#in pursuit of an honest world

[pompeii-the-houseplant]

The trend of artists like mitski and hozier and mcr being reduced to a ✨palatable social media aesthetic✨ because to analyse their works for what they are (brutally raw experiences of immigration, colonisation, queerness, violence, etc.) would be "too unsavoury" is a form of censorship.

[phantomrose96]

What the hell happens in the pikmin game?? Those little colourful bitches have been around for ages, but i never bothered looking them up, i just figured they were cute little mascots of some game. But your posts are making me question everything. Is it a horror game? (I know i could just google it, but asking you is funnier)

Yeah you're right asking me is much funnier :)

Pikmin is a fun and relaxing game! You play as a little astronaut man who gets to spend his days growing Pikmin, who are sweet and peaceful little plant creatures with leaves, buds, or flowers on their heads. You can corral them around with a little trumpet, like a bouquet of flowers following you through the pretty and whimsical landscapes of planet PNF-404 :)

Wait did I say fun and relaxing?

Sorry, typo.

It's a brutal skill-based survival game (❁´◡`❁)

So then maybe you're wondering, what's up with the Pikmin? What was that about growing a bunch of little flower guys? Well growing the Pikmin is super important!

It's super duper important mainly because you need to replace the Pikmin who die in the carnage of battle for you!

Battle against what?

Everything.

See on PNF-404, Pikmin are the bottom of the food chain. Just about every living breathing creature on this planet is orders of magnitude larger than the Pikmin and munch Pikmin by the hundreds for breakfast. Predators will do this instinctively. They will do this unprompted. They will do this while you're not looking. They will do this endlessly until every last Pikmin is dead.

So... what good are the Pikmin? What chance do they stand?

Really easy. Pikmin are the most violent creatures in the entire game 🥰🥰🥰.

How else do you survive when you're small and fragile other than incredible violence? Pikmin can exist out and about in swarms of up to 100. And the only way to survive predators as small little leaf creatures is to beat those predators to death with incredible mob violence before they can kill all of you.

Pikmin don't die like plants. They die like warriors.

And sometimes, this is the hardest mechanic to handle. Left to their own devices Pikmin will seek to shed blood. It's up to you to call them away from orchestrating their own demise, their own pursuit of the glory of Valhalla. It's in their nature. It's in their plant-blood.

And they go down hard. They shriek when snapped up in the jaws of predators. They glub and wail when drowning in water. They trill out screams when on fire. They choke and cough in poison. They die instantly to electricity. And you'll know a Pikmin is well and truly dead once it lets out a final whimper, and a ghost drifts away from where it once stood. This can happen by the dozens. This can happen to all 100 at once.

So wait, wait I've gotten far ahead of myself. Why the violence? Why the death? Why the fighting? What was that about a little astronaut man?

Well your astronaut man is Olimar, an honest and simple family man who's a freight ship captain from his home planet of Hocotate. He's a truck driver! He's just a guy taking his first vacation in years.

And a meteorite strikes his ship, tearing it to pieces as it crash-lands on a completely uncharted planet. Welcome to PNF-404...

And so you're Olimar. A truck driver. A nice dad. A victim of capitalism with the world's worst boss. Out on vacation.

Your ship is destroyed. No one is coming for you. No one will save you.

The oxygen on PNF-404 is poisonous.

You have 30 days before your life support system runs out.

You have 30 days until you die a brutal and lonely death.

Your only hope is to find every scattered missing piece of your ship--30 of them--strewn across the planet, return them to your ship, and repair it, before your 30 days are up.

But this is simply impossible. You're one tiny little man. You wouldn't be able to lift a single piece of your ship, let alone 30 of them, let alone doing so while fending off the wildlife hellbent on killing you.

But the Pikmin seem to like you...

So all that death? All the carnage and destruction? It's all in the effort to repair Olimar's ship before he suffocates. You pave a path of destruction decorated with the bodies of any creature that stands before you and your missing ship pieces.

The Pikmin do it. The Pikmin trust you. The Pikmin follow your command and die by your command. After all, you're growing their species. Oh did I forget to explain that part? The "how" of how growing Pikmin works?

Simple. Pikmin are grown from the corpses of the creatures they kill :).

If you kill something, the Pikmin take it back to their base and process it for pieces, and grow new Pikmin from it. That's how you get all the nice little flower creatures following you around. :)

Is it good enough? Can you sleep at night knowing that 50 creatures who trusted you implicitly were slaughtered under your misdirection? All to retrieve a hunk of metal which is 1/30 of the hope of getting you home alive? 100 slaughtered? 200? Day 30 is approaching. Things are looking bleak.

You're Olimar. Day 30 has arrived, and you haven't fully reconstructed your ship. You have no option to stay. Your life support has run out. You watch the Pikmin you've left behind, as you attempt to start up your ship which has not been safely repaired.

You try to take off, and try to make it home.

It does not go well.

But at least the Pikmin have another corpse to carry.

[ascxlla]

SYLUS HEADCANONS

Synopsis. Just some SFW headcanons of Sylus!

Pairing. Sylus x fem. Reader

Word Count. 452

A/N. This is my first work, enjoy!

Sylus is the kind of man who can't stand being away from you for too long. He's utterly obsessed, captivated by everything that makes you, you—your quirks, imperfections, and all the little things that set you apart. He treasures your scars, admires your smile, and finds beauty in every detail, no matter how small.

Public displays of affection? He's all about them. He loves making it clear to everyone that you're his, especially when someone tries to flirt with you. And when someone flirts with him? He’s quick to shut it down with a sassy remark and a steely glare—there’s no mistaking where his loyalties lie.

Sylus adores those late-night bike rides with you, where the two of you can escape into the night, exploring the world together. These moments are sacred to him, a chance for the two of you to escape into the quiet mystery of the night, leaving the rest of the world behind. With the cool night air brushing against your skin and the stars twinkling above. There’s something magical about those hours spent together, with nothing but the open road ahead and the sound of your laughter echoing in the night.

Spontaneity is another of Sylus's charms. He loves surprising you with sweet, unexpected kisses—whether it's a tender kiss on your lips, a soft peck on your forehead, or a gentle brush of his lips against your cheek. Each kiss is a reminder of his love, a small gesture that speaks volumes about how deeply he feels for you. It’s his way of saying, without words, that you are always on his mind.

When it comes to his feelings, Sylus is upfront—he wants you to know just how much you mean to him, how deeply he desires you. He's honest about his life, trusting you with the parts of himself he hides from the world. With you, he feels safe to be vulnerable, to reveal the layers of his soul that others never see.

And when it comes to making you happy, there’s nothing Sylus wouldn’t do. He is relentless in his pursuit of your happiness, going to great lengths to get you what you want, even if it means bending the rules a little. He takes pride in knowing that he can bring joy to your life.

Sylus can be moody, especially when it comes to you. He hates when you’re away for too long, his fear of losing you gnawing at him. Arguments with him are rare but intense, often leading to moments of silence where he withdraws, struggling with the emotions he’s not used to sharing. But over time, he’s slowly opening up, learning to trust you with the vulnerability he usually keeps hidden.

© ascxlla

[coff33andb00ks]

world around us

summary: you're a candle in the window on a cold dark winter's night word count: 1k pairing: lando norris x oscar piastri x driver!reader (lilli. it's lilli) warnings: just pure fluff, slightly suggestive language(?) a.n.: final installation of my I need Lilli to have an amazing birthday series! this is once again for @maxlarens HAPPY BIRTHDAY LILLI MY LOVE!!! playlist: completely unhinged songs that fit the vibe

"No no no no no no no! You can't do that! You fuckin' muppet!"

Oscar mirrors your eye roll as Lando protests you placing a house on one of your properties. "She owns it though?" he says tentatively.

Lando scoffs, snatching up the guide and snapping it open. "The rules say–"

"I refuse to follow rules when you rolled twice so you wouldn't go to jail," you say with a huff, snatching the guide from him.

"I had to! One of the dice landed on the floor!"

"Oh but when we play golf I have to play no matter where my ball lands?"

"Yes." Lando gives you a look of disbelief, as though the idea of breaking a golfing rule is akin to murder. "It's not my fault you can't hit a ball straight."

"Just for that–" You slap more brightly colored money in front of Oscar - Oscar has to be the banker he's the most honest one among us - and grab a hotel to replace the house. "Suffer."

Lando groans, throwing up his hands. "You're cheating. I hate games night."

Oscar's grin shifts and he begins to chuckle. "We could play Trivial Pursuit?"

"No," Lando whines, picking up the dice to take his turn. "That game makes me feel stupid."

"Uno?" you suggest sweetly.

"No, we'll finish this. Capitalism is good to me, I'll make a comeback." Lando nods to himself as he shakes the dice. "Just shut up so I can focus."

And then, twenty minutes later–

"What d'you mean I owe you double the rent?!"

The rules are checked - well this is fucking bullshit - and he counts out all of his money to pay up. Suddenly capitalism sucks and he's clinging to his one property block and his cash like they're his lifeline.

You'll never know how (he probably cheated) but he wins. Monopoly money rains down as he celebrates and you fall back with laughter when Oscar flips the board in disgust.

You love games night. The silly playlist Lando put together plays, Disney movies play, muted, on the tv, and you've got them.

Lando and Oscar. Your biggest rivals on the track and your closest friends off. You're celebrating Oscar's first win this week now that summer break is here, enjoying the lazy days before you each take off in different directions to visit family and recuperate from an exhausting first half of the season.

"Loser cleans up," you remind Oscar and he groans as he gives you a kiss then begins picking up the mess. Lando's singing along to the latest country song he's obsessed with - Is it your heart or mine? Is it whiskey or wine? Is it somethin' in the night Makin' us wanna cross that line? - and he follows you into the kitchen to get more drinks.

"You sure you don't want to come along with me?" he asks, reaching around you to get a beer from the fridge.

"Let me see... Golfing with a bunch of men versus beach time with my best friends…" You hum thoughtfully, squealing when loops an arm around you.

"That can't be right. Me and Osco are your best friends," he says.

"Let me rephrase. Best women friends."

He's holding you close, swaying a little to the song playing - you think Oscar's the one who added ABBA, or maybe it was you - and you smile a little as you sway with him. He hums songs without realizing it and it's one of his more endearing habits.

"But I'll miss you," he murmurs, tucking his chin on your shoulder.

"I'll miss you too." And you will. This season you've grown closer to him. Literally, considering he finally talked you - and Oscar - into moving to Monaco. But also figuratively. You're just as rough on yourself as he is on himself, and with all the macho bravado that surrounds you every race week, it's nice to have someone who understands your being upset over missing out on a podium due to your own failings as a driver, your miscommunication with the team. It's rarer to have someone who understands shouldering the blame of the team's missteps – if I was better at this, they would trust my judgment but I'm not so they don't and that means—

"Not getting sappy on me are you?" Lando teases.

"You started it," you mutter. Turning, you wrap your arms around him. "We can live a few weeks without each other."

"I mean… You'll text right? Call?" he asks softly.

"FaceTime too," you promise.

It's tentative and new and so fucking scary but he gives you a soft kiss. Not your first with him, but it still makes your heart do that weird little flutter that it's only ever done with one other person.

"Jenga?" Oscar calls from the living room and Lando perks up instantly, nearly knocking you down in his haste to get back to the only other person he's going to miss during break.

Jenga with your boys is impossible. They're too competitive, know too many things they can say that make the other break and send the blocks flying.

"Oh of course he's going for the bottom, man loves to be at the bottom," Oscar mutters to you and Lando's giggling, covering his face with his hands as the tower collapses.

The games are abandoned, and you're squished on the couch between them, Oscar's lips on your ear, Lando's head on your stomach as the three of you, tipsy and relaxed, begin making plans for the last days of break while a Studio Ghibli movie plays. It's not said by either of you, but you already know that the three of you will find each other long before the break is over.

The world is easier to bear when it's the three of you together. It's still new, still tentative, still scary as hell, but it feels oh so right.

[astrolovecosmos]

*Venus Natal Aspect Snippets*

*Sun can only semi-sextile, semi-square, or conjunct Venus. Moon Trine Venus: Likely very social, is open to new relationships, and is a cooperative individual. Can be highly creative, may be a little vain, and is likely very romantic. Can be overindulgent, may not be good at emotionally handling pressure or conflict, and can be driven to people pleasing tendencies due to their need for connection or a fear of loneliness. This aspect is known for being favorable in making close bonds or with romance.

Moon Opposite Venus: Might find themselves in relationships where they feel torn between wanting emotional closeness and needing personal space. Can lack confidence in themselves romantically or within relationships. Can struggle with dependency or co-dependency. Can be a sensitive, understanding, and welcoming person despite this aspect's challenges.

Moon Square Venus: May be hot and cold in their relationships. Can struggle with stability or balance in their relationships and emotional world. Can struggle with self-discipline or give into escapism often. May run away from conflict. Can be good at channeling their frustrations into art. Can be good at giving advice but tends to not follow their own wisdom.

Mercury Trine Venus: A great aspect for diplomacy, negotiation, and forming connections through meaningful conversations. Be careful of underestimating others, loose lips, and relying too much on persuasion. *venus can't oppose or square mercury in a natal chart

Venus Opposite Mars: Conflicting feelings, thoughts, and energies in your attraction and desires. Need to focus on what matters most to you in others and relationships.

Venus Square Mars: The friction between Mars's energy and Venus's harmony can result in romantic conflicts, impulsiveness, or difficulty finding balance between assertion and affection. Focus on what makes both you and your loved one's happy together.

Venus Trine Mars: This aspect often means chemistry and creativity in romantic and collaborative endeavors. Be careful of assuming others are on your level for love and passion until you know them more. Other's may also be intimidated or jealous of your confidence or self-acceptance.

Venus Opposite Jupiter: There might be a struggle between expansion and moderation. You could feel drawn toward indulgence, extravagance, or over-optimism, taking risks in relationships or security. But you may also equally fear taking big risks in your relationships. It's a challenge to balance pleasure with restraint.

Venus Square Jupiter: May have unrealistic expectations of their loved ones or relationships, things can get messy in their relationships FAST, doesn't know when to stop. Needs to be highly mindful of their desires and behavior. Expand with a plan.

Venus Trine Jupiter: Known to be a beneficial aspect for social interactions, attracting opportunities, and fostering good fortune in love and financial matters. A "good luck" type of placement in the chart. Be careful about being overly generous to where others take advantage of you. You may also have a foolhardy side in relationships somehow. Don't let things get to your head in relationships.

Venus Opposite Saturn: It can be difficult to express romantic feelings and accept love, gratitude, or generosity. Can easily feel lonely, isolated, or negative in their relationships. May need more reassurance than they are willing to admit.

Venus Square Saturn: May have challenges in establishing stability and commitment in relationships. Saturn's restraint and seriousness can clash with Venus's desire for warmth and affection. This square makes it hard to fulfill emotional needs in relationships. Expressing wants and needs more is vital.

Venus Trine Saturn: Encourages a realistic approach to love, with a focus on long-term goals and responsible choices. It's beneficial for building enduring relationships and finding structure in creative or financial pursuits. Not being honest with oneself and/or falling into being around those who do not share your values or goals can be a challenge.

Venus Opposite Uranus: Uranus is the planet of sudden changes, which can disrupt the harmony Venus seeks. Relationships might experience sudden upheavals, or you might feel restless and desire more freedom often. It's important to find lovers, friends, and family who support your need for space, learning, and/or change.

Venus Square Uranus: Emotional closeness can be hard. Always finds themselves falling in and out of love or fascination. Inner and outer stability vs. instability is a common battle that needs to be fought.

Venus Trine Uranus: This aspect often leads to unexpected yet positive developments in relationships. This aspect may bless someone with an unpredictable, exciting, and different kind of love life. Can promote a lot of independence as well. May struggle with their more predictable, traditional, or cautious loved ones. Could have a complicated relationship with open-mindedness and acceptance among their loved ones.

Venus Opposite Neptune: Reality and fantasy can clash and cause frustrations in your relationships. Be careful of putting others on pedestal.

Venus Square Neptune: May run into unrealistic expectations, deception, or disappointment in relationships. Being more realistic and grounded in your relationships may be needed.

Venus Trine Neptune: Creates a dreamy, romantic energy. It can enhance creativity, intuition, and empathy in relationships. It's an excellent aspect for artistic pursuits, spirituality, and finding beauty. This placement can still struggle with illusions and manipulation like many other Neptune placements.

Venus Opposite Pluto: There can be intense emotional power struggles in relationships. There can also be profound transformations or challenges in many of your relationships that lead to empowerment and self-mastery.

Venus Square Pluto: Associated with control, power dynamics, jealousy, and possessiveness in relationships. Needs to learn to manage their own intensity when it gets out of control or unhealthy. Or may need to learn how to listen to themselves more in relationships, follow their intuition/heart.

Venus Trine Pluto: Intense and passionate in their relationships but in a way that is magnetic, sexy, and maybe commanding. It's a great aspect for deepening intimacy and fostering meaningful growth in relationships. But those with this placement can become unchanging or controlling in their relationships too. Their attachments may usually be harmonious or loving but they can also be extremely strong.

[peachsukii]

Okay I’m back I’m sorry your writing is like cocaine to me idk you’re awesome-

Bakugou x reader where they’re on a mission and it involves a teams of heroes to dress up like Dynamight to confuse the enemy??? Just like Bakugou’s reaction to seeing his girlfriend decked out in his gear like 😭😭😭

but like picture like reader trying to fit Bakugou into a version of her costume too-

Ohkay I’m going even further now- Bakugou and reader wearing formal wear modeled after each other at a Hero’s gala to debut their relationship to the world???? I can just imagine after the mission they just really like wearing each other’s stuff-

Anyways you’re amazing have an amazing day!!

I’m so so sorry this took me so long to get to! You’re the sweetest!! 🥰 thank you so much for rec and coming back! I’ve enjoyed the ideas you’ve suggested so much and hope you like this one. 💖✨

Substitute Gear

『 ♡』  k.bakugo x fem!reader ꒰ pro-hero au | age 24 | lovers (bf/gf) ꒱ ⇢ bakugo and reader are joking around in their apartment one night when they decide to try on each others costumes! this leads to a fun inspiration for the upcoming hero gala as their agencies recommend for them to reveal their relationship officially. Why not do it in style?

꒰ tags & warnings ꒱ no cw minus cursing | fun & fluffy ꒰ cross posted to ao3 | wc; ~1.1k ꒱ -`✧ katsuki bakugo masterlist

“Ugh, what an ugly shift,” you complain as you’re walking through the front door of your apartment. You’re kicking off your dirty boots in the entryway when Katsuki comes to greet you.

“Long day?” He asks, analyzing how filthy your hero suit is. It doesn’t stop him from giving you a light peck on the lips to welcome you home.

“More like what didn’t happen today. A kid threw up on me, and when I washed that off, some asshole bled all over me when I cuffed him! To top it all off, I tripped and fell into the mud while in pursuit of a robbery. Head first!”

As you’re rattling off the laundry list of shitty things that happened during the day, Katsuki’s silently instructing you to take the suit off. He spins you around, unzipping the neck piece and carefully removing all of your components and accessories.

“I broke my damn helmet in that fall,” you groan, wiping dried dirt from your cheek.

“Better than your head, dumbass,” Katsuki counters. “Ya got extras, no use cryin’ over one of ‘em.”

You shimmy the suit off of your shoulders and pull out of the material one limb at a time.

“You’d think as heroes, there’d be a professional laundry service or something,” you complain, letting your suit crumple on the floor. It comically puffs out a dried cloud of grime.

Katsuki stifles a laugh. “Weird way of sayin’ I do all your laundry. Get your ass in the shower, you reek.” He smacks your barely-covered ass to get you moving, continuing to snicker to himself as you waddle down the hallway.

───

After a long and hot shower, you emerge from the bathroom with a dramatic haze of steam following you.

“Ya done yet, peach? Dinners done,” Katsuki calls from the kitchen, dishes clattering as he’s prepping plates for the two of you. You scamper down the hall to meet him in the kitchen, a delicious aroma filling your senses when you approach the stove. He hands you one of the plates of beef and peppers stacked high on a bed of rice.

“Mmm, you even made me extra peppers!” You chirp, flashing him a cheesy smile. He grins in response and slips past you to sit on the couch.

The news channel is droning in the background during dinner, the news anchors excitedly discussing the upcoming annual Hero Gala - the glitz and glamour side of it, anyways. The Gala itself is an enormous event to celebrate Japan’s hero society and to announce the year’s hero ranking; however, everyone treats it as one extravagant event, red carpet and all.

“I’ve never been to the gala before,” you say before taking another mouthful of rice. “I never qualified to attend until this year. I’m kinda nervous to be…debuting us, if I’m being honest.”

Your agencies had caught wind of your relationship - rather, Katsuki’s assistant accidentally caught you two kissing in his office - and wanted to use you as an opportunity to introduce the “new hottest hero couple.” Agencies care about appearances and tabloid drama just as much as actual hero work. What's hotter than a top hero dating a lower - much lower - ranked hero?

The gala is in two weeks and the two of you haven't settled on what to do about it.

“Th’ agencies wanting to use us as an attention grab is fuckin’ stupid," Katsuki mumbles, brows scrunched in frustration. "Who gives a shit who we're dating? Doesn't affect my ability ta do my job."

He had a point, of course, but that didn't make you any less nervous about it. You were being pressured to have an extremely public date and let "fans" know that Dynamight was off the market. The thought of fans metaphorically bashing your head in wasn't ideal, but whatever gets "ratings," right?

"We might as well just show up in each others' costumes," you joke, rolling your eyes as the news anchor shifts topics to the latest update on another nonsense story.

"That's...not a bad idea!" He shouts, putting his plate on the coffee table and excitedly jogging down the hall to the bedroom. "Where's your backup suit?"

"In the closet, why? There's no way your muscular ass is getting in that tight suit."

"No, dumbass! C'mere!"

You place your plate next to his and get up from the couch, waltzing to the bedroom to see what he's on about. Both your hero suit and his are laying on the bed next to each other.

"What if we swapped colors?" He asked, pointing to the suit designs. "You wear mine and I wear yours. That'll give the media somethin' to yap about."

That's actually...a brilliant idea! The media would absolutely eat up the "bad boy" Dynamight strutting into the gala with his partner's color pallet, especially because your colors were pinks and purples.

You raise an eyebrow to him, smirking as you begin to imagine him in a sharp pink and purple suit. "You do look good in pink, the few times you've worn it."

Katsuki cackles and winks at you. "Course I do, I make anythin' look good."

He immediately calls his agency to request the garments - they agreed wholeheartedly and offered to fund both outfits.

───

The night of the gala has finally arrived! There are plenty of news crews from all channels present, huddled around the main red carpet entrance. The scene is bedazzled with flashing camera lights, the shutter sounds of multiple cameras capturing photos in tandem. Your complimentary custom outfits are pristine and Katsuki's hand is in yours as the limo pulls up to the gateway, giving you a soft squeeze to gather your attention.

"It'll be fine, sweets. Jus' follow my lead, 'kay?"

You nod while taking a deep breath to calm your nerves. "Thanks babe."

The limo attendant outside skips to the door, opening it for the two of you and ushering you to the entrance. You're both standing in line behind other heroes awaiting their turn to enter the building, attention already building in your direction. A few minutes go by before one of the hosts motions for the two of you to proceed to the entrance.

Your heart is racing, threatening to burst right through your ribcage as the hot spotlights are covering the two of you. Cameras are flashing rapidly, waves of unintelligible shouting invading your senses - "Dynamight! Over here, look this way!" "Just one this way, you two!" "To the left, please!"

Katsuki's jaw is tense as his eyes are roaming around to satisfy multiple camera men, the resting glare he normally sports on patrol adoring his features. Your attempting to keep a soft smile, posing and waving gently. Suddenly, you're tugged into Katsuki's side, his hand leaving yours and wrapping around your waist, pulling you into his personal space. He spins you to face him, cupping your chin and dipping you backwards as his lips grace your own, holding you in place.

The world around explodes with surprise, the peanut gallery clamoring with questions about the two of you - "Are you two an item?" "Oh! A higher ranked hero and a brand new one!" "What a scandalous amount of PDA!"

When you part, he pulls you back to his side and keeps his hand on your waist while the two of you continue into the gala together. The paparazzi outside are tailing the two of you as they're stopped at the door, shouting for answers as he flips them off over his head.

"Told ya it'd be fine. Now let's fuckin' eat and enjoy the damn night."

thanks again for the suggestion @queenpiranhadon ! ✨

[ezukll]

⠀⠀⠀ ⠀『 𝗦𝗨𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗦 』

⭑ 𝟭𝗦𝗧 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘

Having Sun in the 1st House reflects your core identity and sense of self as a bright light that shines strongly. You may have a natural draw to the spotlight and may feel a strong sense of individuality and personal autonomy. You may be confident and charismatic, able to capture the attention of others with your vibrant presence. At the same time, this placement can indicate a tendency to feel self-conscious or worried about others’ opinions of you. With your Light shining brightly, you become more visible and more aware of how others might see you.

⭑ 𝟮𝗡𝗗 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘

Having Sun in the 2nd House shows your core identity as one that is grounded and focused on your physical needs and desires. You might be more practical and down-to-earth in nature, with an emphasis on material possessions, finances, and resources. You may be more grounded in your decisions and have a greater desire for stability, comfort, and security in life. You may have a strong work ethic and a practical approach to your goals and achievements. However, you may also need to find a balance between practicality and expressing yourself creatively.

⭑ 𝟯𝗥𝗗 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘

Having Sun in the 3rd House reflects your core identity as one that is imaginative, sociable, and forward-looking. You may be talkative, creative, and friendly, with an interest in exploring new things and expanding your horizons. You may be eager to communicate your ideas and thoughts with others, and you may have a natural talent for connecting with others and expressing yourself. At the same time, you may also tend to be a bit overactive, restless, and overly excited. The third house is linked to communication and interactions, so you may find comfort in these connections.

⭑ 𝟰𝗧𝗛 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘

Having Sun in the 4th House reflects your core identity as one that is family oriented and focused on the home and inner self. You may feel most comfortable and secure in your home or inner world. You may have strong emotional ties to your family, and your sense of self may revolve around family values, tradition, and your place within your family. At the same time, you may feel limited by your family and their perspectives, wanting to break free and express yourself independently. You may also desire privacy and security, valuing your personal space and inner world.

⭑ 𝟱𝗧𝗛 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘

Having Sun in the 5th House reflects your core identity as one that is lively and colorful. You may have an energetic, artistic, and exciting personality, with a zest for enjoying life and exploring new experiences. You may have a playful and creative side to you, and you may enjoy expressing yourself through art, music, storytelling, or other creative pursuits. You may see the world as a playground for you to explore and enjoy. At the same time, you may have issues with self-expression, wanting to be unique or different from others. You may also struggle with impulsivity and impulsive decisions.

⭑ 𝟲𝗧𝗛 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘

Having Sun in the 6th House reflects your core identity as one focused on service and the practical aspects of life. You may be the type to seek out practical tasks and to gain satisfaction from working hard and doing things right. You may have a responsible and committed attitude, focusing on serving others or supporting the people around you. You may find comfort in having a routine and stable work environment or household, and you may feel a sense of duty in serving others. However, you might also have a tendency to over-work and neglect your own needs, leading to exhaustion and burnout.

⭑ 𝟳𝗧𝗛 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘

Having Sun in the 7th House reflects your core identity as centered on relationships and social harmony. You may value partnerships, cooperation, and compromise, preferring to work in harmony with others. You may be open and honest in your interactions, and you may have an instinct to meet other people's needs. You may have a desire for harmony and balance, which can lead you to compromise your own needs or make sacrifices for the sake of maintaining relationships. At the same time, you may lack assertiveness and independence. Your sense of identity may be heavily connected to those close to you.

⭑ 𝟴𝗧𝗛 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘

Having Sun in the 8th House can reflect your core identity as centered on a deep desire to connect with the unknown, the taboo, and the hidden aspects of life. You may have a strong interest in exploring deeper, more intense, or darker subjects and situations. You may also be drawn to people or things with a certain mystery or intrigue about them. You may feel a deep connection to the world of feelings and emotions, having a tendency to sense the energies and undercurrents that exist beneath the surface. To you, the world may be a fascinating and mysterious place.

⭑ 𝟵𝗧𝗛 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘

Having Sun in the 9th House reflects your core identity centered on a search for knowledge and a desire for expansion, adventure, and exploration. You may have a curiosity that leads you to explore new ideas and perspectives, wanting to learn more about the outer world and different cultures. You may feel eager to step out of your comfort zone and discover new experiences. You likely value education and the pursuit of wisdom. You have a desire to broaden your horizons, explore new ideas, and understand different perspectives. You may have a tendency to take on a more philosophical approach to life.

⭑ 𝟭𝟬𝗧𝗛 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘

Having Sun in the 10th House points to your core identity being centered in your role and status in society. You are likely to find satisfaction in achieving success, status, and recognition for your abilities and contributions. You may have a strong sense of duty and responsibility towards the world, and you may enjoy taking on leadership or authoritative roles. At the same time, you may also place a lot of expectations on yourself to perform and succeed. You may need a strong balance of responsibility and self-care, as you may struggle with burnout and overexertion.

⭑ 𝟭𝟭𝗧𝗛 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘

Having Sun in the 11th House shows that your core identity is centered around a strong sense of community and friendship. You likely have a deep desire for connection and belonging in a group, and you may value group dynamics and the strength of the group over individual success. You may be open and empathetic towards others, and you may enjoy being a part of something bigger than yourself. You may also have a tendency to sacrifice or compromise your needs for the sake of the group. You may need to find balance between your group identity and your own independence.

⭑ 𝟭𝟮𝗧𝗛 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘

Having Sun in the 12th House may reflect your core identity as someone centered on a deep internal spiritual journey. You may have a strong intuitive understanding of yourself and your connection to a higher power or the universe. Your identity may be strongly connected to the spiritual world and a sense of a higher purpose. You may have spiritual or mystical experiences that provide you with guidance and insight. At the same time, you may struggle with expressing yourself to others or feel misunderstood. You may have deep insights and knowledge while at the same time feeling isolated and unheard.

[wilwheaton]

Clearly, political strategists don’t need traditional media as much as they once did. And the media have richly earned this drop in status. Too many political journalists are marinating in the Washington cocktail culture, writing for each other and for their sources – in service to the political industry, not the public. They’ve lost touch with their audiences, especially the audiences they’ll need in the future. A recent survey found that 78% of Americans age 65 or older get most political and election news from journalists and news organizations. But that figure drops to 55% for people ages 30-49 and to 45% for those 18-29.

Mainstream media on a path to irrelevance

The same people who brought us the Iraq war and the Trump presidency are just SO CoNfUsEd that voters have little to no faith in their work, or respect for them.

Legacy media did this to itself. It let Trump infect its objectivity and commitment to the truth, and everything Trump touches dies.

The journalists (sic) who are complaining the loudest are the ones who most need to give their degrees back, and then get out of the way for a new generation of reporters who are more committed to telling the truth than they are in attending the fanciest cocktail parties.

Why in the world would Kamala Harris waste any time with Lester Holt, who is going to use right wing frames, talking points, and false equivalencies in pursuit of a gotcha moment, when she can spend that same time telling voters directly how she will govern, without him and his bullshit wasting her time?

If journalists consistently did journalism, none of this would be happening, and contrary to what you may think after reading this, I don’t think it’s great. I think we desperately need a strong, reliable, objective, honest, fearless, national press that informs people. We need journalists who aren’t afraid to risk access and cocktail party invites in pursuit of an important story.

It’s not like they don’t know how, it’s that they choose not to. This is just the natural consequences of their actions.

[dondeeee911]

Why did your FS choose you? 

why did you 🥹?

1> green envelope 2> red envelope 3> pink envelope

Pile 1

Your FS chose you because they immediately felt enmeshed with you, a mirrored soul😳! It was the timing, place, and people, oh so perfect! Meeting you utterly amazed them; you two just clicked! A feeling of nostalgia and euphoric sensations. Nothing felt forced, it was the ease that drew them closer to you. A hopeful feeling, there was no doubt, they just knew! “She’s the one!” Maybe it was the gaze at one another, the locking of the eyes that set the tone between you two or it was the way you both conversed “ Oh wow, I was just about to say that!” literally getting lost in one another, you gave them depth and intense feelings. They may have felt insecure and yet never felt so sure. "This isn’t the end of us ...".🤞🏽

Pile 2

 They admire your commitment and loyalty to your pursuits and the people in your life. You inspired them to want to make efforts that would strengthen their current bonds and commitments🥰. Without you, your passion, and resilience they would have lacked community, growth, and inspiration. Not only are you their true love, but you are also a true and honest friend. Your person chose you because you didn’t give up on them easily, the bond they share with you is. indescribable ,you’ve excepted the most flawed parts of their life. Your presence was always felt and reassured them of love and comfort. When their “friends” weren’t there for them you were and they will forever be thankful for that. A TRUE ride or die! 🫶🏽

Pile 3

You were just so different, LITTERALY! They’ve never come across someone like you. Perhaps they realized the grass wasn’t greener on the other side when it came to their normal type. They chose you because they wanted to love someone other than themselves, someone not like them. You two share nothing in common but they didn’t care! They loved the way you made them feel, it was always about the energy between you two. Your person fell in love with your energy and that was just enough for them, nothing else mattered. They can’t be without you and would rather leave the world behind and get lost in you🥹. My dear, you are just so intriguing to them.✨

Copyright © 2024 dondeeee911. All rights reserved.

[shellem15]

Okay, I know the Dawnfather and the other primes are running interference, but we NEED to get a full, one-on-one conversation between Asmodeus and Raei (I need it. So bad.) It would hurt so much but so GOOD. I know the hardest bars would be dropped, fucking "My greatest heartbreak...is that I will only have eternity to punish them" levels of bitterness and resentment.

Especially considering what we learn about them in the intro! Imri was straight up ready to die for Luz! Fucker threw himself into the goddamn flames for her!

You know there's so much angst over that. Over how she apologized before healing him. Is Asmodeus hung up on that? About how he sacrificed himself out of love and all she gave in return (in his mind obvs) was guilt? Does he think that's why she tried to save him during Calamity? Not out of love but out of guilt for trapping him?

Asmodeus, who was changed (change, a thing he hates above all else) for her. Who refuses to be changed ever again. Who would hurt the ones he loves in his pursuit of revenge. Who loves his hatred more than he loves his siblings.

The Everlight, who was just trying to help her brother. Who was just trying to help the world. Who got stabbed in the back for her efforts. Does she regret it? Trying to help him? Does she regret saving him on that ship in the first place?

Perhaps Torog is right. Perhaps death would have been the greatest mercy for him. Anything that isn't pain, that isn't all-consuming hatred.

Imagine if she told him that. How much that would fucking hurt him (them both). If it was a lie, would he know? Would he call her out on it?

Probably, I imagine. He'd probably say something like: "Mortals think we are different. That you are honest while I am not. But between us, you've always been the better liar. The greatest, cruelest lie that's ever been told, is that there is any mercy to be found in this wretched world."

TLDR, this miniseries is driving me insane.

[if-you-are-tired-clap-your-hands]

On making a living as an artist

In a world where art and other creative pursuits should be an inspiring, honest and a direct reflection of our society, it is truly disheartening to realize that most mainstream artists come from some place of privilege. Whether it be racial, financial, social, or geographic, artists succeed not just from their skill alone, but from having the privilege to make enough sacrifices to pursue art as a full-time job. Even when you do find the right representation, it may feel as though you must sacrifice your independence and your voice as a trade for financial security. This can make you feel like you're alone, or just another piece in a system designed to exploit you for capitalistic gain. Now, now, sweet artist. I know you may feel quite depressed after reading all this. It's hard not to. Part of these frustrations are why I'm here writing this in the first place : because I believe that these systems must change and our approaches to financial stability as artists must be more transparent. I believe positive change comes from the transparency to know what it is that needs to change. For too long, our culture has resisted a more public conversation about personal finances. In many ways, this has enabled us to become a society that's content to embrace the outdated trope of the starving artist. Let's change that.

« How do I make a living as an artist ? », answered by visual artist Yumna Al-Arashi, in the Zine On making a living as an artist by The Creative Independent. You can read it for free on their website !

[tainbocuailnge]

Another thing that's... kinda odd about the English translation is in the DRK quests, Myste says "A reckoning will not be postponed indefinitely", which is a big line in basically a secret route of the browser game Fallen London. and yeah, it is a cool line and neat to hear it in FF14... it also doesn't really work for Myste? In it's original context, it's about the remains of a dead demi-god-like being, which was cast into a well, seeking a reckoning and leading the player down a route which will irreversibly destroy their character in pursuit of dark secrets.

Which is not what the Myste sections of DRK were about at all, lol.

oh I could rant for hours about dark knight translations. that questline is actually why I first went to scope out the german script, because I heard drk wildly differs between english and japanese and that german generally stays closer to japanese than english does. I translated some of the fray parts here actually, though you'll note I'm a lot more forgiving of the english script in that one because i hadn't reached sidurgu's parts yet löl

german fray and myste are just completely different characters from english. german myste is upbeat and energetic. he loves people who help others and feels a strong urge to help them in turn. he spawned from the dark knight crystal in response to the loneliness of countless dark knights stored within it so he could console them and be their friend, he's basically the will of the soul crystal itself. he tries to alleviate that loneliness by facilitating reunions with lost loved ones but grows frustrated that this only leads to more partings, so he tries to expand his powers to maintain his illusions forever, because more than anything he just doesn't want to leave his dear friends the dark knights alone. he represents the childish wish at the core of every dark knight for a world where nobody has to lose anyone again.

in the part of the quests where you take myste to the sea of clouds there's this bit where in english he talks about his guilt complex and lets slip that this is also your guilt. in german he tells you that he was always with these people who fight hard for others, watching from the sides, until one day he heard a cry of loneliness and since then he's been trying his best to help people too. that's the moment that for me really hammered it in that these languages fundamentally disagree on what it even means to be a dark knight.

in english myste is desperate to atone for everything he's ever done and fray is your self preservation instinct who is kinda mad that you let it get this far, but they have to forgive him because you're all you have as you walk this lonely and bloody path that you have to believe is right. in german myste is your ideal, the desire to comfort those who have no-one else, crying that maybe it's better to forget altogether if partings can't be avoided and fray is your human heart who agrees that parting will always hurt but that is exactly where you find the strength to continue the fight, because it is worthwhile even if it never ends, and the path may be lonely but you will never walk it alone when there are people who came before you and who will come after you who all share this same dream of a kinder world. of course you won't have to leave us, you're our ideal, you're what we do it all for, as long as we remain dark knights you'll be with us. this all flows very naturally into drk-as-shadowbringers-class and ardbert's deal too but since I haven't reached shb in german yet I don't want to say anything extensive about it yet

i still think english drk was cooking with even your repressed feelings being repressed + the part of yourself that wants to protect itself obviously trying to protect itself and thus not wanting to show vulnerability so en fray postures as the stronger one who will protect you instead, and that fray writing in the journal (and only being able to be honest in a place where you're unlikely to look unless you don't know where to go) is incredibly clever. but in the context of how english treats sidurgu and just the way they handle the entire rest of the game really i also don't think that they were intentionally going for this kind of subtlety, it feels to me more like they just thought sincerity is cringe like usual and decided to make everyone cool and edgy (and thus needlessly mean to each other) instead.

and yeah english fucking loves to just yoink lines from other media whether it's appropriate or not. they turned zenos' final words to wol into a hamilton reference in english, "my first friend, my enemy" is a hamilton line, he doesn't ever call you his enemy in any other language (in german he calls you his hunter though which yes is incredibly horny of him). I'll admit I'm not in a good position to judge whatever epic references the german script makes because I'm unfamiliar with german language popular media so I won't spot them unless someone else points them out but I do know that when german fray quotes fight club it just enhances their characterisation as trying to sound cool and intimidating but failing because they're really kind of lame and awkward and can't hide how stoked they are to hang out with you.

[justwinginglife]

Masterlist

24/Female/Hannah

Full time slave to the work force, part time writer, FULL TIME HOSHINA SIMP

I am not currently taking requests, will update when I am.

I will write almost anything, just don't do gore or nonconsensual sex.

Follow me on Twitter: @justwingingl1f3

Masterlist #2 (Other Characters)

Masterlist # 3 (Soshiro Smut)

Angst Smut Fluff Other

*author's favorites

Soshiro Hoshina

-How Soshiro Hoshina Broke The Internet

-Cross Your Heart

-Of All The Ways To Die

-Can I Come Home?

-Evidence Of His Love

-Lucky Shot

-In Pursuit

-High Score

-Red Alert

-The Best Of My Life

-The Waiting Game

-The Unstoppable Trio

-Because I Love You, Because I Still Love You,

Because I'll Always Love You

-Crazy

-Loud Love

-The Hardest Thing Of All- Living

-Game Night (Ft. Kaiju no 10)

-A Case Of The Butterflies *

-The Best Plans

-Thicker Than Blood Ft. Gen Narumi*, Part 2, Part 2.5

-Heaven

-Always You, Part 1.5, Part 2

-Fire & Ice (part 2 in progress)

-Plushie Hell

-Honest Pt 1, Honest Pt 2

-Painted With Love

-Wingman

-Whole World

-The Thing About Being In Love

-A Reason To Live

-Wait For Me Pt 1*, Wait For Me Pt 1.5

-Joy Of My Life (part 2 in progress)

-The Hoshina Brothers

-The Best Birthday

-Pregnancy Shenanigans

-In His Care

-Follow Me*

-Crushing Hard, Crushing Pt 2

-Half Human (part 2 in progress)

-No Matter The Distance

-Karaoke Shenanigans

-One Day

-Jealousy

-The Happiest Day

-The Sound Of His Love

-Three's A Crowd Ft. Gen Narumi, Pt 2: Soshiro Ending

-Done Deal (An Arranged Marriage Fic)

-Betting Pool (Third Division Shenanigans)*

-Soshiro Gets Jealous

-Offense & Defense

-Carried Away

-My One & Only

-The Unwitting Confession

-A Man Worth Fighting For

-What Lies After?*

-Friends With Benefits

-Study Buddies

-Best of Friends, Best Of Friends Pt 2

-Relentless

-Civilian Life

-Girl's Night

[coxxxmo]

𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝

[0] 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿

Masterlist

Dear Future Husband,

To you who has taken away my solitude through the storms in your eyes, to you who has taken over all of my living dreams,your gaze is a tempest that renders my world beautifully chaotic - I hope this letter finds its way to you dearest one.

Tell me, is there a new envoy in your company? Passing my messages to you? Does the moon whisper to you the musings I’ve shared about you? Has it told you of my deepest desires? In the quiet of the night, lately I have been finding solace in the company of the moon. I’ve been telling it all about you - your beautiful smile that makes my heart stop, your laughter that resonates like a melody in my mind, your eyes that stir something unknown deep within me, your voice that echoes within me and the heaven knows, I just can’t seem to get you out of my head.

Like the faceless man in my dreams, you have been haunting me; You have been haunting me with your whirlpool of existence which is sure to stir up my entire world if I get too close. 

But Isn't it romantic that, beneath the vast expanse of the same sky, we share a celestial connection? As we both look upon the stars that decorate the night sky, the same moon that graces your night sky also bathes mine in its gentle glow, creating a luminous thread that connects both of us. 

I’ll be honest; I’m not exactly sure how this love letter thing works, but all I know is that I can’t stop thinking about kissing you. Archons, I crave you, and I crave your touch. The idea of us kissing feels like a storm inside me, and I can't help but want you close to myself.

When I think about holding your hand and drawing little patterns with our fingers, it feels like magic. There's something pulling me towards you, and it's stronger than anything else. These feelings feel new to me and I'm still figuring them out like getting lost in a maze. Even then my heart always seems to point toward you, and each day, that pull becomes even stronger.

With each word, I'm sharing a part of my heart. As I fold this letter and seal it with a kiss, it holds not just my words but the promise of the future yet you come. Until our paths cross, and until the day I can call you mine. I send this letter off to the unknown, leaving it at the hands of the fates weaving our story.

Yours Lovingly.

⤷ Synopsis :

In a world dominated by algorithms and measured affections, where love is dissected as a complex equation, Will the pursuit of love transcend the boundaries of logic? Can the heart, guided by a mere letter, lead to a connection that defies reason?

Are you willing to take the journey where the lines between reason and romance blur? Will you be drawn into a completely different world, or will your story continue along its familiar course?

But above all, the burning question remains: whose doorstep will become the final destination for this seemingly innocuous letter?

Modern!au

⤷ pairing : genshin men x reader

⤷ taglist : @sako-mii @oni-girx @chevcore @moonlybxbe @rachoka @sangoqueenkoko @veekoko

⤷ a/n : AHHHHH IM DONE WRITING THE LETTER AFTER AGES. It was harder than it seemed I'll be honest....BUT now that the story starts It'll be much more fun, trust me. Hoping that the other parts are more regular..

Likes and reblogs are appreciated ♡

Lmk if you wanna be added to the taglist!!

[st-silver]

These are Game/Sonic Channel Silver's actual characteristics. The ones highlighted in blue are ones most people have a clue about but I feel most don't fully understand and those highlighted in red are often either missed or straight up inverted into the exact opposite of him.

Strong Sense of Justice (Driven to right wrongs in the world)

Strong Willed Hopeful Optimist. Inspires others

Kind-hearted (Altruist with a strong desire to help others. Empathetic to the state of the world around him. Wants to “protect smiles” and make people happy)

Relentless Determination

Naive (Has a somewhat black and white perspective. Expects people to believe him when he says he’s from the future. Can be unfamiliar with things in the past)

Forthright. Straightforward and Honest to a fault (He can’t lie) Wears his heart on his sleeve

Blunt and Rude (Very Rude)

Focused. Goal Focused. (even during competitions) Straight-To-The-Point Mindset

Proactive

Not trusting. (Hounded Dodon Pa)

High-Spirited (can get loud and carried away when riled up), Passionate

Emotionally Immature. Strong Temper / Easily Angered

Rash and Reckless (Can deal with things too head-on or take on everything himself because of the strength of his feelings which can make him impulsive)

Brash, Abrasive and Juvenile. Quick to insult people (How he’s young and immature)

High Aggression. Aggressive Expressions and Body Language

Headstrong. Confrontational. (Doesn’t take kindly to being like an amateur)

Competitive

Confident in himself. Has a smug attitude about his abilities and trains regularly

Fierce Warrior (fought and struggled for most of his life in dangerous disaster/monster filled environments, almost as strong as Shadow, enjoys brawling, has no regard for pain, immediate fight response when surprised in Generations)

Can be ruthless in pursuit of his goals (has robbed, sneaked and killed before)

Extremely Brave (No regard for his own safety. Fight response to danger)

Values bravery, Dislikes cowardice/cowardly tactics

Very Perceptive and Intuitive (possibly psychic intuition) has been a successful detective and solved problems by thinking in a his major game roles

Introspective and Sentimental

Lives in Good Future Soleanna. Thinks things in Sonic’s time are dated (sometimes)

Enjoys sightseeing, competitions and going on journeys. Likes challenges

Blaze’s equal partner. Skilled competent person that can perform multiple different jobs including being a celebrity genius skating coach

A reliable friend that's protective of the people he cares about, stands up for others and enjoys the peace he protects by engaging in cheerful activities

Shown to like apples/apple flavored things (Ate ration bars in the 06 Future)

Breathlessly enjoys seeing Smiles and Beautiful Scenery (World Peace, the reason there’s a maple leaf on his head) Because of his empathy he is sad to see these things destroyed but is also vicious to anything that threatens them

Blue Skies and people living in prosperity make him feel at peace (in contrast to the apocalyptic devastation and suffering he’s experienced)

Note that all of the above applies at all times. He doesn’t morph into a different character as soon as he’s off duty.

[sokkastyles]

Based on this post by @daily-zutara-prompts

“I just can't believe he'd do that to mom,” Katara huffed, as Zuko poured her a glass of wine. It was a vintage he'd been wanting to try, but he wasn't much of a drinker himself. He didn't like the way wine clouded his judgment and made it harder to stave off the dark thoughts that always hovered on the edges of his subconscious, threatening to drag him down into the depths. But when Katara had come asking for something strong, he'd obliged. He'd never been able to deny her anything.

Zuko poured himself a glass and sat down opposite her, holding the wine up to his nose to get a whiff of the warm Fire Nation spices mixed with the scent of fermented fruits from the isles. “Have you met her?” he asked calmly, with interest.

Katara wiped her eyes and sniffed. “Yes, once or twice,” she took a small sip of the wine, then a larger one. She cleared her throat “But, honestly, I guess I haven't been as…present in the past few weeks. You know, everything with Aang…I haven't been home enough.”

Katara swirled the wine in her glass, then took another long drink.

“It's like I've been afraid to go home.” She looked down, and Zuko could see the shame in her expression, the way she couldn't quite meet his eyes. He tried to will her to meet his gaze, wishing he could fix her sadness, wishing that she would look at him with only that joy and determination that were his favorite things about her. But she had come to him to talk, and he would do his best to listen, to be the support she clearly needed.

“No one blames you for what happened,” he said quietly but firmly, swirling his own glass and watching the dark red legs of the wine trickle down the sides.

Katara looked up, then, setting down her glass. “Oh, come on, Zuko,” she said, the fire that he remembered igniting behind her blue eyes. “The entire Earth Kingdom knows me as the Avatar's ex, the girl he left behind in pursuit of a younger, more ‘enlightened’ partner. The whole world worships the ground he walks on, just like she does. I'm ostrich-horse dung, as far as the world is concerned.”

There was no use in pretending he hadn't heard the rumors, just as she had. He regretted that he hadn't been there for her as much as he had wanted to be, but if he were being honest with himself, it wasn't just his duties as Fire Lord or his friendship with Aang that had kept him from getting involved, then. More like, he was afraid of what he would have done, had Katara chosen to confide in him about her relationship troubles. Of what he very much should not do, of the feelings he had harbored that had only grown over the years. He thought of how often he had imagined Katara coming to him to confess her feelings, to ask him if he felt the same way…

But that hadn't happened, and that wasn't what Katara needed now.

Zuko took another sip of spiced wine.

“I know you're right,” Katara said, her eyes still a bit misty. “And of course I want him to be happy, and of course I know he's been lonely, he's had to be. It's just…weird.”

“No one blames you,” he said again, even though what he really wanted to say was I don't blame you, and what he really meant was I love you. “Talk to your dad. If she makes him happy, then that's a good thing, right? I know it's hard, but it doesn't mean he's replacing your mom.”

“I know,” he said, his hand reaching out and stopping just short of touching hers.

Katara rubbed her forefinger along the rim of her glass. “How'd you deal with it?”

“Well,” Zuko said, “It's not the same, obviously. I don't care if my mom wants to forget about my dad. She'd be better off. Was better off.” Zuko took another long drink. “But I'd be lying if I said I never felt…resentful, when I found out that she had a new family and everything. A whole new life.”

Katara listened in fascination. “Really?”

“Yeah.” Zuko cradled his glass of wine.

“But you and Kiyi get along so well!”

“Yeah,” Zuko said, smiling at the thought of his half-sister. “That's what helped me a lot, at the beginning, knowing that I had this sister I didn't even know about who wouldn't have existed if mom hadn't remarried.”

“And now?”

“Now, I just…” Zuko thought for a minute. The dark shadows were clawing at the edges. Too much wine. But if he was going to drink, it would be with Katara, who he trusted more with himself than he trusted himself. “I think about how different things were back then. And I know they're never going to be the same, even the good parts.” Katara was watching him, taking in his every word. “And I think about how sad my mom was, even when things were good. I didn't know it back then, of course, because I was just a kid. But I'm not a kid anymore. And I'm happy for her happiness, you know?”

He smiled in a way that he hoped was reassuring, although he was a bit stupid from the wine. He didn't know if any of what he was saying made sense, although it did in his head when he had thought of saying it.

“Happy for her happiness,” Katara repeated, thoughtfully. “Yeah. Thanks, Zuko.”

She reached out, then, placing her warm hand over his, and her smile was warm and lovely, and he thought he could be happy for her, too. All he wanted was her happiness. That was all he had ever wanted, even if it was never going to be with him.