#and at the same time they're doing this diplomatic dance and the two of them are just being SO overly formal

[aroaceleovaldez]

i always see so much of Nico ships where either Nico is the one pining or the focus is almost completely on Nico pining and i feel like we’re missing a lot of opportunity here. Where’s the inverse? Where’s the POVs from [other character(s) of ship] of them falling hard for Nico and just absolutely losing their mind pining over him because he’s so impossible to read that they can’t tell at all if he likes them back or not. Them doing some complicated social dance cause they cannot for the LIFE of them figure out Nico but they’re trying so hard until they finally just tell him outright and find out Nico has liked them back this entire time and they lose their mind just a little bit more. WHERE IS IT.

[bonefall]

Better Bones Profile: Houndleap

"The horrifying eldritch fallen angel likes ME best because I'm hot"

[ID: The Better Bones AU version of Houndleap from Warrior Cats. He is a black-and-white tom with ginger flecks in his black parts, and a fluffy white tail tuft. His ears are burned away, and he has orange, swirly keloid scars. He also has a heart-shaped paw pad.]

Here by popular request! Holy MOLY you all jumped on the offhanded manwhore comment lmao.

Houndleap's a great example of cats who are in the Dark Forest for breaking non-violent commandments. The only thing he's killing is the gene pool, with his 6 known mates and the 16 kittens between them all. No, he wasn't in love with them all either, he just liked to play the game.

He is as close to the ideal Clan cat as one can get, and he knows it, and flaunts it. Tri-colored with beautiful ginger flecks, he fell victim to a terrible moor fire and came out with severe burns. His surviving was already a great mark of strength, but then he became even luckier when his shiny scars raised, and slightly spread from the initial injury.

Clan cats didn't have a word for keloids, they only knew it was gorgeous. As if StarClan had given him a scar that dances and shimmers.

Houndleap "abused" this gift, seeing as many cats as possible and cheating on his 'official' mate back home. In the modern era, he might have just been a very popular Honor Sire, but this was before the Queen's Rights and the Aftergathering. He was eventually caught, and after his death, he was banished to the Dark Forest for violating the Law of Loyalty on more than 5 counts.

Yes. More than 5 counts. StarClan was able to see that he had even more than 5 halfclan mates (and they're not even counting the wife he cheated on) but only 5 got pregnant.

Alignment: Dark Forest, ex-WindClan

Time Period: Skyfall Era

Relations: Too fucking many

Houndleap's addition to the Dark Forest is Lover's Beck, a twisted, romantic version of a spot in the Gorge where he used to meet with his secret lovers. It's his worst memory because he planned poorly and two of them showed up at the same time and that's how he got caught.

More trivia below!

Canon said he's solid-colored and I said no. Pretty boy.

There are several minor features in his design that will be seen in modern family lines. I won't point them out but there's 3 total (so far.)

I decided to use him as an example of nearly ideal beauty standards in BB, since I famously overhauled them from canon. He is brightly colored with complicated patterns, slightly chunky, and has a HUGE scar on the face.

Personality is slut. He just wants to flirt, man. Theme song is Mambo #5 he's just like that.

He works with Tigerstar in OotS mostly because it's not like there's anything better to do. Plus some of the trainees are hot, "hellooooo Ratscar"

When Antpelt dies, Houndleap is one of the cats who needs the most convincing to come back into the alliance. It's one thing when it's funny haha Attack And Dethrone God or whatever, but PERMAdeath??

Thankfully, Hawkfrost is a fantastic diplomat.

Generally, Houndleap is motivated by whatever's fun. He was one of the first to fall in line under Ashfur and will do basically anything if he's bored.

"We're teaching people how to kill? sure lmao. Oh we're attacking the living? Ok cool. Guard the prisoners? Not like I had plans anyway. Anyway wanna get evil dinner later, handsome <3 ?"

Likes drama, tea, stories, games, anything that brings him a little excitement really.

He can usually be counted on to join whatever silly project the group's up to this time, like catching Shrewpaw's Pheasant.

I cannot stress enough how much of a normal Crummy Dude he is. He's just some standard jerkwad guy. The Dark Forest in Better Bones contains several people like him, who might be sleazeballs or jackasses, but we would generally agree don't deserve Hell.

When canon comes up with a Houndleap backstory, I'll consider what to do with it. But for now we only know that Hound came from WindClan, which I've included.

[mysticstarlightduck]

OC Interview Tag!

Thanks for tagging me, @talesofsorrowandofruin (here)!

I'll do two interviews this time, one for Tarrant Kyresell from Song of Thorns and one for Jack Tithus from Supernova Initiative!

(SONG OF THORNS)

Are you named after anyone?

(Tarrant shrugs) "Eh. Not really, I think. At least not that I know of. My... so-called 'family' was never so considerate as to put any thought into stuff like that, they don't really care all that much."

When was the last time you cried?

"Last night, into my pillow when everyone else was asleep, it's almost a routine for me now. Don't judge me - if you worked for my employer you would do the same. No, I'm not going to talk about why I cried. Mind moving on to less personal matters, now?"

Do you have kids?

"I know how to take care of children, how to babysit and whatnot - and my cousins sure do act like little kids when they want to, even though they're both grown up. But no, I don't want to bring any children into the world I live in - it's far too dangerous for various reasons."

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

"Not really, only amongst people I trust. Misunderstandings can prove deadly and I really can't afford to have my superiors accusing me of insubordination or of 'talking back' over some sarcastic remark or something. It just really isn't worth the time and patience."

What’s the first thing you notice about people?

"Noticing what people want in an interaction is the most important thing one can do. Once I know what people want from me - and trust me, everyone wants something - I can work my way around it safely and avoid uncomfortable situations. That I know what to expect and won't be caught off guard. It pays off after a while, and kinda became second nature to me."

What’s your eye color?

"I've got hazel eyes, though they're slightly more of a golden amber from what I've heard, due to alchemical sorcery potions I drink."

Scary movies or happy endings?

"Life in the kingdom I live in is a scary story, there's no way around it. Ghouls, undead, the plague, dangerous people who want to use you, it's always there one way or another - I'd rather not have to face fear within fiction too. Happy endings are rare and few in between in real life, which makes me find them slightly unrealistic in tales. Either way, I don't have much time to spend reading - another luxury I've lost a long time ago - but personally I do prefer philosophy books and poetry."

Any special talents?

"It depends. What do you consider special talents? I can sing, dance, clean stuff, and I know how to use my words and guile to get people to accept my employer's contracts and deals. It's my job. I also know many ways to kill, even though I don't like to - in the place I live, you kinda have to if you want to survive for long. I know how to look pretty and say things people want to hear. I'm a 'Silver Snake' - a manipulator of underworld politics and fake diplomat for my employer. It's what I do. As for talents I personally consider special, I have taught myself many different languages - which I can now speak fluently - and I also know how to make some interesting potions."

Where were you born?

"A freezing piece of nowhere called Grymhaw, close to the single most dangerous and disputed roadway in the realm, the Reaper's Way. Lovely place - if you don't mind everything else about it. "

Do you have any pets?

"Not really yet, but, and I fear this may seem childish of me, I really, really want to adopt a cat one day! A fluffy one, with those adorable big eyes and which does little 'biscuits' with its paws on a pillow. They're just the best."

What sports do you play?

"I don't really have time for any specific sports, per se, at least not as a hobby. If you count carrying stuff around for my employer, fighting people I'm hired to defeat (with a dagger or rapier, I'm not that good of an archer though), dancing, etc, I'd say I'm quite fit and athletic."

How tall are you?

"5.9 ft tall, around 179-180 centimeters."

What was your favorite subject in school?

"Commoners don't attend academia in Grymhaw. I am a commoner, spent most of my childhood trying to survive, and then was trained to become a Silver Snake after that godsdamned contract was signed. As I mentioned before though, I have a special interest when it comes to languages and I do know quite a lot about Botany, Philosophy, Politics, etc."

What is your dream job?

"Haha, now that's a new joke. I never even was given that choice - my soul was magically sold and I had to become a servant and a spy. Being a stupid warlord's little plaything wasn't exactly in my plans, but here I am. I wanted to be an alchemist."

(SUPERNOVA INITIATIVE)

Are you named after anyone?

"Hint: my full name comes from a gemstone or a flower. For personal reasons, I don't like my full name - so I just go by my nickname, Jack, which is a shorter version of my actual name, just that. Not really named after any specific person though."

When was the last time you cried?

"Don't really remember, if I'm being honest. I'm a pretty happy person - I've got an amazing little sister, great friends, my spaceship. I'd say I'm pretty damn lucky. I think I did cry recently while being experimented on by the Director though - I was scared and in a lot of pain - but thankfully no one but me needs to know that."

Do you have kids?

"No, not really. I'm an intergalactic thief and my on-the-run lifestyle, while fun and exciting, isn't exactly suited for small children. If one day I meet the right person and settle down, which is highly unlikely, I would like to have children - I think I'd be a good dad."

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

"Yes. I'm pretty witty and I love making sarcastic remarks - I'm not rude to people who don't deserve it and am usually very polite, but sarcasm is like second nature to me. It's fun, gets the message across, and annoys the hell out of my uptight enemies. Overall, it's a win-win situation for me. Plus, I'm an older brother - I think sarcasm is pretty much one of the requirements, haha, especially when you got a chaotic little sister like mine."

What’s the first thing you notice about people?

"It depends. If I'm meeting someone in a regular social situation, I usually notice how they carry themselves, if their looks seem to reflect something of their personality, if they seem like a nice person to be around or a douchebag, that sort of thing. If I'm in a dangerous situation however, I try to notice if the person is armed or poses a threat - if so, I then try to figure out how I can keep my team safe from that person and do anything I can to minimize the danger."

What’s your eye color?

"Dark brown, just like Cassie's."

Scary movies or happy endings?

"Oh, that's a nice question! I like both. Personally, I don't really like those extremely gory or disturbing horror movies, but I do like those cheesy teen horror flicks with a bit of comedy. Sometimes me and my sister try to find the worst possible low-budget horror movie and just watch it to laugh at the bad SFX and corny stories. As for happy endings, it's always good to watch a movie where everything works out in the end and gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling."

Any special talents?

"I'm a great pilot - I can maneuver my spaceship through an asteroid field or while being chased through a bunch of skyscrapers on a space station without much struggle. I'm also good at sharpshooting when I have the time to prepare and focus - though I'm admittedly not as good as Deimos or Vesper when it comes to striking moving targets, and I prefer not to hurt anyone, so most of my guns are set to just stun. I'm a good liar, I can make deals with anyone and I can get in and out of a high-security building with a priceless artifact without anyone noticing I was even there. So, haha, quite a few talents."

Where were you born?

"I was born in one of the three moons that orbit the planet of Ivion. It's a mining settlement, dusty, grimy, crime-ridden - forgotten by those highbrow Junction officers except in matters of exploiting everything the moon had to offer until there was nothing left. Basically, that place is just a big, bureaucratic space junkyard that sucks the soul out of you if you let it. I was never a big fan and don't want to go back any time soon."

Do you have any pets?

"Actual pets no, because they usually don't do that well in constant space travel and I would never want an animal to feel uncomfortable. But we do have a robot my sister built that helps around the ship - I believe Cassie named it Clank or something. The robot kinda acts like a big puppy and we love him."

What sports do you play?

"I do some workouts every morning - I need to be in top shape to continue making a fool of the Junction, plus I rather like exercising as a hobby, it's fun. I also stretch whenever I can, and I like doing some target practicing with my guns just to keep the skill sharp. I'm also good at running - which kinda comes with the territory of being a thief - and am good at streetfighting."

How tall are you?

"Eh, not sure. The Director's laboratory charts say I'm 173 cm, so around 5.7ft, I think? I haven't personally measured my height in a while."

What was your favorite subject in school?

"When I attended school I never really cared about it, to be honest. I was too busy being a rebellious little kid, and then our lives were thrown upside down, so I had to take care of my little sister, and ended up becoming an intergalactic thief, so not have much time to have a favorite subject. I do like astronomy and general science, like chemistry, though I never really was very good at maths - Cassie's the one who knows all the complicated equations and can build a robot from scratch. I'm really proud of her."

What is your dream job

"I'm pretty happy as I am now! I get to spite our corrupt government, take from the snobs, and help those down below. I get to see all those new planets and cool galaxies and have all these adventures alongside my team. I wish we didn't have to break the law though, and that we had a different life - but since that isn't really an option, we might as well enjoy the life we have!"

Tagging (gently): @sleepy-night-child, @kaylinalexanderbooks, @smol-feralgremlin, @oh-no-another-idea, @littleladymab, @little-peril-stories

@the-ellia-west, @winterandwords, @cowboybrunch, @eccaiia, @sarahlizziewrites, @illarian-rambling

@leave-her-a-tome, @writernopal, @anyablackwood, @unstablewifiaccess, @forthesanityofstorytellers

@i-can-even-burn-salad, @cakeinthevoid

@lassiesandiego, @thepeculiarbird, @clairelsonao3, @memento-morri-writes, @starlit-hopes-and-dreams and OPEN TAG

[bonaxie]

It's good to see you (Comfy-vember day 18)

When Peter woke up that morning, it wasn't to the sounds of birds from his window, or the usual noises associated with the running of Cair Paravel. No, these sounds were more... strange. But without being completely foreign. These noises gave off an atmosphere of joy, but chaotic joy, and Peter wondered what could be going on.

Without moving at first, he tried to identify where the noise was coming from, and soon realized that it was coming from their private kitchen at the end of the corridor.

Naturally, living in a castle and being Kings and Queens, the 4 Pevensies had at their disposal a whole team of professional cooks who worked around the clock to feed all the inhabitants of Cair Paravel.

But when they began to make the castle their own, the 4 siblings had a room in the same corridor as their bedrooms converted into a kind of small kitchen, as they sometimes wanted to spend time just the 4 of them. And a kitchen was a very convivial place, so the young monarchs made this request, and although it was unusual, they ended up with their own kitchen.

Of course, it wasn't a complete kitchen, but there was enough to keep dishes warm, something to heat up some water, and cupboards full. And it was very easy to communicate with the castle's real kitchens.

So the noise was coming from over there. No surprise there. The kitchen was a noisy place, but for Peter to hear the noise from across the hall, they really must not have been discreet.

Which led to his next question: who could be making all this mess? He listened a little closer, and the first voice he recognized was that of his youngest sister, Lucy. So far, not surprising, since at 14, the youngest was still the most energetic of the four of them. But who was she with? It clearly wasn't Susan's voice, and sounded more like a man's voice. But Edmund wasn't due back from his diplomatic trip to the Duchy of Lantern Waste for another two days.

Deciding he wouldn't know any more by staying here, Peter decided to get up and have a look. And to yell at them for making so much noise. You wouldn’t think of making so much noise so early. After all, it was only... 11 o'clock?!

Wow, Peter had clearly slept more than he wanted to. But at the same time, he felt so rested that he couldn't feel guilty about sleeping in. After all, he didn't have anything urgent to do today, and he was a King after all, so he could do with a bit more sleep now and then.

Peter got up and dressed quickly, before heading for their improvised kitchen.

And when he opened the door, he had to stop on the doorstep and blink several times to take it all in.

In a corner of the room, sitting on a comfortable armchair in front of the fireplace, was Susan, embroidering something Peter couldn't see from here, looking perfectly tranquil.

The other side of the room, however, was much less quiet. In the middle of the kitchen was Lucy, singing, or rather shouting, a song and dancing in the kitchen to the rhythm of the music she was creating, a wooden spoon clutched tightly in her hand in front of her mouth like a microphone.

And sitting on the worktop, three pans upturned in front of him, was Edmund, a wooden spoon in each hand, tapping rhythmically and creating nameless mayhem.

The two youngest didn't immediately notice Peter's entrance, far too busy with their own activities, but Susan looked up less than a minute later and smiled at her older brother.

"Good morning Peter. Have you come to see the concert?" She asked, putting down her embroidery.

"Is that what they call what they're doing?" Peter asked with a raised eyebrow, still looking at their cadets with a dumbfounded look.

"Oh, I don't know if they're in any condition to put a word on... that." Susan replied, gesturing with her hand toward Edmund and Lucy.

At this point, Lucy came to the end of her song and, after squealing excitedly as Edmund banged away like a madman on his improvised drums, the younger girl opened her eyes and finally caught sight of the blond.

"Hi Peter!" She exclaimed, all smiles. "We didn't wake you up, did we?" She continued, frowning slightly but clearly not sorry.

"Even if we had, have you seen what time it is Lu? It was about time he got up anyway." Edmund replied as he climbed down from his post. "Although, he's getting old, maybe that's why he sleeps so much." The dark-haired man added with a smirk.

"You're not even supposed to be here, so you're not allowed to talk." Peter replied immediately, stepping forward all the same.

Edmund seemed to have the same idea as he did, for he stepped forward too, letting his brother come and take him in his arms, holding him close.

"Are you okay?" Peter asked into his brother's hair. "Did you come home early because it went wrong?" He continued, immediately concerned.

"On the contrary. It went so well that I was able to leave early. And what can I say, coming home early to annoy my big brother is my favorite hobby." Edmund replied, still with a chuckle.

Peter stepped back a little and ruffled his little brother's hair in response, causing the brunet to grumble, though he didn't try to free himself from the blond's grip.

"It's good to see you, Ed." Peter said, smiling broadly.

"Well, it's good to be home. Whether it's to see you or anything else, that's still to be decided."

Peter rolled his eyes but didn't have time to say anything else because Lucy came leaping into his and Edmund's arms, the two brothers of course immediately catching their sister.

"Uh, what's this Lu for?" Edmund asked.

"It's been 3 weeks since the 4 of us cuddled and we couldn't do it when you arrived because you forbade me to go and wake Peter up because, and I quote "he pushes himself too hard, let him sleep". So now we cuddle. Susan, get over here!" Lucy replied, never letting go of her brothers.

Susan pretended to sigh, but approached quickly anyway, and only a few seconds later, the 4 Pevensies were huddled together, enjoying each other's presence.

And when they parted, Peter thought back to what Lucy had just said and turned to his little brother with a wry smile. "So you've been watching over my sleep Ed? I'm touched." He said, ruffling the younger brother's hair again.

"Shut up." Edmund simply muttered, without denying it, the tips of his ears reddening, testifying to his embarrassment.

Peter added nothing but laughed clearly, Lucy joining him briefly before pulling them all towards the kitchen again.

"Can we ask what you're doing Lucy?" Susan asked, not resisting all the same.

"Now that Peter's awake we can stop holding back! Edmund you go back to the drums, Peter you do the lyrics with me and Susan you do the vocals in the back!" Lucy ordered.

Honestly, it had been a long time since the 4 Pevensies had sung together like this, and none of them could say no to Lucy. Lucy knew this, and was enjoying it immensely.

"Okay then." Susan finally agreed, almost immediately. "What do you want to sing?"

Lucy jumped up and down, shrieking in delight, before pulling out several song titles in quick succession.

For the rest of the morning, and a good part of the day, there was a nameless hubbub rising from the room, but everyone in Cair Paravel knew that all was well, and that their monarchs simply needed a day spent together being the children they were, so no one worried or intervened.

@comfy-vember

[valentineveils]

oct 13th - introduce your hawke

lets pretend ive done all the other 12 days okay ? ok ^_^

nikolas "nikky" hawke is my main worldstate hawke . he is a warrior , specifically reaver , and he's a majority diplomatic personality , but was known to be more angry during act 3 . he's trans masc , and he romances fenris . he's 6'6 ft tall , and has a very nice and kind smile . he tries to choose kindness , but it becomes hard for him .

he's forever the eldest daughter archetype ; he helped raise his siblings , taking care of them and helping leandra especially after malcolms death . he struggles a lot with insecurities of never being or feeling good enough , of feeling like he's failed , of feeling like what he does is never Enough for anyone . he deals with rsd and is very stressed most of the time .

hes friend with most of the companions ; his closest two friends , aside from fenris , are merrill and isabela . he and aveline are not friends , nikky very much dislikes her , and his disdain towards her increases after leandra's death , which he places some of the blame onto her . they never see eye to eye , and a lot of the time their conversations are short lived and short fused . his relationship with anders is strained after the chantry explosion , they both struggle to keep in contact with one another . he and sebastian cut contact , as nikky wouldn't kill anders despite his actions and sebastian's pleading . if they met each other again , a fight would definitely occur . fenris and him are romantically entangled . nikolas adores fenris , he loves his personality and his dead pan jokes . he loves him in general . they're a battle couple , one covering the other's back . nikolas has trouble leaving fenris's side , he likes being on his arm . they three years between the act 2 and 3 romance was a bit awkward and strained , both still dancing around their feelings [nikky has an increasingly bad habit of shoving down his feelings] . truthfully i just think their relationship is mostly the exact same as it is in game , its hard for me to accurately describe . fenris did have quite a few things to say when they reunite after here lies in the abyss , while nikky is just shocked that fenris now has an undercut . which nikky quite likes .

the relationship between him and leandra is strained , pulling at the chords of friendly and twisting it into something less . he still loves his mother , but she's put a lot on his shoulders even if she didnt mean to . he mourns her death ; he still feels , years later , that he could have done something to prevent it . he misses carver . he wishes he could have their bickering back even if his memory of carver is slowly fading , and becoming more of wishing instead of memory . bethany and him are still close , even if he accidentally sent her to the circle by not bringing her with him to the deep roads . its not a connection that it once was , theres some grudges still being held , maybe from both of them . he keeps in contact with her frequently , meeting up in person after here lies the abyss . he forever loves his baby sister , she's the only family he has left .

he's more jaded during inquisition and after ; he's not ready to let new people in , he's tired of being titled "champion of kirkwall" , in general , he's just tired . he doesn't get left behind in the fade [alistair does] , and it leaves him reeling . he built himself up to be left behind , due to him feeling like he's damned the world as he released corypheus ; now , afterwards , he doesnt know what to do with himself . he mostly travels with bethany , fenris , and his and fenris's adopted child , sylvan . he's back into being a protector role , especially to the mages [sylvan doesn't have good control over their magic , and it makes nikky worried that he'll lose his child like he lost bethany to the circle once before]

the champion of kirkwall carries many scars , most notable one being a scar through his stomach that the arishok had gifted him during their duel . it still pains him to this day . other notable ones being two holes in his ear , one where a toddler bethany had yanked out his piercing , the other from him being hit by a templar's arrow . the scars across his nose are from a wolf , the one from his jaw from a bar fight with a glass bottle , and he has quite a few more littered all across his body .

he is my little [big] meow meow and i love him so dearly .

31 days of dragon age prompts nikky's tag

[airasora]

Oh, I will send more later because they are super interesting but this one immediately got my attention: 33, What is their wedding day like? For Hollina, Rolfmaine, Quaselle and Sinric (I didn't plan on having two straight and two gay couples LOL those are the ones that are very intriguing to me in regards to the wedding)

What is their wedding day like?

Hollina

Holli and Lina's wedding would be a big event. They both know a lot of people and care about making their wedding be as great as their love for each other. Even though they have had their disagreements about certain aspects of their wedding (like Holli wanting something elegant and modern, and Lina wanting something princessy and fairytale-like) they have managed to meet in the middle and their wedding will be remembered for decades. Their wedding day is filled with flowers, fairy lights, karaoke, glass tiles for the dancing area, and you better believe their first dance is choreographed to the max! And they have a first song too, because of course they do.

I also made a short fanfic about Holli's feelings about wearing a wedding veil you can read here.

Rolfmaine

Both John and Anastasia agreed they wanted a big, disgustingly elegant wedding. John Rolfe is used to fancy parties with stuffy clothing and waltzing around in a ballroom, and while Anastasia can't dance to save her life, she loves the same things John does. Their guest list, however, would not be exceptionally big. Both of them have few family members and a few friends, so despite the elegant setting and atmosphere, the wedding would still be intimate. John would consider playing a diplomatic move and invite acquaintances, but ultimately he didn't want to have to put pressure on Anastasia on her wedding day.

Quaselle

Simple and sweet forest ceremony, not truly a traditional wedding. I don't see Belle being religious and Quasimodo would have a very strained relationship with Christianity after all the religious trauma he's been through. So their wedding would be much more about having a day where they tell the world they love each other and intend to be together till death do them part. Neither Belle or Quasimodo would want a big, fancy wedding either. And while some might have expected them to get married in Notre Dame, ultimately the place has too many bitter memories for Quasimodo despite Notre Dame holding a lot of good memories for him as well. And Belle is a simple girl, ultimately she only cares about marrying Quasimodo and sharing the moment with friends and family. The party AFTER the ceremony though? Big street party. Even though Belle and Quasimodo are somewhat introverted and prefer small gatherings, they have a huge amount of acquaintances who would want to celebrate them, and they wouldn't be against that. But the ceremony would be just for them, Maurice, Esmeralda, Phoebus and Zephyr.

Sinric

Eric's a prince; his wedding WILL be the event of the century, which is absolutely fine with Sinbad. They're both massive extroverts and thrive in big crowds, Sinbad especially loves all the attention and the jealous glances he'd get all day from bitter, rejected suitors of Eric. There's also the fact they had to hide their relationship for a while so once it's finally out there, they both want to show each other off to the world. Sinbad would hog Eric all night, dancing with him so much they'll both be exhausted by the time their wedding WEEK is over.

Want to ask a question about one of my OTPs? Check the OTP asks here!

[fbfh]

leo valdez dating hcs pt 2 <3

Wc: ~1k

Warnings: none??? I don't think???

Song rec: chateau lobby #4 (in C for two virgins) - father john misty bc I can't stop imagining dancing with him to this

A/n: I am embarrassingly in love with this man?????? Like what else am I gonna do besides write fics for him

Tags: @yesv01 @avashaye @perseajohnson @afidiofobia @thatmultifandomloser @yelenabel0vaswife @almostjollypizza @fictionalcomforts   @lizziebitch33   @jacksondeeznuts @justbookworm @urmum-xoxo @Asunnyhunny @dustyinkpages  @shellosisbae @anything-forourmoony @perseajohnson  @i-dont-remember-a-lot  @thatmultifandomloser @chasingpj @1dpjohoohp @yelenabel0vaswife @mystic-writings    @babiesimagines @fictionalcomforts   @lizziebitch33 @jacksondeeznuts @dreamerball @urmum-xoxo@Asunnyhunny

If you don't have a collaborative playlist nearing 11 hours 

Now you do

Hit shuffle and listen to it 

It'll be confusing

There's no particular genre and it's SO all over the place

But as you listen to it you realize that every song either has a lyric that makes him think of you

Of what it feels like to hold you and kiss you and get texts from you

To be with you

Or they have a specific memory attached to them

Like the time your parents caught him climbing through your window 

Or the time you got wine drunk and danced in the kitchen to the same song on repeat for hours 

Sunrise from in the heights will ABSOLUTELY be on there 

For all the normal reasons but also cause it's his favorite musical 

It makes him think of teaching you words in Spanish 

Also god he just loves the way your voices sound when you sing it together 

I swear to god he's the most emotionally intelligent man on the planet 

He knows you so well 

He admires you like a renaissance painting 

He pays such close attention to you 

He can always tell when your vibe changes

When you're upset need to be cheered up vs when you're upset need to talk 

God he's such a goofball

He'll have you laughing and giggling and genuinely feeling okay before you even notice

Literally any time any kind of drama or tea happens

He's the first person you tell

And he’s so invested he knows all the details 

So when you're out together 

Or when he’s picking you up from work or school or whatever 

And you bump into someone he's been told a lot of stories about 

You would never know that he knows every detail about how their boyfriend kept checking out you and another person in their friend group so now they're always trying to start shit with you

He's so chill and diplomatic you'd never be able to guess

As soon as you leave he's like "wow everything I've been told makes even more sense"

He laughs and holds your hand and swings it a little while you walk

I know I keep bringing this up

But I can confirm that he smells like method sandalwood and vetiver body wash and old spice Fiji deodorant 

I feel like his shampoo and conditioner are probably something by shea moisture 

So like cocoa butter and a little hibiscus 

He smells so good and his hands feel so nice on your skin when he touches you

And oh my god if you like having your hair played with??????

Any time it’s physically possible you’ll lay down with your head in his lap and he’ll play with your hair

Which feels amazing already 

But his hands specifically feel so fucking nice 

Brushing against your scalp and weaving through your hair

Also PLEASE teach him how to do your hair

He’ll get so fucking good at it you’d be surprised if you didn’t know him as well as you do

Like before you know it he’s reverse engineered hair styling and can do every kind of braid imaginable 

You never need to worry about the back of your head because he’s already taking care of it

And him helping you with your hair is so cute

Especially if you have natural hair and wear protective styles 

He’s like,, shockingly good at braiding

If you’re not into having your hair touched don’t worry

He’ll just trace little drawings and shapes on your arms and back instead

Or have you play with his hair

Either way definitely play with his hair

It feels delightful for both parties

His hair is so soft and fluffy 

Running your fingers through it and twirling his curls is the best feeling 

It’s so relaxing for him too

He thinks you could hypnotize him just by doing that for a few minutes 

Whenever you play with his hair it feels like he just left a weekend at a spa resort

That’s how relaxing you are 

How relaxing your energy is to him

And for real

He just loves your vibe and your energy and your aura so much 

It feels so comforting

So right

And the feeling is wholly and enthusiastically reciprocated

He has the best energy of anyone you’ll meet

Even just sitting next to him 

His presence is so comforting

You’re always relaxed around him

God you really do work well together

The two of you fit like a glove

And like,, it’s so obvious to anyone looking at you

That what you have is legit

And really really special

It’s not normal

Nothing about either of you is normal

But that’s what makes it so beautiful

Like anyone could take one look at you two together and tell it really is a love for the ages

And god you’re never better at practicing mindfulness than when you’re with him

You soak up every second you spend together, in utter adoration of each moment with him 

And FUCK he feels the same way about you

You can tell in those little moments

Like when you’re sitting together hanging out with friends

His arm is loosely around your shoulder and you laugh at the same time 

His hand comes up, thumb gently caressing your cheek

You look up at him and share a look so fully saturated with love you don’t even need to say it

How much you love each other

Cause you can tell

You tell each other all the time

Both verbally and silently 

And each one is so cherished

[convivialjoys]

the signs summed up, from my personal experiences with them

Aries: Spring and Fireworks together, somehow. But they're all of the new, exciting parts of spring, none of the soft, pretty parts. They are life, new life. Young souls. Usually very funny, laugh at a lot of things, and don't get embarrassed easily. Usually make great leaders when they can pay attention for long enough, especially if it involves a cause with passion, but they bore easily if the experience is not new. They fizzle out quickly, which makes them seem angry and volatile at times. Need to constantly be Doing something. Very physical energy. Can be indecisive, especially when bored. They don't linger on the past; only move forward into the new. They don't tend to hold grudges. Blood in the Cut by K. Flay. A little bit egotistical, but they also can laugh at themselves. Quick anger; explosive, but not lasting. The embodiment of Mars. Flashy and powerful.

Taurus: Earthy; almost doe-like. Innocent. Unintentionally hilarious, usually in a very cute, charming way. Very reliable and consistent. Stubborn, sometimes to a fault - they've found what they like, they've found what works, and that's that on that; don't waste their time. They like to take things slow. They don't tend to worry about things that don't matter / infringe on their happiness. They like the simple, beautiful pleasures in life; they like being comfortable, and living in luxury. Deep, solid, Venus energy. Over and Over by Tullio. Prone to laziness if they are not careful, but they are also consistent in the work they do. Their anger is rigid, but not bitter, and not fire-y. They do not hold grudges; they'll charge, and forget why they charged two minutes later. Often can laugh at themselves.

Gemini: The definition of adaptable. The chameleons of the zodiac. Quite chaotic. Generally unattached to most things, but fascinated by all things. Tend to be fantastic storytellers through acting. The fun side of Mercury. Amazing at holding conversations. Karma Chameleon by Boy George. Quirky; oftentimes have a difficult time sitting still, due to their constant need to "drift." Always up for a good time. The person that you lose track of time talking to. Don't take themselves too seriously, and will admire you if you can one-up them at their own game. Never offended. Masters of shade, oftentimes without anyone else realizing it. Quite content with having their own inside jokes with themselves. Generally entertained by others, which makes them social, even if they're not necessarily emotionally involved. Have very original thoughts. Geniuses, but can't always organize their own ideas, or say them in a way that make sense. Don't need to be seen or heard by others to feel validated, but do need to be engaged in some way, socially.

Cancer: Gentle, understanding, compassionate. Easily nurture others, and know exactly when it is needed. Associated with the moon and the mother. Soft, but not fragile. Very solid and reliable. Are You Alright by Lucinda Williams. Make for good instigators of things, due to their cardinal energy - are likely the friends to take the lead, if a lead should be taken - but they'll do so in a graceful and tactful way. Can be withdrawn, surprisingly, and prone to social exhaustion quickly. Sensitive to vibes of the environment, especially of the home. Empathetic. Can sense when someone is "off" emotionally, and are likely to ask you about it. Offer hugs, but don't want them in return. They want to nurture, but not be nurtured, or they'll withdraw.

Leo: Pride, nobility, courage. Roar loudly and proudly. Don't Rain On My Parade by Barbra Streisand. Feel fulfilled by being the "light" in the room, and the center of it. Shameless in this; finds shame distasteful. A maned aristocrat. The Sun. Unyielding in their opinions. Will charge and kill, and will not hold back once they've decided to do so. Loyal to their loved ones, and are likely the first ones to stand up for you. Like to show off, and like to show you off, too, if you're in a relationship with them. A bit grandiose; can be jokers. Thrive off of others looking at them. They will love you if you love them. No pretense with them. Ignoring them is one of the worst things you can do to them. Usually appear "large" and take up a lot of space; they have a presence. They could pull Apollo's chariots. Always have the last word; you will not "win" an argument with them.

Virgo: The fixers. Both perfectionists and chaotic. Generally fit in where ever they are, due to their mutable energy. Obsessions by MARINA. Very tasteful; not promiscuous. Have a pure light about them that makes them seem "untainted" by the world around them, despite any hardships they might have endured. Mercurial, conversational, oftentimes make for exceptional writers. Similar to Gemini, but if Gemini were more grounded. Observant about others, but not always necessarily about themselves. Probably well read, even if they can't remember from which book their facts are coming from. Can be at odds with themselves often, due to their dual need for material success / values, and their simultaneously floaty, dreamy energy. Can be very self critical, and prone to anxiety, especially if things are not in order. Like things resolved, and will obsess if they are not. Often the nerd friends. Dabbled in a lot, and know about a lot. Usually very successful, even if they don't want grandiose things. May struggle with self image, or some form of dysphoria. Soft hearted.

Libra: The diplomats, the judges. Very graceful; love to be comfortable and stylish. A little bit shady, but you have to look hard to see this, as it will be disguised in tact. Charming, with soft eyes. Venus energy, but a bit more forward and extroverted than Taurus. Vogue by Madonna. Have a tendency to mirror who they are communicating with. Social, usually good at taking lead, and at communicating your thoughts back to you in a way that makes sense to all. Mediators. Fascinated with relationships between people, and enjoy observing / talking about them. Oftentimes romantic, but can bore easily. Flirts. A little vain. Very into looks and appearances, due to the artistic influence of Venus. Interested in what you have to say, and in hearing all viewpoints, so they can judge which is the just one. See the light and dark of most situations, and the beauty in both. Find disharmony abhorrent; will oftentimes hide their true anger at a situation because of this. Will bend over backwards to try and understand others and their situations; will find it unjust if the same treatment is not given to them. Can be ruthless in their judgments, especially if they perceive injustice. Are usually forgiving if you've wronged them in some way and attempted to reconcile. Social; easy to get along with and talk to. Could be ambassadors for humanity.

Scorpio: Powerful, perceptive. Dark, mysterious. Observant; probably the most observant of all of the signs. Terrible Thing by AG. Can be quite funny, and have a weird sense of humor that seems uncharacteristic. They do not reveal information unless absolutely critical; power through knowledge is of utmost importance to them. Incredibly sharp and remember conversations from five years ago that seem meaningless to you. Everlasting souls. You likely will not forget these people, and they won't forget you, either. Unyielding and relentless, but also crafty. Probably have a number of topics that they've researched extensively, and could easily write a thesis on, but instead let only hints of said information out occasionally. Deep, transformative. Somehow the Scorpion and the Eagle in one. There is a sense that they will be the last ones standing. Reliable; they will never flake. They want to know everything about you. Their observations about things are masterful, poetic, and unbelievably perceptive. Emotional, but not open about this, and not necessarily empathetic. A deep focus, and sometimes there is a tendency to hyperfixate.

Sagittarius: Very lucky. Fun; an all around great time. Probably not good at holding alcohol. High Hopes by Panic! At the Disco. Are the most likely of your friends to end up in an obscure bar at 4am, dancing on tables. Will fight at all times, but will also laugh quickly after fighting. Chaotic, but somehow always survives every situation unscathed. Love to travel, and are probably well traveled, or have dreams of doing so. Curious about everything; very easy to talk to because of this. Have a lot of various interests that may make them seem flighty, but it is simply because they are infatuated with the world. Overstimulated easily; very physical. Will never judge you for anything. Probably have laughter that is infectious. Have a somewhat humorous quality about them. Can be egotistical, but are usually good-natured, too. There is a sense that they are good friends, and a deep positivity around being with them. They have their own backs.

Capricorn: Organized, classy, powerful, or crave becoming powerful. Very earthy, but the part of earth that makes diamonds. Disciplined, due to Saturn being their ruler. Have dreams rooted in either material possessions and wealth, or status through other means, but want to get there through hard work, and all on their own. We Have It All by Pim Stones. Never want to count on others, but you can count on them to be reliable and to give you practical, good advice. Usually very good at gift giving. Prone to being critical, but it is always to help you, and well intentioned. Both crave status and feel unworthy of status. Admire those with status. Care very deeply, but may have a hard time showing it. Prideful. They don't hold grudges. They somehow make practicality look artful. Structured, responsible. Somewhat of traditionalists at heart. Probably very family oriented, and "tough love" nurturers, but are also appropriately nurturing.

Aquarius: The politicians, the humanitarians, the executives. Probably philanthropists, or would make good ones. Water bearers; they bear the "life" of the world and its answers, and are here to communicate that with us. Quite social, yet emotionally disconnected. Higher Love by Kygo & Whitney Houston. Can seem distant; they see the problems of any given situation or initiative easily, and know exactly how to communicate fixing those, but in an unemotional way. Speaking with the masses is what they are best at. They seem almost other-worldly, or above everyone, because of this. They usually make successful CEOs. A misfit, in the best of ways. They tend to have reasons for everything they do. Fun and open-minded, they love to goof off, but surprisingly tend to have a stubborn streak due to their fixed modality. Very hard to win a debate against them; they can probably sway you in their direction, since it is always logical and well reasoned. Intellectuals. A little unusual, but not in the quirky way that Gemini is; more because they stand out as very intelligent leaders. Charismatic. Social. A little "zany" because of their air. Have a sense of "unease" or sudden movement about them, due to the unexpected, restless energy of Uranus.

Pisces: Always seem to be drifting; quirky, probably funny in that way. Very dreamy. Loving souls; very soft. Tend to be introverted and artistic. They are curious about intuitive, creative ventures, such as acting, painting, writing, musical instruments or music. Talented at such things. Very good at reading emotions, and are usually also affected by them, too. Can get overstimulated very easily. Empaths. Love involving themselves in people and situations in the same way that Gemini does, and are adaptable, but very emotionally sensitive. May even be emotionally volatile or unpredictable due to this. Their intuition is other-worldly. They are the oldest signs in the zodiac, and probably seem psychic, or are, in many ways. Have a sense of living many past lives about them. Blowing Kisses in the Wind by Paula Abdul. Usually very content with being in their own heads. Visual or auditory thinkers. Sometimes have synesthesia. Have a hard time staying "rooted" because of all of the amazing worlds they see, outside of our own immediate one. The dreamers, the psychics. Neptune, associated with illusion and dreams. Make for excellent storytellers, and usually lead by example, rather than by communication. Have a way of understanding the universe that is unique and unlike any other.

[movienotesbyzawmer]

April 18: Rocky IV

(previous notes: Rocky III)

The Cold War one! I was in high school when this came out, and it seems like the Rocky movie that has most endured in pop culture for people my age, and even younger maybe? I haven't seen it in a very, very long time so I'm wondering if the Rocky-versus-All-Of-Communism logline is going to seem like a pathetically irrelevant conflict. Or, frankly, if that sentiment is going to sound like the dipshits that attacked the US Capitol just a few short months ago. It's definitely going to feel like just a slight twist on a formula that's been working, right? Let's see…

Totally different intro from the rest of the series, and surprisingly the recap of the end of the last movie also includes the hit single from the last movie. But also there is a thing about an American-flag glove and a Soviet-flag glove punching each other into an explosion.

They were so happy with the chummy chit-chat at the end of Rocky III that they just gratuitously include that whole scene here. It is a cheap way to eat up a couple of minutes.

Oh My God. The first actual new scene in this movie serves the important purpose of documenting for all time how dazzlingly technically advanced things were in 1985. For Paulie's birthday party, he gets a ROBOT! It talks… ROBOT-style! Paulie is whelmed by how robot-y it is.

"Open your prize," Rocky tells her when asking Adrian to open her PRESENT. Why did he say "prize".

MEANWHILE IN SOVIET UNION… They do a quick montage that only vaguely suggests something about a boxer and the USSR.

Apollo Creed spots an innocuous news story about Russian boxer Ivan Drago coming to America to participate in sportsmanlike fighting. AC is PISSED! A Russian being competitive, oh hell no.

At least Drago has a female companion so there will be an actual female character who isn't played by Talia Shire.

"Commies Are Evil" isn't the only theme of this movie; there's also "The Marvels of Technology". Drago's unmatched strength is demonstrated for the press in a very electricity-filled gym. And the robot has been in three scenes already in the first fifteen minutes! Oh I hope they aren't going to get me to fall in love with Robot Character only to have it lose in a boxing match to The Commies.

Big press conference to announce that AC will be fighting Drago in an exhibition match. AC is all cocky and Drago literally says nothing the whole scene. He is characterized as perhaps yet another robot character. But his wife and some other Russian guy do all the talking, and if they're supposed to seem like the Bad Guy, I don't see it. They are perfectly diplomatic and AC is just acting like a tool.

0:23:23 - I remember this scene, we all do, oh yes we do. The Fight That Does Not Go So Well. It starts with a super flashy intro; they're at the venue in Vegas and there are showgirls and pretend fighter planes and Actual James Brown singing this movie's legit hit single, "Living in America", singing it all At The Russians as AC descends in front of a monster thing in spangly Uncle Sam garb. AC actually dances alongside James Brown and around Drago. What they're doing, these diabolical filmmakers, is going to make what happens next sting the audience pretty bad.

Right before the fight, Drago's first line is "you vill lose". Monotone. Robotic. Technology! #1985

Drago beats him to actual death, he twitches on the floor as Drago robotically says things like "I will not be defeated". It is a bummer, this turn of events.

New press conference. Rocky is going to fight Drago. "No money. It's not about the money." That's weird, addressing money in this press conference. They're not really addressing the monumental fact that Rocky is sitting next to the guy that killed Apollo Creed.

This time, the Soviets are less diplomatic. Rocky barely says anything, but the old Russian dude calls him little and weak. They have a good point, though, about how Drago gets death threats in the US on account of he is a killer of an American hero, even though the wife also says he is not a killer. But that's why the fight will be in Russia.

New montage with a very 80s pop song. Worth noting that we have not heard any of the famous music from the first movie. This montage also looks very 80s, with it's flashbacks using a lot of different, highly techologically sophisticated frame rates.

0:42:41 - Adrian eye-close sighting! Thank you so much for that, it is what we all want and only you, Rocky-movie, can provide it.

Flashbacks to all the other movies. He is thinking about it all as he anticipates The Hell Of Going To Russia. Remember when he pointed to the jacket in the window that one time? Rocky does. Remember when he looked at his statue? Rocky does. He even somehow remembers Adrian closing her eyes. This is a music video with mostly recycled footage from the whole series.

0:48:35 - Another "modern" pop song, I think it's the band called Survivor again. Were we supposed to love all the catchy tunes and go out and buy the soundtrack? We only remember the James Brown one in 2021.

It is snowy in Russia ha ha! Paulie has joined him on the trip because he is part of Rocky's staff, but he doesn't like how cold it is ha ha.

Rocky's quarters consist of a log cabin dripping with icicles at the foot of some really pretty mountains. I play Geoguessr a lot and I don't ever see pretty mountains like that in Russia, but they must have them, right?

Rocky has been assigned minders. He is told they will go wherever he goes. I'm pretty sure that's not an unfair characterization.

He's got Apollo's trainer guy there with him, but Rocky makes it clear that he just has to do this training stuff on his own or whatever blah blah.

Now a montage going back and forth between Drago training and Rocky just running through the snow-covered countryside. ON HIS OWN. Plus also sawing wood and displacing boulders on his own. Oh and being the dog in a dogsled pulling Paulie! Locals look at Rocky because, look, a man doing something, that's new and confusing. Drago has electric machines. Rocky fells trees! Drago is inside comfortable facilities. Rocky is growing his beard out! The minders observe it all. The minders observe it all.

There is a subplot about how Adrian is dealing with this whole thing. She had been unconfident earlier, and did not join Rocky in USSR. But surprise, she is now there in Russia suddenly because love! Rocky continues to train, not so alone-y now and with a new rock song with more major chords. That is Drago's weakness! Communism hates major triads.

Gotta have inspired running, right? This time Rocky runs up a snowy mountain, running so hard that the minders can't keep up! At the peak he does his trademark cheer howl in that pretty place… but he is saying "DRAGO!!!!!!!!!"

Just like that, we're at the big fight. This time it's in Russia and it's mostly uniformed soldiers in the crowd.

Ugh. Quick cut to Rocky's kid watching at home on TV with friends. He says "that's my dad" and one of them replies "what do you think we are, nerds?" Ladies and gentlemen, the wit of Mr. Stallone: Screenwriter.

Do we need to talk about Drago's hair? He has very styled hair. I think it looks like Vanilla Ice hair. Is that a strange choice? I don't know how to think about hair, I guess.

"I must break you". That's what Drago says to Rocky right before they fight. I remember it. It is an above average dialogue choice compared with other Rocky-movie-right-before-the-fight dialogue choices.

Drago punches Rocky a lot, and the commentators make sure we know that Rocky might lose and they may even have to stop the fight. But also, yes, it does just look like Rocky is taking a lot of rough beating.

"He's not human. He's a piece of iron." So speaks Drago in unbecoming monotone. I don't know what that means.

It's a montage now, an appealingly edited summary of a whole bunch of rounds. The two boxers are both doing well and maybe not doing well, both. Montage.

I guess I'm experiencing what I remember noticing back when I first saw this in the 80s, which is that they really did convince us that Drago was indestructible, and now we're seeing him be damaged and it's kind of satisfying.

1:21:15 - Whoa, I forgot about this. The Soviet Diplomat Man is giving Drago a hard time about not winning yet, and Drago lifts him up violently by the neck and says something about I Will Win For Me, For Me. It's a little like we're supposed to think Drago is increasingly inspired by American Freedom, maybe? But it won't help him if he's still the bad guy in a Rocky movie.

This fight is taking a long time. A lot of this movie's running time is being consumed by this fight.

Eventually Rocky wins, because it turns out that he is just better because Freedom, and it's that same tiresome "Rocky-won" music, maybe arranged a little differently.

What does he say in the mic at the end? What is his message? "During this fight, I seen a lot of changing…" he says that during this fight, like during the actual boxing match, they all grew to appreciate each other. And it's better to do boxing than do nuclear annihilations. The whole crowd cheers for Rocky! Even the important Soviet Boss Men, startling even themselves with their abrupt adoration of The Wise American. Then when he says Merry Christmas Kid to his kid at home, well this whole entire crowd clearly thinks Rocky is better than their whole entire country. We don't see Drago any more. We don't know if he, too, is moved by Rocky's profound monologue. And we never find out what Drago and Robot Character think of each other.

So that's it, that's the end of Rocky IV. I get why it fires people up in a simple way, but I don’t think it's good. It totally assumes you'll understand that Rocky wins because the USSR just kind of sucks. Or you won't care that it's improbable that Rocky wins because it's just so gratifying to see Drago falter. Which they achieve by making him look very perfect, and having no charming characteristics.

It's true, though, how cocky we were about technology in the mid-80s.

(next: Rocky V)

[lumierecharity]

A fatherly priest who sowed friendship

Luky:

I have sung the praises of the late Father Norbert Jansen many times. Perhaps I loved him so much because he was so like my own dad, even to having the same Christian name. Shortly after I met Fr Jansen my own father died, and perhaps I transferred my affection to the priest.

Not only I but my whole family did. When Father Jansen arrived, which was seldom because he did not believe in favouritism, everybody dropped whatever he or she was doing and sat around him in the sitting room. Even the cat would jump on to his lap.

He'd sit there, beaming benevolently, as though thinking: "What a lovely Catholic family this is", and it would make you determined once again to pull up where you'd been slipping.

Different sorts

My husband and I had two rather different natures. He was reserved, distant and a fiercely private person. I am outgoing, a lover of people. This cost us both a lot of friends.

When we became engaged we found that his old friends couldn't really fancy me and that my friends weren't all that crazy about him. So on the principle "love me, love my dog", both of us turned away from our erstwhile cronies and became a somewhat isolated couple - except for all those children.

But Fr Jansen loved us both. I think he loved everyone. He brought out the best in all of us.

Author, too

We were talking about him one day. I asked my husband what the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are and he couldn't remember them all. I took Fr Jansen's book The Sacramental We and opened it on the very page I sought, though I hadn't looked at the book for years.

We started talking about him again and about the letter he wrote to us when he was very ill and my husband had just had his first heart attack.

"I have asked our Lord to take away your illness, Sean, and let me suffer it on your behalf," he wrote, "because I'm old but you still have so many children to look after."

That was many years ago. His prayer was certainly heard.

Diplomatic

But it is neither his holiness nor his longsuffering we remember when we talk about him. It is his sweetness and humour that we recall, and above all his diplomacy.

A friend of mine was having hassles with her husband, and went to Fr Jansen to complain. After some discussion they arranged that she would keep out of the way one day her husband was sure to be in so that Fr Jansen could call, be terribly surprised to find her out, and (so she assumed) wipe the floor with her husband.

But that's not the way things worked out. "I gave them an hour and a half together", she recalled bitterly. "Then I came home, determined to have things out with my old man in front of Father, once and for all. And what do you think I found?

"There they were sitting, smoking and having a drink together like blood brothers. That was the sum total of Fr Jansen's efforts on my behalf."

That was Father Jansen for you. He united, he did not divide. By taking sides against one marriage partner he would have created a rift. But by loving both he was in fact saying: "I love both of you. Won't you please love each other the way I love each of you?"

I feel that put him in the top of the tree where marriage guidance was concerned.

Catherine Nicolette

When I was a little girl, Dad and Fr Norbert Jansen were my great heroes. So when the two of them encouraged me to consider studying theology and philosophy - which I loved - I was enthusiastic. Dad, who had degrees in philosophy, used to sit me on the high bar stool and teach me from the Summa Theologiae of Saint Thomas Aquinas. In one of his philosophy lessons, Dad tried to get me to guess how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. I told him none, because angels are great spirits that a. wouldn't fit on a pinhead and b. they aren't stupid. "Besides," I went on, "they are too important to be bothered with pins." 

Dad looked at me quietly. "Why are they important?" he asked. "Well, they're busy keeping the planets going as regular as clockwork, and keeping asteroids from hitting us, and listening to God, and helping us with problems," I firmly replied.  Pins indeed! Dad looked at me quietly. "Well," he said, "I never thought there would be a match for my philosophy professor. But a nine-year-old girl would surely have made him think." I left Dad brooding gloomily over the hours he and his fellow students had wasted on the conundrum. . . 

Shortly thereafter, I agreed when Fr Jansen - supported by Dad - asked me to promise that I would eventually study for Doctorate of Theology. I credit my heroes with planting the seeds of my great love for theophilosophical research.

If you are reading this, I would ask you also to consider studies about the deep things of God [1 Corinthians 2:10]. The Kingdom of God always has need of able theologians ...

[ignis-scientia-estrogen-brigade]

Headcanons for Iggy and his gf attending a super-formal royal ball, extra bonus if they're attending for the first time as a couple? :) Thanks!

[ISEB Author’s Note: This fic A) got way longer than I had originally anticipated, and B) kinda sorta took on a life of it’s own. My apologies to the Anon who requested it; I’m not sure if it’s exactly what you were looking for, but it seemed to me like it would be a little out-of-character for Ignis to be open about his personal life, so I took some artistic liberties (and even somehow managed to reference one of my own past headcanons!) as the story unfolded.]

Some duties in service to the crown are more… palatable to Ignis Scientia than others; he’d take six hours being wailed on by Gladio in the fitness center over the pomp and circumstance of yet another ambassadorial ball the Citadel seems to throw every other week. In this particular instance, however, the chastising he expects to receive may as well be one and the same.

Because it’s not the what that has Ignis fiddling with his cufflinks and cleaning his glasses for the fifth time out of nervous habit, but the who. It’s expected of the Crownsguard to be seen in attendance with a companion at these ridiculous spectacles, as befits the men and women of royal rank; like Ignis, the woman who accepted his formal invitation is among the king’s inner circle—as lethal with a lance as she is with her wit—and, like Ignis, she is no stranger to these types of diplomatic events.

She is redheaded, beautiful, and the subject of much wanton attention within the palace grounds. To an outsider, she is seemingly defined by her complete and utter devotion to her work; more than one man has had their advances spurned by her in favor of dedicating her time solely to her duties—including one Gladiolus Amicitia, despite his dogged determination to see what lies beneath her royal raiments.

Some whisper that she is married to her work, and that she chooses to pleasure herself with her beloved lance rather than the hot shaft of a man’s sword. But what others don’t know—including one Gladiolus Amicitia—is that she has warmed Ignis Scientia’s bed every night for the past six weeks, rendezvousing with him in secret at his apartment outside the Citadel’s walls in the early hours of twilight.

So the complication therein lies with the eyebrows they inevitably raise when the two finally enter the Citadel’s most illustrious ball room arm in arm; little irks Ignis more than calling attention to himself, and judging by the muted gasps and expressions of shock they are leaving behind in their wake, this little debut—for want of a better word—is beginning to turn into the procession heard ‘round the world.

But diplomats are nothing if not diplomatic, and the eyes trained on them eventually abate as they make their way before Prince Noctis and the king. Customary formalities are dispensed; Regis compliments the lady with his usual charm and a promise of the first dance, while Ignis cringes internally at the look of confusion currently crossing his princely friend’s bewildered features, until they are finally free to abscond to the far, less populated side of the great hall away from prying eyes.

“Ignis,” she says in a low voice, for his ears only. “The crowds have me feeling rather stuffy at the moment, so I was going to take a short walk. Would you like me to fetch you a drink?”

He relaxes a fraction—she is far too shrewd to call him Darling within fifty yards of the palace walls—and nods. “I could go for an Ebony about now.”

“Of course you could,” she replies wryly, and Ignis allows himself exactly thirty seconds to indulge in the fantasy of relieving her of her green silk gown—the one that matches her eyes—as he watches her disappear into the crowd.

But his mind only makes it fifteen seconds through his immoral scheming before his thoughts are interrupted by a thumping on his back. “How much did that cost you?” a teasing voice from behind him asks.

Ignis turns to face his brother-in-arms. “I beg your pardon?”

Gladiolus’ grin doesn’t quite meet his eyes, and Ignis can hear the inkling of envy in the big man’s tone. “You saying you didn’t have to bribe the Draconian just to get her to throw you a bone?”

Ignis stares blankly at his friend-turned-apparent-rival for the evening and sniffs irritably. “I asked. She accepted. Maybe if you spent more time looking into her eyes instead of down her tunic…”

“Or maybe,” Gladio chides jovially, “she just ain’t that worried about you trying anything on her. Every girl has one of those friends, right?”

Ignis resists the urge to roll his eyes; the rumors of his ambiguous sexuality—or whether he even has one to begin with—had made themselves known to him many years prior, and he’d been mostly content to keep people guessing.

Mostly. “Right.”

The aroma of richly brewed coffee is suddenly swirling in his nostrils; a glance over both of their shoulders reveals a parting in the crowd and a lithe body clad in emerald silk walking toward them. “Your Ebony,” the redhead purrs when she reaches the two Crownsguard.

“Thank you,” Ignis says, only barely managing to stop himself from tacking on the usual My Dear. Gladio offers an overly-exuberant smile to the woman as she passes Ignis his beverage, then takes her delicate fingers in one hand and presses them to his lips.

“You look ravishing as always,” the big man quips.

“You’re too kind,” she replies, and only someone with the mind of a strategist would be able to pick up on the satire that laces her voice.

“Ignis and I were just discussing the challenges a beautiful woman like yourself must face at these overblown chocobo festivals.” Gladio tosses his head casually back toward his friend and offers the redhead a wink. “If this guy’s coffee breath is too hot on your neck, I’ll be happy to take him off your hands for you.”

Ever the consummate professional, her tranquil facade remains supremely intact. “If Ignis oversteps his boundaries, I should like to teach him a lesson myself.”

Ignis very nearly snorts his Ebony onto his dress shirt. “Indeed.”

“Then perhaps I could offer my services as a dance partner instead?” Gladio thumps his friend again on the back, a little more forcefully this time. “Iggy’s always been good at sharing.”

The redhead’s green orbs widen at Ignis, and a hint of humor touches her lips. “Iggy?”

This time, the strategist does roll his eyes. “An old term of endearment from our youth,” he explains. “It appears some of us haven’t matured beyond the mental age of ten just yet.”

Gladio laughs heartily, deflecting the eyeful of daggers Ignis is directing toward him with an elbow to Ignis’ rib. He then takes two steps toward the center of the ball room and holds out a hand to the lady in green. “Will you do me the honor?”

“Would that I could,” she says with exaggerated modesty, “but you’ll have to play second fiddle to the king this evening. Regis has already asked me for the first dance.”

As if on cue, the melody of a Tenebraen waltz fills the high ceilings of the ballroom; the redhead smiles politely at Gladio, then pivots away without batting so much as a single eyelash at Ignis.

It is a previously-agreed upon arrangement; the details of their involvement with one another is strictly prohibited from reaching the ears of other parties. Stolen glances and intimate contact would only raise more eyebrows, and neither of them are willing to risk blemishing their credibility within the king’s innermost circle with superfluous displays of affection better saved for behind closed doors.

Still, Ignis suppresses a long-suffering sigh; the price for such painstaking secrecy is steep, and in the deepest recesses of his mind he wonders how differently things might have turned out for him had he not been recruited for such a rigid and solitary lifestyle. His heart chafes against the shackles of his self-imposed restraint, and for the briefest of instants he feels the icy tendrils of bitterness clawing their way up his throat.

Gladio, his pride evidently none the worse for wear, ogles at the sight of the redhead’s tight figure gloved in even tighter silk. “It’s a good thing Prompto wasn’t invited tonight,” he says with a laugh, “because that kid has no filter, and you know he’d say what every man in this room is thinking.”

Ignis swallows the last of his antipathy, his fingers gripped tightly around his cup and his gaze glued to the flash of red and green twirling in the arms of the king. “A small mercy.”

Gladio shakes his head woefully and clutches at his chest, feigning an aching heart. “I’d lay my sword at Gilgamesh’s feet to take her home with me just once. I bet she’s got an amazing rack under those royal raiments of hers.”

Ignis suddenly tears his eyes away from the dance floor and glares at his friend in silent fury; it’s rather unlike the strategist to get testy over lewd remarks, or indulge in such primal instincts as petty jealousy. And besides—he has a reputation to uphold, and a secret to keep.

But Ignis is a human at his core, not the soulless magitek soldier some within the palace have insinuated. And in spite of the promises he has made to the woman who warms his bed at night, in spite of the necessity to conduct his personal activities with the utmost discretion, in spite of everything that has led Ignis Scientia to be put in this Astral-forsaken position, there are certain times in a man’s life that rules are required to be broken.

He narrows his spectacled eyes at Gladiolus and lifts his Ebony to his lips. “She does,” he says simply.