#relationships/compatibility

[cosmiccannibalcamille]

Venus Retrograde in Leo

If you’re unfamiliar with the love planet, let me introduce you. Venus is an important planet in astrology, representing love, beauty, relationships, harmony, money and pleasure. It’s the planet of your love style and love language. When Venus turns retrograde, it appears to move backward in the sky, creating a unique energetic influence. (Don’t worry, though, the planet isn’t actually turning backwards, because that would be a mind- f*ck.) Venus retrogrades are significant because they provide an opportunity for introspection, reevaluation, and growth in matters of the heart and self-worth. 

     The last Venus retrograde occurred from May 13 to June 25, 2020, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Culturally, it encouraged a reexamination of societal beauty standards and promoted self-acceptance. It also brought about changes in relationships, emphasizing the need for deeper connections and more authentic love. Economically, Venus retrograde had an impact on consumer spending, with people reassessing their values and financial priorities. 

Venus Retrograde Themes   

  Now, when Venus goes retrograde in Leo on July 22 (just hours after the Sun enters the sign, btw), the fiery energy of Leo combines with the introspective nature of the retrograde, creating a unique set of themes and dynamics. Leo is a passionate and expressive sign, associated with creativity, self-expression, and romance. During this retrograde, there may be a focus on matters of the heart, relationships, and self-love. (You can read about my personal Venus journey of self-love, here.) It's a time to reassess how we express ourselves in relationships and whether we are truly honoring our authentic desires and needs. 

     Because Leo is a fixed zodiac sign, there may be a burning and unyielding need for attention and validation during this Venus Retrograde, but this fiery desire for external acceptance serves as an opportunity to develop a healthier sense of self-worth and cultivate self-love. In fact, all planetary transits involving Leo always bring lessons that help teach us how to authentically and unshakably love ourselves, and courageously accept ourselves just as we are. 

     This Venus Retrograde transit will emphasize those themes and teach us—by way of (potentially painful and dramatic) reexaminations of our relationships to ourselves, our passions, and our partners—how to love ourselves more proudly and with more ferocity. (I say potentially painful and dramatic because Leo is nothing if not melodramatic about discomfort; the astro-Lion also hates when it is forced to do something it doesn’t want to do—like look inward—and will roar. Loudly.) 

     What Venus Retrograde impacts

     Leo is–as mentioned–a sign of passion. As ruler of the astrological 5th House–which is the “house of Creativity, Joy, Pleasure, and Passion” and represents our individuality, personal passions, and the joy we find in self-expression–Leo acts from a place of creativity, love, and self-confidence. The sign then emphasizes embracing one's unique talents, exploring creative outlets, and finding joy in self-expression. This house governs all forms of creative expression, including art, music, theater, writing, and any activity that allows individuals to express themselves authentically. It also governs romance, dating, and the pursuit of pleasure and joy in relationships.

Read all about Venus Retrograde in Leo, here.

[bittersnsweetz]

Art request for @cyandreamz >:] Thank you so much for this, it is a very fitting headcanon

Also for anyone curious this is the message I translated and then copied! (I didnt think excessively hard about it but i knew i wanted to write SOMETHING. also i know zero german so if there are spelling and grammatical errors I am sorry)

[hitlikehammers]

POV: when you overhear your boyfriend’s bandmates who ⛔️do not like you⛔️ talking to him—about YOU

“Be real though, Ed. Harrington? You can’t actually be serious, here.” Steve doesn’t like to eavesdrop, like, on principle. Which is to say he totally does it. He just doesn’t wholly approve of it, or think it’s a very good habit to have, while still doing it. “You got me,” Eddie sighs, longer and deeper than can be taken wholly seriously. “I’m running my longest successful con to date.”

rating: t ♥️ tags: post-s4, established relationship, corroded coffin, as in: the gang’s all here and being VERY JUDGEMENTAL of eddie’s taste in men, and maybe steve had to pick eddie up from practice today so he overhears it WHOLLY WITHOUT INTENDING TO OKAY?, no one ever REALLY want to hear what the people they love really think of them when said people don’t know who all’s actually listening, true love, declarations of feelings, it’s actually really fucking hard to stand up to your friends, happy ending♥️

for @steddielovemonth day ten: "We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love." —Dr. Seuss

also! Unnamed Freak is Doug for the purpose of this fic because the book can fuck itself I say so 🖤

“Be real though, Ed,” the voice that filters through, and holds Steve’s hand from pushing the car door shut loud enough to notice, is fairly reasonable, like trying to talk down a suggestion absurd enough to send someone to the ER—which means, of the subjects at hand? It’s gotta be Jeff.

“You can’t actually be serious, here.”

Steve doesn’t like to eavesdrop, like, on principle.

Which is to say he totally does it.

He just doesn’t wholly approve of it, or think it’s a very good habit to have, while still doing it.

“You got me,” Eddie deadpans, but it’s like, venom-laced. It stings just to hear and Steve’s struck with how much his life’s changed since Spring Break, and more still since…well.

Since Eddie.

Because Steve is well aware the man can cut glass with how sharp his tongue can get, they did go to high school together whether they ran in the same circles or not.

It’s just strikes Steve in the moment that not once since Vecna, has Eddie turns that tongue on him.

Now, other uses of his tongue—

“I’m running my longest successful con to date. Yep, totally pulled it over on all you bitches,” and where it could be playful, every single word is sharpened to stab, to pierce, to drag the wound out so it bleeds, like a shiv to remind someone where they fucked up, in perpetuity.

“Please applaud.”

And oh, even Steve flinches at that tone, and he’s not even the target. Hell, he’s still in the driveway—he doesn’t make a rule of crashing band practice, no matter whose parents’ garage they’re using; Eddie’s van is just regularly in the shop for one thing or another, so he’s gotta come get his man. But he doesn’t, like, push his way in. Sometimes doesn’t even get out of the driver’s seat. He knows Eddie would more than welcome him; has the handful of times he’s ventured to step in to apologize for interrupting but remind him they have to pick up the shitheads. But one: Eddie is alone in his welcome, and like, the polar opposite of the other three guys, who range from staring daggers at Steve to sneering so scrunched up to the nose that it’d give Carol Perkins at her snittiest a run for her money.

And Steve wouldn’t have made it this far if he didn’t know how to recognise where he’s not wanted, and learn how to make the calculated decision of whether to walk or push his way in. And much as he loves Eddie? Steve actually wants his friends to eventually come around from probably, like, muttering ancestral curses under their breaths at him or something.

Plus, from what Steve understands? Jam sessions are personal. Sacred. Eddie had blushes and stammered the first time he let Steve listen in on works in progress; and Steve had rewarded him for the gift of it liberally and with genuine gusto. It’s earned him repeat performances on the regular, but Steve gets it’s a private thing in general. And these guys don’t know him, don’t presently care to—don’t trust him.

He figures it’s like…masturbating in front of someone. The art thing, the depth of making music and stuff. Showing your soul a little bit, losing control for the betterment of the final product.

Now, he and Eddie definitely have masturbated together, it’s actually fantastic foreplay, or even just a deliciously sloppy go on its own. But that’s neither here nor there. And also totally fucking different.

Steve really doesn’t want Eddie masturbating in front of anyone other than him, ever again. Steve’s sure as shit not looking to on his end; definitely not with the other members of Corroded fucking Coffin.

The metaphor might have gotten away from him. But you get the picture.

“No, man,” and that’s, that’s Gareth’s voice, Steve’s almost sure. Sharper. Concerned but also caustic on the undertow. “It’s just,” he snorts, the disbelieving sort: “this can’t be real.”

Okay, yeah. Tone plus actual words add up.

“Yeah, just,” Doug laughs a little nervous, like of all of them, Eddie’s verbal attack had the most weight in tempering his response of the three of them; “blink twice if you’re being held against your will.”

They all chuckle, but it’s toned down the whole way around—even Steve can clock that. These guys are boisterous when left to their devices, Steve’s taken note of that. Mostly watching from the sidelines—almost exclusively when they don’t know he’s there to watch.

Again: does not condone eavesdropping.

Does not try at all to refrain from doing it.

“I mean, you don’t expect us to believe you’re actually fucking him,” and oh, yeah, okay: Steve was pretty sure he was the topic conversation here, and despite some of the setbacks of recent years, he’s not insecure when it comes to relationships especially.

He’s definitely the only one fucking Eddie. And Eddie’s the only one fucking him.

And while he doesn’t really hold it against these guys for being wary of him—he wasn’t really a perpetrator of their high school woes, but he definitely didn’t do anything to make them less…woeful—so he’s mostly bummed about it for Eddie’s sake, and on principle, but like, seriously.

Doubting Steve successfully scoring Eddie Munson? Like, Eddie’s a catch, Steve of ll people is well aware, but. Steve’s also been long past fishing the shallow end of the pond, y’know?

Give him some credit.

“Right,” Steve narrows back in on what’s happening in the garage that he’s definitely feeling less guilty bout, seeing as he’s definitely a subject of the debate unfolding, but Eddie sounds…angry. Pissed off in that way he gets when he’s fed the fuck up.

“I’m out,” Steve hears scraping of equipment, the guitar case flipped open; “can’t actually make it next week,” he adds like a footnote.

It’s clear within a second he’s the only one who takes it with that same…energy.

“But we have to practice before the open mic—” Jeff, ever the voice of reason, sounds baffled; on his way to ticked off but not quite there yet.

Eddie, however—as is his wont in this type of mood—could not give two shits where the people around him land on the anger-o-meter; he’s exceeded them, even if only in his own head, and they are all therefore irrelevant to his very responsible decision to put distance between himself and doing something stupid he can’t take back.

It’s not the nicest way to deal but, honestly? Steve’s mostly just proud of Eddie for sticking with a coping mechanism that, while not without consequences, generally works better than most.

“I’ll see you guys in two, then. Probably.” And the case clicks shut, definitive, and Steve’s proud of that too; that Eddie’s not digging a hole when the guys re trying to bait him, intentionally or not, over Steve.

Steve doesn’t need Eddie to complicate his band, his friendships, over what the two of them have. One, it’s not their fucking business. And two?

Steve doesn’t thing he’s being self-important in saying he and Eddie…are bigger, and more, than even the very beat high school band.

Not that Steve would ever ask Eddie to choose or some bullshit like that. And he really does believe Eddie’s going places, if that’s what he decides he wants. But…there’s that.

Then there is them.

Different, like, stratospheres.

“What the fuck came up that you can’t make it next week? When we’re staring down our first actual shot at Battle of the Bands this year,” and yeah, of course, if anyone’s gonna try to drag the whole thing out, it’s Gareth. Kid’s got a fucking temper.

“Something more important.”

Which yeah, that’s what was going through Steve’s mind, basically, but—

“The hell could be more—“

“I have plans,” Eddie hisses, viper-quick and fucking deadly, shuts them all right up for it, but then he spins a 180–preens so big Steve swears he can hear his shoulders go back and his chest puff out:

“It’s my anniversary.”

So…yeah. Just because it was where Steve’s head had just been at doesn’t mean his whole chest goes all gooey to hear it said out loud.

And in front of Eddie’s band, who…they aren’t hiding from, but they have discussed keeping kinda mum around. For the same kinds of reasons Steve’s been privy to just in the past couple minutes.

But then Eddie’s voice follows the feeling in Steve’s chest like they’re tethered there, and honestly, more times than not?

Steve thinks they just might actually be, and he’s not proven wrong with the way Eddie halfway coos:

“Our anniversary.”

“Your what?”

Jeff, again, is that middle ground: actually confused, laced with being angry that Eddie’s ducking out.

“Six months,” Eddie answers, soft-like, a little dreamy but in this way that’s rooted somehow still, and in being struck all over again by a level of shock Steve understands, sometimes feels in reverse, but still doesn’t understand being felt so deep as it sounds, now, when it’s applied to…him.

It’s wild y’know?

“I’m like,” Steve hears Eddie’s curls brush against something as he shakes his head—Steve’s money’s on him crouched by his case, or having it already slung over his shoulder:

“Never thought I’d get something to celebrate like that in the first place, but get to keep it, that long without fucking it up?”

Steve, again, wants to give up the pretense and walk the fuck in there and kiss the shit out of his boyfriend because one, same, but two?

Dumbass.

Steve goddamn adores him.

“You mean, with Harrington?” Gareth’s spitting and Steve just shakes his head, a little sad—he doesn’t know what’s crawled up that kid’s ass about him, man; he’s not so much younger that Steve never saw him or didn’t know of him but godDamn: the circles he ran in at the time weren’t the ones doing shit yet when they were in the same elementary school, Steve was barely popular in middle school, and come high school the worst anyone he knew did to the frosh was bang them into a locker—not great, but.

Not worth this shit. And the worst part is if he doesn’t know what’s crawled he did to really piss Gareth off this bad? He can’t even try to Harrington-charm his way back into the guy’s tolerable category. Like, even his best fucking not-pot brownie recipe didn’t sway the fucker.

“Yes,” Eddie is answering, the answer emphatic, like he’s brimming with feeling over it, but then clipped too, like demonstrating that he was brimming and is now being forced to clip it all backis very much the intent: “of course I mean with Steve, who the fuck else?”

It’s not lost on Steve how Eddie says his name. Ever. All the name.

But right now, how he’s making a point to say it in that warm, kinda…beloved way, when anyone else uses his last name in a way that’s anything-but.

“You cannot be—” Gareth scoffs, Steve can imagine him throwing up his hands, that sort of deal, but then Eddie comes in, and it’s a tone Steve’s only ever hear when he’s about to run a campaign into the ground where the characters may never recover, and if somehow manage it, they’ll wish they hadn’t:

“Oh, I am deadly serious.”

Because it’s not Steve’s character, but in defense of Steve’s relationship, that tone trickles something molten through his veins and prickles up his spine and…he’s gone have to stick that one in his back pocket to explore at a later date, for sure.

“Six months?”

Jeff—and Steve kinda likes Jeff, and not for the reason his bandmates would like, that he kicks around Hawkins after graduation, too, but more because Steve knows why; that’s to make more money for a college outside Indiana, and Steve thinks that’s fucking cool—but it’s here where Jeff dips fully away from being angry to being stupefied. Steve lets himself smirk at nothing because fuck yes: him and Eddie.

Six whole goddamn months.

“I was actually gonna ask you guys to come over soon, introduce him properly and stuff,” Eddie says, the disappointment in his voice again; Steve’s niggling desire to go and hug him from behind, maybe kiss under his ear a little, back in full force.

“He picks you up from practice, we see him,” Doug pipes back up, likewise confused, but Steve just takes the useful confirmation that no one did catch on that he pulled up ages ago, now.

“We know who Steve Harrington is—” Gareth snaps, protests in the way that betrays his eye-rolling, his thin-wearing patience.

“No!”

And that comes out of Eddie fierce enough to echo down at least half the block they’re on—seems like Eddie’s patience was worn out a while ago.

“You don’t!”

And everyone is silent in that way Steve knows all too well: when shit’a gone down but now you’re waiting in the edge for the worse thing to hit.

Then it does:

“And it’s a good thing I didn’t bring it up because you dipshits aren’t ready,” Eddie snaps, says dipshitso different from how he does with the Party, theirParty, their kids; he says it here with something real fucking close to disgust.

“Asking hostage questions, fuck off,” he huffs, and Steve hears Eddie’s footsteps, can’t tell if he’s gonna leave it at that, come find Steve and know he’s been standing there but that’ll be fine, it’s not like Steve wasn’t going to let him know as soon as they left—but then:

“Look,” and Eddie sounds the way Steve sounds when he’s pinching the bridge of his nose to fight a growing migraine, the sting of tears for all sorts of pain behind his eyes, and that hurts to hear from his boyfriend, like, a lot.

It fucking hurts.

“I am not just fucking him,” Eddie growls through the bridge-pinching pain; “I mean, fuck yes, I am, but,” and Steve hears the way he swallows all the way down the drive:

“I’m in this for the long haul,” Eddie tells his bandmates like throwing down a gauntlet; “and if you can’t respect me enough, and my choices, that stings,” Steve knows Eddie shrugs then: “but I’ll live.”

Steve’s about a millisecond from saying fuck it, opening the door just to slam it to announce his approach, and then going to physically grab his boyfriend, drag him to the car, and park in the abandoned lot down from the Wheelers’ neighborhood to kiss him senseless because that’s the closest place he can think of and he doesn’t think he’ll make it to either of their homes before he can’t fucking handle himself.

“But if you are gonna disrespect the man I love, no. Absolutely not.”

Eddies voice is a deadly sort of whisper. Steve would cower at it, the way it washes through a person, if he hadn’t just…said.

That.

“You love him?”

And for what Steve thinks is the first time since he climbed out of the car and committed to listening where he wasn’t invited, Gareth sounds…muted. Genuinely asking a question.

Steve, for his own part, kinda expected that he’d be more breathless, heart racing and shit, to hear the answer but in reality?

“Of course I love him.”

Steve already knew that in his cells, in his bones.

In his steady, not all-that-fast but particularly-especially-happily beating heart.

“Have you guys, like, said it and stuff?”

And of course Steve already knows that answer, both the literal one and the one that matters more, but he does perk up a bit, curious to hear what—if anything of note—Eddie chooses to give away here.

“He has,” Eddie says, and now…now maybe Steve should stop listening because this part, the way Eddie says that as flat fact—Steve doesn’t knowthis part beyond speculation. But…

“I wanted to, like,” and eddies voice can’t hide the way he’s gotta have that soft smile, the one he used to hide behind his hair before Steve started pulling it back to see in full, so now he only brings his hair out just to tease, to okay.

“I don’t think I’ve wanted much in my whole life, but he’s,” and Steve thinks he hears how Eddie chews his bottom lip for a second, in the subtlest click of how it slips free before Eddie takes a deep breath and—

“He doesn’t know what he’s worth,” Eddie starts, a little mournful almost, even, and Steve is unexpectedly glued to the spot in his fucking Nikes.

“He doesn’t understand that I’d sell the sun and the moon just to keep him,” Eddie’s saying, and with passion. With whole-ass honesty. And here, maybe, is where Steve gets to have some of the heart:fluttery feeling after all:

“He comes out the gate with the whole you don’t have to say it back and I just,” Eddie sighs, sniffs a little before heaving another breath deep enough to stretch his shirt, which Steve’s not imagining or anything, at all;

“I couldn’t say it, not right then, and risk him everthinking it was something I’d done to like, match. Like that I didn’t mean it with everything I’ve got, when I mean it with everything I’ve got and then also everything else. Like, anywhere. Ever.”

Steve realized he’d stopped breathing at some point when the little dots start floating in front of his eyes and he sucks in a shaking breath because: he’s known Eddie loves him. Unshakeably.

But, but all this—

“I couldn’t say it and have him ever wondered if I wouldn’t rip my heart out of my chest just to keep his safe.”

And of-fucking-course Steve’s pulse is running fucking riot about how much he’s in love right now, make no goddamn mistake. Jesus, he—

“Fuck.”

And Steve has never heard Gareth Emerson pushed just this side of speechless but: that’s the best way Steve can describe the kind of breathless wonder he says it with, like watching a rare bird take flight.

“You mean it.”

And Steve can pick out Eddie’s huffs and categorize them, on demand at this point: he doesn’t need to see the eye-roll to know Eddie’s deemed the expression of pure shock to be so beneath him in this specific context that he’s deemed it unworthy of any more attention.

His heart’s not jumping that loud to have missed it. So.

Steve just kinda grins toward the blacktop under his shoes.

“Why didn’t you,” Doug starts, still—usually, really, in Steve’s limited experience at least—the peacekeeper, the one who’s most invested at the human level when he’s not getting swept up in whatever the rest of the gang has deemed the cool thing to laugh at or make fun of at any given moment.

The huff Eddie gives this time is his incredulous one, which allows for just the slightest bit more consideration:

“The fuck do you think?”

The slightest bit, being the operative point.

“I’d hoped you’d take it better but,” Eddie adds, and there’s less drama in it than Steve might have expected. He’s being serious with them, and he sounds…disappointed.

Steve kinda want to make some kind of noise, give away his position, and just…hug Eddie tight from behind, if nothing else. Be there. Solid against him, wrapped up around him. Never wavering. Always at his back as much as at his side.

But Eddie’s not done:

“I’m not even asking you to like him, just be decent,” and it sounds like it hurts him to say as much, and Steve knows why; he genuinely despises when anyone thinks Lea with a the very beat thing about Steve. Steve believes this to be n unreasonable standard, and has expressed as much to Eddie who nods and smiles and kisses Steve’s forehead and does absolutely nothing to change his stance, but deep down?

Steve fucking feels so…loved for it.

“And like I said,” Steve can hear the judgement in Eddie’s tone clear as day; “you’re not ready, and I’m not putting him in that kind of situation.”

Steve sucks on the inside of his cheek, lest his grin at the way Eddie is not just defending him, but…protecting him, not his honor but his heart…

No ones ever even tried that before. Steve may not need it, or maybe he just learned he couldn’t survive needing it.

Getting it now…now it’s just…

Wow.

“And I’m in this for keeps, like, this is a forever type thing, so long as he wants it,” Eddie saying, explaining the color of a sky to a small child like what these words are that fundamental, that unalterably true. “So—”

“We’ve known each other forever, man,” Gareth eventually mutters, sounds indignant, but mostly gutted.

Steve knows before it happens that it’s not gonna make a difference.

“And we can still know each other. Just not everything, anymore,” and Eddie does sound a little sad but he’s…he’s a monolith, unshakable. “I don’t trust you with the parts that revolve around him, yet,” and Steve feels more than hears the ways his friends deflate, maybe shrink for being deemed so…insufficient. In the eyes of their ostensible leader, no less.

“Eddie, we didn’t,” Jeff starts, slow, and he doesn’t sound remorseful but—Eddie has all those coping mechanisms for a reason, right?

Because he’s quick to feeling, good and bad, and sometimes neither is fit to the moment.

Steve can’t help but be kinda glad Eddie doesn’t bother with those mechanisms just now, though, if it means he gets to hear this part:

“I know you didn’t, that’s the fucking problem,” Eddie groans, Steve can see the way he lens, bends at the knees and throws his body around a little in sheer, undiluted exasperation. “

“Because I could tell you he’s changed since school, and that’d be true, but that’s not even it,” and there’s more of the frustrated stomping round, Steve can hear it, but he’s…he’s ready distracted by that thing in his chest that has to has to be tied up in Eddie’s, too, that thing tugging on him to pay the fuck attention.

And who is he to ignore it?

“he was never who we thought he was in school in the first place. He is,” Eddie licks his lips, just to snack them loud:

“He is kind and funny, and goofy, and such a fuckin’ nerd, and he’s smart in these incredible ways where he’s sees what everyone else misses, and he’s protective as fuck and he’s got a heart of gold,” and Eddie’s voice only gets more heartfelt in its own right that longer he goes and Steve just, he’s, it’s—

“And I would tear my skin off just so it doesn’t get so much as a scuff on it,” Eddie ends with the most scathing delivery imaginable: he fucking meansthis shit. And Steve is going o live and die next to this man, scuffed heart still kept safe to the fucking end, he will swear that shit to anyone who needs to hear it.

He is going to have a whole fucking life with Eddie Munson, and love him for every single breath of it.

“And I don’t trust you guys yet not to tempt me to tear off my skin,” Eddie says finally after enough silence to catch his breath, and temper his tone just enough to sound tired; a little dejected. “I don’t trust you with him, and until that changes, we’re still friends,” Eddie sniffs, breathes out long; “you just won’t get to know about that part of me.”

He says it so simple, like he’s not half-cutting off some of the longest, closest friendships he’s ever had, and for Steve.

Steve doesn’t know if it makes him a person, or a really selfish one or whatever, if he doesn’t feel any urge to talk Eddie down, to make him walk it back just a little.

He doesn’t think he cares, though, either way.

“Seems like a really big part of you,” Doug says, deflated entirely.

“It is,” Eddie answers, unapologetic in a way that swells and sparkles in Steve’s ribs. “He is.”

“You’d walk from the band?” Of course Gareth asks, but it’s the first time he sounds small in his words. Like he maybe knows the answer, and isn’t so okay with how he got around to it even before Eddie wishes all doubt:

“In half a fuckin’ heartbeat.” Boom. Done. No hesitation whatsoever.

Less than half-a-fuckin’-heartbeat.

“That’s not what I’m saying I’m doing right now, but,” Eddie laughs a little, and that probably cuts deeper than anything for the boys, Steve suspects, especially when Eddie makes it unquestionable:

“It’s not even a question.”

And…maybe that drives a knife deeper for the band, but for Steve?

Steve kinda wants to…giggle, or some shit. He hadn’t realized just how much he wanted someone who answered a question like that, exactly like that, who talked about Steve exactly like that, without anything to gain, just because they…believed it.

“Jesus,” Gareth mutters, sounds kinda blindsided, kinda thrown and then some.

“If we,” Jeff clears his throat after a long period of quiet; “if we do better, could we meet him someday?” And the way he says it, earnest and shit:, like he wants to at least think about, at least maybe try:

“Like, really meet him?”

Like Eddie means enough that he’ll try, and that sings sweet in Steve’s veins because goddamn straight, his Eddie deserves that from the people hecares about. No matter who or what Steve is, Eddiedeserves that much, and so much more.

But he sounds like even just this is something amazing, Steve can hear the smile in his voice:

“Yeah, man,” he answers Jeff, claps him audibly on the shoulder; “I look forward to it.”

And shit, y’know what?

So does Steve.

“See you in two weeks,” and Eddies footsteps follow, guitar slung over his back for the way his weight falls with each one, but then:

“Eddie!”

That’s Doug; the footsteps stop close to the edge of the garage door as another set rushes to catch up, where he’ll see Steve if he walks much farther, where Steve’s got his hand on the door handle of the car, slowly inching it open to push shut and look wholly-unsuspicious now that Eddie might be followed out to his ride:

“Get him flowers. For your anniversary,” Doug says, tone low like a secret; “I know, like, it might seem like guys wouldn’t want flowers, but,” and Steve actually has to strain to hear the next part:

“My mom gets my dad flowers on his birthday every year, and he lights up like the Fourth of July.”

Steve remembers the first time he ever got flowers. His favorites, even if he thinks he only knew it subconsciously because they were handed to him with the stammering explanation of I don’t even know if you like flowers, or like these ones, but you look at them when we’re out, like, just walking or something and your eyes linger, and these ones just remind me of you and—

Apparently, Steve loves hyacinths. And sunflowers make Eddie think of him.

Because of course Steve’s first gift of flowers came from Eddie.

“Thanks man,” Eddie sounds the lightest, most genuine Steve’s heard him since he pulled up and got out of the car; “they’re already ordered.”

And Doug chuckles, and Steve?

Steve bites down his smile to less exploding-star levels—if he’d just pulled up he doesn’t have a reason, save that Eddie is enough of a reason in Steve’s eyes, his mind, the way his chest expands just thinking on him—as he pulls the car door closed again, loud enough to be noticed.

For Eddie to walk out of the garage fast as anything and meet Steve with a smile of his own that justifies the fuck out of where Steve’s had started, anyway.

All star-bright and everything.

♥️🎸♥️

✨also on ao3✨

btw this is either titled ‘halcyon shoegazing’ or ‘heart in your shoes’ so if you have an opinion you should maybe tell me or something, my brain’s tired and is resisting decisions rn

✨permanent tag list: OPEN (lmk if you want to be added/removed): @ajeff855 @askitwithflours @awkwardgravity1 @bookworm0690 @bumblebeecuttlefishes @captain--low @depressed-freak13 @dragoon-ze-great @dreamercec @dreamwatch @dreamy-jeans137 @estrellami-1 @goodolefashionedloverboi @grtwdsmwhr @gunsknivesandplaid @hiei-harringtonmunson @hbyrde36 @imhereforthelolzdontyellatme @kimsnooks @live-laugh-love-dietrich @mensch-anthropos-human @nerdyglassescheeseychick @notaqueenakhaleesi @ollyxar @pearynice @perseus-notjackson @pretend-theres-a-name-here

divider credit here and here and here

[clarynewme]

Short Astro Observations 💐👑💖

1. Jupiter Synastry Aspects = Major Green Flags

If you see Jupiter-Jupiter, Jupiter-Venus, Jupiter-Saturn, Jupiter-Moon or any Jupiter contacts in synastry… keep them, don't let them get away🤌.

Jupiter brings joy, expansion, blessings, luck and pure warmth. It also eases the negative aspects you might have in synastry.

Ultimate soulmate-coded vibes🥰

2. Sun Darakaraka = Hypeman FS

If your DK (Darakaraka) is the Sun☀️, your future spouse/longterm partner will be your personal cheer squad.

They’ll hype you up 24/7, boost your confidence and status👀, post you on their story, brag about your smallest wins and remind you that you’re that girl/guy/person on your worst days🥺.

3. Want a Partner with Words of Affirmation as Their Love Language? Look for:

Venus in Leo or Libra or Gemini 💋- flirty, affectionate, loves compliments and expressing admiration

Gemini Moon 🧠 - meaningful conversations, witty exchanges, lively discussions

Mercury conjunct/trine Venus ✍- the poetic messenger or sweet-talker, writes you love letters/notes

Gemini or Sagittarius Jupiter 🌍 - playful, optimistic, supportive, wise and always says the right thing

Note: This post is based on general patterns and observations. The way a placement plays out can really depend on the sign, house, aspects and overall condition of the chart. Every chart has its own story, so always take what resonates and look at the bigger picture.

P.S. Enjoyed this post? Reblog and drop a comment below! Let me know what kind of astrology games and insights you'd love to see more of!

inspired by @musexmessenger (TikTok)

[astrolovecosmos]

There is so much that goes into compatibility, however don't underestimate that Mars/Venus dynamic.

-Mars Conjunct Venus creates deep understanding and irresistible attraction.

-Mars Trine Venus is all about harmony and ROMANCE.

-Mars Sextile Venus is passionate, alluring, fascinated by one another.

-Mars Opposite Venus adds spice and fire.

-Mars Square Venus can feel fated or mismatched, love/hate dynamics, karmic push and pulls.

-Mars Conjunct Mars can't keep their hands off each other.

-Mars Trine Mars energize each other, inspire, rouse.

-Mars Sextile Mars love the drama with each other or never have any.

-Mars Opposite Mars make an intense pairing! Can be ride or die, eager acceptance, and engulfing flames.

-Mars Square Mars go after each other.

-Venus Conjunct Venus - love at first sight.

-Venus Trine Venus knew the other person was the one when they met.

-Venus Sextile Venus fit together like two puzzle pieces.

-Venus Opposite Venus may risk it all for their love.

-Venus Square Venus has love is all we need vibes.

[ivysos2001]

God there’s something so refreshing about seeing Steve meet Natasha after seeing the ways everyone else has been treating him

Like everyone at shield has clearly been ignoring him or just allowing him to completely isolate himself (not sure which is worse considering this guy literally just lost everyone and everything he’s ever known, loved, or fought for) bc Fury doesn’t seem to be fully taking him seriously, Coulson (and I’m sure others he’s met up to this point) is such a big fanboy he can barely keep his composure around him

And then there’s Natasha who meets him and immediately starts teasing him (by poking fun at Coulson’s excitement nonetheless) and that’s when we get our first (of very few) genuine Steve smiles in this movie

After being treated like a comic book character come to life (either not taken seriously or fawned over), she’s probably the first person since he came out of the ice to treat him like a person and that is SO important

[angelbitezzz]

[It was becoming increasingly clear that he wasn't her Sans. He sure looked like him but—this was different. HE was different. Sure, maybe affection hadn't been his forté, maybe his sense of humor was darker than what was generally acceptable, maybe he'd always been cagey and distant but...not something like this, never this. Nobody ever wanted to find out they had been dating a murderer.

"aaaaangel."

The soft sing-song of her name usually made her perk up. All it did now was send a bucket of ice water down her spine. There was something so utterly terrifying about knowing that you're a hairsbreadth away from death. She presses her hands harder over her mouth, squeezing further back against the counter, silently willing him to keep walking...

"tell you what, kid," Sans starts, too close. She suppresses a flinch as she hears him lean against the counter. "you're being pretty damn stubborn about this. but i do like you...so tell ya what! you make it to dawn without getting caught, i'll take the hint and leave you be. how's that sound?"

She doesn't reply, but he takes it as a yes anyways. He always liked doing that.]

[velmiraa]

Synastry Notes-II

Disclaimer: These are just my observations. If they don't resonate with you, simply read and move on. Additionally, most of what I’m saying here is based on straight relationship patterns. That’s because, in my experience, certain planets and points (like Mars, Venus, Eros, etc.) tend to act a bit differently depending on whether they show up in charts for women or men. That being said, the astro tea can still apply across all kinds of dynamics—it just might look a little different depending on the people involved. Let's start then!

Juno-Moon conjunctions usually point to marriage. Doesn’t really matter if it’s the guy or the girl who has Juno. Even if the conjunction is up to 8 degrees apart, it still seems to count. Honestly, sometimes just having Juno and the Moon in the same sign is enough. I don’t get why some people insist it has to be under 5 degrees…

I also notice Lilith conjunctions show up a lot in long-term relationships. People have a hard time letting go of that Lilith person. But it needs to go both ways—if both people have Lilith connections with each other, it works. If only one person does, it usually turns into a one-sided obsession.

One more big thing for lasting relationships: positive Saturn aspects in synastry. Especially Venus-Saturn. Those can make things last way longer than you’d expect. But here’s the catch—if the Saturn aspects are only positive, it can start to feel like you’re stuck in the relationship. Like, even if it’s time to move on, it’s hard to let go. That’s why it’s actually better to have a mix of good and bad Saturn aspects. But yeah, more good than bad if you want to stay together and not lose your mind.

Chiron-Mars conjunction sucks—especially if the guy is the Mars person. You know how women usually expect the guy to take action or make moves? Yeah, well, when the woman’s Chiron is conjunct the guy’s Mars, his actions—or lack of action—tend to hurt her a lot. And when the guy gets angry, the woman will get hurt a lot by his actions/lack of actions during the fight. Great times.

Sun-Venus aspects in synastry are super important in relationships. It’s better if the aspect is a positive one. Also, progressed charts count too—but just for a limited time. Once the conjunction vibe fades, so does the magic. And in progressed synastry, keep the orb tight—3 degrees max. Here’s a an example: say your partner’s progressed Venus is conjunct your natal Sun. That means their taste, what they find beautiful, and what they’re drawn to... it all lines up with you. Like, you’re literally their type. In this dynamic, the Sun person (aka you, probably) kinda takes the lead, and Venus is like “yes king, shine your light.”

When Mars and Sun conjunct in synastry, it’s hot—but if the woman is the Mars person? It’s like she sees the guy and thinks, “Yes. Him.” And everyone else is like, “...Really?” lol She’s drawn to his core vibe, his essence.

Asteroids are often underrated when it comes to synastry, but honestly? Eros and Psyche aspects hit different. Especially when Eros is the guy and Psyche is the girl. It’s giving “the body finds its soul” energy. When these two connect in a positive way—like a sextile, trine, or even a conjunction—it creates this deep, almost spiritual bond. Personally, I’ve only experienced the sextile, and even that felt more meaningful than any of my other relationships. I can’t even imagine what the trine or conjunction would feel like. Couples who have these aspects are very lucky.

When Saturn and Moon connect in a positive way, it’s like emotional stability enters the chat. Saturn, the responsible one, steps in and says, “I got you,” and Moon believes it. Saturn brings that “I’m not going anywhere” energy, and the Moon loves that. This is seriously one of those aspects that helps a relationship stay solid when things get messy.

12th house Venus experience is interesting. It’s always like “Does that person like me or not?”. You cannot be sure about their true feelings towards you. Even when they try to show affection, it just creates more confusion. You’ll be sitting there like, “Okay… he brought me coffee… but does that mean he loves me? Or is he just polite? Or is this coffee a metaphor for rejection?” Lol That person can’t show you his love to you in a clear way. Either you just feel that they love you deep down… or you’ll never fully get it on a conscious level.

If you’ve got your South Node sitting in the 7th house and someone’s personal planets conjunct it… buckle up. That person is gonna feel like home, a soft hoodie for your soul. It’s so cozy and familiar. Letting go of them? Not happening. At least not in your mind. You might know it's not perfect or even healthy, but the connection hits that nostalgic part of your brain that makes you think, “They came back for me. Like we planned.”

That's it for today, guys! Hope you like it, see ya!

Copyright © [velmiraa], edited by me.

[lilithlounge]

Vertex in Synastry: Fated Encounters & Karmic Connections

Ko-fi or Buy Me A Coffee for a personalized Synastry Analysis!

In astrology, the Vertex is often called the "fated point" of the natal chart. It’s associated with destined meetings, pivotal relationships, and life changing moments that seem to happen when we least expect them. When someone’s personal planet or angle touches your Vertex in synastry, it can mark a connection that feels almost written in the stars but these encounters aren’t always easy or simple.

I’ve personally experienced this in my current relationship. My partner’s Vertex falls in my 11th house, and my Vertex is in his 2nd house. From the very beginning, our meeting felt oddly serendipitous like we were pulled into each other’s lives for a reason bigger than either of us could explain. Over time, I noticed how he helped me dream bigger about my future and the people that surrounds me (classic 11th house themes), while I encouraged him to rethink his values and relationship with stability (very 2nd house). These are the kinds of shifts the Vertex often signals in synastry.

The Vertex becomes a major player when another person’s:

1-Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, or Mars conjuncts or opposes it.

2-Ascendant, Descendant, Midheaven or IC aligns with it.

3-Outer planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto aspect it, which can indicate deeper karmic lessons.

Themes You Might Notice in Vertex Synastry

Fated Meetings: there’s an immediate feeling that this encounter was meant to happen.

Recognition: even if you've just met, there’s a strange familiarity between you.

Turning Points: your life might shift course after meeting this person.

Unpredictability: the timing and circumstances of the meeting can feel completely out of your control.

Vertex Overlays by House

1st house The Vertex person feels changed just by knowing the planet person. Their sense of self is challenged, expanded or reborn through the relationship.

2nd house Hi. Themes of security, self worth and material life come to the forefront. Relationships here can trigger shifts in finances or fundamental values.

3rd house The connection sparks new ways of thinking and communicating. It’s often marked by constant conversations, ideas and mental stimulation.

4th house A sense of "coming home" emotionally, often tapping into family patterns or healing deep inner wounds. Ancestral themes.

5th house Passionate, playful and often very creative. Sometimes it brings children or a renewed sense of joy and self expression.

6th house The relationship reshapes everyday life, work habits or health routines. It often introduces themes of service, healing or practical support.

7th house One of the strongest Vertex placements for relationships. The other person feels like a natural partner or a mirror showing you your relationship patterns.

8th house Profound change. These relationships are often deeply intimate and may touch on shared resources, we are talking Pluto themes, so deep fears or rebirth through crisis.

9th house The connection challenges and broadens your worldview. It spark spiritual growth, education or even long distance journeys.

10th house Your public life or career can be reshaped by this connection. He/She might push you toward greater visibility, success or a new professional path.

11th house Hi again. A fated friendship or shared mission is often at the heart of this connection. You might come together to build something larger than yourselves.

12th house It can feel mystical, otherworldly and honestly sometimes confusing. Themes of sacrifice, healing and past life connections are common.

So, is it a Soulmate indicator?

The Vertex points to important connections but not all of them are meant to last forever. Some people come into our lives to wake us the fuck up, push us toward our purpose or help us close a karmic chapter/cycle.

When there’s mutual Vertex activation and especially if it’s supported by Venus, Moon or North Node aspects it can suggest a deep soulmate bond that leaves a lasting imprint on your life, whether or not it lasts "forever" in the traditional sense….

[ashleyloob]

I think a lot of sapphics that haven't been in a wlw relationship before tend to hyper romanticize what it's like to date women so I've been like weirdly obsessed with making a lot of toxic lesbian comic ideas since I started dating other girls when I was a wee teenager lmfao

[polyamorousmood]

just a lil reminder that

You're never too good for old-fashioned miscommunication!

[thebleedingwriter]

It took me a long time to realize, but love—real love—isn’t just romance, attraction, or fleeting chemistry. I want a partner whose mind challenges mine, someone who craves deep discussions about societal flaws, politics, and women’s rights, not just to argue, but to understand. I want someone I can be unapologetically myself with, sharing the most scandalous, unfiltered thoughts, knowing they’ll listen without judgment. Someone who laughs at my jokes because they genuinely think I’m funny, not because they feel obligated to. I want a person who refuses to conform to outdated traditions, who sees the flaws in the patriarchal world we live in and isn’t afraid to call them out. Someone who doesn’t just accept my ambition but fuels it—who sees my dreams and pushes me toward them, just as I would for them. A man who isn’t intimidated by a woman who speaks her mind but admires it, who isn’t in silent competition with me but walks beside me as an equal. Someone who doesn’t just love me, but respects me.I want a love built on genuine friendship, where we can be partners in every sense—laughing, debating, supporting, challenging each other to grow. A person who knows that love isn’t just in the flirting, the sweet words, or the grand gestures, but in the way we uplift each other, in the way we make each other think, in the way we push each other to be better—not for ourselves, but for the world.

[therealstonedelephant]

sukugo is a crack ship TO YOU. to me it's a perfectly legitimate ship, held back within the canon universe principally due to adherence to classic genre structures and not by lack of character compatibility

[ooooo-mcyt]

Anyways, I talk about life series relationships I don't think are healthy or compatible a lot, but as for relationships I think are very compatible, Ranchers are top tier for me. I just feel like Tango and Jimmy are on the same page in the things they want out of a partnership and they really feed each other's energy very well. Also they're cute. I don't have in depth analysis about them right now I just wanted to give this psa saying I am a big ranchers enjoyer.

[howifeltabouthim]

The easy, friendly presence of someone who spoke her language and to whom she did not have to adapt herself, yet who extended her vision and made her value herself . . .

L. P. Hartley, from My Fellow Devils

[beneathsilverstars]

post-canon where siffrin decides they do like isabeau like that and they start dating but eventually it turns out they're not compatible bc they just want different things from a relationship... isabeau wants to settle down, siffrin wants to keep traveling... siffrin likes the same couple casual types of dates, isabeau likes grand romantic schemes... siffrin wants to stay together forever but doesn't want to get bonded about it and isabeau can't not take it personally... siffrin gets so mopey when isabeau stays out late working because being alone in their shared house is way worse than just being alone on the road... isabeau wants to have kids and siffrin isn't sure they'll ever feel up to the task of fulltime parenting... alexa play sad violin music ten hour compilation classical royalty free sad music for crying