#blonde... curvy... conventionally attractive...

It was just a fact. WAGs were typically skinny, thin and leggy, often blonde and conventionally attractive. You loved the other WAGs, some of them your closest friends but you knew you didn't look like them. You were on the heavier side, curvy. The gossip blogs often questioning why Nico would be with you, the sort of questioning and commentary you'd had your whole life, the sort that wormed its way into your subconscious until you found yourself second guessing your worth to the point it was second nature to do so.

Like now. Stood in front of the bedroom mirror in the expensive dress Nico had helped you pick out just for this event turning this way and that as you second guess how you look in it. The red silk shows every curve on your body, over the width of your hips, the dips where your love handles rest, the soft plushness of your stomach and the rolls of your back. In the shop you'd felt beautiful in it, Nico going slack jaw the moment you stepped out of the dressing room. Now? In your own home with an impending and very public event about to happen? You felt insecure, uncomfortable, already imagining some of the comments the internet would have about your body and your relationship.

"Schatz, are you ready?" Nico is adjusting his tie, not looking at you quite yet as he hitches it up to the top button of his white dress shirt. It's the silence from you, the deafening quiet that has those brown eyes snapping up. You look beautiful but that's not what he fixates on, it's the mismatch of your beauty with your clear discomfort that has his attention.

You try to put on a smile but Nico has always seen through you. His eyes track over you from head to toe. The way your dress clings to his favourite curves, how the colour brings out the warmth in your skin, but most of all the way you hold yourself. The subtle shift of your arms over your stomach to hide it, the tense set of your shoulders that says you feel uncomfortable, and the way your smile doesn't reach your eyes.

"What is wrong, Süessi?"

"Nothing, I'm fine, i'm nearly ready..." You turn back to the mirror, finishing the last touches to your hair. Your voice shaky because you've never been a very good liar and you've never been able to fool Nico.

"Schatz..." He's slow as he comes up behind you, steps deliberate so you don't feel rushed or trapped. Nico's hands fall on the widest part of your hips, fingers digging into the plush skin there in the way he loves. You shy away from his touch and that's confirmation enough that you're not fine. "I will ask again. What is wrong? Why are you pulling away from me, Schatz?"

He doesn't really let you go far, hands tightening their grip to pull your back against his chest, mouth falling on the soft skin of your shoulder as dark eyes watch you through the mirror. He's assessing you, making note of every reaction, every twitch, anything that will tell him what's going through your mind.

"I just..." How do you tell someone who loves you that you don't feel beautiful? That you can't understand why they feel the way they do about you."

"Schatz?"

"I...feel ugly." You whisper it, like saying it too loud will make it real. Almost scared to say it as if it confirms it. You watch him through the mirror, how his expression shutters, closes down at your words, how Nico takes a deep breath as if he needs a moment.

"Why do you feel that?" He's trying really hard not to invalidate your feelings, knowing they come from somewhere, even as everything in him roils and writhes against it. You're so utterly gorgeous to him inside and out and it never fails to feel like a personal failing when you have these off moments and off days. Like he's not loved you enough for you to love yourself.

"I...I just...I don't look like the other girlfriends..." He watches your hands graze your stomach, your sides and he knows. You don't have to tell him, he knows what you're getting at without words, can see it in the way you focus on the softness of your stomach, the dips at your side. He hates the critical eye you look at yourself with.

"In what way, Schatz? I want to hear you say it." So that he can pull it apart, so he can address it, tell you all the ways your differences make you beautiful.

You clear your throat out of nerves, not wanting to say the words aloud. Not wanting to give them meaning, give them air.

"I...I'm fat. I'm not skinny like them, I...my stomach's not flat and my thighs are big and...I just feel ugly..." Your gaze is fixed on your body, the way it looks in the silk dress, how Nico's hands don't look as large against you as they might against someone else...how you can't wear his t-shirts like dresses and how you're not so dainty, so petite as the other Devils' girlfriends.

"You are not ugly. You could never be ugly."

"Nico..." You go to break his gaze in the mirror, to look at the ground, but he doesn't let you, a hand coming up to lift your chin and centre your gaze back on him.

"Let me speak, Schatz, listen." He's firm with you, not unkind, but firm. Your mind is a battlefield right now and he is determined to enact a ceasefire, but to do that you must listen.

Nico's palms rub across the width of your hips, and over your stomach, fingers taking a moment to dig gently into the soft flesh there that he loves so much. You follow his actions in the mirror with your eyes, "You are beautiful, do you think that the moon is beautiful?" You nod your head, "Christmas lights?" You nod again, "Are these things the same?" You shake in the negative, biting on your lip because of course not. They look entirely different.

"Just because something does not look the same, does not make it any less beautiful. You do not need to look like the other girlfriends, Schatzi, you just need to look like you." You can already feel tears welling in your eyes, but you refuse to let them fall, refuse to have them ruin your makeup when you're supposed to be going to this fundraising event.

"But..."

"There is no but, if you are worried that I do not find you beautiful then don't. Ich liebe dich, I love each part of you." Nico turns you in his arms, spins you until you're face to face, hand cupping your cheek. His thumb rubbing back and forth over the plushness there before slipping backwards to run through your hair, fingers twisting in the strands.

"I love your hair, how it tangles in the morning and how it smells after you shower." Like vanilla. Always like vanilla. The sort of smell he'd recognise no matter if he could see you or not. He could pick you out in a line up from the scent of your hair alone.

His fingers untangle from your strands, slipping down to your throat, resting over where your voice box roughly is. Ticklish and gentle on your skin as you're completely captivated by him. Nico has your undivided attention, your lips parted slightly in awe of him.

"I love your voice, how soothing it is even though I know that you hate how it sounds on the phone." You always complain about your voice on recordings, on your voice mail and old videos. But to him it's so soothing, calming, he could listen to you talk forever.

His hands trail to your stomach, smoothing over the rolls on your side and bumps you feel self conscious of, before resting across your tummy, fingers pressing in and kneading at your stomach. The softness under his fingers his favourite sensation.

"I love your stomach, how plush it is, how I can dig my fingers into it or press my face there after a long day, Schatzi...I love your hips and how I can grip them and your thighs and how soft they are. I love your body. I love that it is different, but I also love who you are inside too."

"Nico..."

"You look beautiful right now and if you want to stay here, we'll stay here, but I think everyone deserves to see how good you look in that dress, so, are you ready?"

The question is loaded. Not just are you ready to go out, but do you believe me, do you believe that you are beautiful, do you believe that you can be different and still wonderful. He's good at that, saying so much in not so many words, so good at getting to the point without being too blunt about it.

You take a moment to consider, Nico still holding you close, dark eyes soft and loving as they look down at you and you know without a doubt that he'd take his suit off and get into sweats if you asked to stay here. He'd make an excuse for why he wasn't at the event in favour of being there for you, but you don't want that. You want to show off your amazing boyfriend, want him to raise as much money as possible for an amazing charity. You don't want this dress to go to waste or let your brain sabotage you.

"I'm ready."

"Good," He holds his hand out to you with a smile and you take it, feeling that oppressive self-consciousness starting to fade with his words, with his attention as he pulls you towards the front door.

So I’ve been dating this guy for a few weeks now. He’s handsome, sweet, has paid for all the dates, texts me every day, and is very considerate.

But I’m kind of worried he’s not fully physically attracted to me?

I know he thinks my face and eyes are pretty, but part of me doesn’t think he’s attracted to my body. He’s never commented or complimented it.

Full disclosure, I’m a bigger girl. Like a size 14 in US. I’ve got curves, but I can usually rock what I’ve got, you know? And while I’ve never had a man call me fat to my face it is an issue of insecurity for me.

However, I’ve never told or let on that I’m insecure about my body to this man. I don’t bring it up or self degrade or anything, I act like I’m beautiful (I am, just not conventionally when it comes to my body).

Well on our last date the question “what’s your type” came up.

He admitted he had a preference for red heads, but blondes were also his type (I’m blonde). Then he said he loved cute faces and pretty eyes (and said so in a pointed, flirty way towards me). But then he said “you know it’s really about personality. Even if you’re super hot, if you don’t have a good personality that means nothing. Besides, looks can be fixed. We can always work on stuff.”

And while I liked that answer at first it got me thinking. Why even bring up “fixing” looks? What even needs to be “fixed”? It just left me with a weird feeling. I know I could be over thinking, but I’ve never considered “fixing” anyone’s looks, I either like them as they are or don’t. Combine this comment with the fact that he didn’t tell me his ideal body type (skinny, curvy, etc.) and it just…idk makes me wonder.

YEONJUN

Personality: the magician, 2 of swords, ace of pentacles

He is attracted to a manifestor, someone who can help him make things happen, it sounds a bit opportunistic but from his perspective partnership should be about helping and being useful to one another, he likes someone intelligent, resourceful, a great communicator, sociable and with connections or knowledge, someone with a certain influence, not too emotional, more practical and brainy, witty, balanced, a thinker whose going to think hard before making a decision and is going to help him making his own decisions, charming and diplomatic, independent, connected to his circle or career libra, gemini, air signs, capricorn

Appearance: page of coins, the hanged man, 10 of cups

A fresh, youthful, cute appearance, clear skin, could prefer pale skin, blond hair or light colors in general, smells good, clear high pitch voice, homely, calm and slow movements, innocence, soft, nurturing quality cancer, pisces, virgo

Turn-offs: the star, 3 of wands, 7 of wands

Sappy, overly emotional or dramatic people, people who are disconnected from reality, people who exaggerate, drama queens, people who are ready to crush others to achieve their goals, bullies, selfishness.  aries, leo, negative cancer, sagittarius

SOOBIN

Personality: 5 of pentacles, 5 of cups, 7 of wands

Sad people, people who’ve been through it, who could need his help, he is attracted to the melancholic, tragic type, yet the type of person who is still trying hard, a combative person, maybe even a bit hardened by life, but still that he’d see as vulnerable, fragile, sensitive and passionate. I’m getting the vibe of a stray animal he would be trying to approach but the cat is a bit wild, but the moment he’d gain its trust he’d see how much this animal needs love. Same thing but with a human being, a wounded soul. He values the emotional bond and intimacy a lot. There could be some codependency but could be very healing, transformative and powerful too.  all water signs especially scorpio, capricorn, mars

Appearance: knight of swords, queen of pentacles, the chariot

Someone who looks like a fighter, strong, sturdy, fit, curvy hips or thighs, darker hair and skin, darker colors in general, active, powerful intense energy and movements, fierce, sharp eyes, sensual appearance, something about the body that he’d want to touch, feel, smell, raw energy, bigger or wider features. capricorn, taurus, aries, scorpio

Turn-offs: ace of wands, the hierophant, 9 of wands

Someone too easy to read, he likes when someone takes a while to open up or reveal themselves, not only does he finds this more attractive and exciting, but he also thinks it makes the bond more special, if someone is opening up too easily he doesn’t trust that person. Someone who is too boring, predictable or too similar to what he already knows, someone too traditional, who follows the rules to the point they have no personality and feel like a robot, someone who doesn’t let anybody in so that no emotional connection is possible, someone who never let their guard down, who shows no vulnerability or humanity. only fire and air in the chart, negative capricorn/taurus, aquarius

BEOMGYU

Personality: 6 of wands, the world, 6 of swords

Definitely could like a foreigner or someone who foreign connections or background, someone who shows him something different, someone happy go lucky, proud, someone he’d admire, someone impressive, a bit cocky, someone who only wants the good things in life, has no time for negativity, only wants the best, an idealistic person, brave, high achiever, focused on themselves and their success, with an impressive stable career, most likely a celebrity leo, sagittarius, sun, jupiter

Appearance: 2 of pentacles, justice, knight of wands

Balanced harmonious symmetrical features, someone who is conventionally beautiful just like him, who could look like him a bit, brown/reddish colors, strong curvy or plush thighs, could like a shorter and curvier body type, someone who can be both cute and sexy, a bit wild, tomboyish, more revealing outfits, imposing big presence no matter the height or stature, a more simple a bit messy style, messy hair, shorter hair, bangs, ripped jeans, hooded or slanted eyes, big and/or raspy voice, a good dancer and/or rapper aries, mars, taurus

Turn-offs: the high priestess, the lovers, 2 of cups

He seems allergic to romance XD, overly romantic people, hyper feminine people, too much softness, too many emotions, too much intimacy, someone who looks like they can read him like a book, somehow he feels uncomfortable when people try to get too close, people who act overly mysterious or are too passive, people who always consult him before making a decision (he likes independence), PDAs. I feel like there could be some unresolved issues going on here, especially knowing that Beomgyu is a scorpio moon and pisces sun, it’s like he is afraid of intimacy and doesn’t want to accept this part of himself. he is still attracted to all these other fiery qualities matching his aries venus, but something is missing.  all water signs in general, libra, venus

TAEHYUN

Personality: 5 of cups, 10 of cups, 9 of cups

Similar to Soobin, a very sensitive person who could need his strength, but not as tough and rough around the edges, more easy going, soft and family oriented, easily satisfied, who can see the good in many things, very kind and compassionate, a bit like a Disney princess lol, nurturing, understanding, likes to cuddle, very physically affectionate and needy, could be clingy, very loyal, would make a good mother, a safe haven for him to go back to at the end of the day, could be younger than him or simply make him feel like he is the more mature person, the provider, it’s a pretty traditional relationship, but very healing and loving cancer, pisces, jupiter, taurus

Appearance: page of cups, king of cups, knight of cups

Wow Taehyun really likes a water sign, he got all the cup cards, except for the queen. So a rather sensitive looking person, big or expressive deep eyes, cute, soft, round face, could prefer short hair, there is a masculine energy but very soft. The color blue, watery, siren like looks, dreamy, darker skin tone, big wide open features, soft skin, soft voice, magnetism, slower, softer more sensual movements, if he’d see someone with a pet or being kind to animals he would like it neptune, pisces, cancer, scorpio

Turn-offs: king of swords,queen of wands, the tower

Detached, cold, cruel people, extremely rational people who cannot connect with their emotions, narcissistic people, show-offs, people who only talk about themselves, attention seekers, loud, brash, boisterous people, drama queens, bullies. aquarius, saturn, leo, aries, mars 

HUENINGKAI

Personality: 4 of swords, 7 of pentacles, 6 of cups

He wouldn't let anyone in that easily, he'd have to know he can trust them before, so someone patient, determined, highly resistant, endurant, very giving, unconditional love. He may prefer a more platonic dynamic first. Someone observant, rational and who pays attention to others, someone reliable, a good shoulder to lean on, supportive, someone who has a way with words, soothing, healing words, a good advisor. He needs time before letting people in, but is interested in long term relationships and intimacy. Could be someone older or very mature. virgo, taurus, capricorn, cancer, libra, saturn

Appearance: the hermit, 6 of pentacles, the empress

Like Taehyun could like to see someone taking care of animals or pets. He's not easily impressed by looks, he may not like the plastic surgery look, prefers when he can see natural “flaws” (except he wouldn't see it as flaws) like natural skin tone…etc. Could prefer someone older or who looks mature, motherly. Kind face, rosy cheeks, curvy hips and chest, a “fertile” look, a natural, effortless, healthy, radiant, princess in a fairytale type of beauty.  libra, taurus, virgo, pisces

Turn-offs: ace of swords, high priestess, king of pentacles

(1) Appearances are a lot more important than you think.

Seriously, your OC's psychical attribute effect themselves and the world around them! Say your character is a teenaged girl with dark hair, almond shaped eyes, a couple beauty marks and a curvy body shape. She wears comfortable sweaters, sweatpants, and purple. Now visualize that.

Now think about how you choose clothing. Do you like comfort or style?

We can say this character likes to be comfortable, and probably isn't a fan of getting out of her comfort zone. She likes baggy clothes and doesn't put much effort into her appearance. Perhaps she's insecure and has some self-esteem issues about her body, which although she's very pretty, it's not in the way that her surroundings find conventionally attractive like in the magazines. Also, she loves purple!

Of course, this is only an example. Plenty of confident people wear sweaters, and plenty of people wear a lot of one color but not because it's their favorite. There's more you can do to exhibit personality with appearances too. Let's give my girl here some eyebags. Perhaps she doesn't sleep very well. You can always tweak the appearance no matter where in development- hell, I suggest it!

A change of appearance can also show growth! Suppose our girl learns throughout the story how to be confident and not conform to the unrealistic expectations of the world because she's a rebel! She still wears those awesome sweaters but now she styles them and has fun with it! This can show your character learning to love what they're comfortable with at the same time change for their own betterment in subtle, optional ways.

At any point in time, feel free to go back and tweak them! I've had a character change between every shade of blonde under the sun! And my OC above used to be pretty bland.

(2) Don't be Afraid of Stereotypes.

Before you drag me off to the looney barn let me explain! Let's introduce a new character. She's the popular girl in school! Straight brown hair, bleached highlights, loves hot pink and is very extroverted! She's dated just about everyone in school too. Sounds like your average popular girl cheerleader stereotype right? And that's how she started out. Hell, she still is. But let's think.

Why is she this way? Our girl is a serial dater, and has some pretty serious non-committal issues. Suppose her family is very conservative and restrictive and out of rebellion she decides to rack up a kiss count to announce on graduation day! Humiliate her family and be publicly disowned, safe to go off and start her own life. Is this healthy? Not at all. But it's a complex issue that gives her more depth and backstory. Development.

The stereotypes don't stick around forever. Our girl can be difficult but she's an Insider! She's got friend groups with everyone, and then her main friend group. Eventually she gets kicked out of cheer because she got into some wild makeup and nail press ons as a new way to tick off her superiors. This shows more then a stereotype: she's rebellious and loves scandalous attire like low rise skinny jeans and crop tops.

Of course, she's still that popular girl stereotype. She's got mounds of friends, wears pink, and dates half the football team! But she's not a static antagonist. Stereotypes can be amazing and really help you evolve your character if they're your starting point! They're just poorly written and barely evolved in most medias.

(3)

Write AUs.

Your character is lacking since it doesn't have development through content right? You can't progress through your plot since you have no idea what your OC will do in that situation.

So make content!

Find writing prompts, make up your own silliness or angst! Write about your OCs riding dragons, working in an office, subjected to an arranged marriage, anything! This is for you. Now you can ask yourself, what will your OC do? Will they object to the marriage and try and run off? Will they discuss this peacefully and set down a negotiation? What about dragons? Will they be nice to their new dragon friend? Will they use them for thievery or the greater good or just basic travel? Do they even like the idea of "using" a dragon? What's their morals? Do they get angry or weepy at situations and most importantly: what makes them tick, tock, and crack.

None of it has to be canon. Not only does it help with characters, but even your plot! Maybe you get a scene idea you adore! Or detail you love! Because of those silly AU's (which will never see the light of day...) I figured out one of my characters adores dancing! Another has a deep overprotectiveness and loyalty over their people, and perhaps that'll only worsen before it improves...

(4) Let them Write Themselves!

I know, that doesn't make any sense. But the voices are calling! Through those AUs and First Drafts, sometimes they react differently then how you wanted the character to be. For example, my girl who loves her sweaters in (1)? I originally wanted to make her sweet, friendly and bubbly. However, when writing I don't understand how or why, she was very snippy, short-tempered and socially awkward, sweet in a rough way.

I could be crazy, but from then on I couldn't imagine her the way she started. And with these anger issues, came more development. Why is she this way? Where did it come from? Suppose she started out as that Orphan Heroine Stereotype? What happened to her parents? Who's alive? And then suppose in the system, she required medical help but she was ignored for being too quiet, too reserved. Eventually, she snapped. What was this medical issue? Perhaps she kept passing out, getting fatigued, and too hot and too cold. Well, then I guess I'll give her PoTS, something I'm familiar with and researched. Now she's got an adorable service dog, and whoa- she's a dog lover!

See how fast your character can develop?

(5) Finally: Just Ask Why.

That's the key for development. Every situation, every reaction they have, ask why. Why're they doing this? Why do they care? Why is this their problem? And why did they solve it this way? Do not question yourself, question your OCs.