#not a lack of chemistry/compatibility

[saucerfulofsins]

the issue for me though is they haven't shown any obvious hints that there's any pining between Buck and Eddie. The way they've positioned Buck and the other guy, it's more likely that they get into some bumps and breakup or something, which will allow the writers to do a "will they won't they" plot for BT...

This ask is from yesterday about this post on will they/won't they.

Anyway. I don't think Buck and Eddie's relationship is about pining at this point. At least, not in the traditional sense. They're both kind of past that and not yet there? As in: they fill a lot of partner-shaped spaces in each others lives. Simultaneously, they're both not yet aware of or suppressing romantic feelings. I get what you're saying re: Buddie btw, but I just don't think Buddie is that kind of story/will they/won't they? Not after 6+ seasons being the way they are.

As for BT, ngl, your suggestion baffles me. I don't see the chemistry. The show doesn't show them as romantic (i.e. if it had been Chimney or Eddie in Tommy's place, I'd have bought them being a good friend). They aren't physically affectionate. They don't talk much. When they do talk, Tommy is dismissive or, if you're pro-Tommy, sarcastic. Irrespective of your personal interpretation, Buck looks unhappy when Tommy (and last ep, Eddie) acts that way.

If BT were meant to be a will they/won't they during a break, I'd expect more physical/romantic affect between them right now. Instead, they are giving me "two guys hanging out." Frankly, Eddie and Tommy have more chemistry than Buck and Tommy; the scenes with Eddie there make Tommy more bearable.

On top of that, Tommy has been reduced to a LI similar to Marisol. Ignoring S2 for a second (the GA won't remember/the show is insistent on ignoring his characterization)... Tommy's S7 introduction was as cool pilot, and from 7x05 on, he hasn't been. The closest we got was him referencing his shifts, and those are always explanations for why he shows up late.

The way I see it, Tommy and Buck are set up to be incompatible - they lack chemistry, affect, and the ability to talk; incompatibility like that can't be fixed during a breakup (possibly partially tied to LFJ's acting style). I also sincerely doubt the GA really cares for Tommy, because there's no personality/substance there (which we know the show's writers can and do effectively write into far fewer scenes than Tommy's had). Again, the better chemistry is between Tommy and Eddie, because they're more similar (which brings me to Buck yearning for Eddie but applying it to Tommy).

So yeah, feel free to explain what about BT makes you think they're going to last or make for an interesting will they/won't they... because to me he's just another LI that's going to exit the show in a couple of eps.

[littlestarprincess]

Trying to finish the book before going into the tags but Marius is so dumb and the Cobra is so smart and I feel bad for them both but it's so funny.

[forgetme-eternally-blissfully]

Me reading a cool new novel: hah wow this is cool it has a neat premise and a promising plot line let’s see our protagonist level up and learn how to use his new power in interesting and cool ways—

*MC meets a beautiful powerful girl and defeats her

*MC meets a beautiful powerful girl and impresses her

*MC meets a beautiful powerful girl and rescues her

*MC meets a beautiful powerful girl and defeats her PT 2

Me: Ah nvm it’s a harem novel god damn it

[kairos-polaris]

the pain of hating a ship and not understanding why 😭

[nianeyemystic]

Sextrology Synastry Aspects 💘🥵🥰🤭

💛Sun–Moon Aspects💛

✨Sun Conjunct Moon: Deep emotional connection and understanding; the couple feels "at home" with one another. This can lead to a natural and satisfying sexual connection.

✨Sun Sextile Moon: Harmonious balance between one's sense of self and the other's emotional needs. There's mutual respect and attraction, with an ease in communication and intimacy.

✨Sun Square Moon: Emotional tension that can lead to powerful sexual chemistry, but may also require work to balance personal needs with the relationship's demands.

💜 Venus –Mars Aspects 💜

✨Venus Conjunct Mars: The classic aspect of attraction and passion. There’s strong sexual magnetism and mutual desire.

✨Venus Sextile Mars: Balanced erotic attraction and a sense of playfulness in love. This aspect promotes sensuality and sexual compatibility.

✨Venus Trine Mars: Similar to the sextile, but with even more ease. Natural chemistry and an intuitive understanding of each other’s desires.

✨Venus Square Mars: A tense but potentially highly sexual aspect. This can lead to passionate, hot-and-cold dynamics, with a push-pull effect in the sexual attraction.

❤️‍🔥Mars–Pluto Aspects❤️‍🔥

✨Mars Conjunct Pluto: Intense, transformative sexual energy. This aspect fosters a deeply passionate, sometimes obsessive, attraction.

✨Mars Sextile Pluto: A sexual connection that is both empowering and magnetic, often with a deep emotional bond.

✨Mars Trine Pluto: A harmonious, yet intense sexual attraction with a focus on shared power dynamics and emotional depth.

💕 Venus–Pluto Aspects 💕

✨Venus Conjunct Pluto: Extreme passion and attraction. This aspect suggests an intense, transformative relationship, often with a deep sexual connection that transcends the surface.

✨Venus Sextile Pluto: Erotic chemistry that may not be as overwhelming, but still very deep. There's a sense of profound intimacy and attraction.

✨Venus Trine Pluto: A stable yet passionate sexual attraction that may grow deeper over time, with an emphasis on emotional and sexual fulfillment.

💚 Sun–Venus Aspects💚

✨Sun Conjunct Venus: A powerful aspect for love and attraction, often associated with a deep romantic and sexual connection.

✨Sun Sextile Venus: A loving, easy connection that brings warmth and affection, with a sexual bond that flows naturally.

✨Sun Trine Venus : A harmonious and mutually satisfying connection that brings joy and pleasure in both physical and emotional realms.

💛Moon–Mars Aspects💛

✨Moon Conjunct Mars: A highly charged emotional and sexual attraction. There can be a raw, physical connection, but it may also lead to emotional volatility.

✨Moon Sextile Mars: Emotional intimacy and passion align, with a good balance of affection and physical desire.

✨Moon Trine Mars: Natural chemistry, with sexual attraction matching emotional needs. There’s a sense of flow in intimacy and mutual satisfaction.

❤️Mercury–Venus Aspects❤️

✨Mercury Conjunct Venus: This aspect fosters affectionate and intellectual connection, where communication flows smoothly, enhancing sexual chemistry.

✨Mercury Sextile Venus: A loving, easy exchange of ideas and affection that leads to a comfortable and sensual sexual connection.

✨Mercury Trine Venus: Similar to the sextile, but with even more ease. There’s natural harmony in how each person expresses affection and desires.

💘Venus–Uranus Aspects💘

✨Venus Conjunct Uranus: Exciting, unconventional sexual chemistry that can be electrifying but unpredictable. There’s a sense of sexual freedom, but it can lack stability.

✨Venus Sextile Uranus: A dynamic, exciting attraction that brings an element of surprise and novelty to the relationship’s sexual aspects.

✨Venus Trine Uranus: A harmonious yet stimulating attraction with a desire for adventure and variety in the bedroom.

🩵Neptune–Venus Aspects 🩵

✨Venus Conjunct Neptune: A dreamy, idealistic sexual connection, often marked by deep sensuality and spiritual attraction. However, this can sometimes lead to illusions or unrealistic expectations.

✨Venus Sextile Neptune: Romantic and artistic love, with a sensual, almost mystical connection. The sexual bond feels transcendent and magical.

✨Venus Trine Neptune: A deeply romantic and sexually fulfilling connection with an emphasis on emotional and spiritual compatibility.

🩷Saturn–Venus Aspects🩷

✨Venus Conjunct Saturn: A serious, committed bond that may be slow to develop but leads to deep, enduring affection and sexual chemistry over time.

✨Venus Sextile Saturn: A stable and grounded attraction, with mutual respect and a sense of security in the relationship’s sensual aspects.

✨Venus Trine Saturn: A supportive and mature bond where physical intimacy builds on emotional and psychological security.

❤️‍🔥Moon–Pluto Aspects❤️‍🔥

✨Moon Conjunct Pluto: Intense emotional and sexual attraction, often leading to a transformative and deep bond. This connection can bring both passion and emotional intensity.

✨Moon Sextile Pluto:An emotionally transformative connection, with strong sexual chemistry that can lead to profound intimacy.

✨Moon Trine Pluto: A deep emotional understanding that supports a powerful sexual bond. The couple often feels "psychically" connected.

- @nianeyemystic

[astrotruther]

Astro Observations

relationships (i)

📍For compatibility, it's important to factor in both composite and synastry chart. I've seen couples who have the spiciest synastry but they seem to have no chemistry/tension while in each other's presence due to the composite being bland. Not even kidding, a composite lacking fire & water placements can even make venus conjunct mars look like siblings.

📍Celebrity couples who seem to have a PR relationship could have Capricorn/Aquarius stellium in composite chart (Cap/10H = public image , Aqua/11H = social media/the internet).

📍Gemini-Aquarius Venus compatibility is overhyped. Gemini being a mutable sign needs a lot of conversation on a regular basis. Aquarius being a fixed sign needs regular periods of solitude. Something that may really irk Aqua Venus is Gemini Venus' habit of sweeping issues under the rug. They'll spend all day talking about a rock band they recently discovered but at the mere mention of actual relationship issues, they either become avoidant or take it as a personal attack (when underdeveloped, of course).

📍People often forget that Venus when taken out of context can be quite a superficial planet. It doesn't fully explain the person's love style. For example, Pisces Venuses can get over relationships and move on to their next conquests quite quickly. One thing I often see with this placement is that they don't understand the concept of emotional fidelity. They could openly flirt with their ex; when confronted they'd play victim and by the end of the day you'll find yourself comforting them as they cry over their past relationships (when underdeveloped, of course). I don't think they're malicious though. Neptune's influence brings a bit of delusion so they ARE being truthful, it's just that THEIR truth is a bit deluded.

📍Water Venuses can be serial daters. When paired with a Fire or Plutonian Moon, they may cope by getting external validation from a lover. What they need the most is to spend some time in solitude analyzing past relationships. Get to know themselves better and they'll be able to spot the red flags much earlier in relationships💙.

📍Mars can be as important in relationships as Venus especially when they're aspected within the Natal Chart. For instance, a Water Venus with an Air Mars could make someone a bit of a player, or a stereotypically detached sign (like Aquarius) in Venus paired with a Libra Mars could make someone very commitment-oriented and not interested in flings at all.

📍Cardinal signs in Venus/Mars are commitment-minded. Mutable signs either have a fear of commitment or they like to really play the field before settling down. Fixed signs will either have only serious relationships or have only brief flings. There's no in between. The point is they stick to their beliefs and, are stubborn about them.

Click daily to help Palestinians🍉🙏🏽: https://arab.org/click-to-help/palestine/

[sk-lumen]

Date by honoring your nervous system.

This took me a long while to realize, but once I did, it changed how I see dating and chemistry. Let me explain.

When you realize that chemistry and flying sparks have zero correlation with compatibility, you've leveled up your dating mindset.

Most often those sparks and butterflies you feel, that's your subconscious picking up on familiar toxic patterns in the other person. Patterns which remind you of past experiences or even childhood trauma. Our brains are designed to see familiarity as safe, so when toxic dynamics are all you know, this can turn against you. You have to conscious rewire your brain, and be intentional and aware of how they make you feel.

Toxicity = familiar = safe = we interpret it as attraction. If they make your nervous system go haywire, we see this as chemistry and sparks flying, but it is actually alarm bells going off to signal we are not safe.

Healthy = unfamiliar = can feel unsafe and scary. We may interpret a vanilla, calm, comfortable interaction as a lack of chemistry. But there is a difference between no physical attraction, and being attracted to someone but not feeling any sparks. The latter is normal in the beginning. If your nervous system feels calm, they make you feel comfortable and at ease, that's a good sign!

So if there's any advice I would give to my younger self, it's this: date based on how he makes your nervous system feel. Does he make you feel safe, comfortable, at ease? That's the green flag to go for.

-Lumen

[princessjojo-x]

1st House Synastry

those who have any part of their ‘big 3’ (sun, moon or rising) in your first house, will make a strong first impression on you; you’ll find their presence memorable & compelling upon first encounters. first house is related to our individual identity so there’s an immediate recognition for each other. theres an instant attraction & special chemistry, even if partners aren’t conventionally attractive or not each others usual type. partners tend to notice & obsess over the tiny details in each other. they'll keep finding little things abt each other that they find enchanting. this creates an effect of falling for each other again & again & again. these enchanting little details build up gradually & partners become completely infatuated with each other eventually. this person will tick all the boxes you’ve been holding inside.

expect to be mesmerised with their looks & demeaner, combined with an obsessive need to know more about them, to be around them, to soak up as much of them as possible, as if to aggressively learn them. however, one partner never quite shows their true self to the other partner, meaning they only see one side of them & only know them to a certain extent.

planet feels like house is similar to them in a way - shared interests, ideas, morals, etc. consequently, planet has a natural respect for house & seeks houses approval a lot. planet feels like house moves at the same speed as them, which leads to a sense of trust & comfort in house.

through this connection, house gains new feelings or discoveries abt themselves, for better or worse.

Venus

there may be awkwardness upon first meeting bc house makes venus feels nervous. these partners always look good together aesthetically . their physical appearance just fit perfectly (barbie & ken vybz). both parties make evident the fascination they feel for each others bodies. there is a general adoration simply for who the other person is. venus especially is obsessed & mesmerised by houses appearance. venus finds house physically perfect & irresistible. this will either cause house to feel very seen & loved or cause house to perceive the rxship as superficial & empty. for example, venus being completely turned off just bc house got a bad haircut. also, depending on how low or high venus’s self esteem is, once venus becomes comfortable around house, they may become envious & critical towards houses looks & image. venus may keep making comments on houses body, reminding house of their flaws. venus may feel like house isn’t truly ever enough. house may feel like venus puts them on an unrealistic pedestal & they always have to be “perfect” around venus. this aspect can make either party be in denial abt the breakup or the rejection. they tend to become stalkers, for example lurking on their social media or even following them home.

Mars

due to the aries influence, this is likely a feisty & electric couple, privately & publicly. both parties want to seize the dominant role & one assumes the other likes to provoke them. you may feel the confident & masculine energy emitted by your partner & you’ll either find it arousing or excessive. house may often annoy mars unintentionally & mars may often lack sensitivity towards house. this clash can lead to hurt feelings & even violence. outsiders struggle to understand this complicated dynamic. you may become more verbally combative & physically tense around this person. therefore, this aspect is best for those attracted to assertive & martian energy, otherwise you may view your partner as arrogant or bossy. within this synastry, there isn’t necessarily romantic compatibility but there is definitely physical connection. for example, saying "i hate you" & kissing each other right after. sex is very passionate & powerful, with rough & competitive air. initially, mars is instantly turned on by house & its often a superficial attraction. consequently, mars readily pursues house with a straightforward approach. mars’s passion captures houses attention & house feels either intrigued or irritated. however, if mars has a inferiority complex, due to feeling threatened by house, mars will resist making a move, even though both partners usually struggle hiding their feelings or intentions from one another. house brings out the protective, jealous & possessive side of mars. this partnership may alter houses identify bc mars can motivate & urge house to be the best version of themselves. house develops more passion, assertiveness, confidence, bravery & ambition due to mars’s influence. however, if mars has low self esteem, they’ll become envious & critical towards houses image. mars may keep making comments on houses appearance & reminding house of their flaws. (cancer mars or taurus asc)

Moon

there’s plenty of emotional openness in this caring & gentle rxship. there’s no ‘get to know each other’ phase, partners instantly *know* one another from the first meeting & feel very comfortable around each other. partners easily let the guards down & struggle to keep secrets from one another. partners will be each other's lending ear & lending shoulder. they know eachothers sensitive spots & what topics to avoid. this aspect brings out partners protective side but it’s more of a calm, delicate & emotional protection. for example, worrying abt each others health & well-being. this connection make you more likely to find the other person’s quirks as endearing rather than off-putting. initially, partners are very curious abt one another. they want to see what more there is than what meets the eye. partners may share similarities causing them to understand & accept one another easily. they may have familiar forms of behaviour & mirror each others temperamental tendencies. house holds the ability to easily read moon & house understands moon better than anyone else. since house makes moon feel so seen & heard, moon easily let’s their guard down around house. moon’s openness arouses the nurturing & sensitive side of house. there is something abt the way moon looks or acts that makes house feel immediately safe & calm. (cancer moon or aries asc)

[botanicalsword]

Synastry vs Composite ✧ Summary

Synastry chart analyzes the relationship dynamics between the two. It reflects the overall feel and interaction state of the relationship - evaluates the initial attraction/conflicts

✧ From the early stages of relationships ✧

Highlights:

the issues that two people bring into the relationship

their interaction and chemistry with each other

reveal areas of harmony and conflict.

the most informative chart

may occur automatically without extra effort

the impact of one on the other's career, financial situation, and emotions

A harmonious synastry chart indicates:

Strong mutual attractions and chemistry, are shown by harmonious aspects (e.g. conjunctions, trines, sextiles) between personal planets like the Sun, Moon, Venus, and Mars. This suggests the two personas will have an easy, flowing rapport.

Stable and energetic connections, where planets form stable, long-lasting aspects (not just volatile conjunctions). This helps the relationship maintain intimacy even after the initial infatuation phase.

Conversely, a "challenging" synastry chart suggests:

Lack of compatibility or chemistry, with discordant aspects (squares, oppositions) between personal planets. This foreshadows potential friction and struggles in the partnership.

Absence of planetary aspects or challenging aspects between planets - This can cause the connections to become cold and emotionally detached after the honeymoon stage.

The synastry chart provides important clues about the long-term potential and effort required to sustain the relationship.

✧

Composite chart provides deeper insights into the long-term potential of a relationship between two people. It reveals whether the couple can confront challenges together.

✧ For public relationships, long-term relationships, or marriage ✧

Highlights:

how the long-term energy between two is perceived by others

the compatibility of your relationship in the eyes of others

how they compromise

how the energy combination is presented

specific nature of the relationship

possible obstacles and contradictions that may arise

the expectations, goals, and purpose of the relationship

Examine how this relationship is perceived by outsiders: 

It serves as a mirror reflecting how others see you both. 

The interactions between important placements in the composite chart, especially challenging aspects, can indicate if the partners can truly support each other and overcome difficulties together.

If the composite chart has severely challenging aspects, the relationship may struggle to be stable and lasting, even if the couple gets married. This suggests it is a karmic lesson rather than a connection built from a foundation of mutual affection and trust.

In summary, the compatibility chart reveals the initial feelings, while the composite chart determines if the two people can face adversity together and have a lasting relationship. These astrological tools offer valuable perspectives for various relationships, not just romantic ones.

✧ Evaluating astrological compatibility is helpful for both partners to understand each other better and prepare accordingly. Let me know if you have any other questions about relationship astrology or need guidance on love, career, finances, or life challenges.

✧ More articles for Compatibility chart

❥ Synastry Chart

How they view you in this relationship • Synastry ✧ Part I (extended)

How they view you in this relationship • Synastry ✧ Part II (extended)

Aspects in Synastry Chart • Short notes

Who feels more / Synastry explanation

House synastry observations

Long term relationship

Slow-burn love (Synastry / Composite)

Choosing partner based on House Synastry

3rd House synastry

5th House shows your crushes & love adventures

8th House Masterlist

Mars-Sun synastry • Mars-Venus synastry • Mars-Pluto synastry • Mars in Houses Synastry

Vertex in Synastry

❥ Composite Chart / Davison Chart

Venus in 11H • 11th house stellium (Composite)

Indicators for Unbreakable bonding

Davison Chart • will there be reconciliation?

❥ Extensive reading on Patreon

Karmic relationship : 8th & 12th House Synastry

Characteristics : 8th & 12th House Synastry

8th House Synastry ✧ Depth . Intensity

8th House Synastry ✧ Who is more influenced 

Aspects in Synastry Chart

Synastry Chart • from their perspective 

A Note • to Venus / Pluto Aspect

Theme of relationship •  vibes check on aspects • Part 1

Theme of relationship •  vibes check on aspects • Part 2

 Axis & Angles  ✧  ASC ☽ DSC  •  IC ☽ MC

Observations on Composite Chart and Davison Chart

 Challenges in the connection • Davison Chart

 Dynamics and challenges ♡ Composite Chart

 Crack the code ♡ Relationship compatibility

❥ ❥ ❥ ❥

>> Back to Masterlist ✧ Explicit Content ✧ Book a Reading

Exclusive access : Patreon

/ instagram : @le.sinex / @botanicalsword

[imbecominggayer]

How To Write Romantic Relationships [MASTERPOST]

How do you balance between having emotional and meaningful without also having sappy and cliche?

How do you organically incorperate romance to the plot without having too force it in?

Don't fret my romantically inexperienced little writer! I'm here to help!

A) Make It Meaningful

Look, you can put in all the effort and still have readers not give a f$ck about the romance.

Why is there romance? Is it to create conflict? Illustrate a character's flaws? Is it a fun dynamic?

Make characters individually interesting. Your readers should understand why a character has fallen in love or you will have a riot on your hand! Remember when your favorite character fell in love with the equivalent of cardboard? Not fun. Remember: FLAWS!

The characters should be physically attracted to each other. It's pretty awkward having a romance where one character is just supressing disgust for the other.

The characters should feel emotionally connected.

Unless this is the main focus of the relationship, the characters should share core, fundamental beliefs. They can express these beliefs in different ways but it's awkward trying to ship pacifist x murderer.

Characters either need to share the same level of critical thinking ability or be willing to fall in love with an idiot. By the way, you don't love idiot x smart, you love emotional x stoic, reckless x reserved, or emotionally intelligent x logical.

B) The Meet-Cute Or Meet-Hideous

Now you might be saying, "but my dynamic is "friends/enemies to lovers"! Not strangers to lovers"!

Cool. You still have to understand how they met initially whether that was 5 minutes ago, 5 months ago, or 5 years ago. How two or more characters meet can influence first impressions, expectations for the relationship, and what these characters know about each other.

If two people met with A thinking B is an angel and B thinking A is the most boring person alive, that's a meeting that's definitely going to influence each other's expectations for their relationships and for each other.

Then, if you are writing a couple who met before the beginnings of this story, you also need to investigate their "re-meeting". This re-meeting demonstrates how the relationship is between characters.

Is there tension? Are they breaking apart? Are they meeting after a period seperated?

For strangers to lovers, where characters meet in canon and not pre-canon, a writer needs to focus on the meeting.

What are their first impressions? What is the environment around them? How is everyone feeling? What's the initial dynamic?

Common Pitfalls:

Love at First Sight. Unless you have a story where you are switching between the love interest's perspective, then the only way the audience is going to fall in love with this character is through the protag. And while the protag can fall in love at the blink of an eye, the reader can't. If your audience isn't invested in the characters, that's a problem.

Boring Meeting. Unless the entire point of the meeting is that it's mundane, try to give the meeting significiance.

Lack Of Characterization. Writers often copy the standard rom-com meeting but it does a disservice to your characters. Distrusting characters won't fall in love immediately. Reserved characters won't leave their routine for anyone. Let the meeting be guided by the characters.

C) Romantic Chemistry

In order to make a couple romantically compatible, their traits need to complement each others.

Readers tend to implicitly see the potential two characters could have if they just got together. Having two characters with opposing but balancing characteristics could satisfy this thirst.

Readers understand that a character battling depression is more likely to thrive with someone who provides benefits in relation to the depression whether it's compassion, open-mindedness, or perceptiveness.

D) Conflict

All relationships need conflict! This type of conflict tends to be man vs self, man vs man, or man vs society

Characters are either struggling with their own characters flaws, the external threat of another character, or the interference of society.

Common Pitfalls:

Lack Of Themes. Let the themes you are working with inspire what type of conflict impact the relationship. Don't throw in a plot twist or an inorganic cliche.

Lack Of Grounding. Authors can be so focused on the spectacle of a grand fight that they can loose their characters and the grounded experience of an unstable relationship.

Lack Of Characterization. Whenever authors grab a random conflict, they risk a character acting outside of their parameters which make the move feel shoehorned in.

Lack Of Justification. Don't have the conflict show up out of nowhere! Write little moments where something seems off. Then when these little things pile up, it won't feel shocking but justified.

Lack Of Punishment. Characters shouldn't come out of these moments without questioning their entire existence. Have them re-evaluate their beliefs, expectations, and actions.

Lack Of Power. Give your love interest and your protagonist the chance to air out their grievances. Don't let your characters suffer in silence. Call these characters out on their bs.

E) Actions In Love

Everyone has their own ways of expressing love, so don’t assume that there’s only one right way to write about it. Some characters show their love through physical acts of intimacy such as holding hands and kissing. Some characters compliment. Others show it through grand romantic gestures. Others are more subtle.

Try to weave these little acts of sincerity throughout all of the scenes where your two lovebirds are in love.

[halfhoursonearth-writes]

Can you recommend fanfiction that you personally really like?

Yes! Love this ask. I’ve never made a Zutara fic rec list partially because I’ve read so many wonderful stories over time that I find the prospect daunting! 

But there are absolutely certain stories that I have a personal soft spot for, that I return to again and again. And that’s my criteria for what’s included below. This is a sampling of fics that I find myself coming back to, in no particular order. I may come back and add more, because this list is so far from exhaustive. A mix of ratings (marked), so keep that in mind.

Wish I Was the Moon by Like a Dove (T), post-canon: There’s so much that I love about the way this one-shot explores Katara’s character and what she faces post-canon, how she frees herself, strikes out in the world and finds her way home. Her feelings for Zuko, and her inner-conflict around them, are rendered tangibly, both through scene and subtext. A really good example of how an author can show a character’s lack of/journey to self-knowledge without breaking voice.

Refraction by caroes3725 (E), post-canon: When I started reading Zutara fanfic (for me this was in 2020), this was the fic I was looking for—a deep, realistic-to-canon, in-character exploration of how Zutara could unfold after the events of ATLA in a way that gives Katara in particular the arc she deserves. Really well-done development of the Fire Nation court world, well-developed characters, shining dialogue. An amazingly well-worth-it slow burn.

Wildfire by rainstormdragon (E), post-canon: To me this story is kind of a steamy Zutara thesis. The characters are so spot on and alive, their flaws are on full display in a way that feels realistic, and their chemistry is powered by their compatibility—matched in passion and stubbornness, and also in what they want from life. And I think it really gets Aang, too, which is something that can be hard to find in ZK fic. Also really hot, but that's only part of what makes it really shine.

Partners in Learning by evergreenonthehorizon (T), Modern AU: One of the things I love in modern AUs is watching an author weave that invisible string between these characters. Sometimes, it’s by writing narrative arcs that parallel the series, and sometimes it’s by drawing out the personality traits that make the characters both lovable to readers and such a compelling match and watching that spark bloom into flame. This beautifully written story does that so, so well in a really compelling Modern AU setting. Zuko and Katara here are so wonderfully lovable, and it’s a joy to watch them fall for one another, too.

Journeys by Smediterranea (E), Modern AU: In real life, I want to see my friends in relationships with people who can recognize why they’re so particularly amazing. That potential, I think, part of the appeal of ZK as a ship, and that’s part of the special magic of this fic. Watching these two characters get to know one another—really see one another—and fall in love deliciously sweeps the reader up. Plus, really fun, in character cameos from the rest of the Gaang along the way.

Spark, set fire by marijayne (T), Modern AU: literary fanfic, and I mean that in the best way. This story is beautiful and bittersweet, the latter is not often something I seek out in fanfic (where I hide from life), but here it’s gorgeous and worth it. The world building here is really cool—allows the author to explore some of a set of cultural issues/interactions that both echo the ATLA world and ours. The characters are so tenderly drawn (dadko especially)—and the connection between them builds beautifully and tangibly—and the longing is…chef’s kiss. 

Wrong when it's right by nire (T), Book 1 Canon Divergence: Before I read this, I couldn't imagine wanting to read a Book 1 Zutara. After, I wanted more. Bickering, bed-roll sharing, shared heat, tenderness and common ground. A delight from start to finish.

Anyway, thanks for asking and happy reading! <3 And if you want more recs, let me know.

[will80sbyers]

I feel like what Mike feels toward El is some sort of an admiration. He mixed up his feelings for being romantic because El was the first girl he actually talked to, her being a hero also made Mike be attracted to her. I also feel like this pretty much applies to El. Mike was the first person to show her genuine care for the first time. I think she confuses her feelings with romantic love too.

Yeah, that's pretty much what I think too, he had a crush on her when they were little but it's mostly based on idealizing her as a hero and this means he doesn't understand her truly, he likes that she's a hero and thinks she's great, but she doesn't really want to be seen as a hero because she can't be constantly good to the extent that a hero is required to be, because she's human and has so much trauma to deal with!!!

Basically Mike likes heroes and she was a cute girl that liked him back and they liked each other as kids but then growing up things changed, to have a serious relationship with someone you need more than what they have... and El is exactly in the same situation, she is not in love with Mike... She relied on him for a sense of safety and familiarity

they both are confused because they are just so little, it's normal!! They are still kids!

I think Mike was really convinced he could love her romantically too and he has this strong need to protect her how he can, and especially after Will's speech he convinced himself that he could make it work between them again, I don't think he lied about anything, he thinks all that but he doesn't know what true romantic love is and that what he's feeling isn't it

It's literally the Laurie - Jo situation from little women... Laurie did have love for Jo but the love he has for Amy is "different" because the love for her is mature love not puppy/childhood love

Mike has childhood love for El and he's scared of letting go of the relationship because they didn't exactly start from friendship before dating, so he's not sure if they can get there without them dating... Obviously he's wrong but he's still scared of losing her completely and that blocks him from understanding what would be better for both of them

And he's scared of El not needing him anymore also because he's scared that she will leave his life completely if she doesn't need him anymore... he does love her even if it's not romantic and they don't work in a relationship outside of the physical side of it, there is love there but they are just not compatible as people in a romantic way

For how I see things, the writers wouldn't have made them like that if it was only that he can't love her because he's not attracted to her, in my opinion that seems unnecessary, they showed us that they don't have that type of understanding that comes with being in a relationship that works emotionally for a reason

They lack the deep understanding of the other person and they don't feel safe to be open and communicate their fears without thinking that if they do the other person is gonna find them "not cool enough" to date etc and they are locked in the roles of "boyfriend & girlfriend" instead of being just Mike and El

Mike and El just have too many problems as a couple and I really think things have changed between season 3 and 4 and they don't even have the physical romantic chemistry anymore... because that was tied to the emotional connection, and they don't have the emotional connection needed as we understood from season 4 in particular!

And guess what... Mike has all of the things that will make their relationship work... with Will!

But you know, it must be just a coincidence... 😂

[ladyantiheroine]

Rewatching Batman and Batman Returns back-to-back and it's just reminding me why I like Selina as a love interest better than Vicki.

I mean, anyone who follows me already knows I'm a batcat fan, and I don't find Vicki that compelling outside of the TellTale Games version of her. But even beyond my own preferences, Selina is just a better match for Bruce in the Burtonverse overall.

The problem with Vicki is that she's so distant from Bruce's world. Just as Bruce explains in Batman Returns, she couldn't reconcile the two parts of him; Bruce Wayne and Batman. She had "difficulty with his duality," to paraphrase Selina. Part of it is Bruce's unwillingness to open up to another person, but I never got the vibe that Vicki liked Bruce being Batman. When she discovers his identity, she says to him, "I've loved you since I met you, but I don't know what to think of all this." It seemed like she wanted him to just be a normal guy, which of course, he can't be. Even at the end of the movie, she seems to accept Bruce as Batman begrudgingly, as something to tolerate rather than understand.

(At the end of the movie, Alfred tells her that Bruce will be "a little bit late" and she responds with "I'm not a bit surprised." It's meant to be a cute jab, but to me it just seems like she's passively accepted that Bruce's alter ego will always take precedent over her, and that's not very romantic to me)

On top of that, their date scenes are kind of bland, they don't really get to know each other that well, and they don't seem to have much in common. Overall, Vicki is written like a stock love interest, a damsel in distress to scream until Batman saves her. There's not much glue keeping them together.

But Selina on the other hand? She knows what it's like to have a darker alter ago. She knows what it's like to be traumatized and hurt by the criminals of Gotham (Max Shrek and Penguin). She knows what it's like to be a freak. Bruce himself says so in their movie: they're the same, "split down the center." When she finds out Bruce is Batman, she's upset not because she can't reconcile the two halves of him (like Vicki) but because it puts them on opposite sides of the law ("Does this mean we have to start fighting?"). They are perfectly matched but kept apart by outside forces and conflicting priorities, rather than other than lack of communication and compatibility.

On top of that, Bruce and Selina have way more chemistry (bolstered by Keaton and Pfeiffer's performances). On their date, they talk deeply to each other, about their pasts and their desires. They seem to innately connect in a way I never felt with Vicki, who seems to beg Bruce to be normal while he seems borderline bored with her half the time. With Vicki, it's like he's acting out a script. With Selina, it's an organic spark.

Of course, Selina does end up leaving at the end of their story, because she's been pinned down by men for too long and needs to go off on her own. Unlike Vicki, she's not built for the normal "fairy tale castle" life. And because he loves her, Bruce follows the old truth that if you love someone, set them free.

But despite this ending, I buy the tragic love story of Bruce and Selina more than the straightforward Hollywood ending of Bruce and Vicki. The former felt like soulmates torn apart by circumstances, the latter felt like two people who were never going to work in the first place because they weren't compatible.

If you ask me, Vicki was just a stepping stone for Bruce on his way to Selina. She taught him a lesson: He needs someone who will understand him fully and join him in the night, not simply wait for him to return and act "normal" again.

The big difference is this: When the bat signal hits the sky, Vicki is going to stand back and worry.

But Selina Kyle? She's going to grab her whip and join Batman on the battle field by his side.

And at the end of the day, I'd much rather see a badass power couple working together as a team rather than a worried wife sitting at home while her husband goes off and saves the day.

[nardo-headcanons]

Writing Scientist Characters

this post is mainly an excuse to post a certain list of lab supplies I've made for a friend and infodump about lab work. but feel free to use this as a little resource when writing characters who are scientists and/or lab nerds. who knows, maybe it'll be of use.

General thoughts

Many people think it's a stereotype that scientist or nerd characters talk using complex technical jargon. While that is true to an extent, there actually is some kind of lab jargon. It varies across different labs and fields, but one thing they have in common is that it seeks to simplify, not the other way around.

gelelectrophoresis becomes elpho

microbiology becomes mibi

deioninized water becomes aqua dist

biochemistry becomes BC

sodium hydroxide becomes NaOH

They will probably not call a glass of water "silicon dioxide and h2o".

...and more. feel free to get creative. If you're writing in any other language than English, you can throw in one or two anglicisms as well. Also, most scientists will never gatekeep their work, and in an opposite fashion, will not shut up about it unless you make them. And no, most chemists do not know the entire periodic table by heart, only the most relevant elements. (main groups and a few commonly used metals of the subgroups) When it comes to characters doing the lab work, keep in mind that there are a lot more people involved than the scientist themself. Most scientists are more occupied with paperwork and data analysis, it is the laboratory technicians and assistants that do most of the practical work. They often have more lab experience than the scientists themselves.

Things you can have your lab nerd character do instead of making random chemicals explode

writing a lab report (and losing their mind over excel)

degreasing the glass bevel stoppers

removing the permanent marker from beakers (labeling is important)

complaining about the lack of funding of [their field] research

cleaning glassware

preparing specimen for examination

googling the most basic equations for their report

checking if the glassware and utensil collections are complete

steal single use plastic pipettes from their lab

pirating expensive textbooks

A list of laboratory supplies and utensils you can have them work with

Laboratory general (chem + bio)

Erlenmayer flasks, beakers, precision scales (3 digits), glass rods, metal spoons/spatulas, screw on glass flasks (autoclave compatible) test tubes, stopcock grease, dispensers with sanitizer and hand cream, gas burners, heating plates, eppendorf pipettes, pipette tips, Peleus pipetting aids, squirting bottles, liquid and powder funnels, incubator/drying chamber, round watch glasses, magnet stirring plates.

Microbiology Autoclave, petri dishes, agar plates, innoculation loops (reusable and metal), clean bench, microscope slides, microscope, drigalski-spatula, test tubes with clamping lids

Histology

Paraffin bath, water bath, scalpels, scissors, razor blades, microtomes (rotating microtome, slide microtome and freezing microtome), histocinette, tweezers (various kinds), ocular

Biochemistry

Sequencing robots, eppendorf tubes, gelelectrophoresis chambers, centrifuge

Analytical Chemistry

Photometer, kuvettes, burettes, mass spectro meters, UV bank (for chromatogrophies), pyknometers, melting point meter, porcelain mortars, pH paper, analytical scales (4 or more digits)

Prep Chemistry

Tripod/standing material, miniature lifting platforms, spiral condenser, colon condenser, round bottom flask (three necked and y- necked), filtration material, Separating funnel

Electrical engineering

Electric generators, Soldering iron, Clamp connectors, plugin connectors, ohm’s resistors, plug in lamps, condensers, transistors, PCBs, amperemeters, voltmeters, multimeters

Mechanics

Tripod/standing material, metal hooks, metal rods, mechanical stop watches, marbles, metal springs, Newton meters, laser motion detectors

Optics

Prisma (various kinds), various glass lenses (concave, convex, biconcave, biconvex), laser pointers, optical bench, mechanical iris diaphragm, looking glasses, monochrome lamps, lamp filters

Most used chemicals

Deionized water, ethanol, NaOH, HCl, H3PO4, NaCl (+ physiological NaCl solution 0.9)

Useful websites for writing science stuff

DNA sequence generator (simple): http://www.faculty.ucr.edu/~mmaduro/random.htm

DNA, RNA and protein sequence generator: https://molbiotools.com/randomsequencegenerator.php Annealing temperature calculator: https://tmcalculator.neb.com/#!/main

Medicine name generator: https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/medicine-names.php Anything chemistry related: https://www.wolframalpha.com/input?i=chemistry

Commonly used software:

MS Excel

Yenka

CASSY Lab

LabView

SpectraLab

LIMS

LaTex

Slack

Scientist friends, feel free to add onto this.

Have fun writing!

[redjadethewriter]

Which Arcane Lady Is Girlfriend or Wife Material?

The women in Arcane League of Legends are some of the best developed animated characters I’ve seen in a long time, specifically designed for adults to watch. Unlike animated characters aimed at children, they cater to an older audience. As someone who enjoys animation and appreciates the quality of storytelling it offers, I want to explore something fun in this blog: using the female characters as an example. My focus will be on whether they would make compatible companions for me. To illustrate this, I’ll draw from my own preferences and experiences, particularly when discussing the qualities of each character. Ultimately, I’ll be determining who fits my standards of being girlfriend material and who doesn’t.

Before I dive in, I want to point out, in the series, Caitlyn and Violet stood out as the more explicit couple. However, Jayce’s relationship with Mel was not as clear-cut. While they hooked up, they were not explicitly a couple. On the other hand, Jayce and Viktor had a stronger, more established connection.

In my opinion, Viktor and Jayce are actually a compatible couple. It’s clear that they were into each other. Although the writers didn’t explicitly state it, Jayce seemed to be attracted to Viktor and displayed a bisexual inclination.

Viktor, on the other hand, is an enigma. He was never interested in Sky. Actually, for a second, I thought Viktor was asexual. However, I soon realized he had a soft spot for Jayce. Viktor probably is Asexual, but it’s important to note that Asexuals can love and be in a healthy relationship as well. But who really knows what Viktor’s sexuality truly is?

But come on, who spends their lifetime trying to get Jayce to save his version of Viktor by convincing him of his beauty, imperfections, and all? It’s worth mentioning that Jayce, in season one, wanted to un-alive himself, and guess who stopped him? Viktor. Throughout seasons one and two, Jayce constantly thinks about Viktor, even during the sex scene with Mel. That’s not just bro love, that’s love-love. It’s a love shared between companions.

However, when it comes to Cait and Vi, in reality, their relationship would never work. Their communication with each other is not the best. And let’s not forget that Cait looks down on the people from Zaun. As for Vi, she herself holds no allegiance to any nation or people. Her love is conditional, not unconditional. That’s why the two women in her life went through a growth phase and changed into people she didn’t like. Vi was judgmental and lacked acceptance. How can two judgmental people be together romantically? They can’t. That’s why Arcane is fiction. Furthermore, Cait completely ignores the fact that Vi is a lower-class citizen from Zaun.

Can you imagine your romantic partner ignoring your heritage, culture, and where you come from, only seeing you as an exception because of their desire for you? This imbalance of chemistry ruling the mind too much and reason too little is problematic. Both individuals are allowing chemistry to guide their decisions, despite underlying issues that would not work in reality. It’s similar to what Vi mentioned to Cait in season one - they are like oil and water. From my perspective, I can confidently state that the composition of oil cannot be changed. While oil and water can temporarily bind with certain tools, they will eventually separate. Cait and Vi, in reality, form a toxic mix. In the show, they serve as red flags to be mindful of. Although they are both attractive characters and share chemistry, these factors alone do not sustain a long-term relationship. Thus, I believe Jayce and Viktor serve as a better example of a compatible couple in the story compared to Vi and Cait.

Now that I have finished explaining my thoughts on the better couple, let’s shift our focus to the characters who I believe are capable of building a lasting romantic relationship. Additionally, I will discuss the reasons for considering these characters and also highlight the ones that should be avoided without any exceptions.

Ambessa

Regardless of how anyone chooses to frame it, Ambessa is a woman to be avoided. Once I discovered the inspiration behind her character, I realized she’s someone we can learn a great deal from. It’s important to be cautious of anyone who finds themselves attracted to her persona. In essence, Ambessa is the female equivalent of Niccolò Machiavelli. The writers were quite clever in their portrayal. They had Ambessa teach Mel about embodying both the Fox and the Wolf, while Machiavelli spoke of being both the Fox and the Lion. Though the terminology differs, the underlying mentality remains the same. The aim is to disable enemies enough so they won’t feel compelled to get revenge. That’s why Ambessa is merciless toward civilians of an empire she takes over. Manipulation is the focal point. Ambessa and Machiavelli share traits such as violence, deceit, treachery, and using others to their advantage. Ambessa passed on these characteristics to her daughter as well.

Now this moves on to Mel.

Mel is another red flag for the very reason I mention her mother as someone to stay away from. While she may have a caring side to some degree, in reality, she’s manipulative. Nonetheless, there are positive traits that can help redeem her negative qualities, allowing her to use them for good. However, I wouldn’t risk myself on that notion unless there was a clear sign it would end up okay.

On the one hand, she can change and not be like her mother. But on the other hand, in the series, it’s something I wouldn’t count on too much. I do give her praise for helping fight Ambessa, but I would still tread cautiously in a romantic relationship with this character. She can swing in either direction, depending on the influences.

Therefore, Mel is a gamble at this point. Getting involved with her could potentially lead her partners into terrible circumstances, both mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Next on this following, the no-compatible trend is Violet/Vi.

The only good thing about Vi as a character, based on my preferences and opinions, is her strength and protective nature. While some may find her attractive, her personality is lackluster. She uses humor as a coping mechanism, but it’s clear that she’s struggling with her own problems. As I mentioned earlier, she’s conditional, meaning she can’t accept her partner changing or evolving. This reminds me of people who resist change and hold onto toxic fantasies and memories, leading to disastrous situations. For instance, Powder, also known as Jinx, wouldn’t have had to save Vi if she had accepted that Vander was gone. Furthermore, Vi lacks loyalty. Her transformation into an enforcer for Piltover exemplifies her chameleon-like nature, lacking a solid individuality. You know those people who change their looks to fit their partner’s tastes? Vi acts like them. Many celebrities engage in this behavior, altering their appearances and personalities according to their partners, but it’s not healthy. Additionally, Vi is not a good listener. Although she is comfortable talking about herself and being vulnerable with certain people, she is oblivious to her partner’s issues. Unfortunately, Vi is too mundane to keep me interested. Her interests revolve around fighting and being tough, lacking the complexities that make a character intriguing. It’s no surprise that Cait told her she was becoming predictable. I can’t help but think, “Cait, she’s been predictable since season one. She is the most transparent character in Arcane.” I have to be honest about this. Vi is just not a mystery, and some people, like myself, enjoy unraveling the complexities of a romantic interest. So, what happens if there’s none of that? Well, there’s only sex. While some people may solely be interested in the physical aspect, that’s not me.

Next on this list is Sevika.

If there’s one goon worthy of falling in love with, it would undoubtedly be Sevika. Despite her involvement in illegal activities, particularly under Silco’s command, she embodies the true meaning of loyalty. Sevika’s allegiance has always been unwavering towards her nation and its people. She aligns herself with leaders who prioritize this quality, such as Vander, until she discovered his lack of loyalty to the community. Sevika, on the other hand, takes immense pride in her work. Even though Silco held the reins of power, she efficiently managed the lanes, ensuring that everything ran smoothly for him. She was the driving force behind the functioning of businesses and the well-being of the people. Despite tempting offers from the power-hungry chembarons, Sevika remained loyal to Silco. In season two, when the chembarons sought to hand Jinx over to Piltover, Sevika stood firm in her belief to never betray their own. Additionally, Sevika possesses a softer side. Her concern for Isha was clear when she and Jinx searched the prison block for her. Sevika’s help in helping Jinx infiltrate Stillwater prison to rescue Isha showcases her compassion. It’s worth noting that their primary aim was to find Isha, with freeing the others being an added bonus. Sevika is not only a protector, but also someone who speaks her mind. Her bluntness stems from a genuine desire to do what is right. Despite her interest in gambling and fighting, she remains a complex and captivating character because of her grounded nature and unwavering principles. For me, Sevika is a dependable partner, someone who can smoothly navigate everyday life. The best part is that I wouldn’t expect anything less from her. She is resolute and unswayed by others, and her loyalty is an incredibly attractive quality. With Sevika, there would be no insecurity or fear of infidelity. She would stand by her partner’s side, no matter what.

Now let us move on to Caitlyn, aka Cait.

You would think that I would place Cait after Vi or before Sevika, considering I talked some trash about her. I mean, Cait is a character who tends to look down on others when unfortunate events challenge her perspective. However, I attribute this primarily to her sheltered life and the naiveness that resulted from her mother not teaching her the harsh realities of the world. I have to admit, Cait’s mother never instilled in her the importance of holding a higher position in life to effect change. The elites hold power over the lower class. So, when Cait was disgusted by how the Undercity residents lived, she failed to realize that it was the upper-crust of Piltover who was responsible for their plight. Instead, when she witnessed the consequences of inequality and the oppression faced by these people, her mind automatically labeled them as animals. Consequently, she dehumanized them. In season 2, she even resorted to using biological warfare tactics in her pursuit of Jinx in the Undercity, disregarding the well-being of innocent citizens. I’m fairly certain there were casualties resulting from her use of the grey. So, when you really think about it, she may have caused more deaths than Jinx. Now, why would I mention Cait, after praising Sevika’s admirable qualities? Well, despite Cait’s transformation into a dictator, there are certain positive aspects about her that I cannot overlook. One of them being her empathy and capacity for compassion when she gains a deeper understanding of things. Her world was shattered in season one, having been betrayed by a citizen of the Undercity for shimmer and taken captive by Jinx in her most vulnerable state. That’s a lot of trauma to endure. Furthermore, she witnessed Jinx launching a rocket at the council. However, in season two, Jinx confessed to Cait that she had no idea her mother was there. This goes to show that Cait is not immune to narrow-minded thinking.

Cait is known for being super analytical and her ability to read people. She pays close attention to those around her, unless she’s consumed with thoughts of revenge. Unfortunately, this obsession blinds her to those who manipulate her, which ultimately led to her letting Maddie and Ambessa into her home. On the other hand, when Cait is not seeking revenge, she genuinely cares about the people close to her and is willing to help them, even if it means sacrificing material things.

One person Cait has a good understanding of is Vi. She can predict Vi’s actions, showing just how observant she is. Cait is not only attentive to her partner, but she also acts as a protector in her own unique way. While she may not possess Vi’s brute force, she adapts and learns new techniques to become a more efficient fighter and protector. She even goes as far as sacrificing her own eye to ensure Mel’s victory over Ambessa.

Like Cait, I can relate to making tough decisions and doing whatever it takes to accomplish goals. Cait maintains a stoic demeanor, but she let her guard down with the people she trusts. Additionally, Cait’s intellect might actually make her a captivating conversationalist, despite her privileged upbringing, which I like that. Her marksmanship skills and classy demeanor add to her appeal. It’s worth noting that in season one, Cait went through a rebellious phase as she sought to find her own path outside of her elite status. This quality is truly admirable. Actually, it’s cute.

Cait handles challenges exceptionally well, especially when faced with skepticism and lack of support. She takes initiative and is willing to take risks to achieve her objectives, refusing to let anyone stand in her way. While it’s unclear if Cait is capable of loving someone unconditionally, her love for Vi suggests that she is. However, Cait needs to acknowledge and embrace Vi’s background, understanding that Zaun and the Undercity have both good and bad individuals, just like Piltover. Cait’s ability to love someone less fortunate than herself is a testament to her character.

I must admit, I have a soft spot for characters like Cait.

Now let us move on to Powder, aka Jinx.

I love both Powder/Jinx. Although they are the same person, my love for them is unconditional. It’s not surprising that Ekko had a crush on Powder when they were kids. Powder is incredibly creative and practically a scientist and engineer, as she creates her own weapons. For instance, she designed her own grenades and crafted guns that perfectly suit her fighting style. Whether she goes by Powder or Jinx, she always likes to make a grand entrance. Even in the alternate universe, Powder showcased her true character - caring, thoughtful, loving, compassionate, and empathetic. There’s just so much to adore about her. Despite her possessiveness, it stems from her fear of abandonment. She simply wants to be useful to those around her. Unfortunately, Vi never really nurtured this side of Powder, and allowing others to bully her didn’t help either. It’s disheartening that we had to witness an alternate universe where Vi is no longer alive to see Powder rise and become the leader. In that reality, she became a solid foundation for her brothers, Mylo and Claggor, and they no longer belittle her, as shown. She even prevented Mylo from embarrassing himself in front of a girl. It’s a stark contrast to the world where Vi is still present. Powder is a vibrant individual with excellent taste in music. She embraces her quirkiness, loudness, and expressiveness. Her thoughtfulness and adorableness shine through when she customized an arm for Sevika based on her gambling habits. Powder pays attention to people and their interests. She even drew in Ekko’s journal, similar to how someone in love would leave love notes for their partner, except hers were cute doodles with hearts. Although she is young in this series, Powder, also known as Jinx, possesses many qualities that could lead to a fulfilling long-term relationship.

Despite the trauma and everything else going on with Piltover versus Zaun, the qualities are still there. Jinx, in particular, exhibits selflessness when the situation demands it. She has shown her willingness to protect those in need, which is commendable. In fact, she offers more positive support than Vi ever did, as evidenced by her actions towards Isha. When Isha had a memory flashback, similar to the one Jinx experienced in Season one, Jinx jumped alongside her, holding her hand. It is clear that Jinx can use her past experiences to forge stronger connections with others in the future. She strives to do things that were not done for her in the past, seeking to provide the support she longed for. This growth from past mistakes shows her commitment to personal development.

Furthermore, Jinx possesses a unique way of being a protector. While she may not have the physical strength of Vi, she compensates with her craftiness and agility. Using her skills as an intuitive gunslinger, she leverages speed and precision to her advantage. This is why I believed that Jinx and Caitlyn would have been a better match as a long-term couple. They complement each other perfectly. Caitlyn desires someone who will stand beside her, and Jinx has that persona to be that person. Not to mention the loyalty factor. Jinx yearns to be useful, always ready to lend a hand to those who appreciate her presence.

Moreover, let’s not forget that Powder can be quite the gangster. Her entrance with the balloon blasting her music was absolutely hilarious. The expressions on Ambessa’s and Caitlyn’s faces were priceless. We should be grateful for her stylish, yet badass persona.

Conclusion:

Who is the better romantic partner, based on my preferences? Well, considering that I relate more to Jinx’s persona, Caitlyn or Sevika might actually be a more grounding partner. However, Caitlyn is a lot less blunt, so I might be leaning towards her. I really admire the discipline she has in her life. On the other hand, Powder’s persona is also quite appealing. I’m not sure, to be honest. Oops.

[aruanimess]

If you're comfortable answering, how long do you think it takes Aruani to slowly build up the kind of trust that leads to physicality?

Hey, Al!

I'm assuming you mean in canon, so that's how I'm going to answer.

Honestly, I believe it would take them a while. They're both incredibly traumatised and were never particularly good with communication in the first place (Annie especially). I think they might jump into bed, so to speak, almost immediately in a "holy shit we lived!!" sort of way, but it would take them a long time until they got to a place where they could freely express their wants and needs.

Also, their limited sexual experience paired with the lack of talking... Yeah, realistically, the sex would not be great, in the beginning.

Also, let's not forget that they barely know each other at this point and have just admitted their romantic feelings. I think they'd both be hesitant to say something that might make the other feel self-conscious. Especially Armin who is more attuned to other people's emotions. As for Annie, she would probably assume that this is as good as it gets and just shrug it off.

That being said, I believe that both of them are very willing to make things work and love each other very much. They also have a deep understanding of each other's psyches, which doesn't always translate to the physical side of things, but is important nonetheless.

Perhaps a bit of nonverbal communication is the way to go for them. A major advantage for Annie is that she'd never fake anything. She's naturally honest and straightforward. If Armin got the sense that this-ain't-it-chief and asked, she'd give him a real answer. She's also stubborn and hardworking and really into this guy, so she'd be eager to figure out things along with him.

On Armin's part, he's very intuitive and has proven in the past that he's able to work past his insecurities to achieve a better outcome. So if he learned that he couldn't make Annie come, for example, he'd be devastated, he'd be mortified, but he'd lick his wounds and come back and try again (and maybe lick some other things too, hehe).

Some natural compatibility would go a long way as well. No matter how you headcanon them (doms, subs, switches or vanilla), AruAni are undeniably drawn together. Their attraction is apparent and magnetic, so, you know, the chemistry is DEFINITELY there 😉