Geminexus

(dʒɛ.mi.’nɛks.əs, jeh-mee-NEX-uss)

For years now, I've been searching for a term that perfectly explained my experiences with a certain fictional character. There are so many terms out there that refer to a connection between souls, a connection between yourself and a fictional character, but I've never really seen it as any of those. It just didn't quite fit in the definition. So! Years later! I've decided “I'm going to coin this for myself and if anyone else wants to use it go wild!”

Geminexus (noun) A person from fiction that you have a strong connection to. You live in your world, they live in theirs, but your heart and souls are forever linked together, even if you're never able to meet. You are the character’s geminexus, just as they are yours. Referring to both of you together would be the plural form of the word, geminexae (dʒɛ.mi.’nɛks.eɪ, jeh-mee-NEX-ay).

The word derives its origin from two Latin terms: Gemina, meaning twins, and Nexus, meaning a strong connection. While twin souls as an English term is something that already exists, that term (as well as the alternate “twin flame”) mostly is used to refer to a romantic connection in a single world. Your relationship with your geminexus is not romantic. They are them, you are you, and you're connected, but do not know each other, and never will.

This isn't to say a geminexus can't become something else. While it hasn't happened to me, personally, I see no reason why a geminexus couldn't become a headmate or a soulbond that you are able to communicate with one day. However, at that point, they are no longer a geminexus. The main point is an inability to reach them.

While I, myself, experience this spiritually, with a belief of alternate worlds running parallel to our own, I see no reason for this term to be exclusively spiritual. I also don't see it as inherently alterhuman, though if you consider your experience being geminexae an alterhuman one, be my guest!

Geminexus as a term can apply to fandom as well! For example, you're watching a show, and you see a character. Instantly, you feel drawn to that character. It's not a kin thing, you don't selfship with the character, you're not even necessarily similar people! But still, you feel this pull towards them. They're important to you. They might not even be your favourite character from their source! But the connection is there, and it's all encompassing. If someone misunderstands this character, you feel genuinely hurt by it, even more so than you would for one of your top faves. When people dislike them, it feels like getting stabbed. It's not you, they're not you, it doesn't even feel like someone's disliking you. But it hurts. They're more than just a favourite character.

There's no limit to how many geminexae one can have. I, personally, only have the one, but hearts are a funny thing, and they can branch off in so many different ways.

In short, geminexae are two sides of the same coin. They're not the same person, not even close. Think of it like your two souls are bound together, eternally tying you to each other.