#and rigid societal structures!

[umactuallycallie]

Predictably, Heathcliff. I adore him. Every time a Goodreads review says he’s the villain an angel loses its wings.

[the-crooked-library]

so within the universe of Dune, gender roles abide by a rigid false dichotomy created by the bene gesserit - men lead the noble houses, while the women may join their order, and the powers of both are kept intentionally separate. at the same time, the plot demonstrates repeatedly that the role of paul atreides as a character is that of the border between the concepts juxtaposed within dichotomies: he is both an outerworlder and fremen, both harkonnen and atreides, both a duke and a disciple of the bene gesserit.

as such, it follows that within the in-universe gender structure, he occupies the roles of both male and female, thus being functionally and societally nonbinary. in this essay, i will -

[gyuuberryy]

a love affair in colour

pairing: art tutor!jay x princess!reader

synopsis: as a princess exploring her artistic passions, you’re drawn to jay, your mesmerising art teacher whose lessons stir more than just creativity. what begins as a quest to master your craft quickly becomes a whirlwind of tension and forbidden desire. with every brushstroke and shared moment, the line between teacher and lover blurs. but when societal barriers and personal doubts threaten your connection, will you both find a way to embrace a future together, or will your love remain a beautiful but fleeting masterpiece?

genre: strangers to lovers, forbidden relationship, comfort

warnings: kissing, lots of tension, mentions of status difference, angst, a little suggestive

note: i used my experience in art to detail all the content related to it so bear with me if it seems a little modern, i don't know much about how they did art in the olden times. also jay just constantly raises my standards??? i love that man so much he's so husband material it hurts TT enjoy reading!

word count : 11.1k

royally yours masterlist | prev:heeseung | next: jake

if you liked it please reblog or comment to give me your feedback! <3

you’ve always been drawn to art. as a child, while other princesses were learning courtly etiquette or practising diplomacy, you were sneaking into the gardens to sketch the trees or hiding in your chambers, fingers stained with ink as you copied paintings from the castle’s grand halls. but those were mere indulgences, fleeting escapes from the rigid structure of royal life.

when your parents noticed your growing talent, they encouraged it—as a hobby, of course. something to amuse yourself with between diplomatic meetings, public appearances, and the pressures of royal expectations. but for you, art was never just a pastime. it was a passion. an escape. a way to express the parts of you that didn’t fit into the carefully curated image of a princess.

so, when you told your parents you wanted to pursue art seriously, it was met with initial resistance. a princess has duties, obligations, responsibilities. but you persisted, and eventually, they relented. if you were going to study art, they wanted the best for you. that’s how jay came to the palace—an accomplished artist in his own right, though he came from modest beginnings. he was hired to help you master the craft before your trip to paris, where you’d study under the finest artists in the world.

jay’s reputation preceded him. he was known not only for his skill but for his ability to bring out the best in his students. when he arrived at the palace, you were both eager and nervous, unsure of what to expect.

your first meeting was in the grand studio, a room that had once been your sanctuary. now, as you stand by the window, gazing out over the palace grounds, you feel the weight of what’s to come. you’re no longer a novice; this isn’t just a casual hobby. this is the beginning of something serious, something real. and the thought of it is both exhilarating and terrifying.

the door creaks open behind you, and you turn to see him—jay. he’s younger than you expected, though older than you by a few years. his clothes are simple, a stark contrast to the luxury of your surroundings, yet he wears them with a quiet confidence. his dark hair is tousled, as though he’s just come from a long day at work, and there’s a certain intensity in his eyes, a focus that makes your stomach flip.

“your highness,” he greets, bowing low.

“please, just my name,” you say quickly, hoping to dispel some of the formality that hangs between you. “if we’re to work together, there’s no need for titles.”

he straightens, and for a moment, you think you see a flicker of something—surprise? amusement?—in his expression, but it’s gone as quickly as it came. “very well,” he says simply. “shall we begin?”

you nod, feeling a mix of anticipation and nerves as you lead him to the easel set up near the window. it’s been prepared for your first lesson, a blank canvas stretched taut, waiting for the first stroke of charcoal or paint. you’ve done this before, hundreds of times, but never under the watchful eye of a teacher like jay.

“before we begin,” he says, setting his bag down on the table, “tell me why you want to do this. not because you have to—because you want to.”

his question catches you off guard. you’d expected him to dive straight into the technical aspects of drawing or painting, not to ask about your motivations. but there’s a seriousness in his tone that tells you he’s not just asking out of curiosity. he wants to understand. he wants to know you.

“i’ve always loved art,” you admit, folding your hands in front of you, feeling a little exposed. “it’s the one thing that’s mine. in a world where so much is decided for me, art is where i get to choose. it’s... freedom.”

jay nods slowly, as if weighing your words. “art is freedom,” he agrees quietly. “it’s expression. it’s telling the world who you are without saying a word. but it’s also discipline. and commitment. if you’re serious about this, i’ll push you. i’ll make sure you’re challenged. does that sound like something you’re ready for?”

your heart beats faster. his intensity is palpable, and it’s hard not to be swept up in it. “yes,” you say, though the word comes out softer than you intended. “i’m ready.”

he regards you for a moment longer, then reaches into his bag, pulling out a small sketchbook and a piece of charcoal. “we’ll start with something simple,” he says, handing you the charcoal. “i want you to draw me.”

you blink, surprised. “draw you?”

“it’s a good exercise,” he explains, moving to stand a little distance away. “if you can capture the essence of a person, you can draw anything.”

your fingers tighten around the charcoal as you sit at the easel, facing him. it feels strange, having him as the subject. his features are sharp, defined, but there’s something else—an intensity in his gaze that makes it hard to concentrate. you take a deep breath and begin to sketch, the sound of the charcoal scratching against the canvas the only sound in the room.

it’s not easy. his face is a study in contrasts—strong jawline, soft eyes, dark brows furrowed in concentration as he watches you work. you find yourself getting lost in the details, trying to capture the exact curve of his lips, the shadow beneath his cheekbone. but the more you focus, the more elusive it becomes.

“you’re overthinking it,” jay says suddenly, breaking the silence. he moves behind you, close enough that you can feel the warmth of his body, though he doesn’t touch you. “you’re focusing on the parts, not the whole. step back. see the bigger picture.”

you try to follow his advice, but his presence behind you is distracting, and the scent of him—earthy, with a hint of something fresh—fills your senses. your heart beats faster, though you try to ignore it.

jay steps closer, his breath warm against your ear. “here,” he says softly, reaching out to guide your hand. his fingers brush yours, sending a jolt through your body, and you almost drop the charcoal. “loosen your grip. let the lines flow.”

you do as he says, though your heart races at his nearness. his hand lingers over yours for a moment too long before he pulls away, but the connection between you doesn’t fade. the air feels charged, as if something unsaid hangs between you.

when you finish the sketch, it’s rough, imperfect, but there’s something there—a spark of life, of emotion. jay leans over your shoulder to examine it, his expression unreadable.

“better,” he says after a moment, his voice low and approving. “you’ve captured something real here.”

you look at the drawing again, trying to see what he sees, but all you can think about is the way his hand felt over yours, the way his voice seemed to wrap around you like a secret.

as he moves to gather his things, you realise that this is just the beginning. the first lesson. but already, something has shifted between you. something neither of you can name yet, but it’s there—in the shared glances, the lingering touches, the unspoken connection.

and as jay turns to leave, promising to return for your next lesson, you can’t help but wonder if this is really just about art—or if something far more dangerous has already begun.

the days following your first lesson with jay felt like a strange new rhythm. art had always been a deeply personal escape for you, something that existed in the quiet moments between royal duties, but now it had become something more. each session with jay stirred something inside you—not just the desire to improve, but a spark of something you couldn't quite name.

jay had been nothing but professional, his focus always on your craft. but beneath his calm demeanour, there was an undercurrent, a kind of intensity in the way he looked at you during your lessons. it was subtle, barely noticeable, but it was there, like the brushstrokes of a painting hidden beneath layers of paint.

today, as you enter the studio, you feel it more than ever. the room is bathed in soft light, the kind of glow that makes everything seem warmer, softer. jay is already there, setting up supplies on the table, his back to you. you watch him for a moment, your eyes tracing the broad lines of his shoulders, the way his hands move with such precision and care.

“good morning,” you say, finally breaking the silence. your voice comes out softer than you intended, the room swallowing the sound.

he turns, a brief smile crossing his face. “good morning.” there’s a hint of warmth in his tone, but as always, it’s controlled, measured. jay has never been one to show too much emotion, though lately, you’ve caught glimpses of something more.

“i thought we’d try something different today,” he says, gesturing to the large canvas in the corner of the room. “i want to work on your observation skills.”

you nod, intrigued. “what do you have in mind?”

instead of answering immediately, jay picks up a chair and places it in the centre of the room, angled toward the sunlight. he then takes his sketchbook and charcoal, positioning himself in front of the chair but far enough away that there’s space between you.

“i want you to sit,” he says simply, his eyes meeting yours for a moment before flickering away. “i’m going to sketch you.”

the request catches you off guard. “me? but... shouldn’t i be the one practising sketching?”

he smiles faintly, shaking his head. “today, i want you to feel what it’s like to be the subject. to understand how the artist sees you.” he glances at the canvas, and then back at you. “it’ll help you observe the world around you with more empathy, more connection.”

the thought of jay watching you, studying you so closely, makes your heart race. you’ve always been behind the canvas, never in front of it. to have his eyes on you, not just in passing but with the intention of capturing every detail—it feels strangely vulnerable.

but you trust him. there’s something about jay that puts you at ease, even when you’re unsure of yourself. so, you sit in the chair, adjusting your posture slightly, your hands resting in your lap.

“relax,” he says softly, his voice gentle. “you don’t have to pose. just be yourself.”

you try to do as he says, leaning back into the chair, though your heart is beating a little faster now. the room is quiet except for the faint scratch of his charcoal on the page, and you’re acutely aware of his gaze as it moves over you—your face, your hands, the way the light falls on your hair.

he works silently, his brow furrowed in concentration, and you find yourself watching him, trying to read the expression on his face. there’s a softness there that you hadn’t noticed before, a kind of careful attention that feels almost… tender.

for a while, neither of you speaks. you’re not sure how long has passed—minutes? hours? time seems to lose its meaning in this space, as if the world outside the studio doesn’t exist.

“so you want to pursue art huh?” jay’s voice breaks the silence, and you blink, surprised by the question.

“yes” you reply, shifting slightly in the chair.

he doesn’t look up from his sketch. “why did you choose art? out of everything you could have pursued?”

the question is one you’ve asked yourself many times. you think back to your childhood, to the afternoons spent sneaking away from your tutors to draw in the gardens, the way art always felt like a safe space in a world full of expectations.

“i think… it’s because art lets me be free,” you say slowly, choosing your words carefully. “in everything else, i’m the princess. i have to be perfect, poised, controlled. but with art, i can be messy. i can make mistakes. it’s mine.”

jay pauses, his hand hovering over the sketchbook for a moment before he continues. “freedom is important,” he says quietly. “especially for someone like you.”

there’s something in his tone, a weight to his words, and you wonder what he means by that. does he understand what it’s like to feel trapped by expectations? to want something more, something beyond the roles you’ve been given?

before you can ask, jay looks up, his eyes meeting yours for the first time since he started sketching. his gaze is intense, but not in a way that makes you uncomfortable. it’s more like he’s seeing you, really seeing you, in a way that no one else ever has.

“you have a natural grace,” he says softly, almost as if speaking to himself. “but it’s more than that. there’s something… untamed about you.”

your breath catches in your throat. no one has ever spoken to you like that before. not with such quiet certainty, as if they’ve seen beyond the surface of who you are.

you don’t know what to say. the air in the room feels heavier now, charged with something you can’t quite name. you shift in your seat, suddenly self-conscious under his gaze, but jay’s expression remains calm, thoughtful.

he tilts his head slightly, observing you with the same intensity he’s had since the beginning of the lesson. “there’s more to art than technique,” he says, his voice low. “it’s about connection. about understanding the person you’re drawing, not just how they look, but who they are.”

his words stir something inside you—a sense of being understood in a way you’ve never experienced before. you’re not just a princess in this room, not just another student. you’re you, with all your complexities and contradictions, and somehow, jay has seen that.

it makes you feel exposed in a way you hadn’t anticipated, and yet there’s a comfort in it, too. you’ve spent your whole life hiding parts of yourself, but with jay, it feels like you don’t have to.

finally, he sets the sketchbook aside, standing up and crossing the room to where you’re seated. he doesn’t hand you the sketch immediately, and for a moment, you wonder if he’s unsure about showing it to you.

“you can tell a lot about a person by how they draw,” he says quietly, standing in front of you now, his gaze unwavering. “but you can tell even more by how they let themselves be seen.”

your pulse quickens, the weight of his words settling deep within you. it’s not just about the sketch anymore—it’s about everything. the way you’ve been navigating these lessons, the way you’ve been letting him into your world, piece by piece.

he holds out the sketch to you, and when you take it, your fingers brush against his, a fleeting touch that lingers in your mind longer than it should.

the drawing is beautiful. he’s captured you in a way that feels both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. there’s a softness to your expression, a quiet strength in the lines of your face, and yet… there’s something else. something deeper.

“it’s beautiful,” you whisper, tracing the lines with your fingertips. “i’ve never seen myself like this before.”

jay watches you carefully, his expression unreadable. “that’s because no one’s ever looked at you like this before.”

the words hit you like a gentle wave, their meaning sinking in slowly. you glance up at him, unsure of how to respond. there’s a new tension between you now, but it’s not the kind that comes from desire or rushed feelings. it’s deeper than that—a connection, a shared understanding that goes beyond mere attraction.

for a moment, you sit in silence, the sketch resting in your lap as the light from the window shifts slightly, casting long shadows across the room. you can feel the change in the air, but neither of you moves to break it.

and as jay steps back, giving you space, you realise that this—whatever it is—will take time to fully unfold. you’re not rushing toward anything, but there’s something between you now, something real and undeniable.

but for now, you’ll let it simmer. there’s no need to rush. not yet.

the days have passed like pages in a book, each art lesson with jay slowly building a tension that you feel in the very air of the studio. his presence is constant but controlled, his touch fleeting yet always careful. you’ve found yourself looking forward to these lessons more than you’d ever anticipated, though not only for the sake of art. something else draws you here each time, something that’s harder to admit even to yourself.

when you arrive at the studio today, the familiar scent of paint and canvas greets you, mingling with the crisp morning air. jay is there, of course, already preparing the materials, his back to you as he arranges brushes and bottles of linseed oil. the sun filters in through the tall windows, casting long beams across the room, turning everything into shades of gold. today feels different, though you can’t quite pinpoint why.

he turns as you approach, offering you a brief smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. "good morning," he says, his voice as calm and composed as ever, though you think you detect a slight hesitancy behind his words.

"good morning," you reply, your heart already beating a little faster. the last few lessons have been charged with a new energy, a subtle yet undeniable pull between the two of you. you've tried to keep your thoughts focused on the art, but with each session, it’s become harder.

jay steps over to the large canvas he’s set up for today’s lesson. "we’re going to work on technique," he explains, holding up a palette of mixed colours, the vibrant hues blending like a sunset in his hands. "i want you to feel the texture of the paint, how the brush moves against the canvas. it’s all about control and release."

you nod, though the concept seems easier said than done. painting has always been more of a challenge for you, especially when it comes to finding that balance. jay, however, has a way of guiding you through each step without ever making you feel inadequate.

"let’s start with the basics," he says, handing you a brush. his fingers brush against yours for the briefest moment, and you feel a spark travel up your arm, though you’re sure he doesn’t notice.

you position yourself in front of the canvas, trying to steady your breathing as you dip the brush into the paint. the first few strokes are tentative, careful. you focus on the movement of your hand, but your mind is distracted by the weight of jay’s presence behind you. it’s as if the air in the room has thickened, every sound, every movement, magnified.

jay watches in silence for a few moments, then steps closer, so close that you can feel the warmth of his body behind you. "here," he murmurs softly, his voice right beside your ear. "let me show you."

before you can respond, he places his hands lightly on your waist, adjusting your stance. the touch is firm but gentle, and it sends a shockwave through your body. your breath catches in your throat, and for a moment, you’re hyper-aware of every point of contact—his hands on your hips, the warmth of his chest just inches from your back.

"relax," he whispers, his voice low and calming, though you can hear a slight strain in it, like he’s carefully keeping something in check. "you’re too tense."

easier said than done. you can barely think straight with him so close, let alone concentrate on the canvas. but you try, forcing yourself to take a breath, to focus on the task at hand. jay doesn’t move away. instead, he steps even closer, his chest nearly brushing your back as he moves his hands from your waist to your arm, guiding your wrist as you hold the brush.

"feel the paint," he says, his breath warm against your ear. "don’t fight it. let it flow."

his hand wraps around yours, firm but careful, and he moves your arm in a slow, fluid motion. the brush glides across the canvas with ease, the paint spreading in smooth, even strokes. his touch is light but deliberate, and you find yourself following his lead, your body responding to the way he directs the movement.

"you’re doing well," he murmurs, and you can feel his breath against your neck, sending shivers down your spine. "just like that."

the room feels smaller, the air thicker, as if the space between you is shrinking with each passing second. you try to focus on the canvas, but it’s impossible with jay so close. his presence is overwhelming, consuming, and you’re acutely aware of every shift, every movement.

"you don’t need to force it," he continues, his voice barely above a whisper now, his lips dangerously close to your ear. "let the brush move with you."

you nod, though your throat is too dry to speak. the closeness between you is intoxicating, and you can feel the tension building with each breath you take. jay’s hand tightens slightly around yours, and for a moment, you wonder if he feels it too—the pull, the unspoken connection that seems to have grown stronger with each lesson.

he guides your hand in another slow stroke across the canvas, but this time, the brush slips slightly, leaving a streak of paint that’s a little too heavy. you let out a soft, frustrated sigh, but jay only chuckles, the sound low and warm.

"don’t worry about perfection," he says, his voice rumbling in your ear. "art isn’t about being perfect. it’s about feeling."

his hand lingers on yours a moment longer before he lets go, stepping back slightly. the sudden absence of his touch leaves you feeling off-balance, as if the ground beneath you has shifted. you exhale a breath you didn’t realise you were holding and lower the brush, your heart still racing.

"good," jay says, his voice a little more distant now as he moves back to the table. "you’re getting better. it’s all about control and release, but it takes time to find that balance."

you nod, though your mind is still reeling from the intensity of the moment. you’ve never felt so aware of your body, of your own reactions, as you do when jay is close like that. it’s as though he knows exactly how to touch you, how to guide you, without ever crossing the line—but just barely.

you place the brush down on the easel, turning to face him. jay is busy cleaning the palette, his face unreadable as he focuses on the task. but there’s something different about the way he holds himself, a tension in his posture that wasn’t there before.

"thank you," you say softly, breaking the silence that has settled between you. your voice sounds a little shaky, but you hope he doesn’t notice.

he glances up at you, his eyes meeting yours for a brief moment before flickering away. "it’s my job," he replies, but there’s something in his tone—something almost… uncertain.

the silence that follows is heavy, filled with the unspoken tension that has been growing between you for weeks. you can feel it in the way he looks at you, in the way his hands linger just a little too long when he helps you. it’s as though you’re both standing at the edge of something, but neither of you knows how to take the next step.

finally, jay sets the palette down and steps back, putting a little more distance between you. "we’ll keep working on this," he says, his voice returning to its usual composed tone. "you’re improving, but there’s still more to learn."

you nod, feeling a little breathless, though you’re not sure if it’s from the painting or from the closeness you just shared. "i’ll keep practising," you say, though the words feel almost trivial in the weight of the moment.

jay gives you a small smile, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. "good," he says softly, before turning back to his brushes. "we’ll pick up again tomorrow."

you linger for a moment, watching him as he carefully cleans the paint from his hands, his movements precise and controlled. and as you leave the studio, you can’t shake the feeling that something has changed between you, something that neither of you can ignore for much longer.

the pottery studio feels different today. the atmosphere is heavy, thick with anticipation, but you try to ignore it as you sit at the wheel, your hands already messy with clay. the wheel spins slowly beneath your fingers, but no matter how many times you’ve tried, the clay refuses to cooperate, collapsing into a lump before you can give it any real shape. you groan in frustration, watching another failed attempt crumble under your touch.

“take your time. it’s all about feeling the clay, not controlling it,” jay says softly from behind you, his voice calm but carrying that familiar undercurrent of something unspoken. he’s watching closely, his presence as steady as always, but today it feels more intense—like a subtle hum in the air that makes the space between you vibrate with tension.

you sigh, wiping your hands on your apron. "i don’t think i’m getting this at all," you mutter, staring down at the shapeless mound on the wheel. pottery has proven to be a far bigger challenge than painting—there’s something about the unpredictability of the clay that throws you off balance.

jay steps closer, his footsteps almost silent on the studio floor. "you’re too tense," he observes, his voice low and measured. "let me show you."

before you can respond, he’s already moving behind you. the air shifts as his body nears, and suddenly, you can feel the heat of him pressing close. he slides onto the bench behind you, his legs on either side of yours. the intimate position makes your heart race instantly, your pulse quickening in response to his proximity. his chest brushes your back, his breath warm on the side of your neck, and suddenly it’s hard to focus on anything other than how close he is.

he pauses his movements. “is it okay if i sit behind you like this? i may need to touch your hands as well.”

you nod at his soft words, “yes that’s alright.”

the studio feels smaller, the world outside forgotten as you’re enveloped by his presence. you can feel the solid warmth of his chest against your spine, the way his thighs gently cage yours. every point of contact feels electric, the tension simmering between you palpable.

“relax,” he murmurs, his voice almost a whisper, low and soothing. his breath brushes the shell of your ear, sending a shiver down your spine. “you’re trying too hard to control it. you have to let the clay respond to your touch.”

his hands move to cover yours, his fingers sliding over your clay-streaked knuckles. his touch is firm but gentle, guiding your hands to the wheel as it starts spinning once again. the sensation of his fingers wrapping around yours sends a ripple of awareness through your body, and for a moment, all you can focus on is the warmth of his skin, the weight of his hands over yours.

"feel the clay," jay instructs, his voice quiet but filled with intent. his breath is warm against your ear, and the proximity, the intimacy of the moment, makes it nearly impossible to concentrate. "it moves with you. let it guide you."

his hands press lightly against yours, directing your fingers as they glide over the surface of the clay. the wheel turns slowly beneath your palms, the soft texture of the clay smoothing out under the pressure. you try to focus on the task at hand, but the sensation of his body against yours—the gentle weight of his chest pressed to your back, his legs framing yours—is overwhelming. the world narrows down to the feel of his touch, the sound of his steady breath so close to your ear.

"you need to feel the shape," jay continues, his voice lower now, more intimate. his hands move with yours, guiding your fingers as they dip into the soft clay. his touch is deliberate, patient, and it feels like he’s not just teaching you pottery, but something deeper, something far more personal.

your hands move together as you both shape the clay, your fingers sliding inside the hollow of the vase. the action is slow, almost sensual, and the suggestiveness of the movement doesn’t escape you. the pressure of his fingers over yours, the way his hands direct yours in shaping the delicate interior, feels too intimate, too deliberate. the tension that has been building for weeks now feels almost unbearable.

your breath quickens, your heart hammering in your chest, and you can feel the heat rising to your cheeks. jay’s chest presses more firmly against your back as his hands guide you deeper into the clay, shaping it from within. his fingers dip, mirroring yours, and the act of molding the vase becomes something far more intimate than you could have ever anticipated.

"just like that," jay whispers, his voice huskier than before, his breath hot against your ear. his hands slow, his fingers lingering on yours as you move together. the wheel spins quietly, the clay yielding to your touch, but it’s hard to focus on the art when the closeness between you feels like it’s about to explode into something more.

you can feel every movement of his chest against your back, the rise and fall of his breath growing uneven. the heat of his body is overwhelming, making it nearly impossible to concentrate on the clay. your pulse is racing, and you’re certain he can feel the way your body trembles slightly under his touch.

suddenly, you realise you can feel his heart. it’s beating erratically against your spine, matching the rapid rhythm of your own. the awareness crashes over you like a wave—he’s feeling it too. the tension, the pull between you, it’s not just in your head. his hands tighten slightly over yours, his chest pressing more firmly against your back, and for a fleeting moment, it feels like the world is tilting.

you bite your lip, trying to keep your breathing steady, but it’s impossible with him so close, with the weight of his body grounding you while simultaneously setting you on fire. your fingers dip into the clay once more, but all you can feel is the warmth of his hands over yours, the way his presence fills every corner of your mind.

jay’s breath hitches, barely audible, but you hear it. you feel it. the tension between you has been simmering for weeks, and now it’s at a boiling point, undeniable and heavy.

after what feels like an eternity, jay finally pulls his hands away, the absence of his touch leaving you cold and disoriented. his chest moves away from your back, and he stands slowly, as if he, too, is struggling to shake off the intensity of the moment.

"good work," he says, his voice quieter than usual, almost strained. he steps away from the wheel, his hands clenching and unclenching as though he’s trying to regain his composure.

you remain seated, your hands still coated in clay, your heart still racing. the silence between you is thick with everything unsaid. you can still feel the echo of his hands on yours, the warmth of his body lingering against your skin.

finally, you glance over your shoulder, your eyes searching his face for some kind of answer, some indication of what he’s thinking. but jay’s expression is unreadable, his gaze fixed on the now-complete vase on the wheel.

"you did well," he repeats, though his tone is quieter, almost distant. there’s something unresolved in the air, something that neither of you dares to acknowledge aloud.

as you stand, your legs unsteady, you can’t help but feel that something between you has shifted irreversibly. the line you’ve both been walking for weeks feels dangerously close to being crossed, and the question now is whether either of you is ready to take that step.

the last day of your art lessons starts with a sense of melancholy that you try to push away. you know that this will be your final session with jay, and although you’ve learned more than you could have imagined, the thought of no longer spending time with him feels like a loss. he greets you at the studio with his usual warm smile, but there’s something different about him today—a lightness that wasn’t there before.

“we’re not staying inside today,” jay says, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “i figured we’ve done enough of that. you’ve been using my supplies, so i thought it’s time you get your own.”

you blink, surprised by the suggestion. “you mean we’re going shopping?”

he nods, a small smile playing on his lips. “you deserve your own tools. besides, i want to show you my favourite spots.”

the idea excites you more than you’d expected. it feels intimate, personal—like he’s sharing a part of himself with you outside the confines of the studio. and so, you follow him out into the bustling streets, the city alive with activity as you walk side by side, the sky overhead a muted grey that promises rain.

the first shop is a small, unassuming place tucked between two larger storefronts, and you wouldn’t have noticed it if jay hadn’t pointed it out. inside, it’s a treasure trove of art supplies—shelves stacked high with paints, brushes, and sketchpads of every kind. the scent of paper and wood fills the air, and you can’t help but feel a little like a child in a candy store, overwhelmed by the endless possibilities.

jay moves through the aisles with ease, clearly at home here. he picks up brushes, testing their weight in his hand before handing them to you to feel. “this one’s perfect for detail work,” he says, holding up a fine-tipped brush. “and this,” he adds, pulling out a thicker, more rugged one, “is for broader strokes, more expression.”

you watch him as he speaks, his voice low and sure, and you find yourself more captivated by him than the tools he’s showing you. there’s something about the way his hands move with such confidence, the way he seems to understand the soul of each item, that draws you in. it’s a side of him you haven’t seen before, one that’s less restrained, more passionate.

he catches you staring, and a small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. “what?”

you quickly look away, feeling heat rise to your cheeks. “nothing,” you mumble, pretending to examine the brushes in front of you.

but you can’t hide your growing admiration for him, and you suspect he knows it. he moves closer, his arm brushing lightly against yours as he reaches for a set of soft pastels. “try these,” he says, handing them to you. “i think they’ll suit your style.”

you take the pastels from him, your fingers brushing against his in the exchange, and for a moment, the air between you feels charged. you swallow hard, trying to focus on the colours in your hand rather than the way his touch lingers in your mind.

from there, you move to the next shop, a slightly larger one filled with canvases of all sizes and shapes. jay pulls you toward a display of stretched canvas frames, explaining the difference between cotton and linen, the various textures and how they interact with different mediums. he talks with such enthusiasm that you can’t help but smile, his passion contagious.

“pick a few,” he says, gesturing to the rows of canvases. “you’re going to need a variety if you want to keep experimenting.”

you nod, feeling a sense of freedom in the choice. as you select your canvases, jay hovers nearby, occasionally offering suggestions but mostly watching with a quiet intensity that makes your skin prickle. you wonder what he’s thinking, whether he’s just as aware of the subtle tension that’s been growing between you over the weeks.

the third shop is more modern, filled with high-end supplies—gorgeous palettes of oil paints in jewel tones, sleek metal easels, and handcrafted wooden boxes for storing brushes. it’s clear jay has saved the best for last, and as you wander the aisles together, he shows you some of his favourites, his voice soft and reverent as he talks about the craftsmanship behind each item.

“i’ve always wanted one of these,” you say, running your fingers over a beautiful wooden palette, its smooth surface gleaming under the soft light. “it’s almost too nice to use.”

jay grins, standing beside you as he watches you admire it. “you should get it,” he says, his voice warm. “every artist needs something that feels special, something that inspires them to create.”

his words send a shiver through you, and you glance at him, the closeness between you suddenly palpable. the quiet intimacy of the moment, standing together in the softly lit store, surrounded by the tools of your shared passion, feels heavy with something unspoken. you nod, slipping the palette into your basket, trying to shake the fluttering in your chest.

as you leave the last shop, your arms full of bags and supplies, the sky opens up, releasing a sudden torrent of rain. the drops fall fast and heavy, soaking you within moments. you yelp in surprise, pulling your hood over your head, but it’s no use—you’re drenched almost immediately.

jay laughs, a rich sound that cuts through the noise of the rain. “looks like we’re in for it!” he shouts over the downpour, his hair already dripping wet as he holds a hand out to catch the rain.

you can’t help but laugh, your spirits lifting despite the sudden storm. the two of you stand in the rain for a moment, looking at each other, before jay suddenly grabs your hand.

“come on!” he says, pulling you into a run.

you follow him, laughing breathlessly as you race through the rain-soaked streets, splashing through puddles and dodging other passersby who huddle under umbrellas and awnings. the bags of art supplies jostle against your sides, but you barely notice, too caught up in the exhilaration of running with him through the storm.

the rain comes down harder, drenching you completely, your clothes clinging to your body and your hair sticking to your face. but none of it matters—you’re both laughing, the world around you a blur as you sprint through the narrow streets, your hand still held tightly in his.

jay pulls you into a narrow alleyway, ducking under a stone archway for shelter. it’s barely enough to shield you from the rain, but you’re both out of breath, giggling uncontrollably as you lean against the cold stone walls.

you’re both soaked, your clothes dripping water onto the ground, but the warmth between you is undeniable. jay’s hair is plastered to his forehead, droplets sliding down his face as he looks at you, his chest rising and falling with each breath.

you can feel the heat radiating from his body, even through the dampness of your clothes. you’re pressed so close to him in the narrow space that you can feel the tension building, the awareness of every inch of space between you—or rather, the lack of it.

jay’s laughter fades as his eyes meet yours, and for a moment, the air between you shifts. his gaze softens, his usual playful demeanour replaced by something more serious, more intense. you’re both still, the rain beating down around you, but inside this tiny archway, it feels like time has slowed.

he reaches up, his fingers brushing a strand of wet hair from your face, and the simple gesture sends a shiver down your spine. his hand lingers by your cheek, and you can feel the warmth of his touch even through the coolness of the rain.

for a moment, neither of you say anything, the space between you heavy with everything that’s gone unsaid. you can feel your heart racing, your breath catching in your throat as his eyes drop to your lips for just a second, but it’s enough to make your pulse quicken.

then, without thinking, without hesitation, he leans in.

the kiss is slow at first—tentative, as though he’s testing the waters. his lips brush against yours softly, almost delicately, and for a moment, it feels like the world stops. the rain, the city, everything fades away, and all that exists is the warmth of his mouth on yours, the softness of his kiss.

your heart stutters, your body frozen for a split second before you kiss him back, your hands finding their way to his chest. the kiss deepens, and the tension that’s been building between you for weeks unravels in a rush of heat and longing. his hands slide to your waist, pulling you closer, and you respond in kind, pressing into him as though you can’t get close enough.

the rain falls around you, forgotten, as you lose yourself in the kiss. there’s a desperation to it, like neither of you knows when—or if—you’ll ever get this chance again. it’s intoxicating, overwhelming, and everything you’ve been holding back spills out in that single kiss.

when you finally pull away, breathless, jay rests his forehead against yours, his hands still holding you close as though he’s afraid to let go. you’re both panting, your chest heaving as you try to catch your breath, but you can’t seem to move, can’t seem to break the connection between you.

the kiss lingers in the air, an invisible thread still tying you to jay even as the rain continues to fall. his forehead rests against yours, his breath shallow and quick, matching the erratic rhythm of your heart. for a moment, everything feels right, the world outside forgotten, the storm cocooning you in your own little universe.

but then something shifts. you feel it in the way his grip on your waist tightens briefly before loosening, in the way his eyes darken, filled with a sorrow that cuts through the joy of the moment.

he pulls back, just a fraction, enough to put space between you but not enough to break the connection entirely. his gaze drops to the ground, as though he can’t bear to meet your eyes.

“we… we can’t,” jay whispers, his voice heavy with regret.

the words hit you like cold water, the warmth of the kiss suddenly feeling distant. “what do you mean?” your voice is soft, confused, almost pleading. you take a step closer, unwilling to let him slip away. “jay, what are you saying?”

he sighs, running a hand through his damp hair, his shoulders tense. “you know what i mean,” he says quietly. “you’re a princess. you belong to a world of crowns and thrones, and i… i’m just your art teacher.”

you shake your head, the rain beginning to soak through your clothes, but you hardly notice. “i don’t care about that! my parents wouldn’t either. jay, this—this connection we have, it’s real. you can’t just pretend it isn’t.”

his eyes finally meet yours, and for a moment, you see the same longing reflected in them. but then he looks away again, his jaw tightening. “maybe your parents wouldn’t care, but i do. i won’t let you throw away your life for me. you have responsibilities, a future. i can’t be the reason you turn your back on all of that.”

your heart aches at his words, at the way he’s trying to protect you even as it tears you both apart. you reach for his hand, holding it tightly. “you’re not asking me to give anything up. i’m telling you what i want. you. you’re what i want, jay.”

he looks at your hand in his, and for a second, he doesn’t move, as though he’s frozen between what he wants and what he believes is right. “you don’t understand,” he says quietly. “you’re used to a life of luxury. i can’t give you that. i won’t let you settle for less.”

the frustration bubbles up inside you, mixing with the hurt. “it’s not about that. it never was. do you really think any of that matters to me if i’m not happy?”

jay’s gaze softens, but the doubt lingers in his eyes, a shadow of the barriers between you. “i need time,” he says, his voice pained. “i need to think about this.”

you bite your lip, the tears you’ve been holding back threatening to spill. “take all the time you need. just… don’t take too long. please.”

he nods, his face filled with a mix of guilt and sorrow. then, like the gentleman he is, he steps closer, offering you his arm. “let me take you home,” he says softly, his voice carrying a tenderness that only deepens the ache in your chest.

the walk back to the palace is quiet, both of you wrapped in your own thoughts, the sound of the rain the only noise between you. his arm around yours feels protective, grounding, but it’s bittersweet knowing that he’s still holding a part of himself back.

when you finally reach the palace gates, jay pauses, turning to face you. the light from the lanterns casts a soft glow over his features, and for a moment, it feels like time stands still.

“goodnight, princess,” he says, his voice gentle, though there’s an unmistakable distance in his tone now.

you look up at him, wanting to say something—anything—to make him stay, to convince him that this is worth fighting for. but the words stick in your throat. instead, you nod, forcing a small smile despite the heaviness in your heart.

“goodnight, jay.”

he gives you a final, lingering glance before turning and walking away, the rain continuing to fall as his figure disappears into the night. you stand there for a long time, watching him go, your heart aching with every step he takes.

as you finally turn and walk inside, the warmth of the palace feels stifling compared to the cool rain outside. the emptiness left in jay’s wake presses down on you, and the realisation that you might not see him again for a while hits you like a blow.

in the days that follow, the quiet is suffocating. you try to fill your time with painting, with other lessons and royal duties, but nothing seems to lift the weight pressing on your chest. each moment stretches on, and the palace, usually filled with the comfort of familiarity, now feels hollow without him.

your parents notice your change in mood but don’t pry, their knowing glances suggesting they’re aware that something more than art is on your mind. still, you keep jay’s name on the tip of your tongue, unable to speak it without feeling the ache of uncertainty.

and so, you wait. you wait for a letter, for a word from him—anything to tell you that he hasn’t let go, that he’s still thinking about you as much as you are about him. but with each passing day, the silence only grows louder, the doubt harder to ignore.

what if he doesn’t come back? what if he decides you aren’t worth the risk?

the thought makes your heart tighten painfully. you sit in your art studio, staring at an unfinished painting, the brush limp in your hand, as you wonder if jay is fighting the same battle within himself.

it feels like an eternity has passed since that rainy day, since that kiss that felt like the world shifted. and now, all you can do is hope that he finds his way back to you before it’s too late.

the days stretch long and quiet after that night in the rain, and the distance between you and jay feels more unbearable with each passing moment. you keep replaying his words, the look in his eyes, the way he had kissed you—like he wanted to hold on forever but didn’t know if he should.

you throw yourself into your art, hoping the colours and brushstrokes will distract you from the weight of his absence. but the empty space he’s left behind is hard to ignore, especially as you finish the final piece you’d been working on for weeks—a vibrant painting of a parisian street, your future awaiting you there.

paris. the word itself sounds like a dream. the trip is supposed to happen soon—your long-awaited opportunity to study art in the heart of a city known for its creativity and beauty. it’s everything you’ve worked toward, yet now the thought of leaving without jay feels hollow.

what was once the pinnacle of your aspirations now feels incomplete. you had imagined this adventure, this new chapter of your life, and pictured jay being a part of it. but now, with his silence lingering between you, you’re uncertain of whether he’ll still be there when it begins.

sitting at your desk, you stare down at the blank parchment, the quill hovering in your hand. you haven’t spoken to jay since he walked away that night, but you can’t bear to leave for paris without reaching out, without giving him one last chance to understand how much he means to you.

the words come slowly at first, but then they start to pour out, your emotions and thoughts spilling onto the page.

dear jay, it feels strange writing to you after all this time—after all the moments we shared that now seem so far away. i’ve been thinking about what you said that night, about how we come from different worlds, about the future you think i deserve. but you need to know that none of it matters to me if you’re not a part of it. i’ve wanted this trip to paris for as long as i can remember, to learn from the best, to immerse myself in art and culture. it’s something i’ve dreamed about for years. and yet, now, as the day of my departure gets closer, all i can think about is you. i don’t want to go to paris and leave you behind, wondering what could have been. you’re as much a part of my passion for art as any paintbrush or canvas. you’ve shown me new ways to see the world, to express myself, and i’ll always be grateful for that. but more than that, you’ve become someone i can’t imagine my life without. i know you think i’m giving up too much, that i’m risking my future. but my future isn’t just about royal duties or titles. it’s about choosing the life i want—and i choose you, jay. i wish you could see that. paris is calling, but so are you. i can only hope that when you think of me, it’s with the same longing that fills every moment of my days without you. i hope that when you think of our time together, you’ll realise that this isn’t about status or sacrifice—it’s about love. i’ll be leaving soon after my birthday, but before i go, i need to know: will you come with me? or will i have to leave you behind? with love, [your name]

after sealing the letter, your heart is heavy with both hope and fear. you send it to jay, knowing that the next move is his. each day that passes without a response stretches the wait longer, the ache of uncertainty growing.

you try to stay busy with preparations for your trip, packing supplies and finishing your artwork. your parents notice the change in you—the excitement for paris dimmed by something you can’t quite bring yourself to share with them yet. they ask if you’re nervous, if you’re ready for the adventure, and you smile, telling them what they want to hear. but deep down, all you want is to hear from jay.

paris is just around the corner, but so is the decision you’re waiting for—the choice that could change everything.

the ballroom is a swirl of colour and laughter, filled with nobles, artists, and well-wishers all gathered to celebrate your birthday. the chandeliers above glitter like stars, casting a golden glow over the elegant space, and the music weaves through the conversations like a living thing, light and joyous. your parents spared no expense for this occasion, not only to mark your birthday but also to celebrate the upcoming adventure to paris.

it’s your birthday ball, but your mind is elsewhere, your heart tugged toward a memory that refuses to leave. you stand in front of your painting, the centrepiece of the night, hanging proudly on display for all to see. nobles and artists alike gather around it, marvelling at the vivid colours and delicate brushstrokes. you nod and smile politely as they offer praise, but inside, your thoughts are distant, wandering to a day not long ago when everything felt simpler.

the painting is of the marketplace—a bustling, lively scene full of energy and warmth. it’s the day you and jay had gone shopping together for art supplies, the day you let yourselves be ordinary, blending in with the crowds. the colours are bright and rich, capturing the vibrant chaos of the market: vendors calling out, the smell of freshly baked bread, the sound of coins clinking and people bartering for goods. in the corner of the canvas, nestled in the shadows of an alley, is a small, quiet space. it’s where you and jay had shared a moment away from the crowd, a stolen minute of peace amidst the noise, where the world had seemed to slow just for the two of you.

every brushstroke is infused with that memory—the warmth of the sun on your skin, the soft brush of his hand as he reached for yours, the unspoken connection that had blossomed between you in that hidden corner of the market. it was a day that felt like freedom, a glimpse of something more, something forbidden but undeniably real.

“your highness, it’s simply breathtaking,” someone says beside you, pulling you momentarily back to the present. a noblewoman in an exquisite gown stands at your side, her eyes wide with admiration as she gazes at the painting. “the light, the detail… it feels as though i’m standing there in the market myself.”

you nod and smile, offering a polite thank you, but her words barely register. all you can think about is him.

the weight of his absence has been heavy, pulling at your heart with every passing day, each one more difficult than the last. and now, on the night of your birthday, as you prepare to embark on a new chapter, all you can think about is the chapter you left unfinished.

you glance at the painting again, tracing the familiar lines of the marketplace, the hidden alley. that was the moment you knew there was something between you and jay, something more than just student and teacher, more than just friendship. it was the moment you allowed yourself to hope. but now, standing here alone, you wonder if that hope was misplaced.

and then, through the hum of voices and the soft strains of music, you hear it—a voice that sends a jolt through your entire body.

“you captured it perfectly.”

the sound of his voice makes the air around you seem to freeze. your heart skips a beat, your breath catching in your throat. slowly, you turn toward the source, and there he is—jay, standing just a few steps away, his eyes locked on the painting, his expression a mixture of awe and something deeper, something raw.

for a moment, you’re not sure if you’re dreaming. after weeks of waiting, of wondering, here he is, standing before you, his presence filling the space that had felt so empty without him. he looks different tonight—still himself, but dressed in a way that blends with the formality of the event. yet, there’s something in his posture, in the way his dark eyes flicker between you and the painting, that betrays the turmoil he’s been carrying.

“jay,” you whisper, your voice barely audible. but he hears you, as he always does.

he takes a step closer, his gaze shifting to meet yours, and for a moment, the world around you disappears. the ballroom, the guests, the music—it all fades into the background, leaving only the two of you in this fragile, suspended moment.

his eyes soften as they take you in, and there’s a vulnerability in his expression that you hadn’t seen before, something that makes your heart ache even more. “you remembered,” he says quietly, gesturing toward the painting. “the marketplace. that day.”

you nod, your throat tightening. “how could i forget? it was…” you pause, searching for the right words, but nothing seems adequate. “it was perfect.”

jay’s gaze lingers on the painting, as though seeing the memory play out all over again. his lips part, but no words come. instead, he takes another step toward you, his presence so close now that you can feel the pull between you—the unspoken tension that had simmered just beneath the surface for so long.

“i’ve been thinking about that day,” he says, his voice low and rough. “about us.”

your heart hammers in your chest. “and?”

his eyes flicker with a mix of emotions—regret, longing, and something you can’t quite place. “i thought i could stay away. that it would be easier, safer, for both of us. but i couldn’t.” his voice wavers, just slightly, and the vulnerability in it makes your pulse race. “not tonight.”

you swallow, your chest tight with the weight of everything left unsaid. the distance between you feels unbearably small, but also impossibly vast. he’s here. after all this time, he’s finally here. but the question still lingers, heavy in the air between you: what happens now?

just as you open your mouth to speak, to ask the questions that have been burning inside you for weeks, jay steps closer, his eyes locked on yours. the noise of the ballroom fades even further into the background, until all that’s left is him. and in that moment, with his gaze so full of emotion, you know that nothing has been forgotten. every stolen glance, every brush of hands, every whispered word—it’s all still there, between you, as real and undeniable as ever.

the night may be full of celebrations, but the only thing that matters is this: jay is here, and nothing will ever be the same again.

the grand ballroom continues to pulse with life around you, but the world feels quiet in the cocoon of jay’s presence. you haven’t even fully processed the fact that he’s here, standing in front of you after weeks of silence. his eyes—deep and full of an emotion you’ve longed to see—are fixed on you, as though he’s drinking in the sight of you, afraid to blink in case you disappear.

the weight of his absence, the unanswered letter, the uncertainty—it all rushes to the surface, but you force yourself to stay grounded in the moment. you open your mouth to speak, to ask the questions burning in your chest, but before you can, jay takes a step closer.

“you never stopped painting,” he says quietly, nodding toward the marketplace painting, his voice filled with a mix of awe and relief. “you’ve grown even more since i left.”

his words are a gentle balm to the ache in your heart, but they only skim the surface of what you truly want to know. you swallow hard, the emotions too thick in your throat to speak.

your breath hitches. “why didn’t you respond to my letter, jay?”

there’s a beat of silence before he looks away, the rawness of his feelings flickering across his face. “because i didn’t know if i was strong enough to walk away again,” he admits. “and i wasn’t sure if i could give you the life you deserve.”

“after everything we’ve been through, you still think i care about that?” you whisper, your voice trembling with the weight of all the unspoken words. “i just wanted you, jay. that’s all i’ve ever wanted.”

his jaw tightens, and he takes another step forward, closing the distance between you until his presence is overwhelming. “i couldn’t respond, because i knew that if i did, i wouldn’t be able to stop myself from coming back to you. and once i did, i’d never want to leave. but you… you have paris, you have a future.”

“and i want you to be part of that future,” you say, your voice stronger now. “i’ve had weeks to think about this, jay. i’m leaving soon, and i need to know where we stand before i go. please, just tell me how you feel.”

jay’s eyes flash with a storm of emotions—hesitation, fear, and something deeper, something that has been bubbling just beneath the surface. he reaches out slowly, his fingers brushing yours, the touch sending warmth rushing up your arm. “i’m terrified,” he admits in a voice so soft it makes your heart ache. “i’ve never felt like this about anyone before, and i don’t want to ruin it.”

“you won’t,” you say, stepping closer until your hands are fully entwined, your pulse quickening as his warmth floods your senses. “i don’t care about titles, status, or what anyone else thinks. you make me feel alive, jay. that’s all i need.”

his grip tightens on your hand, and for a moment, it seems like he’s grappling with the depth of what you’re offering. his breath comes in shallow, uneven bursts, as though he’s trying to hold himself together.

“i don’t want you to sacrifice everything for me,” he says, his voice thick with emotion. “you’re a princess, destined for greatness, for a life most people can only dream of. i’m just... a man who paints.”

you step even closer, until there’s barely any space between you. “and that’s enough for me. more than enough.”

for a split second, he looks at you as though he can’t believe you’re real. but then, before you can say anything more, he steps forward, pulling you into his arms in one swift motion. the warmth of his body against yours is overwhelming, but in the best way, and as his arms wrap around you, holding you tightly, you feel the tension that’s been building between you melt away.

“i’m so sorry,” he whispers, his breath warm against your ear as he holds you close. “for leaving. for making you wait.”

you close your eyes, leaning into him, your heart swelling with the relief of finally having him here. “you’re here now,” you murmur against his shoulder. “that’s all that matters.”

he pulls back just enough to look at you, his hands resting gently on your arms as his dark eyes meet yours. and in them, you see everything—the love he’s been holding back, the fear, the hope. “i love you,” he says, his voice thick with emotion. “i’ve loved you since the first day we met, and i’ve been fighting it ever since. but i don’t want to fight it anymore.”

your heart swells at his words, the weight of them settling deep in your chest. “i love you, too,” you whisper, feeling a rush of warmth spread through you as you say the words out loud for the first time. “i always have.”

the smile that spreads across jay’s face is like sunlight breaking through clouds, and before you know it, he’s lifting you off the ground, spinning you around in a burst of joy and laughter. the world around you spins with him, but you don’t care—because for the first time in what feels like forever, everything is right. everything is exactly how it’s supposed to be.

when he finally sets you back down, your feet touching the ground once more, his hands stay on your waist, grounding you in the moment. his eyes, full of love and warmth, search yours, and for a second, neither of you speak. you don’t need to. the silence is filled with everything you’ve both been waiting for.

“i want to be with you,” he says softly, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. “but i don’t want you to lose yourself for me.”

you smile, shaking your head. “i’m not losing anything. i’m gaining everything i’ve ever wanted.”

jay’s hand finds yours, his thumb brushing over your knuckles as he looks at you, his gaze full of the future. “paris,” he says, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “you’re still going?”

you nod, your heart racing at the thought of what’s to come. “i am. and i want you to come with me.”

he hesitates, just for a moment, as though the reality of what you’re asking is still sinking in. but then, his smile grows, and he nods, his grip on your hand tightening just slightly. “i’ll come with you. we’ll go together.”

your heart leaps at his words, the hope you’d been holding onto finally blossoming into something real. paris—together. it’s everything you’d dreamed of, everything you hadn’t dared to believe could happen. but now, standing here with jay, it’s all within reach.

“we’ll see the world,” he says, his voice soft but filled with excitement. “we’ll paint, we’ll live, we’ll—”

“we’ll be happy,” you finish for him, your smile widening as you lean into his touch.

he nods, his forehead resting gently against yours. “yes. we’ll be happy.”

and in that moment, as the ballroom buzzes with life around you, as the painting of your shared memory hangs on the wall behind you, you know it’s true. you and jay—together, free, and full of love. the world is yours, waiting to be explored. and with him by your side, you know that this is only the beginning.

as you stand there, wrapped in each other’s arms, the future stretches out before you like a blank canvas, waiting for you to fill it with all the colours of your love, your passion, and the adventures you’ll share. together, you’ll paint a life full of beauty, one brushstroke at a time.

and as the night fades and the dawn of a new chapter begins, you know—this is your happily ever after.

𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 ©𝗴𝘆𝘂𝘂𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆𝘆 on Tumblr

˚ · .𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱

taglist: @punchbug9-blog @firstclassjaylee @capri-cuntz @addictedtohobi @jaysfavoritegirl @yuniesluv @isa942572 @academiq @missychief1404 //the ones in bold could not be tagged for some reason. im so sorry guys tumblr is acting up :(

[kiapet2]

Alright, it’s less than a week since the Owl House finale aired and as expected I’ve already seen two direct comparisons to Steven Universe’s ending and several more vague-blogs, because one of this site’s hobbies is using other queer shows to put down Steven Universe. So let’s do this, then. Let’s compare the endings of Owl House and Steven Universe, and what each is ultimately trying to say.

Steven Universe and the Owl House are both shows that deal heavily with the clash of individualism and self-expression vs. socially-mandated conformity, and both shows’ final villains ultimately embody this conflict. One major difference, however, is that Owl House approaches this from the perspective of legal/societal structures, while Steven Universe approaches it from the perspective of family structures.

Steven Universe has always been about family--and particularly the ways traumas and biases are passed down through a family--and it has always heavily used the language of metaphor to discuss these topics. The Diamonds are the ultimate extension of this theme, something a lot of bad-faith (or just bad) takes on the ending miss; they interpret the diamonds in their literal capacity as dictators, rather than the way Steven Universe always portrays them, which is as matriarchs, i.e. the heads of a family who dictate and control all the family’s other members. This metaphor becomes more and more blatant until it outright becomes text, with the Diamonds turning out to be Steven’s literal family members, with whom his part of the family is estranged because of their previous controlling behavior.

In accordance with this theme, we ultimately find out that the Diamonds’ toxic ideology, with its rigid standards of perfection, are not only something they enforce on the gems below them, but also on themselves. They are suffering from the system in their own ways, unable to live up to the standards they themselves created. And who among us hasn’t known someone like that? A parent or grandparent who grew up under a cruel, oppressive worldview, and instead of rebelling against it internalized it--who turned around and said “I dealt with this, and so can you”? And so the ending of Steven Universe is the Diamonds realizing exactly how toxic the rigid ideology they’ve spent their lives perpetuating really is, and confronting the fact that their adherence to this ideology is what destroyed their relationship with Pink, and that the only way they’re going to have a relationship with Steven is if they’re willing to commit to changing both themselves, and the family structure they’ve enforced for so long.

Emperor Belos, in contrast, is not suffering from the structures he created, because his rules were never meant to apply to him. He sees the witches (and demons, and so-on) as lesser beings, evil beings, who exist to be controlled, and ultimately, exterminated. And every element of the society he built--the schools, the government, the police force, the religion--he intentionally constructed to keep these lesser beings under his control. The real-world allegory isn’t hard to see, here. And because what Belos represents in the story is, in fact, a fascist leader, the story shows that he can’t be reasoned with in any way that matters, and instead he is ultimately ground into paste beneath the boots of the people he sought to destroy. Different themes, different endings.

Now the usual argument that comes up here is as follows: but the Steven Universe ending isn’t as realistic! Not everyone is going to change, not everyone is going to be able to be reasoned with. Not every older, conservative family member is eventually going to accept you for who you are. And while that is true, ultimately SU isn’t meant to be realistic; it’s meant to be a power fantasy. Rebecca Sugar has come out and said before that they wrote a world in which there was good in everyone, because that’s the way she wishes the world could be. That’s the world they want to be able to believe in. And I am never going to begrudge a person, much less a queer person, for finding healing in writing that kind of world.

But you know what else is unrealistic? What else is ultimately just a fantasy? Grinding your government’s fascist leader into paste under your boot, then taking over and remaking society into something that accepts everyone. Sadly, Trump is not likely to get his ass beat any time soon. And more generally, punching fascists, while ideologically sound, is something most people are not going to get to do, due to real-world consequences such as “getting beat up by the fascist’s angry friends” and “being arrested for assault”. And even if you did depose one leader, our very society is set up in a way that perpetuates all manner of injustices, and systemic change is a complex and lengthy process that almost certainly won’t be completed in our lifetimes. But it’s fun to imagine we could, isn’t it?

Both endings are power fantasies. Both show the way they want the world to be, rather than the way it is. They are very different power fantasies, which fill very different--and at times conflicting--needs. And in situations like that, internet culture really likes to pick one to be the right fantasy, the right way to look at the world. 

But the truth is, both fantasies are needed! Some people need stories about your queerphobic relatives finally realizing the error of their ways and taking the necessary steps to accept and reconcile with you. And some people need stories where you get to grind fascist bastards beneath the heel of your boot. It’s okay if you prefer one type of fantasy over the other! But in the end, both are valuable, and both are important. 

And isn’t it wonderful, for us to have such a diversity of great queer stories? That we can explore both of these deep, conflicting needs? Let’s appreciate each of these fantastic works for what it was meant to be, rather than trying to pit them against each other or make them conform to a single, “best” way to tell a story.

[astroeleanor]

The Four Zodiac Signs That Will Be REBORN in September 2024

LIBRA (Moon, Rising, Chart Ruler)

During September, Venus conjuncts the South Node in Libra, bringing about:

• Opportunities to let go of outdated beliefs or attachments, particularly in the areas of relationships, self-worth, and personal values, leading to a sense of liberation.

• Reassessment of how you relate to others, potentially ending old relationship dynamics that are not beneficial. This can feel like a “rebirth” as new, healthier ways of connecting and creating balance are established in your life.

• A deeper exploration of your personal identity, beyond your relationships, redefining who you are independently of others.

• Find new equilibrium in your life, shedding what disrupts your inner peace and embracing what promotes balance.

• This conjunction might bring people or situations from the past back into your life for resolution. This could be an opportunity for closure, healing, and growth.

PISCES (Moon, Rising, Chart Ruler)

The Lunar Eclipse in Pisces on September 17th and the transit of Saturn in Pisces might affect you in the following ways:

• Heightened emotional awareness, deep insights, and the potential for significant release or closure.

• Profound emotional release or awakening, letting go of past emotional wounds, illusions, or attachments.

• Closing of a significant chapter in your life, paving the way for new beginnings.

• Bringing form and structure to your dreams, spiritual practices, and emotional world.

• A strong emphasis on developing boundaries and self-discipline. You may be pushed to balance your compassionate, empathetic nature with the need to protect your energy and establish clearer boundaries.

• A reality check! You may have to confront your fears, illusions, or escapist tendencies. This confrontation can lead to a major personal transformation and a clearer, more realistic vision of your future.

VIRGO (Moon, Rising, Chart Ruler)

With the New Moon in Virgo on Sep 2nd, Virgo Season, Mercury entering Virgo, and the opposition between transiting Sun and Mercury in Virgo and Saturn and Neptune in Pisces, you may experience:

• A powerful opportunity to initiate new projects, habits, or routines that are aligned with your goals for personal growth and improvement.

• A focus on self-improvement, clarity, and redefining your purpose, making it a perfect time for a personal "rebirth."

• An emphasis on rethinking and reevaluating your thoughts, communication style, and decision-making processes, refining your perspectives and adopting new ways of thinking.

• Confronting where you need to balance your desire for perfection with accepting life's imperfections and integrating more compassion & flexibility into your routines.

• Potential confusion or uncertainty but also the chance to clarify illusions or unrealistic expectations, seeing beyond your usual practical mindset and incorporating a more spiritual or imaginative perspective.

• Integrating more emotional intelligence, compassion, or spiritual awareness into your life, gaining a more holistic sense of yourself.

• Setting new health goals, establishing healthier habits, redefining your daily routine for greater well-being.

CAPRICORN (Moon, Rising, Chart Ruler)

As Pluto makes its final entry into Capricorn for our lifetimes, you may experience:

• A culmination of the transformative energies Pluto has been bringing into your life since 2008, marking the end of a profound cycle of personal and collective transformation.

• Shedding outdated identities, roles, or structures that are outdated. This shedding process allows for the emergence of a renewed, more authentic version of yourself.

• Letting go of rigid beliefs, societal expectations, patterns of control.

• Becoming aware of deep-seated fears or traumas that need healing. This is a final call to confront and transform these issues.

• Reconstructing your personal and professional foundations, building them on more authentic & stable ground.

• Pluto’s energy is about power dynamics, both internal and external. There is an opportunity for you to reclaim or master your personal power, learning to wield it responsibly and effectively in your life.

˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

ASTROLOGY READINGS ARE OPEN!

Full Birth Chart, Soul mate Readings, Career Readings are available. There are limited spots for the month of September so grab yours now!

• 🗡️ TAP HERE TO BOOK A READING with me to navigate your life with more clarity & awareness.

˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Your curiosity & engagement mean the world to me. I hope you not only found it enjoyable but also enriching for your astrological knowledge. Your support & interest inspire me to continue sharing insights & information with you. I appreciate you immensely. • 🕸️ JOIN MY PATREON for exquisite & in-depth astrology content. You'll also receive a free mini reading upon joining. :)

˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

[astrojulia]

Opposition in the Natal Chart: Part II

~ Outer Planets

Navigation:   Masterlist✦Ask Rules✦Images

       Part 1✦Sources [10][12]✦Paid Readings

Jupiter ☍ Saturn: The Jupiter-Saturn opposition creates a conflict between expansion and limitation in your life. You often struggle to find a balance between control and trust, discipline and spontaneity. This internal conflict leads you to gravitate towards one extreme or the other, causing rigidity or a lack of responsibility. You may yearn for more joy and freedom but feel trapped in a structured mindset. It's important to overcome this tension by embracing both polarities, finding a harmony between spontaneity and order, effort and grace. Balancing these opposites will lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Jupiter ☍ Uranus: The Jupiter-Uranus opposition represents a conflict between progress and understanding in your life. Jupiter symbolizes conventional growth within societal boundaries, while Uranus represents radical change and a departure from social norms. This opposition creates internal conflict regarding individual freedom and social responsibility. You may lean towards individualism and reject conformity or adopt a defender-of-society stance, suppressing your own eccentric traits. In terms of understanding, Jupiter seeks a grand design that aligns with established paradigms, while Uranus challenges those paradigms with revolutionary insights. This opposition also impacts your concept of well-being and philanthropy, leading to conflicts between merit-based and equitable approaches. Finding balance between these opposing forces is crucial for personal fulfillment and harmony.

Jupiter ☍ Neptune: The opposition of Jupiter and Neptune requires you to find a balance between conflicting forces. Jupiter represents tangible growth and understanding, while Neptune symbolizes expansion into the ethereal and dissolution of formed structures. These opposing forces create a sense of uncertainty and impermanence, leading to increased insecurity and potential neuroticism. You may distrust established systems, craving absolute truth amidst compromises. The key to resolving these conflicts lies in embracing ambiguity, recognizing its positive role in understanding and organizational dynamics. It is important to deflate excess and incorporate boundaries to navigate both the manifested and unmanifested realms. Balancing form and void allows for harmonious functioning in both domains.

Jupiter ☍ Pluto: The opposition of Jupiter and Pluto creates a conflict between the known and the unknown aspects of your psyche. Your stable worldview clashes with your subconscious, destructive, and power-seeking tendencies. This internal tension can manifest as hidden anxiety or be externalized in destructive behavior. Feelings of paranoia, insecurity, and mood swings may arise. Externally, events like death, abuse, financial crises, or powerful opposition can threaten your well-being. The challenge lies in restoring equilibrium and well-being after such crises, aiming for personal growth and a higher level of understanding.

Jupiter ☍ Part of Fortune: The opposition of Jupiter and the Part of Fortune initially suggests a conflict between taking risks and seeking growth versus experiencing good fortune. Choices may seem unfortunate, and desired affluence may be blocked. This aspect also indicates a struggle between pursuing fortune and personal growth. However, by recognizing the commonalities and reconciling opposites, this opposition can be resolved. Understanding that both fortune and growth can complement each other allows for the enjoyment and development of both aspects in life. Ultimately, this opposition presents an opportunity to find fortune and well-being through a balanced approach.

Jupiter ☍ Ascendant: With Jupiter opposed Rising, you exhibit a polished and refined demeanor, but others may question your motives. You prefer confident associates and have a talent for attracting fortunate individuals. Commitments are only made if there is a future benefit, and you handle people's resources, focusing on their potential and accomplishments. Although you pride yourself on common sense, you tend to be more of a taker than a giver, except when it aligns with your long-term goals. Rootedness is challenging for you as you prioritize seizing opportunities. As an idea-oriented person, you excel in uplifting conversations and strive for achievement due to unsatisfactory home circumstances.

Jupiter ☍ Imum Coeli: With Jupiter opposed Imum Coeli (4th house), your childhood was marked by positive attention and benefits from one or both parents, who are esteemed individuals in society. Your talents were nurtured, and you had opportunities to explore various paths in life. As you grow, you feel a strong urge to explore the world through travel, education, or meaningful work that contributes to your growth and leads to a fulfilling career. You receive blessings from benefactors and recognition for your abilities. If you choose early parenthood, you'll find a supportive partner who enriches your life. Despite setbacks, new opportunities come easily. Practice restraint and discernment with your good fortune and seek ways to share it for the benefit of others.

Jupiter ☍ Descendant: With Jupiter opposed Descendant, caution is advised in partnerships, particularly in commercial agreements. You may attract individuals who appear optimistic and have long-term business visions, but their intentions may be misleading or focused solely on substantial profits. Romantic relationships may be numerous, as commitment may not come easily. Challenging life lessons can lead to maturity and the potential for a deep connection with a spiritually enriching partner. Your spouse or marriage partner may exhibit impulsiveness and eccentricity, eventually appearing moralistic, dull, and fanatical about certain causes within the relationship. Vanity may blind you to the true factors contributing to your well-being. Disputes and misunderstandings can harm partnerships, potentially resulting in legal issues. Deceit and lies should be recognized and guarded against. Traveling offers an opportunity for self-reflection on existing partnerships and future prospects. Remember that happiness is not solely dependent on money or pleasure.

Jupiter ☍ Midheaven: When Jupiter opposes the Midheaven in a birth chart, it creates tension between personal growth and societal expectations in terms of the individual's public image and career aspirations. This aspect highlights conflicting desires and values, as Jupiter represents expansion and exploration while the Midheaven symbolizes reputation and professional goals. Balancing personal fulfillment with societal standards can be a challenge, but it also offers an opportunity for growth and integration. By aligning career aspirations with personal values and embracing both the adventurous nature of Jupiter and the practical realities of the professional world, individuals can find a fulfilling path that combines personal growth with professional success and recognition.

Jupiter ☍ Chiron: When Jupiter opposes Chiron, you may experience a sense of incompetence and inferiority, driving you to overcome these feelings. Success provides relief but can lead to detachment from reality, while failure prompts reflection on life principles. You possess foresight, vitality, and insight into others' actions and motivations, excelling in observation and teaching. Disappointment arises when people don't meet your high ideals, causing emotional pain. You may grapple with religion or become a fanatic, but the lesson is to seek answers within yourself and find balance through dedication to a meaningful cause. Reflecting on experiences can lead to wisdom, though beliefs may be adjusted based on individual needs rather than ideals.

Jupiter ☍ Vesta: When Jupiter opposes Vesta, you may face a conflict between your core beliefs and the desire for exploration and progress. Sexual confusion could arise, as your personal beliefs may differ from societal or familial traditions. You might oscillate between indulgence and asceticism, or explore this dichotomy within a relationship. Fanaticism, either in yourself or mirrored by others, can emerge, often involving issues of self-sacrifice. Your perception of a higher power may be excessively negative, requiring moderation to see universal truth and find inspiration for fulfilling your life's purpose. By cultivating self-awareness and conscious effort, you can achieve a balanced approach to sexuality and faith, incorporating both devotion and adventure in your life.

Jupiter ☍ Pallas: When Jupiter opposes Pallas, there is a conflict between your artistic and intellectual inclinations and the teachings or beliefs of those around you. Your traditional side may suppress your creative freedom and risk-taking nature. Choices arise regarding challenging conformity, urging you to examine your belief system and its origins. A desire for power, whether spiritual or sexual, can manifest negatively if exaggerated. Finding a balance between tradition and creativity is crucial. Projecting an attribute onto a close relationship can reconcile the dichotomy. With effort, you can cultivate a balanced approach to sexual expression and faith. This aspect offers an opportunity for personal growth and wisdom.

Jupiter ☍ Juno: When Jupiter opposes Juno, you tend to attract an overly optimistic partner who relies on your "stroke of luck" to improve their circumstances. Conflicts may arise over religious or philosophical differences, and there could be a tendency towards extramarital affairs. It is important to regularly review joint finances to avoid excessive indulgence, debt, and household difficulties. You seek a deep connection with a partner who shares your core values and spirituality, but obstacles may hinder this connection. Feeling spiritually aligned is crucial for a lasting bond; otherwise, you may become disillusioned or seek solace elsewhere. Taking these factors into consideration can lead to healthier relationships.

Jupiter ☍ Ceres: When Jupiter opposes Ceres, you may face a conflict between independence and caring for others, as well as between adventure and safety. There is a recurring theme of letting go and finding a balance between nourishing yourself and nurturing those around you. Experiences of separation and loss shape your beliefs, and finding a tradition that supports your spiritual exploration is beneficial. Resolving this dilemma requires recognizing and meeting both needs within yourself to avoid turbulent relationships and power struggles. Be mindful of overfeeding others or indulging in excessive eating as coping mechanisms. Finding a fulfilling work commitment that allows for self-expression and nourishment can turn this conflict into a strength. Embracing a belief system can provide nourishment and self-expression.

Jupiter ☍ Vertex: When Jupiter opposes the Vertex, you may face opposition to your plans for education, travel, or expanding your horizons. Compromises might be necessary, and it's crucial to listen to others' ideas, especially when your judgment is questionable or emotions cloud your perspective. Legal matters could also encounter objections. You're drawn to global narratives that inspire philosophical thoughts, but relying solely on abstract ideals may hinder progress and escalate crises. Defending your beliefs can be challenging if you're uncertain, unless you have clarity about your spiritual purpose. Seek balance between exploration and practicality to navigate this aspect effectively.

Jupiter ☍ Lilith: When Jupiter opposes Lilith, hidden forces can hinder your happiness and make it challenging to accept affection or allow others to bring joy into your life. Despite this, you still maintain an interest in social interactions. Your desire for power can be intense, driving you towards new ventures and ideas. However, it's important to exercise caution and avoid becoming carried away by abstract and illusory goals. Impulsive actions may lead to spiritual and financial difficulties. Prioritize thoughtful planning and utilize your intellectual power to create something meaningful. Managing unpredictability and embracing careful planning will help you navigate this aspect successfully.

Saturn ☍ Uranus: When Saturn opposes Uranus, you experience a conflict between the energies symbolized by these planets. This conflict manifests as a struggle between established ways of life and the changing times or new ideas. You may feel that your principles and standards are being threatened by rebellious forces or the established institutions. The conflict between change and stability may seem irreconcilable, leading to a dilemma of loyalty and a desire for personal ideals. Finding a balance is important, recognizing the need for stability within change and for change within stability. You may have a strong vision for the future but encounter resistance, both internally and externally. By embracing change while maintaining stability, you can resolve this conflict and avoid fueling negative forces.

Saturn ☍ Neptune: When Saturn opposes Neptune, the conflicting forces of structure and transcendence come into play. Saturn represents stability and discipline, while Neptune represents chaos and escapism. This opposition can lead to feelings of insecurity and a fear of collapse. You may question the solidity of your life and experience a blurring of reality and illusion. There is a tension between aligning with the transcendent qualities of Neptune and facing self-criticism from the Saturnian side. The opposition can also manifest as a desire for control or difficulty fitting into practical realities. Balancing structure with flexibility and recognizing the interdependencies between the two is important for harmony. Mindfulness of limitations and consequences is necessary in exploring the unknown.

Saturn ☍ Pluto: When Saturn opposes Pluto, the inherent conflicts between Saturn and Pluto intensify. You face challenges in maintaining a rigid status quo while subconscious forces seek to dismantle your psychological foundations. There is a clash between external discipline and your desire for power and sexual drive. You feel torn between rationality and irrational urges, restraint and breaking free from constraints. These conflicts can be painful and lead to destructive behaviors. You face choices between rules and indulgence, self-control and dominance, and the tangible world and intense emotions. Regardless of the choice, the unchosen option continues to haunt you. This tension can drive you towards transformation or destructive outcomes.

Saturn ☍ Part of Fortune: The opposition between Saturn and the Part of Fortune presents a challenge in finding a balance between seeking happiness and enjoyment, and the need for hard work and self-discipline. It can feel impossible to have both simultaneously, leading to guilt and a sense of continuous obstacles. Good fortune may seem elusive, and even when achieved, its meaning and adequacy may be questioned. To find peace and happiness, it is important to recognize and appreciate the good fortune in your life while embracing the need for planning and effort. Finding satisfaction in the process of pursuing goals is key to cultivating positive qualities.

Saturn ☍ Ascendant: The opposition between Saturn and the Ascendant reflects a defensive nature in your interactions with others. You often feel the need to exert pressure to elicit a response but question its worth. Prioritizing others' concerns is challenging as you're absorbed in your own affairs. Paradoxically, you accuse others of indifference while projecting a secretive and superior demeanor that keeps them at a distance. Doubting your talents, you hesitate to offer services and fear competitive situations. Seeking approval, you cautiously gauge reactions, often drawing conclusions prematurely. Modest beginnings and a lack of praise contribute to self-doubt, hindering your exploration of ideas and desire for positive feedback.

Saturn ☍ Imun Coeli: In the opposition with Saturn, you exhibit a determined and ambitious nature, evident from a young age. Popularity is not your priority; instead, you value respect and strive for expertise in your chosen practical and concrete profession. Fields like construction, engineering, accounting, or computer development suit you well. Though setbacks may arise during your apprenticeship, you persevere, eventually making progress and earning the respect of others. As you advance, you may have the opportunity to mentor and train others in your area of expertise. Your diligence and responsibility contribute to your success.

Saturn ☍ Descendant: When Saturn is opposed to the Descendant in your love life, you are likely to face significant challenges in your relationships. Restrictions and complications may arise, such as your partner having another family or dealing with legal issues. There can be a lack of flexibility in marriage or partnerships, leading to fragile friendships and social agreements. The immaturity of your partner may hinder personal growth and the development of strong relationships. Your spouse may be overly serious and conventional, stifling your creativity. Impulsiveness and reckless actions may lead to distance and coldness between you both, potentially even leading to divorce. It is important to minimize the restrictive effects and burdens within the relationship.

Saturn ☍ Midheaven: When Saturn opposes the Midheaven it creates a significant dynamic impacting career, public image, and authority. This aspect brings challenges and lessons related to professional goals and how one is perceived. It signifies a tension between structure and discipline (Saturn) and success and ambition (Midheaven), leading to pressure and conflict in the career realm. Setbacks, criticism, and self-doubt may arise. Balancing personal aspirations with societal expectations is a struggle. However, with determination and hard work, individuals can overcome obstacles, develop professionalism, and earn respect. This aspect offers growth, maturity, and the potential for long-term success in one's chosen field.

Saturn ☍ Chiron: When Saturn opposes Chiron it reflects a diligent search for a stable and discomfort-free life, but conflicts arise between expectations and reality, leading to confusion. Moral principles may differ from societal norms, resulting in challenging circumstances and a price for success. The subconscious drive for compensation and insecurity can lead to disregarding contradictory information and viewing others as enemies. Struggles with authority and restrictions may stem from a challenging childhood. Confronting emotional pain is crucial for finding personal authority and wisdom. This aspect can manifest as alchemical wisdom or advocacy for humanitarian causes, while conservatism often characterizes beliefs.

Saturn ☍ Vesta: When Saturn opposes Vesta there is a deep-seated conflict between personal beliefs and cultural traditions or authorities. Striking a balance between practical concerns and spirituality becomes challenging. One may struggle to apply beliefs consistently due to a lack of discipline. These beliefs can involve denying or restricting sexual activity, causing difficulty in living within those limits. On the other hand, one's beliefs may challenge traditional boundaries, leading to conflicts with authorities. Desiring others to share these commitments can create tension, as acceptance of their lack of responsibility becomes conflicting. Finding harmony between personal beliefs and societal expectations becomes a focal point.

Saturn ☍ Pallas: Saturn opposed Pallas creates a dichotomy in your life between your creative intellect and cultural ideals on one side, and practical concerns and material/social success on the other. Balancing your personal and social responsibilities with your creative interests is challenging, as obligations can hinder your creativity and involvement in social matters may lead to authority conflicts. However, it's crucial to realize that you don't have to choose between them; instead, make room for both aspects in your life. Facing fears and seeking therapy can help overcome conflicts and manage day-to-day practical issues. Exploring chiropractic as a potential option may help you find balance.

Saturn ☍ Juno: Saturn opposed Juno creates difficulties for you in finding a serious and committed relationship. Despite your efforts and love for others, it's challenging to establish the stable connection you desire. Settling for a lesser commitment in the hope of future happiness can complicate matters, especially if you enter into a marriage prematurely or without the necessary emotional maturity. It's possible that you're surrounded by people interested in casual flings, but it may also be a matter of timing or searching in the wrong places. Pushing for commitment prematurely can hinder relationship growth. Instead, allow things to unfold naturally, embracing and learning from romantic experiences. Love will come when the time is right.

Saturn ☍ Ceres: Saturn opposed Ceres creates a conflict between nourishment and fulfillment in your life. This may stem from contrasting dynamics between a nurturing mother and a demanding father or experiences of loss and reunion in parental relationships. The fear of loss and abandonment can make you hesitant to form intimate bonds. In pursuing your dreams, you may resort to unrealistic strategies such as authoritarianism or emotional detachment. Balancing achievements and emotional well-being becomes a challenge. Even with privilege, your parents' emotional distance or strict discipline can shape your adult life. Effective time management and creating plans for self-care and relationships are crucial. Balancing both experiences can make you a source of wisdom and strength for others while fostering enduring relationships for yourself.

Saturn ☍ Vertex: Saturn opposed Vertex places you in a role that may not align with your true self, with others opposing your efforts. Avoid excessive desires for power, authority, and social status, as they can lead to conflicts with authority figures. Childhood experiences with a demanding father may resurface through encounters with similar figures. Your sense of responsibility helps maintain balance and diffuse tension. However, navigating sexual desires and connections can be challenging, especially when not seeking a meaningful connection. When in love, you possess the qualities to be a responsible and steadfast partner, supporting mutual fulfillment even if it takes time.

Saturn ☍ Lilith: Saturn opposed Lilith reflects a strong denial or rejection of authority, revealing your rebellious and insubmissive nature. This behavior can lead to moral disorder, depression, but also moments of exceptional awareness. You tend to dominate others, particularly those perceived as fragile, but be cautious not to underestimate them or incite unnecessary conflicts. Desiring control and authority, you often face resistance, especially from authority figures or your father, triggering anger and physical ailments like depression. Letting go of grudges is crucial for cultivating positive energy and achieving goals. It's important to moderate and balance excessive ambition and the thirst for power.

Uranus ☍ Neptune: The Uranus opposed Neptune aspect occurred from 1904 to 1912, impacting a generation that reached adulthood in the 1920s and 1930s. Only a few individuals today have this aspect in their natal charts (and probably none of you). Sensitivity to outer planets and personal planets in aspect to Uranus or Neptune intensify its effects. The aspect brings conflicts between hopes and disappointments, individuality and a longing to be part of something greater. While having a positive vision of the future, it can crumble in the face of a confusing and uncertain reality, shattering faith in progress. Struggling to regain optimism, a desire for transcendence and maintaining individuality arise. Balancing individuation and surrender becomes a spiritual conflict.

Uranus ☍ Pluto: The Uranus opposed Pluto aspect occurred from 1900 to 1904, affecting a generation that reached adulthood in the aftermath of World War I and the early 1920s. Few individuals from this cohort are still alive today. It won't happen again until 2043. Sensitivity to outer planets and personal planets in aspect to Uranus or Pluto intensify the effects. The aspect brings conflicts between a desire for visible and open change and a resistance to overt change. You may lean towards private transformation or resistance rooted in fear and attachment to outdated forms.

Uranus ☍ Part of Fortune: The Uranus opposed Part of Fortune aspect reveals a perception of change and good fortune as incompatible, despite their complementary nature. Nonconformity and individuality are seen as threats to good fortune, creating resistance to change. However, you encounter change through individuals and groups embodying nonconformity, triggering fear and a defensive reaction. A hidden desire for change and individuality may conflict with the pursuit of good fortune. Negative influences can diminish hopes for good fortune. Internal tension arises between embracing stability and convention versus expressing individuality and embracing change. Externalized conflict may lead to sudden changes or loss of well-being. Balancing comfort with change is key for a fulfilling life.

Uranus ☍ Ascendant: The Uranus opposed Rising aspect indicates a need for unconventional relationships and prioritizing freedom over commitment. You seek a unique life partnership with a partner involved in unusual occupations or possessing genius in their field. Freedom to pursue independent activities is crucial. Engaging in lively and unconventional business partnerships or projects is beneficial. Conflicts and unmet needs may arise if a partnership restricts freedom. Caution is advised to ensure a compatible need for freedom in a partner. Relationships that hinder freedom can be bothersome. You attract individuals who prioritize their own freedom, and you admire those who challenge authority. Your ingenuity and creative talents are appreciated by peers.

Uranus ☍ Imun Coeli: The Uranus opposed 4th house aspect emphasizes the significance of freedom in your life. You believe in contributing something unique to society, whether through work or parenting. Your mother's influence ideally fosters independence and a strong mindset. However, clashes with your mother or her family may lead to rebellion and a sense of being lost. Nevertheless, these experiences provide valuable lessons that shape your professional life. As you mature, you desire the freedom to express your unique ideas and make a meaningful societal contribution. You embrace change, seek variety, and may undergo sudden career transitions. Science, innovation, and technology are likely to feature in your career. Authority is met with rebellion, as you strive to carve your own path and avoid conformity.

Uranus ☍ Descendant: The Uranus opposed 7th house aspect reveals your inclination towards unconventional relationships that allow for independence and avoid rigid commitments. This preference has presented challenges in matters of love from a young age. You are attracted to the new and eccentric, surrounding yourself with independent individuals who either support or discourage your own independence. Marriages may encounter problems if rushed or lacking careful planning, as you prioritize individuality over deep partnership. Conflicts with friends are also possible, as you navigate platonic attractions or friends proposing romantic involvement. Your magnetic nature attracts people effortlessly, desiring constant change and an independent, creative love partnership. You may even consider a non-traditional, fictitious marriage arrangement. Exploring new technologies online appeals more than traditional romantic activities.

Uranus ☍ Midheaven: The Uranus opposition to the Midheaven aspect impacts your career, public image, and life direction. It creates a tension between your need for individuality, freedom, and unconventional approaches, and the desire for stability, recognition, and conformity. You resist traditional career paths, seeking independence and expressing your unique ideas and talents. Restlessness and frequent career changes are common as you align your work with personal freedom. Your public image is unconventional, attracting both inspiration and resistance. Balancing freedom and stability is essential. Embrace change, combine innovation with practicality, and navigate risks for success. This aspect invites you to forge a unique path integrating individuality and creativity into your professional life.

Uranus ☍ Chiron: The Uranus opposition to Chiron aspect creates a conflict in your life, leading you to choose challenging paths or face conflicting principles. In relationships, you struggle with commitment and may vacillate between staying or ending them. Personal space is essential for you, providing freedom without consequences. This aspect enhances your activity and curiosity, making it ideal for an astrologer. You strongly desire voluntary freedom and make sudden changes when hindered. Unresolved emotional wounds contribute to your longing for freedom. Honoring intuition, finding creative outlets, and exploring esoteric matters are important for you. You reject societal norms and seek alternative frameworks for true freedom and belonging.

Uranus ☍ Vesta: The Uranus opposition to Vesta reveals a conflict between your need for freedom and exploration, and your spiritual ideals. This creates a dichotomy within you, where traditional beliefs clash with the value you place on individuality. Sexuality becomes a focal point, as sacrifice and celibacy contradict your desire for radical freedom. You may become a fanatic opposing spiritual traditions or zealously trying to convert others. Your intellect, devotion, and longing for freedom are polarized, creating tension. Finding balance through meaningful work or dedicated commitments is crucial to avoid projecting this dynamic onto relationships. Strive for harmony between freedom and spiritual ideals.

Uranus ☍ Pallas: The Uranus opposition to Pallas indicates a struggle between social and cultural sensitivities and a desire for radical revolution. You feel torn between traditional societal norms and your strong urge for significant change. Feminist ideals inspire you, and you challenge gender roles that restrict personal freedom. Your social engagement often leads to opposition and tension in relationships. It's important to honor both your desire for change and the need for social harmony, finding a compromise between the two. While you aspire to create something new and exciting, you may face resistance from within yourself, as well as from society, friends, or the community.

Uranus ☍ Juno: The Uranus opposition to Juno creates a conflict between the need for freedom and the need for intimacy in your relationships. You fear that commitment might hinder your spiritual exploration or the expression of your highest ideals. On the other hand, if you do commit, you may feel trapped by traditional roles and constraints. Conflicts arise when one partner desires a traditional bond while the other seeks independence. Finding a compromise is key instead of choosing between these opposing needs. You attract partners who challenge your desire for freedom, and your existing relationship may experience ups and downs. The question of commitment is always present, challenging your desire for personal fulfillment and partnership.

Uranus ☍ Ceres: The Uranus opposition to Ceres creates a conflict between your need for freedom and individuality and your need for attachment and intimacy. You may see close relationships as obstacles to personal liberation or spiritual growth, while feeling threatened when others seek independence. This can lead to a sense of detachment in loving partnerships and difficulty in nurturing and expressing care. In childhood, you may have experienced inconsistent nurturing, impacting your ability to provide support as an adult. Balancing both needs is essential, embracing personal growth while maintaining intimacy. Finding compromises and reconciling this dichotomy will help you establish meaningful connections and contribute to society.

Uranus ☍ Vertex: The Uranus opposition to Vertex highlights your need for freedom and individuality, leading to rebellion when your autonomy is restricted. However, finding a balance between your needs and the expectations of others is more productive. This aspect offers the opportunity to connect with new and exciting friends, particularly in astrology groups. Learning to effectively work in groups is important, as you tend to do things your own way. Cultivating tolerance for those with different perspectives is crucial, as opposition and conflicts may arise. Once you become more flexible and tolerant, you can actively engage in community groups and harness the power of teamwork for learning, innovation, and creation.

Uranus ☍ Lilith: The Uranus opposition to Lilith in your life brings continual dramatic changes and a struggle to find your place. Inner peace eludes you as you constantly commit to various things, making it hard to relax and live in the present moment. Your talent for keeping yourself in constant motion creates imbalance. However, as you heal your darker aspects, you can gain the freedom to revolutionize your life without necessarily needing external changes. A recurring theme is your tendency to reject or ignore danger, often feeling invulnerable. This may lead to a higher exposure to failed actions. Acknowledging and addressing this pattern is important for your growth.

Neptune ☍ Pluto: The opposition between Neptune and Pluto creates a conflict between your spirituality and idealism on one hand, and the need for transformative inner work on the other. Pluto pushes you to confront and discard outdated emotional material, while Neptune prefers to avoid delving into the darker aspects of your nature. This inner dichotomy can be painful for your sensitive disposition. Failing to recognize and accept both needs can lead to projecting this conflict onto your relationships, causing tensions. Finding a balance that honors and embraces both aspects of your being is crucial to avoid further discord.

Neptune ☍ Part of Fortune: The opposition between Neptune and the Part of Fortune presents challenges if you strongly attach your sense of good fortune to material manifestations. You may fear the loss or instability of your perceived blessings. Your perception of good fortune differs from Neptune's qualities, as you prefer the concrete and predictable. However, subconsciously, you recognize life's unpredictable and intangible nature. This fear and preference for the tangible may lead to a dislike of the spiritual and fluid aspects of life. By embracing the intangible, developing sensitivity and intuition, you can expand your concept of good fortune and experience a deeper sense of abundance and fulfillment.

Neptune ☍ Ascendant: When Neptune opposes your Rising sign, you may struggle to distinguish between genuine friends and those who may take advantage of your sensitivity. This vulnerability to emotional manipulation can lead to disappointment and a sense of obligation. It is important to prioritize self-protection when offering help, ensuring that it is genuinely needed. Your caring nature can overwhelm you with concern for others, stemming from a desire to fill a void of loneliness. Channeling your imaginative and creative talents into pursuits like writing or the arts can provide purpose and personal growth. Challenge self-limiting beliefs, seek guidance, and cultivate your independence to shape your own destiny and pursue happiness.

Neptune ☍ Imun Coeli: When Neptune opposes your 4th house, you yearn for a career that aligns with your soul and allows you to pursue your true passion. Your imagination plays a crucial role in shaping your chosen path. While daydreaming about unconventional professions like being at sea or working in remote locations, practicality may require you to make sacrifices and seek more conventional sources of income. Regardless, focus on serving others and contributing to the community to find meaning in your work. Nurture your imagination and infuse creativity into your profession, thinking outside the box and embracing opportunities that allow you to express your unique gifts and talents.

Neptune ☍ Descendant: When Neptune opposes your 7th house, your hypersensitive nature makes you vulnerable to deception in matters of the heart and forming partnerships. You attract manipulative individuals due to a dreamlike state that hinders your perception of reality. It's important to exercise caution and discernment, as you may overlook genuine love while encountering those who bring turmoil into your life. Be vigilant against deceit and manipulation, nurturing your intuition to identify unworthy partners. Trust your instincts and develop discernment to avoid relationships detrimental to your well-being. Take time to recognize and appreciate those who deserve a genuine and fulfilling connection in your life.

Neptune ☍ Midheaven: When Neptune opposes the Midheaven in your astrological chart, it creates tension between dreams, illusions, and spirituality (Neptune) and career, reputation, and public image (Midheaven). This aspect influences your professional path and public standing, causing ambiguity and confusion regarding your true calling. You may yearn for creative or spiritual work but struggle with practicality and maintaining a clear direction. Blurred boundaries between personal and professional life and vulnerability to external opinions are common. To navigate these challenges, find a balance between imagination and practicality, trust your intuition, and integrate dreams and spirituality into your career. Strive for a fulfilling path that aligns with your purpose and benefits society.

Neptune ☍ Chiron: When Neptune opposes Chiron in your chart, you face the challenge of navigating the real world and may seek to escape its perils. This inclination can lead to drug or alcohol use and various forms of escapism. Health issues may also arise. Your lesson is to express your sensitivity and caring nature in a spiritually constructive way. You have conflicting needs: to confront your wounds and reclaim spiritual power, and to avoid the darker aspects of life and focus on ethereal realities. Nurturing kindness and compassion is important, but avoiding challenges can lead to destructive behavior. Recognize that these needs can coexist and make choices accordingly.

Neptune ☍ Vesta: When Neptune opposes Vesta in your chart, you may experience conflicting emotions and beliefs regarding spirituality and sexuality. The tension between the desire for physical relationships and the pursuit of spiritual development can lead to disappointment and disillusionment within a religious context. It's important to honor your need for transcendent experiences while recognizing the sacredness in all aspects of existence, including the physical realm. Focus on spiritual connections and integrate both spirituality and sexuality into a harmonious approach to life. Transcend limiting beliefs, stay true to yourself, and seek like-minded individuals to navigate this dichotomy and find fulfillment on your spiritual path.

Neptune ☍ Pallas: When Neptune opposes Pallas in your chart, you navigate a dichotomy between intellectual and social sensibilities, and spiritual conscience and intuitive knowledge. Challenges may arise in validating spiritual experiences within intellectual or political contexts. You feel a constant call to develop a skill that recognizes unity in people and things. Your sensitivity can lead you to become a spiritual mentor if your intuitive understanding remains clear. However, you may struggle with balancing your yearning for transcendence and mysticism with social engagement and activism. Finding a middle ground that honors both can integrate intellect and intuition, unlocking creativity and artistic expression in your life.

Neptune ☍ Juno: When Neptune opposes Juno in your chart, you experience a profound dichotomy between spirituality and committed relationships. This creates a conflict between the demands of marriage and the desires of your artistic, romantic, or spiritual nature. Infidelity may be a temptation as you seek to discern what is real. You may rush into relationships, attaching intense emotions and expectations to potentially unworthy partners. Alternatively, you may choose to prioritize your inner life over committed relationships or marry someone who doesn't support your artistic or spiritual side, leading to incompatibility. Navigating this requires introspection, open communication, and finding partners who appreciate and support your unique inclinations. Balancing your spiritual journey with relational commitments can lead to fulfilling connections.

Neptune ☍ Ceres: When Neptune opposes Ceres in your chart, you experience a significant polarity between your nurturing and spiritual sensitivity and your longing for heightened awareness. Those who play a nurturing role may feel threatened by your sensitivity and spiritual quest. You may struggle to validate your subtle perceptions and artistic expressions. Nurturing your soul through imagination is important, but beware of detachment from reality. Spending time near water can provide solace. Imbalances arise from a lack of emotional support, leading to feelings of helplessness. To overcome this, nurture your sensitivities while establishing emotional foundations and harness your intuition practically. Strive for a harmonious integration of nurturing and spiritual growth.

Neptune ☍ Vertex: When Neptune opposes the Vertex in your chart, you possess a hidden aspect that may not be immediately evident to others. You exhibit traits of indecision and compassion, which can lead to misunderstandings. You may attract individuals struggling with substance abuse, requiring strength to avoid getting entangled in their problems. Your true energy shines in spirituality and artistry. You have a strong urge to help others, but it's important to recognize your limitations and seek clarity through spiritual contemplation. Seeking support from Neptune or Pisces individuals can be beneficial. Embrace your hidden nature, navigate spirituality and artistry, and unlock your full potential by exercising discernment and embracing growth opportunities.

Neptune ☍ Lilith: When Neptune opposes Lilith in your chart, you are deeply influenced by the darker aspects of your emotions, often becoming absorbed in them. It is crucial to reflect on how your emotions may affect others and consider if you are neglecting your own feelings. Self-reflection reveals valuable insights. Despite any disbelief, your heightened sensitivity leads you to navigate life through emotions, sometimes overlooking rational thought. Embrace the present moment and fully experience your emotions. Differentiate between reality and imagination, seeking clarity amidst the shadows. By acknowledging the power of your emotions while staying grounded, you can gain profound insights and find inner harmony.

Pluto ☍ Part of Fortune: When Pluto opposes the Part of Fortune in your chart, you approach relationships with seriousness and prefer waiting for a committed connection. Shyness and difficulty in establishing rapport contribute to this approach. Family dynamics and past experiences may impact your ability to accept and build a loving relationship and start a family of your own. Avoid nurturing fears and resentments, focusing instead on personal power and pursuing happiness. Embrace self-discovery, letting go of lingering fears. Cultivate inner strength and resilience to attract and maintain a fulfilling partnership. Approach relationships with an open heart while maintaining self-worth and boundaries.

Pluto ☍ Ascendant: When Pluto opposes the Rising (Ascendant) in your chart, you tend to attract individuals with powerful egos and strong tempers, craving deep connections. However, be cautious of those who mold themselves to please you. You may also exhibit the same behavior. You place demands on others but resent when the same is asked of you. Your strength lies in shaping people, making fields like public relations ideal. Your expressive nature captivates others, but be mindful of power struggles and maintain healthy boundaries. Seek balanced and respectful relationships, honoring autonomy and fostering growth. Navigate complexities for harmonious connections.

Pluto ☍ Imun Coeli: When Pluto opposes the 4th house in your chart, you possess a natural inclination towards power and resourcefulness in your chosen career. Leadership roles suit you best, as you have a transformative impact on others. You excel in delving deep into the core of matters, whether in practical fields like plumbing or in exploring human behavior through psychology. Your intuition and analytical mindset allow you to uncover hidden truths and navigate complex situations, making meaningful contributions in your field. Embrace your leadership qualities and curiosity, pursuing a career that aligns with your passions and analytical skills. Leave a lasting imprint on your professional sphere and the lives you touch.

Pluto ☍ Descendant: When Pluto opposes the 7th house in your chart, you have a natural inclination towards taking the lead and maintaining control in your romantic relationships or business partnerships. However, it is important to recognize that complete control may not always be attainable, especially in intimate partnerships. Transformative relationships are likely to shape your life, attracting individuals with enigmatic and unconventional qualities. Be cautious of excessive control, as it can lead to powerful adversaries and aggression. Taboo concepts and power struggles may arise in your relationships, and you may be drawn to unconventional and risky connections. Strive for a healthy balance, respecting boundaries and fostering stable and fulfilling connections that allow for growth and mutual support.

Pluto ☍ Midheaven: When Pluto opposes the Midheaven in a natal chart, it brings profound transformations to one's career, public image, and life direction. Power struggles and personal growth are common, leading to significant shifts in the individual's professional path. This aspect signifies a strong desire for power and control in the chosen field, but it can also result in conflicts and challenges with authority figures. The individual may experience radical changes in their career, letting go of outdated ambitions and embracing a new sense of purpose. Authenticity and integrity in the public image are crucial, as hidden agendas can be exposed. Navigating this aspect with self-awareness and integrity allows for personal growth and a lasting impact on the professional path and public image.

Pluto ☍ Chiron: Individuals with Pluto opposed Chiron possess a strong and introverted nature, often plagued by self-doubt and subconscious insecurity. Childhood experiences and conflicts with parents intensify these inner uncertainties. They exhibit a fierce competitive spirit and an unwavering desire for success, driven by a need to prove their intrinsic worth. Intense emotions such as envy, greed, lust, and jealousy overwhelm them, and attempts to suppress these feelings only amplify them. To embark on a journey of personal growth and healing, they must confront their past, acknowledge past rejections, and transform their understanding into positive attributes. By embracing their emotions and engaging in self-reflection and healing, they can emerge as resilient forces for themselves and others.

Pluto ☍ Vesta: Individuals with Pluto opposed Vesta navigate between rugged individualism and fear of decision-making, often developing an aversion to authority. Harmonizing these energies and applying self-discipline unlocks their immense abilities for the greater good. They intuitively recognize transformative power within destructive forces, transforming inner demons into allies. This process clears unconscious patterns and beliefs that separate them from the divine. They are then prepared to embrace their true calling, providing solace to others in personal crises, illness, or loss. Triumphing over inner demons grants them balance and influence, enabling them to impact many lives through business, politics, or art. Their journey of self-discovery empowers them to inspire and uplift others with strength and empathy.

Pluto ☍ Pallas: Individuals with Pluto opposed Pallas may face challenges in expressing their creative side due to a lack of discipline or confidence. They yearn for transformative experiences and may explore taboo and psychological realms, which can clash with societal norms. This may create adversarial dynamics unless they integrate their yearning with cultural context. Embracing their creative nature, valuing their unique perspective, and finding a balance between personal exploration and societal expectations allows them to navigate this dichotomy authentically. Trusting their creative instincts, exploring passions, and expressing their artistic self aligns them with their true essence and brings harmony and fulfillment.

Pluto ☍ Juno: Individuals with Pluto opposed Juno possess great personal power potential, yet a lack of emotional security influences their behavior. They may exhibit dictatorial tendencies due to a conflict between their desire for security and the power they can wield. In committed relationships, power dynamics become a significant issue, leading to destructive patterns, sexual obsessions, possessiveness, and abuses of power. Addressing these dynamics openly and honestly is crucial for fostering a healthy relationship. Cultivating emotional security, open communication, trust, and mutual respect allows for a balanced expression of power, transforming conflicts into opportunities for growth, empowerment, and deeper connection.

Pluto ☍ Ceres: Individuals with Pluto opposed Ceres face a significant polarity in their lives, balancing their creative and emotional bonds with their transformative journey of self-empowerment. Loyalties may feel divided between their mother and spouse, as care and closeness can require compromising power. Inner negativity and a lack of confidence in love hinder their expression of emotional care, leading others to control and withhold support. Striking a balance is crucial to avoid constant power struggles that hinder personal growth. They have a need for sexual nourishment but must maintain a healthy balance of power and avoid seeking it solely for personal gratification. Asserting personal power, setting boundaries, and open communication can navigate these complexities and foster fulfilling relationships.

Pluto ☍ Vertex: Individuals experiencing Pluto opposed Vertex are undergoing a purging process, releasing what is no longer necessary for personal growth. Power struggles and opposition arise, leading to regeneration and transformation. Challenges in sexuality, taxes, and insurance may emerge, but integrity and moral values help overcome them. There is a tendency to stay in the comfort zone for personal safety, yet supporting fragile individuals and advocating for spiritual practices becomes important. Emotional fluctuations between love and hatred require understanding and resolution in relationships. Embracing these challenges fosters personal transformation and creates a moderately happy life that integrates material and spiritual aspects. Prioritizing integrity and well-being is key.

Pluto ☍ Lilith: Individuals with Pluto opposed Lilith have a deep fear of control and react strongly to perceived threats to their freedom. This fear can lead to secrecy, manipulation, and hostility as defensive measures. They also experience shame, guilt, and fear, and may take pleasure in others' suffering. Their taboo desires, particularly in sexuality, feel uncontrollable. While driven by individuality and liberation, this obsession ironically impairs personal freedom. To find a healthier path, addressing these fears is crucial. Self-acceptance, self-compassion, open communication, and therapy can help develop healthier coping mechanisms. Releasing the need for constant defense allows for greater inner peace and authentic individuality.

(CC) AstroJulia Some Rights Reserved

[sassydefendorflower]

Fashion Worldbuilding in FMA:b

From a historical fashion standpoint, the fashion in FMA:b (and the manga) is all over the place, but since the 1914/1915 setting of Amestris is not actually linked to the real historical time period there is no need to apply rigid fashion rules to the worldbuilding. And yet, I think it is very interesting to explain the fashion of Amestris through a Watsonian lens.

And what better place to start with than the very a-historical skin-tight, skin-showing clothing of our teenage characters?

Winry is always dressed practically and job oriented (coveralls, gloves, something to tie her hair back with) and yet she’s also dressed like a typical modern teenager. Crop tops and short skirts are the norm for when Winry is doing everyday stuff outside of her workshop or extreme territories. She is by far not the only character that dresses like this - we see both Matel and Paninya in similarly tight and form-fitting outfits.

And the world around them doesn’t react to this excess of skin with disgust or outrage - their way of clothing seems to be the general norm, or at least pretty widespread and accepted. But if we look closer, it seems that this is only a societal norm for young people.

Most of the older women we meet, are dressed rather conservatively, with dresses and long skirts being the norm. Hair is most often drawn in a bun on older female characters, and the general dress shape seems to be late 19th century inspired.

In this crowd scene for example, we can see a handful of young women wearing pants with their hair open, while the majority of the women depicted seem to be wearing skirts, dresses, and aprons as befitting a working women, while others seems to have scarves wrapped around their shoulders as if out and about on a stroll through town.

Which would make sense. This would divide the expected “proper” way of dressing along the axis of age (and/or marital status), with the cut-off being somewhere in the mid- to late twenties. Characters like Riza Hawkeye, Matel, and Sheska play into this, as they are all more conservatively dressed as Winry, but do not yet follow stricter fashion rules as they seem to be common in older demographics.

In this scene Riza is wearing a skirt that covers her knees and a jacket that covers her neck and the entirety of her arms. We later see her dressed in different civilian clothes as well, with a white blouse, a pink cardigan, and comfortable loose pants. As such she is in a transitional phase of fashion, between the more loose and short styles of the youth and the more traditional cuts of the older generation.

Shezka is much the same, her blouse and typical turtleneck much more “grown up” than the clothes Winry and her age-mates wear, and yet the rest of her clothes have not yet reached the same level of “age”. Both of these characters are also unmarried, which could be another factor in the way they dress - historically speaking, expectations on dress were different between single women and those that were married, so there is a distinct possibility of the same being the case in the world of FMA.

Which brings us to another very interesting axis of analysis: how do jobs and fashion interact in Fullmetal Alchemist?

The way I see it Amestris is a country on the verge of changing. We see a noteworthy amount of female soldiers, but only one female General - so much so, that Sloth is ordered to kill “the” female General, because Olivier Mira Armstrong is the only woman in the upper brass. The other female soldiers we meet all have ranks up to First Lieutenant, but nothing above. There are no female State Alchemists. Most of the other professionals we meet are men.

It makes sense for Olivier to be the first female general based on her family history and the fact that she was probably an outstanding soldier - but it also highlights that the military as a structure has probably only allowed female soldiers for up to 30 to 40 years by the time we meet the Elrics and their world. And I see much of Amestris through that lens - most gender-based laws have probably been repelled by now, but the society at large still remembers a much more divided structure. This is reflected in the fashion, of course.

In a country that has only recently changed its views on which professional fields should be open to all genders, the divide between the fashion rules for those that remember more rigid structures and those that grew up without certain assumptions is growing. Societal standards are slow to change, but they do reflect the opinions of the general public - or at least the rules and traditions people tend to cling to. 

Let’s take Gracia for example. While the hemline in general seems to be rising in all age demographics (except the elderly, while staying relatively conservative in older demographics and - hypothetically - married women) Gracia dresses less form-fitting than other women in her age range (Riza Hawkeye, Rebecca Catalina). She is generally dressed more “proper”, even later on when we see her wearing skirts that end above the knee. What I really find interesting though is the comparison to her younger self - roughly eight years younger, as this is a picture from the end of the Ishval War. Even though she is probably about twenty to twenty-three in this picture, she is dressed a lot more conservative than all the other female characters we have met in that age range so far. This can have multiple reasons. Maybe Gracia is from a more conservative, rich family that favors more traditional style of dress - or we can see the rabid change in society in just eight years.

Again, Amestris as a society in the middle of extreme social change.

We can even see it in the military uniforms. Female soldiers in active duty wear the same clothes as their male counterparts.

(including the butt-cape)

But what we see multiple times is other female officers employed at Central Command (or other military headquarters) wearing a different uniform - with a much shorter skirt (tho a longer skirt option seems to be available, as we also see female soldiers wearing skirts that cover the knees).

This could imply two things: a) the longer skirts were the normal uniform for female employees of the military not cleared for active duty, and only recently shorter skirts became a part of the uniform as a reaction to the changing fashion landscape or b) the shorter skirts existed for longer as some sort of sexist tool of the upper brass to demean their female employees.

For the sake of our current worldbuilding, let’s go with Option A).

Again, the general hemline seems to be rising - in a way, it wouldn’t even be historically unheard off. In the 1920s the female silhouette changed so much in young, city-dwelling circles that you might even see the occasional knee peak out from under a skirt - Amestris could be experiencing a similar change in fashionable dress.

There is one other thing I want to mention while I’m at it: the influences of other cultures on Amestrian culture and fashion.

Amestris is an imperial power, and while that means that it has a very strong national identity on the one hand, we can also see how it has adapted other cultural influences in its daily life. While the wearing of traditional Ishvalen clothing is probably demonized and a sure way to get othered, influenced from other nations Amestris is war-ing with can be found.

Xing-style clothing seems to be pretty common, and if anything it seems to be a sign of status to be able to afford clothes from Xing.

We see Mrs. Bradley were Xing-style clothing multiple times throughout the show, and it always seems to be something a lady of good standing can do without consequences. This implies a certain level of cultural trade and exchange between the two countries, especially once you consider that Xingese features seem to be common enough in Amestris that Ling always has to mention his status as a foreigner since his appearance alone would not give it away.

(And the fact that all Lan Fan and Fu had to do to go undercover was exchange their Xingese dress for classical Amestrian clothing and suddenly they could disappear in a crowd without a problem)

And this bit of decor in General Grumman’s office? This also implies some sort of cultural influences from Drachma.

There is also the fact that class probably does play a role in the way people dress, with people from Rush Valley, a certified weird town full of weird people, dressing more wild, with less need for social conventions in a place like that. And people from the countryside favoring practicality over fashion, and much of the women we see there wearing loose dresses and aprons, which makes sense. At the same time, what little we see of the Armstrong family, they seem to favor a more conservative style of dress, even at a younger age.

Which makes sense - fashion is influenced by a lot of different factors, class, age, gender, gender representation, work and cultural influences all making a difference.

And just as an aside - while this post mostly discusses women’s fashion in FMA:b, I think it applies to men’s fashion as well. At least to a certain degree. While most men are much more uniformly dressed in “old-timey” clothing, the current shift seems to be happening when it comes to wearing hats.

And I also think teenage boys are less tied to the fashion expectations of their time - Edward for example dresses very modernly and weird. BUT and - this is very interesting - his sense of fashion is constantly considered as outside of the norm. Part of his Growing-Up Arc is starting to wear the clothes society expects him to wear... which means that while women’s fashion is rapidly changing, men’s fashion is still rather strict in comparison, with breaking of the rules being perceived as socially “punishable” in comparison.

[sensualnoiree]

astro notes: daily transits 9/1

Today marks a significant shift in the astrological landscape as two powerful planets—Uranus and Pluto—initiate transformative journeys. Uranus, the planet of innovation, rebellion, and sudden change, stations retrograde at 27°15' Taurus, signaling a period of introspection and reassessment in areas where we may have felt stuck or resistant to change. Simultaneously, Pluto, the planet of transformation, power, and rebirth, re-enters Capricorn, a sign associated with authority, structure, and long-term goals. This combination sets the stage for deep, systemic changes that will unfold over the coming months.

Key Influences

Uranus Stations Retrograde at 27°15' Taurus:Revolutionary Introspection: Uranus stationing retrograde in Taurus brings a powerful call to reassess and reevaluate areas of life that may have become stagnant or too routine. Taurus, a sign deeply connected to stability, values, and material security, can sometimes resist change, preferring the comfort of the familiar. However, Uranus’s energy is anything but routine—its retrograde motion invites us to look inward and question where we have become too set in our ways. This is a time to explore new possibilities, break free from outdated patterns, and innovate in areas related to our resources, self-worth, and how we create stability in our lives. The retrograde period is ideal for revisiting past ideas or projects that may now be ready for a fresh, innovative approach.

Focus on Security and Values: Taurus’s influence on Uranus retrograde highlights the need to reassess our approach to security, both financial and emotional. This transit may bring up sudden changes or disruptions in these areas, forcing us to adapt and rethink our strategies for maintaining stability. The key here is flexibility—Uranus encourages us to be open to new ways of securing our future, even if they seem unconventional or challenging at first. Embrace the opportunity to innovate and redefine what security means to you, allowing for a more dynamic and resilient approach.

Pluto Re-enters Capricorn:Deep Systemic Transformation: Pluto’s re-entry into Capricorn marks the continuation of a long-term cycle of transformation that has been reshaping structures of power, authority, and societal norms since 2008. Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, is the sign of discipline, responsibility, and long-term planning. As Pluto moves back into Capricorn from September 1 to November 19, we are called to revisit and complete the deep transformational work that began during its initial transit through this sign. This period may bring up unresolved issues related to power dynamics, governance, and the structures that underpin our personal and collective lives.

Rebuilding Foundations: Pluto in Capricorn asks us to confront where the foundations of our lives, careers, and societal structures may have become weak or corrupt. This is a time for deep introspection and a willingness to dismantle what no longer serves us, even if it involves confronting uncomfortable truths. The work of Pluto in Capricorn is about building something more enduring and sustainable—whether in our careers, personal lives, or the broader societal framework. This transit supports long-term planning and the disciplined effort required to bring about lasting change.

Integrating the Influences

Embrace Innovation and Flexibility:Navigating Uranus Retrograde in Taurus: Uranus retrograde is an invitation to innovate in areas of life where we may have become too rigid or resistant to change. This is a time to experiment with new ideas, especially those that challenge our usual approach to security and stability. Be open to revisiting past projects or ideas that may now find fertile ground for growth. Uranus encourages us to think outside the box and embrace change, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Flexibility and adaptability will be key to navigating this retrograde period successfully.

Focus on Long-Term Transformation:Pluto’s Return to Capricorn: With Pluto re-entering Capricorn, we are reminded that true transformation is a long-term process. This period is about completing the deep work of restructuring the foundations of our lives and society. Whether it’s in your career, personal life, or broader societal roles, this is a time to focus on the big picture and the long-term goals that require patience, discipline, and a willingness to confront difficult truths. Use this time to build something that will endure, even if it means letting go of what is no longer viable.

Prepare for Deep, Systemic Change:Anticipating the Shifts: Both Uranus and Pluto are outer planets associated with deep, systemic change. As they begin their retrograde and re-entry phases, we are called to prepare for significant shifts in our lives. This may involve reassessing our values, security, and long-term goals, as well as confronting and transforming the structures that govern our lives. Embrace the opportunity to innovate and rebuild, knowing that the changes you make now will have a lasting impact on your future.

follow for more astro insights like this and head on over to @quenysefields or my etsy --> sensualnoiree to grab my new astrology guidebook on reading your own natal chart :)

[jollykoalabarbarian]

"Femaleness and femininity are inherently flawed": This statement is a harmful generalization. It reinforces negative stereotypes about women and ignores the diversity of experiences and perspectives within the female population. Attributing flaws to an entire group based solely on their gender is inaccurate and unfair.

"The patriarchy doesn't hinder women": This claim contradicts substantial evidence demonstrating the systemic disadvantages women face in various aspects of life, including access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and political participation. The existence and impact of the patriarchy on women's lives are well documented and cannot be simply dismissed.

"Men are tempered by familial bonds which women desire": This statement reinforces traditional gender roles and implies that women are inherently drawn to domesticity and family life. It overlooks the diverse aspirations and desires of women, who may prioritize careers, personal growth, or other pursuits beyond traditional family structures.

"Destroying the family leads to regression": This argument equates the evolution of societal structures with biological evolution, which are distinct processes. Family structures have evolved and adapted throughout history, and the current emphasis on nuclear families is a relatively recent phenomenon. Diverse family models can provide support and stability without adhering to rigid traditional norms.

[humanityissstrange]

When the aliens found earth, there were several factions, but it took decades to realize the heads of every faction were puppets, propped up to give the illusion of choice.

Pick your factions, pick your puppeteers, pick your driving motivations as you please, but there's only one group of puppeteers, regardless of how diametrically opposed the factions appear to be.

The Religious, supposedly many groups, supposedly holding no lands, but holding majority sway in many of the most violent and impoverished countries, with their congregations just doing what they were told in the name of God/the gods/ancestors/karma or whatever the local group espoused, and their leaders answering to a hierarchy that was either secretly supplanted by or outright created by one institution in particular, founded by an emperor from the butchered corpses of the religions of his day, and predating most forms of technology beyond basic metallurgy. Violent extremists ready to die for their cause embedded in nearly every nation ensure that none move against their interests too strongly.

The Structured, who have rigid societal systems that may or may not allow transitions between castes, and pursue efficiency and predictability. Those in the upper tiers fight amongst themselves viciously while their lessers cling doggedly to patriotic purpose, medicate themselves into a non-sapient haze, or kill themselves. Often all three, in that order. Their soldiers are generally brainwashed and their leaders are entirely unconcerned with collateral. After all, what use is the machine they have mounted with such effort, if not to build what they wish, and destroy what opposes them?

The Free, a rabid mob led by feelings and a constant stream of peer pressure from their omnipresent technology, that spends their time decrying the latest in the chain of liars to lead them and violently attacking one another over their perceived differences rather than questioning why their ballots only ever feature liars, or finding ways to do better. While it is near impossible to prevent the transmission of information in a technological society, it is incredibly easy to drown it in refuse and ridicule anyone who dares look at it. It is hard to stop the river of human consciousness, but shockingly easy to dye and divert it as one pleases, so long as you don't need precision.

The Profiteers, an alliance of less ignorant and more amoral members of most nations, and owners of a few. They ask one question in response to any and every thing to ail their fellows. "Now how can this be used to benefit me?" Bankers, corporate shareholders, political leaders, media personalities and mid-level religious figures all fall within this category, none hold to the ideals of their place, but are allowed to go on because they smooth logistics and are very effective saboteurs if ousted. They play symbiont to the upper echelons and parasite to the lower, which positions them as easy scapegoats should any of the chattel ever decide that enough is enough, and resort to violence.

The Equals, only ever scavengers feeding on the carrion of profiteers who overstayed their welcome, they rapidly self-destruct or transition to Structured or Free as soon as their twice-stolen wealth runs low, while their leaders abscond with whatever remained to join the Profiteers instead.

Three billion people, divided amongst these groups, according to our analytical algorithms connected to their Internet.

The "reset" a cyclic purge of population prevented them from growing too numerous, and after we saw the results, we asked the computer who or what ensured the reset would happen.

Twelve hundred people not in any category was the answer. Not mentioned on the Internet, no papers of identification, just inferred from holes in the information.

They did not rule anywhere, nor were they known to the public. But the ones who did rule, the ones at the head of every faction, answered to them.

Bored monsters, selectively bred for intelligence, not empathy, and trained from birth to see themselves as superior. The world as their sandbox, wargaming against one another to keep themselves sharp.

[lgbtlunaverse]

See, the thing about found families is that generally they provide an escape from the rigid structures and norms that society tends to impose upon traditional families, right? It's why they resonate so well with queer people. The normal rules that they by definition don't fit into cease to matter within these found families.

And then I look at 3zun, and the sworn bortherhood vow. Which is, on its own, a kind of promise of found family, no? We're not related by blood but I am choosing you as my family anyway, etc. Except, by swearing that vow, 3zun turn a relationship that wasn't bound by familiar norms into one that does. Being sworn brothers has rules attached to it just like any other familiar structure.

All of 3zun have, without exception, some deeply major trauma connected to family and, specifically the societal ruels and norms surrounding family. Whether that be following in your familial tradition even though that'll kill you because that's what is expected of you, or seeing your mother waste away alone and trapped, and barely ever seeing your father due to his self inflicted punishment for not marrying the right kind of person, or watching your mother die and having your father kick you down the stairs and refuse you entry to his home because you were born out of wedlock and to the "wrong" kind of mother, unable to fit properly into society's ideal family at all.

And I'm not saying the real historical practice of swearing bortherhood is problematic, abolutely not, could you imagine? What I am saying is that 3zun's vow was meant to be a way to tie these people together, heal bond that had been broken, and generally help them grow close to each other. And it failed at that spectularly.

And maybe that's because for these people, and the bonds between them, trying to fit them into a societally justified and acceptable familial mold might have, fundamentally, been the wrong thing to do.

[ngdrb]

Unraveling the Extreme Rhetoric of J.D. Vance

In the political arena, words hold immense power, shaping narratives and influencing perspectives. J.D. Vance, the Republican Vice Presidential candidate, has garnered attention for his controversial views, particularly on issues concerning women and societal transformation. This essay aims to dissect Vance's extreme rhetoric, unveiling the concerning implications it holds for the rights and well-being of women and the trajectory of our nation.

Women and Abusive Relationships

One of the most contentious statements made by Vance revolves around his stance on women staying in abusive relationships. In a resurfaced statement, he suggested that women should remain in such toxic environments for the sake of their children. This perspective not only dismisses the trauma and danger faced by victims of domestic violence but also perpetuates a dangerous narrative that normalizes abuse.

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects individuals across all socioeconomic backgrounds, with women disproportionately bearing the brunt of its impact. Vance's rhetoric undermines the hard-fought battles for women's empowerment and autonomy, effectively trapping them in cycles of abuse under the guise of familial preservation.

Moreover, his stance contradicts overwhelming evidence that children raised in abusive households suffer long-lasting psychological and emotional scars, often perpetuating intergenerational cycles of violence. By advocating for women to remain in such environments, Vance disregards the well-being and safety of both women and children, prioritizing an outdated and harmful ideology over their fundamental human rights.

Project 2025: A Radical Agenda

Vance's acceptance of Project 2025, a far-right initiative aimed at radically transforming American society, raises further concerns. This project espouses an extremist ideology that seeks to impose a rigid, ultraconservative worldview on the nation, eroding the principles of diversity, inclusion, and individual liberties that form the bedrock of our democracy.

Project 2025's ambitious agenda includes dismantling existing social and political structures, promoting a narrow interpretation of traditional values, and curtailing the rights of marginalized communities. Vance's endorsement of such a radical endeavor not only alienates vast segments of the population but also threatens to undermine the hard-won progress made towards a more equitable and just society.

By aligning himself with this radical movement, Vance demonstrates a willingness to sacrifice the fundamental tenets of democracy in pursuit of an extreme ideological agenda. This approach not only risks polarizing the nation further but also jeopardizes the very fabric of our democratic institutions and the principles upon which our nation was founded.

Conclusion

J.D. Vance's extreme rhetoric on issues pertaining to women and his acceptance of Project 2025 raise grave concerns about his suitability for a position of leadership and influence. His views on women staying in abusive relationships perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes and endanger the well-being of countless individuals. Furthermore, his alignment with the radical agenda of Project 2025 threatens to undermine the principles of diversity, inclusion, and individual liberties that define our nation.

In a time when our society grapples with complex challenges, we need leaders who promote unity, compassion, and a commitment to upholding the fundamental rights of all citizens. Vance's extreme rhetoric and associations with fringe movements raise legitimate questions about his ability to represent and serve the best interests of the American people.

As citizens, we are responsible for critically evaluating the rhetoric and platforms of those seeking to lead our nation. We must reject ideologies that foster division, perpetuate harm, and undermine the very foundations upon which our democracy stands. Only through informed and responsible decision-making can we ensure that our nation remains a beacon of hope, justice, and equality for all.

[drbased]

men on the right pride themselves on how they're the ones who are truly 'respectful' of women - but also, far-right misogynists despise 'white knights' for being respectful of women. this is because men intrinsically understand that how they treat women needs to be transactional; there are rules and structures for how you're supposed to treat women. conservatives believe that their way of treating women is honest: there is an honest transaction at play of the man 'courting' a woman, who refuses to give up sex until marriage thereby proving she is pure, at which point she gives herself wholeheartedly to him, and with her trapped into marriage and birthing children, both cruelty (rape) and kindness (affection) blur into one singular cultural institution representing righteousness itself. this becomes 'true masculinity', 'true femininity' and 'men and women having different roles'. this is how conservatives get away with presenting themselves as kinder to women that the left wing - with clear boundaries between public and private, and rigid structures that reduce paranoia and sexual jealousy of the woman cheating or leaving him, conservatives can freely present an image of themselves being respectful of women in public. additionally, they can claim that simply following the 'natural order of things' is being kind to women in and of itself - after all, all the romance propaganda has sold to women an idealised idea of marriage, so a culture where men are seeking marriage gets to lay claim to the idea of it being more in line with what women want.

white knights, meanwhile, are men who are seen as kind and respectful to women with no boundaries or social structure. it's especially noteworthy that the kind of respect they supposedly give women is exactly the kind of respect that a conservative would disagree with - that is, agreeing with her opinions, especially the political ones and especially the feminist ones. conservatives believe that a man should lead and the woman follow - so a man listening to a woman is a complete betrayal of nature. this is all a smokescreen, of course - as with all right wing politics, it's all just made up shit to justify the fact that they don't like women having power. but still, an ideology is constructed around this, and exploring its apparent contradictions is a valuable exercise in deconstructing it. left-wing men do not hold to the rigid societal structure that right-wing men do, so both their cruelty and kindness to women tends to be more public by default. right wing men despise this, because tradition and social convention disguise morality; calling something 'normal', 'natural' or 'how we've always done things' is a form of social rohypnol that disrupts people's empathy process - morality becomes something divorced from the very basic context of causing someone harm and instead reflects some external and nebulous concept of righteousness. religion is a perfect example of this; it is infamous how christianity allows for pedophilia but calls homosexuality evil, and this is achievable because what is 'good' and 'bad' is determined not by real-world harm but by an invented concept of spiritual harm, allowing for a very effective form of social control and the preservation of power structures. so, then, do conservative men despise left-wing men for how the disollution of power structures makes the actual harm caused by misogyny much more recogniseable. here, right-wing men are engaging in what I call the 'hypocrisy fallacy' whereby if someone has a politics or morality system that primarily signals to being a kinder person in some way, they are expected to 'go the whole hog' and any failure to do so will result in accusations that they are hypocrites, and this is always presented as being worse than being honestly bad. An example is of meat-eaters making 'gotcha' arguments at vegans not caring about exploited farmers. So too do red-pilled men see 'white knights' as hypocrites for not being truly honest about their intentions. but there's an irony in all this - conservativism is fundamentally dishonest in its treatment of women, but the honesty between conservative men is much more about recognition of the transactional nature of respect and kindness. they're not claiming that women deserve respect for being human; whereas a 'white knight' is giving her respect they believe she has demonstrably not earned. therefore they despise what this signals to other men; they find it unchivalrous. and on top of that, they are fearful of what it signals to other women; these men are planting the idea in women's heads that if men are capable of at least seeming to respect us outside of our relationship towards purity and marriage, then we might actually deserve respect as human beings. patriarchy 'hurts men too' because men put a lot of work into these convoluted societal conventions in order to have both a functional society and a foundation of misogynistic cruelty. right-wing men are obsessed with the idea of societal collapse caused by the dissolution of social roles and women gaining more rights, and the more far right you go the more you see that fear take centre stage.

interestingly, though, this paranoia provides a valid societal function for men in preserving patriarchy. left-wing men form a useful scapegoat for the right-wing. men as a class need to 'pass the buck' on rape - we all know rape happens, so to disguise male-pattern violence, men require an alternate form of masculinity. racism, classism and ableism have always been useful ways of achieving this - accusing other men of being more bestial, less civilised and less evolved have always allowed for rape to be seen as something 'less human' males do. but also, the right-wing beliefs of tradition, a clear separation of public and private, and strong social roles means they like to stake a claim on their version of masculinity being 'real, healthy masculinity', with the left-wing dissolution of social roles and power structures scapegoated as the actual source of rape. within this there is a tacit admission that without societal structure, men will rape with impunity, but this is treated less as a moral confession and more of a threat - after all, right-wing men are consider themselves much more honest in their belief about rape being 'natural' for men, which is why it must been contained within the privacy of marriage, where it can be successfully disguised as righteous and natural - this is reflected in how rape has been allowed in marriage according to law until very recently. if you think about how men see rape - as a destruction of their property, it makes sense that conservatives see raping with impunity as something causing the downfall of society, just as mass rioting and looting would. left-wing ideology is presented as more bestial, not-so-coincidentally in line with how lower class men and men of colour are believes to be bestial and their interests broadly considered to be left wing. and of course, let's not forget how the left wing engage in the exact same thing - the rhetoric of right wingers is so much more obviously patriarchal and also right wing men tend to be associated with higher class white men, so the reverse situation gets to be used for the benefits of left-wing rhetoric and its interest in power structures and their dissolution. There's an interesting mirroring effect here, a delicate balance on both sides that is mutually beneficial.

the more I've engaged with this kind of theory, the more I've come to these sort of tinfoil hat conclusions whereby certain social paranoias stay around because they're actively benefit the class of people who have them. Just how individual people will hold beliefs that are harmful to them because deep down it benefits them to have them in some way, so do societies reflect that; and male class solidarity is so intrinsic and powerful that men will hold these catastrophic beliefs about other men being so useless and evil that they will cause society to collapse just so they can say to other women 'stick with us and accept our version of rape, or society will collapse'. so too, then, do right wing women do the same (still looking forward to when I can get a physical copy of dworkin's right wing women because I can't engage with ebooks).

[lemonhemlock]

I think one of the most frustrating things about both the ASOIAF/HOTD fandom is the inability for people to discuss these characters or books without projecting their own personal/modern sensibilities. I've noticed this a lot with TB so targ nation in general, but they fundamentally hate the world building and lore of a feudal medieval monarchy. They hate tradition, they hate religion, they hate the concepts of honor and duty which is why they can't or won't understand Criston's character if their lives depended on it, they hate anything that can be deemed in anyway conservative, religious, traditional lol, they hate the inheritance laws preferring males, they hate that women have to stay chaste before marriage, they hate arranged marriages, they hate the fact that people care so much about bastards and that bastards cannot inherit, etc. I could go on. Yes, from a modern perspective a lot of these things are now deemed obsolete and uncool, but there were very good reasons for these things AT THE TIME. These people just hate the entire lore that this world is based on and instead of good faith engagement with the lore, they just call anyone who uses the world/lore to logically analyze the text a sexist, misogynist, tradcath, conservative, or whatever. It boggles my mind. Why interact with media, and not just interact with it, but have entire social media accounts dedicated to their hyper fixation and borderline parasocial relationship with these characters/books if they fundamentally hate the world and hate seeing their faves lose as a result of the rules in place. I'm begging these people to go read one of the thousands of fantasy books that isn't set in a rigid feudal monarchy.

This is such a spot-on, insightful comment into how a lot of people interact within this fandom. 👏👏👏 This typology of the late stage social justice internet warrior that fundamentally refuses to engage with the historicity of the story's spatio-temporal setting, i.e. a feudal medieval monarchy of European inspiration, that predates centralization and thus absolutism. Even though Westeros is so very obviously decentralized, many fans do not realize this for some reason and pretend it's an absolute monarchy a la Louis XIV.

Many people, like GRRM, who is a prolific science-fiction writer (!), are attracted to this setting regardless, because of the pageantry (look how obsessed he is with creating house sigils and mottos), the romantic flair + the fact that it's literally the setting of fairy-tales, which inspires in the reader a world of magical possibilities. Of course, the world of ASOIAF is an attempt to shore up the 'realism' of this imagological construct, but medieval fantasy is a genre in and of itself, like there are certain flavours of societal layering and organization that are inescapable, like the rigid social structures, the political rule as the purview of the elites, the importance of religion in everyday life etc.

This is not to say that those aspects are in any way aspirational for a modern person or that we should yearn to go back to those times, only that they are merely characteristics that developed hand-in-hand with the technological advancements and the economic progress of the period. If you have a civilisation whose economy is centered on land ownership as the main source of wealth acquisition, its society is going to look a certain way. Certainly, in Westeros there are some craftsmen and merchants, but there seem to only be a handful of towns throughout the entire continent and, off the top of my head, the mention of guilds and the middle classes are few and far between in the books, so there is no concrete way of determining how consolidated the bourgeoisie is. At the same time, this is absolutely just a story and not a 1:1 recreation of those times, so these gaps are completely understandable, as there only is so much worldbuilding one man can do.

Anyway, I often see analysis or commentary being circulated, which are obviously a projection of modern sensibilities, like how there should be no king at all or the Iron Throne is evil or how Westeros should revert to being separate kingdoms because somehow the concept of unifying regions with a common cultural and religious background is automatically bad, always and with no exception. To me these are rather perplexing, but they are so wide-spread that it's not even worth it to try and open up that particular can of worms. Some of these takes don't even make sense if you expand them to their natural implications. Someone has to be the king in a medieval society; it doesn't work like some people envision this - no one chooses to rule and that's that, problem solved? How is society going to be organized then? It's doubtful that the conclusion of the last book will be anarcho-socialism. The Iron Throne consistently cuts kings who are unworthy to sit on it - it's not a symbol that the author intended to be construed as malevolent. Sure, death of the author and all that, but it's not described as mystically quasi-sentient for nothing either. Fragmenting Westeros back into individual kingdoms while maintaining the feudal structure retains the inherent unfairness and inequality of said hierarchy; it's amazing to me how it could be considered progress etc.

To wrap this up, yes, I agree, some people would be much better served if they simply found other fantasy media based on a different time frame. Because it doesn't make sense to become so entrenched in this specific one if you hate the medieval period so much. Again, this is not to say that the Middle Ages cannot be criticised because that's just the way it was back then, they absolutely can, but a lot of criticism shared around is just done in bad faith and with no real desire to understand the historical phenomena at play.

For example, a few days ago, someone commented on one my bastardposts that "just because it was illegal doesn't make it fair", with the implied solution to that conundrum that Rhaenyra should simply be allowed by society to do whatever she pleased. No reflection on why that law/rule was in place to begin with, no consideration of how it would impact the wider community, no proposal as to how one could advance to a society in which all children are considered equal, regardless of their parents' marital status etc. The thought doesn't go beyond "feminism in its modern definition can magically crystallize in any historical period because it is completely divorced from the material conditions of a society".

[gallifreyinstituteforlearning]

What does the gallifreyan political & social environment look like? (that you're allowed to disclose without invoking legal consequences, of course)

What does the Gallifreyan political and social environment look like?

For this, I defer to my colleague ...

Guest Editor: Shaplinortyovatshuagu of Drome - Regional Liaison for Mutter's Spiral

🛑 Disclaimer: As a representative of the Gallifrey Institute for Learning and a resident of Gallifrey, I must remind you that certain details are classified or, in fact, altered from the actual truth to protect the sanctity of the Time Lords and avoid any, shall we say, legal consequences.

👑 The High Council of Time Lords

Ah, the illustrious High Council! Composed of the wisest Time Lords, the High Council oversees all matters of governance, ensuring that the delicate fabric of time and space remains unwrinkled. They're a bit like a galactic version of your human House of Lords or Senate, but with more robes. They work closely with the Lord High President, who, as the physical manifestation of the Laws of Time, ensures all Colleges fall in line.

📜 Laws and Regulations

Gallifreyan laws are a tad more complex than Earthly ones. Much of Gallifreyan law relies on centuries of tradition, overseen by the Lord President, the Chancellor, and the High Council. The Presidential Charter grants the Lord President near-absolute power, though all actions must pass through the Inner Council, which can override the President in emergencies.

🏰 Societal Structure

The Gallifreyan society is hierarchical but not entirely rigid. At the top, you have the Time Lords, those with the power and knowledge to navigate the complexities of time. Below them are various castes and groups, each contributing to Gallifrey's sophisticated society in unique ways. Each Gallifreyan is born into one of Rassilon’s Great Houses, and these Houses are affiliated with one of the six Chapters. A Gallifreyan’s Chapter reflects their personality and talents, and though changing Chapters is rare, it is not unheard of. Citizens enjoy fulfilled lives and prefer others to handle the big decisions so they can focus on their personal pursuits.

🧑‍🏫 Education and Learning

Education is paramount on Gallifrey. From the moment a Gallifreyan can walk, they're taught the principles of time manipulation, quantum physics, and, of course, Gallifreyan etiquette. Most children are taken from their families at age 8 for initiation at the Untempered Schism, where they are exposed to the raw power of the Time Vortex. They're then enrolled in one of the six Chapter Academies based on their abilities and talents. Only the Prydonian Academy can bestow the title of Time Lord, making it a crucial institution for Gallifreyan society.

🛡️ The Chancellery Guard

Gallifrey’s only real "army," the Chancellery Guard, functions more as a police force. Each Chapter maintains its own branch, but the scarlet-clad Prydonians usually protect the Capitol. The Chancellery Guard ensures the security of the Citadel and is always ready to respond to temporal threats. They are supervised by the Castellan, who has access to numerous security systems and is responsible for protecting the Lord President.

🎭 Cultural Life

Modern Gallifreyan society has almost no pain, suffering, or hardship, and citizens have no real unfulfilled desires. The arts are valued, with temporal sculptures, epic poetry, and intricate dances being common. Gallifreyan technology is telepathically operated, and machines tend to virtually every need. Food dispensers molecularly rearrange fungi into dishes, and fashion is dictated by centuries-old traditions, with robes being the most common attire.

🖥️ Technology and Media

The APC Net (Amplified Panatropic Computer Network) serves as the essence of Gallifreyan culture, containing all knowledge and history. Gallifreyan technology, often telepathically operated, includes telepathic holograms, memory wafers, and advanced security systems. Entertainment is provided by Public Register Video and Public Access Television, with over 87 million channels. Media consumption is done via plasma image media screens or in five-dimensional cinemas.

🏅 Games and Recreation

Gallifreyans enjoy various games such as Four-D Chess, Mindbending, and the Perigosto Stick Game. These games often incorporate their advanced mental and temporal abilities. Time Lords play these games to exercise their minds and entertain themselves in a society where much is automated and routine.

🍽️ Cuisine

Gallifreyan cuisine includes delicacies like Karmine pudding, Dactyl eggs, and the Flan of Omega. Beverages range from synthetic tea to Rassilon’s Red wine. Food dispensers provide most sustenance, and cooking is more of a hobby than a necessity. Traditional foods and drinks are consumed on special occasions.

⚖️ Justice System

Thankfully there is very little crime on Gallifrey! The Celestial Intervention Agency (CIA) handles many internal affairs, ensuring that laws are upheld and that any temporal misdemeanours are dealt with swiftly. The Inquisition oversees trials, with the Inquisitor leading proceedings in the Supreme Court of Guardians of Gallifreyan Law. These trials can involve witnesses from different points in time, making them as complex as you’d expect.

It truly is a wonderful place to be! 😃

Related:

What are young Gallifreyans/Time Tots taught?: Detailing what the kids of Gallifrey are taught.

How does religion work on Gallifrey?: Overview of the history and perception of religion throughout Gallifrey’s history

Do Gallifreyans have grocery stores?: Food and food technology on Gallifrey.

What’s on Time Lord TV?: Visual entertainment on Gallifrey.

What is Gallifreyan music like?: Musical instruments and genres on Gallifrey.

Hope that helped! 😃

More content ... →📫Got a question? | 📚Complete list of Q+A and factoids →😆Jokes |🩻Biology |🗨️Language |🕰️Throwbacks |🤓Facts →🫀Gallifreyan Anatomy and Physiology Guide (pending) →⚕️Gallifreyan Emergency Medicine Guides →📝Source list (WIP) →📜Masterpost If you're finding your happy place in this part of the internet, feel free to buy a coffee to help keep our exhausted human conscious. She works full-time in medicine and is so very tired 😴

[ndiebrioxhe]

Long Spoiler ridden rambling about Ascendance of a bookworm

I really like Ascendance of a bookworm because it is so unique. It has such a rigid social heirachal structure and societal rules compared to many other fantasy novels.

Other fantasy novels: “There’s the royal family, the (usually evil) duke whose usually a step above regular nobles and …the rest™ where the only difference between a commoner and noble is how they dress and if they got fancy parties.

AOAB: “EVERYONE IS RANKED. Royalty (zent and family) —> archduke of a duchy (aub and family) —> archnobles —> mednobles —> laynobles.

The duchies? RANKED. The sovereignty where the royal family reigns —> the duchies ranked 1st to 13th.

Marriages? RANKED. Men can marry 3 wives with the 1st wife being the most influential and the 3rd being the least. They all have jobs to best benefit the family. Wives can get promoted and demoted. All children produced by any wife are equally able to inherit the noble title and become the head but preferences exist, typically based on mana quantity…which means they are what? RANKED (on likelihood to inherit unofficially).”

But why do I like it as a world building aspect? Besides being really detailed? Because it is an ENORMOUS problem that the narrative doesn’t pretend any character can solve …but it’s also sort of balanced?

Their world is PRECARIOUS and this flawed system is both contributing to the problem but the only reason it’s not constantly in civil war or barren of life. The more mana/higher the rank you have as a noble, the more power you can exert but you also have the obligation to ensure harvest happen and the duchy runs smoothly.

An archnoble of lower ranked duchy and laynoble of a higher ranked duchy know exactly how much respect they have to extend to each other. While women are expected to marry before 20 and marry men of equal status and mana to maintain ensure good offspring - sexism doesn’t exist BETWEEN social classes. A man of lower class holds NO power over a woman higher class - she is his superior. One too many missteps can just have you getting you and your family murdered or executed. Want a better life for you or your duchy? CLIMB THE RANKS. Marry upwards or to your benefit and start making yourself, your family, your duchy, as valuable as you can to the nation while watching your step. Make new inventions! introduce trends! Make allies!

This rigid, ranked society being a death trap is the only way to balance Rosemyne as a mana rich isekai protagonist with knowledge far beyond even regular humans.

And what is main draw of the series? Rosemyne exploiting the fuck out of this system to get what she wants. She gains allies by simply being too beneficial to ignore and climbs the social ladder of society so fast by simply navigating the rules with her mana and skills. It lays bare the issue of why structure society on heirachies, not only how many exploitative it is.. but how simply exploitABLE it is.

The narrative doesn’t spend a second directly addressing the sexism of only men getting to marry multiple women into ranked positions or men being preferred over women for heirs, or children under 7 not being considered people, literal treatment of orphans across the nation. They are simply too big of an issue for her to solve. And Rosemyne frankly doesn’t care if it’s not happening infront of her. She doesn’t even care who she marries or what rank she marries at on a personal level. Wilifried is simply convenient. If didn’t she care about family, she would be in the 2nd ranked duchy engaged to a man who called her a fake saint and swiftly married into royalty.

But the system is beyond exploitable for someone with smarts, mana, goals and no investment in the morality of the world- it is simply a CAKEWALK. If she cared less about books and more about power, she would be Zent in less than few years. Higher ranked nobles can do literally fuck all to stop her besides try to marry her into their families and potentially giving her MORE power. When Rosemyne so much as takes her head out of a book and plays a power move everyone is scrambling like it’s oncoming traffic. When she decides to just be a little morally grey or business oriented it ripples through the nation. The society is so rigid that she could predict nobles but nobles can’t predict her. The only thing separating Myne from the antagonists is she loves family and books and nothing else.

It’s so good.