#very authentic seeming guy

[forsworned]

Promised pics of Barry from Comic Con last night

[dogsliampaynedoesntinstagram]

do you have any advice about boycotting? I have been trying to follow bds but people online are always calling for boycotts and saying people are supporting genocide for bot boycotting xyz and Im having a lot of anxiety about it. Obviously feelings arent more important than not supporting a genocide etc

There's a bit of discussion of boycotts at the moment, so it seemed like a good time to finally respond. I do have advice - very simple and strong advice. The point of a boycott isn't individual moral purity, it's using collective power.

The starting point for building collective power has to be people resisting oppression. Just like a strike can only be called by the workers, a legitimate boycott can only be called by those who are resisting oppression.

For the last 20 years, a coalition that crosses Palestinian society has called for Boycott, Disinvestment and Sanctions. I follow what they say - I don't give a shit about what people online are saying. They are very clear about their strategy - and the important of strategic boycotts. There are some global targets, and then other targets are organised locally - the link above includes information about how to find out what the local calls are.

I believe there is a strong moral and political imperative to observe BDS. I hope that the clear direction and the short list will help with your anxiety.

I think it's really important to understand that there's a principle here - it's not just about BDS. When offering solidarity, you start with what organised groups resisting oppression have asked for. Don't listen, or get stressed out about what random strangers have said.

******

There is, I think, another point, which is just as important. People who are going around making up targets are actively harming the Palestinian Liberation struggle. There are two messages I hope people get from this post - the first is that the starting point of meaningful solidarity is what people collectively resisting oppression are asking for. The second is that the sort of mouthing off online that is stressing you out is actively doing harm - and anyone who wants to do meaningful political work - has to stop pretending that indulging in self-righteous and reactionary social media posting has anything to do with meaningful political work.

There are two reasons that people who make up things they think other people should do actively does harm. One is that it undermines the ability to build power by substituting an individual's voice, for the collective voice of people resisting oppression. Substituting individualism for collectivism is guaranteed to weaken movements

The second is the behaviour you describe is coming from the more reactive parts of our psyche. Politics is about building power through coalitions. When people try and prove they're right and other people are wrong they are letting the anxiety processes of our brains take control - and substituting our most reactionary selves for meaningful political organising - then they're actively getting in the way of building power.

The fact that you're feeling anxious isn't an accident - it's a direct result of other people's choices to act from the reactionary and anxiety part of their pscyhe. If one person is acting from their own anxiety - it absolutely does promote anxiety in others. Good political work comes from building power and coalitions - which involves strengthening relationships - none of which are done best from a position of anxiety (you'll probably be anxious at times, when doing political work - that's really normal. But that's different from anxiety being at the centre of the political work).

I think one of the biggest problems of social media's impact on our ability to organise - is that it's very easy for people who are reacting entirely individualistically, from the reactionary parts of their psyche, guided by their anxiety, to persuade themselves that they're doing collective organising - when they're actually doing the opposite.

I'm sorry you're feeling really anxious. I think it would really help to turn around what you think you're doing. You frame this as not supporting genocide - but that's probably not an option. The political and economic system you are living in supports genocide, and if you imagine you can opt out of that you're setting yourself up to fail. If instead of trying to do the impossible - you focus on acting in solidarity with people collectively resisting their oppression - then it should both be less stressful and more effective. The requests are clear and simple - and you can and should do them.

[datastate]

i keep finding reminders of how i used to act/type a few years ago and i shrivel up. and die.

[astrobydalia]

🐍New year astro observations

first post of 2025, the year of the snake!

– astrobydalia

A thing I've noticed is that degrees can carry some energy from the dignities. For example if you have your Mercury in 21º degree in whatever sign, that mercury can express characteristics of debilitation since that's a sagittarius degree and mercury is debiltated in sagittarius

Aquarius placements, specially venus, appear picky when choosing their friends or people they truly like but honestly I've noticed that all they want is someone who has a personality. Like literally just be your own person and they’ll love seeing how you’re someone with many layers to you. It sounds simple but we live in a society where the instinct is to imitate others to fit in and Aquarius placements like it when you're (genuinely) true to yourself. Does not mean they will make you their bestie cause that depends on each individual but they at least appreciate the authenticity.

^^I remember this Aquarius Venus guy had a crush on me back in college and he once said to me "I like you because you're complicated"😭

Aquarius/11th house placements befriend people who share their political/philosophical/spiritual ideals. I’ve noticed that the people they ghost the most are the ones who don’t share their visions

Mercury rx natives are very good listeners actually. Even if they have the planet in domicile or exaltation, they are very patient when it comes to obsorbing info that's why I've seen this placement is common in "nerds" or book worms. They take their time understanding things and can come across as slow sometimes but they’re just very meticulous.

Capricorn Moons and their “facts don’t care about your feelings” attitude while simultaneously being the most sensitive and emotional person in the room

Something else I've seen with debilitated moons (scorpio/cap moon) is that they tend to have no patience or sympathy for people who seem to have it easy in life in some way. They only seem to respect people who know what it's like to struggle like they have

Virgo Mars natives are low-key misanthropic and/or introverts. They don’t like being around people for too long cause they very easily feel a lot of disdain for others' dumb and nonsense behaviors. It’s like they seem to be so easily exasperated by everything and everyone ​

Also, I’ve noticed Virgo Mars people are the type to stay low profile during conflicts or tense situations, mostly choose flight over fight response. They are surprisingly calm and collected and will find a solution or escape in no time. When they feel threatened and choose to fight tho… they get cold-blooded af

Taurus Venus natives are so POISED and elegant and I say that as a libra venus. You will never see them being messy, they behave with a lot of class always

Venus-Sun conjunction in synastry is actually not so good imo. In a natal chart this is considered a weak aspect for relationships because venus is combust. When we find it in synastry, this means Sun person combusts venus person. At best Venus person almost worships Sun person to their detriment. At worst Venus person feels like sun person is too much and tends to see the sun person as too obnoxious

I also think this is why Sun-Moon conjunction in synastry is overrated. Moon is too soft of a planet and sun feeds off of the moon’s affection while moon becomes attached and drained. I’ve very often seen with this aspect how sun person unknowingly offends or hurts moon person in some way

Also, strong venus synastry between women can manifest as toxic competition, "cat fight" energy

Venus opposite/square Moon is a very phony aspect tbh specially the square. They appear to be way nicer than they actually are

I've noticed men with Leo placements tend to be pretty sexist and openly defend traditional gender roles or patriarchy values. The instinct of Leo men is to be the 'king', the leader and Alpha just like actual lions. However if they also have strong feminine energy in their chart such as major water and earth energy they tend to show more benevolent sexism or chivalry behavior

Gemini placements will immediately like you if you are someone who is open to chill chats with them and you overall make them feel like they can freely rant to you about random stuff

Cancers are very infantilized but imo they are the least naive and most intelligent out of all the water signs. Cancer Moons in particular I've noticed can actually have a very accurate and impartial intuition. Cancer Moons have this ability to just understand and accept people's feelings, intentions and situations exactly for what they are without any judgement which makes them VERY intelligent people. Idk I’ve just seen cancer moons are actually the most level-headed out of all water moons

Leo Venus honestly give me huge pick-me vibes and low-key have the personality of a spoiled brat fr. I've seen ppl with this placement be a lil to obsessed with getting sexual attention and being the most desirable person in the room

honestly I've noticed that the people I genuenly get along with the best in the long run are people I have 1st house synastry with. There's something about 1st house synastry that feels SO uplifting and refreshing like there's this spark everytime you see or are with this person and you just naturally get eachother's vibe

That said, 7th house synastry is a bit overrated imo. Again, not saying it is bad but this is the house of open enemies as well as partnerships. 7th house represents parts of yourself you have a hard time accessing and that's why you attract people with this energy. Therefore 7th house synastry often creates love-hate dynamics, cause it's like yeah you like the person on a surface level but there's always some hidden 'BUT' bc they low-key embody the exact opposite of what you identify (1st house)

6th house synastry is very common in people that dislike each other, specially the house person disliking the planets person

Virgo placements are STARVED for validation like no other sign but they hide this well cause they don't wanna appear desperate. They tend to carry this teachers pet behavior to all sorts of aspects of their life hence the trope of virgo being obedient or goodie-two-shoes

I need to ask Capricorn Mars people: when do y’all sleep? Every single minute of these people’s lives is occupied with some activity, be that work or leisure. And funny thing is they never seem to be overwhelmed or tired at all, in fact the more they do the more energized they seem to be

Something else I’ve noticed with Capricorn Mars is that they tend to have a very bold and obnoxious personality. Even if they are more introverted, they tend to be a little too direct to the point where they can come across as rude, insensitive and power-hungry. But at the same time this makes them appear competent and confident and a lot of ppl like that about them

Scorpio Juno natives tend to be very opportunistic and greedy when it comes to business. Sometimes to the point of having questionable work ethic sometimes. Overall this is a major placement for indicating talent in business or finance and making a lot of money

Libra Venus natives have a wondering eye definitely. What makes them start to consider someone as a potential partner is looks first and foremost, the rest comes later lol

I once saw an observation that said “gemini placements want you to listen to them but they won’t listen to you” and let me tell you this is a FACT. Talking with a Gemini placement feels like they’re just brain dumping stuff on you💀💀Love you guys tho

Libra loves to flex their wealth, achievements and status a lot more than Capricorn/Scorpio/Leo

Capricorn placements are naturally good educators and they honestly give me influencer energy low-key. They just naturally have this trustworthy and competent energy that when they lean into guiding and teaching people in some way they really excel and attract success the most

Venus-Venus synastry >>>>>> Venus-Mars synastry. With Venus-Venus aspects (even harsh ones) there’s a natural desire to bond/come together with this person in some way no matter what, so the attraction is most of the time mutual and very lasting. You also just naturally like each other and genuinely enjoy each other’s presence. If the relationship is sexual then the sex is just as good if not better than with Mars cause Venus rules pleasure and you’ll both want to please each other while Mars tends to be more self-serving sexually

This is not to say Venus-Mars aspects in synastry are bad, they definitely can create nice bond, chemistry and all of that. But Venus and Mars have opposing natures which can create strong attraction and irresistible pull because they compliment each other but at the same time it can also manifest as mismatching dynamics in the relationship where you aren't always in the same page, specially with harsh aspects. Just my opinion tho.

I know I've said this before but I wanna reiterate that Mars in the 7th house synastry does not reap good results in the long run as per my observation. Its giving friends-to-enemies or lovers-to-enemies energy. There's this feeling of instantly clicking with this person but very soon becomes evident that the two people have conflicting drives and desires which creates a LOT of tensions and unspoken competition/resentment. I've noticed it creates a dynamic where eventually one or both but specially the mars person in particular ends up resenting the house person

I’ve also talked about this before but I just keep observing that Moon-Saturn conjunction often appear to be very thoughtful, mature and kind because they’re very calm and observant of others but you very quickly notice that they actually seem to be completely and genuinely apathetic towards others’ emotions fr. They are aware of people's feelings and can actually understand them fairly well but it's like they observe them from an outside perspective like they're studying others rather than getting emotionally involved with them in an empathetic way. This behavior can have its positives but honestly for the most part I've seen that it makes the natives pretty shady and two-faced due to the strategic nature of Saturn. People with this aspect can play double agent exceptionally well

The most short-tempered mars sign as per my observation is Taurus Mars hands down. They're moody and unpredictable af.

Gemini Mars people have this oddly calm and aloof energy to them where they look like they’re only two sentences away from sending you to the therapist if you upset them in the slightest (they scare me)

I’ve noticed it’s actually Aries and Aquarius placements who love the enemies to lovers trope. Aries is the type to enjoy playful bullying or little dramatic arguments while Aquarius is more about the cat and mouse dynamic, flirting while acting uninterested and things like that. I've noticed they both love this vibe of almost daring the other person and feeling intrigued.

Speaking of, Aries Venus people confuse the shit out of me cause you gotta be a lil bit of an ice queen in order for them to like you😭 And they themselves act in ways that you'd think they hate you and wanna piss you off or create tension but they're just teasing, they wanna see what you're made of. That's why I said they "lack charisma" not because they don't have any but cause they have a very specific charm that can very often rub a lot of people the wrong way (cause it goes against venus' universally plesant nature), same with the other debilitated Venus positions

Gemini moons 🤝 being emotionally unavailable.

Gemini placements 🤝​ being forgetful AS FUCK. Not so much if they also have taurus placements tho

Something I've seen in a loooooot in the synastry of those married couples where the man is head over heels obsessed with his wife is the man's Lilith conjunct the woman's inner placements or angles SPECIALLY her ASC or Venus. She is his weakness and it's that kind of relationships where he can't take his eyes (and hands) off of her and he is fiercely determined to make her his

Something else I've seen in the synastry of married couples is the man's mars falling on the woman's 4th house. He wants to protect her and start a family with her

Aquarius ASC in the composite chart gives off HUGE situationship vibes frrr. I've noticed that couples who have this tend to fully act like they're in a relationship but if you ask them if they're dating they'll tell you they aren't cause they never made anything official. This is the type of connection where they've been together for years but it is uncertain where there relationship is going long-term, nothing's ever officialized or set in stone (Cap 12th house) kinda like "yeah idk one day we'll get married I guess who knows"

astrobydalia

[elainemorisi]

"like, did you forget you can just lie?!"

- my friend, an exasperated college professor, re: being asked... permission...? to... not do the spring break reading?

[starsandsuch]

Observations about how men from each Nakshatra act in dating & relationships 🏹 👩‍❤️‍👨 💌

Spilling the tea on men through the nakshatras , thank me later ladies 😌😉😏

Disclaimer : Mostly observations of public figures / personal experience/ what I’ve heard from friends. Feel free to add your experience!!

TW: some of these are really honest or 18+

➽──────────────❥

Ashwini men: very childish no matter how old they are. Can be possessive, kinda psycho with a violent streak.

Bharani men: don’t have much notes about them but from what I heard they are extremely possessive// many girls haves told me they’ve been stalked by bharani men. When their love is unrequited they will never let it go. Traditional and takes care of women. Masculine.

Krittika men: goofy and funny personality. Enjoys being babied by their partner.

Rohini men: know how to be the perfect storybook gentlemen. Prince Charming vibes. Very devotional to their partner. Seemingly innocent but are very s3xual individuals. Lowkey perverts. Can be stalkers.

Strives to satisfy their sexual craving within a relationship but will cheat on their partner to do so. Don’t put anything past them.

Mrigashira men: very intentional with who they chose to date. Specific criteria that only makes sense to them. The type to have a bunch of exes that all look identical to each other.

Seem like big heauxs but are loverboys on the low. They know how to please women on a fundamental level, theee most romantic and thoughtful gifts ever.

They like dating outside of their race, they tend to like girls who are flawless looking. If a Mrigashira man likes you, just know you’re probably a 10.

They can be misogynistic but are simultaneously obsessed with the opposite sex. They are really cute when they’re in love. They love playing mind games though.

Tend to be pretty boys, I notice they often have gay allegations on their reputations. They give bisexual vibes even if they’re straight.

Ardra men: similar to Mrigashira they are lover boys. They are used to dealing with rejection or unrequited love connections. They love hard but have trouble finding the right person for them , causing heartbreak in their love lives.

They are traditional in relationships. They act sad and emotional to get girls to like them. Their sad boy act is authentic sometimes but they are huge fboys too. Emotionally manipulative. Loves doing romantic gestures for their lovers. Very thoughtful gift giver.

Punarvasu men: they are like the ideal husband archetype . Caring, traditional, effectionate, generous. They are naturally feminine and understands what a women needs. However, they are very passive tho and end up being cucks in their relationships.

They attract more assertive women that energetically over power them. Classic Jupiter dominant man trope. Gets played a lot. Often friend zoned a lot too. Has weird fantasies.

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Pushya men: traditional and like taking care of a woman. They love pretty b!tches so if a Pushya guy likes you , you’re top tier. They are heauxs tho.

Ashlesha men: have serious mommy issues that get in the way of their romantic relationships. They are innately feminine and struggle expressing their masculinity in a healthy way. Very draining individuals. Tend to be romantic and generous, they are promiscuous tho.

Magha men: enjoys princess treatment from women, they like to be pursued by women. They are withholding with their energy and resources and usually women who date them leave the relationship with less then they started with. Misogynistic tendencies.

Purva Phalguni men: they tend to have all the qualities that women desire from men in relationships. Romantic , protective, generous , they are good at s3x. They are very devoted and romantic in a monogamous relationship. However they often have scandals in their love life that spoil their relationships and reputation.

They are very sexual and will go to great lengths to satisfy their sexual desires. These men have HIGH body counts. Usually involved in taboo relationships.

Uttara phalguni men: seem innocent and orderly but are s3x freaks. They are womanizers and pretend to treat women well to keep a good reputation but can have a negative side to them in private. Pervert-Chad vibes.

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Hasta men: cheap and feminine. They lie a lot. Haven’t heard great things about them.

Chitra men: feminine and tend to be himbos. I don’t think I ever met a straight chitra man? If they are straight they like being chased by women. Pretty boys.

Swati men: “Prince Charming takes you on a whirlwind romance” they like impressing women and like to be traditional. They have hot and cold vibes tho most women find impossible to deal with. They are eccentric and flighty. Emotionally unstable.

Vishaka men: will fight for the woman they really like. “Warrior/solider who defends the honor of the princess he’s in love with”. They are thots tho. Have a lot of drama in their love lives.

Anuradha men: falls in love hard. Devotional and romantic, will do grand romantic gestures for their partners. But tend to have addictive personalities and violent tendencies. Can have s3x addiction. Will stalk their love interests. Some have really creepy vibes and weird fantasies. Emotionally turbulent.

Jyeshta men: treat relationships like a game, they like collecting trophies and prizes, so they will date many women at once. They are generous and manly and good at manipulating women. Seemingly enjoy the attention of relationships more than the actual relationship. They like to chase. Lie a lot.

Mula men: traditional and kinda boring. Epitome of “she’s Barbie and he’s just Ken”. They are goal oriented, ambitious and logical. They tend to prioritize their career and desire a “trophy wife” to compliment them. Have stoic personalities and are straightforward and blunt.

Purva Ashdha men: traditional gentleman archetype. Very romantic in relationships. Kinda tend be players though. Pretty boys.

Uttara ashdha men: traditional and fatherly. Usually dates Sun nakshatra/ Leo women or women who have solar qualities like them. They like dating the “female version of themselves”. Doesn’t really understand the complexities of women. Typical “he’s just Ken” vibes.

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Shravana men: not really assertive in relationships. Likes hanging with the bros more than devoting self to a relationship. Not the most committed, but can be, but only if it’s connected to their social status. Usually marries their high school sweetheart. Not much notes for them.

Dhanishta men: complex relationships with women. A “bachelor” Nakshatra. Some of them hate women or only have a partner bc it’s socially acceptable. Likes the social status that comes with being with a beautiful woman. Doesn’t have successful relationships till later in life. Best suited towards “friends to lovers” relationships. Some are kinda innocent and virginal. Haven’t heard great d reports about them.

Shatabhisha men: surprisingly act very fatherly in relationships, enjoys taking care of the partner. Not the most emotional in relationships but tend to handle responsibilities well. Likes hanging w the bros prob more than their girlfriend. This nak in general is like the “ghost nakshatra” they will ghost pretty much anyone , and are hard to connect with. Sneaky & secretive. Tall & handsome.

Purvabhadrapada men: acts like a gentleman. huge heauxs. Although when they find “the one” they’ll move heaven and earth for her. Gomez and Morticia Addams vibes. Nonchalant about most relationships but women tend to go crazy for them. Usually has the hots for one women but will entertain many he doesn’t really care about. Makes great fathers.

Uttabhadrapada men: odd personalities in general. Can have trouble connecting with the opposite sex. Don’t have much notes about them. Kinda boring.

Revati men: are generous, assertive masculine. If they want you they’ll show it. Tend to like having a mommy figure as a partner. They are heauxs tho and always have a big roster. Very s3xual individuals. Major players. Immature.

[redr0sewrites]

Hazbin Hotel Characters with a Goth S/o

this is basically how some of ththe hazbin characters would support their goth s/o- as a goth person this is literally so self-indulgent lmao

🥀Pairing(s): lucifer x reader, velvette x reader, adam x reader, alastor x reader

🥀 Cw: fluff!

Lucifer

lucifer is a little confused and intimidated about your style at first, he definitely asks a lot of questions

VERY supportive once u explain it, hes very much the "okay dear" type

honestly i think he would find it super attractive, the way u express yourself is just so admirable to him

i feel like lucifer is very fidgety and is always losing focus, and one tjing that i do is that im ALWAYS fidgeting with thr chains and accessories on my outfits so like imagine him just standing super close to you and gently rearranging your chains and necklaces for you...

he would let you teach him how to do makeup and eyeliner and would definitely let you practice styles on him!

lucifer would also help you get ready too, always willing to offer some positive feedback or help with makeup and hair

i also think lucifer adores it when you give him music recommendations, and would get super into a lot of the bands that you like

i personally hc him as a siouxsie and the banshees fan bc i just feel like the elegant vibes fit him very well, but i also think he'd like strawberry switchblade too and just goth stuff like that

overall very supportive and super sweet and silly when it comes to your fashion

Velvette

gosh she needs more love

you both are fashion ICONS okay like even before you both become official she is blown away by your style and authenticity

she def designs special fashion items just for you, she makes a whole line of clothes based off of u and ur aesthetic

velvette LOVES matching with you and loves incorporating both of your individual styles into your matching outfits, whether youre more mallgoth or romantic goth or trad goth or anything in between, she is totally inspired by you and your fits and will always want to inspire you in return

def buys you things she seed and thinks you'd like or look good in, regardless of price. her gifts range from thrifted maxi dresses abd fishnets to priceless jewelry and makeup LIKEEEEE omg

velvette LOVES when u wear something she bought for u or designed for u as well

yall are always late for social events bc u HAVE to be the best dressed couple there i swear

also if u wear chunky boots or platforms and ur taller than her???? expect her to pull you down for kisses bc URGH seeing you sm taller than her does something to her

guys i have a type help

Adam

adam thinks your hot af if you're goth

hes the type to make big tiddy goth gf jokes im sorry💀

in all seriousness tho he would LOVE a goth s/o

adam def likes alternative/rock music and he would think it's awesome if you introduced him to some goth bands

he would LOVE the scary bitches, death grips, and also sisters of mercy too

i def think goth people would be much more rare in heaven than in hell, and he would get SO defensive on your behalf if anyone said anything about you or your fashion

honestly hes your number one fan and LOVES giving his input on your fits

honestly your closet doubles when you date him, adam loves seeing you wear his rings and punk jewelry and i def think he has a lot of old band shirts and stuff for his band, so he would love seeing you wear his oversized shirts

if u have piercings WOOWHEE bc adam asks SO MANY QUESTIONS

he thinks theyre so hot ngl, and i def think he has a few piercings and will buy u both matching jewelry

adam would learn to play songs you like on the guitar for you as well

i dont think hed be super keen on letting you put makeup on him but he'd fold after a little persuasion

i honestly think he'd like eyeliner and how he looks wearing it but doesn't want to admit it bc he doesn't want to seem too feminine (but u know ofc)

Alastor

before even meeting you he was fascinated by your style and boldness

alastor loves people who are unique, and someone who chooses to stand out so much definitely catches his eye

he'd find you very aesthetically appealing and would often find himself wanting to be around you more and learn more about you, your style, and goth culture in general

over this time period is probably when he started to develop feelings for you

alastor would def like the romantic/vampire goth look, that whole genre in general is just very elegant and classy while also nonconformist, which definitely speaks to him

when it comes to music alastor would probably be a little skeptical at first, especially when it comes to new technology, however if you (like me) have a record player and vinyl, i def think he would like listening to some of your fav goth bands on that

i dont really know why but i gen think he'd be a fan of the cure, sure its pretty basic but the vibe of some of the songs can be upbeat and kinda jazzy, and they just have that "old timey" vibe i think alastor would appreciate

alastor is fascinated with the process in which you get ready, and enjoys just sitting and watching in peaceful silence as uou do your makeup and pick out your outfit

if you (like most goths) are into creepy and unusual decor, he would LOVE to help you decorate your room

alastor has the strangest taste in interior design and loves sharing his unhinged ideas with you

overall alastor loves people with a lot of individuality and would definitely find a goth partner appealing because of that !!

THIS IS GETTING SO LONG HELP IM PROB GONNA MAKE A PT2 W MORE CHARACTERS HEHE- THIS WAS MY FIRST TIME WRITING FOR ALASTOR AND VELVETTE I HOPE I DID THEM JUSTICE!!! WE NEED MORE LOVE FOR VELVETTE SHES SOOOOO AJSJDJD- anywaysssss hope yall enjoyed!!! feel free to req more, esp if u want a pt2 to this >:D

[pomefioredove]

Hiii!! Could you possibly do headcanons of overblot boys + adeuce with a s/o who likes to collect figures or like manga or something along those lines? Also I love your writing you’re awesome sauce. feel free to delete or ignore if you don’t wanna do it!! I understand :3

<3<3 ofc

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ collector! reader

type of post: headcanons characters: riddle, ace, deuce, leona, azul, jamil, vil, idia, malleus additional info: romantic or platonic, reader is gender neutral, reader is yuu

looking at... [vaguely gestures to Heartslabyul] all that, I can't imagine Riddle has any grounds to complain about knick-knacks or clutter. he literally lives in a minimalist's worst nightmare. he also gives the impression of a collector of odd trinkets. like stamps or antique tea cups. grandma vibes. probably gets you a nice display cabinet for your things

*ੈ✩‧₊˚

Ace is a sixteen year old boy who balls and thinks of himself as a lady's man. and, I mean, he loves you, but you can tell what he's about to say before he even opens his mouth. weeeeeeb... then he saves up all year just to gift you that one ridiculously priced figure for your birthday. like I said, he loves you, he just has a very... defensive temperament

*ੈ✩‧₊˚

I feel like Deuce is a really good listener (or, at least, he knows how to be quiet when you're talking, unlike a certain other Heartslabyul first year), even if he doesn't quite get it. besides maybe Jack, he's the most willing to watch your favorite shows with you, read your mangas together, hear about each individual trinket you own... even if he still doesn't understand. it makes you happy <3

*ੈ✩‧₊˚

Leona is more of a meh guy. "what do you want, a cookie?" is probably in his top ten favorite expressions. things to say when he doesn't care about something. and. listen. he cares about you, he does, but he's not really the type to pretend. he'll let you talk about your collection, though. as long as you're happy with him, you won't seek out Idia and become completely intolerable (his words, not mine!)

*ੈ✩‧₊˚

Azul is having flashbacks to all the junk that Jade and Floyd hoard. but, hey: at least your collection isn't of broken toasters or wild mushrooms. he can respect the pride you take in your hobbies, and the care you... wait, how much does all this cost?

...yeah. okay, he understands. definitely not toasters or mushrooms. your room is practically a museum

*ੈ✩‧₊˚

[Jamil voice] "once you're done playing with your toys will you come help me clean up the lounge"

no, he doesn't get it. you haven't said how much all of this costs because you think he might have a heart attack if he saw the numbers, and you keep your belongings tidy enough for him not to stress. so he doesn't complain

(and also because he knows they mean a great deal to you)

*ੈ✩‧₊˚

[Vil voice] "once you're done playing with your toys will you clean up the lounge" lol

he's not exactly jumping for joy when you spend all your allowance on plastic merchandise and picture books. I mean, he's already had to lend you his winter coat, and there was that week you had to stay at Pomefiore because the water at Ramshackle was out... but making purchases seems to make you happy, so he begrudgingly accepts it

there are worse hobbies to have, after all. [side-eyeing Rook]

*ੈ✩‧₊˚

I don't even want to write Idia's part. I'm afraid he'll materialize in my room and start fangirling over this (rip idia shroud you would have loved x readers)

but seriously, he's been recommending you his favorite mangas and animes and games. he probably buys you authentic figures that are thousands of thaumarks on a whim 'cause you kinda like the character. very sweet. very thoughtful. when should I book your wedding. etc

*ੈ✩‧₊˚

you'd think that Malleus would be astonished? WRONG this guy lives with Lilia "hip with the kids" Vanrouge. who is not only a hoarder, but someone who most certainly has a shelf of manga and figures from his favorite games somewhere in the cavernous hole he calls a room. Malleus has probably gotten him one for his birthday (after the 5 hours it took for him to figure out how to buy things online). so like. it's no big deal to him. if you ever mention wanting new manga or figures or... anything... he will give you twice the amount of thaumarks necessary. he's like that

[jaehaeryshater]

England’s Pearl and Their Beloved Queen

Mary I and Katherine of Aragon by @francy-sketches

Guys. I have not been so excited for a commission in my life. I know it’s not ASOIAF so definitely not as anticipated among my friends, but it’s just so well done. I adore Katherine and Mary and this turned out so beautifully. I cannot sing Francy’s praises high enough; after the initial reference pictures I sent her, I did not need to correct anything at all, she completely got the vision.

As anyone who has ever encountered me before will have known, I am incredibly particular about commissions and therefore very involved. I usually like to give pieces I pay for extra thought and historical authenticity. For this piece, I went and looked for available quotes and contemporary accounts of Katherine’s fashion choices. I wanted to make sure from the base of the dress (the farthingale underneath) to the jewelry were all as accurate as was reasonably possible. I did even learn a thing or two, despite my initial intention of just checking to make sure everything I had previously believed was true. For example, I learned that Katherine sometimes wore a flemish hood, which I wouldn’t have thought that would align with her fashion sense; I was proven wrong. I have seen practically all the artworks available to the public that have been confirmed to be Katherine, so I had already guessed black was her favorite color to wear. But I did learn that her other favorites were purple and red. I decided to keep it simple with the black. It’s elegant and regal, black was an expensive color but still is not obnoxiously ostentatious. The jewels around her neckline as taken directly from portraits of her. The pearls seem a mainstay for her, but I did learn that her dresses had many other colored jewels tied into them. I just thought black looked the best. Her dresses were fur-lined, although I would definitely say we took some liberties on what the fur looked. The fur she wore was pretty much exclusively ermine. The sleeves also have true gold, which Spanish royalty traditionally loved (for hundreds of years, by this point, at least). Katherine’s Spanish outfits, of which she had many, definitely collected dust in favor of more traditional English outfits. There’s no indication that she was forced into this, as she did sometimes dress in the Spanish style when it struck her fancy, but it was important for her to present herself as English with English loyalties and priorities in mind. That being said, something as innocuous as gold embroidery, which was not completely foreign to the English court, was definitely something she could implement from back home without seeming like a foreigner. I have pomegranate embroidery on her sleeves, which is more of symbolism rather than something accurate. There’s no proof she ever wore pomegranate embroidery on her sleeve, but her official symbol was of a pomegranate, so I figure that was something important to her.

Katherine’s necklace is obviously a direct copy of the necklace she wears in several of the contemporary artworks depicting. This is pure speculation, but I personally believe that this necklace could have come from old English jewels that had been melted down and repurposed for her. Generally, people weren’t as sentimental in the same way we are today, nor worried about these aspects of preservation, so jewels were melted down and used for other purposes all the time. She also usually wore many strings of pearls, but it just would have looked like too much and would take away from the piece overall, so we decided just to do the necklace. Her gabled hood is also directly taken from her contemporary portraits, the gold and black with the red jewels was what she usually wore. She has a girdle belt with a long string of pearls. Sometimes she would wear a cross at the end or some black jewels that matched her necklace. What’s depicted in this is actually a pomander that turns into a rudimentary clock when it is opened. Katherine is recorded as having one of these; I thought that was very cool. I also asked for her to have some rings. She did have a wedding ring, but I found no description of it, so the artist just did basic gold. She’s wearing two which I think is pretty funny considering she was married twice, of course she wouldn’t have worn two wedding rings, but imagine if she did have the audacity to. Katherine had so much jewelry, more than any of Henry VIII’s wives. She had the royal collection available to her, pieces from Spain, and gifts from Henry specifically made for her. She usually decked herself out as expensively as possible.

Unfortunately, there is basically no information on how Mary dressed as a child. We know her mother dressed her and was having the clothes ordered herself, but beyond that, there’s really nothing available that I could find. I felt that Mary would be dressed similarly to her mother, but I wanted to give her a purple dress because purple fabric was generally the most expensive thing you could buy. I wanted to illustrate how loved and well taken care of she was. She has matching rings with her mother, but no girdle belt or necklace because I’m envisioning her as being 6-9 in this, so I wanted to give her something she could play in. She’s wearing a French hood. Katherine ordered her one in 1520, when she was four. My references on how hers should look is from portraits of her aunts Mary and Juana. I felt that Katherine would probably want to buy a style she was familiar with. Mary’s embroidery is of the Tudor rose. It turned out so beautifully. Similarly to Katherine, there’s no evidence that she actually wore that embroidery, but I wanted some symbolism in there.

My intention with this piece was to show the closeness between Katherine and Mary. Katherine loved Mary with all her heart and showed no outward indication of disappointment that Mary was a girl. She spent more time with Mary than any other highborn individual in this time period that I know of. I wanted to show that Katherine is someone that Mary deeply and completely trusted, even when court could be over the top and crowded, frightening for a child. I feel as if people other themselves from people in the past. People often feel as if people 500 years ago did not care as deeply about their children or weren’t attached to them. I believe this is true in some instances, but generally we are more like the people of the past than we like the believe. As far as any research I’ve done has shown, Katherine loved Mary as much as any mother of our time loves her children.

I believe Francy did a beautiful job, so all compliments go to her, I hope everyone checks out her page to see her amazing work. The caliber of this is unlike the commissions I’ve done in the past. I cannot thank her enough.

I hope this ended up being relatively historically accurate, I’m sure someone will let me know if it’s not haha.

[heartsaturn]

“i feel so high school , every time i look at you” - lh43

luke hughes x fem!reader

summary: reader decides to surprise luke by singing a song that she wrote about him at her concert in michigan

warnings: suggestive comment (?? not really but kind of), intended lowercase, takes place during the offseason, not proofread cus i don’f have the time for that

a/n: so i cut some parts of the song that repeated out because i didn’t want to make the fic too long, this probably sucks so i’m sorry about that

———————————————————————-

“good evening detroit!” you exclaim into your microphone after the opening act of your concert. things were moving smoothly and everything was set in place for you to surprise your boyfriend. the deafening cheers of the crowd are chanted right back at you and they are the only thing you are able to focus on.

“are we having a good night so far?” you ask. again, the crowd responds positively by screaming back in reply. despite being on tour for a few shows now, you will never be able to get over the amazing aura of every crowd. every single night feels like a fever dream and you are so happy to be living in it. this is truly the life that you have been dreaming of.

“so, we are at the point in the show where i usually play acoustic songs with my guitar, however, i have a little something special planned for you all tonight,” you announce to the crowd as the thunder of their voices does not stop, but increases.

meanwhile, luke is confused. you usually like to run things by him or tell him about changes that you want to make in your shows and music. he isn’t offended by the change. still, he is wondering if he might have done something wrong. luke’s puzzled expression must be obvious because jack and quinn seem to have caught on to the fact that luke has no idea what is happening. luke’s brothers decided to tag along when luke mentioned that he would be going to your concert tonight. they know you quite well now and went because they wanted to support you. mostly to poke fun at their younger brother though. quinn catches on to what is happening first. he notices luke’s uncertain expression and puts the pieces together that you are either mad at him or surprising him. quinn assumes and hopes that it is the latter.

“as a lot of you probably know, my lovely boyfriend went to college in michigan,” you start to explain. luke then starts to realize what is happening and immediately feels excitement course through his veins. he has never had someone make such an amazing gesture of love for him before, so the feeling is new and very welcome.

“and i wanted to display my love for luke. so, this is my new song called so high school which is out right now,” you say abruptly, making everyone in the stadium go completely insane. the lights shine bright at your face as you begin to sing.

i feel so high school every time i look at you

it is one of you and luke’s rarely shared days off. usually, when these days occur, you guys plan a date or do something special with each other. this time you just decided to relax and be in each other’s company. you and luke have yet to get out of bed, despite waking up thirty minutes ago.

‘i love you,” luke says softly before gently kissing your forehead.

“i love you too, luke,” you reply, a warm smile peeking through on your tired face, “this feels so natural. us, i mean. i know it may sound cheesy, but i feel so stupidly in love with you. it’s like puppy love,” you say with a small laugh at your own cheesiness.

“that is definitely cheesy, but cute. and i feel the same way by the way,” luke says in reply, joining your soft laughter. moments like these are short-lived but they are some of your favorite moments with luke. the purity and authenticity of the words being shared just feels perfect.

and i wanna find you in a crowd just to hide from you

“please stop staring at my brother and just go up to him,” jack says, taking you out of your trance. you had been looking at luke for an embarrassingly long time apparently. if it was long enough for jack to notice, it was too long.

“mind your business,” you mutter, becoming slightly embarrassed at the fact that you had been caught staring at your boyfriend by his brother.

“i don’t understand why you’re not just going up to him. you’re literally dating him,” jack says.

“i’m admiring from afar,” you reply. your words make jack visibly cringe and then walk away. he says something about going to get a drink, but it was clearly an excuse to get away from your lovesick stares at his brother.

suddenly, you and luke make eye contact. luke sees you and a smile smile spreads across his face. and then a smile on your own face. neither of you go up to the other though, choosing to just stand and stare instead. the small interaction ends because luke is pulled into another conversation in a matter of seconds. one thing shown is that your love for this boy is undeniable.

and in a blink of a crinkling eye

i'm sinking, our fingers entwined

cheeks pink in the twinkling lights

tell me 'bout the first time you saw me

i'll drink what you think, and I'm high

from smoking your jokes all damn night

the brink of a wrinkle in time

bittersweet sixteen suddenly

date nights are always amazing. especially when you are dating your favorite person. you and luke decided to have a date night. neither of you wanted to plan anything too fancy so you both agreed on stargazing. it’s a cliche date but it never fails to be romantic.

“you know, i’ve loved you since the moment i saw you,” luke chimes up randomly.

“oh really?” you say with a small chuckle.

“yeah, i thought you were the prettiest person i’d ever seen since the moment i laid my eyes on you. i still think that to this day,” luke says. he is getting sleepy and the grogginess in his voice proves that. luke isn’t usually so romantic. sure, he has always been romantic with his gestures, which prove that he loves you and will do romantic things for you. he just doesn’t usually say things so romantic. luke is a man of many words, he likes to talk. but it’s rare that uses his words to properly convey the emotions that he is feeling, simply because he is a slightly awkward person.

so, luke’s words pleasantly surprise you.

“you really think that?” you ask softly, your heart practically melting at the sweetness of your boyfriend in the pale moonlight.

“of course i do,” luke replies, as if his words were the most nonchalant thing ever.

this is when you found out that luke liked you for way longer than you thought he did.

i'm watching american pie with you on a saturday night

your friends are around, so be quiet

i'm trying to stifle my sighs

'cause I feel so high school every time I look at you

but look at you

a lot of the time, the new jersey devils don’t have enough time to hang out as a group. there is a party every once in a while, but other than that, hangouts are pretty seldom.

somehow, a lot of the team was available one night and the wags were able to organize a movie and game night with the players and their partners. it wasn’t anything big but it was what was able to be done.

luke isn’t very fond of his current situation. he loves his teammates and he loves spending time with them. he just loves his girlfriend more. all he wanted was some alone time with his girlfriend, especially because you both have very busy schedules. but luke is now stuck on the couch of one of his teammates’ living rooms next to his girlfriend, forced to be quiet while watching a movie that he can't remember the name of.

“do you know what’s happening? i haven’t really been paying attention,” luke whispers to you after he decides that he’s had enough of pretending to be invested in the movie.

“me neither,” you say, letting out a small laugh that sounds more like a huff.

“i’m bored,” luke speaks once more.

“don’t you want to spend time with your teammates?”

“this is barely spending time with them. no one is even interacting,”

“at least we’re all together,”

“i want to be together with my girlfriend,” luke whispers in a whiny tone. at that, he notices the death glares from some people around him who are actually watching the movie and decides to shut his mouth. you can’t help but giggle at the slightly flustered look on luke’s face after he realizes that people could here him.

you two ended up disrupting the movie night, but at least it was more enjoyable that way. well, for you and luke it was.

are you gonna marry, kiss, or kill me?

it's just a game, but really

i'm bettin' on all three for us two

get my car door, isn't that sweet?

then pull me to the back seat

no one's ever had me, not like you

“you know the game marry, kiss, or kill?” you ask luke randomly while laying on his chest.

“yeah..?” luke answers, confused by the randomness of your question.

“would you marry, kiss, or kill me?” you ask. the question seems silly but the look on your face tells luke that you are being one hundred percent serious.

“all three,” luke answers simply.

“you’d kill me?”

“sometimes i want to, but i was hoping it would be in the way of you dying from my love,” luke teases.

you let out a soft laugh at luke’s answer. after a few moments of just being in his arms, you eventually drift away into a calm slumber. luke stares at you for a few minutes. it wasn’t meant to be creepy in any way. luke just genuinely could not take his eyes off of you.

truth, dare, spin bottles

you know how to ball, I know aristotle

brand new, full throttle

touch me while your bros play grand theft auto

it's true, swear, scout's honor

you knew what you wanted and, boy, you got her

brand new, full throttle

you already know, babe

“you guys are such hockey bros,” you snort. you are sitting with luke and all of his friends. they are playing video games and arguing about stupid things. this is a frequent thing for them but you don’t usually hang around for it. you wanted to spend time with luke today though and you had nothing better to do. hearing them argue is entertaining anyway.

“yeah, you guys complain about your classes and then it’s stupid things like the history of hockey or something,” ethan’s girlfriend agrees.

“i swear all they know is hockey sometimes,” you say, continuing to tease the boys.

“you guys do know that we’re right here, right?” luke scoffs jokingly.

“that’s the whole point,” you say with a smug grin on your face. luke rolls his eyes playfully at your sass. the conversation dies down not too much later and the boys go back to playing their video game. luke’s hand finds it’s way to your thigh and kneads at the soft skin. you find the action slightly amusing but you let him have his fun. that is, until someone else notices.

“stop groping your girlfriend in front of us, dude!”

i feel so high school, every time that i look at you

as the song ends, the crowd’s whoops and hollers only grow stronger than they were before. you cannot see luke at all but you can only imagine his reaction.

whatever you imagined luke’s reaction to be, his actual one is much better. he is starstruck, not sure if he should say something to his brothers about the song or if he should just stand there admiring you and the fact that you wrote a song about him.

“dude, she wrote a song about you,” quinn says after a short time of quietness from all three of the brothers.

“i have no clue how she sees anything in you though,” jack adds.

“me neither,” luke murmurs.

———————————————————————-

word count: 2020

[babypinkhearts]

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁

suguru is very cautious when getting to know you. he’s a nice guy, of course. just has a few walls to break down.

he’s sweet from the get-go. smiling politely (it’s a smile that teeters between being friendly and actually genuine), sitting beside you when you’re alone, or even joining you when you get a little peckish and crave food that isn’t bland campus cuisine.

he holds himself at an arm’s length, feeling you out silently. every word you say is particularly engraved into the linings of his brain, and he holds his cards close to his chest, responding in only the most deliberate of ways.

and, he finds that there is never a moment where he is turned away.

he learns that you’re quite authentic. not to say he expected less — but it’s nice that you’re truly meaningful. suguru knows he’s a good-looking guy. heads tend to turn towards him out in public, and he’s accepted the natural feat like normality, now used to the attention. however, it’s attention that not always comes from the best places of interest. personality is where he really shines, he believes. he’s a bit more than a being of attraction.

you seem to understand that. a little too well, in fact. perhaps it’s as the poets would say — he is half of your soul.

“feel good?”

his eyes are closed, so pleasantly he’s sure he might fall asleep. the hairbrush is gentle in your hands, he feels each bristle nicely tingling across his scalp. and your voice is so soft, it’s like you want him to send him into a coma of delight.

suguru’s head leans back a bit further in his seat, and he nods a little sluggishly. he smiles when he hears your laugh.

“okay, sleeping beauty.”

maybe you’ve trailed far too close to his heart, but god, domesticity feels wonderful. like a world full of color, served to him on the finest gold platter.

so, yes. it means a lot when you unravel him just for him. no ill intent. when you take time to learn all about him, when you’re so attentive to his every silent need, and much, much, later (at least, when he finally notices), when your eyes don’t constantly carry the looks of seduction that he’s so accustomed to seeing from other people. just pure adoration. love. stars that keep shining, a pool of light. the sight is so foreign, and suguru thinks he’s never seen anything prettier. he’s possibly the biggest lover boy ever, head over heels for you.

[ghostlyferrettarot]

🪦Pick a Picture: 🩻🦇Your mystical beauty🦇🩻

•Pile 1 •Pile 2 •Pile 3

🔮Hi guys! I love Halloween and i wish you all a happy and spooky time this season🔮

❗️This is a collective reading, take what resonates and leave the rest❗️

✨️Paid Services ✨️ (Natal charts and tarot readings) Open!

🫧Join my Patreon for exclusive content!🫧

⚰️If you like my work you can support me through Ko-fi. Thank you!⚰️

🦇Masterlist🦇

🔮Pile 1: The Hanged man, 3 of cups and queen of Wands.

Hi pile 1! You have fairy energy for sure. Your mysticism and uniqueness make you stand out from the crowd, and your creative ideas are a reflection of your magical personslity. You likely have many artistic talents, especially in the design side of art, which could open many doors for you if you decide to put them into practice. The way you see the world is unique, and that translates into your work.

Additionally, you seem to have a special connection with nature and animals. You may feel a deep affinity for them, and receive messages or signals through their presence. This particular group has remarkable psychic sensitivity, allowing them to perceive things that others cannot. Your intuition is strong, and that helps you understand the world in a deeper, more meaningful way. Your beauty is not only reflected in your appearance, but also in your way of being and how you interact with others. There is no denying that you possess an enchanting and pure beauty, which is truly captivating pile 1!

🔮Song:

🌌Pile 2: The Moon, Queen of Cups and 6 of Swords.

Hi pile 2! You have Siren energy. You have a fascinating personality and an air of mystery surrounding you, which can make some people feel a little intimidated of your presence. Still, your ability to connect with people is remarkable; you seem to know exactly how to approach them and make them feel comfortable, which is a gift that can transform not only your life, but also the lives of those around you. There is an almost magical component to your being that could spark your interest in the esoteric, such as witchcraft or similar practices. You may have a natural inclination towards these areas, which would allow you to explore and develop skills that others might consider unusual. This interest could open doors to new experiences and knowledge, taking you on a journey of self-discovery that would enrich your life in unexpected ways.

Your uniqueness is what truly sets you apart; you know how to win the hearts of those around you with that very special energy that you emanate. It's as if your essence has a magnetism that attracts people, making them feel intrigued and captivated at the same time.

🌌Song:

🩻Pile 3: Queen of Wands, The Emperor and 6 of Wands.

Hi pile 3! You have Goddess energy. You have a brilliant mind and a free spirit that sets you apart from the rest. You likely have great aspirations and are determined to achieve them, regardless of the opinions of those around you. That very independebt energy that you radiate not only attracts people to you, but also couses admiration in many. Some may even feel a little envious of the way you present yourself to the world. Your ability to dream big and your courage to show it are qualities that drive you towards success. You don't stop at obstacles, and your determination is something that really stands out. Plus, you have a natural charisma that allows you to connect with others, regardless of their background or personality. That ability to relate to people is a gift that opens many doors for you and helps you build meaningful relationships.

Your authenticity and your way of being make those around you feel attracted to you. You shine not only for your achievements, but also for the way you face life.

🩻Song:

🔮🦇Thanks for reading and tell me if it resonated🦇🔮

[celesomnis]

❝ The Lionguard Gambit ❞

Nyoka Wadjet x Prefect Reader

The prefect requires some help. The snakeman will not provide it without a catch. There is chess, and a more harrowing "game" is maybe played too.

⋰🐍⋱🐍 ⋰🐍⋱🐍⋰🐍⋱🐍⋰🐍⋱🐍⋰🐍⋱🐍 ⋰🐍⋱🐍⋰🐍⋱

babes, bros, and nonbinary beaus, I present to you the highly anticipated ''x reader'' ficlet for @cozymochi and @oddberryshortcake 's slitheringly handsome oc!

because let's be so real, we all down bad for that snake boi.

(and happy christmas you two dears! <3 I hope you do enjoy this and that it lifts your spirits fghsjk and i am so sorry if he is wildly ooc,, I tried my best 😭)

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“I know a guy for that.”

"Yeah. I'm kinda... I'm kind of here because you do, actually."

Nyoka Wadjet did not look amused.

You folded your fingers together and regarded the venomous beastman as passively and politely as you were able.

"Look. I know since we've been sticking around in Savanaclaw lately, Grim has been pushing your boundaries here and there. So if you help me, I'll make sure he doesn't bother you again like that... for two whole weeks."

Air pushed slowly through his nostrils. He was regarding you more seriously now.

Approaching the very allusive, and admittedly rather frightful, student in order to find somebody who could counterfeit thaumarks was perhaps not the most self-preserving decision you'd made. But it was imperative to a growing idea you had on how to deal with you and your friends' latest Azul troubles.

"Three weeks." You sweetened the deal.

Nyoka's eyes narrowed.

"He landed on my head." was stated factually, like the action's offense spoke for itself.

That had indeed happened. Grim was not a often creature of preserving personal space.

"A month?" You tried.

"A year."

Well that wasn't happening. "Um. I could offer two months, maybe." People really had a tendency to overestimate your level of control over that little (lovable) demon.

It seemed like that was not a favorable compromise. Nyoka's attention dipped from you and moved to the room's center where he had previously been seated.

Your stare followed his towards the shining, porcelain chess set readied and untouched at the low-standing table. Sparking a different tactic.

"Or, maybe you could play me for it?"

His gaze swung lazily back at you. Something about the action, and the hooded way his eyes looked, put little tingles along your arms.

"I promise I actually know how to play." You said, in case he was doubting your authenticity.

Movement caught your attention behind his legs, and a second later, his long tail came swishing side to side. A myriad of scales glittering under the sunroof's light.

A somersault happened inside your stomach, but was ignored in favor of catching Nyoka's next words.

“I like to be on the winning side.”

"Is that you doubting yourself against me?" You pushed.

He tipped his chin up slightly, a sun-flare running over his glasses.

“One battle doesn’t lose a war, prefect.”

The message was clear. Challenge Accepted.

He waved a gloved hand, inviting you to sit, which you obliged.

"Alright." Nyoka told you, easing himself gracefully onto the opposing seat. "If you beat me, I will connect you with my friend. But if I beat you, you will forbid your familiar from invading my presence for the remainder of the year."

Oh dear. He was dead-set on that, wasn't he.

Your eyes met. The colors in his clashed your own.

These were desperate times.

"Deal."

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The first few minutes of the game were done mostly in silence.

While it was true you knew how to play (at least, back in your home world you had) it'd been awhile since you'd done so for real, and there was a necessary amount of concentration needed in the first half while you eased back into things.

Nyoka, naturally, was a hard player from the start.

Though some of the plays and tactics he tried helped along in jogging your memory of the nuances, there was still some clear rust in your play, whereas he was all refined sharpness.

Poising in ponder, then striking fast.

Quick as a cobra.

The game did not take long to be leant in his favor.

And the silence was becoming brutal.

It was very quiet in the room, which made sense as to why Nyoka liked to frequent here. And it wasn't unsettling.

That was not the issue.

The distress came because in its peace, it caused the only sound you could latch onto in the whole room was the slow, deep, even breaths leaving the man's chest.

Slow in, slower out, over and over.

Each breath led your concentration to phase in and out of the game with it.

When you snapped back to, you found you just lost one of your knights. Rather viciously.

"You're really subtle with your attacks." You noted sardonically, mostly just to say anything.

There was a shake to your hands as they moved your king.

Nyoka watched you fidget.

In reply, there was a smooth counter of; "Hmph. Like a drop to the head."

You wetted your lips. Moved a pawn. "Grim's harmless, just very personable."

"He is lucky I didn't bite him." Nyoka murmured.

You were still a little lost to thought when this was said, so your ears failed to detect if its inflection held jest or sarcasm.

"Really? I figured you too elegant to go around handling annoyances with your teeth," Slipped out of your mouth before sense caught up to it.

His eyes slid at you. Pinned you there.

Something in your gut flipped.

"I should bite you, Prefect."

The game, and entire room, might have disappeared, but right then you couldn't have been sure.

He spoke it low, and it rolled out of his throat in a way that sent heat down your back. "But I think I wouldn't get the taste out of my mouth for days."

The heat became infernal.

Your head turned away, cheek meeting the forgiving cold of the sofa, desperate to pretend those words weren't the most charged thing you'd experienced in your time here.

"Calm yourself," He intoned, and maybe it was your racing mind, but you almost thought he had the gall to sound amused. "Any venom I have is reserved for other targets."

Oh, you were anything but calm. But there was a bell ringing in the distance, another later hour revealing itself.

It was getting late, and you still had a chess game at stake.

Nyoka exhaled, a low and long huff that makes you at once certain you won't be able to stand for a long while after this.

It felt like a lot of things were at stake right now.

From infernal to charred, you were a wreck at this point.

Forcing your focus to cooperate, the board came back to life before you and a realization was brought with it.

"Finding it difficult to think?" His words were edged with a sultry hiss.

You steeled. Made your move fast. Trying to keep your face unchanging.

Nyoka fluttered his long fingers atop his pieces, calculating, before finally resting atop his queen. And took your pawn.

A sudden sense of victory quelled all other emotions within you, and with haste you moved your knight into a position that seemed vulnerable.

Taking the bait, Nyoka moved his queen back where it was before.

You struck, using your bishop to fly across the board for the winning move. Exclaiming "Check!" and knocking porcelain against porcelain. Hands springing up, elated. "Hah! I did it! The Lionguard Gambit!"

Nyoka looked up at you fast, then moved aback. Expression one you couldn't define. "The... What."

You remained as you were. Enjoying the simmer of your victory.

Thanking the gods and the Seven for having provided the luck that led you to stumble across that move in a late-night library study one evening.

The snakeman stared at you a long time.

The longer that the seconds ticked by, the less sure of yourself you became. Fearful there had been a miscalculation or premature celebration.

You hadn't done it wrong, had you?

And then, Nyoka said; "...Lionheart Gambit?"

A rush of burning sensation to your ears coaxed your arms into a deflate.

"Oh." That was embarrassing. "Well- you know what I meant! My point is, I won!"

"So you did." He relented, sparing you by moving on from your blunder.

It had felt like your mispronunciation had sort of rattled him, for whatever reason, but that was a mystery for another time.

“I guess some battles can turn a war’s tides, snake eyes.” You said, tone lilting once more coy.

Nyoka lowered himself into the spine of his chair with crossing arms.

You waited. "...Um. So. Nyoka?"

"Don't get fretful, prefect, I withhold my ends of bargains. I'll introduce you to the person you seek tomorrow."

You felt a press of disappoint, but relented that it had gotten late. You hadn't realized when the sun's shine had been replaced with the softer lights of the overhead lanterns.

Rising from the seat, knees mercifully only wobbling a little, you offered him thanks and began to make the - perhaps a little purposefully slowed - trek towards the exit.

"Well. Goodnight, Nyoka."

"Hmm."

"You not going to sleep?"

"In a while."

“Ah. Putting in some extra practice for when you get a good chess partner?” You tossed playfully over a shoulder.

“That is not an issue.”

Nyoka rolled his fingers into a fist and set his chin on it. He did not look back at you, but somehow, the heat in your chest returned all the same.

And beyond noise of the door shutting after you, you caught six words that kept that heat burning low in your chest for the whole night following;

“I know a prefect for that.”

⋰🐍⋱🐍 ⋰🐍⋱🐍⋰🐍⋱🐍⋰🐍⋱🐍⋰🐍⋱🐍 ⋰🐍⋱🐍⋰🐍⋱

fin.

[meanbossart]

On topic of the previous ask about Drow's emotional reactions to Astarion's past:

You see a lot of bad shit in Cazador's palace. The kennels where he was put through every layer of hell, the pleasure chambers, the utterly miserable living situation... DU Drow isn't a stranger to violence and brutality, of course, but being in a place where you know terrible things were done to someone you love as deeply as he loves Astarion has to hit different. He doesn't seem like he would outwardly react, but what was that like for him?

(ask being referenced)

So, something that might be a little challenging to both explain and understand is that while DU drow and Astarion are In love with each other at the point where they finally reach Cazador, I don't think they yet... Love each other in the way two adults might.

Astarion, while able to be more authentically imself (IE: kind of a dick) around DU drow, doesn't really know what exactly that self even is. Not to mention that regardless of the legitimacy of the relationship, his freedom is still dependent on DU drow's willingness to put his entire life on the line for him, something he could fail at - and losing lovers is nothing new to Astarion. One may even say he expects it to happen.

Meanwhile, DU drow's whole life and sense of identity has had to be (re)formed in the few weeks to months since he started, like, existing again. Time is very difficult to conceptualize when it's only been a thing since 60 days ago - he's killed hundreds of creatures to get here and hasn't had the opportunity to process what that means at all. He has no idea how old he is or where he's come from. He has scars that show he may have had it rough at some point but no memory of pain or suffering - and as far as he can tell, he is doing completely fine regardless of it. All of this to say:

DU drow could not wrap his head around what 200 years of enslavement is even if you shoved it up his ass.

So, when he sees a filthy set of bunkbeds, the immaculately kept pleasure-room, a torture chamber - all that he does is think to himself "Good thing I'm here to put an end this". And Astarion, as much enjoyment as he may get from the guy, still can't help but be glad he's here to do the heavy lifting on his behalf. Pity alone won't save him.

You know what does give DU drow pause, though?

It is undeniably self-centered that of all things, the spawn who speak of Astarion like a crossed lover would leave an impression on DU drow, and yet, that's what happened. And of all things he saw that day, this would be the very first that makes his stomach churn - though not the last.

DU drow is an egoistical man. This doesn't mean that he's incapable of caring, loving, nurturing and evolving - but he is an egoistical man nonetheless. Nothing makes him enter a state of desperation and, dare I say, fear, quite as having things taken away from him - or worse, seeing himself mirrored in something much smaller and weaker.

This will change. It will change a lot. When the dust settles and their relationship has the space to evolve into an actual life partnership, those smaller things and crass comments will come back to haunt him. But back, then you really needed to pass a fine thread through a needle-hole to make the guy introspect for even a second.

[hylemorph]

Thomas' relationship with masculinity in Nosferatu 2024

Thomas' motivation at the start of the film is financial self-sufficiency in the form of a promotion, and I think this is the starting point for his character arc through the film, which I personally see as a negotiation with the masculine roles available to him. Thomas is clearly embarrassed to be in debt to Friedrich, and paying him back and providing a similar level of comfort to Ellen is important to Thomas (maybe partially because she came from wealth herself). Thomas and Friedrich seem to have a good friendship, but there's definitely a vibe that Friedrich is a superior, and maintaining the correct level of victorian niceties seems to be important in their dynamic. Later in the movie when Friedrich and Ellen are arguing, Friedrich completely side-steps the actual topic (Anna's bite marks and delirium) by taking offence to her "marked tone" and the fact that she isn't performing the conventions of his superiority ("I hope, for your husband's sake, that you learn to comport yourself with the appropriate deference"). Upholding vapid, hierarchical victorian manners is closely aligned with the kind of masculinity Friedrich represents.

Thomas' vulnerability to this kind of masculinity is exploited by Orlok as well. when Thomas arrives at the castle the first night, Orlok has a 'noble host' facade set up with wine and bread for his guest, talking about how his "attendants" have all gone to bed, pretending that he still functions in society as a Count. Orlok demands that Thomas calls him "my lord" and orders him around, testing how far politeness will go to constrain Thomas' reactions to him. Orlok drops the facade pretty quickly, but it's interesting that he bothered to test Thomas at all, and also that he needs Thomas' signature on his covenant - for some reason Orlok needs Thomas' buy-in for his superiority, just like Friedrich does.

If my theory that Orlok/Friedrich and Ellen/Anna are mirrors is valid, then I think Thomas' mirror is the Romani vampire hunter guy. On each of my viewings I was struck by how closely the camera hung on this unnamed side character who is only in the movie for like 5 minutes - why is he emphasized so much? When Thomas arrives at the inn he's exhausted and out of his element, the Romani people crowd around him shouting and dancing, and the shot pans up to this cocky looking guy leaning on a door frame. He cracks up at Thomas' stuffy, befuddled look, and all the other Romani people join in. During the hunt/ritual, he takes on the frontline role and tells everyone to stfu. He's clearly a leader, but not based on any formalized hierarchy.

The vampire hunter represents a different kind of masculinity that Thomas tries to emulate later on. When Thomas says that he'll kill Orlok by driving a cold iron spike through him, he's not referencing anything Von Franz told them, he's planning to do exactly what he saw the vampire hunter do earlier. It probably wouldn't have worked, and maybe the vampire hunter just stabbed a normal corpse, and that kind of masculine role wouldn't have been very authentic to Thomas anyways, but I think it shows that Thomas is trying a new approach. If he can't keep Ellen safe through conventional means, maybe he can win by being raw and bold and decisive. If he had more time with Ellen I believe Thomas would have found a role that was authentic and right for his marriage, because his love was extremely strong and he was able to accept her completely, but it was too late.

[pinksobg]

This or that job/opportunity?

Hello guys! Welcome to this big pick a card. The main idea is to think about 2 different jobs/opportunities and for each one you will choose a different pile/letter. Each one will tell a different energy. I hope it is good for reflection. If you have just one job/opportunity in mind you can also choose your pile, no problem. :)

A. B. C.

D. E. F.

G. H. I.

Little disclaimer: Only for reflection. Take with a grain of salt and what makes sense to you. I hope it's good and can resonate with you. If it doesn't resonate, it's also okay. Take care. Cheering for your journey! 🩷🌷

A. ❤️

1. Is this job/opportunity good for pile A? According to the cards, it’s not the best opportunity.

2. What is the main difficulty of this job/opportunity? Blockage of creative energy and action.

3. What is the main positive point? "I was looking for a job and then I found the job."

I’m sorry that the reading is not the most positive, pile A. Remember that energies are mutable, and the most important thing is how you feel about this opportunity and concrete evidence if the opportunity is bad or good. Good luck on your journey! 🩷🌷 Rooting for you.

Cards: The Moon Rx, Ace of Wands Reversed, 10 of Swords.

Song: Maniac - VIVIZ.

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B. ❤️

1. Is this job/opportunity good for pile B? According to the cards, it may be a challenging path, but with the necessary patience, it can bear good fruits.

2. What is the main difficulty of this job/opportunity? The main difficulty might be a tough decision between staying in something that no longer satisfies you (8 of Cups) or making an important decision that requires great inner alignment (The Lovers). It can indicate a dilemma between moving forward or staying in what is comfortable but unsatisfying. This difficulty may involve the struggle between clinging to the familiar and the fear of stepping into something new that brings more growth or authenticity.

3. What is the main positive point? The main strength of this job may be the opportunity to face challenges and stand out with courage and determination (7 of Wands), while also applying inner strength, emotional and mental, to handle situations in a balanced and confident way (Strength). Together, these cards suggest that the job may be demanding, but it offers many opportunities for growth and to show resilience, overcoming obstacles with confidence and self-mastery.

Cards: 3 of Swords, 7 of Pentacles, The Lovers, 8 of Cups, 7 of Wands, Strength. 🩷🌷

Song: Cruel Summer - Taylor Swift.

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C. ❤️

1. Is this job/opportunity good for pile C? According to the cards, someone with determination can do well.

2. What is the main difficulty of this job/opportunity? It might be a more solitary job or one that requires long hours.

3. What is the main positive point? Surprisingly, you will have the opportunity to heal old wounds/beliefs that no longer serve you in the process of dedication. The cards indicate that you will feel more confident over time.

Cards: 9 of Wands, Hermit, 10 of Swords. 🩷🌷

Song: Armageddon - aespa.

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D. ❤️

1. Is this job/opportunity good for pile D? Good! Your masculine energy will prevail. It could be a strategic, logical, or leadership position.

2. What is the main difficulty of this job/opportunity? Perhaps your feminine side could be a little overshadowed in this job, but I believe it won’t hinder you in the long run. The advice is to keep taking care of yourself for your well-being.

3. What is the main positive point? Perhaps the pay will be good. It’s good for moving life forward, flow of energy, and even positive karma coming. Overall, this is a very positive pile in my opinion.

Cards: Emperor, Empress Reversed, Judgment. 🩷🌷

Song: Bop Bop! - VIVIZ.

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E. ❤️

1. Is this job/opportunity good for pile E? According to the cards, yes. A great opportunity for growth, especially in your mental area.

2. What is the main difficulty of this job/opportunity? It seems like a pile that will deal a lot with people, so remember to take care of your well-being too.

3. What is the main positive point? According to the cards, good contacts, collaboration. You might even make some friends. 🩷🌷

Cards: Page of Swords Sideways, Empress, 4 of Cups.

Song: Hype Boy - New Jeans.

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F. ❤️

1. Is this job/opportunity good for pile F? Yes. With the Magician, I believe there won’t be major difficulties. The job/opportunity seems very well aligned with your qualities and skills.

2. What is the main difficulty of this job/opportunity? The job may have high demand, requiring patience and flexibility.

3. What is the main positive point? The positive point might be the freedom of expression and the ability to handle situations flexibly. In some ways, you will be able to relax in your skills and qualities, without the need for an overly controlled posture if you already naturally fit into your role. Does that make sense, pile F? 🌷🩷

Cards: Magician, Knight of Pentacles, King of Swords Reversed.

Songs: Dash - NMIXX. (It’s impressive how the song I’m listening to right now resonates 😅). Antifragile - LE SSERAFIM.

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G. ❤️

1. Is this job/opportunity good for pile G? Yes. It seems very authentic.

2. What is the main difficulty of this job/opportunity? Interesting... nostalgia for something?

3. What is the main positive point? Working on something you enjoy, positive movement.

Cards: King of Wands Rx, The World, 6 of Cups, 2 of Wands Rx, Knight of Cups. 🩷🌷

"The fireworks bloom and the moonlight is full. We can dance in this moon night again (come with me). Raise your glass and have a future. My life is waiting for you, yes you. She smiles at me in the mirror."

Song: Mago - GFRIEND.

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H. ❤️

1. Is this job/opportunity good for pile H? Yes. According to the cards, especially if you are starting, facing your fears, or trying to move on from a period of stagnation.

2. What is the main difficulty of this job/opportunity? It could be a job without major changes or monotony.

3. What is the main positive point? This job could be quite positive because it offers balanced energy, with an opportunity to grow practically. Also, harmony and the possibility of choices aligned with your values make the work environment more rewarding.

Cards: The Chariot, 8 of Swords Reversed, Death Reversed, The Lovers, 5 of Wands Reversed, Queen of Pentacles Sideways. 🩷🌷

Song: Shhh - Kiss of Life.

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I. ❤️

1. Is this job/opportunity good for pile I? The job or opportunity has potential, but there are concerns and challenges to overcome. A sense of uncertainty or insecurity may be present, but it is something that can be worked through over time. It’s not necessarily a bad job, but it may require more effort to fully flourish.

2. What is the main difficulty of this job/opportunity? New perspective and breaking old patterns.

3. What is the main positive point? The combination of the cards indicates that you have the ability to reach a stage of emotional balance and self-care. This can be achieved through pragmatism and dedication, along with the inner strength to face challenges with courage and patience. These positive points suggest cultivating both emotional stability and inner strength. Does that make sense, pile I? 🩷🌷

Cards: 9 of Swords Sideways, Page of Pentacles Reversed, The Hanged Man, Queen of Cups, Queen of Pentacles, Strength.

Song: Knock - Lee Chae Yeon.