#emotional introspection

[aventurineswife]

Hii! It's the same Anon who asked the sibling like Reader with the Astral Express! Could I request another one, but with Reader welcoming Sunday with open arms? Thanks!

- 🌱

A Place to Belong

Summary: Sunday, a new member of the Astral Express, finds himself unsure about his place among the crew. You welcome him with open arms, offering kindness and reassurance as he begins his journey of healing and self-discovery. Through heartfelt conversations and genuine connection, Sunday starts to see the Express not just as a means of redemption but as a home and family.

Tags: Sunday x Reader, Platonic, Found Family, Comfort and Healing, Emotional Introspection, Light Humor, Fluff with a Hint of Melancholy.

Warnings: Mentions of past mistakes and guilt, Subtle references to emotional trauma, Themes of redemption and self-acceptance.

The Astral Express hummed softly as it floated through the endless expanse of stars. You stood by the observation window, gazing at the universe outside, yet your thoughts lingered elsewhere. Himeko had announced earlier that a new member would be joining the crew today—someone named Sunday. From her tone, it was clear he carried a past as intricate as the galaxies you traversed.

You couldn’t help but feel a pang of excitement. Welcoming new members to the Express had always been your forte. Something about offering a safe space to someone starting anew warmed your heart, and you hoped today would be no different.

The sound of measured footsteps broke your reverie. You turned, and there he was.

Sunday stood with an ethereal grace that could only belong to a Halovian. His hair shimmered under the soft lights of the cabin, and his golden halo, marked with eye-like symbols, floated behind his head like a quiet sentinel. His eyes, sharp yet melancholic, scanned the room before landing on you. A faint flutter of his feathered wings—adorned with golden studs—betrayed his hesitance.

You smiled warmly and stepped forward. "You must be Sunday. Welcome aboard the Astral Express. I’m [Name]."

For a moment, he said nothing, his gaze distant as though weighing the significance of your words. Then, with a small nod, he replied, “Thank you. It’s...a pleasure to be here.” His voice was gentle, airy, yet carried an undercurrent of weariness, like a lullaby sung by someone too tired to sleep.

You tilted your head, reading between the lines of his composed demeanor. “It’s okay to feel a bit out of place at first,” you offered. “Everyone here has their own story, their own baggage. You don’t have to shoulder everything alone anymore.”

His wings shifted slightly, a flicker of something—surprise, perhaps?—crossing his face. “You’re kind,” he said softly, his halo shimmering faintly as though reflecting his emotions.

“Kindness is free, you know,” you teased, though your tone was lighthearted. “Let me show you around. I think you’ll find the Express is more than just a train. It’s a home.”

He hesitated for a heartbeat before nodding. “Lead the way.”

As you guided Sunday through the train, pointing out everything from the archives to the observation car, you made sure to keep the conversation easy and casual. He listened intently, occasionally offering a quiet comment or question. Still, his responses were measured, as though he were testing the waters of trust.

When you finally reached the lounge, you plopped onto one of the plush sofas and gestured for him to do the same. “So,” you said, leaning forward, “what made you decide to join the Express?”

Sunday’s wings folded neatly behind him as he sat, his eyes lowering. “I’ve...been searching for something,” he began slowly, his voice tinged with an almost imperceptible sorrow. “Redemption, perhaps. A way to reconcile the choices I’ve made with the person I wish to become.”

You listened without interruption, sensing the weight of his words. When he paused, you spoke, your tone gentle but firm. “I think the fact that you’re here means you’ve already taken the first step. Nobody on this train is perfect. We’re all just trying to do our best, one day at a time.”

Sunday looked at you, his expression softening. “Do you believe that even the most flawed among us deserve a second chance?”

“I don’t just believe it—I live by it,” you replied earnestly. “And you’re no exception, Sunday. Whatever you’ve been through, whatever mistakes you’ve made, you’re here now. That counts for something.”

His halo flickered faintly, and for the first time since meeting him, a faint smile touched his lips. “You remind me of someone I used to know,” he murmured.

“Hopefully someone you liked?” you joked, leaning back with a grin.

Sunday chuckled softly, the sound light yet laced with a bittersweet undertone. “Yes,” he said simply. “Someone I liked very much.”

The hours passed in easy conversation, your words weaving a tapestry of welcome and understanding. By the time the train dipped into a calm pocket of starlight, Sunday’s guarded demeanor had relaxed ever so slightly.

“Thank you, [Name],” he said as you walked him to his quarters. “For...making this easier than I expected. I didn’t realize how much I needed that.”

You smiled, giving him a playful nudge. “That’s what siblings are for, right? You’re part of the family now, Sunday. And family looks out for each other.”

His eyes met yours, and for a moment, the melancholia in them seemed to lift. “Family,” he repeated softly, as though testing the word. “I think I’d like that.”

As he stepped into his room and the door closed behind him, you felt a sense of fulfillment. Sunday might have been searching for redemption, but here on the Astral Express, he had found something just as important: a place to belong.

[astrogirlythings]

[askgildaseniors]

Natasha Elias, a renowned actress, filmmaker, coach, and entrepreneur, takes us on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth. From navigating cultural background to harnessing the power of acting, creativity, and self-awareness, Natasha shares invaluable insights on embracing all parts of yourself without judgment. Drawing from her Miami upbringing influenced by Peruvian and Argentine heritage, she discusses the challenges of self-perception, the emotional depth of acting, and her evolution as a filmmaker. 💡 Topics Covered: ✔️ The power of self-discovery and personal growth ✔️ Embracing cultural background and self-acceptance ✔️ How acting fosters emotional introspection and creativity ✔️ Finding inspiration through self-awareness and self-exploration ✔️ The journey from actress to filmmaker: pursuing passion and personal development 👉 Whether you're an aspiring actor, a creative soul, or someone seeking deeper self-awareness, this conversation will inspire you to find yourself and chase your dreams.

[soulhealingastrologywithamanda]

Weekly Astro Weather for March 3rd - 9th, 2025: Insights, Transformation, and Renewal

Read about the week ahead starting March 3rd, 2025. Journal Prompts are included to help you tap into the energy of the skies. #Astrology #weeklyhoroscopes, #journalprompts #horoscopes

A Weekly Astrological Look Ahead with Soul-Work Journal Prompts Hey Soul Family, Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend! We just experienced the Pisces New Moon, Mercury entering its pre-shadow period for the upcoming retrograde, Mercury’s meetup with the North Node and Neptune in Pisces, and Venus stationing retrograde. Lots of reflective energy! As we head into this week, we’re being ushered…

[noemitenshi]

Chapters: 6/? Fandom: Fear the Walking Dead (TV) Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Crazy Dog/Troy Otto Characters: Troy Otto, Crazy Dog (Fear the Walking Dead) Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Smut, Some Fluff, touched-starved Troy Otto, Attention-Starved Troy Otto, how the shoot-out in ep9 might have been prevented, it's troy that's doing the preventing btw, In a way, fixating on something different now, yes - that's Crazy Dog, spin-off of 'addicted to mess', alternative chapter 2 of 'addicted to mess', knowledge of the entirety of 'addicted to mess' is not needed to enjoy this, just chapter 1, I mean, if you're really determined, not even that, no beta - we die like troy, so not a one-shot anymore, i should take the 'completed' sign off hm, Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot Summary:

Instead of avoiding Crazy Dog after their initial encounter in 'addicted to mess' Troy seeks him out. After all, that asshole can't just do things like that to him and then leave.

An alternative chapter 2 of 'addicted to mess' spawning a whole new story.

[miamaimania]

"Bjork" (1995) ◆ Blue-hour confessions on bedroom floor

[secretly-a-trekkie]

usghsduhfiaofh

[jaggedjawjosh]

You asked for my trust, then marred it with betrayal, wondering why the faith was lost.

[theweeklydiscourse]

God forbid you ever criticize the lack of consequences Bakugou experiences in MHA, or suddenly you’ll find dozens of Bakugou stans pouring into your mentions to make a speech about how cruel you are for forcing him to eat cement. They’ll act as though “consequences” inherently involves throwing him into the dungeon or putting him in detention for 100 years and then moan about how him facing consequences would only perpetuate a cycle of abuse/discrimination.

Listen, it’s not really that much of a consequence if the “consequence” in question isn’t directly connected to his current or past bad behaviour. “Oh but his scars!” “When he died that one time!” “His guilt for getting kidnapped” None of those are related to his bullying, and in my opinion, that makes them insufficient as consequences in an arc about changing for the better.

The consequences I would actually like to see could be as simple as: Izuku feels sad/mad because of what he went through, or certain characters reflect on how Bakugou’s past impacts their perception of him. More introspection on the victim’s end is needed, Bakugou doesn’t necessarily need to be pilloried for the arc to be satisfying.

[astrosouldivinity]

Full Moon: Journal Prompts ☽◯☾

There will be a Full Moon on Thursday, October 17th which will be in the sign of Aries. ✨ ♈︎ ✨

💫 This is a good time for taking charge, embracing your individuality, and setting your intentions, especially around personal goals and self-empowerment.

𖥔 ݁˖ 𖥔 ݁˖ 𖥔 ݁˖ 𖥔 ݁˖ 𖥔 ݁˖ 𖥔 ݁˖ 𖥔 ݁˖ 𖥔 ˖ ݁

❤️‍🔥 1. What new beginnings do I want to manifest in my life, and how can I embody the bold, fearless, and assertive energy of Aries to support these changes? For instance, identifying decisive actions and embracing spontaneity while trusting my instincts.

‪‪♥︎ ‬2. What specific goals do I want to achieve in the coming lunar cycle? Write down actionable steps to pursue them. In other words, what tangible steps can I outline to help manifest my goals? Consider creating a vision board, developing a business plan, or setting a weekly schedule.

❤️‍🔥 3. What does personal power mean to me? How can I cultivate and express that power in my daily life? For example, personal power might mean having the confidence to speak your truth, so you could practice assertive communication in your conversations. It could also involve setting healthy boundaries, allowing you to prioritize your well-being.

‪‪♥︎ 4. What creative project have I been wanting to start or what goals have I been wanting to achieve? During this time, take a moment to reflect on what brings you joy and consider the steps you can take to bring these ideas to life. Ask yourself, how can I harness my passion to make meaningful progress with my projects or goals.

❤️‍🔥 5. What new experiences or adventures am I eager to explore, and how can I take the first step toward them? Reflect on what excites you and sparks your curiosity. Consider practical actions, such as researching opportunities, signing up for a class, or reaching out to someone who has experience in that area.

‪‪♥︎ 6. In what ways do I want to express my true self more fully, and how can I embrace my uniqueness? Reflect on the aspects of your personality, interests, or talents that you wish to share with the world. Think about practical steps, such as trying new forms of self-expression through art, writing, or performance, or engaging in activities that align with your authentic self.

𝔁𝓸𝔁𝓸- 𝓚𝓲𝓴𝓲 ❤️

𝚃𝚒𝚙 𝙹𝚊𝚛 🫙🙏🏿

©𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝙰𝚕𝚕 𝚁𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜 𝚁𝚎𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚎𝚍.

[aventurineswife]

WHAT IF AFTER A NIGHT OF *ahem* cuddles *ahem* with dan heng, he wakes up first and when he looks at reader he sees THE BITE MARKS AND BRUISES he left behind and he panicks a little. Internally wondering how he is gonna apologise for entering possessive dragon mode but when reader wakes, they just play it off since they love him (but do lowkey worry on how to hide them from the rest of the astral express)

“In your arms, I lose control”

Summary: After a passionate night with Dan Heng, he wakes up to see the bite marks and bruises he left on your skin. Overwhelmed with guilt and panic, he struggles to apologize for letting his possessive instincts take over. However, you brush it off with love and understanding, playfully worrying about how to hide the marks from the rest of the Astral Express crew.

Tags: Dan Heng x Reader, Fluff, Post-Passion/Intimacy Introspection, Possessive Behavior, Emotional Vulnerability, Humor, Established Relationship.

Warnings: Mentions of Biting And Bruising (consensual, within a romantic/sexual context), Slight Angst (Dan Heng’s guilt), Suggestive Themes (non-explicit), Reader mentioned covering up marks.

It was a rare, quiet morning aboard the Astral Express. The soft hum of the train's engine filled the air, but all was still in the shared quarters. The night before had been intense—intimate—unspoken, but felt deeply. Dan Heng had always kept his emotions guarded, but with you, something shifted. He had let down his walls, and for once, let himself indulge in the connection that was more than just physical.

Now, as the first light of dawn crept through the curtains, it illuminated the scene. Dan Heng was the first to stir. His eyes fluttered open, a slight tension in his chest. The warmth of your body beside him was comforting, but something tugged at the back of his mind.

He turned his head, his gaze softening as he looked at you, the rise and fall of your chest as you slept peacefully beside him. His eyes traveled lower, and his breath caught in his throat.

The bite marks—his marks—were visible on your neck, darkened bruises on your skin. His hands had left their mark, clenching into the soft, fragile flesh of your body in his moments of passion. His heart skipped a beat, and his stomach turned. A wave of panic washed over him.

He had never intended to hurt you. It had been an impulse, a rush of emotions that had gotten the better of him. His instincts, always just beneath the surface, had taken control. The possessiveness he thought he had buried had surged like a dragon awakening, fierce and unrelenting.

"Did I...?" He whispered to himself, staring at the marks. His thoughts spiraled. He never wanted to hurt you—never wanted to leave a trace of himself on you like this. He hadn’t meant for it to go this far.

The guilt gnawed at him, and his mind raced with ways to apologize. What could he say? How could he fix this? You deserved so much better than a mess like him, someone whose emotions could break through his carefully constructed walls and leave their mark.

Suddenly, a soft sigh came from beside him. Your eyes fluttered open, blinking against the light as you slowly came back to consciousness. Dan Heng quickly averted his gaze, though the panic still flickered within him.

"Morning..." Your voice was soft, laced with that familiar warmth that made his chest tighten with affection. As you stretched, your eyes caught the marks on your skin, and you froze for a moment.

"Dan Heng..." you said, your voice light and teasing, but with a hint of concern. "You really went all out last night, huh?" You gently touched the bite mark on your neck, glancing up at him with a playful smile.

Dan Heng stiffened, his face flushing a faint shade of pink. He opened his mouth to speak, to apologize, but you placed a finger gently on his lips, silencing him.

"I don't mind," you reassured him, a fond smile tugging at the corner of your mouth. "I love you, Dan Heng. You know that, right?"

His heart thudded in his chest, both relieved and overwhelmed by your words. But even as the tension began to ease, you could see the worry lingering in his eyes. He was still conflicted, still unsure about how to reconcile his own actions with his feelings for you.

"But," you continued, a mischievous glint in your eyes, "we might need to figure out how to hide these from the rest of the crew. I don’t think everyone will understand."

Dan Heng let out a sigh, a quiet chuckle escaping his lips as the weight of his internal panic lifted. The tension in his body slowly dissolved as he leaned closer to you, his expression softening, though still tinted with traces of guilt.

"I’m sorry," he murmured again, his voice barely a whisper, as his hand gently brushed the marks on your skin. "I didn’t mean to be... so possessive."

You smiled warmly at him, your hand reaching up to cup his cheek. "You don’t have to apologize. I love you exactly the way you are."

Dan Heng's eyes softened, gratitude shining through. Still, his mind couldn't help but wander to the day ahead—how would he face the others knowing he'd left such a mark on you, physically and emotionally? But, for now, he had your understanding, and that was enough.

"Guess we'll need to be careful," you teased, lifting your head to kiss him lightly on the lips. "Maybe we can get creative with some scarves or high collars until the bruises fade."

Dan Heng chuckled, the sound low and soothing, the last remnants of his panic slipping away as he held you close. With you by his side, perhaps the weight of his past—and his instincts—would be easier to bear.

For now, he was content.

[crypt2niite]

who wants to read about optimus prime dissasociating and hallucinating about megatron/d-16 and orion pax for 3.3k words!

---

there are expectations, of a prime. of duty- servitude. protection, guidance. he imagines it ought to be stifling- orion pax would have thought it so. optimus wonders if he should find it so as well.

strength is not only his duty, but his birthright. his purpose. war- conflict. protection. battle. he was born into it. he will die amongst it, he assumes.

---

like this, lowered to the ground, hydraulics weakened, gear-locks disengaged- he can almost imagine himself a body the memories of which are abstract and unfamiliar. smaller- sweeter, perhaps.

orion pax was not one to kneel, either.

still, this is as close as he can get to his once self.

there is a ghost, at the edge of his processor, two, if he allows them. three, if he wishes. His beginnings, his eternity, and his enevitible end.

---

red morphs into orange into gold. end into eternity into beginning. into memories that belong not to him- but memories he clings to nontheless

soft optics and a aggrieved smile. optimus is a mech who was born haunted. A ghost of something someone he once knew once knew.

a hand, open and gentle, servos almost brushing against his cheek.

just oh so slightly to the left. a slight tilt of the helm is all it would take to shatter the illusion in front of him.

he refrains. permits himself imagine the hollow sound of metal tapping against metal. instead of silence, air brushing by his finials

---

'you look like him, like this. You know.'

'like orion.' (lies)

If he could reply. bring himself to online his voice module, respond to this haunting of his own mind- of orions spark. what would he say?

orion is dead. you killed him

'It was orions fault, though.'

'he got in the way.'

yeah.

---

knelt low, servos curled to his thighs,fans halted and processes slowed.

Like this, optimus could almost be mistaken for a statue. not particularly serene, but -

there is a tension to him. he arose to war. forged for battle. it is inate.

---

If it had been orion in his place-

---

blue optics stare at up him, bright and sweet.

optimus wants to hate him, hate him almost as much as he pities him.

one half of his beginning.

a spark that lays within his own. intertwined- smothered, protected, maybe. he wonders how much of him is orion. how much of orion was him.

slowly coaxing closed. he will smother what is left, eventually. it is not a relief.

---

he loved you. He wants to say it, wants to online his optics and his vocals and see this non-existent spectre that has been passed onto him by orion pax.

wants to shout at it this truth that he was born into. wants to profess the love of a mech that died for his birth for a mech that died for the same over and over again.

as if that truth couldve changed anything, couldve saved d-16 and orion pax. couldve stopped the spark that resides in his chest from curling and twisting into that of a prime. into himself.

---

back into orange into red.

"I love you I love you I love you I love you"

It beats in his chest like a drum

not only had orion left him his ghosts, he had left his love, and as orion died and so rose optimus, so did d-16 die, and so rose megaton.

was it so strange, then? that the love that orion pax held so dearly to his spark, died as well, and so rose for optimus prime, love. as well?

---

blue shutters into life. He turns his attention elsewhere. He remains a coward. does not want to view the nothing that he knows is there.

---

[marandsviet]

When fear rises like a tide, it is courage that teaches us to swim, to trust that the shore will come into view

[soulhealingastrologywithamanda]

Weekly Astro Weather for February 24th - March 2nd, 2025: Tap into Your Intuitive Powers and Use the Insights for Fated New Directions

Weekly Astro Weather for February 24th - March 2nd, 2025: Tap into Your Intuitive Powers and Use the Insights for Fated New Directions! Read all about it here! #Astrology #horoscopes #weeklyastrology

A Glance ahead Weekly Horoscope   Image by: MoFarrelly Hey Soul Family, I hope everyone had a wonderful week! This week has been so watery with all the emotions and with Mars who just recently stationed Direct, finally after soooo long! We are starting to feel the shifts happening, even though it’s been long arduous journey! Even I can tell we are already experiencing the eclipse energy! Next…

[recent-rose]

intrigued by the idea that jayce dooms viktor to become the herald because he loves viktor too much to let him die. but mage!viktor could also choose not to save jayce from the storm in order to save himself from that fate, and yet he too loves too much to let go of jayce. endless cycle only broken by their choice to go together.

[miamaimania]

"Reflective Silence" by Shelby Duncan