#admiration to unity

[sicklysublimeamulet]

One With The Star

Steve Montano had been Rocco’s fan for years as a passionate vlogger.

He wasn’t just a casual supporter—he ran a YouTube channel entirely dedicated to the actor. He also worked a modest job editing social media content for local brands. By night, he transformed into “Rocco Updates” had nearly 50,000 subscribers. A cheerful, talkative online personality who covered everything related to his favorite actor: Rocco.

Steve wasn’t delusional. He knew he wasn’t famous. He wasn’t even all that confident in real life. But watching Rocco—the way he held himself with grace, the kindness in his voice, his balance of strength and gentleness—it made Steve feel like something greater was possible.

Steve wasn’t any of those things. At least, not in his mind.

Sometimes, in the quiet moments, Steve would sit by his mirror and whisper to himself:

“What if I could be like Rocco? Not just act like him, or follow in his footsteps... but really become a person of that caliber? What if... a fan and a star could become one?”

It felt silly. Impossible. And yet, the thought comforted him.

One late night, while vlogging and editing about Rocco’s latest charity marathon, Steve received a package with no return address. Steve noticed something strange in his email from his phone. Unknown email. No sender, no subject—just a message:

"To truly understand a star, you must walk in his shoes. To walk in his soul, you must share his light."

A dri-fit gray shirt.

Steve felt an odd sensation when he touched the fabric. He chuckled nervously. “Weird. Feels... alive?” He wasn’t sure what it was for—maybe some promotional merch—but something told him it was important.

Not wanting to ruin it, he stored the shirt in a protective case.

Weeks later, Steve learned that Rocco was hosting a small meet-and-greet charity event in a small city. It wasn’t open to the general public, but Steve’s consistent online presence earned him an invitation from the organizers. He thought of Rocco—not the fame or the awards, but the kindness in his voice, the fire in his work, the warmth in his smile.

The day of the event, Steve brought the shirt with him—he wanted to give for his idol, Rocco.

When he arrived, the atmosphere was electric. Cameras, fans, and journalists buzzed through the venue. But Steve stood quietly, shirt in hand, waiting for his moment.

When Rocco finally approached, Steve was starstruck. But he managed to speak.

“H-Hi, Mr. Rocco. My idol! I’ve admired your work and passion for years. I… I wanted to give you something.”

He handed the dri-fit shirt to Rocco.

Rocco smiled warmly. “Wow. This is beautiful, man. Thank you. You didn’t have to do this.”

“I... I’d be honored if you wore it, even just once.”

Rocco nodded, appreciating the sincerity in Steve’s voice. “Sure, why not?”

He stepped aside, removed his outer shirt, and slipped on the mysterious dri-fit shirt.

The moment it touched his skin, the shirt glowed.

The fabric shimmered. The air around them grew still. Steve froze, a strange energy tugging at his chest—no, pulling him forward.

“What the—” Rocco muttered.

In an instant, the shirt acted like a vortex—its fibers extended outward like tendrils of light, wrapping around Steve. His body seemed to dissolve into pure energy and was pulled directly into the shirt—into Rocco.

In that moment, a radiant surge of energy enveloped Steve. But it wasn’t painful. Rocco stumbled slightly as the light faded.

He clutched his chest, breathing deeply. Then... he felt it.

They were merging as a complete person.

Steve blinked.

Just a second ago, he had been watching Rocco Nacino slip on the dri-fit shirt through a crack in the gym doorway—heart racing, palms sweaty. Now, everything was gone.

The gym. The hallway. The city.

He stood barefoot on what looked like a glowing marble surface. Above him, the sky was infinite—a swirl of soft white light and deep blue, like stars swimming in milk.

“Where... am I?” Steve whispered, clutching his chest. “What is this place?”

A warm breeze kissed his skin. The air hummed with a calm, resonant energy. And then—he heard footsteps.

From behind a shimmer of light, Rocco Nacino emerged. He was dressed not in gym clothes, but in flowing, radiant versions of his usual casual wear—like the universe had rendered him in pure essence.

Rocco's eyes widened. “You…”

Steve froze. “You can see me?”

“I think we’re inside something,” Rocco said, glancing around. “It’s like a... bridge. Between us.” He took a step closer. “You’re Steve, aren’t you?”

Steve nodded slowly, overwhelmed.

“I know your name,” Rocco said softly. “I’ve seen your videos. I’ve always appreciated how much you cared. But this... this is something else.”

Rocco saw reflections of Steve’s once-distant longing in their eyes. And he understood it. Intimately. Yet no one suspected anything.

Steve looked down, ashamed. “I know it’s strange. I just… admired you. Your strength. Your grace. How people light up when you enter the room. I always wanted to be that. To feel that.”

Rocco smiled softly. “And yet, here you are. In this place that only appears when admiration becomes something more—when it’s no longer just about watching from a distance, but wanting to understand and embody.

“I didn’t mean to… I mean I never thought this shirt would…” Steve tried to explain, his words trembling. “I just wanted to be like you. You were everything I wasn’t—confident, smart, admired. I guess I hoped… if I wore the shirt, maybe I’d feel stronger.”

Rocco looked at him with eyes full of compassion. “And now... it brought you here. Brought us here.”

The two stood quietly, the sky above pulsing gently.

Steve looked up, eyes glassy but determined. “You’re just a person, too. Kind, yes. Talented. But human. And I... I have worth too.”

Rocco smiled. “You do. I can feel it now. Your heart, your passion—it’s already blending with mine in here. But a good-hearted one,” Rocco would silently reply.

A golden wind began to stir around them. The world shimmered, and the ground beneath them began to gently glow with swirling patterns.

Rocco stepped closer. “We’re merging, Steve. Our bodies, our spirits. You’re more than worthy, Steve. Because of your honesty. Your desire to grow. And I—” he paused—“I’ve longed to understand those who truly see me for more than the spotlight. You’ve seen my heart.”

Then the wind became a vortex, rising into the stars. Their fingers interlaced. Their forms began to glow—not in pain, not in chaos, but in peace.

Rocco looked down at the dri-fit shirt, which Steve now realized had reappeared on Rocco’s body. It pulsed with a subtle blue glow.

Rocco reached forward, placing his palm on Steve’s chest. “Are you ready? I do. I’ll be part of you in my life, Steve.”

Steve nodded, eyes wet with emotion. “I’ve never been more ready.”

The shirt began to glow brighter. Energy surged from it like liquid light. It wrapped around Steve, pulling him in—but gently. He wasn’t being overtaken. He was being welcomed.

As Steve’s body touched Rocco’s, it was as if two flames were intertwining, becoming one blaze. Their thoughts, memories, values, and dreams began to align. Muscles merged. Voices harmonized. Reflecting a new figure standing tall—confident, radiant. A being that carried Steve’s heartfelt admiration and Rocco’s grounded charisma.

Steve’s voice echoed in the light. “Thank you... for letting me matter.”

Rocco’s voice responded, calm and warm. “And thank you... for reminding me why I do what I do.”

Their bodies began to dissolve—not into destruction, but into harmony.

And then…

Silence.

His body felt different—more alive, more aware. He looked down at the dri-fit shirt on his chest. It shimmered for a brief second, then dimmed.

In his heart, a new calm had taken root. Steve’s voice whispered softly in his thoughts:

“Let’s show them who we are.”

He has the courage and confidence in his own.

Because now, they were one.

He wasn’t Rocco Nacino or Steve either.

He stared at himself for a long moment before speaking in a low tone: “I am... Roveo.”

He can also gain the ability inside him to shapeshift into Rocco himself for public outing or reverse back to Roveo at his private home.

He stood taller. Rocco's smile carried a new softness. His eyes held Steve’s sensitivity, his hope.

And a voice echoed inside him, familiar yet distant: “Thank you for letting me become more. Thank you for letting me be seen.”

Not because he became his idol—but because he became his own version of greatness.

From that day forward, Rocco’s (or Roveo's) career flourished—but not because of new roles or viral fame. It was the way he spoke, how he carried himself, and the way he treated people the same thing he did.

In the late night, Roveo quietly took over Steve’s dormant YouTube channel: Rocco Updates.

He renamed it “Inside Rocco” and began uploading personal reflections—what it felt like to chase dreams, to feel invisible, to struggle with confidence, and to finally realize that you are enough.

Roveo looked into his eyes, seeing a familiar spark—the same one Steve had once carried in his heart.

“Don’t be like him as your idol,” Roveo said gently. “Be the best version of yourself. That’s what I had to learn from him.”

Roveo never told anyone what really happened with the shirt, or that Steve was now part of him forever.

The dri-fit shirt? Roveo kept it.

But every time he looked in the mirror, he knew. And Steve knew too.

"They lived every day as one: A man once admired, and the fan who dared to dream...

Together, they became someone stronger. Someone fuller. Someone true... but hidden to themselves. I mean himself. " - Roveo

[thebluebygracieabrams]

the good riddance trio are always so united about all things feelings ☠️

[sunsburns]

the complete knock — bob reynolds

⟢ synopsis. you’re only here to try and understand why bucky’s suddenly gone off the rails and joined a new team, leaving you, sam and joaquín in radio silence. the last thing you expected was to find comfort in a stranger. a kind stranger named bob.

⟢ contains. spoilers for thunderbolts*, takes place during the 14 month later period. nothing too crazy, mostly plot. reader is described as female. bob is a cutie!! reader and joaquín are sambucky children of divorce :(

⟢ wc: 9.7k+

⟢ author’s note. wrote this with a vague idea and a dream. i don't know. don't ask pls.

You were here strictly for business.

The lobby was all polished glass, military-grade charm, and propaganda dressed in gold. Cameras flashed like fireworks along the crimson carpet, catching every inch of shine from designer suits and sharp smiles. A towering digital screen looped the promo again: "The New Avengers: Built for Tomorrow." You watched from the fringe as the montage played, the images slicing together in quick succession—John Walker throwing the shield with over-practised precision, Yelena Belova dismantling a room of dummies in under twelve seconds, and Ava Starr phasing through a concrete wall with a smirk. Hero shots. Sanitized. Manufactured. All of them.

You didn’t blink as you were ushered to an elevator.

Growing up, the Avengers Tower never really felt real to you. Sure, you’d seen the photos, the documentaries, the endless footage of press conferences held on its front steps. Hell, you’d even walked past it with your parents whenever you visited New York—but it still felt like it belonged to another world entirely. Untouchable. Almost mythic.

You never imagined you’d walk inside.

And yet now, riding the elevator up with a slow-climbing hum and nerves that prickled beneath your skin, all you felt was dread.

It was a strange kind of emptiness—the feeling of finally reaching something you once admired, only to realize it had been gutted and repainted in someone else’s image. The marble floors had been waxed clean, but the history here wasn’t. You could still feel the ghosts under the polish. Somewhere between the seams of the rebuilt walls and reprogrammed elevators, there was once a legacy. Real one. But it didn’t belong to the people in charge of this event.

You were crammed in with a handful of Congress members and defence contractors, all of whom smelled like cologne and quiet greed. Congressman Gary was there too, smiling too much, already half-drunk from the limo ride there. (He said it would be the only way he’d survive an entire night listening to people praise Valentina Allegra de Fontaine). Gary had been the one to suggest your attendance might smooth things over. It might make the New Avengers feel like someone from Sam’s camp was willing to listen. Get on their good side—that whole thing.

But you were here for an entirely different reason. His invitation was exactly what you needed to get in, though.

Underneath your gown—sleek, formal, and designed to draw no conclusions—you had a mic stitched into the seam of your strapless bodice. Hidden, but live. Your earpiece buzzed softly with Joaquín’s voice, casual as ever.

“If Sam finds out we’re doing this, we’re so dead.”

You bit the inside of your cheek, trying not to be overheard as the elevator operator gave a rehearsed speech about the tower’s restoration—how it stood now as a symbol of “unity, rebirth, and strength.” You resisted the urge to roll your eyes. The tower didn’t feel like a symbol. It felt like a stage.

“He’ll take away your wings at most,” you murmured, gaze fixed forward. “Relax.”

You could practically hear Joaquín pouting through the comms.

“I just got them back.”

“Then let’s not make a scene. Gary said it’d be good optics to have someone on our side here. We’re doing Sam a favour.” A pause. Then, quieter: “I’m surprised you didn’t want to come with me. You’re cleared for field work.”

“No, thanks. As much as I adore red carpet politics, I don’t think I can be in the same room as de Fontaine without committing a felony. Might get myself in trouble.”

“And I won’t?”

“You’re better at smiling.”

“You’ve never seen me smile.”

“Exactly.”

You exhaled through your nose, the tiniest edge of a grin forming before you could stop it.

“Just... try not to piss anyone off for five minutes, yeah?”

You didn’t answer. The elevator chimed. The doors slid open with a muted ding, and you stepped into a wall of flashing lights and artificial warmth.

The event space had been reconstructed on the upper floors, a showroom designed to impress donors and government officials alike. White marble floors stretched endlessly beneath towering banners that hung from the ceilings like monuments. Each one bore the new emblem of the team—sleek and stylized, but hollow. You could see the press eating it up already.

A digital display behind the podium read:

WELCOME TO THE FUTURE.

MEET EARTH’S NEWEST MIGHTIEST HEROES.

Your stomach turned.

“You still with me?” Joaquín asked.

“Yeah.” You nodded once, moving deeper into the room as your eyes scanned the crowd for familiar faces. “I’m here.”

“I’m gonna need camera access,” he said. “There’s a chip tucked under the gem on your bracelet. If you can slide that into an outlet somewhere, I’ll be able to map out the floor’s electrical system. Should help me locate the control room.”

“Guy in the chair,” you muttered, lips twitching into a faint grin. It was impressive—his gadgets, his confidence. Typical Joaquín.

Congressman Gary had vanished into the crowd, but you didn’t mind. Better alone than attached to a man who introduced you as a pet project. You plucked a glass of champagne from a passing tray, the cold stem grounding in your fingers, and sidestepped toward the edge of the room.

An outlet revealed itself by a floor-length curtain. You knelt, as if adjusting your heel, and casually broke the gem from your bracelet, slipping it into the socket with practiced ease.

“Okay,” Joaquín said, voice clearer now. “Give me a minute to get my bearings. While I’m working on this, try not to look like a loser in the corner. Mingle or something.”

You scoffed under your breath. “Easy for you to say—you can talk anyone’s ear off.”

“You calling me annoying?”

“Yeah.”

“Wow. Go see if you can find Bucky while I work on this, would you?”

Right. Bucky Barnes.

You weren’t here to mingle. You weren’t here to sip champagne or shake hands or sweet-talk your way into the New Avengers’ good graces. You were here for Sam. And more specifically—for Bucky. Wherever the hell he was hiding.

The plan was simple enough in theory: Get a read on what Valentina was playing at. Try to talk to Bucky. Get ahead of whatever fallout was brewing between him and Sam before it turned into a full-blown civil war again. You’d offered to go because no one else would.

Joaquín was trying to stay neutral (and failing). Isaiah had dismissed Bucky as a long-lost white man with too many ghosts. And Sam refused to speak to Bucky since the news broke about the New Avengers. And Bucky hadn’t said a damn word back.

So here you were. You were the only one left who might still be able to stand in the space between them without setting off alarms, even if you were biased.

You still didn’t understand how Bucky could do it. How he could go from testifying before Congress about accountability and reform, to standing beside Valentina Allegra de Fontaine like she hadn’t personally undone everything they’d fought for. Like he hadn’t been there when Ross tried to throw his friends all in cells. (Sure, you weren't there for it either, but Sam told you all about it; the accords were one of the reasons the Avengers broke up.)

Valentina wasn’t just dangerous—she was calculated. Clever. The kind of dangerous that worked in the shadows, smiling for cameras while quietly tying strings around people’s necks. She had her ex-husband arrested, sabotaged Wakandan outreach missions, and picked through the wreckage of post-blip heroes like she was drafting a fantasy football team. The fact that she now had a unit of enhanced individuals marching under her payroll and calling themselves the New Avengers made your stomach turn.

And Bucky was one of them.

You believed Valentina was guilty the second Bucky first mentioned she’d recruited John Walker. Walker—who had murdered a man in public, with blood still wet on the shield—and somehow walked free. Charges vanished. Headlines redirected. Now he was being repackaged as a hero again, and Bucky was standing next to him like nothing had happened.

You couldn’t wrap your head around it. No matter how many angles you looked at it from, it didn’t make sense. And the more you thought about it, the more it burned in your chest.

What was he thinking?

Why hadn’t he said anything?

Why wasn’t he here?

You pulled in a slow breath as you stepped further into the room, letting the sound of clinking glasses and diplomatic small talk wash over you like static.

The room was grand in a gaudy way—shiny surfaces and marble floors that reflected the chandelier light too harshly. Everything screamed polished excess, like they were trying to distract from the blood under the polish.

You tried to scan the crowd for Bucky, but there were too many faces, too many government suits and PR smiles, none of them him. You told yourself that when you did find Bucky, he’d have some kind of explanation—something to loosen the knot in your chest, something that could push down the rising anxiety. Something that could explain how the man you once trusted was now parading around in a suit under Valentina’s thumb.

Instead, you found Congressman Gary. Or rather, he found you.

He was already three glasses of champagne deep—five, if you counted the shots you’d seen him down on the way—and he beamed like he’d found a shiny toy in a sea of suits.

“There she is,” he said, slinging an arm around your shoulder like you hadn’t just been avoiding him for fifteen minutes. “You have got to meet some of these people. Big names. Big wallets.”

You were too polite to shrug him off, even as he dragged you into a circle of De Fontaine’s investors. Their grins were just a little too sharp, their eyes a little too eager. The way they looked at you made your skin crawl, like you were a chess piece they hadn’t quite decided how to play yet.

You smiled tightly. Shook clammy hands. Answered vague questions. Nodded while they spoke about “opportunities,” “rebuilding legacy,” and “rebranding heroism.”

One man leaned in closer, his breath thick with bourbon. “You know,” he said, voice oily, “with your background, you’d be a perfect candidate for the new team. Valentina has a real eye for talent, and we’re building something bigger than what came before. Something better. You could help shape it from the inside.”

You swallowed your disgust with a sip of champagne. “I’m not really looking to join anything right now.” That was a lie. You already had a seat in the team Sam was putting together. But he did not need to know that.

He chuckled, as if that wasn’t an answer.

“Okay, I’ve got eyes,” Joaquín said suddenly in your ear. His voice broke through the haze like a rope thrown across stormy water.

You exhaled in relief. “Excuse me,” you told the group, already turning away. “I need to grab a drink.”

They nodded, already moving on to the next opportunity in heels. Gary wasn’t too happy, though.

You drifted from the circle, walking slowly toward the open bar. On the way, you passed a tray of themed hors d’oeuvres—tiny “Avenger” sliders with edible logos, cupcakes shaped like shields and guns.

A mounted camera in the corner caught your eye, its red light blinking lazily above a velvet-draped sculpture.

“See me?” you muttered.

“Yeah, I see you,” Joaquín replied.

“Still no sign of Barnes.”

“Scanning crowd pings now,” he said. “Either he’s ghosting the place or he got another haircut and I can’t recognize him. Which would be so like him, by the way.”

You sighed and accepted another drink from a passing server, something dry and too expensive, and kept moving.

You figured you’d shaken at least six hands tonight that belonged to people who’d love to see your head on a stick—if not for the lucrative optics of you standing here at all. You were an opportunity to them. A symbol. A bargaining chip in a war they didn’t even understand.

Your dress caught suddenly.

You stumbled—only a step, but enough for the chilled drink to slosh dangerously near the edge of the glass. You turned on instinct, hand rising to fix the silk scarf that had slipped from your neck and shoulder.

A man stood behind you, wide-eyed, hand half-raised like he’d been about to catch you.

“I—I’m so sorry,” he stammered. His voice was low, a subtle rumble barely audible over the layers of clinking glass, conversation, and ambient music. “—stepped on your dress. Sorry.”

You blinked, caught off guard.

He looked like he didn’t belong here. Not in the way the others did. No glossy name tag, no designer smugness. His suit was clean, but not flashy. Understated.

“It’s fine,” you said quickly, instinctively adjusting your scarf where it had slipped from your shoulder. You shook out the fabric of your dress around the ankles, heart skipping in the echo of that voice. Something about the way he said it—apologetic, soft, like he genuinely meant it—caught you off guard.

“Sorry,” he mumbled again, even quieter this time, eyes dropping to the floor. His dark hair fell over his face, almost like he was trying to shrink three sizes. You could hear a faint, awkward laugh in his voice. “Uhm… yeah. Sorry.”

He didn’t linger. Just turned and slipped back into the crowd before you could even process anything. No second glance. Just a gentle pivot and a few long strides back into the crowd, swallowed instantly by the sea of shoulder pads, press passes, and sharp perfume.

You stood there for a second, staring after him.

He moved differently from the others. No performative swagger. No politician’s posture. No tray in his hand, so he’s definitely not a server. He was quiet in a way that made you feel like you’d imagined him, like he’d only brushed through this reality for a second before vanishing into another.

You didn’t recognize him.

And you should have.

For all the files you’d scoured, the profiles and photos, the research you’d buried yourself in to prepare for tonight, you’d made it your job to know every player in this room. Who to watch. Who to avoid. Who might be useful.

But not him.

You turned back toward the bar, but your mind didn’t follow. Not entirely.

Who the fuck was that?

You were just about to ask Joaquín to pull a facial scan when something in your periphery stopped you cold.

John Walker.

He was only a few steps away, mid-conversation with some high-level sponsor, until his gaze landed on you. And then he froze.

The look that crossed his face was quick, recognition, discomfort, maybe a flicker of guilt, but he buried it just as fast, turning away without a word. He pivoted like a man avoiding a ghost, ignoring the way the sponsor he spoke to called after him.

“Walker just made a hard left into the hors d’oeuvres,” Joaquín muttered in your ear, low and amused. “You see that?”

You exhaled, more irritated than surprised. “We’re not here for him.”

“Yeah. I think he knows that too. That’s why he’s pretending he’s got important shrimp to eat.”

That pulled a faint smile from you, biting down the urge to laugh.

Typical. The last time you’d seen Walker in person, he was seated in a courtroom with his jaw clenched so tight you thought he’d snap a molar. You’d testified in his case, alongside Sam, Bucky, and everyone else who had to witness what happened in Madripoor—what he did to that man in the square. The shield, slick and red. The silence afterward, heavier than any explosion.

You never fought him. Never had to. But you'd been on opposite sides of that mess, and he knew it. Hell, you’d spoken directly to his discharge. Your words were probably still echoing in the back of his skull.

The way he turned away just now… yeah. He remembered you.

“I’m surprised he didn’t start barking about national security,” Joaquín quipped in your ear again. “Do you think we should trail him?”

You hesitated. You didn’t want to. Just the idea of following in Walker’s smug footsteps made your jaw clench.

But Joaquín pressed, “He might know where Bucky is.”

And that was the problem—he was right. And you hated how much sense it made. Of course, Walker would know. You also hate how Walker and Bucky were probably friends now.

A camera flash caught your eye, and you instinctively straightened your posture, smoothed your expression. No time for a scowl, even if that’s all you wanted to wear.

You adjusted your gown, tugged lightly at the hem, checked the wire hidden at your waist, and started walking in the direction Walker and that ugly barret he wore had vanished.

The crowd shifted around you like tidewater—polished politicians and strategic handshakes, investors with too-white smiles and drinks that cost more than your rent. Every few steps, someone waved. A few shook your hand like they knew you, like you were an old friend they’d been waiting for. A woman asked for a photo. Another leaned in and whispered, “Are you joining the new team?” like it were a secret worth selling.

You deflected with a nod and a vague smile, each interaction leaving a layer of static behind your eyes.

It was strange how quickly the attention shifted now that you were in the spotlight. Recently, you’d spent most of your career standing behind Isaiah while Joaquín and Sam did the talking. You liked it there. It was quieter. Easier to breathe. Now, suddenly, they were holding out chairs for you at the table.

The whole thing felt like theatre. Scripted and glassy. Lines rehearsed. Costumes ironed. Every player doing their part beneath the blinding stage lights.

You still weren’t sure what was worse—that Bucky accepted Valentina’s funding, or that he and his new friends let her call them The Avengers.

Sam was right to be angry. He should be. He’d already turned down President Ross’ private offer to hand him the reins of a military-funded global response team. The same offer that Valentina had repackaged, repurposed, and handed off to people who were too coward to say no.

“He’s on the east end, talking to Ava starr and another woman. I think she’s Valentina’s assistant. Oh—shit. He just pointed at you.”

Your chest tightened. You turned too fast, momentarily losing your bearings in the rotating lights and mirrored walls. East—east—

And then someone stepped into your path.

A wall of a man appeared in front of you so suddenly, you nearly collided with him; broad-shouldered and bearded, dressed in a burgundy suit that looked just a size too tight across his chest.

He smiled widely, eyes bright like he’d been waiting for a moment like this all night.

“I know you,” he said, voice thick with a Russian accent. “I’ve seen you on the televisions. You shake hands with the new Captain America.”

You blinked. “I—uh, yeah.”

“Ah!” He laughed, clapping one heavy hand to your shoulder with surprising gentleness for a man who looked like he could punch through drywall. “Very brave of you. Very good. You look different in person. In a strong way. Like a panther. Or mongoose.”

You tried for a diplomatic smile. “Thanks, I think.”

“Oh! Where are my manners,” he said, dramatically straightening and offering his hand. “I am Alexei Shostakov. The Red Guardian.”

You knew that, but you didn’t know he’d be so... loud.

You took his hand, his grip warm and firm. “Pleasure to meet you, Alexei.”

“Kind. Very kind,” he said, eyes gleaming. “You remind me of my daughter! You have same fire in eyes. Around same age, too—you could be friends! Yelena is always looking for new friends.”

Yelena Belova. That name lit something up in the back of your mind. You’d seen the files. The attempted murder of Clint Barton. Her brief status as an independent threat before being absorbed, quietly and conveniently, into Valentina’s new game.

And suddenly, Alexei’s smile widened even more.

“Yelena!” he bellowed, cupping his hands to his mouth as if you weren’t standing in the middle of a very public, very polished gala. “Come meet new friend!”

Several heads turned. Cameras flashed—bright, blinding. You winced against the burst of lights, regretting everything from your dress colour to your decision to show up at all.

But it was too late. He leaned in beside you, one arm suddenly draped over your shoulder like you were posing for a family Christmas card. “Smile!” he boomed, and before you could protest, he struck a dramatic flex, biceps pressing into your back like steel girders.

You caught a whiff of expensive cologne and vodka.

In the corner of your eye, a flash of short, bleached blonde hair was making its way through the crowd with frightening determination. Elegant, yes—but there was no mistaking the sharpness in Yelena Belova’s gaze. She wore a sleek black suit like it was made of knives, a funky eyeliner design, hair slicked back and every step carved with purpose. And beside her—

Your heart dipped.

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine.

Poised. Smirking. Watching everything.

“Be careful. Yelena is coming your way with Valentina.”

Thanks for the warning, Joaquín. Delayed. But thanks nevertheless.

You stood up straighter, willing your heartbeat to slow down even as Valentina’s eyes zeroed in on you like a predator clocking a foe.

Wonderful.

You leaned slightly toward Alexei, trying not to seem as panicked as you felt. “Can I ask you something? About Bucky Barnes?”

“Ah!” he exclaimed, cutting you off before you could finish the question. “Bucky! Yes, yes. The Winter Soldier. Very cool. Very handsome. Like Soviet James Dean.”

You blinked. “I mean—do you know where he is?”

But Alexei was already on another tangent. “We fought in Uzbekistan once, did you know this? I threw him through a door. He did not like that. But I like him. I like him very much. Quiet, serious type. You know he never answers my texts?”

“Right. Yeah. That tracks.”

And then—

“Oh, what a pleasant surprise,” said a voice sharp as champagne fizz and just as bitter. De Fontaine. She cut into the conversation with the smoothness of someone who was always in control, grinning like she knew a secret you didn’t. A glass of bubbly dangled between her fingers, catching the light just enough to draw attention. As if she needed help with that.

“I was just about to introduce you all,” she said, placing a perfectly manicured hand on Yelena’s arm as the blonde finally joined your little nightmare circle.

“What is this?” Yelena asked flatly, eyes flicking between you and Valentina.

Valentina didn’t bother to answer—just gave a smug little hum and tugged Yelena closer, corralling her between you and Alexei. The four of you shifted automatically into position, an unspoken reflex in rooms like this.

You could feel the cameras turning like sharks in bloodied water.

Flashes burst across your vision. The moment was already captured—your stiff shoulders, your frozen smile. A picture-perfect lineup of cooperation.

And you could feel it: this wasn’t a coincidence.

This was intentional.

Valentina leaned in, voice cool and sugary against your ear as more bulbs burst. “I am so pleased to see you here,” she cooed, “considering how close you and Sam are.”

“I mean, I had to come congratulate you,” you said tightly, lips barely moving. “Recreating the Avengers. That’s… big.”

She beamed at the cameras, teeth white and wolfish. “Someone had to.”

“Of course.”

Another flash. Another frozen pose.

You winced. Sam is going to kill you.

Valentina fielded the sudden swarm of questions like she was born in front of a podium—deflecting, redirecting, charming. Every answer was deliberate, each word chosen like a chess move. Stability. Legacy. Global confidence. Alliances.

They lapped it up like champagne, snapping photos, nodding, laughing. You stood beside her, barely blinking, jaw tight behind your polite smile.

You weren’t meant to be part of this show. You were supposed to be on the outside looking in from the in the crowd.

When the flashes finally began to die down and the clamour shifted elsewhere, Valentina turned with that too-perfect, too-white grin. She glanced at Yelena and Alexei like she were dismissing children.

“Would you two mind?” she asked, breezy as ever. “I’d like to have a quick little chat.”

Yelena’s gaze flicked toward you. Not unkind. But cautious. Reading you like a live wire.

“Is everything all right?” she asked, her brows subtly knitting.

“Oh, everything’s perfectly fine,” Valentina replied before you could speak, her hand already at your back. “Go fetch a drink. Mingle.”

It wasn’t a suggestion.

You barely had time to glance back at Yelena—at the slight, suspicious narrowing of her eyes—before the crowd swallowed her and Alexei whole.

Your earpiece crackled to life. “She’s taking you to the balcony,” Joaquín said, voice low and taut. “There are no cameras there. I won’t be able to see, but I can still hear you.”

There was a pause, then: “I’ll keep looking for Bucky.”

You barely managed a breath of relief before Valentina cut in, sharp and smiling.

“Bucky’s not here tonight, if that’s really why you’re here.”

You stiffened mid-step.

Joaquín swore in your ear. Something heavy hit a surface—maybe his fist against a table—and you heard the scrape of a chair.

“What do you mean?” you asked, your voice light, falsely sweet. “I came to celebrate you.”

You crossed the threshold to the balcony.

It was quieter out here, eerily so. The muffled pulse of the gala was dulled by glass and distance. The cold kissed your skin through your dress. You could feel it biting at your exposed arms, but you welcomed the sting. It was honest.

Below, the city stretched like a glowing circuit board. Skyscrapers hummed with light. Traffic moved in golden veins. It was beautiful in the kind of way that felt removed. Untouchable.

Valentina’s heels clicked once against the stone floor, then stopped.

“Cut the bullshit,” she scoffed, voice low now. “We both know that’s not true.”

You turned your head, slow and steady. Her eyes were already on you. Unflinching.

“Where’s your friend?” she asked casually. “The little Mexican one?”

You flinched—just barely. Your jaw clenched tight.

Valentina smiled wider at that.

You opened your mouth to answer, to lie, to throw her off, to say something clever, but she leaned forward before you could, voice barely above a whisper.

Her lips were close to your collarbone, eyes locked on your chest. On the mic she couldn’t see.

“Hola, Joaquín,” she murmured, velvet-smooth. “¿Cómo estás? How’s the arm? Still broken?”

She pulled back with a grin full of satisfaction. Joaquín didn’t respond—not a breath. But you felt the burn of it in your gut. He heard her. She knew he was listening. And that was the whole point.

She got what she wanted. You could see it in the eyes, the tilt of her head, the calm sip from her glass, the curl of smugness just under her lipstick.

Valentina turned her back to the railing, facing you fully, her glass catching the amber light of the city. Her smile didn’t crack once.

“You know,” she began, like she was catching up with an old friend, her voice silked with charm, “you don’t have to keep playing both sides. It’s exhausting, isn’t it?”

You said nothing. Not because you didn’t have something to say, but because the words wouldn’t form. Your brain was too busy calculating exits, signals, whether Joaquín could hear any of this, or if he was already doing something stupid like storming into the gala uninvited.

“You show up with a wire,” she continued, waving her champagne flute like it weighed nothing, “a dress like that, pretending you’re just here to smile for the cameras.”

Her eyes dipped slowly, then back up.

“You do look stunning, by the way,” she added casually. “But we both know you’re not here for the press or to butter yourself up to me or my team. You’re listening. Recording. Digging...”

The flute met her lips again. Sip. Deliberate.

“Looking for Barnes,” she said. “Like he’s going to whisper some grand truth that’ll fix whatever little crisis your friends are having.”

You could feel your jaw tighten. Every word she spoke landed like pressure against a bruise you didn’t want to admit was there.

Valentina tilted her head, studying you with the kind of gaze that belonged in an interrogation room, not a rooftop party. “You’re sharp,” she said. “Good instincts. It’s why Sam keeps you close, right?”

Still, you stayed silent. Because anything you gave her, she’d twist. She already was.

“But let me ask you something,” she said, voice a shade lower, softer. “What’s loyalty really worth—if the people you serve are always the ones left bleeding in the dirt?”

A pulse of heat shot up your neck. You didn’t move, but she saw it.

Of course, she saw it.

“And for the record,” she added, twirling the stem of her glass, “I don’t have anything against Sam Wilson. Poor guy. I pity him, actually. The shit he’s put up with just for carrying that shield—God.”

She clicked her tongue with exaggerated sympathy.

“I’d kill to have Captain America on my team. The real one. Not Walker. That man is a pathetic as it gets. Hair-trigger temper, zero emotional intelligence—”

“Sam would never work with you,” you said, sharper than intended.

Valentina’s smile widened because you finally said something worthwhile. “Oh, I know,” she said, almost gleefully. “He’s a purist. One of the last. His morals are steel-tight. Fucking unshakable. A real Boy Scout. Steve Rogers made a good choice.”

And that was the part that hurt—the part that made you swallow back a flicker of doubt you hadn’t expected to feel.

“Where’s Bucky?” you asked, voice quieter now. “I just want to talk to him.”

She didn’t even hesitate.

“Bucky’s not missing or anything,” Valentina said. “He’s busy. Doing a job for me in Pennsylvania. Cleaning up some loose ends, you know the deal.”

You felt it before you could stop it—that tiny, invisible shift in your expression. Something cracked. Something gave her an answer you hadn’t meant to give.

“That supposed to scare me?” you asked, though it already kind of did.

“No,” she said. “It’s supposed to make you think. About options. About what someone like you could do with the right resources. With the right funding. Imagine it: you with your own team. Autonomy. Access. No more red tape. You make your own shots. We clean up whatever mess you leave behind. And, get this, you even get paid for it.”

You glanced toward the city, anything to avoid her eyes. Lights. Windows. Warmth. All of it felt so far away.

“And if I say no?”

“Then someone else says yes.”

She stepped back, brushing something from her blazer sleeve. “Just think about it,” she said, all silk and sugar again. “We could use someone like you. You belong in rooms like this, you know. Not chasing ghosts, or waiting for Wilson to approve your next move. You’re already breaking. I can see it. You wouldn’t be here tonight if you weren’t. I’m sure Captain America won’t be happy seeing your name in the headlines tomorrow morning: The Next Potenital Avenger.”

Her smile held, framed in the cold, glittering dark of the balcony. Then she turned and walked past you, the soft graze of her shoulder against yours more intimate than it had any right to be. A mockery of closeness.

“Enjoy the rest of your evening,” she said, already stepping back through the doors. “Tell Sam I said hi.”

The glass door shut behind her with a quiet click.

And the cold came in fast.

Not just the air, but the after. The silence. The wrongness of being left alone up here, the wind biting now that you weren’t so focused on not showing fear.

Your body finally remembered it was yours. Your fingers hurt from gripping the railing too hard. You eased your hands free, flexed them, saw the white draining slowly from your knuckles. You still couldn’t feel them.

Your mic hissed faintly to life, and Joaquín’s voice filtered through the static like someone calling out to you underwater.

“…you okay?” he asked, strained. Urgent.

You didn’t answer right away. Your mind was still racing through what Valentina had said, how easily she’d dodged your defences, how easy she was to turn your presence into a publicity stunt, how well she knew you—or at least thought she did.

She must be blackmailing Bucky. That must be it.

You kept staring out at the skyline like it might give you an answer. It didn’t. Just glass and steel and lights that blinked too slow to feel alive.

“No,” you finally muttered.

It didn’t come out strong. It came out cracked. Like the inside of your chest had gone hollow, and you were just now realizing it.

Joaquín exhaled through the comm, like he’d been holding his breath.

“I think legal action is our next step,” he said, tone snapping back into focus like a lifeline. “We can sue them for the name. Trademark it. Or maybe—maybe Sam tries to talk to Bucky again? We’ve still got options.”

You didn’t respond. Not yet.

The railing under your palm felt like ice. You blinked hard, fighting back the sudden sting in your eyes. Not from fear. From frustration. From the way every word she said still echoed in your head, sticky and sharp, leaving splinters behind.

You dragged in a breath.

“…that fucking bitch,” you scoffed.

“Yeah… I don’t like Valentina either.”

You jumped.

The voice came from somewhere behind you, softer, unsure. You spun around on instinct, stepping away from the railing.

That man.

The one who stepped on your dress earlier. He was sitting now, low in one of the patio couches near a sleek electric fireplace that flickered lazily against the dark. The flames glinted off the patio doors and caught the edge of his profile—brown hair, downturned mouth, eyes wide like he was the one who got caught.

You hadn’t noticed him when you came out here. And now that you really looked… you realized why.

He wasn’t trying to be seen.

He sat in the farthest corner of the couch, hunched slightly, knees close together, hands clutched like he didn’t know what to do with them. Like someone had planted him there and told him to wait. The firelight danced across his face, softening him. He didn’t look threatening. Just... startled. And oddly apologetic for existing.

He offered a small, nervous smile. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to, like… scare you.”

There was genuine concern in his voice—concern for you, not about you. That was rare.

“It’s fine,” you said, because you didn’t know what else to say.

“Who’s that?” Joaquín's voice cracked through your earpiece.

You didn’t answer right away.

Your eyes stayed on the stranger, and for a moment, you debated whether or not to even breathe too loud.

“I don’t know…” You muttered.

“Okay, uh… I’ll try to do a voice match or something—see if anything comes up. Keep them talking.”

The man must’ve noticed the way you were half-turned, the way your fingers brushed against your ear.

He shifted slightly. “Who’re… who’re you talking to?”

You froze. And then, with a wince: “Uh… just… myself. Thinking out loud.”

There was a pause.

“Oh,” he said. “Yeah. I do that too. All the time, actually.”

You weren’t sure what to do with that. You weren’t sure what to do with him.

He looked different now compared to earlier. Still awkward, still nervous—but less like he was trying to shrink into himself and more like he was trying his best to meet you where you were. His eyes held yours this time. Not for long, though. They dropped to his hands and shoes after a while. But it was long enough to feel it.

You took a cautious step forward, angling yourself toward the fire, toward him, but still keeping a healthy distance.

“You um… You know Valentina?” you asked. Stupid. Of course, he did. Everyone at this party did.

“Uh… yeah. Something like that,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “I wasn’t like… eavesdropping or anything. It’s just—there’s a lot of people in there. And it’s… quieter out here.”

He hesitated, then added: “I’m Bob, by the way.”

His voice wavered, but not from dishonesty. He said his name like he wasn’t sure it would mean anything to you. Like he just told you his name to be kind.

You gave him a nod. Not a smile. But not cold either.

“Hi, Bob.”

A beat passed.

You debated telling him your name. Joaquín would probably advise against it. But you weren’t feeling tactical anymore—you were feeling tired. Bruised in a way you couldn’t name. And maybe you just needed to feel like a real person again. Like someone who wasn’t being puppeteered.

So, after a pause, you gave him your name.

Bob blinked. Then he offered a small, shy smile that cracked at the edges.

“Cool. Hi,” he said, breathless. His brows furrowed as his gaze dropped lower, his eyes catching on your waist, your hips. “Uh—sorry again, about your dress. I didn’t mean to step on it earlier. You looked like you were in a rush and I—well, I was definitely in your way.”

You felt your lips twitch. The barest curve, not sharp or defensive. A faint grin. Delicate. “It’s alright,” you said. “Bound to happen at places like these.”

His head tilted slightly, curious. “You come to stuff like this often?”

“Not often. Just sometimes.”

And it was only then that you realized you’d stepped closer.

Your arms had casually found their place against the back of the couch across from him, hands gripping the cool metal frame as your scarf drifted with the breeze behind you. You weren’t leaning in exactly, but the distance had shrunk.

When did that happen?

You tilted your head, letting your eyes linger a little longer now, more curious than guarded. You assessed him with a little more attention now.

“I’m guessing you don’t come to these events much?”

Bob immediately shook his head, a nervous, breathy laugh escaping his lips like it was running away from him. You could see the cloud of it in the cold night air, swirling and vanishing between you.

“God, no. This is my second one and it’s—it’s been a lot. I think I’m gonna ask to just stay in my room next time.” He gave a little shrug, slouching a bit. “It’s not like I do much anyway. I mean, I’m allowed to talk to people, and I like talking to people, but I’d rather not sometimes.”

That made you blink. Allowed?

The word snagged on something in your mind. There was something disarming about the way he said it, like he didn’t mean to offer that information but also didn’t think it was worth hiding. You couldn’t tell if he was joking, oversharing, or both. But it was too strange to ignore. Like it slipped past a filter that wasn’t built right. It made you hesitate, if only for a breath.

But he wasn’t watching your reaction. He was staring at the flicker of the fire, letting the silence sit between you like it belonged there.

You folded your arms gently across your chest, the smooth material of your dress whispering beneath your fingertips.

“You seem to be talking just fine with me,” you pointed out, softer now.

Bob looked down at his hands. Then back at you. Then away again.

“I… well…” he stammered, voice catching on another shy, almost embarrassed laugh.

And then you saw it.

The blush. A warm pink crawling up from the collar of his white shirt to the apples of his cheeks. Subtle, but not subtle enough to miss. Especially not in the glow of the firelight, which danced over his skin like it had a crush of its own.

“I… yeah, I... I don’t know. Some people are easier to talk to than others, I guess.”

Your mouth twitched before you could stop it.

“Yeah,” you said, “I’d say so.”

The smile that tugged at your lips came easier than you expected. Not just polite. Not guarded. Honest. Probably the first one you’d let slip all night.

Seriously, who the hell is this guy? And why did he make the night feel a little less awful?

He was cute. Not the kind of handsome that announces itself the second someone walks in the room, but the kind that sneaks up on you, quiet, awkward, totally unsure of how much space he takes up and trying not to be a bother. Like he wasn’t used to being looked at for too long and didn’t know where to put himself when he was.

You’d seen a lot of people in this world wear confidence like a costume. Bob didn’t even try. He wore uncertainty like a second skin, and somehow, it made him feel… real.

You liked the way he didn’t crowd you. Didn’t puff out his chest or pretend to have all the answers. He sat with his knees slightly knocked together, most of his hands swallowed by the sleeves of his jacket, like even they were too bold to leave out in the open. Maybe he was anxious. Maybe a little broken in the places that never healed right, but he felt safe. Your gut told you so.

And that made you more nervous than anything else tonight.

You caught yourself watching him again. The way he kept his hands mostly hidden in his sleeves, shoulders rounded forward. His suit was clearly tailored but still seemed a size too big, like someone had tried to wrap him in something expensive just to prove he belonged. And still, it worked.

His hair was brown and shaggy, a bit longer than most people would have it at these events, barely even styled, but you kind of liked it. It gave him a strange charm, even if the loose curls hid his eyes whenever he ducked his head.

You weren’t used to thoughts like this. Not ones this soft. Not ones that fluttered in your chest like nervous birds. Not often. Not like this. Not here. Not in places like these.

You came for Bucky. That was the plan. Show up, find him, talk. Clear the air. Maybe start patching things up with your broken little found family—cracks and all. But Bucky wasn’t here. Valentina played you like a fiddle, and now the whole night had soured. Tomorrow, you’d wake up to press statements and headlines, scrambling to explain why your name wouldn’t be on the next New Avengers roster. You’d spin it clean, of course. That’s what you did.

But none of that mattered yet.

In this strange little pocket of quiet, just outside the hum of power plays and champagne politics, you kind of just wanted something normal. Not mission normal. Not cover-identity normal. Real normal. A conversation that didn’t hinge on leverage or patriotism. A moment that wasn’t already weaponized.

Maybe you could stay for another half hour before you disappeared and joined Joaquín in the van downstairs, counting your losses.

And maybe it was the firelight, a flicker here, a flicker there, warmth and glow dancing in the night that influenced you. But you found yourself leaning forward a little more, walking around the couch, smoothing your hands down the front of your dress. You straightened your spine, trying to will yourself into being brave.

“Would you...” You paused, “um. Do you wanna grab a drink with me?”

Bob blinked, eyes flicking up to meet yours. He sat up straighter at the invitation, startled, like a puppy hearing its name for the first time. His lips parted. For a split second, you swore he looked excited. Maybe even hopeful.

But then he deflated.

His shoulders fell, his expression shifting to a quiet sort of apology as his eyes darted away. “I... I can’t. Sorry—”

“Oh.” You blinked, trying not to let your smile falter.

“I want to,” he rushed to say, almost stumbling over the words. “I do.”

“It’s okay—”

“No. No. I would. It’s just... I’m—I’m sober now.”

Your mouth opened. Then closed.

“Oh.”

“I’m sorry—” he added quickly, like he was terrified he’d ruined something.

But you shook your head, even stepping a little closer without realizing it.

“No. Don’t be sorry,” you said gently. “Seriously. Congratulations. That’s a big deal.”

He smiled at that, small and grateful. A little crooked and thin-lipped. It was cute.

“Thanks.”

You hesitated a moment, then tilted your head. “Can I ask how long?”

“Uh…” He scratched the back of his neck, eyes flicking upward like he was counting the months with the stars. “I think about a year now. I’ve only really started keeping track since I moved here, so... maybe like, seven? Eight months?”

You smiled softly, your heart unexpectedly warm.

“That’s still a long time.”

He gave a sheepish shrug, and his cheeks pinked again, like he didn’t quite know what to do with your praise. Like no one gave it to him often enough for it to feel normal.

“Some days feel longer than others,” he said, the corner of his mouth twitching at his own tease.

You couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out of you, quiet, but real.

“What are you…?”

Joaquín’s voice fizzled to life in your ear, cracking the quiet like a crowbar to glass.

“Are you flirting right now?”

You froze, the smile instantly tugging at your lips again despite yourself.

When you didn’t answer, he laughed.

“Oh my god, you’re totally flirting right now! It’s so bad, but you so are! Who even is this guy?”

You turned ever so slightly, subtle as you could manage, and pressed a knuckle into your ear to mute him. Your cheeks warmed in tandem with Bob’s.

Bob blinked. “Sorry… did I, um—was that weird?”

“No, no,” you said quickly, maybe too quickly. “That wasn’t you.”

He just nodded, like your word was more than enough. Like you could’ve told him the moon was fake, and he’d say, huh, never really thought about that before.

You moved to take a seat across from him, the fireplace crackling softly between you like a low, slow heartbeat. The warmth of the flames painted him in golds and ambers, the flickering light catching the softness in his eyes and the loose fall of his hair.

You fidgeted with your fingers out of instinct. And across the fire, he mirrored the motion—thumb twisting around his knuckle, pinky tapping rhythmically against the inside of his sleeve. There was something strangely reassuring in that shared nervousness, like you were both waiting for the same storm to pass.

You let out a quiet breath, tension easing from your shoulders. “You said you moved here? Like, New York?”

“Yeah,” he said, nodding. His shoulders dipped too, visibly relaxing just a touch, like your voice permitted him to breathe. “I… uh, I lived in Malyasha for a while. But I’m from Florida. Born and raised. Where—where are you from?”

You tilted your head slightly, watching how intently he tried to keep eye contact and how quickly he broke it again. “I flew in from Washington.”

“D.C.?” he asked, and you nodded.

His eyebrows lifted, eyes wide for a split second. “Wow. Do you work in the White House or something?”

You huffed a laugh, smiling into your words. “Sure. Something like that.”

His head bobbed along with the answer.

“So you’re like… a really important person here.”

You laughed again, this time wider. Your teeth showed. It surprised you how easily you let your guard down. “I wouldn’t say that.”

But he was smiling too, softer now. Less anxious.

“You are,” he said, more sure of himself now. “I saw the way people looked at you tonight. Not—not that I was watching you or anything… just, it’s hard not to. You’re, um…”

You saw the moment he lost his words, saw them spill and scatter like marbles across a floor. His blush deepened, blooming across his cheeks in a full, unmistakable deep red colour. He ducked his head, eyes falling to his shoes again, and you watched him fight a shy, apologetic smile.

“…I can see why they’d want your picture.”

And just like that, your heart softened.

You leaned in a little, elbows resting against your knees. “Thank you, Bob. You’re really sweet, you know that?”

Bob looked up again, startled by the compliment, his mouth parting slightly like he didn’t know what to say to that. You weren’t sure if anyone had ever told him that before, and if they had, you could guess they didn’t mean it the way you did now.

He didn’t belong here. That much was obvious. Not with people like Valentina, not with cold smiles and polished lies. Not with mercenaries, politicians, and millionaires who hide behind their money. You could see it in the way he sat too stiffly on a velvet chair meant for lounging, in the way he tugged at his sleeves or tucked his hands away when he felt exposed.

“What’re you doing in a place like this, Bob?”

He blinked, tilting his head like he wasn’t sure what you meant.

You smiled, eyes squinting a little as you leaned forward more. “I mean, are you like, a sponsor? Investor?”

The words didn’t even sound right on your tongue, not when directed at him. The image of him swirling champagne and talking stocks was so laughably out of sync with the shy guy currently pressing himself into the couch cushions like he wanted to disappear.

“I don’t think you’re here for the politics,” you added, and there was a touch of something playful in your voice.

He chuckled softly, eyes crinkling at the corners. “Me? Gosh, no. I don’t… I don’t do politics.” He scratched the back of his ear, sheepish again. “That’s Bucky’s thing. I’m here for my friends.”

And just like that, your whole world tilted.

Your smile dropped before you could stop it. A subtle shift, but you felt it everywhere: in your spine, in your lungs, in the weight of your hands resting suddenly still on your knees.

You straightened. Slowly.

“…You know Bucky?”

The question came quieter than you intended, and Bob must’ve heard the change, the sudden stillness in your voice. His smile faltered, and he went still, too, sensing the tension without understanding it. His posture shrank, as if unsure what he’d stepped into, as if trying not to take up more space than he already had to upset you.

He nodded, a cautious kind of affirmation. “Yeah. He’s my friend.”

That stunned silence stretched long between you.

“I… I know he’s your friend too,” Bob added quickly, the words spilling out like he was trying to fill the void before it grew too wide. His voice was quieter now, softer around the edges, almost apologetic. “I heard you talking about him to Val, I—I thought maybe…”

You weren’t sure why he kept talking. Maybe because you hadn’t said anything. Maybe because your smile had disappeared too fast, and he could feel the way the mood had shifted even if he didn’t know why. His nervous ramble wasn’t meant to hurt, you could tell that. But it did. It did because the moment he said Val, something in you knotted tight again.

The warm glow you’d felt around him moments ago started to dim, curling in on itself like a candle snuffed out mid-flicker. Your heart gave a small, stupid lurch—embarrassed at how quickly you’d let your guard down. Of course he knew Bucky. Of course he was close to Valentina. The pieces slid together too easily now, fitting into a picture you didn’t want to look at.

You tried to pull yourself back together, quickly and quietly. You reminded yourself this wasn’t supposed to be about comfort. It wasn’t about soft smiles or normal conversations or maybe asking someone out for a drink. You came here with a mission, no matter how personal it was. To find Bucky. To set the record straight. This—this moment of peace with a stranger who felt safe—wasn’t supposed to happen.

He called her Val. Like they were friends. Like they knew each other beyond just work. Like he wasn’t just some shy, nice guy who complimented you under his breath and blushed when you smiled at him. Jesus, were you that easy?

A strange bitterness bloomed in your mouth. Not anger, more like disappointment. At yourself, maybe. For forgetting, even just for a second, what kind of place this really was.

You stood up.

The decision was sudden, impulsive, a small motion made louder by the way Bob flinched. His eyes followed you, something tentative and uncertain flickering across his face.

You reached for your earpiece, thumb brushing over the button to unmute Joaquín.

But Bob stood, too. Slowly, almost clumsily, like he wasn’t sure if he was supposed to follow you or stay where he was.

“Did I—did I say something wrong?” he asked.

You froze. Your fingers stilled over the earpiece. You hadn’t expected that.

You turned, not quite facing him fully, but enough to catch the look on his face. His brows had drawn together, confusion etched faintly into his expression, and one of his hands was lifted just slightly, hovering in the air between you like he’d started to reach out and changed his mind halfway through. There were still several feet of space between you. The fire crackled low between you both, casting shadows across the expensive furniture and marble tiles.

“I’m sorry if I did,” he said, voice smaller now. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

That stopped you. “No… you didn’t…” You said, the words stumbling out, half-formed. You didn’t know why you tried to soothe him. Maybe it was the way his eyes had gone wide or the way he seemed to dread the thought of you walking away just when he was finally starting to settle into himself. It stirred something in you. Something that made your chest tighten.

You could’ve said never mind. You wanted to. Pretend his words hadn’t struck a nerve, hadn’t made your heart twist in your chest. But they did. It bothered you.

“You didn’t upset me,” you repeated, softer now. “I just… wasn’t expecting that.”

Bob blinked at you. “Oh,” he said, so gently it almost got carried off by the breeze.

A silence fell between you again. You wrapped your arms around yourself against the wind as you turned to look at him.

“Who are you, Bob?”

He straightened, caught off guard. “I’m... I’m Bob,” he said. “Just... just Bob.”

You tilted your head. “That’s it?”

He opened his mouth like he was about to say more, but nothing came out. His lips parted, then pressed shut again, the words retreating back into him like they were scared to be seen. He just shrugged helplessly. Like that’s all he had left.

And yet he kept looking at you like he was begging you not to go. Not yet.

You sighed, bringing your fingers up to your temple, pressing cold skin to your warm forehead. There was a pulse pounding there now, dull and insistent.

“I just…” You started, voice cracking faintly. “I came here looking for Bucky. I thought maybe I could get him to come home.”

“Home?” Bob asked carefully, his eyes soft.

“Yeah. With Sam. With us.” You hesitated, glancing through the tall windows behind him. The light inside spilled gold across the floor, where laughter echoed and people clinked glasses without a care in the world. Your eyes landed on the group you’d been avoiding all night—Bucky’s new team, huddled together with drinks, grinning like it was just another night to celebrate.

It made your chest hollow out.

“Ever since he joined Valentina’s little fuckass team or... whatever this is,” you said, gesturing vaguely toward the gala behind you, “everything’s just been so... shitty.”

You looked back at Bob, surprised to find that he’d stepped a little closer. Just enough that you could see the way his jaw twitched, like he was working through something he didn’t know how to say.

“Sorry,” you muttered, suddenly self-conscious. “Not to, like, dump all that on you.”

The cold bit into your arms. You rubbed them quickly, wishing you’d brought a coat.

“It’s not...” Bob started, and then, more firmly, “It’s not a fuckass team.”

You blinked. “Sorry?”

“They saved me,” he said, voice trembling just a bit. “Lena. Bucky. The others. They’re my family. We... we take care of each other.”

You stared at him, something icy curling low in your stomach. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” he said again, earnest. “I know it probably doesn’t look like it from the outside, but... they gave me a chance when no one else would. They didn’t treat me like I was broken. They... saw me.”

You wanted to believe that. You really did. But it felt like trying to swallow glass.

“Right,” you muttered, too tired to argue. “I have to go.”

You turned, reaching for your earpiece.

“Wait,” Bob said suddenly, like he’d only just realized this was goodbye. “Will I... will I see you again?”

You paused, fingers still hovering near your ear. The balcony lights flickered faintly behind you, and the sound of the city buzzed low in the background, as if the world were holding its breath.

You didn’t turn around right away.

Part of you wanted to say no. Make it easy. Clean.

But when you finally looked back at him, at the boyish worry carved into his face, the way he stood there with his hands half-raised like he didn’t know whether to reach for you or let you go, you felt that ache again. The one that whispered that maybe, despite everything, he meant what he said. That maybe there was still something worth salvaging in the strange, quiet warmth you’d felt earlier. Something real.

And you desperately wanted it to be real. You wanted it to mean something.

“I don’t know,” you admitted, voice barely above a whisper.

Bob swallowed. Nodded like he understood.

But his eyes lingered on you like he hoped the answer might change.

part two.

[ibvix]

Thank you for sharing your well developed and meticulous style of creating life alive … Your exquisiteness to breathe life in to Your Brilliant Creative Art, occurring almost simultaneously giving the life saving dose to the boy the world would forever consider living life alive !!!

Someone said "Jonathan Harker but what if he was a Vampire but also still a dork?"

That someone might have been me.

[myadagoat22]

Wedding

🌞 DAY — "The Ceremony"

The Mississippi sun came down like a blessing and a warning.

Annie stood under the big oak near her shop, dress white but simple, veil long like a whisper behind her. Her hands didn’t shake. They never did.

Smoke stood across from her in a black suit he didn’t like wearing, collar too tight, heart tighter. Folks from the town circled around — some smiling, some side-eying, Some jealous of Annie. Some jealous of Smoke.

He watched Annie instead.

She looked like peace.

The preacher read slow. Words about unity, about God. Smoke didn’t believe in half of it — but he believed in her. That was enough.

Annie held his hands, rough and calloused and clumsy. She smiled with her eyes more than her mouth.

“Do you take this man?”

She said:

“I already did.”

They kissed under that tree while cicadas screamed and the wind held its breath. The roots beneath their feet wrapped tighter, as if the land itself was listening.

And Stack was the loudest one clapping.

🌙 NIGHT — "The After"

It wasn’t a big reception. Just soft music, cornbread, a bottle passed around, and a room full of people having fun dancing.

Annie’s laugh was soft and low as she pulled Smoke toward the dance floor.

He didn’t dance.

But he did tonight.

They moved slow. He kept looking at her like she might vanish.

“You alright?” she asked.

“I ain’t sure what I’m supposed to do with somethin’ this good,” he muttered.

“Hold it close,” she whispered. “And don’t let it rot.”

Later, when the lights were low and folks had gone home, she lit candles around their bedroom — not for romance, but for protection. Smoke sat on the edge of the bed, undoing his boots. Watching her.

She moved like ritual.

She took off her earrings. Unpinned her hair.

She turned and said, quiet:

“I need you”

Elijah gazed at his new wife, admiring the way the candlelight danced across her skin. Annie was a vision, all lush curves and beautiful hair. The sight of her made his heart race and his cock throb.

He stood, boots forgotten, and moved towards her with predatory grace. "Come here, baby," he purred, pulling her into his arms. "I need you too. More than air."

Annie melted against him, hands sliding up his chest to loop around his neck. "Make love to me, Elijah," she whispered, pressing soft kisses along his jaw. "Show me I'm yours."

Elijah groaned, desire surging through him. He claimed her mouth in a searing kiss, tongues tangling as he backed her towards the bed. They tumbled onto the mattress together, a tangle of grasping hands and seeking lips.

He rolled them so Annie was beneath him, bracing his weight on his elbows as he stared down at her reverently. "So beautiful," he murmured, trailing kisses along the column of her throat. "So perfect."

Annie shivered, arching into his touch. "Please," she begged, fingers tangling in his hair. "I want to feel you inside me. Want you to claim me fully."

Elijah growled, hips grinding down against hers. He could feel her heat through their clothes, stoking the flames of his desire. "Patience, love," he admonished with a wicked grin. "I'm going to take my time worshipping this body of yours."

He started at her neck, lips and teeth and tongue mapping out every inch of her sensitive skin. Then moved to them big titties kissing and sucking them.

Annie, keened, back bowing as pleasure overtook her. She writhed beneath him, nails raking down his back as she tried to urge him lower. "Elijah, please," she whimpered, thighs falling open in invitation. "I need you."

"Soon," he promised, kissing her stomach then going on down to her wet pussy “Want to taste every inch of you first."

He started rubbing her clit Annie cried out, fisting the sheets as ecstasy crashed over her. He licked sucked and pushed fingers in and Annie was so close.

Elijah loved those sounds Annie was making so he went faster with the fingers then Annie finally came, squirting all over his face “you’re the best I ever had” Smoke said

“Baby you’re the best I have ever had” Annie replied kissing Smoke.

Annie whined, rocking against his touch shamelessly. "Please, Elijah," she begged, desperation clear in her voice. "I can't wait anymore. Need you inside me."

Elijah hummed in agreement, finally removing her panties and tossing them aside. He settled between her thighs, the hard length of him pressing insistently against her dripping entrance.

"You ready for me, love?" he asked, voice rough with barely restrained hunger. "Ready for me to fill this sweet cunt?"

"Yes," Annie hissed, reaching down to grip his shaft. She notched him at her opening, looking up at him with eyes hazy with desire. "Fill me up, Elijah. Make me yours."

Elijah snarled, unable to hold back any longer. With one sharp thrust, he buried himself inside her to the hilt, stretching her around his thick girth.

They both groaned at the sensation, bodies moving instinctively to join as one. Elijah set a brutal pace, hips slapping sharply against Annie's as he drove into her again and again.

"Fuck yes," he grunted, angling to hit that sweet spot inside her with every thrust. "Take it, Annie. Take my cock like the good little slut you are."

Annie keened, inner walls fluttering around him as pleasure built rapidly. She met him thrust for thrust, nails digging into his back as she urged him on.

"Harder," she begged breathlessly, head thrown back in ecstasy. "Fuck me harder, Elijah. Wanna feel you for days."

Elijah obliged with a snarl, going into her faster and deeper. The room filled with the obscene sounds of skin on skin and their harsh panting, the headboard banging rhythmically against the wall.

"Gonna come," Annie warned shakily, thighs starting to tremble. "Oh god, Elijah! I'm gonna-!"

She cut off with a scream as her orgasm slammed into her, back bowing sharply as ecstasy overtook her. Her pussy clamped down on Elijah's thrusting cock like a vice, rippling around him as she came undone.

Elijah groaned at the sensation, feeling his own release barreling down on him. "Fuck yes," he rasped, pounding into her erratically. "Milk my cock, Annie. Fucking take it."

With a harsh shout, he buried himself as deep as possible and came, spilling himself inside her with thick, hot ropes of his seed. Annie moaned weakly as she felt him pulsing within her, triggering another mini-orgasm that had her seeing stars.

They collapsed together in a tangle of sweaty limbs, gasping for breath as they tried to regain their bearings. Elijah pressed tender kisses to Annie's face as she shivered beneath him.

"Love you," he murmured softly, thumb brushing over her cheekbone. "My wife. My everything."

Annie smiled mistily, tangling her fingers with his. "Love you too," she whispered back, nuzzling into his palm. "Always and forever."

TagList: @nahimjustfeelingit-writes @harleycativy

[yzzart]

Love your Tom blyth fics an unhealthy amount!!! I’m picturing reader and Tom being all lovey dovey at the premiers but playing it off as really good bestfriends UNTIL she goes to kiss him on the cheek and in instinct he turns his head to kiss her on the lips so they just say fuck it and hard launch there and then x

"An unplanned situation."

pairing: tom blyth x actress!reader

summary: a small gesture, with a sweet intention, revealed a promising secret.

word count: 1.359!

notes: i started this request in the morning and only had the opportunity to finish it a few minutes ago, forgive me for that, anon! — i hope you like it and of course, feel free to share ideas with me!

"Y/N, look here!"

Another request, among others, screams and countless flashes, was directed to you; being, theoretically, almost impossible to identify who had demanded your image. — There were so many voices mixing, not to mention the music in the background, but, you tried your best to pay attention to most of the cameras.

However, it wasn't anything you weren't used to; something that has already been normalized in your life.— And during the premiere of The ballad of songbirds and snake it was no different, and it was splendid; simply perfect. — Not to mention, the feeling of gratitude that grew in your chest.

Cameras and cell phones captured your every movement, your poses and the way your perfectly chosen dress was valued and highlighted on your body. — And how it matched the color palette of the film. — Everything was being recorded, at the exact moment, posted and commented on all social networks.

You had the opportunity to meet, talk and take photos with some of the cast. — It was so pleasant, the company and unity that everyone developed during the filming of the film was inexplicable and so adorable; you were grateful to have worked with so many talented people. — There were some people who were absent, until now, in your eyes, but you would definitely meet them again on the carpet.

And, of course, your eyes roamed the decorated room, matching the elements of the film, and crowded in search of a specific person. — It wasn't exaggerated words to say that you were starting to feel uncomfortable because he was missed; and the cameras recorded it. — Silent questions, which would be written, formed in the minds of the presenters and photographers.

Your boyfriend had yet to appear on the red carpet; perhaps he is giving a quick and curious interview or greeting someone. — That's what was going on in your head.

You and Tom had a secret relationship, ever since you met behind the scenes, in front of the world and all the cameras that may exist in it; something that was so risky and at the same time adventurous. — And that, as incredible as it might seem, you knew how to disguise it in front of your fans; even though they gradually became suspicious with comments, interactions and behind-the-scenes photos.

They were either smart or you and Tom were too far over the line. — This question was not important or essential for the moment. — And you considered each other best friends for interviews or responses to comments; you tried your best.

And so, Rachel sent countless screenshots of tweets, which talked about or mentioned the relationship between you and Tom, to you. — It's impossible to deny how funny it was.

Persisting in continuing to look for him and for a few seconds, your eyes meet his blue and so charming irises. — Its shade of blue was a magnificent and beautiful combination; something you would never get tired of admiring. —And there was no other thing, or anyone, that could take his eyes off you.

As if the only thing that mattered at that moment was you. — And everything around him simply disappeared.

"There you are!" — Tom walked towards you, easily as there weren't so many people on the carpet, and an enthusiastic smile forming on his lips; also accompanied by cameras and intense flashes. — "And so beautiful!"

Holding a part of your long and dazzling dress so as not to hinder your steps, you met him, and without wasting any time, hugged him. — A common gesture, and not so different or strange, for the spectators; so, you thought. — Tom's arms went around your waist, holding your protectively for a little while, while your arms positioned themselves around his neck.

Tom's fragrance, which you liked so much, filled your nose; it felt so good, and you felt your eyes weaken, contaminated by it. — And the british man was aware of that.

"You look perfect, always." — The older man distanced himself, just a little, and brought his face closer to your ear, wanting only you to hear. — "The most beautiful woman that has ever crossed my eyes." — The lenses probably captured a reddish pigmentation on your cheeks and it was not part of your makeup.

You placed one of your hands on his chest, and looking directly into his eyes; that shone at you, and it wasn't just because of the influence of the lights in your direction. — Tom's gaze was sincere, and passionate, intensely fascinating you. — He conveyed what he felt most with just his eyes.

And that was one of the facts about him that you were passionate about and recognized very well.

"Oh, shut up!" — Raising your hand and resting it a little away from your mouth, you laughed a little embarrassed and looked back at the cameras; remembering that they remained there and you knew that later you would see your interaction with Tom on some social media.

Again, a thing and situation you were used to.

"Look at that camera!" — A voice mingled among others, which requested the same request, asking you to take some photos together; something that would feed news, fans and press.

At no point, minute or second, did you and Tom remain distant or apart from each other; always a few steps close, hugging each other for photos and certain looks, completely indiscreet. — Even during brief interviews, as Blyth mentioned you or your character's work, you were silently watching. — One of the interviewers even commented on how cute she thought it was.

Tom's hand was on your waist, holding and almost covering you, making a quick caress in a few seconds and one of your hands was still resting on his chest; and you continued, of course, to be the focus of the cameras.

Quickly, with the intention of changing your pose and trying something new and also to take advantage of the fact that Blyth's face was almost close to yours, you decide to place your pigmented lips on his cheeks. — Such a cute and friendly gesture, and so common. —But, automatically and hastily, Tom turned his face away at the same time, without having in mind what you were, in fact, planning. — God, it was a shock; an absurd and completely intense shock.

For the first time that night, in that place and on those cameras, your lips touched Tom's lips. — It was very quick, good and surprising; and that definitely left a cold, freezing air in your belly accompanied by a desperate feeling in your mind. — Rumor has it that smoke was coming out of his head. — It was a peck, a quick and simple kiss.

When you separated, hurriedly, your eyes met Tom's once again; who were a little wide-eyed, expressing surprise. — Looking for something to say or do, just like you. — And you watched his lips curve into an almost smile, as if he was trapping him.

Shouts of enthusiasm and some possible whistles echoed throughout the immense place, along with some looks and expressions of surprise at what had happened. — And some people were worried if they had recorded the exact moment, of course. — Your fans were probably commenting frantically about what happened.

You really didn't know what to do but at no point did you move away from your boyfriend — now, official to the public — and keep your hand on his chest; as if it were, in fact, planned.

"A nice way to reveal it, huh?" — Tom laughed, relaxed and without a feeling of discomfort or uneasiness, he still had his hand on your waist; and he still squeezed you, then leaving you with another caress. — "I think." — He didn't look at the cameras, his orbits focused only on you.

They have always focused on you, regardless of what is actually happening; and that will never change.

"A nice way to reveal." — You repeated your words, but, as an affirmation and certainty; maybe, seeing how relieved Tom was, and not showing some kind of distress, your chest calmed down and you felt safe.

And soon, you and Tom became one of the most talked about topics on social media.

[sensualnoiree]

rising sign observations

Aries Rising Aries Ascendants’ path involves balancing their warrior spirit with mindfulness, learning to approach life’s battles with wisdom and compassion.

Taurus Rising Taurus Rising is learning to open up to change without losing their centeredness, finding beauty in both stillness and transformation.

Gemini Rising Their path encourages the integration of mind and spirit, balancing intellectual pursuits with emotional depth and intuition.

Cancer Rising Cancer Rising’s journey is to balance caregiving with self-care, understanding that their inner peace benefits everyone they care for.

Leo Rising Their spiritual growth involves recognizing their own worth without the need for external admiration, allowing their light to shine genuinely.

Virgo Rising Virgo Rising’s path involves accepting life’s imperfections and finding grace in service to others, understanding that growth is a process, not a destination.

Libra Rising Libra Ascendants are learning to find inner peace within themselves, embracing the fact that true balance starts from within and radiates outward.

Scorpio Rising Scorpio Rising’s journey involves finding the courage to let go and trust in the unknown, knowing that true strength lies in vulnerability and self-awareness.

Sagittarius Rising Their spiritual task involves grounding their expansive nature, recognizing that true growth includes a balance of exploration and commitment.

Capricorn Rising Capricorn Ascendants are learning to honor their inner needs alongside outer goals, embracing vulnerability as an integral part of their journey to true strength.

Aquarius Rising Aquarius Rising’s journey is about balancing intellectual detachment with heartfelt connection, finding harmony between individuality and unity.

Pisces Rising Pisces Ascendants’ path involves grounding their sensitivity, learning that they can be both compassionate and self-protective, allowing their gifts to flourish without self-sacrifice.

follow for more astro insights like this and head on over to @quenysefields or my etsy --> sensualnoiree to grab my new astrology guidebook on reading your own natal chart :)

[kleopatra45]

Moon in the Signs of D9 Chart

Aries

"I want it all, and I want it now." Emotionally, you’re fiery, intense, and direct in the D9 chart. You approach relationships with boldness and expect your future spouse to keep up with your energy. You’re someone who thrives on excitement, challenges, and passion in marriage. When you feel emotionally fulfilled, you’re like a spark that lights up the room. However, you can also be impatient and impulsive, wanting your partner to meet your emotional needs immediately. Your future spouse is likely to be assertive, courageous, and someone who admires your enthusiasm. They’ll match your fire and keep the relationship exciting, though they may need to help balance your occasional outbursts. Together, you’ll learn that love is about balancing independence and unity.

Taurus

"Hold me, and never let go." Your emotions in the Navamsa chart are rooted in stability, sensuality, and comfort. You seek a future spouse who values commitment, loyalty, and a touch of luxury in life. In marriage, you’ll want to build a beautiful, serene home where both of you can thrive. Your love language revolves around the physical—cooking together, long hugs, or simply creating a life that feels abundant and grounded. Your spouse will likely have a calm and steady demeanor, someone who prioritizes consistency and harmony. However, they might need to work around your occasional stubbornness, as you can be resistant to change once you’re emotionally set in your ways. Together, your relationship will feel like a warm, unshakeable sanctuary. 

Gemini

"Talk to me, connect with me, know me." Emotionally, you’re all about mental stimulation in the D9 chart. You need communication, laughter, and constant learning in your marriage. Your future spouse will be someone who enjoys endless conversations, sharing ideas, and exploring new things with you. They may be witty, versatile, and youthful in their approach to life, always keeping things interesting. However, you might struggle with emotional restlessness, as you’re always looking for the next big idea or experience. Your spouse will need to help you anchor those wandering thoughts into something meaningful. Together, you’ll form a bond that feels playful, curious, and ever-evolving.

Cancer

"Wrap me in your love and protect my heart." In the Navamsa, your emotions run deep, intuitive, and nostalgic. You need a partner who makes you feel emotionally secure and understood without needing to explain yourself. Your future spouse will likely have a nurturing or protective energy, someone who prioritizes family and emotional connection. In marriage, you’ll want to create a loving, warm space where you both can heal and grow. However, your moods can be intense, and you may cling to the past when feeling hurt. Your spouse will need to help you navigate your emotional waves, offering patience and comfort. Together, your bond will feel like a timeless love story, built on mutual care and devotion. 

Leo

"Show me I’m your world, and I’ll make you mine." In the D9 chart, your emotions are grand, warm, and magnetic. You seek a future spouse who admires you wholeheartedly and isn’t afraid to express their love. You thrive on attention, loyalty, and affection, and you’ll return it tenfold when you feel adored. Your spouse will likely have a strong personality or a creative streak, someone who values self-expression and isn’t afraid to shine by your side. However, you may struggle with emotional pride, finding it hard to admit when you’re hurt or in need. Together, you’ll create a love that feels larger than life, built on mutual admiration, passion, and celebration of each other.

Virgo

"Love me in the little things, the quiet moments." Emotionally, you’re practical, analytical, and deeply caring in the Navamsa. You approach marriage as a partnership where love is shown through actions, not just words. You need a future spouse who pays attention to the details, someone who understands your desire for order and harmony. Your spouse is likely to be intelligent, hardworking, and supportive, someone who grounds you emotionally while appreciating your thoughtful nature. However, you can be overly critical of yourself or your partner, which might create unnecessary tension. Together, you’ll learn the beauty of imperfection and create a love that is calm, steady, and deeply fulfilling. 

Libra

"Let’s create something beautiful together." In the D9 chart, your emotions are balanced, harmonious, and relationship-focused. You thrive on partnerships where both give and receive equally. Your future spouse will likely be charming, diplomatic, and someone who values fairness and aesthetic beauty. Together, you’ll strive to create a marriage that feels like a romantic dance, full of mutual respect and shared dreams. However, you might struggle with indecisiveness or suppressing your feelings to keep the peace. Your spouse will need to encourage open dialogue and help you feel safe expressing your true emotions. Together, your love will feel like a perfectly crafted masterpiece. 

Scorpio

"I want your soul, not just your heart." Emotionally, you’re intense, transformative, and deeply connected in the Navamsa. Marriage, for you, is about profound emotional intimacy and growth. Your future spouse will be someone who isn’t afraid of your depth and can handle your emotional storms. They’re likely to be passionate, loyal, and someone who understands the importance of emotional vulnerability. However, you may wrestle with trust issues or fear of betrayal, which can lead to emotional intensity. Together, your love will be magnetic, transformative, and a journey of discovering the hidden depths of each other’s souls.

Sagittarius

"Love is freedom, adventure, and endless discovery." In the Navamsa, your emotions are adventurous, optimistic, and philosophical. You need a future spouse who shares your love for growth, exploration, and big ideas. They’ll likely be someone who values freedom within the relationship, someone who’s as eager as you to explore life’s mysteries. In marriage, you’ll bond over shared adventures and deep conversations about life, but you might struggle with restlessness or a fear of being tied down. Your spouse will need to ground you while still encouraging your free spirit. Together, your love will feel like an exhilarating journey into the unknown.

Capricorn

"Love is built brick by brick." Emotionally, you’re serious, reserved, and goal-oriented in the Navamsa. You seek a future spouse who values responsibility, ambition, and long-term commitment. They’re likely to be someone who shares your drive for stability and success, helping you build a life that feels secure and accomplished. While you may struggle with expressing vulnerability, your spouse will help you open up emotionally over time. Together, you’ll create a partnership that feels unshakable, where love grows stronger with every challenge you face. 

Aquarius

"Love me for my mind and my dreams." Emotionally, you’re unconventional, visionary, and a bit detached in the Navamsa. You crave a relationship that feels unique, where you and your future spouse can explore ideas and change the world together. Your spouse will likely be open-minded, progressive, and someone who values intellectual connection. While you may struggle with emotional intimacy at times, your spouse will help you embrace your feelings while respecting your need for freedom. Together, your love will feel like a partnership of equals, focused on growth and shared ideals. 

Pisces

"Let’s lose ourselves in love." Emotionally, you’re dreamy, compassionate, and deeply sensitive in the D9 chart. You seek a future spouse who understands your emotional depth and shares your romantic, almost otherworldly vision of love. They’re likely to be someone intuitive, gentle, and deeply connected to their inner world. In marriage, you’ll create a spiritual bond that feels transcendent, but you may struggle with emotional boundaries or feeling overwhelmed. Your spouse will need to help you stay grounded while cherishing your beautiful imagination. Together, your love will feel like a timeless fairytale.

©️kleopatra45

[arinzeture]

The Unyielding Spirit of Pan-Africanism: Lumumba, Sankara, Gaddafi, and Nkrumah Live On

Juba Global News Network, May 27, 2025

Patrice Lumumba, Thomas Sankara, Muammar Gaddafi, and Kwame Nkrumah—four towering figures of Pan-Africanism whose lives were cut short by violence and betrayal, yet whose dreams of a united, self-reliant Africa endure. Though imperialist forces and their collaborators silenced their voices, they could not extinguish the soul of their vision: a continent free from neocolonial exploitation, united in purpose, and empowered to shape its own destiny. Their legacies continue to inspire Africans and the diaspora, a testament to the resilience of their Pan-African ideals.

Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was assassinated on January 17, 1961, at the age of 35, barely seven months after leading his nation to independence from Belgium. Lumumba’s vision of a sovereign Congo, free from Western exploitation of its vast mineral wealth, made him a target. His fiery speeches, calling for African unity and economic independence, alarmed colonial powers and their local allies. The CIA and Belgian authorities, fearing his influence, orchestrated his murder, with complicity from Congolese rivals. Lumumba’s body was dismembered and dissolved in acid, a brutal attempt to erase his legacy. Yet, “They killed Lumumba’s body, but his soul fuels Congo’s fight for true freedom.” His dream of a united Africa, unbowed by imperialism, continues to inspire activists demanding justice for Congo’s plundered resources.

Thomas Sankara, Burkina Faso’s “Che Guevara of Africa,” was gunned down on October 15, 1987, at 37, betrayed by his comrade Blaise Compaoré in a coup backed by France. As president from 1983 to 1987, Sankara transformed Burkina Faso through self-reliance, rejecting foreign aid, promoting local production, and empowering women. His Pan-Africanist vision rejected neocolonialism, famously declaring, “He who feeds you, controls you.” Sankara’s policies, including land reform and anti-corruption measures, threatened Western interests and local elites. His assassination, orchestrated with foreign complicity, aimed to bury his ideals. Yet, as a recent X post notes, “Sankara’s spirit lives in every African youth fighting for dignity.” His call for African unity and economic sovereignty resonates in movements across the continent.

Muammar Gaddafi, Libya’s leader from 1969 until his brutal killing on October 20, 2011, was a polarizing yet pivotal Pan-Africanist. Gaddafi envisioned a United States of Africa, advocating for a single currency, army, and government to counter Western dominance. He funded the African Union and supported liberation movements, earning both admiration and enmity. NATO’s 2011 intervention, backed by the U.S. and France, led to his lynching by rebels, a spectacle meant to crush his vision. Libya’s descent into chaos followed, exposing Western motives tied to oil and geopolitical control. “Gaddafi’s dream of African unity was his death sentence, but his ideas still haunt the imperialists.” His push for African self-reliance continues to inspire those resisting foreign interference.

Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president and a founding father of Pan-Africanism, was overthrown in a CIA-backed coup in 1966 and died in exile in 1972 at 62. Nkrumah’s vision of a united Africa, articulated in his book Africa Must Unite, laid the groundwork for the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union). He championed industrialization and economic independence, challenging Western exploitation. His ousting, supported by local elites and foreign powers, aimed to silence his call for continental solidarity. “Nkrumah’s soul lives in every African dreaming of unity.” His ideas continue to shape discussions on African integration and sovereignty.

Lumumba, Sankara, Gaddafi, and Nkrumah were targeted because their visions threatened the neocolonial order. Their killers—colonial powers, their proxies, and complicit African elites—sought to erase their influence, but the soul of Pan-Africanism endures. These leaders’ dreams of a united, self-sufficient Africa, free from exploitation, resonate in today’s struggles against foreign interference, from the CFA franc to resource plundering. Across social media, their names are invoked as rallying cries: “They killed your body, but your ideas are immortal.” Movements in Burkina Faso, Mali, and beyond, rejecting neocolonialism, echo their legacies, proving that while bodies can be destroyed, the spirit of Pan-Africanism remains indomitable.

Patrice Lumumba, Thomas Sankara, Muammar Gaddafi, and Kwame Nkrumah were murdered to suppress their vision of a united, liberated Africa. Yet, their ideas—rooted in sovereignty, unity, and resistance to exploitation—continue to inspire a new generation. From Congo’s fight for resource control to Burkina Faso’s push for self-reliance, their dreams live on, untouchable by those who sought to kill them. As Africa navigates modern challenges, the soul of these Pan-African giants remains a guiding light, urging the continent toward true independence.

[arijackz]

PICK A CARD: What Will Your FS Admire Most About You?

⚤ “I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close.” - Pablo Neruda

Disclaimer: This is a general reading, take what resonates. This is a gender-neutral reading, disregard any pronouns that do not apply to you.

p1 → p2 ↙︎ p3 → p4

✠ Pile One ✠ (King of Cups,Page of Cups,The World,7)

✧ Cards went wiillldddd. You stir up so much emotion in this person, it’s crazy. Your heart chakra is front and center here. You are picture-perfect harmony and universal love to your spouse. Your love can’t be contained, you love them, your friends, your favorite mug, worms out in the rain, strangers, the moon, and all the stars in the sky.

✧ All I see is a wide-ass smile, the biggest, wateriest eyes, and full cheeks. Your spouse thinks you’re sunshine-incarnated.

✧ This will sound corny, but your heart and love for the world and all its diversity make you appear angelic; God’s gift to humanity. The emotional depth you have is nothing shy of divine. Your ability to understand and reconnect your person with their inner dreamer makes you irreplaceable in their eyes. 

✧ I feel like your future spouse had to navigate around a lot of emotionally stunted people who left scars that prevented them from forming healthy relationships. Your empathy and desire to make space for peace and unity in this world give them hope that true love is alive and they are the lucky son of a bitch who gets to call an angel, theirs.

✧ I smell salt and hear waves. (I bet you’re tired of the cheesy poetry but HEY, me and your boo are OBSESSED with your energy) You truly are as beautiful and powerful as the seven seas.

✧ You know the Ouroboros, and how it's sometimes depicted as a snake wrapped around the oceans, holding onto its tail to keep the world together? Yea, that. To your future partner, you hold the key to their world. You add so much color and vibrancy. You turn over their inner ocean and awaken so much repressed child-like wonder within them.

✧ Wow. Your spouse loves the depths of you.

✧ Check for water placements, signs, and houses, in your natal chart. Some of you have insane intuition and have clairsenses. Clairaudience to be specific.

✧ Some of you are active in charities or aspire to make a difference in society. Maybe you’re into esoteric practices or anything else metaphysical.

✧ I even have a few philosophers here. Okay, KANT! (somebody please get this joke)

She Excites the Seven Seas

✠ Pile Two ✠ (Ace of Pentacles,8oW,The Emperor rev., “I Want”)

I love the kind of woman that will actually just kill me

✧ Of course, you don’t have to be a woman but that TikTok sound SCREAMED at me. Your future spouse is lowkey intimidated by you and they love it.

✧ You have big dreams. Big plans. But most importantly, a million and one ways to get you where you need to be. Your ability to say “I want this,” and then actually go out and GET it?? Your spouse is like the meme that goes “I’m a little scared, but I’m turned on.”

✧ I also see that you’re unconventional. If people have been doing whatever you want to do a certain way for years, you'll find ways to do it differently, just cause. You’re a true trailblazer. Your self-conviction is so damn alluring. Even for the people who struggle with insecurity sometimes, once you get over that hump and decide that you desire something, you fucking get it. Your partner sees you like magic. They are impressed by just how quickly your desires are set in motion for you. They feel that you are powerful and bring a great deal of power to them from just being in your proximity.

✧ You are also the “I don’t take shit from nobody” type. Not from strangers, not from your friends, your family, not even from your partner. In their eyes, you know your worth and have a strong self-foundation that nobody can tear down. There is genuine admiration and respect here. I even get the “I want to be like you when I grow up” mentality.

✧ There is a speediness to you they find very attractive. Either the way you behave, speak, or just stress about time, your pacing holds a special place in their heart. (or maybe, despite all of your responsibilities, you manage to find stillness in the chaos and slow down when necessary)

✧ The way you speak drives this person wild. It's like your voice narrates their thoughts and is the source of all of their arousal. Do with that information what you will...(don't be cruel, you make this person so nervous).

✧ I shuffled through a playlist and E-GIRLS ARE RUINING MY LIFE!! by Corpse came on and one of the lyrics goes,

She just look into my soul with them Shinigami eye Coke in my nose and a blade on her thigh. Man, I think this girl is really trying to plan my demise

✧ Yea, you put the fear of God into this person, but in a good way! Your presence can be chilling sometimes. Fire energy for sure. There are definitely people here from pile 2 of my first pac, “What are your most alluring qualities?”, check that out if you want to.

✧ Okay, this energy has me needing to take a LAP, bye.

"Man, I Think This Girl Tryna Plan My Demise"

✠ Pile Three ✠ (10oW, 9oW)(no other cards wanted to come out, real stubborn)

✧ Okay so, this feels specific?... and maybe even a lil off topic but I feel called to say this

✧ I sense that you and your person are psychically connected and share the mutual feeling that the two of you are meant to cross paths. The both of you have gotten your fair share of fuckery in this lifetime and this union feels like divine justice.

✧ This sounds a little fucked up, but you guys flourish amid trauma. Dark energy alchmaziers. You best wield your potential while you’re going THROUGH it.

✧ You had to “die” and bury yourself a dozen times to get where you are today.

✧ You are a very evolved individual. Throughout your life, traumatic events and relationships have forced you to bear a lot of weight on your back and it’s like the pressure has forged you into a diamond. With each curveball life threw at you, you stood tall and pushed to make something of yourself, proving your worth after a lifetime of strife and instability.

✧ Scorpio/Capricorn and 8th house/10th house placements. (check midpoints).

✧ A lot of you have tense shoulders, upper back, shoulder, and neck pain from the unease and anxiety your body carries. You have insomnia and may even struggle with nightmares.

✧ This person you’re coming into union with is so healing.

✧ This is something the both of you broke down and prayed for on your darkest days. This is a true partner, the soul that kept yours warm when the world was so cold. You had to put your dreamier side on the back burner to survive. This person will make you feel safe to dream again.

✧ I don’t have anything specific to say because you and your person feel so secretive  You two recognize each other’s pain and are the only people you guys trust. Like not even lil ol’ me can really get through to y'all. Y’all ride AND die for each other, in this life and the next.

✧ If you’re into astrology and already have a feel for who this person is, check your guys’ composite chart. Strong Scorpio energy here.

✧ Coming into union with this person will feel like a wish fulfillment.

✧ (short pile, it felt like a quick message for those of you who feel this connection telepathically. This is probably a secondary choice.)

"I Want To Caress The Piece of Me Within You"

✠ Pile Four ✠ (Queen of Wands, 9oP rev., 7oP, 4oP rev., the high priestess, queen of cups, “I will”)

✧ You’re a bad bitch, truly. Your fs isn’t calling you a bitch, buuuttttt she a baddie, she know she a ten! She a baddie with her baddie…. wait a minute…

✧ You may not have a lot of friends? You keep your circle tight-knit because you have been deeply hurt in the past and you guard your peace fiercely. For some of you, your home life was quite tumultuous and you struggle with financial security and inner happiness. It seemed like the world did not want you to feel good about yourself or succeed.

✧ Do you know that viral display of a deer’s ribcage with a spear through it, and how even though an attempt was made on the deer’s life, he managed to survive and lived for years after that event; all while still growing bone marrow with a giant fucking spear through its ribcage?

✧ “A close encounter with a hunter left the deer with several broken ribs and part of an arrow embedded in its body. Remarkably, the animal survived, and bone grew around the shaft and arrowhead lodged in the creature's side."

✧ "The deer lived with the arrow inside its body until years later, when another hunter killed the animal, cut the deer open, and discovered its amazing secret…As the tough tissue formed over the arrow, it acted as a splint for the damaged rib cage, strengthening the deer's injured body.”

✧ I highlighted some words that needed emphasizing. That’s how your partner sees you. They are in complete awe of the resilience and sheer tenacity you hold. They look at you and can’t believe the person before their eyes. The troubling history you usually try to hide from your romantic partners is exactly what allures this person. 

✧ You won’t ever lay on your belly and cry about life passing you by. You aren’t the type to victimize yourself and “woe is me” your way out of self-improvement.

✧ You are quite ambitious and aim to push forward, even if the odds are stacked against you.

✧ I get the message that some people in this pile have struggled with self-harm over the years. Your partner wants to kneel down and kiss your scars like a white knight, and vow to protect you emotionally and physically for as long as you’ll have them.

✧ The spear-deer imagery is so interesting. The deer represents virality. It is a symbol of piety, gentleness, devotion, and fertility. Especially with the queen of wands, the high priestess, AND the queen of cups, you provide profound love, passion, and insight to this person. However, even as a deer, you are quite badass???

✧ You are as gentle as a strand of hair but as strong as wool. Dainty but unbreakable.

✧ They have no desire to infantilize you because they know you are already your own greatest warrior. But they don’t want you to feel that you have to fight alone. Whatever burdens are on your plate, they take away as much as possible because they want to be a piece of the paradise you fight for.

✧ This is meant to be a short pac, a Tumblr post won’t do the unbelievable strength in your character much justice. Just know that your fs is so fucking in love with you and wants to spend their life by your side because of just how awe-struck they are by you.

✧ I mean c’mon… will YOU ever forget the story of the coolest fucking deer in existence??

"I Yearn To Be the Name You Call Out in Victory"

[wh0reforcoriolanussnow]

It Couple || Young!Coriolanus Snow x Capitol!reader

GIF by @youremyvioleta and divider by @firefly-graphics

Summary: just you and Coryo being the it couple at the academy 🤭

Warnings: fem!reader, idk if there’s anything else

Wc: 691

A/n: pls send thru fic requests for Tom!!!!

In the bustling halls of the Academy, you, the epitome of popularity, gracefully navigate the sea of admiring glances. You weren't particularly sure what factor of you made you so popular, maybe it was your kindness, looks, money, name? Whatever the reason may be you liked to bask in it, not in the cocky manner.

Your perfectly coordinated and confident demeanor were enough to turn any mundane day into a spectacle worth watching. Coriolanus Snow, the charming heartthrob of the academy, with his disheveled yet effortlessly handsome appearance, awaited you by your locker.

As he caught sight of you, a charming smile graced his lips, and he fell into step beside you. "Good morning, my love," Coryo said, his voice a velvet murmur that sent shivers down your spine. "Good morning, Coryo," your replied with a playful smirk, your eyes meeting his as you exchange a knowing look.

The chemistry between you was undeniable, and it added an extra layer of glamour to the 'it couple' status you both held. The title for it really came from a joke by Clemmie at the cafeteria as fellow students from younger years would shamelessly stare at you and Coryo doing such simple things, which in that case, was simply walking to your table.

From that day forward, the title flourished and spread around the academy. Instead of referring to you and Coryo in the context of you being together, they referred the two of you as the 'it couple'. It was quite undisputed, turning heads and sparking envy among your peers.

As you and Coriolanus walk side by side through the halls of the academy, whispers of admiration trail in your wake. Your relationship with Snow was the talk of the academy, maybe even the Capitol due to your high statuses. The two of you becoming a symbol of perfection, setting the standard for others to emulate.

"Snow and Y/l/n, they're practically royalty around here,' a hushed voice echoed from a cluster of students, "I wish I could be in their group for projects, It's like a ticket to instant success,' another voice chimed in.

Meanwhile, Coriolanus slid his arm around you waist, pulling you in a little closer with a smirk on his lips. "Do you see the way everyone's looking at us," he remarked, his eyes glinting with a mixture of pride and mischief.

It was undeniable that Coryo loved the attention. Even before the two of you started dating he would get attention, but now, it was different. "You just love the attention, don't you?" You teased, leaning into his touch.

He chuckled, a low, melodic sound that resonated through the hallway. "Guilty as charged. But it's even better when I get to share it with you, dove." Coryo purrs, his grip on your waist tightening as you giggle.

~

The day unfolded with the usual whirlwind of the classes, but it was during the partnered projects that your unity truly shone. In the lab, you and Coriolanus blended intellect and charm seamlessly, leaving your classmates in awe.

"How do they nail it every time," Io Jasper sighs making those around her chuckle, as they agree after seeing the elaborate model you and Coriolanus crafted. Coriolanus, known for his silver-tongued wit, had a way of making even the most tedious assignments feel like a delightful escapade.

~

Most, if not, all of the Academy's social events became your stage without you giving it much thought, and you and Coriolanus were the headline act. A grand ball celebrating the academy's founding anniversary was the the definition of lavish.

Dressed in a gorgeous dress that rivaled the stars, you walk into Heavensbee hall, your arm linked with Coriolanus. People around the entrance elicit gasps as the spotlight found the two of you.

Arachne rolls her eyes, observing the two of you with a group of friends. "How do they manage to look flawless all the time?" she comments, shaking her head. "It's nauseating." She finishes, tilting her head back to savor a sip of posca. Clemensia chuckles softly, "Well, there's a reason they're known as the 'it couple,'" she says, shrugging casually.

[astrofaeology]

Aphrodite in the Houses

paid readings | Masterlist

ᡣ𐭩 Please support me by reposting, liking, following me and commenting your aphrodite placement. The asteroid Aphrodite (1388), is a beautiful asteroid which explores the romance in oneself and how they appreciate the world around them.

🐚 1st House A very sweet yet confident aura surrounds you when you walk into the room. There's an understanding that you know art and you know it well. Your taste is impecible and you have a cheeky grin on your face when you enter the room, which captivates everyone. Appearances mean alot to you, and that's reflected in your soul.

🐚 2nd House You have a very elgant throat and perhaps have some curves to your hips. This house is bathed in luxury and desire, you may want to hold onto your loved ones or items for dear life. As it may be rare for you to find something that rings thoes bells in your heart.

🐚 3rd House Your beauty sparkles with vivacity and grace, illuminated by your animated expressions and keen intellect. A youthful, luminous charm emanates from your every word and fleeting, radiant smile. In love, you weave a tapestry of wit and playful discourse, where conversation and subtle teasing kindle a romance that feels endlessly fresh and invigorating.

🐚 4th House Such tender and intimate, emanating a gentle warmth that evokes the sanctuary of home. The presence of someone being beside, holding you - may be the passage to your heart, or how you capture others'. You possess a soothing presence, offering love that is profoundly nurturing and quietly protective—a refuge where affection grows in tranquil intimacy.

🐚 5th House Your radiance is exuberant and theatrical, a luminous celebration of joy and creativity. You shine with a regal grace, captivating through passionate expression and playful allure. Music is your life and soul and i would recommend you dabble in the arts of some sort.Your romance is a vibrant performance, full of heartfelt grandeur and delightful spontaneity.

🐚 6th House Your beauty is understated and refined, manifesting in thoughtful gestures and meticulous care. There is an elegant simplicity in your devotion, expressed through gentle attentiveness and a gracious commitment to the everyday acts of love.

🐚 7th House Your elegance lies in balance and harmony, an exquisite blend of charm and diplomacy. You embody the art of partnership, radiating a serene beauty that fosters mutual respect and graceful connection. In love, you are a consummate collaborator, weaving unity and affection with delicate finesse.

🐚 8th House Your allure is profound and enigmatic, a magnetic depth that invites intimate exploration. There is an irresistible intensity in your gaze, revealing a soul both passionate and mysterious. Your love is transformative, a sacred intertwining of vulnerability and power.

🐚 9th House Your beauty is expansive and radiant, suffused with an adventurous spirit and intellectual curiosity. You captivate through an open-hearted enthusiasm and a boundless desire for growth. Your romance is a voyage of shared discovery, inspiring a love that transcends horizons.

🐚 10th House Your presence is stately and refined, an embodiment of grace fused with ambition. You possess a dignified beauty that commands respect and admiration. In love, you express yourself with poised sincerity, crafting relationships marked by honor, loyalty, and shared purpose.

🐚 11th House Your charm is unconventional and visionary, radiating originality and progressive ideals. You attract through a compelling uniqueness and a sincere commitment to collective dreams. Your romantic nature is both friendly and idealistic, cultivating bonds grounded in mutual inspiration.

🐚 12th House Your beauty is ethereal and elusive, an exquisite subtlety that enchants with quiet mystery. There is a profound spiritual grace in your presence, offering love that is tender, compassionate, and deeply intuitive—a sacred refuge of emotional depth and poetic longing.

DISCLAIMER: This post is a generalisation and may not resonate. I recommend you get a reading from an astrologer (me). If you want a reading from me check out my 🍨 sales page.

@astrofaeology private services 2025 all rights reserved

[wilwheaton]

There is one issue now, and only one: keeping alive the vestiges of American democracy, with its commitment to meaningful checks and balances and to individual rights as well as majoritarian rule. American democracy has never been perfect, but it’s all we’ve got. When we have it, we can disagree peacefully and hope to remedy policy mistakes through discussion, legal action, and the ballot box. If we lose it, we’re done. So, whether you’re a fan of Bernie Sanders and the Squad or an admirer of Liz Cheney, we all need to stand together against Trump. To have any hope of achieving the kind of disciplined unity that will be essential to countering Trump, we also need a rhetoric and politics of inclusion. The left needs to ease up on cancel culture, rigid purity tests, and petty identity politics. We can’t give up on one another, and we can’t waste time wallowing in self-pity, or make plans to emigrate to Canada. This is our country. Around the world, millions of brave people have pushed back against far more abusive and frightening leaders than Donald Trump. If they can stand up against truly horrific regimes in their own countries, Americans can handle Trump.

I Helped Run “War Games” on Trump’s Plans. They Were Not Reassuring.

[moodient]

<- masterlist

imagine!ambessa and reader went to a fancy restaurant, sipping on fine and exquisite wine, enjoying your favorite meal but prepared by the finest chefs. your outfit was sewed and customized with you in mind, you were absolutely stunning and ambessa is just as beautiful. a deep red dress suit, with no shirt underneath but she was wearing a layered choker that covered her chest, gold accessories that decorated her face and she wore her gold heels that clacked, and of course, that ring. it always caught your eye, it alone shows power, strength, and order.

you can't help but look at it, of course you're listening to her. she talks of military ideas, new plans of training new recruitees, and even what routes to take for the next war. you love listening to her, she's articulate, she speaks with passion, and you absolutely love that about her, but she stops to see you looking at her ring. watching it glistens in the sun, she moves her hand slightly watching your eyes, moving with the ring.

"honey, are you alright?" ambessa said, rubbing her hands together and smirking at you. you flinch, a little apprehensive but calmed your nerves looking into her eyes.

"yeah, baby.. i just really like your ring. it's so pretty." you said, holding your hand out to hold hers, she takes a quick sip of wine and places her heavy hand on yours. she intertwines her fingers with yours and leans over to kiss your hand.

"thank you, little one. it's a family ring, to represent honor, power, unity, and of course, love." she said, saying the last word looking at you. you blush softly, feeling the impact of her words hit you.

"will i get one?" you said, not realizing what you're saying. her eyes quickly widened and went back to the original stance. her eyes filled with love and admiration. after it clicked, you blush harder, rubbing the back of your head as her hand is still intertwined with yours.

thinking that you've ruined the night for the both of you, she laughs. she is overfilled with joy but also humored. you're embarrassed that her laugh fills the room, other customers now looking at her, annoyed with her laughter but continued with their meals.

she stops laughing, taking a breath and calm her heart. she gets up and moves over to the side of you. you could feel how close she is to, your heartbeat filled with adrenaline, but you're scared to see her move. anticipating her first move, she holds your hand with one hand and the other, holding your face and kisses you tenderly. the kiss is soft, tender and passionate.

she removes the ring and places it on yours. it doesn't fit but it looks right on your finger, perfect. she looks at your face as it grows in happiness, kissing your lips once more.

"let's get a ring of your own size." she says, placing your head on her shoulder.

"are you asking me to marry you?" you said jokingly. but the silence afterwards was deafening and loud at the same time. you got up looking down at her in shock.

"well not right now, but soon i will." she said smiling, you took a deep breath and leaned back on the cushion on the chair.

"you asshole." you said, hitting her softly.

"don't worry baby, it'll be soon. sooner than you think."

[mikkies]

「 EVEN AS WE GROW, MY LOVE NEVER FLICKERS. 」

Mayor Thaniyel x GN! Reader

warnings: none!

notes: I mixed up present and interpretation of past Mayor Thaniyel. But it's just hints 🤭

Your relationship with Thaniyel is one of quiet companionship and mutual respect. Both of you have lived long enough to appreciate the small, meaningful moments in life.

There’s an unspoken bond between you, where words often aren’t needed. A shared look or a gentle touch says more than conversation ever could.

Despite his reliance on a cane, Thaniyel loves taking slow, peaceful walks with you. The two of you are a familiar sight to the townsfolk, walking arm in arm as the sun sets over the city he governs.

He sometimes pauses to point out changes in the town, saying, “I’d never have noticed that without you here with me.”

Thaniyel is a man of subtle gestures: resting his hand over yours, brushing a strand of hair away from your face, or squeezing your arm gently as a sign of reassurance.

 

He’s not overly verbal with his affection, but when he does say “I love you,” it’s in a soft, almost reverent tone, as if he’s still amazed by the depth of his feelings.

You and Thaniyel often reminisce about your younger days, trading stories and finding joy in discovering parallels between your lives.

He adores hearing about your adventures and always listens intently, occasionally adding his own witty or heartfelt comments.

You’re his quiet rock during the challenges of governing Turitopulis. Whether he’s dealing with political conflicts or trying to manage his strained relationship with Brad (Griefer), your presence calms him.

Thaniyel often seeks your advice, and your wisdom reassures him that he’s on the right path.

On days when his age catches up with him, you’re there to remind him to rest and take care of himself. Likewise, he does the same for you, often insisting, “Let me do that; you’ve done enough for today.”

You’ve both perfected the art of taking care of each other in small, thoughtful ways—leaving a favorite book on the nightstand, brewing tea, or making sure the other has their coat before heading out.

Thaniyel loves the simplicity of shared moments: tending to a small garden, enjoying a warm meal together, or watching the rain fall from the porch.

He often says, “I never realized how beautiful the little things could be—until you showed me.”

Though Thaniyel often appears sad, you’ve managed to bring out a lighter side of him. Your playful teasing and sharp humor catch him off guard, and his rare chuckles are music to your ears.

“You’re the only one who can make me laugh like that,” he admits, his expression softening as he looks at you.

Thaniyel admires your strength and independence, often saying it’s one of the qualities he loves most about you.

 

While he’s always there to support you, he never tries to overstep, understanding that you’ve lived a full life on your own before him. 

Both of you care deeply about the town, and your love becomes an example of harmony and unity for the community.

Together, you’re seen as a beacon of wisdom and compassion—a power couple, even in your elder years.

You gently remind Thaniyel to stay patient with his son, encouraging him to reach out even when it feels hopeless.

Sometimes, Brad jokingly calls you his “bonus parent,” which secretly brings Thaniyel great joy. He sees you as the glue holding his family together.

For both of you, being together is like finding home after years of wandering. There’s a comfort in knowing you’ve found someone who understands you completely.

Thaniyel often takes your hand in his, his thumb tracing gentle circles as he whispers, “I didn’t think I’d find this kind of love again—but I’m grateful I did.”

[leoascendente]

PAC/ Let me tell you something beautiful about you 🩷

Hi and welcome to this new pick a pile! This time you'll have to choose one card of the empress and I'll tell you how you are an empress yourself. As always, take a deep breath before choosing your pile, pick the one that calls your attention the most

* Do not make life decitions based on a reading you saw online, use your discernment. Please, minors dni 🔞

For a private reading click here

My blog in Spanish here

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Pile 1/ Pile 2

Pile 3/ Pile 4

- Pile 1:

(Cards: prince of autumn, princess of spring, prince of winter/ the lovers)

My love, you are a warrior soul in the body of a human, you are brave, fierce and adventurous but you also have you calmed and grounded nature too that you can switch at your own will but in essence, you are fiery and bold. You are a complex individual so don't try to force yourself to fit into a box or an specific standard because you are meant to shine and stand out of the crowd, you are yet in the process of growing but you are destined to greatness and you will achieve it at some point in your future. I feel that you are very young or at least your energy is, regardless of your age you are joyful and optimistic, the kind who always find a way to see the glass half filled no matter what he outside circumstances are, if there's a solution you know how to find it so you are avery resourceful person too. You are a determined person, you like to dream big and actively work on making those dreams a reality, you may look unbothered or dittached but in fact, you know where to put your attention and energy on, you are not the kind to give up on your dreams but neither the kind to waste energy on things that doesn't fulfill you. I'm getting extroverted energy from this pile but in the sense that you can befriend anyone you cross paths with, you can find the good in anyone and keep the best out of them, I'm also getting that people love to be with you with the lovers at the bottom of the deck, you probably have some not-so-secret admirers with a heavy crush on you, like you literally become the crush of anyone who has the bliss to know you. You are lighthearted but you also have a temper, especially you can cut throats with your words but in general you don't have a destructive energy but you know you could if you wanted to.

You have a very powerful energy but you are still in the process of channeling and focus all of it on a productive endeavor, your energy is strong but it is also scattered but this is part of what makes your soul so beautiful, it's like you can make magic out of chaos, I keep hearing the phrase of LOTR 'not all those who wander are lost'. I see a garden when I channel your energy, it may look chaotic at first in my vision but when I focus, every flower, plant and tree is beautiful, intrncate and unique, there's also this magical vibe of a fairy forest, the kind of garden you imagine on fairytales. You are someone inspiriing and uplifting, able to make others see the best in them, your precence fills others with optimism and the feeling that they can achieve anything in life, they also feel so supported by you. In general terms, you are a force of nature, so powerful and charismatic, you are a magnet for anyone without trying, I hope you are aware of how attractive you are because you can put anyone on their knees for you, like Cleopatra reincarnated

✨️ You are attracting admiration and recognition

- Pile 2:

(Cards: 2 of winter, 8 of winter, king of summer/ the unity)

My beutiful pile of kind hearts, you are all love and sweetness, you also give off introverted and innocent energy, I'm also getting that you are really in tune with your inner child. On one side you know how to nurture the needs of your inner child but on the other side you might be still hurt by things you experienced in your past, like there are some wounds you need to heal. You are a proffesional overthinker but when it comes to make important decitions you always keep loyal to your heart's desires, you are compassionate with yourself and self aware, you know your own limits and boudaries so you don't force you to make things that would make you feel uncomfortable or would affect you negatively, you respect your inner peace so much and protect it at all cost. You are a very protective person, with yourself and with the ones you love, you are also the force that keeps people together, like a mediator that brings peace and clarity into conflicts, you bring harmony and clam into the lives of others, I'm also getting that you know and understand very deeply the value of forgiveness, not just with others but when it comes to yourself too. You are a very loyal and that's a trait you also value a lot in other people, you like to create deep bonds, for you it is more important the quality than the quantity of the people in your life, you may not have a huge group of friends but the few you have are worth gold, also the people in your life feel really grateful to have you by their side. At first you may come off as shy, bashful or reserved but when people get to know you they discover your wide and rich inner world, you have a lot to offer but only for those who show you that they are trustworthy.

You are an intellectual, you enjoy mental stimulation and you probably dislike boring or superficial people, you crave depths because your curiosity is extremely strong, I'm hearing that you feel attracted to the misteries of the world and conspiracy theories. You are responsible, reliable and mature, you remind me of Belle of the Beauty and the Beast, you have this elegant and classic vibe to you, your energy also makes me feel so cozy and comfortble. You are not the kind to follow trends, instead you keep loyal to your style and what makes you feel good, I see this dark academia aesthetic for some reason, I'm also getting bookworm energy. For many you are a total mystery they can't descipher, people can't read you easilly, this makes others feel like a dream when it comes to you, they know you have a depth they are not able to pinpont, you are meant for the braves and the people who are not afraid to face complexity and uniqueness. Your energy is grounded and introspective, you are the observer kind, you also have a talent to see the patterns in people or even the world, you may feel drawn to history too. You are a very independent person, you know how to thrive by your own because you are aware of your own power and capabilities, I feel like you have a personal goal you hold really close to your heart, I'm even gettin that you may not have shared this dream with no one, just know that it won't take you too long to achieve a big milestone in regards of this goal.

🌸 You are attracting your soul tribe and genuine connections

- Pile 3:

(Cards: queen of summer, the wheel, prince of spring/ the chariot)

Omg I love your energy pile 3!! It is so vibrant and warm, it feels like a summer evening on that beautiful beach with pink sand, you feel like a safe place, I literally feel protected when I channel your energy so I can tell that your guides are really powerful. You are the kind of person that can light any room you step into, you are radiant and soft, very charismatic, femenine and, regardless of your physical appearance, you are extremely attractive, I'm hearing something about your fashion style too, like you know what suits you the best. You are also a natural lucky magnet, it is because your passionate and positive spirit can help you attract anything you desire, you have a really strong power to manifest your dreams with no much effort, I'm getting that you attract more when you are at peace with yourself. You are a very driven person, and also very optimistic, your dreams are not just dreams, it is something that your future self is already living and you are really certain about it, you are not the kind of giving up on your goals, when you hold a vision it is hard for you to let it go and that gives you a lot of power, you have a very strong sense of purpose, anything you do you do it because you know it's taking you to what you are meant to do in this lifetime. You have a beautiful relationship with the Divine, surely this sense of purpose comes from this connection, I'm getting that your guides are super proud of you and your achievements so far. You have a very beautiful balance between your masculine and femenine energy, your masculine is passionate, driven and stubborn when it comes to get what you want, but your femenine is soft, sweet and loving, very motherly and nurturing, you may be the 'mum' of your group of friends, you also have a very powerful intuition. Your energy is very seductive, people feel naturally drawn to you, you also have it easy to attract suitors in romantic terms, I'm feeling strong Leo/sun energy from you.

You know where you are leading in life, you know what you want and what you deserve and you don't settle for less, you are a selective person when it comes to anything you let into your life, I also see that you protect yourself very well on energetic terms. You give off this exclusive boss babe energy, ngl you intimidate people without trying, it's your energy that is very powerful, you are so magnetic and attractive too, I think you totally realize the magnitude of this and the impact you have on others because you seem very confident in your energy, I feel like you could also relate with pile 1 in case you want to read it too. Even though you may come off as dominating and self focused, who gets to know you sees that you are such a sweetheart with a huge heart, you are a compssionate and generous person with the ones who reciprocate all the love you share, you are the kind to stop a bullet by yourself to save the people you love.

🍀 You are attracting success and wealth, for some even fame

- Pile 4:

(Cards: the lovers, the sun, ace of summer/ prince of summer)

You are the embodiment of unconditional love, your heart chakra is your most powerful energetic center, you are also the spiritual pile from this pick a card, this loving energy feels consciously connected to Spirit, I'm also hearing that your guides love you so so much and are super protective with you. I could say that you are a lover and not a fighter but in fact, you are a fighter of love, you really make the effort to keep love above everything else, this doesn't make you weak, instead it is your superpower and you know how to make use of it. You are a soul healer, just with your precense you can turn the pain into gold like an alchemist, this is an absolutely beautiful trait but you must be careful, people like you tend to attract narcissistic people, I suggest you to find a method to protect your energies that works for you and makes you feel comfortable practicing, I always recommend rosemary smudges and a protective amulet you can carry. You are a natural empath, a sweet soul with lots of love to share with the world, you bring joy to people's life and you surely feel great if you can make others feel loved and accepted, you are also a hopeless romantic, you love to love and to feel loved and you feel proud of it, you know that your sensibility is your superpower and not a weakness. In this world filled with cruelty and unjustice you are a lighthouse of hope and empathy, you are pure angelic energy, I'm also getting that you may work or feel really connected to any goddess or deity related to love. You are very in tune with your emotions, with your lights and your shadows, you accept yourself and others in the full spectrum of their essence, you have a deep understanding of human nature , you are able to see things from a higer perspective. I'm getting that you may feel like an outcast too, like you don't fully fit in this world or that you haven't found your place yet, you may have dealt with solitude from a very young age and that's why you have developed such an strong bond with your spirit guides.

You have this aura of mystery around you as pile 2 but in your case, you are almost ethereal for people who don't know you but they can perceive how sweet and nurturing you are, many desire you from afar but feel like you won't pay attention to them, like you are too much into your own world to notice them. You have more admirers in romantic terms than you are able to imagine, a lot of suitors have their eye on you but there's something that holds them back, surely it's your guides protecting you from anyone who is not your true love, I'm getting that you might have prayed to make you invisible for anyone who's not meant for you. You are such n intuitive person, I'm getting that you may have psychic gifts since you were a child and you are totally in tune with them, you are sweet and caring, you always put your heart on everything you do, I'm hearing that you need to feel emotionally connected to what you do or you could loose interest. You love yourself, I feel that you are realy grateful even for the little things, you don't take anything for granted and you feel grateful even for being able to wake up everyday, I'm also getting that you are able to see signs from Spirit everywhere

💖 You are attracting romantic love, your divine counterpart