#But the important thing is that she's going to be amazing

[billyp673]

I thought the same thing once, and eventually I even took it to heart. I reached a point where I was too afraid to even seek that kind of relationship because I was afraid of ending up in another bad one. It got to the point where I learnt how to be happy without worrying about relationships or having the drive to seek them out. I obsessed over my hobbies and various projects, and I was happy.

My first relationship scarred me; I got to the point where I set my personality standards so high that I didn’t think anyone would ever meet them, and I was ok with that, and I was content. I had friends and I had my projects and I was always starting new ones whilst chipping away at the old ones.

Did I ever feel lonely? Sure, from time to time, but that never stopped me from being happy with my life and being happy with myself, and I think that is the most important first step. Before you can learn to love someone truly, you have to learn to love yourself and have respect for yourself.

As unreasonably high as they were, I never did end up dropping those standards. I honestly thought, as a result, that I’d end up alone indefinitely. I’d made peace with that. But then the most unbelievable thing happened: I met someone.

I met someone amazing. She’s caring, and goofy and weird in the best possible ways. She’s smart, smarter than she’ll ever admit. She makes me feel comfortable discussing things about myself that I wouldn’t even mention to any other soul. She’s the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me and the craziest part is that she loves me back.

To me, the satisfaction and happiness with your own life is more important than the constant pursuit of love. For this reason, I was never the sort to seek out people to date or anything like that; if I was ever going to end up in a relationship, it was going to happen naturally, as a friendship growing into something more.

All this to say, for some people the dating and seeking of relationships works, but for others, you’re better off looking after yourself. If you’re comfortable enough to be on your own, then you can no longer lose, and that gives you the grounds to find the relationships you truly desire as opposed to settling for a relationship that won’t last.

[czechwoso]

My brave lady (Leah Williamson x pregnant!reader)

Summary: Leah's first game back from injury. The night before she cannot sleep because of her nerves and she needs a cuddle.

Disclaimer: my first fanfiction, hope you will like it. Also, english is my second language so please be kind xxxx

You woke up middle of the night. You've been waking up a lot lately because of your pregnancy. Suddenly you notice that no one's lying next to you and there's a light on in the kitchen.

You put on your bathrobe and go see what's going on. Even though you can guess. Leah, as much as she didn't want to let it show, had been nervous about getting back on the pitch. Tomorrow is her first match after injury.

On the one hand, you were glad that Leah was home for the last few weeks so you could experience your pregnancy intensely together. On the other hand, you know how much your wife loves being on the pitch, hearing the fans, wearing the Arsenal jersey and everything about being a football star.

As her teammate, now on maternity leave, you knew that feeling too. But for Leah, football meant even more. As she always says: Football is not the most important thing in my life, that's my wife y/n. But thanks to football, I met her.

You entered your small and cozy kitchen. Leah was there, sitting on the chair, staring absently at the table. You rubbed her back gently and kissed her top of the head. Than you sat next to and pulled her closer. Leah buried her head into your chest. No words were needed. You began to gently stroke her head and softly kiss her hair.

"Honey, don't worry about tomorrow. You will make it. Remember how nervous you were before your first training? And you did amazing job," you said, meanwhile Leah hugged you tightly.

"I know honey, I just...I can't sleep. I know, training after my injury were pretty smooth but still...there will be people tomorrow. What if...what if I won't be as good as I used ti be?" said Leah, shaking her voice a little.

That was your sweet Leah. On the public, she was though player, captain of England and looked that there is anything she can't handle. But home, she was your sweet and soft darling wife, who constantly supplied you with enormous amounts of love and tenderness. You and now not born yet daughter. You both decided named her Josephine because your shared love for The Little Women.

"Arsenal fans love you honey. They missed you as much as you missed them and they can't wait to see you again. And I will be there here, watching you. Both of us. Being incredibly proud of our baby mamma. How brave she is." you told Leah holding her hand.

Leah smiled softly, protectively stroke your baby bumb and then kissing it. "I love you so much. Both of my lovely girls." said Leah while soft kissing you and your belly. "How is our bubba Jo?"

"Jo is doing fine, but her little kicks woke me up." you confessed.

"You sweet lady bug, let your mummy sleep." Leah said to your belly, can't stop cuddling with it. You could tell she was feeling a little better. "Can't wait to having our little girl here with us," she smiled.

You pulled her closer, kissing her forehead. "Let`s go to the bed, pretty girl. You need to get a good night's sleep for tomorrow," you said, grabbing your wife's hand.

Leah made her puppy eyes you used to see a lot. "Ok, but little bed cuddles will make me sleep better," she laughted.

You laught, grabbing her softy and hug her like a big spoon. "Ok, that`s a deal."

[keelt9]

Chapter 4

Masterlist

Joe can be friends with her, of course he can. 

Months passed with Y/N turning in a new but important friend of his, with the beginning of the season; and one more time the losing streak, she always supported him, encouraged him and scolded him when he’s about to lose his calm after a bad week.

Just like this one, after a clear overpass by the Eagles.

“Better?” Joe sits back in the same bench from always; just this time it is late at night after throwing a few balls to Monet as he catches them in the air.

Joe collapses sweating but feeling the tension in his shoulders disappear. “So much!” 

Monet takes water from his bottle, then searches the pats of his owner, tired but happy of playing with his human friend. 

“Sorry buddy.” Joe scratches his head. “But hey! You see that deep ball?” Y/N giggles nodding. “Catch with one simple bite, amazing, totally amazing.”

“A little bit low for him.” Y/N joke with Joe seeing how he closed his eyes and let down his head, his eyebrows furrow. “I’m joking!” 

Y/N laid her head over his shoulder. “You did a great job Joe. I mean it.”

“Still isn’t enough.” Y/N grabs his hand as Joe laid his head on the top of hers.

“Hey, tomorrow a big game is ahead, focus on that.” Monet rested his head on the top of his thighs, observing the same scene that keeps repeating each week. “You’re doing a great job.” 

Joe closes his eyes patting Monet's head letting the soft breeze bring back the essence of Y/N perfume, the warmth of being at home.

It’s numerous the nights before the season starts that Joe explains to her over and over again the rules of the game, when he knew Y/N, she has 0 knowledge of it as seeing her curiosity increasing about it, he’s decided to change that, at least, so she can utterly root for them.

“Any chance?” Joe is calling her on his way to the stadium. 

“No, Joe I can’t see the colour lines, without them, I barely can understand what I’m seeing.” Y/N moves around her studio working before allowing her morning pass in screaming and cursing to the t.v.

Joe has invited her multiple times to a game but the same times he’s been rejected. 

“I’ll be watching, don’t worry.” Joe sees the usual movement of cars of his teammates. “Have fun!” 

Joe smiles waiting for his turn to get inside of the parking lot. “And, crush them, right Monet?” He definitely giggles when he hears Monet barking.

“I’ll text you when I am free, ok?” He grabs his phone and puts it in front of his mouth. 

“Joe, just, have fun! Bye.” He didn't even have a chance to replay because she hangs out, leaving him with a soft smirk on his face.

Monet gets used to his new game day routine, his favorite place is his head over the lap of Y/N but when it’s game day, it’s the most distressing place in the house. She keeps lifting and sitting incessantly every time Joe makes a huge play, the team gets a score, someone has been hit hard, or Joe is sacked.

Especially when Joe is sacked and takes a few seconds to stand, she sits in front of the T.V waiting until he finally stands.

The first game Monet head moves over and over from her lap to the couch; now he prefers to observe her from his new and massive present of Joe, a fluffy, soft bed next to the couch. 

Bengals win comfortably but still Joe faces express bother and dissatisfaction. 

“Any satisfacción, huh?” Y/N whispers to the T.V as the camera focuses on Joe walking out of the field. 

Y/N observes her dog resting at his right side just moving his head when he hears the voice of her. “Can we get a smile through a text?” Monet licks his nose. “Yeah, I think the same.” 

One week later, things change, one more time. Losing against the Ravens is so frustrating to him, it’s their conference rival, this kind of games hit him more. Joe barely takes his time to go to the park with them, enclosing himself between his home and the office trying to figure out what, when and who they had to improve.

Y/N is getting used to that even Monet starts to get used too, but that doesn't take the morning stops in the park, this time with a concurrent friend.

“Y/N you’re frustrating me!” Savannah said, raising her hands in the air, spelling some drops of her coffee. 

“Hey! You get me a stain and burn!” Y/N moves to her left, cleaning the drops. 

Monet is playing in the grass with a ball that every time he bites it with more strength than usual a snack comes out of it. 

“He’s a nice guy! I met him for a long time, even you!” Savannah takes a deep breath. “He has my quality stamp.” She fakes to stamp her hand as she holds her cup between her legs.

Y/N laughs purely head backwards. “Sav, can we just…”

“No!” Even Savannah laughed this time. “You have an invitation for dinner and he… was pretty clear saying it is a date and you want to put it aside!”

“It’s just a date! I haven't even said yes or no.” Y/N rolled the ball in her hands when Monet put in her lap, probably running out of snacks, but for today, that’s enough.

“That’s my problem! Have you ever noticed how he looks at you?” Savahns fakes a pain in her chest, both of her hands right in the middle and closing tight her eyes. “You’ll be melting on the ground!” 

Monet barks when he smells an unmistakable fragrance. “I’ll think about it ok?” Y/N said before turning around to find Joe with his bag, he goes to his morning practice. 

“Joe!” Y/N said smiling before he approaches and hugs her, letting out a deep sigh.

“Hi Sav.” Joe raises his two fingers with his usual peace sign. Savannah smiles and greets him too.

“Well, I better go, and let you talk.” She stands taking her half empty cup of coffee, as she sees Monet sits waiting for Joe pats. “I guess you drive him later, huh?”

Joe smiles stroking Monet's neck, Savannah giggles for how in love Monet seems of him; it supposed he will come with her for a little bit of dog gathering but that eyes said, “Not even think about it.”

“Bye Sav.” Y/N rolls her eyes.

After Savannah disappeared among the trees, Joe couldn’t avoid asking. “Everything all right?” He saw her with his deep blue eyes. 

“Yeah.” Y/N smiles with her lips together. “Everything is ok.”

Monet barks sniffing incessantly at Joe bags, there is the frisbee somewhere in his bag and he smells it.

“Just a few ones, ok?” Joe smiles at him. “I have early training, sorry for not being here these days.”

Y/N senses his eyes on her as she keeps scrolling in her phone, but she decides to put it aside, feeling she has awful things to say and she decides to keep it.

Her phone buzzed, she had a call. “Sorry, I have to pick up, if you need to go, let me know ok?” She smiles at Joe.

Joe nods as she stands and walks away. “Hi…”

It’s been 3 days with the same routine, Joe barely talks with her or he must leave earlier or she has a call to pick up, which apparently can’t wait.

“What do you know?” Joe asks Monet as he throws him a ball, Monet grabs it in the air. 

Joe sighs observing Y/N next to a tree nodding and giggling, Monet pushes his hand with his ball, making him sigh. 

“Fuck!” He spat, taking his hand to his mouth in a tight fist.

“Whoa! Strong words for this early morning.” Y/N said, walking next to him. “Are you ok?” 

Joe blinks, resting importance. “Yeah, I'm anxious for the game.”

Y/N nods. “Oh, I have something to say.” Joe presses the ball in his hands. “I have a date.” 

The time stops or it’s him that suddenly he feels dizzy. “What?”

He tosses the ball from looking at her. “I have a date, it’s Monet’s vet, nice guy, he invited me a couple of days ago, I was indecisive but…”

“But…” Joe feels he’s losing the strength in his arm.

“He convinced me.” The joyful laughs it’s killing him. “So, I agree, we go out Sunday.”

“Whoa, what about the game?” Monet barks, he’s been waiting too much, with a drooling ball in his snout, now laying in the grass. 

Y/N pats Joe's shoulder. “It will be a lunch date, believe I’ll be at home for the game.” 

Joe takes the ball, throwing it barely a few meters away. “Ok.”

“Well, we have to go, I have work to do.” Y/N packs her things. “Have a nice game Joe.”

Y/N grabs his shoulder from her and lifts her tip toes and kisses his cheek. “We’ll be watching, don't worry!” 

Joe glups feeling an unusual burning sensation in his stomach. “Monet let’s go my love!” 

Monet waits for Joe pats before going running from where she is, putting his leash, Joe eyes lost in the strange zigzag shape of a cloud. 

In the last throes of the practice Joe minds occupied again for the morning talk with his friend; he made it to keep far away almost all the time, but now with the sensations came back like thunder.

“JOE!” Ja’Marr complains that he dime Joe just threw to his lower abdomen. “Easy man!” 

Yoshi giggles walking next to them, he knows what it feels, he’s glad to be an observer for now. 

“Sorry, sorry.” He apologized, cracking his neck.

“Ok, boys, let’s call it a wrap.” Zack said, taking the last notes on his board. “See you tomorrow for leaving, have some rest.” He pressed his lips in a smile, before going back to talk with the coaching staff.

Joe takes his helmet just to see Ja’Marr observing him. “What?”

“Nothing.” Ja’Marr takes his too. “You look mad as hell.”

He didn’t wait for a replay, he took his things and followed Tee to the locker room leaving Joe frustrated and with nothing to say.

It took until the next morning to finally split out as they waited for the team to arrive for leave for L.A.

“Y/N has a date.” Joe spit looking at the almost empty locker room.

Ja’Marr turns around smiling. “That’s great! Oh, so happy for her.” Joe turns around with probably killing eyes. “What? I thought you'll be happy for her.” 

“I am!” Joe raises his voice. “I totally am.” 

“Sure.” Ja’Marr suspects; Joe has that tone that is irritated with narrow eyes that makes him look mad and he even didn’t know why. 

Joe put his cap on. “She seems happy so I’m happy, a date with a nice guy, great!”

“I thought you said you’re ok with being her friend.” Chase siad, remembering the conversation he had with Joe about that curious boost he had every time he mentioned Y/N.

The giggling as he mentions her and the fact he takes a deep breath everytime that a message or a call appears on his screen. Oh, he almost forgot, the fact he’s taking his time to comment about every webtoon she’s involved in, by that time he’s sure he must be a renowned fan; with a start next next to his surname.

Joe laidback resting his head on the back of his locker. “And I was, but… come on man, she's been in every corner, hearing to me everyday, saying only good things to me, and hard ones when she knows I’m losing the focus, making me laugh and smile even I feel so pissing off, giving me a hand in every meaning of the world. Damn it! She even stayed awake the nights where the pain on the wrist was killing me.”

Ja’Marr pressed a little bit. “But…” Joe closes his eyes.

“She’s been all smiles and giggle for days, at the beginning I actually believe I had it all under control.” Chase sees Joe fist tight. 

“Then…” 

“Those smiles start to disturb me because I hate the way… A random guy makes her smile like that, huh?.” Joe stands walking side to side. “I have seen how her friends and family make her laugh, that isn’t that smile.”

Ja’Marr blinks a couple of times. “Are you jealous?”

Joe stops dry taking a last look at the locker room hearing soft mumbles increasing, the burning sensation in his stomach just remembering how she smiles when she mentions her date makes him angry. 

“Fuck, I am!”

“So?” Savannah opens the door seeing Y/N beautiful dress with her purse over her shoulder. 

She lifted the corner of her lips walking to the living room where she collapsed on the couch face buried in the pillow. Monet sniffed her head making her giggle, without lifting the head she patted his head. 

“Hi baby.” Monet licks the side of her hand happy that she’s ok.

Savannah sat on the arm of the couch. “Y/N...”

“He's not him.” Y/N mumbles feeling awful and defeated, closing her eyes. Savannah looks at her friend and the meticulous sniffing from Monet from head to toes. 

“What?”

Nora appears with a huge jar of ice cream, and three spoons. “He is not Joe.”

Savannah giggles, she already knows it but wants Y/N tries, at least once. She takes the lid of the jar and takes a big spoon of it, to hide her smile.

It wasn’t at the first sight or anything like that, it was gradually and slowly, she fell for him gently.

Joe is such an adorable person, she knew it a few weeks later from his first encounter; the way he giggles and how he tends to be unable to stay still and his lovely sense of humor makes it hard not fall for him.

The days when works is overwhelming and she barely reaches to see the sunlight Joe cames her home with a delicious dinner making her laugh all night, his love for Monet, the days where she fall asleep in his house and she wakes up cover by a blanket and her finger with band aids due to mini cuts for spending hours review sketchers and papers with a lot of notes and circles around what must be correct and her lack of self care; the way he talks about a lot with so much enthusiasm about things he love and his fear of the cameras even he knows he’s the main show.

“Agh!” Stands and sits back properly taking out all the jewelry and things that make her feel uncomfortable. “Thanks.” 

Nora gives her the ice cream, smiling softly at her. “I tried ok, I really do, but…”

Savannah careness her head, smiling tenderly at her.

“See?” Y/N searches in her purse, taking out a white napkin.

Savannah and Nora smile while taking the napkin, since they can have memory, Y/N always refers to her heart like a white piece of paper that is drawn by people making a little space.

Since she and Joe became closer all the napkins, canvas, sheets and digital sheets have a small cube of ice in the corners or a small football ball, every time she thinks of him. Lately a cracked shape of an orange heart.

The napkin of the dinner is empty, a simple napkin.

Nora grabs Y/N, touched by seeing a woman always so strong and confident, so overwhelmed by someone, still so calm and happy, just constern for not having a clue of what to do or say. 

Swallowing a big spoon of ice cream. 

By the end of the night Y/N smiles came when she saw Joe on the screen; even one more time an stressed lose goes to them, she waits her phone lights on with his text but her tiredness wins and she falls asleep.

The napkin from the dinner has a football on the corner.

Joe feels mad and you can see it but he sees the camera, still praying, for a second she is seeing him through the T.V, like she always does when he’s mad.

With those eyes before wink, finding her so cute that makes him chuckle as his heart beats fast, turning almost impossible that smile eares from his face.

[paperstorm]

Literally though- what was the point of Trevor being in the fifth season so much if Tommy is never allowed to date anyone ever again? (this is off your tags on the Tommy and Charles post)

Because I my first run of the show was devastated when they killed Charles off but I thought they did a good job with Tommy's arc following his death.

And her kids are so young and I liked the you meet someone when you aren't expecting it thing that she and Trevor had and that it was tough and they struggled but then it seemed like their families fit well together-

(also... remember Grace? Remember her and Tommy's amazing friendship?? The four of them going to dinner and getting kicked out before they could order?)

And I was really surprised that the breakup with Trevor... stuck? Like up until the eleventh hour I was still waiting for the turnaround and that wedding to be hers-

And I feel like they did the the-person-you-can't-move-on-from-is-gone with Owen where everyone went to call their loved ones and he just sat and looked at Gwyn's number in his phone- like... there might not be someone for him because Gwyneth Morgan was it.

And if the same was true for Tommy and Charles- then- why did they have her propose? Couldn't they just have had the whole Melody wants to be near her mom and Trevor moves thing right away??

Literally like ... this is so silly, but looking back now given that the show was cancelled and the last season was short and every character was fighting for scraps of screen time so that they could all get a good final story arc, I find all the Tommy and Trevor stuff such wasted time if they weren't gonna end up together anyway. Like I liked him a lot, and I liked them together, but! what was the point! Why did they make me like him just to disappear him? Why did I have to suffer through that god awful Melody episode where she sucked so hard and Tommy sucked even harder in response to her and all that, if Trevor was just gonna go away and never come back?? Why did their love story eat up so much screen time that could have been given to other characters if it wasn't going anywhere?

And the point is the journey, I know this lol. I know that stories are not pointless if they don't end happily. I know that love is not less real just because it doesn't last forever. I know that the storytelling and the examination of human things like love and loss is the point. I know that there was important character growth for Tommy mixed up in it all. I know that only caring about characters if they're never going to leave a show is stupid. I know all this. But it doesn't stop me from feeling like their story was a waste of incredibly precious time even if I know and readily acknowledge that that's a bad way to consume media 😂

[touristbree]

🔎Legends ZA Trailer 1 Analysis🔎

We finally have a trailer for Pokemon Legends: ZA, and I am absolutely hyped for the game! Kalos was my first region and it’ll be fun to go back to it in such a creative way. We don’t know much, but we do have plenty to examine from the trailer and accompanying advertising.

Everything below is spoilers for today’s present.

The Setting

[ID: First Image shows a Bunnelby and fletchling running down a street in Lumiose that’s been overgrown with plants. “The Wild Zone” is named in the image.

Second: The player character running down a similarly abandoned street, there’s a car left behind and more plants around]

It’s interesting that one of the wild zones looks like an abandoned street in Lumiose city, the stores are still intact and there’s an entire car left behind, implying that this was a recent change. Wild zones are clearly very new editions and I wonder how much of the city was set aside for them, and what happened to the people who lived and worked in those areas.

[ID: An overview of as street covered in black and blue, futuristic scaffolding over very old looking buildings]

I noticed some construction scaffolding in the background and I have two theories about them:

1. Decoration: The scaffolding is just there for decorations in one part of the map to make it look like it’s actively under construction and provide more interesting spaces for battles.

2. Changing Map: Over the course of the game's story, scaffolding will appear over old buildings, cover them up, and then they get removed to reveal new buildings.The city evolves over the course of the story… but is that a good or bad thing?

Quasartico Inc.

[ID: a large modern looking building with the Quasartico logo on it]

We get introduced to Quasartico Inc. and it’s CEO Jett, and everyone is in agreement that she is the villain of this new game. We don’t know her plans, but we know she wants to modernize Lumiose City, we see a lot of construction at one point and an abandoned street in another, this bitch is gentrifying this city.

In the trailer we get a look at AZ’s hotel, it’s an old building that I think will be under the threat of being demolished to make way for a new modern building. My only reason behind this is that AZ is living his best life with his Floette and that the player living there makes it an emotionally important location, threatening it would establish Quasartico as a major villain in the game.

[ID: A comparison between the Looker Bureau im the trailer and in XY. Same being walls and tiled floors, the kitchen is more detailed in the trailer, there’s a board on the wall with notes about the city and papers and a laptop on the desk]

We also know that someone is keeping an eye on them, we get a quick glimpse at the Looker Bureau office from the postgame of XY. In the background there’s a board covered with notes and a map of the city meaning whoever is living here is keeping an eye on all the urbanization. When I first saw the trailer, I thought it had to be Emma from the XY postgame, but examining it a little closer I’m not as certain; Looking closely I noticed the picture of an Espurr on the desk, clearly meant to be Emma’s friend “Mimi”. The fact she’s in a framed picture gives me 4 theories:

1. Mimi died and this picture is in her memory, Emma is still at the Looker Bureau.

2. Looker is in the Bureau again and the picture is a reminder of Emma and Mimi.

3. Theory 1 but Looker has the picture.

4. I’m overthinking this, Mimi is fine and Emma just has a picture of her pet.

Conclusion

This game is looking amazing and it’s getting all the time it needs to marinate, I can’t wait to see who makes an appearance and I can’t wait to be introduced to the new cast of characters.

[phoenixcatch7]

Okay but it's super interesting how

Din = Power = Ganondorf

Naryu = Wisdom = Zelda

Farore = Courage = Link.

Because Din, in the hylian creation myth, created the physical world. Naryu then created the laws - gravity, time, etc. And Farore finally created life - plants and people.

Din created the body, naryu the mind, Farore the soul.

And the triforce and its wielders so perfectly reflect that.

Ganon is physical power, he is big and intimidating and he breaks things. He is cunning and determined, but that's not what he focuses on. He is might makes right.

Zelda is wisdom and cleverness. She is stall tactics and information and team work. She is a powerful mage with a spine of steel, but that's not how she'll win. She is the pen being mightier than the sword.

Link is courage and persistence. He is the wild card sneaking behind enemy ranks, always moving, plunging into terrifying situations head first. He's a phenomenal fighter with a keen wit, but that's not what will get him through his challenges. He is bravery not being the absence of fear but the triumph over it.

They sit in perfect parallels to each other.

And ganon is reborn through his body - his resurrection is immortality. No matter how low he is cast, as long as he has a body he can claw his way back. He can cling to his power, build it ever higher.

Zelda is reborn through the magic of her bloodline. It's the accumulated knowledge handed down for generations, the unique power she must master, the skills she must develop to survive and get her kingdom out the other side intact. Even her name, the knowledge of herself, is handed down from all the way from the very first. Her ancestors knowledge of her future presence, her stability, is what gives her the edge.

Link is reborn in spirit. He is not bound by flesh or blood. Just like his wanderlust soul he can reappear in any time or place. His variation, his unpredictability, is exactly how he fights. It's what makes him so hard to pin down.

Ganons need to build strength means he can't chase after link. Links impulsiveness means zelda can outwit him. Zeldas stationary predictability means she's an easy target for ganon.

But the other direction?

Fire melts ice, ice redirects lightning, lightning burns fire.

And that's the very essence of the triforce.

[beef-brisket]

Abel read through the journal as he strolled back to the Mystery Shack. This was amazing! It had nearly every strange oddity written down and documented perfectly!

Closing the book, Abel ran his fingers over the '3'. Was that just a symbol, or were there more? Maybe he should show this to Grunty Lilith. Maybe she would know what this is.

As Abel walked through the forest, he saw the roof of the shack come into view. Stopping, he looked back down at the journal. It looked and was extremely well hidden. It was obvious someone wanted it to stay that way.

Abel: Maybe... Grunty Lilith will be on a need to know basis... and she doesn't need to know. Not right now.

Abel was worried she'd just put it in the museum, and as much as he loved looking at her collection, some artefact needed to be used.

Abel: You won't do well behind a glass case, would you?

Running his fingers over the '3', Abel tucked the book into his jacket and walked inside. He could hear his sister and Grunty laughing before he even got to the door.

Lilith: There he is! I was about to go out and look for you, kid. I was getting worried!

He needs to get to his room and hide the book, as quickly as possible: Oh- uh, sorry, Grunty, I was just... looking around.

Lilith: It's okay, Ab. As long as you're safe.

Abel smiled and quickly walked to his room. As soon as his door was shut, he knelt in front of his bag. But before he hid the book, he started to read a few pages.

He had no idea how long he was at it, but he was so distracted by reading that he didn't hear his sister enter the room.

Sneaking up on her brother, Charlie smiled and looked over his shoulder. When she saw a page with a beautiful drawing of some creature, she gasped, making Abel jump and close the book.

Abel: C-Charlie?!

Charlie: What are you reading?! The art is so pretty! Can I see?

Abel held the book behind him: No! I found it- it's very old, Char! You can't just- you know. Treat it badly!

Charlie pouted: I wont! I just wanna see, Abby...

Abel sighed and pulled the book out from behind him: Okay, fine. But you can't tell Grunty Lilith. Not yet.

Charlie: Huh? Why? She loves old things!

Abel: I know! That's the problem... she'll just put this on display but look-.

He opened the book and flicked through the pages, leaving Charlie in awe of how detailed the drawings were and the perfect but rushed the writing is.

Abel: This needs to be red, Char! I can feel it! It's... it's important. Too important to be put behind glass... you know?

Charlie quickly nodded and agreed. So, they came up with a plan. Their going to act normal until tonight, where after dinner they'll climb into bed and read the book.

As much as they can, anyway.

Falling for the Dream Demon

@adambrainrot I blame you lol I hope you like it.

-

Adam had always been brilliant, Lilith knew that her brother was going to do great things one day like find life on another planet or find the cure to cancer. She was always in awe of him when he would speak with such high intelligence that sometimes she got lost in what he was actually saying.

They were twins, bound together by blood and have always been close. She always looked out for her nerdy little brother and wouldn't let anyone hurt him.

Except, as they got older, she was the one to hurt him. Not physically, but when they were in senior year of high school together Adam was being offered scholarships left and right from schools all around the country and the one he wanted the most would take him over seas.

Lilith let her jealousy get the best of her and ruined his chances by messing with his project.

Adam, being the genius he was knew it was her.

It wrecked their relationship and he never forgave her.

Adam slammed his car door shut and stomped away to get into the driver's seat.

"Adam come on, I said I was sorry" Lilith was leaning on his car and he all but pushed her away.

Adam glared at her "I don't care about you watered down apology, Lilith, do you have any idea what your childish tomfoolery has cost me?"

She didn't understand why he had to talk like he was 80. "You still got into your second choice! That's good right?"

Adam got into his car and gripped the steering wheel, his 12 fingers nearly turning white from the amount of rage he felt. "You just don't get it and you never will." He's never held his sisters lack of intellect against her, not everyone could be a genius like him, but in this moment he couldn't believe how stupid she was.

Lilith felt her chest get tight, she didn't like this. "Addie please......"

"No, I'm going to follow my dream and no one, not even you will stop me." He's already said goodbye to their mother and father. He doesn't need to be here anymore.

Before she could say another word Adam sped off into the distance, leaving his old life behind.

-

As the years went by Adam got three PhDs and a doctorate, he wanted to major in the anomalies of the world and there seemed to be a huge influx of them in this place named Gravity Falls.

He bought a cabin in the woods to live in and work in.

That's where he met the woman that would help him with his study, Dr. Eve Gardener.

Adam decided to keep a log of journals to keep track of everything he found. He's always been different with no one understanding him.

But being a genius and having someone who's brilliant to help him can only get him so far. He's hit a dead end in where everything comes from.

"What can I do?" Adam mused to himself as he tapped the pen on his journal. So far him and Eve have only found gnomes that talk and throw up rainbows.

He decided to go to the library to find anything that might help him. That's when he came across a book on demons.

Dream demons.

-

Adam had everything set up, maybe he was desperate and wanted to make things work so badly and obtain materials for his research.

Adam took a deep breath, "No turning back now." He spoke the spell that made the pentagram on the floor glow a bright red. From the glow stood a man in a white suit and top hat, short in height but that didn't matter. His face shrouded in mystery from the shadow of the brim of his hat concealing his face. When he looked up his eyes were red and yellow glowing brightly.

"Well hello there.~" The demon spoke smoothly, his voice deep. "And who might you be?"

Adam couldn't believe this actually worked. "My name is Dr. Adam Kadmon, I...... Who are you?"

"The name is Lucifer Morningstar! At your service handsome! Now, I assume you've brought me here for a reason?" Lucifer grinned and tipped his hat to Adam, winking.

Oh, so the demon is a flirt. Wonderful. Adam felt his smoldering gaze on him, it was intense and he..... Weirdly didn't hate it.

"I'm doing research about Gravity Falls and..... I've come to a bit of a stand still." Adam set the book down never taking his eyes off the demon.

Lucifer smiled so wide, showing off all of his pearly white sharp teeth. "Oh of course! I can help you with anything, whatever your heart desires I can give it to you Adam. You want to be rich, have great power, or even unlock the secrets of the universe I can give it to you! But, you have to give me something in return."

"Oh?"

"Yes! You can't get something for nothing you know.~" Lucifer practically purred, he leaned on his cain as he looked the human up and down.

Adam shifted on his feet, if this demon was telling the truth then anything would be worth it. "What would you want?"

Lucifer hummed, "All I ask, is that you let me into your mind, body, and soul.~"

"My s-soul?" That..... Sounds like a huge deal.

"Yes! How else am I going to be able to supply you with everything you need and secure everything you've ever wanted?~ I'm not asking you to give it to me, not completely. What do you say? We have a deal?~"

Lucifer held out his hand, it was gloves in leather and erupted in a red flame.

Everything Adam ever wanted was being given to him on a silver platter and even though he shouldn't he wanted it more. It could be years before he makes a breakthrough and he didn't want to waste his time chasing his tail.

Adam gripped Lucifer's hand, surprised that it didn't hurt when the flame surrounded his as well. He yelped when Lucifer pulled him in and dipped him.

Lucifer was smiling but it was far from innocent. "All demon deals are sealed with a kiss.~" He captured Adam's lips in a kiss, the scientist felt like his face was a flame and his heart started to pound in his chest.

He liked it, but why?

-

Lucifer kept his word and helped Adam discover all the secrets and knowledge that he was promised.

Adam recorded everything in his journal and it got to be to the point where he ended up with three of them he learned so much.

-

"You didn't forget your end of the deal did you Adam?"

"Of course not Luci."

Those nights that they had grown closer and had partaken in sins of the flesh. He let Lucifer ravish his mind and body anyway he wanted.

He never wanted to let his demon go.

-

Lucifer wants him to build a portal, he didn't see a problem with it. Surely Eve will love to help him.

-

"Eve!?" Adam cried out, he had secured himself to the floor with rope. Eve didn't get the chance as the portal turned on and nearly sucked her in, her foot caught on rope.

She screamed at everything she saw on the other side. Adam pulled her back and turned it off.

Eve was shaking and talking backwards? "Eve?" He reached out for her and she screamed.

"You have to destroy that thing! It's not safe!"

"What!? But it's my life work!"

Eve looked behind Adam and saw Lucifer standing there and her blood ran cold. She couldn't do this anymore!! "I'm sorry Adam! I-I-I can't do this!" She got up and ran out, Adam called for her but his pleas fell on deaf ears.

-

Lilith made the journey to Adam's cabin in the snow. She had to see her brother. Knowing on the door Adam answered shocked to see his sister of all people. "Why are you here?"

"..... Mom died."

That got her in the door to stay for the night, Adam cried for the loss of their mom. But that didn't mean everything was smooth sailing between them.

But still, he showed her his work.

In the basement she marveled at the portal. "What's the big red button do?"

Adam's eyes went wide, "Lilith don't!"

But she hit the button, ever curious. The portal turned on and it sucked Adam inside.

"ADAM!!!"

The portal malfunctioned and black smoke came from it turning it off nearly exploding it. Lilith stared in disbelief, what the fuck had she just done?

-

Adam looked around panicked, he had never been in here before and he didn't know if he could leave.

A gloved hand gripped his chin and Lucifer smiled at him. "Welcome home darling.~"

[stop-breaking-my-heart-telltale]

if dorian didn't show up, do you think louis would have shot minnie?

I do. I know some people think either he wouldn't have or he would've missed so that's why the writers had him shoot Dorian instead, but mmmmmm no, I don't personally think so. I like to think that if he had taken the shot, his shaky hands would've caused him to shoot her fatally.

Mostly because I'm already so normal about the fact that of the Ericson crew, Marlon and Louis are the only ones with a body count. Well, that we know of, but shown to us in the game, at least. Plus, we know it's Louis' first kill.

Like yeah, Clementine and AJ become part of the crew and they have bigger body counts, and if we're counting indirect kills caused by actions, then Tenn has a count... and I guess everyone has blood on their hands for blowing up the boat... but I'm talking about killed directly with a weapon like....... I lied, I'm not normal about that at all, Louis and Marlon are the ones who have killed someone in Louis' route. I'm also not normal about the fact that Louis kills Dorian and then even as he's clearly in shock, he tries to go with Clementine to get AJ, and then later on when they talk about it, he says it feels like bile but not quite and he's glad he has it in him to do it.... listen, listen, listen... I'm obsessed with that.

Anyway, so if Louis shot Minerva, I think he would've accidentally killed her and can you imagine? He's already enough of a mess after killing the woman who pinned him down and tried to cut his finger off [or succeeded] but he knew Minerva, they were friends before the twins were taken. Even Violet couldn't kill her even though that would've been the smarter thing to do, and we know thanks to meta knowledge that killing her would've saved lives, but Violet couldn't, and I don't think Louis would intentionally either.

Speaking of Violet, if Louis killed Minerva, I hate to think about what that would've done to Vi. I think she might've actually left at that point, like what was planned before it got changed to her being burned. I don't think she would've attacked Louis over it, though, like yeah she attacked Clementine in the cell but Louis? I don't know, but I don't think so just because it's Louis and he'd be a mess about it anyway.

Though if he did kill her, it would be a neat parallel to draw... y'know, because Louis forgave AJ for killing Marlon even though he was pissed and heartbroken, and Violet was annoyed with him the entire time... but could she ever forgive Louis for killing Minerva? Y'know? We already have a similar parallel with AJ shooting Tenn, but still.

If Clementine killed Minerva in that moment, though, then I could see Violet attacking her since in her eyes, Clem proved her right.

So yeah, I get why they added the Dorian kill to his route. It adds another compelling element to Louis as a character, but we also need Minerva alive for episode 4; Louis can't kill her, he can't miss, and he's not going to stay with her because we need Violet to stay on the boat and him to be on shore for all routes.

[shadesofmauve]

UPDATED! I've added a 24-hour caffeination station. We may beat the reapers yet!

(Also added a read-more, because yikes, me)

As well as the beverage bar, I extended the galley slightly, enlarged the baking station, and added another giant pot. Outside the galley I added plumbed-in coolers (but they look like bottle coolers because it's more recognizable). In fact, even the water for the coffee urns is plumbed in. Why not?

Oh, and the industrial stand mixer is bigger. I've always been a little fascinated with those. Other machines change shape and design as they get bigger, but industrial stand mixers are just your Kitchen Aid enlarged until it can take off your arm. Amazing.

Me: "...aside from the people, the most dangerous thing you could accidentally run into on this war ship is the industrial stand mixer." Housemate: "Or, as krogan call it, 'a stand mixer.'"

And @crapeaucrapeau had questions! (yay, I love questions). YET MORE WORDS under the cut.

#Question : there's a ladder opposite the galley that's supposed to lead to the CIC — yet on the CIC map there is no equivalent.#Is this a ladder oversight on the CIC deck or a labeling mistake on the Crew deck ?

Neither! I decided to add it after I posted the CIC, and I haven't updated that post yet. It does fit; it'll come up behind one of the workstations. I kind of forgot that 'where might ladders go' was one of the things I was wondering back when I started this.

And:

#Also : I assume “head” means “toilets + shower” ?

The "head" is what you call a toilet on a ship. It sometimes gets generalized out to the whole bathroom.

#Question : what do you think is the exact purview of a navigator here - esp. with EDI hanging around ?#How would you define Operations ? Moving the ship about ?

That's always the interesting question — how much does EDI do? It doesn't actually impact the design, because as far as the Alliance knew, she was a VI. But the VI and other computer systems are also probably very capable.

Historically (like age-of-sail historically) the navigator was an incredibly important position. Figuring out where the hell you were was specialized and difficult. It was a position of authority/responsibility, not just position-that-does-the-task. Now I imagine computers/VI/EDI do a lot of the heavy lifting in course plotting, but the responsibility of choosing the route is still a human one, and The Navigator still leads the Navigation department, which includes pilots and scan staff.

Operations is loosely "everything not related to missions" (or under another department). It includes supply logistics (food, gear, raw material for repair, did I mention food?) and the galley staff. I could see an argument for including Life Support, but I put that in Engineering. It might also include medical, but on the Normandy Chakwas would be treated as senior staff whether she was a department head or under Ops, so it doesn't matter.

#Sidenote : I really like the little turian and krogan figures peppered across the deck plans for scale.#Stupendous work as always

Thanks! <3 Had to make sure the krogan fit in the places krogan had to be! And I've been reminded that not everyone is obsessed with floor plans, so having little people helps!

Alliance Normandy SR2 redesign: Deck 3

The crew deck sits in the middle of the ship, where the hull is widest. This is where design for a larger crew really comes into play.

Sleeping and other bodily functions

The main bathrooms are roughly the same shape and location as in-game, but people walking by no longer have a great view of the showers every time the doors open.

Enlisted racks

24 enlisted racks line the corridor to the main battery, housing the bulk of the rank-and-file. Bunks are stacked two high, with uniform lockers to one side and coffin-lockers under the mattress.Footholds in between sets of bunks let you can reach the top without stepping on the one below.

Junior officers' quarters

I assume a spaceship needs more technical expertise and less grunt work, so the crew is weighted towards officers and highly-trained technical specialists. These specialists fill non-command roles and bunk with the junior officers. Joker (flight lieutenant) and Traynor (comms specialist) berth here. So does Kaidan, because at the point he came aboard the guest stateroom was occupied by Khalisah Al-Jilani, and bunking with marines would muddy command waters because he seriously outranks Vega.

Bunks are two-high with coffin lockers just like the enlisted racks, but officers rate four inches more elbow room and two inches more to stretch out their toesies. They also get a bit more privacy, a little more storage, and access to the lounge overlooking the eezo core*.

*I gave them a lounge because in ME3 you occasionally find officers chatting at a table in the middle of the bunk room, and if anyone did that while I was trying to sleep three feet away I'd commit murder.

Senior officers' country

Miranda's old quarters, which Liara claims in ME3, are large enough to house the entire senior staff in staterooms, with one extra for guests and a shared head. Each room has one permanent bunk and one fold-out upper-bunk in case of extra passengers.

In Sunset and Evening Star the first thing Shepard does on the Citadel is sign on a first officer**, old navy hand Lieutenant Commander Nguyen. The first thing Nguyen does is fill the missing weapons and ops roles (she heads the navigation department herself, since it's a small ship).

With Shepard in the admiral's quarters on deck 1, First Officer Nguyen gets what would have been the captain's cabin on the crew deck (except while Primarch Victus and his aide were aboard; when she gave up her quarters to the turians). Mukerjee, the head of ops, gets the slightly-larger-than-standard cabin intended for the XO.

Garrus has the 'extra' stateroom, as their liaison with the turians. He keeps the desk folded for space and sleeps crouched in one corner; the bunk is useless to him.

**Shepard delegated something! It's a Mass Effect miracle!

Vital ship functions

Main battery

The main battery looks exactly the same, except Garrus isn't sleeping in the corner or constantly fiddling with the guns. In fact, he's never fiddling with the guns. He and Silva were spending hours re-calibrating the thanix cannon to their own preferences whenever the other person's back was turned, and Nguyen stepped in and banned Garrus from the armory before it moved from passive aggression to murderous-interspecies-diplomatic-catastrophe.

AI core

Access to the AI core is from the battery corridor, not through the medical bay.

Medical bay

The medbay is divided into a front office, the main med bay, and an area for major surgery or isolation. There's also a small private cabin for the two members of the medic corps who assist Chakwas.

Life support

The life support corridor has another four enlisted racks, bringing the total enlisted berths on the crew deck to thirty. Life support itself is basically unchanged, except for some added Important Keep People Alive machines. Like engineering, life support systems are also spread throughout the ship.

Food & leisure

Mess & galley

The mess seats 32. It's also all-watch meetings are held, and occasionally movie screenings. Crew can grab shelf-stable snacks, cereal, or recent leftovers from self-serve areas outside the galley, or collect the meal currently on offer at the counter.

The galley feeds three shifts three times a day each, and one watch's breakfast comes immediately before the previous watch's dinner. About a week out, stores of fresh produce are gone, so a lot of food is frozen, freeze dried, or reconstituted. There's always something to eat; one of the two big pots is almost always full of soup, if not both Bread is made from scratch (flour keeps indefinitely, bread doesn't), and there's a flat-top as well as a six-burner range. The food storage in the galley and nearby walk-in are only what the cooks expect to need for the next two days or so; food actually makes up most of the Normandy's cargo, stored on deck 4.

Observation lounges

The observation lounges, important for crew morale and sanity on longer missions, are differentiated by volume. Starboard is generally used for quieter conversation, reading, solo gaming, or study. The Port lounge is for parties and games. (There is no free wet bar, this is a military ship).

Normandy redesign posts

Intro

Loft

Command

Crew

Engineering

Hangar

[likeimsittinginanairportbar]

taylor swift via instagram

[tomboyyyaoi]

o i wanted to make a post that im honestly not smart enough to actually sit down and think out but i like the way meryls trauma doesnt completely woobify her character but does still affect her, it just feels nice to see a female charcater not be completely reduced to a wet soggy mess bc of trauma but also not to (very unrealistically) just Get Over It i think trigun has a nice balance and its refreshing

[satohqbanana]

Hello! Here's my review. I'm quite frank about what I like and I don't like. I hope I worded things respectfully enough.

I really like the start you had for this. It really set the mood well. I also appreciate how you space out thoughts; I think having lots of paragraphs help with communicating your ideas.

There's a lot of points where I got confused, because there's too much information being communicated at a time, particularly when dialogue is involved. I don't usually remember names well, and it definitely didn't help once you introduced so many characters in quick succession. (The remark about the two Sarah's is too real though. XD)

Also, I see that the italics are pure, unfiltered thoughts, while regular text focus more on actions. But I feel quite unsure about this style due to the nature of first person POV, which already should be able to capture the thoughts of a person. In particular, this is such an amazing non-italicized paragraph you have right here:

They were all the same! The same people, the same problems, the same way they were handled and following drama all of them kept causing, and the people who were acting in… ways because of unnecessary competition.

It's already very emotionally charged. The italics would make it more dramatic than I think is necessary.

I recognize bits and pieces of the ideas you're trying to express in this snippet: Rosena feels unmotivated about school after having to be separated from her friends, she doesn't get along too well with some of her classmates, they rile her up over her disability, and naturally she gets upset and shows a bit of her power, but true to being bullied she worries that she'll have to take responsibility for consequences the bully asked for. I connect with the base idea as someone who'd been bullied for being allegedly* autistic. (*I don't have a formal diagnosis.)

But my journey through it was just mostly me going, "???" I didn't connect with the story as much as I'd like to or as I thought I would. I don't know which names are important right now other than Rosena, her siblings Mira and Mather, and maybe Miranda. I'm not interested enough in Rosena's powers. Maybe your style right now just isn't for me.

Thank you nonetheless for linking this to me and for continuing to tag me in your posts about your project. :)

INTERDIMENSIONAL BOOK 1: SEARCH FOR THE LEGENDARIES (CHAPTER 1 PREVIEW)

Chapter 1: Rosena #1

---

It was silent.

No noise of any cars passing by. No more of the sleep-talking of my siblings across the room. Not even the sound of the crows that lived on the single tree across the street.

It was all silent. Peaceful and nerve-wracking.

Except, the noisy thoughts, filling my head again. Thoughts I didn't want to deal with at that moment.

They made it impossible to close my eyes.

I had my final tests these two weeks. I had to rest up and prepare for them. Had to get high enough scores to leave this one. Possibly this place as a whole even.

But did I really have to leave?

Everyone left after all. Ella, Sky, even Tom...sort of. Why couldn't I?

Because it hurt? Or was it just my stubbornness?

I didn't know. Honestly, didn't want to think about it either.

I instead peeked my head through the covers, hugging Lily and Poppy close to my chest.

It was still kind of dark outside, but some of the early morning light came through, strong enough for me to notice.

I took my medallion out of my shirt, feeling its slight coldness. Then I held it out. The blue gem on it lightly shone, the same color as outside. It was beautiful, and felt cool, refreshing even.

I sighed.

Anytime now-

"Rose! Mira! Mather! Wake up kids! You're gonna be late for school!"

-She could cone...

It was my mom, Susane Freze.

Her impatient voice came from nearby. Too nearby actually.

I immeditially buried my head under the covers, as the door creaked open.

I shifted slightly, trying to hide my face.

I was already awake. Had been for awhile.

I was going to try and conince her that I couldn't to go to school today. I didn't want to. Exam days were one thing, I didn't have the energy or the patience for two more weeks besides them.

After all... What was the point? 

What was the point in trying and thinking things can be different, better even, when they didn't?

Everything was going to be the same. Those people, my classmates, "friends" even, were going to act the same way.

"I know you're awake, Rose."

I didn't respond. Maybe pretending to be sick would help convince her?

"Rose, I know it. You moved!" She repeated, and pulled my covers off my head.

"Noo! Please-"

My protests didn't work, as I had to try hiding my face with my stuffed animals, and stay still. Sadly, Poppy and Lily were too small, and she found me out.

"Good morning, Rose." Mom said in a quieter voice. "You get up and prepare. And I'll wake up the twins."

I weakly smiled and raised my head. Could a fake sneeze help?

How do you fake sneeze?

"Good morning too." I said with a yawn. "Can I....um...?"

Before I could speak another word, mom had moved over to my siblings' bunk beds.

"Mira! Mather! Mira!!! Mather!!!"

"Uhh...you gotta leave him, Ivy. Hmmnm! Do it for yourself!...."

"Ollie! Defend the tower!"

They won't wake up that easily. They're lost in TVland and Gameland. I can take sometime when she's busy with them, and...

I let my head fall back to the pillow.

The effects of sleeplessness always settled in when I least wanted. Why did it wait to weigh in until I made the slightest attempt of getting up but not when I was trying to sleep?

"Coming..." Mira's drowsy response came. "After sis..." 

No you did not!

"But Rose already-" My mom stopped. Her voice came from closer again. "Rose! You've to get up!"

"I'm not feeling well." I weakly said and tried to add realistic coughs.

"I see that." She said in a mix of tiredness and understanding in her voice. "You can rest and take your test tomorrow maybe?"

Test? What test? It was on Monday! Wasn't that- Today was supposed to be free! It's... It's Monday? Stupid me!

"I'll handle it." I said as weakly, as I threw myself out of the bed and got to preparing.

When I returned, I grabbed the clothes for my uniform from the top of the chair I left them on, and waited.

Mather wasn't up yet!

At least it sounded like Mira was going to shake him awake.

"Brooo! Wake up! Wake! Up! Bro! Wake!!! Up!!!"

"Ahhh! Alright alright sis." My brother yawned. "It's still early."

"Yeah. We've got the math test today!"

"...Can't we have it tomorrow?"

"I wish!!!"

No. Let's just get this over with. Please...

"But we can't." I sat back to my bed. "So can you let us dress up?"

"Fine!" Mather climbed down his bed, grabbed his clothes and left, as I also got to prepare in peace.

But I forgot a small detail. By "small detail" I mean my little sister's presence.

"You don't seem okay sis?" She asked, too close to my face for comfort. "What's up?"

"O-oh nothing! Nothing!" I backed away, hiding ny medallion under the cream white shirt of my uniform.

"It's not just tests, right?"

"They're not." I said with a deep sigh, hoping she'd stop prying. "I'm just...tired."

But of course, like most younger siblings I knew, she didn't. 

"Oh! what's tiring you so much?" She pressed. "Your friends? Mom and dad? Your power-"

"Miracate Freze!" I had no other chance but to raise my voice. "Don't bring that up."

"Okay okay! Sorry!" She agreed witb an small, awkward giggle. "So what did you think about yestrrday's episode? I'm so angry at Ivy! But also at Travis! Like what're they doing?"

"What...were they doing?" I obviliously asked as I packed my bag.

"You don't remember??"

"No?" I didn't really watch it though.

Mira and most of the girls at my class loved the romantic comedy series: Ivy And The Carnation. I watched a few episodes of it so I could have more to talk about with them. It was a lighthearted fun, but not much else. I wasn't supposed to be distracted by a silly show like that in the exams' week.

"Travis got mad! That Ivy went to a fashion show without telling him and Ivy left her passion! So he'd accept her again!" She passionately explained, while brushing her messy black hair. "Like! Like he'll accept you if you don't do it yourself! Get it togather girl!"

I half-heartedly listened her rant, feeling too tired to pay attention to her "too deep for her age" opinions about the show.

"Right!" I smiled at her while tying my brown hair. The ongoing sound of the turned on bathroom tap had stopped. "Now that Mather's out, we can talk more on breakfast."

"Oh he's out?" My sister stood up. "Alright. Should I just wash my face or hair too?"

"I mean you already tied your hair so.."

"Oh right! Right!" She giggled and left. I grabbed both of our bags and moved to the kitchen table, after leaving them by the enterance door.

The breakfast went mostly fine. I already expected that dad wouldn't show up. Why would he wake up so early when he taught his classes in the afternoon?

Did Mather have to make an unnecessary comment about my science test though?

"Not ready for science? Don't let Tom hear that, sis!"

"Not the time Mather."

I shushed him and pretended to stay calm. Pretended to not care.

But he was right, wasn't he? Tom would have probably been disappointed.

I tried to not let Mather's words or the thought of them being true into my head. But it was hard!

After eating, I brushed my teeth, brushing before breakfast makes no sense; and left with my siblings.

The sun had already risen. Thank the long summer days.

Out of habit, I kept my hand on Mira's arm for the entire way through. Even though I had gotten a sense of the direction after the eight years I've traced school road for, I couldn't be sure.

The weather was so warm and sunny. Where did the chill running up and down my body come from then? The coldness in my chest?

Before we arrived, I took out my medallion's gem again, and held it up with Mira next to me.

It was glistening in the sunlight. But also, but was cold? It was kind of where I expected the chills came from. But I didn't think it'd feel like holding an ice cube with bare hands.

How could this gem even make me feel things!

"What's up with it?" Mather asked, covering the school's view for us.

"It's cold!" Mira said and pulled back her hand. "Like sis' power-"

"Miracate!" I warned her again, more quietly than back home, as I put my medallion back under my shirt. "We don't talk about it!"

"Okay okay! Sorry again!" She finally agreed, but Mather...

"But why? Isn't having a super power cool?"

"No it's not!" I yelled and stormed off towards the school building.

Did they really think having a power was cool? Maybe something simple, like super strength or super speed could be. But not my power. Not when people thought I could freeze, melt or burn their items, or god forbid, them! At least the latter didn't come in outbursts.

They... They'd already made up their mind about me before I had a power, and it made things worse.

"Sis! That's the elementary school side!"

I flinched at Mather's voice and moved away when he tapped  on my shoulder. My breathing turned into quick gasls as I did.

I shouldn't have been acting like this! I should've known the direction! I should've stayed calm and not get carried away!

I swallowed a lump in my throat, as the chilling coldness left. In its place, there was a heavy, burning feeling inside me, tightening around my neck and chest. Choking.

"I know!" I said, more so breathlessly shouted.

I needed to lower my voice! Anyone could be seeing me panic! Any of my classmates! I didn't want to deal with them. Not now! Possobly never!

"I was just...walking around." I tried to say more calmly, taking quick breaths. If my clearly freaked-out voice could be called any "calm" that is.

Get it togather Rose! What are you doing? You're panicking about the smallest things!

I scolded myself, trying to steady my breathing as well, before Mira or Mather noticed.

"You okay sis?" But of course, Mira did. She asked, leaning over to come uncomfortably close to my face again.

"Yeah. Sorry." Mather said in an unsure voice, putting a hand on my shoulder, more gently.

They were probably trying to show concern and support, but it only came off as awkward and like something actually concerning had happened to me.

It was just a little freak-out, about an actually small mistake that shouldn't have made me even react, probably.

'It's...nothing." I softly said, and gave them a smile, or I hoped I did, to reassure them. "A...anyways, let's go..."

"Well, alright."

Mira grabbed my wrist and walked towards the other building in the schoolyard. Mather was right behind us.

I let my sister drag me inside, even if it was emberassing. Being hand-guided to the building I was supposed to know without needing to see after so many years. But I couldn't risk getting lost again or causing another scene.

Mira and Mather left soon after I entered my classroom. Though Mather stayed a moment longer, asking about Bill and Kevin. They probably weren't around yet, like I expected from the empty desk next to mine where Kevin was usually seated.

So Mather left quickly too.

How early were we though? There wasn't much of a noise in the class. Far less than thirty-five people would cause.

And even Miranda and her group, and the impossible-to-miss noise they brought along weren't around. They wouldn't miss a single test day, right? I kind of wished they did, but it was more than unlikely.

No sound of Olivia either, but I kind of expected that. It didn't really matter if she was giving up on the studies or coming to complete them. The result was going to be the same.

I wouldn't have minded if any of them didn't show up.

And as expected of my luck, they all came in one by one.

"You'll do amazing Miranda!"

"Yeah! You're so smart!"

"Can you give us some hints before the test?"

"I know that guys. And sure! Come in close."

Miranda's group walked in, chatting.

They weren't the "popular pretty cheerleaders" or the "rich girls". No, they were the "overly involved, overly competetive" types. The types who didn't accept any opposition in competitions, academic rivalries, and their perfected images. The ones who'd try to mentally wear you down if they saw you as an actual, serious obstacle.

Miranda and Rebecca sat their shared desk right behind me. I assuned the two Sarahs were behind her, and someome else, probably their friends Carrie and Beth, stood next to the desks. They were all whispering among themselves.

They were trying to be as quiet as possible once they settled. And I tried to avoid eavesdropping, but it was impossible not to!

"I worked so hard for this! I'll become the class number one this time and get accepted to the magnet highschool in the city. The best one."

"You got this Miranda."

"Yup! You're the smartest girl in class!"

"Yup! And the smartest in school with Nancy."

"Yeah. Nancy's great too!"

"Yeah. Did you see how she got back to Rose last week?"

"It was her mom though. Nancy's too nice to deal with someone like her."

"Right! Right!"

"Oh yeah! Like Mr. Martinez only gave her project an A because she can't see!'"

"Right? Olivia's computer model was the same amd she barely got a B-!"

"Yeah! And she listens to our answers before taking the tests!"

"Shhh! Don't let her hear that. She'll do that freaky ice thing again."

"What will she do? Freeze our pencils this tine?"

Too bad I heard it all! First of all! Olivia put too many unnecessary decorations on her project! And glitter! Who puts glitter on a computer model when Mr. Martinez said it was supposed to resemble a real computer?! Secondly! You know better than anyone Miranda, how my ears hurt from covering them because of you people in test weeks! And thirdly! Do you think I have any idea of what I'm doing with that power either?

There were far too many thoughts I wanted to yell at them, but I tried to keep it all quiet. I was planning to avoid them all day, unless they directly talked to me. There was no point in causing more drama.

But did Olivia and her "bestie" Mary have to show up and join in?

"So? What're you girlies talking about?" Olivia asked in almost a shout, followed by a fake laughter.

"Oh, hey!" Sarah Warren said, the Sarah with a higher-pitched voice. "We were just talking about the test."

"Yeah!" Miranda cheered. "We were saying how hard we studied for these the entire year!"

I know you did because you constantly talk about it, Miranda. But I don't know about the others.

Her voice was louder than usual, like she wanted for someone to hear. Not me this time probably, since I was right here. There'd be no need for such a noise.

"I mean we did." Mary agreed. "Right, Liv?"

"Yeah! We didn't even watch Ivy And Carnation at all past few weeks!" Olivia said again in sn overly loud and dramatic voice, like that was a huge sacrifice of some sort. "We don't get it easy, like someone!"

You know I'm the same there. Except I don't study on cheating tactics and still fail, Liv.

I quietly sighed and tried to not even utter a word, but they were making it harder.

Before anything could happen though, Bill, Kevin, and even, somehow, Jason and Carl finally showed up; closely followed by our teacher Mrs. Willis.

The early classes passed in a blur, as the teachers let us study as long as we stayed quiet.

I tried to whisper to my deskmate Kevin, to study togather. But it felt strange, to ask him to read what he was studying a bit louder in every class, especially when Miranda and Rebecca were behind me and the teachers specifically asked the class to be quiet. Kevin himself also sounded a bit unwilling at first. He probably wanted to study on his own, but was fine with helping out after.

Despite all that, the classes up to the science test went pretty well. Even the test itself went alright. Although I wished I was able to take the tests in an easier way. Even using the Braille alphabet would be fine instead of with a reader, having to take it after everyone. But then again, the teachers didn't know Braille, I couldn't expect them to know. And I couldn't read or write in regular text. They looked like tiny dots, if that even.

So having someone read the questions for me was the only way out. Except the teachers were so paranoid about the students cheating, something they already did, that they wouldn't read them to me while the others were taking  the tests, but instead have another student...possibly Miranda or Bill, read it to me in front of them when they either start teaching a new topic, or have the students quietly do their own thing.

It was the same in almost every single test. Except P.E and music of course, but the rest.

They were all the same! The same people, the same problems, the same way they were handled and following drama all of them kept causing, and the people who were acting in...ways because of unnecessary competition.

Still, I tried to power through the science test. I couldn't prove Mather right.

After helping me that many times, I couldn't make a mistake that'd disappoint Tom, especially not in his favorite topic: science.

Ah, I wished he hadn't left. Life would've been much essier with him around. He'd listen, give the most sensible advice, and try his best to help me without being in my face about it.

I knew he didn't want to leave, but Tania was right. It was for their own good.

The thought of them though, helped me focus on the test. Friday next week was the twins' birthday. We were going to meet for the first time since the Easter break. Third time ever since they moved last summer. And the only news I wanted to give Tom were good ones.

And I felt good about it when I finished the test.

The teacher, Mr. Wells left after I was done. The others were still chatting about it when I got back to my desk. They were discussing answers. And all of them besides Miranda and Bill, showed clear excitment at the hint of any right answer.

"Rose! Rose!" As soon as I sat down, Daniel came in, with more of slap than a tap on my shoulder. "What was the answer for question twenty-one?"

"Huh...?"

I blankly stared at him, and tilted my head to the side, with no eye contact as usual. Even if I could normally keep, I would've still broken it there.

Bold of you to think I know the questions' number order.

"Um, which one was it?"

I tried to stay polite and calm, so Daniel would leave soon, as usual. Him, and the small crowd forming behind him, were the people who only appeared in my life and talked to me during exam weeks. And only either to ask questions, or to give a snarky comment.

"The one about plant cell!"

"Oh, it was C." I casually said.

"What?"

"H-hey!" I raised my hands defensively at his more aggressive voice, and tried to explain. "Uh, the other organels are found in both animal and plant cells. But Chloroplast is only in plant cells."

"Ah okay." Daniel said and gave another slap-like pat on my shoulder which I hated. "What about question fourteen? Mike and I've been arguing about it for an hour now."

I still don't know which one that is... Also then why didn't you ask it first?!

"Um, again...? Which one?" I tried to ask, too tired of the process to care.

"The lightbulb one right?" Miranda chimed in from behind me with an aggressively loud tone, like she was talking through gritted teeth. "It was A: copper!"

"Oh? That one!" I blinked and turned my attention to her. I couldn't tell if she genuinely believed in her answer and it might be true, or if she was trying to confuse me like before. "Copper is good. But would't silver be a better option?"

"You mean silver's a better conductive than copper?" She asked with a bitter chuckle. "Glad I'd never give you a hint in the exams. Because I can't believe you're really like...this when you don't get support from the teachers hm?!"

It's just a question. Chill please?

"What...?" I stood up, still trying to be quiet. I turned my face away from her, to the blue painted window next to my desk.

She's trying to anger me. It's why she's overreacting. Like why do you care? She's the one who read the questions to me! What are you doing  Miranda? I need to keep calm and not get into trouble because of her! Especially fresh off a test. I need to stay lowkey! At least for these two weeks!

I kept staring at the window and smiled. The bright daylights barely came through the paint coating, but it still gave off a cool, dim blue light in this hot day.

"What are you smiling at?" Miranda tried to press on. I would've been fine ignoring her words, but of course she wouldn't be the only one.

"Y'know, I've had to hang out with her a few times, and you're right Miri." Olivia chimed in, probably from the other side of the class, because nothing else would explain or excuse her volume.

And knowing her, I braced myself for more personalized insults than Miranda's.

"For real! She never studies or does anything, and gets everything from others. And when we tell, she cries!" She then turned to me. "You know it too! That the teachers make tests easier for you just because you can't "see"!"

"If by "make it easier" you mean change the map based or geometric shape based questions, then yes..."  swallowed a lump in my throat as I looked in her general direction. I should've started counting to ten, but my head was getting too full to think about that. "If you mean anything else, no. I get less time than you. I have the noise of the class and teachers while I'm taking a test with someone reading out loud, I mean whispering. And did you know it's unhealthy to cover your ears so much like I have to?"

"Those are not our problems." Miranda said matter-of-factly, even I could see her dramatic hand waving. Weren't you talking about fairness though? "Our problem is that you're acting like this..."

"Acting like... What?" I asked, still keeping myself contained even though it was getting harder.

"Like you're some hero doing some impossible task when you're having it easier just because you can't "see"!" Olivia shouted and came closer. I knew from her long, curly mess of a hair. "And even that's a lie! You say you can't see just to have it easier, because I know you do. You can see!"

"I know you'll say "I didn't say I was blind, I said I can't see". But what's the difference?" Miranda added, with an annoying confidence.

"What?"

"Can she?"

"Was she tricking us all along?"

"Impossible!"

"Not only us but she tricked the teachers and everyone else too!"

What...? How dare you!

I couldn't say a word. I tried to speak, shout, scream at them even, but no sound came out.

My body felt like a stone. Still, unmoving, heavy, cold. And I couldn't do anything besides feel the tears welling up in my eyes and a ringing in my ears that blurred the scandalous chatter around me.

How dare they! What do they think they are? Experts in eye related disabilities? How dare they think they have the "right" to say I was lying about a condition that I went through myself! Not them!

Did they think people only either have to have perfectly healthy eyes, use glasses, or be blind they had had any vision problems? Didn't anything inbetween exist for them?

Besides, how dare they claim they knew my health better than I, myself! Can claim I was lying about it!

They had no idea what they were talking about! And wanted to break someone just because of petty competition!

Or else they wouldn't talk so carelessly!

Who cared about grades, the school play, sports, creativity contests, any rewards, or whatnot! Did it all really worth this?!

Did they know how it felt to hear their parents and other loved ones openly say their "news" upset them? Or have they ever heard their family say they expected much less from them?

Even passing by random kids on the street, have they heard things like "Look at her!" or "What happened to her eyes?"?

Have they had to wait hours on end in hospitals, knowing the doctors would say the exact same thing?

Have they had to read the same three short stories for their entire life, and ask someone to read out loud or help you find an audio of it?

Feeling like you have to memorize everywhere to not get lost on their own?

Feeling like they ask for help too much and wanting to stop? Or wanting to show what they can do themselves?

No

No they have not.

They didn't know how any of it felt. They didn't live through them like I did! They didn't know, but talked like they did! Like they lived the same life and had the same experiences as me!

Like they knew!

They always thought they knew everything! Even the lives of people different from them!

Who did they think they were?!

I felt a fire within me. Burning in my whole heart and overflowing out of it. My teeth gritted, and hands clemched into fists, as I felt a blaze of rage flowing through my body. My chest, face, arms, legs, even fingertips.

Then that fire vanished.

Instead, the icy wave of coldness from earlier came back, stronger. And rushed through my veins fast like a winter storm. Every hint of the burning rage in me, every ember; was replaced by the cold.

The distant, disillisioned, the cruel but gentle cold. Fearsome, but with a comforting familiarity.

It filled me, up to my fingertips again; and shot, no, flowed, out of me.

It felt a bit relieving, like I was letting go of the sudden flare-up of my anger. Relaxing.

Until my sense of hearing came back.

"Not to mention she- Wait! What are you doing?!! What?! Stop!!!" Miranda's scream brought me back to the real world, and Olivia's comment made me realize.

"Ice Princess, I tell ya."

"W-what?!" The coldness changed. It wasn't a relieving flow of a refreshing cold air anymore. It became a stoney chill running up and down my spine, echoing through my body. "W-what did I do?!"

"What did you do?!" Miranda yelled and raised her hand. Her, Olivia, and the others were inching away from me. "See?!"

I didn't see much of a difference from afar, but when I got to touch, I felt it.

Solid, hard, and freezing cold. Miranda's hand, was encased in ice?

"Did... Did I do that...?"

"Yes you did!!" Miranda yelled and raised her hand higher. "What do I do now? This was my writing hand too!!"

The air was heavy. Everyone else had fallen silent. Not even the sound of blowing wind from outside, or the noise of students or teachers' steps on the corridor.

The only things I felt; were the still air, the chill in my spine, and the gazes of my classmates I wish were still invisible to me.

"S-sorry..." I lowered my head, unable to say another word. What else could I even say?

This had never happened before! I thought freezing others was possible but I never thought it would happen! Especially now!

What did I even do?

Could Miranda's hand return to normal?

What if her hand stayed permanently frozen because of me? What if...she'd lose her habd because of me?

Could I help melt it? I didn't know but I could try! She probably won't let me.

How did I even do that?

What happened?

What did I do?

Could this day get any worse?

And it probably could, as the gem in my medallion got freezing cold again, shining so bright it was noticed even under my shirt.

---

(I know there might be some typos I've missed. I only read through it once more after finishing the writing. Anyways! Tagging for reviews (please): @dearunreliablenarrator @daishitheprofessionalfool @avalordream @author-a-holmes @heycerulean @the-ellia-west @seastarblue @literally-just-zay @the-letterbox-archives @sliceoflifeshepard @thecomfywriter @xyoonx @ominous-feychild @writeblrfantasy @yomikunp @illarian-rambling @distantflickering @the-golden-comet @leahnardo-da-veggie @imsoveryveryconfusedatlife @charbroiledchicken and I can't think of anyone else for now. Feel free to tag anyone else as well guys. I'm still hoping (desparate) for reviews. Thank you!💙

[howthesleeplesswander]

random thing for @magnifiico bc Amaya was feeling so very full of love that she needed to express T~T 💖💕

In Rosas, nothing captured the citizens' hearts like wish ceremonies—and their king who performed them.

Amaya felt the people's pure, wholehearted joy like an ocean wave over her back as she departed the stage alongside her husband. It melded with her own; blooming bright in her chest, stronger than the cheers echoing into the castle.

As the doors shut behind them, Amaya took one of Magnifico's hands between her own, drawing them both to a stop. With a warm smile resting upon her lips, her thumbs stroked gently over his skin, and, for a moment, she merely gazed at the hand she held.

To think of how far they had come...How tirelessly her beloved had worked—and still did, each and every day—to make Rosas a safe haven. All to protect not only their people, but their most precious hopes and dreams.

"You are...incredible," Amaya murmured. When her eyes lifted to meet his, they shimmered with such pride, such a depth of love that put the collective devotion of every citizen of Rosas to shame. "It's no wonder that our people adore you, as do I."

[look-at-the-stars-tonight]

I ran this morning AND wrote some AND made art and I’m so proud of me

[fuckyeahgoodomens]

David Tennant interview at the British LGBT Awards, June 2024 (x)

Int: You being an ally to the community isn't something new. You've been doing it, but recently you've obviously really stepped up for trans and non-binary people in a time that's so, so needed. What made you do that?

David: I don't know that I feel like I've done anything that I wouldn't just sort of be normally doing. I mean, it's for me it's just common sense that there's there should be any suggestion that people aren't allowed to live the life they want to live and and to be who they want to be with and to express themselves wholeheartedly. I mean, as long as you aren't hurting anybody else, everybody else just needs to fucking butt out. I don't really understand why...

Int: ...it's controversial.

David: Yeah, there is and the thing... the thing, if there's something that's particularly sobering and depressing, it's that certain debates are being weaponized by certain elements of the political class, often for no... it seems it's not ideological so much as opportunistic. And I just think that's pretty disgusting, really.

Int: I couldn't agree more. What message would you like to send out to trans youth?

David: Please don't feel like you're not loved and that you're not accepted and that you're not... you know, most people in the world are good and kind and just want you to be able to be who you are. Most people in the world don't really care. I mean... you know what I mean?

Int: We're all narcissistic.

David: Exactly. Everyone's so self obsessed that really, the sort of noise that comes from a certain area of the press and of the political class is... it's a minority. It really is. And please don't let that make you feel diminished or dissuaded or discouraged, because, you know, you just... you have to be allowed to be yourself, and you are, and you are yourself and you must thrive and flourish, and we're all here for it.

Int: Amazing. I think, yeah, it's so important .I think sometimes it feels like there's so many people, but it is a minority. It's such a minority.

David: It's a tiny bunch of little whinging fuckers that are on the wrong side of history and they'll all go away soon.

Int: Like what happened with gay people 20 years ago.

David: When I was a kid, when I was a kid, exactly. You know, I was at school when Clause 28 came in and it all felt like being gay was something to be terrified of. And gay men in particular were demonised as paedophiles and now that just feels historic and ludicrous and, I mean, I don't see all those... all those battles aren't won, but we're in a very, very different place. And I feel like.I feel like history is on a progressive trajectory and it might get knocked sideways now and again by people for all sorts of reasons, which are often quite selfish and quite, as I say, not coming from a place of any sort of genuine belief system, but other than a place of opportunism. And that's something that we... I hope that in 20 years time, we're talking about, you know, these culture wars as something of the past.

Int: I believe we will. I'm a huge Doctor Who fan, so.

David: Oh, good, me too!

Int: You are my Doctor.

David: Oh, thank you very much.

Int: But recently, obviously, you came back for the 60th anniversary and you got to work with Yasmin Finney.

David: Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Int: What was it like working with her?

David: Oh, she's brilliant. She's fantastic. Yeah. And she's in the show again now, she's back in it, so that's fantastic to see. She's lovely, talented, cool as a cucumber, articulate, brilliant. I learned a lot from her as an actor and also as someone who, you know, who's become a sort of de facto activist just because of who she is and where she is, and she becomes a sort of symbol of hope, and she's wonderful.

[sophiamcdougall]

You're a reasonably informed person on the internet. You've experienced things like no longer being able to get files off an old storage device, media you've downloaded suddenly going poof, sites and forums with troves full of people's thoughts and ideas vanishing forever. You've heard of cybercrime. You've read articles about lost media. You have at least a basic understanding that digital data is vulnerable, is what I'm saying. I'm guessing that you're also aware that history is, you know... important? And that it's an ongoing study, requiring ... data about how people live? And that it's not just about stanning celebrities that happen to be dead? Congratulations, you are significantly better-informed than the British government! So they're currently like "Oh hai can we destroy all these historical documents pls? To save money? Because we'll digitise them first so it's fine! That'll be easy, cheap and reliable -- right? These wills from the 1850s will totally be fine for another 170 years as a PNG or whatever, yeah? We didn't need to do an impact assesment about this because it's clearly win-win! We'd keep the physical wills of Famous People™ though because Famous People™ actually matter, unlike you plebs. We don't think there are any equalities implications about this, either! Also the only examples of Famous People™ we can think of are all white and rich, only one is a woman and she got famous because of the guy she married. Kisses!"

Yes, this is the same Government that's like "Oh no removing a statue of slave trader is erasing history :(" You have, however, until 23 February 2024 to politely inquire of them what the fuck they are smoking. And they will have to publish a summary of the responses they receive. And it will look kind of bad if the feedback is well-argued, informative and overwhelmingly negative and they go ahead and do it anyway. I currently edit documents including responses to consultations like (but significantly less insane) than this one. Responses do actually matter. I would particularly encourage British people/people based in the UK to do this, but as far as I can see it doesn't say you have to be either. If you are, say, a historian or an archivist, or someone who specialises in digital data do say so and draw on your expertise in your answers. This isn't a question of filling out a form. You have to manually compose an email answering the 12 questions in the consultation paper at the link above. I'll put my own answers under the fold. Note -- I never know if I'm being too rude in these sorts of things. You probably shouldn't be ruder than I have been.

Please do not copy and paste any of this: that would defeat the purpose. This isn't a petition, they need to see a range of individual responses. But it may give you a jumping-off point.

Question 1: Should the current law providing for the inspection of wills be preserved?

Yes. Our ability to understand our shared past is a fundamental aspect of our heritage. It is not possible for any authority to know in advance what future insights they are supporting or impeding by their treatment of material evidence. Safeguarding the historical record for future generations should be considered an extremely important duty.

Question 2: Are there any reforms you would suggest to the current law enabling wills to be inspected?

No.

Question 3: Are there any reasons why the High Court should store original paper will documents on a permanent basis, as opposed to just retaining a digitised copy of that material?

Yes. I am amazed that the recent cyber attack on the British Library, which has effectively paralysed it completely, not been sufficient to answer this question for you.  I also refer you to the fate of the Domesday Project. Digital storage is useful and can help more people access information; however, it is also inherently fragile. Malice, accident, or eventual inevitable obsolescence not merely might occur, but absolutely should be expected. It is ludicrously naive and reflects a truly unpardonable ignorance to assume that information preserved only in digital form is somehow inviolable and safe, or that a physical document once digitised, never need be digitised again..At absolute minimum, it should be understood as certain that at least some of any digital-only archive will eventually be permanently lost. It is not remotely implausible that all of it would be. Preserving the physical documents provides a crucial failsafe. It also allows any errors in reproduction -- also inevitable-- to be, eventually, seen and corrected. Note that maintaining, upgrading and replacing digital infrastructure is not free, easy or reliable. Over the long term, risks to the data concerned can only accumulate.

"Unlike the methods for preserving analog documents that have been honed over millennia, there is no deep precedence to look to regarding the management of digital records. As such, the processing, long-term storage, and distribution potential of archival digital data are highly unresolved issues. [..] the more digital data is migrated, translated, and re-compressed into new formats, the more room there is for information to be lost, be it at the microbit-level of preservation. Any failure to contend with the instability of digital storage mediums, hardware obsolescence, and software obsolescence thus meets a terminal end—the definitive loss of information. The common belief that digital data is safe so long as it is backed up according to the 3-2-1 rule (3 copies on 2 different formats with 1 copy saved off site) belies the fact that it is fundamentally unclear how long digital information can or will remain intact. What is certain is that its unique vulnerabilities do become more pertinent with age."  -- James Boyda, On Loss in the 21st Century: Digital Decay and the Archive, Introduction.

Question 4: Do you agree that after a certain time original paper documents (from 1858 onwards) may be destroyed (other than for famous individuals)? Are there any alternatives, involving the public or private sector, you can suggest to their being destroyed?

Absolutely not. And I would have hoped we were past the "great man" theory of history. Firstly, you do not know which figures will still be considered "famous" in the future and which currently obscure individuals may deserve and eventually receive greater attention. I note that of the three figures you mention here as notable enough to have their wills preserved, all are white, the majority are male (the one woman having achieved fame through marriage) and all were wealthy at the time of their death. Any such approach will certainly cull evidence of the lives of women, people of colour and the poor from the historical record, and send a clear message about whose lives you consider worth remembering.

Secondly, the famous and successsful are only a small part of our history. Understanding the realities that shaped our past and continue to mould our present requires evidence of the lives of so-called "ordinary people"!

Did you even speak to any historians before coming up with this idea?

Entrusting the documents to the private sector would be similarly disastrous. What happens when a private company goes bust or decides that preserving this material is no longer profitable? What reasonable person, confronted with our crumbling privatised water infrastructure, would willingly consign any part of our heritage to a similar fate?

Question 5: Do you agree that there is equivalence between paper and digital copies of wills so that the ECA 2000 can be used?

No. And it raises serious questions about the skill and knowledge base within HMCTS and the government that the very basic concepts of data loss and the digital dark age appear to be unknown to you. I also refer you to the Domesday Project.

Question 6: Are there any other matters directly related to the retention of digital or paper wills that are not covered by the proposed exercise of the powers in the ECA 2000 that you consider are necessary?

Destroying the physical documents will always be an unforgivable dereliction of legal and moral duty.

Question 7: If the Government pursues preserving permanently only a digital copy of a will document, should it seek to reform the primary legislation by introducing a Bill or do so under the ECA 2000?

Destroying the physical documents will always be an unforgivable dereliction of legal and moral duty.

Question 8: If the Government moves to digital only copies of original will documents, what do you think the retention period for the original paper wills should be? Please give reasons and state what you believe the minimum retention period should be and whether you consider the Government’s suggestion of 25 years to be reasonable.

There is no good version of this plan. The physical documents should be preserved.

Question 9: Do you agree with the principle that wills of famous people should be preserved in the original paper form for historic interest?

This question betrays deep ignorance of what "historic interest" actually is. The study of history is not simply glorified celebrity gossip. If anything, the physical wills of currently famous people could be considered more expendable as it is likely that their contents are so widely diffused as to be relatively "safe", whereas the wills of so-called "ordinary people" will, especially in aggregate, provide insights that have not yet been explored.

Question 10: Do you have any initial suggestions on the criteria which should be adopted for identifying famous/historic figures whose original paper will document should be preserved permanently?

Abandon this entire lamentable plan. As previously discussed, you do not and cannot know who will be considered "famous" in the future, and fame is a profoundly flawed criterion of historical significance.

Question 11: Do you agree that the Probate Registries should only permanently retain wills and codicils from the documents submitted in support of a probate application? Please explain, if setting out the case for retention of any other documents.

No, all the documents should be preserved indefinitely.

Question 12: Do you agree that we have correctly identified the range and extent of the equalities impacts under each of these proposals set out in this consultation? Please give reasons and supply evidence of further equalities impacts as appropriate.

No. You appear to have neglected equalities impacts entirely. As discussed, in your drive to prioritise "famous people", your plan will certainly prioritise the white, wealthy and mostly the male, as your "Charles Dickens, Charles Darwin and Princess Diana" examples amply indicate. This plan will create a two-tier system where evidence of the lives of the privileged is carefully preserved while information regarding people of colour, women, the working class and other disadvantaged groups is disproportionately abandoned to digital decay and eventual loss. Current and future historians from, or specialising in the history of minority groups will be especially impoverished by this.