#a dynamic so impossible to understand its intriguing

[3416]

9188 | stars @ leafs | 02.07.24

[astrolocherry]

Birthday Venus-Saturn aspects ~ "Your Daddy Loves You..."

Written by Astrolocherry

Venus conjunct Saturn, Venus sextile Saturn, Venus square Saturn, Venus trine Saturn, Venus opposite Saturn

The individual born with Venus forming aspect to Saturn is gifted a double-banded commitment ring from Saturn. Therein contains a promise that while partnership may be potentially timeworn and difficult to find in this lifetime, when the love eventually comes it will be greater than anything she could have imagined. She may have distant fantasies or longings about her ideal partner, but never completely entertains these as actual possibilities, often due to an inherent sense of worthlessness or being undeserving with matters of the heart. Something happens during the developmental phase of life that breaks this heart before it has fully formed. It is sensitive, scarred, and often bandaged in the protective defences that cut her off from accepting the affection and attention that she can’t admit is much needed. In traditional astrology, Venus is the portion of our consciousness that beholds our eye of beauty, femininity, aesthetic, and style. The shadow of Saturn leering over Venus often produces an apathy and at worst, a revulsion regarding her own self-image of beauty. 

Despite feeling so disconnected and detached from her feminine side, the individual with a Venus-Saturn aspect is divinely feminine in its most timeless, antiqued, resiliently elegant, and everlasting archetypal form. It is a lifelong reunion between the inner Fairy Godmother, and the little girl inside who is enslaved to those leftover feelings of being defective, unattractive, and impossible to love. It is until this reunion occurs, or in the worst case scenarios when the inner work has been left incomplete and it never happens at all, that the individual experiences the traditional Venus-Saturn suffering in love that we would expect. These conditions may result in a choice of relationship partners and dynamics that reflect and play-out the sentiments of the little girl inside rather than the woman, and may involve themes of relegation, power imbalances, mistreatment, and re-casting father figures. There may also be some form of self-imposed entrapment in relationships, something inside that stops her from walking out an open door.

The traditional Venus-Saturn age-gap in love and attraction to older people may be one relationship theme that prevails through life. However, as she grows older and wiser, she will often come to recognise this attraction being shaped by different needs and desires that are more authentic and ultimately satisfying. As she becomes less beheld to old conditions, the need is less for paternal fulfilment and redemption . This could be a young soul or an old soul - her attraction to older people has never been about that. It’s rather about a depth that this heart possesses, a serene, dewy, alluringly tragic wisdom and insight that is decades older than its years, searching for somebody who could possibly understand this, at times confusing age for inner experience.

With her poised and intriguing interactive style, she is often readily complimented and admired by friends, colleagues, superiors, and strangers alike. And while she hears the sentiments quite clearly, she barely absorbs a word. She appreciates the genuineness, but she cannot feel a thing, and she won’t until that girl is back in the arms of the Enchanted Elder inside. Breaking their spell of separation repairs her broken heart. She slowly embraces her femininity, and a pageant of Feminine Priestesses embrace her back, and once she starts seeing and styling herself in this way - the real show of Who She is really begins. This is also often when the first chapters of life’s true love story only just begin. A growing comfort and confidence, a silver Saturn glow that may have seen its shadows, yet there blooms a Venus rose that is everlasting and can never die without sunlight.

Cherry

[sitp-recs]

Wield Me by @tackytigerfic (E, 10k)

Drarry, pre-Tedrarry

Draco Malfoy, blacksmith, is renowned through the magical world for his skill and exquisite creations. He could quite easily spend the rest of his days making pretty trinkets for the fae court, and being handsomely rewarded for the privilege. But why take the easy route when instead he could get involved in a dangerous mission with Unspeakable Harry Potter (who also happens to be Draco's... well, he's something, isn't he?). A little story about learning to strike while the iron is hot.

“It’s deep magic, you know. It doesn’t recognize anything quite so specific as a particular location. It’s more conceptual, I suppose. You remember.” He knew they did, the long night of casting, Teddy carelessly throwing azaleas and yellow roses into the quench pool along with all the others; azaleas for homesickness and the desire to return to a place of safety, yellow roses for family. Not to mention all the runework they spent hours working on. Draco rolled his eyes at them. Othala. Harry had traced it over and over in the water, and then Draco had hammered the essence of it into the metal with his sweat and his fire. Homecoming. It would be enough.

Because one birthday rec wasn’t enough I am back, this time reccing the fic Tacky gifted me on my last birthday so we’re coming full circle with the love show :D it’s hard to put into words all the feelings this fic inspired in me. I could not believe my sneaky friend (who’s pretty monogamic about their Drarry btw) had crafted something so special bringing together my two OTPs! I remember reading this in a haze, too eager to unravel that delicious summary and get to the promised Teddy kissing, but also not ready for it to be over after 10k and dreading the emotional devastation that was sure to follow. I realize that Harry/Teddy is not everyone’s jam (yet 😏) and might discourage some people to check this out, so I thought I’d follow my previous rec format and list a few reasons why I loved this so much:

1. The world: I kid you not, 10k feels like 30k once you get introduced to this magical world Tacky so masterfully crafted - vibrant, intriguing, creative, a main character in itself. I was already losing my mind over buff blacksmith Draco in a leather tunic (🥵) but then his stance against weaponry and the magical theory behind his forgery?? What an unexpected (but very much welcome) turn on. I am fascinated by this verse and wanna learn all about Draco’s backstory, about this society, its power structure, about Harry and Teddy’s job and the gritty dangers that Teddy is about to face, and whether or not he’ll find his way back home - back to Harry - safe and sound. So many questions left unanswered and this thrill, an adventurous feeling about their quest that kept me engaged until the end. What a masterclass in world building!

2. The tenderness: as per their trademark, Tacky gives this fic a lot of emotional depth and nuance, showing how easily love can multiply when Harry is the recipient (seeing how wanted he is here makes me feral) while keeping this unmistakably a Drarry romance. 40yo fuck buddies who are so obviously into each other they make me giggle and kick my feet, plus a careful balance between all dynamics in play - Teddy’s crush on Harry and respect for Draco, Draco’s longing for Harry and understanding of Teddy, Harry’s trust in Draco and tenderness for Teddy, the overall affection and sexual tension fueling all those relationships making it impossible not to cheer for them. If you’re a Teddy fan like me you’re in for a treat: I adore his edgy personality, bold, brave, painfully young and so damn lovely, a perfect fit for Harry and Draco’s mellow and steady love.

3. The symbolism: this plays into the exquisite lore created within such elegant and contained writing, I just keep thinking about the possibilities, metaphors, the way recurrent themes like family and homecoming show up in Draco’s forgery work intertwining his, Harry’s and Teddy’s lives in such a definitive way you find yourself thinking “well it must be fate so it can’t be avoided, they gotta bang” 🤷🏻‍♀️ okay so maybe not everyone is horny for this triad as I am, but the implications behind the symbology go beyond lust, diving into something deeper and more meaningful like familial love. And because I’ve read everything else from Tacky’s (“Harry deserves roots” / “I’d be your mate” / “I like my choyse” / “Is tú mo Rogha” / “Queen Anne’s lace, it means sanctuary, home.”) and so on, I can’t help but get emotional here. Harry’s longing for a family is such a quintessential Tacky theme and seeing it expand to include my beloved Teddy in their sacred Drarry kingdom makes my heart sing.

TL;DR: I feel like I could spend days talking about this fic but then nobody would read it and I really, really want more people to fall in love with these clever, competent, brave and lovable characters and with the rich, fascinating world that makes you wish you could live inside it forever and see what happens next. So run don’t walk and go treat yourself today!

[boyandhisbird]

So I watched the new Crow and it's not good. I'm gonna attempt a review, so......

SPOILERS AHEAD

The Crow (2024) kicks off with an immediate establishment of a supernatural enemy who has made a deal with the devil, but this attempt to up the stakes feels misguided and detracts from the core essence of the original comic and film. The original *Crow* was never so blatant with its supernatural elements; it wove them subtly into the fabric of a gritty revenge story grounded in raw emotion. This new approach feels overly contrived and lacks the restraint that made the original so compelling.

Right from the start, the film feels like a misstep. The portrayal of Shelly, played by FKA Twigs, is one-note and uninspired. She wears the same sleepy expression in nearly every scene, making it nearly impossible to feel any connection or sympathy for her character. Her relationship with Eric, played by Bill Skarsgård, is another weak link. The film reimagines Eric as a recovering drug addict who blindly follows the first pretty girl he sees, stripping away the purity and emotional depth of the original story. Instead of being an ordinary man brought back from the dead by the power of love, Eric is reduced to a gullible degenerate whose motivations are shallow and difficult to sympathize with.

Shelly, meanwhile, comes across less as the love of Eric’s life and more as someone manipulating him. Her introduction as a character who gives Eric drugs after his time in rehab feels forced and tasteless, adding to the sense that their relationship lacks authenticity. There’s no chemistry between them, and FKA Twigs' lack of dynamic acting ability further diminishes any sense of genuine connection. This interpretation makes Eric seem foolish rather than driven by a deep, undying love, a major departure from the character’s original arc.

Visually, the film does offer some moments worth noting. The wound-healing effects are impressive and the opera scene has a haunting quality, culminating in a decent fight sequence. However, these flashes of potential are overshadowed by numerous missed opportunities and strange creative choices. The Skull Cowboy, a character fans have long wanted to see fully realized, is portrayed as little more than a random guy in purgatory, rather than the grim, mysterious figure they envisioned, making his appearance feel pointless and uninspired. Additionally, the film’s attempts at homage to the original — like a poorly executed reference to T-Bird and an awkward car chase scene that feels more like the chaotic, over-the-top highway action from the first *Deadpool* movie — fall flat and out of place.

The villains, unlike in the original, have no depth or development. They are mere caricatures with zero backstory, making them forgettable and uninteresting. Even the film’s nod to Brandon Lee’s famous head tilt feels like a forced gesture rather than a heartfelt tribute. The introduction of a plot point that Eric cannot die as long as his love remains pure might have been intriguing if handled with nuance, but here it is presented with a lack of subtlety that detracts from the film's emotional core.

By the time the movie reaches its bewildering climax — in which Shelly inexplicably survives — any semblance of coherence is lost. This ending is jarring, undermining the very premise that makes *The Crow* a story of tragic love and revenge. It feels more like a cynical twist than a meaningful resolution, leaving viewers scratching their heads, wondering, “What the hell just happened?”

Ultimately, *The Crow (2024)* is a disappointing reboot that misses the mark on nearly every level. It feels more like a series of loosely connected scenes than a cohesive story. The film’s over-reliance on supernatural elements, lack of compelling characters, and failure to understand the core of what made the original so powerful render it a pale shadow of its predecessor. Despite a few visually interesting moments, the movie ultimately fails to capture the essence of its source material, leaving audiences longing for the emotional depth and authenticity of the original.

[writing-for-life]

Tell me more about your OC, Thalia! How did you get the idea for her? What’s your fav part about her? Any thoughts about her as a character that ended up on the cutting room floor?

I love those questions! My OCs are my babies, I love talking about them!

I’m super used to writing OCs since that’s usually all I write (The Light of Stars is actually my first fanfic, believe it or not, but I’ve written original stories for literal decades).

Funnily enough, Thalia started with… the name. I knew from the start there would be a lot of references to Greek mythology. Too much to mention here, people who read the fic will know, but I had this idea about Psyche’s journey to the underworld I wanted to reference at some point, and I also wanted a reference to a muse. Thalia had the nicest ring to it while being somewhat referential. Sometimes it’s really as simple as that 😂 I pronounce her Tah-lee-ya btw (it’s a less common pronunciation of that spelling, but it exists. I just didn’t want to spell her Talia for obvious reasons, but she totally sounds like it. And now I’ve destroyed the sound at least half of my readers had in their heads 🙈).

Thalia is the muse of comedy, and I wanted some of that in her. She has this intelligent sense of humour that is both genuine but also a coping mechanism, and it made for an interesting dynamic with Morpheus, who is always so serious. Her humour is, albeit observational, warm. She’s not a cynic although she has every reason to be, and I guess he knows that because he knows her story and what she’s been through, and it probably makes him think. He finds her challenging, but there is also an honesty and emotional openness to her, especially about her own hurt/darkness, that he finds intriguing. And that honesty also extends to how she relates to him—she is someone who actually sees him in the truest sense of the word, and it’s something he both needs so desperately but also finds impossible to trust and fully give in to for a very long time, and for a lot of reasons.

I guess the idea was to find someone who is in many ways like him (only in terms of shared human experience) but has a completely different way of dealing with it. It is, although a love story, at its core an exploration of trauma, loss and grief, of second or even third chances at life (however you might define the latter), and I’d long wondered what would happen if he met someone who is NOT trying to change him. They have their problems and conflicts, yes, but ultimately, this is about a deep mutual understanding that hinges on acceptance. And that acceptance is possible because it was there from the start, for reasons that I won’t give away here, but they are deeply rooted in how she always related to who and what he is on a conceptual level. And now I’m writing the sequel, and it becomes even more important.

My favourite part about her must be how she has the ability to make him laugh? Like, little by little, from something that barely makes him cock an eyebrow to a tug on the corners of his mouth to little smiles that get more frequent. And that moment when he sees the painting and actually realises he *is* like that around her was weirdly emotional to write because it wasn’t planned.

Plus, that she gets him to the stage where his laughs are actually audible, and they’re *not* weird. Well, at least not *that* weird. And from a writer’s point of view, it felt like a really natural, gradual progression that just happened, so it wasn’t something I had plotted. They just did their thing, and I wrote it down 😂

The stuff that ended up on the cutting room floor was mostly related to the no mortals rule. I explored a lot of different angles but ultimately didn’t want her to be a goddess or witch or somehow overpowered to circumvent that, it just didn’t sit right with me. So I spent a lot of time on setting up different beats that might look like one thing or another, but without giving too much away: The whole story hinges on her humanity and mortality, and it was ultimately the only thing that made sense.

Thanks again for the ask. It was a really good opportunity to talk about character creation/development, because so often, people seem to believe that all OCs are straightforward self-inserts, and nothing could be farther from the truth (OC fics aren’t reader fics). It’s impossible for characters not to have little bits of us because they come out of our brains, but they aren’t mirror images. I sometimes give characters little bits I’m confident in writing authentically without having to do a lot of research. For Thalia, it was drawing/painting. I had other female OCs that rode a motorcycle or did a martial art I’ve been familiar with since my childhood, others again were professional performers. I find I can write these things without overwriting them because I know what they feel like. Because sometimes, people will research these things and write them like an instruction manual. And while the detail is correct, someone who really *does* these things would never describe them that way. But that’s often really as far as it goes. It pains me to say that I’m far more like Morpheus than like Thalia, but I didn’t need to self-insert for that to be the case 😂

And now I want to know: What’s your favourite part about her and their dynamic? Other readers are welcome to chime in, too.

[vulnerablea]

@worth-beyond-a-number-scale hi, i also have severe ocd with morality, harm, and related themes. i empathize deeply with what you’re saying, and i also think @nothorses and the OP are making important points here.

yeah, having ocd in progressive/leftish spaces really is hell. i feel like that all the time. it’s ironic that i can feel so much less safe in queer spaces sometimes, even BIPOC spaces, which just leads to me constantly feeling alienated as a queer and non-binary person of colour. some of the worst betrayals i’ve had have come from these spaces.

and yeah, there is so much misunderstanding of ocd and lack of compassion around it. people don’t get how we just constantly question ourselves and worry worry worry and fear we’re capable of terrible, awful things. it’s exhausting. constantly.

i’ve found some exposure therapy and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) techniques to be helpful in addressing my ocd, and my therapist also just started introducing inference-based CBT, so we’ll see how that goes. i’m interested in how different techniques can work together and across each other to help me deal with the massive uncertainty and chaos and fear i live in all the time.

but also, there is a gift in being so attuned to uncertainty, and always asking questions. it allows me to see the grey areas and nuances more.

it’s so hard to actually sit with it all, and to not having everything just completely capsize me in its immense impossibility of “true” knowing. it’s made and still makes me cling to absolutes and wanting specific people to somehow save me from the world and be the arbiter of the “truth,” but then i can never actually believe in that and it ends up drowning my relationships in the pressure of it all, and the confessional/morality dynamic. and the nuances of existence are terrifying.

but having this intimate struggle with, and understanding of, nuance and complexity and im/possibility, also helps me to be more empathetic, and to learn to try to give myself a break more (still doesn’t really work most of the time…) it really is so hard. but i wouldn’t give up my ocd, my awareness of the hard space of uncertainty, even how it can tip into psychotic delusion and terror. i wouldn’t give it up because i think there is something that is also really beautiful and creative about being able to question things so much. i wish it didn’t tip into such extremes so much of the time, but i’m working on cultivating a balance. it sounds like you are too.

being able to question one’s principles and values and ideas is so important for the reasons mentioned in the op & by @nothorses, but it’s also true that how we go about it is going to vary a lot depending on our particular struggles.

i’m intrigued by therapeutic techniques that emphasize cultivating trust in one’s values, while also figuring out how to sit with uncertainty and questioning. and, even as people with ocd who question everything, we do also need to challenge our own biases and assumptions, and to recognize our mistakes.

i wish there was more understanding of how it’s important to do this without just moralizing everything, how it’s important to dismantle the culture of punishment that we live in. i think that’s a real problem, that questioning gets so intertwined with punishment, and that “checking your privilege,” for example, becomes a moral/punitive injunction rather than a process of developing empathy, curiosity, and care.

anyway, there’s a lot more i could say about all of this, but i’ll pause for now

It's very possible that the only way to ensure you don't become a conservative old person is to keep checking whether you're wrong. Every time. Genuinely mull over the opposing viewpoint even and especially when it's uncomfortable. You absolutely cannot a) consider yourself safely incapable of terrible principles because you're a good person, or b) treat a your disgust reaction to something as a moral truth. You can't get comfortable. Tiring! But you'd rather be tired and choose the right path, you know?

[segara-asa]

A Year With Me Can't Possibly Explain Everything

Every day, you only see a small piece of the puzzle that makes up who I am. Like a book with endless pages, I’m full of surprises and mysteries, just waiting to be discovered.

Every day, you only see a small piece of the puzzle that makes up who I am. Like a book with endless pages, I’m full of surprises and mysteries, just waiting to be discovered

Spending time with me is like peeling back the layers of an endlessly intriguing mystery. You might think you’ve got me figured out, but each day brings a new revelation, a new facet of my character that surprises even those closest to me. I’m often told there’s a depth to me that’s hard to fully grasp in a short time; like a book with infinite pages, each chapter of my life offers a glimpse into the diverse traits that make me uniquely captivating.

I thrive on passion and intensity. Whether I’m diving into my latest interest or standing up for what I believe in, I bring a fiery enthusiasm that can light up any room. This zeal isn’t just for show—it’s a genuine burst of energy that draws people to me, making me a natural focal point in social settings. My friends say that being around me is like catching a spark; it’s almost impossible not to feel energized and inspired.

Yet, there’s also a calm, grounding presence to my personality. When things get hectic, I’m the rock that people turn to for stability. This blend of dynamism and steadiness makes me a confidant and leader in equal measure. It’s this balance that often leaves people wondering how someone can be both a whirlwind and a haven of peace at the same time.

Beyond the energy and stability, there’s an allure to my persona that’s hard to pin down. I’ve got a magnetic charm that seems to draw secrets out of the most reserved individuals. It’s not just about charisma; there’s an empathetic understanding and a readiness to listen that makes people feel safe and valued in my presence. This ability to connect on a deeper level is something I cherish—it transforms everyday interactions into meaningful connections.

Navigating a year or even a lifetime with me promises a journey of continuous discovery. Just when you think you’ve seen all my layers, I’ll surprise you with something new, reminding everyone that I am a complex tapestry of traits, each more intriguing than the last. So, here’s to the adventures and insights yet to come—with me, you’re in for an extraordinary ride.

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However, my vibrant tapestry isn’t without its darker threads. My passion, while often infectious, can sometimes overwhelm both myself and those around me. When I dive deep into my pursuits or causes, I can become so engrossed that I might unintentionally steamroll others’ opinions or feelings. This intensity, though born from genuine enthusiasm, can sometimes lead to burnout or moments of unintended insensitivity.

And while my ability to be a rock for others is one of my strengths, it also comes with its own set of challenges. I often take on the problems of others, shouldering burdens that aren’t mine to bear. This can leave me feeling drained, yet I struggle to set boundaries, fearing I might let someone down. My desire to be everyone’s anchor can sometimes mean I neglect my own needs, wading through emotional waters that are meant for calmer shores.

My magnetic charm, too, has its pitfalls. The very allure that draws people to me can also create a façade that I find hard to drop. Being seen as a confidant and a charismatic figure means that I’m often placed on a pedestal, high and lonely. People sometimes forget that behind the captivating presence lies a person with doubts and vulnerabilities, who isn’t always the sage or the life of the party.

In acknowledging these flaws and challenges, I embrace the full spectrum of my being. Each weakness, each flaw, and each “beautiful red flag” is a stroke of color that adds depth to my character. Recognizing these aspects isn’t just about admitting faults—it’s about understanding that even the quirkiest parts of our personalities contribute to who we are. Embracing my entire self, shadows and all, is a journey just as important as celebrating my strengths. As we move forward, let’s remember that growth comes from recognizing all parts of ourselves, turning the beautiful red flags into markers that guide us toward our true paths.

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So, why not take the chance to really get to know me? When the planets align and their energies favor us, I can be truly amazing, and you’ll feel that energy just by being around me. During these times, my presence can feel like a vibrant festival of light and joy. But, like the cosmos, I have phases where the stars dim and my darker, more enigmatic side emerges. These moments may seem challenging and perplexing, yet if you dare to look closer, you’ll see blazing stars hidden within the shadows.

Getting to know me is not a straightforward path. It’s a journey through layers and complexities, through stories untold and facets unseen. Due to my impulsive nature and my ability to keep secrets, I might come across as an open book one moment and a sealed vault the next. There are too many tales to unfold in just a year; our adventure together will reveal more with each passing day. It’s like exploring universe after universe—I’m all in, ready to be there, everywhere, and anywhere, whether I’m in my pajamas, doing everything or nothing at all. Confusing, right? But that’s just part of the ride.

I invite you to dive into this journey with me. Understand that while I might sometimes drift into my own world, I am always anchored here with you. Each moment with me can be a discovery, a new star in our shared galaxy. If you’re willing to navigate the complex orbits of my world, you’ll find that the celestial dance we perform together is uniquely beautiful and profoundly rewarding.

Let’s embrace the chaos and the calm, the light and the dark. Get to know me—not just in fleeting moments but in all the continuous ebb and flow of life’s tides. Together, we can explore the vast expanses of not just who I am, but also who we can become together. Laugh with me, journey with me, and let’s see where this cosmic adventure leads. You get it, right? Haha, here’s to hoping we find the rhythm in the beautiful madness of it all.

[rachellaurengray]

Unlocking the Secrets of Spirit Communication in Witching Hour

After diving into Witching Hour, I’ve been fascinated by the intricate and mysterious rules governing spirit communication depicted in the film. It’s not just a supernatural thriller; it reveals a hidden world where spirits navigate their existence with a set of unique constraints and challenges.

The film introduces a compelling set of rules that define how spirits interact with both the living and each other. These rules unveil the complex and often harsh realities of spirit life, offering us a window into their enigmatic world.

Curious about what makes spirit communication so captivating and fraught with challenges?

Here’s an exploration of 30 intriguing rules and aspects that shape how spirits operate and interact:

Energy Depletion: Spirits who use too much energy risk dissipating forever.

Visibility of Death: Spirits witness their own death, which can impact their energy levels.

Difficulty Communicating with Each Other: Spirits struggle to interact with one another.

Taxing Human Interactions: Engaging with the human world depletes a spirit’s energy.

Fragmentation and Disorientation: Frequent interactions lead to a fragmented and disoriented state.

Rudeness of Physical Contact: Touching other spirits is considered rude and can cause discomfort.

Limited Communication: Spirits may only be able to communicate through limited or indirect means.

Energy Recovery: Spirits may need time to recover their energy after exertion.

Emotional Impact: High emotional stress can further deplete a spirit’s energy.

Time Constraints: Spirits have limited time in the human world before they must retreat.

Manifestation Limitations: Spirits can only partially manifest in the physical world.

Attachment to Objects: Spirits might be bound to certain objects or places due to unfinished business.

Impact of Physical Changes: Changes in the physical world (e.g., destruction of a haunted object) can affect spirits.

Difficulty Leaving: Once bound to a location, spirits may struggle to leave.

Temporary Presence: Spirits can only remain in the human world for brief periods before depleting their energy.

Interference from Other Entities: Other supernatural beings or entities can impact a spirit’s energy or actions.

Vulnerability to Human Actions: Actions by the living, such as disturbances or disrespect, can weaken or harm spirits.

Communication Through Symbols: Spirits may need to use symbols or indirect methods to convey messages.

Restricted Movements: Spirits may be restricted in their movements or actions within the human realm.

Influence of the Environment: Environmental factors, such as weather or location, can affect a spirit’s energy.

Perception of Time: Spirits may experience time differently, influencing their actions and interactions.

Limited Interaction with Physical Objects: Spirits may struggle to manipulate physical objects.

Residual Energy: Spirits may leave behind residual energy that can affect the environment or people.

Difficulty in Direct Communication: Direct speech or interaction with the living may be challenging or impossible.

Energetic Residue: Interaction with the living can leave an energetic residue that affects both spirits and humans.

Impact of Emotional States: The emotional state of a spirit can influence its energy levels and interaction capabilities.

Dependency on the Living: Some spirits may depend on the living for energy or communication.

Struggle with Identity: Spirits may have difficulty maintaining their identity over time and with interaction.

Influence of Past Actions: A spirit’s past actions or unresolved issues can impact its current state and interactions.

Restrictions on Power Use: Spirits may have limits on the amount of power they can use, affecting their ability to influence the physical world.

These rules provide a fascinating look into the hidden dynamics of spirit existence and communication, offering a deeper understanding of the challenges and mysteries that come with navigating the afterlife. If you're intrigued by these concepts, dive into the film and explore how these elements are portrayed.

Here’s the link to watch Witching Hour: click!

Enjoy the exploration!

[koruyama]

I hate living in this world so fucking much.

Everything is already so exhausted: Every last curiosity, intrigue, new paths to follow, it all follows the same pattern in one way or another.

I hate having been born with this brain: Able to dissect and understand everything around me to a capacity that makes absolutely nothing unpredictable: There's no surprise anymore, no big new area of the mind to explore. It's all just the same, rancid old shit.

Having these same repeating problems; Big, small and every other incognizant size in between, is so exhausting. Nothing ever changes; The paths to these dynamics never end up going anywhere else but where I already know they will. I've already exhausted all the possible 'new' ways I could look at things, infinitely so, to the point where there's just nothing left but exhaustion.

It's like just starting a new game; A big, wide world full of things to explore, and in one consistent, cognizant and conscious swoop, you finish the whole damn thing before you're even supposed to finish the starting area, because you've been 'blessed' with hyper-processing power.

It's all so infuriating: This world's dynamics are so bland and rigid: Nothing ever changes! No one has the gall to throw a wrench in the machine and sow some real chaos, shake things up a little. Which is hypocritical for me to say, considering that even if I did find myself in that environment, I'd just process everything too fast anyway.

To cognify a world that would keep up with my baseline-existence standards, it would be unrealistic: There are certain qualities in me that simply make such a world feasibly impossible. So even if I did try to simulate the world I want, I'd not have the brain power to fully emulate the scope of it.

I'm in a quantum transistence of being ever so (not) good enough. I exhaust myself every day just having to lug my own weight in this shithole. The constant energy drain that goes to maintaining my own constant upkeep is exhilaratingly suffocative; I'm. Tired.

Of existing, of being, of having, of living. It all causes me too much stress, to the point I've eaten away at any internal resource I've had left. I'm a walking, electric husk of curse-borne flesh and bone, wanting to elevate myself to fibers and any other synthetic material that could help me be better at me.

I'm not human: I know I'm not. When I feel out my perceived form, I can't even begin to cognify its true state; I'd rip my mind in half. All I know is that I'm rotten on the inside of this disparaged, fleshy core.

Even now, the words I mean are in a quantum state: Infinite shuffling possibilities of the intricate state of all-knowing meaning. Incomprehensible to the human eye. It'd rip them a new one.

I'm just so tired of being, man. I just want to dissipate into a puddle, and let go of all this tension. I just want to ascend to the damn ether and call this charade quits already..

[packernet]

New Post has been published on https://www.packernet.com/blog/2024/03/25/betting-facts-for-the-american-packers-team/

Betting facts for the American Packers team

Are you a fan of the Green Bay Packers? If so, you’re in for a treat! In this article, we will take a deep dive into the rich history of the team, from their firsts, records, and milestones to the key players and legends that have shaped the franchise. We will also explore the unique traditions and fan culture that make the Packers stand out, as well as their impact on the NFL and pop culture. Get ready to discover all there is to know about this iconic American football team!

The Green Bay Packers Legacy: A Betting Perspective

The Green Bay Packers, synonymous with football greatness, stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of the NFL. Founded in 1919 by Earl “Curly” Lambeau, this storied franchise has carved its legacy on the gridiron, capturing the hearts of fans and bettors alike. As we delve into the rich history of the Packers, it’s impossible to ignore the dynamic betting landscape that surrounds this iconic team.

Home Advantage in Betting

Lambeau Field, an iconic stadium steeped in history, serves as the battleground where the Packers have celebrated countless victories. From the “Frozen Tundra” to the raucous atmosphere created by the fervent ‘Cheeseheads,’ Lambeau Field is a fortress that plays a crucial role in the Packers’ success.

For bettors that are betting on a Swedish site, Lambeau Field becomes a factor to consider when analyzing odds and spreads. The Packers’ formidable home advantage often influences betting lines, making savvy bettors keenly aware of the impact that playing on their home turf can have on the team’s performance.

Fan Passion and Betting Trends

The passionate Green Bay fan base, affectionately known as the ‘Cheeseheads,’ is a force to be reckoned with both in the stadium and the betting arena. The unwavering support of these fans, who fill Lambeau Field regardless of weather conditions, creates an atmosphere that transcends the game itself.

Bettors keen on understanding the betting trends around the Packers pay close attention to the ‘Cheeseheads’ factor. The level of fan support can influence everything from in-play betting dynamics to prop bets centered around the crowd’s impact on the game. The emotional investment of the ‘Cheeseheads’ becomes a unique element that adds a layer of unpredictability to the betting experience.

Futures Betting Opportunities

With a legacy of Super Bowl triumphs, the Green Bay Packers consistently enter each season with aspirations for championship glory. For bettors, this presents intriguing opportunities in the realm of futures betting. Predicting the Packers’ journey through the season, their playoff performance, and their chances of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy becomes a captivating endeavor.

Bettors on Swedish betting sites can explore a myriad of futures bets, ranging from regular season win totals to playoff outcomes. The Packers’ perennial contention for the Super Bowl adds an exciting dimension to the betting landscape, where strategic foresight can lead to rewarding returns.

For bettors seeking a combination of history, passion, and strategic opportunities, the Green Bay Packers provide a thrilling journey. As each season unfolds, bettors on Swedish sites can immerse themselves in the Packers’ narrative, capitalizing on the team’s historical strengths, home field magic, and the fervent support of the legendary ‘Cheeseheads.’ In the realm of sports betting, the Green Bay Packers aren’t just a team – they are a captivating saga waiting to unfold on the gridiron.

Overview of the Team’s History

The history of the Green Bay Packers is intertwined with legendary figures like Vince Lombardi and Curly Lambeau, who led the team to numerous NFL Championships and Super Bowl victories.

Curly Lambeau, one of the founding fathers of the team, established the Packers in 1919, creating a legacy that would endure for generations. With a vision to bring professional football to Green Bay, Lambeau played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s identity.

On the other hand, Vince Lombardi, renowned for his leadership and strategic brilliance, transformed the Packers into a powerhouse during the 1960s.

Their combined influence laid the foundation for the Packers’ sustained success, culminating in unforgettable championship wins and historic Super Bowl triumphs.

Firsts, Records, and Milestones

The Green Bay Packers have set numerous records for mga casinos and milestones in the NFL, with iconic players like Bart Starr, Don Hutson, and Ray Nitschke leaving a lasting legacy.

One of the firsts that put the Green Bay Packers on the map was winning the first two Super Bowls in 1967 and 1968 under the leadership of legendary coach Vince Lombardi. Bart Starr, the quarterback, played a pivotal role in those victories, solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats. Starr was known for his accurate passing and strong leadership on the field.

Don Hutson, another Green Bay Packers legend, revolutionized the wide receiver position with his exceptional speed and precise route-running. He set numerous receiving records that stood for decades, earning him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Notable Achievements in Team History

The Green Bay Packers boast a remarkable history of notable achievements, including multiple NFL Championships and Super Bowl victories that have solidified their place as one of the league’s premier franchises.

Established in 1919 by Earl ‘Curly’ Lambeau and George Calhoun, the team has a rich tradition steeped in success. Their early dominance in the NFL led them to secure an impressive total of 13 NFL Championships, the most in league history. Notable figures like Vince Lombardi and Bart Starr played pivotal roles in shaping their legacy, culminating in the historic first two Super Bowl wins in 1966 and 1967, marking the beginning of a new era for the franchise.

Key Players and Legends

The Green Bay Packers have been home to legendary players such as Brett Favre and Reggie White, whose exceptional talents have left an indelible mark on the franchise.

When discussing the history of the Green Bay Packers, it’s impossible not to mention Brett Favre, the iconic quarterback known for his fiery passion on the field and his ability to lead the team to numerous victories. Favre’s strong arm and fearless playing style endeared him to fans and solidified his place in Packers lore.

Equally revered is Reggie White, the “Minister of Defense,” whose dominant presence on the defensive line struck fear into opponents. White’s leadership and exceptional skill were instrumental in the Packers’ Super Bowl success, making him a beloved figure among fans.

Profiles of Iconic Players

Delve into the profiles of iconic Green Bay Packers players such as Bart Starr, Don Hutson, and Ray Nitschke, exploring their careers, achievements, and lasting influence on the team.

Bart Starr, widely recognized as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, led the Green Bay Packers to multiple championships, earning MVP honors in Super Bowl I and II.

Don Hutson revolutionized the wide receiver position, setting numerous records that stood for decades and paving the way for modern pass-oriented offenses.

Ray Nitschke, a fierce linebacker known for his hard-hitting style, anchored the Packers’ defense during their dominant years in the 1960s, helping the team to multiple championships and earning multiple Pro Bowl selections.

Team Traditions and Fan Culture

The Green Bay Packers boast unique team traditions and a vibrant fan culture, with iconic elements like the Titletown District and the beloved Lumberjack Band shaping the team’s identity.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Green Bay Packers is their deep connection to their community. The Titletown District, located adjacent to Lambeau Field, offers fans an immersive experience with its various entertainment options, including a skating rink, a football field, and even a brewery.

Similarly, the Lumberjack Band, a staple at Packers games since the 1920s, adds a nostalgic charm to the gameday atmosphere. This group of musicians clad in plaid exudes a sense of tradition and passion that resonates with both long-time supporters and newcomers alike.

Unique Practices and Fan Engagement

Discover the Green Bay Packers’ unique practices and engaging fan activities, from the popular Packers Bar Trivia Night to the energetic performances by the Tundra Line.

Green Bay Packers, known for their deep connection with their fans, go above and beyond to create memorable experiences. Apart from Packers Bar Trivia Night, where fans showcase their knowledge and love for the team, the Tundra Line performances are a true highlight. The Tundra Line, a drumline and cheerleading squad, amps up the crowd with their dynamic routines during home games. This unique blend of entertainment adds an electric atmosphere to the stadium, making each game day unforgettable for fans of all ages.

[global-education]

🌟✨ Unveiling the Secrets of the Habitable Zone 🌟✨

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, where countless stars twinkle like diamonds in the night sky, lies a concept that has fascinated astronomers, astrobiologists, and dreamers alike: the Habitable Zone. Also known as the Goldilocks Zone, it is the region around a star where conditions are just right – not too hot, not too cold – for the existence of liquid water and, potentially, life as we know it. This celestial real estate is the key to understanding our place in the universe and the possibility of other habitable worlds beyond our own.

Defining the Habitable Zone

To begin our journey of unveiling the secrets of the Habitable Zone, we must first grasp the concept itself. The Habitable Zone is the distance from a star where the temperature is neither too scorching for water to exist as a liquid nor too freezing for it to be permanently frozen. It's like the cosmic sweet spot, where life as we understand it could thrive.

The location of this zone is not fixed and depends on the star's characteristics. For instance, stars smaller and cooler than our Sun would have a closer-in Habitable Zone, while larger and hotter stars would push the zone farther away. It's a delicate balance where the warmth of a star and the size of the habitable zone determine the potential for life to emerge.

The Significance of Liquid Water

Why is liquid water so important when we talk about habitability? Water is the universal solvent, a fundamental molecule for life on Earth. It serves as a medium for chemical reactions, a solvent for essential compounds, and a habitat for countless species. Without liquid water, the chemistry of life as we know it becomes impossible.

The presence of liquid water is not the sole requirement for habitability, but it is a critical one. It's the reason we often hear about "follow the water" in astrobiology. Understanding the conditions that allow liquid water to exist guides our search for habitable worlds.

The Role of Stellar Type

Stars come in various sizes, colors, and temperatures, and their characteristics have a profound impact on the position of the Habitable Zone. Our Sun, a G-type main-sequence star, has a relatively wide Habitable Zone extending from about 0.95 to 1.37 astronomical units (AU) from the star. Earth orbits at about 1 AU, perfectly situated within this zone.

On the other hand, cooler stars like red dwarfs have smaller and more compact Habitable Zones, which can be both a blessing and a curse. These stars are far more common in the universe than Sun-like stars, increasing the potential number of habitable planets. However, red dwarfs tend to be more active, subjecting their planets to stronger stellar flares and radiation, which could be detrimental to potential life.

Conversely, massive stars like blue giants have much wider Habitable Zones but are less common and have shorter lifespans. Planets within their Habitable Zones would need to be positioned at a considerable distance to avoid being engulfed by their expanding stars.

The Habitable Zone's Dynamism

One intriguing aspect of the Habitable Zone is its dynamism over time. It's not a static region but evolves as the star ages and its characteristics change. For instance, as a star like our Sun ages, it becomes hotter and more luminous. This means that the Habitable Zone shifts outward over time.

This dynamism raises questions about the long-term habitability of planets. A world that might have once been in the Habitable Zone could find itself too close to its aging star, turning into a lifeless desert or even being consumed by the star's expansion.

Understanding these shifts is crucial when searching for habitable exoplanets. We must consider not only a planet's current position within the Habitable Zone but also the future changes it will undergo.

Exoplanets: The Treasure Trove of Discovery

The quest for habitable worlds has been greatly accelerated by the discovery of exoplanets – planets that orbit stars beyond our solar system. Over the past few decades, astronomers have detected thousands of these distant worlds, some of which reside in their star's Habitable Zone.

Tools like the Kepler Space Telescope and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) have been instrumental in this effort. They employ the transit method, observing slight dips in a star's brightness when a planet passes in front of it, to identify and characterize exoplanets. Through these missions, we have found a tantalizing array of diverse exoplanets, from scorching gas giants to rocky, Earth-like worlds.

One notable discovery in recent years is Proxima Centauri b, an exoplanet orbiting our closest stellar neighbor, Proxima Centauri. This planet lies within its star's Habitable Zone and has ignited hopes of finding life beyond Earth. However, the challenges of studying exoplanets in detail, such as their atmospheres and surface conditions, remain formidable.

The Search for Life Beyond Earth

The Habitable Zone not only guides our search for exoplanets but also raises the question of whether life exists elsewhere in the universe. The discovery of extremophiles on Earth – organisms that thrive in extreme conditions, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents or acidic hot springs – suggests that life can be remarkably resilient.

This resilience leads scientists to consider that life might exist in unconventional environments, both within our solar system (like the subsurface oceans of Europa or Enceladus) and on exoplanets beyond. The Habitable Zone provides a starting point for these investigations, as it defines the regions where life, as we understand it, is most likely to emerge.

The Limits of Our Knowledge

As we unveil the secrets of the Habitable Zone, it's essential to acknowledge the limits of our knowledge. While we have made tremendous progress in identifying exoplanets and characterizing their environments, we are still in the early stages of understanding the diversity of planetary systems and the potential for habitability beyond Earth.

The search for life beyond our planet remains one of the greatest mysteries of our time, and the Habitable Zone serves as our guide. It reminds us that the universe is vast, with countless opportunities for exploration and discovery. As we continue to peer into the cosmos and study distant worlds, we may one day unlock the ultimate secret – whether we are truly alone or whether other habitable zones in the universe teem with life, waiting to be unveiled. 🌟✨

[aniverse-x]

Black holes stand as one of the most intriguing and enigmatic phenomena in the universe, captivating the imagination of scientists and the public alike. These cosmic entities, formed from the gravitational collapse of massive stars, possess gravitational forces so intense that they warp the fabric of spacetime itself. In this essay, we will delve into the fundamental concepts of black holes, their formation, characteristics, observable effects, and their profound implications for our understanding of the cosmos.

Formation and Characteristics: Black holes emerge from the dramatic demise of massive stars. When a massive star exhausts its nuclear fuel, it can no longer sustain the outward pressure of nuclear fusion, leading to a catastrophic collapse under its own gravity. This collapse compresses the star’s core into an infinitely dense point known as a singularity, surrounded by an event horizon, a boundary beyond which escape is impossible. These defining features - the singularity and the event horizon - characterize the essence of a black hole, rendering it invisible to direct observation but discernible through its gravitational influence on surrounding matter.

Types of Black Holes: Black holes come in various sizes, each with distinct characteristics. Stellar-mass black holes, ranging from a few to several times the mass of our Sun, are formed from the remnants of massive stars. Intermediate-mass black holes, with masses between stellar and supermassive black holes, are thought to originate from the merging of stellar-mass black holes or the collapse of massive gas clouds. At the pinnacle of the black hole hierarchy lie supermassive black holes, harbored within the cores of galaxies and boasting masses millions to billions of times that of the Sun. These supermassive behemoths exert a profound influence on the dynamics of galaxies, shaping their structure and evolution over cosmic timescales.

Observational Signatures: While black holes themselves remain invisible, their presence can be inferred through indirect observational techniques. Astronomers detect black holes by observing the behavior of nearby stars and gas, which can orbit around black holes in binary systems or accrete onto them, emitting intense radiation in the process. By studying the motion of stars near the centers of galaxies, astronomers have also identified supermassive black holes lurking at galactic cores. Additionally, advanced instruments like gravitational wave detectors have opened up new avenues for detecting black hole mergers, offering unprecedented insights into the dynamics of these cosmic collisions.

Implications and Conclusions: The study of black holes extends far beyond mere astrophysical curiosity; it probes the very fabric of spacetime and challenges our understanding of the laws of physics under extreme conditions. From the mysterious nature of singularities to the cosmic influence of supermassive black holes on galaxy evolution, black holes serve as cosmic laboratories for testing the limits of our knowledge. By unraveling the mysteries of black holes, scientists aim to unlock deeper insights into the fundamental workings of the universe, paving the way for new discoveries and revolutions in our understanding of the cosmos.

In conclusion, black holes stand as extraordinary manifestations of the universe’s innate complexity, embodying the extremes of gravity and spacetime curvature. Through continued observation and theoretical exploration, we strive to unravel the secrets of these cosmic enigmas, expanding our comprehension of the universe and our place within it.

Literally took me a week to write this💀 thank god I’m done. Or am I🤨🤨🤨

Hey peeps of Tumblr, I'm bored. Can you tell me something random but educational? Like the evolutionary benefits of tip toeing?

Pleasseeee

[whatifyoulivelikethat]

little birdie, m | myg

pairing(s): yoongi x reader

summary: The cat has asked the little birdie to make an appearance. You have been turning down private dances, preferring to focus on the art and glamour of the burlesque shows themselves. Besides, old money was entitled, twice your age, and, worst of all, ugly, inside and out. But Min Yoongi doubled his original offer and, well, he is new money.

these events occurred prior to twelve hours, m | jjk

warnings: rated M (18+) for language; reader is a burlesque dancer, caged bird performance based on Dita Von Teese; smut (fem reader, slight D/s dynamics, tiny bit of striptease, red lipstick kisses on nether regions (oop), m-receiving oral); non-idol!AU - cocky, rich!Yoongi x wealthy, burlesque dancer!reader; a little drabble based on this ask

--

He cocked an eyebrow at you, holding the handle of the leather crop in between his perfect white teeth.

You cocked one back, covered in diamonds, rubies, and red feathers.

The room was silent except for breathing.

These walls were soundproof.

You leaned forward, lids lowered, staring at those dark brown, cat-like eyes through your lashes, your tongue extending, the warmth of his skin and his breath against your lips. You licked the handle. His pink tongue flickered out, brushing against yours.

Instant electricity.

You retreated sharply, eyes narrowing.

“You were instructed not to touch, Min Yoongi.”

The man in the expensive designer clothes tilted his head at your cold tone, not responding. He surveyed you calmly, hint of a smirk around the leather crop, his hands behind his back. Primly tailored black vest with black satin piping with matching slacks. Silk handkerchief, cobalt blue, matching his silk shirt with the subtle checkered pattern and designer logo stitched into the squares, tone on tone. Despairingly expensive, but not gaudy or over the top. Didn’t need to be. The sheen in his black hair indicated it was pampered and well taken care of. The shine of his black oxfords indicated real leather. The strength and potency of his spiced cologne made him smell like the pure sex he was from presence alone.

Behind you, your two bodyguards stood side by side, sunglasses on, unmoving.

You agreed to this private dance when Yoongi said he was willing to pay double the initial amount he offered.

New money really spent it on the dumbest shit.

You leaned forward again, watching him carefully. You were wearing long opera-style gloves made of a lush red sparkling fabric, embellished with intricate stitching.

Lifted your hand, turning it around, palm up.

“Drop.”

He only moved his lower jaw, the leather handle falling from his lips and right into your palm.

You flicked your wrist and ran the crop up the inside of his thigh, forcefully spreading his knees with one of yours, narrowing your eyes, nicking the flared end against his crotch.

Lesser man would have jumped away.

Min Yoongi was not a lesser man.

He confidently spread his legs and tipped his head back, black hair falling over one eye, smirk on those shapely pink lips. He didn’t speak or make a sound. It was disconcerting but somehow intriguing in its own way.

As if he didn’t need to speak to indicate confidence in his position.

He was a caged bird in this private room, willingly trapped by you.

You smiled.

Fitting, for the theme of your burlesque show tonight had been a large steel birdcage at the center of the stage and you inside it, dancing within the visible enclosure, skillful hands holding onto the metal bars, lush hips swaying to ruffle the feathers attached to create a half-skirt that mimicked tailfeathers of an exotic bird. You were still wearing some of the pieces now, the lingerie, the tailfeathers, and the heavy necklace of diamonds and rubies splayed out on your collarbones and chest.

You slid onto Yoongi’s lap, closing his legs with yours, entering the alluring aura that seemed to surround him, trapping the leather crop between your crotch and his. Slow exhale, mixing with his as he lowered his chin to look you in the eye, unafraid.

“Hello, little birdie.”

You did not typically touch the men you danced for. They were usually old, crass, and undeserving of your touch. You treated it as business because that was what it was. A simple service for money. Nowadays, you cut back on the private dancing and upped your price. It just wasn’t worth it, being so close to such filth.

But.

Every once in a while.

Sometimes, you got young money like Min Yoongi.

You dragged the crop up his abdomen, up his chest, shifting your arm in a graceful swoop, turning it so it grazed his cheek, outlining that high cheekbone and elegant jaw. You stared into his eyes and he stared back, open-mouthed smirk on his lips, not backing down.

Sometimes, you got someone fuckable like Min Yoongi.

“Do you think you’re in charge here, Yoongi?” you murmured dangerously.

He ticked his head.

“I’m usually in charge everywhere I go,” he chuckled. Deep, husky voice edged with amusement. “It’s very tiring being the king and the boss all the time.”

Slow blink, piercing gaze on you with a wry smile.

“I would like to have a break from that.”

You sucked in a breath.

Min Yoongi was more than fuckable.

He was going to get fucked, tonight, by you.

You closed the distance, swiping the flared end of the crop against his lips, pressing inward, taking in his smooth fair skin, his even breath, his calm demeanor, and suddenly you wanted to mess it up, you wanted to tear down this placid façade and find what was underneath, find the passion and desire you could see shimmering in those dark brown orbs, challenging you to draw it out.

“Do you understand the position you’re in, Min Yoongi?”

He chuckled, voice low and smooth.

“Little birdie and her two shadows, I understand very well and I know how to keep my mouth shut.”

Damn.

He was good.

You tossed the leather crop to the floor and captured his lips, inhaling his cologne and his scent.

Yoongi did not move his arms, devouring your lips, hungry and intense, deft tongue flickering, testing the boundaries, and you pushed your tongue into his mouth, winding with his, hot and fluid and lustful, your hands sliding up his chest and reaching his shoulders, fingers one by one falling into place, sliding your lower body up to his, sucking in his breath, heat to hardness, your body heavier from all the jewels, but Yoongi seemed unbothered, deepening the kiss and sucking on your tongue, humming contentedly.

Even though he said he wanted a break, old habits were even harder to break.

You broke the kiss forcefully, the immaculate waves of your hair tumbling down your shoulder, seeing the red lipstick smeared on those shapely, smirking lips, his eyes drifting to yours.

You lowered your arms, slowly curving your hand, pulling back your arms in one smooth arc, fingers splayed, shoulders back. Measured, slow breath, always on form, every movement a performance. He watched closely as you reached back, unhooking and unlacing the tailfeather skirt with expert precision, keeping eye contact. You didn’t need to look to undo it.

You didn’t need to look when you released it, knowing one of your bodyguards had already stepped forward to catch it, retreating to place it aside.

Yoongi smiled, dark eyes gleaming.

“An agile little birdie, I see.”

He did not need to verbalize your beauty or attractiveness.

You could see it in the way he looked at you.

Startling how lucky you were to have met such fuckable young money tonight.

You placed a gloved hand on his chest and slid one leg back, then the other, red soles clicking, tracing down his torso, kneeling now, dancing fingertips up and down his thighs, admiring them and letting him know with your gaze. Black hair over one eye again, small smile on his lips, and yet you noticed the pink tinge on his ears.

Interesting.

You retreated your hand.

Brought it to your lips.

One by one, tugging at the tips of each finger with your teeth, loosening the glove.

Dark brown orbs watched you, entranced and fascinated.

Gripping the middle finger with your other hand, tugging on the opera glove, sliding it off with one swift arc of your arm, bringing your hand behind your head as it came off, tossing the glove aside carelessly. Yoongi couldn’t see, but your hand was poised behind your head, always aware of even the unseen details, bringing the other glove to your lips and doing the same, one by one, loosening the tightness before your hand flourished out from behind your head and your arm mirrored the previous arc, into the air and behind your head, throwing the discarded glove in the opposite direction of the first. Yoongi watched with patient, precise interest, like a cat observing a bird.

He smiled appreciatively, enjoying the show.

It seemed precious, Yoongi’s smile.

A strange thought.

Painted red nails gliding up his thighs, following the shape, tracing the waistband, parted lips smeared with lipstick, the tremble of his body finally evident and, with a tight inhale, you realized you too were breathing shallowly, matching him, looking up to see his pupils dilating, his hands still behind his back.

Your index finger traced the fastening of his slacks.

Yoongi raised a dark eyebrow, questioning.

You undid it while staring at his face.

Lowered the zipper, having to lift it because of his straining erection, seeing Yoongi clench his jaw, legs tensing, shoulders shaking, watching your face, hands, the diamonds laden on your collarbones and cleavage, equally embellished bra and panties covering everything else, but it was impossible to deny, incapable to resist, inescapable sensuality between you and Yoongi, a stranger until tonight, a shadow in the crowd until this moment, now well defined by light and lust, raising his hips so you could lower his pants and boxer briefs to his knees, sitting in a heavy ornate chair in a private room with your bodyguards right behind you as you lowered your head and your lipstick-covered lips to his thigh.

Red kisses imprinted on that fair skin, shudders under your breath.

Travelling up to his hard length, tongue slipping out, tracing a fat stripe over hot, taut skin, your satisfied sigh melding with his soft hiss at the contact of your wet muscle to his hard, twitching cock.

You drifted your gaze back up to his, lazy and purposeful.

Yoongi looked down at the red lipstick kisses and his cock quivering against your warm breath, leisurely lapping at the underside of his length. His voice was a low octave, almost raspy.

“Little birdie…”

The first time he said it, it had been borderline mocking, but now there was a fondness to it. Admiration. Appreciation. Adoration.

It made your core burn and heat spread all over your lower belly, dripping between your legs.

Black hair over his eyes, breathing hard, maintaining eye contact.

“Please.”

Simple.

Effective.

Sexy.

You closed your mouth around the head of his cock, tongue lapping the underside, his scent invading your nose and your lipstick coating his skin, your fingers lacing over his hips, sliding that thick length down your tongue and into your throat, his soft moan drifting from his. He was losing control of his hands, slamming them down onto the seat of the chair and clutching the sides, manicured fingers tense, knuckles white. You tilted your head and ran the head against the curve of your teeth, heartbeat racing as you witnessed Yoongi gasping at the sensation, his broad shoulders flexing, his hips trembling in your grip, struggling to stay still.

Losing control.

Maybe he didn’t spend his money poorly after all.

You ticked an eyebrow and adjusted your head again, tongue extending past your lips, suffocating your throat with the swollen tip and cutting off your air, curling your tongue around his balls, scooping them up and pressing them to your lips, dripping saliva onto the seat, eyes on his the entire time, choking yourself on his cock and licking his balls with a blazing, intense stare. No need to say who was in charge because you knew it and he knew it, growling deep in his chest, shivering in his designer clothes from primal desire that required no such things.

You were the same, diamonds or not.

Lust feeding off lust, money or not, you probably would have fucked Yoongi regardless and you could see it in his eyes that he was thinking the same thing.

You pulled back and began your pace, swallowing his length hungrily, tongue all over the base of the head, stimulating the thin skin and his sensitive nerves, his breathing turning into involuntarily gasps.

Faster.

Rougher.

Tighter.

Finding that sweet spot, that moment where his expression changed and his irises were overtaken by black, mouth open and panting, locking his shoulders and his hips, feeling him throb in your constricting mouth, just a little tighter to prolong his orgasm, making it a little more difficult so he had to chase it, his handsome face wincing, black strands fallen over his eyes, his body humming with energy and arousal, so close, you could see it, smell it, hear it, his suppressed hisses and darting eyes, taking in the whole image, your back, the curve of your ass, your hands on his thighs, fingers splayed out, your mouth on him, taking him there, there, earning his wanton moans and fluttering lashes, twitching hardness and then he threw his head back, neck straining against his buttoned collar, a perfect image, his hips bucking up, lost control, spilling into your throat with a sinful gasp, his chest prominent against the silk shirt and vest, begging to be freed from its confines.

You swallowed it all, savoring his strong taste, delicious as his body.

He lowered his head slowly, panting, his previously neatly combed hair messy now, cheekbones glowing with a faint sheen of sweat.

You licked him off just as slowly, finding his dark brown, cat-like eyes once more.

Yoongi smiled at you, cocking an eyebrow.

Your bodyguards would probably prefer you to stop here, but you had other plans.

You popped your mouth off, a drip of saliva snapping against your chin, rising, poised on red soles and leaning down, capturing that waiting smirk, one of your hands lifting to toy with the buttons on his vest. First undoing one. Then one more.

“Touch me,” you whispered.

Yoongi’s hands flew up and gripped your waist, promising all night.

Tonight was going to fun.

--

masterpost

[seyaryminamoto]

What got you into the amazing ship that is Sokkla?

Well, gee. Ancient history lesson time! xD

There's a couple of culprits, but ultimately, the one to blame is a certain furtive and clever commissioner of art who requested this piece from the epic @saniika:

I had been on an Azula kick because well, as any Azula fan is wont to do, I was very depressed by ATLA's outcome and I wanted Azula fics to save my broken heart x'D I tested the waters with a few pairings, they weren't exactly what I was looking for... and then while scouring DeviantArt for Azula art (there are some seriously good pieces and artists there), this particular piece showed up and I was genuinely mindblown... and admittedly, perplexed. I had no idea what was going on here, and I wanted to understand it xD I could tell there was a story behind it, but I couldn't find it! And so, I started looking at more Sokkla art and found that this very sneaky commissioner had INDEED requested a LOT of art based on her fic...!

... If you want to know how that particular, personal story goes, said commissioner became one of the best friends I've ever had in my entire life xD She's not active in the fandom anymore, but I love her to pieces and we talk daily. I once even wrote a breakdown of what she planned for her story, Majesty, as I recalled it... the post's somewhere in my archive haha xD I'll try to look it up and link it later if I remember to.

Anyway! I didn't get to know that future best friend of mine right away XD but I got hooked on the concept of these two before I even had a clue of what was going on with me. A certain anime called Bleach had already taught me the joys in testing the waters of ships that appeared impossible in canon, simply by testing if characters worked well together, if their dynamics were enjoyable... and I didn't really care if Sokka and Azula weren't together in canon, I just wanted to find out if this pairing was as good as it looked, ya' know?

Then, I got cajoled by another person I knew in the fandom (... that one I'm not friends with anymore, heh... things happen) to start writing fics about ATLA, a concept I was a little bit daunted by, but the idea he gave me sounded relatively fun. I came up with the concept for my first fic, Origins of Pro-Bending, and because I wanted Azula in there, being my favorite character and all, I figured I needed an excuse to feature her in the story! And what better excuse... than to make her Sokka's girlfriend! XD

It was a spur of the moment choice, and one I was mostly making for the sake of humor + curiosity at first. I was really intrigued by the ship but I wasn't quite fully aware of its wonders yet...

... Not until I wrote chapter 2, though. That one was basically a long one-on-one chapter where Sokka and Azula had a very big, strategic discussion about what they had to do for the sake of ensuring Aang was a true master of water, earth and firebending, and damn, it started to click so well for me that I was pretty shook by realizing these two worked incredibly smoothly together.

And by the time I wrote chapter... 4? 5? The first actual kiss scene I wrote between them, as a follow-up of Sokka tickle-attacking Azula and giving her reasons to laugh? I was a goner by then. I was so sold on them I couldn't see any other possibilities anymore x'D the concept for The Reason (the lead up and explanation of how they got together, and the fic that actually ended up being the very core of that "fic verse", if I can call it that xD) arrived a little later for me, and I was so passionate about exploring the way they'd get together that I almost wanted to drop OoPB just to get to The Reason instead x'D

In the end, I went completely wild with these dorks. I had never found a burst of inspiration as powerful as the one they gave me...

And that was almost ten years ago! X'D will be ten years, exactly, in November. Completely insane, isn't it? I'm still here, still completely swept up by these two and still utterly fascinated by their relationship, their dynamics, their potential... I swear I wouldn't have been here for this long, with this much fire inside me still, if there wasn't something genuinely special in this ship. They're beautiful to me, I'm seriously grateful to be part of this community... and I'm very grateful, too, to the people who started it all for me <3 I don't want to imagine where I'd be right now if I weren't here, because frankly, I'm sure it would not be a better place than this one xD

[makeste]

some meta about Izuku, Katsuki, and trust

and choosing to trust is the real bridge that goes to accepting that person as a part of your live again and what the offender has to earn. I think the interesting aspect of Deku and Bakugou's relationship is that Deku has always trusted Bakugou, and I would say more than he had forgiven him at the start of the story (where he does show more frustration and resentment towards Bakugou's behaviour and see him as a jerk) but despite that he can always trust Bakugou to him himself, attested to

the fact that Deku feels very confident about how Bakugou will act or what Bakugou's true motives are and probably the reason why he always sees Bakugou as a hero despite his hurtful behaviour is because Deku 100% trusts Bakugou even if he's doing something disagreeable or that will hurt him. Knowing someone and trusting is not exactly the same and I see it as trust because of Deku willingness to be co-operative. On Bakugou's side he is mistrustful of Deku and thats where the communication

breaks down and there has been plenty of meta exploring why Bakugou has deep rooted problems around Deku and his journey is him taking accountability of that and changing to be a better person. While understanding and miscommunication get their fair due I think trust and mistrust are the true bedrocks of the bkdk river bed because that allows for how they can still be so connected despite the miscommunication (with Bakugou mistrust is mixed with some trust) because of knowing.

anon I really enjoyed this, thank you for sharing your thoughts! I concur with just about all of this, and this ask got me thinking a lot about the nature of trust, and how it applies to Izuku and Katsuki’s relationship.

I think a lot of people’s reactions to reading the sentence “Bakugou and Deku have always trusted each other” would pretty much be, “???” and “lol what.” like, yeah, sure. they trusted each other so much that Bakugou decided that throwing a tantrum for ten years would be an appropriate reaction to Deku trying to hold his hand. classic Trust, right there!!

lol but I honestly think this is true, though. it’s just that there are different... levels?? types?? of trust. let’s go with types. there are different types of trust, and what makes Izuku and Katsuki’s relationship so interesting to me is that it’s kind of the opposite of what these fictional rival-type relationships usually are. it’s basically the difference between knowing, and understanding.

okay so first of all let’s back up here to make sure we’re all on the same page. we’re defining trust as “firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone”, which is the Oxford Language definition and which works pretty well for me. you’ll note, btw, that the current relationship between Katsuki and Izuku more or less meets all four of these criteria.

reliability - both boys regard each other as dependable and are willing to rely on each other in a pinch (although Izuku is currently having some difficulty with that, but that’s another topic for another day).

truth - both are honest with each other, though not completely honest (this is the aspect that Katsuki still needs to work on, as he’s currently hiding his desire to atone).

ability - neither of them have any difficulty with this. Izuku admires Katsuki’s ability so much that he’s made it his own gold standard since childhood, and Katsuki respects Izuku’s ability enough that he made him his main rival, and never doubted that Izuku was qualified to receive OFA and become All Might’s heir.

strength - as with ability, this is another aspect of trust that neither of them has ever struggled with. in fact, a lot of their relationship struggles happened specifically because Katsuki never doubted Izuku’s strength, but feared it because he didn’t understand it.

so yeah. there’s a lot more trust between them than most people realize, I think. but the thing is that the type of trust they have is based more on knowing than understanding, and that’s where so much of their conflict stems from.

when I say knowing, I’m talking about the kind of awareness that comes from familiarity and experience. this is the type of trust that’s difficult to take shortcuts with, because it mostly just has to be accumulated over time. this is all about learning what someone is like through observing them and being around them. and it’s just as much about being known as well, because at the same time that you’re learning who the other person is, they’re learning about who you are. and that’s where trust starts to work its way in. it’s the slow unveiling of who you are, and laying it on the table piece by piece over time. and every time another little piece of you is revealed and accepted, and every time you accept one more piece of who the other person is in turn, that trust increases a little bit more. this type of trust takes a long, long time to build up, but in exchange the foundation it creates is pretty much rock-solid and nigh-indestructible.

understanding, on the other hand, to me is more instinctual. it’s about empathy and insight. and the interesting thing is that it’s possible to know someone for years upon years, and yet never truly understand them. and on the flip side, it’s also possible to understand someone within minutes of meeting them, even if you know almost nothing about them. if “knowing” is about learning who someone is, I would say that “understanding” is about learning why they are who they are. this type of trust isn’t necessarily always mutual, but it does necessitate forming a connection with someone. because empathy is such a critical component of it, it’s basically impossible to understand someone and not form an emotional connection to them in some way. this type of trust can be far more powerful and intense than the “knowing” type of trust, but the flip side is that it can sometimes be less stable and easier to break.

I think that the majority of fictional relationships, especially the ones that become really popular ships, are based more around the latter type of trust because of its intensity and unpredictability and potential for story development. the thing is, both of these types of trust are necessary for a good ship (and when I say “ship”, I’m talking about both romantic and platonic relationships just fyi). if neither type of trust is present on at least some level, then there’s really no foundation to start building up the relationship. so most of the time a ship will start out with one or the other, and then over the course of the story they'll work on building up whichever one was lacking.

and because of how stories work, the majority of the time we’re going to be dealing with characters who at first don’t know each other all that well. and so the relationships we get are ones where the characters first form some kind of emotional connection that builds understanding, and then over time they start to learn more about each other and build up that kind of trust as well. I feel like 90% of ships have this kind of dynamic. it’s the basis for things like enemies-to-lovers, fake dating AUs, and basically any kind of trope in which the characters get stuck somewhere and are forced to spend a lot of time together. it’s good, and it works.

but the fascinating thing about the relationship between Izuku and Katsuki, though, is that it’s actually the exact opposite of this. the premise of Izuku and Katsuki's story is that these are two people who’ve known each other their entire lives, but have almost no understanding of each other whatsoever. they know almost every little detail about each other, so much that they hardly even think about it. but all of their conflict is based on the fact that understanding between them is basically nonexistent.

and to me this is such an intriguing dynamic. the two of them know each other like the back of their hand. they’re familiar with the smallest habits. they can predict each other’s actions. they know how the other person thinks. and they have the kind of trust that comes with having seen the other at both their best and their worst. Katsuki is capable of letting his guard down around Izuku in a way he doesn’t do around anyone else. he cries in front of him on multiple occasions. he lets Izuku call him “Kacchan” long after their other childhood friends have stopped doing so. and even though he fears and resents Izuku’s strength early on, he also subconsciously acknowledges it in ways that even he doesn’t realize (e.g. “don’t you dare get into U.A.,” rather than “you can’t get in” or “you won’t get in”). he knows Izuku.

but he doesn’t understand Izuku. he knows who he is, but he doesn’t understand why. he knows that Izuku is strong, but he can't wrap his head around the nature of that strength. and because he lacks that understanding, this vital aspect of the trust between them is lacking, and is all too easily broken when Katsuki falls into the creek and Izuku tries to offer his help. Katsuki knows that Izuku is a good person, but he doesn’t understand that goodness, that selflessness, and so he’s mistrustful of it.

on the flip side of the coin, however, Izuku has the utmost faith in Katsuki. to him, Katsuki is the strongest, smartest, most capable and most amazing person in the world (aside from All Might). and Izuku, unlike Katsuki, actually does understand his childhood friend at least a little bit. he understands Katsuki’s reasons for wanting to be a hero. he understands that Katsuki is not just mindlessly pursuing strength. he understands that Katsuki’s motivation is about overcoming obstacles and beating challenges. and most importantly, he understands that Katsuki, in spite of everything he’s said and done to Izuku over the years, is fundamentally a good person.

and this is crucial. because, along with the bond of familiarity they’ve built up together over the years, it’s this other, one-sided bond of understanding that is responsible for their relationship enduring for as long as it did despite everything. as you put it, anon, Izuku’s trust is ultimately what becomes the bridge between them. on some level, he trusts in Katsuki’s innate goodness. he believes in it in spite of all of Katsuki’s attempts to persuade him otherwise. e.g. when Katsuki suggests that he go jump off the roof, Izuku is hurt by the words, but he never once takes them to heart, because he knows on some instinctive level that Katsuki doesn’t mean them. and so he grumbles to himself about Katsuki needing to think before he speaks, but aside from that he never gives the words another thought.

Katsuki would no doubt consider this yet another example of Izuku not caring enough about himself or taking himself into account. but it really is more than that. the reason the words don’t cut deep in spite of them being vicious and well-targeted is simply because Izuku knows that Katsuki isn't truly that cruel. and he knows that on a level so deep that Katsuki is never able to break it despite his best efforts. he can’t break it, because there’s nothing to break, because it’s true. the reason the relationship endures in spite of everything is because deep down Katsuki is fundamentally a good person, and so Izuku’s trust, in the end, is based on truth. and so it never fully breaks, and eventually, it becomes reciprocated.

and that’s what their story is all about. it’s two people that have known each other their entire lives, but have to work in order to build their understanding of each other. unlike many ships, they start off already having that foundation of knowing and being known, and so their story instead is about forging that connection of empathy and insight. and it doesn’t come easily to them at all. but they keep at it.

anyway, so thank you again for sharing your thoughts on this, anon. I didn’t even get into the topic of forgiveness, but I agree with you about it being a process of letting go of negative feelings and resentment. I also agree that forgiveness is a separate thing from trust, but I do think trust plays a big part in one’s decision to forgive or not forgive. it's a lot easier to forgive if you have an understanding of the other person’s actions. and it’s also far, far easier to forgive if the offender’s actions are long in the past. and because the latter is now true in Katsuki’s case, that shows a pattern of him learning from his mistakes and not repeating them. which further builds trust, especially in the “reliability” department. and so even though forgiveness and trust are two separate things, they’re still connected. and in many ways, by working to rebuild the understanding between him and Izuku, Katsuki is also working towards earning Izuku’s forgiveness, even though that’s ultimately something that can never truly be earned, but can only be granted.

I’m not sure if I’m really making my point very clear here lol, but basically what I’m trying to say is that while the relationship may have once been one-sided in this aspect, it’s not anymore. it’s mutual, and they’re both putting the work in. and Katsuki is also doing his part without any guarantee or expectation of forgiveness on Izuku’s end. it’s unconditional. he’s doing it because he wants to atone. and he’ll continue to do it whether he’s forgiven or not. and that’s important. it’s important because it shows that the relationship has value to both of them. and it’s important because neither of them wants to lose it. they want to fix it; they want to make it stronger.

and ultimately what that means is that the relationship will continue to endure, despite their ups and downs. because even though it may have started out as something incidental -- two boys who just happened to become friends because they spent a lot of time together as children -- it’s not, anymore. it’s no longer just something that happened, something that just accidentally came together. it’s something that they’re both working to build. they want to trust each other. they want to understand one another. their relationship is no longer something that simply withstood and persisted -- it’s something that is now being nurtured. and you love to see it.

so let's see, how do I even begin to tl;dr this post lol. something something blah blah blah trust, understanding, childhood friends, knowing someone, having faith in someone, being the recipient of that faith, and working to become worthy of it. they're very confused, but they care about each other a lot, and they are good boys.

[metvmorqhoses]

How do you see Voldemort and Nagini's dynamic? Some people say he cared more about her than Bella but that has always indicated superficial understanding to me. Pure drivel. His reactions at both their deaths alone prove how much stronger his fondness was for Bella, despite Nagini being a Horcrux, not to mention the rest of their scenes.

You know, the dynamic between Voldemort and Nagini has always truly intrigued me. Their relationship has a true potential for complexity and meaning, to the point I’m sure it must have been born in depth. I can say this even while virtually knowing nothing about it. You can just sense its nature here and there, between the lines, suspended from silence to silence, as many of the various truths concerning Voldemort often are.

The possibilities regarding this dynamic are just endless and potentially so fascinating - if people would only stop being so impossibly absurd about it.

Speaking of which, and as much as I’m interested in this relationship and its possible wide ramifications, I absolutely cannot stand the custom widespread fashion of desperately trying to throw Bellatrix in the equation, an equation she absolutely does not belong to, and only with the aim of debasing her.

It drives me absolutely mad.

The implication that Voldemort cared more about his pet snake than Bellatrix is, of course, pure nonsense. Yet, if the said nonsense is actually genuine misreading of Voldemort’s rather normal actions or if it’s of a more “biased” nature, that is surely up to interpretation.

As far as I’m concerned, people are at best naively mistaking the damning-free displays of rather patronizing affection Voldemort bestowed upon Nagini (the pet which carried a part of himself) with the carefully conceived, always quite suggestive (and way different in nature!) acts of fondness he reserved to Bella only (amongst the entire human race), many times almost as if despite himself and possibly not even quite realizing it - or at worst they are purposely choosing the interpretation that serves their own personal agenda better.

And in my experience it’s sadly always the latter.

The thing that really irks me, beyond personal opinions or beliefs, is that the entirety of those "theories" regarding Nagini always seem to be devised to somehow threaten Bellatrix and the special place she held in Voldemort’s... heart?, instead of coming from genuine literary analysis or curiosity towards certain obscure aspects of the story.

The only true interest every single hp sub-fandom seem to share is the obnoxious goal of lessening Bellatrix - one of the strongest and most complex characters of the series, not to mention the strongest and most complex female character in there -, while at the same time shaping every single ridiculous love interest of Voldemort (be that Harry, Hermione or original character) specifically after her, sometimes even consciously and/or explicitly drawing parallels.

Even while theorizing Bellatrix being secretly a horcrux, thing that may sound at first pretty deep and even "romantic", people are somehow implicitly diminishing her unframable importance to Voldemort, while at the same time denying him his own right to complexity, because of course he could only egoistically (do find me a real relationship with no egoism involved, even between parents and children, I'll wait) "care" for a vessel of a torn piece of his own disgusting soul, right?

This not only tells me people lack understanding and taste, but it also shows me that pretty much everyone deep down to some degree does sense Bellamort's value, to the point of it probably becoming intolerable in the face of their non-canon subpar ships. How can these two monstrous people have something so inexplicable, intense and special going on? How can we deny it? How can we copy it?

Quite simply, they feel the need to bash what they cannot understand but inadvertently feel the superiority of.

To this add the fact that Bella is too much of an "unconventionally" powerful woman not to be automatically hated by society even as a fictional character, pared with the holier-than-thou exaggerated importance Rowling gave Dumbledore's opinions (because he states himself they are just that, opinions and deductions - and as much as I love Dumbledore as a character precisely because of this perfectly masked villainy, I'm astonished by the way characters and readers alike merrily ignored his duplicity, toxicity and hypocrisy, blindly believing everything such a person was literally selling for the truth), and here you have the perfect storm.

So yes, the Nagini debate is in my opinion part of this widespread sad phenomenon, the "Voldemort cannot feel (but Tom could and only for the characters I want to!)" crusade paired with the "Bella would have never been the object of it anyway" reassuring propaganda.

People are not so much interested in how much Voldemort cared for Nagini nor the nature of their relationship, as in stating that he didn't care about Bella to the point of his equally unemotional, once human and now evil snake was more important to him than the one sentimental relationship of his existence (and only because said pet was a horcrux).

Putting Bella at Nagini's level or under it in this way strips her of her value, her power and the deep meaning of what she and Voldemort shared, easily making her less than a woman and quite akin to some sort of faithful adoring slave or fellow pet of whom even a magical snake is nonetheless superior (of course unless we are talking about people who believe Nagini to be the romantic interest here lol in that case we are just wildly venturing into ooc and non canon and I won’t even bother to try to make them see sense - as long as they are aware it’s an au, they can ship whatever brings them joy).

Not only I find all this absolutely squalid, but I’m even quite astonished people find it a valid argument against Bellamort even in the most general declination of the issue. Nagini is a pet.

(Nagini is obviously not a normal pet, nor I think Voldemort saw her as one would an average animal, but she is nevertheless very akin to one in his eyes, so I’m using the term as I would use it for my own cat, considering him his own valuable, intelligent person but nonetheless an extension of me).

With this I don’t want absolutely to imply animal companions cannot be adored more than human people, because I think it’s absolutely the case and especially when we talk about a person like Voldemort and his views towards humanity as a whole, but, honestly, to what absurd minds a pet and a love interest are mutually exclusive or even belonging in the same argument?

How can you dream of disproving someone’s feelings for a person bringing up an animal - and a horcrux? Even if Voldemort cared about Nagini, because he did and probably for more than one valid reason, what the hell does Bellatrix have to do with it? You don’t see the fandom comparing Ginny to Edwige or Ron to Crookshanks or Hermione to fucking rat Peter Pettigrew (to whom Ron bestowed oceans of affection while being an outward dick to Hermione by the way lol), stating that if the heroes doted on their pets than they didn’t give a fuck about humans.

If we follow this logic, I bet every pet in existence was more lavished with open affection than the actual people their humans cared about. Why? Because it’s socially acceptable and without consequence to show affection to pets, while if you show as little as a smile to another human being surely it is immediately perceived as damning.

Could the incarnation of evil send kisses to Bella over the fucking DE meeting table? Of course not (he actually threw her sexual innuendos over the said table, but I digress). Could he whisper sweet nothings to a gigantic snake everyone was terrorized of while ordering her to tear someone apart? Absolutely yes. It’s non-damning and absolutely socially appropriate, as much as caressing a cat while sitting on a tall armchair looking very villainous is socially cool lol

I am using silly examples to disprove silly theories and even in this case I think my point is quite blatant.

I understand people like to use the horcrux argument to link Voldemort’s care to his egoistical needs and being done with it, finally framing his grey areas in comforting bi-dimensional black.

It’s obvious Nagini was precious because she was an horcrux, in the sense it was imperative nothing happened to her, but if people are still convinced Voldemort sentimentally, genuinely cared about his own soul, more specifically its pieces, and that Nagini was on the other end of that affection, gosh if they are all in for a shock.

We are talking about pieces of a torn soul. We are talking about someone who did this to himself.

Voldemort horcruxes are precious because they are instrumental to his immortality, to prevent him the final indignity of death, not because he thinks his soul has intrinsic value.

As every narcissist he fucking loathes himself. He mutilated himself since tender age. He had always believed himself imperfect and marred, no matter how he tried to make up for it with exceptionality and power. Just as someone who feels psychologically dirty constantly tries to wash themselves, Voldemort shrouded himself in mythical heirlooms, titles and formidable magic to embellish the rotting corpse he had always felt he was.

To him, putting a piece of himself in something or someone else is not a honor to the receiver, I dare say much more a curse. This doesn’t mean he didn’t search for the best vessels to contain himself, always following the previously stated way of thinking. But certainly he would have never put a shred of himself in anything he truly cared about (hence why Bella couldn’t possibly be a horcrux, hence why Delphi was an accident, hence why he wanted to annihilate Harry - himself - with so much hatred).

The process of thought towards Nagini wasn’t “I found someone worthy of having a piece of me in them”, it was more “I found someone suitable to carry a piece of the burden of my immortality for me”. And Nagini, being the only living horcrux besides Harry (who wasn’t chosen and who wasn’t entirely a true horcrux), must have been perfect and therefore “special” for some logistical reason.

It would be interesting to know why. Was Nagini immortal for starters? Because I would imagine you would not make a temporary horcrux, even if we are talking about a lifespan of hundreds of years, right? Also, was Nagini aware of her former humanity? Was she such a potent magical creature she could somehow be constantly reborn (horoboros-like - also a nice dark parallelism to Dumbledore’s phoenix)? Was this why her venom had life-sustenance properties and could keep Voldemort alive and even in a temporary body (by the way “milking” a snake is a scientific term to indicate the act of collecting its venom, just saying for the zoophilists Nagimorts in the back). So many questions and so many options.

What makes his “affection” towards Nagini so interesting to me though, besides those obvious technical reasons, it’s the simple fact that Nagini was a talking part of himself that he actually seemed to get along with, and to the point of even developing for her some sort of fondness. I can totally see him punishing and disagreeing with Nagini and I quite enjoy seeing her acting as his voice of reason in fanfics, but the fact stands. He eventually grew to like her as he liked rare worthy people in different degrees - Snape, the Lestranges, Bella, etc.

We know very little about their relationship, so I can only say how I would have written their dynamic playing out, but in my mind Voldemort regarded Nagini as a very special and rather... accomplished creature.

I don’t view Nagini as a cursed desperate human being who is progressively more and more trapped in a snake’s body, eventually for good - the victim of a terrible and dehumanizing blood curse, as probably the movies implied. I view her as a powerful witch who has always felt more snake than woman since she was born and who embraced her own metamorphosis as some ascetic form of becoming, morphing into a magical snake both physically and, much more importantly, psychologically. She retains the superior intelligence of a witch, but there’s nothing human in her anymore, nor her mind nor her soul.

Does it ring a bell?

I think Voldemort would have adored such a creature as a companion (a pet yes, but in the sense I for example view my cat as my pet, almost a relative of a different kind, someone loyal, worthy, amusing, definitely not a human but perhaps even more valuable because of it). He would have even admired her change, seen it as an improvement, something he himself wanted to achieve, the self-sufficient perfection of the most intelligent of snakes. This dynamic totally makes sense, it leaves much space for depth and complexity and moreover it’s beyond in character for Voldemort.

It’s only my vaguely books-supported opinion, but I think Voldemort loved animals as much as he despised people. Animals, especially snakes, were his first and only “friends” as a child. He could possess their minds and make them do things. He admired their natural, guilt-free cruel instincts. While half-dead, he constantly inhabited animals and chose the wilderness as his hiding place. I view him as definitely one of those people who prefer the company of animals than of humans, but maybe it’s just me.

To conclude, because once again I accidentally wrote an essay, I totally believe Voldemort was “fond” of Nagini for her own spirit and nature, despite her major importance as a horcrux, and I recognize that scream at her death could have been as much for her as a person than for witnessing the last piece of his soul destroyed, but still I think that what Voldemort felt for Bella stands on a total different level and is completely different in nature and depth.

The reaction at Bella’s death tells it all, really. It’s incomparable to what he did when Nagini was killed. While Nagini was a loyal and I’m sure intimate non-human companion, she carried in her the object of Voldemort’s every fear, regret, hatred and I’m sure it definitely showed many times in their relationship - while Bella was, known to him or not, the symbol of his every hope, dream and even of his impossible salvation.