#how the bonds we create are what keep us alive and how love changes us and makes us stronger

[theunsinkableship1]

ISN'T IT GORGEOUS?

I’d like to extend heartfelt congratulations to our beloved international treasure, Nicola. She truly is a princess of hearts, and watching her continue to grow and soar to new heights in her career is nothing short of inspiring. Her accomplishments are a testament to her hard work, undeniable talent, and grace, and we couldn’t be more proud. Seeing her conquer challenges and succeed with such ease and passion is both heartwarming and uplifting. Here’s to many more wins, achievements, and milestones for her. We can’t wait to witness everything she’s going to accomplish next! Cheers to Nicola!

It's strange how quickly some people rush to dismiss Nicola and Luke's relationship as just a work-based connection, a PR stunt, or a "fake" friendship when there's ample evidence pointing to a much deeper bond. Over the years, their friendship has been well-documented, with behind-the-scenes footage and public comments from those who know them, showing that their connection is anything but superficial. They’ve been described by colleagues as having a strong bond, and neither has ever publicly claimed to be "just friends" in the way many people are insisting. This insistence on downplaying their relationship as something impossible or purely professional disregards the reality that friendships can often develop into romantic relationships something that happens frequently between colleagues, especially actors who work closely together and portray on-screen love stories.

What's even more curious is how adamant some are about rejecting the idea that they could be attracted to each other or in love, as though it's an implausible notion. Actors share intense experiences during projects, including world tours like the one they embarked on, and these connections often lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships off-screen. The refusal to acknowledge this possibility, while belittling those who do, creates an unnecessary divide and downplays the obvious chemistry and bond between them. It's perfectly reasonable not to see romantic potential, but the effort to dismiss and invalidate others who do see it, with such force and false narratives, feels like a strange and unwarranted reaction.

And don't even get me started on the idea that them being in other relationships somehow disproves their connection. First off, neither Nicola nor Luke has publicly claimed anyone as a romantic partner, so all of those assumptions are just that... assumptions. People are so quick to use this as evidence when in reality, it proves nothing. Secondly, it's not unheard of for people in relationships to develop feelings for others, whether we like it or not. I'm not saying it's ideal, but it happens all the time, and it’s not unimaginable in this case either.

At this point, I'd need them both to explicitly state that they’re not in love with each other, never have been, and never will be, and even then, I’m not sure I'd fully believe them. They could easily be lying to themselves or avoiding acknowledging their feelings for a variety of reasons. Until they say that outright, I’m going to keep rooting for them… and even then, I might just keep rooting for them privately. Their chemistry is undeniable, and no amount of dismissal or denial is going to change that for me.

The statement Nicola makes about people wanting her to marry Luke, framed with a laugh, isn't a simple dismissal of romantic speculation it’s a deliberate acknowledgment. By addressing it directly, she keeps the conversation alive rather than shutting it down, signaling an openness about the connection they share. Describing their relationship as having "such a love for one another" and stating it's a bond she won’t have with anyone else suggests something deeper and more unique than ordinary friendship.

Instead of being incidental, this comment feels purposeful, as if to offer just enough to acknowledge the chemistry that fans observe, without fully clarifying the nature of it. By talking about their special bond in such a heartfelt way, Nicola leaves room for interpretation, subtly implying that their relationship is not just platonic but potentially more significant.

That’s how I interpret it, but I could be wrong. Time will tell, I guess. Either way, I’ll continue to cheer for them, whether as a couple or as individuals. I believe they’re both equally talented, beautiful inside and out, and truly remarkable human beings. I genuinely want to see them succeed, and if they do it as a couple, that would be perfect!

[cozzzynook]

Au where Bumblebee was a war frame living on a neutral colony where pre!triple changer Blitzwing meets him and start dating. (I like to imagine the reason they met was because Bee is a weapons engineer and Blitz sought him out to commission what later became his hyperfrost emitter cannon :3, but you can change that if you like)

One day, while Blitz is away on deployment, Bees colony is attacked and he gets forcefully drafted into the autobots. After getting reformatted he’s thrown into boot camp as a form of “rehabilitation”, where he befriends Bulkhead and Longarm and makes enemies with Wasp and Sentinel. There’s a whole uno reverse with Wasp being the one to claim Bee the spy, but he doesn’t find any evidence. Any time he does find something condemning, it disappears soon after (curtesy of SW). After many escape attempts, disubordination and pranks, Bee gets branded a failure and thrown onto a space fairing crew to get him off of Cybertron and out of sight. Bulkhead follows soon after the tower incident. Both of them agree to keep his previous frame status a secret from the others.

Then the rest happens per usual and they are all on earth. Idk if they’d recognize each other immediately, but they would notice similarities between them and their old frames. Poor Blitz is hit with the surprise that his honey bee is not only alive but also an autobot, and Bee is struggling not to run and embrace the big bot in front of his team while also feeling self conscientious over his small frame.

AAAHHHHHHH I’M IN LOVE WITH THIS!!!!!!

My romantic & tragic loving heart says yes they know EXACTLY who the other is because in between times Bumblebee helped Blitzwing het used to his large warframe & learned with him how to get used to the personalities. Found ways to help silence the voices and even how each can have their turn so to speak so it’s not all chaos. He loves Blitzwing personalities & quirks & triple changer abilities & downfalls and all!

Blitzwing falls even more in Love with him & when Bumblebee was forced to join the autobots he never stopped looking for him!

They were freshly bonded before Bee was taken and so Bee kept being insubordinate to get kicked out so he could find Blitzwing and be freed!

But then the events happen & the moment they see each other on the battlefield they get away from the others & reunite!

Bee feels bad but he chooses his sparkmate! Megatron already knew who Bee was on the ship its why he didn’t try to offline him when Bee got close & made that joke! Bee was also giving him a signal & Megatron realized!

Bee and Blitzwing go off on there own for a while & bee’s team are worried but he comms them telling them he’s fine he just needs to be alone for a while!

He feels bad but he doesn’t want to be branded a traitor but he also doesn’t want to be apart of either faction! He prefers creating things be it a medical lab tool or a weapon! He never wanted to join either side & understood where both were coming from!

It was something a lot of the cons admired about him even though they wanted him to join their side! He truly is easily likable even if he is a brat he’s a loving brat!

I’m sorry i got carried away but i love this idea!!! Bee really would be insecure on his size but blitzwing would love him no matter his size.

“You took care of me when you were my size so now its my turn to take care of you.”

But bee is like, “nah we can take care of each other!”

He’s an engineer he’s resourceful making things to help Blitz who both loves & hates it because he just wants to spoil his hummel!

Thank you for this this made my day

[child-of-the-danube]

So this is truly it, huh? Just like that, no more Doom Patrol?

I don't think I can completely explain how I feel about the show as a whole and how much it means to me, but this final episode just left me empty for both good and bad reasons.

WARNING!!! SPOILERS INCOMING!! DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE EPISODE YET!

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The whole Immortus/Butts resolution felt like such a cop-out. Immortus just going "Nah, you know what, I'm fine. Here's your longevity. Oh, and I'm besties with the Butts now. Too-da-loo 🥰" after being presented as their biggest threat ever? Meh

It would have been more cathartic had they somehow defeated Immortus when she was occupied with the Butts and got the longevity thingy off her neck to then run home only to find Rita already dead with Laura frozen with shock/grief beside her. To have them think they managed one more victory but with their biggest loss yet. And for Rita and Laura, the moments before she died could have been used to have a proper conversation and resolution between them. I would have loved if the final scene between them (and with alive non-ghost Rita in general) would have been Laura bringing her the Immortus nail just for Rita to decline cause she's at peace with dying. Even a simple "You're forgiven" would have been enough. And what was the point of telling Laura she's part of the Doom Patrol now to go "Yeah, you should all go your own way now" five minutes after she kicked the bucket???

Vic's ending was expected. It was obvious from the start that he would make it. And I'm glad cause he deserves happiness and to build a future that HE feels is right for him finally.

I'm also delighted Jane (a.k.a just K now) got her happiness both within herself and with Casey. And she's the only one we saw on screen saying goodbye to at least one person properly. Her and Cliff's realtionship was one of my absolute favourite things about the show.

Seems I managed to guess Larry's ending almost exactly. It was so sweet and beautiful. He didn't just return to space with Keeg but Rama as well. Can't lie, I've shed some tears during that scene. And his moment with ghost Rita... 12/10 wouldn't change anything about it

Cliff's ending is my favourite and the one that got me bawling my eyes out. "It's ok. I made it home" Uhm, excuse me?????? How dare the writers break my heart like that???? I am unwell and will need 5-7 business days to recover from it. Poetic, beautiful, amazing, showstopping etc. I love Cliff so fucking much

Dorothy who? Guess she just fell off the Earth after Immortimas

Also, Shelley? Never heard of her. Try looking in the woods when it gets foggy maybe 🤷

I guessed Rita would definitely die too but her whole "Each of you will be better off on your own" turnaround just didn't sit right with me. She's the one that spent her life keeping this little, broken, miserable bunch of just the unluckies motherfuckers known to the world together and managed to create a family that loves and supports eachother to death and THIS is her conclusion?? That they should just disband? Nope, not buying it. I guess it's somehow a way of telling that now the one that held them together, the heart of the show if you will, is gone that it's all done but I feel like that's a an insult to the rest of them and to the strength of their bond. Yes, Rita's insistence brought them together at first, but they've grown and gotten close so much since then even without her interfering in their one-on-one relationships. It just doesn't feel right. I also knew we'd get a Malcolm reunion scene but am I the only one that doesn't really care about him? Tbh, we didn't get to know much about him beside the fact that he was Rita's lover that tragically died. I just can't care about a character I know nothing about. I guess have fun posthumously frolicking in a field, Rita and Malcolm 🤷

So Jane got Casey and her sanity, Larry got Keeg and Rama, Vic got his friends and students, Cliff got see his family, their future and die peacefully beside them, Rita got to reunite with the love of her life in eternity and Laura got to, uhm, *checks notes*, play with a flamethrower? Like, ok, I do dig that she got to destroy the place that ruined her whole life guns a-blazing but what exactly does she get to do later on? The ones who remained alive all got someone to share their new found joy with, a proper plan for the future, they're at peace. Laura didn't get to neither truly reconcile with Rita, nor the Sisterhood, and now the only people she felt close to either died or went their own way without a true goodbye. What, pray tell, does her future look like beside, once again, loneliness and grief???? I fucking hated her ending. Give us a Laura de Mille spin-off, you cowards. Make it right...

[thegreenlynx]

The Ranguillins

Chapter 1: The Shining Gods

Word Count: 1k

A/N: Kind of an intro/segue chapter, we will begin meeting the main characters next chapter, don’t forget to vote on the poll linked at the bottom so you can help decide how the story plays out, each choice has a different effect and the impact it has on the story can range from minor to major depending on the kind of choice, so choose wisely!

Earth is a tiny planet in a massive universe organized and controlled by Gods. Each planet is controlled by a small team of Gods that make all of the decisions regarding what happens on the planet, they also are in charge of maintaining the planet to keep it alive. That being said it is always important to remember that gods are neither good nor evil, they simply do as they are meant to do.

Earth specifically is controlled by a team of four gods; The God of Torment, The God of Chaos, The God of Unity, and The God of Balance.

The God of Torment is known for being resolute. Once he has made a decision there is no changing his mind. He is in charge of all things pertaining to direct harm. Such as disease pain and suffering. He creates and spreads illnesses, creates tragedies and what humans often call ‘accidents’. He is often the one who brings humans to their demise.

The God of Chaos is known for being mischievous. He cares little for the humans and cares only for entertainment. He is in charge of all things pertaining to chaos. Such as conflict panic and misfortune. He is often responsible for inflicting rage and distrust into people to start conflict and fear to insight panic. He provides people with large amounts of misfortune so that things never go their way.

The God of Unity is known for being open minded. He cares about the humans deeper than most gods and wishes the best for them. He is in charge of all things pertaining to unity. Such as bonds, friendships, love and desire. For example he creates opportunities for relationships to form and draws people together.

The God of Balance is known for being compassionate. He pities the humans greatly and is often trying to find ways to make things easier on them. He is in charge of all things pertaining to balance. Such as willpower, enchantment, and fortune. For example he provides the humans with confidence, luck, energy, adrenaline and magic in order to motivate them and help them through the hardships of human life.

Despite having Gods overseeing and meddling into their daily lives, humans are largely autonomous and responsible for their own decisions. The Gods simply create scenarios and give them pushes in certain directions.

For a while now earth has been rather peaceful, humans have become rather boring to the four gods. The God of Chaos especially feels this way, as he sighs in disappointment at the humans.

"This has gotten quite boring.." He drawls to his long time comrades.

"And what exactly would you like us to do about that?" The God of Unity responds in a rather unimpressed manner. He quite enjoyed how things were at the moment, his humans were happy so he was too.

Chaos says nothing and simply looks at Torment, silently urging him to fix his little boredom problem. "Although I disagree with Chaos's mindset, I do agree that the humans seem to have fallen into a level of comfort i'm unsettled by." He pauses to look over at his comrades before continuing, "They no longer seem content with what they have. Despite the level of peace and comfort we have granted them they are depressing, and continue to complain."

"How are we going to fix that?" Balance finally speaks up, inquisitive.

"We need to remind them of their privilege." Torment shakes his head in total disgust. "Suffering is needed to feel pleasure, and as it currently stands the humans will only continue to take things for granted. They need to be taught a lesson"

"Shouldn't we cut them some slack? It's not as if they all feel that way.." Unity tries, pointlessly he knows, but he doesn't want his favorite humans to be punished for the rest of the population's sins. While he doesn’t like to admit it, he does have his favorites. And his favorites of the little humans were lovely, filled with so much passion and spark. He believes they are special, that they harbor a potential that others lack. He wanted nothing more then for them to be safe and happy always.

"No my decision has been made, they will learn even if it kills them." The rest watch as Torment uses his magic in different sections of the world.

"What is that?" Balance says, in bewildered horror.

"I have spread parasites that will infect the dead and multiply. It will be sure to teach the humans a lesson, if they manage to survive that is, and Chaos will get his entertainment." Once his task is complete he simply turns and walks away from the other three.

Balance and Unity stare in shock at his figure for a moment before turning angrily to the now laughing God of Chaos.

"What can I say? Chaos is in my nature" He shrugs and follows Torment out.

The two left over turn back to look at their overview of the humans, dread lacing their features.

"What do we do Balance?"

Balance takes a minute to ponder the question before coming to a solution. "Throwing off the balances of life will surely cause peril" he turns to look at Unity. "I will equip a section of the human population with powers, I cannot give it to them all but hopefully it will be enough to give them a fighting chance."

Unity's eyes light up at this. "If you don't mind, can I choose the humans?"

Balance tilts his head confused, before quickly realizing the other God's intentions. "Of course, we will work together to restore some balance to the world."

Unity points out the exact people he believes deserve the fighting chance Balance is so graciously bestowing upon the humans. Balance obliges and calmly grants them the powers he deems appropriate.

"Okay I have done my part I will leave you to do yours." Unity bows gratefully as he watches his comrade leave.

"Worry not my friends, As long as you're together you can make it" The god whispers to his favorite humans, before using his own magic on them. "With this you will surely find each other. Protect one another and pull through the way I know you all can. I will be watching over you and rooting for your success."

He goes to leave but hesitates for a moment, looking back at his humans…

Continue to Poll 1 to decide what the God of Unity does next!

Prev | Next | Poll | MasterList

[mantaberrygamingtart]

Metaphor: ReFantazio thoughts so far

Currently, I am in the first playable month, and I have cleared the first major dungeon as well as developments immediately after it. I am on my way to the next major plot point.

The dungeon I referenced is where the prologue ends.

There are major spoilers ahead. Do not continue if you are not 100% sure you're past where I am referencing. I am NOT referencing the mines.

So, I've got about 15 hours of play time, more like 11 active hours at this point.

I think the game is really interesting and thus far, have genuinely enjoyed the world building. I like that the world feels alive and dynamic. By this, I mean that the consequences of the current events are very clear among a diverse populous. As you move from the poorer areas to the wealthy areas, the opinions differ heavily. The culture shifts. The demographics change and it feels like the current events have weight to them. I love a dynamic world. I also like that a lot of this building, while said directly to you in plenty of interactions, is also largely in passing.

I'm glad, because they throw so SO much at you as a player. It thins out before I know it, but it was a lot.

Okay. So. More critical thoughts.

As a Persona fan, I'm glad, but in general, this had might as well have been a persona spin off.

The mechanisms are so close to Persona's that it feels as though the game is living in the shadow of it's predecessor.

I'm looking forward to seeing how the game defines itself as part of a genre rather than a deviation in a series. If it never does, I won't be mad. But with all of the big names involved and the fanfare, it feels as though it should.

Thus far though, outside of the compelling narrative decisions (Grius, I'm not talking about you. Your armor was made of death flags. You were doomed by the narrative and your character design. Dead anime mom hair meet sacrificial mentor knight)

The core mechanics are almost too familiar.

Down to having a very persona way of awakening to their powers. The way bonds awaken is damn near the same, just less catchy. They took their formula, tried not to make it a copy, and made it less endearing in the process.

Thus far, what's really setting the game apart is the immersion and how I'm rewarded for participating in that immersion. It is constantly making me wonder what their end message is going to be and how they intend to ruin my day.

The first human we fight is seemingly the original sin and it seems we're about to be in for another allegory for the sins of man in the middle of an Atlus game.

I'm keen on watching closely to try and piece things together before we get them having to tell me. But beyond the more obvious things that they're laying on quite thick, I think I'll have to revel in seeing Easter eggs in another play through.

Last thing, there's no way Louis isn't suspicious of us. We're carrying a royal sword. Travelling with a royal knight that was the one guarding the prince when he was attacked, using a crown commisioned vessel. We didn't actually see Louis' face when that curse was casted though. If Louis doesn't recognize Hulkenburg or the sword, it stands to reason that Louis isn't the caster, and only ordered a subordinate to do it.

Lastly, we're able to be hurt by the others fighting for the crown. At what point do we become worthy of protection? Like we're told anyone can run but not everyone is equally protected in the eyes of the divine force. And the ones fighting under the holy mantle would uphold the corruption more than the ones willing to openly commit atrocities. The only answer is to tear it all apart and challenge every facet whether it's the immediate problem or not. The reality is that even though we keep saying Louis is the problem, Sanctism's doctrines are what creates the framework. So, they're both our enemy. Destroying the cathedral was probably correct.

I can't decide if the game is cheesy for telling me up front it's a Metaphor or if I knew what I was getting into so I can't say anything about the commentary being so blatant.

I'm looking forward to coming back to this post and seeing what I'm right about, what I'm wrong about, and how my opinions on the game change after another few days of playing. Remember!!! THESE ARE THE THOUGHTS OF SOMEONE WHO IS BARELY INTO THE WORLD OF THE GAME. I WILL LIKELY CHANGE THESE AS I PROGRESS. I AM ONLY JUST ARRIVING IN THE SECOND TOWN.

[storycraftcafe]

SO what’s your process for creating characters? Especially supporting cast who are important but not influential in the plot? Walk me through it!!

Hey Buddies!

Hokai so Character Creation is a big big ass subject and a very important one. To quote Chuck Wendig: “Stories are soylent green, they’re made of people”. And if you take even a glance at fandoms you’d see how important characters are to readers and fans. Characters are how we step into story and these wonderful worlds writers create, they’re what we connect to, empathise with and so on.

I like to break character’s down into three groups: Main Characters, usually our hero, main villain, any POV characters or live interests. Side Characters, the protag’s friends, allies, love interests, smaller antagonists. And supporting characters, everyone else that fills up the world and makes it feel alive and gives it depth. 

So if we’re gonna focus on side and supporting characters, there’s a few key things to remember:

Characters aren’t just people, they’re tools in our storytelling kits. While we should seek to make them feel alive, we need to remember their purpose and function in the story. 

All characters save for the once and done ones you make up on the fly like that barista with a bad attitude or the kindly bus driver should have some depth, positive traits, flaws and at least a suggestion of change, if only in how readers and pov characters see them. 

Draw from life but don’t copy from life. 

It can be so easy to slip into cliche and offensive stereotypes so it’s vital to be mindful about what kind of character’s you’re putting on the page and how you’re using them. Some stories are not yours to tell and that’s okay.

Finally to be perfectly honest, a lot of this for me is kind of instinctual. Some of my favourite side characters popped up out of nowhere and had at most a sentence in my outline telling me their purpose. But I’ll try to explain my thought process.

When I’m planning or writing a story and the need for a Side character comes up (a protagonist’s friend or neighbour, coworker, boss,) someone that’s gonna have some influence on the pov character, that we’ll see more than once I try to settle on their purpose.

Are they an ally? A friend? A helpful neighbour? Are they this asshole down the street that has conflicts with the pov character? A henchman of the bad guy? Are they there to help or hinder or be a foil or a mirror?

Say we have a protagonist who is kind of isolated and withdrawn. She’s gone through some shit, has trauma from before the story but their character arc isn’t about struggling through the dark alone but learning to make bonds, to finding their own people and community. They’re gonna need some nice side characters to help with that. Someone she can bump into a lot and form those beginning connections with.

Off the top of my head that means neighbours, either immediate or down the street/hall, people that frequent the same places she will like the cafe on the corner, wherever she works, etc. Let’s go with neighbours. Maybe… Older nosey neighbours, the kind that’d chat over the fence or bustle by to say hi and welcome and offer something baked.

Right off the bat, I get a bunch of ideas, my brain throwing at me examples I’ve seen or read of before either as they are or recombined into new ones. I see Wilfred from Dr Who, Carl from Up, a bunch of Karens (male and female) from social media, people that I’ve known in real life, including my own Grandmother. And I think about this character’s purpose.

 I want them to be an ally, someone that helps my protag along their personal journey. That’d mean they’d have to be friendly, warm, good hearted, but a bit nosey and probably very stubborn to get past the walls my protag has thrown up. My mind clicks onto the archetype of a grumpy old man, all bristle and hot air but caring. No nonsense, no bullshit, calls it like he sees it but not tactless.

I like this idea but I don’t stop here. I keep poking at it like I’m building something from lego without a plan, putting things on, taking them off. Maybe this guy is a widower and just as lonely as our protagonist. Maybe a grandfather estranged from family but wishing he could have done better. Maybe his wife is still alive but they never had kids.

Eventually, I settle on this idea of the two old love birds, no kids but they like to take in strays. Meaning they keep an eye out for anyone alone and offer a welcome. Nothing pushy, just the ‘neighbourly thing’ to do. Then it’s just what they look like (He’s broad and blocky, strong in his youth, and she’s small and petite with eyes magnified by thick glasses), what their basic personality is like (he’s a grump but sincere, she’s sweet but mischievously sassy and they bicker for fun), maybe things like heritage(Italian-American, Irish, maybe Eastern European), health concerns(he has arthritic knees and a replaced hip and uses a cane, she maybe had breast cancer), habits, etc and that’s enough for me to go off.

I only really understand my characters after I’ve written them for a bit, so try them out in a few scenes and see how you like them.

This is also where I double check my work for stereotypes, especially when working with identities and so on beyond my own experience. I highly recommend you double check with people belonging to those groups, or refer to one of the blogs on tumblr that act as a point of reference like WritingWithColor. Be humble and open to learning with this.

If you really want to go further, you can give them an arc of their own.  Maybe they have their own struggles you wanna touch on that could flesh out the story, give your protagonist a chance to do something in return. Maybe a problem that reflects the main conflict but on a micro scale. But the trick here is the audience doesn’t need to see all of it, just the changes that matter and serve the greater story.

And of course as always, sometimes my plans explode in my face and I have to adapt. I’ve made these characters up on the fly when I realised I needed one, I’ve also cut them from the story or combined two or even three into one, or I realised I needed a friend to be an enemy. I’ve even had to take really minor supporting characters and upgrade them, or downgrade side characters.

To create very minor supporting characters, I do the same just with way less detail. 

Maybe my protag is taking the train and there’s another passenger that’s kind of a rude entitled business guy and we get to see some tasty petty revenge or he just makes a bad day worse. Or there’s a cafe our protag always goes to and there’s this barista she maybe says hi to and shares compliments with who notices a change for better or worse.

These super minor characters I really just make up as I go and as I need. They’re really simple and I like to use them to emphasise a mood I’m going for, to break it up or to highlight just how my POV character is feeling or in denial about.

Like any part of writing , character creation is a skill you can practise and develop over time. 

And one part of this skill I am constantly mindful about is making these characters diverse, but respectful. With these simple ideas it’s so easy to slip into harmful stereotypes and I feel writers have a responsibility to be as mindful as we can, to constantly learn and try to do better.

If you made it this far, go get yourself a treat, have some water and feel free to ask more questions if you have any.

 Good writing!

[artasena]

For My Little Prettiest Boyfriend.

ー falling in love with you feels like stepping into a dream where everything around me is suddenly more vivid and alive. It’s as if the world has shifted into focus—colors are brighter, sounds are clearer, and every moment we share feels deeply meaningful. There’s this warmth that spreads through me, a comforting sense that I’ve found something incredibly precious in you.

I notice it in the little things—the way my heart skips a beat when I see your name light up on my phone, the flutter in my stomach when our eyes meet, the way time seems to pause when we’re together. Being with you feels like finding a home, a place where I’m completely understood and accepted for who I am.

You’ve changed the way I see the world. Everything feels filled with possibility and hope. Even the simplest moments, like talking about our day or just sitting quietly together, become magical because they’re shared with you. I feel at peace, knowing I can be my true self around you, without fear of judgment, and be loved for exactly who I am.

But it’s not just the comfort that I love—it’s the excitement too. Every day with you is an adventure, a chance to discover something new about each other. I want to give you the best of me, to care for you and see you happy. You’re not just in my life; you’re a part of my heart, someone I can’t imagine being without.

Even when we’re apart, I feel connected to you. Our bond only grows stronger with time, and every moment we spend together feels like a treasure. You make my world brighter, my heart fuller, and my life richer. Falling in love with you is the most incredible feeling, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Now that we've reached our first anniversary! I can hardly believe how much has changed in a year. It feels like just yesterday we were getting to know each other, discovering all the little things that make us who we are. And now, here we are, a year later, with a depth of love and connection that I couldn’t have imagined when we first started this journey together.

This past year has been filled with so many memories—some big, some small, but all of them special because they were shared with you. We've grown together, laughed together, and supported each other through everything that life has thrown our way. You've become my closest friend, my confidant, my partner in everything. There's a comfort in knowing that no matter what happens, we're in this together.

As I look back on all we've experienced, I’m filled with gratitude. You've shown me what it means to truly love and be loved, to feel safe and understood, and to build something real and lasting. This year has been a beautiful adventure, and I’m so proud of the life we’re creating together.

Celebrating our first anniversary feels like such a milestone, but it’s also just the beginning. There’s so much more ahead of us—more laughter, more adventures, more quiet moments where we just enjoy each other's company. I can’t wait to see where the next year takes us, knowing that whatever happens, we’ll face it together.

So here’s to us, Sarvielーto the love we’ve built, the memories we’ve made, and the many more to come. I’m so incredibly lucky to have you in my life, and I’m excited to keep growing with you, loving you, and making every moment count. Happy 1st anniversary, for my little prettiest best boyfriend. 🤍

ーS

[missnobodymadness]

Myline and her relationships with the Akatsuki members

I've been procrastinating on this for weeks now but finally had the courage to do it.

I really wanted to talk about the kind of relationships that my Naruto OC, Myline, has with the rest of the Akatsuki members.

I will try my best to describe the dynamics but since english is not my first language I may not express everything properly.

Alright, let's start with Madara.

Uchiha Madara

Elderly Madara rescued Myline when she became an orphan, a victim of the genocide happening in her country (a fanmade independent country to the north-west of Amegakure that now belongs to the same country as Amegakure) at the time.

He knew about Danzo's plans and as a consequence, who Myline's father was (Uchiha Yashiro), he decided to shelter and take care of her as she could be helpful for his plans.

Myline didn't get to spend much time with him as he eventually passes away shortly after.

She managed to create a small bond with him and unlike Obito, she actually liked the old man.

Myline especially enjoyed when he would allow her to sit with him and start sharing some of his stories with her; we can say that Madara was one of the reasons why she got the liking for ninja history.

Madara was actually somewhat tolerant with her but not a father figure at all.

Madara was also the reason why she didn't end up alone and abandoned after his death, as he asked Obito to keep her alive, telling him everything he knew about Danzo's plans and Uchiha Yashiro before passing, making him believe that she would not only be helpful to them but also that he could sense something special in her.

Uchiha Obito

Their relationship is difficult and chaotic, Myline surely pays the price for being the only one who knows about his true identity.

After Madara's death, Obito took her under his wing, at first, maybe because of his young age, he didn't mind much, but as the time passed by, Obito started getting more and more pushy towards her, until it turned into mere abuse, especially psychological abuse.

Things got worse after he went under the Tobi pseudonym and everything that came with it (Akatsuki, etc.).

As his disciple, Myline was molded to be what he needed her to be, so basically his shadow.

Their problematic relationship escalated very quickly when Obito started getting impatient and losing his hope on Madara's words about her sharingan as Myline was already close to turn 14 and there were no signs that she had inherited it, no matter how much trauma she went through.

Obito acted on impulse and decided to go for his last resort: An attempt on her life.

After all, she would probably have no use for him if she hadn't inherited the sharingan, there was no reason to keep her around and risk his true identity being revealed; luckily for her, she finally awakened her sharingan that day.

Despite his attempt, Myline was still very loyal to him as she recognized his struggles and efforts to keep her alive when she was younger, in a way, she feels like she owes him her life.

Nagato and Konan

She met them before Obito introduced her to the rest of the Akatsuki.

It happened when she was rescued by Konan after getting into trouble around Amegakure.

As a gesture of appreciation, Myline grabbed Konan's coat before she could turn to walk away and shyly took a piece of a roosted potato she had saved to eat later from one of her pockets, stretching her little hand in her direction to share it with her, this made Konan remember her own past and for the first time, in the form of a kiss on the forehead and a beautiful angelic smile, Myline experienced an act of love.

Such act was the beginning of a change within her, a little light inside her heart started shining and from it she was able to keep herself warm, no matter how little the light was or how cold it could get, there was something to fight for now.

After being introduced by Obito, Myline started to spend most of her time with them, she loved listening to their stories and their different points of view.

They taught her a lot of things that Obito couldn't be bothered to teach, especially socially and culturally speaking.

She learned valuable information about life and what nuance was with them, Konan became her best friend while Nagato a big inspiration, after all, it was easy to manipulate a kid that was once a victim of genocide.

Despite the obvious manipulation, they were usually very sweet with her and she returned their kindness with her eternal loyalty.

The remaining piece of kindness inside her heart is kept alive because of them.

Fun fact about their relationship is that Myline used to be afraid of Pain when she was a kid, she couldn't understand the concept and Pain (and the other pains) freaked the hell out of her.

Uchiha Itachi

Itachi was Myline's sun and moon, they met when Itachi was introduced to the organization.

Obito's attempt to take Myline's life took place a few days later and Itachi happen to hear her distant cries, assuming she was in danger and running towards her cries.

He arrived just in time to save Myline from falling off a very high cliff. Shocked with his unexpected presence, Obito quickly reverted back to his alter ego, getting around the situation but the tension could be felt for a while before Obito left the place.

Itachi helped her by taking care of her wounds even though Myline kept trying to avoid him and his touch; exhausted she gave up and allowed him to finish the job.

As the time passed by, their relationship blooms into trust and respect for each other.

Upon her request, Itachi accepted to give her some extra training and she enjoyed the time they spent together doing so, as his ways were quite different from Obito's

As the time passed by, they started feeling a very special kind of affection towards each other but as avoidant as both of them were, it took years for them to approach their feelings for each other.

From that unusual kind of love, respect and trust, a baby was born just a few weeks after Itachi's death, yes, we are talking about Mybuza.

More about their dynamics here.

Kisame

She got along with Kisame quite well, while their relationship wasn't too close, they had a mutual respect for each other; it wasn't always like that, though.

Myline took some time to get under his shark skin, mostly because of their age gap, as they had different points of view back then and her attitude didn't help, at all. They eventually start getting along once Myline matures.

What she likes the most about him is that he is actually up for deep and long conversations, she really enjoys a good theoretical and/or philosophical talk.

Deidara

Being around the same age, Myline gets along with him reasonably.

She considers him a friend, even though she knows he would probably not think twice before sacrificing her as a last resort.

She finds his high self-esteem and silliness quite funny and loves to tease him, especially about his hair, which sometimes leads to small fights between them.

Despite he getting really annoyed after finding out she was half-Uchiha, they have had some funny moments, for example, when Deidara exploded several small clay bombs near a river in Kusagakure (Grass country) after she got under his nerves, spreading its water over a long enough radius to reach part of the nearest village, causing confusion amongst the villagers; to this day some of them still believe it was some kind of a miraculous rain.

Sasori

Myline used to be really afraid of Sasori when she was a teen and while that fear started to fade as she grew up, she never once disrespected him or tried to invade his space, even avoiding talking to him sometimes. The boundaries were always very clear to her.

Something about Sasori caused her a certain discomfort and awakened all of her survival instincts; maybe it was because she couldn't read his facial expressions or decode his intentions or mood.

She always made sure to never disappoint or make him wait when they had to interact.

Kakuzu

I'd say that they have a very neutral relationship.

Kakuzu has always been kinda of indifferent to her and both of them are calm, observant and reserved, making most of their interactions strictly professional.

She finds his hearts kinda of creepy and disgusting, but has always been very curious about them and his techniques; she is also finds his intelligence very impressive.

Myline has some trouble understanding and accepting his ideologies but keeps it to herself.

Hidan

By far the member she dislikes the most, Myline finds him unbearable in all aspects.

The combination of his excessive self-esteem, impulsiveness, fanaticism and disrespectful nature makes up to a personality that Myline can't really tolerate.

This makes things very hard for them during the organization meetings as they always end up arguing, destabilizing the environment around them.

Things get even worse when they are forced to meet in person, leading to actual physical confrontations that often need intervention.

Myline was pretty impressed when she heard about his fate at the hands of Shikamaru but felt slightly annoyed as she really wanted to be the one to finish him once Obito's plans were done.

Orochimaru

She was really young when Orochimaru joined the organization and was never allowed to interact with him in order to preserve her sharingan, which he was still unaware of.

She never knew much about him until much later, when he was no longer a member of the Akatsuki.

Myline admits that while she can't help but having some burning curiousity about his tests and the way he thinks, she finds these very inhumane and despises that part of his work.

Zetsu

He wasn't very fond of Madara's decision of rescuing her as he had other plans and looking after a child that would probably be useless for them wasn't one of them.

Myline used to love making fun of him back then, especially about his weird fixation with poop, barely did she know it was all a facade.

She grew up very suspicious and curious of him but could never find the answers to her questions until the reveal of his true identity, that's when she started to really despise Zetsu.

[otome-com]

Moonlight Dialogue: Therapy-Inspired, Star-Studded, and Lovely

In the world of visual novels and romance sims, few projects have stirred as much early excitement as Moonlight Dialogue, a chat-based game blending emotional storytelling, gorgeous art, and the therapeutic depth of a late-night confession. We sat down with Donnie Yoon, creator and director of the game, to talk about the inspiration behind the project, the development process, and what fans can expect from this touching, star-lit journey. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG5ZxP5Kn-E

Donnie: Hi, thanks so much for having me. I'm really excited to be here. I'm Donnie Yoon, the creator of Moonlight Dialogue. Our studio started with a few friends who love games and handsome 2D characters. We just wanted to create something meaningful and fun. Moonlight Dialogue is the result of that shared passion. As for Cheritz, I was incredibly thrilled to have had the chance to work there. It was a really tough experience, to be honest, but it shows how much I love Mystic Messenger and the amazing team behind it. We wanted to create a game that brings people comfort, happiness, and emotional warmth—something that feels like a gentle hug, shared with charming characters and heartfelt moments. That's what drives us as a team. Donnie:For games, yes. But in my real job—this is kind of a side job—I’m actually a team director. So maybe that experience helps me lead the team here, too. Donnie:There was a time when I went through some really difficult moments in my life, more than five or six years ago. During that period, I started receiving psychological counseling. That experience changed me. It helped me understand myself better and sparked a deep interest in psychology. Now I'm studying psychology formally at Korea University, and it's become a big part of how I see the world and tell stories. It took me a long time to learn how to love myself—and honestly, I'm still learning. Moonlight Dialogue was born from that journey. I wanted to create something that could help others feel seen, understood, and maybe come to love themselves a little more easily than I did. Donnie:I’ve always found something powerful in small, quiet conversations—especially the kind we have online. When you're chatting late at night behind a screen, it sometimes feels easier to open up and be vulnerable. That's why we chose a messenger format. Our characters interact with the player through the Moonlight Counseling Center's talk app, and players engage with various topics in a natural, casual way. This makes it easier for players to immerse themselves in the story. Donnie:I'm still getting to know the characters myself, because they’re very much alive to me. I'll start with Jiwon: he's calm and sincere, always trying to keep things together. He listens before he speaks. Suha is playful and emotional—like a bright light hiding some shadows. Bomi is energetic, warm, and full of heart; she can cheer you up just by being there. Seojun is quiet and thoughtful. He might seem distant at first, but he cares deeply. Yoochae is serious and poetic with a dry sense of humor—he chooses his words carefully. Habe is gentle but guarded, the kind of person who watches over others from a distance. Sanya is mysterious and intense. He speaks the truth, even when it hurts, but with sincerity. Donnie:We wanted players to connect through emotions first—not appearance. Donnie:Each route explores a different kind of emotional bond. Some characters open up slowly, others challenge you right away. You might experience comfort, tension, healing, and even a few surprises. Donnie:The biggest challenge was keeping the emotional flow consistent. Visual novel scenes are immersive and dramatic, while chat messages feel casual and fast. We had to adjust the tone, pacing, and even character expressions carefully to make everything feel like one seamless story. Donnie:We still can't believe it—it really is a dream team. Many of the voice actors have worked on amazing titles. We were so lucky they connected with our story. During some emotional lines, a few actors even went completely silent. They really loved our lines, thankfully.

Donnie:Thank you so much for the kind words about our CGs! We're crafting everything very carefully. We’re planning around 50 CGs for season one, and each one captures a key emotional moment to show the characters living in a real world. I write detailed scene briefs with dialogue, mood, and camera angle notes. We work closely with the artists to bring those emotions to life—sometimes we even act out the poses ourselves. Donnie:We wanted players to feel like the characters are part of their world, even outside the chats and calls. Decorating your space with gifts or memories from them makes the bond feel more personal and lasting. It's a quiet way to show love. Donnie:It’s been overwhelming—in a good way. We didn’t expect to reach our goal, being a small team in Korea. But we’re grateful every day for the support. "Localization is very close to our hearts. We want players worldwide to experience the story with all theoriginal emotion. That’s why high-quality translation is our top priority. If we reach stretch goals, we’d love to add bonus scenes, side stories, and new romance routes. Donnie:Yes, many. One that really stayed with me was someone saying the game made them feel seen and understood. Seeing fans pick favorite characters before the game is even out—it’s just stunning. Donnie: Season one introduces the main cast and includes early dates with two romanceable characters. We’ve recorded over 10 hours of voice acting. This season is about forming attachments—deep emotional moments come later. Donnie:We’re aiming for an August or September release. It’s not easy since many of us have full-time jobs, but we’ve been working on this for over two years—it’s time to launch. Donnie: The only thing we can say is just thank you. Every bit of interest means so much to us. Thank you.

As Moonlight Dialogue prepares to make its debut, Donnie Yoon and NTale Studio remind us that stories don't just entertain—they heal, connect, and sometimes help us find the courage to love ourselves. Whether you're here for the romance, the mystery, or the late-night chats, this is one game that might just speak to your soul. Read the full article

[thomasdhill]

Wings of Wonder: Why Flight Inspires the Human Soul

Since the dawn of time, humans have been captivated by the idea of flight. Lifting off the ground and soaring through the air represents a dream of freedom and possibility. Flight goes beyond mere transportation; it connects deeply with our emotions, ambitions, and sense of adventure. This powerful attraction to flying has shaped cultures, inspired creativity, and driven technological breakthroughs.

The Universal Quest for Freedom

Flight symbolizes an escape from the limits that hold us on the ground. Bound by gravity, roads, and borders, humans have always longed for ways to break free. Flying offers a unique sense of liberation, allowing us to rise above obstacles and explore new realms. This longing is ancient, appearing in myths and stories throughout history. The invention of powered flight was a defining moment that showed how human determination can conquer natural laws. The feeling of rising above the earth inspires those seeking freedom and new experiences.

Exploring New Perspectives from Above

One of flight’s greatest gifts is the ability to change how we see the world. From thousands of feet in the air, landscapes transform into patterns and shapes, cities become tiny puzzles, and borders disappear. This view sparks wonder and curiosity about the world below. Traveling by air connects people and cultures like never before. It opens doors to new places and ideas, encouraging physical and mental exploration. The flying experience offers a fresh outlook that enriches our understanding of the planet and our place in it.

Celebrating Human Innovation and Skill

Flight is a triumph of human ingenuity. It combines science, engineering, and skill into machines that defy gravity. The journey from simple gliders to modern jets shows relentless progress fueled by creativity and problem-solving. Every flight depends on precise coordination and advanced technology. Aviation has pushed forward other fields, such as materials science and communication. This progress encourages us to keep pushing boundaries and imagining what is possible.

Emotional Connections in the Air

Flying often triggers strong emotions. The excitement of takeoff, the peacefulness of cruising above clouds, and the joy of arrival create memorable moments. For many, flight symbolizes hope, reunion, and new beginnings. Air travel connects loved ones separated by distance and marks milestones in life. These personal experiences give flight a more profound meaning beyond travel. It becomes part of our stories, touching hearts and minds worldwide.

Overcoming Fear Through Courage

Despite its appeal, flight can also challenge us to face fears. Flying anxiety is common, but many people courageously embrace the experience. This bravery echoes the daring spirit of early aviators who risked everything. Facing the fear of flying builds resilience and confidence. It reminds us that growth often requires stepping into the unknown. This courage strengthens the bond between flight and the human spirit, showing that technology and determination are key.

Inspiring Creativity and Progress

Flight fuels creativity in many forms. It inspires artists, writers, and musicians to explore themes of freedom and transformation. The imagery of wings and open skies symbolizes hope and endless possibility. Technological advances in aviation also influence other industries. Innovations from flight safety to navigation systems improve lives beyond the cockpit. This ongoing cycle of inspiration and progress highlights how flight shapes culture and technology.

The Future of Flight and Human Dreams

The future of flight promises exciting new horizons. Electric planes, space tourism, and drone technology are changing how we experience the sky. These innovations respond to modern challenges while keeping the spirit of flight alive. As technology evolves, the human desire to explore and soar remains constant. Flight will continue to connect us, inspire us, and push us forward. This timeless fascination ensures the skies will always be where the human spirit soars.

[dreamiest-ode]

⭑ (..) a fresh start, blessings unfold. 🍀

i. a whole garden of, both withered and blooming, petals.

oh, hi there, sweet souls. thank you so much for stopping by and taking your time to visit this little garden! during the stroll, please make sure that something is shared between you and the garden. i, as the keeper, will be thrilled to exchange few flowers from it to you in order to keep the conversation flows! 🌸

ii. a tale of the divine reeve.

aleanne saraswati is the name i go by, someone who has multitude of personalities which ranging from bright, witty, lover-girl, to intense rage (only for certain things, rest assured). there are plenty of nicknames to make it shorter, anne, saras, alea, but i would gladly wear them like a shining armor if you create another one for me! i mean, that's really cute in the first place, me thinks.  ✿ personally, i identify myself as an INFJ and cancer

i have reached my legal age so in certain times, i may consume entertainments that aligns with it so feel free to stop here if you feel a discomfort in having adult-related topic on your timeline. things like politics, 02 & government shaming tweets, sudden curse as a reaction, are unavoidable from time to time hence make sure you're okay with this if we are bonding together!

*moving to my preferences, i have wide range of interests that keep me alive and continue to make the best out of every moment! when it comes to music, these are the souls that light up my day: wave to earth, NIKI, Bruno Major, Novo Amor, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, Laufey, Mitski, Keshi, The 1975, PRVYT, Eclipse, NewJeans, Sal Priadi, aespa, Doja Cat, SZA, Billie Eilish, Cigarettes After Sex, and K-drama OSTs (personal favorite for now: Two of us from Brewing Love, Test Me from Love Scout).

*jumping into series, movies, and dramas, i enjoy many genres so i'll put up some titles i personally love: Lovely Runner, Brewing Love, The Trauma Code, The Story of Park's Marriage Contract, What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, Marry My Husband, Webtoon Today, Love Scout, Exhuma, Dark Nuns, The Wailing, Barbie movies, classics 2000s; Notting Hill, The Notebook, Mean Girls, Legally Blonde 1 & 2, The Devil Wears Prada, How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days, Set It Up, and others.

i'm a newbie reader as an attempt to elevate my attention span! :3 my current interest is romcom but i'm up to any kinds of book's recommendations as long as it's not gore or dark. :>

there are many other things i have in mind but, shall we keep that as the topic for our lengthy conversation? glad to have your attention up until this last paragraphs. can't wait to bond with you as my new pals! 🤍🌼

*p.s: definitely occur to changes from time to time! 🤍

[therelationshippro]

Is Love a Feeling or a Choice?

Discover if love is just an emotion or a conscious decision. Learn how feelings change and why love thrives on commitment and intentional actions.

Love—it makes our hearts race, takes our breath away, and sometimes leaves us questioning everything we know. But what is love? Is it a deep, unstoppable feeling that washes over us? Or is it an intentional, daily choice we make? Spoiler alert—it’s both.

The Feelings Phase

When love begins, it’s pure magic. Those butterflies, the electric connection, that constant need to be with the other person—it’s all-consuming. At this stage, love feels like something completely out of our control, driven by pure emotion. And while those feelings are thrilling and beautiful, they aren't the full story.

The Reality of Change

Time, as it always does, begins to shift the dynamics of a relationship. Responsibilities, challenges, and routine kick in, and all of a sudden, the “spark” may not feel as fiery. That’s when many of us start to question if we’ve “fallen out of love.” But here’s the truth—this is the space where real love begins.

Choosing Love

When the initial emotions fade, love transforms into a choice. It’s about showing up and saying, "I’m here" even when things aren’t easy. It’s about:

Listening, really listening, when your partner needs you.

Supporting each other through life's unpredictable highs and lows.

Choosing each other again and again, no matter how unglamorous a moment may feel.

True love is a combination of the fleeting emotions that bring you together and the conscious decisions that keep you connected.

How to Keep Love Thriving

Whether in a new relationship or have been together for years, nurturing love takes effort. Try these intentional actions to keep your connection strong:

🌟 Communicate Fully Don’t just talk—share. Be open about how you feel, listen to your partner, and create a safe space for honesty.

🌟 Celebrate the Small Moments Love isn’t found just in grand gestures. A kind word, a smile, or even holding hands during a quiet moment can mean the world.

🌟 Keep Things Fresh Plan surprises, revisit your favorite memories, or create new experiences together to keep the romance alive.

🌟 Practice Forgiveness When challenges arise, focus on reconciliation instead of placing blame. No one is perfect, but choosing love in difficult times strengthens your bond.

🌟 Show Up Consistently Love thrives on effort. It’s not about perfection but consistency—the little things you do daily to make your partner feel valued.

>>Read More

Reflect on Your Relationships

Ask yourself how you balance the feelings and choices of love in your life? Have you been relying solely on the butterflies, or are you putting in the work to strengthen your bond? Love begins as a beautiful emotion but endures as a thoughtful decision.

💭 What’s your take? Do you think love is more of a feeling, a choice, or a bit of both? Let’s start the conversation. ❤️

Would you like more insights? Check out the full article, “Is Love a Feeling or a Choice?” for an in-depth look at building lasting, meaningful love.

[innervoiceartblog]

Routine…

is the way we worship fully at the altar of the timeless. Routine is the way we step down from what is absolutely extraordinary into the miracle of an ordinary day and an ordinary hour. Routine is disguised ritual.

Routine is not the routine word it has come, so routinely, to sound. Routine is how we disguise our rituals of attentiveness: and like all rituals, routines are a way of enriching our relationship to a puzzling and sometimes overwhelming world or keeping that same fierce world at bay. I drink my coffee at the same time by the same window every morning to appreciate the tiny miraculous nature of its taste or contemplate the extraordinary nature of my changing daily realities, or I drink it feeling besieged, I drink it hurriedly, not quite ever fully present but also not wanting the ritual to end, my precious time alone about to end too soon, my own set time but a time set against the world’s besieging time. Routine as defence against reality becomes my own self constructed temporary prison cell, repeatedly visited, until made permanent: a place where I go to close the door and lock it from the inside, my precious quiet, my only way of keeping the world at bay. Routine as protection and defence always feels merciful and protective to begin with, while slowly, over time, narrowing our character and our sense of possibility, all the while closing down our freer relationship with time itself.

Routine, as an open doorway to a future life, might actually, at its best, be the ritual of deepening our relationship with time itself, of enriching our appreciation of life and the delightful details and absurdities of everyday existence. Routine can be a way of forming intimate bonds with time itself: through the quiet, meticulous making of our morning coffee or the brewing of our tea; through drinking that welcome brew in the same chair, at the same time, looking out through the very same window, but at a different daily, changing sky, seeing the world move through the seasons and all the while placing ourselves, without moving, without any apparent outside change, in the midst of the eternal and the untrammelled, our seeming unmoving routine, at the frontier of all the changes occurring in our very moveable world.

At its very best, routine is a central pillar of an inquisitive life, a consciously performed ritual, a living, repeated invitation: a way of constantly creating and deepening possibilities, and of actually getting something done over time. Routine that carries the timeless and the exploratory, can become the central foundation of keeping a relationship alive, of writing a book, raising a family, building a house. We make a miracle out of simply turning up, at the same time to do the same good work, watching that work mature, slowly, with our daily visitations, into something we could not fully imagine, before we gave ourselves over to that daily, dedicated, repeated, miraculous act of appearance and disappearance at the waiting desk or at our well-loved familiar workbench.

Routine as mere routine, can also be an empty death spiral. Routine without a living engagement with the timeless and changeable world outside of our necessary daily tasks always turns into dark unconscious magic: it is routine as the casting of repeated spells upon our own senses; to dull them and thus unconsciously lose an edge which has become too sharp and too painful for us to wield. As defences and insulation, our routines become daily incantations meant to damp down our faculties and to keep the world at bay. Routine becomes a ritual mode of defence: the hope being that if we can immobilise our self we can immobilise the unforgiving incomprehensible world around us. The worst and most damaging routines might be the repeated things we say to ourselves about the impossibility of any other life than this life, than this routine, which we then repeat routinely to a bored world, a world which unfortunately, has heard it all before and which is glad to turn away from our cynicism.

Routines, used as cover, over a sustained time can kill our creativity: the immediate morning refuge in our screens an addictive invitation to doom-scroll through news that carries nothing except the corroboration of our hopelessness, looking endlessly for messages that in the end carry nothing of what we really wish to hear. Routines can become a way of locking ourselves in place, the addiction to continually breaking news, the loss of anticipation for our own inner revelations, the forlorn hope for some kind of outside force that will have the strength and power to break through our inner deadlock. Routines need our attention and our observation, routines can be a matter of life and death.

- David Whyte

[b0wtieswereneverc00ler]

Fangs of Fortune Spoilers (in case someone hasn’t seen the last 4 eps)

Like a book with its ending already written, no matter how many times I read it ... the ending is always the same. - zhuo yichen, ep.23

there's too much to say about the drama but mostly I loved the way it's repeatedly emphasized how important it is to make your own choice even in the face of an inescapable fate

fangs of fortune is very much set up as a tragedy from the get go but it never feels bleak

yes we know people will die - especially zhu yan - even when everyone (including himself eventually) wants him to live the story keeps reminding us that his fate is to die at ZYC 's hand

both a curse and a prediction as they said in the beginning

any other drama might have focused on the misery of it all

wen xiao once again being powerless and losing someone close to her,

zhu yan experiencing this fleeting happiness knowing he cannot hold on to it,

zhuo yichen becoming his own nightmare (an ostracised demon that harms his family),

pei sijing losing her little brother (over and over with a'heng & yinglei & baijiu)

and yet

even as all this happens as we see these characters brought low and broken down and hurt

what carries through isn't misery or despair but these people choosing each other - even when they know the ending can't be changed they choose to be kind to each other, sharing a laugh or a meal, being a quiet support & sharing sadness

being a dim light that pierces the darkness as zhuo yichen said

so when the tragedy we've been expecting starts unfolding near the end it doesn't feel cruel - it isn't tragedy for the sake of tragedy

it's these characters choosing their own ending - even as the story or fate or destiny tells them this is how it ends - choosing to fight for each other even if it doesn't change anything because not doing so would be a betrayal of the bonds they have created

a'heng is dead from the moment we're introduced to him - there isn't a version of this story where he isn't - his existence is reduced to a memory clinging to a puppet that will eventually fall apart, his fate cannot be changed. but he can choose to help his sister, to be her armour and share her burdens like he always wanted, so when the puppet finally breaks like we knew it would his end isn't cruel like his first death

yinglei just wants to make good food and explore the mortal realm with his friends, and then - his grandfather sacrifices himself for zhu yan & yinglei can do nothing just stand by and watch - so when zhuo yichen is dying he does all he can to help even if he gets hurt, when the mob tries to attack he stands infront even if that makes him a target, while the others go to the tomb he fights off the villains, to save baijiu he risks his life again and again, because anything less would be a betrayal - yinglei can't sit by and watch another loved one die even if it means (like his grandfather) dying in an attempt to save them - even if he's scared he won't make a different choice because for him doing nothing while someone he cares for suffers is worse - and he does save them! his actions save not just zhuo yichen and baijiu, but li lun (& indirectly everyone in tiandu since li lun and zhu yan are alive to make their choices because yinglei refused to let baijiu die)

baijiu, as he says, is timid and cowardly and afraid of pain - a normal(ish) kid in a world of demons and magic - even then he does everything he can to save his mother - the story could have killed him off via li lun's possession , his soul smothered or the poison ending him before the others can do anything, that ending would be cruel and tragic - but he survived that, he gets to reunite with his mother again the singular goal he was striving for over half his life, finally fulfilled -he could have just stayed with her and noped out of the newest disaster but he chooses to stay with his demon hunting group, to still help, even if it's painful and terrifying, to give his all to protect zhuo yichen the same way everyone has been protecting baijiu - he made the same decision yinglei made to save him, or wen xiao made to use the dragon scale for baijiu instead of curing herself - his death was painful to watch because in the end he was a little kid trying to be brave enough to save his family - somehow the epilogue where he leaves zhuo yichen his bell made me cry more, (it felt like a callback to the flowers that wen xiao gave zyc when he was grieving and then he gave back to her to comfort her during the tomb scene), cause in the end baijiu didn't need the bell anymore, he'd started wearing it in fear of not being found, but his demon hunting bureau family showed him over and over that they would do anything and everything to find him again, and so he left it to zhuo yichen for the same reason wen xiao gave the flowers, as a reminder to move past the grief

li lun is very much in a tragedy of his own making, which has less to do with his murder spree and more about his inability to let go of his anger towards zhu yan, throughout the story his motivation is the intense betrayal he feels because in his eyes zhu yan chose humans over him - and so everyone zhu yan chooses must either die or become like li lun, constantly attempting to prove that his actions were right and it wasn't just him zhu yan would abandon - and yeah he could have continued down that road but he didn't, and it wasn't just because zhuo yichen verbally stabbed his insecurities and (literally & metaphorically) refused to stoop to his level but also because of ao yin - he had someone unequivocally choose him no matter what he did to the extent they were willing to give up their life for him - so much so that he eventually made peace with zhu yan, he could have lived as a resentful villain but he chose to die as the friend zhu yan remembered

all of these characters made their choices in the end knowing the consequences , not because of noble stupidity or because they wanted to die but because they wanted their loved ones to live and were willing to risk their life for it

which brings us back to the guy who started this drama wanting to die

even as the characters (and the viewers) hope for a different ending - the story keeps unfolding in a way that leaves no room for a different end, Zhu Yan will die, whether it’s to be rid of the malicious energy, to save Wen Xiao, to help Zhuo Yichen, or to be rid of the villains plot - whatever the reason is this story ends with his death

much like a'heng we're told there is no other version of this story

and then to reach that end & have it be zhu yan's choice, not to remove himself as a threat but to save everyone is important

because there's a difference between feeling like a monster that needs to be killed & a hero making a sacrifice to save everyone

and by the end of it that's the decision zhu yan is making - not out of guilt or obligation or penance - but because he wants to protect the others

and the other three honour that choice even if it hurts

(yes pei sijing wasn't there but still)

zhuo yichen taking the responsibility of killing zhu yan is a kindness, he could have stood there and done nothing like bingyi - but he wanted to bear the burden of guilt, to fulfill the oath that started all this, to spare zhu yan this last difficult act

the story ended as we all knew it would

with these characters being kind with each other and sharing their burdens

wen xiao protecting the wilderness, while pei sijing takes over the demon hunting bureau thus protecting the mortal realm, taking on the responsibility zhu yan and zhuo yichen had promised each other so that zhuo yichen could go find the last shred of zhu yan's soul

what could be a more hopeful end than that?

TLDR: I love this show & how every characters chooses to be kind even if they have to make a painful decision

[createinresonance]

Coming Out

A Love Letter to who we truly are

~ Ina Jain ~

It happens at some point if we are lucky enough. If we wake up to our essence. Remember our core. That we fall in love with ourselves in a way we have never before, which means believing ourselves in a way that seems to leave us no choice but to reveal ourselves to our own eyes, own and embody what we know, and eventually become visible in that. More often than not that means a time of friction between who we constructed ourselves to be, often driven by how we interpreted the world and the expectations of people around us. We are so nimble in adapting to our surroundings as part of our survival response in childhood. So the changing and shaping of ourselves starts really early, sometimes so early that we don’t even remember our essence or a time in which that felt still very alive within us. Still nothing is ever lost. Who we are on the inside is always there, our essence waiting inside to be rediscovered. And as it is our essence, it will come out throughout our lives in small or bigger ways, shine through the cracks that are left open for it to show.

If at some point for whatever reason we start remembering, that often comes with a weird mix of crisis and relief, we often choose the word confusion around that, which for me means that the duality that is often quite rigid of right and wrong shifts, and we all of a sudden find ourselves on the other side of what we once stood for or felt a part of. That leads to a dismantling of identity and a deep remembering. If we are lucky it happens within the embrace of relating and connecting to a person or a group of people who are aligned with our essence and who we are becoming, and serve as a living breathing reminder and support for us on this journey of coming out as who we truly are, and offer support on this journey that more often than not is a flickering between holding on to what is familiar and the need to stretch out of that and finally step into who we are in essence.

While old structures fall away it is the biggest gift to have something outside of ourselves to hold on to. We can do it by ourselves, which offers the potential to build a strong bond and trust in ourselves. If we can hold and support ourselves through that kind of a shift, we remember in other scenarios later on what we are capable of, and how we can rely on ourselves. Ideally though it is a combination of the both.

The term coming out brings to mind a realisation, a remembering around sexual identity. And yes, that is a powerful experience of remembering our essence. For me it means connecting to the truth that we already know inside. Allowing the veils to drop away and become awake to fractals of self, of who we are, and how strong that inner guidance is, even when on the outside nothing seems to support that, we just know.

Yet, I feel it is a process that is not restricted to that experience. Actually we come out in so many ways throughout our lives if we connect to our essence and if we have disowned who we are inside at some point in our life. It always comes with a state that we label confusion. And with a sensation that the ground under our feet shifts so quickly we can hardly keep our footing, and for a while it becomes so tempting to go back to what we once believed true, yet that doesn’t seem quite possible anymore. For a while we find ourselves on the battleground of identity. Who we thought we were, who we tried to be, who we shaped ourselves into and who we know we are, and who we are called from the inside out to become from a place of remembered essence all present at the same time.

It often creates a conflict, with what we were once a part of, have shaped ourselves to, adapted to, what made us distort our puzzle piece in the first place. Especially if what we remember is not classified as the norm in the human environments and societies we inhabit. So we have to face what we tried to avoid, mortally afraid to surprise or confuse others and face the consequences.

One of the most powerful and beautiful gifts in that is to be held in that experience, to connect to people who see you, accept you and trust you before you are fully there yet. People who are just there, present on the journey, alongside you, without trying to hurry you along or change your course. It is nothing that can be forced. It is something that needs presence, alignment, a readiness that is entirely individual. All I know is, that you will recognise those people when you come across them.

And it is also crucial that when we encounter someone being on this journey, to ask ourselves honestly if there is alignment for ourselves in this as well in the presence and the support we offer. For it is so easy to want to be there for someone on their journey of transformation from a place of harmful empathy, that in the long run will neither support you or the other. The support I mean will feel effortless, organic, a little bit like breathing because there is a resonance between you, that allows for an opening on both sides, a perfect harmony in giving and receiving. That is when support can truly bloom and resonance offers a space for essence to unfold safely.

Honouring our pace in this can be one of the hardest challenges, for after what often feels like a long time of not allowing ourselves to connect to essence, once we open the doors it can feel like floodgates open and the energy that is suddenly available to us wants to move with a yet unknown urgency. It is then when we are the most vulnerable, and likely to sprint forward in the need of finally expressing ourselves, losing presence in the process to where we are actually at.

There is nothing wrong with that, stumbling is part of the process more often than not, yet it is also the moment where because we are still very raw in who we are becoming that if we fall onto our face, we are most likely to circle back completely to where we set out, retreating on the safe ground of familiar pattern and the identity construct we once so diligently built to hide our essence. It is here when we are likely to disown ourselves yet again with new conviction, it is here when the voices: I told you so, hiding was the best option, well, this proves you can’t trust yourself, you don’t know really, you are delusional, can get stronger than they ever were and stop us in our tracks.

We will circle back eventually from that, most of the time, and we will have learned a lot through it. Yet, I believe it is not necessary to go on this journey of self-inflicted suffering and losing trust in ourselves. What it takes is a self-supporting commitment to the process we are going through. A strong awareness even in the smallest and seemingly ridiculous outside steps, how huge they are in the process we are going through and honouring that truly and fully, not just as lip service but in true understanding of the magnitude of what we are doing.

As crucial as the support is in the beginning stages in remembering our essence, it is actually at this stage, when we have seemingly grappled it all, uncovered it all, come out in whatever way that it is that we are shifting from identity construct into remembered essence, that we are the most vulnerable. For the next step of growing into ourselves is to practice this version of ourselves in our lives, and that is where we so often lose our footing. And that is where support is the most crucial, someone, something that can support us in catching ourselves over and over again, when the battle between what was and what is unfolding, seems to clash in the present moment and invites us to stand still yet again for a moment and just be with it all, rather than jump into action that is more often than not a running away from the discomfort of this prolonged in between stage of who we truly are.

I found that it is here when practices of embodiment are the most crucial, for writing the memories within our bodies, creating a safe space for us to land within ourselves and for all that rises and is alive or gets activated within us to move through, knowing it is part of the process rather than individual states, thoughts, emotions we need to identify with.

Embodiment to me is the key of holding space for all the different parts in me, that are reforming and settling, where who I was and who I am becoming can settle side by side in full body presence. And I can meet myself in all the transformational stages again and again and again from moment to moment and build that fundamental trust, that organically leads to stages of readiness. First usual in the smallest of ways, but then in bigger and bigger steps.

It is here where it is so beautiful and supportive to have others who are there, believing in us, celebrating with us and holding space for us without expectation or judgement, just in a mutual understanding of this shared human journey, from an inside out felt sense of what it is to commit to growing fully human, rather than an attachment to how that has to look on the outside. People who mirror back to us the love, the joy, and the trust in ourselves, when we forget, when remembering becomes too hard.

We are not the same as who we were yesterday, we are constantly changing and evolving, and that is not a curse, it is a gift. Embodying what we know, allowing ourselves to be who we truly are, to me lies at the core of holding ourselves and each other in the tender courage of wild sovereignty. We all hold in our unique and individual ways a piece of the puzzle, that only we can offer to the human story. Nobody can ever or actually should ever take it off our shoulders, they can’t. We have to do it ourselves, that is part of the empowering beauty of the process walking ourselves home but we don’t have to do it alone.

I hope this lands as inspiration and nourishment in between the pages of your life. If this resonated with you, please let me know and feel free to share with others around you, who might also feel inspired by reading it.

Ina Jain : February 2024

inajain.com

The Gentle Wave Podcast

[livetoday4tomorrow]

How to Foster Closeness and Intimacy in a Long-Term Relationship

Overview Intimacy and connection maintenance can be a difficult but worthwhile path in long-term relationships. As a fresh relationship blossoms from a tiny spark to a strong, long-lasting flame, it is imperative that couples actively tend to their bond. This essay will examine useful strategies and insights for maintaining intimacy throughout time, based on both firsthand accounts and the counsel of relationship professionals. Accepting Open Communication Building a Trustworthy Foundation The foundation of any good partnership is open communication. The bond that binds partners together is trust, which permits them to be open, honest, and vulnerable with one another. My spouse and I have discovered that open communication can occur when we are honest about our emotions and worries. Admitting Weaknesses A closer emotional bond is created when people reveal their particular vulnerabilities. Rather than suppressing our feelings, my spouse and I deliberately endeavor to communicate our anxieties, doubts, and aspirations. We have a closer relationship now that we are vulnerable to one another and can help each other through the highs and lows of life. Paying Attention It is an art to actively listen, and it can greatly increase intimacy. Try to comprehend your partner's viewpoint without passing judgment. We have agreed to put our phones away and give each other our full attention during crucial conversations. My partner and I have instituted a "no distractions" policy. Our comprehension and relationship have improved as a result of this easy practice. Compassionate Reactions It's important to react empathetically when your spouse expresses their feelings. Respect their feelings and give credibility to what they've experienced. Together, my spouse and I have developed empathy-based responses, which have fostered a welcoming environment where we feel understood and welcomed. Making Quality Time a Priority Setting Aside Specific Time It can be difficult to find time for one another in the daily shuffle. But keeping intimacy alive requires making quality time a priority. Whether we go out for an exciting adventure or just have a nice supper at home, my boyfriend and I plan frequent date nights. We can rekindle our relationship and deepen it during these times. Cutting Off from Electronics Our lives now revolve around technology, which frequently takes us away from deep human ties. We've discovered that scheduling dedicated periods of time to turn off electronics and concentrate just on one another promotes a stronger feeling of intimacy. We feel remarkably closer to one another when we are totally there for one another. Discovering Common Interests Again As time passes and interests change, couples may find themselves drifting apart. Try to rediscover old hobbies or discover new ones jointly to combat this. Recently, my girlfriend and I began taking dance classes, which enhanced our relationship while also bringing us delight. Attempting Novel Situations New experiences have the power to rekindle a long-term partnership's passion. Starting new things together, like starting a new activity or traveling to a new place, can help you make enduring memories. We remember going on an impromptu road trip together, which ended up being a pivotal moment in our relationship and strengthened our bond. Developing Close Physical Bonds Giving Intimacy Priority To keep up a love relationship, physical closeness is essential. Prioritizing this part of the relationship becomes more and more important as the years go by. My spouse and I have found that scheduling time for intimacy—whether on impromptu dates or on regular dates—helps maintain our love. Examining One Another's Wishes A more satisfying physical connection might result from both parties being aware of and open to each other's wishes. Be willing to explore new things and be upfront about your preferences in communication. We've discovered that taking risks in the bedroom has improved our overall relationship pleasure and strengthened our physical connection. Accepting Touch That Isn't Sexual Sexual closeness is not the only purpose of physical contact. Simple displays of affection like cuddling, embracing, or holding hands enhance the feeling of intimacy. In order to maintain a constant thread of connection, my spouse and I consciously work to include non-sexual contact in our everyday interactions. Giving Self-Care Priority Sustaining physical intimacy and personal wellbeing are intimately related. Maintaining good physical and mental health is a prerequisite for a happier and more fulfilling relationship with a spouse. My significant other and I support one another in making self-care a priority because we understand how it improves our relationship as a whole. Overcoming Obstacles Together Embracing Adaptation An essential component of a long-lasting relationship is learning to navigate the inevitable changes together. Accept life's changes, whether they are related to personal development, family dynamics, or work changes. Despite the many obstacles we've had to overcome together, my spouse and I have become stronger because we've learned to accept and embrace change. Developing Cooperatively As personal development is an ongoing process, partners should encourage one another's improvement. My companion and I have seen the benefits of supporting one another in our own endeavors. We can make sure that our relationship is robust and vibrant by developing together. Seeking Expert Assistance Occasionally, outside assistance is required to overcome obstacles. Consulting a therapist or relationship counselor can offer insightful advice and practical strategies for getting over obstacles. During a really trying time, my spouse and I went to counseling, which improved our communication and comprehension of one another. In Summary Intimacy and connection must be maintained over time in a partnership through commitment, communication, and flexibility. Couples that prioritize open communication, spending quality time together, physical intimacy, and overcoming obstacles as a couple can foster a partnership that not only stands the test of time but also grows stronger and more fulfilling. Recall that a healthy and happy long-term relationship is largely the result of small, regular efforts. Read the full article