#HardTruths

[skylarmoon71]

Aaron Hotchner- Oneshot (Criminal Minds) Extra

It took about two months for you to be cleared. Technically you were up and running a month ago, but Hotch refused to let you back into the field until he was certain you were alright.

What bothered him wasn’t your quick recovery back into the bureau. But you’d passed every evaluation. Given your record, it wasn’t surprising. You were fully equipped to trick the system if you needed to. So he placed it upon himself to keep an eye out. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary.

Not even this case seems to phase you.

Rossi and Prentiss had given their own little observations as they watched you review the file on the plane.

“She seems alright. If I had to say, she’s more focused. Vigilant.” Rossi comments.

That’s what worried him.

Was your vigilance merely a mask to hide that trauma? You were shot. Then you watched the very man who attacked you get shot down right before your eyes. You must have picked up on his stare, because you looked up. You held his gaze for a few seconds before looking away.

He decided not to dwell on it.

~~~

“We’ll give you whatever you need to catch this scumbag.”

The Texas Police Department was completely on board. Hotch knew in cases like this, sometimes the local officers often got in the way.

“Can you show us what you have?” The detective nodded.

“Right this way.” He led them to the conference room. The sight of the victims taped to the wall. Reid stepped forward, and you were right next to him.

“All brunette.” Reid spoke.

“With the same first and last initials.” You commented. You both exchanged a look, one that the team had grown used to from Reid whenever he made a breakthrough.

“What is it?” Hotch questioned.

“He’s killing in alphabetical and numerical order.” You and Reid said simultaneously.

The detectives present just wore slight looks of confusion. You sent Reid a small smile which he returned.

“We should make a list of women within a ten mile radius with similar initials and birthdates that closely collaborate.” Reid advises.

“He’s too sloppy, he’s been killing in his area, there’s a good chance all these women were connected, or he knew them in some way or another. “ You add.

Hotch wastes no time. Everyone falls out, taking up other tasks while you get busy yourself. Reid is formulating a geographical profile, and you step into the office, to grab a stack of files to make some kind of connection. Hotch is in the room on the phone, possibly talking to Garcia from his facial expression.

“Thanks Garcia.”

You were right. Eyes directed on the papers, Hotch slips his phone into his pocket as he stands there, watching you. It goes unnoticed at first, but then you pick up on it, and you look over.

“Ummm, sir?”

“How are you?”

You’re not even surprised by the question.

“I was cleared for duty.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

You close your eyes, letting out a breath.

“I’m fine.”

You try to give nothing away. But Hotch has been doing this long enough. Of course he can spot it. It’s clear that you’re not ready to talk.

For the next couple days, you all do your best to catch the unsub. When it was time to make an arrest, Hotch didn’t miss the hesitance you showed to follow them.

“(Y/N). Hang back.”

Everyone noticed the manner you looked at him. It was as if the both of you were having some kind of silent conversation. You didn’t argue. Just followed his order. The rest of the team along with a few officers and the lead detectives were heading out.

You had a feeling you knew how this would play out. This man is taking revenge. So trying to reason would be difficult. But if anyone could do it, your team would. That’s why when the man is finally apprehended and you see them on the news, You’re not surprised. The officers were exchanging relieved looks as a few walked over to shake your hand for a job well done. Your gaze drifted back to the television screen. For the first time since you started the case, you felt relaxed.

When you were all on the jet, taking off to Quantico, everyone was invested in their own little tasks. Reid was reading a book. Morgan listened to his tracks. JJ was snacking on her cheetos and Prentiss seemed to be in an intense game of chess with Rossi. You barely said a word. Since you were all set to get back just in time for dinner, Rossi invited everyone to his house for a nice meal. It was well deserved after that stressful case.

The moment the jet landed, everyone was eager for dinner. So after picking up Garcia, everyone made a trip to Rossi’s. Easy conversation slipped through. Stories of past flops in their lives and the office. You smiled at some of Garcia’s jokes and Morgan’s tall tales. It’s a very calm atmosphere. When the festivities begin to die down, you try to find a secluded place to gather your thoughts.

Hotch caught you admiring Rossi’s very spacious backyard. You were still adjusting to the team.

“I’m not special.”

While you got along well with everyone. There was a part of you that thought you had no right to be there.

“All of you worked hard to get where you are. I got shot in the head and came back with super powers. “ You let out a dry laugh.

“If I can even call it that. These headaches are hell in itself. But hey, at least I’m alive right.”

“Not every case will have a happy ending.”

“Don’t patronize me, I’m not some child. You think I’m that naive.” Your tone is bitter. Hotch has learned that you tend to become hostile when you feel helpless.

“For five months I played dumb teasers and word puzzles when I could have been protecting people. Saving people. “

“You can’t expect to save everyone.”

“WHY CAN’T I!!”

Your yell was expected. You caught yourself, looking down at your shoes. You had not intended to lose your temper, especially in front of him, but the pain in your chest wouldn’t leave.

“Survivors' guilt.”

That’s all he said, and you wiped the side of your cheek when the stray tear fell. Because it feels a bit unfair. You’ve managed to evade death not once, but twice.

“You survived that shooting, but two others died. A man and a woman with less fatal injuries. You blame yourself.”

“It’s my fault. They probably had ten doctors in my room. What about those two! Why didn’t they help them first? I was a lost cause!!”

“You weren’t.”

You let out a scoff, because you know he’s about to spout some fortune cookie nonsense. But he doesn’t. Hotch takes a step closer, and you hold your breath at the way his eyes bore into you.

“You’re important.” His tone is much softer.

This is more than just simple reassurance. When his thumb wipes your tear stained cheek, it’s one of the few times since your accident that your brain isn’t going a mile a minute. It’s all so quiet now.

“You’re special.”

Your lips quiver at his words.

This is not what you expected at all.

[elephantether]

Yall don't want the truth forreal

[in-tenebris-et-in-solitudine]

The hardest pill I had to swallow this year was learning that no matter how good you could be to someone‚ no matter how much you love them‚ they can & they will turn their back on you, and there’s absolutely nothing you can do but suck it up & keep moving forward.

[warners-sanctuary]

"How beautiful and unbearable that only one of each exists — each lover, each child, each dog; that this particular chance-constellation of atoms has never before existed and will never again recur in the history of the universe. The fact of each such singularity is a wonder beyond why, as mysterious and irrefutable as the reason you love one and not another. The feeling trembling beneath the fact — the brutal knowledge that everything we love is irreplaceable yet will be lost: to dissolution and death, to rejection and indifference, to our own return to stardust — is the hardest thing to bear, the thing for which we have devised our most elaborate theaters of denial."

[ecstilson-blog]

Dealing with Terminal Cancer

Sometimes I get scared to die, but at least I’m not in denial. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8U4Fq9x/

[theloulouge]

Reminder Reflections 116

Courage is knowing it might hurt, and doing it anyway. Stupidity is the same. And that’s why life is hard. – Jeremy Goldberg

[itssimpleclub]

Lookout for signs when you undervalue yourself because that is the one thing you can’t afford to do. Don’t let your insecurities overrule your strengths, and watchout for tendencies to fall in the trap of not feeling good enough.

Join the club here ItsSimple Club

[raivennxi]

Thoughts 4 2Day

We all need something to Believe in.

What do U Believe in?

What do U absolutely know w/o a doubt and U r ready to die on that Hill for?

I know that Love is a Wondrous Gift and We are supposed to share it in abundance.

I know that Music makes the World better and closer.

I know that when food is cooked w Love,it tastes infinitely better.

I know that hate is a Killer and Fear numbs us.

I know that The World is a Beautiful Place and We are Blessed to be herr,even When things Suck.

What are Ur hard known Truths?

I Love it Here. 😍

#FindUrTruth

#LiveUrTruth

#LoveIsTruth

#MommaDiva💋

[solitaryfey]

Hard truths

the hard truths of life are

boyfriends aren't that attentive they bring more hurt than relief

pregnancy ain't that beautiful it hurts and its uncomfortable

certain clothes only look good on certain people

sometimes a person hurts you and they keep on hurtig you and you let them not because you are weak but because you want to feel something anything even if that thing is pain

[hardtruthsfromsoftcats-blog]

Most companies are in business solely to make money, even potentially legally obligated to for shareholders.  As such, they are aligned with their wallet.  Don’t expect them to make products that are good for their customers if it conflicts with revenue, market share, investors’ goals, partners’ goals, and so on.

At the end of the day, believe it or not, capitalism rears its ugly head once again, and is a cause for many of the other issues listed here.  Is it profitable?  Then if it’s discriminatory, delusional, gatekeeping, thieving, dangerous --- none of that matters until it significantly hits a company’s bottom line or reputation.  This is not unique to AI, but when a new technology has so many thorny issues needing to be solved already, the potential consequences are combinatorial.

Also, yes, you should be concerned that two of these business cats are not wearing pants.

[b1acksh33p999]

October 2023 Horoscopes:

Aries: This month is going to feel busy yet fulfilling. With the North node crossing Chiron via transit, added to a hard aspect to transit mercury- this energy is going to have many Aries in their lone wolf era. Many Aries will simply be very busy putting work into whatever they’re currently investing in and may be distracted in other areas of life. My advice this month to Aries is to keep focus and keep hustling right now, your hard work will pay off and be visible to everyone else by the end of the year. If you are someone with an Aries in your life my advice to you is don’t take their sense of distracted absence personally and understand that this isolation is not a repeat of the past. The stress from the moon cycles this month being linked to the nodes- will give many insights on the changes in Aries behavioral patterns, and how much they have grown out of a lot of old bad habits. Get ready for another busy month Aries!

Taurus: This month is going to have you in your favorite fall feelings! With the transit moon starting in conjunction with your sun sign- this sets the tone of comfort, and ‘having the finer things in life.’ A special highlight for Taurus can be found on October 28th, during the full moon, (and return of the moon to sun conjunction found on the first of this month) with this full moon happening during the partial lunar eclipse it’s influence will be increased dramatically. This tells me that Taurus may be in a serious mode of reflection on this full moon, although if you have a major event on this day this could lead to an emotional confrontation; so be prepared. This month is full of magnetic energy so physical manifestation will be especially strengthened for Taurus this month, and you know what they say; be careful what you wish for!

Gemini: This month is going to have you yearning for romance, and your current situation may not feel like it’s currently fulfilling these desires. With no major influence on the nodal aspects, and the final day of the month transit moon landing in conjunction to your sun sign- this tells me that you’re being subliminally shifted to internally focus on what you are and aren’t receiving in forms of love and romance. Committed Gemini’s may find themselves easily on edge, this is especially heightened if they aren’t acknowledging their desires and needs; romantically. Single Gemini may change up their current approach, environment, or social circle to open them up to new people and opportunities. A special highlight for Gemini comes on October 14th during the annular solar eclipse on a new moon in Libra. On this day both Sun and Moon are in trine with your natal Sun, intensifying the desire for romance. My advice to you is to be honest with yourself and set boundaries, when necessary, if you’re really going to be able to open up to love and romance; you must be in a dynamic that doesn’t trigger your trauma. This applies to both committed and single Geminis!

Cancer: This month’s trend for Cancer is rest and recovery! Many Cancers will be prioritizing their happiness and physical health much more now than ever. This is in part due to the entire awakening and realignment that Cancer’s just experienced, a good portion of last year into this past summer. However, now they have had time to sleep in their changes enough to form a new routine that is more suitable to their boundaries, and empowers them instead of disempowering them. These changes will be more visible in Cancer’s behavior this month because their life choices will speak for what they expect to receive from others, and how much work they’ve put into themselves to become stronger. My advice this month is don’t underestimate Cancer’s power, because they will have no problem letting their cardinal energy shine to correct an energetic exchange this month. A special day to mention for Cancer’s comes on the partial lunar eclipse on October 28th, when Juno will be in 4° Virgo. 4° is a cancer ruled degree in astrology, and with Juno being the asteroid that represents karmic partnerships, soulmates, and twin flames; my advice is to keep a special eye out for any verbal exchanges you have that day, and any new people you meet. They may end up being someone who will eventually mean more than a simple exchange by providing opportunities or knowledge that can help improve your future!

Leo: This month is going to start feeling like you’re living in a dream state! You may even find yourself daydreaming about your life more often than you normally do! With Juno starting the month in conjunction with your Sun sign- this shows an enhancement in feeling like a leader of love, and ready to start making big moves to set up your future. However, by Full moon + Partial lunar eclipse on the 28th of the month Juno will have moved into 4° Virgo- which for Leo’s will show them the humble reality of what it means to have and build a family. Think of this energy as the equivalent of making the plans for your dream house, and then receiving the bill of how much it will cost to build. This energy shift is leaving Leo’s open to a new practical way of thinking about getting the most for their money. This may present new creative ideas or delaying plans to save money. Either way, my advice to you is to stay true to yourself and don’t allow yourself to fall into depression or pessimism. Lowering your energetic frequency is not going to improve your ability to manifest abundance! It’s crucial that you maintain your mindset to grow and achieve the life you truly desire. Find a way and stay practical!

Virgo: This month is going to be as simple as this, “What you say you are capable of getting, will manifest.” This is the main takeaway for Virgos this month. With the transit Mercury starting the month in conjunction with your Sun sign- this puts a heavy weight of direction from what you say directly to what the universe will provide. My advice this month is to be careful what you say to others, and more importantly be sure that you are not allowing past trauma or pessimism to lower your energetic frequency. This month has huge manifestation potential, however the catch being that you are completely in control of the outcome. If you allow yourself to be unstable with your sense of worth, stability, and trust then your success will present in an unstable manner. If you are consistently optimistic, and verbally prepare for the best outcome; that is what you will receive. This month has the potential to completely change your path but only you can determine if it’s for the better or not! Know your worth!

Libra: Welcome to a huge month! The energetic trends this month are of life changing potential and will inevitably alter how others view your ability to influence others and guide! With the annular solar eclipse on October 14th, and the new moon in Libra; this puts the transit Sun, Moon, Mercury, and North node all in conjunction to your Sun sign. This is the kind of energy that will make Libra’s stand out no matter what social climate they are put into! My advice this month is to use your newfound platform to speak up for what you believe in. Your independent, beautiful energy is mesmerizing your audience. It’s time to show up as your best self and help guide others to do the same!

Scorpio: This month is going to have you staying busy! With transit Mars in conjunction with your Sun sign starting right before the annular solar eclipse, this energy will pivot Scorpio’s to start a heavy hustle in silence. Like Aries, Scorpios will be busy working on plans they have for the future. The big difference being how much backlash the signs are susceptible to receiving, and how much will be able to be seen by the end of the year. Many of Scorpio’s plans may take over a year to really come into fruition, however this should not invalidate their need to hustle in silence right now. My advice to you is to trust in your own power, and plan. Scorpio is not a sign that has ever needed external validation; however, they like to have it; they never need it. This month may have you embracing a more serious side to your personality to accomplish what is necessary right now. Do whatever you need to do so you feel validated in investing in your personal goals. Those who are meant to be there will ultimately be happy to see you once you resurface from your disappearing act!

Sagittarius: This month is going to test your limits, Sagittarius! With the month starting out with transit moon, Jupiter Rx, and Uranus Rx all within a hard aspect to your natal Sun- this energy is going to seem to have an overhaul effect to what you are used to living day to day absorbed into. With Jupiter being your ruling planet, the key to overcoming this energy is an open curiosity to adapting to your circumstances. With the only major supporting energy helping you digest this and put things into focus is the North Node in Aries in trine with your natal Sun and reminding you that everything happens for a reason. Any new ventures, or opportunities that have been presented since last year will now start really moving forward or developing into fruition. With this increased attention, possibly comes a new set of rules,which will be something you must absorb and adapt to be successful. My advice to you this month is not to take this need for change so personally. As a naturally curious and adventurous soul, you feel called into the role of a guide or mentor. Yet, a true mentor is a student by nature; simply shifting from place to place learning the culture and how the systems of information run. As challenging as this month may feel inside, it’s important that you learn and adapt; so, you can teach. This month is a wakeup call to what you’ve been missing, and it’s time to expand your spectrum of influence. Let this month wake you up to what passion really fuels you!

Capricorn: This month is going to have you feeling motivated to be consistent in a new routine change! With Pluto Rx still dialing back in Capricorn this influence has Capricorns feeling pressed to make better habits in their day-to-day life and increase productivity in a way that feels fulfilling. With Uranus Rx mixing its energetic influence with its 22° Taurus, (a Capricorn degree) during the Annular Solar Eclipse on the 14th; this will inevitably add a layer of mystery and unpredictability to the nature of what can be manifested this month. With such intense energy present- a huge shift in lifestyle can present and be easily maintained, however this will not initially come without hard work and confidence in your ability to attain what you desire. My advice to you this month is to show others exactly what it is to be a leader and pave your personal path to greatness.

Aquarius: This month is going to be a social time for Aquarius! With the month starting out in 23° Libra- a trine to your natal sun (and an Aquarius ruled degree), the month will start out with your mind buzzing with ideas and plans! A special highlight for Aquarius’s is October 28th- during the Full moon and partial lunar eclipse, with added influence from the transit Mars and Jupiter both falling in 11°; an Aquarius ruled degree. The energy this day will feel almost like it’s subliminally working in your favor! Things run effortlessly, and even obstacles lead to better opportunities! My advice to you this month is to enjoy this picturesque energy and allow yourself to be absorbed by the nostalgia of the moment. And get great photos!

Pisces: This month is going to completely revamp your expectations from what you can attain in your life, and how powerful you really are! This month is going to open the window to life altering upgrades- with the supportive push of two huge events happening just this month during that open window! The first being the Annular Solar eclipse on October 14th, which will encourage you to indulge in aesthetically pleasing activities; the Full moon/partial lunar eclipse happening on October 28th, that will ensure you shine brightly with the amplifying, and comforting energies transiting this would make a great day for a social gathering! The window that has opened this month for Pisces comes from the critical 0° Pisces aspect of transit Saturn; This window will stay open until November 28th, 2023, when it will officially move into 1° Pisces. During this window- anything is truly possible, and opportunities for success are being sent to you disguised as forgiveness. Once you believe you can accomplish something, no one will ever be able to take that from you. Get ready to show the world what you’re capable of!

[orphicorenda]

Your emotional response has always been the key unlocking the cheat code to your spiritual evolution. How you feel is what matters. Don’t let the world convince you otherwise. A strong awareness of individuality beyond the physical self will never feed consumerism. They’d starve so you could finally feed. Choose you; that’s the entire point of a personal narrative.

[cest-juste-moi-la-brat]

😢❤️

''I want your last name. Your Sunday mornings and daily commutes. I want your phone calls and your quirks. Your sick days and your hair in my shower drain. I want your laugh. Your arms around my waist when I walk by you can not let me by. Your eye contact. Your smile. I want to find your lost keys. Do your laundry. Make the coffee the way you like it. I want the other side of the bed to be yours, our fingers intertwined. I do not want your silences. Your internet history and your electricity bills. I want your twisted past and your convoluted future."

[springblossomofwisdom]

I'm a Hypocrite

[pastormike1976]

Personal thoughts on creating personal boundaries that are clearly defined and maintained.

[drwallaert]

The Hard Truth

C.S. Lewis gave us one of the best descriptions of God in his book, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. When the children enter the world of Narnia, they are told of the great Aslan. Upon his description, Susan states, “Well, he doesn’t sound very safe” (My paraphrase ). Mr. Beaver replies, “Safe? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good.” Today’s churches teach that…