#they are both Emotionally Compromised

[fruity-hub-blog]

If I had a nickle every time there was a morally ambiguous grey haired man who always wears a business suit with a red tie and has an affinity for the Packers Football team in a kids cartoon I'd have two nickles, which isn't a lot but it's weird it's happened twice.

[trampfranky]

On one hand the fact that both luffy and sanji trusted pudding as an ally potentially speaks more about the reality of puddings self and feelings BUT the idea that luffy completely fell for pudding because she started sweet talking about his cook and promised to bring sanji back to them is so funny. pudding started gushing about how cool and cute and charming sanji is and how she is kinda in love with him and luffy went 'omgggggg she gets me AND sanji no way is she lying :D'

[deskgirl]

Thinking yet again about Edward Teach who can’t sit quietly with his own thoughts while fishing with Fang but sits quietly with his dying friend and listens to him in his last moments. Sure, there’s plenty of stuff that he could have said, but his attention was all Izzy wanted in that moment.

[dent-de-leon]

What if...Kingsley starts to get flickers of memories from Lucien's childhood, slipping in and out of dreams. What if King...remembers setting fire to the family caravan? Can still feel himself choking on the ash and smoke, can still hear his parents' voices? King starting to wake screaming from nightmares of burning flames, just like Lucien for all those years.

What if Caleb sees the all too familiar signs, the way King just loses himself for a moment when he feels the searing heat of his blood rite.

What if...the first time Caleb actually tells Kingsley about his past, it's to help comfort King over his own--

[kemendin]

Always cherished Never forgotten

[dear-mrs-otome]

Oh my god this event is custom-designed to crush me isn't it? Two of my favorite routes, and more peeks inside their heads during it???

[bbcphile]

I finished Mysterious Lotus Casebook and OMG AHHHHHH FEEELINGS!!!!!

I don’t want to spoil anything about it here, but if anyone wants to flail in feelings about the ending with me, send me a message!

[last-flight-of-fancy]

finally got around to doing the dark knight questline (to level 50 anyway. are there more after that???? i know dragoon got a bit more but. im Uncertain on literally every other class) and like. what he hell am i supposed to do with myself after that

[starfleetsxvulcan]

// Sometimes the only reason I can write Spock is because I am blasting the Spotify playlist I specifically made for him in my ears.

[thisisahyperfixationnow]

Spock would listen to Smalltown Boy by Bronksi Beat send tweet

[blossomhcir]

THE OVERWHELMING DESIRE TO KISS; ACCEPTING  @nihted​ requested  8: a  kiss  in  secret  /  a  forbidden  kiss.

He cradled her face, so gentle for a warrior's hands. Gentler still were is his lips against hers, so adoring it made her heart ache. Her own hands tangled into his hair, urging him closer to her. Neither had any intention of parting, and in truth she wished they never had to. It was almost cruel how a simple sound, the slam of a door and footsteps in the distance hall, could bring this world of their own crashing down around them.   

Adelaide’s heart thundered in her ears, so loud she could scarcely hear anything else. The steps abated, silence creeping in like a chill between them, the only sound their sobering breaths. This was a sign, the both knew. To stop now, return to where they were supposed to be. Neither of them moved, doe brown eyes meeting the deepest blue as they considered the reality they had been cruelly awoken to.   

Unable to bear the space between them any longer she pulled him to her, needing his lips on hers again. She needed it like air, the brief time they had together in these secluded halls the only time she felt like she could breathe. The only time she felt truly alive. Not with all the courtiers or her husband, but in these brief stolen moments with him.   

“Please.” Her voice came breathless, a needy sound against his lips. She asked for too much and she knew it. They did not have the privilege of time and yet she knew Edric would give her more if he asked. It was selfish, a risk that could cost them both their lives if they were found- and yet she would risk it for just a few more moments with him. “I need you, just a little longer... ”

[heywriters]

Details That Convey Intimacy

Developing fictional relationships that feel authentic takes more than dialogue and grand gestures. Every detail below can be used to show platonic, familial, agape, or romantic love depending on context.

cooking a meal for someone, bringing them food, or spontaneously sharing a snack

sharing body heat/warming someone with outerwear like jackets and scarves

fanning them with something if overheated

getting a cold/hot drink for them

offering to carry something, whether it's heavy or just a jacket, to lighten someone's load or free up their hands

more below the click!

changing the subject of a group conversation that will be personally discomforting to someone in the group

making sure to include someone in a group conversation, especially if it's a topic they have special knowledge of

waiting for someone to catch up when the rest of the group has walked ahead

remembering preferences/allergies ahead of time when preparing/ordering food

planning trips, whether in a pair or as a group, that provide something positive for every individual to enjoy

procuring personal healthcare items like sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm, pain relievers, or a snack and keeping them on hand for that friend who frequently needs them

making room for someone in a crowded vehicle or on public transit

making room for someone under an awning or in another limited space to help them avoid bad weather

warning or wordlessly covering for someone with a wardrobe/cosmetic malfunction

remembering a small luxury someone mentioned they enjoy, and getting it for them the next time it's convenient

running an errand for someone to make their day easier ('importance of errand : depth of relationship' ratio should be explored)

escorting someone to safety in a sudden unsettling event

escorting someone who is drunk, sick, infirm, injured, or emotionally compromised

asking if light, noise, or other sensory factors are bothering someone and taking steps to make them more comfortable

getting gag gifts for someone to show you reciprocate their sense of humor or quirky self-expression (not everyone does this, not everyone appreciates it, and some people predominantly express love through humor and gag gifts; works well with some characters more than others)

holding someone's hand or arm as reassurance, especially when they are afraid*

using their body to block someone from wind, rain, or heat

picking up a dropped item, or carrying a train or other dragging garment for someone else

returning a recognizable possession to someone who may have lost it

This is an inexhaustible list as humans have many ways of showing love for each other. If you are writing spec fic with non-human characters, you can play with variations on these by remembering three core values the "lover" has to consider:

physical comfort of others

emotional comfort of others

social reputation of others

I'd add "sensory comfort" though I think it's tied to physical and emotional comfort.

Please do not try and force any of these into the mold of the misogyny-based "Love Language" trend. Human emotions and expressions of love are diverse and endless.

*While hand holding can be construed as romantic, in reality it varies. Some cultures do not see this as romantic, and some individuals only mean it as a sign of support or compassion. Same goes for long embraces and kissing, both can be done platonically and of course naturally between close family members or friends.

---

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[hauntoblogical]

2FA is such a headache. Highly effective security, but as with all security methods that set obstacles before potential hackers, the overwhelming majority of the time it's an obstacle for the actual user instead. Not conducive to good security practices even for people without an Obstacles Disorder!

Like, I know I should set it up for more accounts... but I should switch to an actual authentication app first, which means research and finding a way to future-proof against losing access... and I can't use my existing password manager for any of it, that would be too convenient, and more importantly undermine the point of separate security measures...

(The only thing making the current state of affairs tolerable is convenient Apple texts-appear-on-computer so I don't have to chase my phone down, and that only works until I switch OS with my next computer. Lovely.)

Just off the top of my head an ideal 2FA method should:

Work on any device you might using to log in

Not require multiple devices

Not require access to a specific device

Be easily device-portable without losing hard-to-recover data like encryption seeds

Not use a potentially-disrupted or insecure communication method like SMS

Not require a connection to a third party service that might not be available to authenticate

Really should not have to connect to anything extra, period

Should be consistent from site to site I swear to fucking god why do so many sites for important must-be-kept-secure services like banking only offer texting, at least make authentication apps an *option*

And it's probably already impossible to have all that simultaneously even before bringing in account recovery! Methods to regain access if lost or compromised, or get access after the user's death, or take over for someone not capable, while resisting social engineering and not letting controlling abusers in...

Anyways, good article, and yet another example of tech world movers and shakers failing to consider those of us with very different lives.

resharing this oldie because i just got a new laptop and the number of times i am being required to login to things, login to a DIFFERENT app/program/password manager/authenticator, provide a number, and then login again is making me fucking INSANE

[mirrorballmusing]

the tale of two mary tags

damn mary! (mary oliver) 

mary gets me (mary katrantzou)

[theastrohub]

mars and relationship conflicts ♂

mars represents your drive, the way you assert yourself, your ambition and primal energy. mars in relationship analysis' indicate how you assert yourself interpersonally, how you navigate emotional conflicts and your level of emotional intelligence.

here's a breakdown of my opinion on how each mars sign handles conflicts in interpersonal relationships, jerk reactions to problems, and how they resolve interpersonal issues.

一

♂ mars in libra 一

emotional intelligence rating: 7/10

the mediator. compromise is your best friend and worst enemy in relationships. you avoid making firm stances initially. when your partner makes a one-sided decision, you mitigate tension by calmly explaining your frustration and proposing a more balanced decision-making taking into consideration both parties needs and wants. diplomatic and assertive at your best, passive aggressive and conflict-avoidant at your worst.

一

♂ mars in scorpio 一

emotional intelligence rating: 8/10

you handle conflict with calculated precision, often seeking control and capitalizing on any power dynamics or heirarchies, sometimes creating them as you see fit. your knee-jerk reaction to feeling slighted in conflict is to internalize anger or retaliate underhandedly or even at a later date. you resolve issues through deep emotional transformation and eventual confrontation when you are ready and in control of yourself. intuitive and methodical at your best, vengeful and controlling at your worst.

一

♂ mars in sagittarius 一

emotional intelligence rating: 3/10

you approach conflict with a blunt honesty and a desire for independence (especially from the truth). you are more reactive and impulsive than other signs but it's because direct conflict is restrictive to how you assert yourself. you resolve your issues through gaining understanding of complex situations by sitting down with your partner or friend and exchanging perspectives. you have an adaptable mind and your pursuit for freedom in turn makes for someone who easily escapes any mental prisons or lingering resentment from conflicts. understanding and philosophical at your best, flighty and rude at your worst.

一

♂ mars in capricorn 一

emotional intelligence rating: 7/10

the master strategist. much like mars in scorpio, you prefer to stay in control and on top of situations and conflicts in your relationship. you are extremely level-headed and it takes a lot to get you out of character. when faced with conflict you are composed, as you understand that it is important to still approach situations with others with respect and order. you resolve issues in relationships by applying practical solutions and playing the long-game, like doubling down on your values and outworking your partners and friends. collected and strategic at your best, calculated and cunning at your worst.

一

♂ mars in aquarius 一

emotional intelligence rating : 7/10

in conflict, your initial reaction is to distance yourself emotionally and do your own thing. while you do not outwardly display your emotions, the logical solution for any conflict you face with people is to not show your sensitive side, thus rebelling from the norm. when you regain mental clarity, you come back with solid solutions in your ideas and focus on the big picture and positive changes in your interpersonal goals. much like mars in libra, you are an advocate for the needs of everyone you care about as a whole. innovative and pragmatic at your best, detached and unreachable at your worst.

一

♂ mars in pisces 一

emotional intelligence rating: 9/10

notoriously escapist, you retreat into your own world at the first sign of conflict as a means of preservation of your inner homeostasis. outwardly emotional and sensitive, you can have strong outbursts when angry or completely stamp out your needs. you resolve your interpersonal conflicts through using your strong intuition to read the room and find a solution that puts everyone at ease. much like libra, you value peace and being non-confrontational, often to your own detriment. emotionally intelligent and compassionate at your best, escapist and erratic at your worst.

一

♂ mars in aries:

emotional intelligence rating: 4/10

much like mars in sagittarius, your jerk reaction is to take charge in conflictual situations, and sometimes by brute force. you are not scared to exercise any power or authority you have in interpersonal relationships with the intent of neutralizing any inefficiencies. this can mean getting into fights, verbal and even physical. you can be hot headed but move on just as fast. you navigate conflicts through being direct about matters and not shying away from hard truths. assertive and forgiving at your best, hot-headed and combative at your worst.

一

♂ mars in taurus

emotional intelligence rating: 2/10

much like mars in capricorn, you are not easily upset by others as you are stubborn in nature. your initial reaction in conflict is to grit your teeth and stay put in your stance on matters at hand. you make for someone who is actually grounded in your approach to issues but at times difficult to talk to as you are rigid to the influence of others. conflict resolution for you looks like being firm about structure and adherence to rules and order for the benefit of all parties involved. reliable and calm at your best, stubborn and intolerant at your worst.

一

♂ mars in gemini

emotional intelligence rating: 3/10

sharp-shooter with your words, your jerk reaction to conflict is to debate, argue, slander and criticize, much like mars in virgo. on the other hand, you resolve interpersonal conflicts through encouraging conversations and mental adaptability of logical problem solving (what are we doing that isn't working?). conversational and flexible at your best, argumentative and slanderous at your worst.

一

♂ mars in cancer

emotional intelligence rating: 8/10

the nurturer, you are extremely emotionally intelligent, to the benefit of yourself and your friends and partners. while you are not afraid to show your pincers in conflict and can actually be quite mean, you know exactly how to appease the people around you. whether it be having a heart-to-heart or comforting others, you always seek to understand how people feel thus becoming a safe space in conflicts. people feel safe voicing concerns to you as your end goal is equilibrium of everyone's feelings. comforting and emotionally intelligent at your best, mean and abrasive at your worst.

一

♂ mars in leo

emotional intelligence rating: 6/10

notoriously proud, you are not conflict-avoidant but you do not appreciate any public interactions that are dishonorable to how you treat others. your jerk reaction in conflict is to fight back, especially when you feel disrespected, overlooked, or slighted. much like mars in aries, you need to time to cool off but unlike mars in aries, you do not forget how you were treated. you observe and listen as to not exacerbate issues while planning a mutually respectful conversation later to restore dignity of both parties. compromising and validating at your best, dramatic and prideful at your worst.

一

♂mars in virgo:

emotional intelligence rating: 4/10

the problem-solver in relationships. you approach conflict by finding practical solutions that meet the needs of all parties involved. you might be quick to criticize or nitpick, but you resolve issues through careful planning, attention to detail, logic, and precise communication of feelings. when you notice your partner is always late, you might suggest setting dates at more convenient times for both of you. adaptable and thoughtful at your best, critical and mean at your worst.

一

thank you for reading 💋

@astrobaeza

(signed - a pisces mars)

for more: [ paidservices ₊ masterlist ₊ tips ] // gif by @meshikiari9gifted

[shatterinseconds]

Keith is beautiful. So fucking beautiful.

The twin suns of the planet become the perfect backdrop, outlining him in shimmering gold. A concerning amount of dried blood paints the side of his face, crusted and flaking. His bottom lip is busted, his nose probably broken, his armor just as dented and bruised. Despite it all, maybe even because of it all, he’s stunning. 

Enough for Lance to stop and stare as he picks himself off the ground after a Galra soldier punted him against the rocky cliff face. His teeth still rattle from the impact; his entire body is a scream of agony, but he manages to stand.

Keith flicks the blood off his bayard before it detransitions from its sword state. He steps over the body of the Galra soldier to stand directly in front of Lance. He pats Lance’s cheek, amused by Lance’s obviousness as a twitch of a smirk presses a dimple into the corner of his mouth.

“I didn’t think you hit your head that hard.”

“Shut up.” Lance grins, reaching out to hold Keith close. His free hand, gun still activated by his side, tangles with Keith’s wild hair curling near his jaw. With his helmet lost ages ago, his hair is a wild, sweaty mess, bangs plastered to his forehead. Lance gently brushes a thumb over a newly formed bruise, and Keith’s eyelids flutter at the touch.

They’ve been at war for years. Maybe Lance has gotten too desensitized to things and maybe that’s not a good thing—but that’s something he and his future therapist can discuss whenever—if ever—they return to Earth. But present Lance doesn’t have to worry about why he finds a battle-worn Keith stupidly hot; he accepts it. Because he can. Because they’re dating now. So openly admiring the Red Paladin of Voltron? Fully on the table as suitable options during any time of the day.

“Sue me for thinking my boyfriend’s attractive,” Lance mutters, breathy as if they just kissed but really he’s just tired from the battle, tired from the war. Every day weighs heavily on him but that weight is always easier to bear with two or six.

Keith cups his face with both hands. “I’m glad you survived,” he says instead of ‘I love you.’ 

Because they made some sort of deal with themselves, that since they started dating in the middle of an active war, they promised no ‘I love yous’ to each other, no concrete declarations of long lasting affection, nothing emotionally compromising. In reality, it means the same thing. They both know it does, but they continue to use the placeholder anyways as if the facade makes the situation less personal, less likely to destabilize them if anything were to happen to the other during battle.

Lance leans forward until his forehead rests against Keith’s. “I’m glad you survived too.”

One day he’ll say ‘I love you’ to Keith. One day he’ll say it on the shores of Varadero Beach with his family’s house only a few miles away. One day it will happen. Not if. 

But until then, he wraps his arm around Keith’s waist as they hobble back to the rendezvous spot. He nuzzles his nose into the soft part of Keith’s cheek, ignoring the sweat, dirt, and blood, and smiles as Keith’s hair tickles his nose. Until then, he will whisper those words into Keith’s skin and dream about their future.