#developing these connections without pushing them away

[punchdrunkdoc]

Hoo boy, I have some very conflicting and confusing thoughts about this!

I also felt that a one-night stand didn't quite fit the character that we'd been presented. It had kind of been implied in S1 that sex wasn't a massive driving need of his (from the drunken conversation with Micro, and with him being used to going without during his long deployments). But it had probably been a couple of years by that point, so yeah, maybe the physical act of it can be explained away. Maybe. Still not a fan of it, but I can't really judge it objectively because I'm a massive Kastle shipper and if he's going to have a hot sex scene with anyone...

Him opening up to Beth and being honest with her was slightly more in character - the fact that he wanted a real connection and not just meaningless sex. That's been established previously. But the speed at which it happened with a complete stranger was jarring. And again, as a Kastle shipper, that was really not fun to watch! And then when he decided to turn around and drive 2 hours to go back to see her? Yeah, was NOT a fan of that.

But he was lonely. He wanted a connection with someone. He liked spending time with that little family - he's a family man without a family, after all. And I liked what that said about his character development - that he was starting to move on. He could be with someone other than Maria. He could be hopeful about a relationship again...all good things for an eventual relationship with Karen...

But then the writers took him in the complete opposite direction by having Beth get hurt. That seemed to be the only purpose to her, that I can see. She was an illustration to Frank that he's a liability around people he gets close to. That he needs to learn to push people away to keep them safe. That a happily ever after isn't in the cards for him. It's why he rejects Karen in the hospital, and why at the end of the season he is just The Punisher. The writers needed to justify how to get to that end shot of him all dressed up in his gear and killing people. It seems to me, that was the only point of including the whole Beth storyline.

And I've always felt that was such a sad, sad ending to the show, and why I'm not as big a fan of S2. I know the comic bros probably dug it, but I found it so sad as both a Kastle shipper and a fan of Frank Castle.

And maybe if The Punisher had gotten it's 3rd season, they would have brought him back out of that nadir. That S2 was the low point for his arc, and he would have learned to embrace his humanity again.

But instead the show was cancelled, and the next time we see Frank - many years later - he's still in that same mindset. He's almost worse off in fact. It's why I HATE the idea that Karedevil is probably going to be endgame. Because Frank and Karen should be together. They make so much more sense together, and it makes so much more sense for Frank's arc. She's his after, and he needs to learn to embrace that.

I have become obsessed with a new ship.

If anyone was hoping for more Night Agent content, I am so sorry because despite being several years late to the Frank Castle/Karen Page fandom, I am OBSESSED.

Oh my god, these two. The most trauma bonded, angst filled, lovers out of time ship I have ever come across and I will never believe that they aren’t deeply, deeply in love.

Now! I do want to write about one aspect of canon in relation to Frank Castle’s portrayal. I should mention that I have watched Daredevil and The Punisher but have not read The Punisher comics so any comments on characterization are based on the two shows.

I fundamentally don’t understand the inclusion of Frank’s relationship with Beth. I TOTALLY see Frank stepping in when the customer was being belligerent, and I can even understand flirting with Beth a little seeing as he’s trying to be Pete and trying to move on from what happened to him and what he did. But it just does not seem in character to me for him to sleep with Beth.

What we have seen of Frank up to this point is deep, DEEP, love and grief for his wife, scenes with Sarah Lieberman after he manipulated himself into their lives, and emotionally charged and intimate scenes with Karen. He is an extremely violent man at times but none of those have been sexual. And we have never seen him have casual interactions with women that could lead anywhere close to casual sex, even at the beginning of Punisher season 1 when he was trying to lay low, or any indication that he was interested in casual sex.

It just… doesn’t fit, in my opinion.

And I hate it even more because after those fucking insane elevator scenes with Karen at the hotel, he doesn’t even contact her but he’s sleeping with a random bartender? I can understand being too scared to go to Karen - the first person you’ve connected with since your family was killed? While you’re in the midst of trying to avenge said family? I completely get why the thought of anything with Karen would terrify Frank. But to then turn around and go home with Beth?

I hate it and it felt wrong.

But! I would love to hear from any other fans of Kastle. So feel free to reach out 😊

[futuristicmiraclenightmare]

I'm crying,they knew exactly what they were doing with these two

Edit nearly 2 years later : this did not age well 😭

[retiredteabag]

A Reflection

Megumi's dogs seem to reflect just a little too much of what he's really feeling for you.

my masterlist

Megumi was the wielder of the ten shadows; he had always felt comfortable with the majority of his Shikigami. Especially his demon dogs.

Looking back, he couldn't quite recall a time he wasn't able to summon his two furry friends.

In an attempt, an old image would surface of a time years ago. A memory of walking home from school with the massive beasts in toe.

His memory didn’t go much further than that. They had been his companions even before he had any of his own.

So why were they betraying him now?

Megumi had known you for a while. You two had become closer friends over the past school year after Yuuji had adamantly included you in group activities.

Activities Yuuji had just as adamantly included Megumi in.

The truth was, it had been embarrassing even before you were close friends.

The boy would lie to himself. Say it was nothing. That it didn't mean a thing. But it became harder to hide his shame as the days passed.

—

You would be sitting outside of an abandoned school, dusty from the mission you had just completed. Gojo would be releasing the veil from around the building. He would pretend his focus was elsewhere, but there they were.

His demon dogs were always circling you. Wagging their tails, leaning on your legs, and whimpering for attention. It was pathetic.

You never seemed to mind though. Kneeling down to scratch at their necks, kissing the tops of their heads, cooing at how adorable they were. Even after an exhausting mission, they had your full attention.

Megumi would massage his temples, turning away, trying to mentally stop the dogs from obsessively following your every step. Trying to gain some sense of control.

And of course, Gojo would notice.

A simple grin, maybe a raised brow. The teacher knew not to tease Megumi too much, but it was almost as if Satoru knew the boy better than he knew himself.

As much Megumi tried to convince himself otherwise. He knew that his dogs just mirrored his own affections. They felt what he felt.

Hatred for curses, protection for the weak, justice for those wronged, and apparently... this, too.

--

Megumi hadn't intended on feeling this way for you. It sort of just happened.

You were kind and undeterred by his propensity for awkward silence. You made an effort to try and get to know your classmates. He could tell. Itadori and Kugisaki had taken to you quickly, confided in you, trusted you.

It was hard for Megumi to be like them. To trust so easily. But as time went on, your resilience never wavered. You greeted him all he same, made conversation with him all the same, worked beside him all the same.

And when Megumi eventually pushed you aside, the same way he did with his mentor and friends. So frightened at the concept of letting someone in. You had not been upset with him. You hadn’t reacted the way he deserved. And you hadn't pushed him either.

The two of you developed an odd relationship. A silent agreement of sorts. You knew how to fight together without much talking. Megumi did not feel tense or anxious around you. He was grateful for your ability, looked up to your attitude, and admired your skill.

He felt close to you, although you rarely had deep conversations. Everything about you was genuine, and in turn, Megumi was genuine to you as well.

--

It was not uncommon to find you in the school lounge between classes or missions. Gojo kept the pantries stocked for the students. And you utilized his generosity for your benefit in the form of cups of tea.

The lounge was a space that you frequented with your other classmates. Late night snacks with the other three in your year made for some pretty memorable moments.

This time around however, it was just you, the kettle, and some tea.

These days, Megumi started to question his connection with his ten shadows. How was it that his control seemed so weak when it came to you? Why could he not get the dogs to behave? Why did they so unashamedly fawn over you?

Gojo had given him one too many glances as well. It wasn’t just he who noticed. Megumi decided he would test it out for himself.

The boy wasn't sure why his heart thumped in his chest when he heard you clattering around in the break room. His hands formed the sign for Devine Dogs, and just like every other occasion, they emerged from the shadows.

It was not as if he was doing anything nefarious, but he had some trouble swallowing down the nerves as he watched you add some honey to your cup.

“Oh! Hi, puppies...” You looked down, feeling the silky fur graze your leg. The white dog kept circling you, wagging it’s tail while the black wolf sat and stared at you.

You chuckle. They've always been so cute. It was a funny juxtaposition that you had always been aware of. Never having the gall to point out to the sorcerer in question.

“Where’s your father?” You scratch behind the white wolf's ear and boop its twin's nose.

The canines seemed to thrill at your voice. The black one sneezed, tumbling onto its back while its sibling nuzzled your leg some more. This brought on a real laugh from you.

You had seen these very same violent beasts in some compromising positions while fighting curses with Megumi. Even so, they were cuddly little fur babies when they weren't on the job.

You always wondered if this was a demonstration of Megumi's true character. He did always seem to be tough but deep down, you knew there wasn't a thing he wouldn't do for his friends.

--

Around the corner, Megumi flushed from where he was hiding. Suddenly embarrassed, he wanted to call his shadows back but that would only serve to make his presence known.

If he simply melted them away into the darkness, you would certainly take notice of that as well.

What had he even been thinking?

He pinched the bridge of his nose, listening to you coo about how cute they were.

You viewed him as their father....ugh why did that make him feel weird?

The boy jumped forward, peeling his shoulders from the door the moment he heard the familiar whistling of one masked teacher.

Gojo had his hands occupied by bags of snacks. Many of which had already been torn open and nibbled away at. The other held an obscene amount of ice cream. He was making his way to the lounge.

"Oh?~ Is my very own Megumi feeling peckish?" Gojo came close and rounded the corner into the room. Not before tousling up his student's hair though.

He set his groceries on the communal table and greeted you.

Megumi ran a hand back through his hair, cheeks flushed slightly.

"Fushiguro!" You smiled at him, and the thumping swelled in his chest. "I knew you must’ve been around here somewhere."

Gojo looked between you both, humming noncommittally as he looked at the dog currently sitting on your shoe, the other fully leaning against your side.

"Are you here for a cup of tea as well?" You asked, running your fingertips through the fur of his shikigami.

And they looked up at him, their creator, as if he was the most unimportant thing in the world. Megumi sighed. Officially giving up.

"...uh, yeah, that sounds good.”

Gojo moved forward with a spoon in hand to store his ice cream collection into the freezer, rolling his eyes at the two students in his company.

When he turned back around, Megumi’s shikigami were gone, and his beneficiary had a hand on the back of his neck. The boy watched you intently as you rambled on about something.

Gojo simply shook his head. Unable to hide a silly grin as his spoonful of ice cream left a sweet flavor lingering in his mouth.

[six-tooth]

anyway feeling very normal about this scene

the fact that after a long, unpleasant day of absolutely nothing going his way and constantly being reminded of how much everyone else dislikes him, he's too tired to keep his act up and seeks out a genuine conversation with the one person whom he hasn't interacted with through the entire adventure

Pomni about to answer sincerely before realizing it's Jax and changing her approach, either out of caution or uncertainty by him being so... casual

she braces for one of his usual remarks/jokes but is surprised when he answers with neither, simply letting her know how he's doing as well

finally, when he's called over for another task, he's still visibly annoyed but follows through without much protest and waves goodbye to Pomni, who is undoubtedly confused by what she just saw.

there have been a couple of instances where the series shows us that Jax is being affected by the circus more than he lets on, and they were really focused on during this episode.

this got me thinking about what Goose really meant by him "getting worse"; most people (myself included) interpreted it as his actions gradually escalating to a point where it could result in conflict with the rest of the cast, but after this scene and near the end where he leaves and gets in his car, it could be understood as his repressed emotions finally catching up to him and turning his mental well-being for the worst. It could also be a mix of the two

now this is the part where I put my delusional cap on, but there has been a significant build up to Jax and Pomni's relationship through the whole series, the most notorious one being:

his hand missing from Pomni's moment of realization that the other people she's been trapped with are trustworthy and care for her. You obviously can't blame her for coming to this conclusion, but I think that's exactly what made this small interaction a lot more important

Jax has been pushing others away and masking his emotions for who knows how long, and one of the primary focus and messages of TADC is connections with others and how important they are, so for them to show us Pomni seeing Jax have a brief moment of vulnerability, I do believe it's reasonable to think that they will eventually develop a relationship with some amount of significance, maybe even something close to a friendship

but yeah, feeling very normal

[loveemagicpeace]

South node & what you need to release 

South node in 1st house- you need to release a part of yourself to be fully in a relationship. You need to put more of your energy into others. Be more comfortable with others. You also need to find your true self to actually find someone who is right for you. The problem with this south node is that the person likes to be alone and feels comfortable alone, but deep down they want someone. They seek connection with the wrong people and let people into their lives who are not good for them. They need someone who will truly see them for who they are. For you to truly find your person. You have to look within yourself.

South node in 2nd house- you have to let go of control, comfort, attachment to things. You are used to stability, security, comfort, luxury, money, material things. You can hold on to the things and people you love for a long time. You may have developed a strong attachment to financial security or to defining your value through what you own or how others perceive you in a concrete way. The North Node in the 8th house pushes you toward inner transformation, trusting more in emotional depth and connections with others. You’re meant to learn to let go, trust life’s flow, and accept that true value isn’t in material wealth but in deep connections, emotional growth, and transformation. True abundance comes from inner evolution rather than just financial or physical security.

 South Node in 3rd house- you have to let go of your past life patterns (or karmic tendencies) revolve around intellect, communication, logic, and gathering information. You may have been someone who relied heavily on the mind, facts, and constant learning, but without diving deep into true wisdom. You may have a habit of gathering endless information or overthinking things, but now it’s time to focus on deeper understanding rather than just facts. The 3rd house is linked to short trips, social interactions, and mental stimulation. If you’re always engaged in small talk or minor tasks, it's time to step back and focus on the bigger picture. You may have been comfortable with familiar ideas and local surroundings, but now you’re meant to explore new cultures, philosophies, and a broader spiritual or intellectual perspective.

South Node in 4th house -you have to let go the comforts of home, the environment you are used to, and you may have to become more alienated from your mother (your mother may have had a great influence on you when you were little and on your decisions). You may have been deeply attached to your past, your family, or the need for comfort and emotional safety. You may have had a strong attachment to your family, home life, or childhood patterns. Now, you're meant to create your own path rather than staying tied to old emotional dynamics. You may have spent lifetimes focused on family duties, caretaking, or your inner emotional world. Now, it’s time to prioritize your career, ambitions, and public legacy. The 4th house is a deeply personal and emotional space. If you’ve been too focused on personal matters, you need to step up and embrace responsibility in the professional or public sphere.

South Node in 5th house- your soul has already experienced themes of creativity, romance, pleasure, and self-expression in past lives. You may have been deeply immersed in self-expression, personal projects, or artistic pursuits, but now, the lesson is to share your talents in a way that benefits the collective rather than just for personal fulfillment. You have to let go of worries related to children and focus on your joy. It's time to move away from needing intense love affairs and instead focus on deeper, long-term bonds built on friendship and shared ideals. If you’ve been used to standing out as the center of attention, the challenge is to recognize that you don’t lose yourself by being part of something bigger.

South Node in 6th house-you have to let go of worries, over-analyzing, perfectionism. Worries about health or a general preoccupation with cleanliness and minimalism. You are probably very good at organizing, planning things, and you usually want things to go according to plan. It's good to let yourself know that you're not perfect and that things don't always have to be perfect. You may have spent lifetimes being highly disciplined, responsible, and focused on efficiency. Now, it’s time to let go of the idea that your worth is tied to how much you accomplish. You may have a habit of focusing on flaws—either in yourself or others. This lifetime is about shifting from judgment to compassion and seeing the bigger picture rather than just the details. This lifetime is about shifting from rigid control and practicality to deep surrender and trust in the unknown.

South Node in 7th house- you have to let go of relationships that no longer serve you and start to find who you are without the relationships you have in your life. You may have focused a lot on relationships and spent a lot of time in relationships and are used to always having someone, but in this case, your goal is to find yourself without a partner. Not caring about the needs of others but serving yourself. It's time to release the fear of disappointing others and focus on your own desires. However, your soul's growth now comes from embracing independence and learning that solitude is where you discover your true self. The lesson here is to stop relying on others to affirm your worth.

South Node in 8th house- you are used to transformations, intense things, deep relationships. In past lives, you may have been financially, emotionally, or energetically tied to others, relying on their resources or support. Now, you are meant to build your own stability and wealth rather than depending on external sources. The 8th house deals with endings, trauma, and deep emotional experiences. You may have had past-life experiences of loss, power struggles, or intense transformations. Now, your soul craves peace, security, and steadiness, rather than dramatic ups and downs. The 8th house is connected to deep emotional bonds, sometimes to the point of obsession. You may have a history of toxic relationships, karmic entanglements, or emotional extremes, and now, you're meant to learn self-worth, self-reliance, and emotional stability.

South Node in 9th house-your soul has spent past lives (or early in this life) focused on seeking truth, higher knowledge, travel, and philosophical exploration. You may have a tendency to always look at life in a broad, philosophical way, but now, you’re meant to focus on the details and practical knowledge rather than abstract ideas. In past lives, you may have been a traveler, a scholar, or a spiritual seeker who moved from place to place in search of wisdom. Now, it's time to find meaning in your immediate surroundings, everyday conversations, and personal experiences rather than always looking outward. In past lives, you may have walked a solitary path, seeking truth in foreign lands or through intellectual pursuits. Now, you are meant to engage with your local community, form meaningful conversations, and share knowledge in a way that connects people.

South Node in 10th house- you may have built your identity around success, recognition, and achievements. Now, your path is about finding fulfillment within, rather than relying on career or public image for validation. In past lives, you may have been extremely ambitious, prioritizing work and public life over personal matters. It’s time to release the need to prove yourself through constant productivity and focus on emotional well-being instead. Now, you are meant to embrace your emotions, heal family wounds, and create a safe space for yourself. – In past lives, your soul may have prioritized external accomplishments over home and relationships. This lifetime teaches you that personal connections and emotional stability matter more than public success.

South Node in 11th house-you may have spent lifetimes being deeply involved in social causes, communities, or large networks. While this gave you a sense of belonging, you are now meant to focus on your own individuality rather than blending into a group. Now, your soul’s path is about following your heart, embracing joy, and allowing yourself to create without overanalyzing. You might have a habit of prioritizing friendships or collective goals over personal relationships. In this lifetime, you're meant to embrace romance, intimacy, and the vulnerability that comes with deep personal connections. Your challenge is to stop waiting for “someday” and allow yourself to live fully in the moment. You may feel more comfortable working behind the scenes or as part of a team. But now, you're being called to step into the spotlight, embrace your uniqueness, and let your creative energy shine.

South Node in 12th house-In past lives, you may have been a mystic, monk, or someone who lived in retreat from society. You may naturally withdraw from the world, but this life is about engaging in the physical world and being of service. Now, you're meant to ground your spiritual wisdom in daily routines and structured habits instead of floating in the abstract. The 12th house is tied to past-life karma. You may feel like you have an unseen weight on your shoulders or a subconscious sense of guilt. In this lifetime, you are not meant to sacrifice yourself but to serve others in a balanced, healthy way. You may have a habit of avoiding structure, discipline, or the details of daily life. Your soul is now learning the importance of commitment, routine, and practical efforts that lead to real-world results.

-Rebekah 🧜🏻‍♀️💗

[princessjojo-x]

8th House Mars Synastry

💝 the connection triggers an urgent & primal drive within mars to unveil & conquer house immediately. they become almost supercharged around house, as if they’re pressing bare skin to a live wire, with electrified adrenaline shooting through their body. they have a scorpion-like fixation on house & express random bursts of needing house. they’re consumed by intense infatuation & magnetic attraction, compelled by a desperate urge to capture houses interest, often resorting to impulsive gestures to earn attention - grand surprises, extravagant gifts, dramatic actions, etc. this instant & consuming attraction causes mars to relentlessly pursue house. they push boundaries & rush intimacy without considering consequences. it’s like they’re racing against time, terrified the opportunity will slip away. this sense of urgency pushes mars past their own comfort zones, making them noticeably more assertive & aggressive, even if they’re usually passive & feminine in other rxships. consequently, the connection may be difficult to end bc mars remains persistent in continuing contact.

💝 the weight of mars’ gaze is too much to handle yet impossible to resist. house feels special & chosen in a way they’re never experienced before. they’re both flattered & mesmerised by mars’ raw desire. but mars’ boldness can make house feel scared & hesitant too, leaving house torn between attraction & caution.

💝 there’s confusion & curiosity to why the connection feels inevitable. partners are drawn together for reasons beyond logic or explanation, as if their meeting was preordained by a force greater than themselves. this causes partners to surrender to the connection, even when it defies reason or practicality. the rxship becomes exhausting & turbulent, yet partners refuse to fully cut ties. this aspect generates an undeniable charge & immediate chemistry between partners. this magnetic pull causes them to operate on primal instinct, lacking awareness of basic emotions in the process. theres a strong need for physical closeness, whether it’s gentle touching or outright fighting. their focus on each other is tunnel visioned, even when they’re in a group setting. outsiders are bound to notice their intense chemistry, but the sheer depth will always only exists between the two.

💝 partners can be stimulated or triggered just from hearing & saying each other’s names. their names become charged & symbolic bc there tied to emotional highs & lows.

💝 partners have sex like the world is going to end, possibly in forbidden places or secret spots. sexual intimacy (if ever allowed) becomes a form of escapism bc it feels like a drug. uncomfortable tension builds to unbearable heights & sexual contact is the only way to release it. sex provides a temporary relief, which feels like a fleeting high. but pent up feelings keep rebuilding so sex becomes an addictive cycle.

💝 unspoken wounds & buried traumas are unconsciously reopened during deep conversations & emotional flair ups. sexual intimacy becomes a tool to heal or hurt each other, with encounter carrying the power to either mend or break them further.

💝 they may have heavy & negative feelings for one another, despite being intrigued & excited for each other - one day they’re inseparable, the next day they’re avoidant. quiet resentment builds for reasons neither wants to admit. partners torment each other, but neither take the bait. they don’t want to risk disrupting the fragile bond they’ve developed.

💝 whether this rxship ends beautifully or tragically, it leaves a permanent mark on their psyches. it may feel like a death-&-rebirth cycle that transforms their lives in ways they never anticipated.

have you experienced this aspect? how did it play out for you?

[sweet-pea-channie]

Shadows of the Exile - Part 8

Azriel x female!reader

Summary: Y/N perfects a healing salve, determined to prove its effectiveness. After self-testing, she hopes to heal even deep scars. Meanwhile, Azriel struggles with her absence, missing her presence at the Town House. When she finally returns, an unspoken connection deepens between them.

Warnings: self-experimentation & medical procedures, mentions of scars & past injuries, emotional distress & isolation,

Word count: 3.9k

A/N: It's a short part, but an important one. Hope you like it!

series masterlist

Y/N took a deep breath as she carefully applied the cool salve with her fingertips. The gentle scent of the rare flower from the Spring Court, mixed with the earthy notes of the remaining ingredients, filled the room. She had spent the last month perfecting the formula—this time, she would not fail.

The transformation of the brew into a working salve had been a process that required precision. First, she had brewed the original mixture once more, meticulously ensuring that she removed it from the fire precisely on the sixth full moon. Then, she had thickened the liquid substance in a slow, careful process using a blend of beeswax and dragonroot essence. The temperature had to remain constant—one degree too hot or too cold, and the consistency would have been ruined. Finally, she had infused the mixture with a pinch of crushed moon herbs—a final, crucial step to stabilize its effects.

Now, after several days, she was testing the salve on herself. And that was the reason she hadn’t been at the Town House for so long. She couldn’t afford a mistake—not after spending a year developing this healing formula.

She ran her fingers over the spot on her forearm where she had applied the salve. Where there had once been a deep, deliberately made cut, only a thin, pale line remained. The healing process had been accelerated, almost in a way that resembled magic—but it wasn’t. This was science, combined with healing arts, a fusion of nature and alchemical precision.

A tremor ran through her fingers as she traced the healed skin. It worked. Her heart pounded faster as she turned the glass jar containing the remaining salve in her hands. She hoped this was finally the solution—that with this formula, she could heal more than just small wounds. Maybe... maybe one day, she could create something that even made scars disappear, something that could heal deeper injuries—ones even magic couldn’t completely erase.

A sigh escaped her as she leaned against the wooden table. She had hoped that neither Azriel nor Cassian would be away on a mission during this final, critical phase. If either of them had stormed into her clinic injured, she would have had to drop everything—just like last time. But this time, she had done it. No one had interrupted her, no one had come in badly wounded, demanding her full attention.

Azriel leaned against the doorframe of the Town House’s kitchen, his arms loosely crossed over his chest. His gaze rested on the table—more precisely, on Y/N’s untouched place. The chair remained empty, the plate untouched, as if it was an unspoken certainty that she wouldn’t show up tonight either.

Cassian had already given up asking about her. He knew Azriel had noticed—that she no longer came to meals regularly, that she barely spent time at the Town House anymore. But no one spoke of it. It was obvious she was busy with something, something important to her.

Azriel knew it mattered, that she had buried herself in something that demanded all her focus. But that didn’t mean it didn’t bother him. That there wasn’t this quiet pull in his chest, a dull ache every time he looked at her empty seat and wondered if she would return today.

Today was one of those nights.

He pushed himself off the wall, picked up his plate, and carried it back to the kitchen. Without another word, he disappeared into his room, closing the door behind him and letting the silence of the space settle around him.

The shadows in the corners of his room moved sluggishly, as if even his magic reflected his unrest. He sank into his chair, pulling one of the reports Rhysand had sent him closer. Routine work. Normally, he would have read through the lines with effortless concentration, but today… today, he read without truly absorbing the meaning of the words.

His gaze drifted to the candle on his desk. The flickering light cast long shadows on the wall, distorting the room’s contours. He rubbed his temple with two fingers and leaned back.

She will come when she is ready.

He knew he had to give her space. Y/N was someone who withdrew when she was working on something. Someone who only emerged when she was ready to share what she had been so obsessively perfecting. And he respected that.

But that didn’t mean it was easy.

He stood, stepping to the window. The night over Velaris was clear, the full moon casting a silver glow over the quiet streets. The city’s soft shimmer seemed colder tonight, less alive.

His jaw tightened.

Come home, Y/N.

He knew there was nothing he could do. He couldn’t push her, couldn’t go looking for her. All he could do was wait. And hope she returned soon.

Y/N sat on one of the low wooden stools in her small, makeshift workshop within the clinic. The cool night air drifted through the half-open window, while the candles on the table cast a gentle, flickering light over the five small salve tins.

Five attempts. Five possibilities.

She had already tested the first tin—the mixture with moon herbs. It had worked. The wound on her arm had nearly vanished, as if it had never existed. But now, the real test lay ahead.

Her fingers traced over one of the other tins. This one contained an additional ingredient—a rare essence known for its regenerative properties. She had blended it with one of the base components of the original salve, melted it down, stirred it until the mixture took on a silky, almost pearlescent consistency. This salve was different. Stronger. Maybe even dangerous.

A deep breath.

Y/N stood, the small jar in hand, and moved slowly toward the mirror in the corner of the room. The reflection staring back at her was one she had avoided for years. Her hands didn’t tremble—at least not outwardly. But inside, uncertainty pulsed, a heavy weight in her chest she could not shake.

She untied the laces of her top, let the fabric slip from her shoulders, and let it fall to the floor. Cold air brushed over her skin, raising goosebumps—but it wasn’t the chill that made her breath heavy.

It was the sight.

Slowly, she turned so that her back was visible in the candlelight.

Where her wings had once been, two large scars remained. They weren’t just pale, fine lines—no, the skin was uneven, thicker in some places, almost sunken in others. Where the flesh had healed, it was hardened, rough, reminiscent of old burn wounds. Scars that marked not just her body, but her soul.

Y/N’s throat tightened. She didn’t want to look. She wanted to forget.

But she couldn’t.

She took a deep breath, then opened the small tin in her hand.

The familiar scent of herbs, wax, and something light, fresh, rose to her nose. It carried memories—of long nights experimenting, of hopes and setbacks, of all the moments she had wondered if it was worth it. Her thumb brushed over the surface of the salve before she scooped up a small amount with two fingers.

Then, she touched the scars.

A faint tremor ran through her body as she carefully applied the cool salve to the scarred skin. Her fingers moved slowly, massaging the mixture in, feeling the unfamiliar sensation on a part of her body she so rarely touched. A place she avoided, a place she didn’t want to feel.

She held her breath.

And waited.

Seconds passed. Then a minute.

At first, there was nothing. No warmth, no tingling, no noticeable change. But then—a faint, barely perceptible pull beneath her skin.

Y/N’s heartbeat quickened.

It wasn’t pain, but it wasn’t exactly comfort either. It felt as though something was waking, as though nerves long silent were responding to a whisper. An echo from the past, reminding her body in a way she had thought impossible.

She looked into the mirror, searching for a change.

Nothing yet.

But she would wait.

She had to know if it worked.

If all the years of research, of experimenting, of hoping—if it had been worth it.

Slowly, she closed her eyes. Her fingers still rested on the scars.

And she waited.

Azriel sat at his desk, surrounded by reports and parchment scrolls, yet the words before him blurred, lost their meaning, became mere symbols on yellowed paper. The candles in his room burned down slowly, their wax dripping silently onto the tabletop, while his shadows stirred restlessly in the dark corners of the room. Normally, he would fully immerse himself in his work, spending hours poring over reports on enemy troop movements, espionage missions, or diplomatic negotiations without losing focus.

But not today.

Six days.

Six days since he had last seen Y/N.

His shadows had told him that she had spent almost all her time at the House of Wind, dividing her days between research and self-experimentation, barely taking a break. She ate, she rested, the house took care of her—but was that enough? Azriel knew how she was, how she lost herself in her work when something mattered to her. He knew she wouldn’t spare herself, not when she was finally on the verge of the breakthrough she had worked toward for so long.

He wanted to give her space. He respected her independence, her dedication. But that didn’t mean it was easy for him.

Sighing, he leaned back, rubbing his temples with two fingers. The dull headache that had been threatening for hours intensified, yet he knew it had nothing to do with his work.

Then—footsteps in the hallway.

Soft, deliberate. And then that familiar knock.

His door was open, but Y/N always knocked.

Azriel looked up. There she stood in the dim light of the hallway, and just the sight of her made something in his chest ease. She was here. Back.

He stood, pushing the reports aside, and stepped toward her.

"Do you have a minute?" Her voice was quiet, almost hesitant.

He studied her. She looked exhausted, but satisfied. Her entire posture spoke of the weight of the past days, but also of a success she had yet to put into words.

"For you, always."

They sat down on the edge of the bed, the wood creaking softly beneath them. For a moment, there was only silence between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was the kind of silence that existed only between people who knew each other, who understood each other without the need for many words.

Then Y/N turned slightly toward him, looking directly at him.

"You know the flower we took from the Spring Court was efficient for something special I was working on, right?"

Azriel nodded slowly.

Without another word, she reached into her satchel and pulled out a small glass container. When she opened it, a brown, creamy substance came into view. A faint scent of fresh herbs and something sweet lingered in the air. Azriel observed it but said nothing.

"May I?" She reached out to him, and he let her.

He knew he shouldn’t. He knew he should pull away, as he always did. No one touched his scars. No one traced their fingers over the rough skin covering his hands, a testament to all he had endured.

But Y/N wasn’t "no one."

She had never looked at him with pity. Never with disgust. Never with the question of what exactly had happened.

And now, she touched him as if it were the most natural thing in the world. As if he weren’t broken.

Azriel felt it instantly.

The coolness of the salve, the gentle glide of her fingertips over his skin. It was a touch he wasn’t used to. No hesitation, no fear. Only warmth. Only care.

His mind screamed at him to pull away, to put on a mask of indifference. But his body did the opposite. He relaxed.

His shoulders lowered, the pressure on his chest eased slightly, and the faint trembling that ran through him wasn’t out of fear. Not out of resistance.

It was something else. Something he couldn’t name.

Y/N kept speaking, her voice soft as she massaged the cream into his skin.

"I tested this on myself the last few days, and I can confidently say that it’s successful. I can still refine the formula, but I think it’s good enough as it is."

He couldn’t help but look at her. Her eyes, her expression, the quiet determination in her voice. She was proud of what she had created, and yet there was that tiny flicker of uncertainty in her gaze. As if she were waiting for a reaction, for some sign that her work hadn’t been in vain.

Azriel felt the warmth spread beneath her touch. No burning. No pain. Just a subtle, pulsing warmth spreading beneath the scarred skin, as if something old, something long-rigid, was slowly loosening.

He didn’t know if it was the cream.

Or her.

A part of him wanted to say something. Wanted to find words for what was happening inside him, for the quiet pull in his chest that grew stronger the longer she touched him.

But instead, he just sat there. Felt. Allowed it. And maybe, maybe that was enough.

"I actually wanted to give this to you for Solstice."

Solstice.

She had made this for him. Not for a patient. Not for a mission. Not out of pure scientific interest.

For him.

Azriel swallowed, but his throat suddenly felt too dry to utter a single sound.

"But then everything with the incident and Rhys got in the way, and the cream wasn’t finished in time. And now I didn’t want to wait any longer and decided to give it to you now."

He couldn’t stop staring at her. Her voice was calm, a little hesitant, as if she wasn’t sure how he would react. "I always see how you rub your knuckles. And I know what it feels like when scar tissue rubs against certain spots."

His heart clenched. She had noticed.

The small, almost unconscious movements he made when the scarred skin on his fingers felt tight. How he often ran his thumb over it, sometimes without even realizing it.

"The cream won’t heal the scars, but it will ease the pain."

He heard her words, understood them—but all he could do was continue to stare at her.

Y/N hesitated. Her eyes searched his, concern flickering in them.

"Are you okay, Azriel? Does it hurt? I can take it off immediately, I—"

She moved, reaching for a cloth, but his hand shot forward, gripping hers.

"No, no, no, no."

His voice was rough, urgent. He held her hand tighter than he intended—as if he had to stop her from taking away this touch, this feeling, this moment.

"It doesn't hurt at all," he said quickly. "It feels quite nice, actually."

For a moment, silence stretched between them.

Then something in Y/N’s face softened, and a small, gentle smile flickered across her lips.

And Azriel … Azriel was suddenly no longer sure if it was really just the cream that felt so damn good.

Azriel slowly felt it—the tension in his hands easing.

He was used to his scars hurting, to the skin tightening when he curled his fingers into fists or gripped his blades for too long. He had never complained, had never really thought about the possibility that it could be different. It was just the way things were.

But now … Now, it felt as if something was loosening, as if the constant strain he had long stopped noticing was finally dissipating.

His grip on Y/N’s hand relaxed slightly, but he didn’t let go.

She didn’t seem to notice—or if she did, she didn’t show it. Instead, she took a bit more of the cream onto her fingertips and began to treat his other hand with the same care.

As she massaged the salve in, she continued speaking, and her voice held that light, cheerful undertone he heard far too rarely.

"The mixture was enough for five small jars."

Azriel watched her, listening as her fingers glided gently over his skin.

"One jar was designed to make cuts heal much faster. Faster than even my magic could. It’s phenomenal! You can take it with you to your mission to heal smaller cuts yourself."

Her eyes sparkled as she spoke, and Azriel knew—this was her passion. Her research, her knowledge, the way she created things to help others.

"Then I used the second jar for my own testing, and this one is now the third." She lifted a finger at him with a mock-stern look. "You have to use it sparingly. I only have one more jar left."

Azriel huffed softly—not in mockery, but in amusement. “You’re giving me something that works this well and then telling me to ration it?”

Y/N chuckled quietly as she worked the last remnants of the cream into his skin.

“The last jar, I refined it again with moon herbs, so it heals cuts. That way, I get more use out of it too.”

Azriel felt the warmth of her touch slowly fade as she pulled back, and his body almost protested the loss of it.

“And maybe,” she continued, “I can go back to Spring Court next year and look for the flower again. Then I can make even more.”

She sounded so determined, so certain that her work was far from over.

And Azriel…

Azriel had never wished so much for someone to just stay.

For someone to keep looking at him like that, to keep touching him like that—like he was worth caring for.

He moved his fingers cautiously, curling and uncurling his fist.

No pain.

Just warmth.

Just Y/N.

Since Azriel was still a little stunned and not saying anything, Y/N tilted her head playfully. “You’re really quiet. Is that a good sign? Or is the Shadowsinger having an existential crisis because someone actually made something for him?”

He let out an amused huff and just shook his head. “I’m just… surprised, that’s all.”

“Surprised that it works? Or surprised that I care about you?” She grinned mischievously, but her eyes studied him carefully.

He couldn’t hold her gaze for long, looking away instead, his fingers still flexing slightly. “Both.”

Y/N gently nudged his shoulder. “Idiot.”

He couldn’t help but laugh softly.

When Y/N finally closed the jar and stretched slightly—maybe a bit too abruptly after the long days at the House of Wind—her face twitched unconsciously.

Azriel, of course, noticed immediately.

“You’re exhausted.”

Y/N waved him off. “Just a little sore. Nothing I can’t handle.”

But Azriel didn’t think—he just acted.

Gently, almost hesitantly, he lifted a hand and placed it on her shoulder. His touch was careful, as if he was afraid she might pull away.

But she didn’t.

She only exhaled softly, like she was finally allowing herself to relax for the first time in days.

And Azriel realized he liked that feeling.

He didn’t pull his hand away immediately.

Y/N smiled at him—tired, but full of warmth.

“You should get some rest, Y/N.”

“I will. Just… let me sit here for a bit.”

And Azriel only nodded, like he understood without her needing to explain. He simply stayed with her. Maybe for a minute. Maybe longer. But it didn’t feel wrong. It felt just right.

Y/N rubbed her tired eyes and rolled her shoulders slightly. The long hours spent sitting, the intense focus on the smallest details of her salve—it had all settled into her muscles.

Azriel watched her in silence for a moment before he decided to speak. “You should lie down for a bit.”

She blinked at him. “I’m fine, Az. Really.”

He simply raised a brow, clearly unconvinced. “Humor me. Just for a while.”

She sighed quietly, but before she could protest, he added, “I’ll get you something to eat. You haven’t eaten properly in days, have you?”

Y/N opened her mouth, then closed it again. Of course, he had noticed.

“You like the cinnamon-almond pastries from that café near the Sidra, right?” He looked at her calmly, like it was the most natural thing in the world that he knew this. “I can get you some.”

Y/N’s lips curled into a tired smile. “Az, you don’t have to—”

“I know I don’t have to. I want to.”

Something warm spread through her chest, but before she could say anything, he added with a light, almost mischievous glint in his eyes, “And if you lie down right now, close your eyes, and actually do what I say for once, I’ll even bring you that other pastry you always get.”

Y/N frowned slightly. “What other pastry?”

Azriel’s mouth twitched. “The one you think no one notices you buying, but I do.”

She blinked. Then shook her head in disbelief. “Of course you do. Spymaster and all.”

He shrugged, as if it was obvious.

She laughed softly. “Okay, fine. But only because you bribed me.”

“Good.”

Y/N stood up, intending to return to her own room, but Azriel stopped her with a gentle shake of his head. “Stay here. Just rest. I’ll be back soon.”

Something in his quiet voice, in the unspoken promise within it, made her pause.

Y/N slowly removed her boots and placed them neatly at the foot of the bed before sinking backward. Her limbs felt heavy as she pulled the blanket over herself, curling into the soft, familiar fabric.

The bed smelled like Azriel, like the space he so often occupied—cool, mysterious, but somehow comforting.

She let out a quiet, content sigh as she nestled in, pulling the blanket tighter around her shoulders. The day had been long, her eyes burned with exhaustion, and she felt utterly drained. But it was a good exhaustion—the kind that only asked for a moment of rest before diving back into the storm.

With one last glance at Azriel, who was still standing in the doorway, she grinned. “You better wake me only if the pastries are still warm. Otherwise, let me sleep. And don’t wake me unless it’s something really important.”

Azriel stared at her for a moment, his lips twitching into that mischievous smile she knew so well. He shook his head slightly, as if to say she could never hide anything from him. But then he simply nodded. “I won’t wake you. You rest. But if you sleep too long, I’ll eat all of them myself.”

Y/N laughed softly, already half-buried in the pillow. “You wouldn’t dare.”

Azriel only grinned and stepped back, closing the door quietly behind him. But as he took one last glance into the room, he couldn’t help but watch her—how she curled up so peacefully under his blanket, how her features softened as if she was finally allowing herself to let go.

It was a moment of stillness, one just as unfamiliar to him as it was to her.

But before he could let himself dwell on it, he turned silently and left—to bring her what she wanted.

Taglist: @princesssunderworld @tele86 @quiet-because-it-is-a-secret @rose-girls-world @iluvyewman-blog @gluecksbaerchieee @lreadsstuff

Want to be added? Let me know! :)

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing a "Selfish" Character

Selfishness - means you care and think about yourself and your interests without consideration for the well-being or needs of others.

Though human beings naturally exhibit some selfish behavior, especially during hard times, being self-centered or self-absorbed too often or intensely can become a bad habit that negatively affects your relationships with family members and loved ones.

Signs of a Selfish Person

Recognizing your selfish ways may feel like hard work since it requires self-examination and admission of your behavior without condemnation. Here are some indicators that you might suffer from selfish tendencies:

Need for attention: Because of their fragile egos, selfish people need to be the center of attention. They may act loudly, disruptively, or even aggressively in group situations to keep the attention on them.

Passive aggression: Passive-aggressive behavior means privately criticizing others or attempting to damage their confidence to build up your ego. Passive aggression often stems from deep insecurities that manifest as a need for control.

One-sided relationships: Selfish people will take up a friend’s time when they need to vent emotionally but rarely extend the same courtesy in return. You may have selfish tendencies if you frequently complain about your problems but have trouble listening to others talk about their stressors.

Reject advice: If you’re selfish, you believe that you know everything and your opinion is the only one that matters. Because of this quality, you may have trouble taking advice or direction from others, especially when it runs counter to your ideas.

Trouble compromising: Self-centered people need to be in control at all times to maintain their sense of self, so compromising with others becomes extremely difficult. An inability to compromise in a relationship contributes to conflict.

Inability to admit wrongdoing: Selfish people struggle with acknowledging when they’re wrong. Even if the facts clearly state that you are wrong, you find a way to deny reality and flip it back to the other person.

Effects of Selfishness

Selfishness can have destructive and painful effects on your daily life, including the following:

Conflict in relationships: Because selfish people must protect their fragile egos at all costs, they lash out at any perceived threat, which, because they believe every event is about them, occurs frequently. If you’re self-centered, your relationships will feel fraught with frequent strife and tension.

Inhibits growth: Selfish people have trouble listening or learning from others, making it challenging to grow emotionally or intellectually. When you think you already know everything and are right one hundred percent of the time, you believe you have nothing to learn.

Overly sensitive: When you’re selfish, you feel easily insulted, even when the issue at hand has nothing to do with you. Due to low self-worth, selfish people believe most of the events around them are about them or directly affect them. You may take small slights or insensitive slip-ups from a friend as an intentional attack, blowing the incident out of proportion and damaging the relationship.

Self-hatred: Self-centered people often suffer from fragile egos and poor relationships with themselves, which manifest as a highly critical voice in their heads, judging them at every turn. To maintain their ego, they act in a superior, self-centered way, which gives them a temporary feeling of value but pushes away the very people with whom they seek to connect.

Some Causes Selfishness

According to mental health experts, selfishness stems from genetic predispositions and behavior learned during childhood development from family members.

Mental health issues such as Narcissistic Personality Disorder, depression, and anxiety can lead to selfishness.

Growing up in a home where caretakers did not model the skills required to develop healthy relationships with others can also lead to selfishness.

How to Stop Being Selfish

If you suspect you might be selfish and want to change your ways, try one or all of these helpful tools and see for yourself if your relationships improve:

Be a better listener. Non-selfish people have well-developed listening skills and engage with others in a compassionate, open way. Active listening means paying attention to the person speaking without interrupting, making eye contact, nodding, and asking follow-up questions to send the message you hear and understand.

Challenge your biases. If you find yourself frequently offended by what other people say or do, take the time to examine your biases before reacting. You might ask yourself if the person is having a bad day or if your perception of their tone is inaccurate. “Self-awareness involves the idea that you can look at yourself and how you are acting and reacting in relationships,” Psychotherapist Esther Perel says. “Watch out not to fall into the trap of constricting narratives about yourselves, about your relationships, about others, that don’t allow you for actual relational self-awareness.”

Commit yourself to selfless acts. Selfless acts mean you do nice things for someone else without expecting anything in return. Helping others through volunteering, caregiving, or donating money to charity will help build your self-esteem and improve how you view yourself and others.

Learn to compromise. Learning to incorporate the opinions of others and let go of what you want as an individual for the good of the group will teach you about the value of community. Compromise might include taking advice, seeing things from another perspective, and learning to think critically while setting aside your emotions.

Let others make decisions. Instead of trying to control every aspect of your relationships, such as what you do for fun or where you’re going for lunch, let others make decisions. Trusting others in decision-making develops trust and better relationships.

Practice empathetic visualization. If you don’t understand another person’s behavior, try putting yourself in their shoes by imagining what they might feel in a particular situation before reacting. Problems are rarely black and white, and imagining how others feel will make you more compassionate and empathetic in your relationships. “When we get stuck into too much thinking about ourselves,” Esther says, “it sometimes can stand in the way of our ability to think and understand others.”

Show interest in and celebrate others. If you’re used to making yourself the center of attention, try shining that light on someone else for a change. Giving compliments, celebrating achievements, or asking friends, family, or coworkers questions about their lives helps develop trust and mutual admiration.

How to Deal With Selfish People

Selfish people can drain your energy and your patience. If you find yourself forced to deal with a self-centered person, try one of these tips:

Avoid people-pleasing behavior. People-pleasers are easy targets for attention-seeking behavior. If you are a people-pleaser, selfish people may take advantage of your tendency to put others first. Consider your role in the dynamic if you find yourself constantly attracting self-centered people.

Limit interactions. If the selfish person is a coworker or family member who you can’t avoid altogether, limit your interactions and set boundaries. You might restrict telephone conversations and outings to a timed length or create a “time out” agreement to prevent outbursts.

Make new friends. Find friends who reflect the values you admire and engage in activities that make you feel safe and nourished. Volunteering, hobbies, sports, and outdoor activities are great ways to recharge and meet like-minded people.

When it gets too bad, cut ties. Spending too much time with selfish people can damage your self-esteem and drain your energy. If your relationship with a selfish person severely impacts your quality of life, it may be time to let go of the relationship.

Selfishness vs. Self-Care

Self-care means recognizing your limitations and caring enough about yourself to meet your needs. While selfishness can cause real damage to you and others, self-care has the opposite effect. The critical differences between self-care and selfishness include the following:

Selfishness diminishes energy, while self-care replenishes. Selfish behavior harms the perpetrator and everyone around them, robbing all involved of their self-worth and compassion. Self-care is a healthy behavior that replenishes your energy so that you can be present in your relationships.

Selfishness isolates, while self-care connects. Unless they suffer from people-pleasing behaviors, most healthy individuals recognize and naturally try to avoid selfish people. Self-centered people isolate themselves through their behavior and have trouble recognizing why. People who practice self-care understand that everyone has their limits, makes mistakes, and needs a break sometimes and can extend that self-compassion to others.

Selfishness saps self-esteem, while self-care builds it. Selfish behavior stems from a poor vision of one’s self which self-perpetuates, meaning the more you practice selfish behavior, the worse your self-esteem becomes. Restoring your physical and mental health helps you build self-esteem and increases the likelihood of expressing compassion for others.

Source ⚜ More: Notes & References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

[cyberclouddream]

A r i e s needs to have the depth of their emotions [ Pisces 12H ] obscured to become more assertive and direct. Pisces’ deep emotional complexity and reflective nature can slow down the quick, decisive energy of Aries, who must prioritize action over introspection.

T a u r u s needs to have their impulsiveness [ Aries 12H ] hidden to embrace steadiness and practicality. Taurus must move methodically, valuing persistence over rapid action. By obscuring Aries’ urge for instant results Taurus can create something lasting and secure.

G e m i n i needs to have their stubbornness[ Taurus 12H ] obscured to foster adaptability and curiosity. Resistance to change can limit Gemini’s flexibility and thirst for knowledge. To fully embody their communicative nature they must stay open-minded and adaptable, remaining intellectually nimble.

C a n c e r needs to have their restlessness [ Gemini 12H ] hidden to create emotional security and stability. Cancer needs emotional consistency and stability to build a safe and comforting space. By pushing away Gemini’s flightiness, Cancer can focus on creating lasting emotional bonds.

L e o needs to have their sensitivity [ Cancer 12H ] hidden to express more confidence and leadership. Cancer’s deep emotional sensitivity can make Leo overly concerned with how they’re perceived or how others feel. By obscuring the emotional vulnerability Leo can shine brightly and own their charisma.

V i r g o needs to have their need for attention [ Leo 12H ] obscured to develop humility and usefulness. By putting aside Leo’s need to be noticed, Virgo can embrace their selfless role, quietly working to serve others and refine processes without the distraction of personal glory.

L i b r a needs to have their critical nature [ Virgo 12H ] hidden to nurture harmony and balance. To fully embody their peacemaker Libra must let go over Virgo’s tendency to focus on flaws and details to maintain focus in cooperation and diplomacy.

S c o r p i o needs to have their indecisiveness [ Libra 12H ] hidden to embrace passion and determination. Scorpio requires deep emotional commitment and a fearless pursuit of what lies beneath the surface. By moving away from Libra’s hesitation, Scorpio can fully tap into their powerful emotional drive.

S a g i t t a r i u s needs to have their emotional intensity [ Scorpio 12H ] obscured to seek freedom and exploration. Sagittarius must be open to new experiences, and perspectives without being weighed down by emotional complexity, thriving in the expansive, optimistic energy that defines them.

C a p r i c o r n needs to have their restlessness [ Sagittarius 12H ] hidden to focus on discipline and long-term goals. Sagittarius’ desire for constant change can prevent Capricorn from building the solid structures and achieving the ambitious goals that define them. Capricorn depends on discipline, responsibility, and long-term planning.

A q u a r i u s needs to have their rigidity [ Capricorn 12H ] obscured to embrace innovation and flexibility. Aquarius must prioritize innovation, progress and radical ideas, so they must hide Capricorn’s attachment to structure and tradition.

P i s c e s needs to have their detachment [ Aquarius 12H ] hidden to connect deeply with emotions and intuition. By setting aside Aquarius’ tendency to remain emotionally distant Pisces can dive into the realms of compassion and imagination, embracing their role as the deeply empathetic.

[ceyanabbiolo]

CONTRACT // C.S [01]

Summary: Christopher Sturniolo, a 25-year-old billionaire CEO, agrees to a strategic marriage with Aurora Devereaux, the 21-year-old daughter of his rival, to save his company during a crisis. Raised in a cold, arrogant environment, Chris is used to control and detachment. Aurora, a final-year fashion student, is forced into the arrangement by her powerful father and struggles with the fear of losing herself. As the two navigate their unexpected marriage, they begin to confront emotional walls and develop a connection that challenges everything they thought they knew about love and trust. But with their families’ influence looming, will their bond be strong enough to survive—or will it fall apart?

warnings: none. (for now)

wc: 2134

Chapter 1: The Offer

I leaned back in the chair, trying to keep my expression neutral as Thomas Devereaux sat across from me, his fingers steepled in front of him like he was about to deliver some great revelation. His office was pristine — the kind of place that screamed money and power, but I wasn’t impressed. I’d seen plenty of high-end offices in my life, and I was well past the point of being awed by them.

Thomas didn’t waste time. “Chris,” he said, his voice low but sharp. “You know we’re facing a crisis. Your company’s been faltering, and you’re about to lose control of everything. I’m offering you a way out.”

I didn’t like the way he said that. A way out. As if everything I’d worked for was just a game to him. I crossed my arms, my eyes narrowing. “And what is that supposed to mean?”

He gave me a small, calculating smile. “It means we have a solution. A way to save both our companies.”

I couldn’t hide my skepticism. “A solution? You’ve been trying to buy me out for months. What makes this any different?”

“This is not about buying you out, Chris.” Thomas’s eyes locked onto mine, cold and unwavering. “This is about merging our families. Our businesses. Our futures. And there’s only one way to do that.”

I was starting to see where this was going. I didn’t like it, but I couldn’t walk away from it yet. Not with everything on the line. “Go on.”

“You’ll marry my daughter,” Thomas said flatly, like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Aurora.”

I blinked, stunned. “You want me to marry your daughter?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “You’re out of your mind.”

Thomas didn’t flinch. “It’s not crazy, Chris. It’s practical. A business deal. A way to finalize the merger without a fight. A marriage contract between you and Aurora is the only way to make this work.”

I pushed back from the table, standing up and walking over to the large windows, trying to clear my head. The city stretched out before me, but all I could focus on was the insanity of what he was suggesting. Marrying a stranger for a business deal? This wasn’t the world I operated in. I’d always believed in making my own decisions, not being controlled by someone else’s agenda.

“I don’t even know her,” I muttered, my voice tight with disbelief.

Thomas’s voice softened, but there was no mistaking the steel behind it. “You’ll get to know her. She’s smart, capable. She understands what needs to be done. This isn’t about love, Chris. It’s about securing both our futures. You marry her, and we’re done. Everything falls into place.”

I turned back to face him, my mind racing. “And what if I don’t?” I shot back, already knowing that I was walking into a trap of my own making.

“Then you lose everything. Your company. Your future.” His eyes were cold, no room for negotiation. “I’m offering you the only lifeline you have left.”

I clenched my jaw, frustration building. “You’re asking me to give up control of my life. To marry a woman I don’t know, just to save a business deal. And you think I’m going to just roll over and accept that?”

“I’m not asking you to ‘accept’ it,” Thomas replied, his voice low. “I’m telling you. This is the only way. It’s already decided.”

I paced the room, my mind spinning. I’d fought tooth and nail to get to where I was, and now here I was, facing the possibility of losing everything I’d built — unless I agreed to something that felt like it would strip away the last of my autonomy.

I stopped in front of him, my eyes meeting his with a cold resolve. “I’m not doing this unless there’s something in it for me.”

Thomas raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “What are you talking about?”

“You want this marriage, fine,” I said, my voice cutting through the tension. “But I’m not going into this blind. If I’m going to marry her, I need guarantees. I need something more than just your word that this deal will work. I need control over the direction of the company. If I’m going to play my part in this, I’m not going in as just some puppet.”

Thomas studied me for a long moment, his gaze never wavering. I could tell he was weighing his options, trying to figure out if he could manipulate me into accepting his terms without a fight. But I wasn’t going to make it that easy.

Finally, he sighed, his lips curling into a thin smile. “Fine. We’ll work out the details. But understand, Chris — this is not a negotiation. You’ll marry Aurora, and everything else will fall into place.”

I paused, still feeling the weight of the decision pressing on me. “Wait,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “Have you even asked her? Is she on board with this?”

For a moment, Thomas didn’t respond, and I could see the faintest flicker of discomfort in his eyes. But only for a moment. Then, he cleared his throat and leaned back in his chair. “No,” he said flatly. “I haven’t asked her. But she’ll understand. This is a business arrangement. She’ll do her part, just as you will.”

I stared at him, disbelief mixing with frustration. “You’re seriously telling me you want me to marry her — without even asking if she’s okay with it? This is ridiculous.”

He shrugged, as if it didn’t matter. “It’s not about her feelings. This is about what’s necessary.”

I stood there, my head spinning. I’d always prided myself on my ability to control my own fate, but this was different. Marrying someone I didn’t know, for a deal I wasn’t sure would work, all while ignoring the woman’s feelings? It felt wrong. But what choice did I have?

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Fine. I’ll do it. But I want control. If I’m going through with this, I want to make sure I’m not just some pawn in your game.”

Thomas met my eyes, his expression hardening. “Agreed. But don’t think for a second that this is negotiable.”

I clenched my fists at my sides, trying to steady my breath. “You’d better keep your word, Devereaux.”

He smiled, a small, knowing smile. “Of course, Chris. You’ll meet her soon enough.”

AURORA

I walked through the front door, the weight of my heavy backpack making my shoulders ache. I kicked off my shoes, the cold marble of the foyer a welcome contrast to the heat of the outside. The house was quiet, too quiet. It was the kind of silence that made everything feel off, like something was waiting to happen, something I wasn’t prepared for.

“Dad?” I called, glancing around. I set my bag by the stairs, the echo of my voice bouncing off the walls.

No answer.

I headed toward his study, where I usually found him after a long day at the office. I stopped just outside the door, noticing it was slightly ajar. Hesitant, I pushed it open.

There he was, standing behind his desk, looking at some papers but not really seeing them. He hadn’t heard me.

“Dad?” I said again, this time louder. He turned around slowly, and I could tell immediately that something was off. He wasn’t smiling. There was no usual warmth in his eyes, just a distant, hard look that unsettled me.

“Ah, you’re home,” he said, his voice low. He didn’t sound like himself. “Come in, Aurora. We need to talk.”

I frowned, unease creeping into my chest. “About what?”

He motioned for me to sit across from him. I did, my heart starting to beat faster, the knot in my stomach tightening. He had this way of making everything feel more serious than it was, and whatever it was he had to say, I could already feel it was something big.

“Aurora, this isn’t easy, but you need to understand,” he began, his eyes scanning mine like he was searching for something. “I’ve made a decision. A very important one.”

My chest tightened. “What decision?”

His lips pressed together in a thin line before he spoke again. “I’ve arranged for you to marry Christopher Sturniolo.”

I froze. The words didn’t immediately register, like they had been spoken in another language. Marry Christopher Sturniolo? My mind spun. The billionaire CEO? The one who had been making waves in the business world?

“What?” The word escaped my lips before I could stop it. I shook my head in disbelief. “What are you talking about? You... you want me to marry him? Why?”

He leaned forward, his hands clasped together on the desk in front of him. “This marriage will secure the merger with his company. We’ve been trying to fix things for months, but we’re at a breaking point. This is the only way to save the company, Aurora.”

My mind raced, trying to make sense of his words. “I don’t understand. You’re talking about marriage, Dad. This isn’t just a business deal. This is my life.”

“Aurora,” he said, his tone firm now, “you’re the one who can fix this. You’re the one who can help us. I’m asking you to make this sacrifice, for the family, for everything we’ve worked for.”

I stood up abruptly, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. “I can’t do this,” I said, my voice rising. “You can’t just arrange for me to marry someone like this. I don’t even know him! I don’t care about the merger or your company. I care about my own life. My own choices.”

“Aurora, listen to me.” His voice still stern, the weight of his words was still there. “This is the only way. The company... it’s in trouble. I can’t fix this without the Sturniolos. We’re running out of time.”

I backed away from the desk, my mind spiraling. “I don’t care about your company. I don’t care about any of it.”

At that moment, I heard footsteps outside the door. My mother stepped in, her expression one of concern, but there was a hesitation in her eyes. She must’ve been listening from the hallway.

“What’s going on?” she asked, her gaze flicking between my father and me. Her eyes were already filled with the familiar worry I’d seen too many times in my life.

My father looked at her, then back at me. “Aurora, I’ve made the decision. We need to go through with this.”

“No,” I said, shaking my head vehemently. “I won’t. You can’t make me marry someone like this. I won’t do it.”

My mother stepped forward, her hands held out as if to calm me. “Aurora, sweetheart,” she said softly, “I know you’re upset. I understand. But your father... he’s doing what he thinks is best.”

I looked at her, stunned. “How can you say that? How can you just stand there and support him? You’re okay with this?”

She hesitated, her voice catching as she spoke. “I don’t agree with it, Aurora. But your father is under so much pressure right now. He doesn’t know how to fix this any other way. This is... the only way he can think of.”

“Don’t you see?” I nearly shouted, the anger and hurt bursting out. “This is my life, Mom. Not some business transaction! I’m not just a piece in his plan.”

“Aurora...” She reached for me, her face a mixture of sorrow and understanding. “I wish there was another way, but sometimes, we have to make sacrifices. Your father... he’s not doing this to hurt you. He’s doing this because he believes it’s the only way to protect us.”

I stepped back, my throat closing up with the weight of her words. Protect us? By giving away my future? “I’m not some pawn, Mom. I won’t let him control my life like this.”

My mother’s face fell, and I could see the pain in her eyes. She wasn’t happy with this either, but there was nothing she could do. She was caught in the same web my father had spun — a web that, apparently, included me.

I turned away from them both, the weight of the decision crushing me. “I don’t know what you want from me. But I’m not going along with this.”

My mother didn’t stop me as I stormed out of the room, my heart pounding in my chest. The anger, the frustration, the helplessness... it was all too much. I didn’t want any part of this life, any part of this world my father was creating.

I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t think. I couldn’t even cry without feeling like I was drowning in the suffocating reality of it all.

READ ALL RELEASED CHAPTERS HERE!

[a/n: hi tumblr...this is scary. um yeah...please support. I hope to update regularly. first 3 chapters out now!] - lots of love ceyana

[mammonieruless]

OLDER BROTHERS’ PAST RELATIONSHIP HCS

Lucifer: 100% a virgin

I’ve seen many people agree on him being incredibly experienced when it comes to hookup culture, but I headcanon him to be quite the opposite. He is the avatar of pride himself; he would be wayyyyyy too prideful to offer himself as an one-night stand, no matter who the person might be. there will be exceptions when it comes to Diavolo, of course. He has never been in a serious relationship either; the man has no experience whatsoever. Aside from never having the time to pursue someone and build a connection with them because of his duties, he would be wayyyyy too scared and worried about bringing someone home only for them to harm his beloved brothers or his reputation. Mammon might be MC’s "first,” but MC is definitely Lucifer’s first. It is a match made in hell. All mc had to do was to live with him and his brothers for the entirety of the exchange program, which meant he didn’t have to go out of his way to make time to meet someone, and with time, they both grew on each other, the chemistry grew, and naturally, a strong connection formed without him ever needing to force any of it.

Mammon: He has done everything for quick cash, including sleeping with every living being that could hand him money. Even when cash is not involved, it is canon that he is a model and a party monster, so easy quick club, casino hookups are not a shocker. Out of all the brothers, him and Levi are the only ones who are the most experienced when it comes to serious relationships. Since he wears his heart on his sleeve, all the serious relationships he’s been in ended badly because his partners took advantage of him. Satan, in season one, commented that if Mammon likes someone enough, they will be showered with the richest, but if he breaks it off, then they will be left without a single penny. Knowing that many, especially his exes, only had money hearts in their eyes when they looked at Mammon, despite him pouring his heart out to them, they only viewed him as an ATM. I also headcanon that his tsundere behaviour wasn’t always there; he just started to act like that because many of his exes laughed behind his back, calling him easy, naive, and easy to trick into falling in love, thus leading him to develop this tsundere-like behaviour towards the person he likes to come off as cold, hard to get, and not easy to fool. Though he fails at acting cold and harsh towards MC, he doesn’t act all shy, blushy, or tsundere-like towards his hookups. As he doesn’t feel anything towards them, they only see a very confident, arrogant, bad boy side of him, which MC doesn’t know about.

Levi: Since he is a big anime nerd, he has high standards when it comes to dating and completely rejects hookup culture. All the romance anime he watches really set the bar high for him and makes him somewhat delusional. He has only been in a couple of serious relationships, which were all online, but unlike Mammon, some of his past lovers truly loved him for who he is but didn’t love him enough to keep up with his jealousy and his need to be reassured 24/7. Some might’ve seen him as an easy ticket to get up there in devildom’s hierarchy and get their status high up, as the seven demon brothers are hell’s government officials. + he’s literally the grand admiral of hell’s navy, man’s loaded. His insecurities, shyness, and introversion aren’t the main reason why he is in denial of someone enjoying his company or having any romantic feelings for him, but his experiences in relationships made him push away everyone and anyone who showed him any interest. We see this a lot when he friendzones or tries to find a ground where things are more platonic than romantic with the MC, despite being completely whipped for them, he is simply is terrified of them getting annoyed with his constant need of reassurance or getting into a relationship with them only for his jealousy to be too much for them to handle which would make them leave him and he would lose his only best friend, yet again.

[yeonmuse]

ᥫ᭡ f!reader x Park Sunghoon ── 𝒢enre. Uni au. fluff, non idol enha. feats. ot7 [reqs are closed] ᝰ.ᐟ 𝓁ibrary ⛸️

⍣ ೋ AUTHORS NOTES . This is part of admins Enhypen University Special Event. This series also has slight connections to every series in said event so occasionally characters from the other members chapters may appear in this series as well.

˗ˏˋSUMMARY ´ˎ˗ Park Sunghoon doesn’t usually like getting close to new people, but when a little shows up to his place of work in need of skating lessons he finds himself getting oddly close to his older sister. He finds himself developing some uncontainable feelings while having to teach not only her little sister to skate, but her as well.

TAGLIST IS CLOSED ❕ 🏷️

snowed in

The snow had come raining down at midnight and hadn’t stopped even though the droplets had piled up spec by spec until mere inches turned into a foot of snow. For the most part her day was cozy, classes had been canceled due to the ongoing weather, and most of her time was spent with her little sister – the two of them having spent all of their time balled up on the couch with cocoa while watching movies. Eventually a knock at her door pulled her focus away from the film, the fourth Harry potter which the two had taken the entire day to binge, from 9 in the morning to now, the clock now settling on 7:50. Sitting her cocoa on the coffee table she drops her blanket onto the couch and strolls over to the door, her gaze still glued to the television on the movie she had seen millions of times. As she unlocks the door and swings it open she’s a little confused to See Mari, Fatou and Jinsoul on the other side.

“I know i said come over anytime when i first got this place but i didn’t mean just show up without texting or anything.’’

“Oh whatever, is that what you’re wearing tonight?’’ Jinsoul responds as she pushes her way inside.

“You don’t look ready at all.’’ Mari throws in her two cents as she walks inside along with Fatou.

“Um ready for what exactly?’’

“Don’t you have a skating lesson tonight? Remember you asked us to stay here with june?’’ Fatou reminds her, taking a seat on the couch and grabbing a handful of popcorn.

“Um that was before it snowed so deep that i could lose a shoe in it.’’

“Well first of all the snow stopped like an hour ago, second since when have you ever let a little snow stop you?’’

“Look i just didn’t feel like driving through that okay?’’ she snaps, obviously there had been something more to her reasoning for not wanting to go out, but they were already here and it was too late to come up with any sort of excuse.

“Yn get your ass up and go or i’ll drag your ass to the car an drive you myself.’’ Jinsoul threatens which earns a quizzical look from mari.

“If you drive the two of you wont even make it out of the parking garage.’’ Fatou comments, making mari stifle a laugh.

“I’m not that bad?’’

“Baby you ran ran over a curb, fucked up the bottom of the car and popped two tires, it took Yeonjun and Riwoo an hour to fix that damage.’’ yn interjects making jinsoul roll her eyes.

“That curb literally came out of nowhere. That was supposed to be an exit.”

“Yeah okay.’’ Mari responds, her gaze alone said that she hadn’t been listening to a word the girl said. “Anyways you have somewhere to be, so get out of those pjs and go get some clothes on, we didn’t drive all the way here for nothing.’’

As much as yn had tried to argue and defend her case it was worthless when pinned up against the three of them. The three could argue for hours even if it was a topic they knew absolutely jackshit about. That was the exact reason she now found herself sitting out in the parking lot of the now empty rink where she knew only Sunghoon would be inside, waiting for her. After their last lesson she felt somewhat awkward being around him – having made all of those tweets only she knew about had made her start to look at him a little differently. His soft spoken words when he taught and his smooth soft hands had led her to take in other details about him. The way his eyebrows knit together when he was studying others movements or observing them, the way he sometimes spaced out when he thought no one else was looking? The way he drew his fingers through his hair when he was deep in thought or overwhelmed.

Was it normal to observe this much about someone you considered a newfound friend? A ding from her phone drew her attention, and as she clicked on her phone her eyes found his name, a message that read — are you still coming? To which she responds “right outside” the moment she stepped inside as if it was tradition for her, instinctively her eyes searched for him. She found him gliding and twirling around the rink as if it was something he’d done millions of times, but she had never seen this from him until now. She had been completely mesmerized by him. Then his eyes fell upon her and her breath caught in her throat as he came to a stop.

“About time you got here, was starting to think you tried to flee the country again.’’

“God will you guys let that go.’’ you groan and Sunghoon chuckles at the way you visibly cringe, embarrassed by your own actions from that night.

“Still haven’t told me why you tried to by the way.’’

“And you’ll never know. Some things are meant to be a mystery.’’

“The girl who’s facial expressions say what she’s thinking at all times think she’s mysterious?’’ Sunghoon teases, his brows knit together as an amused grin makes its way to his face. An expression that she hadn’t seen often on his face until this point.

Sunghoon was starting to get far more comfortable with her than before. He talked more, started most of their conversations as she also would, he even found himself smiling a lot more around her. It wasn’t that he didn’t smile often but when it came to meeting new friends especially women it took longer for him to warm up with them. In contrast to Chaewon who’s pushy and much like the guys she was completely different. She was kind, caring, attentive, opinionated..the list goes on and on, but he had no time to sit and list all the reasons she made it easy to be comfortable around her,

“Using your walker today?’’ Sunghoon chuckles, watching the way she scowled at him and her nose scrunched up in fake annoyance.

“Oh fuck off. No way i’m going back to using that, i don’t need it and I also don’t need you to guide me through it today, I can breeze through all on my own just like a pro.’’ sunghoons brows rose in pure amusement, he knew by now how stubborn she was and that when she said something she absolutely meant it. But imagine his amusement when the two of them finally stepped onto the ice and instead of gliding through like she said she would, she remained on the sidelines the entire time, holding onto the wall to keep herself balanced.

Sunghoon found the entire scene both amusing and adoring, he thought it was cute how badly she wanted to prove herself, but found absolute amusement in the fact that she couldn’t even keep her word. He watched as she skated along, stopping every two minutes to stop herself from falling, her gaze glued to her feet as she tried to remember everything he’d taught her about balance and what foot to move on.

“You know, you’re free to take off any day now.’’ He teases as he continues to skate back and forth at her side.

‘Oh you kiss my ass.’’ she fires back making him laugh as he comes to a stop beside her.

“Holding onto the wall will only make it harder, every time you make any sort of progress your foot hits the wall then you have to stop because you don’t want to fall.’’ yn knew that he was right, but until she perfected her balance the only options she had was this or holding his hand and she didn’t want anymore weird feelings stirring up about him.

Eventually yn had finally gone full circle and by the time she finally made it back to her starting point she was absolutely exhausted. Both she and Sunghoon went to take a seat at the benches, her chest heaving as she’s been breathing in cold air for more than an hour now. She sat trying to catch her breathe while Sunghoon disappears into the back, emerging from the employees only room moments later with two mugs in his hand.

“Since it’s cold and we’ve been at it for a while.’’ He explains as he makes his way over to her, sitting the cup in her hands – a cup of fresh hot chocolate, marshmallows piled high on top.

“Thanks.’’

Silence lingered between the two of them as they both took sips of their hot chocolate, basking in the warmth. The only sound cutting through the silence momentarily was the sound of the emergency weather alert from each of their phones. A very brief alert that read “emergency alert, blizzard warning in this area til 1:00 AM EST, prepare. Avoid travel. Check media.’’

The two glanced at one another, both seemingly full aware of what that meant, they were now stuck in the rink until morning, and though it didn’t show on either of their faces both were absolutely anxious. Of course they had spent hours together practicing, but never more than two, they would now have to spend six hours with one another. Six hours where her mind could run completely rampant, six hours where he couldn’t hide himself, he’d have to get closer to her.

“Well I guess we’re stuck here tonight.’’ She speaks up first, putting an end to the silence and trying to lighten the mood.

“Guess we’ll have to survive off hot chocolate and pizza for the night.’’ he responds playfully, ultimately playing along with her attempt to make light of the situation.

“You know getting stuck in an ice rink overnight was not on my 2025 bucketlist.’’

“Then what was?’’

“Hm let’s see obviously getting a drink spilled on me by my sisters skating teacher, ummm taking skating lessons, oh and marrying Song Kang but you know only two of the three happened.’’ she respond obviously, a play on everything that had already happened thus far (aside from marrying the korean actor).

“Crazy how life works, you already achieved two of the three in just a month.’’

“Oh don’t worry, I plan on achieving the third one by the end of this year.’’

“I’ll make sure to cheer you on, don't forget to invite me to the wedding.’’ Sunghoon responds, earning a chuckle from her.

“Of course I'll have you be the flower boy you can skate into the wedding.’’

“Ah what an honor.’’ He responds, his hand on his heart as a playful gesture

“Where did you learn to skate like that anyways? I knew you were good but all of the tricks and stuff? It was amazing.’’ suddenly there was a shift in mood, and where she would usually sense it and try to move on she’d failed to recognize the sudden shift this time.

Sunghoon rarely spoke on it but those that were close to him already knew of his history with skating. He’d been skating for as long as he knew to walk, he had been on track to go to the olympics, won trophies and metals until one of his biggest competitions cost his entire career. He was sixteen when he skated professionally for the last time, his last figure skating competition that left him injured and unable to compete for years until he’d finally given up on getting back onto the ice. This job was the closest he’d gotten to it again, though even Sunwoo and Alexa knew nothing of the relationship between him and the rink.

As she sat there so patiently and expectantly he found himself wanting to tell her everything, and that was exactly what he did

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[kestrel-of-herran]

Well this might ruffle a few feathers but Mark Scout doesn’t engage with anything if it doesn’t involve Gemma.Like that’s the baseline that has been established for 2 seasons.Now that she’s alive and free does it make sense for him to suddenly start falling for someone who’s complacent on Gemma and his suffering?(I definitely think Helena has very little control stilll complacent unfortunately).Sure his innies feelings might cross over but you have to choose to love someone.My theory is further based on when ms Casey found Mark and Helly on the mental health walk she specifically said I forgive you to Mark.That’s an important line.Dichen also said Gemma deducted it was Mark’s Innie.All signs kind of indicate that she’ll forgive his Innie for loving someone and they’ll try to move past this.I don’t mean to belittle Innie relationships but Mark and Helly trauma bonded over their shared suffering.If Mark chooses to feel responsible because she tried to kill herself on his watch that’s just guilt not love.Again they know very little about one another without their shared trauma.I don’t think this relationship is likely to survive any real world strain.If the reintegration does go well Mark isn’t going to magically fall for Helena,not when 7 years of history with Gemma is right there.

okay, i see who i'm talking to here.

it's really sweet to think of it in this way but there's the matter of who the main actors are, who the writers care about most when they craft the story, and whose story you're watching in the first place. we clearly have different ideas about that, but i've never encountered a well-written story that would throw away two seasons' worth of development for its main leads -- including building helena as a flawed and deeply traumatized character who clearly longs for freedom and love the way helly does, and showing an "innate" connection between mark and hellyna over their different iterations -- to bring back a status-quo whose breaking served as a catalyst to the story's start. besides, dan and ben have said in multiple interviews that they want mark to "accept" his grief, and that doesn't mean getting a free pass because there's suddenly nothing to grieve in the first place.

i understand your investment in markgemma, but that doesn't change the fact that i think you're backing the wrong horse here. esp. your comment about mark feeling "guilt" over hellyna's suicide attempt misinterprets my note completely -- i mean it's a traumatic memory that might be one of the first things he recalls about her because it's traumatic, and the idea of helena eagan being unhappy enough to want to end her life should rattle his preconception about her as a self-satisfied villain, if he ever even has one. mark and helly trauma bonding is the least of it -- he also began to consider himself as a person alongside her push for rebellion, fell in love with her because she's an "incredibly strong" person, met her as her alter ego and couldn't tell them apart, providing her with the first hint that she isn't diametrically opposed to her outie, and chose to stay in hell for her rather than taking the risk of losing her and himself if he trusts mark scout. this is a focal point of the show, and unless mark s has a whirlwind romance with gemma, mark scout's not getting away from the narrative consequences of his innie falling in love with the woman who helped hold his wife in the basement. that's part of what makes this story unique and compelling, and it's a plot thread that's been a driving factor at every turn of the story. sure, mark scout's only ever cared about gemma until now -- not about his innie's suffering, not about his life -- and that's what season three is going to disrupt if the story is to stay consistent and good. mark scout will be made to care about mark s and hellyna, forcefully, unpleasantly, until he can't look away. the love is coming for his throat, whether he likes it or not.

and if so many episodes of imarkhelly isn't enough to make you root for them -- and that includes rooting for them to be able to be together on the outside, and not through killing their outies to get there -- i don't know what will. i think my blog's the wrong audience for this ask.

[theambitiouswoman]

How do I stop attracting guys that just see lust on me? My previous relationship was build by lust… and that was it. For 8 months I felt alone, didn’t had a friend, but we were connected through the sex and he tried his best (I think) but I never felt loved at all. I just really want to be on of those girls that attract really nice guys, and it’s like they don’t have to do anything, the guy just treat her really good. Should I just keep discarding guys until the one that have all my standards met appear?

Ty! This is my safe space 💗

Hi beautiful,

It is important you give men time to let them prove themselves to you. I have noticed people who are yearning for love, tend to rush into things and overlook red flags and try to move too fast because they want to be loved so bad. They are "serious" and. "not into playing games" but they forget that just because those are their intentions, does not mean that the same person shares your same views. This blinds us.

The type of men you attract shifts when your energy and standards do. If men primarily see you through a lustful lens, ask yourself if you might be subconsciously leading with physical attraction, allowing intimacy too soon, or tolerating surface level connections out of loneliness.

Discarding the wrong men isn’t enough—you need stronger filters. If a man pushes intimacy early, is inconsistent, or lacks emotional depth, see it as a red flag. Women who effortlessly attract great men take their time, let men prove themselves and invest only when a man’s actions align with their standards.

To shift what you attract, stop being available for lust driven connections. Lead with your mind, values and interests, not just appearance. Be clear on what you want without fearing you’ll scare men off—the right one will step up.

Please this does not mean be dominant and aggressive!!!

It means soft but firm in your standards. The most effortlessly cherished women aren’t the loudest or most forceful; they simply expect to be treated well and gracefully walk away from anything less.

Embody self worth, not control. You don’t have to prove your value or demand respect—your presence, energy, and quiet confidence do that for you. The key is to lean back, observe, and let men show you who they are. The right man will step up naturally and you’ll never feel the need to force anything.

Don’t wait for emotional connection to develop; it should be there from the start. Most importantly, believe you deserve deep love. It’s not about luck—it’s about choosing better, expecting better, and walking away from anything less.

[animehideout]

hiii, love your “your mbti, your relationship with jjk man” so i wanted to request infj and enfj if possible? thanks!

Your MBTI, Your Relationship With JJK Characters Part 3

Part 1 / Part 2

a/n: Thank you anon for this request . I really hope you enjoy them 😭🫶🏻.

Also thanks to @nozaki547 and @li-m-ii for requesting INFJ, enjoy 💞

INFJ:

Megumi Fushiguro = Boyfriend.

You crave meaningful and deep connection when it's about love. You want a partner that will commit for life. And Megumi is 100% the man that would make it work. Always keeping a keen observant eye on you to make sure you're comfortable all the time. He fell for your mysteriousness, you were hard to read at first so he found you interesting, but he grew to understand you and your needs. If he senses that you're cold he'll bring you a blanket. Craving something? He's going to make/buy it for you. Like any other introvert you need your personal space, so does Megumi. So both of you respect each other's boundaries but with a protective instinct in case you need comfort. You have mutual values and both of you date to marry, so your relationship is for the long run. You expect a lot from others so he always satisfies your expectations and never disappoints. He's your ride or die.

Okkotsu Yuta =Bestfriend

Yuta is an empathetic person and INFJS value people who are compassionate and supportive during highs and lows. Without second thought Yuta would be the perfect bestie for you. He's always ready to engage into a meaningful conversations with you talking about interesting topics concerning life and your personal growth. You have a healthy friendship since both of you avoid conflicts and always work on solving any misunderstandings. You are supportive and selfless so you always make sure to be there for him and push him forward when he feels insecure. Both of you rely on each other in comforting and making each other feel understood, heard and important.

Ryomen Sukuna = Obsessed with you.

Living in Yuji's body Sukuna always observed your interaction with your friend group. He was blown away by the fact thay you crack others' exterior just by observing them. While in contrast, they know little about you. You didn't only understand them by being an observant but also knew the exact appropriate words to say in order to comfort people around you. So he switches with Yuji to manipulate you to open up. He desperately wanted to know you on a deeper level, your strengths, your weaknesses, your likes, your dislikes, your deepest secrets but as an INFJ you've always been keeping your guards up especially around him. And that what pushed Sukuna to thrive to force you open up to him. Developing an obsession and interest in you and you mysteriousness.

Mai Zenin = Antagonist.

You are a supportive and selfless person who is good at comforting others and making them feel worthy. Mai, is the complete opposite she is rude, egocentric and selfish. You help people up and she brings people down. You remain true to yourself but she lacks authenticity and always fakes her personality to try to appear better than others around her. INFJs are very observant so you couldn't help the discomfort you felt around her, you can't stand each other so you simply ignore her existence in order to avoid getting into fights.

ENFJ

Ino Takuma = Boyfriend.

ENFJs are drawn to people with a positive outlook on life who bring joy and optimism. And Ino is definitely the one. He is cheerful person who contributes to a harmonious, happy relationship. Ino is an extremely nice person, supportive and empathetic which is a common trait in you. He treats you with a huge respect and care willing to risk his life for your safety. He tends to be needy emotionally and with you valuing passionate emotional ties, you would be more than perfect together. Giving each other all the love and care needed to recharge. You're each other's number one fan. Daily encouragement words and notes are a must. He is very expressive and open about his feelings with honesty and that makes things easier for both of you especially solving issues before growing into conflicts. Ino and you consider helping people who are in need as an honorable duty which creates a sense of union and shared goals between you both you. His favorite thing to do is gaming together while he holds you close.

Gojo Satoru = Your teacher.

You're his favorite student there's no discussion in that. He likes your intellectual creativity and curiosity and how you always ask interesting questions, that also benefits other. He is a cheerful person who got a lot of energy so he appreciates the way you're like him, hyping up your classmates in class or before a missions giving them a big dose of motivation. For you it's easy to have him as your teacher, you have a flexible relationship not only the classroom but also outside school. You often hang out together and enjoy teasing Megumi. He is very open-minded and as an ENFJ you're often expressive about your issues, so he plays his role well in giving you the right advice that would help you grow. Both of you turn the classroom into a lively space mixing serious studying with the humor. He urges his student to be like you. He puts you under a lot of tests and challenges, you're a precious student for him so he wants to make sure you're strong and independent enough to succeed in both your educational and social life. Rewards you a lot, he often treats you sweets.

Geto Suguru = Ex-boyfriend.

ENFJs are givers in relationships they always make sure their partner is loved and cared for, they prioritize their loved ones in everything and of course they expect the same. But it wasn't the case with Geto. Even though he loved you he didn't show it, and always put his goals and interests first, even before you, completely neglecting your emotional needs. Being open to discussion you expressed your feelings to him, standing by your opinion but he repeated this dismissiveness leading to frustration in your relationship that ended with a breakup.

Itadori Yuji = Partner in crime.

The dynamic duo, your friendship is the source of joy for both of you. You and Yuji have an adventurous spirit willing to explore new things together with full enthusiasm, not caring about the possible risks you may face. Energetic duo, feeding on each other's optimism to keep going. You do a lot of fun outdoor activities together. A lot of people think that you are dating. During tasks you merge your efforts and skills focusing on your shared goal. Your determination is fueled by your empathy towards others. You face challenges with open arms knowing that you've got each other's backs no matter how complicated the situation could be. You always succeed in your tasks looking at each other with the proud smiles creating lasting memories.

Thanks for reading, remember this piece of writing is just for entertainment purposes, also imo, so it's not necessarily accurate ꒰⁠⑅⁠ᵕ⁠༚⁠ᵕ⁠꒱⁠˖⁠♡

[loveandleases]

Apologies if this has been asked before, but do Isaac and Ardent ever miss each other?

Yes and no. (I'll go into why their relationship didn't work as well so the rest will be under a cut.)

Isaac misses what could have been, but the relationship with Ardent was doomed from the start. Isaac’s only serious relationship ended terribly when they were cheated on, and that experience shaped who they are currently. They began relying on being flirty and telling jokes, enough to ensure they didn’t spend late nights alone fighting their demons, but not enough to keep anyone coming back.

The relationship with Ardent started casually, hooking up from time to time. But slowly, over time, it began to develop into something more. Then Isaac realized Ardent was getting too close, so they started pushing him away. Isaac began partying more, refused to tell Ardent where they were going (due to their other job), and canceled plans with him repeatedly. They weren’t dependable, and that made Ardent feel unimportant, further driving the emotional distance between them.

On top of that, Ardent is a family man, and Isaac couldn’t see where they fit in, especially since their own family was so broken. Isaac didn’t want Ardent to see the broken person underneath that mask. This caused Isaac to resent Ardent, and feelings of jealousy only added to the guilt, leading Isaac to drink more.

The thing about Ardent is, he’s an all-in kind of guy. There’s no half-measure with him. But Isaac was only willing to give half of themselves. Eventually, Ardent decided enough was enough and ended the relationship.

Isaac, with the help of Kara, began to realize they didn’t like who they became when they drank, and worked towards sobriety. Sobriety allowed Isaac to see things more clearly, without the guilt weighing them down. They were able to see things from Ardent’s perspective, and eventually, they had a conversation that led to a friendship.

Their bond as friends is much healthier now. There isn’t the same emotional dependency that came with their romantic relationship. They still see each other, but it's much more casual. Isaac uses gardening as an outlet, you'll see mention of flower beds in front of Ardent's apartments. Isaac tends to them regularly. They also visit Cupid to bring her treats, which has become another small but meaningful way for Isaac to stay connected.

As for Ardent, he misses having a partner. While he respects Isaac’s boundaries, he longs for companionship. Isaac was unable to be the person Ardent deserves, but it doesn’t change the fact that he misses sharing his life with someone.