#behavioural insights

[anewbrainjughead]

:)

[recent-rose]

yknowwww there is something... deeply uncomfortable about the way mel never speaks directly to viktor in the 'build hextech weapons' scene. she really only speaks to jayce. plenty of people have pointed this out already but like the one scene they actually share a meaningful interaction and she treats him like he's beneath her. all this after jayce has emphasized how important viktor is, that hextech is theirs, together. she unequivocally ices him out, there's no other way to interpret this scene. the way it's shot too - from viktor's perspective, looking up at her, as though to reinforce the same belief in him. like he doesn't even bother expecting respect from her - or anyone from the upper echelon of piltover. he's fully accustomed to being dehumanized by everyone around him at this point. sometimes even by jayce, despite the trust they clearly have in each other.

then of course after this scene is viktor experimenting on himself. it's pretty clear that he has internalized his own dehumanization. crazy.

[ruminiscence]

Character Analysis of Johan Liebert - Monster, Naoki Urasawa (2004)

In my opinion, Johan represents Jung's concept of the shadow, which is why both Tenma and Nina couldn't kill him in the end. Despite tirelessly, and relentlessly going after him. If they did end up doing so, they would be destroying themselves in the process. The constant fear on Tenma's face once he heard the buzz words 'monster' and 'inside of me' highlights his underlying fear. It is, of course, aggravating, considering how close they both were to killing Johan (multiple times, might I add). But, to them, it would have come at too high a cost.

Consequently, Johan was not the monster he and everyone thought him to be. The forgiveness Nina offered to Johan (as well as) Tenma’s acceptance (in a way) gave Johan that validation. In my opinion, Johan had an identity problem, not a complete lack thereof, as most people say. Johan completely understood how senseless the world is; the picture book from his childhood made sense of that senselessness. That narrative (mostly born from the book) gave significance to his existence, whether he knew it or not. I found it interesting that he went through several names throughout his life, but ‘Johan Liebert’ was recurring. Whether this is just for convenience's sake, I don’t know.

The scene where we see his reaction when re-reading the book (likely the first time since he was a child) furthers this notion. Johan's facial expressions are to be paid attention to, every single one, even if they barely change. We see the most significant change in his face in the final scene: that of sheer disappointment, hopelessness, and defeat. His master plan did not go accordingly; the plan was for him to be completely wiped off the face of the earth, rendered fictitious. The drunk man who unexpectedly shot him stripped him of that. So did Tenma, in not allowing Johan to kill/destroy his (Tenma’s) altruistic nature.

Johan's perfect suicide ultimately fails because he is not the nameless monster he believed himself to be; this is shown merely in the fact that he does not kill (nor even think about killing) Nina & Tenma; he realised that they are the only two people to understand him in this world. This also explains Johan's bizarre attachment to Tenma from the get-go (which also makes a lot of sense). In the scene where we listen to the tape, we're made aware of Johan's desperation; he does not want to forget 'Anna'; he believes they are the only two people in the world. Later on, Tenma was added to that list. Hence, every other person's life is rendered meaningless to Johan; this is the reason for his remorseless killings, of course. He killed everyone that could eventually be tied into his and Anna/Nina's existence, and arguably Tenma, too.

I also think Johan eventually lets go of this (seemingly) obsession with names in the final scene. Whether the last scene of him and Tenma speaking was a dream or not remains significant. Before Tenma reveals his potential real name to Johan, the subject is changed. This is when we learn about the biological mother's sacrifice. Despite her not choosing to sacrifice Johan, he still doubts the decision. All of this is to say that perhaps the failure of his perfect suicidal plan was, in fact, the real success after all. He successfully kills everyone who does not know him but knows of the nameless monster's existence. This explains why the only two people on this earth who did are still alive and were eventually saved emotionally.

In a way, they also saved Johan too. Hence the *seemingly* peaceful disappearance from the hospital. He just wanted to be understood. This is also why I believe he asked Nina to shoot him as a child and then again all those years later. His mother placed this seed of doubt, which he seemed confident in, but because of Nina's existence, he could extend this and not be entirely solid in this sense of doubt. He latched this on to Nina's being, hence merging their identities. As a child, he did seek her forgiveness despite his contradictory actions (asking to be shot). When she finally offered forgiveness in a similar situation later on, the doubt was gone. That little spec of forgiveness and acceptance was all he needed. Acceptance is not to say that he wanted her or even Tenma to accept his actions; hence, Johan says, 'We can't turn back now' when Nina does forgive him. Other people and their deaths (at his hands) simply did not matter to him; he was utterly indifferent to it. So evidently, that one thing mattered to him, which he mostly did not believe to be real; it turned real, giving him what he had so desperately been looking for since childhood. He is saved. The only three people that mattered in the show (concerning Johan's essence) are saved. 

[yourlocalbadgerscales]

Why do I keep obsessing over groups of four lame ass teenage boys in fiction? Like, what is that all about? I know for a FACT if I saw James Potter or Mike Wheeler walking up me in real life I would run away so motherfucken fast 😭💀

[grimark]

somebody drew fanart for one of my fics which is obviously such a cool thing to have happened and i’m thrilled. but unfortunately i’m a strange little freak who never learnt how to engage with the world in normal ways so now for absolutely no reason i’m afraid to like. open the link to see the no doubt very nice thing that another person has drawn for me. in case it bites me i guess?

[mindorabydisha]

This October Month is ADHD Awareness month

Let's get to know all about ADHD.

ADHD is not a disability, it’s a different ability.

Understanding ADHD is the first step towards empathy and support.

Today at 6pm a post about ADHD will be posted.

Enjoy reading and share it.

Stay tuned for more content

Follow me on Instagram

Disha Arunagiri

Counselling Psychologist

#ADHDAwarenessMonth #adhdawareness

#adhd #adhdsupport #adhdbrain

#adhdparenting #adhdparents #adhdlife #adhdmom #adhdstruggles #adhdexplained #adhdcommunity #adhddiagnosis #adhdtherapy #adhdmisconceptions #counselling #therapy #children #childpsychologist

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mind'Ora (@mindora_disha)

Disha Arunagiri

Counselling Psychologist

Understanding ADHD is the first step towards empathy and support.

Let's get to know all about ADHD as this October month is considered as ADHD Awareness month

Today (09/10/24) at 6pm a post about ADHD will be posted.

Enjoy reading and share it.

Follow me on Instagram

[whitestopper]

Very sad to see Naomi tell Elle that she could always talk to them about the transphobic interview. That's very true and it'd be nice to see trans people (and kids at that) discussing the impact that transphobia has on them, Naomi.

Unfortunately, we're shoving a year of story into 8 episodes and you are not even in the main squad, let alone Elle's love interest.

[timeless-clarity]

People Are Always Confessing Their Secrets

Uncovering Hidden Truths: Carl Jung's Work and How People Often Unconsciously Share Their Deepest Personal Truths Mistaking them for Universal Truths

Have you ever noticed someone react strangely to something you’ve said - maybe a twinge of discomfort, a sudden change in tone, or an awkward laugh? These moments can catch us off guard, but they often point to something deeper. Words have the power to resonate in ways beyond their surface meaning, striking chords in the nervous system of the person who receives them - revealing emotions or memories which can bleed into a perfectly normal and neutral conversation. I recently returned to The Essential Jung: Selected Writings Introduced by Anthony Storr. This was the very first of Carl Jung’s books I read around seven years ago. Since becoming a certified practitioner in holistic emotional wellness, I felt called to revisit Jung’s work. I wanted to explore this book again with fresh eyes - annotating it to the hilt. In the chapter which touches on Jung’s early works he discusses his work with word association tests. Within his classic test Jung would repeat around 100 universally well-known words. Asking participants to respond with the first word that came to their mind, as quickly as possible. He used a stopwatch to record the timing of each response, noted the specific word given, and observed any visible signs of disturbance in the person being tested. By repeating the entire test multiple times, Jung aimed to deepen his exploration into the subtle, unconscious responses triggered by these seemingly simple words. From the findings gathered through these tests, Jung was able to uncover emotional patterns and, most intriguingly, the aspects of themselves that participants wished to conceal. He often used these tests with criminals, aiming to elicit confessions indirectly - and it worked. The seemingly neutral process of associating words revealed hidden truths, exposing the unconscious layered dynamics that shaped their thoughts and behaviours. Because of course, a lack of a response was just as incriminating as any response that they could have given.

Unconscious confessions

One striking example Jung shares in the book reveals just how profound these tests were in uncovering hidden truths. During one such test, Jung discovered that the participant had been involved in a drunken altercation, where he had stabbed another person with a knife - a crime that led to a year in prison. Despite the man’s belief that he had buried this shameful memory, it was revealed through the word association test. Words like 'knife,' 'pointed,' and 'bottle' caused significant delays in his responses, accompanied by subtle signs of discomfort. These reactions, seemingly minor at first glance, spoke volumes about a deeply suppressed event—an event the participant thought was well concealed. While I was reading this my mind was alerted to the many times that I’ve found myself in situations where I unintentionally uncover hidden truths, much like Jung did - not with criminals - but with people in my everyday life. Since becoming a practitioner who handles emotions of many different clients day to day, understanding that words hold different weight for different people. I have become highly a-tuned to the confessions people make outside of the therapeutic space, without realising they are confessing anything. This became particularly clear when I would be having conversations with friends and say something which I felt was reasonably neutral - and a friend would get defensive and ask me to explain my word choice. My response was often:

“What I said was not objectively offensive, I was just expressing myself”

A good example of this happened with a friend who would visibly react whenever I mentioned my desire for wealth in this lifetime. They’d quickly interrupt to remind me how equally valid and important the working class are. While their intentions were likely well-meaning, it felt tone-deaf, especially considering I grew up in one of the most impoverished areas of Scotland. Isn't it possible for the working class to dream of more for themselves, just as anyone else can? Why can't we all hold space for our individual dreams while also working towards a better collective future?

Does me sharing a vision that feels warm in my chest become something shameful to someone entrenched in their own dogma—or perhaps, deep financial struggles that are more about their personal emotional blocks than a reality I need to be 'educated' on? So, words such as wealth, money, and holidays - neutral and broad topics for many people - would all result in our conversations heading south.

What does this tell me?

It tells me that this person was deeply uncomfortable about what it means to have, use, and cultivate money. This person has built a beautiful life for themselves, and yet, within their own limitations, there are areas of life that are quite neutral and open to me (after lots of EFT Tapping about money!) that are a no-go for them. Those topics would put them in a bad mood and make me regret bringing the topic up, even though it’s worth noting that this person was raised with a huge amount of wealth. This person was repeatedly defending the working class to me - the actual so called working class within this dynamic - while completely missing the fact that I was living in that very reality, having grown up in one of the most impoverished areas of Scotland and against the odds, built a life for myself which has outlived the expectations most people would put on the resilient and resourceful people labeled the ‘working class’ by people who see themselves as ‘not that’. This brings me back to Jung’s word association tests, where even a seemingly neutral word can trigger unconscious reactions, just like my friend’s defensiveness whenever I mentioned wealth. Jung’s tests highlighted how people inadvertently "tell on themselves," exposing insecurities, emotional conflicts, and unresolved issues through their reactions, even if they aren’t aware of it. These seemingly innocent responses carry deeper truths about the individual, much like how my friend’s defensiveness was less about me and more about their own unaddressed feelings around money and wealth.

Universal Truth or Unconscious Projection?

Becoming an EFT practitioner within the world of emotional wellness has shown me just how much people’s reactions reveal about their inner world. In my work with clients, I’ve seen that the things people resist or react to most are often the very areas where they hold unresolved emotional blocks. Just as Jung discovered through his tests, we are constantly telling stories about ourselves, but often without realising it. These stories that we tell are not always as objective as we think, yet we present them as such - making them feel like universal truths when they’re actually deeply personal, unconscious narratives.

How does EFT Tapping come into it?

It’s important to mention that through the self-acceptance that EFT Tapping offers, we can move beyond shame and develop a deeper understanding of our inner world. With courageous self-acceptance and the willingness to engage with our unconscious mind, we can begin to interact with others more openly, free from unconscious projections. Conversations, like the one with my friend, become opportunities to look beyond the surface and see the stories we each carry. When we start paying attention, we can begin to recognise the unconscious limitations others live within - often without even realising it - and, in doing so, approach each interaction with more compassion and understanding, while also honouring our own limits and boundaries.

What do I do?

I’m an EFT Tapping Practitioner (Emotional Freedom Techniques). It’s my life’s work to help others get clear on the essence of who they are and what feels authentic for them. My goal is to support people in creating lives filled with emotional fulfilment, purpose, and joy.

If this resonates with you, you can find out more about my work or reach out through my website: claire-farrell.com

It's my honour to hold space as we explore the beliefs and barriers holding you back—making room for your most authentic self to thrive.

You can also find helpful Tapping videos and fun updates on my Tiktok: @clairefarrell__ Lots of love, Claire

[pausegame]

People need to reintroduce the phrases "not my cup of tea" and "not for me" into their vocab again because yeeeeESh 😬

[convertml]

Smarter, Faster Customer Insights with ConvertML: The Future of Customer-Centric Growth

In today’s hyper-competitive digital world, only those brands that truly understand their customers thrive. But it is easier said than done to get the right and actionable insights. Traditional analytics solutions are slow, siloed, and involve heavy investments in data teams and infrastructure. That is where ConvertML steps in to revolutionize the way businesses extract value from their data.

The Power of a GenAI-Powered Customer Insights Platform

ConvertML is a revolutionary Customer Insights Platform powered by GenAI that streamlines complex analytics procedures. It translates every customer touch point into actionable insight using cutting-edge statistical modeling, machine learning capabilities, and automation — delivered at a fraction of the cost of traditional techniques.

Whether you possess an in-house analytics team or not, ConvertML enables decision-making without hurdles by eliminating latency, reducing manual processing, and providing you instant insights. It offers a united customer view, smart segmentation, and predictive analysis — all aimed towards building hyper-personalized, results-driven campaigns.

From Insights to Automation — Without Sweating

Most companies are plagued by the same challenges: long delays to get insights, generic campaigns, and wasted data processing. ConvertML was created to address all these challenges directly. It occupies the gap between raw customer data and sound strategy with end-to-end automation of the whole analytics pipeline.

From aggregating multi-source data and standardizing it automatically to building real-time predictive analytics and intelligent customer segments, ConvertML has businesses spending less time struggling with data and more time generating value.

Built for Customer-Oriented Teams

1. Customer Loyalty & Insights

ConvertML translates multilingual customer feedback into strategic loyalty programs. Real-time sentiment analysis across channels allows businesses to detect dissatisfaction early, prevent churn, and build long-term customer relationships.

2. Marketing Operations

With behavior, engagement, and survey insights at its disposal, ConvertML constructs intelligent customer segments in seconds. Marketing teams can then send cross-channel, hyper-personalized campaigns with a single click.

3. Market Research

ConvertML eliminates the drudgery of market research. It aggregates thousands of survey responses, determines statistically significant insights, and delivers customized GenAI-powered solutions ready to go.

AI-Powered Data Integration for a Single View

Splintered data leads to missed opportunities and spent campaigns. ConvertML’s GenAI-powered data ingestion engine unifies data from all sources and formats, creating a single, analysis-ready dataset. This enables organizations to:

Unite data from CRM, social media, feedback systems, and others

Automatically cleanse, profile, and transform data

Make decisions on accurate customer behavior analysis instead of assumptions

Instant Dashboards, Automated Analytics

Advanced analytics solutions usually require significant technology and human capital investment. ConvertML democratizes advanced analytics by bringing it to the masses with:

Advanced churn prediction modeling

Advanced sentiment analysis

Deep customer behavior analysis

It automatically converts any analytics outcome into intelligent, targetable customer segments. Custom dashboards simplify reporting, pattern detection, and decision-making based on insights.

Intelligent Customer Segments in Minutes

Why spend weeks of time tediously accumulating segments from spreadsheets? ConvertML facilitates real-time segmentation directly from analysis results. Companies can:

Define segments by churn risk, engagement, sentiment, or behavior

Sync segments with CRM and marketing platforms in real-time

Send out campaigns appropriate for Active, Inactive, Recommended, or Custom audiences

Proactive Campaign Performance Monitoring

Measuring campaign performance is no longer a siloed activity. ConvertML’s smart insights platform provides a single pane of glass for campaign metrics across every segment. It helps brands to:

Receive GenAI-powered recommendations and alerts to prevent revenue loss

Maximize real-time campaign expenditure

Produce presentation-ready campaign performance reports for stakeholders

No-Code Analytical Models to Meet Any Need

ConvertML’s powerful no-code models enable sophisticated analytics in the hands of each team, technical expertise notwithstanding:

Customer Satisfaction: Identify new problems from survey feedback before they hurt your brand

Net Promoter Score (NPS): Go beyond scoring by segmenting promoters, detractors, and unearthing sentiment trends

Churn Analytics: Predict churn behavior with ML models and act on retention efforts instantly

Market Research: Find areas to grow with real-time customer behavior analysis

Cross-Sell/Up-Sell: Recommend the correct product at the right time using smart models and GenAI insights

Your Competitive Advantage: Actionable Customer Behavior Analysis

Real-time customer behavior analysis is at the core of ConvertML. It enables companies to discover motivations, preferences, and intent so that they can:

Predict future behavior

Customize marketing to micro-segments

Begin campaigns with more ROI

While other analytics solutions leave you in a bind with dashboards and reports, ConvertML gives you the power to act now with confidence and clarity.

Why ConvertML is the Smart Choice for Businesses

ConvertML is for businesses that want to:

Move from reactive to proactive marketing

Eliminate guesswork and make data-driven decisions

Save time, reduce costs, and optimize campaign effectiveness

Increase customer loyalty with personalized experiences

Small business or big business, ConvertML scales to any size and delivers consistent, high-impact insights.

Smarter, Faster Customer Insights Start Here

ConvertML is not just a Customer Insights Platform. It’s a competitive edge for the data era. It transmutes all customer interactions into actionable insights with the help of automation, AI, and complex modeling.

No more waiting games. No more mass-market campaigns. No more missed opportunities.

Discover what your customers really need. Provide them with experiences to remember.

[innovativejunction]

Dhanteras: Welcoming Wealth and Wellness

Dhanteras: Welcoming Wealth and Wellness Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival in India. Falling on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu month of Ashwin, Dhanteras is dedicated to the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, and to Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician. This festival celebrates prosperity, health,…

[theseoblogspace]

Using Analytics to Drive Business Decisions

Did you know Google Analytics is a goldmine for businesses? It lets you track how users behave, fine-tune your marketing, and make choices based on data1. In today’s fast-changing digital world, using analytics is key to staying ahead in Australia. This article will show you how to use data to change your business for the better. We’ll cover how to get to know your audience and make your…

[hayatheauthor]

10 World-Building Aspects You Probably Overlooked

When crafting a fictional world, it's easy to focus on the big picture—epic battles, grand landscapes, and memorable characters. However, it’s also important to flesh out your world-building to create a ‘real’ world. Some aspects to consider when world-building are: 

1. Local Cuisine

Consider the types of food your characters eat and how it reflects their culture, geography, and economy. Unique dishes can reveal societal values and local ingredients.

2. Currency & Trade

Explore the forms of currency used and the trade systems in place. This can include bartering, precious metals, or unique items as currency, influencing economic interactions.

3. Timekeeping Practices

Different cultures may have their own methods for measuring time, whether it's a unique calendar system, seasons, or celestial events, affecting daily life and traditions.

4. Cultural Taboos

Consider the unspoken rules and taboos that govern behavior in your world. These can drive conflict and character motivations, adding depth to societal interactions.

5. Local Flora and Fauna

Unique plants and animals can shape the environment and influence the culture, whether through medicine, food sources, or as part of local mythology.

6. Rituals and Festivals

Incorporate unique rituals or festivals that celebrate historical events, seasonal changes, or important life milestones, providing insight into cultural values and traditions.

7. Language Nuances

Explore dialects, slang, or even the use of sign language that reflects the culture and social dynamics, enriching dialogue and interactions between characters.

8. Architecture and Housing Styles

The design and materials of buildings can reflect climate, resources, and cultural values. Unique architectural features can tell a story about the society that built them.

9. Social Hierarchies and Classes

Examine how social structures affect character relationships and interactions. Class distinctions can influence everything from daily life to political power.

10. Environmental Impact

Consider how the natural environment shapes societal behaviours, resource usage, and conflicts. Climate and geography can drive migration patterns and societal development.

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

Looking for writing tips and tricks to better your manuscript? Check out the rest of Quillology with Haya; a blog dedicated to writing and publishing tips for authors!

Instagram Tiktok

[abcworldnews]

Consumer Loyalty in the Digital Marketplace Insights and Strategies

In the bustling digital marketplace, fostering consumer loyalty is akin to striking gold. It's no secret that acquiring a new customer can cost five times more than retaining an existing one. Yet, in the fast-paced, ever-evolving digital realm, securing customer loyalty requires more than just a quality product or service. It demands a deep understanding of consumer behaviour, tailored experiences, and, crucially, an ability to engage on a personal level. For brands looking to thrive, not just survive, nailing this balance is non-negotiable.

The digital age has transformed consumer expectations. Today's shoppers are savvy, informed, and, let's face it, a tad impatient. They demand convenience, value, and, above all, a seamless experience. Loyalty is no longer just about who offers the best price; it's about who makes shopping easy, enjoyable, and, importantly, personalised. In the UK's competitive market, understanding these shifting dynamics is key. Brands that adapt, offering a curated, frictionless shopping experience, are the ones that will keep customers coming back for more.

But here's the rub: in the digital world, personalisation is the name of the game. It's about recognising your customers as individuals, with unique preferences, needs, and desires. Leveraging data analytics to tailor marketing messages, recommend products, and even predict future purchases can make all the difference. It turns a transaction into an experience, and an experience into loyalty. If your brand isn't utilising data to personalise at every touchpoint, you're missing a trick, and crucially, risking being left behind.

Engagement is another critical piece of the puzzle. In the digital age, this means more than just responsive customer service. It's about creating a community around your brand, engaging customers through social media, blogs, and other digital platforms. It's about telling a story that resonates, creating content that adds value, and fostering a sense of belonging among your customer base. This level of engagement not only drives loyalty but turns satisfied customers into vocal advocates for your brand.

In conclusion, cultivating consumer loyalty in the digital marketplace is both an art and a science. It requires a blend of strategic insight, technological savvy, and, fundamentally, a commitment to understanding and meeting the evolving needs of your customers. The brands that get this right, those that offer personalised, engaging experiences that resonate on a personal level, are the ones that will not just attract customers, but keep them. In the race for loyalty, there's no time for complacency. The digital marketplace waits for no one, and the time to act is now.

[chaussetteblanche]

and they were roommates

pairing : Spencer Reid x fem!student!roommate!reader summary : you are Spencer Reid's roommate, the team finds out about you when a case brings them to the university you study at word count : 2.5k warning : canon-typical violence A/N : the university is a random one I picked in Virginia, bear with me because I don't know how US university systems work, thanks :) I think this is a part one, there may be a part two or even more, idk, but tell me what you think !

part 2, part 3, part 4

"I- I'm sorry, what university did you say?" Spencer's frantic tone was immediately noticed by his colleagues. Suddenly, he seemed hyperaware of everything in the room. The loud AC, Derek's pen-clicking and the overwhelming smell of Emily's coffee. "Mary Washington University," JJ answered swiftly, eyes narrowed as she sent Reid a confused glance. The man in question mumbled a few words under his breath and shot up, grabbing his coat and scarf. "We need to go." His tone, unusually urgent, left no space for debate or questioning. He was out the door within seconds, followed closely by Morgan and the others.

When you'd applied for Mary Washington University, you had known you would have to get an apartment. You lived too far away to even consider taking the numerous trains and buses and subways to get there. So, when you had been accepted into your first choice of universities, you'd started apartment hunting. Or roommate-hunting, to be more precise.

To say you had been unlucky would have been quite the understatement. You'd visited four apartments so far and could not even consider living in one of them for a second. The first had been full of frat boys who made your skin crawl, the second was with an old, far right-wing couple, the third had been two sisters who'd yelled at each other for the whole time you were there and the fourth had been so crowded your were certain it was neither sanitary not legal for another person to live there. With the deadline of university starting and having to move all your things, you were starting to get quite anxious. But call it chance or fate, one day you stumbled upon an advertisement for an apartment in a nice neighbourhood with one person who seemed quite normal. This person was a state-employee (which meant a stable salary and that meant you wouldn't have to compensate for rent) who travelled often for work and liked to keep mostly to themselves. Not one for big parties, they preferred a night-in and rarely had people over.

So you'd put on your big-girl pants and had walked over to what you hoped would be your last apartment visit. You hadn't been expecting such a young person to open the door because of the way the advert had been written and because of what it said. "Hi, I'm Dr. Spencer Reid." You noticed he didn't hold his hand out and mirrored his behaviour. "Hi! I'm here for a visit!" You introduced yourself somewhat shyly, feeling intimidated. This man was at the most five years older than you and he was already a doctor?

He showed you around the apartment, which you liked very much. The rooms smelled like books and tea and everything was kept very clean. On the whole, it was tidy, even if a few books or articles were stacked in some odd places. The bedroom you'd stay in was large and luminous. After the tour, he made you a cup of tea as you discussed formalities.

"Uh, so, you’re a student, right?" he'd asked politely as he added a worrying amount of sugar in his earl grey. You bit back a teasing jest. You hoped maybe one day you'd get to place where you could comment on his daily sugar intake. "Yeah, um, I'm studying English Literature and Cinema." You stirred your tea, looking around the kitchen. Even though it was painted a dark, forest green, it still seemed luminous in the afternoon sun. "Oh, that's super interesting! I’ve always found texts in Middle English particularly insightful! I- I read the Canterbury Tales when I was about 10 years old. It’s fascinating the way in which issues which were already current then are still very present today, like in the Wife of Bath’s tale, for example-“

He cut himself off, leaning back into the couch. He rubbed the back of his neck, cheeks dusted pink. “Sorry, you probably don’t want me to ramble about what you already know.” “No, I think it’s amazing that you would know that, actually. What else did you like in the Wife of Bath’s tale?” Spencer seemed to brighten up at your words and thus ensued a lengthy discussion of the avant-garde themes evoked by Geoffrey Chaucer. You were fascinated by his knowledge and found his passion especially endearing. Lots of your professors weren’t even that passionate when talking of late 14th century literature.

After discussing rent, which you would afford by waitressing at a local bar, lightly touching upon political subjects (on which you seemed to agree on), he finally told you that he was an FBI agent. "Excuse me?" you spluttered, leaning backwards in shock. "I'm a profiler with the BAU, the Behavioural Analysis Unit. I can show you my badge if you want." He stood up and reached for his bag, but you stopped him in his tracks. "No, no, that's okay, I believe you. I'm just surprised, that's all, sorry." His expansive knowledge of so many things seemed fitting for an agent of the BAU. After realising you were the first person who didn't demand his badge as proof of his profession, Spencer granted you a small smile. "You don't need to apologise. I- I know it can be a bit... off-putting." He sat back down and looked you in the eye. "Is that a problem for you, living with a federal agent?"

You thought about it for a second. As a general rule, you weren't a big fan of cops. Even more generally, you didn't believe in the structure of today's society. But that was a big topic. Plus, a profiler wasn't really a cop, was he? "No, that's not a problem for me."

You'd moved in a month and a half later. Things had been slightly awkward at first and you'd had to figure out what kind of dynamic Spencer and you had. But eventually, you’d found your rhythm.

When Spencer left for work, you took care of his plants and sent him pictures of Geoffrey. Geoffrey was the cat you’d found on the street and taken in. He was named after Geoffrey Chaucer, author of the Canterbury Tales, your first common point of interest. Spencer had been reluctant at first, but you’d taken him to the vet, where he was tested and vaccinated, and the man had finally accepted him into your shared space. Now, he loved the little creature. Sometimes, you’d call him to ask how he was doing and whether he was safe. He’d always reply that yes, he was doing fine and no, he wasn’t in any danger, don’t you worry. He’d ask how you were doing and if you were staying on top of uni work and if you’d eaten and if Geoffrey wasn't being too annoying. As an orange cat, he had his particular tendencies.

When Spencer was at home, you'd always look forward to getting back from class. There was always that sense of comfort and ease when he was around. You had found a lovely routine quite easily. You'd both work or study, then cook, eat together and afterwards maybe you'd watch a movie or something. You were at a point where you could comment on his daily sugar intake, which he's started correcting since meeting you. He loved the Big Bang Theory and though you weren't such a fan, you loved the little laughs he let out and all the corrections he'd make. In general, you liked when he talked. Even more generally, you liked him. You also liked Friends and though Ross got on Spencer's nerves, he enjoyed being able to discuss it with you afterwards. The two of you got very close without even noticing.

Sometimes, you'd remember he wasn't just your roommate, but also a man. He'd make you a cup of tea and you'd stare at his hands a little too long while he stirred the honey in. Or he'd help you reach for a cup with his impressive height, his front just skimming your back with a shiver. He'd tell you to breathe and sit down when you were upset about something. A few times, he drove you home from a night out with your friends and laid his hand on your knee. He was the only one who remembered how you'd told him you wanted to kiss him.

With you, Spencer discovered many things he had never experienced before. A healthy, comforting and peaceful routine. A supporting, non-judgemental, healthy friendship. Easy laughter in the middle of the night and tired "good morning"s at dawn. Butterflies in his stomach whenever you touched him. A budding romance which kept him awake at night.

So when that was threatened, he just about lost it.

"Oh my God." "I can't believe this." "Is this a prank?" "Did someone call 911?" "What about her parents?" "Oh, that's sick."

Voices swarmed around your head, making you dizzy. Your hand rested over your mouth as you stared at the body strewn on the lawn. Much of the student body stood next to you, just as shocked. Mary Goldman had been her name. You'd crossed her just this morning in the main hall and had exchanged small smiles. You had thought that she looked really pretty today, but hadn't told her. You regretted that now. At the moment, her mascara had run down her cheeks and dried and her lipstick and been smudged. Bruises and cuts decorated her bare arms and legs and a big red stain sat on the side of her stomach. The contrast between her dead body and the green, thriving grass beneath her was haunting.

You turned away, feeling sick. You felt your friend's hand on your shoulder, a small source of comfort anchoring you to reality. Facing the road as you turned, you were surprised to see three big black SUVs speeding towards the crowd. You'd been expecting an ambulance, or cops. Not whoever these guys were. They screeched to a stop, drawing everyone's attention. A small dozen of people stormed out, all dressed differently though they all held the same aura of importance, knowledge and authority. You turned back to your friends. "Who are these-"

You stopped mid-sentence when you heard your name being called out urgently. You'd have recognised his voice amidst a thousand others. He spoke your name like no other. You frantically looked around, pushing your way to the large vehicles. When you finally spotted him, tears started pricking your eyes. "Spencer," you breathed in a half-sob. His eyes ran you over once, twice, assessing any damage. When he saw there was no physical wound, his shoulders sank in relief. He opened his arms and you rushed inside his warm embrace almost reflexively. Neither of you noticed the numerous pair of curious eyes observing your intimate exchange.

"Oh my God, Spence- What- What are you doing here?" you'd cried into his cardigan. You buried your face into his neck, inhaling the comforting scent he always bore. He wrapped an arm around your waist and another around your shoulders, holding the back of your head in a consoling manner. "We're- We're taking this on as a case, sweets. Are you all right?" He knew it was a stupid question but all the emotions and tension were barely wearing off and he didn't know what else to say. You pulled away but he kept you at arm's length, holding your cold, shaking hands in his warm, steady ones. "I- Yeah, it's just- I- I saw her this morning! How could she- Why would someone do this to her? To- to anyone?!" Spencer cooed and pulled you into another tight hug as you continued to ramble through your tears. When you'd eventually calmed down thanks to his words of reassurance, he pulled away softly.

Spencer understood what you meant perhaps more than anyone. The sadness, the shock, the anger, the need to understand. He gently wiped away the mascara under your eyes with his thumb. "I know, I- It's- Even I don't always understand, sweetheart, so don't- Why don't you go home? I'd come with you but-" You nodded, biting your lower lip. He gave you a sad smile. "I promise I'll join you as soon as this is over. You- you can make yourself a cup of tea and process all this and pet Geoffrey, okay? Classes are going to be cancelled either way." "I don't want to-" The look in his eyes kept you from arguing further. You nodded, giving him another hug. Before you left, an older man came over to you.

"I'm sorry to bother you, miss. I'm Agent David Rossi. I just had a question-" "Rossi," interrupted Spencer with a stern tone you'd never heard before. The older Agent raised an eyebrow at him. "Just one question." He turned back to you. "At what time did you say you saw the victim?" You inhaled shakily, running a hand over your face. "Uh, it must have been around quarter to eleven. I think- Yeah, somewhere between ten thirty and eleven." "Thank you, miss." You didn't miss the glance shared between the two men before Rossi retreated.

"Who was that?" asked Emily as soon as you'd left and Spencer had joined them behind the police tape. "No one," Spencer brushed her off as he kneeled next to the victim. Strangely, he hated the idea of someone who knew you dying. It felt too close to home. "C'mon, man, you lost your shit this morning, a girl you clearly know very well runs into your arms, you snap at Rossi and you expect us to believe you?" Derek raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms over his chest. Spencer sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before looking up at the rest of the team. All were staring at him patiently. He stood up, swallowing.

"That was my roommate." He informed the team of your name and of how you'd been living together for a few years now. "Spencer, you've been living with a woman for years and you've never told us?!" Derek was all but hysteric. Hotch reminded him that everyone was entitled to a private life. "So, are you dating or something?" Emily prodded again. Spencer hesitated a second before answering. "No." Derek scoffed, appalled. "You mean to tell me you've been living with a beautiful woman like that for years and nothing's ever happened?!" "Not everyone is like you, Morgan," Emily reminded with a teasing smirk. Derek sent her an unimpressed look. "Look, let's all grill Spencer later, we have a case to focus on right now." Rossi, ever the voice of reason, directed everyone's attention back to the corpse laying next to them.

Needless to say, the BAU team did not need to interrogate Spencer or attack him with incessant questions to find much out. They'd seen by his behaviour that very morning how much he cared about you. They'd seen how relieved he had been when he'd seen you safe and sound. They'd noticed you'd only started crying when you'd seen him, a big sign of trust. They had never heard him call another by pet names such as "sweets" or "sweetheart". They'd read both of your body languages like a children's book and translated it easily.

Love. Comfort. Peace. Ease.

[starvingtongue]

I hope none of my headcanons for Anima ever come off as sounding like I'm trying to excuse what she did to Seymour. What she did was a shitty and horrible thing to do to a child, regardless of the circumstances she found herself in. Her imminent death and bad mental health definitely played a part in her decision, but it doesn't excuse the fact that she still decided to go through with that decision anyway. I don't think Seymour would have been much better off if Anima had let herself die in Baaj, but at least he might not have viewed pain and suffering as a source of strength.