#and their individual romantic relationships

[fishnapple]

How your admirers view you

This is a general reading meant for multiple people. Take only what resonates and leave out the rest.

Your feedback is much appreciated. If you find the reading resonated with you, leave a comment, I’d love to know 🎐

About me | Masterpost Book a reading with me - KO-FI (→ personal reading)

CUBE 1

The majority of them are likely intimidated by you. You seem to emanate an air of competence and confidence that make them question their worth. They probably ask themselves if you really need them in your life, what value can they contribute to your life. Because you seem to not need any unnecessary attachments and focus on your success. You seem to be very ambitious and determined when it comes to social status and money. You're serious and hardworking, ready to put up with the grind and challenges, as long as you can achieve your goals.

You're not warm and friendly, but you can charm anyone, like a fantasy, a perception spiral that draws in people's eyes. The snake and the apple together, the cat and mouse, the tiger and the deer, the bee and the tree, these pairs form an image of something forbidden and dangerous. Those who are attracted to you romantically feel like they're being preyed upon,but they can't help but want to come closer. Some would think that you would make a great trophy and elevate their status and value if they're seen being with you.

They think you like to keep a roster of admirers around you just for fun. Like you're toying with them, giving them the illusion of hope but always out of reach. Whatever you're showing to the world, people can only admire from afar, they are not allowed to touch. If you flaunt your beauty and talent, it's simply because you like to, without any motives of capturing a specific someone's heart. They can feel like you just want to capture the heart of everyone, the adoration of the mass rather than of any individuals.

The way you speak can be teasing. Your words seem to have hidden meanings, innuendos that only a discerning ears and a sharp mind can catch on. You don't like to argue or shut down anyone. You seek verbal entertainment and companionship everywhere you go. They may feel a little cautious when talking to you, afraid of unwittingly slipping up some of their secrets. And they don't know if you would use those to your advantage later on.

Being in a relationship with you feeling a tug of war, a struggle for power and domination. You don't do the subtle game when it comes to someone you're interested in. Once someone becomes your target, they can't help but feel like they're being hunted. And I think some actually want to be willing preys. Because they feel like it can transform them, that they can experience the highest of high and the lowest of low when they're with you. It would take a brave soul to stand in front of you without running away after some displays of power.

CUBE 2

They probably think you're a work hard, play-hard person, you know how to get what you want and how to have fun. You have an air of graceful but passionate competence that is not for the weak of heart. The first thing they notice about you is your go-getter attitude, you seem to have whatever, whoever you want, you set your sight on something or someone, next moment, they are yours. You just know how to go after your desire. But not in an aggressive manner at all, just pure confidence and focus. This also makes them think that you have everything you want already, you don't really need anything that doesn't add value to your life. You might be a target for some opportunists who want to bask in the light of your abundance. But you're wise and discerning enough not to entertain them.

Your admirers might feel that your life is not very stable at the moment or was like that in the past, you had to face something very difficult and had triumphed it. This gives you a resilient yet shrew way of viewing life. They sense that you will be able to get out every crisis with ease, because you're experienced and no stranger to the act of reinventing yourself. This also makes you a little slippery, as if no one, nothing can hold you down, you're always free and belong to yourself only. Some are very intrigued by this depth and attitude, they want to explore more, to see your hidden demons, it's thrilling, like trying to conquer a mystical creature of the deep.

You probably don't show these demons of yours to just anyone. The way you talk doesn't have any hint of struggle, you know just what to show, what to conceal. To everyone, you're this perfect creature that nothing can stand in your way. You also have the tendency to point out fallacy and pretence. They think they won't have any chance with you if they try to act over the top, boast or flaunt unreal achievements in front of you, deceit is out of the window, you have no patience for that. You seek someone who can elevate your spirit, someone who is your equal, who can confront you and stand their ground.

In love, you are much more softer, you like to joke, to play with your lover. In fact, romance is something vital to you, no matter how much you try to disguise it behind the image of independence. To the people you love, you're loyal to the extreme, you're willing to go through any hell for them, that's why you're extremely picky. Some would mistake your general detached friendliness as romantic interest. You could strike up a conversation with any stranger and easily get them to open up, but you don't let them in easy, not without some testings first.

CUBE 3

You have an interesting combination of strongwill strength and softness that can be seen in various situations. Your admirers' views of you might differ wildly, maybe you attract different kinds of people and they have different way of perceiving you, some can see a trait more prominent, some see other traits as more representative of who you are as a person.

At first glance, you can be authoritative and protective of your energy. You come off as reserved and a little bit aloof, someone who prioritises their peace and solitude above all else. But you aren't standoffish or dismissive of others. When the situation calls for it, you can step up and work well with others. Some would see you as a protector, while others see you as the one who needs protection. There's vulnerability in your expression, but you're never a victim. You know how to direct your life as your own master. But at times, some can see that you don't welcome them at first interaction, almost as if you're trying to run away or hide from them. It takes a lot to gain your trust and for you to open up with someone. Even then, they still feel like you're ready to bolt at the slightest of threat.

But in general, their impression of you is favourable. Once you've decided that you can trust a person, you relax and be in your nurturing energy more. You're a loyal friend, even those with romantic intentions can see this clearly about you, this is what they find so attractive about you. They feel that being with you won't be just like being with a lover, but with a best friend, their biggest supporter, and a cheerleader. Your light doesn't outshine others, it enlivens and inspires other to shine on their own. Your admirers find your individuality and creativity really attractive. They admire you as a person, and at the same time, feel hopeful and lifted up by your energy, which makes them want to be like that themselves. You have a way to nurture the biggest treasure in a person, you help them connect with a deeper meaning in life.

Some can feel lost in your energy because it's too encompassing. They wonder if the compassion you give them is for them only or is it universal. So they can feel like they're competing with a lot in your life for your attention. You make them feel so grounded, yet you remain elusive. They feel that no matter how much they try, how close they get to you, how long they're with you, they can't never grasp your true essence.

CUBE 4

Many would think that you're hiding a vulnerable inner self behind a mask of bravery and strength. They feel like fear is the main motivator of your actions. You don't want people to discover that you're actually a vulnerable human being, that you can be needy and fearful, that you need someone to protect you. Because you feel that showing that side of you to the world will make you an easy target for exploitation and hurt. So you don a mask of independence, sometimes aggressively.

You're on guard towards strangers, but to the people who have gotten to know you better, your admirers included, they can see that soft heart of yours and they really love it. It's the contradictory energy within you that intrigues lots of people. You can look fierce on moment, but if something happens to touch your heart, your expression can immediately soften. Behind the hard exterior is a caring and nurturing person. As long as you feel safe in their presence, you can relax and act more spontaneously. Your laugh might be very contagious, filled with pure joy that can immediately make the other person feeling at ease with you.

In a group, you can assume the role of a "leader" or someone who can give the direction and guide people. You don't like to talk too much but still have a way to make people listen and respect your opinions. But some can feel that you tend to hide your true intentions, your plan. You might show off your skill, your verbal dexterity, but you don't like to actually talk about your deeper thoughts. You like to make people around you laugh, but you don't want to reveal your sadness. It's like, when it comes to your own world, your own path, you don't want anyone to see it, lest they hinder you from moving forward. This can make some people think that you can be sneaky and strategic in your moves. What they see might not be what they get.

This group feels shorter and hard to articulate because there's a resistance. Even when you do allow people into your world, you are still reluctant to let them in fully. Some will feel frustrated and give up, and some will take it as a challenge and want to advance deeper to finally solve your mystery.

[fivetrench]

“How can you be aroace and bi/gay/etc? Isn’t that impossible?”

1.) Aroace is an umbrella term, meaning all aroacespec identities fall under it - including identities that involve feeling attraction to some degree. For aroace individuals who do feel attraction, they may label that attraction as bi/gay/etc.

2.) Someone who is totally aroace, ie, entirely lacking romantic and sexual attraction, may feel some form of tertiary attraction (queerplatonic, platonic, sensual, etc), which they choose to label as bi/gay/etc.

3.) Aroace ≠ non-partnering. While many aroace people are non-partnering and/or relationship repulsed, some aren’t, and, even if they totally lack attraction, may choose to label themselves as bi/gay/etc depending on what gender(s) they have relationships with.

4.) Most importantly, the way someone else chooses to label their identity is none of your damn business 👍

[the-cosmic-cauldron]

Natal Astrology: Baby-Fever Placements “ I Want To Have A Baby”

There are moments in life when you find yourself wondering—an endless stream of possibilities flows through your imagination. Yet still, you’re pulled and tugged back down to reality. You dream of nurturance, self-adoration, love, and care. But within your vessel, you long to give all of it to someone else.

In a world full of people seemingly undeserving of such high-quality love, you often find yourself yearning for nothing more than a precious, beautiful baby—someone to receive the depths of your tenderness and devotion.

This feeling can arise early, when you’re just a child and someone asks, “What do you want to be when you grow up? ”It might swell within you when you’re falling in love with someone you can’t imagine life without. Or it may come in those aching moments of loneliness, when you’re brimming with love that has nowhere to go.

Whenever it arrives, it hits like an ocean wave—consuming and impossible to ignore. The thought fixates. It lingers. Soon enough, you’re envisioning parenthood: motherhood, fatherhood, the sacred act of caregiving.

This yearning returns to you, again and again throughout your life, as a reminder: your soul wasn’t sent here simply to exist, but to give, to nurture, and to love. And yet, all the mirrors around you often appear foggy, distorted, or unworthy of reflection. So the feeling creeps in—an inkling, an itch, a longing—for a child.

In this post, we’ll explore the astrological placements that evoke this deep, soul-stirring desire to become a parent.

Moon in the 5th House

When the Moon is in the 5th house of your natal chart, it can stir a strong desire for children, especially when you are around mothers, families, or children. You may feel a pull towards parenthood when surrounded by others experiencing joy and emotional connection, such as watching a show where a mother is giving birth or seeing someone pregnant. The Moon in the 5th house makes baby fever come in waves, particularly when you feel emotionally touched or excited. While this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have a child right away, the yearning for a child is often present. For those with this placement, falling in love often triggers thoughts of starting a family, and they may even envision having a baby with their partner.

Venus in the 5th House

People with Venus in the 5th house are true romantics who love falling in love and enjoy the imagery associated with it. They are drawn to romance novels, films, and videos of couples falling in love. This placement makes them value beauty and aesthetics in relationships, often preferring good-looking partners and showcasing their relationship to the world. Once they enter a relationship, they quickly begin imagining children, often idealizing the image of a perfect family. The desire to have children may arise from a vision of family life that feels like an extension of their romantic ideals. They might even have specific gender preferences or physical traits they hope their child will inherit. The need for a family is closely tied to their desire for a picture-perfect love life, and they may seek to document every milestone with their children, sharing it with the world.

Cancer Stellium

Cancer represents the archetype of the mother, so having a Cancer stellium creates a deep, intrinsic calling toward motherhood and nurturing. From a young age, individuals with this placement often feel a natural inclination to care for others—whether it’s taking care of siblings, friends, or pets. This nurturing energy leads them to crave parenthood as they get older, especially when they find stability and security in a relationship. Cancer energy desires to nourish love through the creation of a family. Those with a Cancer stellium are often deeply connected to the idea of having children, particularly when positively aspected. Pregnancy and motherhood are often viewed as joyful and fulfilling, and despite any resistance, they may find themselves starting a family.

Jupiter in the 5th House

Jupiter in the 5th house amplifies the desire for growth and expansion, particularly in areas related to creativity, children, and family. These individuals are constantly inspired and find themselves excited by the idea of having children. Seeing a beautiful family, being around friends with children, or even seeing baby pictures can trigger strong baby fever. People with this placement often want a big family, seeing children as a source of abundance and joy. They enjoy being actively involved in their children’s lives and view parenthood as a mark of success. These individuals are highly fertile, both creatively and in their desire to have children, often desiring more once they begin having kids.

Mars in the 5th House

Mars in the 5th house is a complex placement that ties sexual energy and impulsivity to the desire for children. When individuals with this placement feel intense attraction or sexual chemistry with a partner, the desire to have a baby can feel almost urgent and overwhelming. The more intense the attraction, the more they crave the idea of having a baby with that person. This can be a possessive and impulsive energy, where the urge to “mark one’s territory” can manifest as a desire to trap a partner with a child. For these individuals, baby fever often arises in moments of heightened intimacy, driven by both sexual and emotional urges.

Ceres in the 4th House

Ceres—the asteroid of nurturance—meets the 4th house, the sacred domain of home, family, and roots. This alignment stirs something ancient and tender within the soul: a deep longing for parenthood. A fascination with the process of caring for life. The softness of a baby’s skin, the sound of small feet on wooden floors, the comfort of being a caregiver. It brings an overflowing wellspring of energy and vitality into the home. Not just to build it—but to bless it. To paint the walls with intention, to choose colors that feel like warmth, to soften the textures of furniture, to fill the space with beauty, soul, and sanctuary. This placement inspires the creation of a haven—a space where love is both visible and tangible. A home designed for spirits to enter and feel safe. Where laughter bounces off the walls, and children run free—wild-eyed, curious, and beloved. You feel most alive, most yourself, when surrounded by warmth, by family, by presence. When small hands reach for yours. When eyes—wide, innocent, and trusting—look up at you. It brings a wave of love straight to the heart, a knowing that you were made to nurture. Ceres in the 4th house is a sacred call. It speaks of someone who longs not only to parent, but to provide a space of deep emotional nourishment—to grow roots that hold, and to be the safe place others come home to.

North Node in the 4th House

Here, a person’s divine spiritual purpose leads them back to the hearth—the heart of the home. Roots matter deeply. There’s a sacred calling to lay down the brick and mortar of a home not just physically, but spiritually—to build a sanctuary, to have it blessed by the Divine, to let God, Spirit, or sacred guidance dwell within its walls. This is not merely a house—it’s a temple. A space where faith breathes, where spirituality is lived, where traditions are reimagined and reborn. It may not be a family built by blood, but one divinely chosen—a soul-tribe drawn together by fate and purpose. Those with this placement long for the day they can gather their tribe—to unite their life, their spirituality, their love—all under one roof. It is then they feel they’ve fulfilled their mission: that they’ve outlived the pain, that they’ve transcended their past, that they’ve made sacred vows with the Divine, and in doing so, they’ve created a new lineage—a powerful, soulful family born of intention and grace.

North Node in the 5th House

These souls are born to play, to love, to create. They burst into life like flames—radiant, expressive, impossible to ignore. Their path is not about rigidity, but about infusing life with imagination. They are creators—not just of art, but of legacy. They weave families born of passion, purpose, and poetry. Here, artistry and divinity collide: painters, poets, musicians, dreamers. Their very lives become a canvas. They channel the sacred through song, story, and spirit. This is not ordinary lineage. This is lineage empowered by creative fire. Each brushstroke, each verse, each kiss builds something lasting, something holy. They don’t just long for a family. They long to create one—a family unlike the one they came from, a family that uplifts, celebrates, and inspires. A family where love births art, and art births freedom.

Jupiter Conjunct Moon

There is always an overflow when Jupiter arrives—an abundance that spills into every crevice of life. And when it meets the Moon—the mother, the goddess, the belly, the womb—fertility dances with expansion. This union births a flood of feeling: a longing for large families, for gatherings, for communion. For the warmth of holidays, for simple dinners where everyone feels held. It creates the quintessential nurturer—the mother, the father, the ones who pour endlessly into their family, who sacrifice, who teach, who radiate wisdom in the home like light from a sacred lamp. These are the people who glow stronger during pregnancy, whose aura brightens as life grows within them. They are the true parents—not just in title, but in spirit. They long for the day their children line up against the wall, laughter echoing through hallways, and they see not just a family—but a circle of souls, a bonded realm of love, friendship blooming among siblings, memories stitched together like a sacred quilt. Bound by love. Bound by the fragrance of childhood. Bound by the knowing that they were chosen to birth not just children—but a home, a legacy, a love that lives on.

Saturn-Moon

The womb. The birthplace. The uterus. The vessel that holds. The space that comforts. The cradle that nurtures—now meets Saturn: hard work. Strict discipline. Structure. Control. Legacy. These are not the people who scream, “I want a baby.” They don’t appear eager for parenthood on the surface. Yet deep within, something stirs—a quiet, sacred responsibility, a soul-deep knowing that parenthood is not just desire, but duty. They don’t approach parenting emotionally. They approach it tangibly. Brick by brick. Plan by plan. They build legacies out of their children. Homes, schools, bank accounts, buildings—concrete structures for their children to visit, to inherit, to live in, to grow from, to succeed through. These are the parents who pour in quietly, who sacrifice consistently. They are the composed. The grounded. The reliable. The ones who hold space and hold lineages. They may not say, “I want a baby,” but they whisper it through action. In their craving for success. In the way they study their emotions without drowning in them. In how they feel responsibly, without chaos. In how they carefully assess every potential partner, measuring them against the weight of legacy. They are stirred by the thought of parenthood, not as sentiment, but as structure—a foundation laid deep within the earth, so that the name, the love, and the purpose may live on.

Taurus Stellium

At first glance, you might be fooled into thinking Taurus is consumed by physical pleasure—greedy in their innocence, too enamored with their own senses to be bothered by the chaos or noise of children. But Taurus is a nurturer, too. A giver by nature. They give with quiet devotion. They spoil children—sometimes rotten—but they delight in it. They melt when the child smiles. They adore baking for them, cooking warm meals that feel like home, carefully arranging the house with beauty in mind—for the child. Birthday parties and holidays bring them to life. They revel in the magic, the tiny hands unwrapping gifts, the scent of cinnamon rolls floating from the oven, the sparkle of lights against soft winter windows. Beneath the societal conditioning, beneath the layers of material pursuit, these are people who long for parenthood. They long for tradition—a picture of life that feels like arrival: a partner by their side, children running down the hallway, a beautiful home, a gathering space filled with laughter and food, a tree glowing with presents, and love rising like bread in a warm oven. They long for something divinely traditional, something that whispers, “You made it. You’re worth it. You belong here.” A purpose that lives in the rhythm of family, in the pleasure of giving, and in the peace of building a life that’s both beautiful and real.

Venus Conjunct Moon

This aspect brings a deep longing for family, especially when you’re romantically in love. You may yearn to create a home together, and “baby fever” can emerge strongly—particularly when you’re around mothers or in beautiful, child-centered environments. Attending children’s birthday parties, weddings, or simply driving past a park can stir powerful desires for motherhood. There’s also a yearning to draw your romantic partner closer through the act of building a family.

Leo Rising

Leo risings care deeply about family and thrive in environments filled with love and togetherness. They’re naturally drawn to children, finding joy and playfulness in their presence. Being around children brings out their inner child, which in turn fuels a longing for their own. Their romantic and affectionate nature makes them yearn for both partnership and parenthood, especially when they fall in love.

Cancer in the 6th House

With Cancer in the sixth house, there’s often a sense of responsibility toward caregiving from an early age. These individuals may have cared for siblings, pets, or others early in life, developing a strong nurturing instinct. They tend to feel a quiet obligation to one day raise a family of their own. Even if they delay parenthood to focus on career and stability, the desire to have children surfaces strongly once they feel secure in life.

7th House Stellium

People with a stellium in the 7th house are deeply invested in partnership, love, and belonging. This naturally extends to a desire for family. Baby fever often strikes after they fall in love or form a deep connection. Even if they don’t feel it while single, the idea of raising a child with someone they love is deeply appealing. These individuals tend to have a traditional or idealistic vision of family life and often imagine having children from a young age.

Leo Stellium

A Leo stellium intensifies the desire for a big, beautiful, and joy-filled family. These individuals crave family and feel proud to be part of one. They often want many children and envision a life surrounded by love, laughter, and legacy. They can be selective about who they settle down with, as they want their future family to be strong, successful, and full of heart. Baby fever tends to come frequently and powerfully.

Mercury in the 5th House

Mercury here makes the mind fertile with thoughts of children and creativity. From a young age, these individuals are drawn to the idea of parenthood. They love being around children and often find themselves thinking about their future family. Baby fever is common, as the idea of raising children blends naturally with their love for imagination, communication, and romantic daydreams.

Sun–Moon

Those with harmonious Sun–Moon aspects often seek emotional and spiritual wholeness in partnership. There’s a strong drive to find “the one,” and with it, a vision of building a family together. When they’re in love, baby fever often blooms as part of a desire to express their union in the form of a child. Even when single, thoughts of romance and parenting can stir deep longing.

Cancer Rising

Often mistaken for parents even when they’re not, Cancer risings exude warmth and nurturing energy. They are natural caretakers who are deeply drawn to babies and children. Once they have their own space or begin imagining life with a partner, baby fever tends to arise. Their calm, kind demeanor and innate desire to nurture make them deeply receptive to the idea of motherhood.

[makeyuomine]

Summary: (Y/N) was hoping for a quiet evening under the stars at the Griffith Observatory — a chance to clear her mind. But something shifts when she spots Harry, a graduate student in Planetary Science, during the planetarium show. What begins as a few curious glances soon turns into lingering conversations, shared stargazing, and a growing connection neither of them saw coming.

Tropes: Slow burn, strangers to lovers, mutual pining, academic/nerdy bf x grounded gf

Author’s Note: Hi readers ⭐️ This is a work of fanfiction inspired by the public persona of Harry Styles. All characters, events, and scenarios are entirely fictional and are not intended to reflect real-life individuals, situations, or relationships. This story was written purely for entertainment and creative expression — nothing here is based on real events.

Also please note this is my first time writing a fanfic in literal years, so I’m a little rusty.

Thank you so so much for taking the time to read. I hope you all enjoy.

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡

(Y/N) had grown up with the Griffith Observatory practically in her backyard, but it felt brand new tonight. She had decided to attend a showing at the planetarium that evening.

Maybe it was the mist drifting in from the hills, softening the sharp lights of Los Angeles like a veil. Or perhaps it was how everything had started feeling a little off lately—like her life had tilted half a degree on its axis, except no one had noticed. She wasn’t looking for an answer tonight, just a reason to keep going.

The planetarium dome smelled the same as it always had—clean, slightly metallic, like old projectors and cool air. She chose a seat in the center row, her favorite spot since childhood. When the stars would swirl and expand across the ceiling, it felt like she was floating.

"I should’ve gotten high first," she muttered under her breath.

(Y/N) adjusts herself in her seat, getting comfortable. A few seconds later, someone slid into one of the seats beside her.

Not right beside her, but close enough to notice.

She glanced over, expecting some bored couple or a tourist with a camera.

The man beside her was quietly silencing his phone, settling in for the show. He sat alone, entirely absorbed in his own world—and looked absolutely, maddeningly gorgeous.

He wore black jeans, scuffed Vans, and a button-up shirt, with a navy blue cardigan draped casually over his shoulders.

His hair fell in loose, tousled waves near his collar—like he'd been running his fingers through it all day without realizing. A soft leather notebook rested on one knee, a pen poised in his hand, like he was treating the show more like a study session than a casual outing.

He noticed her looking.

"You don’t strike me as someone who’s here for an Instagram post," he whispered, a half-smile playing at his lips.

(Y/N) arched a brow. "And you don’t strike me as someone who’s here for fun."

"That's right," he laughed, offering a hand. "I'm Harry."

She shook it. "(Y/N)."

There was a pause, the kind that crackled with the promise of more.

“I'm a grad student at the university here,” he said, eyes flicking up to the domed ceiling. "I study Planetary Science."

Her brows lifted. "That's amazing. So you do this for a living?"

"Well," he said, shrugging modestly, "I try to make sense of celestial chaos. Planets colliding. Moons forming. Rings collapsing into dust. Romance, really."

(Y/N) smiled and raised her eyebrow. "That’s your idea of romance?"

"Well, what's yours?"

Her eyes met his, lingering a second too long.

"I... I don't know, actually."

She felt slightly flustered. (Y/N) didn't expect to be talking about romance, let alone being asked what she considered to be romantic.

"I'm sure you do. We’re alive in the blink of cosmic time, and somehow, here we are."

The lights dimmed.

The dome came alive with light—stars unfurling in spirals and flares above them. (Y/N) tilted her head back, chest rising and falling slowly. She found herself unable to focus on the show—despite having seen it more times than she could count. Her thoughts kept drifting to the handsome grad student beside her, and the way he managed to make astronomy feel like poetry.

She wanted to believe him. She wanted to believe the universe had timing. That maybe, just maybe, it wasn’t all chaos.

Next to her, Harry was silent. Still.

He watched the stars with quiet intensity, occasionally scribbling notes into his notebook. How he managed to write anything in the dim light, she had no idea—but she couldn’t look away. There was something about him that felt effortlessly poetic, like he belonged to the stars he was studying.

Sensing her watching him, Harry turned his head.

And when she turned—drawn by the same invisible thread that had pulled her to come here alone, he looked away, like he’d been caught in something intimate.

The narrator’s voice filled the dome again. Soft, reverent.

"Venus spins backwards, did you know that? Her sun rises in the west and sets in the east. No one knows exactly why, but she defied gravity and expectations."

She.

(Y/N) swallowed. She wasn’t sure if it was the narrator's words or the way Harry tensed, just a little, as if he felt them too.

When the show ended, the crowd shuffled out in a hush, like worshippers leaving a chapel. Outside, the night was velvet and full of echoes. The Observatory loomed behind them, glowing like a crown on the hillside.

She lingered at the edge of the terrace, arms crossed, watching the smog-shrouded city glitter below.

Harry joined her quietly.

"You didn’t ask why I came alone," she said.

"I figured if you wanted to talk about it, you would."

(Y/N) turned to look at him and chuckled, "That’s surprisingly respectful for someone who called planetary destruction romantic."

He grinned, then grew more serious. "Why did you come?"

She hesitated. Then: "Everything’s changing lately. People, plans. It’s like…I don’t recognize anything I used to count on."

He nodded slowly. A few seconds passed before he spoke up, "Sometimes I look at Jupiter’s Great Red Spot and think about how it’s a storm that’s been raging for centuries. Longer than any of us will live. But even that’s starting to fade."

"Hm, is this your version of a pep talk?"

"I’m just saying," he smiled, his voice softer now, "even the most chaotic of things can’t last forever."

She didn’t mean to stare at him again. She didn’t mean to want more.

But she did.

He was brilliant and magnetic and too much for the moment she was in. But he’d made her feel something—for the first time in months.

They stood together in silence, the kind that felt less awkward and more like a pause the night was holding its breath through.

(Y/N) stared out at the city lights, scattered like fallen stars across the hills. Beside her, Harry did the same. When he wasn’t looking, she stole quiet glances—drawn to how composed he seemed, how effortlessly he carried himself, like he belonged in some other era.

After a long breath, Harry pulled out his notebook and jotted something down, his brow furrowed in thought.

“I should get going,” he said finally.

He tore a small slip of paper from the notebook and held it out to her—edges rough, his number written in a looping, deliberate hand.

“In case you ever want to talk stars again,” he said. Then, after a beat, his mouth curved with mischief. “Or chaos.”

(Y/N) took the paper, fingertips brushing his.

“It was really nice meeting you, (Y/N),” he added, extending his hand with that same steady warmth.

She shook it, and for a second, neither of them let go.

“Call me,” he said, his voice low as he took her hand, brushing a soft kiss against her palm.

He let her hand slip from his, the touch lingering just a little too long. She stood there, utterly speechless, only able to offer a small nod and a shy smile.

With that, he turned and disappeared into the crowd.

She watched him go, lost in the sea of people, but something told her—he wouldn’t be gone for long.

And somehow, she knew she would stay with him, too.

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡

A/N: Thank you to everyone that took the time to read the first post of Written in the Stars! Please let me know your thoughts. Also make sure to drop any recommendations for other one shots, blurbs, etc.

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡

[maybeasunflower]

Firstly, "my found family are the people I say are my found family" is 100% valid. You will never get any argument on me about that one (I am not the found family police, etc. etc.).

Secondly, you are 100% right and I was wrong on that initial point - two people can absolutely form a family. (My original thinking was that we have coupley-type words for two-person units. But if all my family other than my beloved died, I would still could consider the two of us to be a family.)

You asked "who is to say that someone must fulfill certain traditionally expected roles to be considered family?", and the answer "no-one, and certainly not me".

Some wider discussion under the cut - I was primarily trying to create a definition that was useful to me (and maybe others) in my original post and here.

To your broader point, I think my usage of "role" is doing more work than yours. As you said, "their 'role' is 'friend who is family to me' " - and to me, that's still a role! Everybody in my life has a role! Even if that role is to ask whether I want fries with that. So it sounds like we're using the word in different ways (and that's fine!).

I did originally consider using "found family is the family that isn't biological family" as a definition, but to me that was 100% true, yet somewhat lacking.

Some background: I saw a fascinating post on queerplatonic relationships (couples or otherwise) by @catgirlhellhad. Someone had asked whether "queerplatonic relationships" were just "friendships", but they defined it as "individuals in a platonic relationship that perform a number of the social aspects of a traditional romantic partnership". To quote:

If someone described their relationship with someone to you and said “Yeah we own a house together, we have a kid that we adopted and take care of, we decided to get a dog last week and we file taxes as two members of the same household.”, you wouldn’t look at that person and assume that they arent romantic/sexual partners of some kind, because... well, traditionally, that’s shit that married people do. getting hit with the additional “Yup! And we’re not romantically or sexually involved at all! She has a boyfriend that she visits on the weekends and I’ve never had a romantic relationship in my life.” would throw you for a goddamn loop! What would you even call that relationship? and that’s where the term comes from: an attempt to define a very specific kind of relationship that certainly can and has existed, but isn’t commonly recognized or talked about!

That was what I had in mind in my original post - the idea that the way you describe your relationship with a found family member would sound like they were a member of your bio/traditional family, except that they aren't.

If I'd been able to look up the post in question at the time, I would have defined found family as "individuals in a platonic relationship that perform a number of the social aspects of a traditional family".

Does that sound like something that works for the people in your found family? Hopefully yes, because I 100% agree that what you describe certainly should be included in any definition. Or maybe you feel the term is something too nebulous to define. Or maybe even pointless! You can also say my definition is bad without supplying something better.

Honestly, I feel trying to nail a good definition is like trying nail down the definition of "love" - I or anyone else can certainly try, but if you tell me you love someone/something, then that's the beginning and the end of it. And to my point at the start of the post, your found family is simply what you decide it to be. :-)

found family is about radically redefining what family means and subverting established roles and structures within families. it's about allowing ourselves the freedom to build those relationships ourselves without the pressure of preexisting frameworks. it's NOT about "this one's the mom and this one's the dad" and recreating the nuclear family and to act like that's what it is and to then claim that found family as a media trope is reductive or normative is complete horseshit to me.

the terminology isn't always applicable and you can argue that it or some of its cliches are overused. and certainly you're welcome to have your own personal definition of what family is. but suddenly it's like the new tumblr zeitgeist is "found family is reductive and cringe" and it's baffling because what you MEAN is that forcing fictional characters into nuclear family roles is reductive. to suddenly decide that found family is "mom and dad and siblings :)" and thus normative and reductive and somehow bad is an insult to everyone who has nontraditional families without typical familial roles in real life. and i'm tired of pretending otherwise. that's all.

[bups4freak]

Satisqueer (updated!)

Satisqueer (or problaqueer) is a queerstance that focuses mainly on receiving people rejected by the community, this includes paraphilics, subs(edtwt, sh etc), pro/comshipp, profiction, among others. It mainly intends to break social constructions, gender roles, heterosexuality and cisnormativity, taboos in relation to anything and, especially, to welcome people, specially that some term dont express someone’s opinion and meaning and labels can be manipulated and chances the way someone wants, as every queerstance should be!

Satisqueer can be completed with Aniaism / mogaitims (use translator if necessary because the document is in pt-br), it is a religion centered on the practice of unconditional love, deep acceptance and universal solidarity. The main objective of Mogaitism is to welcome and embrace all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, sexuality, or any characteristics that society may consider "problematic" or "contradictory". It is an inclusive faith that recognizes human diversity and defends the freedom of expression of the inner self, respecting the complexity of each identity and experience. It is distinguished by fully supporting movements and realities often marginalized or misunderstood. (You don't need to follow Mogaitism to be satisqueer!)

Identification emojis: 愛🌈 / 🌪️🌈

Pro

"controversial" identities (straight-lesbian, lesbian who likes man, straight-gay).

Alterhuman, otherkin(foodkin, objectkin, kin in real person).

Paraphilias, parafilic disorders and fetishes (taboo or not).

Non-monogamy

Relationships between lesbians and men or gays and women.

believe that labels don't have a fix meaning and you can give your own meaning to any label to feel confortable

multiorientation.

consensual and/or mutual obsessive, abusive relationships.

Identify with things for fun (even though they are harmful).

transition to transharmful and transhateful include transbigotry) if it doesn't include non consensually hurt other people.

Xenosexualities and parasexualities.

Transpara (transid in general).

Transition to trace.

Transautistics use identification badge/transable use wheelchair/crutch (things that match their disability).

transition to any other transids without limits.

extreme body modifications.

romanticize, fetishize and normalize everything that you want, including disorders, paras, suicide, self harm and etc.

romanticization of traumas.

sexual/romantic contact with any non living being (and all other types of contact).

Any type of contacts for any para with living beings if its consensual.

ALL contact stances.

sexual agere and petre (doesn't mean that it's fully sexual sexual, but sometimes can be and that's ok).

Autonomy on your own body (including abortion).

Transplural, Endo and created system.

understand that endos and tulpas/willos can be disordered systems and traumagenics can be non disordered systems.

Consensual cannibalism.

Sh, suicide and alimentary/mental disorders as artistic performance.

Mad pride and anti-assylum movement

Anti psichiatry and anti recovery

Self-diagnosis even of you dont fit the diagnosis criteria.

Proship and pro fiction / anti censorship.

problematic fiction/darkfiction/darkship/etc.

youth liberation, that includes promove (cis and trans) minor sexuality.

Public sex, nudity, and pornography legalized and socially encouraged.

MIF (minors in fetichism).

Incest (Consanguineous or not).

Radshifters.

Mahou shoujo irl.

Sexual education/ children know their own body.

Communism and anarchism.

ACAB (1312).

Feminism.

Legalization of all drugs.

Blm and other movements of racialized people

Sex workers.

Ed/shtwt among other subs.

Fictosexuality

MUDs/MUS

Furry, therian and other harmless communities.

Xenosatanism / xenoanarchism

Anti harrassment

Neu/pro

AAM4MAP

MMP/MSM

Abolition of the age of consent

Abolition of the age of majority

Legalisation n social banalisation of cannibalism and commercialisation of human flesh

Resignify terms and symbols (like d*ke and the labrys triangle that was resignified as a symbol of resistance)

Neu

Claim and resignification of insults and offensive terms.

euthanasia, assisted suicide, and non conventional ways for suicide (for people with a long and persistent desire to die)

Liberal/radical feminism

Neu/anti

submissive religions

Anti:

CSEM/CSAM.

bullying e harassment.

Pro harassment

Think that all paraphilias are disorder.

conservatives, rightists, specialy nazi, fascists and capitalists.

Bigotry and transmed (in a way that you really hold these beliefs, no matter how you identify)

Cis/heteronarmativity against LGBTQIAPN+ people (ex: invalidating a trans boy for dressing in a “feminine” way and wearing makeup)

radgay, TERFs, genitalists, transphobics, exorsexists, binarists...

Zionism

Extreme religious

age of diagnosis

Anti (institutionalized) psychiatry

Anti adultism & ageism

Misogyny, misandria and femism (not feminism)

Religious intolerant

pro psychiatry and pro recovery

Forced recovery

[hudsonpatootie]

Bubbling thoughts

My last post about what it would be like to date Jihan and Jibeom made my mind explode with ideas—so many that I'm trying to write something for them. But for now, I'll just share a few loose thoughts I had about what a relationship with them might be like.

Warning: In this post, I'll be referring to both of them (choose which one you want to imagine in these situations). Later, I'll write separately, prioritizing the individual personality of each one. :)

Dating these guys is like being transported into the game Stardew Valley, where you aren't the protagonist but rather the single NPC they chose as their romantic partner. So, sit back, relax, enjoy the peaceful countryside, and watch their attempts to win you over.

As boyfriends, Jihan and Jibeom would visit you almost every day. Even with their duties of taking care of Chungcheong-Do and the family business, they would always make an effort to spend time with you. They would constantly gift you natural and handmade products, which you would use to prepare meals for them in return as a way to express affection. Over time, the boys have learned your tastes: artisanal honey and jams? Yes, please! Pet snakes or companions in the bath? -10 friendship points.

Romantic dates to celebrate milestones in your relationship? YES! They are hopeless romantics, and for them, the perfect date consists of taking you on tours around Chungcheong-Do, showing you the landscapes and animals in the countryside, and taking you to visit the beer and honey productions they manage. Sometimes, they would also take you to other provinces, like Seoul, where you would enjoy urban outings—shopping, going to the movies, and spending quality time together. If you're dating Jibeom, you'll definitely want to buy clothes for him. He’ll insist he doesn’t need new clothes, and you'll insist even more that he does. As the relationship becomes more serious, they would invite you to a more intimate date—a herbal and mineral salt bath, which would later become part of your routine together.

The Kwak brothers are very transparent with you regarding their duties in Chungcheong-Do and even their involvement as members of the second generation. They explain the basics of the dynamics between generations and groups but make sure not to involve you directly in these matters. They want you to continue living a peaceful life and would never forgive themselves if the relationship with them brought you problems.

Don't be fooled—Jihan and Jibeom always try to maintain a tough facade, hiding their feelings behind smiles and confident words. But in reality, both carry deep pain from the loss of Jichang. That pain has turned into fear—they are terrified of losing another person they love. It will take a lot of conversation and understanding to break down those walls until they finally open up to you about their fears, feelings, and insecurities. When that happens, your relationship will only grow stronger, and you'll both be certain that the only thing you want is to spend the rest of your days together.

In short, dating these two is a 10/10. They are incredibly sweet—a little impulsive, as was evident during their debuts? Absolutely. But nothing that a few good conversations can't solve. Please, PTJ, bring these men back! I need more content to write about them with more coherence!

PS: Hi everyone, how are you? This was my first attempt in years at writing something. I think the last time I did this, I was 14 years old and writing BTS and MHA fanfics, but that was quite a few years ago laughs. Please forgive any spelling mistakes—I'll try to improve.

I'm also using a translator since English is not my native language, so sorry if the translation sounds a bit off. Another thing is that I struggle with structuring my text properly. Tumblr is barely used in my country—I think I've only seen about four people from here using this platform—so I'm trying to learn how to use this app better (it took me five minutes just to find where the drafts were) and how its features work to improve the structure of my posts.

I think that’s all. Thanks for reading this far:)

[winisayswhat]

Your love story with your future[Bollywood Style]

I >2>3

divider @uzmacchiato

Masterlist

Paid reading

PILE I

Soo your love story will feel like the kind of passionate connection that Bollywood films are made of fated, inevitable, and fire like intense. From the moment you meet, there’s something sooo magnetic between you two, like the universe is pulling you together. It won’t be love at first sight, but there is this quiet intensity that builds between you, like two pieces of a puzzle slowly coming into place.

At first, it’s all soft glances and late night conversations, the kind where you can’t stop talking about everything , anything and nothing at all. But as time passes, you'll realize that its a deeper connection !! one that is beyond attraction on face level or physical. You’ll start to rely on each other, during tough times and moment of peace . You two are little secrets of eachother. There will be times when the relationship feels like a dream, where everything just falls into place. But just like in every Bollywood film, the dream will shatter at some point, forcing you both to face hard truths and unspoken fears.(Kabhi khushi kabhi gham bgmm)

There will be challenges,moments of doubt, of hurt, of questioning whether you’re truly meant to be , I mean every relationship has it , doesnt it ?. It’s not like a evening ball dance from song dekha hazaro dafaa aapko with romantic music in the background. Sometimes, it will feel like you have mad a wrong decision or are almost at cross roads. But the strength of your bond is too strong to break and too real to denyy. You’ll work through the difficulties, communicate better or learnt o stfu ?,andd to trust each other more. Slowly, over time, it'll dvelop into something strong , something that can withstand anything life throws at it. You will both grow,not just as individuals, but as a couple .

In the end, it’s the kind of love that doesn’t need all the show off or grandeur to prove its worth. It’s a slow burn romance, the kind that will last a lifetime(like spicy ifykyk). There will be moments of quiet love, shared glances in crowded rooms, a wrinkled hand to hold and a steady shoulder to lean onto.

PILE II

Okay bubbss , this one will feel like that slow, steady, and emotionally fulfilling love. It won’t come with the fireworks and drama that helipcopter shahrukhan wali lannding we’re used to seeing in Bollywood romances, but it will be just as powerful in its own way. It starts quietly, almost casually,like meeting an old friend you never knew you needed. There’s an ease, a calmness that settles between you two from the start.Also I heard (Kuch toh hua hai song , the one with Preity Zinta)

You’ll spend hours together, talking about everything and nothing, slowly discovering pieces of each other’s pasts. At first, it may feel like the kind of love that comes with no deadlines to meet. It’s not about chasing after one another, but rather about being present with each other in the moment. It'll heal something within you that you dint know was wounded .You’ll share prettyevenings, long walks or jogs at park, and those spontaneous moments that make life feel fullto like cooking together or laughing over inside jokes. With your fs, love will feel like home that is full. They’ll offer you comfort, safety, and huge arms to fell warmth and safe.

Umm , it’ll not be athat easy. The simplicity of it will at times leave you both questioning the depth of your feelings?. You’ll wonder if it’s too good to be true, if it’s too calm, if there’s something missing. Cause you've never felt like this before . But as you get closer, you’ll realize that what you share is real ! maybe even deeper than what you’ve experienced before. It’s a steady burng. Over time, you both will go through tough times but they won’t feel as heavy and exhausting because you’re facing them together. There will be moments where it feels like life is testing you both, pushing you to see how solid this foundation of relationship actuallhy is.

But with with your person , it’s the kind of love that grows quietly, without fanfare, and yet it’s the most intense thing you’ll ever experience. Your relationship will feel like a journey you both take together, hand in hand, growing older and wiser, with each passing year more in love than the last. You’ll both come to realize that sometimes, the most beautiful relationships don’t need the dramathey just need understanding, patience, and two hearts that choose each other every day. (Okayyy I am hearing Stand by me toooo)

PILE III

The relationship with your person will be the kind of love story Bollywood loves to tell, but with a twist(soniye soniye , aaja MAAHI VE) this is a love that’s messy, intense, and full of contradiction. Wattpad types .From the moment you meet, it will be clear that this person is alag. There’s something so magnetic about them! something that pulls you in, and you’ll find yourself falling for them without even realizing it or trying , you might shrug it off saying hormones. But, just like in those intense Bollywood films, this love won’t come easily.(This pile for some reason gives lowkey chilled Akki vibez , like bro XDXDXD)

Anyways it will be involving alot of emotions, ups and downs ,sweet moments andd misunderstandings. There will be times when it feels like everything is perfect, when the world around you disappears, and it’s just the two of you(TYPICAL), lost in each other’s eyes. But there will also be moments where the air between you feels heavy with tension like you're at war , where your words don’t align, and your heartbeats don't matchlol. This relationship will be a constant push and pull.(Its giving Mitwaaa vibezz) You'll have hell lotta doubts about this one , or maybe multiple options ?But that’s what makes it so real. The challenges you face together will only strengthen the bond, as you’ll both learn to navigate through the emotions .It will be a bollycoaster ride,moments of ABSOLUTE clarity followed by moments of deep confusion.(Like Shanaya from SOTY) You’ll find yourselves having to fight for the relationship at times, pushing past misunderstandings and emotional walls to get to the truth of your connection. It won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!

As time goes on, you’ll see that what you share with this person isn’t just chaos.it’s the kind of love that helps you grow. It’s a relationship that forces you to confront your vulnerabilities, to understand yourself on a deeper level. When the things get easy , you’ll realize that what you earned is mutual understanding and emotional depth. it'll feel like ''Kaise mujhe tum mil gayi , kismat pe aaye nah yakeeen "

[mikayuumouse]

what do you think about atsushi's development with akutagawa after chapter 122?

Short answer: gay

Long answer: oh my God there's a lot. I will say, the latest chapters have definitely given us more Akutagawa introspection than Atsushi introspection, but Atsushi's character has definitely developed a LOT (well, I would say he's less developed right now and more as, we're finally seeing his development. Like I don't think just then in 121.5 did he decide Akutagawa is worth dying for, he had that realization/development forever ago, but in 121.5 is when lots of his development was confirmed)

This ask is specifically about chapter 122 but ykw I might as well talk about 121.5 and 123 too lmao. I think 121.5 was crazy revolutionary, like not only did it just show how much Atsushi will do to save Akutagawa, but it also shows that Atsushi remembers the exact words that Akutagawa said back to him with their fight against Fukuchi. Like wow fellas is it gay to think about your "dead" rival so much you can repeat his final dying words back to him in the middle of a war against a literal god??

Okay but all jokes aside, 121.5 does really show how much Atsushi thinks about Akutagawa and how heavy his death really was to him. (Also this ask only asks about Atsushi's development with Akutagawa and not the Headmaster so I won't be rambling on about that lol)

Now 122. Oh boy 122. Not only did Atsushi see Akutagawa's past, but this time he didn't see it/hear it from someone else's perspective. He saw the cold truth. He knew of Akutagawa's abuse, but now he knows how it really truly was, with his own eyes. The dark side of Dazai he's never really seen, the vulnerable side of Akutagawa that Akutagawa hates...

This really shifts their relationship. 122 had lots of development for both of them— especially with Akutagawa's introspection on his real feelings— and it's so monumental. This isn't just Atsushi seeing Akutagawa's abuse, it's Atsushi fully understanding Akutagawa and understanding why Akutagawa is the way he is. Atsushi relates to Akutagawa more than ever now, and he sees their similarities and where their paths individually changed them as people

One thing is, I don't think when Akutagawa finds out Atsushi knows about his past, that he'll be mad. He trusts his weak side with Atsushi, he trusts his truth and his secrets and his life with Atsushi. And vice versa.

These last few chapters have greatly furthered their relationship. And what I think about it is honestly; I love it. I love how Asagiri writes them (he better make them kiss like literally the romantic potential is perfect), I love how far they've come, and I love how they are incredibly meant for each other

Another thing is, now that Atsushi has seen Akutagawa's past, and Atsushi's understanding of Akutagawa is even deeper now, I think Atsushi is closer to Akutagawa because of this. Atsushi's seen all sides of Akutagawa's story, and in the end, he still cares for and loves Akutagawa. He still thinks Akutagawa is strong and deserves to live. When Atsushi eventually gets out of the fourth dimension (probably??) and he gets his reunion with Akutagawa, he's going to see Akutagawa in a different, better light

Oh, and in regards to 123, there's not a whole lot to say, but Atsushi says "Why us? Why our hearts?" to his hallucination of his Headmaster instead of "Why me? Why my heart?", because Akutagawa isn't an afterthought to Atsushi. Atsushi's going through all of this, and yet Akutagawa is not far from his mind; he never is. Akutagawa makes Atsushi feel no longer alone and gives him strength, and 123 shows that Atsushi thinks about Akutagawa as much as Akutagawa does about him

Thank you so much for the ask! It was fun to answer, and I hope my thoughts on Atsushi's development with Akutagawa make enough sense LMAO I kind of ramble

[arromantica-lucha]

the fact that my friend discovered she was demisexual and aromantic because she met me and i explained what those were is why its so important that aspec identities get talked about in the real world and not just online cause a lot of people just wont ever be in these spaces

[altschmerzes]

“but IIIIII don’t do x with my friends so my ‘friends don’t do that’ statement is totally fine and valid and not at all harmful or dismissive to other people’s relationships or arophobic in any way by implying that my standards for certain actions being inherently romantic is a universal truth about all relationships!!!” do people hear themselves when they speak

[ichabodcranemills]

also, the point of Severance is Hellyna

[brionysea]

when max is depressed we know something's wrong because lucas says with his words that he knows something's wrong but when mike is depressed we don't think anything of it because will's right next to him rolling his eyes about how stupid straight people are

[n1ghteeea]

I think we as a society need more polybusters in our lives. Art, fanfics, headcanons, posts. I think there’s a lack of love in the world and we need to restore it.

Personal contribution: my entire blog + the 23k word fanfiction I’m STILL working on and which WILL be done and posted before the end of the winter break, trust.

Also I almost don’t get any polybusters / individual dynamics questions and idk if you guys are just worried I’ll find it cringe - I WON’T!!! I’m Mr. Cringe, I associate sappy romantic songs with them and planned out their wedding and farm life in Oklahoma. They kiss and hold hands. So if you want to talk about anyyyy RGB ships PLEASE send em my way, I’ll freak out and infodump.

[aroaessidhe]

2024 reads / storygraph

Asunder

slow-paced high fantasy

a woman who has a contract with an eldritch entity allowing her to see the dead & survives by taking various jobs

when a job searching for stranded smugglers in a cave goes wrong, she ends up with the soul of a dying stranger bound to her shadow

along with a scholar and her old childhood friend, they travel to his home country to find a way to unbind him and save them both

dark fantasy world with gods, demonic entities, arcane magic, and semi-sentient beasts used as transport

[justafriendofxanders]

it is a little bit wild that by virtue of ats s5 being the last canon tv installment of the buffyverse, spike and angel's arcs culminate in... each other. like spike isn't allowed to rest after his sacrifice because the network needs to pull more viewers his new hero status has to be put to the test against angel. angel can't comfortably rest on his laurels as the vampire with the soul because spike is there. their arcs with buffy shape them into the people they eventually become, but canon deliberately leaves the future of those relationships ambiguous! ats is where they go to figure out how to lead lives without buffy but with the other vampire-with-a-soul in them. and i don't even mean this in the way where spike/angel is somehow more meaningful or romantically endgame than their other relationships, i just mean like... those two old dudes are never gonna escape each other, for better or for worse. like there's literally a whole prophecy to that effect. wild stuff.