#gods love the people who speak like 6 different languages

[yourheartinyourmouth]

alright, followers who speak more Spanish than i do:

what (if anything) is the difference between la manteca and la mantequilla? google is telling me they both just mean “butter”, but no info on if it’s a colloquial thing, or dialect, regional, etc.

[thelostmagicians]

Booksmart | Steve Harrington

Summary: Steve Harrington’s head may be full of air, but his heart is full of love. [4.4k]

Fluff, comfort, slight angst, insecure Steve

♡

Steve Harrington isn’t a genius. He barely passed his classes in high school, couldn’t get into college, and can barely keep his minimum wage job. He’s been belittled by his parents too many times to care about their opinion and he knows compared to his friends he isn’t as clever or witty, but he’s okay with it - at least he thinks he is. It might sting when Robin and Eddie tease him for being too slow or when Dustin sighs in frustration because he can’t keep up, but the ache dissipates when they look at him in adoration. 

He blames his failing love life on his lack of intelligence. Although girls find his himbo-ness endearing, his relationships never last long.  Most of the dates he goes on end up as dirty hookups in the backseat of his car and on the off chance a girl stays longer than a month he can slowly see the irritation replace the endearment in her eyes. He was just something to do during the inbetween phase of graduation and moving out of Hawkins, a trophy to conquer - to finally have slept with the previously known King. He used to be okay with that at the beginning, he got his needs met while girls crossed him off their list, but over time he craved more. He saw how Nancy looked at Jonathan, how Joyce laughed with Hopper, and how Robin blushed around Vickie. He was desperate for that feeling of being wanted and loved. 

Even though he's surrounded by people who love and accept him as he is, he can't help but wonder if things would’ve been different if he was just a little smarter. 

_

“Robin I’m telling you she started speaking a different language halfway through dinner,” Steve grumbles as he’s shelving the horror section. 

Robin rolls her eyes at him, “Just because you don’t understand the words she’s using doesn’t mean she was speaking a different language, Steven. I don’t even think she knows anything but English. 

Steve sighs under his breath. 

He had gone on another date last night, but didn’t even make it past the appetizers before he made up an emergency and left. The night started off great, the Indiana summer evening had a cool breeze, he opened the door for her, and was rewarded with a kiss on his cheek when he presented her with  flowers. Valerie had been nice, beautiful, and smart - maybe a little too smart for Steve. Don’t get him wrong, Steve loves strong, smart, and capable women. He loved hearing Valerie speak about physics and graphing linear equations, he loved learning about what interested her, but as the night went on he could see the light in her eyes fading as he kept asking her questions. The final straw had been when he told her he hasn’t read a book since high school and she laughed lightly before saying “you really are only a pretty face.” 

“Maybe, I’m just destined to be alone, or like a back up plan for girls who come back to Hawkins after giving up on their big city dreams.”

Robin sighs and gives him a reassuring pat, “Steve, you’re a good man. You’ll find your one, trust me on this.”

Before he can say more the bell jingles as a gust of hot air is let in. Steve groans as he spots Dustin’s mop of curly hair and hears the chatter of 6 other teens. He holds the door open with his arm as he sees Lucas struggling with Max’s wheelchair. 

“You guys can’t keep coming in here, Robin and I actually have work to do you know.”

“We wanted to pick a movie for movie night,” Max says. 

He sighs softly as he meets her eyes. Steve’s always had a soft spot for Max ever since they’ve met and it’s only gotten softer since then, everyone knows this, but the kids tend to take advantage of this and use Max to get their way. 

“Alright two movies max and no rated r ones.”

As he hears the bell jingle again he starts his greeting in a monotone voice, “Welcome to Family Video, my name is St—” he chokes. 

“Oh my god, are you okay?” you ask softly. 

He’s still coughing and panting slightly as he tries to give you a reassuring nod. Robin makes her way to the front to hand Steve some water and finish introductions. 

“What he means to say is his name is Steve and I’m Robin. You can come get us if you have any questions.”

You nod politely, finally tearing your gaze away from Steve as you start browsing through the racks. Steve, however, can’t seem to stop looking at you. He’s seen a lot of beautiful women in his life, but none of them held a candle to you. Everything about you was just perfect to him and he didn’t even know you yet. His eyes repeatedly traced the slope of your nose, down to your plush lips, and back to your furrowed eyebrows as you read the back of a tape. 

You lift your head up and he blushes as you make eye contact. 

“Do you have any recommendations for sci-fi, I just moved to town and need something to keep me from getting bored?” you ask shyly. 

“Err- We have a sci-fi section over there” Steve points to the rack behind him where the kids are gathered and quietly arguing over which movie to pick. 

You speak as you make your way over, “Yeah, but do you have any recommendations for me? I feel like I’ve seen all the good ones already.”

Steve's face falls as he tries to come up with an answer. 

“Have you seen Star Wars?” Dustin speaks up

Max and El groan loudly as you shake your head. 

“I tend to stay away from franchises, but what’s it about?”

Before Dustin can answer, Mike beats him to it, “It’s about galactic adventures of these characters, it’s pretty cool.”

“We were planning on watching it tonight, we always have movie nights at Steve’s on Friday. You should join us!” Dustin exclaims as he tries to shoot Steve a sly wink. 

Your eyes grow wide at the sudden invitation as Steve rests his head in his hands too embarrassed to speak. 

“Is that alright with you, Steve?” You ask kindly. 

Steve’s breath hitches as he hears you say his name, he slowly meets your gaze as he gives you a slight nod trying to avoid choking on air again.

Robin smirks at Steve as she hands you a post-it, “Here’s Steve’s address. Movie starts at 7 and bring as many snacks as you’d like!”

You grab the post-it and shoot everyone a small wave “I’ll see you guys then!”

Steve feels like he can finally breathe after he hears the soft slam of the door behind you. 

_

“I can’t believe you would do that, just invite a stranger to my home like that,” Steve groans as he fixes his hair, again, in the hallway mirror. He glances down at his polo debating if he should change his shirt for the fourth time. 

“Steve, she agreed to come while seeing you in a Family Video vest, I don’t think your outfit is what you should be worried about,” Jonathan teases him as he passes him a coke. 

Steve shoots him a sarcastic smile before checking his watch. It’s 7:02, you should’ve shown up 2 minutes ago and he’s a nervous wreck. He sees your headlights before anyone else does and trips over Will’s backpack as he waits to open the door on the very first knock. 

“Sorry I’m late, the petit fours took longer than expected.” You smile at him holding out a large container filled with small cakes. 

He gives you a confused look too embarrassed to ask what petit fours are, so instead he takes the container and waves you in. 

“What brings you to Hawkins?” Eddie asks.

“I actually came here for work, Hawkins laboratory needed another scientist to look at all the crazy stuff that’s happened here.”

Everyone basks in the uncomfortable silence as you mention the lab before Nancy speaks up, “You work as a scientist? You seem pretty young.”

You hesitate slightly, folding your hands in your lap, “I am young, but I graduated college at 16 and recently got my PhD and my advisor recommended me for this job, so here I am.”

Steve’s heart falls to his stomach, you were a genius, a child prodigy of some sort and you’ve accomplished so much at such a young age. There was no way you would even be slightly interested in him, but part of him was willing to take that risk - be okay with whatever you spared him because it was better than not having you in his life at all. 

The movie is ignored as everyone pays more attention to you and your genius-ness. He hears voices all at once but all he can focus on is yours. The way your laugh ends in a higher pitch than it starts in, the way you softly reassure Nancy that college isn’t hard, but his favorite is when you say his name when you ask for his opinion on the theories the kids present to you. It makes him feel important like you care about what he has to say and you value his thoughts just as much as you would anyone else’s. 

Steve might’ve only met you today, but he was already enamored. You might’ve knowingly opened the door only to Family Video, but you also unknowingly opened the door to his heart and started to fill every corner of it with you. 

_

Steve doesn’t think he’s read this much in his entire existence as he has this month.

The first thing he did the morning after movie night was go to the library and check out as many books as he could about everything that sounded smart. He’s inhaled almost every book on poetry (specifically Shakespeare), astrophysics and European history. You’ve come to every movie night since the first one and you try your best to visit Family Video after work just to chat with Steve and Robin. He was slowly falling in love with you and he wasn’t going to let his dumb brain be the reason he lost you. He forcefully read every book from cover to cover, prying his eyes open with the memory of your impressed smile anytime he fell asleep. He’s made countless flashcards and pesters Robin to quiz them during their shift. 

After two months of revising and memorizing he thinks he finally finds the courage to ask you out. You’re the last one to leave tonight, helping Steve clean up after everyone either left or claimed a spare room. 

Steve’s hands are clammy as he ties the trash bag into a pretty bow, “I was wondering if… I mean you don’t have to… but umm, like if you wanted to go out. With me, I mean.”

Your eyes trace his face as you clench the empty red vines wrapper, “You mean like a date?”

Steve nods, unsure of your reaction. Part of him hopes you’ll say no and put him out of his misery, so he can finally stop learning, but a bigger part of him hopes you’ll give him a chance. 

Your lips upturn in a shy smile as you fiddle your thumbs, “Yeah, I’d like that a lot. What did you have in mind?”

“How about next Friday, we ditch the losers and have our movie night? I’ll pick you up at 7 and we can catch a movie?”

You respond with a quick kiss on his cheek as you grab your purse and head out. Steve rests his head on the back of the door as he pumps his fist in the air and tries his hardest to not  wake Robin and Eddie with his cheering. 

_

You’re nervous as you pace in front of your door. Steve makes you nervous, but you don’t hate the feeling. You’ve never felt this way about a boy before, boys always had a competition with you, a majority of your dates ended up with the two of you trying to up each other with accomplishments, but with Steve everything is different. Even though the facts he tells are wrong, it was still endearing to watch him try. 

You’re broken out of your thoughts with a knock on your door. You smooth down your dress and look in the mirror once more before swinging the door open. Steve stands there in all his glory, hair perfectly done, snug jeans, and a bouquet of flowers covering his stupidly handsome face. 

“These are for you,” he pushes the bouquet towards you with a surprise force that you have to step back to avoid them pressing into your nose. 

“Thanks Steve, they’re beautiful.” You set them down gently at the nearby table mentally making a note to find a vase after you come back home. 

He opens his car door for you, waiting until you’re settled in before jogging back to his side. “There’s a French movie playing tonight, I think it’s about Marie - Annette, you know the queen who liked cake?” 

You giggle quietly but opt to ignore his mistake because he just looked too fucking cute with furrowed eyebrows and a nervous smile. 

“And after the movie I was thinking we can stop by somewhere for a late night snack?”

You nod excitedly eager to finally spend time with him far away from the eyes of your prying friends, “I didn’t know you knew French?”

“Uh, yeah.”

The movie was… boring and bland. Steve didn’t understand anything happening so instead spent the entire time admiring you, the furrow of your eyebrows, the tilt of your head, and the gentle bite of your lip. He remembered you mentioning to Robin that you were fluent in French, so thought a foreign film would be a good idea for a first date, but now he regrets his choice especially since you spent the drive to the diner asking him questions about the movie. Questions he didn’t know the answer to. Steve has charmed his way through life, but he wasn’t sure how much longer his charm would last with you, he had an inkling that sooner or later you would be able to see through his facade and you would see him as a disappointment.

_

You had a hunch that Steve was lying about knowing French and your hunch was confirmed when his shoulders tensed as the ticket guy told him the movie didn’t have English subtitles. He played it off with a laugh and a wave of his hand, but you could tell it made him nervous. You thought the movie was alright, but your favorite part was feeling Steve’s eyes on you. You try to be mindful when asking him questions, keeping them vague and more about opinions rather than asking him questions that have a right or wrong answer. He responds as vaguely as possible, gauging your reaction to see if you’re pleased with his answer or if he needs to backtrack and fix his opinion. 

Your conversation at the diner starts to get more personal as you ask each other about your likes and dislikes. You learn that Steve broke his arm learning to ride a bike, his favorite color is green, and he’s always wanted a dog. Everything you learn about Steve just makes you like him even more and the potential of falling in love with him makes you giddy with happiness. Your hands brush occasionally as you walk back to his car. He bites his lip hesitating to grab your hand as he peeks at you from the corner of his eye. You make the decision for the both of you and take a hold of his hand swinging both your arms as he blushes. 

“You’re really cute Steve Harrington,” you say as you force him to face you before gently pushing your lips to his. 

_

You spend every free time you have with Steve now. It’s been a month since your first date and since then you’ve gone out plenty of times and if you’re not physically together then you’re talking for hours on the phone. Steve’s able to open up to you more than he has to anyone else and it’s only been a few months of knowing you but he knows he’s in love, yet he can’t ask you to be his girlfriend. He does everything a boyfriend should do, calling you during breaks, kissing your bad days away, and hugging you just right when you’re on the verge of tears, but he still can’t find the courage to ask you to be his, officially. 

You express your concern to Nancy and Robin at an impromptu girls night, thrown together after a rough week for all of you. 

“I just don’t know why he won’t ask me, I always want to ask him myself before I see him, but then I lose my nerve. Maybe he doesn’t even like me like that and I’m just reading into things,” you whine as you smear a homemade face mask on Robin's face. 

“Trust me, Steve is a goner for you,” Nancy replies as she squints to make sure her brushes on the nail polish perfectly. 

“Nance is right, Steve is in love with you, but you just make him nervous.”

“I don’t understand why though, how do I make him nervous when he’s Steve Harrington,” you sigh dreamily. 

Nancy and Robin giggle as they see the childish frown on your face. You push your face into a pillow whining into it like a petulant child. 

Nancy rubs your back gently, “Look it’s not my place to say, but Steve isn’t the smartest tool academically. And you’re this child prodigy and that makes him nervous.”

Robin nods in agreement, “Yeah, you do know he spent months reading all sorts of books just to impress you right? He isn’t actually as smart as he pretends to be. He just memorizes a bunch of stuff the days leading up to your date.”

You huff in annoyance, “Yeah, I knew that on our first date when he took me to that French film. But I don’t love him because he can tell me facts about the mesozoic era. I love him because he’s him.”

Nancy and Robin share a knowing look.

“You love him?” Robin whispers.

“What?”

“You just said you love him,” Nancy clarifies.

You breathe in deeply before letting it out, the weight of what you said finally sinking in. “Yeah, I do. I really do.”

Both girls squeal as they pull you into a hug, face masks and nail polish quickly forgotten. 

You fall asleep that night knowing the next time you see Steve you’ll tell him. Tell him how much you love him and how he means to you.

_

Unfortunately for you and Steve, you aren’t able to spend any time alone lately. Work is crazy for the both of you and any time you have off it’s spent with the group. While you love spending time with your friends, you’re dying for a second alone with Steve. A second that only you both can cherish when you finally tell him how you feel. 

You’re hoping you can finally catch a moment alone with Steve at the summer bonfire by Lover’s Lake. Almost every young adult in Hawkins comes out of hiding for this annual bonfire, usually thrown by college kids as a final hurrah before summer break is officially over. You hung out with Nancy and Robin for a while and meet some new people, but you’re aren’t able to find the one person you want to see. You finally spot him parking his car and hurriedly shoving his family video vest in the trunk, but before you call out to him you’re blocked by a freckled boy wearing a smug smile. 

“Well if it isn’t the new genius of Hawkins,” the boy teases, voice filled with malice.

You smile politely, “I’m sorry you’re–”

“I’m Hagan. Tommy Hagan, surprised Steve hasn’t mentioned me considering we used to be the best of friends before he became a loser.”

You’ve heard about Tommy, mostly through passing from Nancy and Jonathan and based on Steve’s disgruntled face every time his name was mentioned, you decided Tommy Hagan wasn’t worth your time. 

“How can I help you?” You ask in a monotone voice to show how disinterested you are. 

Before Tommy can start you feel a pair of arms wrap around your waist and lips brush against the side of your head. You turn to see Steve’s grimace at Tommy before his eyes soften landing on you. 

“Hi hon,” he whispers gently, his left arm moving from caressing your hip to soothing the ache in your shoulder. 

“Hey baby.” For a second it’s just the two of you lost in each other’s eyes, you wonder if everyone else can see how lovesick you are for Steve. Before you can whisk him away for yourself Tommy interrupts again.

“Damn, Harrington. Didn’t think I’d see you go all soft again after what Wheeler did to you.”

You rolled your eyes at the mention of Nancy. It’s been years, both Steve and Nancy were over it, being happy for each other and supporting each other as friends. Yet everyone still brought it up because they had no other dirt on Steve. 

“Didn’t know you were home for the summer Tommy,” Steve replies ready to end the conversation with his former friend. 

At this point you see Jonathan and Eddie glancing from their spot near the fire. Both of them looking at Steve, silently asking him if he needed them. Steve shakes his head at them and squeezes your shoulder readying to lead you away. 

“Yeah, summer is the only time I have off now. Between college and my internship. It’s hard out there man, but you wouldn’t know that, would you?” Tommy smirks knowingly as he pushes Steve’s buttons. He knows college has always been a sore spot for Steve especially since he was still stuck working at Family Video. 

Steve grunts in response hoping his disinterest is enough to stray Tommy away from the both of you, but with Steve’s luck Tommy turns his attention to you. 

“Surprised he can keep up with a genius like you sweetheart.”

You wrinkled your nose in disgust, the term of endearment turning sour coming from a mouth other than Steve’s.

Tommy continues to go on, swaying from the few too many drinks he’s had. “Did he tell you he barely passed high school? His dad complained to mine about how much of a disappointment he turned out to be. Can’t even get a job at his dad’s firm with the brain he has.”

Steve loosens his grip around your shoulder, cheeks flushing in embarrassment. 

“You’re telling me your girl hasn’t caught on to the kind of screw up you are Harrington? You sure she’s a genius, or maybe you found someone that aligns with your IQ.”

At this point everyone is watching the words fly out of Tommy’s mouth, some snickering others shooting Steve looks of pity. Tommy Hagan is ripping him to shreds in front of everyone and yet all he can focus on is you. A look of disappointment mixed with frustration glazing over your otherwise sweet disposition. He sees his friends pushing their way through the crowd but before they could defend him he hears your honey like voice calling out for Tommy. 

“What university did you say you go to, Tommy?” you ask sweetly.

“Indiana University of Business,” he smirks behind his beer.

“And I’m assuming your daddy paid for it? Cause you sure as hell didn’t get into school by your merit, considering you spent most of high school with your head so far up people’s asses that you couldn’t get enough oxygen to your brain. Hence, why you and your stupid ass are still playing into high school politics at your grown ass age.”

The smugness on Tommy’s face disappears. 

“And what do you want to do with your future Tommy? Join daddy’s business? Turn out exactly like him? Cause last I heard he spends more time with his new family than he does with you. Maybe he finally got a child he actually loves.”

You knew it was a low blow, bringing up Tommy’s family issues, but you couldn’t care less. After everything he said to Steve, he had it coming and you only wish you were around in high school so you could’ve put him in his place earlier. 

You heard a low whistle from Eddie, “Well guess the shows over folks. And looks like we have a clear winner.”

People start clearing out going back to mind their own business and you grab Steve’s arm leading him far away from Tommy’s frozen stance. 

“Guess the secret’s out,” Steve mumbles.

“Huh?”

“Now you know I’m not really smart, so..” he trails off.

You smile, arms twisting around his waist pulling him close. “You know, I’ve met a lot of smart people in my life, but don't you dare, even for a second take Tommy’s words to heart. Because I know you, and I know that you’re the greatest person I’ve ever met.”

Steve pinches your chin, holding your gaze before whispering out a shy “yeah?” 

You hear the insecurity laced in his voice as you nod fervently. “I kinda figured you weren’t as smart as you let on from our first date, but I said yes because even though you aren’t a brainiac you have a heart of gold. I see the way you take care of the kids, how you take care of your friends. And I love how you take care of me. I love you and everything about you, Steve Harrington.”

Steve blushes, his cheeks turn a rosy hue as he grabs your waist pressing his lips to yours in a kiss so sweet you think you’ll get a toothache. 

“You really love me?”

“I really do.”

Steve presses another kiss before murmuring out an I love you against your lips.

Yeah, Steve Harrington is stupid. Stupidly in love with you. 

[dribs-and-drabbles]

I'm in a dodgy hotel with bad wifi and somewhat bored, so I thought I'd come up with a list of things that I wish I could get from GMMTV but I know I won't.

A reveal towards the end of a series that two friends of the main couple have been dating the whole time (think Warm/Cop from Perfect 10 Liners or Mick/Beer from We Are).

Fourth and Gemini in something more serious like Moonlight Chicken.

POLY. DAMMIT.

Lift and Papang playing father and son. (Look at their beautiful faces!). And let them both have romances.

Older queer romance as the main storyline - and when I say older I mean actual 40+ and not a 'second chance at love because first love left/died' but just two people who never really found their person meeting later in life and clicking.

Dance themed but with actors/actresses who can actually dance - and preferably contemporary dance (I don't know if you realise how homoerotic that can be) but it could also be traditional Thai dancing (rather than tpop/idol style).

Short-haired/butch Sapphics.

Produce Jeab's swansong series.

A character/storyline which makes AMPLE use of Phuwin's Mandarin and English (or any other actor proficient in other languages) - shows include thai subtitles for northern dialects so why not more than the usual token foreign language.

In fact, I'll go further to say: Utilise the different languages of the foreign actors who play supporting roles rather than make them speak English and try to fob them off as American. If they're Italian, let them speak Italien. If they're Dutch let them speak Dutch. Etc.

MIX-UP BRANDED PAIRS. Book/Drake. Fluke Nattanon/Inn. Or Fluke Nattanon/Ohm Thipakorn. Jimmy/Mix. (You see my vision). Satang/Title. Victor/Great. JOONG/OHM PAWAT. (They might be TOO powerful). Etc, etc etc.

Take Max from Be My Favourite as a foundation for a lead character for Aou.

GIVE PEPPER A FAEN.

Nanon and Mark Pakin leading a bl. Look I'd even take a bromance if Nanon doesn't want to do bl. Better still if Nanon is in drag/cross-dresses/is a trans woman. This must be serious though. Not played for laughs. (I'm thinking an aged up version of the sides in About Youth).

MORE POSITIVE ASEXUAL REP.

DEAR GOD let AJ and JJ lead a show together. Maybe a comedy bl/het with either mistaken identity or deliberate confusion because they're pretending to be one person but fall in love with different people/genders.

Jus Justina in another show. Preferably leading. (She screenwrites and directs, so might not act again).

More Ployphach…maybe with Jan in a GL if she'll do one.

Peaceful Property Our Skyy 3 edition with their friends-to lovers story set 6 months after the end of the show.

An unhinged female ensemble show - I don't care if it's romance or not, I want badass women working together or in support of each other other. Maybe with JoJo directing.

POPPY.

Please and thank you 🙏🏽

[maddymoreau]

Rambling about Johnathon’s Concept Art:

I love the little note in sketch #1. Posture & Attitude.

While I enjoy how expressive and adorable his body language is in all these drawings OH GOD I can only imagine the amount of back pain he must have!!

Johnathon 🤝 Me hunching over while working.

In drawing #8. I like how he’s the kind of guy to hold his arms behind his back while standing idly. Idk I think it’s cute when people do that!!!

I LOVE ALL THE DIFFERENT WAYS HIS HAIR AND BEARD ARE STYLED!!! I’d say #9. is my favorite!!!!

I also really like #2. #3. #6. and #12.

Speaking of #12. I LOVE the detail of the pen leaking an ink spot and him checking the pen!!!

I’m also OBSESSED with the wardrobe they gave him ♡(〃•ॢ 〃•ॢ 〃)!!! I feel like older men in movies are often given very plain colors. So seeing a bunch of different vibrant colors and patterns makes me SO HAPPY!!!!

So much of his personality is shown through his wardrobe and the care he puts into his appearance. Which makes the fact he loses it so much bigger!!

His more casual/summer outfits have me twirling my hair and kicking my feet (⁄ ⁄•⁄﹃ ⁄•⁄ ⁄)⁄♡!!!

ALSO IN DRAWING #2. HE HAS TATTOOS!!!! Sadly they only appear in that drawing but I think they really suit him and are so cool looking!!!

Can I just say I adore how passionate he is about his work!!! Johnathon gives me vibes he’s the kind of person who works in organized chaos. Messy to everyone else but him!!

Babygirl pose.

Also like the detail in #13. where he’s surrounded by crumbled up paper. Clearly tired and stuck on work.

I LOVE THAT THEY GAVE HIM FRECKLES!!!

(⸝⸝⸝⚆﹃ ⚆⸝⸝⸝)♡ The Spot describes himself as handsome by scientist standards but I just think he's SUPER HOT in general!!!

[zosan-secondchances]

The Pirate King of the North: Part 14

Main Themes: V̷̨͈̘̻̂i̴̗̯̅͒l̸̳̾l̶̲̣͈̉̎͊ä̷̧̭̫̘ḯ̵̜̯̬̜͚̓̀̽n̶̛͚̦̯̈́̄̍͜ ̴͎̭͎̄͜Ś̶̲͆̈́̋ạ̵̢̉ń̵̨̘̲̫̮̎j̶̻̮̝̳̐̊͑͠͝ͅǐ̴̝̱, Alternate Universe, Zosan Ship

Warning: Long post ahead and some One Piece spoilers. Contains strong language and explicit content.

Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15

All eyes fell on Sanji as the trio are led inside and through the city, escorted by Wyper and a handful of the God's Guards. Normally, entering any form of settlement involves the occasional parade that his people would arrange for him in countries that allied to Germa. For those that aren't, he wears a hood to cover himself with for a discreet way in. This was different. It was the middle of the day and he was in chains with no way to protect his identity.

The frightened citizens whisper suspiciously among each other. Those who are along the stone path part way for them, while some hurriedly carry their young ones inside their houses and lock their doors and windows behind them. From an outsider's perspective, it looks like he'd been arrested and is sent on a humiliating march through the city. Sanji felt exposed and vulnerable. He considers turning around while the exit is closeby.

The weight and the cold temperature of the chains doesn't help. He feels the urge to tear the bloody things off his wrist, and hopes to get their business with Gan Fall out of the way so they can leave and take the restraints off him as soon as possible.

A wave of uneasy pain surges through his body as he sees a flash of Doflamingo's wide grin appear in front of him again. He resists the instinct to flee and focuses on the sensations of his feet, placing one foot forwards one step at a time. Not wanting to be alone, he steels his heart and commits. He tries to keep calm and stay emotionless, knowing that his every move is being watched behind the citizens’ judgemental eyes.

Wyper glances next to him and notices his discomfort. He clears his throat to get his attention.

Wyper 

It's not a long walk to see God. I've sent word ahead to get a place ready for you lot to sleep in–if you're staying for the festival.

Sanji curiously blinks at him, feeling relieved and comforted at the hospitality being offered to them.

Sanji

Thanks, but that's not up to me. Run it through with Trafalgar Law.

Wyper 

Aren't you in charge? Being Pirate King and all.

Sanji mildly chuckles.

Sanji

That title doesn't mean shit to me. I'm just trying to help out a friend.

Wyper raises a brow.

Wyper

Aren't you trying to recruit pirates under your rule to wage war against the Celestial Dragons and take over the world?

Sanji

Now that's an idea. But where the hell did you hear that from?

Wyper 

The papers.

Sanji

The pa–?! Okay, first off, don't believe everything you read from that. I think Morgans hate me for not signing off the rights to use our image to make his silly comics.

Wyper

Morgans?

Sanji

Have you not heard his name? He's in charge of printing out that poor excuse of a newspaper.

Wyper shrugs, looking unbothered.

Wyper 

Don't care about who runs it. We just need the information to know what's going on around the world.

Sanji

You should very much care! You said that I'm not bad in real life–your words, not mine! What does that tell you about the stuff you read?

Wyper 

That you're a sneaky bastard, probably.

Sanji gasps sarcastically and throws his hands to cover his mouth.

Sanji

You might have just figured me out, Wyper of the God's Guards.

The warrior lets out a small lighthearted chuckle, feeling a bit proud of himself. After a brief pause, Wyper speaks.

Wyper

Hey uh…what’s a “comics”?

They proceed to discuss the topic of entertainment and other content in the WENP for the next five minutes of their walk. Zoro notices their banter from a short distance behind them, walking alongside the doctor who's quietly paying attention to their surroundings.

Then he sees it–that big stupid smile that Sanji brings out that he loves so much. The blonde laughs at something that Wyper had told him, making Zoro scowl. Watching the two of them get along should bring him some comfort that his friends are getting along, but for some reason, this interaction makes him want to hurl the warrior over the valley of the city so he can take his place.

Law

Interesting…

Zoro

Tch.

The swordsman grumpily crosses his arms and tears his gaze away from the two. Desperate for a distraction, he entertains Law.

Zoro

What's interesting?

Law

Wyper is relaxed around the Pirate King.

Zoro

So?

Law

So…look.

Law nods his head towards the crowd who are eyeing them. While the people still part to give way along the path, none of them are running back into their houses. Some have simply glanced towards them and paid them no mind, continuing on their day as usual.

Law

With our God's Guard friend at ease, people seem to be more tolerable of our presence now. At least they're not running away anymore.

The swordsman mumbles grumpily under his breath and glances back to Wyper and Sanji. The blonde looks over his shoulder and meets his eye. Zoro flinches and quickly looks away shyly. He feels the temperature around his face rise.

As they arrive at an open clearing with hundreds of Shandian teepees scattered through the field, one of Wyper’s men runs from behind them to stride alongside the warrior. He leans over and cups his hand to whisper something in his ear. They slow down their walk until they stop. Everyone follows.

Wyper

Ah…that’s a shame.

Wyper waves a hand to dismiss the guard who salutes and runs off. He turns his attention to Zoro.

Wyper

Zoro, I was hoping to have a surprise for you, but unfortunately it didn't quite work out.

Zoro

A… surprise…?

Wyper

One of the other Straw Hats–Nico Robin–was here to study ancient ruins and some of our relics.

Zoro

Robin's here? Why didn't you tell me sooner?!

Wyper

She was. I was too focused on the immediate threat–

Sanji raises an unimpressed brow towards him. Wyper clears his throat to correct himself.

Wyper 

Immediate… situation.

Zoro

So where is she now? What did you mean when you said it didn't work out?

Wyper 

Apparently she'd been gone for at least a week now. I thought she'd at least say goodbye so we didn’t know that she’d already left.

Zoro

Do you know why?

Wyper shrugs his shoulders.

Wyper 

No. Sorry.

Zoro sighs in disappointment as he remembers Nami's advice to keep in touch more often. What he would do right now to be in the presence of someone familiar who he can truly trust. If he had spoken to Robin earlier, maybe she could have told him her current whereabouts and that she could have stayed a bit longer to see him.

Now of all times would be the perfect time to gather allies. He considers reaching out to Luffy to see if they can reunite the Straw Hats to take down Doflamingo for Sanji's sake.

Wyper

All I know is that she was here to learn more about our ancient civilization and the island's Poneglyph.

Zoro

I see. That does sound like her.

Wyper 

I like your new ship by the way. The other one had charm but–

Zoro

THE SUNNY WAS HERE?!

Wyper 

Do you not know where your crewmates are? I thought you knew from what you told me earlier.

Zoro

I guess I don't know as much as I thought I did.

Was anyone else with her?

Wyper

Err…some big metal guy with blue hair? Fran-something or other. They seem close.

Zoro groans out loud, beating himself up for missing out yet another friend he could have caught up with.

Zoro

Franky….

Wyper

That's the one.

Let's continue this conversation inside. We've arrived.

Wyper approaches one of the teepees–while it’s made of the same material and is decorated similarly compared to the other dwellings, it’s slightly bigger than the rest. He pulls back the piece of canvas to reveal an opening for them to enter through.

Sanji expected a temple or a palace of sorts–a place fitting for a “God” as they called their leader. He was surprised at how humble the home looked from the outside and the inside. Near the entrance, there is a dedicated sleeping area with a stack of pillows and blankets over a fur rug, and at the far side there are small wooden shelves and drying racks stocked with essential food ingredients.

Sitting in the middle of the small dwelling is an old man with a long beard wearing a well crafted full body metal armour. He has a large platter of various fresh fruits on a wide tree stump table in front of him. Next to him is a winged woman with blonde hair and two orbs sticking out of it which look like her antennas. She looks like she's in the middle of feeding the older man a piece of fruit from the platter using a small fork.

Wyper walks after Zoro, Sanji and Law, squeezing into the small cloth tent. He stands by the far side and takes a small bow.

Wyper 

Old man…we talked about this. Why are you in full armour?

Old Man

Old habits die hard I'm afraid.

You've brought guests!

Wyper

Yes, I sent a message ahead. Didn't you get it?

Woman

We got it, but…

Oh my, is that you–Zoro?!

The woman hurriedly drops the utensil and scrambles up on her feet. She runs to the swordsman, giving him a big and tight hug.

Zoro pats her head and grins widely.

Zoro

Conis. It's been years.

The winged woman releases him and places her hands on her chest. She gives him a warm-hearted smile.

Conis 

I never thought I'd see you again!

Zoro turns to the old man and gives him a courteous bow.

Zoro

Gan Fall. It's good to see you.

From what I hear though, should we be addressing you as something else?

Gan Fall stands on his feet, albeit unsteadily until the blonde woman catches him and holds him up by the arm.

Conis

Careful!

Gan Fall

Ah, the world's greatest swordsman–Roronoa Zoro!

Are these your friends? Please, join us!

Conis carefully guides the old man back to sit in front of the tree stump table and settles herself next to him. Zoro stands aside so Law and Sanji can take his place standing in front of Gan Fall.

Wyper

God, these are Zoro's companions, Trafalgar Law and the Pirate King of the North. They're both from the North Blue.

Law and Sanji take turns bowing to Gan Fall as their names are called.

Gan Fall

You've come a long way!

No need to be so formal, Wyper. Sit! Sit! Any friend of Zoro’s is a friend of ours.

Wyper gestures for the trio to follow. They sit on the pillows and rugs laid around the tree stump. The sounds of the restraints clinking from Sanji's wrists catch the old man's attention.

Gan Fall

Oi, why's this one in chains?!

Wyper

He's the one who destroyed the sacred site just outside Upper Yard.

Gan Fall

Aha! Oh, that old thing. Don't worry, the grass will grow back. And those old ruins aren't of much use. We need to expand the city anyway. It's getting awfully crowded in the valley. Also, they're a sight for sore eyes! Good riddance, I say!

Wyper 

Gan Fall!

Sanji had felt nervous meeting their “God”, not wanting to become enemies so quickly with another country's leader. While he'd normally have more confidence introducing himself to new folks, the guilt of his earlier actions, among other things, have taken a significant impact on his morale. After hearing the old man's words, however, he felt a heavy weight off his shoulders. He returns his kindness with a bow.

Sanji

You're too forgiving, Your Highness.

Gan Fall

But your name is too long–Pirate North something or other–what can I call you?

Sanji chuckles in a deep low voice. He closes his eyes and opens them after a brief pause.

Sanji

I like you, Your Grace. Just call me S–

Gan Fall

Northy! That's easier to remember than...what–King North of the Pirates! And please, Just “Gan Fall” will do. Or Grandpa–like a lot of the other kids do! Haha!

Sanji

Sss…sure.

Zoro blinks at Sanji, then turns away with a grumpy pout,  frustrated at missing out an opportunity to potentially learn the man's true name. He tells himself that at least he has another clue now.

Wyper sits himself next to Zoro. The warrior leans over and whispers to him.

Wyper 

Err…Zoro, the Sky Knight that you remember may not be the same as before…. His memory hasn't been… reliable.

Zoro quietly nods in acknowledgement, feeling pity for the old man. When he looks up, Conis is plating various fruits from the platter and distributing them around the table.

Gan Fall

Eat! Eat! Don’t wait for my account. You must be weary from the journey.

…So to what honour do we owe the greatest swordsman and his friends?

Zoro rubs the back of his neck awkwardly.

Zoro

I'm not…the greatest swordsman. Not yet anyway.

Gan Fall

Nonsense! You are in our eyes, young man. You took part in saving the entire country from a tyrannical rule. What more can be greater than that? I wouldn't be here if it weren’t for your efforts. Don’t forget that.

Zoro stares at him blankly. He'd genuinely hoped to have returned to Skypiea with the title officiated but Gan Fall's statement left him flattered. Speechless, he smiles warmly at him and starts digging in on his food.

Sanji smirks at Zoro's reaction, feeling happy to see that someone else agrees with him that he’s already the greatest of all swordsmen. He pulls out a cigarette. As he was about to light it, the old man held his hand up.

Gan Fall

Ah-ah. We don't do that here, Northy.

Sanji

Oh–sorry. How rude of me…. I should have asked first. I'll–

Gan Fall

We do this here! Bwahaha!

Gan Fall shuffles around in his waistband and procures a small enclosed bag, tossing it onto the table in front of the blonde. It falls open, revealing buds with a distinct strong scent that Sanji is too familiar with. With his other hand, he leans over and grabs one of the long wooden pipes leaning on a nearby shelf and begins stuffing its chamber with the contents from the bag. Sanji grins widely and turns to Zoro.

Sanji

Oh, I definitely like him.

Conis

Gan Fall!

Gan Fall

What? It's time for my medication! And in my house, we share!

—

Gan Fall's home has a layer of cloudy smoke inside after a couple of hours catching up. The group had become more loose and relaxed under the exposure of Gan Fall's “smoking ceremony”. The swordsman had politely declined on taking a puff but he's happily sharing a large jug of sake with Wyper. Sanji had finally caught up on food that he's skipped for the entire day, and Law felt more energised having directly shared some of Gan Fall's “medication”. “For research,” the doctor insists.

Sanji

Old man, this hits different. Where do you get your stock?

Gan Fall

Hah! As if I'd tell you. If you want to take some home, forget it. You'd just have to visit me more often! Haha!

He leans over and whispers in Sanji's ear…loudly.

Gan Fall

Because you know…I grow them myself. I got a little garden behind some tall corn stalks so Conis can’t find–

Conis

I heard that!

Gan Fall

Let me have my fun, woman!

Conis and Zoro eventually fall into a conversation about the good old days and their recent doings. She proudly shared news of her position as a waitress in a local establishment called the Pumpkin Cafe. She welcomes the trio to come down any time for a treat, to which Zoro promises to drop by at some point.

After a while, Gan Fall finally turns to Law to continue their conversation about Corazon.

Gan Fall

The Marines, huh? We don't get a lot of those up here. They invite trouble.

Wyper nods on the side in agreement as he takes a swill from the jug of sake.

Law

So I've been told.

Corazon may have not dressed like one. He has shaggy blonde hair, wears distinct makeup–wide red lipstick, dark blue spiky shapes on one side of his face–does any of that ring a bell?

Gan Fall

A…bell? Oh! Wyper, is it time?!

Wyper

No, that's not what he meant…we don't ring the other bell until tonight. Trafalgar Law here is asking about a Marine, Corazon…remember?

Gan Fall runs a hand down his beard, thinking carefully.

Gan Fall

Hmm… Corazon… hmm….

Oh, is that one of our saviors, Roronoa Zoro?!

Conis takes a sharp breath in. Zoro blinks at him and sets his jug of sake down.

Conis

Alright, I think you're overdue for your afternoon nap, God. Please–

Gan Fall

Nonsense! We have to entertain our guests!

Conis

Oh…

Sanji takes a long puff from their shared pipe and sets it down on the table gently. He breathes out and eyes the old man up and down. With a gentle voice, he speaks.

Sanji

You were just saying you wanted a nap, Gan Fall.

Gan Fall stares at him.

Gan Fall

Oh, of course! Of course.

Law

But…

Wyper stands abruptly.

Wyper

I was afraid of this… Law, we can try asking more about your Marine friend again tomorrow.

Gan Fall

Wait!

Everyone stills and looks at the old man.

Gan Fall

I don't know about a “Corazon”, but there was a group of Marines that came down here a long time ago. Around thirty years ago, I think. Troublesome bunch. They’re not the first of the navy to visit, but that lot in particular stuck to me…. I think one of them was prone to fire.

Law

F–fire…?

Gan Fall

Yes. I saw the whole thing. This tall handsome man was just trying to light up his cigarette but he somehow spontaneously combusted into flames.

Law

That’s him!

Gan Fall

Hah! Your friend is quite clumsy isn’t he?

…Oh yes, I think it’s coming back to me now!

Gan Fall continues to run his hand over his long beard and closes his eyes, thinking deeply.

Gan Fall

Well, that man was kind enough from what I saw, but the others…they wanted to take and weaponise Nola! The poor girl. They drove her out of her own home to try to capture her. That or they just wanted to study the burrow where she was born. No one has ever stepped foot in there and come out alive, not to our knowledge…. It is said to be home to the “heart” of Sky Island.

Law

Nola… the giant snake?

Gan Fall

Don't worry, she's completely harmless! You're free to visit her old burrow if you wish.

Mind you…I don’t know what lurks in the old girl’s burrow anymore…. Tread carefully.

Sanji

Marimo, do you think your archeologist friend may have checked it out?

Zoro

I honestly wouldn’t know.

Wyper

I didn’t even know of its existence until just now….

Gan Fall

You wouldn’t know where it is unless you know what to look for.

At that, Gan Fall stands. He walks around weakly and kneels in front of Law who sheds a nervous sweatdrop on the side of his brow. The old man reaches out and points a finger onto his chest.

Gan Fall

Whatever you find in there, please, take good care of it.

Law

"It"? Do you have a clue what we'll find?

Gan Fall gives him a warm smile and stands. When his legs wobble, Conis runs and holds his arms stead just in time.

Gan Fall

Something…ancient. If it’s still there.

If you’re destined to find it, you will reach it. Follow the path of the rainbow serpent.

Oh and uh…

The old man turns his gaze to Sanji.

Gan Fall

I'll trust you to keep the bag. The effects should wear off in a couple of hours…unless you have another way of sobering up. Hah!

At that he winks at the blonde and turns away, walking towards the pile of beddings where Conis gently sets him down to rest. Wyper takes one last swill from the jug of sake before clearing his throat.

Wyper

What's it to be, Trafalgar Law? Are you staying?

Law turns his gaze to the swordsman who shrugs.

Zoro

The festival could be fun if you're up for it. Unless….

Zoro and Law both look at Sanji who is stuffing his pocket with the bag that Gan Fall had left him.

Sanji

What?

Zoro

The longer we stay here, the longer you have to put up with those…things.

He nods towards the chains between the blonde's wrists.

Sanji

Y'know, the smoking ceremony made me forget about the stuff. I feel lighter.

Zoro

You’re just…okay with them now?

Sanji

I didn’t say that…. It just makes it more…bearable, I suppose.

Law

So you don't mind if we stay longer?

Sanji

I didn't say that either… but…

He looks down worriedly, trying to think of where Niji may be. What he needs is time to gather his thoughts and somehow find a way to sneak out by himself to look for his brother.

Sanji

I…guess there’s no reason not to stay?

He forces a smile, trying to hide his ever increasing anxiousness.

The doctor sighs and turns to Wyper.

Law

We'll stay but leave at first light.

Wyper 

Good. I'll show you to your hut.

—

Wyper escorts the trio towards an isolated side of the city within the perimeter of the valley. The area opens up to an untouched jungle with a small hut in the middle of a clearing. When they arrive inside, they find their belongings already transported and piled neatly in a corner of a cozy living area.

Wyper

It's a little off from town but I figured you'd want some quiet.

Zoro

Thanks Wyper. We appreciate it.

Wyper

I’m required to return to my duties but if you need me, I’ll be in the city.

Law

Thanks.

Zoro-ya, Mr. Prince-ya, I need to contact the Polar Tang to check on my crew. Don’t bother me or do anything dumb while I’m busy.

At that, Law grabs his pack and hurries into a room closest to the exit then locks the door behind him.

Zoro hoists his own bag over his shoulder and bends over to pick up Sanji's out of habit. Upon remembering that there’s no longer a reason to sleep together in the same room, he stops. He stands and takes the farthest room without a word, avoiding eye contact.

Wyper 

Uh…Zoro, that's the bathroom.

Zoro

I KNEW THAT!

Zoro shyly shifts into the room next to it and slams the door behind him.

Sanji chuckles and walks over to his own bag. Wyper eyes him and rubs the back of his neck, hesitant to say something.

Sanji

I assume that I’m not allowed to take a break from these?

He holds up his wrists and shakes the shackles side to side, showing Wyper what he's referring to.

Wyper

Sorry, you’re still within the city boundaries. I know you like Gan Fall but if you noticed, he didn't tell me to remove them from you.

Sanji groans.

Sanji

I did notice, actually. I just…

His eyes glance towards the swordsman’s room.

Wyper

What?

Sanji

It’s kinda hard to change with it on.

Wyper

Oh… in that case…

Wyper takes a step forward, nearly closing the distance between them.

Sanji

Woah–wait, wait, wait. What are you doing?

Wyper

I’m taking them off for the moment so you can change your clothes.

Sanji

That’s…allowed?

Wyper

If it’s done quickly.

The warrior raises a hand and offers it to him.

Wyper

So?

Sanji hesitates. After a brief pause, he places a hand in Wyper’s.

Wyper smirks at him and gently pulls him closer. With his other hand, he fishes out the key from his pocket and begins unlocking the restraints from the blonde’s wrists slowly, never breaking eye contact.

Wyper

If you want, I can help you dress down too.

Sanji’s eyes dart to Zoro’s room.

Sanji

I…

A heavy thump catches his attention. When he looks down, his wrists feel a lot lighter and his binds have fallen onto the wooden floor. A wave of relief washes over him. He rubs and stretches his now free hands, appreciative to have a small moment without the cursed things.

Suddenly, he feels hands slide up to his elbows as his body gets pulled flush against the warrior’s.

Wyper

So what’s it going to be?

Sanji can’t help but smirk at him.

Sanji

You do this with all your prisoners?

Wyper

You’d be the first.

As Wyper angles his head and makes his move, Sanji quickly places a finger between their lips, blocking him.

Sanji

I’m going to need some privacy. And…space.

The warrior blinks at him and quickly takes a step back. He averts his gaze.

Wyper

S–sorry… I think I just had too much to drink.

Sanji eyes him up and down. He doesn’t detect any malice from the man so he takes a step forward, careful to maintain a short distance between them. He attempts to comfort him.

Sanji

Look, there’s just… a lot of things going on. I don’t want you to get all mixed up in all the mess. I’ve made a lot of those already.

I…actually thought you’re into the Marimo.

Wyper

Marimo…? You mean Zoro?

Well…yeah.

Sanji

Oh…

After a brief pause, the realisation dawns on him.

Sanji

OH!

Wyper shrugs his shoulders.

Wyper

If you two are up for it.

Sanji

Where have you been all my life?

You know, I would have taken you up on that offer earlier in the year but…

Wyper notices the blonde eye Zoro’s room once more. 

Sanji

I think it’s best if I… don’t mess up his life any more than I already have.

The warrior gives him a warm smile and nods in understanding. He turns his heel and walks to the exit.

Sanji

Oh…Wyper, I–

Wyper

No need to explain. But…the offer’s there.

Wyper gives him one last wink before opening the door.

Wyper

Can I trust you to have those shackles back on before you leave the hut?

Sanji

You’d… let me leave it off?

Wyper

As long as you’re in here. I know that it must have been painful for you to keep it on. I’m not dumb enough to try and put them back on you either, especially after all that trouble that you and your swordsman went through. But…you didn’t hear any of this from me.

See you later at the festival?

Sanji

Uh…y–yes.

At that, Wyper leaves and closes the door behind him.

Feeling exasperated from the day, Sanji runs his hands over his face and turns away from the door. He finds himself smiling.

Sanji

What the hell just happened?

----------

Due to health issues, I'll probably be slowing down on writing and drawing stuff for my fics 🙏 Thanks for reading!

[thechrysanthecandle]

so I just got done watching a Chants of Sennaar playthrough and

[5] But the Lord came down to look at the city and the tower the people were building. [6] “Look!” he said. “The people are united, and they all speak the same language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be impossible for them! [7] Come, let’s go down and confuse the people with different languages. Then they won’t be able to understand each other.”

—‭‭ Genesis 11:5-7 NLT‬‬

this game really said, "i see your bullshit and i raise you a solid 'nah'" and i'm so here for it. not assuming the devs' affiliation of course, but this game is a perfect deconstruction tool. like the player is actively undoing the damage that a powerful being caused when it put it's own selfish wants and desperation for worship over the well-being of humanity.

Exile used its abilities to foster prejudice and an environment of non-communication in the tower, and by doing so it ensured that it would remain safely/securely in power. after the traveler begins translating the languages and reuniting the floors, Exile begins to panic. it knows that this unity, humans working together for the greater good of all, would spell it's downfall/irrelevance.

“The people are united, and they all speak the same language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be impossible for them!

Only in a villain's mind would a united and organized people be a bad thing. In the bible, god took away people's ability to communicate with one another because he knew they would prosper together. but he also knew that this prosperity would mean they wouldn't need to rely solely on him. they accomplish great things by their own powers.

now imagine a villain in a story where their whole schtick is that they purposely cripple and abuse their own children. And the reason they (the villain) do so is because they want to continue being relied on and fawned over. everybody would be calling that character what they are; an abuser, a jealous narcissist, a psychopath.

but because we've slapped the label of "god" over those titles instead, people don't want to admit the truth of yahweh's character. christianity demands we read Genesis 11 and say "that's a father who loves us more than anything" and Chants of Sennaar shows is what that logic looks like played out. it's fucking insane.

and not only is it an analysis of yahweh's decree and actions, but it holds our hand as we actively undo/deconstruct/fix the damage done by it. at the end this game says "humans working together to make life better without fear of a narcissistic dictator is good actually" and i think that's real cool.

i love this game.

[faschionism]

‘Oh my God, this is what we needed’: the Zambia style granny who went viral

Sarah Johnson

5–6 minutes

Rainbow and gold coloured wedges, an electric blue wig and a black and hot-pink strapless gown are not what you would expect a grandmother in rural Zambia to wear. But Margret Chola, in her mid 80s, has become an internet sensation and accidental fashion icon after she agreed to swap clothes with her New York-based stylist granddaughter, Diana Kaumba.

Photos of Chola dressed in a red Adidas tracksuit, and wearing strappy high heels paired with blue Adidas socks and gloves, chunky sunglasses, gold chains and a crown first went viral when Kaumba posted them on her Instagram account in April last year.

“People were like, ‘Oh my God, who is this? This is what we needed.’”

A few days later, Kaumba set up an Instagram account for her grandmother, or Mbuya in the Bemba language, titled Legendary Glamma. It has more than 140,000 followers including singer Rihanna, the actor Jennifer Hudson, and the actor and film producer Viola Davis. Chola’s image has featured on the cover of magazines, on the BBC and in other media outlets, is printed on T-shirts, and Kaumba has appeared on TV talkshows.

Kaumba, who spends her time between the US and Zambia, hires a small team, which includes her nephew, to help her style and shoot Chola. She posts a new picture of her grandmother in a different outfit every other week as part of her granny series.

In the background of the photos are scenes from the family farm in the village of Mungule, just north of the Zambian capital, Lusaka.

Kaumba, 42, inherited a love of fashion from her father, a diplomat. When he got a job in New York, she was 20 and moved with him. There, she was exposed to glossy fashion magazines, which served as further inspiration.

While people outside Zambia celebrated Chola and were clamouring for more, the reaction in the southern African country was more critical. “The Zambian response was not positive at first,” remembers Kaumba. “People really judged me and they were laughing at me in Zambia. They asked, ‘Why would you do that [to your grandmother]? Why can’t you just leave her alone?’”

Chola’s view of herself has also changed. “She told me it has given her a second chance at life,” says Kaumba (pictured with Chola, left). “She has something to look forward to because, before, she would wake up with different pains and just talk about that. Now, you see this whole different kind of energy.”

This means a lot to Kaumba, who says Chola, who was not available to speak to the Guardian, has had a difficult life. She was raised by her grandparents, went to school until she was 12 and then for economic reasons was forced to marry a man in his 30s.

She gave birth to six children, started drinking heavily and eventually escaped the marriage. When Chola talks about it now, she becomes teary because of the trauma she went through. She had another son, but he died, aged 16. She now lives with Kaumba’s mother and has become the sole focus of Kaumba’s work when she goes back to Zambia.

[deliciousangelfestival]

Every Time You Lie - Ch 3 || Lloyd Hansen

Character: dark!Lloyd Hansen x female!reader, dark!Husband Lloyd Hansen x Wife!reader.

Synopsis: Any woman is jealous of you, especially with the status of being the wife of Lloyd Hansen—the CEO of the biggest pharmacy company in the country. From the outside, everyone sees you as a perfect family, a successful husband, two kids, and living in a big house. 

But the truth is different. You are trapped in this marriage because of the mistake you made. You are willing to give everything you have to get your freedom. Free from him. Free from your vicious mother-in-law. Free from your snobby son.

Both of them shouldn’t be together.

Warning: Betrayal, suicidal thought, harsh language, tragedy. Minors do not read. 18+

Author Note: I do not consent to copying or translating my work. 

Any reblog, comment, and feedback are appreciated. I want to know what you guys think.

Series Masterlist || Chapter 1, Chapter 2 , Chapter 3 ,Chapter 4 , Chapter 5 , Chapter 6 ,-

Main Masterlist || buy me Ko-fi 🥹💓

‘You’re not my type.’

Lloyd gritted his teeth; he held back the anger. You used to be obedient and never disrespect him like this. Now you turned into your old self. You said the same things the first time you met him. 

He brushed the back of your hair gently. His touch made you shiver and you uncomfortable. Lloyd lifted his finger to show you the ring.

“You married me, my love. You must be shocked. I understand it’s difficult for you to accept the fact. Don’t be afraid, I have hired the best doctor to treat you.”

Then he brings your hand to his lips and kisses your knuckles; his mustache tickled you. “So we could go back as we used to.”

You pulled back your hand after he said that: his gaze, actions, and everything he did scared you. You don’t understand why, but you feel helpless towards him. 

Lloyd, seeing you being silent made his heart ache more than ever. He’s afraid to kiss your lips and bring you into his arms. After being married, this is the longest time he is separated from you. He doesn't want you to see him as a creepy person. 

Both of you are husband and wife, for God's sake.

Everything he built has turned into a mess now. The empire he have, turned crumbled when there was no queen beside him. 

“I’ll leave and come back tomorrow.” Lloyd showed a sad smile and left you. 

You look at his back, he looks depressed. You want to feel sorry for him, but you can’t. Because right now, the one who needs to feel sorry for is you. 

Imagine you suddenly wake up and become a wife and mother. Your body is 42 years old, but your mind is still 21 years old. You don't know who your husband and your children are. To you, three of them are just strangers. 

The only people you want to see are Mia, Theo and Amelia.

Where are they? They’re not worried you got amnesia?

A lot of questions in your mind right now. You need to get out of the hospital. You hate it here.

“Urgh.” You growled with pain because when you moved your feet, it hurt so bad. You tried to press the button to call the nurse.

“Mother, what are you doing?” You turned your head and saw Emily and Lionel together. 

“Umm…” You feel awkward with them. It felt like a dream you have a grown up kids standing infront of you. 

“I want to walk, but it’s really painful.”

Emily immediately approached your bed, and she stopped you to make another move.

“You’re in a coma for four months. Because of the accident and lack of movement, it will hurt when you move any muscle. I will made appointment for physical therapist for your treatment.”

You looked at her and felt familiar. Her nose, her jawline, the way she speaks, and the little mole near her left eye. She looks just like you. 

“Thank you.”

Emily shook her head. “Don’t say that. You shouldn’t say that. It supposed to be me who…” She stops talking since tears from her eyes start dropping to the bed sheets. “I’m so glad you’re awake. I thought…. I lost you.”

After she said that, Lionel dropped to the floor, facing down, and cried.

Seeing both of them crying at the same time made you confused. You decided to open both of your arms and said, “Come here, both of you.” 

In just a second, two of them are in your arms. But it was Lionel who got all the space. He rested his head on your shoulder, and he wrapped his arms around you, “I’m sorry mother. I’m sorry. It’s all my fault.”

He keeps repeating these words. Since the accident, the guilt is eating him alive. He wished that it was him instead of you on that day. 

You want to cry when you hear his voice; you stroke his head. “It’s fine. I’m alright.” 

You sighed heavily, accepting the fact the moment you wake up you became a wife and a mother. 

"Shit, that fucking hurt." 

"I never heard her curse in my life." Lionel whispered to his sister. He and Emily are watching you exercising your leg with parallel bars. You tried to regain your strength and balance. 

Emily patted her brother's shoulder. "Anyone who just escaped death will have their personality to changed.”

Lionel saw you slipped away from the parallel bars. He moves fast to catch you. But you slapped his hand. You felt you hurt this boy's feelings. You apologize to him "Sorry, I'm still not used with this."

Lionel made a small nod and backed away. What you mean by 'with this' is you still can't accept the moment you wake up, and you become 40 years old without any memories.

He looked at Emily again, wanting to cry. All of this happened because of him. He decided to walk away and get some fresh air. 

Emily saw her brother leave the room. She felt bad seeing him depressed, but he needed to learn the consequences of his mistakes. It wasn’t his fault the car hit you. But if he didn’t insist to grab that damn shoes, none of this would’ve happened. 

It hurts her when she hears you have amnesia.

The way you look at her is also different. But Emily thinks it's a good thing. Because you became someone else. You seem confident and brave even though you still can't accept reality. She never sees this side of you. 

Before, you used to say yes to everything Lloyd said. You're an obedient wife. 

You're the best mother she ever knew, and she is grateful for that.

But how Lloyd, Krystal, and Lionel treated you is unfair. 

The life she had found out to be a lie. Emily used to see Lloyd as an awesome, strong, smart, and successful father. And he loves you so much. But after she grew older, she realized that what happened between both of you was not love.

It’s obsession and stubbornness. 

And her grandmother, Krystal. Emily never being close to her. She always heard her friends' stories about how their grandmother was so nice, always giving them allowance food and staying with them.

With Krystal, she doesn't have anything like that. There’s no such thing as a connection with her own grandmother. Even with all her high grades, trophies, and certificates, she never heard any compliment from Krystal. 

Lloyd and Krystal used you to get what they wanted, and they did. But they have to pay a price. That's the biggest secret in this family.

That's why she left. She felt ashamed of the horrible lie she had known for the rest of her life.

Lionel is almost the same as them, but Emily hopes he will change for good because of this accident.

‘Bzzt.’

Emily grabbed her phone and saw the name was Dr. Gabriel. He’s a senior doctor who is also in charge of you. “Good afternoon doctor.”

“Come to my office. There’s an annoying patient at my office right now. Could you check on him? I’m still giving class at the moment.”

Emily widened her eyes, she had never heard Dr.Gabriel sound annoyed and disrespectful towards any patients. He always being professional. She became curious about who the patient was. 

She turned off the phone and approached you. “Mom, I need to go. Don’t trained to hard.”

You nodded at her. “Yes. Don’t worry.” In your eyes, she’s a great kid. You’re grateful for having a smart and kind daughter. 

After Emily left, the therapist asked, “Do you want to rest?”

You shook your head and wiped the sweat from your head and hands. “Continue.” 

Even though it’s painful and you hold it in. It’s nothing compared with the feeling of knowing your father had died and you don’t have any memory of it. 

The doctor told you to have a bed rest for a few days before practicing to walk again. But you said no because you want to leave the hospital as soon as possible to see your father's grave tomb with your own eyes. 

You want answers.

Emily walks faster to Dr. Gabriel's office room. When she arrived, the nurse immediately gave the patient record to her. She opened the door, and a man was already sitting on Dr. Gabriel's chair, facing the window.

Since he’s a senior doctor, his space is bigger than anyone. Most of his patients are also rich and famous.

No wonder Dr.Gabriel sounded annoyed at the phone. This patient already makes this room like his own. She could feel the arrogance from afar. Seems like the patient noticed someone walking into the room. He turned his chair. “You’re late.”

The patient was taken aback for a moment because he had mistaken someone.

Emily cleared her throat. “Dr. Gabriel still giving a lecture righ now. He send me instead. I hope you don’t mind, Mr. Drysdale?”

Join the taglist:

@rubywrites-4, @marigarcia07, @chemtrails-club, @barnescamboy, @esotericgalaxy, @inlovewiththefictionalcharacters, @buckysteveloki-me, @xcaptain-winterx, @magnificentsaladllama, @bagoffeelings, @darkofimagination, @cherrybubblebullet, @starsofcloud ,@thatzolagirl

Any reblog, comment, and feedback are appreciated. I want to know what you guys think.

Series Masterlist || Chapter 1, Chapter 2 , Chapter 3 ,Chapter 4, Chapter 5 , Chapter 6 , -

Main Masterlist || buy me Ko-fi 🥹💓

[welcometololaland]

almost uploaded a picture of my bank statement instead of this header! happy days!

thanks for the tags @hippolotamus @kiwiana-writes @happiness-of-the-pursuit @rmd-writes

@nancygillianmvp @terramous @tellmegoodbye @freneticfloetry @beautifulhigh

@orchidscript @myheartalivewrites and @strandnreyes (don't think that was a real tag but i'm taking it anyway to force you to love me).

1. How many works do you have on Ao3?

49 (last time it was 46 but i feel like that isn't enough of a difference? disappointed in myself dfhskjh)

2. What's your Ao3 bodycount word count?

1,119,086 which does include some co-writes, but I also have around 200k of unposted WIP in my google docs so i'm counting it (including a fully written fic - someone put their hands around my neck and force me to edit it PLEASE).

3. Which fandoms do you write for?

red white and royal blue, 911 lone star, top gun maverick (flirting with winter's orbit always)

4. Top 5 fics by kudos?

the order of these has changed but not the identity:

Speak for Yourself (RWRB) (you know when eminem said he'd never be able to top My Name Is? this is my version of that)

Fifty First Dates (RWRB) (oodie agenda reigns supreme)

The RIng-In (Lone Star) (otherwise, lone star is in danger of being eviscerated from this top 5 lmao)

(Not) A Cinderella Story (RWRB) (NDAs are hot, apparently)

Cursed is a State of Mind (RWRB) (cursed caffeine is the main drawcard let's not lie)

5. Do you respond to comments?

i try my absolute best to. i am currently really behind and i apologise for that (the problem is, i reply to comments before i post anything and i haven't posted anything in ages).

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

serious answer - Contaminated

my answer - oh baby i'm a fool for you because we never find out if they actually watch twilight and that's a damn shame

7. What is the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

literally everything else - i don't really do open endings or sad endings! in the words of the great philosopher, skepta: "nah, that's not me."

8. Do you get hate on fics?

i used to, but i haven't in ages! thank god for that.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

yes, although i have to say i've been moving away from pwp lately. i feel my best smut is written into longer fics where the sex serves a plot or characterisation purpose within the frame of the overarching narrative.

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

yes, a RWRB/LS but i never finished it. ALTA is a veronica mars inspired tarlos fic which kind of feels like a crossover at times.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

not to my knowledge :)

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

yes! Phonography (Lone Star) has been translated, as has Baby, Make Your Move (Lone Star) and Warm Whispers (Lone Star). I'm very grateful to the incredible people who have made these translations happen - you are so talented.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic?

yes, many with @dustratcentral. I also wrote a chapter of a co-written fic with a whole bunch of incredible RWRB authors called never the same twice.

@rmd-writes and I have created (Un)Professional Services and (upcoming) Call Me (By Your Name).

The Rainbow Fish was co-written with @strandnreyes.

I love co-writing so much and I am always open to anyone who wants to give it a go!

14. What's your all time favourite ship?

me + my unposted wips.

15. What's a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

probably the aforementioned crossover which was apparently also my answer last time.

16. What are your writing strengths?

i'm allergic to giving myself compliments but i would say maybe dialogue/banter and worldbuilding.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

keeping things short. also, exposition.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

kinda scared to because i don't speak any other languages and i'm so hesitant to annoy my very talented multi-lingual friends with my annoying questions.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

we don't talk about that.

20. Favourite fic you've written?

probably still Love Game because the experience was just so amazing and i never wanted to stop writing it.

heaps of people have already done this so leaving an open tag and also a couple of suggestions under the cut but apologies if you've already participated or been tagged 7 million times:

@bonheur-cafe @theghostofashton @thebumblecee @indomitable-love @eclectic-sassycoweyes

@tailoredshirt @vineofroses @liminalmemories21 @mikibwrites @birdclowns

@ladytessa74 @basilsunrise @cold-blooded-jelly-doughnut @rosedavid @sanjuwrites

@alrightbuckaroo @three-drink-amy @marjansmarwani @dumbpeachjuice @doublel27

@lemonlyman-dotcom @blueink3 @ambiguouspenny @clottedcreamfudge @emmalostinwonderland

@sail-not-drift @inexplicablymine @celeritas2997 @cricketnationrise @reyesstrand

@goodways @carlos-in-glasses @heartstringsduet @sunshinestrand @sherryvalli

[nellie-the-toad]

so because i'm a little insane, i took a look at the different translations of the episode titles of season 5 (german, french, spanish). and most are literal translations (e. g. le pont -> the bridge), but some of them are actually quite revealing?!

now blabla, the translations might change and i do doubt they're all that significant, because i doubt the actual writers give feedback on them(?). but i still think it's worth sharing! i don't speak any more languages, but maybe there are more hints in the translations of the titles into non-romanic/non-germanic languages? please share if anyone has any insights because i love languages!!!!

ep.1: the crawl, die suche, mission de secours (rettungsmission), al rescate (zur rettung)

ep. 2: the vanishing of ....., la disparation de..., das verschwinden von

ep. 3: the turnbow trap, die turnbow falle, le piège

ep. 4: sorcerer, der zauberer, sorcellerie, hechicero (zauberer/medizinmann)

ep. 5: shock jock, der stromschlag, plan de choc

ep. 6: escape from camazotz, die flucht von Camazotz, s'échapper de camazotz

ep. 7: the bridge, die brücke, le pont

ep. 8: the rightside up, zurück in der realen welt, le monde à l'endroit, el mundo derecho

concerning ep. 1, it's interesting that really only in englisch they used "crawl" (as in: a motion of moving forwards or backwards). in german it's "the search", in french more something like "rescue mission" and in spanish (correct me if i'm wrong, my sibling is my source for this and they only had like 2 years of spanish at school and weren't all that good) it means "to the rescue". maybe this ep. is about rescuing max? by crawling? i don't fucking know i'll leave it to the theorists.

ep. 4 is really only notable because of the gendered implications of "sorcerer". so, in german they chose the masculine form (so you would expect a male wizard, unless they are using something called the "generic masculinum" in which case the gender of the person the title refers to could be anything). in french, they chose to just say "sorcery" and not gender it. and in spanish (again, might be wrong) they picked "hechicero", which can either be translated to the male version of sorcerer or it's the adjective (?). it would be rly interesting to know what the most common translation of "sorcerer" into spanish/french is, because it could also imply things like what kind of sorcery is at subject here. e.g. whether it's healing powers or more like dark magic. assuming the "sorcerer" in question is definitely male (because of the spanish/german translation), the ep. could be about will?

now the ep. 5 title in englisch has something to do with moderators/interviewers, a "shock jock" defined as someone with a mike and something funny, entertaining, "offensive", often comedic and even truthful to say, that simply for some reason pisses people off. for the record i have never heard this term before, but i'm not a native englisch speaker (thank god for that), so i dont really know anything about the history of this term/who it has been used for. but funnily enough in all three other languages it means something mostly unrelated. the german "der stromschlag" (literally "electric shock"), paired with the french (very similar as in spanish) "plan de choc" implies some plan involving electricity. but of course, there's the double meaning of being "shocked" (emotionally and physically/electrically).

now looking at ep. 8, i'm not that sure because i don't know the exact translation they used for the "upside down" respectively. in german, there's just no real equivalent, it's just called "the other side" (?). howeverrrrrr the german title for ep. 9 can be translated as "back in the real world", which to me sounds like the upside down was never "real" at all, just some dream? but you kinda have that also in englisch with them having chosen "right" instead of "down" as the opposite of up. so the "right" world already means something like "real". same in french/spanish, i think.

and yeah, that's it. let me know if there are other notable translations.

[jaceastrology]

The Sun In Houses

House 1: The Sun's House

-A natural born leader

-Bold Speaker

-Self centered and focused on self improvement

-Fiery temper as the Sun's ruler is Leo

-Proud even at the cost of hurting, or stabbing others to get ahead

-Passionate

-Lazy at the belief that you're so good you don't have to try

House 2: The House of Speaking

-Often people with this have a family member of great power. It is passed down. Family Oriented.

-Light illuminates your voice. Aiding in natural skill in speaking.

-Your words move people and lead them on a path of your making

-Your words can have a warmth and affection that convince those around you that you care for them. Your allies know that you have their back.

-It is easy to pursuade people to do your biding. Whether you mean well can be determined by other aspects/placements.

-The Ego will lead to difficulty seeing others points of view, disrupting your entire family life even in-laws

House 3: The House of Mind

-This person is greatly influenced by their environment. And easily swayed by others opinions.

-Needs to be the focus, or can suffer in a siblings shadow

-Take pride in their intelligence often pursue education a very long time

-Trips to faraway places, interest in the culture/understanding of others

-A desire to understand the way others think

-Often negative and unpredictable

-Trouble understanding others emotions

-Gifted in foreign language, spoke earlier

-Strives to be loved by family and friends

House 4: The House of Home

-These people embody the Cancerian energy

-Crave a domestic life, where they care for the home and have security

-The type of home they want depends on other aspects/placements

-Often traditional and want to carry on the family morals

-Happiness is their ultimate goal and they want comfort, safety

-Like Cancers they often feel insecure and are prone to worry. This is why they seek a safe shell to hide away in.

-Great improvement can be found by trusting in their self

-The love around you determines the faith you have in yourself

-Slow to success, slow to beauty, heart first success later

-Sacrifice for the ones they love

House 5: Creativity and self-expression/House of Pleasure

**Purpose in Life

-Artists often have this house

-People with Uranus influence will be wild and spontaneous, wanting to break free from the reigns of life

-Depending on the sign in this house, the person can have vitality, the ability to be young forever. Both looking young and having energy that lasts many years.

-They have youthful joy and seem to never grow old, a character representing this energy is Loki, the God of mischief. Who no matter how old he grows seems to be full of child-like playfulness.

-Message. Be who you are. Follow your heart. That's your path in life.

-The sign of this placement tells sexuality of the person

-You live life with color and passion, falling in love comes easy

-You want to experience all the beauty in the world

House 6: A Helping Hand

-This person lives a life of service to others

-Loving to be appreciated for who they are and what they do for others

-Cares about their health, often dieting and exercising. Career in wellness.

-Cannot be convinced to do another career, independent and self-assured

-Care to much about what others think of their efforts, easy to feel stressed/bad about themselves when not appreciated

-Position of authority, and careers where creation with their own two hands is needed

-High standards as a boss, perfectionism

-Workaholic

-Want to make the world a better place

-Obsessed with their image, must always appear well-kept

House 7: Commitment, Slow and Steady

-Highly confident

-Great professional partnership

-Ruled by Libra, this person is harmonious

-Feels fulfilled with connections to people and things (career)

-Seeks to bring others together even in times of conflict and darkness. A shining light of hope.

-Can persuade anyone

-House far away from the ascendant. Who you really are and who you appear to be are different. People misunderstand you and don't truly know you until they get close.

-Careers best suited to: Diplomats, Public Figures and Psychologists

-Luck in court if not afflicted. Life is fair to you. Good Karma.

-You tolerate much in the name of peace. Often leading to someone having power over you. The care you put in someone's expectations can make you lose yourself. Be careful of peer pressure.

-Indecisive, you never want to give up on what could've been

-You try to make everyone happy even at the cost of your own sanity. This is not your responsibility, let yourself be free of this burden.

-Choose a partner who empowers you, bcuz how they feel and their opinions sway you easily

House 8: Popularity

-You can make anything popular

-Underdogs do well in this placement, rising up the ranks quickly and unexpectedly

-A transformative placement as it is ruled by Scorpio. You delve deep into your psyche and those of others.

-The house governs shared resources. Your wealth is determined by the partnerships you make.

-Drawn to Scorpion interests such as astrology, tarot and the occult.

-You crave authenticity and deep emotional bonds. You are not satisfied by the superficial, or flings.

-You can read others like an open book

House 9: What Is The Truth?

-Forsee the future

-Life is an adventure and quest

-You search for the truth, by analyzing everything you come across

-It is hard to believe in anything as life is often changing and there are many perspectives. But, this person is not conflicted, just a chameleon of sorts.

-Blind faith is not in this person's house of cards, they must see it, or know it's truth to believe it

-The path to belief in a higher power, God and religion is a very hard one for this sun placement. As no one can see God. But, it's evidence of power is all around us. What is your truth?

-The eternal student

-High levels of education

House 10: The Arena, Public & Professional

-Life is but a series of ways to get ahead

-Drawn to successful people to further your reputation

-You must be efficient and successful at all your goals, while having the best reputation

-This placement may prove stressful, as perfectionism runs rampant

-Depending on the sign this will be a great struggle, or come naturally to you

-Career you are most suited for, and your qualities that people admire in this house

-Responsibility at a young age, or early rise to power

-Accountability for themselves and encourage it in others

House 11: Aquarian Energy, Hopes & Wishes

-A bond of intellect among friends. Your friends help you accomplish your wishes and move steadfast towards hope. Your greatest asset is other people.

-You like to share your knowledge of the world and leave a lasting impact

-Cold and distant from emotions, logic is your preference

-Belief in equality and the need to hear everyone out no matter where they come from

House 12: The Subconscious Pisces

-An invisibility cloak covers your sun sign. You can hide your true self from others and needs. This may lead to your success not being appreciated.

-Distance from others and the need to retreat to your own safe space

-It may be more fullfuling to you, to spend time invested in the things we can't see, than reality

-A daydreamer, you walk between worlds. Seeing what others can't.

-Often a major recluse, who daydreams, spaces out, and always has their mind elsewhere

-Creative pursuits are a great release for all the pent up energy

-You love to be seen and recognized for who you are, but spend your life hiding from the world

-Bad Karma. You misused your power in the past and now must live your life being hard on yourself. In the hopes that you will become a better person than you were before. *Past lives

-You must retreat from the stress of trying to make others understand you. Or, do you even want them to?

[softguarnere]

Fic Writer Interview

Thank you for the tag @mercurygray!

How many works do you have on AO3?

Currently 6, but hopefully that number will go up over spring break

What's your total AO3 word count?

119,136

What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Like A Girl (Like A Man) - Band of Brothers

Just A Kid - The Outsiders

Bear The Burden Alone - The Chronicles of Narnia

For Whatever We Lose - Band of Brothers

Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

Yes, absolutely! I share my writing because it allows me to connect with people who share my interests. If I'm not posting replies, it feels more like a one sided conversation, imo. Also, it seems the polite thing to do

What's the fic you've written with the angstiest ending?

It's about to be Like A Girl (Like A Man)! You'll see why soon >:)

What the fic you've written with the happiest ending?

On AO3, it's probably Bear The Burden Alone, but I try to keep the fics that I post here on Tumblr kinda upbeat with hopeful -- albeit open-ended -- endings.

Do you write crossovers?

Yeah! For Whatever We Lose is actually a crossover with The Pacific, and I'd love to do more crossovers in the future

Have you ever received hate on a fic?

Yep! I've deleted the comments, but some people were VERY ANGRY about the background Babe/Roe content in LAGLAM -- you know, despite the fact that the plot of the fic is driven by a queer woman's decision to cross-dress. Guess they had to draw the line somewhere, but the hypocrisy of it all makes me chuckle

Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Kinda? I deleted most of it from the original LAGLAM drafts and instead just alluded to it, but things are going to be different in FWWL. Get ready for crappy ocean metaphors and religious imagery, babes!

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

I hope not :( That would stink

Have you ever had a fic translated?

Not to my knowledge

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

No, but I think it would be fun!

What's your all-time favorite ship?

Everlark! (said while frothing at the mouth because they make me go insane) I've been obsessed with them since I first read The Hunger Games at age 9. I could write you a whole novel about why I think they're perfect together, but I'll spare you the ramble (unless anyone wants it?)

What's a WIP that you want to finish but don't think you ever will?

Tears in my eyes when I tell you that it's probably the requests in my inbox. I keep telling myself that I'll get to them, but I've just felt unmotivated with all the stuff I've had going on in my personal life/at school. I really really do hope to get to them someday, though, because some of them will be really fun to write

What are your writing strengths?

I have no clue, lol. I tend to get compliments about how I describe settings, so I'm gonna say that!

What are your writing weaknesses?

My abuse of commas and italics.

What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic?

Personally, I love doing it. Especially in a fic like LAGLAM, where even though most people don't speak the language I'm using (Cherokee), I feel like they can still see the importance to the characters and to the story. And I like tricking people into caring about Indigenous language preservation. My teachers told me that anything can be a vessel for carrying language on, and by God, I took that to heart

What was the first fandom you wrote for?

Oh boy. I was in the fifth grade. I had won many writing competitions. Two classmates approached me and told me that they wished The Hunger Games had more post-Mockingjay Everlark content, and that since I was a good writer, they wanted me to write it. I was traded many cosmic brownies and other such snacks throughout the year for my services in providing my classmates with Everlark fics on pages of notebook paper that are probably crumpled up in a landfill by now. At the time, I had no idea I was writing fanfiction, but it was the start of my favorite hobby. Look at me now, baby!

What's a fandom/ship you haven't written for yet but want to?

I've always wanted to write for TURN: Washington's Spies but have never had the courage haha

What's your favorite fic you've written?

I have a couple of one-shots that I'm pretty pleased with, but currently I'm going to say LAGLAM because it's been so special to me <3

Tagging (but no pressure!): @almost-a-class-act @latibvles @footprintsinthesxnd @liebgotts-lovergirl

[lemonynuggets]

Lemony, how do u rank the ordem paranormal seasons and why?

Also, how hype r u to enigma do medo?

OK SO

1. o segredo na floresta - my favorite season ever and this hasn’t changed since I first watched it, I followed it while it was happening!! I didn’t watch it live because I’ve always hated watching lives but every week I’d watch the episodes when they came out on youtube and BY GODS this season is so special to me. I can’t even put into words why I love this season so much it just kinda grabbed me by the throat and forced me to be clinically insane about it forever and ever (shout out to my osnf book and paper stands I made bc I’m too poor to buy any other merch)

2. O segredo na ilha - BEAUTIFUL SHOWSTOPPING. “Haha your two favorite seasons are o segredo na [insert location] IM PREDICTABLE IM SORRY. Ok but osni is amazing, the vibes are spot on, the characters are great, we get to see the elements being used in different ways (blood being used for the paint and the paintings enhancing the observer’s feelings to cause fear or dependence. Absolutely insane /pos), we learn a little more about tenebris (very little but still), and idk man I just really vibe with osni

3. Sinais do outro lado - it’s a fun season, I love Xande and Guizo and I really like how the seasons is about aliens?? Like this works to show how the paranormal manifests based on what people fear and this can include. Aliens. And I think that’s fun + MORE TENEBRIS!! Yayyy I’m so curious about tenebris

4. Desconjuração - ok so i complain a lot about opd because it’s a very tiresome season to watch for me, there’s way too much fighting and way too little investigation for my taste (coughs in osnf fan) and I really don’t vibe with some of the characters, but I really really like Kaiser and Arthur’s development in it along with us getting to see more Agatha and Ivete aka my favorite npcs ever, and I really like Dante he’s such an interesting character!!! And also I watched the last ep at like 2am and I cried for an hour when I finished it and then I couldn’t sleep and then I grieved Kaiser for a month

5. Calamidade - SHOCKING NEWS: guy who complains about opd all the time places opc lower than it on the ordem seasons rank. For as much as I love Rubens and the anfitrião sequence I’ll have to say calamidade was a very neutral season to me, it’s somewhat forgettable? Like I retained very little details from it and I have a very neutral opinions towards it in general, it’s not a bad season but it could’ve been way more interesting

6. Quarentena - I’m gonna be completely honest with you, I only watched about 30 minutes of it and I couldn’t watch the rest. As someone who is very bad with changes (some may say it’s autism), the fact that none of the players are familiar, they’re using the survival horror version of the system and its all in english drives me nuts… I get they’re speaking English bc most of the players don’t speak Portuguese but it just feels so. Wrong to me, it takes away an essential part of ordem to me which is the fact it’s national, it’s a piece of media from my country that’s really good and that I’m super passionate about and! It’s in my language and set in my country and has pieces of my culture and that’s Brazilian art baby!! Everything else is already in english and made to appeal to an English speaking audience, hell I’m even speaking english right now, it just feels like they’re taking away ordem’s identity when they make it In English tm yk. I don’t care if people from other countries are getting into ordem, I’ve made a few non-Brazilian friends and mutuals get into it myself, what bothers me is they’re all coming from opq and most of them stay at opq and don’t bother to watch any other seasons + 90% of the ordem content I find on tumblr is opq and it drives me INSANE. I might eventually get my shit together and watch the rest of it just to say I watched it but yeah not right now

I’m not so sure about sdol’s place in this rank but it is what it is and I don’t know what it is

ALSO I CAN ASSURE YOU IM GOING INSANR ABOUT ENIGMA DO MEDO I CANT WAIT MAN !!! YAYAYAYAY

[trashbinbackyard]

6, 8, 13, 17, 22, 28 for arvid, emil n sif

ok half of the law text summarized, gotta do the next half now

Who will they take advice from, no matter what it is? Who won’t they take advice from, no matter what it is?

His teachers, mentors and fellow doctors. Is incredibly suspicious of the religious sort so whatever they say he takes with a grain of salt. Always listens to Sif when it comes to forest stuff.

He used to listen to the priests unquestioning and it messed him up a bit, right now he only trusts Arvid and Sif to give good advice. Doesn’t trust nobles with anything, a little mixed on religious sort still.

Sif’s father was a wise man, she took everything he said to heart and it has yet to disappoint her. When she’s having trouble she consults his notes and his home village. Will not listen to nobles of any sort.

Do complex puzzles intrigue or frustrate them?

Arvid appreciates a good brain workout, he finds puzzles fun and way to keep his mind sharp

Emil’s the kind of guy that gets frustrated when thighs get hard but by god he would rather eat his own boot than let it show. If you hand a puzzle box at him he’ll keep fumbling with it until he accidentally solves it or Arvid takes it from him

Sif would be intrigued at first but get bored, she can appreciate the craftsmanship of a good puzzle but would rather spend her free time relaxing rather than problem solving.

Name one thing their parents taught them.

Working hard for what you want, his family was not well of but his parents always made sure he pushed himself to do better.

One thing he took to heart from his parents or more like absence of them is that no one will love him as he is, so he must make himself useful in any way he can.

Her duty in this world, few are gifted with magic and the sight to see the hidden worlds, so it is her duty to keep those that wish this world harm away.

Do they like children?

He likes them and is good with them. 

He would’ve been such a girl dad had he lived. At the convent he spent a lot of time playing with the orphan kids well into his teens and adulthood. 

Neutral about kids, they’re just small people to her. Not very motherly or big sisterly to the kids in the commune she grew up in but always treated them with respect. Would’ve been an ok mother though because when its her own child it hits different

Do they like being called pet names? Do they call other people pet names? What’s their go-to?

Only in private, he likes to keep his private life well... private, but he will appreciate verbal affection. Also would only use pet names in private or call his significant other a pet name in a language people around him don’t know. His go-to’s would be älskling and kulta. Calls Eha rävling behind her back too.

He’s a lil scared to use pet names tbh, he’s not sure if Sif likes them or not and he’s a little afraid to just straight up ask. This whole love and intimacy thing is uncharted territory for him and the convent really didn't have any examples. When he dares he calls Sif love/rakas. 

Sif is kind of indifferent about pet names, appreciates Emil speaking up sometimes and claiming his love for her but she doesn’t see it as something he has to do to feel secure in the bond. She calls Emil “mine/my [blank]” quite often though, secretly quite possessive of him

Would they date a fixer-upper?

He’s got his shit together better than most people in this corner of the world, so sure, no one’s perfect and everyone deserves love and he has the energy to be someone’s safe harbor.

He is the fixer upper

Would not have considered it if it wasn’t for Emils little sacrificial lamb brown eyes, docile demeanor and religious trauma. 

[sensitivelittlevorta]

Enterprise Season 1 Episode 1 and 2 Broken Bow

1:42-1:50 Dude, that looks uncomfortable. Also, the way he pushed his ass through like he was swimming.

2:06-2:15 what the hell was stored in that thing no way that was just the weapon?! I thought that’s like a silo and there is just food in there?! But no?

2:40 OH MY GOD THE THEME SONG OH MY GOD I LOVE IT. HOW COULD I HAVE FORGOTTEN THAT THEME SONG?!

6:20 Klingot… Gringotts

7:20 Ooooh, the creepy smile doctor

7:45 isn’t dying because of wounds you got in battle but not in the actual battle actually pretty bad for a Klingon and you won’t go to whatever-it-is-called or is it the same? For the norse it is bad, I remember Thor telling Sif that in the fourth Thor movie.

8:22 (this is terrible, because of mouth movement or translating issues of idioms which don’t exist in other cultures they sometimes have to change sentences and they changed ‘knock you on your ass’ to ‘über’s Knie legen’ which literally translates to laying someone over their knees (so you can spank them (in a disciplining way)) but you can imagine what I thought when he figuratively said he wanted to spank her…💀 )

9:18 oooh, soval didn’t like being called out

10:20 Theee dooooooooggggg. Riiiiighthhtkjadk. They had a dog on board in this series!1!!!!1!!!!!!!

14:30 POOOOOOORTHOOOOOOS111!!1111!11!!!111!!111!!!!!!!111!11

18:20 why does the Enterprise have a disc slot…? Although it looks more like a snow shovel in this shot.🤣

20:04 is the Chinese food in San Francisco in 2150 authentic? Is the food there now authentic?

20:25 What do you think is in your normal day food? There’s literally bugshit in some candies. Don’t be so shocked about the droppings of some alien animal to be used as medicine.

21:27 that grin. That godamm grin. Also I think it made Archer doubt his life decisions for a split second

21:28 I remember that scene!

22:50 yeah… I definitely remember that scene… what a funny joke… third hand… funny… why? he doesn’t even have three hands🥲

24:10 I really wonder if we will still eat meat regularly in 2150. The number of people who don’t is rising, but how high will it rise in the next 100 years?

25:04 how many times did she have to try that?! Also, Archer is not impressed but very amused.

31:00 The Vulcans are out there and really think they know everything and are allowed to dictate the humans how to live life. What about meddling with other species? Oh yeah, my bad. That’s only forbidden until the species can use warp drive. After that they can just tell others what to do and what not to do. This really makes me hate Vulcans, but pretty sure that’s wanted, so…, good writing?

31:31 wäääähhhh!

31:46 wääääh. I don’t want to look at that! Please close him up. I don’t care about his lungs.

35:10 those green guys’ skin reminds me of those red rubbery running tracks. Also, I hate it when they speak a different language and require me to look at the screen to read the subtitles, I have no idea what they said in the beginning because I was looking at my phone

36:20 those jackets look awful. Ugly snake leather jackets

37:03 and you just know those Rigellians are smaller than Klingons?

38:45 are they naked? Are they clothed? Are they both?

39:40 gosh. I remember that scene and I am pretty sure I didn’t like it

40:04 please don’t say anything Trip. You have no idea what’s going on.

40:22-40:43 I told you! don’t say anything! If T’Pol says that, then please believe her. And she is right with interfering. Please don’t gimme anymore secondhand embarrassment.

41:03 can you at least give me one thing an enclave can mean?

43:27 pretty sure being bigger than an alien doesn’t mean you’re also stronger than them or that they don’t know how to turn that against you.

43:45 dude what? Why? Girl?! Why? I wouldn’t want to get kissed by some random alien that’s holding me captive… no matter how attractive they seem to be… Especially when she looks completely different after it!

44:09 and very close contact can’t just be skin contact? Like cheek on cheek? Or just hand on hand? Does it need to be the head? Can’t you just hug him? Why does it always have to be something sexual?

46:18 she dead. (also what kinda run was that steppystep over her and then steppysteprun XD)

46:47 you really should remember where you parked your car. My father taught me that since I was little. I thought Vulcans and Humans of the 22nd century should know that.

52:00 Why is this so sexual? I have no idea what they’re talking about because I am too busy feeling unwell because of that sexual massage thing they have going on.

52:25 why did she just shortly smear the cream on his back and then went to his legs? Surely, he is very capable of doing his legs himself. Can you please smear it on his back? Again, shortly back to the back and then suddenly his shoulders and his ears. He can do that himself? Just smear it in a nonsexual way on his back, please?! Now that we can’t see her doing his back, she is doing his back? They just show the sexual parts, yes? And the normal back one is off camera? Of course. And then he just leaves. Are they even allowed to leave yet? (imagine that with Archer and Shran though. In the same weird sexual way, but they just talk normally about their mission and then leave, and the audience is just hungry for more)

53:23 yummy…

53:43 (why are his legs less hairy than his chest? Is that normal? That’s a serious question, I have no knowledge about stuff like that)

45:30 is it logical to do that?

58:45 safety belts seem to be a good idea in general on board of starships. The amount of times people fly out of theirs seats on those series is way too high to not have seatbelts xd

59:49 that’s the Caretaker's array

1:01:20 Hoshi is about to get a panic attack

1:01:30 is that their tractor beam?! When was the tractor beam invented? That’s just two gacha claws on strings? How do you even aim that? If you miss with them, you have to retrieve them and shoot them again. I love it.

1:01:55 is that making fun of themselves because in the other series their displays also look like that?

1:03:38 would it? I thought nothing beats accidentally killing an alien when you just wanted to stun them…

1:03:58 sounds like you have a few squirrels in the controls

1:06:10 how you know that wasn’t killing?

1:11:08 disco!!! Where’s the music though? That was an elevator? Just more reason to wonder where the music was.

1:11:45 *snickers* *snorts* *starts laughing out loud*

1:13:10 why do those people always claim to know more about someone then the person themselves? I mean it makes sense in this setting with timetravel and all that, but in general, why do they think they know more? They can’t look into their heads, so why do they say that? Just to impress or frighten the other? I would be neither impressed nor frightened. Although I would be frightened to be in those situations in general 😅

1:15:10 is the timethingie going on in there also changing the way sound moves or why can’t neither of them locate the other by the origin of their voice?

1:15:25 that looked like it should have crushed his skull

1:16:00 eeeww

1:15:49-1:16:05 first scene: green running track guy has a strange hold on Archers uniform

                second scene: green running track guy suddenly has Archer in a strange chokehold

                third scene: green running track guy suddenly doesn’t have Archer in a strange chokehold anymore

1:16:25 same. I would be glad to be in one piece too. His face and hands though

Absolute shock on his face of having been beamed and he's still in one piece.

1:17:48 that smile…

1:18:13 The information is in his DNA?! That is small. Very small.

1:18:47 but I want to know what he said?! Tell me, Hoshi!

1:18:54 POOOOORHTOOOOOS. Awwww, his little tail is wagging so hard it’s just a ‘woosh’. Little baby boy.

[frmartinshomiliesandreflections]

3rd January >> Fr. Martin's Reflections / Homilies on Today's Mass Readings (John 1:29-34) for the 3rd January (Wednesday before Epiphany) : ‘Look, there is the Lamb of God’.

3rd January (Wednesday before Epiphany)

Gospel (Except USA) John 1:29-34 'Look: there is the Lamb of God'.

Seeing Jesus coming towards him, John said, ‘Look, there is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. This is the one I spoke of when I said: A man is coming after me who ranks before me because he existed before me. I did not know him myself, and yet it was to reveal him to Israel that I came baptising with water.’ John also declared, ‘I saw the Spirit coming down on him from heaven like a dove and resting on him. I did not know him myself, but he who sent me to baptise with water had said to me, “The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and rest is the one who is going to baptise with the Holy Spirit.” Yes, I have seen and I am the witness that he is the Chosen One of God.’

Gospel (USA) John 1:29-34 Behold the Lamb of God.

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”

Reflections (6)

(i) 3rd January (Wednesday before Epiphany)

It seems that John the Baptist had an aversion to saying, ‘Look at me’. He was very clear that his calling from God was to make a very different statement, ‘Look at him’, ‘Look at Jesus’. He declares in today’s gospel reading, ‘It was to reveal him to Israel that I came baptizing with water’. John was a very impressive figure. Many people went out to him in the wilderness and looked to him. He had his own followers. Yet, he consistently deflected people’s vision away from himself towards the one who, as he states in our gospel reading, ‘ranks before me because he existed before me’. His opening words in that reading are ‘Look, there is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world’. ‘Look at him’, he is saying, ‘Look at the one who is full of God’s gracious and faithful love. Go to him and follow him’. We go to Jesus because, in the words of the first reading, he is the one through whom God the Father has lavished his love upon us. Even though in our culture many people are saying in a very forceful way, ‘Look at me’, and, by implication, ‘Be like me’, the voice of John the Baptist continues to sound forth today calling upon us to look at Jesus, to go to him and to open our hearts to his gift of the Holy Spirit, so that we can become like him. Having looked upon the Lord and gone to him, John the Baptist would be very clear that there is a further step we need to take and that is the step of witnessing to the one upon whom we have looked, to whom we have gone and whose Spirit we have received into our lives. John the Baptist was one of the great witnesses to Jesus. He can inspire us to live lives that in some way or other point to the Lord, lives that witness to the values that he lived and died for, the values of God’s kingdom.

And/Or

(ii) 3rd January

Some of the words of Scripture have become a fixed part of the language of the church’s liturgy. The opening words of today’s gospel reading are a good example of that. The words of John the Baptist, ‘Look, there is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world’ are more or less the words the celebrant speaks at Mass just before communion, when he holds up the host. Our response to those words at Mass, ‘Lord I am not worthy…’ is a version of the words spoken by the centurion to Jesus when Jesus offered to go to his house to heal his servant. That story is found not in John’s gospel but in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. The liturgy has brought together two sets of words from the gospels that, originally, had no connection with each other. Those two sets of words are, in a way, quite contrasting. John the Baptist is pointing out Jesus to his own disciples and saying to them, ‘Look, there is the Lamb of God, go to him’. The centurion is saying to Jesus ‘Don’t come to me, because I am unworthy’. Both sets of words express a truth. We are all unworthy of the Lord’s coming to us, and yet we are invited not only to receive the Lord when he comes, but to take the initiative to go to him. Our unworthiness is not an obstacle to the Lord’s relating to us or to our relating to him. The Lord does not ask us to be worthy; he asks us to be open to him, and to keep seeking him out, like the followers of John the Baptist.

And/Or

(iii) 3rd January

The opening words of John the Baptist in today’s gospel reading are very familiar to us because they have become part of the text of the Mass, ‘there is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world’. John the Baptist was bearing witness to Jesus before others, pointing them in the direction of Jesus. People like John the Baptist needed to witness if other people were to come to Jesus. We have all come to the Lord through the witness of others. We don’t come to the Lord on our own. We can probably all name people whose witness had an influence on our own relationship with the Lord. Their witness may not have been very explicit or even very self-conscious on their part. Yet, we sensed that their faith was central to their lives and shaped who they were and how they lived. Without their necessarily saying anything, their faith-filled life influenced us and helped our own relationship with the Lord to grow. We can never underestimate the influence of our own faith life on others. If we are seeking to grow in our relationship with the Lord, the Lord will work through us. The fruits of the Lord’s working through us may not always be obvious to us. We may be disappointed that our own quiet witnessing to our faith is not having more of an impact on others. Yet, if we create a space for the Lord in our own lives and open our hearts to his Spirit, we can be certain that those we encounter will be opened up to the Lord. As we grow in holiness our lives will be quietly proclaiming, ‘there is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world’.

And/Or

(iv) 3rd January

Some of the words of Scripture have become a fixed part of the language of the church’s liturgy. The opening words of today’s gospel reading are a good example of that. The words of John the Baptist, ‘Look, there is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world’ are more or less the words the celebrant speaks at Mass just before communion, when he holds up the host. Jesus came among us, according to John’s gospel, to take away the sin of the world, the sin of us all. Yet, John’s gospel shows that Jesus could not take away the sin of those who had no awareness of their sin. In the story of the man born blind, the religious leaders reject Jesus and the man whom Jesus has healed. They consider they have nothing to learn, nothing to receive, from either Jesus or the man he has healed, because, as they claim in the course of that story, ‘We know God spoke to Moses’. That is all the light they need; they are not open to any further light. That is why at the end of that story Jesus says to them, ‘Now that you say, “we see”, your sin remains’. Jesus could not take away their sin because they had no sense of their own need. The Lamb of God has come to take away the sin of the world. We need to acknowledge the ways in which we have been tainted by the sin of the world, if we are to experience the enlightenment and the freedom that Jesus has come to give.

And/Or

(v) 3rd January

A section of today’s first reading is often read at a funeral Mass. It contains one of the many different ways that the New Testament speaks about eternal life, ‘we shall be like him (God) because we shall see him as he really is’. This verse speaks of a vision of God which is truly transformative, changing us more fully into the image of God, ‘we shall be like him’. Elsewhere in this letter, the author says ‘God is love’. The letter as a whole suggests that to see God as he really is amounts to seeing God as Love, and this seeing, this experience of God as Love, makes us more like God, more loving. Our ultimate destiny is to become the image of God who is Love. We cannot see God as he really is in this earthly life. Yet, God has sent us his Son as the fullest expression of his love in human form. We can look upon God’s Son with the eyes of faith in this life. Yet we need people to reveal Jesus to us if we are to look upon him. That was the role of John the Baptist. He says in the gospel reading that it was to reveal him to Israel that he came baptizing with water. He witnessed to Jesus as the Chosen One of God. We continue to need John the Baptist figures today, people who can reveal Jesus to us, who can witness to him for us, so that we can look upon Jesus, the risen Lord with the eyes of faith. The Lord needs each one of us to be a John the Baptist for each other, so that we can all see the Lord as God’s love made flesh, and, thereby, anticipate that final and full seeing of God who is Love in eternity.

And/Or

(vi) 3rd January

There are many ways of speaking about eternal life in the New Testament. In the gospels we find the image of the many roomed house of God the Father and of the banquet at which people from north, south, east and west gather, to mention just two. Today’s first reading speaks of eternal life as that eternal moment when we shall be like God because we shall see God as God is. Elsewhere in this letter, Saint John writes that ‘God is Love’. In eternity, we will see God as God is, as Love, and we shall become as loving as God is loving. It is a wonderful way of speaking about eternal life. In the gospel reading, John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Jesus is the full expression of God’s love working to reconcile all of humanity to himself. Jesus is the fullest revelation possible of God’s love for the world. The closest we can come to see God as Love in this life is to look upon Jesus as he comes to us in all of the gospels. In eternity we will become as loving as God is loving but each day we are called to grow more fully into Jesus, God’s love in human form. Something of our eternal destiny can become a present reality when we grow up into Christ and allow him to live in and through us. According to the gospel reading, Jesus came to baptize with the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God’s love. Jesus gives us his own Spirit to empower us to become as loving as he is and, thereby, to anticipate in the here and now our glorious destiny to be as loving as God is loving.

Fr. Martin Hogan.