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Caleb (LADS) Natal Birth Chart Analysis

In honor of Caleb's birthday, I have done an analysis on his birth chart. If you are interesting, I have also analyzed the birth charts of Zayne and Sylus (part 1 and part 2). I hope that you enjoy this analysis for Caleb!

Below is the birth information that I used to create Caleb's natal chart on astrotheme. I am doing this analysis for entertainment purposes. Please note that I am still learning and growing in my study of astrology.

June 13th, 2022 around 4:30am in Beijing, China.

I'm going to first start my analysis by looking at planetary placements. Then, we will look into the houses and why I believe his birth time to be around 4:30am.

Let's start this analysis off with the elephant in the room, Caleb's Gemini Sun and Scorpio Moon, especially the Scorpio Moon. My heart goes out to those with Scorpio Moons, because that is not an easy placement to have. Scorpio Moons can be jealous and possessive, which we have all seen with Caleb. With that being said, it's not all bad. While his Scorpio Moon makes Caleb to be emotionally intense, his Gemini Sun brings about much need intellect and playfulness to help slightly dampen some of that intensity. With his Gemini Sun, he is constantly taking in the information that he is receiving and adapting to that information. His Scorpio Moon is also receiving a lot of emotional information and is dealing with how to work with all of that. The combination of this Sun and Moon leads to Caleb being very dynamic and in-tune with not only his emotions, but also in-tune with the emotions of those around him. Some may see this Sun-Moon combination as a red flag, especially since this pairing can be quite manipulative and vengeful, but I'm colorblind when I look at Caleb's chart. 😍 Despite the this, his Sun-Moon combination is curious and full of emotional depth, which Caleb certainly has. There is a great Reddit post here that does a good job of describing the nature of those with a Gemini Sun and Scorpio Moon that I'll leave here for you all to check out.

Now, let's talk a placement that has my Cancer Venus swooning -- his Venus in Taurus. Marry me, Caleb. 😍 A Taurus Venus wants to take care of ALL their partners needs, and they are good at doing so. They are the ones that will light candles and cook a delicious meal for their significant other. These Venus natives are highly committed and loyal to their partners, which we all know Caleb is. Those with Venus in Taurus are also likely to make a lot of money, as those with this placement place value in having all the necessary comforts in life. They also want to be able to provide for their partners, in every way shape and form. I think that this makes quite a bit of sense for Caleb, as he is very financial secure. To top it all off, Taurus is in domicile in Venus, because Venus rules Taurus (and Libra), so Taurus is happy to be in Venus. All in all, combined with his Scorpio Moon, Caleb is very in-tune with his partner's needs and will love them deeply and faithfully. Marry me, king. 😍

It's unsurprising to see that Caleb has his Mars in Aries, as that does accurately describe his temperament. We have seen that Caleb can be fiery when he gets upset and has no problem getting physical, when necessary. Those with Aries Mars are also known to be bold, courageous, and highly driven in achieving their goals, which I think reflects Caleb's nature pretty well. Although Aries Mars and Gemini Suns are prone to not finishing projects that they start, I think that Caleb's Taurus energy in Mercury and Venus helps him to see some things through, especially as it concerns his home and love-life. Taurus' are the ones to see things through to meet their needs and desires. Much like with his Taurus in Venus, Caleb's Aries in Mars is in domicile. Tbh, I'm happy for him for having those domicile placements because he needs it, especially with Scorpio being in "fall" in the Moon.

Finally, we can also see that Caleb has a Taurus stellium. Those with a lot of Taurus placements can be pretty intense (mix that with Caleb's Scorpio Moon) and determined. When they want something, they will go for it. On top of that, Taurus is a patient sign. It will wait for as long as it takes for their goals to be accomplished and while that may but heads with his fast moving Aries Mars, at the end of the day, he will see the fruits of his labor. Caleb's Taurus stellium helps bring balance to his Gemini Sun and Aries Mars, making it so that his impulses are in check and that he can stand the test of time.

Now, let's talk about Caleb's birth-time, his rising sign, and some of his house placements. I put this under a "read more," since this post is long.

Okay. So you might be thinking, "Crystal, how can you approximate Caleb's birth time?" Well, here's how I did it. When I originally put in Caleb's birthday without a birth-time, I found that Caleb's Moon sign would change depending on what time he was born. If he was born before the late morning, he would have a Scorpio Moon. If he was born anytime after the late morning, he would have a Sagittarius Moon. Given that we have seen Caleb to be very emotionally intense, I found that he is best suited having a Scorpio Moon, especially with how he expresses and feels his emotions so deeply and intensely. Caleb does not know the meaning of chill. He screams Scorpio Moon. A Sagittarius Moon will not feel that level and depth of emotion unless it's accompanied with heavy water placements, which Caleb lacks in his chart. And Caleb needs something in his chart to explain his crazy, which his Gemini Sun can't do alone.

Next, since Caleb had to have been born within the Scorpio Moon time-frame, that meant that there were only a handful of possible risings signs that he could have. The possible rising signs are Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer. I immediately ruled out Pisces and Cancer since he doesn't have physical traits that match those rising signs. That left Aries, Taurus, and Gemini as my only options. To find an appropriate rising sign, I looked into how each rising sign would affect where his personal planets would fall into the house. I have found that a lot of people gravitate towards Caleb and in-game characters, such as his peers in school, highly regard Caleb. He has this effortless charm that brings people towards him, which I have found is something we see in people that have their Sun in the 1st house. This meant that Caleb would have a Gemini rising for his Gemini Sun to be in the first house. Additionally, with a Gemini Rising, that puts his Venus, along with Mercury, in the 12th house. That Venus in the 12th house screams longing and pinning for someone for a long time without them knowing. With those things in mind, I concluded that Caleb has a Gemini Rising.

So, let's talk about Caleb having a Gemini Rising. People with this placement are known to be curious, fun, lively, and popular, which I think are straights that Caleb has. Gemini Risings like to do mentally stimulating activities like puzzles and games, which would explain Caleb's hobby of working on models of planes. With his Sun in Gemini in the 1st house, Caleb has an additional layer of confidence and energy that makes him stand out. Additionally, those with Sun in the 1st house are known to be persistent and natural leaders.

When looking deeper into Caleb's house placements, one of the first things that I noticed was his 12th house stellium. The 12th house is the house of the unknown -- in particular, it is the house of your subconscious, self-talk, self-undoing, hidden enemies, the unknown, and karma. Caleb has his Mercury, Venus, and Uranus in the 12th house. People with Mercury in the 12th house are deep thinkers and are not ones to quickly share their inner most thoughts, which matches well with his Scorpio Moon. With Venus in the 12th house, Caleb is the type of person who will enjoy peace and quiet time, but that can lead to him feeling lonely. There is likely to be secrecy involving love-life, which we can definitely see with Caleb. Finally, people with Uranus in the 12th house tend to be independent and only the closest people to them will truly see their hidden depth. Many people with this placement, and also with 12th house placements, are intuitive and spiritually connected. Overall, Caleb's 12th house stellium does a good job to explain his depth and the things that he hides. He keeps to himself, but once he feels like he can truly trust a person, he will let them into his world.

Caleb also has a lot of planets in the 11th house, the house of friendships, organizations, and goals. People with Mars in the 11th house are the types of people that are meant to lead organizations, as they are good at bringing people in. They are good at taking the lead not only at work, but also in social settings. With Jupiter also in the 11th house, there is no lack of opportunity to make friends. People with this planetary placement are popular and have an active social life. It said that having Jupiter in the 11th house will bring you good fortune and opportunities when you are among friends or in a group setting. Because Jupiter is an expansive planet, it's important for people with this placement to chose how they spend their time wisely, since there will always be plenty, if not too many, opportunities. Overall, these placements help Caleb to attract friendships and opportunities.

With Caleb having his Moon in the 6th house, the house of work, health, and daily routine, he sees that his day-to-day work life fluctuates, which matches well with Caleb working at the fleet. Additionally, people with this placement tend to be big on cleanliness and order, which we have seen is very much the case in Caleb's home. There is not a single thing that is out of place there.

We end this analysis with discussing Caleb's Saturn in 10th house. With this placement, Caleb has a natural understanding of what it takes to rise to the top, even if it takes time -- which is more than fine with his abundant Taurus energy. This placement leads to a person being a hard worker and very ambitious. Whatever obstacles come their way, when it comes to their career, they will be able to overcome it. The only thing to be aware of when having this placement is to make sure to avoid cutting corners in order to find success in career, as Saturn requires honest, hard work.

Well, that's my analysis on Caleb's birth chart. What do you think? Do you have any placements in common with Caleb? If you have any questions or want me to talk more about certain placements in his chart, leave a comment or send me an ask. I hope that you all enjoyed this analysis!

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Who I think the LADS men are for

Rafayel is for

• the escapism girls

• the romantasy girls

• the “no, it’s not perfect yet” girls

• the “always the artist, never the muse” girls

• the “yeah, i believe in soulmates” girls

• the “i’m my own worst critic” girls

• the “maybe one day someone will appreciate everything i have to give” girls

Xavier is for

• the “i wish i could catch a break” girls

• the “i’m so tired, but i can’t stop” girls

• the “i’ll take a break when i’m finished” girls

• the “oh, i forgot to eat again” girls

• the “i’ll be okay, i’m used to this” girls

• the insomniacs and chronic illness girls

• the “i don’t want to be a burden” girls

Zayne is for

• the “heartbreak songs remind me more of my parents than my ex” girls

• the “you don’t know the violence it took to become this soft” girls

• the “i’ll wait until i’m in the shower to cry” girls

• the burned out gifted kid girls

• the “i’m smart, but not smart enough” girls

• the poetry girls

• the “i don’t understand why i’m not good enough” girls

Sylus is for

• the eldest/only daughter

• the “i can handle it myself” girls

• the “i don’t feel a sense of accomplishment, just a mild sense of relief that it’s done” girls

• the “mature for your age” girls

• the “i’m tired of taking care of myself” girls

• the “my worth comes from my accomplishments” girls

• the “i wish someone would take the reins so i don’t have to” girls

Caleb is for

• the “i had to grow up before i was ready” girls

• the “why are you so loud?” girls

• the “no, i’m okay, what’s going on with you?” girls

• the therapist friend girls

• the maladaptive daydreaming girls

• the “i wish someone cared as much as i do” girls

• the “i don’t think i can do this anymore” girls

nice version

[mytenthsideblog]

Sylus (LADS) Birth Chart Analysis Pt. 2

So the day before yesterday, I was talking with a friend about my analysis of Sylus' birth chart and we got to talking about potential rising signs for Sylus. Like me, my friend suspects that Sylus has a Scorpio Rising. Since we both agreed on his rising sign, I've decided to do a part 2 of analyzing Sylus' birth chart. In this analysis I will only be analyzing his house placements. You can find my analysis on Sylus' planetary placements here.

Below is the birth information that I used to create Sylus' natal chart on astrotheme. I am doing this analysis for entertainment purposes. Please note that I am still learning and growing in my study of astrology.

April 18th, 2019 around 7:15pm in Beijing, China.

Firstly, I want to take a moment to talk about why I believe Sylus is a Scorpio Rising. Scorpio Risings are distinct among the rising signs because they appear to be intimidating and at times, even unapproachable. This is even the case for those that have softer planetary placements (e.g., Cancer and Libra). With that being said, Scorpio Risings also have an intense and magnetic aura that people often find to be irresistible. People naturally gravitate towards Scorpio Risings. Only those that are close to a Scorpio Rising will be able to see their inner thoughts and feelings. I find that these attributes match Sylus very well and it is why I believe that he has a Scorpio Rising. More evidence points to him having a Scorpio Rising as we look into which houses his personal placements fall into.

Off the bat, I see that Sylus has Jupiter in the 2nd house, which is generally known as the house of money and finances (I have this placement!). Those with Jupiter in the 2nd house will have good fortune when it comes to money and will have an easier time gaining and securing finances. This is especially the case since Sylus has Jupiter in Sagittarius, which is ruled by Jupiter. Sylus was meant to be wealthy and this matches what we see with him since he has amassed a generous amount of wealth from being the leader of Onychinus. Sylus does have a couple of square aspects and a couple trine aspects to his Jupiter, so his finances aren't secured without care and effort. This particular house placement is what solidifies my reasoning for Sylus having a Scorpio Rising.

The next thing that I notice, is that Sylus has his Moon in the 12th house, which is generally known as the house of the subconscious, karma, unknown adversaries, and secrets. I personally view the 12th house as the house of spiritual karma and of the final test. This house is the: "I have been given these cards in the game of life and here is what I have to show of it." As an aside, I'm fairly certain that all LADS LIs have at least one 12th house placement, because of what they have gone through to be in this life. Anyway, let's break this down for Sylus.

Those with Libra in the 12th house are very self-reliant, but there is a softness and a strength that emerges when they have a partner. These 12th house natives find that they are re-centered and rejuvenated when they go on romantic get-aways with their partner. These natives do need to be cautious as sometimes they can get into debt due to having expensive tastes. With the Moon in the 12th house, these natives are very good at masking their emotions, despite the fact that they feel very deeply. Only those that can get past their walls will be able to see the sensitive and compassionate side of a 12th house Moon native, but even that sensitivity and compassion is shown with some hesitancy. These 12th house natives are very spiritually in-tune, which helps Sylus' North Node in the 9th house. The biggest concern that those with a 12th house Moon have is that they are prone to spending an unhealthy amount of time alone.

I think that Sylus' Sun falling in the 6th house matches him very well. Those with this placement place their work as a high priority and have a great eye for detail. They take great pride in the work that they do, and they make ideal employees. Their work ethic can lead them to be leaders at work, which we see is the case for Sylus. This is especially supported by his Sun in Aries, which yearns to lead. His Sun in Aries desires to work in a fast-paced environment that brings about challenges. Because those with the Sun in the 6th house strive for perfection at work, they need to make sure to schedule relaxation time, so that they can take care of themselves and avoid burnout. Since Aries is pretty daring, these natives need to be careful at work since work-related injuries are likely to happen with this placement.

With Venus in the 5th house, the house of creativity, children, and hobbies, Sylus is charming and popular. People can't help but admire him. This placement gives priority to leisure time, which is much needed for Sylus, considering his hardworking Aries Sun in the 6th house. Those with this placement have a fondness for children and have a creative streak. Specifically, with Venus in Pisces in the 5th house, it makes Sylus out to be a romantic. Although these natives tend to follow their hearts, I think Sylus' more practical Aries Sun helps to balance out the Venus Pisces wanting to follow his heart rather than use his head. Venus in the 5th house makes for a softy, which we all know Sylus secretly is, even if it's hidden behind his Scorpio Rising and Aries Sun.

The 8th house it typically attributed as being the house of death and sex, but it's much more than that. It is also the house of inheritance, loans, debts, and insurances. With Gemini in the 8th house, there is a tendency for funds and investments to fluctuate, but this can solved by making sure to make informed decisions when it comes to investing. When the planet Mars itself is in this house, there is an above-average potential for good finances, which we definitely see with Sylus. Mars can be impulsive when making purchases, so it's important again to make informed decisions when investing. Thankfully, Sylus' Sagittarius in Jupiter in the 2nd house gives him the advantage of easily making money.

Since I am finishing my first Saturn return, I've been thinking a lot about Saturn. Sylus has Saturn in the 3rd house, the house of communication and thinking processes. Those with this house placement are practical and serious-minded, which we see with Sylus. Those with Saturn in the 3rd house are really good at reasoning and concentrating. People with this placement make for great students and this benefits Sylus' North Node in the 9th house, which probes him to be open-minded when it comes to higher learning and the spiritual. Sylus' studious nature is also strengthened by the sign his Saturn is in -- Capricorn. Capricorns take their studies very seriously and will only share their ideas if they feel it's 100% accurate.

Lastly, I want to take a brief moment to talk about Sylus' Leo Midheaven, which is in the 10th house of public image and career. With this placement, Sylus was meant to lead and to be recognized for his position. This placement has a strong determination and will be able to achieve whatever they want within the sphere of career.

So that's a summary of Sylus' house placements. What do you think? Do you share any of these placements with Sylus? There's a few that I share with him, but they all behave differently because they are influenced by different planets. Anyway, I hope that you all enjoyed this analysis. Caleb's is up next!

[mytenthsideblog]

Sylus' (LADS) Birth Chart Analysis Pt. 1

In honor of Sylus' birthday, I present to you all my analysis of his natal birth chart. I have already made a post talking about Zayne's birth chart that can be found here. Next up will be Caleb's birth chart, which will be super interesting since I think that I have narrowed down his approximate birth time. 👀

Below is the birth information that I used to create Sylus' natal chart on astrotheme. Keep in mind that because we do not know his birth-time, that the default birth-time is 12pm, which gives us the degrees of each sign in his chart on the day he was born at 12pm. I am doing this analysis for entertainment purposes. Please note that I am still learning and growing in my study of astrology.

April 18th, 2019 in Beijing, China.

Sigh, what a man. 😍 Sylus' placements definitely scream that this man is swoon worthy, which we already knew. It's no wonder that Sylus is so beloved and a secret softy. Those Aries placements (Sun and Mercury) can only do so much to hide the softness from his Libra Moon and Pisces Venus. Anyway, let's breakdown some of these placements.

As I hinted at earlier, Sylus' Moon and Venus in Libra and Pisces, respectively, make him to be a romantic. On top of that, Sylus' Venus is exalted, meaning that the sign of Pisces is quite happy to have Venus in its domain. One thing that I have noticed about those that have Venus in Pisces is their ability to have good taste in clothing and always dressing well. In addition, I've found that there is always something artistic or an artistic element to the way people with Venus in Pisces dress. We see this in Sylus' outfits, which have an artistic flair to them. Tbh, I could make a whole post about how Sylus' style reflects his Pisces Venus. Aside from the way they dress, Pisces Venusians are sensitive and romantic, along with being very in touch with their emotions. Interestingly, Sylus' Libra Moon and Pisces Venus point to him being an artistic person. Whenever I see Libra, Pisces, and/or Leo in a person's chart, especially within the big 6 (Sun, Moon, Rising, Mercury, Venus, and Mars), I know that that person has some artistic talents.

Aside from that, Sylus' Moon in Libra makes him the type of person that wants to keep the peace and can lead to people-pleasing tendencies. With that being said, that people-pleasing tendency will be curbed by his Sun in Aries, which allows Sylus to have the confidence to live his life authentically without letting too much people-pleasing get in the way.

Speaking of which, let's talk about his Sun and Mercury in Aries. We know that Sylus is in touch with his emotions and is not afraid to express his likes and dislikes, thanks to Sun and Mercury in Aries. People with Sun and Mercury in Aries are direct and will not leave you guessing the meaning behind what they are saying. Additionally, I have always found that Aries Sun natives are active in one way or another. He's clearly good at fighting, as we have seen in the grasslands card, and in the boxing card. Aries Sun natives also like to be in control, which makes Sylus' leadership role come naturally to him. The combination of his Sun, Mercury, and Moon placements make Sylus a strong and effective leader of the N109 Zone. Sylus was certainly meant to lead.

In conjunction with Sylus's leadership, we also see that acquiring wealth comes naturally to him through his Jupiter in domicile in Sagittarius. This means that similarly to his Pisces in Venus, Sagittarius is happy to be in Jupiter -- although Sagittarius is not exalted in Jupiter. Anyway, Sagittarius in Jupiter natives have the gift of expansion, especially in financial matters. Aside from money, this placement also causes a person to enjoy philosophical discussions, as they tend to be deep thinkers.

With Mars in Gemini, Sylus likes a good mental challenge and enjoys to work with his hands. With this placement, Sylus is very open-minded, adaptable, and good at debating. It is said that Mars in Gemini natives are prone to starting arguments, and although his Sun and Mercury in Aries will enjoy hyping up his Mars in Gemini to be argumentative, his Libra Moon will come in to help mellow out that desire so that he does not fall into one extreme. Libra placements, especially in the Sun, Moon, Rising, and Mars love balance and serve in a person's chart to remember to not stray too much into one direction, especially if it disturbs the peace.

Unlike what we saw in Zayne's chart, there are no stelliums or grande trines in Sylus' chart, which isn't a bad thing. All this means is that Sylus has a little bit of each element in his chart. I've found that a lack of stelliums tends to bring balance in a person's chart.

To conclude, having looked into and dissected Sylus' chart, I can see why he appeals to so many people, including myself (my Gemini Sun, Cancer Venus, and Libra Rising are swooning hardcore at this man). He may come off as scary and intimidating (which makes me wonder if he has Scorpio Rising), but deep down there is a romantic that will fight for those he loves and cherishes. He is an adventurous, loyal, and dedicated man. Ugh, what a man. 😍

What do you think about Sylus' chart? If you have any questions or want me to talk more about certain placements in his chart, leave a comment or send me a message.

[mytenthsideblog]

Zayne's (LADS) Natal Birth Chart Analysis

Since Rafayel's birthday, I have been thinking about the LI's birth charts and in honor of Sylus' upcoming birthday, I am looking into the birth charts of each love interest and analyzing them -- starting first with Zayne. Update: Sylus' birth chart analysis is live and can be found here! Caleb's can be found here.

Below is the birth information that I used to create Zayne's natal chart on astrotheme. Keep in mind that because we do not know his birth-time, that the default birth-time is 12pm, which gives us the degrees of each sign in his chart on the day he was born at 12pm. I am doing this analysis for entertainment purposes. Please note that I am still learning and growing in my study of astrology.

September 5th, 2020 in Beijing, China.

There are some interesting things that we can see in Zayne's chart. Looking at overall patterns, we can see that Zayne has a Capricorn stellium and a grande earth trine. What do those two things mean?

First, the Capricorn stellium means that he has heavy Capricorn energy in his chart (Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto in Capricorn), which is not a surprise given how serious and dedicated he is to his work and other pursuits. Note that asteroids do not count when it comes to stelliums, which is why Pallas is not included and why Zayne does not have an Aries stellium. Also, depending on who you ask, some may say that stelliums only count when it involves the inner planets, but in this case, I am looking into overall energy by including the outer planets.

Second, a grande trine is when all signs of an element are present in a chart, generally within the planetary placements. Again, this depends on who you ask, as asteroids don't really count in seeing if a person has a grande trine. In Zayne's case, that means that he has Virgo, Taurus, and Capricorn planetary placements. His grande earth trine is also of no surprise because those with grande earth trines (and grande water trines) tend to be shy and introverted, which we know Zayne is.

Now let's talk about specific placements. The first placement that caught my eye was Zayne's Venus in Cancer, which is because I have this same placement. Venus shows us how we love and gives an insight on we want to be loved (also look to your Moon sign for this). Zayne wants to create a home, a family, a safe space that he can go to after a long day of work. He wants to feel safe and secure in his relationships, especially those that are romantic. Venus in Cancer does tend to be a mothering type when they show their love to the people they care for. You'll know that a Venus in Cancer really likes you when they let you into their home and allow you to be part of their life. The second placement that I noticed was Zayne's Mercury in Virgo. Zayne's manner in communicating is direct and doesn't leave room for a lot of guessing, which is a hallmark of a Mercury in Virgo placement, along with his Virgo Sun.

Zayne has both his Moon and Mars in Aries, which means that he is direct and passionate when it comes to expressing himself. Again, this comes as no surprise, especially when considering his Nightly Rendezvous card. ifykyk. 😏 I'm lowkey jealous that Zayne's Moon and Mars are in the same sign as there isn't as much conflict when it comes to how he expresses himself emotionally and energetically. Although, his Virgo Sun definitely has some say in his energetic expression and movement in life. With the Moon and Mars in Aries we see that Zayne is passionate, but he won't show that passion until he lets you through his high walls that come from his Virgo Sun and Cancer Venus. When he does let you behind his walls, you will find a fiery and romantic lover. Zayne girlies, you are lucky.

Unfortunately, without a birth-time, I can't say anything on how his planets and the houses interact with one another and about the significance of the degrees (granted the degrees aren't gonna really change for outer planets within a day). I'm still learning about aspects so I can't comment on that now, but maybe by the time we get to his birthday I can make a separate post that goes into detail on his natal aspects.

So, yeah. What do you think? If you have any questions or want me to talk more about certain placements in Zayne's chart, leave a comment or send me a message.

[mytenthsideblog]

Forever and Always, Through Space and Time: Error (Caleb x Reader)

Summary: In a world where humans have chosen to become machines, Caleb must rush to save you from becoming totally lost to the Machina. This one-shot is loosely based off of Caleb’s Gravity Falls banner and the MV of Error by VIXX.

Pairings: Caleb x Reader (featuring Zayne for five seconds)

Content Warnings: angst and suicide by taking an instant-death pill

Author's Note: Like the summary says, this one-shot is inspired by Caleb’s Gravity Falls banner and the music video of Error by VIXX. I posted this one-shot on AO3 last week and finally decided to cross-post it here on Tumblr. I got inspired to write this one-shot when I pulled Farewell Intimacy within 20 pulls and saw clips of the end of Farewell Dreamscape. I'm really hoping to get Farewell Dreamscape, but we'll see. Good luck to all that are pulling for this banner and I hope that you enjoy this angsty one-shot that serves as a reminder that no matter the universe, Caleb is a simp. Oh and the poem at the end of the one-shot is “The Physics of Love” by Kim In-Yook.

Are you sick and tired of the limitations that come with existing in a human body? Here at the Machina Creatio Coetus, we look to perfect existence. By uploading your consciousness to your very own machina, you can live your life as a machine that allows you to live your life to the fullest without the limitations of your human body. Find the nearest Machina Creatio Center to get your very own machina, and live the life you’ve always wanted to live!

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Caleb was running on little time and he knew it. From the way his heart pounded against his chest as he ran through the hallway, narrowly missing the patrol of guards, to the soft ticking on his watch -- everything was a reminder of you. He swore he could hear your laughter as you would press your ear against his chest and listen as his heart rate sped up for you. It was you who had gifted him the “old-timey” watch -- your words, not his. On the back of the watch was engraved a promise that Caleb and you often whispered to each other while you laid together in bed after a long day of making and executing plans for the rebellion against the Machina. Always and forever, through space and time . 

Always and forever, through space and time had only lasted seven thousand six hundred and seventy four days-- Caleb had counted, until the Machina enforcers had found you and taken you away from him. He had promised to always take care of you and that you would never be alone. It took everything in him to not slaughter the guards at the Machina base for what they had done to you. Caleb could still hear your cries from the recording that the Machina Creatio Coetus had sent to him as they tore you apart piece by piece until, like your body, there were no more screams left. The Machina wouldn’t have bothered to have sent Caleb a recording if he weren’t a Colonel in the rebellion against the machine. The Machina wanted him to come so that they could tear his body apart and destroy his consciousness, but Caleb came prepared. It was a trap for him to come here, and Caleb knew it. Despite knowing this, he didn’t care. He could not bring himself to care. Caleb was hell-bent on bringing you back home, even if you were now a machine. 

Getting inside of the facility in which your machine was held prisoner had been all too easy. Caleb had stolen a lab coat and made a fake badge to pose as a doctor working for the Machina facility. Although your human body was destroyed, your consciousness still existed in the breast pocket of his jacket inside of a USB. All members of the rebellion had their consciousness uploaded to hard drives so that no one would truly be lost. Even if they all ended becoming machines, none of them would be lost. 

Turning down into a long hallway, he was reminded of what another fellow rebel, Zayne, had explained to him about the facility. Zayne had explained the night before in great detail which rooms would contain the machines and which one was likely to hold the machine that would be fashioned after you. It was imperative that he break you out of the facility before the Machina could insert a foreign consciousness to your machine, thus erasing your existence all-together. 

Caleb caught a glimpse of a black metal door, and stopped. He knew that door contained your machine, since Zayne had described what it would look like. Holding himself against a wall, Caleb waited with baited breath as two guards worked through their usual patrol. Taking a deep breath, he quickly and quietly sprinted into the last room in the hallway that felt infinitely long and entered with ease, thanks to many years of picking locks. 

The first thing Caleb noticed upon entering the room were the cables covered in protective coils that were all over the room across the ceiling along with being over and under the large table at the center of the room. Two of the cables descended from the ceiling to the left wall and connected to your machine on the left side of the room. Walking around the desk of computers in front of the centerpiece table, Caleb stood in front of your machine.

What had they done to you? 

Your body was held upright with your eyes closed in a digital slumber. The machine was a near perfect replication of you, minus the “imperfections” that the Machina did not deem necessary to include in this body. Caleb would miss the smattering of beauty marks across your body and the proof that you had grown into yourself, but he would not love you any less in this body. No matter how you changed, the essence of your being would always remain intact. He may have hated machines, but he could not hate you, even if you would spend the rest of your existence existing inside of a machine. Caleb would give anything to keep you. 

Tears pooled around Caleb’s eyes as he clenched his fists. He would rather have you as a machine than forever gone, but this wasn’t fair to you. The Machina had not given you a choice. They destroyed your body and made a new one -- a body that you would not have been allowed to use if Caleb had not broken into the facility since the Machina took the machine’s of rebels and implanted the consciousness of a Machina sympathizer, thus erasing the existence of rebels. Caleb could at the very least rest at ease knowing that you wouldn’t remember the pain that the Machina had inflicted on you. Your pain would be his burden to bear and it would serve as a reminder of his life’s mission. Always and forever, through space and time . 

Caleb went to the desk of two computers that were in front of the large metallic table and plugged in the USB to upload your consciousness to your new body. The process of uploading only took a few minutes, but each second that passed by felt like an eternity as Caleb paced the room, listening for outsiders. At any given moment anyone could walk in and although Caleb had no doubts he could take whatever came his way, he had you, his life partner, to think about. 

The computer on the left gave off a soft ping and Caleb knew that the upload had finished. Carefully unhooking your body from the plugs inserted in the back of your neck and your chest, Caleb held his arms out as your body fell against his. You had not woken up from the upload, which came as no surprise to Caleb. It would take anywhere from five minutes to half an hour for you to wake from the digital slumber and to navigate this new reality. Caleb had initially wanted to carry you out of the facility, but he knew this escape would be easier if you were awake. As he had always done, Caleb would wait for you. 

Holding you in his arms bridal style, Caleb moved your sleeping form to a corner in the room where you wouldn’t be seen, in case anyone came in and he needed to distract and if needed, disarm. 

As always, Caleb’s hunch had been right. Not a moment after he placed you in a safe hiding spot in the room, the door opened with a doctor and Machina guard entering the room. Unfortunately, both the doctor and the guard noticed your disappearance, but had not yet noticed Caleb’s presence. 

“Where is she?” 

“She wasn’t scheduled for any maintenance outside of this room.” 

“Do you think he took her?” A momentary silence followed the question that Caleb knew was about him. Then, one of the machines cursed. 

“Alert the others that there is a machine that’s missing. Lock the place down until they are found!”

Taking a deep breath, Caleb closed his eyes and used his powers for what could be the last time. The guard and the doctor grunting against the strong force of gravity that held them down to their knees. Their eyes held shock and resentment as Caleb rushed to them and shot each one point blank, the doctor first then the guard. With his gravity no longer holding them up, their bodies slumped to the floor along with the thump of a device. Peering over the body of the guard, Caleb’s heart dropped to his chest -- the guard had pressed a panic button, alerting the facility to an emergency. 

Without wasting a breath, Caleb shut the door to the room and with the help of his powers, moved heavy objects in front of the door to slow down the eventual onslaught of guards. Caleb had always told himself that he would never give himself to the machine, but that was superseded by his promise to you and he wouldn’t break it. Always and forever, through space and time . 

Once he felt assured that his makeshift barrier would hold the guards at bay long enough for him to see his final plan through, Caleb went back to the computers and got to work. On the left computer screen, Caleb opened a terminal shell and typed in the commands to begin the creation of a new machine -- his machine. The cables that hung across the ceiling were brought to life and began to move and show themselves to be various mechanical arms that started the assembly of his machine onto the cold, metallic table in the center of the room. As the script ran and the mechanical arms worked efficiently, Caleb plugged in the USB drive containing his consciousness, updated as of the day before, so that he could transfer his consciousness to his machine once its construction was finished.

Despite his aversion and distaste for the Machina, Caleb could not help but allow his curiosity take over and took a moment to catch a glimpse of the mechanical arms in the room creating his machine. If his situation was any different, he would have been disgusted at the sight, but all Caleb could feel was relief and hope in knowing that when you woke, his machine would be here waiting for you. As he watched the finishing touches being added to his machine, Caleb listened carefully for any signs of the guards coming. The only sign that something was wrong was the flashing red light at the front of the door of the room. 

The construction of his machine was completed with the sound of a ping, and Caleb went back to the computer on the right to execute the command to begin transferring his consciousness to his machine. Using the clothes that were set aside for new machines on the right wall of the room, Caleb dressed his machine-self in a plain black shirt and black slacks. It was surreal to see himself in a machine, but he wasn’t going to turn back. He couldn’t make it out of here as a human, but he could make it out of here as a machine and he would do it with you. Hearing a ping from the computer, Caleb knew that his consciousness had finished uploading and in a matter of minutes, his machine would be awake. His heart skipped a beat as he took off his watch, kissed the back of it, and placed it on the left wrist of his machine. Closing his eyes, tears streamed down Caleb’s face as he leaned his forehead against his machine’s forehead. 

“I know we promised that we wouldn’t give in to the Machina, but we can’t leave her alone,” he whispered to his machine self. “I know you’ll be upset, but I know that our love for her will eclipse that anger. Always and forever, through space and time.”

Stepping away from his machine, Caleb pulled out a pill hidden in the inside pocket of his jacket, a safety precaution that Zayne had given him in case things did not go as planned. Caleb never thought that his life would end with a single pill, but he knew deep down that he could not escape the facility as a human and he would be damned if he let the Machina get a hold of his human body. 

“Caleb?” He heard your voice call out. Caleb wasn’t sure if it was habit or an unseen force of gravity that pushed him towards you. It was funny to him that he had the ability to create a gravitational force field, and yet he had no control over the unknown force that always led him to you. 

“I’m here, sweetheart,” he said, the death-pill still clutched in his left hand as his right hand carefully cradled your check. 

Crouching down to you, it took everything in him to not cry at the sight of your eyes. Even as a machine, the expression in your eyes had been completely human as they shined with the familiar look of love. 

Ever the keen observer, you took note of his clenched fist. 

“What’s going on?” 

“Things haven’t gone as planned, sweetheart. I can’t make it out of here with you in this body, but in that body,” he said looking back at his machine lying peacefully unaware of what was to come, “I can get you out of here.” 

One large tear escaped from your right eye and quickly dissolved on your cheek at his confession. 

“But you don’t want to be a machine, let alone be with one,” you said, turning to look away from him. 

Kneeling on the floor, Caleb held you in his arms with his chin resting on top of your head. “None of us ever wanted this, but there is one thing that I do want -- no need , and that will never change. I will always need to be with you, sweetheart. No body, no machine will change that. Always and forever, through space and time.”

Slightly pulling away, Caleb saw that you were looking at him once more with a shy smile on your face. “Always and forever, through space and time.” 

The sudden banging against the metal door shook Caleb out of his final moments with you and before saying his goodbyes, Caleb quickly explained his plan to you, so that when his machine woke up, you would be ready to go with him and leave this place behind once and for all. You had argued with him, insisting that none of this was necessary, but with one look that he gave, you came to accept that Caleb’s plan was the best chance either of you had. 

Upon your insistence, Caleb laid down on your lap before swallowing the pill while keeping his gaze up at you, because you were the last thing he wanted to see as his consciousness left his human body. He had tried to take a deep breath to calm himself down as you caressed his hair, but it ended up being shaky. He hadn’t given much thought to taking people’s lives. It was always either them or him -- and he always chose himself for you, but this time it was different. The weight of his death was crushing him -- giving him a glimpse of the pain others felt under the weight of his gravity. Caleb didn’t want to die, but there was no other way. He had killed for you and now he had to die for you. He would die for you. He wouldn’t let the Machina take him alive and use him against humanity and the rebellion. 

“I love you, sweetheart, always and forever.” 

You nodded your head, more quick-tears pooling at your eyes. “I love you too, Caleb, through space and time.” 

As Caleb began to drift into his final slumber, he heard you recite your favorite poem to him with a shaky voice unbecoming of a machine:

“Mass is not proportional to volume. 

That girl as small as a violet,

that girl who floats like a petal

pulls me toward her with a force

greater than the Earth’s mass.

In an instant,

like Newton’s apple,

I dropped with a thump

and rolled to her

without stopping.

Thump.

Thump.

My dizzy heart kept swinging

between Heaven and Earth—

it was my first love.”

[mytenthsideblog]

Poll Tuesday

I feel like I’m exposing myself a little bit with this bc my introduction to fic is soo random I think, but whatever your answer please tell me the story! I wanna know haha

[mytenthsideblog]

The Prince Who Loved Me (Aemond x OC)

By some miracle, I finally finished writing chapter 4 and have it posted on AO3 and ffn.

Grad school has been kicking my ass, especially one class in particular. I swear that class is testing my resolve and my ability to get up after getting brutally knocked down. On the bright side, I only have a month and a half ish of that class left. On the down side, the next month and a half cannot come fast enough.

Anyway, let me know what you think of chapter 4 and I hope that you all have a happy Sunday!

[mytenthsideblog]

I’m super behind on reblogging and reviewing, BUT HOT DAMN I LOVE THIS CHAPTER. THis has everything that I love, pinning, the reader taking care of Eris, the reader and Eris having an inside joke, grumpy x sunshine, and Eris experiencing kindness without expecting anything in return. The reader and Eris just feel so natural and like they fit together. This chapter is by far my favorite and I’ve been thinking about it ever since I read it.

chapter xi - gust & flame

Eris Vanserra x Reader

Eris Vanserra has been a prisoner in his own home since the day he was born. He has done what he had to in order to survive and protect the few he loves. And he is playing the long game. Waiting, waiting, and waiting for the right time to make his move, to usurp his wicked father and become High Lord of Autumn Court. But things become even more complicated when a human girl drops into his life. Perhaps Eris can wait no longer to take his throne.

Word Count: 3,700+

Warnings: spoilers for entire ACOTAR series

masterlist

“Eris…” She hummed to him. “Eris Vanserra.” 

Then her voice grew more urgent. “Eris…Eris…ERIS!” 

He finally shot up in bed. 

Sweat covered Eris’ naked torso as he awoke. Yet goosebumps covered his skin. 

Eris looked to the windows in his bedchambers, and saw that one was open, and there was a strong wind coming through. 

He paused, not remembering leaving it open before he went to bed. 

Slowly, he emerged from his bed and walked to the window. 

Eris stood at the opening, hands gripping the sill. 

A part of him waited for her voice to call out for him still, even now that he was awake. But the wind was quiet, only slightly brushing by him, and cooling the sweat on his muscular chest. 

It was hard to decipher what was actually Y/N calling to him and what was the bond messing with his head. Everything about the two of them felt unprecedented due to Y/N not being merely mortal. 

Eris looked at the block on his nightstand. He had only been sleeping for barely two hours when he’d awoken. That was the most he'd gotten in weeks. 

Go to her, his soul begged. 

Eris suddenly found himself considering his responsibilities in the next couple of days. They were lesser than usual. Why did his heart lighten at that realization? 

Eris closed the window slowly, making sure to secure it this time. 

–🍁–🍁–🍁–

Rhysand and Feyre had granted access to Velaris to Eris not long after his first visit to the Night Court where he left Y/N with them. They hadn’t really known what to expect in regards to Eris actually taking advantage of the privilege. 

Eris had never explored the mystery city. But the bond or perhaps Y/N’s magic – maybe both – seemed to be guiding him. 

He finally turned a tight corner and stopped in his tracks. 

Y/N sat outside what he presumed was her shop. She’d pulled a chair out and seemed to be taking in the morning sun with a large mug of coffee. 

It took Eris a second to realize that there was a spoon in the mug that was stirring itself, while Y/N’s hands kept warm by cupping the sides. He smirked at the little bit of magic. 

Then he noticed that Y/N was mumbling under her breath, as if trying to hide it from anyone who might be wandering past. 

A part of Eris wanted to turn around and forget this whole idea.

But it was nearly impossible to ignore how much better he felt just seeing his mate. The tension in his shoulders was gone, he stood up straighter, the migraine had finally weakened, and the exhaustion had been replaced with a sudden pierce of energy and awareness. 

Eris’ body moved on its own accord. 

It was only when he was a few feet away that Y/N’s eyes met his and they widened in surprise at his appearance. 

Y/N had been talking, mid sentence, when she noticed him. 

“Sorry,” she blurted out without even meaning to. 

“Never apologize to me, Y/N.”

Eris blinked, suddenly realizing he’d never addressed her by her own name before. 

But then he remembered what Cassian had told him: that many thought Y/N to be crazy due to her gifts in witchcraft. And Eris’ hands clenched into fists at his sides, thinking of anyone saying such things about his mate. 

“What are you doing here?” Y/N blurted out. She blinked rapidly. “I-I-I mean, what are you doing in Velaris?” 

“News of your store has reached even Autumn Court…” Eris said. But then added, “But I have business with the High Lord and Lady.”

Though he caught how his words came through his mask still – cold and emotionless. 

And Y/N caught it, too. For she shifted in her seat with discomfort, unsure of how to respond to the clashing of his words with his tone.

Eris cleared his throat and looked at the ground.  

Damn himself. He couldn’t even talk to his mate without sounding like some arse. 

“Are you quite well?” 

His head shot up at the question. 

Surely she wasn’t talking to him. 

But she was. 

In fact, Y/N's gaze studied him with genuine concern. He caught how they lingered on the deep shadows beneath his amber eyes.

While Eris never dressed and groomed less than perfection every day of his life, it appeared his exhaustion was impossible to hide.

Eris bowed his head. “It seems a good night’s sleep has rather been a challenge for me, as of late…”

He didn’t see the point in trying to lie to Y/N. The truth was quite clear and he did not wish to seem like he thought her some fool. 

Y/N gave him a sympathetic look. “I’m familiar.” 

Eris wouldn’t meet her gaze now. 

But he heard her slowly stand from her chair and walk to him. 

“Would you like to come in for some tea?” 

Eris’ gaze once again shot up to meet her’s. 

Y/N stepped even closer with an encouraging smile. “P-Please, I insist.” 

Eris shifted his weight. “I will not be in your way? Your shop has just opened.”

Y/N shook her head. “Business is usually slow in the mornings, especially this early in the week. I promise it is no bother.” 

Eris finally nodded and put a few steps between them as he followed her into the store. Just before stepping in, he looked around them, half expecting that Spymaster to be watching from the darkness or perhaps even one his his shadows. 

Y/N led them to what appeared to be a backroom in the the store. 

A fire was already kindling in the small hearth. Above it hung dozens of herbs drying from being upside down and hanging in front of the warmth. There was a desk shoved into the corner, with a dozen quills and some notebooks strewn across its surface. 

Eris assumed this was where Y/N did all of her conjuring and casting for her merchandise. 

Despite it being her place of work, Eris still felt like he was tainting her personal space, her closest thing to home and sanctuary. 

“Please, do sit.” Y/N gestured to a small table with three chairs opposite the room from the fireplace. 

Eris watched Y/N as she started moving about the room. He studied her outfit: a full quilted skirt and a simple white, button-up shirt with the sleeves already rolled up for her work. It looked less Night Court than the other outfits he’d seen her in. 

A few moments later, Y/N placed a large mug of tea in front of Eris while she had poured herself another mug of coffee. 

“You are quite frustrating, you know?” Y/N smirked at him before taking a sip of coffee. 

Eris tilted his head. “How so?” 

“You save my life, bring me here – a court where you hold no true friends. Your own brother doesn’t seem fond of you. And even he seemed confused that you helped me at all in the first place.” 

“Anything else?” Eris quipped. 

Yes,” Y/N huffed as she sat back and crossed her arms. “T-They tell me too little.” 

Eris couldn’t help but smirk. “They as in the wind?” 

She hesitated before nodding. 

“The Night Court is the safest court in the fae realm for a mortal,” Eris finally explained, as if it were obvious. “I do not have connections in the mortal realm.”

That was not entirely true. He could’ve brought Y/N to the Exiles’ manor. But he didn’t see Jurian or Vassa as capable enough to protect his mate. Furthermore, they owed him nothing.

Y/N’s voice was almost a whisper as she asked, “Are things really so terrible in Autumn Court?” 

Eris only nodded. 

“It may seem hard to believe and though my circumstances were menacing…” She took in a shaky breath. “There was a moment where I couldn’t ignore how…beautiful it was.” 

Eris froze at such a confession. Y/N was dragged and tortured like a slave through his court, yet she still found the beauty in it, same as him. 

“It is not the land that is terrible,” he corrected. “But its ruler and those who stay loyal to him, despite his evil.” 

“And that is why sleep evades you?” Y/N asked carefully. 

Eris lifted his tea again and simply said, “Perhaps.” 

A peaceful silence settled between them. There was only the crackling of the fire, something brewing in a cauldron above it, and the soft ticking of a clock on another wall. 

“You speak of overthrowing your own father so carelessly…I cannot help but ask: what will you do to make it better?”

Eris was rendered speechless. He realized that no one had ever asked him that – mostly because his plans to usurp his father were a dangerous secret. And the few that knew – which was mostly Rhysand’s inner circle – saw him as no less evil than Beron. 

Y/N interpreted his silence as offense. 

“Excuse me,” she quickly apologized. “I’ve f-f-finally spoken out of turn.” 

Her head bowed in shame as she sipped her coffee more. 

“The farmers,” Eris muttered without realizing it. 

Y/N looked at him with confusion. “The farmers?”

“My father pays them poorly. He does it so they’re competitive, desperate, and will do anything for more money or his favor. I would pay them the wage they deserve.” 

“What else?” Y/N encouraged. 

Unbeknownst to Eris, she had seen a spark light in those amber eyes of his. And she wanted to make it burn even brighter. 

“I would banish all the courtier’s who did nothing to stand against my father’s malevolence, all because they gained either power or riches from it. I would view the other court’s as allies, not enemies who would strike Autumn at any moment.” 

Eris took in a deep breath, as if sharing such a thing was the greatest relief. “Autumn Court would become prosperous from my people’s contentment and harmony, not from their fear and pain.” 

Y/N watched him in shy wonderment. 

“But perhaps I am no better than my father,” Eris muttered, staring into his tea. 

Y/N surprised him by leaning forward with utter determination on her face. “The winds say nothing but hideous things about Beron Vanserra.” She hissed his father’s name as if it were venomous. “Was it not him who allowed my trading through his court?”

She huffed and leaned back, her face softening. “You are not your father. There is much I must learn of you, Eris Vanserra, but that I am sure of. Because you saved my life in the woods that day.”  

The breath had been knocked from Eris’ chest. He could not breathe, he could not speak. All he could do was feel the heavy beating of his heart and the string between him and Y/N get pulled even tighter. 

If Y/N saw the impact her words had on him, she didn’t show it. 

But their moment was interrupted by the shops entrance bell dinging. 

“Excuse me,” Y/N said politely as she stood. “I will be right back.” 

As soon as she left the backroom, a gasp left Eris. It was like he had been drowning until that very moment when those words left Y/N’s lips. Now his lungs were fighting for every breath. 

It took a few minutes for him to gain control of himself again. 

And then he suddenly felt a crest of fatigue. 

Now that Eris was finally in the presence of his mate again, surrounded by her scent and her safe space, could his body finally find rest?

Eris didn’t mean to, but before Y/N returned, he slumped back in his chair and allowed his eyes to slowly close. 

–🍁–🍁–🍁–

Eris awoke to the sound of something lightly hitting the table in front of him. 

He jolted awake, quickly remembered where he was by catching Y/N’s sent. 

Before him on the table, a bowl of stew had been placed. 

He looked up to see that it was Y/N who had placed it there and she was ladling another portion into a bowl for herself. 

“How long was I asleep for?” Eris asked hurriedly. 

Y/N smirked. “About 6 hours.”

Eris’ eyes snapped to the now empty tea he had been drinking. 

“You put something in my drink,” he accused. 

Y/N sat across from him with her own bowl of stew. “I did. But it should not have been that strong. You are more tired than you let on.”

It was not the tea, Eris thought. You. You are the magic. 

“Are you upset with me?” Y/N asked before taking her first bite of stew. 

He narrowed his gaze, the mask slightly returning. “I suppose it would not matter if I was.”

“I promise you were perfectly safe back here,” Y/N added. “I checked on you throughout the day.” 

That’s when Eris realized that there had also been a blanket placed on his lap. 

He looked at the bowl of stew in front of him again. 

“Do you need to return to the House of Wind?” Eris asked, expecting one of Rhysand’s bats to interrupt them at any moment to fly her home. 

“They had an important meeting in Day Court...or Winter Court. Can’t remember.”

But Eris knew she did remember. Y/N just didn’t trust Eris enough with that information. It could be nothing important, yet she still protected her friends and the Night Court from him. 

“Thank you…for the stew,” Eris told her softly. 

“I’m sure it doesn’t compare to the food at your Court,” she admitted. 

Eris didn’t correct her. He was too busy thinking of this happening once she felt the mating bond, once it had been awoken for her…and she made him this same meal to accept their bond. Eris knew this didn’t answer the magic, he would’ve felt it. But that didn’t stop him from dreaming of the future. 

“You know, Lucien actually asked me to dinner not too long ago,” Y/N said through a smile before blowing on a spoonful of stew. 

Eris’ spoon clattered to the table as he growled, “Stay away from him.”

The growl alone made Y/N laugh at the male, “What ever for?” 

His reaction was exactly the one she had been fishing for and came out triumphant. It seemed rather easy to taunt Eris. And for some reason, Y/N got such joy from it.

“I’ve seen many a female fall for his hollow charm. You can do better.” 

Y/N smirked at that. “Oh, can I?” 

Eris refused to elaborate, choosing to take another bite instead.

Yes, he wanted Y/N to find someone else to love – someone better, safer. But to love Lucien would be the Cauldron’s greatest tortures. And she would be no safer from Beron with him. 

“If I’m being honest,” Y/N started quietly. “I rather pity him.” 

Eris made a noise of disgust. “What for?”

“I do not know much about these mating bonds of faes. But is it not heartbreaking that Elain will not so much as give him a chance?” 

Did Eris dare ask the question that was screaming in his mind to be let out?

“And what do you think of it all?”

“What?”

“Mating bonds.” 

Her brow furrowed in thought. “At first it seemed so…magical.”

“Spoken from a witch...” Eris answered gruffly. 

She glared at him, but continued. “But then Feyre said it didn’t guarantee the two would be happy or in love. And it seemed…r-rather cruel.” She blinked and shook her head. “Look at Lucien…I fear he is lonely. Will he just live the rest of his immortality unloved? And that…that is the true dark side of it all.” 

Eris felt sick at the her words. 

Y/N was so unaware that she spoke of the same thing to her own mate. But to her, it was impossible to have one the begin with. 

“Your mother and father are they…?”

Eris cleared his throat in attempt to push back all the emotions that threatened to expose themselves. “No. No, my mother’s marriage to my father was arranged. No female with any sense would ever agree to marry my father.” 

“And do you have–”

But Y/N’s question was interrupted by the shop bell dinging once again. 

“Oi!” Cassian yelled into the shop. “Are you sleeping in the back again?” 

“Cassian, must you always be yelling?” Feyre giggled. 

“Back so soon?” Y/N called back through a smile. 

“Why?" Cassian laughed. "Did you think we forgot about yo–”

Feyre and Cassian froze in the doorway when they spotted Eris. 

Y/N shrunk in her seat, not sure how to handle their reaction to her guest. 

Feyre recovered first. “Eris, we were not expecting you.” 

“I had already warned him that you were all on court business,” Y/N answered. 

“Ready to go home, Y/N?” Cassian asked. 

“Yes. Store has already been cleaned. I just have to put out the fire and lock up.”

With a wave of Eris hand, the fire extinguished, as well as every candle in the store. 

Y/N paused in awe at it. 

She had assumed Eris had some abilities due to being High Fae and the heir to Autumn Court. But it was still amazing to see. 

“Perhaps we shall wait for you outside,” Feyre answered as she shoved Cassian in the direction of the entrance. 

“Oh, I almost forgot!” Y/N jumped to her feet and handed Eris a wicker basket that was covered with a grey linen cloth. 

Eris squinted. “What is this?” 

“Sleep candles,” Y/N answered as if it were obvious. “They’re enchanted, but filled with mostly lavender and then some mugwort, rose petals, and rosemary.”

She pointed to a bundle of waxy leaves. “Eucalyptus. Hang it near your bathtub. The steam will impel its relaxing elements.”

Finally she pointed to a jar filled with tea leaves. “This is the poison I gave you earlier today,” she explained with a mischievous smirk. 

“Very funny,” Eris cut.  

He tried not to let his heart warm from her handing him such thoughtful gifts. 

So, instead, he coldly asked, “How much?”

“Free,” Y/N answered, clearly expecting such a question. 

Finally, she realized how dark it had gotten in her shop after Eris blew out every flame. 

“I never really properly thanked you…for what you did for me.”

“I didn’t do it for your gratitude,” Eris answered harshly. 

But at least his words were true. 

Y/N shook her head at him, almost amused by his severity. “Take the candles and tea, Eris. I have to lock up.”

He started walking out the back room when he paused. “Thank you…for dinner. And for the sleep. And for the…company.”

Eris didn’t look at her as he finally finished with, “I am sure you could see how much I needed it.” 

Y/N looked at him with such sincere sympathy. “You are welcome to rest here anytime.” 

Eris walked outside to find Cassian and Feyre talking hurriedly, yet quietly, between each other. It stopped as soon as they spotted Eris walking out of the store. Both their gazes snapped to the basket in his grasp. 

“Testing the merchandise?” Cassian asked with a playfulness in his eyes. 

Feyre elbowed him in the ribs. 

Eris had to stop himself from rolling his eyes at the two of them. “I shall take my leave.” 

“Wait,” Feyre stepped forward. 

Y/N emerged from her store, starting to lock it behind her. 

“We have matters to discuss,” Feyre added, ignoring Y/N’s presence. 

Cassian stepped to Y/N with a knowing smirk and his arms held out. 

“Shall we?” He asked with a tilt of his head. 

Y/N groaned. “I’m never going to grow to like flying, you know.”

Cassian lifted her into his arms like she weighed nothing. And Eris tried to push down the feeling of jealousy and rage he had at seeing another male holding his mate. 

“I know,” Cassian laughed before launching them into the air. 

Y/N yelped and Eris caught her hiding her face in Cassian’s neck. 

“She’s fine,” Feyre told him as she had closely watched Eris’ reaction to his mate being flown further and further away from him by another male. 

Eris ignored the High Lady’s comment and turned to her, already knowing he would not like this conversation. 

“What is this about?” He asked with cold annoyance. “Have we changed our minds about my visiting rights to the Night Court?” 

“I don’t know what you’re doing,” Feyre began. “Though I wish I didn’t have to care, I do. Because Y/N has become one of us.” 

“Yes,” Eris growled. “That has become abundantly clear.” 

“I’m going to show you something. Something she said. Lower your shields.” 

Eris wanted to refuse such a request, but did as she asked. 

Images of Y/N flooded his mind. She was drunk and beautiful, warming the room of what looked to be a pleasure house. 

“I-I’ve had my fair share of lovers during my travels – with mortal men…”

“Lovers,” Y/N repeated her own words in a giggle. “As if they were even worthy of the title.”

Y/N’s face suddenly became somewhat sober, twisting into something almost sad. 

Her eyes grew distant. “It never really ended up feeling how I wanted it to. I was always left feeling…used.” 

She let out a drunken, huff of a laugh. “So I stopped bothering…”

Then Feyre was out of Eris head and his shields returned. 

Eris was breathing heavily, nostrils flared. His chest expanded quickly. And his hands were in fists at his side, both surrounded by a ball of deadly flame. 

Whatever males had ever touched Y/N to make her feel such a way…

Everything in Eris’ being wanted to find each of them and torture them until they were begging him for death. 

Feyre stepped closer and lowered her voice as she uttered, “I do not know what your intentions are with Y/N. But understand…if you do anything to treat her in a similar matter, my Court will counter accordingly.” 

Eris held the High Lady’s glare, not backing down. 

And then he winnowed back to Autumn Court. 

––––––––

please, please, please be nice and leave a comment. leave a book report. dissect what you must. it would bring me such joy.

[mytenthsideblog]

So I write all sorts of things (fiction, fanfic, screenplays) and my mind is cluttered garden of flowers and weeds and shiny ideas, and I'm wondering how to form a writing practice to clear it into tidy rows? Is it possible to shepherd untamed ideas into order?

How do you manage all your wonderful worlds, characters and inspiration and not feel haunted by the story bits and pieces in your head? Any practical tips beyond dark magic?

Thank you, you are such a constant inspiration for me, both prose and just your presence. <3

*laugh* Oh god, Nonny, if I ever find out, I’ll tell you! When you read books, you’re getting the Instagram-filtered view of a writer’s brain, all the flowers that grew out of the compost heap, carefully composed and shot in optimal lighting. The real inside of my skull is a magpie nest of Neat Shit I Read/Saw/Thought Up While Lying Awake At 2 AM. There are characters and ideas in there that I’ve been trying to get into a manuscript since I was twelve and typing on an Amiga 500.

But, that said…really, I think it’s okay. Creativity is inherently untidy. The compost heap can be corralled into a very pretty box made of sustainably harvested materials, hand-stained by traditional artisans being paid a living wage by an employee-owned company, but as soon as you lift the lid, it’s all worms and coffee grounds and old potting soil and cow shit and the vegetables you swore you were gonna eat this time before they went bad. That’s what compost is.

Nevertheless, having been in the business for…uh…fifteen years now? (@dduane is snickering at me, I can feel it) and having written nearly forty books, I can offer three bits of something less than advice. It’s what I do. It may not work for anyone else, but it’s what I do.

Un-Advice The First: If you get a shiny idea and you are super excited by it? Go ahead and chase it. Pull up a new page in Word or whatever and slap down a couple thousand words while it’s exciting. I know that this absolutely flies in the face of common wisdom, but quite frankly, my enthusiasm is a much rarer commodity than my time, so if I’m excited about something, I write it down until I’ve taken the edge off.

Then I usually save it into a big folder called “Fragments” and go back to work on whatever I’ve got a deadline on. (Usually. Sometimes the edge doesn’t wear off, and I wind up with another book. Which, y’know, darn.)

There are vast numbers of people who will tell you that a shiny idea is a sign that something is wrong with your current project and the solution is to knuckle down and work! through! it! And those people are probably right for them, and I trust they know how their own brains work. Me, though, I got ADHD like a bat has wings. My hard drive is a vast swamp of story beginnings, neat ideas, random scenes. And that’s okay because I still get books finished.

In fact, it’s better than okay. Not that long ago, my agent sent a novella to a publisher and they said “We’ll take that novella and three more novels. What’ve you got?” And I ended up plundering my hard drive and sending the editor a good dozen random beginnings until we found one that we both liked, and then I wrote the rest of that book. And then another one. If I hadn’t had all those fragments lying around, though, it would have been a miserable experience of writing book pitches and trying to think of stuff I could get excited about. (This may not be how some editors work, but it’s how my editor and I work, anyhow.)

Un-Advice The Second: Trust that everything will find a home eventually.

This one is easy to say and hard to do because sometimes you get that overload that if you’re writing the book about, say, werebear nuns, you aren’t writing the one about the alien crustaceans. Or worse, you feel guilty. If you don’t use that one cool thing, was all that time you spent on it wasted?

Breathe. Be easy. Every single cool thing does not need to go into a single book. There is no sell-by date on the neat character. You will probably write many books in your life and all those random characters will find a home. (Seriously, the werebear nuns were lurking for like a decade.)

For me, at least, when I find the spot where something fits, it often snaps into place like a Lego. Easton’s backstory as a soldier from a society where soldiers were a third sex had been kicking around in my head for a few years, derived from about three different sources, and then I wrote the opening to What Moves The Dead and all of a sudden Easton was there and alive and they had strong opinions about everything and I had ten thousand words practically before I turned around.

You can also stave off guilt by writing some of your ideas in as highly personal Easter Eggs. A couple of my books have references to a white deer woman, a heroic deed done by a saint and the ghost of a bird, and a woman with dozens of hummingbirds on tiny jeweled leashes. Those are all characters and stories I’ve had vague notions about, but haven’t managed to work in anywhere or learn much more about. Still, the passing reference is enough to make me feel like I haven’t abandoned them.

(The advantage to this is that once you DO write those in, the readers are all “oh my god, she foreshadowed this a decade ago, she must have planned this all out in advance!” Then you look really clever and well-organized and no one has to know that you have no idea what you’re doing.)

Un-Advice The Third: Write the kitchen sink book.

At one point, I had so many stray ideas that hadn’t gotten into a book yet—the tree of frogs, the dog-soldiers, the stained glass saint, the albatross and the shadow of the sun, and also I wanted to write something with Baba Yaga—that I hauled off and wrote a book where I just put in everything and the kitchen sink. It’s called Summer in Orcus. There are bits in there that I had been cooking in the mental compost heap for decades, but that weren’t enough on their own to sustain a whole book. The phrase “antelope women are not to be trusted” showed up in my head some time in college. It’s a fun little book and I’m proud of it, but it’s very much a patchwork quilt of weirdness. But it’s also written so that if later on, an antelope woman shows up in another book in another context, that just adds to their mythology, it doesn’t break canon or whatever.

(Pretty sure I’m not the only one who has done this, either. China Mieville has said that he wrote Perdido Street Station because what he really enjoyed was writing all the weird monsters.)

So yeah, that’s my advice, for what it’s worth. Some days I just tell all the fragments and ideas that I promise that I’ll get them a home eventually but I need to write this thing here now. Sometimes I throw down enough words to get the story stabilized and then I’m okay to move on. Sometimes I write multiple books simultaneously.

Any method you use to write the book, so long as it doesn’t hurt you or anyone else, is a perfectly valid method. If anyone tells you different, you send them to me.

(…god, I hope that was the question you were actually asking, Nonny, and that I didn’t go off on a completely different tangent when you just wanted to know how I keep track of a plot or something.)

[mytenthsideblog]

I need to make a compilation of fics that I think people should read to distract myself from the fact that I still haven’t finished a poster that needs to be done by next Tuesday.

[mytenthsideblog]

gust & flame - masterlist

Eris Vanserra has been a prisoner in his own home since the day he was born. He has done what he had to in order to survive and protect the few he loves. And he is playing the long game. Waiting, waiting, and waiting for the right time to make his move, to usurp his wicked father and become High Lord of Autumn Court. But things become even more complicated when a human girl drops into his life. Perhaps Eris can wait no longer to take his throne.

--- takes place after the events in A Court of Silver Flames

🍁 Eris Vanserra x Reader

Chapter I || Chapter II || Chapter III || Chapter IV || Chapter V || Chapter VI || Chapter VII || Chapter VIII ||

[mytenthsideblog]

Aemond x OC fic

If you’re looking for an Aemond x OC story to read, I have one that I am posting on AO3 and ffn. I just posted chapter 3 and I am working on finishing up chapter 4.

Happy reading!

Click here to read it on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/43294821/chapters/108825942

Click here to read it on ffn: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14167606/1/The-Prince-Who-Loved-Me

[mytenthsideblog]

Nevermind. I didn’t want to wait until tomorrow to post the 2nd chapter. Here is the link for chapter 2 of The Prince Who Loved Me: https://archiveofourown.org/works/43294821/chapters/109431699#workskin

Update on my Aemond x OC fic

Classes are finally over and I’m finished with almost all of my finals for this semester.

Since I finally have some free time, I’ve finished writing chapter 2 of “The Prince Who Loved Me.” I still need to edit the chapter, but I hope to post the chapter sometime tomorrow. You can read “The Prince Who Loved Me” on AO3 here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/43294821/chapters/108825942

Thank you for all of your support!

[mytenthsideblog]

Update on my Aemond x OC fic

Classes are finally over and I’m finished with almost all of my finals for this semester.

Since I finally have some free time, I’ve finished writing chapter 2 of “The Prince Who Loved Me.” I still need to edit the chapter, but I hope to post the chapter sometime tomorrow. You can read “The Prince Who Loved Me” on AO3 here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/43294821/chapters/108825942

Thank you for all of your support!

[mytenthsideblog]

Soooo

I’m writing an Aemond x OC fic. If you want to read the first chapter, I have it posted on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/43294821/chapters/108825942

I’m still thinking about whether or not I want to post it on here.

[mytenthsideblog]

@killjoynotes Thank you!!! You’ve been added onto the list.