#US Sibly

[averycanadianfilm]

Astrology and the 60th US Presidential Election November 5 2024

Since it is reasonable to assume there will be at least one more US Presidential Election I've posted several charts related to that potential event. Because I actually look at the progressed charts of collective entities such as nation states, I’ve posted the progressed chart for election day. Briefly, if you wanted to be optimistic you could say that since their progressed Jupiter is stationary direct in Cancer good outcomes are more probable. Their progressed Uranus, however, is at the top of the chart conjuncting their progressed MC, so expect the unexpected. In terms of the transits, their Pluto return is wrapping up, but the tale end of their Pluto return coincides with their Chiron return what kind of healing this implies, well, I’ll have to think about it, because I haven’t been thinking about the USA. Also, Jupiter retrograde in Gemini conjuncts their Mars, a war of words may escalate into a physical war or a physical war may de-escalate into a war of words or some combination of both since they appear to be preparing to wage war on two fronts. Note, during that election cycle, on March 25 2024, they experience a progressed new moon in pisces. Perhaps, coupled with their progressed Jupiter stationary direct in Cancer, this progressed Pisces new moon phase will initiate a more compassionate version their state.

[mintmatcha]

OMG MINT please continue bc kiri saying again … was he picking up the pieces before w reader ??

cw: Reader is a high school in this part, reader is said to not be conventionally attractive.

Kirishima remembers the first time Sero ever saw you.

He's fumbling with his key ring in the most obvious way he can, letting it swing and jingle around his fingers.

"My parent's won't be back until late tonight, so we can do whatever." Kirishima isn't one to brag, but there's still something cool about being a latchkey kid. He doesn't have Bakugo's big house or all of Denki's gaming systems, but he's got the coolest hang out spot because he has all the privacy they could ever need.

"You bozos should actually study this time-" Bakugo says, slinging his backpack across his shoulders.

Denki groans. "You're so lame-"

"Your grades are lame!"

Kirishima unlocks the door to the apartment when another door across the hall opens. He doesn't turn at first, thinking it's just Mr. Yagami leaving for the night shift-

"Eijiro-"

Kirishima turns at the sound of your voice. Catty corner from him, you're halfway out of your apartment door, still dressed in your wrinkled school uniform. The smile you flash him is timid, mostly covered up the doorframe.

"Hold on, guys."

He walks over to you with a little wave and you produce a familiar set of containers, perfectly cleaned and polished, just like always.

"Tell your mom thank you," you mumble, adjusting your glasses as you speak. Kirishima thinks it's weird that you're being so quiet today, but then your eyes flicker to the group behind him. School's hard for you, he thinks, the other kids aren't very nice to you most of the time. At least, that's what his mom says when you aren't around.

"It was really good, thank you."

"Yeah, don't mention it," Kirishima points back to his gaggle of boys. "These are my friends from school, by the way. Bakugo, Denki, and the tall one's Sero. They're all really cool."

Your face goes weird when he says Sero's name. Not sour or stressed or something he knows, just... funny. Like you've swallowed a lemon whole.

"I'm the only cool one here," Bakugo says.

"Aw, don't listen to this big grump-" Sero throws an arm around Bakugo. "We're pretty okay."

"Hi." With a little wave, you duck back inside your place and let the door close. Kirishima starts to go back to his friends, but for Sero to stop him.

"So, who was that?" Sero asks, a bit too interested for Kirishima's liking. Bakugo bumps his shoulder into the dark haired boy, then shoves his full body weight. Even when Sero stumbles, he keeps looking.

"She's cool, just super shy. My mom gives her food sometimes." He shakes the Tupperware for effect. "She lives by herself because her school's around here."

"Ask her to hang out with us," Sero says.

Denki groans again. "Why would we want some weirdo girl-?"

Sero's already slunk across the hall. Bakugo and Denki share a look and roll their eyes; last summer's growth spurt didn't only give Sero a couple extra inches of height-- it gave him too much confidence and too strong of an interest in girls. Denki could kind of relate, minus the confidence. Thankfully, Bakugo didn't seem to care about women at all.

(Kirishima was thankful for that.)

The blondes both go inside the apartment when Kirishina opens the door, but Sero has already knocked and peeled you out of your shell.

"Hey, we were just thinking-"

That funny look comes over you again- a strained, sloppy smile, own that-

It clicks in Kirishima's head the second Sero leans against the doorframe, one arm extended above his head. You think he's cute.

You think he's very cute.

Sero seems to know it, too.

"I- uh- I-" You're fumbling each word. "I have cram school-"

"Aww-" He runs a hand through his hair with a cool little smile. "What a bummer."

Kirishima's stomach twists at bit, mostly on instinct. He doesn't have strong feelings towards you or anything, but he suddenly feels a surge of protectiveness, like an older sibling watching the younger get whisked away.

You're not even cute, Kirishima thinks, not in the ways that Sero usually goes for. He usually goes for girls without glasses or braces, the types that win beauty pageants and don't have stutters-

Flirting with you just seems... cruel in comparison. It's a game he knows he can win.

[7s3ven]

ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER, pt 1. neteyam x fem! metkayina! r

IN WHICH… Y/N and Neteyam’s walls suddenly come crashing down one night after a heart to heart conversation.

( requested )

Notes: mentions of sex (not written out, though), throwing up (morning/pregnancy sickness), small panic attack, a little angst, fluff ending, neteyam + reader are like 19 ig, teen pregnancy?

—

Neteyam was thankful for the Metkayina allowing his family into their home but he missed his own. He missed the trees and the forest and his friends. The forest was all he had known. He was supposed to be the next clan leader, it was a job he had been preparing for since his birth. But it was all ripped away from him when he and his family were forced to leave. Now, he had nothing. No status, no promises of greatness, and almost no friends. Lo’ak didn’t count because he had to see his idiotic brother every day.

The night was quiet and cool as Neteyam slowly stepped over Lo’ak, who was sound asleep on the floor of the hut. Neteyam rolled his eyes at his brother, who was always sleeping in odd places.

He had been sneaking out regularly, trying to get away from his crushing responsibilities. Neteyam always sat in the same spot on the beach yet when he arrived, he found it was already taken. He recognised the Metkayina girl as Y/N, Tsireya and Aonung’s older sister and the future Tsahik. Kiri was better friends with her than Neteyam was. Nevertheless, he slowly walked up behind her.

“Out here all alone?” He questioned, crouching down. Their shoulders brushed as Y/N turned her head to glance at him. Her narrowed eyes softened at the sight of him.

“Oh, it is only you.” She murmured.

“Sorry. Did I startle you?”

Neteyam heard Y/N quietly laugh. “A little. What are you doing out so late?” She tilted her head, looking up at Neteyam. He sat down, shrugging.

“No reason.” He replied, “I just needed some peace and quiet.”

Y/N nodded in understanding. “I am doing the same. As mean as it might sound, I had to get away from my family for a little bit. Aonung’s snores are always so loud too.”

A small smirk crept across Neteyam’s lips. “You should hear Lo’ak. Sometimes, he’s snores so loud that it wakes my dad up.”

“How is your family settling in, Neteyam?” Y/N inquired, leaning back to stare up at the starry sky. Neteyam held back a sigh.

“We are trying our best.” He uttered, “But it is not easy. We are used to trees… not sand and water.”

Y/N hummed. “Do you miss the forest?” She mentally scolded herself for asking such a question. Of course he did. He would not be talking about it if he did not.

“Yes. And as much as I try to enjoy all this, I will always prefer the forest.” Neteyam abruptly shook his head to rid himself of such thoughts. “But I cannot complain. We are lucky to be here.”

Y/N looked Neteyam up and down, observing his body language. Slowly, she reached out a hand, placing it on Neteyam’s. “You can complain to me.” She gently told him. “I will not judge. I will only listen.”

It seemed Neteyam had been waiting for this exact words. He launched into describing his home with a smile on his face. He told Y/N of the banshees, the mountains, and the trees that stretched across the land for endless miles. It all sounded very foreign yet fascinating to Y/N.

“My parents would not want me to complain. Lo’ak, Kiri, and Tuk are allowed to miss the forest but not me.” Neteyam fidgeting with his fingers, a constant reminder that he would never be viewed as true Na’vi.

“Do they expect you to be perfect?” Y/N spoke up, her voice a soft whisper over the sound of the waves crashing against the sandy shore. Silently, Neteyam nodded.

“I am the golden child. I should not be saying such nonsense… but I miss my old life. Here, I get in trouble for every little thing Lo’ak does. I know as the oldest sibling, it is my job to look out for them, but it is growing tiresome.” Neteyam looked at Y/N, who was listening intensively, “Do you ever feel that way… about your siblings?”

“Yes. Aonung is always getting into mischief and I am given the job of picking up his slack. I am the future Tsahik yet with all the scolding I receive from my parents because of Aonung, it makes me feel like a failure.” Y/N aimlessly picked at the small shells nestled in the grains of sand as she spoke. “I love Tsireya and Aonung… but I cannot always be there to protect them. And that scares me.”

Neteyam nodded. He was closer now, barely an inch away from Y/N. She would have pushed him away if he was any other boy. But it was Neteyam, sweet Neteyam who was trying his best to gain his father’s approval and protect his family. She made no move to shove him.

“I feel that something terrible is approaching… and I am scared that I can no longer shield my siblings.” Y/N kept speaking as Neteyam drew soft circles in the palm of her hand to comfort her.

“I understand.” He muttered, locking gazes with Y/N. They held eye contact and for the first time in years, Y/N felt truly seen.

The feeling of finally being understood without judgement clouded Y/N’s mind as her back hit the soft sand and she returned Neteyam’s kiss.

The days after their sudden incident were a jumbled blur. Y/N had been feeling moody as of lately and it all made sense when she threw up the food she had eaten just minutes ago. Y/N shook as she wrapped her arms around herself in disbelief.

She was frozen in fear, barely able to register that Tsireya was calling out her name. “Y/N! I’ve been looking for you. Would you like to swim with Aonung and I and the Sully kids?” Tsireya brightly beamed, having no idea of the panic plaguing Y/N’s thoughts.

“I am alright, Tsireya. Thank you for offering. I do not feel good.” Y/N willed Tsireya to disappear so that she could figure out her situation.

“Oh… of course. I will tell Neteyam you cannot make it. I hope you feel better soon, sister.”

The mention of Neteyam’s name almost made Y/N spin around and throw up again. It was partly his fault she had gotten into this mess. Why did he have to be so kind and understanding?

Y/N quietly groaned in frustration as Tsireya walked away. She lay on her back, staring up at the brightly lit sky. Her thoughts weren’t giving her a break to think clearly. Obviously, she could not confide in her parents. She would not be surprised if they threatened to throw her out. Tsireya could not keep a secret for long and Aonung… well, Y/N would never willingly tell him. He would use every chance he got to remind her.

And Y/N dreaded telling Neteyam. He was already having a hard time fitting in, he did not need the trouble of this either. If word of this spread, his family would be outcasted even more than they were already.

She aimlessly wandered the beach, thinking to herself. The pressure of gaining her parents’ approval was becoming all too much.

As expected, Neteyam and Y/N avoided each other. Neteyam thought it was best to leave her alone and give her space to think, which was something he desperately needed as well.

Y/N was feeding her ilu when Tsireya and Aonung approached her. “Sister.” The latter uttered, folding his arms over his chest, “We need to talk.”

Y/N merely sent him a confused glance. “About what?” She questioned.

“Why are you avoiding us?” Tsireya got straight to the point. She huffed. “You never want to swim with us… and you are hardly around. You do not even eat with us. Why?”

Y/N looked away, petting her ilu. “I am busy.” She lied through her teeth. “Mother is encouraging me to oversee the affairs of the village and it is more tiresome than I expected.”

Tsireya faltered, suddenly feeling bad for accusing her older sister. Aonung, on the other hand, was not so easily fooled. He had always been annoyingly good at reading people. But neither of Y/N’s siblings asked any more questions. They simply accepted her answer and left her to tend to her ilu.

A few quiet minutes passed before the wood beneath Y/N creaked. She looked over her shoulder, almost jumping at the sight of Neteyam.

“Sorry.” He muttered. “Just came to check up on my ilu. She’s been more hungry lately.” He sent her a sheepish smile, hurrying over to the creature. Y/N tried not to pay him any attention as she kicked her legs in the water, the cool droplets splashing against her body.

“So… how are you?” Neteyam spoke up. There was an awkward pause. It took Y/N a moment to register his words.

“I am good.” She responded. Neteyam took her short answer as an attempt to ice him out, which he did not blame her for. In reality, though, Y/N was trying to stop herself from exposing her secret. She knew if she kept talking to Neteyam, then his sweet voice would coerce her into revealing everything.

“Right… I’ll see you later, I guess.” Neteyam walked off, rubbing the back of his neck. Y/N tried not to show her hurt at how quickly he left, seeming like he wanted nothing to do with her.

Her ilu nudged its head against Y/N’s thigh, cooing. Y/N sighed as she pet it once more. “What am I going to do?” She murmured. Time was running out and she still had no idea what she was going to do.

She clasped her hands over her belly, sighing as she lowered her head. She rarely ate with her family now, doing everything she could to avoid them. Her siblings and even her parents were bound to become more suspicious; Tsireya was already questioning it and Aonung did not believe any of her lies.

Y/N was a strong girl, both physically and mentally, but she could not handle this. Having to keep such a large secret from her parents and her siblings, whom were her world, and Neteyam was eating at her.

Her attempts to distance the eldest Sully boy from her were becoming harder but the secret could not be revealed. She knew Neteyam would ultimately talk. It was up to her to ensure his family would not be isolated any further.

Y/N’s heartbeat spiked and despite her underwater training, she could not slow it. She placed a hand over her chest, gasping for air. “Shit.” She murmured out a word she had heard Neteyam say, which only sent her further into a spiral.

It was becoming increasingly harder to clear her mind and she suddenly felt uncomfortable in her own skin. Her thoughts exploded into a flurry of negativity.

Her father would be so disappointed in her careless behaviour. And her mother… Y/N almost threw up at the mere thought of Ronal’s look. She would be livid that her perfect daughter, her daughter who consistently kept Aonung out of trouble, her daughter who was the future Tsahik, had engaged in such acts with a forest boy.

She clawed at her skin, trying to rid herself of such thoughts that caused more harm than good. Y/N leaned forward to comfort herself but she ended up diving right into the water purely by mistake. She thought of just staying under the glistening water. It brought her comfort. There was no one talking to her while she was on the verge of a breakdown. It was peaceful.

A hand suddenly grabbed onto her forearm, heaving her up. Y/N spat out a mouthful of water, coughing in surprise. “Aonung!” She exclaimed, slapping her brother’s shoulder. Though, it probably did not hurt him as much as she wanted it to. Aonung was a few months younger than Y/N but had much more muscles.

“Why are you lying in the water?” Aonung questioned as he pulled her back onto the dock. “It is not like you to be so distant. What is the matter?”

To others, particularly the Sully boys, Aonung was mean and a bully and an outright nuisance to be around. But to Y/N, he was sweet. He was Y/N’s sweet little brother who used to come crying to her when he scraped his knee.

“It is none of your concern. I am fine. I am simply stressed.” Y/N reassured him. Unfortunately, her soft words did not have the impact they had on Tsireya.

Aonung narrowed his eyes like he always did when he could tell Y/N was lying. “You are not telling the truth. You can tell me. I will not tell mother or father or even Tsireya. It will be our little secret.”

Y/N stared at her brother then at her shaking hands which had not stopped trembling since she found out she was pregnant. “I am with a child.” She suddenly blurted out.”

Aonung was silent. He opened his mouth to say something but the pair heard a gasp behind them. Y/N quickly looked behind her, partly relieved that it was only Tsireya. She had been holding a bowl of fruits, which were now rolling around in the floor.

“I am sorry.” She immediately apologised, covering her mouth with her hands. “I did not mean to eavesdrop. I just wanted to bring you some fruit so you would feel better.” She quickly crouched down to pick everything up. “Is it true… are you really?”

Tsireya sat on the other side of Y/N. Aonung swiftly reached over, grasping a piece of fruit despite Y/N’s look. She had always told him not to eat anything from the floor.

“Yes.” She hesitated.

“Damn, who knocked you up?” Aonung carelessly asked. Tsireya clicked his tongue, her long tail slapping him.

“Do not, Aonung.” She warned. “We will not tell anyone, Y/N. Do not pressure yourself into telling us the dad. We will let you take your time.”

“It’s Neteyam.” Y/N blurted out. She could not contain it anymore. Beside her, she heard Aonung choke. Y/N promptly slapped his back.

“Neteyam?!” Aonung exclaimed but Tsireya and Y/N both hushed him. “Mother and Father will not be happy.”

Y/N sent him a glare, “I am aware.” She muttered.

“Wait, this is good. This will top anything else I do. Father will be like, ‘Aonung, why did you slap Lo’ak?’ And then I’ll just reply with ‘well, remember when Y/N got pregnant?’” Aonung faced his sisters only to be met with their unimpressed faces.

“Aonung, take this seriously.” Tsireya hissed, resting her hands on Y/N’s shoulders. “Whatever you do, Y/N, we will be here to support you.”

Neteyam was not doing any better. The last few days had felt like a constant test on his patience. His father was always ordering him around and Lo’ak was getting on his nerve.

The last straw was when Jake had decided to scold Neteyam for Lo’ak’s actions. Neteyam had returned from the docks, still wondering as to why Y/N was suddenly acting so cold. He tried to forget that night, to move past it, but it was easier said than done. Y/N seemed to be everywhere Neteyam was.

The oldest Sully boy walked into their hut, exhausted and fully prepared to collapse. However, when he saw Jake standing in front of Lo’ak, his father’s arms crossed sternly over his chest, Neteyam almost groaned. Neytiri and Kiri were inside as well, exchanging worried glances. Tuk was nowhere to be seen, most likely playing with her newfound friends.

“Neteyam.” Jake said. Neteyam dragged himself to stand beside Lo’ak, his back straightening.

“Yes, sir?” Neteyam murmured, wanting to get this over and done with so he could tend to his own thoughts.

“Your brother got into another fight today.” Jake uttered. “Where were you? You’re supposed to keep an eye on him.”

“I was busy, sir.”

“Why weren’t you with your brother? Sully’s have to stick together.“

Neteyam, who had been trying to hold down his bubbling anger, suddenly snapped. “I wasn’t with my brother because it’s not my job to keep him in check.” It was the first time Neteyam had ever talked back. His ears flattened down, an action he didn’t usually do but had started doing because of Y/N. “What Lo’ak does with his spare time should be none of my concern. It is not my fault he fights every day.”

“Yeah, but you’re the older brother. It’s your responsibility to look out for him.” Jake poked Neteyam’s chest, causing everything to come crashing down. Neteyam, who had been trying so hard to hide his fury at how unfairly he was being treated, broke.

“It is none of my responsibility! I can’t be everywhere with Lo’ak, babysitting him! You forced me away from my home, from the forest in which I grow up in. I know nothing here! I am simply too busy trying to fit in to watch over Lo’ak! He is not the only one who needs comfort. I am still a teenager! Have you ever asked how I feel?!” Neteyam didn’t waste a heartbeat in spinning around, storming off. His swishing tail hit a bowl, causing it to fall. It did not break but Neteyam wouldn’t have cared anyway.

Neteyam left his parents and his siblings in shock at his outburst. He always took the blame for Lo’ak, what had changed?

Kiri quickly followed after Neteyam. Lo’ak, with a small nod from Jake, followed.

“Ma Jake,” Neytiri reached out for her mate, “What is wrong with Neteyam? He has been acting strange lately.” Jake held her hand, staring at the spot where Neteyam had been standing moments ago.

Jake wasn’t stupid. He saw how Neteyam’s gaze always found its way to stare at the Chief’s oldest daughter. He had been 16 once upon a time; it did not take long for Jake to form a suspicion.

“Neteyam!” Kiri grabbed her brother’s wrist, forcing him to turn around. “What is the matter with you? You have been acting so moody lately.” She pouted.

“Nothing!” Neteyam harshly insisted. “I am not acting moody.” Lo’ak caught up with his older brother but remained silent, knowing Neteyam’s anger was a result of his recklessness.

“My idiot brother, why must you be so stubborn?” Kiri groaned, “You are like Y/N sometimes, so hardheaded and annoyingly independent.”

Her name set Neteyam’s face alight. A dark blush spread across his cheeks. “She is the problem.” He finally admitted. “Y/N is.”

“Did she reject you or something?” Lo’ak voiced, arching an eyebrow.

Neteyam wished she did. This situation would have been much easier. “No… Y/N and I, we…” Neteyam trailed off, suddenly embarrassed.

Kiri got the hint. She slapped his shoulder. “You did not!” She hissed. “She is the Chief’s daughter!” Lo’ak stood beside Kiri, ever so clueless.

“What? What did they do? He didn’t even finish his sentence. You guys are acting like they”- Lo’ak paused, “Oh. I get it now.”

“It was an impulsive decision.” Neteyam uttered as he resumed walking.

“One that will get you killed.” Kiri added. “You are lucky she is not betrothed yet. Have you talked to her?”

“Briefly. She does not wish to speak to me.” Neteyam was met with another slap from Kiri.

“Idiot! She must be lonely. You must speak to her so that you can resolve this!”

Neteyam groaned, walking faster in hopes his siblings would leave him alone. “She avoids me.” He said to Kiri. “I told you, she doesn’t want to see me.”

“Then try harder to talk to her! Y/N is as stubborn as you. Do you not see the pattern?!” Kiri yanked Neteyam back, “You must tell Father and Mother.”

Neteyam scoffed. “I have caused enough trouble already. I will do no such thing.”

“You are foolish. If Tonowari and Ronal find out, Father will be able to calm them. If you do not tell, then at least speak to Y/N.”

Neteyam exasperatedly sighed. “Fine. I will talk to her. Happy?” He wandered off, leaving Kiri and Lo’ak behind. He knew where to find Y/N. During her spare time, she was always at the docks, playing with her ilu or swimming.

“Do you not ever move from this spot?” Neteyam spoke as he halted behind Y/N, who was sitting where he suspected. He saw her back tense up.

“No. I have moved. To eat. I came back.” Y/N was careful with her responses. One stumble and she’d end up spilling everything.

“Kiri says I should talk to you.” Neteyam muttered as he sat beside her, dipping his feet into the water. Y/N turned to face him, staring with wide eyes.

“You told Kiri?”

“And Lo’ak.” Neteyam’s reply did not ease her panic. “But I suspect you told Tsireya and Aonung.”

Y/N nodded. “I cannot hide anything from them for long.” In truth, Y/N had returned to the docks to mentally prepare herself for telling her mother. She could hide the sudden pregnancy but her body could not. It would start to show.

“How are you feeling?” Neteyam questioned.

“Stupid.”

Neteyam lowly chuckled, staring down at his hands. “Kiri is advising me to tell Mother and Father. But I do not want to do it without your permission.” Y/N almost melted at how sweet and considerate Neteyam was.

“I do not mind.” She muttered, “As long as they do not spread the word.” It was not Neteyam who would get the harsher punishment anyway. As the daughter of the clan leaders, Y/N had a standard to uphold. She had failed after managing to balance it for so long.

After a much needed talk, Neteyam and Y/N parted ways. The latter slowly walked into the medical hut where she found her mother grinding leaves. “Mother.” Y/N said, hands clasped in front of her. Ronal hummed, too busy with her task at hand. “I have something rather important to tell you.”

“What is it, child? Could it not wait until after dinner?”

“I am pregnant.” Y/N quickly said, half heartedly hoping she had spoken too fast for her mother to understand her. Ronal paused. The leaves she had been holding previously fluttered the floor.

“You are pregnant… by who?” Ronal was trying to keep calm.

Y/N hesitated for a moment, her head lowered. “Neteyam.” She whispered.

Ronal hissed in anger. “You allowed this?! When he is not your mate?!”

“I did not mean to, mother.” Y/N insisted, stepping forward.

Ronal thought for a second. “We must find you a mate.” She announced after what felt like an hour.

“But what about Neteyam?” Y/N frowned, “He is the father! Does he not deserve to know?”

“He is not Metkayina.” Ronal almost sneered, “If word of this gets out, it will create a scandal. Your father and I will find you a suitable mate.” Her mother turned to walk away but Y/N desperately grabbed onto her arm.

“No… please… mother, do not make me do this! I want him to be the father! I do not want any other idiotic boy!”

Ronal softly caressed Y/N’s face as small tears dripped down her cheeks. She finally allowed herself to cry after holding everything in. “I am sorry, my child, but it is for the best.”

Y/N abruptly straightened her back. “No.” She firmly refused, surprising Ronal. “I have been the perfect daughter for you and Father. Do I not receive a reward in return?”

“You have a baby without a mate. I could hardly call that a reward.”

“Why will you not allow me to decide? You say it is for the best but do you really want to live the rest of your life knowing I am miserable? Will you put me through that just to keep your reputation? Is your reputation among the clan more important than your own daughter’s happiness?!” Y/N had not inherited Tsireya’s gentleness nor Aonung’s ego. She had inherited her mother’s temper.

“Listen to me, child, they will leave sooner or later. They will not stay here, no matter how much Neteyam will claim he loves you.”

“Then I will pay the price. Let me do this, mother. I have already suffered enough. I cannot do it again.”

Ronal narrowed her eyes. “Come.” She beckoned her daughter out of the hut. Y/N did not ask where Ronal was leading her; she simply followed behind.

Ronal’s sudden appearance in the Sully Family’s hut caused them to quiet down. Neteyam shared a look with Y/N, confused.

“It seems my daughter has found herself… involved with your eldest son.” Ronal spoke, sending Y/N a subtle glare. Y/N chewed the inside of her cheek. “This is not the Metkayina way but unfortunately, she is pregnant.”

Chaos broke out. Jake spat out a mouthful of water while Neytiri coughed to hide the fact that she had almost choked in shock. Lo’ak muffled his loud laughs as a look of horror crossed Neteyam’s face. Kiri quietly clicked her tongue, staring at her eldest brother.

“For some unknown reason, my daughter wishes for Neteyam to be the father. I will allow this if your son proves to me that he will be able to provide for Y/N. She is the future Tsahik and I will allow only the best for her. That is all.” Ronal walked away, expecting Y/N to follow.

“You knocked up the Chief’s daughter?” Jake said as soon as the two Metkayina women were gone. Lo’ak could finally freely laugh while Neteyam shoved him.

“Shut up.” He muttered, standing to run after Y/N.

[matchingbatbites]

Eddie is weird.

It's something that Steve knew long before he actually knew Eddie, the older boy's oddities and eccentricities on display for anyone to see. Past Steve used to roll his eyes whenever Eddie would push against the flow of normal, but present Steve enjoys it, Eddie's brand of different. 

That's really the reason why he pretends not to notice when Eddie takes things.

Nothing crazy, nothing valuable, and that's honestly the real reason he hasn't said anything about it. He watches Eddie pocket bottle caps from the kids' sodas and paper clips from the Family Video counter, even the little tables from the pizza boxes when they have a movie night.

Steve doesn't understand why Eddie collects these little odds and ends, just sees it as another one of his quirks. Until he finally sees where everything is going.

They're walking to the corner store that's fairly close to the trailer park, the sun on its way to setting but not quite there yet. The conversation that flows between them is easy, easier than Steve ever thought it could be, and it makes something in him want to curl up and purr like a contented cat. 

He's telling Eddie about something that happened at the grocery store today, when the older boy makes a soft noise of delight before crouching and grabbing something from the pavement. Steve barely gets a look at the penny, but he can tell from just a glimpse that it's seen better days and has more than likely been run over by a few cars, if the scratches on it are anything to go by. 

Eddie makes another happy noise as he stands once more and tucks the coin into his jacket pocket, and Steve picks his story back up like nothing happened. It doesn't get mentioned at all, but Steve can see the extra pep in Eddie's step, like he's so excited over something so simple, yet trying to contain it.

His silent joy is contagious, and by the time they get back to the trailer, they're practically plastered together at their sides and giggling like children. Steve nearly forgets about the penny, until Eddie drops his bag of snacks onto the little kitchen table and beelines to his room. So, so curious, Steve leaves his own bag next to Eddie's before following.

The older boy is crouched on the floor by the bed, and Steve watches as he pulls out what appears to be a shoebox, possibly for a pair of work boots, and sets it on the bed. Steve gets a brief look at the lid and the chicken-scratch Crow Box written on the top before Eddie opens it, and a few things quickly make sense.

The box is full of little things, even more than what Steve has seen Eddie take and pocket, a clear sign that that has been ongoing for years. Little plastic dinosaurs and incredibly smooth or shiny rocks, a chain of colored paper clips and a plastic cup full of acorn hats. There's even an old pencil box that appears to house a small hoard of bottle caps, all different colors, tucked in neatly next to a handful of the pizza tables. 

The whole collection is actually well organized, and Steve watches as Eddie takes the new penny from his pocket and drops it into a tin can full of other scratched and beaten coins.

"That's quite a collection," Steve says without even thinking, and Eddie looks up with wide eyes, like he wasn't expecting Steve to follow. Steve just crouches down next to him, resisting the urge to reach out and pick up one of the acorn hats, or one of the dinosaurs. "Any reason behind it?"

Eddie just shrugs and looks down at the box. He takes one of the shiny rocks and offers it to Steve, who gladly takes it and rolls it in his fingers. "They're weird, or actually, they're things that are so normal, they're invisible. Things people usually don't think about, or throw out, or walk right by. They're… different. But I like them."

God, Steve has never related to a feeling more. Seeing something that other people just brush off or ignore and wanting to be the one to cherish it. 

"I can get that," he says as he drops the rock back into the cup with its siblings. "I mean, you're different, and I like you, so." His heart in his throat, Steve leans in and presses a kiss to Eddie's cheek before standing, and he again finds himself caught in Eddie's wide-eyed surprise.

"Steve-"

"C'mon, crow boy. We've got a movie to watch."

[tacit-semantics]

Well whatever we can’t make a doctors appointment but there’s always the embarrassingly nonzero knowledge of Alvin and the chipmunks lore to fall back on

King of not understanding king of being confused king of seeing things and going huh king of ???????

[desafinado]

𓆩♡𓆪 oblivious crushes hcs

their crush on you is as clear as day, but you seem to be wearing sunglasses

°｡⋆ kaveh, alhaitham, kaeya x reader (separately)

°｡⋆ fluff, maybe a bit ooc alhaitham, lots of touchy/clingy :( and some angst in kaeya's part

note: i haven’t gone too far into sumeru yet D: (purely bc of laziness and college) so that’s why alhaitham might be a bit ooc… but! i hope yall enjoy, i had fun. (ps. this was inspired by my short convo with @kana-dayo , i hope u don't mind the tag just tell me if you want me remove it!!)

kaveh ♡

it threw for him a loop the first time. you were both walking down the port at sunset when he asked if you liked him, and you said of course you love him and you couldn’t ask for a better friend.

he thought you had rejected him when and was genuinely heartbroken for a day, until you visited the next day acting as if everything was fine.

he did not know how to proceed, but he did with caution… when he realized, you genuinely did not understand, he decided to build up the romance before asking you again.

he started making it known to you (and everyone else in the room) that he wanted to spend time with you.

“alhaitham, if you could give us a moment or tw-” “no.” “we’re having dinner out then, dear, lets go.”

of course, he would never do anything that might make you uncomfortable, the moment you express any discomfort or hesitance, he backs off.

that being said, you have never really done such, most times you’re even encouraging him

“kaveh… hugs now please :( “

and how can he not deny you?

speaking of which, he also tried to make more gentle subtle touches, taking your hand when you both walked, placing a hand on the small of your back, hugs that lasted just a second too long.

by the end of it he was extraordinarily clingy, one of his favorite moments is when your head is on his lap and he gets to caress your head.

he acts nonchalantly about it, and so do you. little did you know was that he never did that with anyone else.

“what do you mean kaveh doesn’t like hugging? we spend hours cuddling on the couch..”

to be honest he doesn’t really think much of it either, touching you is like second nature to him. you don’t mind either, because for some odd reason, it just feels right.

he’s almost certain that you like him too, but he’s too afraid to confirm it. he’d much rather stay like this in some sort of limbo between friends and lovers.

but eventually, it eats him up. he needs some sort of closure, even if it meant the collapse of his lovey-dovey facade.

everything’s in place. he had gone through all the scenarios, he knew you were in a good mood, and alhaitham was all the way in sumeru city. everything was perfect for him to make his move, all he needed was you.

“kaveh, what’s all this?”

a picnic blanket was spread out on the grass, a strawberry shortcake, sandwiches and wine laid on top. kaveh stood before it, his familiar smile inviting you to come closer. “ah, i have to admit, it is something a bit special so, please have a seat.”

you follow his advice and gently rest on the blanket, careful not to disturb kaveh’s work. he does the same and sighs. “hm… is this an anniversary or celebration of some sort? did you finally pay off your debt?” you start to ask excitedly, getting a bit ahead of yourself. kaveh simply shakes his head, chuckling softly.

“no, dear. on the contrary, if this all falls through, it could be my funeral.”

you give him a curious glance, tilting your head. he takes both his hands in yours and squeezes them gently.

“nothing that serious, do you remember when i asked you if you liked me?”

“yes… and i still do, if that’s what your concerned about.”

“when i said that, i meant to ask if you liked me as more than just a friend.”

…

…

“you mean… like family? like sibli-”

“no, no, dear god no. i mean like… lovers.”

your face turns red at the mention of that word, lovers. it implied romantic love, of course; you weren’t that dense. he’s looking straight into your eyes, awaiting a response, but your lips feel as though they’ve frozen in place. a few more seconds of silence pass, and his lips purse into a heavy frown.

“ah, i’m sorry, if you don’t… i just couldn’t go on like this, pretending that we were something more, living in ignorant bliss. i truly am sorry.”

“no, wait. kaveh…”

you finally build up the courage to speak, letting go of his hands and caressing his cheek. if there’s something you can’t ignore, its the way he’s putting himself down.

“i-i like you that way too, i just didn’t want to believe it either. i… i didn’t want to delude myself into that, so i never entertained the possibility that-”

his tender lips find yours in a kiss, interrupting your rambling along with any doubt the two of you had left. just like all of his other touches, the kiss felt right, familiar, and simply satisfying.

alhaitham ♡

feelings, specifically love, are a far too strong force that many times they most certainly overcome any logic of even the most robotic of personalities; enter alhaitham.

normally, he would be upfront about these sorts of things, giving them the ultimatum. letting them choose to accept or reject his feelings.

but this time, he didn’t want to give you that chance. he needed you to accept him, he couldn’t imagine any other possibility.

so what does he do? he takes a chance with the whole concept of “romancing” in order to win your heart.

he makes an effort to be around you more, he’ll listen to your long winded rants about the most random topics.

“so, why do you care about this again?” “i just do, i’m not quite sure why honestly.” “that’s understandable, please go on.”

he’s never been one to care about how others might perceive him, how others might react to his actions, but he cares so much about you and he wants you to trust him.

once he notices the way your lips curl up when he enters a room or the way you look at him when you feel a bit overwhelmed, he takes this as a sign that he can try being a bit more touchy.

he never really understood the appeal of it, until he felt how warm you were, how your skin brushing against his made him feel a bit more understood and loved.

and you don’t mind one bit, in fact, you’re happy that he has you to lean on (literally and metaphorically)

but you imagine his roommates' surprise to find alhaitham on the couch cuddled up with someone he had never even met.

“wake them up, and you will sleep outside.”

he truly believes he’s being subtle, but everyone (well those who have the courage to) teases him about it.

he brushes it off, but warns them not to tell you or else…

however, when he starts moving onto more overt and blatant shows of affections, he is sorely disappointed to realize that you are not catching on.

he’d gift you flowers before every outing, call you cute nicknames, and even be more honest with his own feelings.

a polite smile, a thank you, and enthusiastic nod was all you ever responded with.

he was disappointed in himself, he thought he must’ve done something wrong, that he must’ve made you uncomfortable.

he needs to confront you about this in his own way, for his sake and yours.

“it’s you…”

his voice rings out like a bell in a cathedral, snapping you back into reality. he had requested for you to meet him at one of the gazebos near the akademiya. stars had been showered upon the night sky, and it was all you could look at, until alhaitham’s voice, of course. you turn around and chuckle at his awe-stricken face.

“glad to see you too. your letter sounded quite urgent, is something the matter?”

upon seeing you, he can’t control his movements, rushing towards you and taking you into a dramatic hug. you’re quick to hug him back, offering him any and all support he might need. he buries his head into your shoulder, taking in your scent, and touch, enjoying it while it lasts. his voice almost cracks as he speaks.

“yes. i’m sorry for making you uncomfortable with my… advances. i understand if you never want to see me again.”

the shock is almost enough to knock you over, but you simply pull away and look at him with deep concern. you didn’t know where he was coming from, and you had never seen him like this.

“advances? what sort of advances?”

“the romantic ones?”

“oh! towards who? i don’t mind at all, really.”

its his turn widen his eyes, he closes his eyes and pauses. he needs to pick his next words carefully, he really wants this to be a swift death, no point in dragging his heart against the pavement.

“towards you…? the one i love is you.”

he finally admits, hoping you finally understand. he’s run out of words to say, ways to express his unwavering love for you. you flicker between his eyes and lips, confirming if what he says is true, and what he feels is real; after a moment, you speak up.

“i’m sorry, i never… i knew you were opening up, but i didn’t stop to think…”

you calmly take him back into your arms, letting his head rest back on your shoulder. you stroke his hair slowly, trying to soothe him. “i was already so happy that you seemed to be opening up to me, i didn’t realize you meant it in that way. i didn’t want to push it any further than necessary.” he allows you to touch and pamper him, allowing himself the privilege of your tender care.

“i see. so you weren’t comfortable with it? you’re not comfortable with me…?”

“no, alhaitham. i’m more than comfortable with you, and i’d do all those things with you again.”

you blush, understanding the implications of what you had just said. you just opened yourself to him, laid yourself out for him to accept or reject. you close your eyes, bracing for what comes next, when you suddenly feel yourself being lifted up and spun around gently.

“alhaitham!”

“that’s all i needed to hear, darling. from this day on, we can do all those things and more… again and again, everyday.”

kaeya ♡

he likes to tease, that is no question. making others red in the face, in anger or embarrassment, is a pastime of his.

but why is it that you of all people, his one and only crush, remain unaffected?

its not like you even have a snarky remark back or try to hide your embarrassment, you simply let it pass as though it was the cool summer breeze against your skin.

“oh my… shouldn’t you take me out to dinner first?” “uh why?”

you surely enjoyed his company and the silly jokes he’d make, even though there would be times you just didn’t understand what he was talking about.

other than that, he’d often be extra chivalrous towards you, holding the door for you, taking your hand as you walk down the stairs… but i mean that’s how knights just are, right?

though you can often feel his overprotective step out, especially when it comes to your safety, you once again chalk it to him in his cavalry captain mode.

only his closest friends and allies can detect the minor difference in his behavior around you, except you, of course. it doesn’t bother him, because it only solidifies his love for you, how serious he is about you.

sometimes he truly is just amazed with the way your mind works to rule out all romantic possibilities, its like the notion of love does not even exist to you.

he doesn’t mind it one bit, though. if anything, he wishes to be the person who introduces you to love.

he knows he can reveal his feelings at any moment, but he wants you to figure it out for yourself, that epiphany of love is something he feels everyone should experience…

that is until he catches you blushing with another person.

“oh yeah! they’ve been talking to them the entire night… they’re really hitting it off, i don’t-”

every word after that is just muffled noise to him. he didn’t understand the feeling coursing through his vein. it was a poignant mixture of jealousy, sadness, and disappointment in himself.

he immediately steps out of angel’s share, not even bothering with a drink to drown his feelings. he thought he was special to you, the way you were to him.

that’s when the creaking of the tavern doors catches his attention, revealing you.

“oh, hi.”

your voice was timid in the chilly night atmosphere, the silence between you and kaeya almost deafening. he huffs and crosses his arms, trying to pretend as if he hadn’t just felt his heart rip, shatter and

“hey, so what are you doing here? i know you’re not one for taverns, most specially on a wednesday night.”

he doesn’t miss a beat, starting his investigation. your eyes widen at his unusually stern demeanor; its not like you haven’t seen this side of him, but you don’t know have a clue as to where it's coming from. you start to sober up, feeling the excitement and adrenaline of the bar leave you. “honestly, i had nothing better to do… and i was trying to get out of my comfort zone.”

he raises an eyebrow at your seemingly simple explanation; you didn’t have any reason to lie, and to be fair, it wasn’t like he had a right to know anyways. his posture relaxes as gives you his arm, gesturing for you to take it; you, having no reason to deny him, take his arm in yours. you both start walking down the streets, no definite destination in mind.

“Is something wrong, kaeya?”

the glazed look in your eyes is something he can’t ignore, and he knows you won’t ignore his furrowed eyebrows either. he sighs letting the cold air entering his lungs, as if numbing himself before the storm truly begins.

“yes, actually there is. could i be a burden to you?”

“kaeya… you know you can always talk to me about your feelings, you’re no burden to me.”

a bitter chuckle escapes his lips, acting as if he truly had nothing left to lose. “that’s why i love you, you know? ah… i thought i’d be saying this in a drunken stammer or you’d hear from rosaria or lisa, but i’m more sober than ever and… i love you so much it hurts.”

suddenly, his touch feels much colder than it ever has, sending a shiver down your spine. you pause for a moment, the adrenaline and heat rising back up.

“k-kaeya, wait… i love you too. i’m-”

“you needn’t spare my feelings or lie. perhaps it was my fault for letting my pride get the best of me, and now you’ve been swept away by someone else, someone who makes you blush.”

your eyebrows curved into a straight line, clearly baffled by kaeya’s assumptions. yes, you were a bit oblivious when it came to love, so you feel like you’d take note if “someone swept you away”.“kaeya, i have no idea what you’re talking about, but if you’re referring to my demeanor in the bar, i was…” you face only gets redder by the moment. “i-i don’t hold my alcohol very well…”

kaeya pauses for a second, his lips parting in a small o-shape. he feels like such a fool for jumping to assumptions so quickly, but he quickly regains his composure realizing something far more crucial, a smirk plastered onto his face.

“i see. so you like me after all? and i’ve finally managed to fluster you”

“n-no, you didn’t! the alcohol just hasn’t-”

“aha, so you do love me? dear, just say the word, and i’m all yours.”

requests are open!! please do not reposts on other sites.

[olichat-reads]

imagine | bestfriend!shinso x reader

among all the mha boys, i so intensely want to be best friends with shinso.

the BANTER. PLEASE i just KNOW hito is a sarcastic little SHIT and i love him for it. he definitely uses insults as affectionate nicknames and bitch is his favourite. and shortie too bc i believe with all my chest this guy will grow to be a fucking lampost.

his love language is touch, lovingly bullying you and sending you memes at ungodly hours of the night.

you CANNOT tell me this dude is not touch starved. he'll be clingy but the lazy kind of clingy you know? like the kind of person who just slumps over you and just crushes you under his weight. affectionately. and he definitely takes advantage of his height for this.

i also wholeheartedly accept him as erasermic's adopted son with eri as his baby sis. its a running joke amongst his family that they love you more than him. in fact, aizawa was all but ready to swoop in and adopt you into his collection of strays and the only thing stopping him is your less than platonic relationship with hitoshi.

"how is y/n's living situation?"

"dad, no."

"what do you mean no? i just-"

"no."

"toshi darling, why are you stopping your dad from adopting another sibli- OOOOOHHHH."

"dad, please."

they end up practically adopting you anyways in all but a legal sense lmao. aizawa is still pouty grumpy about it tho.

"if you don't end up marrying them, hitoshi, i swear to god-"

[ray935sworld]

One thing I was thinking about is how the things the older sibliing outgrew are often given to the younger sibling.

Now think about that with the Marquez brother's in the context of racing gear and bikes when they were kids. Helmet, gear, bikes are pretty expensive but kids grow quiekly.

So imagine Marc outgrowing his favorite helmet. No matter how hard he tries, his head doesn't fit anymore. Or he has become to tall for his first bike. Or he joined a bigger category and he can't use his old one anymore. He is a child with an emotional attachement so it might be really hard for him to give this stuff up, especially since racing is his passion.

But then he sees his beloved little brother wear it. He sees Alex in his favorite helmet, in the gear he felt the most comfortable in, riding the mini bike that bought him so much joy. He sees is big grin. And suddenly he is happy they don't fit him anymore because now Alex can experience the fun it bought him.

He'd give up anything to keep his baby brother safe

[titlemewickedwonderland]

Weather the Storm (Rain Ghoul x fem!reader)

Summary: Y/n loves Papa and his ghouls. They were like family despite her not knowing them long. She is so used to making sure everyone was happy and had what they needed that when she gets caught up in a bad storm that causes her to panic she's surprised that there is someone there to catch her after all and calm her down.

Fandom: Ghost Band (Swedish band)

Pairings: Rain Ghoul x Fem!reader

Auth. Note: The portrayal of Ghouls and Papa is from a fandom base and imagination alone; the personas of the band do not have anything to do with the real people behind the masks. I am a fan of their music and respect their privacy so their stage persona is separate from the real-life individuals in my works.

Triggers: Anxiety, panic attacks, angst, comfort, and fluff

Check out my Workshop

It's always a great morning when you wake up to the scent of freshly brewed coffee - a bonus when the hint of sugary sweetness of the donuts and pastries lining in boxes along the kitchen countertops but it was Y/n's pleasure to be able to spoil her boys especially after they just got back from tour. She knew no matter how much relief they all felt to be back at the Abbey and their own rooms she knew that it would not slap a balm over the temperaments that were always generally so high-strung from stress and overall exhaustion of the tour. Y/n always knew what to do to make things easier; it was after all part of her job. To make sure all the ghouls were taken care of and Copia had everything he needed before tour and during the tour - to allow some breather room for them was a key part of touring with them; something she'd found out real quick during her first tour with them.

Siblings of Sin were growing each day with new faces and Y/n hadn't been here more than a year just yet but because of her superb organization skills, calm disposition, and being practically the sunshine of everyone's morning kept her at a close positioning with Papa and his ghouls. She'd like to think she started a firm bond with them all during her time with them on tour and was a quick study when it came to picking up their habits and personalities.

So when a pair of arms snaked around her waist while she was busy on her ever-presence tablet in her hands confirming the day's schedule a tail snaking up her slacks-covered leg to gain her attention Y/n was not surprised and merely pulled a smile from her face as she reached over to grab a random pastry out of a box and lift it up to the figure behind her who was busy nuzzling against her neck with a low purr of sleepy content.

"How do you always smell so fucking good?" Dew's voice grumbled as he took a little nip of her neck

"Oi there, gremlin. Take a bite out of something else; I need my throat." Y/n grinned despite her chiding remark as she pulled her neck from the fire ghoul's reach and shoved the edge of the flaky pastry into his slightly parted mouth.

Dew couldn't even find the strength to be mad when the sweetness of the sugary dessert hit his taste buds and he chittered happily while taking a seat at the kitchen island to munch on his treat.

"Is anyone else up yet? I have fresh coffee and pastries for everyone." she turned to lean her back against the edge of the counter and peer across the space at the fire ghoul

Dew looked so disheveled with his long pale brown hair a slight mess and sleep still crusting to the corner of his eyes that were only half-lidded as he licked the sugary goodness from his fingertips. Despite her having seen the ghouls without their human disguises before she came to find that they enjoyed their human appearances even being so bold as to hold partial glamor and allow certain parts of their ghoulish features lose like tails, horns, and fangs even in the confinements of their own ghoul's apartments; the only time she'd ever seen them fully dressed up in their formal ghoul attire was either when they were in public, out of their quarters with other siblings, or performing. She was content and a little smug to know she was one of those very very few outsiders who had the privilege to see them as they were - not a lot of people had that opportunity but when you are Y/n with her positioning within the clergy it came with its perks.

"Hmm, Aether and Swiss are in Aether's nest" Dew shrugged and reached towards the counter for another pastry with his hand while his finger wiggled in his pointed ear to dislodge the cotton feeling of sleep he felt there. "Mountain is always up before any of us so he's probably in the greenhouse. I haven't heard from Rain though. He might either be sleeping or out with Mountain?"

Y/n pouted tapping at her tablet thoughtfully without looking back at him and gave a few thoughtful nods. "Hmm okay. That's fine, you guys actually have a free schedule for the next few days - Sister Imperator insisted you guys take an extra day for decompression. Something about Copia having a bit of a fuss over what happened during the last show on tour." the young woman hummed mildly before her gaze lifted just in time to see Dew grab a third pastry and her hand swatted at his playfully but didn't stop him from grabbing one.

"Save those for the others Dew." she chided lightly but a smile played at the edge of her lips

"Why? You got something sweeter for me?" he shot her a toothy grin that looked too far feral and Y/n briefly wondered if their ruts were coming; casting a quick glance at her calendar she was inwardly relieved to find that she had at least 2 weeks til that happened.

"You're starting to sound like Swiss. That's his pickup line. Don't steal his swag, little fire ghoul. It doesn't suit you." she smirked playfully

"Tch." Dew slumped back into his seat and Y/n smiled at him warmly before tipping her head towards the door to the kitchen.

"Why don't you go join Aether and Swiss? Relax and be lazy for once, you have no practices or anything of that sort for a few days. I'll go check up on Mountain and Rain to make sure they're okay before checking in with Papa. Satanas knows that man will need all the comfort he can get."

"Just get him a few siblings. They'll fuck the stress out of him." Dew followed behind her as the pair headed for the door and she swatted at his arm with a slight scowl.

"You know it's true." he shot her a cheeky little grin but Y/n just gave a shudder.

"I love Papa but I rather not be thinking of what kind of destressing he gets up to," she replied before chuckling under her breath and heading down the hall towards Mountain and Rain's rooms while Dew headed in the opposite direction to join his pack mates in a ghoul snuggle pile.

When neither ghoul answered to her knocks she found a slight frown tugging at her lips. It wasn't as if they particularly needed her to check up on them now that they were back home; they had more range of the abbey than most clergy members so it wasn't unusual if they were out of their rooms but for her own peace of mind and probably a little bit out of habit Y/n couldn't help herself but twinge with worry when she got no responses.

She did not allow their lack of presence to dislodge her focus though. She did in fact have work to do; pish posh if she was told to take a day for resting after they returned from the tour - Papa insisted on it that she deserved a break as much as any of them since she holstered more work than most on the tours second to the band mates themselves but Y/n was a creature of habit and maybe a bit of an overachiever. So she'd picked up the work that was supposed to be looked at the next day and got a head start on it.

Hidden away in Copia's office as she worked in her corner assigned for her personally by Papa she didn't realize how much time had passed. Hidden away in the nook that smelled of his cologne, incense, and ink from books. While the church was very modern when it came to technology for the most part Y/n enjoyed the fact that Copia kept himself a little less modern with books and ink wells as much as a laptop tucked away. She loved the older ways of doing things too; switching between answering emails needed and writing down some paperwork by the hand she was in her happy place.

Until her stomach growled and she was forced to take her wary eyes from her work to look at the clock on the wall and frowned in surprise when her eyes read that it was nearly dinnertime already. Dinner time huh? She'd skipped breakfast to make sure her ghouls were settling in fine and she'd worked through lunch as time got away from her. She didn't know just how bad her hunger was until her stomach damn near cramped in on itself and she swore it was almost as bad as period cramps. Sighing she carefully went through her routine of shutting things down, saving and tabbing things she was working on, and piling things neatly into drawers or her organizers.

Happily, she stretched her body hearing the crackling and pops of her bones as she unfolded herself carefully from her hair making her internally joke to herself that she was old as she headed for the doors. But that happy buzz left with the presence of what was behind the door. Rain. No, not her precious and shy ghoul. But actual rain from the sky. It was pouring down in torrents making a thunderous sound come as it pelted the roof making her flinch involuntarily. It wasn't that she hated it when it rained...she was just not overly fond of the lightning and thunder that came with rainstorms. A bad memory of when she was accidentally locked in a closet during a storm when she was young caused more trauma then people would give credit.

Y/n breathed in deeply the scent of fresh rain and wet earth before she was closing and locked Papa's office door with her copy of the key before making her way down the stone hallways. In the daylight on any normal day, the place had a nice vibe; almost nostalgic even during the nights on the rare occasion she'd walk those halls past sundown. But during storms like tonight, the place was eery; scary even, and made the hair on her arms rise on end. The halls were empty and her footsteps were drowned out by the thundering of the rain on the roof. Still, she had to press on and headed for the eating hall. But as she began to walk down the isolated halls a flash of lightening illuminated the dim area that was only lit by a few violently flickering candles on the walls and she whipped her head around when she felt herself being watched. Surely not, there was nothing to be worried about here at the Abbey. The only demons that lurked in these halls were the ghouls and she was friendly with most of them; well civil at best unless they were Papa's ghouls. Sister Imperators were...well they often enjoyed creeping her out whether intentionally or not.

She wasn't expecting to see anything when she looked over her shoulder but her heart leaped up into her throat when she saw a black-clad figure at the end of the hall; the lights flickering on the silver mask and the lightening that slashed across the sky briefly made the figure look utterly terrifying. Despite her knowledge of the halls and those who walked it both human and ghoul, it did nothing to qualm the utter animalistic fear that suddenly leaped through her as she turned and bolted down the hallway; her feet slapping loudly but being lost in the sound of the rain as she panted each breath through trembling lips. Was the figure following her? Why was she running? Was she in danger? Yes...no! no of course she wasn't! Was she?

She slammed open a pair of wide doors that opened to a vast room beyond and she was surprised to find that she'd made it to the mass hall where the sermons were usually held. The large space looked foreboding but empty even as lightning flashed and thunder rolled. Her mind fogged over with fear and her chest felt tight as she stumbled through the pews before collapsing in the corner by the stage as if trying to hide from something or someone within the room. But she was alone right? She shouldn't be running; it was stupid - just a silly panic attack about a stupid storm. But then the lights illuminated the room again and there stood that same figure just a few feet away from her and she screamed.

A pair of cold hands gripped her shoulders and she flailed trying to dislodge them only for a few pinpricks of pain to dig into the skin beneath her silk shirt and causing her mind to stutter to a stop when her big eyes lifted to meet the familiar silver masked face of a ghoul looming over her. Except it wasn't so scary anymore when dark brown eyes flashed through the eyes of it on another flash and she realized with a stupid amount of relief as she recognized them instinctively despite not knowing the face behind it.

"Satanas Y/n," the voice was soft as the figure knelt down in front of her and she threw her arms around their necks ignoring the way the mask dug into her shoulder and head as she squeezed tightly

"Hey, it's okay...." cold but reassuring hands crept up her back to hold her to them.

Rain held her tightly to him before realizing that he was soaked to the bone from the thunderstorm beyond and pulled away. "Hey, I'm getting you wet. Hold on Y/n-"

"I don't care! Shit, just..." she swallowed as her shaking fingers gripped the wet fabric of his back shirt as if afraid to let him go.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you, baby girl. We were worried when we couldn't find you or get a hold of you. I was out looking for you when I saw you in the hall running...satan below I've never seen you that scared before. Are you okay?" he reached up to wipe at the tear stains from her face.

Y/n let out a teary laugh and shook her head. "I-I'm sorry. You caught me off guard...I was in Papa's office doing some work and lost track of time. I didn't know we were going to have a storm. You just surprised me...I-I'm not overly fond of what comes during a storm." her smile was a bit wary as she looked out the window and let her hands drop to her lap as she slowly calmed down breathing in the familiar scent of Rain - like the fresh and crisp air after a storm, something like a lakeside trip during summer, and his natural Ghoul scent cologne that was indescribable.

"You're afraid of storms?" Rain tilted his head slightly to the side and Y/n couldn't help the flush that crept up her neck and face.

"It's silly. I know. It's just..." She looked down at her fingers as she played with them. "When I was little, I was playing hide and go seek with my siblings. I found myself locked in a closet on accident and they couldn't find me all day - lucky me that it started a thunderstorm during that time too." she shuddered at the memory.

The water ghoul gave a little chittering sound of comfort as he curled his tail around her leg and rested the side of his mask against her leg to look up at her; he reminded her of a puppy or kitten begging for attention. The sight made her smile despite her ebbing fear.

"It's not silly." his hand squeezes her calf and his eyes soften before he sits up. "Can I help you?"

"Hmm?" she frowns confused before flinching when another crash of thunder above them catches her off guard.

Rain is right there to pull her up to her feet. Keeping his hands on her at all times to give her a sense of comfort he begins to lead her back towards the doors and she is more confused than ever.

"Rain! What are you doing?" Y/n hoped he was just taking her back to the dorms to dry off and watch a movie or something but instead he pulls her out towards the open hallway where beyond the safety of the roof lay the torrent of rain falling.

"Rain-" she tugged on his hand but his grip was firm as he turned to her. His eyes were right behind his mask as he tilted his head at her.

"If you don't face your fear, pretty girl. You'll never learn to get over it. Come on, I got you I promise. Do you trust me?" he held out a hand to her and she just stared at him as if he was crazy.

"I don't think that's a good way to-" she began but the slight ghoul was already reaching up to tug his mask off his face.

no matter how many times she sees him without one she's struck with how utterly beautiful he is with his ashen skin, strong nose, piercing dark eyes, and thick waves of hair that nearly reached his shoulders. He placed the mask down before taking a few steps out into the rain. Not caring that within seconds he was soaked and dripping with the hair in his face that he swept away with his long strong fingers to give her a toothy grin that flashed white with the spark of lightning.

"Come on Y/n. rain won't hurt you." Y/n's lips curled up slightly as she stared at his outstretched hand.

"This rain or that rain?" she tipped her chin between him and the water rushing to the ground above them.

"Neither." the ghoul smiled a little softer as he watched her debate.

Before she could stop herself and think more clearly she reached out and took his hand. Allowing the other to pull her into the downpour and soak into her clothes in an instant. She shuddered and closed her eyes trying to imagine herself in a shower instead of a thunderstorm but it did little. As if feeling her unease and panic rising Rain's body pressed to her back and his arms wrapped around her waist to hold her tightly whether for comfort or to keep her from running she didn't know but she tried to focus on his warmth at her back instead of the water getting into her eyes.

"R-Rain I don't think it's working." the girl jerked back into him at a crack of lightning but the water ghoul was right there with her.

His mouth pressed to her ear and she felt the prickle of his stubble against the soft shell as he murmured; a voice calm and collected but deep as if coaxing her muscles to relax with the sound of his voice alone. "It's just water, baby. It's not going to hurt you. Feel it hitting your skin. Listen to the way it hits the ground - get lost in its voice. The thunder isn't something to be afraid of, think of it as a friend - the lightning as a smile as the storm speaks to you." he was slowly rocking them side to side as he spoke.

"You've dealt with so much more noise than this. Come on honey." he crooned as he pressed a soft kiss to her cheek.

"Rain I-" Y/n swallowed and she turned her face to look at him. He looked utterly beautiful under the spray of water that rushed them. He wasn't even cold or shivering from it like she was.

He flashed her a smile before nuzzling his nose against her neck. "How about this...think of a storm as one of your ghouls."

"M-My ghouls?"

"Oh, you didn't know? Copia's adopted you so in reality you're like our holder as much as he is." Rain chirped between placing soft kisses to her neck.

"A-and how is that supposed to help?"

The water ghoul pulled his head away and instead ran his hands up her sides to her shoulders and squeezed. "Picture this." his voice was so low she had to tilt her head back so that she could hear it better over the rain.

"The thunder is the sound of Mountain as he beats at his drumset. The sharp strike of lightning is as violent but beautiful as Dew's sharp tongue. The darkened clouds remind you of Swiss and his presence is so powerful and striking you can't ignore it. The howling wind that whips the trees is Aether with his carefree and wild spirit."

Y/n's eyes had slid closed at the lull of his voice as she sagged against him but they opened to stare into the darkened eyes of the water ghoul. "And you?"

A slow quirk of his mouth teased at the edge of her own. "I'm the rain that falls at your feet; washing away all your worries."

Y/n's lips parted slightly as if to say something but instead, she found herself nodding slowly. "I-I think I might like storms after all, then," she mumbled breathlessly

"Good." a growl vibrated through her back as he pressed closer to capture her wet lips and she arched up into him only to be spun around to be pressed to a pillar.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back; fumbling slightly with the intensity of his kisses. When they needed breath they parted and Rain rested his forehead against hers breathing her in as she panted in his arms. He reached up a hand to brush away the wet strands of her hair from her face and wipe at the raindrops on her lashes with a small smile.

"Rain! Y/n!" a voice shouted through the storm and they looked over to find the other pack members rushing down the pathway toward them.

"You found her! We were worried!" Aether sighed in relief as they reached the pair. "Satanas, you're going to catch a cold. What are you doing Rain? Let's get her inside before she gets sick!" ever the mother hen the quintessence ghoul pulled off his jacket to drape it around the girl.

Y/n laughed a bit and flushed as she squeezed Rain's hand when he entwined their fingers. "I'm okay...just...being reminded again why nature is such a beautiful thing." she gave a secretive smile to the water ghoul who smirked back at her.

Dew and Swiss followed behind with the forgotten mask in Dews hands while Mountain forged ahead of them leading the way back towards the dorms rumbling almost as deep as the thunder above their heads.

"Let's get you dry and warm, blossom. I'll make you some hot cocoa and we can watch a movie."

"Actually...I was wondering if perhaps we could grab something to eat first? I-I kind of forgot about food today...too caught up in work." Y/n flushed when a few disapproving eyes landed on her and suddenly she was hauled up into another ghoul's arms.

"Brat, when are you going to learn rest days apply to you too." Swiss sighed as he carried her bridal style down the hallway.

Y/n smiled and rested her head against his shoulder. "Food....I want food and then a snuggle pile."

Rain chirped happily in reply as he wrapped his tail around her ankle as he walked beside the pair and gave a grin. "Sounds like a plan."

"And no more playing in a thunderstorm for satanas sake! We have to deal with Rain doing that enough times but he's a water ghoul it's in his nature. you get sick far too easily as a human." Aether added pointing an accusing finger at her.

"I dunno guys...I think I actually love storms." Y/n replied thoughtfully as she closed her eyes with a slight smile listening to Swiss' purr rumble his chest.

"Why's that Blossom?" Mountain piped up curiously.

"Someone special told me storms are like friends if you know where to look." she replied peeking an eye open to peer at Rain who gave her a fond smile.

The rest made noises of approval and appreciation but said nothing. They weren't stupid; they could read the signs but they said nothing as they took their precious human back to their den for some proper rest.

[whineandcheese24]

so I saw a post where someone was saying how Benedict Bridgerton's queer awakening was better than Buck's because Benedict actually wants to explore his sexuality and not just jump right into a relationship, and that the 911 writers need to give more explanation in s8 for why Buck is so focused on a serious relationship with Tommy. As someone who loves both Benedict and Buck this was an insane take for me to read for 3 reasons: 1. different people will have different experiences with queer awakenings, 2. as people, Benedict and Buck want different things from their love life at the moment, and 3. as characters, Benedict and Buck are at different points in their stories. So let's get into it

some background if you haven't seen Bridgerton, in the beginning of season 3, Benedict started a friends-with-benefits situation with a woman named Tilley. At the time Benedict believed he was straight, until later in the season when Tilley introduced him to a man named Paul with whom she had a similar fwb situation, and the two of them asked Benedict if he wanted to have a threesome (albeit, in more formal words). Benedict eventually agreed and the 3 of them have a casual sex relationship, but then Tilley tells Benedict that she wants more from their relationship than just casual sex. Benedict kindly tells her that as he's just discovered this new facet of himself he's not ready to settle down just yet, and the two part ways.

so back to my reasons

Sexuality is not monolithic. Buck and Benedict may both be queer men, but they aren't going to have the same relationship with their sexualities. They aren't even necessarily the same sexuality. Though Oliver, Tim, and the rest of the 911 cast and crew have referred to Buck as bi, Buck himself has yet to use that label. And though the fandom has labeled Benedict as bi, he will, by virtue of living in the 1810s, likely never use a label, and the actor Luke Thompson has described Benedict as both pansexual, but also having a sense of "label-lessness"

Buck and Benedict, as people, want different things. When we met Buck, he was nearing the end of his hoe-era. By episode 2, he's already considering having a serious relationship with Abby, and after Abby, we only ever see him wanting a serious relationship. Based on his reaction to his temporary self-imposed abstinence in season 6, he's most likely still having sex and hookups even when he's not in a serious relationship, but it's not something he wants long-term. He's ready to settle down and find his person. Benedict, on the other hand, is not there yet. Even before Tilley, Benedict has always been a casual guy when it comes to relationships. The most serious relationship we see him have is with Madame Delacroix in season 1, and even that only really lasted a couple episodes. Benedict wasn't looking for something serious when he met Tilley or Paul, so him wanting to explore this new side of himself with multiple people is in keeping with his already-established desires for his sex and love life.

Buck and Benedict, as characters, are at different points in their stories. Buck is 7 seasons into his show. He has already been through 4 serious relationships, one of which got to the point of 'i love yous' and moving in together. He is at a point where the audience wants to see him succeed in his love life, and the constant going in and out of relationships gets tedious for the viewers. As much as Buck is ready to find The One, the audience also wants him to finally be happy and in love. Plus, having him in a happy, steady relationship opens up doors for him to have other arcs relating to his job, or other people in his life, while having someone who's not exactly a part of his job or inner circle of friends that he can talk things through with. It also gives him the opportunity to face the different obstacles that come with a long-term relationship. But Benedict is not at that point yet. Bridgerton is a show where each season focuses on a different sibling's romance, so of course he's not going to want to settle down until it's his season. And while this is entirely speculation, I'm guessing his arc this season was setting up his romance for season 4 where he decides that he's finally done sleeping around. He's done what he needs to and gotten it out of his system and now he's ready to fall in love.

Buck and Benedict are 2 completely different characters so of course their personal relationships with their sexualities and their queer experiences are going to be different. And saying that one is better than the other, because he doesn't want to immediately settle down is borderline biphopia/homophobia

[averycanadianfilm]

USA Sibly Chart

Among other things, note well:

ASC 12degSag21min

Pluto_R 27degCap33min

Chiron 20degAries08min sextile Mars 21degGemini23min

Chiron 20degAries08min opposes Spica20degLibra43min

2024:

Final stages of its Pluto Return transit.

Transits to Chiron(Aries)-Spica(Libra) axis.

Take care, good people!

Monday January 8, 2024 Washington, DC 2:23 pm

Among other things, note well:

ASC 12degGemini20min opposes DSC 12degSag20min

ASC 12degGemini20min opposes

[Moon 12degSag28min conjunct Venus 12degSag08min]

Politics Monday Jan. 8 2024 Washington DC 2:23 pm

Among other things, note well:

[Moon conjunct Venus] conjunct USA ASC

Pluto conjunct USA Pluto_R

True North Node Aries conjunct Chiron Aries

True South Node Libra conjunct Spica Libra

Since I have not visited the states in many years, I have nothing to say about what is happening there, except, please take care, good people.

[cubicpeebles]

Spearmaster starts an art club!

One painting session later...

Monk: Oh! Oh! Me first! I painted a friend!

Nightcat: I- I think it is very pretty!

Saint: It looks very nice.

Rivulet: Me next! I drew you, Spearsy!

Spearmaster: *oh... thank you*

Rivulet: You're welcome~!

Hunter: My turn! Guess who I painted!

Rivulet: Ooh! I know! Arti!

Saint: I believe they were joking. It is quite obvious who it is.

Rivulet: You're just jealous I guessed first!

Monk: Why don't you go next, Nighty?

Nightcat: I- No! No thanks!! I'll skip!

Hunter: C'mon! I bet it'll be great!

Monk: Is... Is that my sibli-

Nightcat: LET'S MOVE ON!

Saint: I suppose it is my turn. I do not believe painting is a good use of time, but it was enjoyable anyway.

Hunter: Wow! That's actually pretty good!

Monk: I didn't know you like flowers, Saint!

[spoiledberry]

Terzo: I don't know... Seeing what a mess me and the others have become because of the old one makes me more distanced from wanting to have kids someday.

Omega: Fair enough. I also thought something similar when I used look at me and my siblings. —chuckling— In fact, I still wonder how I managed to raise Dew like this.

Terzo: oh, i didn't know you had sibli—realizing— Wait, what?

Omega: Hm?

Terzo: You raised Dewdrop?

Omega, visibly confused: Yes?... He's my kit. You didn't know?

Terzo:—flabergasted— No, i did not know!

Young Dewdrop: —Walking up to them— Hey, Omega! Can Ifrit and i move that one old Tv in the attic so we can watch Halloween with Mist in the pond?

Omega: Did you asked Alpha if you could already?

Young Dewdrop:... Yes.

Omega, arching one eyebrow: And what did he say?

Young Dewdrop: —frowning and starting to mock Alpha's voice— ... No, "because we'll end up causing a short circuit and setting the forest on fire again!" tch...

Omega: then you already have your answear, buddy. You guys can watch the movie at night in the living room Tv like normal people.

Young Dew: —huffing and walking off— 'can't fucking do anything in this place!

Terzo, shocked: My Dark Lord... You really are his father!

Omega, sighing: Yep... —waiting for Dew to take enough distance and turning to Terzo— Wanna see his baby pictures?

Terzo: ... I do, actually.

[saturniandevil]

August 22 Important Dates

AKA my notes on The Astrology Podcast's August forecast, hosted by Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock.

July recap: The violent, explosive Mars-Uranus conjunction showed up in many prominent news stories last month. Here's a graphic showing its exactness over time by Madeline at honeycomb.co:

Though the conjunction went exact on the 15th, the orb is pretty wide, with the most dramatic events occurring from about July 10th-21st. This was on the fixed star Algol (the head of the demon), which is associated with the death of innocents on a broad level, and Austin provides some historical examples. The most prominent manifestation in July was the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, who was shot in the ear. Mars-Uranus was on his natal Midheaven (23♉), and closely square his natal Mars in the first house (26♌) which in turn conjoins his Ascendant (29♌). The Ascendant/first house connection makes this especially physically dangerous for him as the Ascendant is associated with one's body and physical health. As the highest point in a chart, the Midheaven is associated with public image and prominence, so in going up on a podium Trump really leaned into the transit in an inadvisable way. Chris mentions that there are some remediating factors from benefics that could explain why he survived the encounter an even got a dramatic rallying photo out of it. When the conjunction went exact on his Midheaven, though, the classified documents case against him was suddenly dismissed--a case started when Mars was on this point two years ago. Austin suggests that, due to a natal Sun-Uranus-Rahu conjunction, Trump is probably one of those people for whom Uranus, not quite universally benefic or malefic, works in his favor. The Mars-Uranus conjunction also hits the 10th house/MH of JD Vance, whose Ascendant is 27 Leo, very similar to Trump. Will he regret this choice and go back on his pick of running mate during the upcoming Mercury retrograde?

On July 17th, Biden announced he had COVID; this Mars-Uranus conjunction took place in his 6th house. (Last time Mars was in Taurus was the first time he got COVID.) It also squared his Sun (27♏) pretty closely--any president is playing the role of the Sun--and his Venus (28♏), which rules his 11th house of friends & allies. Indeed many within his own party began to call for him to step down from seeking another term around this time. He finally did so on the 21st, a conclusion to Saturn stationing retrograde on his Imum Coeli during the debate. The most recent time this happened was in 1968 when Lyndon B Johnson stepped down to let RFK run just days after a solar eclipse in Aries--the same sign as the total solar eclipse that darkened much of the US in April. Biden also stepped down during the Full Moon conjunct Pluto, which opposed his own natal Leo Pluto--last month our hosts had discussed how that generation may need to finally let go of power. Mercury (26♌) was also square Uranus (26♉) at the time, and indeed this was a shocking communication for many, including the Republican party which had just spent the last week strategizing how to beat him. Mars had also just entered Gemini, Biden's natal 7th house of partnerships and Harris's natal 1st, while Jupiter (12♊) sextiled Venus (12♌)--the most positive transit of the month. Thus we have the end of a political career for one candidate and the start of a new chapter for another--and hope for the Democrats now that they have someone other than an obviously senile candidate. Mars being copresent with Jupiter in Harris's first house heralds well for competition, and indeed she's more popular now than she ever was. Also notable is that Harris and Trump were both born on a Full Moon (as was RKF Jr!). On a mundane level, the Mars-Uranus conjunction squared the US Sibly chart Moon (27♒)...and Uranus will be there during the election cycle and beyond. Austin cautions that Uranus-Algol significations are not over just because Mars has now left the sign. The upcoming eclipse in September will likely bring more dramatic changes.

Another notable story is the Crowdstrike outage, the largest computer outage in history, affecting air traffic control, hospitals, and other heavy infrastructure. This occurred right as Mercury joined Mars & Uranus, and additionally entered the shadow period (degree to which he will regress) to his upcoming retrograde. The company is based in the path of the eclipse in April, which aligns with the path of Hurricane Beryl that ravaged much of the country in early July. Austin says as the sign of exaltation of the Sun, Aries eclipses are especially tough on leaders and indeed we have seen quite a few attempted and successful assassinations this eclipse season (said to be in effect for about 6 months). Other Mars-Uranus in Taurus stories include the Houthi drone attack near the US embassy in Israel and ensuing Isareli missile attack back on a Yemeni port, the ICJ ruling Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories illegal, a political leader assassinated in Ukraine, and student protests against the government in Bangladesh. Saturn-Neptune has brought some AI deepfake controversies, and on July 29th Biden proposed Supreme Court reforms including term limits and a code of ethics, which Chris connects to Jupiter (judges) & Saturn (constraints) coming within 5 degrees of an exact square. Austin connects Justice Department events to events in Leo, the 9th house (legal system) of the US Sibley chart, such as Mercury's upcoming retrograde. Jupiter squares Saturn in December and we may see some dramatic events with the Supreme Court then (in 2000 it decided the outcome of the election). Mars moves into Leo the day of the election and then stations early in December, further indicating confusing events around the US election late this year. It's also a recurrence of Venus opposing Jupiter on election day in 2000...but let's get to the forecast.

Forecast

August is full of dramatic T-squares and a bunch of crazy alignments. Here's a graphic by Madeline at honeycomb.co:

Chris breaks it into 4 parts: first, Mercury retrograde in Virgo and into Leo. The second week is dominated by Mars conjoining Jupiter in Gemini and squaring Saturn (which leads into the DNC...👀). The third week sees the Jupiter-Saturn square go exact, with Venus swooping in to activate Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars. Both benefics and both malefics are all struggling for dominance. Finally, at the end of the month Mercury stations direct sextile Jupiter, bringing some events to completion, while Venus leaves Virgo for her home sign of Libra. Mutable signs are especially affected this month, especially middle degrees.

August 4th - New Moon in Leo, Venus enters Virgo In the Sun's sign, this is an especially supportive New Moon with a sextile from Jupiter (15♊). Things are clearing up in the fixed signs! However, the impending Mercury retrograde in Virgo casts a shadow of impending confusion.

The New Moon also occurs with Venus in late Leo, which Chris points out is Donald Trump's ascendant and to expect further developments like reconsidering his choice of running mate.

August 5th - Mercury stations retrograde Mercury is already very slow at the beginning of the month, and stations at 4 degrees of Virgo, and will eventually bring this energy back into Leo/fixed signs as well. Common Mercury rx themes are revisiting ideas from the past, people coming back into your life, and rethinking decisions. Also delays, detours, setbacks, technical issues, travel disruptions, and for individuals moments of introspection. It's a good time to reevaluate the words we use to describe things. The station starts within squaring distance of Mars, suggesting it may start with conflict before things clear up during the cazimi on the 18th.

August 7th - Mercury (rx) conjunct Venus She gives him a helping hand early in his retrograde--a moment of sweetness or repair. Venus doesn't necessarily prefer to spend her afternoon this way, especially in her sign of fall, but it's helpful for Mercury (who's calling the shots). However, Mars and Jupiter are now already within 3 degrees of conjunction--the range at which we began to see dramatic events for the Mars-Uranus conjunction in July.

August 14th - Mars conjunct Jupiter, Mercury regresses into Leo Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, and Venus are all looking at another in one way or another in a T-square for much of the month. Mars and Jupiter can give us triumphant victory and enthusiasm--exceptional quarterback Tom Brady has this conjunction natally. Mars and Jupiter also represent war and peace respectively, which bodes ill for current conflicts. Explosions and guns are also signified here: the largest non-nuclear explosion, in a Beirut warehouse, occurred under a Mars-Jupiter square. Mars-Jupiter means aggressive expansion, but with Saturn poised to square each of them in turn later this month, we'll soon run into barriers. Beware excessive confidence; it can backfire. In economic significations, Obama signed in his 2009 stimulus package under this configuration, as did Congress in 2020 (this also influenced by other major configurations, including Saturn).

August 15th/16th - Mars square retrograde Saturn Mars-Saturn is traditionally one of the most difficult alignments due to their malefic natures. Keywords include frustration, blocks and restrictions, such as the lockdowns of March & April of 2020. Mars-Saturn is hitting the brakes and the gas at the same time (and occurs right after Jupiter-Mars had the pedal to the medal). We also see fighting authority or restriction, rebellion and repression, stress-testing structures and burnout after being pushed past our limits. Mars-Saturn will definitely help you discover your limits, with Mars pushing as Saturn brings the wall. We want Jupiter's offers and rewards, but we must move carefully through disputed terrain. Mars-Saturn is a helpful configuration for aggressive discipline and relentlessness. If you're pushing physical limits during this time, do so incrementally. Additionally, with Saturn in Pisces we've seen a lot of water disasters like the Key Bridge collapse and the submarine disaster. However, with Mars in an air sign we may see an overlap in difficulties across multiple modes of transformation, especially with Mercury retrograde. It's safe to say we'll see shipping issues during this time, and a patron in the chat suggests hurricanes. In politics and extreme manifestations, Mars-Saturn squares can indicate political assassinations like that of Shinzo Abe in 2022.

August 18th - Retrograde Mercury cazimi Occurring at 26 degrees of Leo, this is the halfway point of the retrograde and occurs shortly after Mercury squares Uranus. Things start to clear up and turn around in the retrograde story. However, now Venus starts activating all this Mars-Saturn-Jupiter stuff. She's applying to a square with Mars which is interrupted by contacts to other planets, but we'll be feeling the buildup to it in the background.

August 19th - Full Moon in Aquarius, Venus opposite Saturn (Rx), both square Jupiter Based on past events, Jupiter square Saturn may bring economic contraction despite optimistic unemployment/inflation reports in the US (A/N: imo whatever good reports Chris is seeing are definitely a total load). Regardless, some of the seeds planted in 2020 during the Saturn-Jupiter conjunction in Aquarius will come to fruition this month. Jupiter-Saturn keywords include the new vs. the old and optimism vs. pessimism, especially when configured by a square and working at cross-purposes. Jupiter raises possibilities while Saturn brings the grim reality--will one side win out in a compromise, or will we found ourselves at an impasse? Chris predicts this will affect the Democratic National Convention. Other keywords include the law and courts, being held back from progress, cutting back after aggressive expansion, and indecision if growth and boundaries can't be reconciled.

This Full Moon will bring dramatic endings and beginnings, as did the one in July with Biden stepping down. The DNC starts on this day, and Chris predicts some event in the preceding days will cast a shadow over it (as was the case with Trump's assassination attempt and the RNC). Venus opposes Saturn and squares Jupiter right on this lunation, just after a Mercury cazimi square Uranus, and the Full Moon itself squares Uranus. The Venus-Mars square will go exact right as the DNC ends--expected the unexpected at Harris's likely acceptance speech. Austin describes this as a switcheroo, where it feels like Venus-Mars and then pivots to Venus-Saturn before going to Venus-Mars again.

August 22nd - Sun in Virgo, Venus square Mars Venus-Mars squares brings passion, both for romance and fighting. Sex scandals often come to light under this alignment. Mars will pass 21Gemini22, the degree he's at in the Sibley chart, right before the square to Venus, so US politics will be affected strikingly. Mars-Venus can bring us a battle of the sexes and gender-based warfare, and if it's a Trump-Harris race we'll likely see these themes take prominence. The Venus-Saturn opposition also occurs right on Harris's own natal Venus (which rules her Sun) and Saturn (12th house ruler) is transiting her 10th house now, so we're definitely going to see big developments with her (Mars transiting her first house indicates conflict or competition).

There are a lot of parallels to 1968 right now: the nodes are repeating, with eclipses in the same signs, and the Venus cycle is repeating. Already mentioned is Johnson stepping down after an eclipse. We've also had high-profile assassinations and attempts again, student antiwar protests, and a repeat of DNC being in Chicago--in 1968 the convention was marred by police brutalizing antiwar protestors. We've also got another Kennedy running for president and may see a third-party candidate having significant effect on the election (our hosts go into detail on other examples). Austin reminds us that these events will affect the whole world. As other astrologers are also pointing out, none of the indicators point towards a simple, clear election for the United States.

August 28th - Mercury stations direct The chaos is beginning to die down at this point. Mercury stations sextile Jupiter (17♊) with reception, relieving some of the tension. Enjoy a brief respite after the August storm before those of the fall.

August 29th - Venus enters Libra She's been separating from the T-square and is now in a new sign. She's now moving towards a trine with Jupiter (and away from Saturn in Virgo!), bringing some support to us.

On September 1st, Uranus will station at 27 Taurus, intensifying his significations, and Pluto regresses into Capricorn for the final time (in ~200 years). Pluto enters Aquarius for good in November, ending a 15-year transit through Capricorn (since 2008-9). Mars also shifts into Cancer early September, setting up an extended stay in that sign and Leo.

[steam-powered-chaos]

I recently started listening to steam powered giraffe, the music is great but whats the lore?

Boy oh boy! The more of spg is extremely long and comvulated, but I can tell you the gist! In Album One we have The Spine, the serious and more level headed of his siblings, Rabbit shop is the more rambunctious of her sibli ngs, and The Jon, who I hc as the second youngest of the group! The three automatons were built by Peter Walter I, in order to impress a girl he liked. His rival, Thadeus Becile also wanted this girl, Delilah. Their former friendship became a bitter rivalry, as Thadeus turned to more unstable methods of impressing the lesbian. This led to the discovery of green matter, and blue matter, the former being used to power spg. Delilah grew ill, and eventually passed away. Whilst Peter Walter I engrossed himself in his work, Thadeus turned mad on a h unt for green matter, causing the robots to be sent to war to fight against his copper elephants. This became known as The Weekend War. Following this, the bits were conscripted to fight in three (?) More wars, but vowed to never raise their weapons again, becoming the band we know and love today!

This isn't the whole of it, but it's a s much as I can manage rn! Hope it help s!

[m4ndysk4nkovich]

there goes the loudest woman this town has ever seen, i had a marvelous time ruining everything - debbie gallagher character study

ao3

You wake up, hungover, alone, and an orphan.

It wasn’t like Frank’s death was unexpected, you’ve been preparing yourself for it since you were five, but it’s odd. Losing Monica didn’t feel this way. Losing Monica felt like a weight being lifted off of your shoulders. When you saw her dead body lying on the living room floor, you knew that it was the last time she would ever leave you again, and it was relieving. You hate to think that, and immediately after the thought comes to your mind, you run to the toilet and puke your guts out at the mere thought of your mother’s dead body.

…Well, it’s either because of your dead parents or because of the ungodly amount of alcohol you consumed last night. Probably both.

You knew that Heidi wouldn’t last and oddly enough, that’s what you liked about her. You liked how spontaneous and dangerous she was, you didn’t think she was your soulmate or anything. But still, her absence hurts. You expected her to be gone in a week or so, off to Texas (you still hadn’t decided if you wanted to go or not, but you were leaning more towards staying), but you didn’t expect her to be gone so soon. You remember last night at Mickey and Ian’s anniversary party, Heidi left you and Franny at the bar with no ride while you were too wasted to protest, and she wasn’t at the house when you woke up. You vaguely remember Lip driving you and Franny home.

What you’re feeling right now can’t be described with words. You don’t think it’s grief, you spent your whole childhood preparing for the day you became an orphan to the point where you’re convinced that you finished grieving at age thirteen. This feeling isn’t sadness, but it isn’t the same relief from five years ago when Monica died. You don’t feel anything except for lonely.

Loneliness is a feeling you know all too well. From being in grade school and not ever having a single friend, to a desperate teenager in need of some love, to a confused young adult with a kindergartner, you’ve always been lonely. It’s something you’ve always known, you knew it when nobody wanted to play with you in kindergarten, and you had it fully confirmed at six when your unstable, drug addict mother abandoned you. Loneliness is the only constant in your life, yet you’ve still never gotten used to it.

You wonder why your mother leaving you effected you so much. You know that you aren’t the only Gallagher with a bad track record when it comes to keeping a relationship (you learned your relationship skills, like you learned most things, from your big sister), but it seems so much easier for everyone else to just have someone. To have someone to love, to cherish, to be with. The thought of someone who you love loving you back and actually wanting to stay with you seems unfathomable. You know that right now your big brother and his husband are dealing with hangovers as well, and maybe your brothers hunched over the toilet just like you right now, and if he is, he probably has his husband with him. His husband is willing to stay through all of the disgusting things, through all of the hardships, his husband literally tried to kill for him and went to prison for him. Debbie can’t even get someone to want her for reasons other than her tits, Ian’s lucky.

There must be something truly poisonous about you. The fact that you could never make a single friend, that you couldn’t make your mother stay, you couldn’t keep your father sober, you couldn’t make a guy or girl want you, you couldn’t give your kid the life she deserved, and your entire family now views you as nothing but an annoyance. How do all of your siblings go on living and have friends, partners, connections, anything? You feel like your entire life, all twenty years, has just been a big failed attempt at getting the tiniest bit of love. You’re becoming desperate, you know this. You can see your siblings, the older ones who once changed your diapers and played with you, and the younger ones who once looked up to you, roll their eyes when you turn your back. You know that you’re the sole reason why Franny doesn’t play with anyone outside of school. You know that Heidi is probably driving to Texas right now, and in a day she’ll have a new girlfriend. You know that you were born alone and will die alone.

Your daughter is around the age you were the first time that you found yourself without a mother. She’s the age you were when you saw your mother cook meth out of your easy bake oven, the age where kids at school would run away from you, telling you that you smelled bad and that you were ugly. You’ve felt like a nuisance since you were Franny’s age, and it has just dawned on you how young you were.

Your daughter is lovable and sweet and adored by everyone in her life. If you couldn’t be that even at five years old, you know that it is something about you personally. You know that loneliness is your only option, it always has been, and it always will be.