#that will allow them to establish their artistic identity

[boynextdoorcoverpoison]

myung jaehyun is absolutely, hands down, the best leader for boynextdoor.

I always stand by the leader of groups being the best leaders for their groups, but it’s definitely a role that they have to grow into and improve constantly on. just like any other position in the group. just like any other thing you do.

that said, until the fanmeeting, I didn’t quite have the words to truly express why I feel so strongly about jaehyun’s role as the boynextdoor leader—especially as I think to a lot of non-onedoor, it can seem a bit confusing or not apparent at first. which mostly comes from jaehyun sitting outside the norm for a leader (particularly in hybe bgs) at least in personality.

jaehyun is loud. that’s like… something well known about him. he’s talkative and playful and despite being shy, he’s definitely the kind of person to enter the room knowing no one and leave with at least 5 new friends. his approach to people is one that feels very open and bright.

for this reason, I do think many people might not first associate him with the leader role. with most groups, the most energetic member is probably not the first considered as “oh yeah that’s the leader”. jaehyun is all the playful and energy-filled that usually comes with the member who the leader needs to keep an eye on the most and eventually has a bunch of youtube compilation videos.

that said, these qualities are exactly why I think he makes such a great leader for boynextdoor. as mentioned in the fanmeeting day 2 ending ments, the members of bonedo are the type of people to put up a straight face and keep their struggles to themselves. as woonhak and they have expressed, an example being woonhak putting on a smile and performing, despite dealing with grief. they’re very much the people to not make their problems someone else’s and to maintain a collected image in front of others.

while I also think jaehyun does this, as most people who are leaders may tend to for the sake of their groups, he’s also very very very unapologetically himself. he feels so much. his tendency to cry being a prime example of that, though not the only. the point is that jaehyun is expressive and open and in this, jaehyun contrasts with his members.

as woonhak has stated before, jaehyun has expressed that it’s okay for him to cry, to need to take a break, to sit this one out. jaehyun in general approaches his members with a lot of care. but overall, the stand out is that I believe jaehyun navigates along the lines of… feelings are meant to be felt. he has no qualms with any emotion being felt the way it occurs to us. yes there are ways to handle them, but ultimately, the feeling—whatever it may be—is there to be felt and expressed.

this is also seen in how he interacts with his members. in his very tactile approach to express the love and care he has for the rest of bonedo. the pride he feels for them. whatever words I’m not able to formulate to describe the whole yeppi exchange between him and sungho in the 3rd comeback show special.

it’s also in his loudness and energy. it’s all about expression. he’s so much, but it only feels that way, in my opinion, because he’s overwhelmingly unafraid and unapologetic of being himself, in a way that the industry might otherwise discourage. he’s not against expressing how he feels and while it likely won’t be the most apparent until later in their careers, I do think he’s the type to speak his mind.

all that said, the point is that these qualities do exist in contrast to his members and thus… encourage them to do the same. maybe not to be speeding around all over the place, but rather to allow themselves the space and time to feel as they do. that they don’t have to keep it all inside to avoid making it other peoples problems. they’re a team, if nothing else. and it’s in jaehyun being so so so much himself, being exactly the person he is, not something specially crafted to fit a particular image, he encourages the other members to be the same.

jaehyun helps to curate a safe space within their group by exhibiting that there’s nothing wrong with being the person they are. to feel whatever they feel. to express when things are going good or bad or somewhere in between. to approach things as they come and take them in stride, even if it’s without prior planning. that if a leader is meant to push a group forward and help them grow, then jaehyun steps up to the plate in that art cannot be made without emotion and so to become better artists, to continue being artists, it’s so important to find the safe spaces of being able to express and feel everything as they should be felt.

this is why I think jaehyun has some of the strongest lyricism currently in the group. it’s why I think he was a powerful force coming into KOZ and bonedo, and sort of the missing piece. he feels so much and he allows himself to feel all of it. in turn, as the leader, it’s something he encourages in the members. it’s leading by example. jaehyun builds a safe space for them to express, by being open himself.

but beyond that, jaehyun being unapologetically himself becomes an unstoppable sort of barrier between the group and outside the group. while not as apparent now, I do think it’ll grow into him being a strong adovcate for each of the members and the group as a whole. the group matters to him. his members matter to him. jaehyun’s never going to act as if they don’t, so long as they do. as such, he’ll put them first. he’ll encourage them and their best interest. he provides space and works to create and maintain that space for them to express themselves and be themselves. it’s what makes jaehyun the best leader for bonedo now, and it’s what will allow him to continue to do so.

[toskarin]

sorry to ask, but can you explain your last post to someone who knows nothing about the musician community youre talking about... it sounds like a really really good post if i just understood it better

this is another one of those posts where I'm transcribing a stream of consciousness, so I'll throw in a courtesy readmore

the musician community, as a whole, is much more segmented than the visual artist community

this leads to good and bad things, but generally it allows for more awareness of one's position and an acknowledgement that the needs of an underground folk artist are going to be different than the needs of a composer who receives a name credit. this means there is always going to be heavy pushback when someone tries to impose ethics downward

one element of this is the inward acknowledgement that the monolithic musician community isn't actually real in a way that isn't really mirrored in the visual artist community. besides making music and navigating the financial (and legal) landscape of that, there is very little that intrinsically unites musicians

this acknowledgement allows discussions about concerns among poorer musicians to exist without being completely shut down by someone who has different concerns, because they're not seen as the subject of the discussion unless they are respectfully contributing to it

one big reason for this being possible is that musicians are less respected than visual artists in the professional world

that might sound absurd if you only know of one landscape, but think of how many game (and movie, and tv, and etc. etc. etc.) franchises with identity-defining composers go on to swap out the composer at the first sign of a labour dispute, to very little protest as long as the quality of music isn't seen as dropping

hell, if someone else can copy your style satisfactorily, there's often no fuss at all! this leads to a pretty violent disillusionment with your place in the creative world

even beyond that, there exists an entire industry based around creating a parasitic body of IP landlordism for anyone whose music isn't attached to another product. the musician is, in a way that is deeply and thoroughly beaten into them, a labourer

the visual artist community (until recently) didn't tend to have this disillusionment, so it often follows the sway of its most popular and established members

in fact, the modern visual artist community as a broad cultural body is carved almost entirely from social media discussions that treat the community as one entity. accordingly, becoming established basically requires participation in this online entity

to further poison the well, the position of a visual artist is regularly talked about in spiritual terms rather than labour terms. there is something special that makes you a visual artist. it's the exact mentality that people rightfully made fun of in those ordinary people vs creative people comics. it's the unspoken cultural assumption that natural talent exists, even if most people would deny believing in it if put into explicit terms

while this does feel very good, it means that acknowledging labour-originated conflicts of interest is a bit rude

when a community unites itself around a spiritual core, it can't properly assert "your experiences are not applicable to what is being discussed and you should not be imposing yourself" because, by all metrics, an artist is a fundamentally unique demographic that can speak in all conversations about art

it's a warped form of anti-gatekeeping, a one-way gate through which you can strike down at other poor artists, but not up, enforced from below and framed as a desire for openness

the visual artist community's relative homogenisation of popular consensus is, on the whole, very very very bad for what it does to its norms. it hashes out and legislates within itself with an unspoken assumption that its most prolific members are simply further along the artist lifecycle, and therefore the most trustworthy

discussions with direct parallels ("is it okay to be obviously influenced by someone else's style?") come to much hazier conclusions which lean towards the opinions held by people with the most followers

most egregiously, this manifested in how visual artists react to piracy

the past ten years (in large part because of patreon making viable the paywalling of material behind a regular subscription) have been consumed by arguments about piracy that all seem to terminate in the assumption that piracy is theft, with little stratification of opinion between the hobbyist and professional scenes on this matter

this assumed spiritual core of the community is felt strongly in every conversation. look at the difference in attitudes around the distribution of cracked VSTs and the distribution of brush packs. hell, even on the corporate level, look at the difference in attitudes around pirating DAWs vs visual art programs

even when people are implying an approval of piracy, they find ways to frame it from a position of revenge on a company for something wrong it did, because they still need to conform to the community understanding of piracy as theft

individual visual artists can be (and often are!) more conscious of this stuff, but even then, people react with shock when these visual artists aren't horribly concerned about the possibility of their paywalled work existing on a torrent site

in a word, if you can see the ways these conversation spaces are different and similar, it's all so exhausting

[emeritusemeritus]

Girlfriend Wars [Fred Weasley]

(Gif not mine)

Title: Girlfriend Wars

Pairing: Fred Weasley x Gryffindor!reader (established relationship) & George Weasley x Angelina Johnson (established relationship)

Timeline: Non-specified, though I imagined it set after Goblet of Fire.

Summary: Angelina Johnson, girlfriend of George Weasley, struggles telling her boyfriend and his twin brother apart. Reader, girlfriend of Fred, does not. Only a game of blind testing can determine who is better at telling the twins apart.

Warnings: Mentions of sexual acts, though no graphic description or smut is used, established relationships. Pretty much fluff.

As always, I’ve used artistic license to allow access to both dorms, regardless of sex, for the benefit of the story.

There were many things you loved about your boyfriend Fred being an identical twin, especially as you were so close with his slightly younger brother; constant companionship, lifelong friendship, dual protectiveness that couldn't be matched. On the other hand, there were a few things you disliked entirely; the inability to find much alone time and the constant fear of being walked in on (this was more due to them sharing a room and a dorm... but it still counted).

The thing you hated most of all however, was people mistaking your boyfriend for George. And by people, specifically George's girlfriend Angelina. How the hell she couldn't tell her own boyfriend apart from his twin brother baffled you completely.

Fred's reaction to her constantly mistaking her for his brother did however amuse you enough to make up for any grievance you had on the matter.

You were sat in the common room long after classes had finished, Harry, Ron and Hermione sat on one sofa, Ginny and you sat on the other. Fred was talking to Lee and some first years over in the corner, no doubt plotting something or making a deal you didn't want to know about whilst George had ran up to their dorm to fetch something relating to their scheme. You all flickered your eyes over to the sound of the door opening and saw that Angelina, Alicia and Katie had walked in, books in hand, as they made their way into the room.

You followed her diligently with your eyes as she headed straight towards Fred with a smile on her face. Both Lee and Fred had begun walking back over to you, Fred pocketing a few sickles into his trousers with the smug smirk on his lips. As she approached him in the middle of the common room, he briefly looked up at her and without hesitation he bluntly said "nope," and carried on walking back over to your group. She stood dumbfounded for a few moments, shocked at the sudden rejection until Fred dropped down onto the sofa between you and Ginny and threw his arm around you, not even slightly fazed by her. You had to bite your lip not to laugh at Fred's blunt delivery and her following reaction, much like Ginny who had watched the entire thing and was trying to cover her mouth with her hand to stifle the giggles threatening to spill out.

George had walked down the stairs carrying their briefcase only a few moments later and smiled at his girlfriend who stood there with an almighty awkward expression. George absently threw the briefcase over to Fred who luckily caught it before it could hit anyone as George went to go kiss his girlfriend, blissfully unaware of the situation that had just nearly unfolded. Ginny walked off at this point to join Harry and Ron after her brother had called her over, sitting on the floor in front of Hermione as they conversed. Fred threw down the briefcase onto the now vacant seat beside him and shoved the sickles he'd made into the little velvet coin pouch before closing the briefcase.

"How does she get so confused?" You asked out loud, quiet enough so that only Fred could hear. "You don't even look the same."

Fred turned to face you and gave you a look of utter confusion at your statement, declaring that he and his identical twin didn't look the same, "are you joking?"

"No," you laughed, though it was true. You'd spent so much time with both the twins that you were able to tell them apart easily.

The truth was that you'd developed feelings for Fred early on in your friendship and those feelings had caused you to finally tune your ability to tell them apart, never wanting to be caught staring or flirting with the wrong twin. Over time, you had begun to notice all the differences between them that only seemed to be exaggerated as they grew up and now to you, you could hardly see them as identical anymore.

"You look more like Percy," you joked, deadpan in expression. Fred immediately took offence and lunged at you, tickling you into submission as he laughed at your squirming body. Tears threatened to spill at the intensity of the tickles as Fred knew the exact spots to target to make you relent.

"Seriously though, you don't look remotely identical to me," you said after you'd recovered and caught your breath. A familiar, foreboding twinkle suddenly appeared in Fred's eyes, which from experience you knew meant something potentially dangerous was about to happen.

"Oi Georgie!" Fred shouts as he looks over towards his brother who was still stood with Angelina, smiling and whispering cutely to each other. George whips his head round to look at the mischievous brother with a questioning gaze. "I've had an idea." Never a good thing to hear come from Fred Weasley's mouth, you thought.

George made his way over to you both almost immediately, trailing Angelina with him by their interlocked hands. "Sup Freddie?"

"My girl says we don't look identical, I think we should put it to the test," Fred says with his trademark smirk, casting a wicked glance at you as he slings his arm back around your shoulders.

"What do you mean not identical?" George says in bewilderment as he looks at you. You shrug in reply, unfazed and unashamed of your statement. Surely it shouldn't be a surprise to him, you'd been foiling their attempts at switching places many times over the years, never believing them when they actively tried to persuade you that the one wearing the G jumper was George and the alternative when you knew for a fact it was not.

"What do you say? Girlfriend test!" Fred says, pointing between you and Angelina. You cast a glance at Angelina who looked absolutely mortified by the proposition, clearly unsure of her ability to differentiate between to the two. You on the other hand laughed at the suggestion, thinking it could actually be quite fun.

"Yeah wicked!" George laughs, sharing a look at his brother before turning towards his girlfriend and immediately seeing her trepidation, "unless you don't want to." Angelina looks towards you and sees that you are clearly up for the challenge with your smile.

"Uh sure," she says nervously, feigning a smile towards her boyfriend. You turn to Fred and share a knowing glance at each other, knowing she wouldn't have the faintest chance of winning, she could barely tell them apart right next to each other.

"Jordan you're referee," George says, calling over Lee who seemed to unquestioningly fall into line with their plan, just as usual.

It takes all of five minutes to arrive at the boys dorm where you would conduct your little game, away from the prying eyes and ears of the other students. You and Angelina were sat on two wooden chairs in the middle of the messy room, awaiting orders. You were laughing at something Lee said as he prepared notes, taking his role of referee very seriously whereas Angelina was sat quietly with a smug smile on her lips, apparently finding her confidence.

"Right, Angelina you are contestant A, y/n you're contestant B. Winner gets to chose their own prize. Rule number one, no hard feelings whatever happens," Lee says, looking towards all of you as you nod. "Rule two, no inappropriate touching or contact with the other brother's girlfriend." Again, earning a very honest nod, each of you knowing the clear boundaries there. "Rule three, um, I guess that's it really. I'm keeping score, ladies, blindfolds on." He handed out two spare house ties to both you and Angelina and your respective boyfriends began to tie them around your eyes so that you would be completely blindfolded. You could hear George and Angelina struggling with the task, no doubt because of George's stumbling and nerves, catching Angelina's hair in the bind. Fred however, had no issues getting you blindfolded, and had even leaned down into your ear to teasingly whisper, "this is familiar princess", earning him a not so gentle shove to shut him up which he laughs at.

"Okay, girls what number am I holding up?" Lee asks, checking that you couldn't see anything.

"Umm 4?" Angelina replies, taking a wild guess and sounding unsure of herself.

"How do I know? I'm blindfolded you tosspot," you joked, earning a laugh from all three boys in the room but not from the girl beside you. You felt a hand on your shoulder briefly, knowing that it was Fred who had not yet moved away from you, his thumb absently stroking the patch of skin he could touch over your collar.

"Right, round one!" Lee announces. "Starting easy, we're starting with their voices, gentlemen I'd like you to gather around contestant A and say her name out loud," Lee says, falling deeper into a role of gameshow host rather than referee. You feel Fred move away from behind you as the twins shuffle about and approach Angelina.

"Angelina."

"Angelina."

"Umm, the first one?" She asks, unsure of herself.

"Correct!" Lee says and you hear Angelina huff out a relieved breath.

"Contestant B!" You heard a shuffling at the twins moved to stand each side of you.

"Y/n."

"Y/n."

There was no denying that their voices were eerily similar but you had a finely tuned ear and could tell that the slightly breathiness of the first voice was undoubtedly your boyfriend.

"First one was Fred," you said quickly.

"Correct! Okay ladies keep the blindfolds on, next we're doing a touch test. One twin will stand in front of you and you can touch their face to determine if it's your boyfriend or not."

They started with Angelina, one of them stepping closer to crouch down in front of her so that she could try and feel for who it was. A minute passed and she was clearly struggling.

"Um, George?" She says nervously. A moment of silence passes until Lee speaks out, "incorrect that was Fred Weasley! Contestant B!"

You feel one of the twins moving to stand in front of you, crouching down so that you were eye level with each other. You begin to feel around for the face and begin by touching their hair and bringing your right hand down to the right eyebrow, trying to be gentle and not gauge any eyes out in the process. You smirked, feeling the telltale scar that sat on the eyebrow of your boyfriend and ran your finger over his cheek towards his nose to check for the little chicken pox scar. Once you were certain, you slowly ran your fingers down his face towards hip lip and leaned forward with a smirk to capture his lips with yours, knowing exactly who it was. You pulled away, hearing Fred let out a little breath of laughter and you spoke clearly, "Freddie," before leaning in to whisper to him, "hoped it was George." You immediately squealed, feeling him tickle you as a punishment for your teasing as Lee announced your were correct.

"Okay last round, a kiss test," Jordan says. Immediately you and Angelina squark out your complaints but he silences you a moment later, "forehead kiss only." Angelina went first and incorrectly guessed that it was Fred, even though it was actually George who had kissed her.

"Y/n, last chance to take a clean sweep!"

You felt movement in front of you and then felt a pair of lips delicately place a kiss on your forehead. The kiss immediately felt wrong, like there was a shyness to it. You didn't doubt that Fred would try his hardest to try and confuse you by not kissing you in his regular style but this felt entirely different. You could also smell the strong laundry smell that radiated off the Molly crafted, knitted jumper that George was wearing, whereas Fred was still wearing his shirt and jumper, meaning that it could only be one person.

"Georgie gross!" You laughed, attempting to wipe the spot he had kissed, earning a laugh from the boys in the room.

"Contestant B is the winner!" Lee announced as someone reached around to untie your makeshift blindfold, immediately coming face to face with Fred who lunged into a kiss as you both smiled at your victory.

As you pulled apart, you saw that George and Angelina looked slightly awkward with each other and you had to cringe a little at their interaction, feeling a little guilty for them.

"Good game, good game," Lee went around shaking everyone's hand as the room filled with laughter.

"Mate you could always be a game show host if the quidditch commentator thing doesn't work out," you laughed as he lit up and nodded enthusiastically at the prospect.

"So," Fred whispers into your ear, coming to stand behind you as he leans down to rest his head on your shoulder, his arms shaking around your waist. "What will your prize be princess?" His voice is dripping with innuendo as he teases you and you can picture the smirk on his face already as he nuzzles into your hair. "Watching one of your favourite muggle movies, a sugar mouse from honeydukes or something better?"

His mouth comes to nibble at your neck gently, just enough to cause a shiver to run over you as he licks at the mark he's just made. You twist your neck to look up at him, not answering his question directly and grin devilishly as you reply, telling him all that he needed to know, "better put that tongue away Weasley, you'll be needing it later."

Fred openly groans as his head falls on your shoulder at the implication of your words, his arms pulling you in tighter as arousal washes over him, knowing exactly what it did to him. You let out a little chuckle and move to spin around around in his arms to that you're facing each other, both smiling as he pulls you in for a scorching kiss.

"Um, I'm still here you know," Lee says jokingly, earning a quick pillow to the head as Fred breaks the kiss only for a second to reach down and launch the closest pillow at him with impressive precision.

"Point taken, maybe I'll go find George and Angelina," he mumbles, causing you and Fred to pull apart, realising that the other couple had since evacuated.

"I feel kind of bad," you admitted.

"For being able to tell which twin is your boyfriend? Thought that was a basic requirement to be honest," Fred replies, mocking Angelina in a subtle way. You tap his chest at his words, but couldn't deny he was wrong.

"I'm just saying, a few mistakes I can understand, especially from behind or something but she clearly can't even tell in broad daylight," he snickers.

"Maybe it's all a ploy, maybe it's you she actually wants and just uses it as an excuse," you laugh, earning a bark of laughter from Fred.

"Well I am the better looking twin," he says, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Amen," you say, pulling him by the collar for another kiss until you pull away, giving him your most seductive look as you pull him by the hand towards the edge of his bed.

"So... my prize," you say seductively, enjoying seeing the look of shock and excitement quickly pass over his face until the look of arousal washes over his twinkling eyes and a small smirk tugs at his lips.

"Colloportus," Fred says absently, pulling his wand from his pocket and pointing it towards the door, locking it with just a flick of his wrist, allowing you to claim your prize in private.

[astrosouldivinity]

Chiron Throughout The Houses: ⚷

In astrology, Chiron represents our deepest wounds and vulnerabilities. Also known as the "wounded healer," this asteroid shows where we face challenges but also where we can grow and heal. 🦋

❀˖° ❀˖° ❀˖° ❀˖° ❀˖° ❀˖° ❀˖° ❀˖° ❀˖° ❀˖° ❀˖° ❀˖° ❀

💎🕊️ 1st House ~ Chiron in the 1st house signifies wounds related to self-identity and personal expression. Individuals with this placement may struggle with their self-image and confidence. Their early experiences may have involved criticism or rejection, leading to a deep-seated sense of insecurity. This can manifest in challenges with asserting themselves and embracing their true identity.

✨ The Healing Process: Focus on self-acceptance and building confidence. Engage in self-care practices and explore your identity through creative expression.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗

💎🕊️ 2nd House ~ Chiron in the 2nd house indicates wounds related to self-worth and material security. Individuals with this placement may struggle with feelings of inadequacy and value, often tied to financial issues or parental influences regarding money. They might experience insecurity about their possessions and self-esteem, leading to a deep desire for stability.

✨ The Healing Process: Work on recognizing your intrinsic worth. Practice self-love and develop a healthy relationship with money and possessions.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗

💎🕊️ 3rd House ~ Chiron in the 3rd house signifies wounds related to communication and learning. Individuals with this placement may struggle with expressing their innermost thoughts and feelings, often feeling misunderstood or dismissed. Early experiences, such as criticism in school or at home, can lead to difficulties in effective communication and confidence in sharing ideas.

✨ The Healing Process: Improve communication skills by journaling or joining discussion groups. Embrace your voice and share your thoughts with others. Your voice matters and you deserve to be heard.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗

💎🕊️ 4th House ~ Chiron in the 4th house indicates wounds related to home, family, and emotional security. Individuals with this placement may have experienced instability or conflict within the family, leading to deep-seated issues around belonging and nurturing. They might struggle with feelings of inadequacy or emotional vulnerability stemming from their upbringing.

✨ The Healing Process: Heal family wounds through open dialogue and emotional expression. Create a safe and nurturing home environment by expressing any emotional needs or boundaries.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗

💎🕊️ 5th House ~ Chiron in the 5th house reflects an inner child wound related to creativity and self-expression. Individuals with this placement may have felt unsafe or unaccepted during childhood, leading to struggles in expressing their authentic selves. This often resulted in suppressed creativity and self-doubt, making it challenging for them to embrace their artistic potential.

✨ The Healing Process: Reconnect with your inner child through creative activities. Allow yourself to play and express your true self without fear.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗

💎🕊️ 6th House ~ Chiron in the 6th house signifies wounds related to health, work, and daily routines. Individuals with this placement may experience challenges with self-care, often feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities or perfectionism. They might struggle with physical health issues or become overly critical of themselves and others in work environments.

✨ The Healing Process: Prioritize self-care and establish healthy routines. Learn to balance work and personal life and practice self-compassion.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗

💎🕊️ 7th House ~ Chiron in the 7th house indicates deep wounds related to intimate relationships. Individuals with this placement may struggle with commitment issues and often attract toxic relationships. Their experiences may stem from childhood, where they could have faced the loss of a parent, divorce, or constant fighting between their parents, resulting in a lack of peace in their early environment.

✨ The Healing Process: Build healthy relationship boundaries and work on trust issues. Seek supportive connections and address past relationship traumas with a safe partner.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗

💎🕊️ 8th House ~ Chiron in the 8th house indicates wounds related to intimacy, trust, and transformation. Individuals with this placement may struggle with issues surrounding vulnerability, fear of abandonment, or deep emotional connections. They might have experienced trauma related to loss, betrayal, or power dynamics in relationships.

✨ The Healing Process: Explore intimacy and vulnerability. Engage in therapy or support groups to confront fears around emotional connections.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗

💎🕊️ 9th House ~ Chiron in the 9th house signifies wounds related to beliefs, philosophy, and the quest for meaning. Individuals with this placement may struggle with issues of faith, higher education, or cultural identity, often feeling lost or disconnected from their beliefs. They might have experienced challenges in finding their place in the world, leading to existential doubts.

✨ The Healing Process: Expand your beliefs through travel, education, or spiritual practices. Embrace new perspectives and seek meaningful experiences.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗

💎🕊️ 10th House ~ Chiron in the 10th house indicates wounds related to career, public identity, and authority. Individuals with this placement may struggle with self-esteem in professional settings, often feeling inadequate or fearing failure. They might have experienced criticism or unrealistic expectations from authority figures, leading to doubts about their abilities and aspirations.

✨ The Healing Process: Define your own version of success. Embrace your career path with authenticity and challenge limiting beliefs about your abilities.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗

💎🕊️ 11th House ~ Chiron in the 11th house signifies wounds related to friendships, community, and ideals. Individuals with this placement may struggle with feelings of alienation or not fitting in, often experiencing challenges in forming deep connections with others. They might feel misunderstood or rejected by their social groups, leading to self-doubt regarding their self-worth.

✨ The Healing Process: Seek out supportive communities that align with your values. Work on building authentic connections and addressing feelings of alienation.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˏˋ 🍊ˎˊ˗

💎🕊️ 12th House ~ Chiron in the 12th house indicates wounds related to the subconscious, spirituality, and isolation. Individuals with this placement may struggle with feelings of isolation, self-sabotage, or hidden traumas that affect their emotional well-being. They might have difficulty confronting their vulnerabilities or may feel overwhelmed by the suffering of others.

✨ The Healing Process: Explore your subconscious through meditation, therapy, or creative outlets. Embrace solitude and work on healing hidden traumas.

༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺

~ Information about personal readings coming in the near future. Xo Kiki 💕

[robfinancialtip]

💖✨Juanita and Marlon, a committed couple, share their inspirational journey as artists delving into the delicate balance of following their passion for acting and navigating the practicalities of life. Their story unfolds with Juanita's Colombian roots and Marlon's upbringing in Long Island, illustrating how their diverse backgrounds shaped the pursuit of their shared passion. Despite initial obstacles and lacking support in their hometowns, they express gratitude for the opportunities propelling them. Attending prestigious acting schools and becoming members of renowned theater companies became milestones in their journey. They highlight the relentless hustle required to support themselves while fully pursuing their artistic purpose and emphasize the powerful impact of mutual support, particularly Juanita's consistent encouragement, which strengthens their shared commitment to the trade.

🧠💪The duo frankly explores the inherent fears associated with pursuing acting in a city rich with outstanding talent. They acknowledge the internal battle against thoughts of inadequacy. Despite these hurdles, they send a strong message of resilience, highlighting the need for tenacity and self-belief in overcoming self-doubt and external pressures.

🔍🎭Marlon explains his decision to pursue acting after first studying criminal justice in college, recalling a watershed moment when he chose to audition for a play and later apply to acting schools. He highlights the need to take risks and bet on oneself, especially in the face of doubt from others, as well as perseverance and self-belief in attaining one's goals.

💫🎬Juanita's acting goes beyond ordinary performance; it becomes an inspirational outlet and a channel for profound self-expression, allowing her to fully honor her identity and experience the whole range of human emotions. On the other hand, Marlon tells his motivational transformation story, describing how acting drove his transition from reluctance to vulnerability and empathy. His story highlights the craft's transformative ability to promote emotional growth and human connection.

🎨🌈Despite obstacles, Juanita and Marlon find tremendous joy in their artistic activities, whether on stage or mentoring the next generation of performers. Their shared worldview sees art as more than a profession but a powerful tool for self-discovery and societal empowerment. It aims to inspire people to find their voices and accept their truths via creative expression.

🌱🚀As they traverse the ups and downs of their careers, Juanita and Marlon stay consistent in their dedication to the artistic journey, understanding its intrinsic value beyond traditional measures of success. Their shared goal is not only celebrity or financial gain but also establishing meaningful connections, cultivating curiosity, and preserving a culture of authenticity and inquiry in themselves and those they touch. In sharing their experience, they hope to inspire and motivate budding artists by demonstrating that with perseverance and belief in oneself, even the most difficult barriers can be conquered to attain one's aspirations.

[all-about-kyu]

Summary: just ateez being the cutest dads ever Pairing: ateez x fem!reader (individually) Tropes: parent au, established relationship au Genre: fluff Rating: G Warnings: none Word Count: n/a Note: I watched return of superman and the hello 82 episode and here we are... (yes I will take requests in this au)

Hongjoong

Gender-neutral clothing designer

His wife is a model for his brand

One daughter and one son

His daughter is older

His son is his mini-me

He and his son do literally everything together while his daughter laughs about how much they are alike

Seonghwa

Kindergarten teacher

His wife teaches high school literature

Twin boys and a younger daughter

Absolutely adores his baby girl more than anything

Always ready to play with his sons

Spoils his babies when he can

Yunho

Florist

His wife is an accountant

Has one son and another on the way

Super protective of his wife when she’s pregnant

His son is always talking to her belly (a habit he’s developed from his dad)

Always brings home gorgeous bouquets for his wife every night

Yeosang

Photographer specializing in children’s photography

His wife is an event coordinator

Has one daughter

Will do absolutely anything for his daughter (yes, even the photoshoot after she was born)

Playing princesses and nail salon >>>

He wants another kid, but it’s not the right time quite yet

San

Trust fund baby but is still very serious about the monopoly he’s found himself the CEO of

His wife is a stay-at-home mom (was an arranged marriage at first for business things, but they caught feelings)

Fraternal twin daughters

One is his mini-me, and the other is his wife’s

Will leave business meetings if his daughters want or need him

Just cause they live comfortably doesn’t mean they spoil their kids rotten

Mingi

Dance professor

His wife is a biological chemistry professor

Two sons who are close in age

The boys have his personality (chaos in a bottle)

Sometimes his sons will come to uni with him and try to learn the dance for that lecture

If the boys are quiet, they’re up to something (Mingi included)

Wooyoung

Gourmet chef

His wife is a patissier

Identical twin girls

Very sweet, affectionate, and mild-mannered girls

Both of them teach the girls how to bake and cook anything they want to learn

Would set the world on fire for his girls if they asked

Jongho

Record shop/ cafe owner

His wife is an indie artist

One daughter (his baby bear)

Lets his daughter help around the shop

He and his wife make up little songs to help her learn things

She wants things to be bear/forest themed at all times

COPYRIGHT STARLITMARK 2023© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED — reposting/modifying any fic or piece of original writing posted on this blog is not allowed. Translations are not permitted. 

Networks: @cultofdionysusnet @kwritersworld​ @k-vanity​

Tag List: @sanjoongie​ @jaehunnyy​ @ericssmile​ @anyamaris​

[officialpenisenvy]

gio what are your thoughts on the story of cimon and pero/roman caritas. devoid of (incestuous) eroticism bc breasts were and are not inherently sexual or rife with voyeurism on something transgressive for the sake of filial piety. also apparently some versions have it be a mother and daughter so make of that what you will

very very interesting question!! i had to look up the sources because i wasn't super familiar with the story in the first place, and for the sake of ease and context i have translated the two sources i referenced and added them here. (exceedingly long answer under the cut, after some figurative depictions and the sources themselves)

Valerius Maximus, Memorabilia 5.4.1:

Such fame of filial piety is said to be held by Pero, who nursed as though an infant her father Mycon, very old in age, having come into the near-identical condition of imprisonment she was in. The human eye marvels and astonishes upon seeing the paintings depicting this story, which perpetually renews the extraordinary nature of such an ancient event through the admiration for the scene being portrayed.

Pliny the Elder, Naturalis Historia 7.55:

Undoubtedly endless examples of filial piety exist worldwide, but in Rome there is one alone to which none other can compare. A humble woman on the verge of giving birth, a plebeian and thus unnamed, had been allowed to visit her mother who was in prison because of a crime she had committed; despite being under constant surveillance so that she may not sneak in food for her, the woman was caught feeding her mother from her own breast. For such a marvelous display of piety was the mother freed, and both were granted food in perpetuity, and that very place was consecrated to the goddess of Pietas.

i think this is a very interesting story, i can see why it is such a common theme to be depicted throughout art history, and i definitely empathize with and share the reaction valerius maximus describes in the viewer of such artistic depictions: the visual effect of a woman breastfeeding an adult, one significantly older than the woman herself, is no doubt incredibly striking, and it is only compounded by the knowledge that said adult is the breastfeeder's own parent.

there is something extremely visceral about this mental image that makes me want to flinch and look away from it, like i am seeing something i am not supposed to be seeing: this is something different from the reaction that a mother breastfeeding her child usually evokes in me, and far more similar to the reaction i have to seeing a couple have sex in public. of course, a lot of this is my own personal and cultural bias speaking: while breasts are not ontologically sexual, they have a sexual connotation in our society, and an adult sucking on another adult's breasts, even with milk flowing, is an act that instinctively reads as sexual and thus incestuous to a modern-day observer, even one who knows there is no sexual intent behind the act.

there is also an element of subversion, and thus further taboo, enshrined in the act: it's more self-evident in the story about the plebeian mother and daughter, but no less present in the one of pero and mycon. a mother breastfeeds her daughter, who in turn grows to have children of her own and breastfeed them, and this goes doubly so for a plebeian woman who would not have had the means to take on a wetnurse: that a daughter breastfeed her own mother shatters the hierarchical dynamic that tacitly establishes itself the moment the newborn daughter latches onto the mother's breast, and it places the daughter herself in a position of power as the one who now controls the mother's access to food and life, as well as forcing the mother into a regression of age where she now has to step into a child's shoes and trust her daughter with her life and her nourishment.

i would argue the same goes for the father, with the obvious caveat that roman fathers usually did not breastfeed their children and so that one immediate parallel doesn't hold up; however, it is still a very clear subversion, especially when you take into account that the roman father as head of the family would have very concrete power of life and death over his children, while he is here fundamentally subject to the whim of the daughter who holds the power of life and death over him in the form of breastmilk. of course, in both cases, the daughter is magnanimous and pious and of her own volition she offers her breast to her parent for feeding, potentially even robbing her soon-to-be-born or newly-born child of the milk that is rightfully theirs: after all, these are both being used as exempla of filial piety and are surrounded by other such exempla, and selfless devotion to the ailing parent even beyond the realm of what is usually considered proper is a storied roman value. in this sense, one can read these tales as the child giving back to the parent, and therein can lie the subversion: as the parent once fed them and gave them life (or even straight up breastfed them in the case of the mother) in a time of the child's helplessness, so too the daughter in a time of the parent's need must take it upon herself to give back and feed her parent with the body she was given by them.

of course, this is just pure speculation on my part, and while i do think it's likely that an ancient roman reader or viewer might interpret the story somewhat similarly to the last paragraph, i cannot be sure: i don't know how breasts were viewed in the roman world, but i can make an educated guess, judging by how even in most nude or scantily clad depictions of roman women their breasts are bound and they are only shown as unbound in erotic illustrations. it is very possible that the ancient romans saw breasts in a somewhat similar way as us, which is to say quite eroticized beyond the context of breastfeeding; i wonder especially if a father would have had the opportunity to see his daughter's breasts organically, if such an instance was normal or possible or if she would have kept them bound in such a situation.

all this rambling to say that breasts were likely eroticized to some degree in roman culture, and to me it's very telling that some narrations report the guards/witnesses of such breastfeeding as being shocked or finding it indecent before understanding it as an act of filial piety: the sheer fact that it needs to be prefaced with this disclaimer of sorts, of it being a story of filial piety, implies that the image of an adult man sucking on a woman's breasts may have had other, sexual connotations (an adult woman doing the same might even have connotations of lesbianism, how ghastly), and so the tale both plays into that ambiguity and tries to dispel it by explaining the context.

i hope this makes even a lick of sense! i had a lot of fun exploring this story and mulling it over in my head, thank you for giving me the opportunity to do so, i really hope you found my answer the least bit satisfactory <3

[yuutakei]

not my usual post (i’ve been busy w college since i had to take some time off due after hurting my back n now i’m behindddd 〣( ºΔº )〣) but i can’t stop thinking about seunghan; sitting and watching all of this unfold i just feel so lost and helpless.

as a predebut stan who followed the project to support sungtaro (with an older sister who was an smrookies fan, namely seunghan’s) i have always been a huge advocate for all seven members since their debut announcement. each and every one of them hold a special place in my heart and the memories i have of their earlier days are a treasure to me.

but, as i lie here reflecting on their journey from debut to now, i can only scrutinise and question. ‘how did it ever get this bad?’.

after the mishaps and mistreatment within nct, riize was the promised boygroup a lot of the members almost never received. it was a sparkling path forward for these idols and trainees who were for so long uncertain about their futures almost too good to be true. even in their somewhat ‘humble�� beginnings, their brotherhood was remarkable and undeniable; these boys had worked so hard to build a collective identity and image for themselves. revolving around their found family of seven, riize was (to me) the epitome of youth and friendship. from their music to their choreography and variety content, they remained synonymous as a promising young group of seven - a notion that by all means should remain despite what further changes may be in store.

throughout my entire adolescence i was bullied, threatened and harassed by adults and peers alike. though my experiences are worlds different from seunghan’s, i can confidently recount and express the immense isolation, loneliness and guilt that harbours within oneself when singled out in these situations. we are social creatures constantly seeking approval and acceptance from those around us; the human psyche is malleable and extremely susceptible towards externally projected negative emotions and criticism. right or wrong it will often play in favour of the loudest voices and strongest presence in the room. tldr, if you drill into someone’s head enough that they are the cause of their group’s failure and reputation, they will believe it regardless of its truthfulness. he was left alone, cornered and threatened until he felt he had no choice but to step down.

that being said, as much as i respect seunghan's decision/proposal to withdraw, i (and many other briize) are left in overwhelming contention over his mental state, worrying for his wellbeing and worrying for his brothers that were distanced from him during such a difficult time.

and now, as more time passes with no elaborated statement, clear resolution or response my anger towards his label and respective production team only festers. observing the state of the fandom it’s reasonable to expect some level of protest or backlash against his return, but to leave him privy to such graphic and horrific scenes - hundreds of funeral wreaths displayed in his name - and make no moves, not even a stir, to merely mitigate such a childish display of emotion is beyond unfathomable. as his management it is their job to keep him safe and allow him to continue his work at an artist alongside the other members, a role that should never fall upon the group themselves who have now also been targeted because of the organisation’s continued blunders. how can you as an established individual comfortably allow your talent to not only wrongfully suffer, but openly blame themselves for a situation that escalated as a result of your own incompetence? and to make such an important decision without the presence and support of the other six members is irresponsible and disregards their feelings on the matter.

seunghan had no advocates in that room.

i can only pray for a peaceful future for him outside of public scrutiny and misdirected hatred and attention. may he spend this period in peace, surrounded by love and compassion.

[tomorrowxtogether]

Tomorrow X Together's Yeonjun on solo release: 'I'm going to keep challenging myself'

Yeonjun of popular K-pop group Tomorrow X Together isn't one to shy away from a challenge. Over the last five years, the Korean performer has built a reputation alongside his four bandmates as a versatile all-rounder who can execute any choreography or genre thrown his way.

"When I was young, I just purely loved music and dance, and that love is all I had. After it became my career, music became a source of both joy and sometimes stress for me," Yeonjun tells USA TODAY. "Still, I feel like music takes such a big part of my life. I think music is what allows me to be really free and really express myself as I am."

Now, the 25-year-old is taking a new step in his evolving career. Yeonjun released his first solo mixtape, "GGUM," Sept. 19.

"I'm super excited, but at the same time, I'm kind of nervous," he says. "This is my first time doing a solo project, I do feel a bit of a pressure, and I feel responsible for doing a good job."

Curating 'GGUM' and its concept

"I'm always looking for opportunities to expand my artistry, expand my different musical performances," Yeonjun shares. "During the middle of the US tour, we started talking about this project, and we slowly built on that."

"GGUM" and its feature track highlight Yeonjun's vibrant tonality. The hip-hop inspired song is bold and dynamic, commanding attention from the second you hit play. So how'd it get its name?

"I was actually chewing on gum when I was in the car, and it just came to me all of a sudden," Yeonjun reveals.

When you're chewing gum, you can exude a certain swagger and confidence, he says. "I think that vibe really suited me well, and I thought it was a perfect concept for my first solo project," Yeonjun adds.

"GGUM" is striking in its lyrics, sonics and performance – "Blow and spit out a banger, this song's now stuck in your head," Yeonjun raps. His flow is fierce and unfaltering, while the choreography is kinetic and intense. Yeonjun helped develop the track's dance.

Facing challenges solo: 'It was no walk in the park'

Yeonjun's first solo project tested his mettle.

"Honestly speaking, I thought I was ready for this, but then I realized after working on it, that it was no walk in the park," he shares.

"It was really difficult. It was very challenging to do the vocals, the rap and the dance all at once. I tried doing everything at the same time. It's very tiring. So while working on the choreo and the song, I came to really respect solo artists," Yeonjun adds.

But Yeonjun's experiences with a group helped him along the way. "I think only because I am part of Tomorrow X Together – and I've been through so much together with them – that's why I could try this. I could take on this challenge," he says.

"If I weren't in the team, I don't think this would have been possible," Yeonjun adds.

Even though Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun and Hueningkai are not performing alongside him, Yeonjun felt their support.

"I did feel a lot of stress, a lot of pressure, sometimes to the point that it almost scared me. Whenever I was met with those emotions, the bandmates would come to me, they would give me a lot of words of encouragement and boost my self-confidence and self-assurance," he says. "Thanks to them, I could pull it off and finish this journey."

Yeonjun vows to 'keep challenging myself'

Yeonjun hopes "GGUM" can be a "pleasant shock to everyone." He has already established his identity through TXT, but this mixtape allows him peel back another layer.

"I hope that the people would feel that I'm bringing something new to the table," Yeonjun says. "I think it's a new start for me and a new challenge that I took on. It really means the world to me."

Yeonjun will continue to build upon the foundation he has previously laid, whether it's with Tomorrow X Together or on his own.

"I want to keep pushing my musical boundaries and make sure that I expand my artistic spectrum, and I'm going to keep challenging myself," he says.

[dreamswithghosts]

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Roleplay Discord Server

Are you seeking an active Star Wars: The Clone Wars-era roleplay server? If you want a chill, safe space to discuss Star Wars, your OCs, art, fanfics, and much more, consider checking out our discord server! We are an 18+ Star Wars roleplay server primarily focused on the prequels and the Clone Wars era. We also have an additional post-Order 66/Empire subsection for those who want to roleplay and discuss events later in the Star Wars timeline.

More about the server:

We are an incredibly OC-friendly server that promotes the creation and development of Star Wars OCs. Whether your OC is established or brand new, you can roleplay them here.

You also have the opportunity to roleplay up to three canon characters if they’re free! We don’t allow doubles, but there are many other ways to discuss your favorite character with other fans if they’re already taken

Additional things we offer:

A positive environment to express yourself in a community.

For artists, you can open commissions and advertise your artwork business! We are very artist-friendly and pro-small businesses.

We have multiple channels to discuss books/novels/comics, video games, movies, and TV shows.

Active voice chat hangouts with various people around the globe!

An art streaming channel for artists who want to live share art they are working on.

Our roleplay server doesn’t have a “server-wide plot” but allows members complete control over the plots and stories they want to roleplay.

We offer various modes of roleplay, including 1:1 threads, group roleplays, and “in-character” chat roleplays, known as No-Plot.

We have multiple server sections that separate different topics, including NSFW, CxC (cloneshipping), and Dead Dove: Do Not Eat. You can opt in and out of these sections as you like.

NSFW/ERP (erotic roleplay) is allowed in its designated roleplay section. Same with CxC and Dead Dove topics.

We are incredibly LBGTQ+ and neurodivergent-friendly! However, we welcome everyone on our server, regardless of your identity. If you have made it to the end of this post and our server piques your interest, consider joining and giving us a chance!

[orkbutch]

So I've been seeing A Viewpoint within the bg3 fandom occuring. And I gotta be honest. I disagree that the characters being bisexual in Baldur's Gate 3 means you cannot headcanon them as other sexualities for your own fandom content purposes. I think that's not reflective of how queer people and their sexual identities actually work, and its just antithetical to how fandom has always functioned, which is an exercise of imagination. I wanna clarify up front: I agree that someone saying that a character Can't or Shouldn't or Was Not Meant To Be bisexual because of whatever reason IS biphobic sentiment. The characters in Baldur's Gate 3 are canonically bi/pan, thats made pretty damn clear when you look through all their content. That's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about headcanons, au's; the kind of imaginitve play that is very much what fandom creativity is about. If you set a standard in fandom that depicting a character as a certain sexuality is Not Allowed, 1. you're kinda flattening sexuality in a weird way, like personally my sexuality is complicated as fuck and has changed over time, and 2. you're limiting creativity. And I think creativity in fandom is extremely important. It's the whole fun of fandom. Creativity is worth protecting and its worth establishing the nuance between Depicting A Version of Character who is X and Insisting That Character Should Be X in canon. Because like... we meddle with character's identities in fandom all the time. That's what headcanons ARE, they change appearance, social position, career, faith, species, traumatic experience, moral and political alignment, and SO much more. I think limiting what people can headcanon within fandom... is less fun! It's just less fun. Imaginative scope lets you do more, weird fun stuff. It lets you depict more complex interesting characters. Example: my Bad Nun AU. In that, Shadowheart identifies as a lesbian. Why is that? Because I wanted Shadowheart's experience within Bad Nun to specifically explore the history and context of lesbians within nunneries, especially how that manifested post Vatican II. These were also eras when 'lesbian' was more ubiquitos, had a different context and more flexibility; a lot of women that would probably consider themselves 'bisexual' now were identifying as lesbians, were in lesbian communities and events and spaces.

On that note: Flattening sexuality. You're gonna say people CANNOT depict these characters as ANYTHING but bisexual? That is not how most queer people's sexualities work. It simply isn't. I've identified as tons of different shit in my sexuality. I'm still not sure about it. For me half the time my "sexual identity" is just the words I use to communicate what I'm looking for, and that changes depends on What I Want at that time, what I'm looking to explore, my social context, ect. ect. like what. This isn't how sexuality works for real people. How are artists meant to be Creative and imaginatively depict real, complex, queer sexuality if they are restricted to depicting only what is within canon?? This is not how any other part of fandom works. Fandom art should work how all art works. If someone makes shit art, it gets dunked on and ignored for being bad or lazy or lame. If someone did Heterosexual Karlach fanfic, I would be like "what the fuck why" because they made Karlach less fucking cool. Het Karlach would be boring and thats More Egregious because they DECIDED to make her heterosexual DESPITE canon. But even then, EVEN THEN, I don't think that should be looked at as off limits shit, because I don't believe art should have many things off limits. Any limits must be very nuanced, because art and creativity is nuanced. Obviously my brain would go "het karlach? you deserve jail time and thats queerphobic", but I honestly believe creative license is more important than those feelings. I WOULD happily comment on their thing, "heterosexual karlach is boring, thats a shit idea" because I'm right

If you want good art and good writing, you need to protext creative license.

[fuzzyhenry]

The Metamorphosis Closet

As we stepped into the hidden store, a subtle chime announced our arrival. The room was dimly lit, with shelves adorned with peculiar items lining the walls. And there, standing behind the counter, was a man who exuded an air of quiet confidence.

Store Owner: Welcome, welcome. I see my reputation has piqued your curiosity. I am Felix, the creator and curator of this establishment. Please, make yourselves comfortable.

His warm smile put us at ease, as if he already knew the astonishment we were about to experience. Felix had an air of mystery about him, his eyes sparkling with a mix of artistic passion and deep knowledge.

Felix: You may be wondering what brings me to create such lifelike bodysuits. Well, it's a blend of artistry and my extensive background in the film industry. For years, I have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, crafting special effects and prosthetics that blur the line between reality and imagination. But one day, it struck me—why not give people the opportunity to live in the skin they desire, to experience a different shape, a different self?

He gestured to the rows of suits hanging in the store, each one a testament to his craftsmanship and dedication.

Felix: These bodysuits are not mere costumes; they are an extension of who we are, or who we long to be. With careful attention to detail, I have created a way for individuals to transform their appearance seamlessly, without the constraints of time, effort, or judgment. Here, in this haven of possibility, people can explore their desires, embrace different body shapes, and express themselves in ways they never thought possible.

His words carried an undeniable sincerity, as if he genuinely believed in the power of his creations to bring joy and liberation to those who sought them.

Felix: You see, I believe that true beauty lies in the freedom to choose, to define oneself by the body they inhabit, regardless of societal expectations or limitations. In this world, we are no longer confined by genetics or the boundaries of our physical forms. Instead, we can embrace the endless possibilities of self-expression, stepping into a skin that resonates with our deepest desires.

As Felix spoke, his passion illuminated the room, casting a mesmerizing glow over the bodysuits. It was clear that he saw his work as more than just a business venture; it was a way to empower individuals, allowing them to rewrite their stories and discover new aspects of their own identities.

Felix: So, my dear visitors, welcome to this realm of transformation, where the boundaries of the physical self blur, and the potential for self-discovery knows no bounds. I invite you to explore, to try on these suits, and immerse yourselves in a world of endless possibilities.

[gleamingtempest]

Danganronpa Despair Time Foils

TL;DR - The foils of the main cast of the killing game in Danganronpa Despair Time are foreshadowed in the chapter 1 recap video. - Hey hey! As said above, premise is pretty simple. While based on the initial impressions alone not all of these seem to make sense, connections and shared themes can be found between all of the pairings presented in the chapter 1 recap video which is what makes me think they are foils. This is not concrete evidence and you are free to disagree! I'd love to hear others opinions and discourse regarding the topic in the comments. ^^ I will be making more in depth analysis posts on each of these pairings in the future. All screenshots are attributed and credited to the Danganronpa Despair Time channel. Please watch the original video & series as a whole! For some extra clarity:

From Wikipedia Here we go.

Foil #1 - Xander the Rebel & Min the Student

Shared Themes & Topics: Resenting their talents, resenting academia, importance to Teruko Tawaki, red/warm color pallets, pro & anti authority perspectives

Clarifications & Other Notes: They share a relationship of culprit & victim, giving them a unique dynamic in the story. A clear precedent for tension & conflict was set in their dynamic from their first interaction, though until the murder this was minimal.

Foil #2 - Teruko the Lucky Student & Charles the Chemist

Shared Themes & Topics: Distrust, social isolation, amnesia/obscured pasts, Pragmatism, Logic V. Fate Clarifications & Other Notes: Teruko & Charles had opposite upbringings with one being very privileged and the other being borderline or literally homeless. They have butted heads since day one and seem to be going in opposite directions as characters atm. They have had many scenes of direct conflict & tension.

Foil #3 - Eden the Clockmaker & Arei the Bowler

Shared Themes & Topics: Friendship, kindness/cruelty, Hope & Trust, Optimism, Naivety Clarifications & Other Notes: Arei has always been openly antagonistic towards Eden & Eden has expressed very clearly that she wants to get closer to Arei. Arei was devastated by Arei's death and Arei has expressed that Eden is everything she was not allowed to be but deeply desires to be.

Foil #4 - Nico the Pet Therapist & Ace the Jockey

Shared Themes & Topics: Bullying, Anxiety, Neurodivergence (Heavily Implied), Animals, Strength/Control Clarifications & Other Notes: Ace has an explicit history of cruelly bullying Nico while Nico has a confirmed past of being bullied by others for their identity as a non-binary person. Nico has attempted to murder Ace.

Foil #5 - Hu the Zither Player & Veronika the Horror Fanatic

Shared Themes & Topics: S*****e/S**f H**m, Lack of Purpose/Boredom Clarifications & Other Notes: There have been no explicit scenes of tension between the two. It is heavily implied that they have each others secrets. Hu has been portayed as 'motherly' & thoughtful while Veronika has been portrayed as 'childish' & impulsive.

Foil #6 - Rose the Art Forger & J the Effects Artist

Shared Themes & Topics: Identity Issues, Lack of Agency, Troubled Family Relations, Art/Performance Clarifications & Other Notes: There have been no explicit scenes of tension between the two. Rose has lost her passion for her talent while J has stated that she really loves her talent. Both have more powerful figures in their lives which have in some way stripped them of their agency to explore their identity on their own terms.

Foil #7 - Arturo the Plastic Surgeon & Levi the Personal Stylist

Shared Themes & Topics: 'Sinful' pasts, Troubled Family Relationships, Aesthetic/Cosmetic Talents Clarifications & Other Notes: These two have had one scene where there was some light tension & conflict established. Levi is portrayed humble & down to earth while Arturo is portrayed as haughty & excessively prideful. While Arturo's past is not explicitly or literally sinful, it is heavily implied that he subconsciously feels guilty for the death of his younger sister. Levi is heavily implied to have the heartless murderer secret based on the small number of secrets left & his secret quote where he laments over his 'heartlessness'. Both seem to have a tense relationship with their family with Levi having been literally disowned & Arturo seeming to be no contact with his family for one reason or another. Levi's talent focuses on making someone the best version of what they already are while Arturo's focuses on making you into someone else entirely. (Plastic surgery is not literally this but this is how he portrays it.)

Foil #8 - Whit the Matchmaker & David the Inspirational Speaker

Shared Themes & Topics: Optimism, Nihilism, Apathy, Depression, Kindness/Cruelty, Trauma Clarifications & Other Notes: Whit's primary visual motif is hearts while David's is stars. Hearts are essential, intimate & personal while stars are pretty but distant & uninhabitable. David's true nature is cold and uncaring while Whit is portrayed as very empathetic & mindful of others. Both characters seem to struggle in some way with feelings of apathy and nihilism, though they seem to deal with this in very different ways. Whit had David's secret & tried to keep it until he learned his true nature, at which point he remarked that 'his career was in trouble for reasons out of his (whit's) control'. David is intially inviting & kind while Whit is initially somewhat abrasive & insensitive. -

Tysm for reading if you did! I'd love to hear your thoughts down below, as well as any other shared themes/topics you can see applying to any of these characters. Hu & Veronika in particular is a pairing I don't understand super well but would love to hear more about!

Not sure when I'll post the individual analysis posts but I look forward to doing so when I do. Bye bye!

[visit-new-york]

Crosby and Broome Street

Crosby St & Broome St New York, NY 10012

Unveiling the Splendor of Crosby Street & Broome Street.

In the heart of Manhattan's SoHo district lies an enchanting convergence of history, artistry, culinary excellence, and urban allure – the iconic intersection of Crosby Street and Broome Street. These two thoroughfares, each with its unique character, weave a narrative that transcends time, revealing the captivating evolution of a neighborhood that has blossomed into a haven for creativity, luxury, and vibrant community life. Embark on a captivating journey as we delve into the intricate details that define Crosby Street and Broome Street in SoHo, transforming them into a destination unlike any other.

A Stroll Through Time and Architecture

Crosby Street, a narrow cobblestone path, invites visitors to step back in time. Its cast-iron facades, remnants of the neighborhood's industrial origins, have been artfully repurposed into galleries, boutiques, and residences. The very buildings that once housed factories now stand as testaments to SoHo's ability to seamlessly fuse history with modernity, each cast-iron detail whispering stories of the past while embracing the future.

Intersecting Crosby Street, Broome Street adds another layer to the architectural panorama. Amid the luxury boutiques and contemporary structures, the Old St. Patrick's Cathedral stands tall, its Gothic Revival architecture an eloquent reminder of the immigrant history that helped shape the neighborhood. The streets serve as a living embodiment of how a community can pay homage to its roots while embracing change.

Artistic Expression and Creativity

Crosby Street's artistic soul continues to thrive through a fresh blend of pop-up exhibitions, murals, and interactive installations. The street itself has become an ever-changing canvas, a vibrant symphony of colors and shapes that captivate passersby and engage the imagination. It stands as a testament to the power of art to transcend conventional boundaries and inhabit the very essence of a neighborhood.

Broome Street's creative vitality is equally vibrant, boasting galleries, studios, and performance spaces. These intimate theaters provide a stage for emerging artists, musicians, and actors to share their talents, breathing life into the neighborhood's commitment to nurturing artistic expression in all its forms.

Culinary Odyssey and Pleasures

The culinary offerings on Crosby and Broome Streets present a feast for the senses, a tantalizing fusion of cultures and cuisines that reflect New York City's global character. From cozy cafes to upscale dining establishments, these streets offer a culinary symphony that celebrates diversity and innovation. Each dish and cup of coffee is a testament to the culinary artists who infuse their creations with a passion that mirrors the vibrant spirit of the neighborhood.

Retail Therapy and Luxury Lanes

For the discerning shopper, Crosby and Broome Streets emerge as a haven of luxury and style. The boutiques and flagship stores of luxury brands create an ambiance of refined elegance, where the latest trends and timeless fashion converge. The windows serve as a visual masterpiece, drawing in fashion enthusiasts and blending artistic expression with the world of commerce.

Community and Cultural Fusion

Beyond the aesthetics and commercial offerings, Crosby Street and Broome Street thrive as hubs of community engagement and cultural fusion. Throughout the year, these streets come alive with a myriad of events that unite residents and visitors, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity. Art walks, street fairs, and seasonal celebrations fill the air with excitement, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in the neighborhood's vibrant tapestry.

Local artisans and craftsmen also find their home along these streets, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that define the SoHo community. From handmade crafts to vintage treasures, these local establishments contribute to a sense of authenticity that resonates with those who seek to uncover the heart of the neighborhood.

Residential Enclaves and Urban Sanctuaries

Crosby Street and Broome Street are not just destinations for exploration; they also embrace a vibrant residential community that calls SoHo home. Living on these storied streets offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and neighborhood charm. Residents find themselves at the nexus of luxury and convenience, with high-end boutiques and dining establishments just steps away from their front doors.

These streets, with their cobblestone pathways and historic facades, serve as urban sanctuaries where residents can escape the bustling city and find respite within a community that values both creativity and connectivity. The sense of camaraderie that emerges among those who reside on Crosby and Broome Streets is a testament to the enduring allure of this remarkable neighborhood.

Conclusion: A Continuum of Splendor

In the heart of SoHo, Crosby Street and Broome Street stand as sentinels of a neighborhood that has gracefully evolved while preserving its character and heritage. These streets are not isolated entities; they are part of a continuum that weaves the past, present, and future into a seamless tapestry of experiences. From the cast-iron architecture that whispers tales of industrial prowess to the vibrant artistry that defines its modern incarnation, this intersection beckons travelers and locals alike to embrace the charm, creativity, and community that define SoHo's essence.

As you traverse the enchanting landscape of Crosby Street and Broome Street, you're embarking on an exploration of the soul of New York City itself. Through its art, architecture, culinary delights, and dynamic community, this iconic intersection embodies the spirit of a city that is both a canvas and a masterpiece – a city that thrives on innovation while honoring its storied past. SoHo's odyssey continues, and at the crossroads of Crosby and Broome, its timeless allure is more captivating than ever before.

[saylessastrology]

Saturn Transit Pisces for Rising Signs

March 7th 2023 - May 24 2025

&

Sept 1st 2025 - February 13th 2026

Pisces Rising: House 1: The Self and Identity

Embracing Maturity and Self-Reflection

As Saturn transits through your first house in Pisces, you'll find yourself pulling back a bit more, embracing a newfound sense of maturity and self-reflection. This restrictive energy will bring out your reserved side, prompting you to reassess past behaviors, phases, and struggles for attention. Take this opportunity to step back and see yourself from a different perspective, setting new boundaries and restrictions for personal growth. While it's essential to maintain your exuberance, be mindful of psychological challenges that may arise. Seek support from a therapist or healer who can provide constructive and unbiased feedback during this introspective journey.

While you may feel the need to hide your vulnerability, remember that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength. Allow yourself to experience waves of emotion, embracing both sorrow and joy. Your ability to elude trouble and navigate sneaky behaviors will give you an edge, but be cautious not to hide from karma. Give yourself time to refine projects and skills behind closed doors, as you prepare to share them with the world when Saturn enters your sign in the future.

Aquarius Rising: House 2: Finances and Values

Nurturing Financial Security and Prioritizing Quality

Saturn's transit through Pisces in your second house brings a focus on financial security and values. It's time to get serious about your finances and prioritize saving over spending. While treating yourself occasionally is acceptable, this period calls for responsible money management. Avoid relying on luck and chance, and vocalize your professional intentions to set your financial goals in motion. Embrace quality over quantity when making purchases, and reevaluate your spending habits. Seek the guidance of a financial adviser to make informed decisions that align with your long-term financial goals.

Capricorn Rising: House 3: Communication and Learning

Carving the Career of Your Dreams

Saturn's journey through your third house in Pisces encourages you to get serious about your career and communication skills. Use this period to focus on what you want to achieve professionally, how much money you wish to make, and the steps needed to turn your dreams into reality. Solid planning and networking will be crucial to your success. Nurture connections that can help you get ahead and consider attending professional meetups and retreats to expand your network. Embrace the power of consistent effort and avoid relying solely on luck. Remember that opportunities may come and go, and persistence is key to achieving your goals.

Sagittarius Rising: House 4: Home and Family

Building a Strong Foundation and Emotional Security

Saturn's transit through your fourth house in Pisces signifies a time of building a strong foundation and finding emotional security. Take this opportunity to invest in your home and create a sense of stability. Renovations, relocations, or purchasing a new home may be on the horizon. Embrace the lessons from your upbringing and evaluate what values you wish to instill in your own family. While emotional challenges may arise, use your natural endurance and inner strength to overcome adversity. Find peace and comfort in your belief system, and create healthy boundaries with family members to preserve your mental and emotional well-being.

Scorpio Rising: House 5: Creativity and Romance

Unleashing Your Creative Potential and Nurturing Love

Saturn's presence in Pisces through your fifth house sparks a period of intense creativity and romantic transformation. Embrace your artistic talents and invest time in nurturing your creative pursuits. This is a time to refine your skills and establish a solid foundation for your artistic endeavors. While setbacks may occur, don't be discouraged. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success and stand behind your creations with confidence. In matters of the heart, set boundaries and prioritize nurturing connections that have long-term potential. Embrace vulnerability and authenticity in your romantic relationships, allowing yourself to experience profound love and transformation.

Libra Rising House 6: Health and Daily Routine

Prioritizing Wellness and Self-Care

Saturn's transit through your sixth house in Pisces calls for a renewed focus on health and daily routine. Embrace responsible habits and prioritize your well-being. Evaluate your eating, sleeping, and exercise patterns, making necessary adjustments to improve your physical and mental health. Take time for solitude and luxury to balance your hectic schedule. Set boundaries with others, especially when it comes to people-pleasing. Remember that self-preservation and finding peace within your soul should be your top priority during this period.

Virgo Rising: House 7: Relationships and Partnerships

Nurturing Healthy Partnerships and Personal Growth

Saturn's journey through your seventh house in Pisces brings maturity and self-reflection to your relationships and partnerships. Evaluate your expectations around love and set boundaries that preserve your mental and emotional health. Avoid falling into patterns of dating fixer-uppers and focus on nurturing connections that contribute positively to your life. Embrace your role as a source of strength and comfort for others, but ensure that you don't sacrifice your own needs in the process. Seek balance between your personal growth and the needs of your loved ones, fostering healthy and fulfilling partnerships.

Leo Rising: House 8: Transformation and Shared Resources

Embracing Change and Personal Transformation

Saturn's presence in your eighth house in Pisces signifies a period of transformation and shared resources. Embrace change and initiate personal transformations to fulfill your goals and reach new heights of success. This is a time to reassess your values and commit to long-term connections that align with your vision for the future. Embrace vulnerability and authenticity, allowing yourself to experience profound emotional growth. Prioritize financial stability and save for the future you desire. Seek guidance from a financial adviser and make smart decisions with your money, planting seeds for financial independence and stability.

Cancer Rising: House 9: Philosophy and Higher Education

Expanding Your Mind and Embracing New Perspectives

Saturn's transit through your ninth house in Pisces calls for an expansion of your mind and a deep exploration of philosophy and higher education. Embrace the opportunity to connect with different cultures and faiths, creating a belief system that resonates with your soul. Challenge your existing philosophies and embrace new perspectives. Nurture your intellectual curiosity and engage in deep, meaningful conversations. This is a time to broaden your horizons and seek wisdom from diverse sources. Embrace the truth of your soul and allow your beliefs to evolve and grow.

Gemini Rising: House 10: Career and Public Image

Building a Strong Professional Foundation

Saturn's journey through your tenth house in Pisces signifies a time of building a strong professional foundation and shaping your public image. Get serious about your career goals and develop a strategic plan for success. Embrace responsibility and hard work, knowing that persistence and perseverance will lead to long-term rewards. Emphasize professionalism and take steps to refine your image. Seek opportunities to network and connect with influential individuals in your field. Plant seeds for future success and be patient as you work towards achieving your professional aspirations.

Taurus Rising: House 11: Friendship and Social Networks

Nurturing Meaningful Connections and Personal Growth

Saturn's transit through your eleventh house in Pisces brings a focus on friendship and social networks. Evaluate your social circle and make conscious decisions about whom you keep close. Gradually distance yourself from draining relationships and prioritize connections that contribute positively to your life. Embrace the power of networking and attend professional or creative meetups to expand your social network. Embrace the energy of success and nurture connections that have the potential to open doors for you. Be mindful of encounters that may dramatically alter your path and be open to new friendships during this transformative period.

Aries Rising: House 12: Spirituality and Inner Exploration

Finding Inner Peace and Embracing Spiritual Growth

Saturn's presence in your twelfth house in Pisces signifies a time of spiritual growth and inner exploration. Embrace solitude and introspection, allowing yourself to connect with your higher self. Reevaluate your spiritual beliefs and create a belief system that aligns with your modern views. Seek peace in nature and explore mystical traditions from various cultures. Embrace the power of closure and let go of unhealthy behaviors and situations. Face your shadow and release what no longer serves you. This is a time of profound endings and new beginnings, paving the way for a future full of personal growth and spiritual fulfillment.

[thependorika]

Dark Romance as the New R!pe Culture?

A study conducted by The Ripped Bodice, a bookstore specializing in romance, revealed that 90% of romance authors are women. This highlights the predominant female perspective in the genre, including dark romance.

Dark romance also includes LGBTQIA+ narratives, providing a platform for marginalized authors and readers to explore dynamics of power and consent from a different angle, contributing to the necessary diversity in the genre.

In a world where r!pe culture is at the heart of social and artistic issues, it is legitimate to worry about the consequences of excessive consumption of this genre.

But dark romance is much more than a genre that trivializes reprehensible acts. It is a universe in which readers (and authors) regain control over a given situation.

It explores dark themes, complex human emotions, with deep and nuanced characters.

This fictional and narrative framework creates an emotional outlet that speaks to an informed audience. Often, dedications clearly identify to whom the book is addressed:

“For the broken ones who are in need of something dark, morbid, and beautiful.”

“To the girl who falls in love with the villain.”

“For anyone who has ever felt invisible. I see you.”

“For the ones who’ve spent their lives being just a little too agreeable. Here’s to getting comfortable disappointing other people to avoid disappointing yourself.”

Through consumption or creation, fiction has always allowed exploration, projection, and research into one’s own psyche. This is also related to the formation of trauma.

Trauma comes from the word “wound” in Greek and literally means “psychic wound.” It refers to a disturbing or significant event that cannot be integrated into the individual’s personality.

These wounds can take various forms, including abuse, violence, or traumatic sexual experiences, and are often difficult to confront directly.

Often, trauma shocks the individual’s consciousness, who then tries to create more acceptable versions of this event.

Sometimes these events are fragmented into several distinct memories, leading some people to doubt the reality of what they experienced.

However, these events remain inscribed in the subconscious, where they influence daily life through behaviors, defense mechanisms, and often unconscious thoughts.

The path to healing is complex and non-linear, and fiction, especially genres like dark romance, can offer a safe space to process these experiences.

This genre, while often controversial, is now better mastered than it was in the past. Research has been conducted on the impact of these narratives and how they influence perceptions of consent, power relationships, and psychological trauma.

Authors and readers form a community that actively reflects on these issues and the creative responsibility that comes with them.

Previously, many new romance narratives explored dark and complex dynamics without always providing clear contexts or trigger warnings.

For example, in the first volume of Beautiful Bastard, by Christina Lauren. the book is about the relationship between a woman and her boss flirts with sexual harassment without explicit consent being clearly established.

This complex dynamic, although fictional, invites the reader to reflect on what is acceptable or not in a relationship.

The way consent is treated in these narratives has been the subject of discussions in contemporary studies, highlighting the importance of responsible representation of interpersonal relationships.

Today, dark romance has evolved, pushing the reader to reflect on what they read, while respecting their limits through clear warnings and greater awareness of sensitive topics.

Dark romance and new romance narratives also include LGBTQIA+ stories that explore relational dynamics within queer couples, including trans characters or other gender identities.

These stories allow for the exploration of often marginalized experiences and offer a space where identity, consent, and power relationships are at the center of the narrative.

(Although this is not my area of specialization, I find it essential that these narratives exist and are represented with nuance and respect.)

In this context, it is important to note that the new and dark romance community often attracts individuals from groups marginalized by patriarchy, particularly women and the LGBTQIA+ community.

This literary genre allows these readers to explore themes related to sexuality and consent in a narrative framework that belongs to them.

By creating and consuming these narratives, they retain control over how these subjects are treated and represent their experiences.

This allows them to subvert traditional power dynamics, offering a new perspective on often delicate and controversial issues like r!pe culture.

By reinventing narratives, these communities can create dialogues around what is acceptable or not and redefine the norms of consent in their own terms.

Engaging with dark themes in fiction can provide a cathartic experience for some individuals.

It allows them to explore their own feelings of sadness, anger, or fear in a controlled environment where they can also achieve a sense of closure or relief.

Characters in dark thematic narratives often face significant trials or distress. Readers or viewers may see parts of themselves reflected in these characters, creating a feeling of connection or understanding that they are not alone in their experiences.

Fiction provides a narrative structure that often includes resolution, whether it’s justice for a wrongdoing, the overcoming of a personal demon, or simply closure.

This can be psychologically satisfying, especially if such resolution is lacking in the person’s real life.

Consuming or creating dark fiction allows individuals to confront traumatic or intense situations in a way they can control. They can always close a book, turn off the screen, or stop writing whenever they want, which isn’t possible with real-life trauma.

Dark romance, while often misunderstood, represents a rich space for exploring human emotions and the complex dynamics of power and consent.

As authors, it is our responsibility to navigate these themes with sensitivity, ensuring that our narratives are enlightening rather than harmful.

Discussions around r!pe culture and consent must be at the heart of our creative approach, while recognizing that fiction can serve as a mirror to social and personal realities.

By listening to our community of readers and being attentive to their needs, we can contribute to a positive evolution of the genre, fostering a constructive and inclusive dialogue.

Thus, dark romance can become not only a reflection of our fears and traumas but also a pathway to understanding, healing, and redefining societal norms.