#a course in miracles lesson 1

[mevbotcrypto]

David’s Guide to ACIM: How to Live a Life of Love and Peace

In a world that often feels chaotic and filled with stress, finding a path to love and peace can seem like a distant dream. However, A Course in Miracles (ACIM) offers profound teachings that guide individuals toward a life rooted in love, understanding, and inner peace. David's journey with ACIM transformed his life, and in this guide, he shares his insights on how to live a life of love and peace through the principles of ACIM.

Understanding Love and Peace in ACIM

At its core, ACIM teaches that love is our natural state. It is the essence of who we are and the driving force behind all creation. Peace, on the other hand, is a reflection of that love—a state of being that arises when we align our thoughts and actions with love instead of fear. David learned that by embracing love, he could cultivate lasting peace within himself and extend it to others.

Step 1: Acknowledge Your True Nature

The first step to living a life of love and peace is to acknowledge your true nature. ACIM emphasizes that we are all created in the image of love and that our true identity transcends our ego and worldly identities. David realized that understanding his true nature as a being of love was crucial for his spiritual journey.

To begin this process, David practiced daily affirmations that affirmed his worth and connection to love. Statements like, “I am a being of love,” helped him internalize this truth, paving the way for a deeper understanding of himself and his place in the world.

Step 2: Practice Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a cornerstone of ACIM and a vital step in living a life of love and peace. Holding onto grievances only serves to keep us trapped in fear and separation. David learned that true forgiveness is not about condoning harmful actions but about releasing the burden of resentment and judgment.

To practice forgiveness, David began by reflecting on past hurts and asking himself, “What would love do in this situation?” This perspective allowed him to see the humanity in others and to extend compassion rather than judgment. As he forgave, he felt a profound sense of liberation, opening his heart to love and peace.

Step 3: Shift Your Perception

One of the key teachings of ACIM is that our perceptions shape our reality. David discovered that by shifting his perception from fear-based thinking to love-based thinking, he could transform his experience of the world.

Whenever he encountered challenges, David consciously chose to ask, “How can I see this situation through the lens of love?” This shift in perspective allowed him to approach difficulties with compassion and understanding, rather than anger or frustration. By embracing love in his perceptions, David cultivated an inner environment conducive to peace.

Step 4: Cultivate Inner Peace

Inner peace is essential for living a life filled with love. David learned that peace is not dependent on external circumstances; it is a state of being that can be cultivated through mindfulness and self-awareness.

To nurture inner peace, David established a daily practice of meditation and reflection. By setting aside time to quiet his mind and connect with his inner self, he found solace and clarity. This commitment to cultivating peace within allowed him to navigate life’s challenges with grace and composure.

Step 5: Trust in the Holy Spirit

ACIM teaches that the Holy Spirit is our inner guide, always available to help us navigate life’s challenges with love and wisdom. David learned the importance of trusting this inner guidance to lead him toward love and peace.

Whenever he faced a decision or felt overwhelmed, David would pause and ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He practiced listening to this inner voice, which often directed him toward choices that aligned with love. By trusting the Holy Spirit, David experienced a deeper sense of peace and reassurance in his life.

Step 6: Embrace Vulnerability

Living a life of love and peace requires embracing vulnerability. Many people fear vulnerability, viewing it as a weakness. However, David learned that vulnerability is a powerful expression of love and authenticity.

By allowing himself to be vulnerable, David created deeper connections with others and fostered an environment of trust and understanding. He realized that being open about his feelings and struggles invited love and compassion into his life. This authenticity enriched his relationships and deepened his experience of peace.

Step 7: Set Intentions Aligned with Love

Setting clear intentions is a powerful way to align our actions with love. David learned that by consciously choosing intentions that resonate with love and peace, he could create a roadmap for his life.

Every morning, David would take a moment to reflect on his intentions for the day. Whether it was to practice kindness, show gratitude, or extend compassion, setting these intentions helped him stay focused on living a life rooted in love. This practice cultivated a sense of purpose and direction in his daily activities.

Step 8: Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

The people we surround ourselves with can significantly impact our ability to live a life of love and peace. David recognized the importance of cultivating relationships that uplift and inspire him.

He actively sought out friendships and communities that shared similar values and encouraged spiritual growth. By surrounding himself with positive influences, David fortified his commitment to love and peace, creating a supportive environment for his journey.

Step 9: Share Love with Others

One of the most beautiful ways to live a life of love and peace is to share that love with others. ACIM teaches that love multiplies when shared, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond ourselves.

David made it a priority to extend kindness and love to those around him. Whether through small acts of kindness, volunteering, or simply being present for someone in need, he found joy in sharing love. This practice not only enriched his own life but also fostered a sense of connection and community.

Conclusion: Embrace a Life of Love and Peace

Living a life of love and peace is a journey that requires intention, commitment, and the willingness to embrace the teachings of ACIM. David’s guide illustrates that by acknowledging our true nature, practicing forgiveness, and shifting our perceptions, we can cultivate a life filled with love and peace.

As you embark on your own journey, remember that you have the power to choose love over fear. By trusting in the Holy Spirit, embracing vulnerability, and sharing love with others, you can create a life that reflects the beauty and joy of love.

In a world that often feels chaotic, your commitment to love and peace can be a beacon of hope for yourself and others. Embrace this journey with an open heart, and watch as love and peace unfold in your life.

[katiemccabeswife]

Selflessness (Leah Williamson x FosterMum!Reader)

You always put your kids first but can’t miss the return of Leah back to football.

Another 4.7k words 😮‍💨, also how gorgeous is Leah is that photo? PSA; I have not read through this as it it 1:30 in the morning so I am hoping grammaly as done it’s job 👍🏼

You had been seeing Leah for a few months now but you were still too nervous to tell her about your ‘part-time job’. Of course, she knew that you were a professional dance teacher but she didn’t know that you had a second ‘job'.

It was one that fell into your lap and you couldn’t turn it down. You had all the qualifications to look after children including medical certificates and you had always dreamed of being a mother. Being a lesbian meant that that would be harder than it was if you were straight and when you came across an article about the lack of foster parents in the London area, you decided to sign yourself up.

It took a long few months to get the remaining qualifications needed and go through the training programs but you always had your eye on the target and didn’t mind waiting a few more months if that meant that you were the safest hands a child could be in.

You had your first placement 2 years ago and ever since then your home has never been silent and your heart has always been full. Some children only stayed with you overnight, some stayed a few months, and some were more introverted than others but you always put 110% into making sure they felt comfortable when staying with you.

When you met Leah at the grocery store you were a mess. A particularly troubled child had been staying with you for about a fortnight and had just begun to open up to you when his mother came out of rehab. She had done the necessary lessons and paperwork whilst in the facility and so as soon as she was released, Theo had to move back in with his mother. He had confided in you that he was concerned about moving back in with her and that he was scared she would disappear again but there was nothing you could legally do to calm his anxiety.

The night at the grocery store was the night he went back to his mother’s and you were worried sick about the 7-year-old boy who cried in your arms. You knew you didn't look your best but you needed to restock your pantry after having a farewell feast for Theo.

You were dressed in pyjama pants and a hoodie with sleeves covered in tears and snot. Your hair was thrown into a haphazard ponytail and your eyes were red from both crying and rubbing.

You stood staring at the empty spot where the Oreos normally sit and a fresh set of tears began to roll down your cheeks. You never would have cried over something as trivial as not being able to buy a snack but your emotions were all over the place and you really wanted your comfort food.

You had fallen into a squat with your hands over your eyes, trying to hide the tears when a hand fell on your back, "Are you alright?"

You looked up to see a beautiful blond looking down at you concerned, you pointed pathetically to the empty spot and quickly realised how pathetic it was and quickly stood up, "I am so sorry," You laughed at yourself and wiped away your tears, "I am a mess right now and I really wanted some Oreos and they're out and," You tried to laugh it off again but it sounded more like a cry.

The tall blue-eyed woman reached into her basket and held out a pack of Oreos to you, "You can have mine if you'd like?" She offered kindly.

You rested your hand over your heart and looked at her like she was a miracle worker, "No, I couldn't you had them first. You keep them, I'll be fine I'm just- this is humiliating," You laughed at yourself and took a deep breath, "I am perfectly fine and you can keep the Oreos but thank you for the offer," You smiled appreciatively.

The woman was still looking at you concerningly, "Trust me it's, I shouldn't really be eating them anyways," She spoke as if it were secret and you naturally assumed she was watching her weight or something and when you noticed how fit she was you looked at her in awe.

"You are so perfect," You nodded at her and she looked even more confused, "You keep those Oreos and you eat all of them," You ordered.

The blonde laughed and seemingly caught on, "No, no, I really shouldn't I'm an athlete so I really should not eat the Oreos. Trust me you have them." She thrust them into your basket, "Seriously, take them," She used her 'captain voice' and you felt like you had no other choice.

Overcome with gratitude you thanked her sheepishly, "Thank you for being so kind. Again, I'm so sorry for being such a mess," You gestured to your hair and outfit and missed the way she looked at you as if you were dressed to the nines.

"And if I'm giving you the Oreos I think it's only fair you give me your number..." She trailed off trying to test the waters.

You examined her face to see if she was being serious, "Umm, yeah? I guess sure." You nodded and tried to convince yourself that this was actually happening.

You grabbed her phone which she presented to you and added your number and name; y/n <3. She took it back and smirked at you, "I will be sure to ask you how the Oreos taste, y/n," She teased.

You gained a bit of confidence to flirt back, "I'll be sure to respond..." You waited for her to tell you her name.

"Leah," She caught on.

"I'll be sure to tell you how delicious these Oreos are, Leah," You don't know where the confidence surged from but you winked at her before moving past her to continue your shopping.

From there on, you and Leah messaged back and forth and she joked about your emotional state at the grocery store and teased her about her attraction to you when you looked like rubbish. Now 4 months later and a shocking surprise later (finding out that Leah was in fact a world-known football star) you were trying to find the words to tell her that you wouldn't be able to attend her returning game from her ACL injury.

You had taken in two little girls a week ago, Vienna was 5 and her little sister Lilah was 2. The girls were supposed to have a visit with their father at the time of the game but their caseworker went to inspect the house and found him surrounded by bottles of alcohol therefore she had to cancel the visit.

The only other option was to bring the girls to the game and you were sure Vienna would love the atmosphere but you weren't sure how Lilah would deal. That and the fact that you would have to tell Leah the fact that you were a foster parent, not that you're embarrassed of your job but you were very aware of the fact that many people couldn't handle the inflexibility and last-minute change in plans that came with either being with or being a foster parent and you didn't want to lose what you had with Leah.

You were bought out of your thoughts by a tugging on your pant leg. Lilah was looking at you curiously, she could only speak limited words and since being in your care she limited the number of words she shared with you even further. You picked her up and put her on your hip, "Would like to go see a football game?" You asked, not expecting a response.

You were met with clapping from the toddler and a smile on her face and took that for a yes. You wandered over to where Vienna was doing Just Dance on the TV and put Lilah down to join her sister. You cheered both the girls on and laughed at Vienna's confidence in her dance moves, she had been quite the opposite of her sister and seemed to flourish in your care. The girl's social worker said that she was extremely introverted and had barely ever spoken to her but after only a day being in your hands she thrived and it seemed she almost never stopped talking.

Once the dance was finished you applauded the girls to which Vienna bowed and Lilah copied her sister, "That was fantastic! Where did you learn to dance like that?" You congratulated them and bent to a squat to be more their height.

Vienna blushed and swung her arms sheepishly, "My momma," She responded and your heart warmed, the girls had been in an accident while their mother was driving and she hadn't made it out of the car. Their father hadn't taken the news well and turned to drinking which landed the girls in your care.

"Well, I think she would be so proud of how well you dance," You complimented to which she beamed and Lilah clapped her hands, "Hey, would you like to go to a real-life football game?" You offered with your hands out.

Vienna ran over to you, slapped your hands and screamed, "YES!" She then took off running around the living room pretending to play with an imaginary ball.

"Wow! Well, we will have to get ready won't we?" You gave the girls a chance to make their own choice, "Would you like me to pick you out an outfit or would you like to pick your own out?"

Vienna seemed to think for a moment before deciding that she was going to dress herself. You encouraged her decisions and helped her get dressed before helping Lilah into her own clothes, "You girls look beautiful! I think you picked a better outfit than I ever could," You commended, "Right, I need to make a phone call and get dressed, how about your guys go and do 1 more dance and then we'll hop in the car and go, is that ok?"

Lilah clapped once again but spoke up for the first time that day, "YES!"

Your jaw dropped in shock before you clapped for the girl, "Yes!" You cheered, "Alright, I will be 4 minutes, off you go," You smiled as they ran to the living room holding hands.

You walked into your room, picked out your own outfit and rung up Leah. Once the phone was ringing you bit your thumbnail as you waited, anxious for the coming conversation.

Leah's cheerful voice came through the speaker and you found your anxiety slipping away, "Hey, y/n/n what's up?" You could hear the girls in the background and assumed that they were already in the changerooms.

"Hey Lee, umm would I be able to get 2 extra tickets to the game? I have umm a couple friends who came over unexpectedly and I can't leave them here alone and I really want to come to your game but I completely understand if it's too late but if it is, I am so sorry but I won't be able to come but I will be cheering you from here and-"

Your rambling was cut off by Leah laughing, "Of course, y/n/n I'll get it sorted. Don't worry about it," You let out a breath of relief.

"Thank god, thank you so much Leah. I will make sure to be cheering you on extra loud, and I'm sure my sidekicks will be as well," You laughed.

"Will I get to meet your sidekicks?" She teased, "It's only fair if I'm getting them free seats," She egged on.

You laughed nervously, "Umm, I'm sure they would be delighted to meet you," You noticed Lilah walking into your room, "Hey, I've gotta go, I wanna beat the traffic but I'll see you there, yeah?"

"Of course, see you soon," You bid farewell and hung up the phone, turning your attention to the little girl.

"You ready to go!" You picked Lilah up when she nodded and headed to get your things together, making sure you had enough snacks and water for the girls before herding them out the door and into your car.

The trip was spent singing various songs including Adele and Taylor Swift and the girls were buzzing by the time you reached the Emirates. Vienna forced you to skip in but you had to ask her to hold your hand, not wanting her to get lost. You made your way into the family and friends section. You were glad that Leah's mum couldn't make it to this game as you weren't overly eager to explain your situation to Leah, let alone her mum.

You had spent the time before the match running around with girls, trying to wear them out enough so they wouldn't feel the need to during the game. Once the players had started to line up in the tunnel you were just coming out of the bathroom with the girls, grateful for perfect timing and quickly made your way to your seats. Leah was only slightly worried when she didn't see you in the stands when she headed out to the bench.

You ended up having a spare chair due to Lilah wanting to be in your hold. You stood up when the teams started to walk out holding Lilah in one arm and having your other arm occupied by Vienna clinging on whilst standing on her seat. Even though Leah wasn't in the starting lineup, she was going to come on in the second half but you cheered on the girls you knew were close to her and Vienna was more than happy to help, Lilah sat in your arms confused but unbothered.

When the half-time whistle went you quickly got to your feet and walked briskly to the bathroom after Vienna told you she needed to use the toilet. After cleaning up you took the girls over to an open area and continued to let them run around and made sure Vienna knew that she would have to be stationary for another 45 minutes.

Leah's concern grew when she still couldn't find you in the crowd during half time and she became slightly pissed off that you'd told her you were coming, to get an extra 2 seats, and you weren't even there. Then she grew sad that you couldn't bother showing up to her first game in almost a year.

You had just settled Vienna again when the whistle blew for the commencement of that match and you cheered on the girls once again as the ball got kicked into play. Leah had gone over the rules of football with you a few times but you were still confused over the tackling and offside rules so you just cheered and booed when the Arsenal fans did.

However, when you saw Leah stepping up to the sideline and her number coming up on the substitution board in green, you stood up on your own and screamed as loud as you could causing a ripple effect throughout the stadium. Leah didn't turn around when she heard someone that sounded an awful lot like you cheer because she was in her head about you not being here and her being about to play the sport she loved for the first time in almost a year.

Every time Leah had the ball or made a successful tackle you and Vienna were on your feet cheering and even Lilah managed to expel something resembling a cheer, the poor girl being on the verge of sleep. Leah felt truly alive for the first time in 9 months, of course, she was alive throughout the course of the rehab but felt like she was only living so she could make it to this moment and now that she was in the moment she felt like she could run forever.

Once the game ended Leah had racked up 25 minutes of playing time, an assist and Arsenal won another 3 points for the ladder. She was elated and could feel the fans felt the same way throughout the stadium, especially through her teammates who were glad to have their teammate back on the pitch.

She took one last chance and looked over to the family and friends section to scan for your face and her elation only grew when she spotted it in the crowd. Her elation turned to confusion though when she caught sight of the toddler on your hip and the child you were dancing with. She was not aware you had any children nor any nieces and she was pretty sure she would recognise any of her teammate's kids or relatives and these children's faces were not ones she had seen before.

She started the trek over to you and once you caught sight of her you had to slightly shake your head and gesture to the tunnel. You weren't allowed to let the girls' faces be on camera and you didn't want anyone to witness the conversation you were about to endure with Leah.

You were trying to convince a security guard that you were meeting Leah in the tunnel but he was not having a bar of it, "Please sir, she'll be waiting for me. I'm already in trouble, just let me through!" You were growing frustrated and the girls were picking up on it. Vienna was tugging your hand as she wanted to go run on the pitch and Lilah was getting fussy as she was starting to get over tired.

You didn't see Leah walk in but she had spotted you a minute ago and had to take in what she was seeing for a minute. She had known you for 4 months and you had never mentioned any children in your life but it did make sense that you had kids, sometimes you would have to cancel dates very last minute but you always made sure to set another one up shortly after and apologised profusely.

"Hey, it's alright. She's with me," Leah made herself known and the guard backed off cautiously. Her attention was on your face and could see how you instantly relaxed but she could also see the toddler clinging to your shirt.

Vienna tugged on your shirt and gestured you to get down to your height and as much of a concern the conversation you had to have with Leah was, your kids came first so you bent down and waited for Vienna to speak her mind, "Was that one of the girls on the pitch?" She asked excitedly.

You stroked her arm and nodded with matching enthusiasm, "Yeah she was, she even helped them score a goal!" Vienna seemed pleased with your answer and made her way over to Leah.

You held your breath but let her do her thing. Leah looked to you when she gestured for Leah to bend down, just as you had a minute ago, and you nodded in permission, "Hello lovely, what's your name?" Leah asked.

"My name's Vienna, y/n/n is my step-in mummy!" Your heart warmed at the girl's claim, "I saw you play out on the big pitch!" She reached around to Leah's back and patted it gently, "You did a very good job, y/n/n and I cheered soo loud when you went on, even Lilah cheered!" She exclaimed pointing back towards you and her sister.

"Thank you, darling, I'm actually pretty sure I heard you cheering for me, you were very loud!" Leah complimented to which Vienna giggled.

"Hey V, why don't you take this and sit over there for a minute, I wanna talk to Leah. Is that ok?" You offered her a colouring book and some textas.

"Ok!" She took both and skipped over to where a table and chair were randomly set up.

"Hey..." You rocked slightly as Lilah had fallen asleep.

"Hi," Leah said with a tone of confusion.

"Umm so- yeah," Your free hand came out as if you were about to explain and then it dropped back to your side when you couldn't find the words.

Leah raised her eyebrows before looking between the girls and you.

"I foster kids in my spare time," You tried to joke but then heard how it sounded out loud and immediately began to backtrack, "Not in my spare time, that was stupid, I don't have spare time anymore. I foster kids! All the time, except when I'm not then I'm either working or with you but sometimes I do all three! And I didn't tell you; not because I'm embarrassed of my job but because I am so aware of the fact that many people can't handle the inflexibility and last-minute change in plans that comes with either being with or being a foster parent and I always feel so bad when I have to cancel plans but them I'm like there is a literal child who needs somewhere to stay and someone to take care of them and it makes me feel better but then I'm like, Leah! I didn't want to lose you because I know you're gonna have a busy schedule now that your back playing and I didn't want you to feel bad about calling this off because of what I do and-" You were running out of breath and were on the verge of tears when Leah bought you into a hug, keeping clear of the child perched on your hip.

Once you caught your breath and the hug broke off Leah grabbed your face between her hands, "You are a bloody amazing woman." She stated and you blushed, "I can not believe how selfless you are, you are doing something so incredible for these kids and you still take into account how I would feel? Of course, I wouldn't call this off because you chose to take in kids who need somewhere to stay! If anything it makes me love you more!" She didn't even register what she was saying until she said it. That didn't mean she regretted it.

She crashed her lips into yours and you reciprocated but broke free quickly, aware of the child in your arms and the other one not even 4 meters away from you. You were still slightly teary, her beautiful confession not helping, "I love you too," You laughed but quickly quietened when Lilah stirred in your arms, "Umm, would you like to come back to mine? I'll have to put these two down but it should only take 10 minutes,"

Leah was quick to agree and ran to get her kit from the changing room and had a fast shower. She sent off a quick message to the Arsenal girls excusing herself from post-match celebrations. She met you next to your car and noticed that you only had one kid running circles around you, "Lils was fast asleep so I've just put her in her seat, ready to go?" You asked Leah who nodded.

"Is Leah coming over to our house?" Vienna asked when you were clipping her into her car seat.

You glanced at Leah sitting in the passenger seat before nodding to Vienna, "Yeah, is that alright with you?" You were worried that she wouldn't be ok having someone else in the house with you and knew that if that was the case, you would have to once again reschedule to meet up with her.

"As long as she tells me a bedtime story!" Vienna giggled.

"I'm sure if you asked really nicely, she would be more than happy too!" She was content with your answer and broke out in humming a random tune. You laughed at her and went to the driver's side to take your girls home.

The drive home was fairly quiet as Lilah was asleep but Vienna kept humming her tune and you and Leah couldn't help but laugh when she got really passionate about her song.

"McDonald's for dinner?" You asked Leah who nodded her head. You turned your head slightly to catch the gaze of Vienna, "Hey V, do you want to get McDonald's for dinner?"

"Um yes please!" She spoke as if it were obvious, "Can I get a nugget happy meal?"

You nodded, "Umm of course?" You responded in the same tone she had before.

After teasing Leah about her bland food choices, Vienna talking Leah's ear off about nothing in particular in between eating her happy meal and Lilah having a bottle and being put to sleep, it was finally Vienna's time to go to sleep.

"Alrighty, teeth are brushed and jammies are on, what's next V?" You asked and she seemed to remember your conversation in the car and ran over to Leah who watched the scene in awe.

"Excuse me, Leah?" She patted her knee to get her attention, "Would you please tell me a bedtime story?"

Leah gasped, "I would love to have the honour!" She spoke proudly.

Vienna dragged her to her bedroom and quickly got under her sheets, "Could you please tell me a football story?" She asked politely.

"Those are my favourite stories, would you like to hear about when my team won a competition against all of the other countries in Europe?" Vienna nodded dutifully.

"Isn't there like a billion countries in Europe?" She was 5, give her a break.

Leah nodded, "Almost," She went off to tell her a shortened version of the Eruos in 2022 and Vienna was enraptured by the story but was slowly falling asleep.

"You must be really good if you beat a billion other countries, I like you, you're my favourite footballer," Vienna decided and patted Leah's hand that was resting on her leg. You watched the scene from the side with hearts in your eyes.

Once the story was over Leah bid Vienna goodnight and got up off the bed so you could say your goodnights. You made sure to tuck her in extra tight and checked under her bed for monsters and after concluding that there were none Vienna was ready to go to sleep, "Goodnight, munchkin, sweet dreams," You kissed her lightly on the forehead.

She returned the favour by kissing your nose and pulled in for another secret, "I really like Leah, she's pretty," She giggled.

You smiled at the small child and nodded, "I know," You laughed with your foster daughter and wished her goodnight once again flipping off the lights and turning on the night light, "Night night V," You waved.

"Night night y/n/n," She dozed off.

You left the door open slightly and jumped when you saw Leah waiting on the opposite side of the door, "Jesus, Lee," You pulled her into your bedroom not wanting to wake either girl, "Listen, I truly am sorry about not telling you about all this. I was just scared and didn't want to lose you is all,"

Leah took you in her arms, "I understand, love. Don't worry about it," She gave you a kiss on the side of your head and pulled away, "I loved watching you interact with them, you're so good at it. And you look beautiful while doing it," She flirted and pecked your lips.

You moved your arms to wrap around her neck, "I love watching you interact with them, didn't know you had it in you, Captain Grumpy Pants," You teased as Leah was known for her stern facial expressions.

Leah looked unimpressed, "Well at least V, thinks I'm pretty," She spoke triumphantly.

You pecked her lips, "I happen to think you are very pretty," You kissed her again but let it go even further and when you had to break apart for air, "Gorgeous really," You teased.

"Stop trying to one-up a child," She chastised sarcastically.

You smirked, "You might just have to shut me up, then," You flirted but it didn't end up going much further as the two of you ended up fast asleep within minutes exhausted from playing football, cheering and taking care of two children.

[sainamoonshine]

Okay so I finally watched Good Omens season 2 and have tons of thoughts about it, especially how the minisodes and side-plots do so much work, thematically.

*slaps flashback segment on the roof* this bad boy contains so much subtext!!

And here’s my analysis about some of it:

The side plots are about at least three main themes that I can spot.

1. They are all, in some way, about resurrection. The children of Job. The Nazi Zombies. The resurrectionist. Miracles being rated on a scale of how many people they can bring back from the dead. Even Gabriel, in some way, arriving naked and without his memories and innocent as a babe, then finding himself again was a form of resurrection.

This, of course, has to do with foreshadowing season two, the one where the main plot point is going to be the second coming.

2. They were all about how much it’s a bad idea to mess with humans. All flashback minisodes either had someone die directly because Aziraphale and Crowley were around (Wee Morag, the guy at the magic shop), or almost die because Heaven and Hell said so (Job’s childrens). In present-day time, Aziraphale’s messing about with people during the ball is explicitely called out as creepy and wrong and Nina & Maggie have a talk with Crowley about it.

This leads to my theory that this is also going to be a major theme in the third season. We know that in the book, Adam explicitly tells heaven and hell to stop interfering. We also know that in the show, Aziraphale and to a smaller extend Crowley need to learn this lesson.

I also think that the resolution of the next season is probably going to involve Earth being marked definitely off limits to angels/demons, possibly via the same mechanism that makes the shop into a safe heaven you need to be invited in (and the same thing became true of the Bentley once Aziraphale claimed it! As pointed out here , Shax had to hitchhike to get in, instead of appearing inside as she did before). Earth needs to be claimed. I think that this will happen either by a combined miracle of incredible proportions from both Crowley and Aziraphale after they reunite, or (and this is my pet theory) by a combined miracle of incredible proportions by Adam and whoever is the new Jesus (I am a greasy Johnson truther lol). This would make Earth a place that you need to be invited in order to go there, and therefore safe haven for angels and demons who promise not to cause trouble.

3. All of the side plots and minisodes are about misdirection. Sleight of hand. Smoke and mirrors. Magic tricks. Showing one thing while something else is true.

This is shown obviously in the Job part and also in London 1941, with the party who is getting tricked being heaven and hell, respectively. Meanwhile, Gabriel and Beelzebub are trying to trick everyone. But who is tricked by the plot lines of Nina/Maggie, and Elspeth/Wee Morag?

We are. The audience is.

It has been pointed out here and here that Nina is meant to make us think she’s a parallel to Crowley when she is actually more of an Aziraphale thematically, and vice-versa.

But what about Elspeth and Wee Morag? We have one that robs graveyards, and one who tells her that is wrong and is worried about her eternal soul. That seems straightforward enough as a mirror to Crowley and Aziraphale, no? Well, let’s just look at what they’re doing and saying to each other, shall we?

“Don’t do this incredibly wrong and dangerous thing. It will have repercussions that you can’t even begin to understand right now.”

“I’m doing this for you! You deserve better than this life!”

“I don’t want the better life you’re offering. I would rather huddle with you here, homeless and poor but knowing you’re safe and that we’re together, than to know you alone out there doing horrible things you’ve convinced yourself you need to do.”

“I do need to do it. Trust me! This is going to fix everything! And if you don’t want me to be alone, then come with me. There! Problem solved!”

(Problem very much not solved.)

Doesn’t this sound, a tiny little bit, like a certain season finale to you guys? Elspeth was, in fact, Aziraphale all along. She thought she knew what was best, and she barrelled along without listening to anyone else, and then it went horribly wrong.

There is a reason why both times this season that we see Aziraphale fucking up someone else’s plan (the corpse to sell, Crowley’s contraband whiskey) because he initially reads it as a bad thing and thinks he’s doing good by destroying it, without having the full context, it backfires on him and then the situation has to be fixed. He needs to stop and understand things properly before taking actions. He needs, in short, to ask questions.

We see that the one time he did ask questions before acting was during the whole Job thing, and it worked out the best out of all the sub plots this season, right? … except that Aziraphale was convinced that he would Fall for his actions there. The way Crowley had fallen for asking questions.

And if the only person whose assessment of the situation matches Aziraphale’s is a demon, if the only one who is doing what he personally thinks is the Right Thing is a demon, then gosh… either that means that Aziraphale himself should therefore also be a demon, OR it means that Crowley shouldn’t be one, and this was all just one big misunderstanding, and maybe if I just speak to the manager…?

[merymoonbeam]

Book of Breathings - Elain - Ankh Symbol

First of all this is tied to my "a tool of creation" theory so you can read that first if you want.

We first learned about book of breathings in acomaf. To nullify the Cauldron.

“When the Cauldron was made,” the carver interrupted, “its dark maker used the last of the molten ore to forge a book. The Book of Breathings. In it, written between the carved words, are the spells to negate the Cauldron’s power—or control it wholly. But after the War, it was split into two pieces. One went to the Fae, one to the six human queens. It was part of the Treaty, purely symbolic, as the Cauldron had been lost for millennia and considered mere myth. The Book was believed harmless, because like calls to like—and only that which was Made can speak those spells and summon its power. No creature born of the earth may wield it, so the High Lords and humans dismissed it as little more than a historical heirloom, but if the Book were in the hands of something reforged … You would have to test such a theory, of course—but … it might be possible.” (acomaf)

And as the books went on...we got the two half of the books and finally the book is somehow in cc world.

So lets start with this theory post.

The name of the book comes from Egyptian Mythology

The Books of Breathing (Arabic: كتاب التنفس Kitāb al-Tanafus) are several ancient Egyptian funerary texts, intended to enable deceased people to continue existing in the afterlife. The earliest known copy dates to circa 350 BC.[1] Other copies come from the Ptolemaic Kingdom and Roman Egypt, as late as the 2nd century AD.[2] It is a simplified form of the Book of the Dead

This information will be important for later. And in the meantime I made a post about koshei's onyx box connecting to this if you wanna read it.

Okay moving on...

I was looking at acotar coloring book pages and book of breathings drawing is... interesting.

Side not: sarah got the deals for the acotar books and then worked on the coloring book so I think this is important to add bc she LOVES to add hints as little things and whats better to add than a coloring book?

The circles of silver, gold and bronz.

It had been formed of dark metal plates bound on three rings of gold, silver, and bronze, each word carved with painstaking precision, in an alphabet I could not recognize. Yes, it indeed turned out my reading lessons were unnecessary.

I think these might be related to the book names of the new acotar books.

Silver flames

Gold(en) XX

Bronz XX (for vassa maybe? Bc she is a bird of flame...flame and bronze???)

Okay back to the other things.

The star(sun?) in the middle. When you first look at it it is like a sun but when you take into account that the asteri made this book and there is the starborn symbol of 8pointed star...its probably an eight pointed star.

She stared and stared at the Book—as if it were a ghost, as if it were a miracle—and said, “It is the Leshon Hakodesh. The Holy Tongue.” Those quicksilver eyes shifted to Rhysand, and I realized she’d understood, too, why she’d gone. Rhysand said, “I heard a legend that it was written in a tongue of mighty beings who feared the Cauldron’s power and made the Book to combat it. Mighty beings who were here �� and then vanished. You are the only one who can uncode it.” (acomaf)

Amren turned to Rhysand and said in that new, strange language—their language: “The glowing letters inked on her back … they’re the same as those in the Book of Breathings.” (hofas)

“I can teach you things you’ve never even dreamed of,” Rigelus promised. “The language inked on your back—it is our language. From our home world. I can teach you how to wield it. Any world might be open to you, Bryce Quinlan. Name the world, and it shall be yours.”(hofas)

Also in the coloring book the ships of the papa archeron have these on them.

Feyre: moon and stars

Nesta: sun?

Elain: eight pointed star 👀

So for feyre it checks out. For nesta...why sun? When she had eight pointed star tattoed on her back(tho now it is gone after the deal with cassian is done) I thought what could the sun mean? The cover of acosf.

That's a sun. Also it is interesting that the High Lord of Day had such a negative reaction to the mask...🤔

And now... eight pointed star for elain? That remains to be seen what it could mean...👀

So thats out of the way and now we will look into the symbol at the bottom and top which I found out is the symbol of Ankh...from Egyptian Mythology.

The ankh or key of life is an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol used to represent the word for "life" and, by extension, as a symbol of life itself.

The ankh has a T-shape topped by a droplet-shaped loop. It was used in writing as a triliteral sign, representing a sequence of three consonants, Ꜥ-n-ḫ. This sequence was found in several Egyptian words, including the terms for "mirror", "floral bouquet", and "life". The symbol often appeared in Egyptian art as a physical object representing either life or related life-giving substances such as air or water. Commonly depicted in the hands of ancient Egyptian deities, sometimes being given by them to the pharaoh, it represents their power to sustain life and to revive human souls in the afterlife.

Life...soul? We always say how Nesta is death and Elain got the life. Maybe it is more correct than we had thought???

And now the bird on the cover. There is no mention of bird symbol being on the cover of the book.(Im pretty sure of this but if Im wrong...it still stand that the only quote the book of breathings has said with bird is this) So why add bird? The only time Book of Breathings is connected with a bird is this quote:

The other one, the Book hissed. Bring the other one … let us be joined, let us be free. I slid the Book from my pocket, tucking it into the crook of my arm as I tugged the second half free. Lovely girl, beautiful bird—so sweet, so generous … Together together together

Which I totally think it is about Elain and Vassa.

Lovely girl? Elain. There is SO MANY quotes with elain and lovely.

Beautiful bird? Vassa...bird of flame.

And I made a bigger post about this(the other one) if you wanna read it.

So maybe we really need to get the book of breathings back? And Elain will use it to control cauldron?

[haptronym]

Okay, I’ve been quietly enjoying MHA as it finished up. The fixation has waned and I’m generally not obsessed enough anymore to put the effort into making more fanworks. But it seems like I have a few beehives left to kick before I move on. On this episode: I got set off by this industrial-level optimism and am going to rant about misleading story shortcuts.

(Spoilers for the end of the manga.)

There's a very common phenomenon that crops up in stories everywhere. A character goes though an experience obviously meant to Teach A Profound Lesson. The character gives a wrenching speech about how they're so changed now. And then... they go right back to doing the exact same shit they were doing before. The story writes "THEY'RE DIFFERENT NOW! DOESN'T THIS FEEL SATISFYING?" on the character's forehead in big block letters, but doesn't bother to follow through. It just hopes that people will do exactly what that post does: i.e. not think very hard and pretend it’s what actually happened.

MHA does this a lot. And Izuku and All Might are both poster children for this phenomenon.

The post I linked at the top is not an example of amazing character development. It is extremely awkward proof that neither of these main characters have meaningfully changed at all. I’m also going to go on a brief tangent and argue that their behavior has absolutely nothing to do with quirklessness because the narrative itself has not given a flying fuck about quirklessness since chapter 1.

Let's start with Izuku. At the beginning of the series, his greatest dream was to be a hero. But he did nothing to achieve it. He muttered and he scribbled in a few notebooks. No training, no real effort. And then he was ready to just give up completely after talking with All Might. All Might had to chase him down and dump a miracle intervention into his lap before he finally put forth any real effort.

And at the end of the series, once Izuku lost the last of his embers, he... apparently gave up again, became a schoolteacher, and spent his days spouting cope so lame that even other teachers didn’t believe it. It seems obvious he was not truly satisfied, but we weren’t told he did anything to change his fate. He just sat around complacently, for eight years, until All Might once again swooped down and shoved a second Deus ex Machina into his hands.

Oh, and did he have a whole arc about how he shouldn’t run off alone and try to do everything himself? He should rely on the help of his friends? That’s cute. Well, anyway, he’s going to run off alone for his final fight until his friends chase him down, again.

Contrast how Izuku learned to be not so reliant on All Might's guidance. That was very cool, and most importantly, it had consequences - it got him to learn kicky kick instead of punchy punch and triggered many of the events of the Dark Hero arc. But man, it was a pretty minor epiphany for a main character carrying an entire series on his back.

I like Izuku! He's a great character. I think it's cool and realistic that he defies the typical gung-ho overcome-every-obstacle Shonen stereotype. But it’s clear he didn’t change very much over the course of the series.

And All Might? Man.

All Might sees and learns a lot of things during the story. Many of his assumptions are, seemingly, challenged. But in his badass final fight, does he show any indication that he's learned anything new over the course of the series? Any proof that he's changed as a person? Anything at all? He runs off to fight alone, like he always has. He (apparently) doesn't even tell anyone he had the suit up his sleeve! So much for working together and sharing burdens with others. "I thought your quirks were cool so I copied them for my secret robot suit lol" hardly seems like a meaningful act of connecting with those around him. And has he learned anything from watching Izuku's heartbreaking unnecessary self-sacrifice? Not according to his suicide-bomb attempt. He’s only saved by the bad guy's overpowering urge to monologue.

"But but but he learned that you can still be a hero despite being quirkless!!!" Here's the problem: All Might never says Izuku can't be a hero without a quirk. Here's what he actually says:

What does he give Izuku at the beginning of the series? Power. What does he give Izuku at the end of the series? Power, after letting Izuku stew for eight whole years. (What a swell dude. What a dad!) It is the exact same scenario.

Yes, at the beginning, he used the shorthand of quirklessness = no power, and by the end, he's eager to hand out Iron Man suits. Believe me, I wish this change happened because he struggled with his deep-seated feelings of inferiority due to his latent quirklessness and finally learned that even the quirkless are inherently Worthy and Valid. But the way the story handled it, this "character development" boils down to "Oh, right, my buddy's kid can make rad support items!"

I've pointed out before that quirklessness showed up in chapter 1 as a cool story hook and then went out for cigarettes and never returned. We learn all about heteromorph discrimination but nothing about quirkless people, even in the movie about bad guys trying to eradicate all quirks! All the story's main conflicts are about strong vs. weak quirks, "good" vs. "bad" quirks... not quirks vs. non-quirks. 

It doesn't matter to the characters either, to a truly bizarre degree. It gets dropped into Aoyama’s backstory to explain why AFO had power over him, but that’s about it. He even said it didn’t bother him as much as it bothered his obsessed-with-status parents. When Mirio is rendered quirkless... he might as well have torn his ACL. No existential grappling, no consoling speeches from Izuku or All Might, nothing besides Izuku briefly overthinking things and wanting to play quirk-hot-potato. And then Eri presses the undo button and nobody speaks about the issue again.

You'd think it would be a huge deal for born-quirkless Izuku and All Might. But they never talk about it. They never even think about it! They discuss it together for an entire two pages during the sports festival. It makes a surprise appearance in a single sentence in a single flashback of All Might's (which doesn't even make much sense... he says quirklessness means he "has no role"... after impressing Nana with the clear and detailed role he's invented for himself).

Its most important function is as a convoluted, unnecessary plot device explaining why Izuku and All Might were the most bestest OFA holders. Aside from the too-many-quirks-breaks-the-OFA-holder plot device, they could both have been born with unimpressive quirks and pretty much nothing would change about them, fundamentally, as people.

Even in the very last chapter, the part that's clearly reenacting the events of chapter 1... Izuku's mini-me symbolic stand-in is not a quirkless kid. He's just a kid with a weak quirk. You know, like 9/10 of Izuku's middle school class. The story doesn't even want to touch quirklessness in the callback to the scene where it mattered most! It treats it like an embarrassing promise it blurted out while blackout drunk that it wants to forget ever happened.

All Might still thinks of heroism in largely the same way. There are technically changes, but they’re all surface-level. He doesn’t go on about the ways you can be a hero by, say, using your huge influence and monetary resources for good. No, you’ve gotta have power. It could have been poignant that he expanded his definition of “power” from “quirk” to “cool technogadget,” but the story didn’t explore that. Izuku pays some lip service to the idea of alternate versions of heroism in the last chapter, but as soon as he gets the opportunity, he ditches his school job to go do real hero work. 

If anything, All Might’s biggest character development comes from understanding that his legacy will live on. His dream won’t die with him. The many lights of his students now burn bright with his inspiration and will see his work continued. 

But this realization is not tied to his quirklessness, and does not really affect his definition of heroism. And once again... no concrete evidence of change. Partially because the ending rushes past like a runaway freight train, but still.

This issue isn’t exclusive to All Might and Izuku. I’ve seen a lot of criticism thrown at MHA as a whole because this pattern has repeated over and over and over everywhere. Lots of poignant speeches and gripping scenes, and then the world and the characters just traipse on as if nothing happened.

After a lifetime of watching cartoons... I find it hard to get upset when serialized comics do things like this. It’s a bit like getting upset at episodic cartoons for resetting to the status quo every episode, or dinging a children's show for oversimplifying good and evil (MHA fandom: take note of this, too). Sure, there are story formats, like novels, that ought to have a well-thought-out, meaningful progression from start to finish. But that is overwhelmingly not what you’re going to get with stuff like Shonen Jump stories, where authors have to sacrifice story integrity for a million different reasons, like merch tie-ins or fluctuating character popularity or trying to ensure a high view count so they don’t get dropped. (Hi, eighteen billion explosion cliffhangers! You’re still stupid!) It is really, really hard to make a coherent story under conditions like these. I want to believe that everyone is trying their best.

But I still think it’s very important to at least be aware when this attempted switcheroo is happening. We should not let ourselves get fooled when someone goes "Yep! Lesson learned!" We need to remember that actions speak louder than words.

It's almost inevitable that certain genres, like this one, are going to take these shortcuts. It's a bit pointless to spike one's blood pressure getting mad about it. But it's still always important to pay attention. And then go write nice fanfic where things have actually changed.

[cofay]

See me like no other (mmm)

And I think I like your point of view

♡ CUPIDS ARROW ⤑

Part 1…Part 2…part 3…

You were becoming more and more paranoid with the Erotes you were getting more nervous and cautious about Izuku and you so you choose today to finally try and at least explain him what happened.

You texted him asking if you guys could meet up at a park and of course he obviously obliged happily.

You started walking down the street and towards the park dressed in a casual outfit your hair out and the wind breezing through it you held onto your bag.

After a while you make it towards a crosswalk and unexpectedly you see Izuku, unconsciously you smile and he smile back spotting you and waving you wave back a chuckle leaving your lips. You looked at his pretty face smiling even more.

As you were both waiting for the street light to turn red your smile drops as you notice something behind him.

It was one of the gods that you worked for you would think of him as a mentor well when you were younger now he was kinda of just there whenever you messed up.

And by some freaky fucked go miracle you could still see him, you wanted to warn Izuku you wanted to tell him to turn around but you didn’t know if you would like crazy or something like that you couldn’t lose Izuku you can’t afford it.

You don’t know why or how but you could still see the gods that would mean…No…no…no. Almost immediately the light turned green and you started to worry as he walked towards you, increasing your own pace you were going towards him also still keeping an eye on the god behind him.

One look.

That’s all it took to fuck everything up.

How could you let this happen you could almost see the way his eyes shifted away from you. Your eyes widened as you slowed down your pace completely watching him walk past you like you didn’t exist.

You turn around watching him approach another woman and basically linking arms with her as if they knew each other you scoff in disbelief as you watched them walking away.

And slowly you knew who did this. You knew how this happened. Those damn Erotes they told..they ran and told everyone up there about you and your new life..why why..why you. Why did you have to be so stupid.

You turned around to face the god just to find out he was gone and just like when you first saw him you followed him following Izuku to this fancy restaurant watching from the window as he walked with this girl.

Interlocking fingers…

Smiling…

So lovingly…

It was supposed to be you in that position.

You just had to ruin things for yourself right? Now you learned your lesson.

‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿

You walked back into the museum where you first met him. And you saw them all five of them you watched them as they stood there observing the same painting you did.

Suddenly you felt a rush of emotion and emotion you’ve almost never felt this intense before.

Anger…no no you’re infuriated.

Hastily you make your way towards the group.

“You back stabbing..conniving—“

you froze it was like someone had control over you one of the Erotes turn around slowly..

“What have we done wrong?”

“You know what you did!” You spat

Another turns around facing you “We were doing what we were here for.”

“You liar! You-You didn’t have to take him away it’s all your fault—“

“Our fault? You fell in love with a mortal”

Two more turns around leaving one still facing the painting. “It’s not our fault you don’t know your place in this world, Mortals are only filled with—“

“Don’t you dare say it.”

The last one turns “Greed. That’s what they’re filled with and you know it as well as we do.” You gulp panting angrily. “Why is it that you feel this way? Is being a god not enough for you?”

“…you didn’t have to tell anyone. We were happy.”

“You were happy.”

And they let you go after that flying away leaving you there alone again..as you were before back at square one. With responsibilities with your old life back. Did you want to go back to how it was. No. Of course you didn’t.

But you knew deep down there was no way for you to get what you wanted, even if you went out your way to get it. It was going to be taken away again.

Every.

Single.

Time.

[runningw-thewolves]

List of Random Crap I Associate with Fenrir

(Y’all know the drill by now.)

- The Bathroom from Saw 1

- The Human Pincushion Trap from Saw 4

- RAGE metal (as in metal that makes you think “Who hurt you?” e.g. “Slaughterhouse” by Motionless in White)

- Reaction memes (I’ve included a few examples so you know what I mean)

- Watching a character getting a verbal smack down they had coming for the past hour (e.g. Mirabel telling Alma that Alma is the reason the miracle is dying)

- Being edgy for the fun of it (but not the obnoxious, bigoted kind)

- Deadpan and sarcastic humour

- “I don’t want a life lesson! I just want an ice cream…” (cause we all know what it’s like to go through the wringer - btw, that quote is from Bluey)

- Squidward being done with everyone’s bullshit (just picture it; Fenrir hears about Odin and his dad fighting again and is just like “Well, of course they are.”)

- That TikTok sound of “Ooh, fancy pants rich McGee over here, fuck you”

- Airplane! (The spoof movie. Especially Nelson’s character (the “Don’t call me Shirley” guy))

- Being kind to yourself cause the world can be very cruel sometimes and there are days where you just wanna stay in bed

- “I have myself a good cry, dust myself off, then continue. The show must go on!” (Another Bluey quote, this time courtesy of Chilli)

- That “I’m a bad bitch, you can’t kill me!” Vine

[helloabominacion]

Tenoch x reader x Namor

PART 1

summary: what's the summary but what if you have a threesome with these two? now I'm gonna think how to write a threesome

.

.

.

‘ I’m gonna lose my job, I’m gonna get fired! I’m going to live under a bridge like a troll, ’

You don't know how long your heart can take this pressure. I mean, you knew your line of work would be heavy and hectic, but you didn't want to ruin your future opportunities to work with famous actors/actresses. Just because you forgot some important papers that Tenoch had to sign. Working with Tenoch Huerta was like a miracle fallen from heaven, he was passionate about his work, how he would get excited to share his childhood memories back in Mexico, and of course, since you were a paisana, it was like an immediate connection between you.

Hushed jokes you shared with Tenoch every time in the early meetings. When you arrived at the set, he welcomed you with hot coffee every morning. But the reason why you started to have a crush on him, was the fact that Tenoch always made you laugh. It didn't matter if you were concentrating on your work or discouraged by so much paperwork thrown at you; Tenoch would go out of his way to get a smile or a chuckle from you. Just thinking about those beautiful but intense brown eyes made you cross your legs tight!  And those caresses, a shiver ran through you by just recalling those moments. Gentle touches between hands every time you passed something from your table, placing a firm hand behind your lower back every time you walk in a crowded area, and Tenoch made sure to hold eye contact with the most confident and tender smile.

You huffed exasperated, there’s no time for steamy scenarios girl, you are on the clock!  Heels clacking on the hallways, you headed towards the white trailer, Tenoch's full name in black letters across the door, and hurriedly opened the door. “Buenas tardes jefazo, I know you're a little busy with your interview, but I need…”  Your voice trailed off, and confusion pinched your eyebrows, a little bewildered. You know well that in two hours Tenoch’s has an interview with Lupita and Letitia, you read that in your email’s morning. So why the fuck is he wearing the shame shorts?

Like literally, he is wearing the full costume!

“Tenoch, que chingados?  Why are you not wearing your suit? You have to get ready for the interview!”  

Your voice made him turn around and face you. ‘Tenoch’ tilted his head at you. “Excuse me?”

“Don’t excuse me, sir!” You place down your binder as you approached him. “You texted me an hour ago that you finished filming your scenes. Why are you still wearing your Fishman costume?”

A stretched silence fell upon you. 'Tenoch' didn't answer you even though he scrutinized you with a smoldering gaze, you frowned again, but a smile pulled your lips.  “Tenoch ya me estas asustando, but for real, are you okay? Is there something wrong?”

“Why do you call me fruit?  That is not my name,”

Is this one of his methods acting? He tried that once with you and you couldn’t hold the giggles. But the thought of something was wrong him began to grow, he looks rugged, those brown eyes you adore were not the same. Harsh and steely.   Damn, that is good acting.

“Okay, then what is your name?”

“Kukulkan, that is what my people calls me.” Tenoch leaned forward, shortening the distance. “And what do they call you, Ch'ujuk ko'olelo'?” Sweet woman

Oh shit he’s getting better at his lesson. “Ah- well my name is – you already know my name.” You crossed your arms, not budging from your spot.  “I’m your favorite assistance!”

‘Tenoch’ gave a deep chuckle, briefly flashing his upper teeth, “ Wa teech jump'éel jela'an péepen,” You are a strange butterfly

You gawked at him with a smile. “A la verga, that was amazing!  You’re getting better at the pace.”

Again, he tilted his head at you, squinting his sharp eyes. “Your name, and please tell me where I am, no games.”  His came hand up to cradle your chin in a firm grip, tilting up your head as he glares at you. “I do not wish to bruise your pretty face,”

Huh!?  Your face fell, “Wait, what?”

The shout of your name outside of the vehicle startle to you and hurried steps entered the trailer, there he is the man you are looking for. Tenoch was dressed in a gorgeous deep blue suit, the feather earrings that you offered hanging on his ears, looking excited for this interview. But confusion took over him.

“Uhm, disculpa, what is going on here?”

So, who is this person with his full torse naked in front of you? Gulping loudly as you return your eyes to Tenoch number two, you smile nervously.

“So, uh, your name was Kukulkan, correct?”

“For you, it is, but for my enemies is Namor.”

[herearedragons]

Cold Water (chapter 5: Worth It)

AO3 | chapter 1 | next chapter

Spoiler warning: spoilers for The White March.

They’re putting out the last embers of the bonfire when something possesses him to ask her:

“Hey, Selene... Remember Cayron’s Scar?”

Maybe it’s just his imagination, but it’s like the air itself changes once the words leave his mouth; it’s almost like they’re back in Ondra’s ghostly sea again, in the dark and cold.

Selene stands still and silent for a full second. Then, she says:

“What about it?”

Her expression doesn’t change much, but Edèr can hear in her voice that she’s bracing for impact.

“Well,” he says, “We just never talked about it, is all.”

The embers have all gone out; the only light they have is Selene’s. When she meets his eyes, her pupils burn two dark dots into his vision.

“It was bad. I almost - we almost lost you. I’m glad we didn’t. If we did…” She looks away, towards the house. “...Well, I wouldn’t be taking dance lessons in your backyard, that’s for sure.”

It sounds like that was supposed to be a joke, but her heart’s not in it; her voice rings hollow.

She looks at him again.

“Why are you asking me about this?”

It’s a damn good question, and he wishes he knew the answer. It’s on his mind for some reason, and maybe it has something to do with his plans for tomorrow night, or maybe it’s just one of those thoughts that pop up when you least expect them.

So he answers honestly:

“I don’t know.”

They stand in silence for a couple of seconds. Then, Selene nods shortly, and says:

“Alright.”

She turns away to gather up their cups; Edèr watches her do it. It’s hard to tell if she’s mad at him or upset about something else, but it isn't like her to give up on a conversation like that.

Did he stumble into something important by chance? 

“...Selene?”

She turns around.

“It still troubles you, doesn't it?" he asks. "What happened back then."

Her posture deflates a little; some of the guard she’s put up goes away. She doesn’t seem relieved, though; just tired.

“Want to hear a secret?” she asks.

“‘Course.”

“I’m scared that she’ll try again,” Selene says. “I think I’ll be scared of that for the rest of my life.”

Her voice catches a little at the end of that sentence; she stands there for a moment staring at the cups in her hands, and her lips press together in a way that tells him she’s trying hard to keep a straight face.

It is important - and he’s not sure he would’ve gotten it out of her under different circumstances. Something about all the dancing and laughing and standing together in the dark made this moment right.

“Well, if you ask me,” Edèr says, “It’d be mighty brave of her to try again. Not sure a god’s ego can survive what you did to her twice.”

She smiles, a little. It’s not a very happy smile.

“I didn’t do anything to her. I was in the right place at the right time - it was a miracle.”

He shrugs:

“It got you this far, didn’t it?”

Selene presses her lips together again. It’s like she’s trying to keep some words from getting out; something she doesn’t want him to hear.

“If it was just about me, I would have taken those odds,” she says finally. “I’ve evaded her for almost four decades; that’s four more than I was supposed to have. But it wasn’t about me, was it? It was you down there, and, Edèr - had you - died then, I never would have let that go. I would have done something horrible. I don’t know what, I just know that - ” she exhales, frustrated, looking for words - “I know that there are very few people I can get along with, and there’s no one else like you, and - I can’t lose that.”

She falls silent, and he just stands there staring at her, trying to wrap his head around everything she just said, knowing that he’s running out of time to say something before the silence gets weird.

He needs to say something. Anything. Now - 

“Will you be mad if I say it still would've been worth it?”

Her expression is impossible to read. It’s all dark eyes and glowing shapes and she doesn’t say anything and part of his brain is still busy thinking about the way she just said his name and everything that came after that.

So he just keeps going.

“'Cause it would,” he says. “Mind you, I’m glad to be alive still - but I’d rather have you alive and angry as all Hel than gone.”

Selene stares at him with that weird expression for a moment longer, and then looks away and… sniffles? And then she wipes her eyes with the back of her hand.

She’s crying?

Oh gods, he made her cry. That never happens - this is bad - he made it worse - 

“This doesn’t change anything,” she says, “...But it matters. To me. That you said that. Gods.” She brushes both hands over her face, wiping away more tears. “...I’m sorry. I - I still don’t know why you’re talking about this, but I’m not going to dig in your thoughts to find out. I just - I’m really glad that you’re here, alright? That’s all that matters about Cayron’s Scar. That we both made it.”

Her voice sounds a little thick and shaky and she has this small crooked smile on her face now.

Her tears glow. He forgot that they do that.

"I'm glad you're here, too," Edèr says.

He almost says more, but doesn't. Doesn't feel right; not like this, not while she's crying.

Selene nods and takes a deep breath, collecting herself.

Tomorrow night, he tells himself. Tomorrow night, for sure.

That night, he loses way too much sleep to staring at the ceiling and thinking about Selene's voice saying there's no one else like you.

[mevbotcrypto]

Unlocking Inner Peace: David Hoffmeister's Insights on A Course in Miracles

Introduction

Inner peace – it's something we all crave in a world filled with constant noise, deadlines, and stress. But what exactly is inner peace? Simply put, it's a state of mind where you're not agitated by external forces or internal turmoil. It's the calm that comes when you let go of fear, anxiety, and emotional baggage. And in today’s fast-paced world, finding this peace can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Thankfully, spiritual teacher David Hoffmeister has dedicated his life to helping others discover this inner calm. His teachings, heavily inspired by A Course in Miracles (ACIM), offer a roadmap to peace that transcends the chaos of daily life.

Who is David Hoffmeister?

David Hoffmeister is more than just a teacher; he's a living example of someone who has embraced the principles of A Course in Miracles. Starting as a seeker of truth himself, David's spiritual journey began with a deep inner calling to find lasting peace. Over the years, he became a well-respected voice in the spiritual community, known for his deep understanding and practical application of ACIM’s teachings.

With decades of experience in spiritual teaching, David Hoffmeister A Course in Miracles has touched thousands of lives worldwide, offering hope, wisdom, and a sense of peace that is attainable for anyone willing to embark on the journey.

What is A Course in Miracles?

At its core, A Course in Miracles is a spiritual self-study program designed to help people achieve inner peace through forgiveness and love. The Course teaches that the world we see is a reflection of our inner thoughts and that by changing these thoughts, we can change our experience of the world.

ACIM emphasizes forgiveness, not in the conventional sense, but as a way of seeing beyond illusions to the truth of who we are. It aims to guide individuals toward a deeper connection with their true, divine nature.

The Spiritual Journey

For David Hoffmeister, spirituality isn't about rituals or rules; it's about a profound, inner transformation. His approach encourages individuals to go beyond surface-level thinking and dive into the deeper layers of consciousness. Hoffmeister views A Course in Miracles as a toolkit for spiritual awakening, helping people realize their oneness with God and the universe.

He emphasizes that the spiritual journey is not something to be rushed but a gentle process of unlearning the ego’s illusions and embracing love as our true identity.

Inner Peace According to A Course in Miracles

In the context of A Course in Miracles, inner peace is not just about feeling calm in the moment; it's about experiencing an unwavering sense of tranquility that comes from knowing your true self. The Course teaches that this peace is our natural state and that the only reason we don’t experience it is because we’re caught up in the illusions created by the ego.

David Hoffmeister explains that true peace comes when we stop looking for it in the external world and start recognizing that it’s already within us. It's a peace that can’t be shaken by outside circumstances.

David Hoffmeister’s Interpretation of the Course

David Hoffmeister’s interpretation of ACIM revolves around the idea of complete surrender to divine guidance. He often speaks about listening to the inner voice, which ACIM refers to as the Holy Spirit, and allowing this voice to guide every aspect of life.

One of Hoffmeister’s key teachings is that by stepping back and letting this divine guidance take the lead, we can release our fears and anxieties, thus unlocking inner peace.

Letting Go of Fear and Guilt

Fear and guilt are two of the biggest barriers to inner peace, according to both ACIM and Hoffmeister’s teachings. ACIM suggests that all suffering stems from holding onto these emotions, which are rooted in the belief in separation from God.

Hoffmeister teaches that forgiveness is the antidote to fear and guilt. By practicing forgiveness, we release the grip of these negative emotions and open ourselves to love, which naturally brings peace.

Living in the Present Moment

A big part of Hoffmeister’s teachings is the importance of staying in the present moment. He echoes the teachings of A Course in Miracles that say the past and future are illusions created by the ego to keep us from experiencing the peace of now.

Through mindfulness and present awareness, Hoffmeister encourages individuals to let go of regrets about the past and worries about the future. By doing so, we make space for the peace that exists in the present.

Overcoming Ego’s Obstacles

The ego is a tricky thing. It's the part of us that believes in separation, fear, and limitation. According to Hoffmeister, one of the main reasons we struggle to find peace is because the ego constantly distracts us with thoughts of fear and judgment.

Hoffmeister provides practical advice on how to recognize and dissolve these egoic thoughts. By becoming aware of the ego’s tricks, we can begin to disidentify with it, paving the way for inner peace to emerge.

The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not just a concept in ACIM – it’s the cornerstone of the entire teaching. David Hoffmeister places great emphasis on this practice, explaining that true forgiveness is not about pardoning someone for something they did. Instead, it’s about recognizing that nothing real can be harmed, and thus, there’s nothing to forgive.

By shifting this perspective, Hoffmeister teaches that we can release the heavy burden of resentment and open ourselves to the lightness of inner peace.

Practicing A Course in Miracles in Daily Life

One of the most valuable aspects of Hoffmeister’s teachings is his practical guidance on how to integrate the principles of ACIM into everyday life. From simple mindfulness exercises to more profound practices of forgiveness and surrender, Hoffmeister provides clear steps for applying these spiritual tools in daily routines.

David Hoffmeister’s Global Impact

David Hoffmeister's teachings have resonated with people around the globe. Through retreats, workshops, and online content, he has spread the message of inner peace far and wide. His presence is a beacon for those who seek a deeper, more peaceful way of living.

Testimonies from David Hoffmeister’s Followers

Many of Hoffmeister's followers have shared inspiring stories of how his teachings have transformed their lives. Whether it’s overcoming personal challenges, healing relationships, or simply finding peace in the midst of chaos, these testimonies reflect the profound impact Hoffmeister has had.

Challenges to Finding Inner Peace

Despite the simplicity of the teachings, many people face challenges on the path to inner peace. Hoffmeister acknowledges these obstacles and offers compassionate advice on how to overcome them, whether it’s the fear of letting go or resistance to change.

Conclusion

David Hoffmeister’s insights on A Course in Miracles offer a powerful pathway to unlocking inner peace. By letting go of fear, embracing forgiveness, and living in the present moment, we can all tap into the peace that resides within. It’s a journey worth taking, and the rewards are profound.

FAQs

What is A Course in Miracles about? A Course in Miracles is a spiritual text that teaches forgiveness and love as the key to inner peace.

How does David Hoffmeister teach inner peace? Hoffmeister emphasizes surrender to divine guidance, forgiveness, and mindfulness as the core practices for achieving inner peace.

What role does forgiveness play in A Course in Miracles? Forgiveness is the cornerstone of the Course’s teachings, helping individuals release fear and guilt to experience true peace.

How can I start practicing A Course in Miracles? Begin with mindfulness, forgiveness, and a willingness to listen to your inner voice for guidance.

Can inner peace be achieved in daily life? Yes, with consistent practice of ACIM’s principles, peace can be experienced even in the midst of daily challenges.

[whoficky]

Impossible Things - Chapter 1/1

I've been going back and editing all my old work. No major changes to the fic, just cleaned up a bit.

I somehow have posted my fics under two different names on AO3, so you can find my stuff at both quirkygirl242 and whoficky.

Rating: G

Relationships: The Doctor & Jenny (The Doctor's Daughter), The Doctor & Donna Noble, The Doctor X Rose (mentioned)

Work Summary: Jenny was just starting to settle into life on the TARDIS when she begins having the strangest dreams - dreams where two words keep showing up over and over again. Bad Wolf. She's determined to find out what it all means, even if it requires a bit of sneaking around the TARDIS and confronting her emotionally stunted father.

The Doctor was engrossed in a book about a branch of mathematics only species with a time sense could comprehend when he felt the brush of consciousness that meant Jenny was awake.  Though his daughter didn’t sleep nearly as much as his human traveling companions, she did seem to need a few hours every night.  She would usually wake in the early hours of the morning, and the two of them would meet in the library or console room for what she called “Time Lord Lessons” (or sometimes “Tedious Torture Time” if she found the subject matter to be less than engaging.)  The Doctor closed the book he had been reading, and snorted at his daughter’s cheek.  She may have come into being fully formed, but she was still a child in so many ways.  Whinging about her lessons was just a piece of that.  Underneath the solider tactics she was programed with she had an innocence about her the Doctor found refreshing.  She met each new world he showed her with awe and excitement and he loved seeing the universe anew through her eyes.  It was always this way to some extent with all of his companions, but with Jenny it was different…better.  Because she was a part of him.  Because she was his daughter, a miracle anomaly doubling the population of a near extinct race.  

That was also, of course, why she drove him mad with worry.  That innocence and enthusiasm he admired so much seemed to have the downside of getting her into all kinds of trouble.   Jeopardy friendly! He thought to himself.  He took a moment to reflect on the similarities between his daughter and a certain pink and yellow human who’d also had a knack for trouble.  He wished the two of them could have met, and not only because it would mean Rose Tyler wasn’t trapped a universe away.  Thick as thieves they’d be, he was sure.  Probably get him regenerated in record time and it would be so, so worth it.  

Anyway,  best not dwell on the impossible.  Especially when he had the interesting conundrum of why Jenny had been awake for ten minutes and hand’t joined him yet to figure out.  She may complain about the lessons, but he suspected that she enjoyed the quiet time together, enjoyed getting to know each other, as much as he did.  It didn’t hurt that he maybe occasionally bribed her with new settings to her sonic screwdriver for good performance when he quizzed her…  

He set the book down on the coffee table and stretched magnificently while running a hand through his already wild hair.  It seemed he had a daughter to wrangle.  Blimey, who would have ever thought.  He smiled and headed toward the galley to see if she was waiting for him there.  He hoped she wasn’t trying to make tea again.  He had tried to show her how last week but she appeared to have inherited his habit of setting things on fire when she tried to cook even the simplest things.  Although even he could usually manage tea ever since Rose had picked up the electric kettle on one of her visits home.  He wondered if he would ever stop missing her.  Donna, and especially Jenny helped, but he thought the TARDIS could be filled with hundreds of people and it would still seem empty without Rose.  Which brought him to another reason he enjoyed the early morning lessons with his daughter.  They were an excellent deterrent to the brooding he usually took to at this time of the day.  There was just something about 3:00 AM, even when time was merely an abstract in the TARDIS, that turned one’s thoughts darker. 

Jenny wasn’t in the galley, gym, or any of the three gardens she favored.  He wondered if he should stop by her room and make sure everything was ok, but then he realized he was doing that smothering thing Jenny had warned him about.  Having her here was still so new and he wasn’t always sure how to act around her.  He supposed he did sometimes give in to his protective instincts a little too much, but who could blame him?  He’d lost nearly every person he’d ever cared about in one way or another.  He’d even lost Jenny for a few months before the TARDIS had taken matters into her own hands and landed him back on Messaline where he found a very much still alive Jenny helping with the peaceful colonization of the new world.  

Still, best to give her some space.  He’d just stop by the console room and then head back to the library if she wasn’t there.  Back to advanced mathematics and maybe even a quick kip before Donna woke up.  

  He knew Jenny was in the console room when he was still a ways down the hall from the brush of her telepathic presence.  The flickering light probably meant that she was fiddling with the projector again.  And probably using that bloody tablet of hers instead of using the manual controls like a proper Time Lord.  Kids and their toys, he mused.  If it had been a month ago, he may have worried that she could have mucked something up by playing around in there, but she had quickly shown to be a skilled pilot and mechanic.  Whatever she was doing, he figured it would be safe enough.  He was curious to see what she was up to and eager to start today’s lesson, which he decided would be focused on telepathic skills.  He could tell she was trying to shield her presence from him, but wasn’t quite able to.  But first, he thought, a little fatherly teasing was in order. 

“Jenny, you’re not playing with that tablet again, are you?  I told you, just because it looks cool doesn’t mean…” the Doctor trailed off as he stepped into the room and saw something he hadn’t let himself even wish for.  His hearts stuttered out of their usual metronomic rhythm as he forgot for just a moment that what he was seeing was impossible.  Rose!  Then the image flickered and he realized she was a mere projection.  

***

Jenny knew she was in trouble before her dad even opened his mouth.  She’d had somewhat of an idea that he’d be cross with her nosing through the TARDIS database.  Which was exactly why she had worked hard on her mental barriers before coming here.  It was bloody annoying that her dad always knew exactly where she was.  What was he, some kind of telepathic bloodhound?!  She’d already been interrupted twice when she’d tried to get a few minutes of alone time with the Old Girl, but had thought this time she’d finally managed it.  And, perhaps she would have if it had been just a quick information harvest like she had planned.  But as soon as she saw the image projected in front of her, she had not been able to look away.  In fact she was so lost in thought that she’d only had a fraction of a second warning before her dad barged into the console room, jabbering on about the tablet he took offense to her using.  It wasn’t enough time to switch off the projection, but she did manage to school her features into an innocent smile to greet him with.  Maybe she could play this off as being an accident?  But even if she got in a little trouble, at least she had finally gotten some of the information she needed.  (And she had learned quickly it was always easier to ask forgiveness than permission when it came to her father.)  But as soon as he stepped into the room and saw what she was doing, she realized she had grossly underestimated the magnitude of her indiscretion.

She was still getting to know this mad man who she was created from, but she thought even a stranger could have read the intense emotions that shown on his face in a few moments of rare openness.  First it was hope, and she felt her own smile grow bigger at the way the emotion lit up his face.  She hadn’t seen him look quite that alive since he found her again on Messaline.  But then the projected image flickered and her dad’s face had twisted in pain…and was that grief?  Longing?  Before she could pin the specific emotion down, he had moved on to anger, no, fury.  Oh crap, she thought. 

“Jenny!” he barked, his gaze finally tearing away from the projected image making her the focus of all that anger, “What in Rassilon’s name are you doing?!  I told you…I told you that fiddling in here was dangerous!  Are you trying to blow us all up?  Fly us into a black hole, hmmm?  Files have passwords for a reason, you know!  Some of that information is dangerous!”

Jenny gaped at him as he continued to ream her, taken aback by the intensity of his onslaught.  By the time he had yelled himself into activating his respiratory bypass, she was well on her way towards fury herself.  Who the hell did he think he was treating her like she was some rampaging Time Tot with a stollen sonic screwdriver.  She knew what she was doing!  Often times better than he did!  

Taking advantage of him catching his breath she raised her own voice, “I have every right to be here, Dad!  I’m not a child, not that you seem to be able to grasp that!  For a genius, you can be pretty damn thick, you know.”  His eyes narrowed dangerously at the dig, but at least he let her continue, “I’m being careful and I know what I’m doing.  It’s not like going through databases is all that dangerous, anyway.  And if the TARDIS really is my home like you said, I have every right to be here.  Or have I overstayed my welcome?” she asked, hand on her hip and head cocked in a challenge.  

It was a low blow, but she was so furious at him right now.  First it was weeks of him treating her like a child and now he was blowing up at her when all she did was hack into just a few files.  Who exactly was that hurting?!?  Well…him, she thought, some of the anger fading as she remembered how upset he had looked before he started with all the yelling.  And in light of what she now knew, she supposed that could make sense…still, that didn’t give him the right to treat her that way.  Why couldn’t he ever just talk to her?       

The Doctor sighed and seemed to deflate in front of her eyes, “Jenny, of course this is your home.  Of course I want you here.  And you can never outstay your welcome.  You’re my daughter.  That doesn’t change even when I get cross.”

“Even when you get really cross?” she chanced a smile and bit of cheek.  

“Even when you blow up the microwave and rearrange books in the library,” he nodded at her, very nearly showing a hint of a smile himself.  Oh she so had him.

“Even when I get nail polish on the console?”

Her dad puffed out a breath that was almost a laugh, “Well, I think you’ll have to take that up with the TARDIS, but I’m sure she’ll forgive you.  She hasn’t ejected you into a supernova yet, so I think it looks promising.  In fact, I’m sure she’ll give you back your nail polish any day now.”

“Oh, we’re thick as thieves, us girls,” Jenny patted a coral strut fondly, her hand adorned with freshly lacquered nails, “She did translate the database for me, after all.”

“Was wondering about that.  For a bit there I thought you were the universe’s fastest learner of Gallifreyan,” her dad smiled before continuing more seriously, “ Listen, Jenny, I’m…er…sorry?  Yes.  I’m sorry.  I guess I’m just not used to having someone around who is like me.  Just…turn the projection off and we’ll go start today’s lesson, eh?  I was able to sneak up on you, and that should never happen with your telepathic capacity.  We’ll need to work on that a bit.  Now come on.  Allons-y.”  

Jenny was almost taken in by his misdirection, but at the last second the projection caught her eye and she remembered why she was here in the first place.  She had hoped to know more before confronting her dad, but that cat was sort of half out of the bag already.  It was now or never.  

“Dad,” she called him back from where he had already started down the hall to the library.  He poked his head back into the room and she continued before she lost her nerve “Who is she?” Jenny asked gesturing to the woman in the projection.

“Jenny…” there was a warning in his voice, but she pressed on.

 “Look I’m sorry I’m snooping.  I’m sorry I hacked through the passwords.  I know some things are private, but Dad, there’s things I need to know and you never talk to me.  Not really.”

 Her dad walked slowly to stand beside her and they both stared at the flickering image. “So I’ve been told,” he sighed finally.  “Jenny, someday when you’re old like me, you’ll understand.  Being long lived…it’s not always a blessing.  You loose so many people.  Pretty soon the past becomes painful and the only way to keep on is to, well…compartmentalize I guess you could say.”

“And by that you mean forget and lock the memories away in the TARDIS database.”  Jenny realized she was pushing her luck and bit her lip as she waited for his response.  She was relieved when he snorted a laugh.

“Yeah, suppose that’s another way to look at it,” he was quiet for a long time.  “Her name was Rose Tyler,” he finally said, nodding towards the projection.  

Jenny rolled her eyes, “I know that dad.  I can read, you know.  But who was she?  To you?  All I got a chance to read was that she traveled with you a few years ago.”

She looked over at her dad and saw that he was tense, like he wanted to bolt out of the room.  “Jenny I…” she thought he was going to continue, but then to her disappointment he only brushed her off.  Like he always did when she asked about anything important.  “Doesn’t matter.  Come on.  Time for lessons.”

He reached into his pocket and with a flick of his sonic, the image of the woman blinked out.

“Hey!” Jenny was growing more than a little irritated at him again, “I wasn’t done!”

“Leave it Jenny.   Time.  For.  Lessons,” he enunciated each word as his patience seemed to wane as well.

Instead of following him out of the room, Jenny just frowned and after a few swipes of her finger on the tablet, she had the image back up and was frantically reading through the rest of the data in the file.  She was only a few paragraphs in when he came storming back into the room, sonic whizzing and eyes blazing.

“Are you trying to get your sonic taken away?!  Because that’s where you’re headed!” he yelled as they proceeded into a furious battle of closing and opening the database, “I told you to leave it!  Bloody hell!  Why don’t you ever listen!?!”

“And I told you I want to know about her!  If you won’t talk to me, at least let me read her file!” Jenny was yelling again but she was too frustrated to reign herself back in at this point.  Oh her dad could drive her mad sometimes!  The stubborn git!

“What is so important about Rose Tyler anyway?!” he barked at her, temporarily getting the image turned off before Jenny made it flicker back on.

“I have the right to know -”

“You have no right, Jenny!  No right!” he roared, “You don’t even understand what you’re doing - what you’re asking of me!”

“Let me finish!” oh great, and now she was crying and that made her voice go all squeaky.  Like that helped anything.  She abandoned the frantic tapping on the tablet to stare at him, “I have the right to know about my own mum!”

She was so busy staring daggers at her insufferable father that she didn’t realize he had dropped his sonic until it clattered to the grating.  He broke her gaze and collapsed onto the jump seat, head in his hands.  “Is that what this is about?  That you don’t have a mum?  I know I’m rubbish at this Jenny, but I’m it.  We only have each other.  And I’m trying.  Really I am.  I just don’t know how to do this.”

Jenny set her tablet on the console and sat down next to him fiddling with the rings on her finger, “It’s not about you, dad.  Not everything always is,” she tried to joke, but he didn’t laugh.  She supposed now may not have been quite the right time.  Her dad wasn’t the only one who thought they were a bit rubbish at this relationship.  She was still getting used to existing.  She didn’t know how to be a daughter.  

Jenny continued more seriously, trying to make him understand, “She’s my mum.  I know it.  And she’s gone and I don’t even know why and I’ll never get to know her.  I just wanted to at least know about her - what she was like, you know?  I just want, no, Dad, I need to know where I come from.  It’s not because you’re not enough.  You’re the best.  I’m so happy that you came back for me and that we’re traveling the stars with Donna and you’re teaching me how to be a proper Time Lady.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.  But there’s this piece of me, a whole part of me, that I don’t understand.  And Dad, I really need to.”

She stared at her fingers, not quite knowing what to expect from her father.  She really couldn’t take him yelling at her again.  She was still so furious at him, but she was also guilty for making him so upset, and hurt at how he talked down to her, and sad that she’d never get to meet her mum - like there was a hole in her life that could never be filled.  It was just an awful lot to feel at once.  She wondered if Time Lord Lessons would ever cover how to deal with things like this.  Based on her father, she was pretty sure the answer to that was no.  

She finally raised her eyes to meet his and realized he looked nearly as emotionally exhausted as she was.  “Jenny, I’m sorry.  I don’t know what brought this up, and I don’t know why you think Rose is your mum, but I’m telling you it’s impossible.  Remember what I said about losing people?  It…hurts to look back, and that’s what I had to do just now.  That’s why I got so angry.”

“So you lost her?” Jenny asked.  She knew her mum wasn’t there with then, and to be honest she was a little afraid to know why.  But the question had come out before she could hold it in.

“Yeah,” her dad breathed out, the word laced with regret and pain.

“And you loved her?” 

“Jenny…” he warned.  

She just calmly repeated the question, “So you loved her, yeah?”

“Yeah,” he answered in barely above a whisper.  

“I’m…I’m sorry Dad,” Jenny was sorry for herself too.  

“Yeah,” she was beginning to think her dad had become stuck in a time loop where he could only repeat that word, but then he continued, “She’s not your mum, Jenny.”  He sounded so tired.  He sounded just like Jenny felt. 

“No, but she is though.  I know it.  I…” Jenny got an idea and perked up slightly, “I can prove it!”

Her dad raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.

“Ok, for starters, just look at me,” she started, priming him to allow her to do the test she wanted him to.  “I know you can see it, see her in me.  For the longest time I didn’t know why you got this funny look on your face when you looked at me sometimes, but I think that’s it.  I think sometimes I remind you of her.”

“Just because there are a few…similarities, it doesn’t mean anything, Jenny.  I’ve traveled with loads of people.  Sometimes they’re similar.  It’s bound to happen.  I had a feeling you weren’t paying attention during our logic lesson.  That’s not proof, Jenny.”

“You’re right, and neither is the fact that I’ve been having dreams about my creation.  Dreams where your hand glowed right as they were putting it in the cloning machine.  Dreams where all the words on every sign, label, and paper say one thing, just one thing.  They say Bad Wolf.” 

Her dad gasped and she knew she almost had him, “Then last night, it was the same dream, but this time it faded into a sort of garden place and mum was there.  She knew who I was and hugged me and we cried.  She said she wished it was real.  I woke up before I could tell her that I thought maybe it was.  So what do you say Dad?  It’s not proof but I reckon it’s enough to warrant a DNA test, don’t you?” Jenny finished.  She could easily run the test herself, but she’d rather do it with her father’s support.  She was obviously rubbish at sneaking around.

The Doctor stared at the machine as it hummed through an analysis of two very important DNA samples, one from a hair he found on Rose’s brush and one from a swab of his daughter’s mouth.  It would only take minutes, which he knew in theory was a short amount of time, but right now each second felt like a lifetime.  

He’d been so angry, so hurt when he saw Jenny rifling through Rose’s file.  Not only was seeing her image painful, but the thought of his daughter stumbling on something so private sent all his emotions flying.  Some things were too precious to share, even with his daughter.  He had considered his memories of Rose to be in that category.  But now…he wasn’t sure of much of anything.  The things Jenny said, of Rose being her mum, they were impossible.  And yet, how many times had Rose and Jenny both challenged the definition of that word.  It was impossible for Rose to have taken in the time vortex and end the Time War.  It was impossible for Jenny to have come back to life without fully regenerating.  It was impossible that his daughter was having dreams about Bad Wolf.  And yet…all those things happened.  The fact that he would know for certain any moment now didn’t calm the wild speculation that was raging inside of his head.   

And what if Jenny did have a mother and that mother was somehow Rose?  It was an equally alluring and painful possibility.  To have a part of Rose here, always with him…To have created such a remarkable person with the woman he loved, it would be…fantastic.  But at the same time, could he live with the constant reminder?  Could he live with knowing that every time Jenny reminded him of his lost Rose, it was because Jenny was made from a bit of her?  And what about Jenny?  He’d always wished her and Rose could have met, but if Rose was her mum, the idle wish would turn into a deep yearning.  A girl would never know her mother and a mother would never even know she had a daughter.  There was cruelty and blessings a plenty here.

Jenny’s timid voice brought him out of his whirling thoughts, “Dad?”

He turned to face her and saw that she was fidgeting with her rings again.  For all her conviction before, she now looked like a lost little girl.  “Yes Jenny?”

“Um…I’m kinda scared,” she whispered.

It took him three short steps and he was at her side pulling her into a one armed hug, “Me too,” he admitted, “We don’t have to do this.  I can stop the test.  Or I can save the results for later, for when you’re ready.”

Jenny shook her head, “No, I’m…I’m ready.  Or close enough.  It’s just…before, when I started looking into this, I didn’t realize you had loved her.  Don’t know why.  That’s kind of the norm, right?  Mums and dads loving each other?  I think this is one of those things Donna talks about when she calls us ‘bloody aliens.’”

The Doctor chuckled recalling more than a few instances of that exact phrase coming from his companion in the couple of months Jenny had been back, not to mention the hundreds of times Donna’s exasperation had been directed at him alone.

Jenny laughed a bit herself before continuing seriously, “What I mean is that I’m scared about how this is going to change what you think of me.  You’re my dad, and most of the time I feel like I still hardly know you, but I love you.”

“Jenny…” she talked over whatever he was going to say.

“And I know you love me too.  But you looked so…sad just seeing a picture of mum.  Am I going to make you sad all the time now?” Jenny sniffed and he realized she was trying hard not to cry.

He pulled her in to a full hug and kissed her on the top of the head, “Oh Jenny, you drive me mad with worry, make me happier than I’ve been in a long time, frustrate me to know end with your bloody cheek and inability to listen to anything I say, but sad?…No Jenny, I’ll never look at you and be sad.”  He realized it was true. 

“Not even when you see mum in me?” she sniffed into his chest.

“Especially not then.  I won’t pretend to know what all this means, but I definitely know it’s a good thing.”

She shrugged out of the embrace, never one for hugs, his daughter, “Promise?”

“Yep,” he popped the P enthusiastically.  “No matter what the test says, you’re still my daughter, Jenny.  Nothing will change that.”

The machine dinged signaling the results were processed.  “Gods does everything with you have to ding?” Jenny joked nervously.

“Oi!  What’s wrong with a ding?  Ding’s a good thing! Ha!  Ding’s a good thing!  Could say that all day.” 

“Oh you’re mad, you are!” his daughter laughed.  Their laughter turned to chuckles and then they both quieted.  The very atmosphere in the room seemed to thicken with tension.

“You sure you’re ready?” he asked.

“Yeah.  Um…you?  Now that I know this doesn’t just affect me…” 

He smiled and held out his hand, “Allonz-y.”  They pushed off the counter they were leaning against and slowly approached the DNA analyzer.  He flipped open the display screen and turned it towards Jenny, allowing her to be the first to know.  He studied her face with his heart in his throat as she scrutinized the readings.

Finally, Jenny smiled widely, “I knew it!”

He thought that somewhere in the back of his mind, he’d known too.  Maybe since the beginning.

“Alright then Jenny Tyler,” He grinned wider, very much liking the sound of that, “Did I ever tell you about the time your mum and I were in London for the blitz?”

His daughter smiled, biting her lower lip and shook her head, “Well for starters, she wandered off before we had been there five minutes!  Almost worse than you, she was!  And oh, right out of a horror movie there was this empty child…” he continued the story as they made their way to the library, finding it easy, and even a relief for the words he had kept closely guarded for so long to come spilling out.  He thought about a picture album Rose had kept of their travels and decided it was about time to brave a trip into her room to fish it out.  Maybe someday the remaining pages of the book would be filled with new adventures.  Maybe other impossible things were in store.  

[landofzero-archive]

Ibara Saegusa - The Emissary of Shuuetsu Academy

Event: Kiseki ★ Blitzkrieg Autumn Live

Episode 1:

(Location: Shuuetsu Hallway)

Ibara: It’s been a while, Anzu-san! I’m extremely delighted to have been given the honor to meet you again! Salute~☆

Ahaha♪ Indeed! It truly hasn’t been that long since we last corresponded!

Thanks to your gracious assistance, this humble Autumn Live will be held successfully!

Option 1: Please talk normally.

(Response A)

Ibara: Does this way of speaking bother you? It’s true, people have told me it’s not fitting for an idol!

However, it’s not that easy to adjust…… Of course, I’ll do my best to fix it!

I’m still inexperienced, so I’ll continue to work hard every day! Assault! Invade! Conquer~!

(Response B)

Ibara: Oh, does it make you uncomfortable? I’m deeply sorry for causing such discomfort! I truly apologize!

…… Or rather, you don’t want me to be too concerned about it?

To be kind to even filthy trash such as myself… As expected of a wonderful person like Anzu-san! 

Option 2: Y-You’re exaggerating……

(Response A)

Ibara: What’s that? Why, your troubled face is also quite beautiful! Your beauty is so immense that I can hardly look at you!

Even the distorted eyebrows are adorable! That shape, that angle! It’s a beauty that can only be called a miracle!

It’s such a perfect golden ratio, even the goddess of beauty runs away barefooted! (1)

(Response B)

Ibara: I’m humbled by your modesty! Rather, I think it’s wonderful! Your lack of conceit is dazzling……!

As expected of Yumenosaki Academy’s only producer! An irreplaceable miracle! A light of hope!

Although it’s only been a short one week period, I’m truly honored to have met you! Thank you for your cooperation!

Episode 2:

(Location: Shuuetsu Hallway)

Ibara: It seems we have some time until Trickstar finishes getting dressed?

You probably have nothing to do while waiting so allow me to tell you more about Shuuetsu Academy!

If you have any questions, please take advantage of this opportunity! Please feel free to ask me anything……☆

Option 1: Ask about school life.

(Response A)

Ibara: Do you want to hear about lessons in particular? Well, this is something that’s only natural for students from another school to be curious about, isn’t it!

However, this is a school secret! If I let anything leak then it’d be off with my head!

It’s a cheap offer but if you’re truly interested in learning more then I recommend that you join the agency.

(Response B)

Ibara: Oh, you especially want to know about the food situation!

Well, Anzu-san  has a great eye for these things! I was thinking of showing you around later!

Shuuetsu Academy cafeteria…… You will definitely enjoy the taste of our original Japanese restaurant!!

Option 2: Ask about Eden.

(Response A)

Ibara: Hm? Haven’t you read this yet, Anzu-san? (He holds out a booklet)

This is a booklet with an overview of Eden…… Hm? You have read it?

Oh, I see you have the guidebook too! How delightful! Thank you very much!

(Response B)

Ibara: My, my, Anzu-san! You’re surprisingly shrewd!

I said I would explain about Shuuetsu Academy, but now you’re trying to extract useful information!

Ah, no, no! There’s no need to apologize! I did say “anything,” ahaha☆

Episode 3:

(Location: Shuuetsu Hallway)

Ibara: It seems everyone in Trickstar are kind people! I feel relieved!

I heard stories about it from Anzu-san and decided to do some research into it myself.

After all, my impression of them will change once I actually meet them! I’m looking forward to performing with them live even more♪

Option 1: I look forward to working with you.

(Response A)

Ibara: Hm? You would like to say hello to the members of Adam as well?

In short, you would like to meet His Excellency…… That is, Ran Nagisa-san, as soon as possible!

I’m sorry but I’ll have to keep you waiting! His Excellency is a free spirit and it’s often quite difficult to keep a handle on him!

(Response B)

Ibara: Hmm? Why are you suddenly panicking? …… Did you forget you brought your souvenir with you?

Ah, pardon my concern! Rather, I’m glad! Thank you very much!

Is it a local specialty? As expected of Anzu-san, you have a great sense of souvenir selection!

Option 2: What was your impression?

(Response A)

Ibara: After listening to Anzu-san’s stories, I can say that the members are on good terms with each other.

When I actually met them, I was surprised to see they got along with each other very well!

It was refreshing to hear them calling each other nicknames like “Hokke~” and “Sally~”! Ah, how beautiful it is to have friends……☆

(Response B)

Ibara: Ah, it’s not like I had a bad impression of them!

Not to mention Akehoshi Subaru-san and Hidaka Hokuto-san, but Yuuki Makoto-san had made quite the name for himself as a child model.

If you look into it a little, you can quickly come to the conclusion that you’ve got a great group! Ahaha♪

---

TL NOTES:

To "run away barefoot" is a Japanese expression to indicate that someone is so completely on another level in a skill/attribute that even an expert can't compare.

[jojotichakorn]

i think what people miss a lot of the time with tropes that are generally disliked is the nuance. which is not surprising because the internet is the place where nuance comes to die, but you know.

bury-your-gays isn't just any gay character dying. it is a very specific juxtaposition of that death to many things: to other gay characters, if they exist in the story; to their partner, if they have one; to the narrative structure, etc. if it's one of the many otherwise living gay characters in the series, if it's not the devastating finale for their partner's story, who then ends up alone and miserable, if it is not the conclusion of the overall story of what it's like to be gay, then it's not just fine, but has the potential to be an amazing relatable story of grief, for instance.

bury-your-gays is a trope that very explicitly leaves the viewer with the conclusion that if you are gay, you are either dead or miserable because someone else gay died. and all of that is wrapped in the additional context of 1) how queer and queer-coded characters have been presented for many years (someone who ultimately deserves to be punished for their queerness) and 2) how society has perceived queer people and our lives (with a blanket idea of a horrific and sad life and zero possibility for a long and happy one, in some places up until the 2000s or 2010s or whatever mark cishet people want to put on the sudden claimed end of oppression, in others - to this day).

something very similar can be said about the cure-as-happy-ending trope. it's not that just any disabled character becoming abled again is some horrific crime. it is once again about the juxtaposition of it. is it placed in the middle of the story or perhaps at 2/3 of it, to showcase the truth of the experience that doesn't actually simply end with a blink? has there been a sufficient amount of nuance and detail about the disabled experience, so the story doesn't feel like a speedrun lesson through disability that leads the character to the long-awaited recovery? is the actual cure something that exists in real life or, taking it even further, something that is accessible to the average person and therefore actually relatable, or does it fit under the miracle cure trope as well? are there other disabled characters in the story who are disabled and ok with it? (shock horror, i know, more than ONE disabled character in the same story??? and they are HAPPY as well????? perish the thought! /s)

cure-as-happy-ending, much like it directly states, is a trope that very explicitly leaves the viewer with the conclusion that a disabled person's happy ending is not being disabled anymore. and all of that is wrapped in the additional context of 1) how disabled characters have been presented for many years (someone who gets their happiness by either ignoring their disability, becoming abled, or dying, often by euthanasia) and 2) how society has perceived disabled people and our lives (completely miserable, incomplete, constantly seeking a way out, hating our disability or even ourselves).

and well, there is of course also the conversation of how certain stories, even when they are authentic, realistic, relatable, and respectful, are far more common than others, because they are considered more palatable or sellable or what have you. and people wishing for more representation of other experiences is both understandable and fair. but that's a conversation for a different day.

[starguardianniom]

The 1 lesson learned in the season 5 finale

One thing I remember seeing in the leaks of the finale of season 5, is that all the heroes are back and with their miraculous full time. Knowing that, I can only think this:

Only lesson Marinette learned was to not put all her eggs in one basket it seems, as she has been doing since she became the guardian, though I feel she got that lesson from Fu who was the first guilty party of doing it.

What I mean is, the show made Marinette too important.

SHE is the only one who can purify akumas.

SHE is the only one who can fix everything.

SHE is the only one who gets to choose new heroes and know their identities without them or Chat Noir knowing hers or each other.

SHE is the only one aware of Fu until Syren.

SHE is the only one trained to be a guardian.

SHE is the only one who gets to be the guardian.

SHE is the only one who keeps all the miraculouses and kwamis.

SHE is the only one who makes the rules now.

That's way too much for her alone.

Chat Noir is not in the knowing of Master Fu until he gets so fed up he almost renounces Plagg, and to be fair at first he didn't complain with Rena Rouge, but then Ladybug keeps not telling him anything when before it was just the 2 of them, and it's shifting their dynamic even more, and he can't help her if he knows nothing.

But then, Chat Noir gets to learn the identities of some holders anyway, with or without Ladybug's knowledge, Queen Bee and Ryuko he learns because they out themselves immediatly (to be fair to Kagami she was the only person in Ikari Gozen so even if she hadn't call Ikari Gozen "Mother", her identity was busted anyway).

Between Queen Bee and Ryuko, another holder he gets to learn about, Marinette being Multimouse, of course made so that he wouldn't guess that she was actually Ladybug and deceiving him with an illusion, but still him knowing Marinette is Multimouse is enough for Ladybug to tell them that Marinette can never be Multimouse again, showing unwittingly no trust at all for him in the situation that is entirely not his fault, and yes it's an illusion BUT HE DOESN'T KNOW THAT!!!! And yes it's to make sure Marinette isn't asked again because she's Ladybug and can't keep up 2 secret identities and have them meet all the time without running herself ragged so she needs to make sure that she can't be Multimouse again, it does put her partner in what seems an unfair choice and seriously I'm surprised this hasn't been brought up again since then.

Anyway.

Ladybug then becomes the Guardian. She knows has to be the one who fix everything, purify the akumas and keep the miracle box and the kwamis safe and also keeps choosing new heroes.

She doesn't accept Chat Noir's help when he offers to help her with her burdens, like maybe choosing holders or delivering miraculouses.

She confess her identity to Alya and tells her everything instead.

Chat Noir is not considered despite his offer and being there from the start.

Alya is a great support to Marinette and also a huge help, but Marinette then starts wanting to control what Alya can and can't do with her knowledge.

Of course she makes Alya lie to Nino.

Which from a certain point of view sounds stupid because Nino is a hero she chose and knows Alya's identity as Rena Rouge like Alya knows Nino is Carapace.

It does bring up some problems.

Oh and also, Ladybug never tells Chat Noir that she told someone her identity for a while now.

Instead, he finds out the day he has to work with her replacement, whom he (rightfully has every rights since past experiences with fake Ladybugs have happened before) mistakes for a fake and tries to Cataclysm. This of course strain the beginning of Scarabella and Chat Noir's working together, though they get better and I honestly prefered Scarabella working with Chat Noir than Ladybug, because one no romance, 2, so funny and refreshing and 3, Scarabella has a killer style that Ladybug could only dream of.

But Alya has to tell Marinette that she needs to have an urgent talk with Chat Noir about it. I love you for that Alya, the kitty deserves more respect than that.

I mean she nearly got cataclysmed because Marinette couldn't bother telling Chat Noir that she had left the city for a weekend and had a replacement because she seriously couldn't not not go.

She can be bothered to text hundreds of rules for Alya to follow while in the train, but not one message to Chat Noir telling him to not be surprised to see a new Ladybug for a little while in case something happens.

I'm honestly will never get over that one, seriously Marinette, you sucks at communication as much as you suck with empathy.

Let's not forget Rocketear where Adrien learns that Nino and Alya are Carapace and Rena Rouge and they knew from the start who the other was via Ladybug and shoving in his throat that the rules only apply when Ladybug see it fit to herself and she makes the rules and doesn't have to bend to them unlike him, to be fair Alya knew already because Nino gave himself away with his "dude" and Alya and Nino were together so Ladybug couldn't really think fast enough of an excuse to separate them to give them their miraculous alone so she had to do the reveal but Nino doesn't tell Adrien that. Also Nino was being in a foul mood that seriously was affecting his judgement and outting him and Alya can't be on Marinette's shoulders, but to Adrien who doesn't know all that just feels even more drowned by the rules and now feels it's only him.

Another thing I'll never get over, the Ephemeral episode.

The gal of Marinette hatching a plan to have 2 people know Chat Noir's identity in his back without his knowledge seriously pissed me off to no end. Sure she told off Su-Han in the end, but honestly she is a bigger hypocrite there. She outrights say that she believes Chat Noir will never reveal his identity to anyone else but her first, not bothering to consider that he would probably listen to Su-Han's idea (which frankly is kind of fair, as if something happens to Adrien, they would be in hot waters, sure Plagg can deliver the news and Kaalki knows where Adrien lives, but they can't tell Marinette and it is one of the 2 most powerful miraculouses around). Chat Noir is more understanding than her, if she would just explain herself, she could avoid deceiving Chat Noir, but nooooo, she will swear by what she thinks and it's final. It shows now that she already makes decisions for Chat Noir because she thinks she knows him best so naturally she can decide for him without problem, another right stripped from him apparently, by herself no less. But that timeline did stick for most of the episode, and it did show that yes, Marinette would be willing to go that far, and well she kinds of does in the season 5 finale by not telling Adrien the truth about his existance or his father's crimes.

There was also Strike Back where Chat Noir seems to get annoyed that Ladybug tells him he doesn't know what he's talking about, and outright tells her she never tells him anything, and her never relying on him when she should bites her hard as her trying to control everything makes her lose almost everything but her own miraculous and Chat Noir's. Of course, she also thought it was a good idea to go fetch her crush instead of calling Sabrina for the Dog, or just unify with it herself, and seriously not asking herself how could Adrien be the only person in the city to not be marked if it happened the day before. After an entire season of doing everything alone instead of relying on people, she learns the hard way that the villains just need to swipe the miraculouses from her to get them 98% of them all and win.

The one lesson she learned: not put all her eggs in one basket.

That one lesson Fu could have also learned.

Because seriously Marinette had so much power and control it wasn't even funny, it's scarier than Gabriel with the miraculouses I would say.

Imagine if she had been stopped before she told Alya anything, nobody could have helped her or save her, Plagg knows, but he can't bring back people unless he destroy the place where they're holded, or if the villain lets them leave, which is not always easy to do.

But seriously, she had way too much to do and learn to be completely efficient, because she wouldn't share the responsabilities.

If she had given at least some miraculouses to Chat Noir and maybe even Alya, it would have been better.

But even when Marinette is taken out and others needs to step up and take her place, you can be sure an event or something will make her still don her earrings or not to save the day. Apparently Scarabella and Chat Noir can't save the day by themselves without Marinette having to deliver the final blow to Robostus. Or Scarabella and Kitty Noire can't replace Marinette and Adrien permanently because Marinette never bothered to tell Alya and Chat Noir to not wear Alliance rings as they can track their superhumans movements, immediatly busting their identity if someone hacks them, as seen in Jubilation.

I must wonder if the writers gave her all the calls and powers only to show us the reality of why it's important to delegate some of your duties least if something happens to you not all is lost.

Hence why at the end of the season 5, Marinette gives all her teammates their miraculous permanently.

Hopefully Chat Noir will stay her number 2 and not Rena Rouge cause he's more experienced than her and it would only be fair after 2 seasons of being less important than Alya given he doesn't know Marinette is Ladybug but Alya does, immediatly changing the power dynamic, even if Alya can't be Rena for an entire season, she's still more privy to the secrets of Ladybug than Chat Noir ever was. No hate on Alya at all though, she was amazing. Just wish Marinette would trust Chat Noir just as much, as he is her first partner and the one she has been working with since day one and they came back alone for an entire season again so another different dynamic than with Alya but it shouldn't be given less importance for it.

Alya and Chat Noir are awesome, I just wish Marinette would trust them equally and communicate with them better. And delegates some of her duties to them dang it!

[aristccrats]

(katie mcgrath, 36, she/her, gender, hamptons #)  I wonder how the season will treat  KATE HAMPTONS. It’s true that SHE is LOVING, but I’ve also heard that they can be INSECURE. I heard that [REDACTED] Of course, that’s just speculation. (pearl, 33, gmt +1, she/her, cheating/abuse).

GENERAL

full name. kate hamptons zodiac. libra gender. female pronouns. she / her sexual orientation. straight

APPEARANCE

faceclaim. katie mcgrath hair. brown haired eyes. green dominant hand. right relationship status. married

BACKGROUND

Kate is the daughter of a Count and grew up in a very loving family. She never missed of anything during her youth: from dancing lessons to horse riding, as well as receiving a decent education, the young girl grew up to become a graceful woman. Kate is known to be caring, kind hearted and hating injustice.

During her childhood, Kate met her future husband who was her neighbor. Ever since their childhood, both knew that they would marry. A true marriage of love, where both always supported each other and were seen closer than ever. They married at the age of 26 and ever since, Kate supported restlessly her husband in all the dreams he had.

Unfortunately, tragedy hit their happy life as newly weds: the Viscount Hamptons died in a carriage accident with his wife, leaving the love of her life in charge of his own life, as well as the one of his younger siblings. Kate surprisingly became an elegant Viscountess, who vowed to take care of her siblings in law. Her main goal was to guide them and help them find the right match for this season, so her husband could take this burden off his shoulders.

Besides this important task, Kate is desperately trying to give an heir to her love. Alas and with the recent events, the poor Viscountess had a few miscarriages. Still dreaming to become a mother, Kate will do anything in her power to give her husband a rightful heir, as well as a loving family for him. Will she ever succeed? Perhaps if she let a few worries go.. A small miracle could possibly happen? Time will tell...

PERSONALITY

qualities. caring, loyal, honest, romantic defaults.  sensitive, insecure, anxious

likes. helping the siblings of her husband, spending time with family dislikes. cheaters, liars, disrespect

[zahri-melitor]

I love all three Holiday Bashes, so we are going to review all the stories.

DCU Holiday Bash #1 (1996)

The Benefaction of Peace. This is a Superman story. Lois talks to George, who is about to jump off the top of the Daily Planet building because he’s so lonely. Lois tells him a story of an early Superman Christmas, where Clark tries to clean up Metropolis as a ‘present’ for everyone, but doesn’t notice all the ordinary folk doing their bit to help each other. Then of course Superman learns the lesson that “it takes every one of us to make it safe”.

A High Father Christmas. Obviously this is the New Gods. Highfather and Orion get mistaken for being the hires for department store Santa and his elf. Highfather gives out REAL presents, as you always do with this plot, and the department store floor manager has a change of heart about the Meaning Of The Season.

Bearing Gifts We Traverse Afar. Catwoman! Selina goes to warn a woman and child that some goons are coming after her because of her husband killing someone in Blackgate and helps her get out of town safely.

A classic Selina view panel here.

The last one is just this -- I don't like goons who hurt mothers and kids. Not ever, but especially not on Christmas Eve.

Satan’s Little Helper. Etrigan is summoned by a magician, who grants him one thing ‘you can pick up and hold’ in exchange for his soul. However, the magician’s kid comes in, decides Etrigan is Santa, and reaches into the portal to pull out…a Batman doll. Etrigan accepts the bargain, magician is heartbroken.

The Vessel. Green Lantern (Kyle). This is the Hanukkah story in the set. Kyle meets some friends including one who’s sister is the local Rabbi. They go to the synagogue to find it vandalised with Nazi symbolism. Kyle goes off to track down the vandals (who are the world’s most stereotypical neo-Nazi skinheads). Kyle’s ring is almost out of battery and fails…and then is magically recharged during the fight. A miracle!

“And hope can keep a flame going when its fuel should long ago have run out.”

Present Tense. This is the Wally/Linda story, as opposed to the story of the same name in Holiday Bash II, which is the coal for Darkseid story. Basically, Wally overhears Linda on the phone to her mother saying “Wally knows exactly what I want for Christmas. (As I told him)”. Wally instantly panics because no, he does not remember what this item was. All he can remember is an incredibly ugly late 80s/early 90s sweater. Wally panic buys a bunch of things, which he immediately realises are no good, so he leaves the presents in the hands of passing shoppers. Wally eventually gets Linda the ugly sweater, and gives it to her saying that he remembers their conversation: Linda asked for him to really listen to her and pay attention.

Just Another Night. This is an Alfred story. Note for all the fanon fans – Tim goes on holidays to the Caribbean with Jack this Christmas, and sends a lovely card to Alfred. But the main plot of the story is Bruce and Alfred both acting like it is any other night, until Alfred finds a present waiting for him from Bruce. Awwww.

No real Santas, but plenty of sweet stories.