#a beauty that is marred if trying to compare it to anything

[iamasaddie]

he has the kind of inner and outer beauty that you can’t talk about because no matter what you say, the words will never do it justice

[astrow1zar6]

Big Slay placements pt 2

Mars in the 1st house (on men): these dudes are HOTTT. They give manly man vibes, the “I’ll jump in a burning building for you” vibes. These guys have big sex appeal and are usually walking red flags (but people dig that lowkey). They are usually very confident and aren’t scared to make the first move. If they want you they will have you (even if it’s only for the short term). These people however can be very cocky & sex obsessed if not careful. This placement is also hot in women but I notice in women this placement has a tendency to crash out a lot or start arguments a lot. I’ve also seen they can come off too strong (for a woman according to society) creates more of a Tomboy vibe/masc vibe in chics they aren’t traditionally “feminine”. (But I still think these people are soooo sexy regardless of gender) girls with this placement give Revvy from black lagoon. Ifkyk 😏 their self assured/ warrior like essence can intimidate weaker men a lot & many men can try to control their fire… (good luck lol). (Ps I am not misogynistic I swear I just prefer this aspect in men nothing wrong with the women in this🫶🏽)

Jupiter in the 1st house/ on the ascendant (positive aspects): these people are just overall a pretty good vibe. They can make even the gloomiest of mfs laugh I swear. These are the best people to have around during holidays or parties they really know how to spread good vibes around. I notice they have really good social graces & are really good at social cues which is why so many people want to be their friend. It almost looks like nothing can get to these people.. they can be hit with so much bs but still be able to keep a smile on their face. Very generous with their time and resources as well. If they love you best believe they will do anything for you. Usually attracts good luck in their lives because of their happy go lucky attitude. Others can feel more lucky being around them as well. Tend to have very attractive healthy bodies.

Leo degrees on the ascendant (5,17,29): every person I’ve met with this degree on their ascendant are super pretty & have so much appeal. Their presence is just so loud (even if their rising sign is more lowkey like Scorpio or Capricorn) the minute they enter a room people stop and stare. I feel like the 5th degree is more of a beauty degree and the 17th & 29th are more charismatic star born presence. (Regardless tho still all bad b*tch placements). These people just give AURA. You also have a higher chance of becoming famous if you have any of these degrees (not just on the ascendant).

Having a sign in their home planet (ex; sun in Leo, moon in cancer, Venus in Libra/taurus ect..) having planets that are in their home sign can make themes around that planet flow easier in your life. For example if you have a mars in Aries you might find it easier to be active & chase after what you want compared to other mars signs, you can have a surplus of energy and can handle challenges thrown at you with a lot more ease than lets say someone with a mars in Pisces or cancer.

Aries sun: shocker right… but the sun in exalted in Aries so it’s able to express itself in full throttle. Aries suns I notice tend to have a really strong sense of self & no one can shame them. I notice a lot have the ability to do what others would seem as “embarrassing “ and not give a flying fuck. This is such a freeing placement when mature. These people are the definition of idgaf and I adore it. If they get those anger issues under control they can be big power houses.

Venus in the 10th house: a lot of really famous people have this placement. Most celebrities or big business people have this. Gives this worldwide beauty that’s everyone adores. Can have a very big “fan group” even if they aren’t famous. Whatever comes out of these people’s mouths others see it as the gospel. (They can have a huge impact on the public). People can become obsessed with them easily. For example Billie Eilish & Donald trump have this placement… look at their fan base 👀 can leave a very iconic/legendary imprint on the world & many will remember them. They have a tendency to pick their career & public image over loved ones and relationships if not careful. Usually find love once they are settled in their career.

Lilith conjunct ascendant: oh the power these people possess is off the charts (especially for women) if you have this in your chart you are probably used to others trying to dull ur shine down because your aura is so strong! I’ve seen people with this placement get shamed a lot by others (mostly women) because they aren’t ashamed about what most women are taught to be ashamed about. So it’s almost like a mission for others to bring them down to their level. That’s how powerful you guys are!😳 men and women will try to control you cuz others can see your potential usually well before you see your own. Once these people step into their confidence however it’s really over for everyone. They have the potential to be beautiful & powerful. I think of Daenerys Targaryen when I think of this placement.

Pluto/venus: fucking with these people will feel like they did voodoo on you.. but fr tho it is very easy to become addicted/obsessed with these people’s energy. They have the ability to put a trance over people that can lead you to acting crazy over them. (This is especially true with hard aspects CONJUNCTION, opposition, SQUARE). These people hold the power to truly break ur heart. They can use their bodies & sex appeal to get you hooked (most are very good at the act if uk what I mean😏) can use a lot of mind games and manipulative tactics to keep you interested in them if they feel ur attention is drifting anything to get you attached and them in control they will use😳 the square placement can especially be bad with this. Gives a dangerous hotness like you know they are a huge red flag but you can’t resist. With easier aspects (sextile,trine, quintile) they aren’t into mind games as much and value genuine deep connections.

Mars/venus soft aspect (trine,sextile, quintile): usually super charming & have a really healthy libido & self esteem. They are big flirts & are usually amazing with their timing in terms of seduction. They know to give just enough without being overbearing or too detached which can get their object of desire hooked in a healthy way. These people are also super easygoing and have no problem admitting when they messed up (which only adds to their charm even more). Usually physically really fit/attractive. I didn’t add the harder aspects (conjunction, square, opp) mostly because although they can be extremely charming & have great sex appeal I notice their seduction techniques can be a little overbearing? They can come off as way to strong sometimes and scare off their object of desire (especially in the conjunction & square). They can be more selfish & get really aggressive when they don’t get what they want. They can struggle with getting bored in relationships easier than those with these in a softer aspect (trines & sextiles can keep healthier relationships). Harder aspects can become very forceful with their affection if denied. Especially in the SQUARE/opposition.

Jupiter in the 2nd house: most millionaires/billionaires I see have this placement. I notice they could’ve also been raised with money which gave them a push in life compared to others. I’ve also seen people who came from poverty with this and became super successful. This is a huge entrepreneur placement. Business comes very naturally to these people & are usually money driven from a very young age. They usually have a talent that gets them a lot of money in their life. Can have a big fear of losing money however and being in poverty.

Sun/venus: these people are usually pretty likeable. I notice these people have the ability to mold into whatever crowd they are involved with which usually wins them a lot of admirers. They can either come off as super charismatic or super phony but regardless people still eat them up. They try hard to be agreeable and tell people what they want to hear to boost their egos. So regardless if it comes off a little fake they know how to make others feel really good. This can be a big fame placement as well since a lot of celebrities have this. A lot dreamed of being really well known or popular from a very young age.

MC in aspect to Venus (conjunct or trine): these are usually considered the prettiest people in the workplace. Could get a long well with coworkers & many people can have crushes on them. I’ve seen these people get huge tips at work for just looking good. Has more of an opportunity to get hired or promoted because of beauty. They are that coworker that makes more than you and barely does any work😭😂 being so pretty and likeable people tend to give them more leeway than with others.

Mars in 8th house: this gives witch girl vibes. Similar to Pluto/venus people can become very obsessed with them. They tend to have a lot of stalkers or exes that still hit them up after years. These people are SUPER magnetic & their sex is very addictive. It can be extremely hard to move on from these people. I’ve seen people with this get hexed from spiteful lovers or have love spells be put on them, I’ve seen people break into their house (mostly exes or sneaky links). Be careful when dealing with someone with this placement it’s very hard to let go of them once you’re hooked.

Beauty asteroids on the ascendant (Apollo, Aphrodite, Eros, Cupido, Casanova) the people I’ve seen with any of these aspects look like they’ve been carved by the gods. They are so beautiful to look at. Apollo gives a similar vibe to having a Leo rising but gives a more glowy and godlike effect, people can easily become in awe of the individuals & see them as really cool. Aphrodite on the ascendant is kinda a no brainer gives an otherworldly like beauty a lot of famous models have this placement. Cupido & Eros on the ascendant give a more flirty typa vibe and enjoy games of seduction. They are able to seduce anyone with just a look in their eyes, their eyes are their weapon to pulling.. I kid you not how they look at you will make your knees go weak they flirt thru their eyes. Casanova on the ascendant is the king/queens of sweet talking.. they can talk their way out of anything & talk their way into your pants quick😩 they give a sorta bad boy/girl vibe but it’s so hard to say no to them they are so darn charming!

Sorry it took so long to make a part two been working a lot lately😩

[phoenixrisingastro]

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙚𝙢𝙢𝙚 𝙁𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙚: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙒𝙝𝙤 𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙍𝙪𝙞𝙣 𝙔𝙤𝙪 (𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙃𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙄𝙩)

She is not soft. She is not kind. She does not exist to be adored, nor to be loved in a way that keeps you safe. She exists to be feared, desired, and ultimately—worshiped.

She is the storm in a silk dress, the executioner in lace gloves, the whispered nightmare that men wake up sweating from.

You do not conquer her. You submit.

She is the kind of woman whose name is spoken in hushed tones, in gasps between stolen kisses, in the dying breaths of men who have lost everything chasing the ghost of her touch.

She does not belong to you. She never did. And that is what will destroy you.

She is astrology’s most dangerous creation.

And this is why..

Pluto in the 1st House: The Woman You Survive, But Never Recover From

She walks into a room, and the air tightens. Something in your chest coils, a warning or a craving—you can’t tell the difference.

Her presence is a command. She does not beg for attention, she forces it from you—and you are powerless to resist.

She is not just beautiful. She is inevitable. A force of nature. An omen. The kind of woman who does not just turn heads—she turns lives upside down.

You will feel her before she speaks. And when she does, you will listen.

She is not interested in being understood. Only in being obeyed.

Venus-Pluto: The Woman Who Leaves You in Ruins

To love a Venus-Pluto woman is to die a slow, exquisite death.

She does not love lightly. She does not hold your hand—she clutches your throat.

She takes, and you will give. Your time, your body, your soul—all of it, willingly.

You will never be the same. She does not leave gracefully—she leaves holes where your heart used to be.

No other woman will ever compare. They will try. They will fail.

The cruelest part?

She knew, before you did, that she would ruin you. And she did it anyway.

Lilith in the 1st House: The Woman Men Fear (Because They Can’t Own Her)

She was never meant to be tamed.

Men want to claim her. They want to break her, domesticate her, turn her into something softer. And they fail. Every time.

Women hate her because they do not understand her. She does not compete. She does not ask for permission. She simply is.

She is power without apology, dominance without effort, sexuality without shame.

She was never Eve. She never will be.

She is Lilith. She is your punishment for daring to think you could control her.

8th House Stellium: The Woman You Would Sell Your Soul For

She is a walking contradiction—both salvation and damnation.

You will want her more than you have ever wanted anything. And she will know.

She sees through you. Every fear, every secret, every weakness—you are naked in her presence, whether you undress or not.

She does not ask for loyalty. She commands it. And you will give it to her, without question, without resistance, without ever understanding why.

She does not love softly. She devours.

And when she is done, you will thank her for the privilege of being ruined by her.

Mars in Scorpio: The Slow, Painful Death You Begged For

She does not chase. She does not have to.

She waits. And you will come to her, crawling if you must.

She speaks, and you listen. Her voice is not loud. It is quiet, low, edged with something you do not recognize—but you know you should be afraid.

She does not love, she owns. And you will let her. You will want her to.

You will love her more than you should, more than is safe, more than is rational.

And when she finally leaves, you will never stop looking for her in every woman after her.

Neptune Conjunct Venus: The Muse You Will Never Forget

She is the dream that lingers in the back of your mind, the woman you thought you imagined, the ghost of a love story that never quite existed—but still destroyed you.

She makes you believe in things you never thought were real. Love. Magic. The possibility of something more.

She disappears before you can hold onto her. And that is what will kill you.

You will find pieces of her in songs, in poetry, in every woman you touch after her.

But none of them will ever be her.

And you will live with that ache for the rest of your life.

The Femme Fatale is a Religion, Not a Woman

She does not ask to be loved.

She does not need your adoration, your devotion, your obsession.

But you will give it to her.

You will want to.

She does not beg. You beg for her.

She does not fall apart. You fall apart over her.

She does not ask for your soul. But she will take it, all the same.

And when she is done with you, when she has moved on to her next conquest, her next victim, her next altar of worship—

You will still be on your knees, waiting for her to come back.

She won’t.

And that will be your punishment.

This is the astrology of the Femme Fatale. This is the woman you will die for.

She is inevitable. She is unforgettable. She is untouchable.

And you?

You never had a chance..

© PhoenixRisingAstro, 2025. All rights reserved

[punksocks]

Astrology Observations No.27:

*just based on my observations, pleas only take what resonates

(Trying to write more posts and answer more asks lately, everything has been so busy omg- hope you all enjoy what I can put out there tho! c:)

-A perspective but I think Libra placements (big 6 but especially Venus and mars) are attracted to harmonious/balanced appearances, like I think having that glow from confidence in your aesthetic and it fitting you and things like that can make you just as attractive to Libra placements as conventional measurements of beauty

-Sun Conjunct Venus makes you really charismatic and you probably attract a lot of people by being yourself, and sometimes these natives can be people pleasers especially if they’re trying to impress others

-Quietly I associate your mars sign and your MC the most with the work you’ll do. Mars because you can’t divorce your passion from your work (says the Capricorn). And MC because it’s what you’re known for and that’s often tied to some sort of work/action. North node is tied in there too but it plays out so long term it can be harder to summarize. (I can do a post about the general fields that placements tend to go towards if folks are interested?)

-Aries and Sagittarius Mercury tied for most likely to accidentally blurt out your secrets

-Chiron Venus aspects (especially square, opposition, and conjunction) may find themselves undoing a lot of pressure around their looks or being especially hard on themselves over their perceived flaws/imperfections

-The sign over your 5th house may denote if you have many or few casual romantic connections (Saturn/Capricorn pointing to fewer one end of the scale and Jupiter/Sagittarius pointing to many at the other end of the scale, depends on Venus and mars too)

-You may find yourself accidentally pouring your heart out to water moons (especially cancer over how emotionally in-tune they are and scorpio over traaaaumaaa oml)

-I feel like Sagittarius can feel less mutable because Jupiter makes some of the forms of expression so big (ex. A Sagittarius Mars can get so mad at you and blow up, Sagittarius Mars/Venus typically date many partners, Sagittarius moons can express their emotions in a big way- I probably feel this way bc I’m Sag Pluto, the extremes lol)

-I’ve noticed that Venus dominants can seek more attention compared to like Leo/sun doms

-Fixed Venus can become codependent on their partner, putting heavy exceptions on their person for them to be their everything if underdeveloped— but if developed they can be very loyal to their person

-Mutable Venus aren’t quite commitment-phobic but they tend to be looking for a really special combination of traits to actually settle down with (when they’re monogamous), otherwise they get distracted very easily (or they treat their romantic options, and sometimes friends, like very temporary things- for better or for worse)

-Cardinal Venus are most likely to really go after what they want romantically, I think out of all the Venus modalities they have the most accurate idea of what they want at heart, from the start. But on the shadow side of this, they may be manipulative or try to conform their partner into what they want. (may play out differently for moon opposition/square Venus)

-I feel like where ever Venus is heavy in your chart may be how people assume you’re gracious but in a somewhat shallow way (ex. Venus conjunct mercury, people may find your voice and expression charming but assume you’re not that smart)

-Venus/Saturn aspects/ Capricorn Venus tend to have a lot of unrequited love interests and crushes that don’t reciprocate their affections when they’re younger but as they get older they tend to get the most affection from suitors that are older than them (be careful out here! Sometimes these old folks don’t know anything and they have bad intentions- girl when I say I had to take my own advice)

-Leos (big 3, especially sun & Asc) often know the right thing to say to charm you, it’s like when they want to they hit that sweetspot dead on. So do Libra’s (big 3) but they tend to approach things less directly, like compliments that really sit with you and come onto you in quieter, sometimes less serious way (if they have both in their big 3 then they’re just -a charmer- and idk I take that at face value 80% of the time lol but I’m a skeptic)

-I find that Pisces and Sagittarius placements (big 6 but especially sun for identity and moon for emotionality) often get VERY into spirituality at some point in their lives

-People with Jupiter in Virgo tend to work very diligently, almost too hard sometimes and they can be prone to burning themselves out from this behavior (something something don’t burn the candle at both ends- hypocritical from a Jupiter in Capricorn person lol but still)

-We talk about how Scorpio placements observe every detail about you, but I like Pisces placements (big 6 but especially sun, moon, Venus, and mars) have told me things about myself and habits I have that I’ve never noticed about myself. They’re super observant they notice a lot. I think they have this in common with their sister sign, Virgo. But I noticed Pisces will use their intuition in their observations instead of just analyzing. (I.e. you do x when you’re angry, is it because you feel defensive? Or I noticed you light up when you talked about him, you must really like him)- can also apply to Neptune Conjunct your big 3 (especially moon), and big 3 in 12th but it’s a bit more second nature to them than Pisces

-The season of your Venus sign is the time you’re most likely to indulge in self care and purchases for yourself (Sag season started and all of a sudden I was like I need makeup now, even though I hardly wear it in the winter lol)

-The season of your mars is the time you’re most like to take major actions (starting a business, going on solo adventures, etc)

-The season of your sun is when you’re most likely going to receive the most public recognition (also when the sun is transiting your MC/10th house)

[degreedummy]

Looking at Lukola's Synastry and Current Transits-

Venus transiting N’s 3H, L’s 7H In [a week], Venus opposes N’s Mars, L’s Venus-

1. To start off, this is a transit that signals appreciation, going out of their way to give each other credit for how hardworking they each are. On N’s side, I think we see someone who is feeling a bit lost, trying to find a way to [Venus-Mars] shift peoples’ focus, and this more shows her needing that emotional support, being reminded that her work is valuable and meaningful to people.  

On L’s side, I think we see a [friend] reaching out, someone who knows N enough to know when she isn’t acting like herself. I don’t think this transit will be too emotional, but I think it’ll show the way… two people are able to ground each other. The opposition to N’s Mars takes place before the opposition to L’s Venus, so it’ll be more like someone softly coming in behind the storm to help clean up the mess. I wouldn’t take it as a sign of how deep his feelings are, but that he still cares.

2. After these oppositions, Venus will be transiting L’s 4H, N’s 8H. In Libra, I think this influence simply shows the way how… in September, they will be in a position of relying on each other again, reconnecting and sharing themselves. I wouldn’t take this transit as anything too significant, but as an acknowledgment of a known pattern in their lives. The 4H represents ‘where we feel at home’, the 8H represents ‘who we trust the most’, so I think this shows them being happy to be back together.

3. In L’s 4H, this will mean that Venus passes her retrograde Jupiter, square N’s Sun and Mercury, and I think there’s two big options here: 1) L speaks out for N, saying she isn't open to conversation 2) they make an agreement not to talk at all about what goes between them.

I think Venus is granting them the privacy they’ve been wanting for so long, not really creating the chance for ‘secret love’, but giving them the chance to show love without outsiders trying to make it more than what it is. Just based of Venus’ transits, I think things are still moving slow, but more importantly, it shows how their relationship has remained unaffected by outside factors. The trust they have can’t be broken by anyone outside of them.

Mercury retrograde in L’s 2H, N’s 7H Goes direct while in conjunction to L’s Chiron [3 days~] Enters an inconjunction with N’s Neptune [one week]

On L’s side, I think for weeks we’ve been seeing him slowly release insecurity, not being too loud, but standing strong in everything he does. I think this was a reflective period for him more than anything, only frustrated by people misunderstanding him. Going direct, I think Mercury is going to put that newfound confidence to action, and connecting themes to his real life, I think we’ll see this through his performance in the next season. I think he’ll go into it feeling beautiful, free of comparing himself to anyone.

In a [month and a half], [mid-October], Venus will enter L’s 10H, N’s 5H, and I think this could be represented in them celebrating some kind of achievement together, or award. It’s more ‘recognition of someone’s work, acknowledging their legacy’.

This will also take place after L’s exact Mars return, so I think… this will be his true chance to break away from his past. I don’t want to promise anything or anyone specific of course, but I think facing his past, being credited for his work, working toward more for the future, and having people show support will allow him to feel like he can take the [next step], whatever he feels that may be for him. I don’t know how this would conflict with filming, but this is a time for individuality.

On N’s side, this slowly developing inconjunction to her Neptune shows me someone who is trying to lock down, [isolate], [6/11H] cutting herself off from social circles to protect her work life, which I think is also natural for [show filming].

More than that, I think this Mercury inconjunction is a time to be wary about anyone who claims to be speaking for her, claiming to know how she thinks or feels, or people claiming to know personal information about her. If anything comes up, I think it’ll be obvious that this person has no connection to her, based on how inaccurate they are from the beginning, but I think this does show someone trying to take advantage of her attempts to lock down and stay quiet.

In [two months], [October], Mercury will eventually enter a trine with N’s 1H Jupiter,  which (I believe) agrees with what I said before in her natal transits, with how she’s planning to reach out to her fans more.

With this continued theme, I think it’s important for her fans to consider… how much space a person needs to feel safe talking in front of people. If everything she says gets swept up, flipped and turned against her by the end of the day, what reason does she have to come back or try to open up again? I think it’s just a time to consider… if we can contribute in some way, it would be by enforcing that people respect and listen to what she says.

If she doesn’t want to share her life in some way, she won’t. Not because she’s hiding anything, but because communicating with her audience demands different boundaries, especially as her fame rises and she’s introduced to new audiences.

In all, I think these next few months are about friends rekindling a love for each other, showing that nothing can break them apart. I know we hope for signs of a relationship, but I think this affirms what we've always said about things moving slowly, showing stability. I still take these transits as a good sign, them finding some kind of privacy and peace, but I think it is on us to maintain that distance, respecting their need for it. I think there are conversations they keep between them, and this is the time they'll be explored.

[aegor-bamfsteel]

how would’ve growing up without his mother or female figure have impacted edmure and his character we see in asoiaf?

Edmure has spent most of his life in almost exclusively male company since his sisters wed; all the Riverrun household and Edmure's companions are male, and outside of Hoster’s invitation to Arianne Martell and Walder Frey trying to push a female relative on him (which he resents, but doesn’t actually know anything about these individual Frey women), he’s never seriously had betrothal talks. Edmure is also constantly trying to prove himself to the more authoritative men around him (Robb, Blackfish, wants to make Hoster proud at his funeral, again resents Walder Frey for not respecting him as his liege lord), but spends time with “swaggering, too young and too hot-blooded for Ned’s taste” Marq Piper and “shared [Theon’s] taste for wine, women, and hawking” Patrek Mallister, who don’t scold him like his family and, from what Catelyn overhears, spend a lot of time talking about women’s looks (particularly mocking those they find unattractive). He’s also sensitive to rejection, not talking to Catelyn for days after they argue. Furthermore, like Patrek he’s very fond of sex with women, “whoring or wenching” the early morning (so as not to get caught) of Tyrion’s attempted rescue of Jaime (ACOK Catelyn V), Catelyn saying she wouldn’t be surprised if he’d “had half a dozen natural children” (ASOS Catelyn I) despite being under 30 at the oldest, and apparently “his fondness for a pretty face is well known” (ASOS Catelyn VI). Which is to say, the majority male company—with men comprising his authority figures and companions—and not really maintaining relationships with his sisters (Catelyn admits in AGOT 6 that Edmure wrote “infrequent letters”, and I can’t imagine he’d write more to Lysa), it seems most of the women he’s interacting with are potential sexual conquests.  I think Edmure’s views on women are summed up by this Catelyn VI quote: "She's prettier than I dared hope." Edmure raised a hand before she could speak. "I know there are more important things, spare me the sermon, septa.” Now, Riverrun doesn’t have a septa (Catelyn never mentions one, and of course there’s none in canon era), so Edmure isn’t speaking from personal experience, but just referring to a stereotypical idea of “stern, rebuking, older disciplinarian” woman (equivalent to Catholic school nuns irl); and of course, the opposite is the pretty young girl surprisingly at odds with her “ugly family”. This is to say, the Edmure from AGOT-ASOS has a fairly shallow, stereotypical view of women, caring more about their appearance than their attitude or physical health (even when he admits Roslin is beautiful, he gives a diatribe about how unattractive he found the other Frey women) which is more valuable in this crucial alliance to save Robb’s cause/secure the Riverlands’ future. It doesn’t seem like there’s much room in his mind between the stern septa and the pretty girl; when Catelyn assures him that Brienne will keep Jaime safe, he cries “That woman?”, which implies that he doesn’t think Brienne is a worthy protector on the basis of her sex (though he never talks that way to Brienne to her face, and his anger in the moment makes sense). This doesn't make him a bad man (especially compared to the many sexual predators in ASOIAF)—he is fiercely protective of the Riverlanders down to the small folk, and pleads Roslin’s innocence after the Red Wedding—but it does indicate he’s still immature and selfish (Catelyn thinks he might've wanted to break the betrothal after the war ended, and he didn’t even question why Roslin kept crying during the wedding) and on some level knows this (hence him sneaking out in the night to visit women and “flushing red as his beard” at being found out by Cat, and telling Catelyn to spare him the lecture about “the more important things” of a marriage alliance). I think not being around women he has to respect once Catelyn married, combined with failing to measure up to Hoster’s expectations as well as the shared superficial pleasures/mockery of his companions, led to him to develop a lack of nuance regarding women.

[mamamittens]

A Lone Melody (Pt. 10)

Main

This chapter was sponsored by @yanderefangirl as part of the "Oh Shit Sale", thank you so much and I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Warnings: Implied but not seen violence against a child. Health/dental issues. Racism.

Word Count: 2,109

Melody had been crying a lot lately.

To be fair to the young girl, she had a lot of reasons to cry.

Her dah, silly, aggressive fishman that endlessly teased her only to toss her high above his head with a toothy grin, had left.

Uncle Fishy, the sad man who held her so tenderly despite the hurt in his eyes, had died.

Her face hurt from the way her teeth had broken on her pah’s necklace one night. The jagged shards cutting her skin more than her small fangs ever could before. Venom seeping into the wounds providing no relief but heat. The thick liquid thinning out in her mouth as it wept endlessly from her teeth. She kept swallowing it so she wouldn’t just be drooling onto the table but it made her feel worse. Too full to eat or drink anything considerable even if it smelled really good.

Melody felt bad too. On the inside. Where her heart softly stuttered when she sobbed, not just her stomach that wanted something filling besides her own tainted spit.

She knew everyone was worried about her. Pah. Auntie Shar. All the nice ladies at the café. Even the two weird pirates that sat across from her.

But Melody just couldn’t stop crying.

The least she could do, was try and cry quietly. Maybe if she did, it would stop hurting.

Maybe her teeth would get better.

Maybe she wouldn’t swallow so much of her own venom anymore.

Maybe dah would come back…

And then she could eat with Tha-ch and Mar-co with a smile so even they wouldn’t look so worried for her.

Everyone would be happier if she stopped crying…

But Melody just couldn’t stop.

She gave them a hug after wiping off her face—something that they seemed to appreciate given how wet her napkin was.

They smelled… different. Familiar. Like sea salt and sun. The burn of booze and aftershave. Different but familiar. Their skin soft despite the rugged nature of piracy as she rubbed her face on their throat, teeth painfully clenched shut despite the instinctive desire to bite. To see what it felt like to cut into something warm.

Dah taught her better, even if he didn’t like humans compared to fishmen. Though he did emphasize exceptions to the rule.

But Tha-ch and Mar-co weren’t exceptions.

They were friends.

Friends that pah seemed wary of when she told him. Auntie Shar whispering something in his ear too low for Melody to hear. He seemed to relax, swiping his gentle thumb under her eyes.

“I think I may have found a dentist for you, pup. We’ll go to the office tomorrow and see if he’s willing to try and help.” Pah rumbled softly, smiling as she buried her nose into his chest, rubbing her face against his skin.

The promise of relief brought with it a swift collapse into sleep.

Melody will remember this day, though hazy with pain and emotions.

The kindness of her family as they sought to comfort her until a solution could be found.

And the two strange humans that eagerly distracted her and shared a meal despite her state.

The next day, however, Melody would remember far more.

--*--

Hody Jones slinked through an alleyway, nose wrinkled at the foul stench of refuse and humans. Those damn pirates had managed to worm their way into the good graces of his king and saw fit to stick around. Polluting the very air he breathed like they had a right. It sickened him, honestly.

The way they all happily traipsed down the streets, gawking at the land and people.

Obviously, Fishman Island was a beautiful place outside of the slums. The mermaids an obvious attraction to outsiders. But that didn’t mean Hody wanted to see them drool over his people. Even the frail mermaids deserved more respect than that. Though, they at least kept their hands to themselves, unlike many other groups of humans that managed to get in.

That was about the only thing they had going for them though.

Hody wished, not for the first time, that he had the strength to beat them all away. Show them how little they were worth compared to him. But this wasn’t just any group of pirates. These were the Whitebeard Pirates. They swarmed like cockroaches under the banner of Edward Newgate. And as pissed as Hody was, even he knew his limits.

But the sound of soft sniffles over scraping refuse under his feet challenged that notion swiftly.

Enraged, Hody quickly rounded the corner and found the mutt sitting on a bench outside a dentist’s office. It was almost dizzying how rapidly his emotions swirled with the realization.

The tiny half-breed was curled in on itself. Trying to appear smaller, perhaps. Why they were there… well, Hody could guess, but not why they were alone. He’d never seem it alone before. Always being carried and doted on. Spoiled. Hody felt his lips curl into a sneer.

Well… if he can’t do anything about the worthless humans, the least he could do was solve everyone’s problem with the mutt’s teeth.

Sneer twisting into a more approachable look, Hody stepped forward and called out.

“Hey there.” It turned to look at him, bright red eyes locking with his.

…she looked so young.

His hand itched to get it over with already.

--*--

Edward huffed, a smile hidden under his moustache as his sons argued behind him. Thatch whining about his innocence as Marco mercilessly teased him for flirting with a married mermaid.

“I was just speaking facts! She is beautiful! I didn’t know it was a crime to state the obvious!” Thatch complained, to which Marco scoffed.

“Maybe not, but leaning into her space and putting your hand on her tail was probably what offended her husband more than anything else.”

“I didn’t see her tail! I SWEAR!” Thatch screeched, “I meant to rest my hand on the table—how was I supposed to know she was resting her fin there?!”

“By looking?” Marco responded dryly.

Thankfully, Edward was there to scold his son enough to get the incident blown off with no issue, though the mermaid in question seemed deeply amused.

As a favor to his silly boy, Edward was taking the long way to the ship. Allowing the two to tease each other without dragging the rest of the ship into it. The slums weren’t exactly welcoming, but between his size and reputation—as well as the show his sons were putting on without realizing—no one argued about their presence. His boots clicked against the dirty street with a familiar cadence. Slow, steady gait eating the distance just enough to let his sons keep up in their distraction.

The sound of the slums background noise in his ears. An unfortunately familiar one even after all this time.

Hushed arguments. Small, contained violence as street kids shoved each other, daring one to try and pickpocket ‘fresh meat’. Store keeps selling wares at ridiculous prices to whoever was dumb enough to wander so far from the marketplace. It all blended in behind his son’s argument.

Until a sharp sound cut through it all just as they rounded a corner.

A heavy, meaty slap.

And then a high, young wail.

Edward’s eyes snapped to the scene, his sons falling silent instantly.

A tall fishman towered over a toddler. Hand raised over his opposite shoulder. The baby collapsed on the sidewalk, small hand to their face. His eyes narrowed as his strides quickly ate the distance. Curly black hair like his son, Teach, contained under a small white cap. But the resemblance did little to soothe the instant anger Edward felt. His hand curling in the back of the man’s shirt and tossing him into the wall.

“Oh, shit, that’s Melody!” Thatch gasped, scrambling past Edward and falling to his knees to fret over the child. Edward felt pride in how quickly his son acted as he pinned down the offender with his boot. The fishman glaring at him with a sneer as the child cried great, heaving sobs. “H-Hey, baby, it’s alright. The mean, mean man can’t hurt you. Pops got him—lemme see the—oh he got you good, huh?” Thatch cooed in his softest voice.

Marco quickly joined Thatch as the two helped the child up and inspected the damage. Edward was a little surprised Marco hadn’t already tried healing the obvious bruise but trusted his son had good reason.

The door to what appeared to be a doctor’s office slammed open. A man Edward recognized as Jinbe looking around wildly with a fury he felt sharp kinship with.

Clearly, this was ‘Melody’s’ father.

Jinbe seemed to pause at the curious sight before him, glancing between his crying child, Edward’s fussing sons, and himself. Boot digging into the fishman snarling up at him.

“What is going on here?” Jinbe growled with an impressive depth. The fishman under his boot seeming to pale despite his already white skin, expression faltering.

“W-Was just trying to help the mutt!” He defended with a gasp as Edward pressed his boot down a little harder in fury. “C-Clearly someone needed to knock those teeth loose!”

Jinbe sucked in a sharp breath and spun on his heel, gently pushing aside Edward’s sons to scoop up his child, taking in the damage.

Even before the child was in Jinbe’s arms, they were small. Pale gray skin with dark fingers. White hair tipped black and red with the biggest, watery ruby eyes Edward had ever seen. A large mark on her cheek cradled by small hands rapidly growing a dark purple. Blood and some sort of bright blue liquid seeping from her lips as she whimpered. Edward’s heart went out to the poor child.

“Melody, pup, let me see.” Jinbe held his daughter close and gently opened her mouth, eyes narrowed at the jagged, bloody mess of her teeth. The man inhaled sharply with a hiss. “I do not care what your excuse is—you. Struck. My. Daughter?”

Marco, ever brave, stood up and cleared his throat. Jinbe’s eyes were sharp as he looked at Edward’s son. Not faltering in the slightest, Marco gave a thin smile.

“I’m a doctor with the phoenix fruit. If you want, I can see what I can do while you handle… that.” Marco offered, Thatch instantly standing at his side.

“I’ll hold her hand if it helps! Marco’s the best doctor.” Thatch grimaced. “We heard you were… having trouble finding someone to treat her already.”

Jinbe seemed to struggle, body tense as he looked at his crying child and the three humans. Edward felt regret settle in his chest at the obvious distrust.

Still, he understood. Even under better circumstances, Jinbe had little reason to trust human pirates.

“P-Pah-pah?” A soft, hoarse voice whimpered. “H-Hurts, pah…” she spoke with difficulty through tears and her swelling mouth. Broken teeth likely not helping matters any.

Jinbe melted, pressing a kiss to his daughter’s hair.

“Doctor…Marco?” Jinbe partially cooed at his child, glancing at Marco in question. “—He wants to help. Can you be brave for me, pup?”

Melody sniffled but nodded, burying her face into Jinbe’s yukata before turning and reaching out to Marco.

A little surprise, Marco reached out hesitantly, looking to Jinbe for permission.

It was given reverently. Exactly how Edward would if he had to hand one of his children to someone else to take care of them as he could not. Heartbreaking reluctance and resolve to have the best hands sooth his child’s need. And Marco nodded, lifting the toddler to his chest before looking to the office.

“Think they’ll let me use their space?” Marco mused mostly to himself and Thatch.

Jinbe snarled.

“They better.” Jinbe glared pointedly at the window where a fishman in a doctor’s coat flinched away. The door opening seconds later.

“O-Of course! C-Come in—oh, you poor thing I-I—come in, please.” The fishman doctor wilting at the sight of the bruised child still clutching the side of her face.

Marco and Thatch went in.

“…thank you, Captain Whitebeard.” Jinbe huffed, tears in his eyes as he reluctantly looked away from the now closed office door.

“Just Whitebeard will do… father to father.” Edward acquiesced, lifting his boot as Jinbe stalked forward towards the now thoroughly frightened fishman.

Jinbe took in a sharp, steadying breath and bared his teeth at the man who struck his child.

Edward gladly took a step back and smiled.

He couldn’t wait to call this fine young man his son… and gain a granddaughter in the same breath.

[orionsstory]

girl from mars | cygnus (02)

yayyy chapter two is finished !! and it's like double the last chapter whoops. will be posted on ao3 (whenever the site is back up rip) ---

Dawn is awoken by the noise of something falling in the other room. She slowly blinked her eyes open, her vision coming into focus as she saw Amanda stumbling out of her room. She was wearing a black pencil skirt and a white button-up, and her red hair was put up in a low bun. She looked beautiful. "'Manda?" She groaned out, attempting to sit up but was stopped by Violet, who was lying on her chest.

"Good morning," Amanda hummed as she rummaged around the kitchen, "sorry, I'm in a rush. Fucking alarm didn't go off. I have some leftovers for you in the fridge, and don't go anywhere- I don't want you getting lost." She slid on a low pair of heels, came back over the couch, and leaned over to pet Violet.

"I'll be back in about 8 hours, okay? I left my phone number on the kitchen counter in case you need anything. Just call."

"Okay..." Dawn yawned, staring up at her with wonder.

Amanda smiled brightly, it reminded Dawn of the Sun. She lazily smiled back at her, barely registering the sound of the front door shutting and locking as she fell back asleep.

-

Dawn woke up a few hours later, and a glance towards the clock read 10:13 am. She groaned as she shifted on the couch, Violet meowing in protest.

"Sorry Vi..." She mumbled, scratching in between the cat's ears. Violet settled back down, her purrs seemed to vibrate through Dawn's entire being. It made her giggle. She lay there for a moment, staring up at the ceiling before her stomach rumbled, interrupting her and her thoughts.

She stood up, apologizing to Violet who was forced off of her spot. She stumbled into the bathroom, struggling to open the packaging her toothbrush was in. She cursed as she finally got through the plastic, accidentally cutting herself on a part of it. She was finally able to brush her teeth, grimacing at the taste of the toothpaste. Gross, maybe human stuff wasn't as good as she thought.

She made her way to the kitchen, Violet following on her heels. She rummaged through the fridge, trying to find the food Amanda had left for her. "Leftovers...leftovers...left...overs." She muttered as her eyes scanned the contents of the fridge. She didn't really understand what the word meant...but she figured it couldn't be too hard to figure out. She took out a container that looked like it contained some noodles, figuring this was probably a leftover she took it out.

She rummaged around for a fork, sitting down on the couch as she looked around. She knew Amanda had a tv, which meant she had to have something to turn it on with. She picked up a small black object on the side table, turning it over in her hand. She pressed a button at the top, and the TV flickered to life. Huh, remotes had gotten smaller compared to the ones she learned about in school. At least most of the buttons on it seemed to be the same.

"YouTube...Netflix...are these...channels?" She murmured, flicking through the carousel. She clicked on one, YouTube, and was brought to a page filled with several little videos. Dawn clicked on a random one, letting it play as she ate the cold noodles. Her attention was glued to the video, fascinated by it. The next few hours passed as she watched more and more videos, this was so much more interesting than her professors had described. Humans were so intriguing, she'd have to ask Amanda more about it when she got back.

The video playing ended, and the next one started autoplaying. It wasn't a video containing people talking like the last ones, but it was a song. It sounded so different from the human music that her professors had shown her, and in her opinion, this sounded a lot better. The artist's songs kept playing and Dawn found herself falling more and more in love with the music. It was so different from the music from her home planet, she found herself paying attention to every lyric and melody. The next few hours flew by without her even noticing.

-

"I'm home!" Amanda called out as she entered the room, slinging her bag off of her shoulder and dropping it beside the doorway. She paused, looking over towards Dawn. "Are...are you listening to Taylor Swift?"

Dawn looked back at her, shrugging her shoulders. She handed Amanda the remote as she leaned over the couch, the other girl scrolling through the recently played.

"Jesus, you've listened to like...a whole album." Amanda chuckled, "Did you like it?"

She enthusiastically nods, "You guys have such good music here, it's so different from our music back home. I've heard human music before but...nothing like this!"

Amanda took a seat next to her on the couch, "What kind of music? Do you remember any of the song names?"

Dawn thought for a moment, she remembered the song she had liked the most started with a B. "B...Blandy? No, that's not right...something with 'fine girl', that's all I remember."

"Brandy?" Amanda suggests, and Dawn snaps her fingers. "Brandy! That's it! I mean, don't get me wrong I liked it, but it was nothing like this."

Amanda chuckles, "That's probably because that song is like, 50 years old. Music has changed a lot since then. I'll have to show you some of my favorites sometime."

Dawn grinned, "Please! I'd love that."

Amanda softly smiled, stretching as she got up. "Okay, let me go change and then I'll cook us some dinner- did you find the food I left for you?"

"I did. It was such an interesting texture...also kind of cold."

"Sorry about that," she heard Amanda call from the other room, "usually people eat it hot, but I didn't have the time to teach you how to work the microwave."

Amanda reappeared from her room, dressed in a tank top and pair of sweatpants. "You're really pretty." Dawn couldn't stop herself from blurting it out, she felt slightly embarrassed until she saw the smile on Amanda's face.

"Thanks, Dawn. You're not too bad yourself." She laughed, making her way to the kitchen. Dawn jumped off the couch and followed behind her eagerly. "What to make...what to make..." Amanda muttered, looking up at her cabinets. Dawn mimicked her movements, carefully watching her.

"How do you feel about grilled cheese?"

"Grilled...cheese?"

"It's just two pieces of bread and some cheese in between...sometimes I put bacon on mine if I'm feeling fancy. Well, it's vegan bacon. I can get some regular bacon for you to try sometime."

Dawn nodded along, pretending to have some sort of idea of what those ingredients were.

"Grilled cheese...sounds good."

Dawn watched as Amanda pulled out all the ingredients, setting them aside on the counter. She motioned for Dawn to come closer.

"Do you wanna help?"

Dawn eagerly nodded, standing beside Amanda. Amanda instructed her to take out the bread and cheese while she cooked the bacon. Dawn carefully put the pieces of cheese on the bread while she watched Amanda cook. The bacon sizzled in the pan, Dawn hid behind Amanda as some of the oil hit her skin.

"Sorry about that, you've gotta be careful when frying stuff." Amanda apologized, turning off the stove as she slid the bacon onto a plate. She instructed Dawn to place the bacon onto the sandwiches while she cleaned the pan. Dawn took the utmost care in the work, making sure everything was equal and fair.

Amanda then had Dawn cut off a small sliver of butter and put it into the frying pan, she then watched as Amanda carefully picked up one of the sandwiches with the spatula, sliding it into the pan. She pressed the sandwich down with the spatula, a hissing sound coming from the pan. Dawn backed away again.

"Don't worry! That's normal- promise." Amanda's smile comforted her, coaxing her to come forward again. She watched as Amanda flipped the sandwich, the side that was previously down was now a brown color, crispy. After another minute or so, she put the sandwich on a plate.

"Do you wanna try the other one?"

"Uhh..."

"Don't worry, I'll be here to help you."

With reassurance, she stepped forward. She copied the steps from before, slicing the butter before carefully sliding the sandwich into the pan.

"How do I know when to flip it?"

Amanda shrugged, "You kinda just have to keep lifting it up to make sure it's not burnt. As you do it more you'll get a better idea of how long it takes. Grilled cheese doesn't usually take too long."

Dawn nodded, paying careful attention to her words as she lifted the sandwich with the spatula, peeking under. She put it back down for another few seconds before checking again, flipping it over.

"Like that?"

"Perfect!"

Dawn flushed, a smile growing across her face. She almost forgot to take the sandwich off, but luckily she caught it just in time. She proudly showed it off to Amanda who clapped for her, praising Dawn. She almost didn't want it to stop, but alas, it did.

The two sat on the couch, Amanda clicking on the TV. "Did you wanna watch anything specific?"

Dawn shook her head, "I don't remember the name of anything I watched. We can just watch something you like."

Amanda hummed, clicking on some TV show that Dawn didn't know. She slowly bit into her sandwich, processing the taste. It felt a bit weird in her mouth but she liked it, the cheese felt kind of strange, but not in a bad way.

"Is it good? Do you like it?"

Dawn nodded, "It's so...weird. But not in a bad way, it's really good! It's all like...clingy."

Amanda chuckled, "That's cause the cheese is all melted, when some stuff gets all hot it'll cling onto the stuff it's between."

"Ohhh." Dawn nodded along, turning her attention back to whatever was playing on the television. "What are we watching?"

"The Bachelor. Basically, all these women are competing to marry this guy- it's such a shitty show but it's so good."

"Do they stay married?"

Amanda laughed, "No. Not most of the time, anyway. But it's fun for the drama. They have a version with guys competing for the girl as well."

"So...are they actors?"

"No, they're real people chosen for a show, they're not playing a character. It's called reality TV- shows like Survivor or Big Brother. We'll have to watch those too."

Dawn nodded along, just happy to spend more time with Amanda. She knew so much about this, Dawn found it impressive. She was patient with her, explaining the things she didn't understand or certain slang she didn't know.

"Oh! Before I forget, I have something for you." Amanda jumped up from the couch, rummaging through her bag. She pulled out a sleek device and handed it to Dawn. She turned it over in her hand, clicking it on.

"Isn't this a phone?"

It was thinner and sleeker than the chunky phones with cords she had learned about. It was fascinating to see the evolution of human technology.

"Yup! I got it from Sapphira, I figured you'd need one so you can contact me throughout the day. Plus, now that we can talk and now that you have GPS, you can start working on your ship!"

Dawn launched across the couch and enveloped her in a hug, grinning wildly.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you! How does it work?"

Amanda spent the next hour teaching Dawn how her phone worked (it can scan her face, how neat!) and setting it up. Now she had Amanda's number and could bug her at any time, something she'd be sure to make use of. She got to set up her wallpapers- a pretty space theme, of course.

"So...I know I said we'd get you some clothes today, but it's late and I'm a bit too tired for that. But, I was thinking, maybe tomorrow we can go shopping instead? I mean, don't get me wrong I don't mind you wearing mine, but I thought it might be nice for you- to do like a human activity. Does that make sense?"

"Like...like at a mall and everything?"

Amanda nodded and Dawn lit up. "I've wanted to go to a mall so bad, please can we go?"

"Okay, okay, we'll leave around noon tomorrow. We can get lunch and then go shopping. We'll make a whole day out of it."

"Sounds fun," Dawn mumbled, having returned to munching on her sandwich.

The rest of the night flew by, as time often did with Amanda. They watched another episode of The Bachelor, Dawn watched with interest as Amanda yelled at a man on screen- for what, Dawn didn't know, but she found it amusing nonetheless. After that, Dawn helped Amanda do the dishes (where she found out a soap shared her name- it has ducks on it!), which Dawn found fun despite the fact that she ended up spraying most of the water on herself. In her defense, those hose things were hard to operate!

Amanda let her take a shower after that, giving Dawn the basic rundown. It was easy enough- it was different from the way they did things back home but they had talked about it in classes. It was strange to actually act it out, though. Dawn carefully dried her body and hair, the soft towel felt so comforting.

Now, she was lying on the couch, enveloped in her soft blankets. She smelled like Amanda now- she couldn't explain why, but it brought a sense of comfort to her. She had to fight not to fall asleep, but the sound of the shower was lulling her to sleep. She wanted to stay awake- to tell Amanda goodnight. But as Violet curled up onto her, she felt herself drifting off to sleep.

-

She woke up the next morning to the sound of Amanda talking to someone, muffled by the closed door. She slowly blinked her eyes open to clear her vision, scratching Violet between her ears. Violet purred, rubbing her head against Dawn's hand. "Mornin' Vi." She yawned, stretching her arms.

She gently sat up as Violet scurried off of her, running a hand through her messy hair. She heard Amanda thanking someone before the talking stopped and she emerged from her room. She was dressed casually in a purple tank top with a daisy and a black skirt, contrasted by her bright ginger hair resting on her shoulders.

"Oh! Morning Dawn, I was just about to wake you. I left you some clothes on my bed for you to wear out. I don't really know what your style is, so I hope they're good enough."

Anything Amanda picked out for her would be good enough, but she didn't tell her that. It was too embarrassing, she didn't want to come off as clingy. She scurried off into the bathroom after picking up the clothes and getting ready. She tapped the bracelet and morphed into her human form. She brushed out her black hair, opting to leave it down, and shredded her old clothes to put on the ones that Amanda gave her. It was a matching purple tank top and some shorts that she was pretty sure were denim.

She emerged from Amanda's room, "What do you think?"

Amanda gasped, her eyes lighting up. "You look so cute! And look, we match!"

Dawn blushed at that, nodding and giggling along with her.

"So, all ready to go?"

Dawn nodded and followed Amanda as they exited the apartment. She tried to follow closely behind Amanda as she led the two down the streets of the city, growing busier and busier as they got closer into the city. It began to be harder to keep up with her as the crowds increased and Dawn had to stand on her tiptoes to try and see the ginger.

Suddenly, a hand reached out and grabbed hers. She looked up, greeted by the ginger she was looking for. "Don't want you gettin' lost." She spoke, smiling brightly at her. Dawn was too flustered to speak, only gently nodding in response.

Amanda then led them underground, Dawn's eyes widening at the fluorescent lighting and grunge. She was even more shocked when she saw what looked like a train stationed farther down.

"Ever been on the subway before?" Amanda swiped her card through something, beckoning Dawn to go through. "No- I've heard of it though. Almost didn't think it was real." She called back as she went through the thing, patiently waiting at the end for Amanda.

"Buckle up, it's an...experience for sure."

They linked hands again, and Amanda led her to the crowded platform. She glanced around at the people, observing them. The chatter and noise of the subway was a bit overwhelming, she knew places could get busy but she didn't know it would feel like this. People pushed and bumped into her, it made her panic slightly, clinging onto Amanda's hand.

Amanda pulled her closer to her, "Rush hour. It'll be less crowded on our way back."

Dawn nodded, her attention now pulled by a train pulling up to the platform. It made a huffing noise as the doors opened, Amanda tugging her inside. She quickly snagged seats for the two of them, letting Dawn take the side closest to the door. She watched as Amanda pulled something out of her bag, placing one in her ear.

"It's an earbud, we use it for music." She explained, handing the other one to Dawn. Dawn copied her movements, placing the device in her other ear. Amanda adjusted it slightly before pressing something on her phone. Suddenly, Dawn's ear was filled with music, her eyes widened a little in shock as Amanda softly chuckled.

The ride was nice, Dawn enjoyed looking out the window even though the scenery didn't change much- mostly dark tunnel interrupted by the occasional platform. They passed a few more stops before Amanda tugged her up, leaving the train at the next stop. They passed back up to the busy street and Amanda led her towards a large building, pushing open the door.

Dawn was in awe- the place was massive. Several floors were filled with bright lights and colors, and people flooded in and out of the various stores. It captivated her. She almost forgot she could move until Amanda gently tugged her along, saying something about getting a bite to eat. She got to ride on moving stairs (she almost got stuck at the top though, it was a close call) and be pulled further into the large building. Her eyes shone as Amanda led her to a giant opening, tables filling the middle of the room and restaurants lining the walls.

"Do you want to try anything in particular?"

Her brain zeroed back in on Amanda, trying to process what she said. She shook her head 'no', watching as Amanda stood there in thought.

"We can do the chicken place, I think you might like chicken."

"Sounds interesting..." She mumbled, her eyes still wide as she gazed over all the choices. She followed Amanda's lead, navigating through the crowd until they reached a restaurant. The place was bright red, and had a smell coming from it- she didn't know what exactly it was, but it smelled delicious. She silently watched as Amanda ordered for the both of them, only letting go of her hand when Amanda handed her a cup.

"It's for your drink- there's a drink station over there," Amanda explained, gesturing with her other hand as she got out her wallet.

Dawn made her way over, looking at all the choices. She didn't know what any of them were, but she did see a larger clear tube in the middle- for ice, perhaps? She was proven correct as ice tumbled (very loudly, may she say) into the cup. She then perused her choices, settling on 'root beer'. She gently pressed her cup against the little bar, smiling to herself as the drink filled up.

She pulled it away once the drink was filled, turning to Amanda who had just approached.

"I figured it out! Ice and everything!" She proudly beamed, showing the cup to Amanda.

"Wow, you're better at picking things up than some of the kids I used to babysit." She smiled, repeating the process for her own drink. She then collected tops, placing Dawns for her. She then led Dawn over to a nearby table to wait as Amanda left to go wait for their food. It took a few minutes, but eventually, Amanda returned and set down a box and a container in front of her.

"What's this?"

"Chicken nuggets and fries." She responded, sliding another thing towards her. "This is ranch, you can dip your nuggets in it."

She tried the food, her eyes lighting up. Amanda smiled as she dug into her own food, "So you like it?" Dawn excitedly nodded, feverishly grinning.

"How do you always seem to know what I'll like?"

"I just treat you like a toddler. We'll work on expanding your palette later."

Dawn nodded, pretending to understand what she was referencing. If she treated her like a toddler, did that mean she cared for her in a motherly sense? Maybe, but it seemed unlikely. Amanda didn't seem to have any motherly instincts, or really any strong survival instincts if she thought about it.

They finished eating and linked hands again as Amanda led her around the mall, down the seemingly never-ending corridors. Stores were crammed into every space possible, some filled with clothes, some filled with food, and some filled with novelty items- Dawn found them all fascinating, but none in particular caught her eye. They move up a floor, and the same thing- nothing in particular catches her interest. She goes into a few stores, but it all seems too...boring. She almost gives up hope on finding something she'll like.

That is until they hit the fourth floor.

"Whoa...what is that place?" She stops in place, staring up at the store in front of her.

"Hot Topic? Do you wanna go in?"

She nodded, still looking in wonder at the store. They stepped inside, the store was dark and edgy, music blaring from the speakers and clothes lined the walls. They had a mix of dark and muted clothes and bright ones- it was perfect. Dawn picked up a sweater, holding it in her hands and feeling the soft material.

"Do you want it?" Amanda piped up, leaning over her shoulder. Dawn nodded, still looking over it in awe. Amanda gestured to hand the sweater to her which Dawn complied with. She asked her what kind of fit she wanted, oversized or a proper fit, and helped her pick out the right size. They repeated this process, Dawn picking out things that interested her and Amanda helping her find the correct sizing. She ended up with a mixture of darker and more colorful clothes, some skirts, and a few pairs of tights.

It was an hour or so later when they exited the store, Amanda carrying a majority of their bags. They continued to walk around, stopping at a few more stores to pick up some shoes and other items for her. They ended up back in the food court two hours later, slumped at a table, and finally finished.

"So...how did you afford all this? If you don't mind me asking. I assume this stuff is expensive, right?" Dawn piped up, looking at Amanda.

"Oh, I didn't. Sapphira did- she said I could borrow her card and pay her back."

"Sapphira? The same one who gave me the phone?"

Amanda nodded, "Same one- she's a good friend, you'll probably meet her sometime soon. We hang out a lot."

"What does she do? I mean she must make a lot of money."

Amanda shrugged. "None of us really know. We know she's involved in a lot of stuff, but we don't know why. She's a bit mysterious."

Dawn simply nodded, stretching in her chair. Amanda was looking around the court when her eyes lit up, suddenly standing up. "Wait here- I want you to try something. I'll be right back!" She watched as Amanda disappeared into the crowd of people, sitting there a bit confused. She fiddled a bit with her phone, still trying to get used to it.

Soon enough Amanda came back, two brown drinks in her hand. She pushed one of them toward Dawn as she sat down opposite of her. "Try it, I think you'll like it!"

Dawn took the cup from her, gingerly taking a sip. It tasted...sweet. Very sweet, but very good.

"What is this?"

"Brown sugar milk tea with boba pearls." Amanda grinned, sipping her own drink. "It's good, right? Oh, chew the pearls by the way. Don't choke." She softly laughed, Dawn soon learned what she meant when one of the pearls came up the straw. It was such a strange texture...so chewy...it was odd, but she liked it.

"It's certainly interesting...we don't have anything like this on my planet."

"It's gotten pretty popular here recently, so I'm not surprised. I'm glad you like it though. Do you guys have malls on your planet?"

Dawn shook her head. "Not really. Most of our shopping is done...well, I guess the equivalent would be online for you all. We order things and it sort of just...materializes."

"Whoa...that sounds handy. Wish we had something like that."

She shrugged, "I don't know. I like the socialization of it all. On my planet, we don't really go out much. Public places often serve one purpose, you don't go there to hang out, you know? It's much more formal."

"So...how do you hang out with your friends?"

"Honestly it's not super common. It's mostly just communicating, you don't usually regularly see people unless it's a partner or your family. That's why Jay is my closest friend, they're my cousin. Maybe I'll invite them down here when I get things set up...I'm sure they'd love it here."

Amanda frowned. "That's kind of sad. I couldn't imagine not hanging out with my friends."

"Yeah, that's why I'm so intrigued by Earth and humans. I wondered what it was like and honestly...I agree with you. It's so much more fun to go out for things. I used to only go out to go to school."

"Well, I'll just have to bring you along with me. Show you all the fun stuff we've got here." Amanda smiled, causing her to smile that as well. "I'll hold you to that."

-

The subway was much more calm on the ride back, Dawn's head on Amanda's shoulder and the bags strewn between their legs. Amanda's music softly played through the earbuds, the sound almost lulling Dawn to sleep. The exhaust from the day began to hit her, and Amanda had to practically tug her along back to the apartment.

"Don't go limp on me now, we're almost back!" She laughed, Dawn groaning in reply. They eventually made it home, the last thing Dawn remembered was napping on the couch while Amanda made dinner in the kitchen.

[imjustheretoseetheprivateblogs]

AxZ Week Day 5: Poetry

@senshixshitennouweeks

In Silver Millennium, Serenity hands her a slip of parchment, claiming she found it tucked into the hollow of a tree where she had met with her beloved Endymion (she suspects that she was simply playing matchmaker).

The words compare her to a pool of water on a hot day, keeping refreshing, serene, and reflective in pleasing rhyme and meter.

Though it’s short, it’s words stir something in the princess of Mercury and she wishes to know who made such lovely phrases on the tiny blue planet that Serenity is so fond of.

Soon, Serenity brings her more messages that flatter her about her mind and her ambitions, mentioning her beauty to punctuate the writer’s fascination with her.

She never finds out who it is, though. The Silver Millennium falls soon after.

He’s in the library, looking for inspiration for a new energy gathering scheme for their great ruler. His last plan had backfired spectacularly (Video rental stores were not an antiquated idea; it was novel and retro!) and he was going to find something full proof. Beryl was getting impatient.

He pulled a book from the shelf and opened it. A piece of loose-leaf paper, folded into eighths fell from between.

Curious, he picked it up and unfolded it.

I wish to share my words, read the lines of text, to let others know my dreams.

The words stir something in Zoisite and, against his better judgement, pulls out a pen and scrawls a reply, trying to match the number of syllables and give it some kind of rhyme scheme.

Your words have found me now, and filled my heart to the seams.

It’s a simple poem, nothing he’d want to show anyone, but at least he got it out of his system. Putting the paper in between the pages of the book, Zoisite puts the book back and heads for the music section. He’d always been interested in that, so maybe something would inspire him.

Just as he turned the corner, a girl with short dark hair and blue eyes turned the corner and took the book he had just replaced.

The two of them stand awkwardly a week after their second (really third) meeting. They could sit down in one of Crown Arcade’s many booths, especially since it was a slow day, but that would mean sitting across from one another or, God forbid, beside one another.

She’s still not sure trusting him is a logical decision.

He’s still not sure if she even wants to talk to him.

The tension is thick and cloying, a sensation like wearing an old frayed sweater by a campfire.

“So… um… you like to read?”

It’s a dumb question. Between the three books she’s carrying and the reading glasses in her pocket, anyone could see that.

“Yes,” she answers simply. There’s no malice in her voice, but no feeling either. It’s a simple fact.

He retreats to his room when he returns home, trying to write his heart out on a yellow legal pad and trying to take his mind off how Mizuno could even tolerate him ever again.

It’s all chicken scratch though. Even simple fluff poems about flowers being pretty seem to be hard for him to write.

A call from his prince draws him out of his stupor and into battle against a leftover creature.

It’s a bulky, bulbous monster called a Daimon that was apparently made by science.

“Are we winning?” Nephrite calls after his sneak attack completely fails.

“Do you want the truth or one of those little white lies to make you feel better?”

Jadeite’s frustration is understandable, if the improvised bandage on his leg is anything to go on. Mars’s fire seems to have no effect on the creature, Tuxedo Kamen and Sailor Moon are pinned by the Daimon’s onslaught with Nephrite and the other senshi are still trying to make their way across town.

“Mercury Aqua Rhapsody!”

Glittering streams of water streak at the creature, enveloping it in ice and suddenly, Zoisite’s mind fills with descriptions for the attack and for the trickling otherworldly harp strings that accompany it.

Even when Sailor Moon purifies the creature in a dazzling display, Zoisite’s attention is still on the Senshi of Water.

The muse has struck him hard and maybe he can work up the nerve to thank her.

She recognizes his words when he submits to her, on a sheet of green paper, a poem about Hermes.

He recognizes her’s when he sees her handwriting in her little blue notebook.

Soon, little notes are passed between them. Verses plucked out of the ether to make little compliments.

Soon, they’re talking at length of wordsmiths and writers; who they like, who has the best descriptions, which would fit with music, which writer sounds like they would have voted for Shinzo Abe. Soon, it grows more intimate. Love poems, shared between the two of them, games that become heated the more passionate the poetry.

And the two of them begin to wonder when their games will be played to a work of their own composition.

[godstaff]

Just curious: why do you think Clark will be better for Diana compare to Steve?

Who should be the best man of their wedding?

First of: Steve is a member of the U.S. Army. No offense and thank you for your service, but that gives him a limited and partial view of the World. No matter what goodness he has in his heart, he will always do what's better for his country. He will always do what he's ordered to. Diana sees the planet as a whole: she doesn't think what's good for the planet begins and finishes because of the imaginary lines we human limit ourselves with. Good and bad are not determined by politics, much the contrary: she escaped her home country because she thought her views will be always limited. Tsunamis and hurricanes don't stop to present their papers in customs. You can't order oceanic currents around. An alien invation can't see our frontiers. A planetary crisis is such we can't boss around climatic changes because is good or bad for one country's economy. We save the planet together or there's no salvation possible.

Kal-El sees things the same way. When you see our planet from space you understand. We humans are petty and of limited thinking. You can't see flags from afar. Yeah, you can see the flags we planted on the Moon, but the Moon still doesn't care what happens on our blue marble. She may influence our tides, but not because of patriotic sentiments. Laws of physics don't care of such thougts.

Diana and Kal-El share more than a bed together, they share a common goal. It's important for a couple to see things the same way. Opposites may attract one another, but in the long run they're still opposites. It's not "Men are from Mars and women are from Venus", they are both from Earth. They need to save Earth first, only then the countries on it will be safe.

If our neighborhood is flooded, it's useless to try to save only our house. We will be the only house standing in many blocks around, no friends, no neighbors, only desolation. How long will it take before we start to fight among ourselves for food? How long before we start eating one another? Protectors can't think locally, they need to think on saving the majority, hoping the factions will help each other. It's not like Batso, thinking he must first save his city and everything will be okay. We get out of this crisis together or there's not getting out at all. Just imagine: his superpower is he's rich, so he doesn't care if children are starving as long as his fortune is safe. Will he ever renounce his riches? Will he ever give up his superpowers? Nah, I don't think so. Diana doesn't need men with such limited views. Batso is a prisioner of his superpowers, Diana needs a man as free as herself.

Without the army, Steve is a piano virtuoso without a piano: useless. She needs someone who can make music with two sticks or clapping his hands, just like her.

Seeing things from the same perspective is important for a couple. Differences only get bigger with time. Sexual attraction gets old with age if there isn't anything else behind it. As the saying goes: "show me the most beautiful woman on Earth and I'll show you a man tired of banging her". What started as friendly banter turns into an all out war. A couple need to evolve together but in the same direction. A superhero should not be limited by the limitations of his/her human companion. Humans are a drag.

Kal and Diana have incredibly long life spans, they can't be worried about the expiration date of their happiness or the fragility of their couples.

For these reasons and many more, Kal-El is the ideal couple for Diana of Themyscira.

As for the Best Man and Bride Maids, they'll surely choose the most common and unassuming of terrans, as a way of showing they are no different. Their love is no different than any other's. Their family and friends would understand. They don't need a reception party on the surface of the Moon or a High Priest or Supreme Court Magistrate to officiate, only their loved ones. Choosing simple folks as witnesses and integral part of the celebration is a way to legitimize their union in the eyes of the people, who they serve.

[edge-oftheworld]

Apple Music interview

“[There’s an] eerily similar melancholy,” Luke Hemmings tells Apple Music, comparing his sophomore album, boy, to his 2021 debut, When Facing the Things We Turn Away From. “And that really propelled the emotion of boy and these seven songs. A lot of the stuff I write is very existential and trying to understand who I am and why I am. At this time, I was very disorientated and maybe a bit emotionally lost, even though life was moving forward in a really great way.”

The two albums were conceived and recorded in vastly different circumstances. His debut came together in isolation under the cloak of COVID lockdowns, while boy was written as he toured the world with 5 Seconds of Summer, the Sydney band the singer/guitarist co-founded as a 15-year-old in 2011. Still, the pair have much in common: turns out you can feel just as alone spending months traversing the globe as you can sitting in your house waiting for the world to open up.

Part of the reason for that disorientation was the dawning realisation that he was entering his late twenties, leading Hemmings to reflect deeply on his youth while considering a potential future as a father. “You want to be the most fully realised version of yourself before stepping into that sort of role, which is a work in progress,” he explains.

Taking inspiration from artists such as Damon Albarn, Beach House, LCD Soundsystem and Richard Ashcroft, boy exhibits a dreamlike quality, one that bathes in melancholy without ever sinking into depression—witness the way in which opener “I’m Still Your Boy” builds from a whispered acoustic beginning into a grandiose and uplifting climax; or the sad-happy mélange of synths and dance beats that propel “Close My Eyes”. Here, Hemmings takes Apple Music through boy, track by track.

“I’m Still Your Boy” “This song really encompasses the ache I wanted to get across and the growing pains it took to become a fully realised adult version of myself. It’s only until I started thinking of having children of my own that I began reflecting on the struggles I had myself as a teenager who grew up in the public eye. This song is about understanding my youth that was marred with trauma amidst beauty, whilst trying to become a good man. ‘I’m Still Your Boy’ walks on the high wire between boyhood and adulthood, looking both ways.”

“Shakes” “‘Shakes’ was written on a dreary evening in between long periods of travel and touring, so it easily came from an incredibly melancholy place. A feeling of yearning to be back home, of feeling lonely and emotionally desperate and depleted. There is a longing for love and self-acceptance in the lyrics, and I hope it to be a song that anyone listening [to] can find themselves in and attach their own story.”

“Benny” “This song is named after my brother, Ben, but in its entirety, it represents all of my loved ones and the guilt I feel being away from my family and living on the periphery of their world. It represents the mornings I wake up in a panic, anxious and worried that today will be the day I get bad news. News that would make my dreams of making music seem infantile and pointless. I’d do anything for the people I love.”

“Close My Eyes” “I wrote ‘Close My Eyes’ as I headed into my late twenties and felt an unavoidable wave of fear and anxiety towards the inevitable death of my youth. I found myself unable to sleep because every time I tried, it was as if a film of my life was projected onto the back of my eyelids—the mistakes, successes, everything that could have been and everything that was. I was sonically trying to tap into 2000s indie rock bands like LCD Soundsystem and The Rapture.”

“Garden Life” “I had the idea for ‘Garden Life’ when I couldn’t sleep in a hotel room somewhere in the world, sometime around 3am. The next morning, I went for a walk and wrote the lyrics on a park bench, watching life pass me by. It’s really just an existential love song to my happiest and safest place. The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve realised that sometimes the most beautiful and visceral memories in life are not the most grand and obvious ones, they can be simple and powerful. It’s not always the fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Sometimes it’s a Friday night sitting on the couch listening to your favourite person laugh.”

“Close Enough to Feel You” “This song was inspired by sounds from Cocteau Twins and my bloody valentine, who I listened to heavily during the making of boy. The beauty in ‘Close Enough to Feel You’ is all in the details, both sonically and lyrically. Sometimes when you suffer a big emotional loss, something so mundane and otherwise unnoticed can become earth-shattering. A glimpse of a photo out of the corner of your eye, a stain on the carpet, an old sweater, sends you into the foetal position. This song is about the willingness and desire to live in that pain in order to feel close to who or what you lost, rather than moving on.”

“Promises” “‘Promises’ was the song written for the EP that finally made me feel like I was really onto something. It started with merely a drum beat, which I find ironic as I’m not a drummer. But I think maybe it’s that naïveté that led to this song being created. It’s about a time in my life when I saw the world through grey-coloured glasses. I was a pessimist, struggling with depression and my mental health, who fell in love and started to see colour for the first time.”

[melancholymirth]

❛ don’t you know how sick with love i am for you? ❜ garygarygarygaryga

prompt

But the feeling was mutual; and it hadn't been long since either of them were sick with longing. However, it was unfair to compare...

V's affections might have awakened at a crucial turning point, but Garrett had been struck by a case of love at first sight, and as horribly cliche as that sounded, it was horribly true for him. Worse, he had to choke it down, put on a strong façade, bear it through indefinitely, all for V's sake—and V had set down his barriers from the beginning, barring any such affection anyway. It was clear at the time that V felt, if anything, tolerance toward the demon who'd come unannounced, and he had no qualms with giving Garrett reminders back then. There was to be physical distance, and emotional, too; it was all for the mission, everything they were doing and stomaching, all for the greater good. There could have been no time for romance, and the ruined streets of Red Grave certainly weren't any place for it.

But none of that mattered because V fell regardless, and Garrett had fallen long before. Both were expert at stifling their emotions. V had been naïve about it from the start, but Garrett—poor Garrett! Toiling away in the hot sun for weeks on end, exposing himself to many a peril for a duty self-imposed to a man who could not reciprocate but, rather, shunned him with icy glares, sharp warnings, and deliberate space. V might have been able to justify his actions then—he was marred with bad experience, after all—but now that he had hindsight to torment himself with, and a bottomless love, he could not say that he was at all proud of the way he treated a man, a devil, who was only ever giving and protective and loyal, who put V first and held his word of honor until the very harrowing end. And all of that sacrifice and pain, for love? Because of it? Because he was sick in his heart from feelings unrequited? Because he was sick enough to go to war with V and die for him?

"Sick," he called it? He was festering with it!

The lesions and sores he bore on his soul now as a result of everything he did and lost and felt, for one frail, cold-blooded sorcerer, were sincerely beautiful. None of it deserved, none of it belonged, but Garrett was only happy to bear the burden and the plague, and to see him now a fulfilled man who would still sicken himself, go to war, and die for V was as much sweet as it was bitter; and the sorcerer he'd taken as his scrawny mate felt so sorry now, because he had single-handedly put that good man through a world of bad. Maybe all was forgiven now, a small handful of years and a legal marriage later, but V would not soon forget. He likely never will. And maybe, a little somberly, he put his incessant spiraling to rest just so that he could try a feeble smile, and pulled himself close, his head beside Garrett's, so he wouldn't watch green eyes mist.

The embrace, however, was as full and as warm as his heart, and his arms were as tender as they were grasping when they wrapped around a demon so sweet and soulful. "Garrett, I—" His voice broke, wanting to betray him and destroy him in that one breath. How could he possibly answer? There was no need for any of this: the reminder, the guilt, the knot in V's throat. He didn't rightly know what spurred his beloved to say such a thing, but it hadn't mattered now. V was such a sad man; perhaps sad where Garrett was sick. He shut his eyes, and how wet they suddenly were. "I'm sorry. Yes, I know, I always know it. Don't—"

'Don't' what? 'Don't leave me'? 'Don't ever ask me that again'? Don't...make me feel this way? No, don't.

It was impossible to finish.

[jjungkooksthighs]

I heard it all in your thoughts. There’s nothing to talk about.

There.. there is.

I.. i don't believe you hate me, alpha.

She finally voices out, and he doesn't turn to look at her, only listening, considering her words.

I really don't.

I just find it hard to believe that you haven't already. How? I don't fucking know how it hasn't happened already.. how I haven't pushed you away yet.

I..

she laughs to try and cover up her awkwardness.

i've seen enough of people to understand that it isn't hard to let go of me, alpha. I've been shown enough.. seen enough.

These experiences...i've been told it's painful, and only a burden for me to be there. I just jumped to the conclusion that this.. incident lead to the same.

It's a frar that eats me alive, alpha. That maybe one day, you'll really see me for who I am. That you'll see I'm not all that.. special when compared to what others have proven to be. I'm scared that eventually, you'll realise that the vkice in me that screams at me to allow you to have better is speaking the truth. I'm scared I'll.. lose that place beside you. I'm just scared I'll lose you.

I don't believe you hate me, alpha.

Please.. ger voice cracks, and another dam of waterworks opens, tears flowing down yet again.

I.. i understand if you don't believe me, alpha.. I'm not going to force you to.

I've hurt you. I.. i d-dont know know how to make it up to you.

For a moment, he is still. For a moment, he simply studies the doubt marring her downturned, quivering lips. His thumb he’d had lain on her cheek falls from there to cosset that pouty mouth of hers, his finger gentle in its path around those beautiful lips he adores so.

He considers her as he bends both of his legs out in front of him so that he can sit on his ass without having to take his hand away from her. Like this, he’s almost level with her. Almost.

She would always be smaller than him. And he loved it like that. She fit so perfectly against him. 

Distantly, he wonders what she might do if he turned her around so that her back was to his chest and her body between his legs. 

The female in front of him trembles from the force of her sobs, and the sight is like a knife into his chest. He has to do something. He must. 

More  tears descend down her face as she divulges her thoughts that he can no longer hear, and with each one, the knife is twisted and lodged deeper into him.

He lets her talk, though. Even now, the melodious sound of her voice is pleasant under the leaves that whistle above them. There is no sound he has ever enjoyed as he does any and all that she makes. 

When she’s done and her eyes have become glassy with the very skin under them red as a strawberry, that’s when he answers. 

I could never hate you, my love. I could get upset with you, irritated with you, aggravated with you, frustrated with you, but I assure you that I could never find it in myself to hate you for anything. 

You could kill me in cold blood- he eyes the red stain on her fingers, guilt drawing the metaphorical knife even more through his heart- and still I would not hate you.

You are my reason for being, sweetheart. You are what I think about every second, minute and hour of the day. Before you, I was lost. Before you, I was not whole. You gave me meaning and you are the light that led the way for me when I didn’t know where to turn. You were, and are, what gives me purpose in this life. 

I  love you for who you are and that will never, ever change.

[scvcnofswords]

[ squeeze ]  –  for the sender’s muse to place their hands on the receiver’s shoulders from behind, and offer a reassuring / affirming squeeze before moving on - @berthindeath

Weisshaupt is hell.

There's no other word for it, as Harrow leans against the Library doors, catching their breath. The bar laid across it by the blacksmith had done a world of good- but the doors wouldn't stop an Archdemon. Wouldn't stop Ghilan'nain herself, if she decided to come and start hunting those who she had not yet slaughtered.

Half hysterical, Harrow wonders how many other Wardens have tried to escape into the depths of Weisshaupt, from the unwinnable battle that the First Warden had refused to see for what it was.

There's soot and ash, blood of their own and of the darkspawn smeared across every inch of Harrow's armor, and marring their face, lining everything in shadow and crimson. They look a horror from the Blight themselves, with their eyes dyed blight-black, the golden irises granted an almost unnatural glow in the dim library's light.

They've been collecting things from every room or corridor they've traversed. A small book of transcribed accounts from the first Wardens of the First Blight. Small- fragments of fangs or claws of Archdemons, set to ring bands or amulets already grabbed from this very room. Small books and tomes- scrolls that can be stuffed into their breastplate.

Anything they can fit to their armor, their pockets or pouches, they're taking. Because Harrow-

They see the writing on the wall.

It isn't that it's Gwen's fault. It isn't that they blame- any of this on her. She had tried to warn the First Warden. Antoine and Evka had tried. Harrow had tried. Litriu had tried. He hadn't listened.

Gwen has- tried to save the Wardens, and tried to save Weisshaupt. She is still trying- still encouraging the team, still trying to believev, and to make them believe, that this can be ended today, that Ghilan'nain will die today with her Archdemon.

It's a beautiful fantasy. And clearly one that the other 'Veilguard' team members are clinging to, in the face of so much death and destruction. Harrow doesn't blame them. This- This is Denerim, in 9:31 Dragon, and yet it is also so much worse. So, so much worse.

They pray to any God that isn't evil, that might listen, that the tracks of tears on their face aren't visible to anyone looking at them. That the gore and dirt and ash makes it unrecognizable how distraught they are. Their voice is even, their body strong- they are still Gwen's shield, protecting her from any Blighted monster that dares get too close, to target her as she casts and wreaks devastation.

They're fighting hard. But the Blight, but the Darkspawn keep coming, with Ghilan'nain's cruel taunts and smug viciousness ever-present in the skies above.

And Harrow- does not see any way that this battle ends with Weisshaupt left intact. Already the blight is infesting the Library, growing over history books, over journals and tomes, art and memories of the Wardens and Griffons lost to time. This- Weisshaupt was filled with the ghosts of the past, and Ghilan'nain was defiling every inch of it for her own adulation and glory. It's sickening on a level that Harrow hadn't known they could feel. Worse than the human Chantry, worse than Orlais, in so many ways. The original oppressor of their people, a major facet of the reason the modern elves have lost so much.

Harrow won't blame Solas for having made mistakes in trying to save the Elvhen people from the Evanuris. They see what Ghilan'nain and Elgar'nan are doing now- and once there had been... More of them. A pantheon, very nearly.

They cannot imagine the points of despair he and his rebels had to have fought through. Had they been through moments like this? Is he watching them battle through, trying to save Weisshaupt, from the Fade, and comparing it to experiences he'd had in his own past?

They shake themselves, banishing the Dread Wolf from their mind- lean their forehead on the library doors, and press so hard into it that it hurts. Their hair is matted with blood, at this point- their pauldrons are dented and ruined from the mace of a genlock. Quietly, Harrow takes a step back and away from the door- and their numb hands reach up to the buckles.

None of the others of the group even flinch at the clatter of Harrow's pauldrons on the Stone floor- either a testament to how deeply they are all within their own minds, or to how exhausted they are from this fight. And they're nowhere near done. They don't stop, though- the scrolls in their breastplate are quietly handed off to Bellara to keep safe, and then that dented plate is dropped as well.

This armor is compromised. And there's a mannikin across the room wearing ceremonial pieces that will serve just fine. They stride to it after unstrapping the thigh-plates and greaves, dropping those with the chest and backplates.

As they begin pulling on the new pieces- not plate, but enchanted armor- Harrow will take what they can get- they pause as they feel a second pair of hands begin to help. A quick glance reveals Gwen having come to help- and in silence, they get Harrow strapped and laced into the enchanted, age-old leather-and-chain armor. It fits perfectly over top of Harrow's own under-leathers, and they heave a long, slow sight, head dropping forward one more time to rest agains the mannikin.

"It suits you," Gwen says very quietly, and Harrow doesn't reply but for a weak huff of amusement- they don't have the energy to laugh.

Gwen reaches, then, and gently, both of her hands squeeze Harrow's shoulders. They hold there a long moment, and Harrow closes their eyes again against the burn of tears, heaving a shuddering breath. It's a small gesture- but the support in it is more valuable than any gold, and Harrow unconsciously leans back, into those hands for just a moment, raising one of their own to cover Gwen's. Just for a moment.

Too soon, Gwen- Rook pulls back, and clears her throat, calling everyone to attention. Harrow opens their eyes and reaches down- strapping their glaive back to their shoulders and spine, their shield atop it- their war-hatchet back to their hip.

And when Rook begins to traverse deeper again to the fray, sending the rest of the team to go and help Mila and her father with the Eluvian, Harrow is two paces behind her, hand gripping their axe so hard their knuckles ache.

In war, victory. In peace, vigilance. In death, sacrifice.

[eabwriting2023]

A Lone Moon - Day Nineteen

Saturn has its golden rings, their 146 moons to keep them company. Jupiter is the largest towering over the entire universe, chilling out with their 95 moons. We have Mars, beautiful and elegant, their blush red appearance dazzles those in the darkness, even they have two moons to keep them company on different leap years around the sun.

Then there is me, Earth, the smallest, the weakest, the dying one. I am the only one to habitat residents on my spherical body and I hate it! They itch and complain, they are fleas making me worse and worse everyday. I have become so demanding, so emotional after millions of years of letting them live upon me. It’s exhausting!

To make things worse, I have only one moon to keep me company. Whenever I have no energy or can’t be bothered with the life on me, my moon is either too much or too little. They are always in my sights, or not in my sights at all, there is no middle ground.

Planets such as Mars, Jupiter and Saturn have exquisite appearances where their moons will take care of them in a way that is pleasing to their senses. I am disgusting compared to them. The fleas have destroyed my beautiful pores, the lakes, the grass turning them into dust, cracked in all the wrong places. I have no one to truly comfort me, my moon really couldn’t care less.

They spin around in the blackness of the universe minding their own business floating around me yet they do not keep eye contact. They tried to make things work, leap year after leap year when I faced them fully with mindless chatter and stupidity but they were trying to hard to please me.

They float on the right hand side of me now as it is the middle of June. They don’t look directly at me but focus their attention upon the many stars that whisk around space.

I feel myself burning, yet it isn’t yet another forest fire caused by these fleas, it feels different some how. A human emotion very similar to jealousy. What is there for me to be jealous about? They are my only moon who quite literally revolves around me but they whisper in tongues to these stars that sparkle and it concerns me.

“It’s okay to be scared, every star feels this way, everyone becomes a burning star eventually, it’s part of our universe.” I hear them say to a shaken ball of dust. “Trust me.”

They nod they’re strange little geometrical bodies and zoom off into the distance. I watch my moon float around with their thoughts thinking they are alone.

I observe the moon hum and watch the other star commuters travel space just simply being. I cant understand how at peace they can be alone with no moons to pass away the years with. I think they sense my presence as they spin around noticing me bobbing around.

“Earth!” They say sounding surprised. “What an unexpected visit.”

“What was you just doing?” I try inquiring.

“I was just speaking to the stars mostly, some get scared about being transformed into shooting stars, it means their life is coming to an end.”

“I know the feeling.” I sigh feeling itches all over my country patches scratching from whether we are having this June.

“Hmm…” The moon nods weakly but turned to face the darkness of space. “I still can’t get over the vastness of this place.”

“Excuse me?” I strike back at them. How dare they not compliment me on my heartbeat, I am literally falling into pieces as we speak.

“Yes?” He responses calmly, their attention still focused on the space around us both.

“I just opened my heart out to you, told you my honest feelings, my worries. I am dying!” I cry.

“I understand that, but we all have our issues. We are all dying. I feel sorry for you, I do but there’s no point complaining, that isn’t going to help the humans, or anything in fact!”

“You are a bad moon!” I snap. “The other planets, their moons comfort them and sooth over their problems, they don’t pester them one year and completely blank them the next!”

“The other planets aren’t you Earth! No other planets have residents big and so many living upon them. So what if Saturn has golden rings with 146 moons to look after their every need, they are not you!”

“But what is me? What am I now? I have crumbled into dust, no one cares for me now!”

“That simply isn’t true and you know it Earth! There are plenty of humans campaigning to save your life, everyday, but secondly there is me! I maybe one moon and not ninety five but I care for you!”

“How do you care exactly? You are torturing me with your personality switches! One moment you are too attentive the next you don’t give one damn about me, you care more about your star friends over there!”

“That’s outrageous! I don’t care for these more than you it’s just they appreciate me more than you. One time in your one billion existence could you be grateful? These stars say thank you, respect me as a moon. Is it so hard just to be happy with and who you have?”

I want to respond with something clever and witty but sadly that is proving their point. I pause for a moment looking deep into my moons eyes, their beautiful patchy skin. How have I not noticed how fantastically amazing they are?

I focus my attention on the universe around me. The stars rushing around spreading joy to humans with their sparkle. I look back at my moon once again and sigh.

“I am sorry you know, I truly mean it.” I say breathing a wind sigh of relief.

Unusually, my moon is not hostile or angry but just smiles right back at me.

“Let’s do this together. We can survive if we have each other’s spheres.”

I nod firmly. For the next few while I spin on my axis we help stars that come to us make sense of their very special life and reason to be in the universe. Together, we are a little less lone than we were last year.

[oraclekleo]

I want to preface this message by saying that I accidentally sent this WHOLE THING to ANOTHER READER I DON’T EVEN FOLLOW and now I’m mortified 💀 For some reason I thought of taking a screenshot of what I wrote and I’m extremely grateful to past me bc I would’ve thrown myself out of the window if I had to type it again 🌚

…

Ok Kleo, it's finally time for the compatibility game feedback I'm so sorry for taking so long 😭 you posted it right before uni started and then I got sucked down the school and work waterslide and kinda procrastinated it🥺

As I told you the other day, when you posted about not getting a lot of feedback and reblogs, I feel kinda "morally ambiguous" about mature-themed celebrity content, just because I think I'd feel weird if I found random sexual content about me online, posted publicly (especially if it was very different from who I really am), but I don't want to be a hypocrite because I did ask you for this reading myself 😬

So... All in all, I think you're quite respectful with the way you conduct and write your readings. I get a more "for research purposes" vibe from them, as opposed to what I've seen in other blogs I've come across, that are outright objectifying and disrespectful in my opinion. So I guess I do feel comfortable with your content? This is just me trying to take a moral stance, so l'm not trying to "give my approval" or anything. I'm just a person who thinks things through a lot Imao

Now about the reading itself...

Right off the bat you had me laughing because what do you mean you "didn't intend for the reading to be very 18+ but it turned out that way"?? 💀😭

Like was it me? Is that bad?? I'm sorry??? 🙃

The second thing that caught my eye were the cards themselves... I think I've told you before, you have so many interesting, beautiful decks and I love how they (in my opinion, at least), give the readings such a diverse, particular vibe. Is it hard to work with many different decks? Energy-wise I mean...

I think, for the most part, your reading actually resonated? (Is it weird to say it resonates if it's a hypothetical reading about my interactions with a person I don't know personally? 😂)

I remember reading a while ago that Yeonjun could be an Aries rising, so if I compare what you said with the Astro synastry between us, it does totally check out! And our charts would be super similar too, since l'm also a Virgo sun with Aries rising

Power couple? My Jupiter would be on his MC, and his Jupiter on my 2H. We both have libra mercuries and our Vertex are conjunct, so... I smell ✨success✨

Deep soul exploration? Based on my only, but tee long relationship, I know I crave that deep emotional intimacy, getting to know each other's darkest bits and learning to love them, and all that dramatic shit Imao. He has a Scorpio moon that would be in my 8H, his Chiron conjunct my Pluto in his 8H and our suns are conjunct too, so yeah I could see the vision.

Do I see him being devoted and submissive? Yes, but personally I think it would be more of an "equivalent exchange" in this personal dynamic, where we'd both be equally devoted and submissive to each other. I see him listening to me a lot, because I'm on the mature, rational side and he gives me "mommy issues” vibes, but I'd honestly wear myself to the bone to make my loved ones happy, so there's that lol

Astrologically speaking, I have my moon, Venus and mars in Leo 5H, and he has Leo Venus 5H too so that would "confirm" the love language and relationship dynamics, but also hints to a lot of attraction, which relates to the sexual chemistry bit of your reading.

I can say you nailed the neck and voice thing for sure, at least on my side... My neck is definitely one of my weak spots, and I like guys being "vocal" so much you can't imagine 😩 12/10 for sure

Also foreplay is key for me, so much that I can't even think of it as "fore"play, it's an essential part of the whole thing, not just the appetizer..

Now, as of now I can't really see myself being dominant enough to enjoy restraining a guy per se, but l'lI like it if I know he likes it, and even more if i know he'll "get back" to me later lol like that would be the end goal maybe?

To summarize, it was very interesting to read, like I'm amazed at how you can get information like that from the cards! And it was damn accurate too.

Again, sorry for taking so long but you've probably realized by now that I tend to write A LOT so sometimes I feel overwhelmed when thinking of writing feedback because I know it will take me a while to write the whole thing

(Also if you think it's just TOO long please tell me so I can try to make it shorter next time 😂)

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR DOING THIS READING FOR ME (and all the other reading as well)… You’re really talented, and definitely have a gift for tarot 🥹

Bye!🥰

Hello!

Don't worry at all. As I said, I don't care about time, I'm always happy to receive feedback. 💖💖💖

Honestly, I don't understand the fuss with NSFW tarot readings. Do people have the same issues with smut fics? Because it's basically the same. Only in tarot readings you base your fantasy on what you interpret from the cards but it's still a work of fiction. Tarot isn't a science. What's written in tarot readings aren't objective facts, they are notions, impressions and interpretations.

Also, I do these readings about celebrities because they have public status. When you become a celebrity you deliberately give a large portion of your privacy up. Not all of it, but much more than a regular non-celeb person. This is not violating their privacy. Fanfics also don't violate their privacy. These are merely fantasies shared. If you are dellusional and want to take these works of fiction as a fact, you will do so no matter whether it's NSFW or not and it's harmful and the only solution is to educate the delusional person not to censor free speech and creative content.

I know it's difficule to take moral stand here but this is how I see it and people are free to disagree with me and even unfollow me if they wish so.

But to like and read a NSFW content but be ashamed for liking it is a road to hell. And it's weak and pretentious. I know it might sound unfair but a mentally healthy and mature person does not feel ashamed for what they like as long as it doesn't break the law. That's my personal opinion here and it might be a bit too strong for more sensitive individuals but once they grow up they will learn. 😊

As for your actual feedback, I'm not big on astrology so... I assume you studied it well and I take your word for it 😂

I like to use very diverse decks of cards because human nature is very diverse, too. Most people aren't just one dimensional characters. It's not difficult for me to read the different energy of the cards as I have picked them myself, I had a reason to do so, I followed my intuition. I have a connection with my decks and I acknowledge and cherish the fact that each one of them has a different 'personality'.

I have mentioned it before that even when it does sound like it resonates, the tarot readings are basically works of fiction as they are not based in research or hard facts but they are based in personal interpretations of symbolics. I think it's the basic mistake many people make, that they take tarot readings as facts. It's not like that. But people tend to follow patterns and if I hit the right pattern in the reading it will sound to you like it resonates with you. Tarot is NOT magic. My intuition picks information about you from your feedbacks and other interactions with me and the cards only help me to give sense to all those random pieces of information in my brain. It's not witchcraft, it's psychoanalysis. I understand why many people get confused here, though 😂

Once again, no need to apologize, I understand that life gets in the way and everyone needs time to think things through, especially to respond in such a detail 😀

I love your long feedbacks. You don't have to cut them short for me. 😂

Thank you so much for taking time to give your opinion on the reading! It means a lot to me 💖💖💖💖

Kleo 🦄