#i just need to keep listening to juno

[helpimstuckposting]

Me, guiltily skipping all the second citadel episodes: I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry, I’m coming back for you baby, I’m coming back for you

[munson-blurbs]

Summary: Your rockstar boyfriend comes home early and finds you very needy. But he already knows that, doesn't he?

WC: 1.9k

Warnings: smut (18+ only, minors DNI), pure breeding kink, unprotected p in v, masturbation (m & f), mention of ovulation and periods, voyeurism if you squint, rockstar!Eddie Munson, established relationship

A/N: a collaboration with the love of my life @corroded-hellfire, based on the song Juno by Sabrina Carpenter.

--

Eddie Munson may have failed a few classes—there was a reason he had three senior years—but sex ed wasn’t one of them. He learned how to use a condom, that girls could get pregnant their first time, and the difference between a pad and a tampon (living with his Uncle Wayne kept that conversation at bay.)

But the lesson Eddie recalls now is that ovulation occurs about seven days after your last period. Which, according to the pocket calendar he keeps stashed away during touring, is today. 

It isn’t like he asks about your cycle, but when he calls from the road, you’ll mention when you have cramps or you’ve just taken a Midol. At first, he tracked your periods so he could make sure the house had a plethora of chocolate during that awful week, but then he began noticing…other patterns. 

Two months ago, you’d initiated phone sex, whining about how badly you needed him inside you, needed his cum, needed his cum inside you. Last month, you’d cheekily informed him that you’d snapped some Polaroids earlier that day and had express-mailed them to his hotel room—photos that were for his eyes only. Both of those instances occurred two weeks after your period ended. 

This month, Eddie refused to be apart from you when your desire took over. 

That’s how he finds himself ditching the End of Tour party, coming home a day early to surprise you. It’s been months without you, months stuck in close proximity with Gareth, Jeff, and Grant. If Eddie doesn’t get his hands on you soon, he might implode. 

“Babe?”

No answer. 

Eddie frowns, taking the winding stairs two at a time. The light in your bedroom is on, the door slightly ajar. A soft humming comes from inside, the noise interrupted every so often with your unrestrained moans. 

He can’t help but listen for a moment. 

“Eddie…f-fuck…right there…”

If he hadn’t been away for so long, he might have let you enjoy your solo time. Maybe he’d secretly rub one out to your sweet sounds. A high keening sound robs Eddie of his thoughts as he slips his own hand into his pants. 

His mind is blank, no memory of the thoughts that were just floating through his consciousness. Now, there’s only the sound of your breathy moans and the way his fingers wrap around the base of his cock. 

“Eddie,” you whine pathetically, “need you to fill me up, baby. Please, please, please.”

As if his body is running on autopilot in response to what you just said, Eddie removes his hand from his pants and pushes the bedroom door fully open. Your head is thrown back and your eyes are closed in pleasure so you don’t see your boyfriend as he stalks closer to the bed.

“Need your cum, Eddie,” you whimper, body trembling with want. 

“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” Eddie coos softly, loud enough so you know he’s there, but not enough to scare you or ruin the mood. “I’ll give you everything you want.”

Your eyes fly open at the sound of that sultry voice. The mood in the room begs for you to keep going, to keep working your fingers in and out of your needy hole as Eddie rips his shirt off over his head. But your curiosity is too strong to keep at bay, even with the neediness surging through you.

“E-Eddie?” you ask through labored breath. “What’re you doing home?”

“Skipped out early so I could be with my girl.”

Eddie undoes the buckle on his belt, his eyes locked on yours the entire time. “And it’s a good thing I did. I can’t have my pretty princess all needy for me like this. Let me help you, baby.” Eddie gets the handcuffs off his belt and hangs them on his index finger as he approaches the door of the bed. A dark eyebrow quirks up as he gives you a smirk. “Now that I’m home with these, sweetheart, you don’t need to use those pink fuzzy ones you keep in the drawer.”

“Please,” you whimper.

That one little word is all Eddie needs to hear before he kicks his jeans off and quickly shuffles out of his boxers. He kicks them somewhere to be found at a later time and kneels on the foot of the bed. 

Your dark, lust filled eyes follow his every movement. 

“Eds, can you—”

Eddie grins, already pressing kisses along your inner thighs to your core. “Baby, you don’t gotta tell me what to do. I know this body better than I know my own.”

With that, his tongue finds your clit, licking and sucking with excruciating precision. His ringed fingers wrap around your thighs, pulling them over his shoulders and tugging you close. 

He breathes in, inhaling your scent like it’s a god-sent nectar. 

“Missed my pretty girl and her pretty pussy,” he mumbles into you. “So fuckin’ perfect.”

Your leg twitches as he laps at you, a mixture of his saliva and your arousal pooling beneath you. The noises you’re making are involuntary and straight up obscene. 

“Eddie…Eddie…oh my god, Eddie!” Throwing your head back, you feel your body tense in anticipation of that delicious release. Your orgasm is a tidal wave, crashing over you in a way you hadn’t experienced since Eddie had left for the tour. 

Eddie sits back now, rocking on his heels. “Still got it, huh?” His grin is proud and slick with your sheen. 

“Definitely.”

“Good.” He presses his palms to his thighs and stands up, giving you a better view of his own desire. 

Pre-cum leaks from his tip, his cock rock-hard just from eating you out. You have a strong suspicion that if you’d taken any longer to finish, he would’ve busted before you. 

You want to take him in your mouth, to glide your tongue over the prominent vein and knead his balls until you’re swallowing his load. 

Eddie, however, can only focus on one thing. 

“Heard my pretty girl wants me to fill her up,” he coos. “Is that true? Do you want me to fill you up until my cum drips out of you?”

To his surprise, you shake your head no. 

“Don’t want it to drip out of me. I want to keep all of it inside.”

The groan that emanates from Eddie’s throat fuels a fire in your belly. His cock twitches, the head tapping against his navel. 

“Sounds like you want me to claim you. Permanently.” Not just the hickeys that fade within a few days. No, you want him to—

Without hesitating, Eddie climbs onto the bed and positions himself on top of you. 

“Allow me the honors, sweetheart.” Eddie drags the tip of his cock through your wet center and pushes in with a groan. “Fuck, thassit. Feels even better than I remember.”

You gripped his biceps, relishing in the gentle stretch of him within you. Every tour felt like an eternity, but that first time together each time he came home was worth the wait. 

“Now,” Eddie growled into your ear as he found his pace, “tell me what you want. Tell me what you need from me.”

You scrounge up a reply with the sliver of your mental capacity that isn’t focused on him. “Your baby.”

Eddie smiles, kissing down your jawline. “You need my baby, huh? Need me to put a baby in this cute belly of yours?”

“Mhm. Need that s-so bad, Eddie. Please.” The words tumble from your lips in utter desperation. All you can think about is having his baby, his hands caressing your bump, knowing that he’s the reason you’re pregnant. 

“Goddamn,” Eddie hisses. He buries his head in your neck. “Beg for my baby some more.”

You arch your back, letting him wrap his arm around your waist. “Please give me your baby. Pleasepleaseplease—”

His fingers grip you harder, his movements becoming more erratic with each thrust. You can feel his fingernails digging crescents into your skin. 

“There we go, sweet girl. Fuck, ‘m close…”

You nod, too enraptured in him to even utter the words ‘me, too.’ All you can manage are a few strangled moans as your orgasm washes over you. Your body is light with pleasure, drifting away on a cloud of contentment. 

“Eddie.” The sound of his name on your lips tips him over the edge. It’s just the way you say it, all breathy and soft, that drives him wild. 

With a final groan, Eddie spills into you. “Oh, sh-shit…that’s it. Take it. Take my cum, baby.” There was a primal edge to every word. 

Both spent from all your exertion, Eddie flops down next to you and the only sounds are two ragged breaths as you both attempt to control your breathing. 

Once your bodies have calmed down a bit, Eddie turns on his side and splays one large hand across your lower abdomen. His warm palm is a comforting weight, one that has your eyes slipping closed and a smile coming to your face. 

“You’re home early,” you finally say.

Eddie chuckles and leans in to press a lingering kiss to your shoulder.

“Missed you. Didn’t wanna go to some dumb party if you weren’t going to be there.” He presses another kiss a little higher on your shoulder. “Especially not when you’re ovulating.”

Your heavy eyes open and you let your head fall to the side, coming face to face with your boyfriend.

“How’d you know I was ovulating?”

“I remember when you got your period,” he says. “Just some simple math. I may not have been able to pass geometry, but this kind of math I can do.”

A soft chuckle emanates from your chest and you fully turn on your side to face him. Eddie wastes no time pulling you flush up against his chest, his strong arms winding around you.

“Came here with a mission to knock me up, huh?” you tease, nuzzling your face against the side of his neck. 

“Seemed like an easy decision.” Eddie presses a kiss to the top of your head. “You want to be carrying my baby. I want to get you pregnant. Little Munson Junior wants to be born. Everyone wins.”

You laugh as you bury your face against his shoulder. 

“Would love to have a little you,” you say. 

“Nah, I hope they look like you,” Eddie says. “One of you is already unbearably cute, I can’t wait to have two.”

“Can’t wait to snuggle them,” you say, a lazy smile spreading on your face at the thought. “You, me, and a little baby.”

“Our little baby,” Eddie adds.

“Hopefully this one took,” you say.

“Either way I’m prepared. If you’re not, I’m more than willing to fuck you every waking moment until it sticks. If you are…well, I may have picked up a few pregnancy tests on the way home,” Eddie admits.

“You didn’t.” You look up at your boyfriend, a gleeful chuckle following your words.

“Hell yeah, I did. Corroded Coffin’s latest album and tour are over and done with. It’s time you and I had our own little collaboration.”

“I like the sound of that,” you hum. “We make pretty sweet music together.”

“Oh, we absolutely do.” 

Eddie waggles his eyebrows roguishly before resting his forehead against yours. “But tonight,” he murmurs mischievously, “I’m hoping to hear some screamo.” 

--

[spencereid-reads]

juno | s. reid

word count: 2.2k words // warnings: fluff, kissing, mentions of sextoys, condoms, improper use of fbi handcuffs. this one gets suggestive and was supposed to have smut but i'm too scared to write it. there's some breeding fantasies in there i think. probably continuation issues, i started this last week when i first listened to sabrina's new album and wrote chunks of it on different days. not proofread!

kindashy!spencer x shy!reader

to put it quite simply, you felt like you'd hit the jackpot.

for once in your life, things seemed to be going in your favor. this was the closest to perfection, you were sure of it.

you'd recently moved into a great apartment, with a perfect view of the district from the balcony. your apartment had a balcony, not just an old fire escape you'd used as one on your previous buildings. you'd been offered a promotion at work, which you obviously accepted and enjoyed your days at work more and more with each passing day.

the best part though, you'd been on a few dates with a guy who was just perfect.

the foolish part of you, fueled by all the romance novels and rom-coms you liked to watch on sundays, was already picturing a whole life with him, and with someone like spencer reid, it was hard not to.

he was something straight out of a fantasy, tall, slightly awkward but sure of what he wants, attentive and never once making you feel insecure. and he was so, so gorgeous, with big brown eyes that made you swoon, curly hair that begged you to run your fingers through the soft strands.

not only was he absolutely gorgeous, but his personality was what really sealed the deal for you.

date after date he set the bar higher for himself, five dates were enough to accept being exclusive, wanting to try something serious.

after five dates where you talked about everything, where he listened and asked about your interests, your dislikes, your thoughts on movies, where he confided in you about his life and past experiences, the downside to being a child prodigy, five dates were enough to know that no matter how this ended, you’d never have anyone like spencer reid in your life again.

“i don’t want this night to end,” you admitted as he walked you to your apartment door. you’d just gotten back from dinner and a walk through the park, to celebrate two whole months since you became spencer reid’s girlfriend.

“me neither. but you need to sleep, otherwise you’ll be grumpy in the morning.” he tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear. he made you wish you could have so much more time together than just two months of spencer reid being your boyfriend.

“i like my sleep. but i think i like you more,” you press your back against the door, inviting him in, to you.

“somehow i don’t want to test that theory,” he made you laugh, cradling your face in his hands as he leaned in and kissed you.

soft, full of want and longing, one of his hands cupped the back of your head, you tilting it back as your back arched against him. your hands wandered over his sides, down his chest, the slight tremble of his body against your hands made you feel powerful. the thought that he wanted you as much as you wanted him, was as affected by a brush of touch as you were.

“i- um, i should go. wouldn't want to keep you up,” spencer cleared his throat, pressing soft kisses to your cheek.

you knew it was basically impossible, but spencer was so dumb if he thought you'd be able to fall asleep right after this.

“okay,” you replied, hands fisting the soft material of his shirt before letting go, “text me when you get home?”

“of course. good night,” he pecked your lips once more, taking his time as he moved away from you.

“night, spence,” you whispered, your hand finding his for one last touch.

he pulled your joined hands up to his lips, kissing your knuckles, you swore your heart was beating out of your chest.

that night you dreamt of his lips on yours, his hands exploring, adoring your body, you felt something other than butterflies in your stomach, something new and exciting, hotter.

a week later, your best friend sarah sat on your couch as you told her everything that had been going on between you and spencer. when you showed a few pictures you'd taken of him, and the two of you together, she actually high-fived you as you giggled, excitement filling your body.

“i don’t want to get my hopes up so much, so soon, but-” you bit your lip, heat flushing your cheeks as you recall the kiss you’d shared the last time you saw each other, on the other side of your door. he'd been called in to help on a case with the bau and would be arriving that night, “he makes me wanna fall in love. make him fall in love with me, i-” you shook your head, it was stupid to be this infatuated with someone so soon.

“well if he’s managed to get you this lovesick so soon, i say go for it. get your man, who cares that it’s only been two months?” she shrugged her shoulder, sitting next to you and wrapping an arm around you, “i’ve seen you through all your stages, and i’ve never seen you like this. you deserve to be happy, and from what you’ve told me, it seems like mr fbi makes you happy.”

“it’s dr.” you corrected, smiling as images of him filled your head, when he explained his extensive college degrees.

two days later, you finished doing your hair, waiting for spencer to arrive. since he’d been lecturing more often now, it’d been easier to schedule dates with him, and his eagerness to see you as soon as possible made your heart almost beat out of your chest.

you rushed to answer the knock on the door, the familiar pattern spencer always knocked against your front door caused an almost pavlovian response in you.

“hey,” you smiled, opening the door wider to let him in. “what’s that?” you asked, looking at a medium-sized pink box with a bow wrapped around it.

“it was on your doorstep,” he handed it to you, you frowned, grabbing it and read a yellow post-it note glued to the top.

‘to my beautiful friend and dr. fbi, be safe and have fun ;)!’

you immediately flushed, seeing sarah’s familiar handwriting. you shook your head with a small smile.

“everything okay?” spencer asked, taking a step toward you as he closed the door behind him. “do you know who sent it? if not i could probably-”

“yes, don’t worry, thank you. it’s from sarah, uh- my best friend i told you about?”

“oh, right, the wedding planner?” you nodded in answer. “what is it?” he asked, taking off his coat and hanging it next to your mess of handbags and coats, removing his shoes as well. making himself at home.

“i don’t know, uh- it’s- for the both of us,” you swore your cheeks could not get any hotter, as spencer stood next to you, a hand on your shoulder as he leaned in to read the small note.

“oh.” was all he said, his thumb rubbing circles on the exposed skin. “should we- uh, see what’s inside?”

“um, yeah, i just… i don’t know what it could be, and i apologize if it’s something inappropriate, i-”

“it’s alright, let’s just see what it is,”

with your heart in your throat, you undid the bow and lifted the top.

“oh, my god.” your cheeks burned, your chest not too far behind, and you heard spencer breathing in sharply.

inside the pink box laid a ton of condoms, in different sizes, a small pink vibrator, something that was supposed to be a set of lingerie, but was so small and transparent that you were sure you’d be better off wearing nothing. and to top it all off, a pair of pink, fuzzy handcuffs. another note rested below them.

‘i’m not sure if the fbi has something against improper use of official handcuffs. use these ones meanwhile.’

you were going to die. scratch that, you were going to kill sarah and then yourself.

your trembling hands shook the box in your grasp, your whole being was screaming at you to toss it away, to cover it back up, to hide in your bedroom. but you stood there, frozen, still aware of spencer’s hand on your shoulder.

“i’m- i- i’m so sorry, i-” you managed to snap out of your shock, tossing the box on the couch and covering your face with your hands.

“hey, it’s okay- it’s-” he cleared his throat, “it’s an interesting gift, uh-”

“it was inappropriate and i should’ve- i should’ve checked before and…” you kept your hands cradling your burning cheeks, looking up at spencer and feeling your eyes burning too.

“it’s alright. i’m not offended or anything, i promise, besides i don’t think she did it with bad intentions, um- it seems like, uh, quite the opposite,” he cleared his throat once more, one hand moving to scratch the back of his head, and you noticed a pink tint in his cheeks, he was just as nervous as you were. “they don’t, by the way.”

“sorry?”

“the- uh, the bureau.” he clarified, “they wouldn’t know if i uh- were to use the handcuffs for, um-”

“oh.” you breathed, “that’s uh- good to know, i guess. yeah.” you answered, your mind wandering to places it definitely shouldn’t have.

“hey.” he called, standing in front of you, grabbing your hands in one of his, the other one raising to hold your face. “i know we haven’t talked about… uh, sex- yet, but- we won’t do anything until you want to. and if you don’t want to use any of this stuff we won’t either. the condoms, yeah, of course-”

“i’m on the pill.” you blurted out, and immediately regretted it.

“okay, but still, i’m not opposed to wearing condoms, yeah?” he reassured you, “let’s talk about something else, okay? i can feel how warm your face is. there’s no rush, i promise.”

“yeah?” you asked, getting lost in the change of his eyes, worried and soft, hopeful. “thank you.”

“of course. you don’t have to thank me,” he leaned in, pressing his lips to your forehead, and just like that all the uneasiness inside you melted away. “you good?”

“i- yeah. sorry for- freaking out i- i just didn’t know how you’d react to this, and i don’t- i don’t want to ruin this.”

“you didn’t. god, no, honey.” he tucked a strand of hair behind your ear, “i’ve never felt this way before,” he admitted, “if anything i’m the one who should be worried about ruining this, with all my past and all the trauma.”

“spencer, i don’t care about that- i li- i like you just the way you are.”

“exactly, you don't judge me for my past, or make me feel self-conscious about it. and i like you just as you are too. sweet and shy, and all flustered for me.” he placed his hand on your stomach, “breathe, deep.” he instructed, “in, hold it, out.” you followed his lead, somehow unaware of how uneven your breathing was, though it didn’t surprise you. “and now i’m going to change the topic of conversation because i don’t want you to pass out on me, yeah?”

you laughed at that, shutting your eyes and shaking your head slightly, when you opened them back up, you were met with his soft, tender eyes looking at you intently.

“hey,” spencer said, wrapping his arms around your waist, pulling you close. your arms, on instinct, found their place on his neck.

“hi.” you murmured sheepishly. “i didn’t even say hello to you properly.”

“that’s alright. let’s order some food and we can catch up, that sound good?” he asked, you nodded, a burst of confidence inside of you made you stand on your toes and kiss his cheek.

“i really like you.” you confessed, not knowing where this bravery came from. maybe it was just him. something about spencer as a whole just brought comfort and peace to you. if he was with you you’d be alright.

“i really like you too, sweet girl.” he grabbed on tighter to you, leaning in to press a soft kiss on your lips. all the air left your lungs once more as your fingers found themselves tangled in his hair. your loud mind became foggy as you focused on the feeling of him on you. his lips, his body pressed against yours, his hands on you.

a soft, surprised moan left your throat as spencer bit your lower lip lighty, retreating.

“i’ll make the call, italian okay?”

he left you standing there, still reeling from the kiss, the ghost of his lips on yours still there, your tongue poked out to lick your lips, tasting him, tasting yourself.

god bless whatever genes, deities and universes that came together in order to create spencer reid.

and if one of him is perfect, could the world handle two? a mini reid, with his hair and eyes and brain, his politeness, as well as the best part of your genes?

it’s a wicked thought for such an early state in a relationship.

“i ordered the tiramisu also, i remember you really liked it the last time we were there, i hope that’s okay.”

“it’s perfect, thank you.” you walk to him, quieting your mind as you hug him, burying your face in his chest. “thank you.”

for wanting me, for making me feel special, for paying attention, for liking me, for not running away, for making me believe a future is possible.

it all goes unsaid, but you mean it, and you hope he doesn’t think you’re clingy, as you pour all your feelings into the hug.

[stellarsagittarius]

🦚✨️ Juno In Natal Chart: Your Marriage And Outlook On Comittment✨️ 🦚

[Ps. Personal readings are open. Here's the link to the how-to book one, and my Astrology Masterlist.]

Juno in 1st House

You value when your partner thinks of the world on the same wavelength as you. There is a very strong need for a bond that emerges through a genuine appriciation of each other's personalities and way of thinking in life. You value when the marriage leads you to personal growth, whether it's realisations about life itself or rebranding yourself, working on your self concept. You enjoy when your partner can contribute to your growth and also grows alongwith you. There is shared sense of honoring each other's individuality, as you value being totally authentic with the way you view the world, with your partner. You enjoy the idea of learning about yourself through your relationship. And as much as it's about you, you also want it to be about them. Because you like the idea of a strong understanding about each other's likes dislikes, outlook on life, personalities, etc. You value when your partner knows small details about you, and when you know small details about your partner. You desire the type of person that values hearing your opinions and thoughts, as you highly value your partner vibrating on the same frequency as you are. You are one of the classics that enjoy a similar minded partner, or atleast someone who matches your energy in the first go.

Juno in 2nd House

You value marriage. There is something so precious about this placement. You enjoy your partner's body, their style, their aesthetics, and these can be the first things you notice in a potential partner. There is certain hint of possessiveness towards your partner. You could also enjoy possessive energy that your partner exhibits to you. For you, marriage contains a lot of personal value that in some or the other way increase your status or your value. I don't mean it in a materialistic manner, but marriage for you is really something that adds more financial or material value to your life. You enjoy the idea of having your partner's resources merged into yours, and that you be the sole controller of those resources. This could also be vice versa, you are good with having your finances and possessions in the hands of your partner. You seek to financially grow or upgrade your lifestyle in some way or the other through your marriage. It also means that you are great at keeping your external/material life in order while being married to someone. Admiring your partner for their style and aesthetics is a thing for you, and you also like to give them gifts!

Juno in 3rd House

This a generally one of the easier and fun placements without much complexity or heavy expectations. With Juno placed in the 3H, you enjoy your partner being a good communicator. You value a marriage where you can connect on an intellectual level and have a dynamic communication with. It's very important for you to be able to express your thoughts in a relationship and simply enjoy the simplicity of talking. This is that placement where people talk with their lovers on the phone for hours or keep them on face-time just because. This energy also makes people wanting partners with a similar set of thoughts and ideas as them. It creates this partners-in-crime dynamic, where the duo is just so intune with being each other's right hand. You likely enjoy verbal exchange and intellectual stimulation as it helps you understand deeper about various situations going on, and connect with your partner in a much smarter manner. Commitment for you is rooted in the fact that you both will be there to listen to each other anytime one needs it. You put a lot of emphasis on expression of thoughts, speech and being honest.

Juno in 4th House

With Juno in the fourth, you really seek a safe space to retreat into whenever you need it, and marriage is that space for you. You value vulnerability and closeness with your partner. So no matter how long it takes to build that deep sense of trust and that "homey" feeling, you really work towards it, because you know the ultimate value of having that deep sense of belonging with someone. You value marriage matters or simply the bond with your partner being something exclusively between the two of you. You do not like outsiders or even just people who aren't you and your partner, interfering in your marriage. Creating a family dynamic or a home like dynamic with your partner is very important for you, and you generally enjoy discussing the matters of your family life with your partner. You value private quality time with your partner and enjoy the essence of privacy when there is a close bond that connects the both of you. Spending quality time that leaves plenty of space for you and your partner to bond with each other is very important for you. Whether this bond is emotional or mental or even physical, that intimacy is very meaningful for you.

Juno in 5th House

You enjoy the romantic, pleasureable and fun side of the relationship. It's least likely to ever be boring. You see your relationships as something that allows you and your partner to be able to express themselves in an authentic way. You have a great deal of creativity within you that you channel in the form of fun dates and planning quality time with your partner. You value the idea of your partner allowing you to honor your inner child. You have a bit of childlike energy when it comes to approaching marriage, and you approach a partner who can do the same. It doesn't have to be some overly fancy and extravagant person to make you feel good, but someone who values the idea of having fun in any relationships. Someone who brings light-hearted energy onto the table. Someone who can be your life long partner, and also that one bestfriend you make when you are a child. It's important for you to be able to express your raw and authentic emotions in the form of something that is fun to do. You also like to connect with your partner through shared hobbies. This is the most romantic house, so all those cheesy gestures and cringe-worthy actions, are all entertained.

Juno in 6th House

Marriage, for you, is like a part of your daily routine. A steady and practical approach is something you find of value. You're the type who prefers to have a systematic way of dealing with relationship matters, as you value a marriage that keeps you productive and doesn't make you compromise your other duties. Your relationship often keeps you quite busy, as you like to be of service to your partner, helping with their needs and showing your love through practical acts. You're all about keeping things simple in your marriage, while making sure that other life responsibilities don't disrupt your relationship. There's comfort in routine and predictability for you. You value a stable pattern in your partnership, where things run smoothly, and both you and your partner know what to expect from each other. It's not about extravagant displays of affection; it's about the day-to-day care and support that keeps your relationship strong. There is a strong need for keeping things grounded and reliable, and dutifully attending to your marriage responsibilities. You value a partner who is stable and reliable themselves, someone who values the small things in life.

Juno in 7th House

This is literally the definition of what we call "marriage". Which means there is a becoming of a team, an "us," in your marriage. You value teamwork and no fruit for you is sweeter than the fruit of things successfully done, together. Knowing your partner, whether it's their flaws or their quirks or their strengths, it's all very important for you because you seek to connect with them to embrace any differences, and become one. This placement creates a very great bond for any long term relationships as you have the idea of how to uphold and keep a commitment going. You do not like flakiness or unpredictability in the way of your partner approaching the relationship as it takes away from the fact that you desire a transparent and honest bond. Because you hold a lot of empathy for your partner, and marriage is surely a big commitment for you. Breaking the trust means breaking apart the team. And you do not like to stand alone being the one who fixes everything while the other one destroys. On the lighter note, this aspect really creates this closeness within your marriage that is simply very sweet. There is a becoming of best friends with your partner, understanding each other and loving each other's both perfections and flaws.

Juno in 8th House

With Juno placed in your eight house, marriage is something that totally changes you. Your idea of commitment is so deeply rooted in the fact that there is complete merging with your partner, whether it's mentally, emotionally, physically or even spiritually. You crave the intimacy, that very deep bond that happens because you both are completely entangled in each other's lives. With that being said, other people who are close to you are also prone to getting involved in your marriage. You value the idea of owning things together, whether it's just a house or having offsprings. Merging your finances and resources with your partner is also important for you. With all this entanglement there can be growth oriented outcomes or challenging outcomes. Suppose your marriage is prone to having other people involved, so you have to remember that your marriage is none of their business. Being super involved with your partner is alright, but getting so attached that you forget your own life isn't good. So, these are a few things to keep in mind. Marriage and commitment is something very sacred and important for you, and you are ususally very attached to the idea of merging your life with someone worthy of it. Marriage is supposed to bring you a lot of realisations about life, people and changes.

Juno in 9th House

Juno being placed in the ninth makes your marriage quite adventurous. There is a need for you to expand your minds and go out there in the world to learn new things. You partner is likely going to open up brand new horizons for you while also opening up new ways of thinking about life itself. This has a very spiritual/religious tint to the marriage, so this marriage can provide you with a deeper connection with whatever higher power you believe in, and also make you become much more of a spiritual person. You value learning in the marriage, whether it's through your partner or simply through the experiences life gives to you both. You might also be some sort of a teacher to your spouse. Because marriage for you means a commitment to something higher than yourself. It's about your beliefs in life. You are likely to want a partner who share the same beliefs like you or atleast someone whoes life's greater philosophy align with your own. There is an equal involvement of foreign cultures and travel, so maybe your spouse is someone from another culture or you wish to travel the world with them. There is a shared connectedness that comes from the way you both bond over the deeper topics in life, such as law or philosophy or spirituality.

Juno in 10th House

This marriage is likely very public, even if the public is like relatives, co-workers and friends. You enjoy being seen with your partner, people admiring your relationship and also you like to show off your partner in some way or the other. There is a big emphasis on working together, so you might own a business with your spouse or simply have the same career field. Marriage for you means an increase in your status. This could result due to marrying someone of a higher status or you and your partner advancing together in your social life. Needless to say, you value a marriage that can give you some sort of a boost in your career or public image. You value the idea of being able to shine with your partner in the world, having eyes on your relationship and being able to display your affection to your partner openly. You value a marriage that can uphold your personal reputation and also keep things in your public sphere clean. Your relationship/marriage issues might happen to reach the ears of many people for no reason, so make sure to keep much of your relationship life private. This is also the aspect of building a legacy with one's partner.

Juno in 11th House

Marriage for your is based on a great partnership and friendship. For you, it's all about coming together with your partner because of a common goal. There is beautiful sense of camaraderie with this placement. Your marriage is going to be pretty popular between your friend circles and social groups, no matter how big or small. You value a partner with similar goals and visions as yours, as it gives you a certain hint of stability for the future, while also making sure that you enjoy every step of your success along with your partner. This is a very social marriage, but it has a certain sense of good karma and fortune attached to it. So really, you can expect a lot of positive growth in your life, whether it's financially, socially, or personal growth, because of your marriage. You and your partner are likely to be very active in the communities you are in together, whether it's for work, or related to hobbies or having plenty of friends and acquaintances. You both help each other build their own dreams and also the dreams you both have together. There is a strong hint of supporting each other, no matter if it's morally or financially, so that you both can attain whatever dreams and ideals you have for your life.

Juno in 12th House

With Juno placed in your twelfth house, there is a very intuitive understanding of commitment and how a marriage should be like. You seek to bond with your partner on a much deeper level that can really only be understood by the one who is experiencing it. Because for you, marriage exposes you to a very different world where you start to see life itself through a detached, almost this subconscious lens. It's like being on psychedelics, really, I can't even find the right words. Marriage is something very spiritual for you. You can develop a deep intuitive understanding of your partner, but on the other hand if you aren't perceptive enough, this can bring up a lot of mental anguish. Because this marriage is going trigger the deepest parts of your mind. It is going to feel like you are turned inside out, trying to understand how deep this attachment and your pysche goes. Marriage and commitment will expose to you, your biggest strengths and your worst issues. So dealing with all this should be something that allows you to grow. You value a very deep bond, a bond that just doesn't need to explained as to why it is so profound. Your marriage is going to close out a lot of cycles for your and you are likely to have plenty to karma to work through with your partner.

Thanks for reading! You can book a personal reading with me 🫶, kindly check the 📌 pinned post!

[erosastro]

Some of my favourite overlays in synastry 💫pt 1

💫 Your moon in their fourth house/their moon in your 4th house - this person feels like home!! (especially if this is well aspected). There's an immediate sense of comfort between these two and trust. The type of couple to constantly have deep meaningful conversations.

💫 Your Moon in their 7th house/their Moon in your 7th house - A relationship that's based on an equal give and take and always willing to listen to the Moon persons feelings. It could be a roller-coaster as well because I've found that it sometimes fluctuates in terms of ups and downs drastically but if well aspected this is ideal for long term relationships/marriage. I've noticed this type of couple that always understands what the other needs with a lot of compassion and willingness to compromise.

💫 Your venus in their 2nd house/their Venus in your 2nd house - I know this is an unpopular one but I love it because they bring a sense of security and sensuality to Venus. I don't know why more people don't like this one, it's not just based on material wealth/possessions etc. It can go so much deeper than that. This is the couple that you see on Pinterest dressed up like theyre going to the met gala and take loads of mirror selfies

💫Your Venus in their 1st house/their Venus in your 1st house - giirrrlll talk about love at first sight lol. This couple is all over each other and the attraction is off the charts. I think people think this relationship could be very surface level but I beg to differ. it can also be based on deep rooted passion and love.

💫Your Juno in their 1st house/their Juno in your 1st house - Another huge one for attraction and in a lot of married couples. They adore each other and are completely devoted to one another.

💫Your Sun in their 5th house/their Sun in your 5th house - A relationship built on fun, light-heartedness and romance. They build on each other, hype each other up and tend to be very supportive of the other person.

💫Your Sun in their 4th house/their Sun in your 4th house - Another home indicator and i love this one a lot. They feel like they belong together and can't get the other person off their minds because of how quickly they click and can open up to each other.

💫Your Venus in their 8th house/their Venus in your 8th house - I know 8th house placements are like taboo or whatever but I really love them especially if both individuals are mature and if one or the other have strong 8th house in their own charts. This is intense and deep and a love like no other and the sexual chemistry is out of this world.

💫Your Jupiter in their 1st house/their Jupiter in your 1st house - Jupiter is all about expansion and being in the first house of self, it's encouraging the other person to grow and be more optimistic in life, to have more faith and also bring that into the relationship.

💫Your Moon in their 5th house/their Moon in your 5th house - this is a fun couple that keeps the romance alive and still manages to have the important conversations without it being too heavy. They're constantly looking for ways to make the other person happy and keep them on their toes.

💫Your Ascendent in their 1st house/their Ascendent in your 1st house - Another huge attraction indicator idk I think everyone I've had this with I absolutely adore and I do tend to put them on a pedestal but I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing so long as it doesn't turn into an obsession.

💫Your Sun in their 10th house/their Sun in your 10th house - speaking of putting the other person on a pedestal.... Sun in 10th will absolutely do that for you lol. You'll look up to that person and think they're the world and your whole universe which again I don't think is a bad thing so as long it's well aspected and doesn't turn into an obsession.

💫Your Mercury in their 3rd house/their Mercury in your 3rd house - Mercury is at home here! Communication will come easily and this is the type of couple that has loads of Inside jokes and always knows what to do to make the other person laugh/smile.

💫Your Mercury in their 9th house/their Mercury in your 9th house - This is really good for expanding the other person's mind. 9th house is all about learning and philosophy and they can teach other a lot, especially how to become more open-minded especially when well aspected.

° part 2 soon!

[saturnsbabyboii]

✨Astro Observations for those who think they're stupid when they're actually smart✨

✨Mutable risings are the "funny yet depressed" friend that is always trying to make sure everyone is okay and having a good time

✨Out of all the placements Aquarius is the only one I don't have a definitive standpoint on. Not a single one has something in common with another.

✨5th house placements are obsessed with reality tv while 11th house placements are obsessed with internet drama

✨Saturn in the 6th house natives are very likely to get plastic surgery for their weight

✨I keep reading on here that people know Taurus Moons that cook? I am sorry but since when instant noodles became "cooking". I have known five and my sister is one, and let me tell you, they can't cook for shit. They're such picky and particular eaters, they barely eat too.

✨My mother being an Aquarius sun with a Virgo moon means that I know the biggest catastrophizer alive.

✨Luminaries (sun and moon) opposite the rising, in my opinion, creates the most difficult people to deal with. They're so tone deaf and oblivious to how they come off.

✨Cardinal Lilith has conflict anxiety

✨Air Mercury thinks of an answer instead of listening to what someone is saying

✨Mars in the 11th house have many frenemies

✨Moon in the 11th are very popular among women

✨Angular houses (1st, 4th, 7th, 10th) at 0 degrees struggles to achieve milestones or feels behind compared to others

✨Scorpio risings are always referred to as an onion. To me, an onion is something with layers of the same shit that just burn your eyes.

✨ Whichever house of yours an artist's Ceres falls in is what their work is going to help you with.

✨This also applies to planet aspects, as to whether their work will leave you challenged, intrigued, feeling empowered, motivated, seen, connected, or just simply aroused.

✨Fire Mercury says the most random shit. But we are here for that crackhead energy.

✨Fire/Mars in the 9th house is very common among dancers

✨The sign of the 6th house can show how are you with apologies. Since along with that work ethic comes responsibility and integrity.

✨Anyways, you'll never catch a Sag or Taurus in the 6th apologizing that's for sure.

✨Lilith/Juno in the 10th house are very mistreated by men/masculine people and authority

✨Lilith/Juno in the 4th house was betrayed by the family, especially the mother

✨Aquarius in the 4th house is always looking for a mommy in someone else

✨The body part/s the sign of your 8th house rule indicates which sexual act gets your toes curled.

✨Having friends of the same Mars sign are people that match your energy

✨People that have Mars Square Mars got a friendship that needed communication and patience, however, they tend to create a stronger bond

✨It's ghetto out there with all of those unevolved Earth placements

✨First house stelliums are never grateful. The entitlement is real.

✨Neptune/Pisces in the 1st house and 12th house ruler is in the 1st house depersonalize as a full time job. Existing is very draining for them, and at times painful.

Bye.

[writersdrug]

Ghost x Konig x Reader: I Don't Need You (Ch. 6)

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Summary: You (surprisingly) get more comfortable with Kortac, and slowly let yourself connect with the team. You subconsciously tether yourself to Konig, who is more than willing to help you fit in. The pain of the past begins to fade into the back of your mind like the end of a long chapter of your life.

Additionally, Konig starts asking the hard questions - it unearths a piece of you that you'd hoped would remain buried, but you still share the memories with Konig.

Chapter warnings: Mentions of violence, mentions of rape, cursing, google translate German, shirtless Soap, very EXTREMELY watered-down mentions of sexual themes (we ain't there yet, boiis)

Notes: Sorry it took so long, I've got a lot cooking in the kitchen now and I'm hoping to pump out a lot this week!

Additionally, I've had some comments on this work not being an x Reader. First off, I never want to mislead anyone. I label this as an x Reader because Bonnie is not an OC of mine. I've seen other x Reader fics include callsigns that refer to the reader, so I assumed using Bonnie similarly would be alright. I also mentioned a name ONCE in chapter 3, "Jane Morris," which I thought to be a very generic name, and I haven't used it since and don't plan to. I have a personal preference of writing longer, chapter-by-chapter fics in first POV because it feels more natural to me than second POV. The same goes for using y/n - I like to avoid it if I can because it feels unnatural.

Again, those last two thing are a personal preference. I'm not bashing any fics that use these things at all, I enjoy both ones that do and ones that don't, and I don't enjoy one over the other. When I say one feels more natural than the other, I mean it feels more natural to write, not to read. I'm debating changing the name I used in chapter 3 to just y/n l/n to make this a true x Reader. If you still feel like I should change this to an x OC please let me know and I'll be happy to adjust the tags, titles, and descriptions. Again, I never meant to be misleading, and I hope I didn't make anyone angry. If a mistake has been made I am happy to learn from it. Thanks!

Konig had cracked the code on me. He figured out that after a case of American beers and a long drive, away from the crowd of new faces, my outer shell began to soften.

There was still a wall that I was holding up between me and everyone else, even though it was significantly smaller than usual. When Roze and Castillo approached me at breakfast, I didn’t get up and leave. And when Juno used the empty spot in the gym room right next to me, dropping his bag on the floor and giving me a cautious glance as he set up for his routine - I didn’t grab my things and move to the other end of the room. That was my first instinct, but I fought it. Instead I huffed, facing the mirror in front of me and focusing on my sets.

I’d started going to the common area more often – maybe not every night, but often enough. We’d make it a habit to play poker on the nights I did show up. I was better than most of the group, since none of them were quite used to my mannerisms yet. However, Konig and Horangi still took the lead as the winners, despite most of us arguing that they shouldn’t be allowed to play if they were going to wear their masks. The argument would eventually turn into a casual conversation – I didn’t engage in it too often. I preferred to sit and listen, using the time to slowly learn more about the team. I typically planted myself between Roze and Konig, keeping my legs crossed on the seat and nervously fiddling with my Yuengling bottle.

Although I was ashamed to admit it, Konig had become a conduit for my interactions with the rest of the team. The way he engaged with their activities, yet still managed to stay reserved, struck a chord with me. I respected the fact that it could sometimes be difficult to find him on base, and that at the same time, he was always there when I started to feel overwhelmed. I didn’t need him, no… that was a stretch. But sometimes I felt grateful that he was so eager to accompany me places – especially when he invited me to go on “perimeter checks” with him, which mostly consisted of long drives off base.

I don’t know how I had grown to appreciate him so much – maybe it was because he felt similar to me, in the way that we both needed our alone time, and with how we often found ourselves slipping out of the common area around the same time, with the original excuse being that we were tired. Half of the time, we would sit in the mess hall and talk until the early hours of the morning.

“A sniper?” I asked on one particular night, fiddling with the mouth of my beer bottle. “You’re way to big for that – no offense.”

Konig chuckled. “And that’s what they initially told me.” He took a swig of his (nasty) German beer. “But, despite being handed other opportunities, I proved them wrong. I’m sill a damn good sniper.”

I huffed. “Nah, you should be happy you got promoted to Colonel; you’re lucky, you get to avoid being in the trenches – at least, as much as the rest of us.”

“Lucky? No…” Konig said, shaking his head. “I do not like being a Colonel. I’d much rather be doing the dirty work of soldiers than writing these stupid reports.” He slapped a large hand over the manilla folder that sat on the table next to his beer. “It keeps my head busy, and I don’t have to listen to myself think.”

I nodded while sipping my beer. “I completely get that – If I’m not actively doing something with my hands, my brain gets too loud. Like – like there’s a mini me in my head, and the only way to drown her out is by physically doing something. Anything, really.”

Konig laughed – almost a snort – “‘A mini you’. I like that, that’s good.”

I huffed a laugh through my nose, turning my head to hide the smirk on my face. Despite being a large, brutish man, he had a youthful essence about him. It was hidden deep beneath the thick exterior of a war-hardened soldier. But, every now and again, it rose to the surface, touching a part of my soul I hadn’t allowed to be seen in a long time.

I pushed my stack of bills into the middle of the table. “All in.” I said nonchalantly.

Gaz narrowed his eyes, leaning back in his chair and looking down his nose at me. “You’re bloody stupid…”

“Or really smart.” I retorted. I folded my arms over my chest, not wavering under his intimidating gaze.

It was unbearably hot in the room – whether that was from the tension of the game or the broken air conditioner (Price eternally insisted it would be fixed, “… by next week…”), I didn’t know. I was donned in my sweatpants and sports bra, Gaz was in a wife beater and sweats, Ghost was covered head to toe in a sweatshirt and jeans (one could ever rarely catch him wearing anything less), and Soap… well, Soap was Soap. Completely shirtless, with only a pair of gym shorts on. Typical for him to be so shameless.

Ghost looked at his cards, his jaw clearly tense underneath his mask. He wasn’t very good at hiding his unlucky hand – it was almost like he wasn’t even trying. Which was a possibility.

“Fucking hell… I fold.” He tossed his hand onto the table, revealing his sour bunch of cards. He walked to the fridge and cursed under his breath, rummaging through the contents.

“Jesus, you’re a load of dry shite.” Soap commented, leaning against the wall adjacent to Ghost. “You could’ve at least tried to intimidate ‘em.”

“You could try shutting your fucking mouth, alright?” Ghost snapped back. Soap raised his hands defensively, leaving Ghost by the fridge.

He flopped onto the couch near me and Gaz. “Miserable sap…”

I did my best to tune out their bickering. I stared down Gaz, tapping my fingers on the edges of my cards. I was relying on the river card – I had a chance at a four-of-a-kind, praying the last card on the table would be another seven.. It was risky, and Gaz was probably right in calling me stupid. But I was never one to back down from a challenge. I craved the thrill of it. Most of the time, I ended up getting lucky.

Gaz chewed his lip. He cocked an eyebrow, slowly pushing all of his cash to the middle of the table. “Call.” He said.

And I heard it – the telltale sign of his bluff. A fraction of a second where his voice had waivered, followed by him grinding his jaw. I knew I had it in the bag.

I was savoring the moment of triumph, watching Gaz stare at his cards, when I felt a hand on my back. I nearly spun around and yelled at whoever touched me, until I saw a gloved hand place a Yuengling bottle to my right, the lid already popped off. I faltered, staring at the bottle, feeling the hand on my back rubbing a thumb back and forth over my spine.

I glanced behind me, looking up to meet Ghost’s eyes. He was looking down at me with an empty gaze. His eyebrows twitched for a brief moment as he continued rubbing his thumb over the skin of my back.

I knew what he was suggesting. What he was asking. Put a woman on a compound with broken, touch-starved men, and eventually one of them will succumb to the temptation. Even so, I was shocked that it was Ghost. I would say he was showing a weakness here, no matter what he decided to call this – it was an admission that he needed something – something from me, specifically – which I never thought would happen.

He continued staring at me for another few moments, waiting for an answer. Keeping my eyes locked on him, I took the bottle and drank; my reply. He gave the tiniest nod, walking away and sitting down next to Soap – who was shuffling the remaining deck of cards, eyes narrowed at Gaz. He knew he was bluffing too.

I turned back to Gaz, smirking as he revealed the river card.

“You ever think about what you would say to those kids now?” I asked, tapping my beer bottle. “The ones who bullied you.”

Konig hummed. “Mm… not really. I don’t hold too much resentment.”

I chuckled. “If only we could all be a saint.”

“Well, it all happened so long ago.” Konig tried to justify himself. “We were only kids, bored and trying to stay on the surface. They just wanted to look tough so that no one would pick on them. Of course, I wouldn’t understand that as a kid. Maybe then, I would have admired what I’ve become, and I would have wanted to boast about it. But now that I am a Colonel – Ich habe besseres zu tun.”

I sarcastically rolled my eyes. “And that means?”

“Ehh…” he groaned, squinting his eyes. “How is it said… ‘I have bigger fishes to cook.’”

I sputtered, turning my head and laughing. Konig glared at me. “Gibt es ein Problem?” he asked, which I sort of understood. He sounded irritated, that much I could tell.

“No, Konig…” I said, standing up and giving him a pat on the shoulder as I walked by. “Just keep up the English lessons, ok?”

He scowled. “Verpiss dich… Start learning German and maybe I will.” He retorted, and I waved at him dismissively from behind my back.

I stuck my head into the fridge, grabbing a Yuengling and one of Konig’s beers. I walked back and placed them both next to him. Like instinct, he took each one and hooked their lid onto the edge of the table, then smacked the side of his hand down on the tops, sending the lid clattering to the ground. He opened my beer and handed it to me, then repeated the process with his, before reaching down and collecting the lids. He added them to the pile, totaling six beer lids so far.

If someone had shown me this image a year ago – Konig and I, sitting up late into the night, chatting like we’d known each other for decades… not to mention the fact that I was so unusually open with him… I would have been insulted. I would have laughed. No one would have been able to convince me that I would become so attached to anyone else after what had happened with the 141. Yet, all of this felt so natural. It was beyond how I felt that Konig and I were kindred spirits… it really did feel like I’d known him before. Maybe, he reminded me of a part of myself that I tried to bury away.

Or, maybe, I was just submitting to loneliness and trying to justify how quickly I clung to the first available soul. That was also an embarrassing possibility, one that I would rather not admit to.

“I have a question for you.” Konig’s voice and the clink of his beer bottle on the table brought me back to reality.

“I might have an answer.” I replied.

He looked off to the side, perhaps wondering whether or not he really wanted to ask the question. “Who did you kill? And why?”

Just like that, I felt the walls being built right back to where I had them. Bonding time’s over. Back to square one.

His inquiry caught me off guard. I froze, my bottle hovering in the air before I could take a sip, my eyes glued to the table. Just the mention of the incident brought the painful memories up to the surface, like claws scraping at the dirt, digging up the deepest roots.

“Lots of people.” I said, deflecting. I took a swig of my beer.

“You know what I mean.” He scoffed. “Why did you end up in military prison?” He leaned over the table – clearly not planning on letting the topic go.

I sucked my teeth, staring at him defiantly – moments ago, it was pleasant talking to him. Now, I was fighting back the urge to leave him at the table and go to my dorm. I felt ambushed at how he had changed the subject so abruptly. Like he had been waiting for me to carelessly stumble into the trap, and now he was watching me snarl from within it.

He leaned back with a sigh. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. I just thought we were getting somewhere here.”

“Oh?” I said dryly, cocking an eyebrow. “’Getting somewhere?’ What’s that sup-“

“Hey, it’s ok.” He raised his hands defensively. “I get it. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.” His words were forgiving, but his eyes said something else – I knew what he was thinking.

Weak.

I gave him a hateful stare. Fucker know how to play his cards.

“I killed a sergeant.” I admitted. “My lieutenant’s right-hand man.”

That got Konig’s attention. He leaned forward again, putting his bottle off to the side. “Why?” he asked again.

I inhaled deeply, then exhaled, as I leaned back in my chair. My eyes fell to the floor as I forced myself to recall the memories. “In Egypt, a while back. Don’t ask when because I won’t tell you.” I warned Konig, and he huffed – but obliged.

I continued. “We were going in to retrieve a hostile target. Everyone was jumpy – me included. It was dark, and we didn’t know what to expect. After the hostiles started to engage, we were scattered. I got stuck in one tower, so I went upstairs to try and make a foxhole.”

I paused. It was now my own hands, covered in dirt, clawing at the roots of the memory. Each word I said was painful, yet somehow felt overshared. Like I was trying to get Konig to pity me. Except I wasn’t – I just wanted him to listen.

And that’s exactly what he did. No comforting shoulder pat, no soothing words… he just listened. He knew that if he stepped on the wrong spot, it would break my openness, like a branch breaking under his foot would disturb the silence of the woods.

“The sergeant – ‘Flare’ – he was up there, too. I thought we’d had the same idea, but… holy fuck…” I ran a hand down my face, feeling my heartbeat grow faster. “At first, I didn’t know what he was doing, I just heard him making those sounds and I thought he’d been hit, but… he was taking advantage of this – this woman – and with her kids right fucking there… she was probably just trying to hide, to hide them, she had to be so fucking scared… he didn’t even stop when I found him, I don’t know if he even heard me screaming at him.”

I paused, almost waiting for Konig to say or do something, but he remained silent. Despite my eyes never leaving the floor, I could see his blue ones watching me carefully. Concerned, patient, and calm.

“I didn’t know what else to do.” I said, my voice faltering the slightest bit. “So I shot him. In the head.” I unintentionally shivered. “Probably traumatized that poor woman and her kids, but… quick decisions aren’t the best ones.”

I ended my rant with a heavy sip of my beer. Konig continued watching me with wary eyes, which I ignored. I didn’t need consolation, or sympathy, or whatever he might try to offer. Somehow, he seemed to understand that.

“I would have done the same thing.” He commented.

Would you?

After a moment, he exhaled. “I don’t understand… I’d say you were in the right. Why did they put you in prison for that?”

I chewed my lip. “There was… some speculation, that I was jealous of his position. We’d been close throughout my time with the team, and when he got the promotion to second-in-command, I was a bit envious at first. People thought I was taking my anger out on him in what seemed like the perfect opportunity to lie.” I took another sip. “But I was happy for him. He worked hard, and he deserved it. But then the pressure got to him – Lieutenant was always depending on him for too much, and Flare couldn’t handle the responsibility. If he slipped up, it was a lot worse than if one of the rest of us did. I guess… the pressure is what got him in the end. Made him crazy in the end. He didn’t have any morals anymore.”

More silence. It felt uncomfortably loud – Konig’s stare seemed to make my head ring, making me fidget and bounce my knee. I wanted to snap at him. What are you looking at? Why are you asking so many fucking questions? But I was able to keep my anger at bay, justifying the situation by assuming his questions were fueled by nothing more than curiosity.

I figured I had said enough for the night, and finished off the rest of my beer. I slapped my leg, the telltale sign that I was getting ready to turn in.

Konig ignored it, or seemed to not notice. “Why did you kill him?” he asked.

I narrowed my eyes in confusion. “Why did I? What do you mean?”

“Why kill him? Why not just… disable him for the moment, and let your commander deal with him later?”

I opened my mouth to speak, but my voice was a second too late. “Again… in the heat of the moment, you don’t make distinctions like that. You think: ‘shoot,’ or ‘don’t shoot.’ And shooting him was the choice I made.”

Konig’s gaze became scrutinous. He knew I was lying about something… he was hellbent on figuring out what.

He’s going to have to wait a long damn time.

“Goodnight, Konig.” I said flatly. I collected my bottles, getting up from the table. With a clang, I tossed them into the bin by the exit, walking down the hall and leaving Konig sitting alone in the mess hall. I feel tears stinging my eyes, but that’s all they did. It’s all just water under the bridge, y/n. Get it together. You’re alright.

-----

Taglist: @igotmajordaddyissues @princekonig @vixionix

[astropookie]

juno signs and their specific love language🦋🪷 pt2

Lovely Complex

juno shows us what’s the style that functions better with you -relationships, meaningful committed partnership-, the characteristics of our ideal partner and more.

birth chart + tropical + whole sign system

Taurus

FIRST OF ALL, you don’t play around-yes you do but-, you want someone loyal to their values, someone that will listen to your stubbornness -stubborn thoughts/mind-. you want a GENTLEMAN on whoever you like -ik gentleman is originally referred to men but my intention it’s there-, you want someone that’s drooling for you and shows how attentive they’re without shame. HEAR ME OUT, someone with MONEY or in other words, that can prioritize you economically and takes their time on giving you gifts -flowers, makeup, chocolates, cheesy stuff-. someone that has the ability of transmitting peace in all your bullshit. someone who seems, at first sight, like a junkie? who appears intimidating but then you get to talk to them a few times and realize they’re genuinely a sweetheart. taurus juno will spend like nothing money on you, specially on food, they’ll share it 😭 -idk if it’s just my experience-. this is not beating the taurus allegations. most of the time individuals with juno in taurus have this calm and too much energy that needs to be recharged with their special one.

Libra

they have to be esthetically appealing or have this venusian sense of things, fashion, hygiene, even k how to choose the right t-shirt for an outfit -jk-. they need someone who brings them balance, the balance they seek in all the aspects of their life, including their ideal partner. they LOVE seeing their partner walking and say “hi” to everyone and being reciprocated: social butterfly. practically, being conscious of how to treat people, emotionally intelligent that’ll benefit them in the social aspect. They seek someone who has charisma, who has a sense of justice and consideration, like how almost every prince of disney is presented: the idealized version. idk why I imagine ryan evans from high school musical smirking when libra juno it’s mentioned 😭. you need someone who helps you to feel part of something, not to feel excluded, you want to be in peace. YOU FUCKING LOVE CLICHE STUFF, even if you won’t admit it. someone who let you be a drama queen and will keep it cool with it. your specific love language is to help them in their outfits, in their hygiene, even haircut. idk there’s something so idealized in how libra juno loves, they admire their partner so much.

Leo

personally, sometimes I get pretty confused when they describe what a libra wants and what a leo wants in their ideal partner, the thing here is that leo needs someone who would see them as who they’re; on the other hand, libra is not needy of that treatment, they want someone who would fit perfectly on that space they need to balance their life. leo juno needs and they’re attracted to someone who’s the center of attention without even trying, talented asf, someone who will treat you like you’re their world, who will value and recognize the things you do for others and how you care about people, who would do the same for you. they’ll make you feel as special as you fcking are. leo juno needs expression, affirmation to feel in harmony. THE ATTENTION their ideal partner will give is crucial. they don’t want someone that’s comfortable to be around, they want someone who could practically be their enemy, who match their energy, who’s as competitive and as talented as them. leo juno specific love language is showing you towards others as your partner/special person. this Juno knows their value.

♡ Based on personal experience and I’ve analyzed in my surroundings

♡ English is not my first language

♡ I’m not a profesional astrologer

Thank youu. baibaii🫣🫶🏼💋

Do not copy. Please give me credits.

[a-linearis]

OH MY GOD

THE

OH MY GOD

I JUST LISTENED TO JUNO STEEL AND THE THIEF'S HONOUR (BOTH PARTS BACK TO BACK)

oh my GOD JUNO HE'S GROWN SO MUCH HE'S

It's so BEAUTIFUL I KEEP ON GASPING IM GASPING I KEEP ON GASPING AND PETER AND JUNO AND PETER AND JUNO AND IF THEY DIE IM GOING TO CRY

OH MY GOD THE RUBY SEVEN THE MUSIC AND THE DIALOGUE AND THE SPEECHES AND LOVE AND FAMILY AND TRUSTING AND LIVING AND IM NEVER GOING TO RECOVER

I need a moment-

Oh my god I didn't I couldn't I didn't I couldn't expect it and

[escapingarchives]

Consider:

Nureyev’s going undercover as a hypnotist for a show at a grand party of the wealthy (somewhere in the estate is a safe with some very important schematics he'd like to get his hands on).

He researches extensively, first pouring over books and then spending hours choosing outfits, rehearsing flourishes and precise movements. He’s also researching the heist itself, of course. But this time, Juno seems more annoyed with all the time he spends on his research. Juno lounges on the bed watching his boyfriend practicing his entrance over and over, only interrupted by occasional dives to double check his books.

Juno huffs and breaks the silence.

“What a bunch of bullshit, can you believe people actually think this hypnosis shit works? Controlling other people with your voice, my ass.” He rolls his shoulders, they've been tense for days, and the pain is worsening his mood.

“Oh now, it’s a performance like any other,” Nureyev replies, “but my research shows people can be put in a trance, can be hypnotized, provided they want it themselves. One cannot make someone do something against their will. They must want to be hypnotized, to let go and be open and obedient. It's quite interesting."

“Can’t see why anyone would want that at all.” Juno says in a snappy retort, but he considers it in his head. Being in a trance, mind blank, just floating and being open to... whoever’s in control. He’d hate it, of course, he’d feel way too vulnerable. Even more so in front of a crowd, at a show of all things. He needs to always be alert.

But…

Sometimes he just wants a break from it all, even his own head. Especially his own head. To relax and leave himself in the hands of... well. Maybe he can see the appeal, just a little.

He doesn’t say any of this out loud, of course. Nureyev just hums, practising how he'll pick his pendant out of his front pocket.

“Juno,” he says after a while, “since you’re not receptive to actually being hypnotized, can I test the act on you? Then you can tell me how it looks, without being distracted.” He smiles, one of his canines peeking out.

“Yeah, alright,” Juno replies, trying to sound nonchalant. He sits up at the edge of the bed, stretching a little, ignoring the little jump of excitement he feels for a brief moment. “But I’m still gonna tell you whenever you sound way too ridiculous.”

Nureyev's smile widens, and Juno's eye focus on his sharp teeth. “Wonderful, Juno.”

Nureyev starts with his grand entrance, speaking to the imaginary audience. Juno’s both in awe at his confidence and ability to glide seamlessly into the role, through the sheer ridiculousness of it all.

He resists the temptation to make a snide remark when Nureyev adresses an invisible audience member with the tales of his past deeds.

“… and I shall do it all, with this!” Nureyev reveals the crystal pendant he’s fastened to a chain in a dramatic flourish. “Now, esteemed audience, please quiet down so I can demonstrate my abilities on this lovely lady.”

He sits on a chair in front of Juno. “Now please Juno, focus on the crystal. Let your thoughts clear. All that matters is to keep your eye on the crystal, and listen to my voice…”

Juno rolls his eye, but still leans forward. Nureyev holds the crystal up by the chain so it catches the light, and starts swinging it slowly back and forth.

"That looks really stupid," Juno remarks.

Nureyev shushes him.

It’s a pretty jewel, probably worth quite a lot. Juno wonders where Nureyev stole it. It’s a deep violet that shifts from a sparkling, deep blue, into a gold-speckled pink. It naturally grabs his attention, swinging back and forth. The swinging part still looks stupid. But maybe it would be nice to...

The pendant swings, and Nureyev keeps talking in his smooth voice. This might not be so bad, after all. Juno doesn’t feel vulnerable, there’s nothing to be worried about, he knows he’s safe with Nureyev. Who’s currently speaking, but Juno can’t recall what he’s been saying. He focuses on Nureyev’s steady voice again; he loves listening to that melodic voice.

“You feel the tension leave your jaw, your neck, your chest, arms, that’s it, relax…”

It’s surprisingly easy, Juno thinks, to relax. Usually it’s hard to let go of all the tension that sits in his body. It's such a constant part of him that it almost feels strange how easy it melts from his limbs.

“… your stomach, your legs..."

He's breathing more deeply now, he notices. It's comfortable where he sits on the bed, letting his eye follow the pretty pendant that catches the light. He's safe here.

"...very good, relax for me, you're doing so well."

Juno feels warm at that. He's glad he's doing well. Nureyev's voice really suits this kind of thing, he thinks. Smooth and low and inviting. Juno wants to tell him he sounds nice, but he's so relaxed. It can wait. He struggles to keep his eye open.

"... even more relaxed and sleepy, and you'll only let go on my count - wait, Juno?"

The pendant stops for a moment. Juno lets out a low, protesting sound. It's very hard, but Juno lifts his heavy eye to Nureyev's face. He was doing well, wasn't he?

"Are you really -?" Nureyev says softly.

Juno's so relaxed and comfortable, he felt so close to letting go and now he's confused about what Nureyev's even talking about. He manages a questioning "hmm?"

Nureyev stares at him for a long moment, considering, and then he smiles again, showing his sharp teeth. He cups Juno's face, and it feels nice, so Juno leans into it.

"Oh Juno, you are too lovely, " Nureyev says and holds up the pendant again, swinging the beautiful crystal. "Look back at the crystal and keep listening. That's it, well done, and you feel yourself gliding back into the comfortable feeling. Just focus on my voice and how good it feels."

Juno's eye is following the jewel again, how it catches the light, his breathing evening out. He feels like he's enveloped in a soft blanket.

"When I count down, you will feel even more relaxed at every step. When I reach zero, you will sleep for me. You'll be fully under, open, and relaxed. No need to be distracted, just be in the moment, no need to think of anything else..."

Distantly, Juno hears Nureyev speak for another minute, then he starts to count down from ten. For every number, he feels heavier, and more and more comfortable. It's so easy to let go. He wants to let go, to let Nureyev take care of him. Vaguely, he realizes he's wanted it ever since Nureyev introduced him to his newest con. Blank, soft, mindless. Quiet. Juno wants that, and he trusts Nureyev. Of course he does.

"Zero. Sleep for me, Juno."

Juno does.

[bjfinn]

PETEY

(from an idea by @crawlingcoffin)

"Beej, what are you doing?"

Beej whirled around, his hair flashing a mixture of magenta and white that Lydia had never seen before. "Who, me? I ... I-I'm not doing anything! Nope, not little old me! What makes you think I'm doing something?"

"You're hiding something behind your back," Lydia pointed out.

"What? No, I'm not -- see?" And he brought both of his hands forward to show her, turning them over and over. "See?" he said again. "Nothing!"

Lydia scoffed. "You can grow extra arms whenever you want to."

The demon frowned, annoyed that she remembered that.

"Now let's see it."

"No."

That took Lydia by surprise. "What? Why not?"

Beej swallowed nervously. "If I show you, you'll tell everybody," he said. "And they won't let me keep him."

"Beej," Lydia said gently, putting her hands on his shoulders. "You're my best friend. Even when we betrayed you ... even when I killed you, you still wanted to be friends. I promise I won't tell anyone -- it'll be our little secret. But," she added, "only if you show me."

He sighed and nodded, and held out the shoebox. "Be careful," he said. "I think he's hurt."

Lydia lifted the lid and looked inside. There, curled up on an old dishtowel, lay a small animal with coarse grey fur, a white face, and a long snout and tail. It looked dead.

"An opossum!" Lydia gasped.

"I found him by the side of the road," the demon told her. "He was all alone, and I thought maybe he was hurt. Is he hurt?"

"I ... I can't see any injuries," Lydia replied. "But we should take him to the vet, just in case."

"No!" Beej cried. "I found him, I'm gonna take care of him!"

"Beej, listen -- if he's hurt, a vet will be able to fix him better than either of us could. You want him to get better, don't you?"

"But he's my friend! " Beej sobbed. "He needs me! I ... I need him! "

"What are you talking about?"

"I hafta prove that I can take care of him," the demon told her. "That I'm better than ... than ..."

"Than Juno?"

He nodded.

"Okay," she said. "I get it. But a vet can tell us how to take care of him."

Beej's face was a study in warring emotions as he considered this, his hair now a mix of magenta and purple. Finally he relented. "Okay," he said morosely.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," he nodded. "But he's coming home with me afterwards."

*****

"He's about five months old, and his leg is broken," Dr Harris told them after examining the opossum. "But otherwise, he's in good condition. We'll keep him here until he --"

"No! " Beej exclaimed.

"What my ... brother means is we were hoping we could look after him," Lydia explained quickly. "Just until he's better. Beej is really worried about him." She took the vet aside. "BJ's, uh ... autistic," she told him. "And he's bonded with the little guy -- is there any way you could let us take him home with us?"

"Well," Dr Harris said, "it's not like owning a dog or a cat -- he's still a wild animal. If this was last year, I'd have to report it to Fish & Wildlife. But Connecticut recently changed the law, and it is actually legal to own an oppossum in the state now." He smiled gently. "I'll get you some literature ..."

*****

Once they were outside, Beej hugged her tightly. "You're the best!" he laughed, spinning Lydia around in circles. He set her down, and she reeled slightly. "Let's get Petey home!"

"Petey?"

"That's what I'm gonna call him."

"Why 'Petey'?"

" 'Cause he looks like a Petey," he said matter-of-factly. He lifted the lid of the shoebox and peeked inside -- the juvenile opossum, his rear left leg encased in a tiny splint, looked up at the demon and hissed.

Beej grinned. "I think he likes me."

Lydia smirked.

*****

"An opossum? " Charles exclaimed. "No," he said, shaking his head. "We can't keep an opossum in the house -- it's a wild animal."

"Please, Daddy? He's injured," Lydia told him.

"I'm sorry, Pumpkin, but --"

"I've been reading up," she persisted. "They don't usually bite, they don't carry diseases -- and they eat bugs, mice, snakes ... all kinds of pests."

"Just like me," Beej said.

"Well, the eating pests part, at least," Lydia quipped. "And it's just until he's better," she added. "Please, Daddy -- it would mean a lot to me. And Beej."

Charles looked over at the demon, who gave him his best sad-puppy look. He exchanged glances with Delia.

"What do you think?" he asked.

"Well," she said, "we let BJ live here -- and he's a demon." She looked at her adopted son. "And it might be good for him to be responsible for its care and feeding."

Beej nodded encouragingly. "It would be good for me."

"Is it even legal to keep an opossum in Connecticut?"

Lydia nodded. "Dr Harris said it is -- we don't even need a permit."

Charles sighed. "It seems I'm outvoted. All right, he can stay -- but just until he can fend for himself."

"Thanks, Daddy!" Lydia said, throwing her arms around his waist. Suddenly she stepped back and frowned. "Wait -- are you talking about Petey? Or Beej?"

"Har-dee-har-har!" Beej retorted, scowling comically. "Very funny! Laugh it up, scarecrow!"

*****

Late that night, the entire household was jolted awake by a bloodcurdling scream.

Everyone rushed in to the master bedroom to find Charles and Delia sitting bolt upright in the bed, holding each other tightly. Petey was lying in the corner.

Beej went over to the opossum and picked him up gently, fearing the worst, but Petey stirred at his touch and began licking the demon's hand.

"What the hell happened?" Barbara asked.

"I-I'm sorry," Charles said. "I ... he startled me. I didn't mean to ..."

"What happened?" Barbara asked again.

"I was asleep ... he was licking my face ... I didn't hurt him -- I swear to you, BJ! I ... I guess I frightened him when I yelled. I'm so sorry ..."

"It's okay," Delia said. "Petey's okay -- right, BJ?"

The demon nodded, but there were tears in his eyes. "He was just tryna say thank you for letting him stay, weren't you, buddy?"

Charles nodded, his face a mask of anguish. "I know -- it's just ... I was asleep. I'd never do anything to hurt him, BJ -- you must believe me!"

Beej nodded. "I know," he replied. "I know you wouldn't hurt him. I-I'm sorry he scared you -- I'll make sure he stays with me from now on." He lifted the opossum up so that they were face to face. "You gotta stay with me, Petey," he told him. "You can't go wandering around scaring people like that, okay? That's my job."

In reply, the opossum chittered and licked the demon's nose.

"Petey promises not to do that again," Beej said.

"Okay!" Delia said brightly. "Well, now that that's settled, who's in the mood for some tea?"

*****

Within a couple of days, Petey was responding to his name, and would follow Beej around like a puppy -- sometimes the opossum would even ride around on his shoulder, his prehensile tail curled around Beej's arm, snuffling the demon's ear and making him laugh.

He quickly ingratiated himself to the Deetzes and the Maitlands as well, grinning toothily whenever they approached, but Beej was clearly his favourite.

Adam built a little home for him in Beej's room, Lydia bought a case of canned cat food, a bag of kibble and a litter box (which he learned to use within a day), and Barbara began setting aside a portion of cut-up fruit and vegetables -- and sometimes chicken -- for Petey every evening when she was cooking. And true to his word, the opossum no longer wandered into other people's bedrooms at night.

Even Charles warmed up to the animal. "He's ... not so bad," he admitted to Delia one evening. "It seems you were right -- Petey has been good for BJ. And he's not as much trouble as I thought he'd be."

"See?" she replied. "I told you! And really -- who could resist that face? Those crossed eyes, the little pink nose, the whiskers ... he's just so cute!"

"Are we talking about Petey or BJ?" Charles chuckled.

She rested her head on his shoulder and sighed happily. "Our little family just keeps getting bigger and bigger."

"I just hope it doesn't get too big," Charles said. "We'll have to get a bigger house."

*****

"Honestly, I'm really surprised," Lydia said at dinner. "Beej is a pretty good dad -- I didn't think he had it in him. Who knew he could be so patient?"

"Thanks," Beej said.

"Petey brings out the best in him," Delia agreed.

"I think it's because they've got a lot in common," Adam said. "I mean, opossums don't get a lot of love, right? They're kinda scary looking, and they don't smell great, and they eat garbage and bugs ..."

"Just like Beej," Lydia grinned.

"Exactly," Delia nodded. "They're both misunderstood."

"Beej is pretty good with Lily, too," Barbara pointed out. "He's been a big help with her."

"I try," the demon said modestly.

"You certainly do," Delia agreed, patting his hand. "And we're all very proud of you."

Beej's hair blushed pink.

"He and Lily have a lot in common, too," Lydia replied, smirking. "The whining, the crying, the need for constant attention --"

"Hey! " Beej exclaimed indignantly. "I'm sitting right here!"

"-- but we love you anyway," Lydia said, putting her arms around him and giving him an affectionate hug.

*****

"What do you think?" Barbara asked, holding up her latest piece of knitting -- a small black-and-white-striped sweater vest with green trim on the collar, armholes and bottom.

Adam smiled. "It's adorable -- but, uh ... I don't think it'll fit me."

"It's not for you, silly!" she laughed. "It's for Petey."

"You made a sweater for an opossum?" Adam grinned.

"Well, their body temperature is lower than other mammals," she said. "And they don't hibernate -- he'll need something to keep him warm in the winter. And I made it so that I can let it out as he gets bigger."

Adam chuckled and kissed the tip of her nose. "I'm sure he'll love it." Then he had a thought. "Beej might get jealous, though," he smirked.

"I thought of that," she replied. "That's why I'm making a matching sweater vest for him."

"If they're both wearing matching sweaters, how will we tell them apart?"

"I'm putting their names on them -- see?" Barbara said with a grin, turning the sweater to show the name PETEY in red on the back.

Adam chuckled again. "Seems you've thought of everything."

"It's almost time for Lily's feeding," Barbara said, putting the sweater away. "Could you get her?"

"Of course," Adam said, and went over to the crib where their ghost-baby daughter was just waking up from her nap. Barbara settled herself in the rocking chair, and Adam placed the infant in his wife's arms.

"I still have a hard time believing that ghosts can breastfeed," he said.

"I still have a hard time believing that ghosts can give birth," Barbara replied. She eased her left breast free of her blouse and shifted her position slightly so that Lily could suckle.

"Hey, guys!" Beej said, appearing suddenly.

"Right on cue," Adam sighed. "You know, you don't have to watch every time."

"I just wanna make sure Babs is doing it right," the demon quipped.

"Where's Petey?" Barbara asked.

"He's takin' a nap," Beej told her. "So I thought I'd come and see if you need any help with ... anything." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"Thanks," Barbara chuckled. "But I think I've got this."

"Okay, well ... I'll just stick around. You know, just in case."

"Uh-huh," Adam replied. " 'Just in case'. Right. Well, maybe this time you could try not to drool."

*****

"Petey's important to you, isn't he?" Delia asked. She and Beej were in her studio for the day's session, and the opossum was perched, as usual, on the demon's shoulder.

Beej nodded. "He's just like me," he said. "Misunderstood, like you said."

"Is that why you wanted to take care of him? Because he reminds you of yourself? Or is there another reason?" When the demon didn't answer, she said, "According to Lydia, this is about Juno."

"I'm better than she was," he told her.

"Oh, honey -- of course you are!" Delia exclaimed, hugging him. "You're nothing like her! She was a bitter old woman who didn't know a good thing when she had it. You don't need to prove that you're better than her."

"Yes, I do. I hafta prove it to myself. Besides, everybody else has somebody to take care of. Babs and Sex-- uh, Adam -- have Lily, you and Chuck have Lydia ... I wanna prove that I can take care of somebody, too."

"And you're doing a wonderful job," she smiled. "Petey's growing so fast! And he clearly loves you. You should be very proud of yourself, BJ."

Beej bit his lip, his hair turning pink.

"Now," Delia said. "Time for some yoga."

*****

Petey was lying on the floor, his fur streaked with red.

A few days later, Lydia was awakened before dawn by a thunk. She lay in bed for awhile, waiting to see if the noise would be repeated, and finally she got up and went to the kitchen to investigate. When she got there she froze in shock.

"Oh, God," she gasped, and ran to get everyone.

Beej's hair turned purple when he saw, and he let out a wail and rushed over to the opossum as the others gathered around, holding one another in sorrow.

The demon gently lifted the animal, cradling him in his arms. "No! " he whimpered. "Please, don't be ... don't be dead!"

"BJ," Charles said, "I'm so sorry --"

Beej stroked the coarse fur, and suddenly he got a confused look on his face. "What the fuck? This ... this isn't blood," he said. He brought his fingers to his nose, and then he gave them a tentative taste. "It's ... strawberry jam??? "

"Oh, God!" Lydia exclaimed. "I got hungry last night and I made myself a PB&J -- I must've forgotten to put the jam away!"

"So he's not dead?" Adam asked.

"He's just overdosed on sugar!" Barbara giggled in relief.

Sure enough, Petey woke up and looked at Beej, his crossed eyes trying to focus, and he began slobbering and rubbing his face against the demon's hand.

"He's okay! " Beej sobbed happily. "You're okay!" He hugged the opossum happily, his hair bright green. "You can't scare me like that, Petey -- I'm the demon, not you! "

Petey chittered in reply.

"I don't care," the demon chided him. "You're not supposed to eat an entire jar of jam! Yeah, I know it's good, but that's too much -- you coulda made yourself really sick. Now, let's get you cleaned up, okay? And promise me that you won't do anything like that again."

The opossum chittered again.

"Okay," Beej replied. "He's learned his lesson."

"So have I," Lydia said. "No more midnight snacks. Sorry, Beej."

*****

"He's progressing very nicely," Dr Harris said when they brought Petey in to get the cast removed. "The two of you have done a fine job looking after him -- he's already reached full size."

"Thanks," Beej said, smiling. He reached out his hand and Petey quickly climbed up Beej's arm to sit on the demon's shoulder, where he began chittering and licking Beej's ear, his long tail curled around Beej's bicep. "Hey!" Beej giggled. "That tickles!"

Dr Harris shook his head. "That's amazing," he said. "Opossums aren't normally so affectionate."

"They ... have a lot in common," Lydia told him with a wry grin. "Is that why he's so much ... fluffier now? Because we've been taking care of him?"

The vet nodded. "It's something that seems to happen with opossums -- once they're domesticated, they get fluffier and more appealing. And smarter, too. It's as if domestication allows them to reach their full potential."

"Petey's got a lot of potential," Beej said. He looked down at his feet. "I love him so much. And ... and he loves me." He brushed away the tears that suddenly filled his eyes.

Lydia put a hand on his other shoulder and smiled warmly. Then she turned to the vet, a look of concern in her eyes. "I read that opossums only live, like, about one or two years," she said.

Dr Harris nodded. "In the wild, yes -- unfortunately, they don't really have any defenses against predators, except for the whole playing dead thing ... and, of course, none at all against becoming road kill. But in captivity, with proper care, they can sometimes live a good four to seven years or more." He smiled. "I think Petey will have a long and happy life with you and your brother."

[thiswasinevitableid]

Golden (OT4)

The winner of one yeehawgust poll was: Fools Gold

The entrance to the trail is innocuous. The normal sign posts, the wooden information board with faded tips for identifying rattlesnakes and avoiding heat stroke that half the hikers never even read. 

“Ready?” Duck pulls his hat lower over his eyes against the evening sun. 

“Indeed.” Indrid adjusts his red sunglasses; they’re the same ones he wore when Duck first found him in the mountains, the only part of his wardrobe he hasn’t updated to match this century. 

As they cross from the parking lot onto the trail proper, a massive, shaggy-furred dog lopes toward them, boofing happily.

“Hey Sass” Duck kneels, “don’t suppose the big fella is right behind you?”

The dog wanders over to the nearest shade structure, sniffing around the water fountain. If Barclay were coming down that trail, Sass would be doing what he always does; running back and forth between his owner and the people he’s excited to see. 

“I’ll radio Juno and ask her to come get him.” He pulls out his walkie talkie as Indrid pours some water into Sass’s waiting mouth, “then we better get goin’. We’re burnin’ daylight.”

—---------------------------------------------------------

If Sass weren’t so fucking cute, Barclay would be really, really pissed at him for running off and leaving him behind. But he knows the big pile of fluff didn’t mean to; dogs never seem to get as discombobulated by this place as humans. He thought Barclay would keep up like he always did. 

The sun peeks around the pile of rocks he’s using for shade and he scoots across the sandy dirt until he’s behind another boulder. He knows his friends will find him. They always find each other. He just wishes he knew where he was. 

Or when he was. 

He has no one to blame but himself; they know that whatever weirdness surrounds this portion of the Superstition Mountains, it has the potential to grow and shrink without warning. That’s why Duck insists they all carry survival backpacks with them if they’re within a mile of the last known boundary.  Barclay came out looking for Pine Nuts–he loves making brittle with them to give as presents. He went to his usual gathering area, Sass trotting along with him and snuffling the brush. 

Then he turned and realized the way back wasn’t how it was supposed to be. The fucking mountains had swallowed him up. 

He sips some water and waits, listening for familiar bootfalls. Aubrey’s in Phoenix performing, and Dani is with her, which means Indrid and Duck are probably the ones who’ll find him. 

Feet shuffle in the dry earth and he stands, intending to wave down whoever it is in hopes they aren’t lost or, better yet, are looking for him. 

The man who’s just rounded the corner is dust-covered and sunburnt, and Barclay’s heart sinks a little. 

“You okay?” He steps forward as nonthreateningly as he can; he’s a big guy with, “the air of a mountain man” to him, according to Indrid, and that can freak people out if they’re surprised by him. 

The man doesn’t seem to see him, keeps walking past, close enough that Barclay can see he’s in the remnants of a suit.

(Who the fuck wears a suit out here?)

“Hey man, do you need water? I’ve got plenty.” He touches the stranger’s shoulder. 

“Shit!” The man backs away in a hurry, not seeing the rock behind him until he trips over it and falls to the ground. 

“Hey, hey it’s okay.” Barclay holds his hands up, “I’m not gonna hurt you. I didn’t mean to freak you out you just…you weren’t responding.”

“I didn’t think you were real. I’ve seen so many mirages lately I just gave up believing anything promising was really there.”

“Pretty sure mirages can’t talk. Or carry granola bars.” He holds one out, “I’m Barclay.”

The shiny green package is cautiously taken from his hand, “I’m Special Agent Joseph Stern.”

“That explains the suit.”

A bitter, cracked laugh, “I was supposed to be out here an hour looking over a site. Not a fucking month.” He slumps down in the shade with the offered water bottle. Looks at Barclay’s boots, then slowly up the rest of him. Were a hot guy giving him a once over in any other context, Barclay would be into it, but this one seems to only be adding to the panic in those blue eyes. 

“It has been just a month, right?”

“Since?”

“Barclay? That you buddy?” 

“It’s me, Duck! I’m by the boulder that kinda looks like a bear eating a cactus.”

“The what now?”

“This one, my sweet.” Indrid, in denim shorts and a white tank top, rounds the rocks first, “it really does look like that.”

“If you say so.” Duck follows behind his boyfriend. He’s still in his park ranger uniform, and breaks into a smile when he sees Barclay. 

“I so fucking glad to see you guys.” Barclay lets Indrid wrap him in a hug, laughing when he kisses him, “can’t believe Duck let you come out with so little sun proofing. 

“I consider my outfit an indication of my faith that we would locate you quickly and that Duck will guide us home safely. Also, I am wearing an entire bottle of sunscreen.” He notices Joseph, “my apologies, I did not realize you had found someone else.”

“I…I’m Special Agent Joseph Stern. FBI.” He sounds almost distracted, eyes flicking between Indrid’s legs and Barclay’s face. 

“You sure about that? You look pretty rough, sun can really do a number on you” Duck taps his temple.

“Yes I’m sure! I’m lost, not insane. Look, here, I’ll prove it.” He hands Duck a battered ID badge. 

Duck whistles, “That’s the real deal, sorry for…not…aw fuck.” He turns the ID so Indrid and Barclay can see it as he says, “I hate to ask this, agent Stern but, uh, how long after gettin’ that did you come out here.”

“Three years.” Joseph’s face is hanging onto calm by a thread. 

“Hoo-kay.” Duck scratches the back of his neck, “so, uh, here’s the good news: you ain’t gonna be stuck out here any more. Bad news is you’re a long, long fuckin ways from 1972.”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Given what must be going on in his brain right now, Joseph is holding it together pretty well. 

He’s also holding Barclay’s arm hard enough it’s starting to bruise. 

Duck can’t blame him; people go to pieces after being lost in the normal parts of this desert and without an existential crisis on top of that. 

Indrid and Barclay are doing their best to bring the agent up to date on the last fifty-odd years, ranging from the end of the Cold War (“oh, thank the lord”), to cell phones (“incredible”), to the fact the Cubs actually won the world series (this got a gasp of awe).

He’ll join in the conversation once they get to the parking lot. Right now, he has to focus. They’re on the Twin Canyons trail, the south end. He knows that route, knows what the path ahead of them should look like. The desert flickers a moment, the view now subtly different with no trail in sight. 

That ain’t it. I ain’t gonna even notice it. This is the south end of Twin Pines, nothin’ weird at all

The trail is back how it usually is. 

His friends have speculated on why the mountains have never been able to suck him in and turn him around; Aubrey thinks it might be magic, Ned worries it’s luck that’s bound to run out. Duck’s pretty sure he’s just too damn stubborn to let some weird-ass wormhole time and space bullshit tell him he’s not on the trail he thinks he is. 

All the same, when they step onto pavement, his shoulders relax a hair. 

“This is us.” He beeps the lock on the Jeep, Barclay taking shotgun (he gets motion sick) and Indrid climbing into the back with Joseph.

“Tell me, agent.” Indrid buckles in, “what led you into the mountains?”

“Assuming it’s not, like, classified. We’re trying to figure out if why you’re there makes a difference in getting lost in the anomaly.” Barclay adds.

“I was looking into missing person’s cases. There’d been three groups that had just disappeared, all in the span of a month, and that was on top of a history of disappearances in the area overall. Two of the three were looking for the Cold Treasure. Is that still a story around here?”

Indrid sighs, “Indeed. Now and then it fades from the greater public memory, only to be reignited by some television show or other. I was never even convinced there was something in those damned boxes. I think someone managed to trick us, but my father and brother were not sold on the idea. You likely heard Alistair Cold and his sons were never seen again, yes?”

“That’s how the story goes.”

Duck sees Indrid smile in the rearview mirror, “That is not entirely true. I am seen often, though I may not have been had a certain, intrepid civil servant not found me.”

“More like stepped on you, you were passed out on the red rock trail.”

“My point stands.” Indrid blows him a kiss. 

“You…you’re…” Joseph sounds like he’s about to have a revelation or a full-on breakdown.

“The outlaw Indrid Cold, in the flesh. I know, you are shocked by my youthful appearance.”

“You don’t look a day over a hundred.” There’s a weak laugh and Duck’s heart warms at corniness of the joke. 

Indrid had looked much closer to his grand total of 145 years of age when Duck found him, what with the being near death and all. He’d been in the desert, by his count, 50 days, having fled after his brother tried to murder him in his sleep to increase his cut of the loot. 

“All that is to say, Joseph, that should you want to talk with someone who has dealt with much the same leap forward as yourself, I am glad to.”

“Thank you.” There’s an audible gurgle from the backseat, “I, I hate to cause more trouble, but is there any chance we get something to eat?”

“Way ahead of you.” Duck pulls into the Burger King on the edge of town and waits patiently at the menu sign for Joseph to choose his first meal of the 21st century. 

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I can’t thank you enough.” Joseph finishes setting up the sofa-bed in Barclay’s small living room. 

“Seriously, Joseph, it’s not a big deal. I’d do the same for anyone we fished outta the anomaly.” 

Barclays face, that gorgeous, bearded face, parts in a smile that would make Joseph believe just about anything he said. Except, when they stopped at Amnesty Lodge, Barclay’s work and clearly the headquarters of the group of rescuers, the conversations he overheard suggested it wasn’t common for one of the members of the Pine Guard to offer their couch to a rescuee. 

Maybe Barclay thinks he’s special. Maybe he likes him. It feels like ages since anyone liked him for him, rather than what he could do. 

“Is Mr.Cold, um, I mean, is Indrid coming back tonight?” He has approximately six hundred questions he’d like to ask before he no longer has the chance to interview an time-traveling, 1880s outlaw. 

“Nah, he lives with Duck.”

“Oh.” He nods, smiles to show he’s hip, “free love?”

Barclay chokes on his tea, startling Sass from his dog bed, then quickly wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, “Sorry, sorry, uh, I mean kinda? We don’t really call it that anymore. But yeah, Indrid is both my and Duck’s boyfriend.”

“Boyfriend.” He repeats, sitting down on his temporary bed, “it’s…its funny. To hear another man say that word. Not bad!” he turns, hurriedly, “just…is it really allowed now?”

“Fuck of a lot more than it was when you got lost. There are still some really fucking bigoted people and places out there but, like, even in a small town like this, I can be out. Aubrey and Dani can be out as girlfriends. Stuff like that.”

Joseph closes his eyes and digs his nails into his palms, “I’m like that too.”

There’s no immediate reply, which terrifies him. Then a weight settles next to him on the bed and Barclay takes one of his hands.

“Kinda figured. From what your face did when you saw Indrid kiss me. And, like, that’s for sure gonna be different in 2024. But you don’t have to figure out everything in one night, or remake yourself in one. You’ve got time. You’ll be okay.”

Joseph looks down at their joined hands and believes, for the first time since he got lost, that things might just work out. 

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mercifully, libraries are more or less the same as he remembers them. No more card catalogs or microfiche (“unless you need to look at the newspaper records, in which case I’m happy to get them for you” offered the woman at the reference desk). But he can still find books on every subject he needs, and leaves with a canvas bag stuffed full of them.

When he gets back to Barclay’s place, after patting Sass on the head he sets the bag next to a smaller one of clothes from Goodwill. He bought several he’s excited about, but steps back into the summer heat in a borrowed t-shirt and gym shorts; he’s not putting anything on until it’s washed, and Barclay said he was taking his laundry to the mat tonight anyway. 

The state park is the main tourist draw, and a corner of town dedicated to faux-western theming has sprung up in response. Joseph wanders through it, no goal but to take in the sights. He knows that soon, the lack of direction will tie him in knots, but there’s no harm in a day or two to recover.

As he passes a shooting gallery in the arcade, there’s a flash of silver hair. Indrid is at the counter, knocking down targets as kids with sticky lollipops and precarious ice cream cones dart around between the games and their exhausted parents. 

Joseph positions himself by the soda fountain for a better view. Indrid doesn’t miss a target; yesterday, he seemed to always be moving, like a moth in the night air. Here, he’s calm and measured, hands steady and arms…

Christ the man has a lot of tattoos. Joseph wonders how much of his body they cover, and how it would feel to trace the shapes of them with his fingers. 

“Care to play a round?” Indrid lowers the fake rifle, shooting him a smile. 

“Sure.” He takes up a spot to Indrid’s left as the former outlaw hands the bored teenager behind the counter some bills. When the little mechanical targets of coyotes and jackrabbits begin moving, he lets his training take over. 

Indrid knocks down all but one. Joseph knocks down all them, 

“Well done, agent.” Indrid inclines his head towards the soda fountain, “allow me to buy you a victory phosphate?”

Joseph accepts, and follows Indrid into the air-conditioned, echoey building. His phosphate–soda water, syrup, and ice cream–is coffee flavored, while Indrid opts for strawberry. 

They sit at a table out on the wooden porch, watching the families pass by. 

“How are you doing so far?”

“Okay. It’s overwhelming. In a lot of ways. So many things are different. It’s exciting half the time and completely fucking terrifying the rest.”

Indrid laughs, “Yes, that sums it up well. I swung wildly between wanting to indulge in every luxury of modern life and needing to lie very still in the dark and quiet of Duck’s guest room.”

He smiles, sheepish, “I mean, compared to you, what I’m dealing with is child's play.”

“I suppose, but there’s no need to compare woes. We have both gone through a very drastic change thanks to the anomaly; that is enough.” He sips his drink, fidgets with the gold rock on his necklace. There’d been the same kind on the bracelet Barclay put on this morning. And a pin of one on Duck’s hat-band.

“That’s fools gold, right?” 

“Yes. Apparently when Duck found me, I babbled to him all the way to the car about how it ‘was all fools gold.’ He brought me this from a rock shop a few months later. It was the first gift he gave me, the first time he told me that some mundane element of daily life reminded him of me. I’ve worn it ever since.”

Joseph smiles but looks away; the happiness of the moment seems too intimate, like he’s intruding on it. 

Indrid’s hand settles on his forearm, “Shall we finish these while we stroll? There’s a reptile house that claims to have the worlds largest Gila Monster. Duck insists it’s a painted Chuckwalla, but regardless it is fascinating. 

“I’d love to.” He stands, following Indrid down the stairs and repeating the words, “this is not a date” in his mind until they lose all meaning. 

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Barclay hates being sick for a lot of reasons, but one is that it’s so fucking boring. He can’t do anything, and nothing on T.V is good enough, or trashy enough, to hold his attention. 

The front door opens and Joseph hurries, shopping bags in both hands and sweat dripping down his chest. The agent has discovered he likes V-necks and tank-tops in the summer. Barclay has discovered the sight of Joseph Stern in tight, white shirt and navy shorts is masturbation fodder for a week. 

“Okay, I got everything I could think of to help with a cold. What would you like? There’s soup, saltines, ginger ale, gatorade, and if you want something more substantial I can make kimchi fried rice. Did you know they have kimchi just in regular grocery stores now? Dad had to make ours”

Rustling bags from the kitchen, the flick of a receipt being tucked into a folder; Joseph insists on keeping track of how much he buys with Barclay’s card, telling him he’ll pay him back once he has his job and his status of being legally dead sorted out.

“Just gatorade for now, babe.”

“What was that?” Joseph’s head pokes around the fridge.

“Bud. Some gatorade, bud?” Jesus, Joseph has only been in the house three weeks and Barclay is already tongue-tied. 

Joseph brings a bottle for each of them, gets on his knees to study the shelf of DVDs when Barclay suggests he pick something.

“They…they made Lord of the Rings into a movie!”

There goes his boredom problem. 

“Three movies.”

Joseph holds the DVD to his chest, delighted. 

“Let me go change into something less sweaty.”

Barclay would let him crawl under his blanket soaking wet if he asked. All the same, he smiles when Joseph comes down in sleep shorts and his “Bigfoot is my boyfriend” shirt Duck bought him as a joke after he admitted his fixation with the monster. The agent sits next to him on the couch. By the second disk, his feet are in Barclay’s lap. And by the time he hops back onto the couch after putting in The Two Towers, Joseph doesn’t bother keeping any space between them at all. 

—-------------------------------------------------------------

“Not sure how I feel about the music I listened to in college being on the ‘classic’ station.” Joseph steps from the Jeep into the grim heat of the Phoenix parking lot, slipping on his sunglasses. 

“You think you feel weird, they’re doin’ the same stuff with my high school favorites, and I ain’t even got the excuse of jumpin forward in time. I’m just old.”

“You’re just experienced.” Joseph smirks. It’s the line Duck uses whenever Indrid jokes about his own age, and Duck likes hearing his tired joke on Joe’s tongue. 

“My conference is done at 6. You want me to come back for you then?” 

Joe shakes his head, “I have no idea how long this will take. Aubrey showed me how to use an Uber on my phone, I’ll get one and go to the hotel when I’m done.”

“Works for me. See you tonight, slick.” He winks as Joe shuts the door, enjoying the way he blushes in reply. 

Duck’s in Phoenix for a forestry conference, representing Lost Dutchman State Park, and as luck would have it, the week before Joe was finally able to get through to the right person at the FBI. Long story short, he agreed to a DNA and fingerprint test to confirm his identity. 

The conference goes well, and he kills an hour after shooting the shit with some folks he knew from his forestry program back in school. Gets to the Radisson, unwinds with some mindless HG-TV while he waits for Joe to text him. 

Joe doesn’t get to the room until 10, lays down on the opposite bed with muffled sounds of annoyance.  

“That don’t sound good.”

The agent turns his head, cheek to patterned comforter, “They believe me, but since I was legally dead my pension went to my parents, and they refuse to consider anything resembling back-pay. They’re willing to give me a lump sum of twenty grand and won’t lock me in an observation facility provided I agree to not go public with my experience.”

“You take ‘em up on it?”

“Didn’t feel like I had a choice. Besides, even if I can’t go public, I can still help the rest of you get people out. I can maybe even solve some missing person’s cases. Bring families closure, even. I just won’t be doing it as a federal agent.”

Duck watches him a moment, “somethin else happened.”

Joe rolls onto his back, staring at the stucco, “I found out how long they looked for me. I was their top agent. I was supposed to be invaluable, they always said that, always made that the reason I had to give up everything for my work. Two weeks. They gave up on me after two weeks. I know, I know that sounds like a lot but…I just thought I was worth more than that. You know?” 

Duck moves from one bed to the other, “Gonna be honest slick, if you went missing on my watch, I’d do anythin’ I could to get you back.”

“You do that anyway with the Pine Guard.”

“Suppose so. But, uh, let’s just say I’d put even more into it than I usually do. Wouldn’t be able to give up.”

Joe looks up at him, curious, “Why not?”

Duck leans down and kisses him. There’s mint on his tongue from the wintergreen lifesavers he’s always slipping into his mouth, and he makes a surprised noise that’s so charming Duck can’t help but kiss him just to hear it again. 

“Duck I, do you really-”

“Yeah, slick, I do. ‘Drid too, though I’m bettin you’re sharp enough to notice him eye-fuckin you every time you enter a room. And Barclay’s so goddamn into you he talks like you two been datin’ for four months instead of just livin together.”

“I guess we do act like a couple a lot of the time…”

“Point is, I’m part of a three man fan-club, and I don’t give a single flyin’ fuck what the FBI thinks your worth. Cause it’s more than gold to me.” He cups Joe’s cheek, “if you don’t feel the same, that’s fine by me. But it seemed to me now was a real good time to show you how fuckin glad I am that you found your way into my chunk of history.”

Joe’s eyes drag up his body, smile never dimming, “I think, Mr. Newton, the way I feel can be best expressed if you’d come all the way down here. Ideally with your shirt off.”

“Don’t gotta ask me twice. But, uh, gimme just a sec, gotta text ‘Drid and tell ‘im goodnight.”

—-----------------------------------------------------------------

Indrid smirks, setting his phone back on the nightstand as Barclay cuddles up to him. 

“Good news?”

“Wonderful.” He takes Barclay’s hand and kisses it, “the kind that means that tomorrow, you and I need to go get a shiny, new piece of fools gold.”

[acespirit]

I need juno steel season 5 to have an at least somewhat happy ending... I don't need the world to be fixed or some big bad or corporation to be taken down but. But. I need our family, the characters we care about, at least, to end happy, preferably safe. Safe relatively they can keep doing crime if they want but safe as in preferably not happy as in dying together. And I... gods being done with season 4 having listened all this time.

I don't say that as just a fan wanting good things for the characters... I was lucky to find penumbra when I did, at a time in my life when I'm adjusting to a lot. I'm a queer disabled person recovering from depression and learning how to live my own life and... having seen so much of myself in this story on an emotional level.... I just desperately want everyone to come out okay even if there's still wounds there. Like Buddy and Vespa. Like Jet. I don't know if I could entirely stand it if things end too tragically. Like. I think I'd be mad. Mad not as a writer, I know they could write it well, they could justify it narratively, it would make perfect sense... but mad on this stupid visceral person level that I got mad sometimes during season 2, mad because I have been there, I know those feelings that desperation so much of that all too well, it's been the last 3 years of MY life. And I feel so close to getting out the other side better and stronger. And I wanna see it happen. For characters I care about. Not to prove to me that I can do it too. I know I can, or at least can keep trekking on. But... i think they deserve a happy ending.

[solradguy]

asking this off anon since it’s p obvious who’s asking, but what are your thoughts on asuka? obvs you think he got off light with sol but do you overall think he was mishandled in the story/dislike him as a character?

As a villain he's awesome.

When they established the core of his character/backstory in Overture, they had him almost like a sympathetic villain. If you read between the lines, there were events where the only choice Asuka could have made were ones that were going to paint him as a raw bastard to the rest of society, with the biggest one being the Black Sunrise when he overrode Justice to blow up Japan to keep the Universal Will from manifesting (and making humanity go extinct, probably).

His options were either to override Aria's control over her own body or to try to convince her to do it herself, which she may not have been able to do in time because trying to convince someone to wipe out 99% of a country of people is a hard thing to do lol It sucks for the characters, but as far as writing goes it's awesome. It's a complex choice, and complex choices tell a lot about a character.

He did something similar with Frederick when he put the Flame of Corruption in him. Asuka knew that he was going to lose control over the Gear cell research (implied at the end-ish of Begin) and needed something on the outside to deal with it once that research inside got out of hand (which it did—Crusades). He also needed to somehow keep the FoC away from the Scales of Juno because of the risk of an Absolute World (mass extinction event). Asuka very probably could have convinced Frederick to accept being infected with the FoC but he didn't even try, he just did it.

Asuka had hundreds of chances across the timeline of Guilty Gear to try to explain things to Sol and he never does until the very end of Strive. Of course, Sol probably wouldn't have listened to him anyway because, as far as he knew, Asuka killed/did something awful to his fiancée, betrayed him, and turned him into a supernova barely caged inside a human form. But he could have at least tried. Asuka is complex as hell, and it's fascinating how GG has managed to pull that off.

Until roughly Xrd. And it got worse in Strive.

I don't know what the decision there was. It's like the foundation for an Asuka redemption arc was being put down before they just went and dropped the whole house on it anyway. They needed him to still be a bit of a villain, but they wanted to start wrapping up the Sol/Asuka threads at the same time and it just isn't doing it, imo. Like I said in my reply on that other post, the FoC stuff between Sol and Asuka has been brewing since Missing Link, 25 years ago, and they "resolved" it in a less than 10 minute scene that was in the middle of another scene where the Earth was about to be blown up by God!I-No at the climax of the entire Strive story itself.

Sol's in-game lines about wanting to beat up Asuka and beating him up in honor of Aria confirm that Sol's still mad at him, but... man.... I want to believe they're going to loop back around and expand on all that a bit more later because right now it's a massively disappointing end to Sol's biggest story arc and to Asuka's character as a whole.

Asuka knows he fucked up, Sol knows it, the rest of the world still knows it too. They can't just be like "and then Asuka went to the moon and everyone forgave him because he helped a bit with some stuff." Fingers crossed Sol's planning something with that rocket in his backyard at Iseo. Even if it's just to go up to the moon and monologue at Asuka.

[goblinwithartsupplies]

Queerplatonic Jupiter x Percy, an AU in which Jason, who was dating Percy, died in battle with another monster, Percy works at a flower shop and [not very successfully] tries to cope with the loss of the love of his life, Jupiter meanwhile feels something strange about the sea brat.

For the first time, he ignores him with the royalty and arrogance worthy of his expensive wife - a cup of instant coffee and a dry muffin interests him much more than the king of Olympus in the youthful appearance of his peer. If you ask Jupiter what he needs from the sea brat, he will answer that he just likes to look at Perseus Jackson's pretty face and exhale the soft scent of jasmine and sea salt coming from him, although in fact Jupiter does not know and understands what he wants from him at all. For the second time, Perseus deigns to look at him and say, - "Damn it, at least buy flowers for your queen, stop looking, I'm going to lose my job so soon because of you." His voice is hoarse, but melodious and warm, like hot tea with honey, tired and infinitely sad sea-green eyes shimmer and shine like seawater in the rays of the sun. Jupiter suddenly wanted to turn this marine offspring into a bird and keep it next to him on Olympus to hear him sing, but save his eyes to admire them. He buys the most expensive composition and gives it to Juno, his wife is filled with tenderness for him. during intercourse with her, he still wants to listen to Perseus Jackson sing and see how his eyes shine and shimmer. The third he breaks, no, he comes broken Perseus Jackson would rather strangle himself than allow someone in whose veins flows pure ichor, undiluted mortal redness, to see his pain. His delicate pale caramel neck is tightly wrapped in white bandages, the neat nails of his beautiful fingers are broken off and blood is frozen on them with a dirty crust, almost healed scars and very fresh wounds timidly peek out from under the wide sleeves of his shirt. Jupiter really didn't watch him do this to himself - just watching it and his own inability to help take pity on him, deprive him of pain and turn him into something eternally sleeping was painful. "Please," his voice is still hoarse and warm, the purest silver ringing in Jupiter's ears, "just hug me, do nothing, just hug me... You look so much like him." Jupiter, to his amazement, obeys him and does not want to take anything in return. They sit down on the sidewalk near the flower shop, — Perseus presses his trembling back against his chest, hiding his face in the curve of his elbows, tears moisten the fabric of his shirt, Jupiter covers them with his jacket and presses his lips to the top of Perseus' head, his hair is soft as silk and smells like hot chocolate. The rain gently washes them, the rays of the setting sun fall on their bodies, they are unacceptably close and Jupiter feels the lightning inside him reaching for the seething stream in Perseus' soul, was this what his son felt from Perseus' proximity? if so, Jupiter could understand him, he wanted it to last forever, or at least to seal this moment forever in your memory.

Hey, hello! could you please rate and voice your opinion about my letter - beginner anon.

This is freaking phenomenal! I love it. It’s great! I like that the way you toe the line between platonic and visual attraction in Jupiter. He clearly isn’t used to non sexual feelings and it shows in your writing. The angst of Jupiter looking like Jason is well balanced with Percy’s mixed feelings towards Jupiter.

If you make this a whole fic please send it to me.

My only critique would be to have Juno play a slightly bigger role. She Jason’s patron and stepmother. Whether it be her being suspicious of Jupiter’s intentions or feeling bad that her Jason’s partner is mourning his death.

[junosmindpalace]

Hey there juno, lots been going on. If you need a distraction or feel like writing a dcst prompt, I’ve got one for you: Senku doesn’t exactly express his feelings—not the sad painful ones anyway. He’s perfectly happy showing irritation, disappointment, and frustration, but only in the brief time before he picks up and moves on to figuring other stuff out before circling right back to the problem. I just want Reader to acknowledge that he does these things, doesn’t necessarily want to remove him from this routine because it is helpful, but it’s unhelpful in a way if too relied upon. So, as a fellow stoic emotion person, who does practically the same thing, they just kinda… remove Senku from the situation—drag him off for a night walk, or stargazing, or the making of something comepletely unrelated. A real break. It isn’t that he’s overworked and exhausting himself more so that if such habits continue, he will crumble. And there’s a lot of things readers noticed about Senku that don’t get talked about and they doesn’t pry into. That’s his business. If he makes it your business, you’ll listen. Your current business is making sure This Guy doesn’t burn himself out. You’re kinda stoic and tend towards a calm, quiet, cool personality—not shy, not uncomfortable, just a little quieter in your confidence, you don’t need affirmations—but it’s part of why you think Senku might need a ‘dude everything you’re working on and doing is just hella amazing’ and instead of attributing those successes to his intelligence, ascribes it to his hard working ability. Hence. Why that break is necessary. Something like that.

anon i COMPLETELY resonate with this and you’re so right. senku’s not the kind of guy to linger too much on his frustration, not because of a "weakness" thing, but because he knows it’s counterproductive; the emotional stuff just isn’t his thing either. the best thing in his mind is to keep going at it, work out a solution. so to have someone just kinda be like Hey We’re Doing Something Else For A Bit, even if it’s not outright said it’s for his benefit to clear his mind, would be nice. even if at first senku might find it a bit nonsensical, especially since he’s being pulled away from his work.

but just gently telling him to do this and that with you—go out to a restaurant you really like, go stargazing, flip through a science book—whatever it may be, he grows to appreciate it, and if anything most times returns to his work with new ideas!

and of course that doesn't mean you're gonna pry him to talk about his feelings regarding his work or himself or whatnot unless he wants to, but you'll always make sure to let him know in this way that the conversation is welcome.