my team. Nothing out of the ordinary.”

The answer was direct, but not enough to divert attention. Another journalist intervened, this time with an even more incisive tone.

“There has been a lot of talk about a certain company during those celebrations. Any statement on that?”

Max smiled, although his eyes showed a glint of irritation. “My private life is just that: private. I’m here to talk about racing, not rumors.”

While Max dealt with the media pressure, you faced your own battles. Social media had become a minefield. Comments about you began to appear, some insinuating that you were too close to Max, others criticizing you for not always being by Lando’s side at the most important moments. There were those who said you were seeking attention, that you liked drama. The words hurt more than you wanted to admit. You tried to ignore them, but it was hard when every time you opened your phone there was something new waiting for you.

Lando, oddly enough, seemed to enjoy it all from a distance. Even though he had been your boyfriend for so long, his attitude was almost indifferent.

“What did you expect?” he said to you one night while you were talking on the phone because he had called you. “You’re in the public eye now. This is what happens. You should get used to it.”

His tone was so carefree that it infuriated you. Get used to it? To people questioning your loyalty, your feelings? While you dealt with the pressure, he seemed to enjoy his freedom, attending events and meetings without worrying about what they said about him.

“You know what, Lando? It would be easier if you at least seemed to care a little because you caused all of this,” you finally blurted out, your voice thick with frustration.

“I do,” he replied with a sigh. “But I also know that you can’t control what people say.”

The conversation ended, but it left a bitter taste in your mouth.

Max, on the other hand, seemed ever-present, even if it was silent. You knew that if you texted him, he would respond immediately. But after everything that had happened, you resisted.

One afternoon, though, after a particularly rough day on social media, your phone buzzed with a message from him.

“How are you? I’ve seen what’s going on online. Don’t let it get to you. People always have something to say.”

His message was simple, but comforting. For a moment, you felt like you weren’t alone in all of this, that someone actually understood what you were going through.

The days followed, each bringing their own set of challenges. You tried to focus on your own things, but it was impossible to completely escape the whirlwind that had formed around you.

The weight of exposure began to become more than just an inconvenience; it felt like a constant burden you couldn’t let go of. Every time you opened your phone, every notification, every comment, every message seemed to add a new layer of self-doubt and anxiety. No matter how hard you tried to focus on your own life, your own projects, the shadow of social media and criticism was still there, haunting you.

One night, as you sat on the bed in your hotel room in Spain, you stared at your reflection in the dead screen of your phone. How had you gotten to this point? What had once been exciting—standing next to one of Formula 1’s most promising drivers—now felt like endless exposure to judgment and misunderstanding. You closed your eyes for a moment, trying to breathe deeply, but even the air felt heavy.

You and Lando had officially broken up a few weeks ago. It had been an inevitable breakup, a step you both knew you had to take. There were no big arguments, no shouting, just a mutual recognition that things were no longer the same. Lando, for his part, seemed to have moved on without looking back. His social media showed photos of him at events, smiling with friends, enjoying his uncomplicated life. And you... you felt trapped in limbo.

Your relationship with Max, on the other hand, was in uncertain territory. There were no clear words, no labels that could define what you had, but there was something palpable between you both. Every message from him, every look, every conversation was imbued with a latent tension, a connection that seemed to go beyond the physical. You were on the verge of something, and you both knew it.

Your phone vibrated on the nightstand, breaking the silence of the room. You took it without looking, half expecting another critical message or a sensational article, but seeing Max's name on the screen, something in your chest momentarily eased.

Max: "Are you okay? I saw Lando uploaded something new, but he didn't mention anything about you. Do you need to talk?"

For a moment, you stared at the message. How did he always know when you were at your limit? You didn't know if it made you happy or upset. With shaking fingers, you started to type a reply, but you deleted the words before sending them. You didn't want to seem weak, even though deep down you knew Max was probably the only person at the moment who could understand what you were going through.

Minutes later, another message came through.

Max: "I'm here if you need to vent. You don't have to carry it all alone."

That simple statement broke down your defenses. You felt tears build up in your eyes, but you refused to let them out. You had endured so much, trying to be strong, but the emotional exhaustion was too much. You finally wrote:

You: “I don’t know if I can do this anymore, Max. It all feels too much… The pressure, the comments, the exposure. Sometimes I feel like I’m falling apart.”

Max’s response was not long in coming.

Max: “You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. You’re stronger than you think, but I understand that this is all a lot. I want to see you. Let me help you carry this.”

Your heart was pounding as you read his words. There was something about his way of saying things that always managed to calm the storm inside you. The thought of seeing him, of being able to talk face to face, felt like a necessary balm. But there was also fear. Fear of what it would mean to take that step, to cross a line that already seemed so tenuous.

After a long silence, you finally wrote:

You: “I’m not ready for everything that comes with this, Max. But I want to see you too."

A little while later, you received a call. It was him. You hesitated for a moment before answering, but finally swiped your finger across the screen.

"I knew you would answer," Max said in his calm, confident tone. "I'm going to Spain this weekend. Because of you."

"Max, I don't know if that's a good idea," you whispered, though your voice betrayed your true feelings.

“It is,” he replied without hesitation. “Because this isn’t just pressure or exposure. It’s about us, about who we are when no one else is looking.”

His words resonated with you. Maybe you didn’t have to face it all alone after all.

The weekend came quicker than you expected. Max had kept his word and was in Spain, ready to see you. The first time you met him was in the lobby of your hotel. He was dressed in his usual laid-back style: a simple t-shirt and jeans, but there was something about his presence that always managed to capture your full attention.

When his blue eyes met yours, the air seemed to stand still for a moment. Max walked toward you with a determined stride, without any hesitation. Before you could say anything, he wrapped you in a firm hug, one that offered not only comfort, but also a silent promise: You are not alone.

“I’m here,” he said, his voice deep but gentle. “And I’m not going anywhere.”

You stayed in his arms for what seemed like an eternity. All the weight you had been carrying, all the pressure, slowly began to fade away. When you finally pulled away, Max looked at you with an intensity that made you feel seen, completely.

“Max…” you began, but he shook his head before you could continue.

“I don’t want you to worry anymore about what people say. We don’t owe them anything,” he stated, his tone firm. “Let me carry some of this burden with you. I won’t let outside pressure get to us, I won’t let this tear us apart.”

The determination in his voice made you feel a strange mix of relief and apprehension. You had been so used to dealing with everything alone that the idea of ​​allowing someone else to carry some of your worries seemed almost foreign to you. But Max wasn’t just anyone. There was something about the way he spoke, the way he was present, that gave you a security you didn’t even know you needed.

“What if we can’t handle it?” You asked, letting out one of your biggest insecurities.

Max took your hands, his fingers intertwining with yours. “We can,” he replied with unwavering conviction. “Do you know how many times I’ve been told I couldn’t accomplish something? Every time I’ve gotten in the car, I’ve had to prove them wrong. This is no different. We’re no different.”

His words stayed with you, offering a hope you hadn’t allowed to blossom until now. The idea of ​​facing all of this with him, together, suddenly didn’t seem so impossible.

For the rest of the day, Max remained by your side. Every time you saw a phone being raised to take a photo or heard a murmur as you passed, Max squeezed your hand lightly, as if reminding you that it didn’t matter what the world thought. He was there, with you.

That night, as you both sat in your room, Max leaned back on the couch, watching you with a calm smile.

"You know, as much as I love winning championships, being here with you feels like a different victory," he said, his tone lighter now.

“I didn’t know you had such a romantic side,” you joked, trying to lighten the tension in your chest.

“Only for you,” he replied, his gaze sincere. “And if you let me, I’ll prove it to you every day.”

You couldn’t help but smile. For the first time in weeks, you felt safe.

Days had turned into weeks, and your relationship with Max seemed to grow deeper with every moment shared. He was your refuge, your calm in the midst of the storm that continued to rage on social media and in the media. Yet as hard as you tried to stay strong, the persistent criticism was beginning to wear you down. Every article speculating about your life, every cruel comment you unintentionally encountered, made you feel more vulnerable.

The stress was building up. There were nights when you could barely sleep, your mind stuck in an endless cycle of questions and doubts. Was it all worth it? Could you continue to face constant scrutiny? Even though Max was doing his best to reassure you that you were in this together, a part of you was starting to wonder if it would be better for both of you if you stepped away.

One night, after a long day where Max had had multiple media engagements, you found yourself alone in the hotel room in Bahrain where you had flown to join him. The city lights shone through the windows, but they offered no comfort. Sitting on the edge of the bed, you stared at your phone. Notifications kept coming in: messages, social media mentions, articles with sensational headlines.

You sighed and turned off the screen, setting the phone aside. You couldn’t go on like this.

When Max returned, the first thing he noticed was your expression. He immediately came over, sitting next to you. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.

You looked up at him, and in that moment, the words began to come out unfiltered. “I don’t know if I can go through with this, Max. The pressure, the media, the comments… It feels like I’m losing control of my life.”

He frowned, his eyes reflecting both understanding and frustration. “I knew this was hard for you, but you don’t have to face it alone. I’m here, and you know that.”

“I know, Max,” you replied, a lump in your throat. “But I can’t help but feel like by being with you, I’m only making things worse. I don’t want to be a burden on you, or your career.”

Max took your hands, his grip firm but comforting. “You’ll never be a burden on me. And if you think walking away will solve anything, you’re wrong. People will always talk, no matter what we do.”

“What if I decide to walk away?” you asked quietly, fearing his reaction.

Max took a deep breath, processing your words. “If that’s what you need to feel better, I’ll respect that,” he finally said, though his voice betrayed his internal struggle. “But I want you to know that I’d rather face this hell with you, than be without you.”

His words brought tears to your eyes. He always found a way to break down your defenses. But the doubt was still there, fueled by fear and insecurity.

That night, as Max slept beside you, you lay awake, staring at the ceiling. The decision to walk away wasn’t easy, but perhaps it was the only thing that could bring you some peace. Could you give up what you had to protect yourself? Or could you find a way to endure together, like he wished?

The night progressed slowly and silently. Even though Max slept beside you, you lay awake, caught in a whirlwind of thoughts. The dim glow of the city dimly illuminated the room, but offered no comfort. You turned slightly, watching Max's relaxed face as he slept. There was something almost innocent about his expression, a calmness that contrasted with the storm inside you.

You tried to close your eyes, but the weight of your doubts was still present. You didn't know how much time passed before you felt a slight movement beside you. Opening your eyes, you realized that Max was also awake now. His blue eyes, still heavy with sleep, looked at you with a mix of concern and tenderness.

"Can't sleep?" he asked quietly, his tone laden with a care that only he could offer at this hour of the morning.

You shook your head, unable to find the words. Max sat up slightly, propping himself up on one elbow as he watched you closely.

"What's going on in that head of yours?" he insisted, gently caressing your cheek with the back of his hand.

You took a deep breath, trying to contain the flood of emotions. But his eyes kept searching you, offering a reassurance that only he could provide. Finally, you decided to speak up.

“Max, I don’t know if I’m cut out for this,” you admitted, your voice barely a whisper. “This whole world, the constant attention. And the last thing I want is for it to affect you, too.”

Max remained silent for a moment, processing your words. Then, he sat up fully, turning to face you.

“You know something?” he began, his tone firmer now. “Ever since I started in this sport, I’ve always been surrounded by people who admire me for what I do on the track. People who celebrate my victories and forget about me as soon as the season is over. But you… you’re different.”

You were surprised by the intensity of his words, and he continued before you could respond.

"You're the only person who truly sees me, beyond the driver, beyond the titles and the races. With you, I can be myself. I don't have to prove anything, I don't have to win to feel like I'm worth something. And that, to me, is everything."

Your heart skipped a beat, and Max moved a little closer, taking your hands in his.

"Without you," he said with an honesty that took your breath away, "this all becomes meaningless. Every time I cross the finish line, every trophy I lift, even before you were with me, before Lando stole you from me... it wouldn't mean anything if you weren't there for me."

The tears you'd been holding back began to fall silently, but Max didn't look away. Instead, he squeezed your hands tighter, as if to assure you that he wasn't going to let you go.

"I need you by my side," he confessed. “Not just because of what we share, but because you are my balance. You are the person who reminds me why I do what I do, and who I really am when everything else shuts down.”

You stayed silent, letting his words sink in. You had underestimated how important you were to him, how much you meant beyond the insecurities and doubts that plagued you. Seeing him like this, so vulnerable and honest, made you realize something: you weren’t alone in this. It wasn’t just your struggle; it was both of ours.

“Max…” you began, your voice shaking slightly. “I need you too. But this is all so hard. I don’t want the pressure to destroy us.”

“It won’t,” he replied determinedly. “Together we are stronger. It doesn’t matter what people say, what they think. The only thing that matters is what you and I feel. And I feel like we can handle this. If you’re willing to try, I’m not going to let anything or anyone tear us apart.”

You nodded, feeling a mix of relief and hope. Max pulled you close to him, wrapping you in a warm, protective embrace. You stayed like that for a long moment, finding comfort in each other's closeness.

The next day was not really just any other day, after weeks of preparation and nerves, the first race of the year was finally here. Nerves ran through the paddock, and the usual bustle of competition filled the air, but there was something different this time. You had come, as always, to support Max, but this time you would do so in an even more visible way, closer to him than ever.

Max, with his relaxed but focused attitude, was ready to prove that, despite the rumors and criticism, nothing could stop him. He had told you about how he wanted to start the season with a win, not just for himself, but also to show the world that he was at his best, that nothing the media said or speculated could tarnish his success. He looked at you before getting into the car, his eyes shining with fierce determination, but also with a special warmth just for you.

The race was action-packed, as you would expect. Max stuck to his strategy, fighting for every position with that mix of precision and bravery that characterized him. Every lap was a mix of excitement and anxiety, not just for him, but for you, who were watching from the pits. You knew how much this victory meant to him, and as you watched him outpace each opponent, the tension took hold of you.

Finally, the checkered flag fell, and Max crossed the finish line in first place. The sound of the engine fading as he celebrated the victory made your heart skip a beat. As soon as the race was over, all eyes turned to him: the champion, the favorite, the icon.

You ran to him as soon as you could see him, where you found him surrounded by his team. You couldn’t help but smile in happiness for him, but also at the feeling that, in that moment, everything that had happened between you had come to this point, to this victory. When Max saw you in the crowd, his face lit up. There were no words needed; he just ran to you, wrapping you in a hug so tight you almost felt like he was lifting you off the ground.

After the anthems and champagne, trophy in hand, Max stepped up to the camera for an interview that was, of course, going to be broadcast live. What happened next surprised everyone. Instead of going on with the typical answers about the race, Max took a moment, with a smile full of pride, to talk about you.

"I want to dedicate this win to someone very special," he began, his words laden with sincerity. "To my amazing partner, who has been with me through the toughest times, when I needed it the most. I want everyone to know that without her, this win wouldn't have the same meaning. She is my support, my strength, and my love."

Your heart was pounding, but what touched you the most was his next statement.

“She’s the person who makes me feel the happiest I’ve ever been, and I can’t imagine my life without her. My love, you’re the love of my life.”

The cameras focused on your face, and even though a torrent of emotions washed over you, you couldn’t help but smile shyly, a little embarrassed by the sudden attention, but deeply grateful for his very public support. Max hadn’t just won a race; he’d done something much bigger: he’d opened his heart in front of millions of people.

The moment became more intense when the crowd applauded, and some began to cheer for you as well. Even though you knew that not all of Max’s fans would be happy with his statement, something in the air had changed. The media had tried to paint you in many ways, but in that instant, it didn’t matter. Max’s victory, the way he had publicly defended you, was a clear message: you were together, no matter what anyone said.

As the days passed, something unexpected happened. Amidst the criticism and speculation, you began to notice a change. The comments started to become kinder. At first, some of Max's most loyal followers were still hesitant, but as time went by, their support for you began to grow. Photos of the two of you, the photos that Max shared of you, in which you looked so happy and peaceful together, began to appear on fans' profiles, and words of support began to outweigh the criticism.

You were surprised to see how many people were willing to embrace your relationship, to understand that behind the image of a successful driver, there was a real person, someone who also had the right to be happy and to love. Some of the fans, even the most skeptical, began to comment positively on the posts, talking about how beautiful you looked together, how genuine your relationship was.

One night, after a race, while you were sharing a quiet moment with Max, you received a message from one of Max's most loyal followers. They said something simple but profound: “We are glad to see you so happy with Max. You deserve all the good that is to come.”

That night, as you went to bed, Max came to you, smiling with that familiar calm, and whispered in your ear: “See? The rumors don’t matter anymore. What really matters is what we have built together.”

And finally, after so much effort, so much sacrifice, you knew that you were both ready to face the future, not just as a couple, but as an unstoppable team. Together. And perhaps in the future, as a family.

[incorrectbatfam]

Julia and Bruce have the potential to have an interesting sibling-like relationship. What are some hcs with the two?

We can't easily slot Julia into the batfam as a pseudo-sibling or cousin-like figure to Bruce. Alfred left her to take care of a rich family and raise another child overseas. She canonically resents Alfred for leaving and the Waynes for keeping her father away, even if they do end up allying together later on. She had a whole life and successful career in England without any of them and it feels wrong to shoehorn her into this fluffy fanon family dynamic without talking about what she went through.

So some headcanons I have:

Julia still operates out of England. Bruce offered her a key to the Manor and a role among the batfam, which she promptly handed back to him

She's long overdue for some catharsis, which she finds in her secret agent training

If she finds anything on her end, like a threat or any important intel, she forwards it to the Watchtower for the whole Justice League instead of just the batfam

Julia is also long overdue for a conversation with Alfred, so when she has a layover in Gotham, he takes the evening and meets her at coffee shop away from the others

They leave that first meeting at least agreeing to call each other instead of just the annual birthday and holiday cards

She also sends postcards from wherever her assignments take her, always addressing it to one of the pets

One time someone asked if she and Bruce were siblings and she said "Ew fuck no" in the most passive-aggressive British way possible

Bruce isn't offended. He's seen what siblings are like through his kids and is perfectly content being an only child

Her unpopular opinion that would get her exiled from Britain is that Cadbury chocolate isn't that good

Bruce (as Batman) unknowingly crossed paths with Julia in Washington D.C. but he didn't notice her because she was wearing the same stuff as everyone else instead of traipsing around in a weapon-loaded fursuit

They also unknowingly crossed paths in college when they were studying abroad at the same time and he asked to borrow her syllabus because he forgot his

She has commitment issues. She can't stay in one place or with one person for very long because she's afraid of making the same mistakes as her mother

Julia asks people to be honest from the get-go. She'll tell people to cut to the chase and tell her what they want from her

Her comfort snack is Alfred's cookie recipe paired with her mom's homemade ice cream. Bruce's is Alfred's cookies with Selina's homemade espresso

Coincidentally, both she and Bruce get seasick, and both are good at hiding it

Julia doesn't like to be referred to as an "aunt." The kids call her anything from Jules to Penny-Two to Her Royal Highness

[zorbik-guligan]

In general i think not looking at someone while talking is easier makes it feel less important cause when you have to look at the person its like more intense kinda like the more depth a topic has and how close you are to the person both emotionally and physically can make conversation harder or easier

the front seat of the car is a type of confessional

[greenwitchfromthewoods]

a few words. l Joel Miller

Summary: words he didn't want you to hear

Warnings:  angst, unpleasant conversation, they move away from each other

A/N: nothing special. your feedback is very important to me and I thank you for all the reblogs, comments and likes. 🖤 sorry for all the mistakes

short stories from life. [masterlist]

Tommy looked at his brother as if he was seeing him for the first time in his life. He hadn't expected this and was slowly regretting that he had shown up at the stables with a few bottles of beer that evening.

"You can't be fucking serious." he finally said.

The man who was sitting on a haystack by the wall seemed exhausted. His brown eyes were fixed on the horse in the opposite stall, the bottle in his big hands still full of beer.

"You slept with her?" Joel looked at him surprised. "What? Simple question. Did you sleep with her or not?"

Joel shook his head. "No."

"But you wish you did."

He looked down, but he couldn't lie to someone who knew him so well. Of course he thought about it. Most often when he was alone in the dark bedroom. Memories of every kiss, tender touch, moments when he held you in his arms - all of these haunted him like ghosts.

He was furious because he wanted more. He wanted to be alive again, to feel again. But should he?

"Joel, you've known each other for years, you live together. Why are you messing with her head if you don't want anything to do with her?"

"It's not like that, Tommy..." his voice was tired, barely audible. "Everything's different with her."

"So why don't you want to give it a chance?" Tommy took a sip of beer. "I don't get it. If you want to be with her, then be. Tell her how you feel and..."

"I'm too old for this!" Joel snapped. "She deserves better, and I can't give it to her."

"Bullshit!" Tommy muttered.

There was silence for a moment. The distant noises of the city settling in for the night drifted through the open stable door. Tommy sat down next to his brother, resting his arms on his knees.

"She's a really nice girl," he said. "I see how she looks at you, cares about you and Ellie. Do you really want to break her heart like that?"

"She's tough."

"Yes, she is."

"Are you going out?"

You were just putting a thermos with a hot drink and a couple of sandwiches into your backpack, you didn't even look up when Joel went down to the kitchen in the morning.

"Yeah. I'm going on patrol." you answered.

Joel frowned. "Our turn is tomorrow."

"I swapped with Paul. He'll go with you. You two get along."

An unpleasant shiver ran down his spine, his heart sped up. The backpack was almost ready, and you didn't seem in the mood for long conversations.

"I'd rather go with you." he grumbled, coming closer and clenching his hands on the back of the chair.

"A change will do you good. It'll do us good too."

"Have you talked to Tommy about this?"

You slung your backpack over your shoulder and looked him in the eye for the first time. He saw something strange in that look. A mixture of sadness, anger, and some kind of severity. You hadn't looked at him like that before.

"You'll probably talk to him yourself, right?" you said "I think..." your voice broke for a moment, but you quickly got back on track. "I think when I get back I'll ask Maria to find me another place to live."

"W-What? Why?"

"We both know why."

You adjusted your backpack and left the house. The world you had built had just collapsed.

"What the fuck was I supposed to do?"

"You could have not let her go!"

"She's an adult, Joel! She came last night, said she had already talked to Paul. I couldn't say no to her." Tommy put the crate in the storage room and looked at Joel.

He could see that his brother was furious and distraught. You usually went on patrols together, Joel didn't like you going out alone. Although he knew you would manage, he didn't fully trust others. Now he had completely lost control over anything.

Tommy looked at him with pity. "I think she must have heard us yesterday. Maria saw her in town, she was upset. Then she showed up at our place. I didn't ask, it's none of my business."

"You could have stopped her." Joel repeated quietly.

"And you could have kept her with you. But you chose not to."

He could.

☆☆☆☆

Thank you for your time.

taglist, i think: @picketniffler @orcasoul @bbyanarchist

[lazyturtlehottub]

A breakdown of the Fangirlish interview: an exercise in media literacy

Given that the reaction to Buck and Tommy breaking up has been exacerbated by those interviews, I thought I would look into the one from Fangirlish in order to look at it with my media literacy hat on and see what was actually said. So, here’s a link to a version that doesn’t give the writer clicks because you should make up your own mind before providing revenue to the platform https://archive.ph/fqhlE

We start off with the headline: Lou Ferrigno Jr. on Saying Goodbye to 9-1-1, That Breakup and What’s Next

Right away, as the reader, we’re immediately told that LFJ is saying goodbye to 9-1-1, the implication being that this is the end of the road, no going back. This is, I will say, a choice that the writer made when they created the article: they decide on the headline, no one else. Going in, our mind has already been positioned to believe that this is an exit interview and to understand everything that comes next through that lens.

Supporting this path is this: “Lou Ferrigno Jr.’s time on 9-1-1 has come to an end[...]” but it’s important to note that no one has said this but the author of the article. At no point does she provide a statement from ABC, Tim Minnear, or LFJ to back this statement up.

Another unsubstantiated statement she makes is: “For Ferrigno Jr. it wasn’t exactly the way he envisioned the end of his time on the show [...]” Yet again, at no point in what she quotes from Lou does he say this at all. This is her take on the conversation and she has provided not a scintilla of evidence to support this statement. What she does provide is the following quote from LFJ:

“With the way things were going, and the connection that they had, I was under the impression that it was working, and they were connected,” he shared.

Putting this in the context of the interview, it does make it sound like Lou was blindsided by the break up, which is a very normal thing considering that we all know the actors barely know what’s happening even when they have the script. It’s not surprising that Lou didn’t know about the break-up since even Oliver Stark mentions that he didn’t know about it until they began filming, even though the possibility had been floated some episodes earlier.

So while this quote in the context the writer’s given does seem pretty final, if we remove the exit interview lens from it, it just reads as an actor expressing his surprise at the path his character is going.

Continuing on, the writer then writes the following: Ferrigno Jr. admits he had issues with this ending [...]

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, she doesn’t provide a quote to back this up. What she does right is frame the next quote as [...] but trying to get into the mindset of Tommy [...], which changes the context of the quote that Lou gives.

“If preserving his emotional health and saving himself is the only means to survive, then you can’t shame him for it.” He went on to add, “I honestly don’t believe that the relationship matured well enough that they should have made any type of long-term decision.”

So she makes a statement that says LFJ has issues with the ending and then immediately moves on to talk about the acting choices Lou had to go through in order to understand where Tommy was during the scene.

Perhaps the most direct quote from Lou about the relationship that sounds troubling with regards for the future of Buck and Tommy is this: “I just would have hoped that it would have lasted a little bit more,” he also told us, adding that in the hour we also have Buck “looking at those girls, and that sucks for Tommy, and it sucks for any person that’s looking at their partner looking at someone else.”

Taking this with the fact that this has been positioned as an exit interview, I agree that it does sound damning, but if you remove that filter from it then I believe it reads as an actor expressing mild regret that he didn’t get to play this stage of the character and this relationship more. However, I will admit, that this is open for interpretation given that we don’t know where this came in the interview since we don’t know what prompted this answer.

And for Ferrigno Jr., he admits he knew the two were done for good when he realized his character would call Buck “Buck.” I feel I’m a looping record but where in the interview does he say that? He doesn’t say that at all in the quote that she provides below.

She writes: Instead, Ferrigno Jr. told us that Tommy “only knows the man in front of him, Evan. And I knew it was going to come [the moment he called him Buck] because he’s always saying Evan all the time. I’m looking at a character that I’m playing, and he’s just like Evan, Evan, Evan, and in that line, I was just like… I knew this was going to happen.”

“And he doesn’t have to say that. He still can say Evan. But that is essentially signalling that this is all I know how to do, and it’s too much.”

Linked with what LFJ said earlier about Tommy protecting himself, this quote from him makes sense in the fact that Tommy called him Buck to protect himself from the hurt, to try and create some walls between them. But the writer has made this sweeping statement that he knew it was the end, implying that the relationship is at a permanent end when nothing LFJ has said supports that.

And then we move onto the bit that really highlights the bias that this article has been written around. The writer asks Lou: Could the show have been using Tommy as a roadblock to a possible Buck and Eddie relationship?

Getting into the professionalism of this question is for another time but I’ve added it here so you can see the fact that this is someone who is focused on the Buddie of it all. Evidence that supports this is in the author’s various tweets and the coverage of 9-1-1 on their website.

And I know we’re all worried about LFJ’s scheduling conflicts but I will posit that it was a standard answer from an actor who is just doing his job. In his words: “I would absolutely love to come back, but I do need to continue on my journey here. I have a number of things now that are going on that may or may not happen, and I hope that there’s no conflict if it were to be the case.”

Basically, this article is written from the point of view of it being an exit interview but at no point is evidence provided from official sources to support that statement. Throughout it all, Lou’s answers are framed within the narrative that the break-up is permanent and that he’s gone from the show for good.

I hope that this has been interesting and informative for those of you who have read it, and I hope it serves as a reminder that media literacy is for everyone, not just for an attack from those on social media against fans being publicly disappointed that a queer relationship has broken up, temporarily or otherwise.

[kumkaniudaku]

Requesting sadness 15: “I can’t do this anymore.” w/ Terry Richmond but it could be an unrequited love story that maybe was reciprocated idk

@pocketsizedpanther put NFL!Terry in my mind and this is what came up.

Silence. Unusual, unbearable silence. The kind of silence that hung in the air thick like humidity in Georgia, choking the life out of every living being in its vicinity. 

Silver forks scratched porcelain plates while two lovers sat across from each other trying to salvage a romantic dinner gone awry before it could ever start. Terry sensed the discomfort when he flew into town with no welcoming hug at the end of the tarmac. She left no text, no call, not even an insight into her whereabouts via Instagram stories. Only an empty space where her pretty red BMV usually sat awaiting his return. 

She hadn’t been in the stands lately either. From the cloudless skies of Los Angeles to the bitter chill of Philadelphia, she was a mainstay on the sidelines, wearing his last name on her back like a badge of honor. But tickets had gone unclaimed here and there. Not enough to raise alarms, but enough for him to bring it up as they dug into the night’s dinner. 

“If you wasn’t trynna be in the cold, that’s cool too. It’s just…you know. I wanted you to be there to see us win the conference. It’s kind of a big deal. First time in like six seasons or something like that. I don’t know. I just got here.”

“I’m sorry.” 

“You don’t have to be sorry. I’d rather make sure you’re good than get tight over a game. Football isn’t more important than you. You straight?” He shoveled a forkful of branzino into his mouth, looking across the table for a response that she never provided. “Tia, what’s up? You feeling alright?” 

“I’m fine.” 

“Did I forget something?” 

“No.” 

“Somebody DM you something crazy? Fans bothering you again? Let me know something.” 

Her distant stare slowly drifted to his face with tears welling in her waterline. “I-Terrence, I can’t do this anymore?” 

“Do what? What you mean?” He knew. He’d seen the text messages and how she rushed out of the room to answer phone calls. The rumor mills and blind item reports never missed a beat. Atlanta wasn’t a city for secrets. But, he prayed that they’d been mistaken. Taking a sip of his water, he took a deep breath and repeated himself. “What can’t you do anymore? Sneak around like I can’t see you? Lie? Cheat? What is it, Tia?” 

Each question came out louder than the one before, making Tia wince in her seat. 

She knew he’d never put his hands on her. Terry was too sweet for that. So sweet that it made life boring. Being a kept trophy wife wasn’t her speed, but she allowed him to woo her in the VIP section of a club in Las Vegas and drag her back to a slow life full of WAG meetings and nosey neighbors. The thrill of being All Star tight end Terrence Richmond’s girlfriend lost its luster the moment engagement rings and wedding dresses became the topic of every conversation. 

One-night stands turned into sneaking around during long road trips until feelings and another life threw a wrench in what was supposed to be a quick fling with someone far too stupid to be a long-term beau. She’d fucked up. 

“It’s not you,” she choked out, trying to offer him some solace. “He was around when you weren’t and I-”

“Bro, don’t explain that shit to me! You don’t think I’m lonely sometimes? That I don’t meet women ready to fill a void if I snap my fingers? C’mon, Tia. This me you talkin’ to right now! Stop playing in my face!” 

He was fuming and fighting to keep his emotions at bay as he paced across the lavish dining room. 

Tia drew in a deep breath to calm the tears forcing a painful lump into her throat. “I’m sorry, Terry. I know I messed up. I embarrassed you and I’m so fucking sorry for that.” 

“Did you fuck him?” Dread attacked their bellies simultaneously. Seconds passed so slowly that he looked over at the wall clock to make sure time wasn’t standing still. Her silence became confirmation. 

She swallowed hard and nodded. “I’m pregnant. Yesterday makes eight weeks. Terry...”

“The Houston game, wasn’t it. When you said you got sick halfway through and had to leave early. You lied in front of my mama and got pregnant while she was worried about you. You fuckin’ sick in the head, Tia, what the fuck!”

Any explanation Tia intended to offer became lost in a swirl of profanity and angry shouting. Betrayed was the prevailing sentiment. All of his hopes for a family smiling back at him before pre-game intros were dashed, leaving him grieving in real-time. He blamed himself for believing that she was ready for something serious and ignoring the warnings. Now, all he had to show for his blind optimism was a broken heart. 

Tia watched Terry dissolve into a near rage with tears ruining her foundation as they poured without ceasing. All of the trust, all of the love they’d built in two years together was washed away by her selfishness. 

“You gotta go,” he finally managed to grit through clenched teeth. “Get the fuck out. Nah, fuck it. I’ll go. You stay until I can get some shit figured out, but you can’t stay here past the weekend.”

“Terrence! I don’t have anywhere to go!” 

“That’s not my fuckin’ problem! Call your sister or that nigga or some shit, I don’t care. All I’ve ever done is take care of you. If you think you can keep makin’ a fool outta me, you got the wrong motherfucka. This shit is over. Forreal this time!”

“But, I can’t -” 

“What the fuck are you fighting for, Tia? You made your decision. Deal with that shit!”

Sobbing and pleas to rethink his decision hit the condo’s walls like bricks, likely fueling a noise complaint that would be slapped on the door come morning. Tia listened to Terry rifle through drawers and closets on the hunt for enough to get him through a few nights at the Four Seasons. 

He just needed to blow off some steam. They’d been in this place before, angry and screaming at the top of their lungs behind her indiscretions, only to come back together and push the pain of the past to the far recesses of their mind. But, as he stomped his way out of the front door and into the night without so much as a second look, the future became more clear. 

He was gone. For good this time.

[musesinbasement]

Global warming CAUSES Climate Change, which is something that people misunderstand.

One of the consequences of Global Warming (which is the increase in GLOBAL average temperatures) is that the polar ice caps are shrinking.

The polar ice caps regularly melt in the summer, and then grow in the winter. But due to Global Warming, they melt much MORE in the summer, and freeze LESS in the winter (thus the shrinking).

Here's a data set from NOAA showing the seasonal growing and shrinking (from data we had in 1850 to present day).

Here's a another data set from NOAA showing the ice just in September (clearly showing the shrinking over time).

[also as an aside the science on a sphere data sets are amazing and I love them]

The reason why the polar ice caps are important is because they keep the jet stream like in the first picture. Above the jet stream is nice and cold, and below the jet stream the temperatures get warmer the closer you get to the equator.

With less ice in the polar region, this jet stream becomes hella wobbly (like in the second picture) which has the HORRIBLE effect of crazy cold temperatures far south (like this snow in Texas/New Mexico) and crazy hot temperatures far north (like 107 year old temperature records being broken in Canada) .

Both of those examples are within the past week, and a day of each other.

So at the SAME TIME when it is snowing in Texas/New Mexico, it's 21.8 degrees Celsius (71.24 degrees Fahrenheit) in Montreal. In November.

This is the wobble in action.

And the SHITTY thing is that it's unpredictable. We can have record low temperatures in places that aren't built for that (see the 2021 Texas Power Crisis) and crazy hot temperatures in places that aren't build for that (see the 2021 heat dome in the Pacific Northwest).

In both of those cases, people died.

This is Climate Change (emphasis on the change).

It's difficult to have conversations with people about it because it is a complex problem (I tend to explain it like a series of dominoes knocking each other over). But it is important to be PATIENT with people when explaining it, and provide sources and visual aids when possible. We're all feeling the effects, and making small changes with people in their understanding is how we can push to make change to lessen future damage to our climate system, and adapt to the change we currently have.

(Source: I am a professional science educator, and I'm sorry that I went ham but I really like explaining climate science)

So many people do not understand the relationship between climate change and cold weather.

[therandompagesblog]

SKZ Pack Prologue

Trigger Warnings: Blood, angst

No. No. No." Jisung shrieked as he saw Seungmin carrying his lifeless mate. His Y/N. The woman who made him laugh. The woman who got him into trouble. He could not believe his eyes, he didn't want it to be true, but if it was true why was Hyunjin still here? Jisung's cries alerted the wolves and sent them down the stairs to see what the beta was so distraught over. Changbin was the first to arrive at the scene as he ran towards them, followed by Felix who was a blubbering mess. "What happened? Is she okay? Are you okay? What the fuck happened?" Changbin frantically shouted as his hands searched his omega's face. "We need to get her inside. She is weak and badly wounded. When she is treated then we will talk." Hyunjin stated as he looked at the two betas who nodded their heads before ushering the wolves to get out of the way so they could come in. Hyunjin gave Jeongin a look in passing. He could see the young alpha was incredibly pissed. Even Minho was as he stood behind him with a glare, but amongst that glare, concern and worry were hidden. They knew not to argue as right now their wounds were the most important, but when they were better there would be a heated conversation about the idiocy.

Seungmin placed Y/N down on the bed so Felix could look at her, while Minho stood there with a blank face, watching them. Felix quickly put some latex gloves on and searched her wounds, checking to see how deep they were. Some were smaller, but some were deep and were going to need stitches. Even the one down the side of her face was going to leave a scar, but Hyunjin told him to forget about the scarring and stitch her up, which he did, while Minho cleaned and wrapped the wound. Seungmin and Hyunjin sat on the floor practising self healing techniques to help their wounds but some of them would need external support. Hyunjin was forcing himself to heal so it could transfer to her, but the amount of pressure he used had caused him to collapse, sending the beta's into a panic. The beta's thought the worse as they knew the two were linked. They thought Y/N was struggling because her heart had weakened but they didn't think it was that bad. Seungmin worriedly lifted his head up to support him as he looked worriedly at Y/N who was being treated quickly by the two wolves. Much to Seungmin's surprise Jaehee was there to help the wolves and instructed Changbin and Jeongin to focus on Hyunjin, teaching them how to heal their wounds while the others stabilised Y/N. Felix was trying his hardest to control his tears but he was struggling. His shaky hands couldn't even pierce the skin on her face to stitch it up, he felt useless. Unlike the elder who had a stoic face and acted quickly, occasionally he would harshly chide Felix to control himself as otherwise they might possibly have a dead omega on their hands.

Time went past quickly but they managed to stabilise the two wolves who were asleep in Y/Ns room. Y/N was in her bed while the red-haired bruised alpha was on the floor. Jaehee said not to separate them as she wasn't sure what the consequences of separation would be to them so it was best to keep them together. At the same time, Seungmin sat downstairs with an ice pack and some medicine while being glared at by the other wolves. Jeongin held himself high as he folded his arms, dominating his presence that an alpha should when there were disobedient wolves in the room. Even Jisung was looking angry at the thought of his loved one being wounded. Seungmin felt incredibly on edge with all the glares. He didn't have anyone to hide behind when he told the story. Hell, it was not like he could blame Y/N when Minho would probably make a remark about 'If she asked you to jump off a cliff would you do it?' Seungmin probably would if she asked since she was quite a smart puppy, but still, Seungmin had to take the sequences and right now he was prolonging it. Seungmin was drinking the medicine slowly as he tried to avoid the conversation when Minho took it away from him. "Alright," Seungmin grumbled as he looked at them. "I'll tell you the story from the end to save you all the grief. Wooyoung has been exiled with the remaining wolves after Y/N killed Hongjoong in the circle. She nearly got herself killed during that. Wooyoung won't come back we made sure of it. The end." "That doesn't explain why the three of you stupidly left and put your life at risk," Jeongin said lowly. "No, but if you had listened to Y/N for the past few days, you would have known she had a plan for tonight. She knew when Hongjoong was at his weakest and she took the chance with none of you because you thought you knew best." Seungmin answered back. He watched Minho storm off at his comment. Minho was well aware he messed up. They all were. They could have prevented so much more but now it was done. Finished. All that was left to do was wait for the wolves to wake up and they weren't going to wake up anytime soon.

Taglist for the iconic readers

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