#supervisory control

[industryupdate]

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Market Thrives with Rising Demand for Industrial Automation

The supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) market is experiencing significant growth, with its size standing at USD 11.3 billion in 2024. Projections indicate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% from 2024 to 2030, aiming to reach USD 16.9 billion by 2030. This expansion is primarily driven by the widespread adoption of Industry 4.0 solutions, the increasing integration of…

[globalindustrytrends]

The supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) market is experiencing significant growth, with its size standing at USD 11.3 billion in 2024. Projections indicate a CAGR of 7.1% from 2024 to 2030, aiming to reach USD 16.9 billion by 2030. This expansion is primarily driven by the widespread adoption of Industry 4.0 solutions, the increasing integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) platforms, and the rising demand for industrial mobility solutions to enhance process management.

[3liza]

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[distinguishedruinsfart]

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market: Insights and Competitive Analysis 2028

The Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market sector is undergoing rapid transformation, with significant growth and innovations expected by 2030. In-depth market research offers a thorough analysis of market size, share, and emerging trends, providing essential insights into its expansion potential. The report explores market segmentation and definitions, emphasizing key components and growth drivers. Through the use of SWOT and PESTEL analyses, it evaluates the sector’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, while considering political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal influences. Expert evaluations of competitor strategies and recent developments shed light on geographical trends and forecast the market’s future direction, creating a solid framework for strategic planning and investment decisions.

Brief Overview of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market:

The global Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market is expected to experience substantial growth between 2024 and 2030. Starting from a steady growth rate in 2023, the market is anticipated to accelerate due to increasing strategic initiatives by key market players throughout the forecast period.

Get a Sample PDF of Report - https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/request-a-sample/?dbmr=global-scada-market

Which are the top companies operating in the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market?

The report profiles noticeable organizations working in the water purifier showcase and the triumphant methodologies received by them. It likewise reveals insights about the share held by each organization and their contribution to the market's extension. This Global Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market report provides the information of the Top Companies in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market in the market their business strategy, financial situation etc.

ABB (Switzerland), Schneider Electric (France), GENERAL ELECTRIC (US), Capula Ltd. (UK), Emerson Electric Co. (US), Rockwell Automation Inc. (US), Siemens (Germany), OMRON corporation (Germany), Yokogawa Electric Corporation (Japan), Progea srl (Italy), Willowglen Systems (Canada), TOSHIBA CORPORATION (Japan), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan), Fuji Electric Co. Ltd. (Japan), Hitachi Ltd. (Japan), Azbil Corporation (Japan), ELYNX TECHNOLOGIES LLC (US), Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc. (US), Inductive Automation LLC (US), Valmet (Finland), Enbase LLC, Ing. (US), Punzenberger COPA-DATA GmbH (Austria), among others

Report Scope and Market Segmentation

Which are the driving factors of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market?

The driving factors of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market are multifaceted and crucial for its growth and development. Technological advancements play a significant role by enhancing product efficiency, reducing costs, and introducing innovative features that cater to evolving consumer demands. Rising consumer interest and demand for keyword-related products and services further fuel market expansion. Favorable economic conditions, including increased disposable incomes, enable higher consumer spending, which benefits the market. Supportive regulatory environments, with policies that provide incentives and subsidies, also encourage growth, while globalization opens new opportunities by expanding market reach and international trade.

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market - Competitive and Segmentation Analysis:

**Segments**

- By Component: The SCADA market can be segmented into solutions and services. The solutions segment is anticipated to dominate the market during the forecast period due to the increasing demand for advanced technological solutions in various industries.

- By Architecture: Based on architecture, the SCADA market can be categorized into hardware, software, and services. The software segment is expected to witness significant growth, owing to the rising adoption of cloud-based SCADA systems for enhanced data management and analytics.

- By End-User: The market can be segmented into oil & gas, power, water & wastewater, transportation, telecommunication, pharmaceuticals, and others. The oil & gas segment is projected to hold a substantial market share in 2030, driven by the need for real-time monitoring and control of critical operations in this sector.

**Market Players**

- ABB Ltd. - Schneider Electric - Siemens AG - Honeywell International Inc. - Emerson Electric Co. - Rockwell Automation, Inc. - General Electric - Yokogawa Electric Corporation - Schneider Electric SE - Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

These key market players are implementing various strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, partnerships, collaborations, and product innovations to maintain their market presence and expand their customer base. Additionally, the increasing focus on research and development activities to introduce advanced SCADA solutions is anticipated to drive market growth in the coming years. The market is highly competitive, with players striving to offer cutting-edge technologies to meet the evolving requirements of end-users across different industry verticals.

https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-scada-marketThe SCADA market is witnessing significant growth across various segments, driven by the increasing demand for advanced technological solutions, cloud-based systems, and real-time monitoring capabilities in key industries such as oil & gas, power, water & wastewater, transportation, telecommunication, and pharmaceuticals. The solutions segment is expected to dominate the market, with a particular focus on software solutions for enhanced data management and analytics. As end-users across these industries seek to optimize their operations and ensure efficient control systems, the market players are playing a crucial role in offering innovative SCADA solutions.

In terms of architecture, the hardware, software, and services segments are crucial components of the SCADA market. The software segment is projected to witness substantial growth, especially with the increasing adoption of cloud-based SCADA systems to leverage advanced analytics and data management capabilities. This shift towards software-based solutions is expected to drive market growth and enable end-users to achieve better operational efficiency and decision-making processes.

Key market players such as ABB Ltd., Schneider Electric, Siemens AG, Honeywell International Inc., and others are actively engaged in strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and product innovations to enhance their market presence and cater to the evolving needs of end-users. The focus on research and development activities to introduce cutting-edge SCADA solutions is a key driving factor for market growth in the foreseeable future. These players are competing fiercely to offer advanced technologies that can address the complex requirements of end-users in various industry verticals.

The competitive landscape of the SCADA market is intense, with market players investing heavily in technological advancements and collaborations to gain a competitive edge. The market dynamics are constantly evolving, with a strong emphasis on providing reliable, secure, and efficient SCADA solutions to meet the growing demands of end-users. As industries continue to digitalize and automate their operations, the SCADA market is poised for significant growth, offering new opportunities for market players to innovate and establish their foothold in this rapidly expanding market.

In conclusion, the SCADA market**Market Players**

- ABB (Switzerland) - Schneider Electric (France) - GENERAL ELECTRIC (US) - Capula Ltd. (UK) - Emerson Electric Co. (US) - Rockwell Automation Inc. (US) - Siemens (Germany) - OMRON corporation (Germany) - Yokogawa Electric Corporation (Japan) - Progea srl (Italy) - Willowglen Systems (Canada) - TOSHIBA CORPORATION (Japan) - Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan) - Fuji Electric Co. Ltd. (Japan) - Hitachi Ltd. (Japan) - Azbil Corporation (Japan) - ELYNX TECHNOLOGIES LLC (US) - Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc. (US) - Inductive Automation LLC (US) - Valmet (Finland) - Enbase LLC, Ing. (US) - Punzenberger COPA-DATA GmbH (Austria)

The SCADA market is experiencing robust growth driven by the escalating demand for advanced technological solutions, particularly in industries such as oil & gas, power, water & wastewater, transportation, telecommunication, and pharmaceuticals. The dominance of the solutions segment, especially software solutions, is indicative of the industry's shift towards cloud-based systems for improved data management and analytics capabilities. End-users are increasingly focused on optimizing their operations and ensuring efficient control systems, creating a favorable market landscape for innovative SCADA solutions.

In terms of architecture, the software segment is poised for significant growth as

North America, particularly the United States, will continue to exert significant influence that cannot be overlooked. Any shifts in the United States could impact the development trajectory of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market. The North American market is poised for substantial growth over the forecast period. The region benefits from widespread adoption of advanced technologies and the presence of major industry players, creating abundant growth opportunities.

Similarly, Europe plays a crucial role in the global Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market, expected to exhibit impressive growth in CAGR from 2024 to 2030.

Explore Further Details about This Research Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market Report https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-scada-market

Key Benefits for Industry Participants and Stakeholders: –

Industry drivers, trends, restraints, and opportunities are covered in the study.

Neutral perspective on the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market scenario

Recent industry growth and new developments

Competitive landscape and strategies of key companies

The Historical, current, and estimated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market size in terms of value and size

In-depth, comprehensive analysis and forecasting of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market

Geographically, the detailed analysis of consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate, historical data and forecast (2024-2030) of the following regions are covered in Chapters

The countries covered in the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market report are U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, Germany, Italy, U.K., France, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, and Rest of the Middle East and Africa

Detailed TOC of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market Insights and Forecast to 2030

Part 01: Executive Summary

Part 02: Scope Of The Report

Part 03: Research Methodology

Part 04: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market Landscape

Part 05: Pipeline Analysis

Part 06: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market Sizing

Part 07: Five Forces Analysis

Part 08: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market Segmentation

Part 09: Customer Landscape

Part 10: Regional Landscape

Part 11: Decision Framework

Part 12: Drivers And Challenges

Part 13: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Market Trends

Part 14: Vendor Landscape

Part 15: Vendor Analysis

Part 16: Appendix

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[kavyarajblog]

A SCADA system is composed of interconnected components that work together to monitor and control industrial processes effectively. At its core is the Supervisory Controller, which acts as the central computer, managing data exchanges between Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and Remote Terminal Units (RTUs). PLCs are microcomputers that collect and process data from sensors and other input devices, performing critical tasks like performance monitoring, equipment runtime calculations, and generating alarms for anomalies. RTUs, another type of microcomputer, are rugged and wireless, ideal for capturing data from remote locations. The HMI provides operators with a user-friendly interface, visualizing SCADA data through maps, icons, charts, and dashboards for real-time system monitoring. Additional components include Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs), which enhance system capabilities, and communication systems that enable data transfer via cables, radio, or the Internet. SCADA systems also rely on programming languages, such as C, to create operational diagrams and process maps, ensuring seamless control and decision-making.

[electronalytics]

Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units Market Research, Size, Share, Analysis, Overview and Regional Outlook Study 2017 – 2032

The market for Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) that are battery-operated allows them to function in isolated or off-grid regions where access to a reliable power supply is restricted. RTUs are electronic devices used to monitor and manage remote equipment and processes in many different industries, such as oil and gas, water and wastewater management, power distribution, and telecommunications. Here is a summary of the market for battery-operated RTUs, including information on demand:

Market Overview: Due to a number of circumstances, the market for battery-operated RTUs has been expanding. The need for battery-operated RTUs has been fueled by the necessity for remote monitoring and control capabilities in various industries, particularly in places with weak power infrastructure. These devices enable efficient monitoring and control of remote assets without the requirement for a continual external power source thanks to their dependable and autonomous operation.

Demand Drivers:

1. Real-time monitoring and control of assets: situated in remote or isolating locations are necessary in many businesses. Without the requirement for a sizable power infrastructure or reliance on cable connections, battery-operated RTUs allow for effective data gathering, monitoring, and control of these assets.

2. Applications Off-Grid: In off-grid applications where access to a dependable power supply is restricted or nonexistent, battery-operated RTUs are widely used. Examples include remote water pumping stations in rural areas, environmental monitoring stations, remote weather monitoring stations, and remote oil and gas wellheads.

3. Emergency and Temporary Installations: Whereas immediate deployment is necessary, battery-powered RTUs are also used in emergency and temporary installations. When catastrophe recovery, building projects, or temporary infrastructure installations are taking place, these machines can instantly provide remote monitoring and control capabilities.

4. Environmental Monitoring: Data collection from remote weather stations, air quality sensors, and water quality sensors are all important aspects of environmental monitoring that battery-operated RTUs play a key role in. Continuous monitoring is made possible in remote or environmentally delicate locations by these equipment.

5. IoT Connectivity: The need for battery-operated RTUs has increased as the Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming more widely used in a variety of businesses. These devices are essential parts of IoT networks because they provide seamless data transmission, communication, and control between remote assets and central management systems.

Here are some of the key benefits for Stakeholders:

Remote Monitoring and Control

Flexibility and Mobility

Cost-Effective Deployment

Resilience to Power Outages

Integration with IoT and Smart Grids

Increased Data Accessibility

Environmental Monitoring and Compliance

Rapid Deployment for Emergency Response

Redundancy and Reliability

Scalability and Future-Proofing

We recommend referring our Stringent datalytics firm, industry publications, and websites that specialize in providing market reports. These sources often offer comprehensive analysis, market trends, growth forecasts, competitive landscape, and other valuable insights into this market.

By visiting our website or contacting us directly, you can explore the availability of specific reports related to this market. These reports often require a purchase or subscription, but we provide comprehensive and in-depth information that can be valuable for businesses, investors, and individuals interested in this market.

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Market Segmentations:

Global Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units Market: By Company • SIEMENS • SENECA • Omniflex • King Pigeon Communication Co.,Limited • Servelec Group • TEKBOX • Micro Sensor Co., Ltd. • Hitachi Group • Remsdaq Ltd Global Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units Market: By Type • GPRS • GSM • Modular • Others Global Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units Market: By Application • Power Industry • Government and Utilities • Industrial Global Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units Market: Regional Analysis The regional analysis of the global Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units market provides insights into the market's performance across different regions of the world. The analysis is based on recent and future trends and includes market forecast for the prediction period. The countries covered in the regional analysis of the Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units market report are as follows: North America: The North America region includes the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The U.S. is the largest market for Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units in this region, followed by Canada and Mexico. The market growth in this region is primarily driven by the presence of key market players and the increasing demand for the product. Europe: The Europe region includes Germany, France, U.K., Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and Rest of Europe. Germany is the largest market for Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units in this region, followed by the U.K. and France. The market growth in this region is driven by the increasing demand for the product in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Asia-Pacific: TheAsia-Pacific region includes Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific. China is the largest market for Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units in this region, followed by Japan and India. The market growth in this region is driven by the increasing adoption of the product in various end-use industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. Middle East and Africa: The Middle East and Africa region includes Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, and Rest of Middle East and Africa. The market growth in this region is driven by the increasing demand for the product in the aerospace and defense sectors. South America: The South America region includes Argentina, Brazil, and Rest of South America. Brazil is the largest market for Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units in this region, followed by Argentina. The market growth in this region is primarily driven by the increasing demand for the product in the automotive sector.

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[kiwriteswords]

hear me out, hear me out... is it possible to get shy!reader x bearded!hotch?????????????

Shades of Stubble

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x Shy Female Reader||Word Count: 3k

Tags/Warnings: No use of Y/N, canon-typical themes, shy reader, teasing team, teenage Jack, bearded Hotch, post-season 10/11 with no Mr. Scratch, reader has a crush

Sypnosis: When Aaron Hotchner returns to the BAU sporting a beard after a rare week off, it draws more attention than he expects—especially from you, the shy but perceptive team member whose lingering glances reveal more than you realize.

Aaron Hotchner didn’t often take full advantage of the rare breaks the team received, but this time, a solid week away from the BAU had given him time to unwind—if that’s what growing a beard counted as. Normally, his morning routine was methodical, almost meditative—a quick splash of cold water to wake himself up, followed by lathering shaving cream across his jaw and carefully dragging the razor along the angles of his face. It was a task he’d repeated every day without fail, a ritual that helped him maintain the sharp, controlled image he knew his role required.

But when the break started, the razor stayed on the sink. The first morning, he told himself he’d get to it later. By the second, he rationalized that there was no harm in skipping a day or two. By the third, a faint shadow of stubble had appeared, and he caught himself in the mirror, running a hand along his jawline, curious. It wasn’t like the full beard he’d grown out during his time in Pakistan—this was something new, something... untethered. For once, he wasn’t adhering to his usual strict standards, and there was a quiet freedom in that.

He wasn’t entirely sure why he’d chosen to let it stay. Maybe it was exhaustion—seven days free of the ever-present weight of the BAU felt like both a luxury and an anomaly. Or maybe it was a small rebellion against the routine that so often defined his life. This was about as rebellious as he got these days, maybe a silent nod to his pre-boarding school days, but nonetheless. He didn’t have to answer to anyone for a week, and he didn’t have to fit into the box of Aaron Hotchner, Supervisory Special Agent. He could just exist.

By the time the week ended, the beard had grown in enough to draw attention, though he hadn’t considered how it might be received by the team—or anyone else, for that matter. It wasn’t a decision he put much thought into, at least not until he walked into the bullpen on Monday morning.

The reaction was immediate, though not unwelcome. JJ’s playful quip cut through the usual hum of activity, and heads turned in his direction. He caught Rossi’s amused smirk, Morgan’s raised brow, and—most notably—your wide-eyed, stunned expression. For the first time in years, Aaron Hotchner felt a little... self-conscious. But it wasn’t entirely unpleasant.

JJ’s voice rang out across the room with playful familiarity. "It's baaaack!"

Heads turned, but Hotch’s gaze landed on you. You were seated at your desk, a pen in your hand paused mid-air, as if frozen in the act of jotting something down. Your eyes widened when they met his, and though you tried to look back at your work, Hotch caught the way your cheeks flushed, betraying your reaction.

It wasn’t the first time he’d noticed you looking at him like that—soft glances quickly averted, the occasional stammer when he addressed you directly. He’d always assumed you were shy by nature, but there was something about the way you reacted to him in particular that stirred a feeling he hadn’t wanted to examine too closely. Not until now.

He crossed the bullpen, nodding a silent acknowledgment to JJ, who grinned knowingly and sipped her coffee. As he passed your desk, he noticed your gaze dart up to him again, only to quickly drop back to your notes. Your pen moved, but the faint smile tugging at your lips told him you weren’t really focused.

“Good morning,” he said, his deep voice cutting through the quiet bubble you seemed to have surrounded yourself with.

Your head shot up, your eyes meeting his again before flickering to the beard and back. “G-Good morning, Hotch.”

There it was—that hesitation, that barely there crack in your voice. You managed a small smile, but your hands fidgeted with the pen, betraying your nerves.

He nodded, letting the moment linger just a second longer than usual. “I hope you had a good week.”

“I did,” you replied quickly, almost too quickly, before glancing away. “Did you?”

“I did.” His lips twitched in a barely-there smile. “It’s rare to have so much time off. I’ll see you in the meeting room.”

With that, he moved on, climbing the stairs to his office, though he couldn’t resist glancing back once. You were still sitting there, staring blankly at your notebook, one hand pressed against your cheek as though trying to will away the blush.

The day moved forward with its usual rhythm—briefings, paperwork, follow-ups on ongoing cases. But throughout it all, Hotch found himself hyper-aware of your presence. The way your gaze flickered toward him whenever you thought he wasn’t looking. The way your voice softened when you addressed him. And, of course, the way your blush deepened whenever someone—namely Morgan—commented on the beard.

“Looking rugged, Hotch,” Morgan said during lunch, his grin teasing as always. “What’s the occasion?”

“No occasion,” Hotch replied simply, though he couldn’t help noticing you sneaking a glance at him from across the table. He decided not to meet your eyes this time, sensing you’d only shrink further into yourself if he did.

By the end of the day, Hotch found himself in the bullpen again, finishing a conversation with Rossi. As the older man walked away, he turned to see you standing by your desk, gathering your things for the evening. You glanced up and froze when you realized he was watching you.

“Heading out?” he asked.

“Yes, sir,” you replied, clutching your bag tightly. “I, uh... just finishing up.”

“Good.” He paused, then added, “I’ve noticed you’ve been very focused today. I appreciate that.”

Your eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, he thought you might not respond. Then you nodded quickly, your voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you.”

He didn’t miss the way your gaze lingered on his face—on the beard—before you ducked your head again, clearly embarrassed by your own boldness. He couldn’t help but feel a flicker of amusement—and something else, something warmer, deeper—at your reaction.

“Have a good night,” he said, his voice softer than usual.

“You too,” you replied, finally looking at him again. And this time, there was a tiny smile on your lips—shy, but genuine.

As you walked away, Hotch stood there for a moment, watching you go. He didn’t usually dwell on personal matters, but for the first time in a long time, he found himself thinking about something—or rather, someone—other than the job.

Hotch lingered in the bullpen after you left, his gaze fixed on the space you had occupied only moments before. The quiet hum of the office around him faded into the background as his thoughts drifted. You had always been reserved—soft-spoken, diligent, and almost painfully shy in his presence—but tonight had felt different. The way your cheeks had flushed when you glanced at him, the way your voice trembled ever so slightly when you said, “Good night,” lingered in his mind like a melody he couldn’t shake.

He wasn’t oblivious to the way you avoided his gaze during meetings or the nervous energy that seemed to bubble to the surface whenever he was near. At first, he chalked it up to his position, assuming you were simply wary of interacting with your boss. But over time, he began to notice the subtler details—the way your focus seemed to falter when he entered the room, the way your lips pressed together in a shy smile whenever he acknowledged you. He couldn’t deny that your reactions had begun to stir something within him.

With a sigh, Hotch headed up to his office, closing the door behind him. The mirror by his coat rack caught his eye, and he approached it, scrutinizing his reflection. The beard, now fully grown, had transformed his appearance in ways he hadn’t anticipated. It softened the sharpness of his jawline, gave him an edge that felt rugged and unpolished. It reminded him of a different time—a different man—but also felt like a small reclamation of his identity beyond the suit and title.

He ran a hand over the coarse hair, considering whether it was time to shave it off. His routine had always been a source of stability in his chaotic life, and the beard felt like an indulgence he wasn’t sure he could afford to keep. Yet, as he stood there, the image of your wide-eyed gaze flashed through his mind. The way your blush deepened when JJ’s comment drew attention to him. The tiny, shy smile you offered as you said goodnight.

A warmth spread through him, surprising in its intensity. He’d seen countless reactions to his decisions over the years—respect, defiance, admiration—but the unfiltered awe in your eyes when you looked at him tonight was something else entirely. It wasn’t about the beard, he realized, not really. It was about you, and the thought that he might have been the reason for that smile, fleeting as it was.

Hotch turned away from the mirror and sat at his desk, leaning back in his chair. The thought of shaving the beard felt distant now, almost trivial. He knew he would eventually, but for now, he decided to keep it—if only to see if he could coax another smile from you.

And maybe, just maybe, to hear your voice tremble in that sweet, shy way one more time.

Aaron Hotchner stood in his bathroom, razor in hand, staring at his reflection. The beard was staying—for now—but it was time to bring it under control. He wasn’t the type to let his appearance slip too far, and even if the beard was uncharacteristic for him, it didn’t have to be unruly. With steady hands, he trimmed the edges, shaping it neatly to suit his features. The coarse sound of the trimmer filled the quiet bathroom as he worked methodically, the precision calming in a way that reminded him of his usual shaving routine.

When he was satisfied, he stepped back to examine the results. The beard was tidier now, the lines clean and deliberate. It still felt like a small rebellion against the rigidity of his usual image, but it was a rebellion on his terms.

Jack’s voice cut through his thoughts from the hallway. “You’re keeping it?”

Hotch turned to see his son leaning against the doorframe, a teasing grin on his teenage face. Jack had grown so much, taller now, his voice deeper, but the playful light in his eyes hadn’t changed.

“For now,” Hotch replied, setting the trimmer down. “Why? You don’t like it?”

Jack shrugged, feigning disinterest. “I mean, it’s fine. Just... you look like you’re trying to be cool or something.”

Hotch raised an eyebrow, amused. “Trying to be cool?”

“Yeah,” Jack teased, crossing his arms. “Like, what’s next? Leather jackets?”

Hotch chuckled, shaking his head. “I think I’ll stick to suits, thanks.”

“Good call,” Jack said, grinning as he walked away. “But don’t blame me if people start calling you ‘Hotch the hipster.’”

Hotch rolled his eyes, a smile tugging at his lips as he grabbed a towel and cleaned up.

The next morning at the BAU, the beard caught its usual share of attention. You were the first to notice when Hotch walked into the bullpen, your eyes flickering up from your desk. As usual, you tried to hide your reaction, but Hotch caught the way your gaze lingered on him before you quickly looked back at your screen. He felt a small, unfamiliar pang of satisfaction.

Throughout the day, it became a pattern. Your eyes would drift toward him when you thought he wasn’t looking, and Hotch found himself hyper-aware of your presence. You seemed more flustered than usual, fumbling over your words when he asked you a question during a meeting and avoiding his gaze entirely when Morgan teased him about the beard.

It wasn’t until late afternoon that Rossi made his move. The two of them were standing by the coffee machine when the older man gave Hotch a knowing look.

“So,” Rossi began, casually stirring his coffee. “You’re keeping the beard.”

“For now,” Hotch replied, taking a sip from his own mug.

Rossi smirked, his tone light but unmistakably teasing. “I think someone likes it.”

Hotch frowned slightly. “Jack? He’s made his opinion very clear.”

“I wasn’t talking about Jack.” Rossi’s smirk widened as he nodded toward the bullpen, where you were seated at your desk, your gaze darting toward Hotch once again before you quickly turned your attention back to your papers.

Hotch raised an eyebrow, his expression carefully neutral, but the slight twitch of his lips betrayed him. “I think you’re imagining things.”

“Am I?” Rossi chuckled, leaning back against the counter. “You might want to pay attention, Aaron. She’s not as subtle as she thinks.”

Hotch glanced toward you once more. You were chewing on the end of your pen, deep in concentration, oblivious to the conversation happening just feet away.

He turned back to Rossi, shaking his head. “Let it go, Dave.”

“Sure, sure,” Rossi said, his tone dripping with false innocence as he pushed off the counter. “But for what it’s worth, I think the beard suits you. Clearly, I’m not the only one.”

Hotch didn’t reply, but as Rossi walked away, a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He wouldn’t admit it out loud, but part of him was glad he’d decided to keep the beard. If nothing else, it gave him one more reason to notice the way your cheeks flushed and your gaze lingered just a little too long.

Hotch was used to reading people—it was part of his job. He could pick apart the smallest details in someone's behavior, uncovering motives and intentions hidden beneath the surface. But when it came to you, he had learned to tread carefully. You were quiet, meticulous, and hardworking, but there was a guardedness about you that he respected, even if he didn’t entirely understand it.

The subtle glances, the flushed cheeks, the way your voice softened when speaking to him—it had all been easy to dismiss as shyness. But lately, he’d begun to wonder if there was more to it. Rossi’s teasing hadn’t helped, planting a seed of curiosity that grew every time your gaze lingered on him just a second too long.

The revelation, however, came unexpectedly, in the middle of a case briefing.

The team was gathered in the conference room, the case details spread across the table. Hotch was at the head of the room, presenting the profile, when he asked a question about the unsub’s potential targets. You were the one who answered, your voice steady but quiet, offering an insight that made the rest of the team nod in agreement.

“Good observation,” Hotch said, his tone even but sincere. “That could narrow down the list.”

Your eyes darted to him, and for a moment, there it was again—that slight hesitation, the way your gaze lingered on his face before you quickly looked down. It was subtle, but it wasn’t lost on him.

What followed, however, wasn’t subtle at all.

“Careful, Hotch,” Morgan said with a grin, leaning back in his chair. “Keep praising her like that, and she’s gonna think she’s your favorite.”

The comment drew a few chuckles, but your reaction was what caught Hotch’s attention. You froze, your cheeks turning a deep shade of red as you fumbled with the pen in your hand.

“I—uh—I didn’t...” you stammered, your words trailing off as you avoided everyone’s gaze, especially his.

JJ, ever the empathetic one, tried to steer the conversation back to the case, but Morgan wasn’t done. “I’m just saying,” he added, his grin widening, “you don’t see him handing out compliments like that to the rest of us.”

“Enough,” Hotch said, his tone firm but not harsh, cutting off the teasing. He could see how uncomfortable you were, your shoulders tense as you kept your eyes glued to the table.

The meeting wrapped up shortly after, and as the team dispersed, Hotch stayed behind, watching as you gathered your things with hurried precision. He could see the embarrassment still etched on your face, the way you avoided looking at him as you moved toward the door.

“Wait,” he said, his voice stopping you in your tracks. You froze, gripping the edge of the file folder in your hands as he stepped closer.

“Sir?” you asked, your voice quiet but steady.

“I wanted to make sure you’re okay,” he said, his tone softer now. “Morgan’s comments—”

“They were just jokes,” you interrupted, though your cheeks were still flushed. “It’s fine.”

Hotch studied you for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. He could see the tension in your posture, the way your grip on the folder tightened. And then, as if unable to hold it in any longer, you blurted out, “It’s not his fault. It’s mine.”

That caught him off guard. “What do you mean?”

You hesitated, your gaze flickering to the door as if debating whether to make a run for it. But then you took a deep breath, your voice trembling slightly as you said, “I—it’s nothing. I just... I know I’m not subtle. I’ve been trying, but...”

You trailed off, your words hanging in the air between you. Hotch felt his chest tighten, the weight of what you weren’t saying suddenly very clear.

“I see,” he said finally, his voice quiet but steady. “You don’t need to apologize.”

You looked up at him then, your eyes wide and uncertain. “I’m not making this weird, am I? I don’t want to... I mean, I know you’re my boss, and I shouldn’t—”

“Stop,” Hotch interrupted gently, his tone firm but kind. “You haven’t done anything wrong.”

For a moment, neither of you spoke, the tension in the room thick but not unpleasant. Hotch could see the vulnerability in your expression, the way you seemed torn between fleeing and staying rooted in place.

“Thank you,” you said finally, your voice barely above a whisper.

Hotch nodded, stepping back to give you space. “Take the rest of the day if you need it.”

You shook your head quickly, a small, shy smile appearing despite your obvious embarrassment. “I’m okay. I just... I’ll try to be more professional.”

“There’s nothing unprofessional about being yourself,” Hotch replied, his voice calm and measured. “Let me know if you need anything.”

With that, you nodded, clutching your folder tightly as you slipped out of the room. Hotch watched you go, his thoughts swirling as the door clicked shut behind you.

For a man who prided himself on being able to read people, the realization of your feelings hit him like a revelation he hadn’t seen coming. And yet, as he stood there in the empty conference room, he couldn’t deny the warmth spreading through him at the thought.

Aaron Hotchner lingered in the empty conference room after you left, the soft click of the door echoing in the silence. He was rarely caught off guard, but your words—and the vulnerability behind them—had shaken something loose within him. You hadn’t outright said the words, but the implication was clear. And now that it was out in the open, he couldn’t pretend he hadn’t noticed the signs before.

He sat down, his fingers drumming lightly against the edge of the table as he let himself think about it—about you. The way you’d look up at him when you thought he wasn’t paying attention, the way your cheeks flushed whenever he praised your work, the way you stumbled over your words in meetings but always managed to recover with a thoughtful, intelligent point.

And then there was his reaction to it all. How his gaze would linger on you longer than it should. How your shy smile had a way of softening the edges of his day. How, against his better judgment, he found himself looking forward to the moments you shared, no matter how brief or inconsequential they might have seemed.

He sighed, leaning back in the chair. He’d spent so long guarding himself, compartmentalizing his emotions to stay focused on the job. But with you, those walls had started to crack, whether he wanted to admit it or not. Your presence had a way of grounding him, reminding him that there was still room for warmth and connection in his life.

Later that evening, Hotch was in his office, going over the case files, when a knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.

“Come in,” he called, expecting one of the team.

Instead, it was you. You stepped inside hesitantly, your file folder clutched to your chest like a shield. “I just wanted to apologize,” you said softly, not meeting his eyes. “Again. For earlier.”

“There’s no need to apologize,” Hotch said, his tone gentle as he set the file aside. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

You hesitated, your gaze flickering to his before darting away again. “I just—I don’t want to make things uncomfortable for you.”

Hotch stood and rounded the desk, leaning against the edge of it as he regarded you carefully. “You haven’t made me uncomfortable. If anything, I’m the one who should be apologizing.”

That made you look up, confusion flickering across your face. “What? Why?”

“Because I’ve noticed,” he said, his voice low but steady. “I’ve noticed the way you look at me. The way you try to hide it. And I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to make you feel self-conscious. But I also didn’t want to admit to myself that I’ve been doing the same thing.”

Your breath hitched, your eyes widening as his words sank in. “You... what?”

Hotch offered a small, almost hesitant smile. “I’ve been trying to ignore it. To convince myself that it’s unprofessional or impractical. But the truth is, I feel it too.”

For a moment, the room was silent, the weight of his confession hanging in the air between you. He could see the disbelief in your expression, the way you seemed to be processing his words in real time.

“I don’t know where this goes,” Hotch continued, his tone careful but sincere. “But I do know that I don’t want to keep pretending I don’t feel something when I do.”

You stared at him, your grip on the file loosening slightly. “I didn’t think... I mean, I never thought you’d...”

“I know,” he said gently. “I haven’t exactly made it easy to tell.”

A small, tentative smile broke across your face, and Hotch felt a warmth spread through him at the sight. It was as if some unspoken weight had lifted, leaving room for something lighter, something brighter.

“I guess we’re both bad at this,” you said softly, your voice carrying a hint of shy humor.

Hotch chuckled, the sound low and warm. “Maybe. But we can figure it out.”

You nodded, the tension in your shoulders easing as your smile grew. “Okay.”

For the first time in a long time, Aaron Hotchner allowed himself to feel the full weight of hope, the possibility of something beyond the job, beyond the walls he’d built around himself. And as he watched you leave his office, your steps lighter than before, he couldn’t help but think that this—whatever it was—might just be worth the risk.

Tag List:

@zaddyhotch

@estragos

@todorokishoe24

@looking1016

@khxna

@rousethemouse

@averyhotchner

@reidfile

@bernelflo

@lover-of-books-and-tea

@frickin-bats

@sleepysongbirdsings

@justyourusualash

[jiangwanyinscatmom]

I gotta say I REALLY do not like darkji plots whatsoever. What a way to miss the point of who Lan Wangji is as a person. It feels exactly like the people that call him selfish when him not being selfish and consistently helping people that are otherwise ignored for more excitement, is who he is. It's what drew Wei Wuxianto him post resurrection especially. Wei Wuxian realizes Lan Wangji himself would never want to be forceful if it was something Wei Wuxian was actually against.

As well as the juxtaposition of Wei Wuxian later comprehending when Lan Wangji asked him to come with him, it wasn't about control, it was to keep him safe, and away from as much harm from the world being CRUEL to Wei Wuxian because he didn't deserve that. And Lan Wangji knows exactly how he misspoke trying to relay that in the supervisory office. It's why he begins to listen to Wei Wuxian's words and this is shown on page when he visits the Burial Mounds and respects what Wei Wuxian is saying without interruption. He doesn't want Wei Wuxian to feel controlled, by him or anyone. He wants him to be able to be spoiled, pampered and loved. And none of that is at the expense of either of their morals.

They are not a "burn the world of everything for you for my love". Hua Cheng and Luo Binghe are, and their respective partners love that. But it's not what WWX wants at all or finds attractive. He finds LWJ constantly helping others, as mundane as it is, attractive. He likes to observe LWJ in those instances of mundane human kindness and admires that. He is not taken by destroy the world for you, because he idolizes nurturing patient teachings. He likes LWJ's love because it's passionate for him but it does not supersede their ideals.

His love and his ideals are what WWX wants, needs, and respects. Not obsessive control. As MXTX said, "I like Wei Wuxian, but give me Lan Wangji as a lover." Because he is an ideal, gentle, kind, selfless love that would let you grow and be comfortable with yourself. Why would I want anything uglier like controlling or hateful marring that?

[fickleminder]

be our guest

DWBD AU. When Diavolo comes over to the House of Lamentation for dinner, the demon brothers realize it would be a perfect opportunity for you to expose their horrible treatment of you.

DWBD AU masterlist here.

"Don't you dare," Lucifer pointed directly at you, causing your foot to hover just above the threshold, "take one step further."

You didn't know how he caught you trying to enter the kitchen while his attention was focused on Beel. Maybe he really did have eyes in the back of his head. "I don't mind helping—"

"We got this, so scram!" Mammon yelled from behind the stove. Black smoke was already wafting out from his pot.

You knew Lord Diavolo coming over for dinner would be a big deal, but you didn't think it'd be this big. The prince wanting to eat human world food wasn't too surprising; trying different cuisines was part of cultural exchange after all, and it made sense to host the meal on your home turf, so to speak.

The Avatars didn't take the news well, however. You thought they'd be thrilled to have the opportunity to enjoy your cooking again, but instead of leaving all the work to you as you'd expected, they demanded detailed step-by-step instructions for whatever dishes you were planning to make and told you to stay out of the kitchen. At most, you would be allowed to take on a supervisory role, but with Lucifer refusing to even let you in past the doorway, there was only so much you could do.

"Psst, hey!" You glanced towards the nearby window to see No. 2 waving at you cheerfully. "Can you open the front door? I have reinforcements!"

To your surprise, reinforcements came in the form of seven little D's and the Lord of Time himself.

"Good afternoon. How are the preparations for tonight's meal coming along?" At Barbatos' signal, the little D's scurried into the house carrying baskets of fresh groceries.

"I've been banned from the kitchen, for some reason," you admitted, wincing when you heard Asmo's shrill scream and a loud crash. "…I don't think they're doing too well though."

"That won't do. My Lord sent me ahead specifically to ensure dinner goes smoothly." Barbatos rubbed his chin and hummed. "If the little D's and I were to assist you, would the preparations be completed in time?"

"Sure thing! It won't be the first time I've had to cook for such a large group, but I'll take all the help I can get!"

"Wonderful, I'll be with you in just a moment. Please excuse me."

A blink, and Barbatos was gone.

.

.

.

Things were spiraling out of control.

Mammon and Levi kept fighting over the utensils and recipes. At some point, the steps you had painstakingly written down got drenched and became illegible, forcing them to improvise.

Beel insisted on taste testing everything, taking bite after bite until plates and bowls were scraped clean. Belphie was there to keep his twin in check, but mostly ended up dozing under the counter.

Asmo refused to risk chipping his nails doing menial work and was backseat cooking behind Satan, who started burning more food out of sheer irritation. Several pots and pans had already become dented beyond repair.

Lucifer made a valiant attempt to manage his brothers, but to no avail. Even if he wasn't constantly undermining you when you tried to give instructions from the doorway, he kept trying to take over the individual tasks, insisting he could do them better. This dinner was going to make or break the exchange program and everything had to be absolutely perfect or—

"Gentlemen," was the only warning before a blur shot through the kitchen, knocking everyone off their feet and forcibly throwing them all out. Barbatos stood over the resultant pile of limbs and dusted his gloved hands with a dangerous glint in his eyes. "We'll take over from here."

Lucifer tried to rise to his feet. "But—"

"Do set the table in the meantime. I trust even that should be within your capabilities?"

The butler's tone practically threatened a surprise house inspection if they didn't comply. Effectively cowed at that point, the brothers obeyed.

.

.

.

Lord Diavolo's laughter echoed all the way into the kitchen, and you grinned to yourself as his generous compliments reached your ears.

"Are you sure you don't want to join them? We can handle the rest in here," No. 2 asked.

"Nah, I'm good. I'll probably feel super out of place there anyway." You added another heap of ingredients into the boiling pot. "Did you remember to remove my plate from the table?"

"I did!" No. 5 piped up. "Did I do a good job?"

"Aww, yes you did!"

"Yayyy~!"

"Do not forget that you are our guest too, in this realm." Barbatos spoke up softly, and all the chatter from the little D's immediately fell silent. "From the way you're avoiding dining with the Avatars, it's clear we've been remiss in our hospitality."

Of course Barbatos would see through your act. After all, his own placid smile hid secrets you couldn't even begin to imagine. "Really, it's fine! I'm used to it by now. Besides, someone's gotta keep the food coming, and you guys are technically the guests here so…"

The corners of the butler's lips twitched upwards. "Touché. In that case, I will personally see to it that you are rewarded for your hard work tonight. Why don't you begin by telling me your favorite pastries?"

.

.

.

Despite your exhaustion, you stood at attention when Lord Diavolo shook your hand at the end of the meal, thanking you for serving up such a scrumptious dinner. Your smile was genuine as you waved him goodbye at the front door, and you only allowed it to drop once all the castle's residents have left through a portal.

Behind you, the brothers were sweating bullets as they watched you lower your hand and just stand there, staring into the distance while their minds raced.

Did you say anything to Barbatos while you had him alone? It would have been a golden opportunity for you to air your many grievances to him; half the things the brothers had done to you would have easily seen them thrown into the royal dungeons for being such poor hosts.

You had never dared to approach Lord Diavolo yourself in spite of his friendly demeanor, partially due to Lucifer's many reminders about knowing your place. But he never expected the prince to come to you instead, and so he had rallied his brothers to ensure you wouldn't have to lift a finger tonight, a last ditch effort to persuade you to hold your tongue. So much for that plan.

"We're sorry…" Beel said quietly once all of you had gone back inside. All the satisfaction from eating your cooking had faded away after seeing you emerge from the kitchen completely wiped out. He didn't need his Sin to tell you hadn't eaten anything all night.

"No you're not." The words came out before you could stop yourself. You were more tired than you thought, and your brain-to-mouth filter just wasn't working anymore. "If you were, you'd do better. All of you. But I guess that was too much to ask for."

The atmosphere around the brothers was heavy with shame and guilt. They really screwed up, didn't they? Asmo attempted to steer you towards your room. "Why don't you go and rest while we clean up—"

"The dishes are already done. The little D's took care of that—"

"How about some cup noodles then?" Mammon suggested loudly. "C'mon, ya must be hungry—"

"I'm not feeling like instant food at the moment—"

The doorbell rang all of a sudden, freezing everybody in place. No one dared to move for fear of finding Diavolo on the other side, as unlikely as that was. But there was only one way to find out who was calling on them at this hour.

"Yo," Vorgo greeted you with a lazy salute when you opened the door. "Hope this isn't a bad time. Is the coast clear?"

"You're good. Lord Diavolo already left." Just the sight of your friend was enough to lift your spirits, and you found yourself smiling at them easily. "What's up?"

"Special delivery." The lesser demon held up several containers of food. "Figured you'd be run ragged tonight, so I thought you could use a pick-me-up. I made that casserole you like, plus a few other things—"

"I love you," you blurted out before slapping a hand over your mouth.

Vorgo looked a little taken aback but recovered quickly with a laugh and flushed cheeks. "You're most welcome! Get some rest and I'll see you in class, okay?"

The smell of warm, homemade food was making your empty stomach roar loud enough to rival Beel, but you were past caring at this point. You bid Vorgo farewell and prepared to retreat to your room for some well-earned downtime.

"…Why didn't you say anything to Diavolo, or Barbatos for that matter?" Satan asked just as you were about to ascend the stairs. They hadn't mentioned a word about your treatment before they departed, seemingly none the wiser about how much you had suffered under the brothers' care. "You would have gotten everything you deserved, and yet…"

"I didn't think they'd care, to be honest," you shrugged. They were royalty after all, while you were just some human, and the brothers' behavior could easily be written off as demons being demons. "Even if they did, they probably wouldn't believe me."

Nobody told you Diavolo was a walking lie detector. Even if you had decided to spare them, he would have found out eventually, and then you would come to realize just how much he truly valued your well-being in his kingdom.

Lucifer sighed once you had left. "Belphie, make sure—"

"Deep sleep, no dreams. I got it."

"Levi—"

"I've got manga to catch up on so you won't hear a peep from my room."

Beel offered to make you breakfast the next morning, and Asmo whipped out his D.D.D. to book you an appointment for a manicure. Goodness knows you could use one after putting your hands through the wringer tonight.

Mammon was preparing a list of groceries to stock up in the kitchen while Satan volunteered to cover your lesson notes and homework for the next few days.

"Of course, that goes without question." Lucifer nodded when Satan gave him a pointed look. He would personally ensure that you had the rest of the week off from RAD. After your performance tonight, he doubted Diavolo would object to the idea.

[random-blurbs]

I Need Your Help - Chapter 1

Warning: These chapters will go into depth with gore and heavy topics. Imagine Hannibal type of setting but within Criminal Minds. Read with caution if this isn’t your typical cup of tea

Masterlist

“Did Gideon really train her?” Sighing you let your hands fall from your face as you glared at the two agents standing in front of you. You didn’t care for their names, you didn’t want know anything about them. You just needed quiet and they couldn’t even give you that. “I need you guys to leave.” You breathed out as you tried bringing yourself back to the room. To the headspace you need. “Can I just ask why?” Staring at the blonde you shook your head as you rubbed your eyes in anger. You don’t want to talk to them. To anyone. All battery gone from the day. LA tends to do that to you.

“Your boss can explain why now just please leave.” They shared glances with one another as they gave a stiff nod to you and left. Grateful you don’t have to prolong this anymore you sat more comfortable on the bed as you felt the plastic crinkle underneath you. It felt cold as you stared up at the dim light above you.

Closing your eyes you controlled your breathing, feeling everything. Needing to feel everything. You were there, and you weren’t. Getting up your body moved in a way you simply followed. With careful footsteps as you see the brunette sitting by her mirror you got close. You made sure every step you took was silence. Every move was calculated. You felt your heart beating out of your chest. You were excited. The brunette had barely registered your appearance as you grabbed a fistful of her hair smashing it against the mirror. She was still conscious letting out a small yelp as you smashed it back into the mirror. Your eyes met. You wished they hadn’t. That’s when you feel the anger. Unrelenting you continue over and over as the glass gets stuck into her face just becoming mush. You beat and beat her face in. Until she is nothing. You are nothing. Standing up you couldn’t stomach it as her limp body twitched. She was still alive. The sight disgusted you. You were disgusted with yourself. She was going to die. You need her to know you didn’t want her to suffer. Stumbling back to her twitching body, you picked her up placing her softly onto the bed. Her hair was matted with blood but you made sure to comb it behind her ears. You placed her limp hands over her face. Hiding the violence you just did. You felt guilty. But why?

It’s because I knew her.

Gasping you sat up, trying to ground yourself back. You weren’t her. That wasn’t you. Hearing a knock at the door you glanced to see the intruder. A young looking man awkwardly trying to enter. He didn’t look like an agent. He didn’t look like he belonged here at all. Trying to fix your disheveled self you smoothed out your clothes as you got up from the plastic covered bed. “S-sorry I’m Supervisory Special Agent Dr. Reid, u-um I just needed-.” Waving him off you motioned the room was his as you got up from the bed. “Just do what you need to do.” Looking closer at her vanity in the corner you picked up the frame.

Jealousy.

Flipping open your phone you clicked the first contact there. Pressing it against your ear you scanned over what the Agent was doing. He seemed interested in her posters as he seemed to examine over the room. In his own world, not caring that there was another in the room. “Y/N?”

“The killer knew her. They were jealous of her, and her looks. She wanted to be her.”

“Her?”

Rubbing your temple your words seem to catch the attention of the other agent in the room. It’s rare I suppose but not unheard of. “Believe it or not women are just as capable of this type of violence.” You hear talking in the background as your eyes drifted to the bed seeing something in the corner of your eye. Yelping you fumbled with the phone as you saw the rotting body beside you. “A-are you ok?” He suddenly appeared in front of you unsure of what to do. His hand was slightly reaching out not wanting to touch you but wanted to let you know that he was there. Rubbing your eyes again as your breathing became heavy. Rubbing the image out of your eyes you looked over at the bed again to see nobody. “U-um yeah. Sorry you could do whatever you were doing.” Not wanting to be around him anymore you brought your phone closer to your ear as you left the room.

-

“Here.” Looking up from your pile of papers you see the familiar brown haired agent with longish hair. It suits him. “I-it looks like you needed it.” He reasoned as he motioned towards the coffee. It looks pretty light but you doubt he made it in a way you like it. “Thank you.” Bringing the cup to your lips you immediately winced as the bitter taste reached your mouth. Unfortunately you’re part of the percentage that loves coffee too overly sweet where it’s not even coffee. “Sorry I just like my coffee really sweet.” He seemed to perk up as he quickly went to the coffee maker station as your eyes followed him. You saw his team looking back at you which is a familiar sight. But the pit at your chest tightened as you’re reminded you can never be them.

“Here! Usually I make it bitter since the rest of my team likes it that way, but honestly the amount of sugar in the coffee I add is way more-.” He started to list how he likes his coffee and how in a way it’s superior the bitter coffee that the rest of his team liked. He was listing a lot of things, in a way that confused you but you listened. It was interesting to a certain extent as you enjoyed coffee as well. Letting out small noises of acknowledgments as you poured the extensive amount of sugar that sure is to kill you soon. He perked up as he saw the mountain you poured making him continue on his little tangent. His behavior reminded you of the boy that Gideon would mention. The one he believed in so intently.

“Reid.” You both brought your eyes to the door as you recognized the tall, stoic man there. Reid just noticed how much he was truly talking, it felt like only a few seconds. Looking at you he saw you look back with no ounce of annoyance on your face compared to the first time he met you. You seemed to annoyed with almost anger laced on your face when he knocked on the door. You didn’t seem bored of him or irritated by his tangent. You were listening in, actually listening. “Sorry I didn’t mean to-.”

“It’s fine, believe it or not it’s kind of interesting to hear about coffee facts.” You comforted the best you can as the man looked embarrassed for some reason. Not much you can do you glance over at their Unit Chief. “Is there anything else you need?”

“I need you to work closer with my team. We want you to narrow it down and find the connection between the three victims.” You felt your temple start to hurt as you stacked your papers together nicely. “Doing the work for you guys?”

“Look at it as being our second opinion. I know Gideon really trusted your opinion in these type of things, so I’m doing the same.” He replied as you felt Reid immediately look over at you taking in your appearance for the second time. In disbelief that Gideon was close to another person like his age, was he your tutor in any way? Has he talked to you more than he has with him? “Thanks for believing in me wholeheartedly.” You drawled as you got up from your chair getting your papers. Pointing over at the other room they were sharing he motioned for you to follow him.

You felt their eyes on you, examining, working their little profiler tricks on you. How you hated that. Why must they always do that it’s an automatic response to them. “Why did you believe it was a woman?”

“It just seems like too much for one to do.”

“It’s probably a tall fit woman. With enough anger and jealousy you can do about anything.” They shared looks with one another as a blonde cleared her throat before starting. “But why?”

Shrugging your shoulders you didn’t want to go to in depth about it considering they will just stop believing you. It’s happened time and time again. “It just is. I-I don’t know how to explain it.” You hear a scoff from a buff man sitting across from you as he threw the picture on the table.

“Hotch how are we supposed to believe her? We’re supposed to go on ‘I thinks’?”

Letting their unit chief try to explain your presence with them you looked at the pictures you weren’t able to see. They all share the same violence, and the same position. “Were any pictures taken from their room?” You butted in as the back and forth was interrupted. “Pictures?”

“Yeah um with Katie I found a frame with a missing picture. Did the others have one?” A woman with black hair started going through the photos as the man next to me answered quickly. “Yeah they all had just a frame lying around but we assumed they didn’t have enough time to add a photo.”

“No they were taken by the killer. She’s a jealous person I’ll tell you that.” Hearing your phone ding you picked up glancing at the notification coming through. “I need to go.” Responding quickly to the message you picked up your belongings. Not wanting to wait for a response you picked up the coffee made by the man who seems like he does not belong to the FBI, and gave him a curt nod.

He watched you go in a hurry sipping the coffee as you went. Is that why he was drawn to you? Because you remind him of his past with Gideon. Is he desperately trying to hold on to that? “What does she do exactly?” Morgan asked seemingly put off by her entirely. “It was weird we accidentally interrupted her when she was lying on Kate’s bed.” JJ chimed in as she was remembering the events earlier. It was strange to anyone to see a young girl lying on another’s bed.

“She works in a specific way. She’s able to get into their head in a way that others shouldn’t.” Reid racked his head of the ways he’s learned about your specific technique. A technique that isn’t recommended or even mentioned to recruits as its capable of making someone go insane. And Gideon somehow knew you, and probably help train that mind of yours.

He swears by it now, it’s just curiosity. He wants to understand that mind of yours.

-

“Are you uncomfortable or something?” You asked as you focused on the road ahead of you. Just 5 minutes out and you’re there. At a new crime scene. New images in your mind that will kill you internally. “No - it’s just you’re a new person and we’re going to a case together.” And you worked with Gideon. He wants to ask you all these questions but he knows he shouldn’t. Why would you tell him anything.

“Nothings going to happen. I do my thing and you can do your own thing.” You ended the conversation quickly as you parked the car right in front of the tape. Turning off the car you got off hearing Reid stumble right behind you trying to match your pace. “Sorry M’am you can’t go any further.”

“She’s with me.” Opening his badge you stood next to him as he explained to the on-site detective. It was a nice home. She shared it with 3 other girls who are coincidentally on vacation.

The killer must’ve known that.

Lifting up the tape for you, you went underneath it thanking him quietly. Making your way inside it reminds you of the other victims homes exactly. The new modern things that are being pushed at the younger audience. You see it all over their home. The only reason why there is a connection between these killings was the mutilated face of the girl. He passed you a glove which you quickly put on walking to the dining room. Seems like glass is needed in all these killings. “She didn’t cover her face this time. And in a more ‘demeaning way’. Is she no longer feeling guilt?” He thought out loud as he circled around the room. She was smashed against a glass dining table face unable to be seen once again. But this time no hands covering her face but she was still posed. “She was eating dinner when she was attacked.” You pointed out as you saw his eyes follow your line of sight. Looked like she was having a salad now mixed with her skin.

Standing up a clean looking chair, you let yourself fall on it. “Do you need me to clear the room.” Looking up at him he seemed to point at the lingering cops in the house. And he seemed to understand what you needed now. “If you can. I would appreciate that.” You answered thankful you didn’t have to seem like the weirdo this time around. You know they’re just trying to solve a case but they’re just in your way. As you heard him kick them out you closed your eyes, smoothing out your breathing.

The body that is yours yet isn’t. You can see her having dinner. She’s oblivious as she has her headphones bopping side to side. A red haired girl poking at her salad right in front of you. You know her. You recognize her. You’ve seen her before and you hate that you do. You hate every part of her. You zone into her phone, you see something you don’t like. That anger manifests in her face, you make sure everyone sees her for what she is.

Stumbling away from the chair you had to get out of there. Anywhere else. “Are you ok?” Following you to the kitchen you stabilized yourself on her counter. You need to breathe. You aren’t her. You can’t be her. You don’t know how many mantras you got left in you before you can’t believe it. “I-I am. It’s just…” Taking a deep breath you rubbed your eyes as you tapped on the counter. “Do you have someone that can look up something for me?”

“Yeah just give me one…” Flipping on his phone he pressed a couple of buttons as we heard the ringer. “The one and only speaking! How shall I help?”

“Hey Garcia I have someone here who needs to ask you something.”

“Ask away my sweets!”

“Does any of our victims have a social media presence.” Hearing some clicking on the other end she quickly got the results you were looking for. “Ok can you see anybody who are following all 4 victims and if they’re in their 20s.”

“Believe it or not it doesn’t lower the list by too much.”

“Send me anyone who looks nothing like our victims and seems to frequent the gym a lot.”

Glancing over at the doorway showing a portion of the victims body. “And a face injury, not a small one, one that disfigured them.”

“Ooo that actually helps a lot mysterious person.”

“If you can send us that list to the police station we’ll comb over the rest. Thanks Garcia.” Shutting off his phone you glanced at his phone then him. “She sounds lively.”

“She makes it easier.” He said with a soft smile.

It suit him.

“It’s nice you guys have someone like that.” Would you be livelier if you had someone like that as you took in the dirtiness of the world. You don’t want to dwell on it for too long. Motioning to the door he followed suit as you felt drowsy. Getting in the car you rubbed your temple as Reid entered the car. “Are you ok?”

“Yeah just…sometimes it’s a lot? I don’t know.”

“No yeah I get it. Don’t worry.” Fumbling with the aux cord you plugged in your phone, hoping for anything to ease your nerves. “Do you want to go somewhere?” You were caught off by his question, wondering if you had even heard him right. Not thinking he would ever have the confidence to ask anything of you.

“Not like a date or anything. Just like maybe a croissant or something.” Stifling a giggle as you shocked yourself with your own reaction. You immediately saw his cheeks flush up in embarrassment taking it as rejection almost just as fast. “N-no it’s ok. I think I would like that a lot.” He still looked embarrassed as you pulled out onto the street. “But why a croissant?”

“I really don’t know. If I’m being honest I panicked.” Nodding you understood what he meant. It’s a mistake you would probably do when talking to other people. In a way he’s just like you. That thought doesn’t comfort you. “I still appreciate it.”

Looking for a place to find such a specific thing you missed the smile that graced his lips ever so slightly as he was glad he was able to make you just a tinier bit happier.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Reference saved in our archive

I just thought this was interesting. While not following all these reccomendations still, my dentist still follows more disease repression protocols than my general practitioner. Interesting to see such high conformance. This is why we need some specific mandates and protocols: professionals will follow them.

Abstract Introduction The heightened risk of COVID-19 transmission during dental procedures has been a major concern in dentistry. To curb the spread of the virus, breaking the chain of transmission is paramount. This study aimed to assess infection control function in dental clinics using a supervisory checklist developed specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method In April 2020, Alborz University of Medical Sciences introduced a 46-item checklist to guide infection control. Regular inspections of clinics began in June 2020 and continued every 6 months. Inspectors, accompanied by either the clinic manager or the infection control team, completed the checklist to evaluate protocol adherence. This retrospective cross-sectional study presents findings from the initial round of inspections.

Results Clinics were categorized as adherent or non-adherent based on achieving at least 50% of the total checklist score. Of the 76 clinics evaluated, 66 (86.8%) met the adherence criteria. The highest compliance was observed in question 12 (separation of employee and patient restrooms), with 81.6% adherence. The lowest compliance was in question 31 (use of disposable waterproof shoe covers), with only 26.3% adherence.

Conclusion Over 80% of dental clinics demonstrated satisfactory adherence to COVID-19 infection control protocols. However, to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19, particularly its more contagious variants, enhancing compliance across all infection control measures remains essential.

[no-quit-lucy]

Five Times Lucy Chen used Tiger Balm, and One Time she Used it on Tim Bradford

read on ao3 Rated M w/c: 2,349

1.

Lucy put the small jar on the bottom shelf of her locker, shutting the door and tenderly rubbing her wrist tugging down her long-sleeved uniform. Quickly, she rushed out of the room, only hobbling slightly after roughly apprehending their last two suspects. As usual, Tim had instructed her to chase after them, running three blocks and through two alleyways before finally jumping and tackling after repeated calls to stop running and surrender. While Tim drove to catch up, she had fought further but successfully controlled and cuffed both suspects.

Already fearing she was taking too long, Lucy rushed back to the shop, hoping Tim didn't chew her out for taking too long.

She got in the vehicle, frowning when she saw Tim with his elbow on the window, waiting for her return with his eyebrows drawn together. Opening the door, she quickly got in. She watched him curiously, wondering what version of TO Tim she was going to get, stern and authoritative who would chew her out for one tiny little misstep, or the approachable, dedicated teacher who would acknowledge her efforts and reinforce her confidence in the field. From the crinkle of his nose as she reached to buckle her seatbelt, she cursed to herself that her tiny little jar was too fragrant and she’d get chewed out by the former version of Tim for infecting the shop. Instead, she was met with the latter, his tone soft yet firm as he asked, “You good, Boot?”

“Yeah, I'm good. Gonna be sore tomorrow but fine,” Lucy responded, easing his fears, suddenly more concerned with her safety ever since she got stuck with a dirty needle.

She was sure he could smell the tiger balm she had used, but to her surprise, he hadn't been bothered by it and seemed to instead welcome the scent.

“Let’s get to it,” he said, pulling out of the parking lot to go back on patrol.

2.

Tim had meetings all day, so it was unexpected when he was pulled from the office at the last minute to respond to a high-profile busted party. Calling on his aide, he made Lucy drive to the hills, knowing she had a special kind of skill for navigating the identical winding neighborhoods late at night.

When they arrived on the scene, it had already relapsed into chaos, four separate fights had broken out with low-listed drugged-up Hollywood wannabes trying to flip each other over the expensive furniture in the house. Lucy jumped into the action, helping the four or five other officers subdue the scene back under control.

After getting back in the shop, Lucy’s hair was pulled from her bun, her uniform was disheveled, and she rubbed at her shoulder and neck, guessing she had pulled something in the fight. Tim had stated he was driving back, having had the pleasure of keeping his hands mostly clean due to his supervisory role. They didn’t have to transport anyone to the station, so Tim stopped at a convenience store on their way back.

Lucy went in with Tim, grabbing a water bottle and a new jar of balm while Tim got whatever he needed. She waited until they were back at the station, taking up an empty interrogation room to fill out the paperwork together to pull out the hexagonal jar from her uniform pants pocket. Picking it up and tilting it toward Tim, she asked, “You mind?” referring to using it in the enclosed space. The scent would be strong and it could distract him, if she’s sitting next to him, rubbing the balm into her skin.

“No, I don’t mind. I don’t mind it at all,” he gave her a weak smile, still cautious about being too friendly to her at work. He still had boundaries to maintain and he couldn’t let her know how much he liked the smell and how much it reminded him of her rookie days, now that things were different and he was her sergeant and she was his aide.

3.

Lucy boiled a pot of tea for herself, knowing Tim still needed to be won over by the therapeutic properties of the dual healing and calming benefits. She joined him on the couch after he insisted on following her home after she pulled a muscle getting pushed down the stairs by a suspect. She had twisted her ankle too and had to threaten him with a bad time if he tried to carry her back from the station. They hadn’t been dating long, so his getting to take care of her was still fresh and new. He wanted to hover, make sure she was okay.

She relented at letting him drive her home, which had led to her letting him invite himself up, insist he stay the night, drive her back to work the next morning, hover, hover, hover.

Lucy didn’t mind. She liked the way his protectiveness showed, how his care for her over the last two years had grown softer to a point where she could lean herself against his chest and feel like nothing could hurt her, wrapped up in his warmth and safety.

Leaning back into his arms now, as he put on the newest episode of the kitchen competition show they liked, she picked up the jar from her basket on the table behind the couch and began rubbing some tiger balm over her calf and ankle. As she massaged the ointment into her flesh, Tim ran his hand lovingly up and down her waist, wrapped comfortably around her, holding her to him.

When she finished, she relaxed more into his body, stretching herself along his length and feeling fully encompassed by his body, the smell of the tiger balm intrinsically intertwined with the scent of him. Lucy nuzzled into his chest while he leaned down to press kisses into her hair and squeeze her hip tighter to him.

4.

Lucy was staying the weekend at Tim’s house. It seemed everything was going wrong that day. First, she had been hit with a lawsuit, claiming her arrest was an abuse of force and that she was at fault for the victim’s sprained wrist. Lucy was outraged, having proof via bodycam that she didn’t touch the guy and that the same suspect that had knocked her to the ground, had also knocked down the plaintiff and caused the sprain. 

Then Smitty had eaten her lunch, her precious leftovers that she had been looking forward to all morning.

Later, she’d been thrown up on twice by a drunk college student who was caught peeing in the street, who Lucy was also sure had relieved herself in the back of her shop. Then, when she got home, she found a note on her apartment, stating the water heater was broken and wouldn’t be repaired until Monday.

Desperate, she had called upon her boyfriend, thankful that he had given her a drawer and a key weeks ago so she was free to let herself in at the late hour with a quickly packed bag of her things. Kojo jumped from the bed and scuttered from Tim’s room when Lucy arrived, greeting her quietly and ecstatic she would be spending the night.

Tim turned in the bed to face his en-suite when she walked through his bedroom door.

“Hey, sorry, I know it’s late, I just need to do my routine then I’ll turn out the light,” Lucy spoke quietly, already sorry she had woken him up with her call.

“It’s fine,” he mumbled, satisfied watching her comfortably and erratically tote about his bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth while he was still half asleep.

After she was done, she was shuffling through her toiletry bag, looking for something she forgot to pack.

“What are you looking for?” Tim asked curiously, still lying dreamily on his side observing her with a soft, domestic smile.

“My tiger balm, my shoulder is killing me,” she griped, upset, in pain, knowing she had just finished the one she usually kept in her backpack out by the front door, not yet having replaced it.

“Second drawer on your left,” Tim called from the bed.

“Huh?” Lucy asked confused, leaning quickly out the doorway before processing what he said and opening the drawer. There, she found a brand new jar of tiger balm with the plastic band still shrink-wrapped around the lid.

“You know me so well,” she hemmed with a smile, applying the balm to her shoulder after turning out the bathroom light and walking toward the bed. She placed the jar on the bedside table and spooned behind Tim, pressing kisses to his neck before turning his head and claiming his mouth in a sleepy, romantic kiss.

“Goodnight, Luce. Love you,” Tim whispered, tightening her grip around his upper body and quickly falling back to sleep.

5.

They were having a romantic evening in since Tamara was spending the night with friends and Kojo was ‘on vacation’ with Genny and her kids. Lucy had lit every candle in her apartment, making Tim twitch with the desire to call the fire department and report her for violating the code on how many open flames one can have in such a tiny, enclosed space. Surely, there had to be a limit, right? Despite the stress that the apartment could go up in flames at any moment, Lucy insisted she and Tim relax and spend some time connecting since work had been so busy lately.

They hadn’t had private time together in weeks and Lucy was craving his touch, desperate for his hands on her body. Having an idea for a mutually beneficial reward, Lucy tore off her shirt and bra and stood before Tim half-naked, much to his shock and pleasure.

He sat on her couch, watching her dark hair cascade over her shoulder as she leaned over him to grab something. Her breast brushed against his arm and instantly, he adjusted his pants and leaned a hand up to touch her irresistible bare skin. He cupped her breast, kissing her neck, figuring this was what she was aiming for by her actions.

Lucy leaned back, one knee on the couch beside his thigh, and pushed his hands away from her body.

“Will you rub this on my back, please?” She asked Tim, passing him the large tin of tiger balm.

“Absolutely,” he eagerly replied, desiring more than anything to press his digits into her muscles to release her sighs and groans.

He opened the tin as she settled to sit between his thighs, the smell overwhelming him with a rush of desire running through his body. Always and forever would he associate the scent of the balm with loving Lucy Chen.

+1

“It kind of tingles,” Tim reported as Lucy sat on the back of his thighs.

“It can feel like burning, but like a cold kind of burn,” Lucy responded, pressing her thumb into his spine and hearing Tim’s responding moan of relief. “It’ll feel really intense for a while, especially if your muscles are sore.”

“Why didn’t I let you do this sooner?” Tim drooled onto his pillow.

Lucy was sat on top of him, massaging tiger balm into his back after a harsh flare-up of his previous injuries. For years, she had made a show of using the balm on herself, singing its praises, and getting to the point where half the time, it was Tim using it on her rather than her using it on herself.

It had almost become part of their domestic routine, him putting tiger balm on her sore muscles. And finally, the tables had turned and he had practically begged her to rub the ointment over his aching lower back. 

She was incredible at giving massages, but it took Tim a lot of pain to feel vulnerable enough to request one. Had he known how much she enjoyed easing his pain, it might not have been so hard to get the words out. Communication was not their strength, but thank fuck physical touch was.

“You’re making me feel amazing,” Tim mumbled into the bed sheets, overpowered by the combined effects of a massage from Lucy and the tiger balm applied by Lucy.

Really, it was just everything Lucy did that made him feel amazing. Heat traveled from her hand to his back, gliding and smoothing over his lumbar muscles, penetrating deep into the meat of his hip and his glutes. He was fully naked, lying on his bed on his stomach. Lucy adjusted above him, scooting down on his thighs to massage more of his ass. The material of her panties and the edges of the long t-shirt she had stolen from him brushed against his bare legs and he moaned, hoping she’d finish the massage with a clichéd but very welcomed happy ending.

“Let me go wash my hands,” she announced to him, dismounting and laughing at his protesting groan.

When she came back, Tim was on his back, his dick laying long and proud resting on his belly. One hand rested low next to it daring to curl around his drawn-up ballsack, while the other reached down and adjusted it to tap once, twice, on his stomach. Lucy was right, the burning sensation felt intense, but at the same time, it felt relieving and arousing, as heat settled deep in his hips and spine.

Lucy paused watching him, still finding it so fucking hot seeing him handle himself. She didn’t think there’d ever be a time she was sick of Tim Bradford, not when he squeezed himself and pumped his cock after she had finished applying the tiger balm he had asked for all over his body. She’d never dated a guy who she’d felt comfortable enough in front of to apply the tiger balm to herself. But with Tim, not only did he often rub it into her skin, but he adopted her practice and let her rub it into his skin too. The acceptance touched her, making her fall in love with all that much more.

[butts-bouncing-on-the-beltway]

Because I read the tags - would you be willing to share more about that explicit curriculum for unlearning shame about questions? It sounds very cool!

I'm happy to try!

So, I work for a healthcare practice, and am the lead supervisory staff for the internship program these days (because apparently I have "leadership qualities" like "patience" and "enthusiasm for answering questions" and "a strengths-based teaching style"). Those who know me may understand that this is a choice I make under very specific circumstances as a psychiatric abolitionist because even if you can't change a system from the inside, until external changes are fully implemented, there are still people who need and deserve support from an extent system.

This means that an enormous portion of my curriculum with interns is "what it means to be someone in the position of wielding state power" and how to analyze and decomstruct systems of hierarchy. Because if there's one thing I will not do, it's sign off on a future mental health care provider who hasn't been comprehensively exposed to anti-psych conversations and anchored to "patient-led" communities and ethical critiques.

Within the first four weeks, we have the following lessons as a group:

Week 1: we are in positions of state-reinforced authority, and because of that I am going to ask you to be as vulnerable and open in our group work space as you want/expect your patient's to be. If you cannot do that, I cannot help you. Because we operate in a telehealth capacity, it is UP TO YOU to tell me when you need help because while I can "swing by" and check in with you, I fundamentally cannot notice from 6hrs away that you need help. This is not a role in which you can afford to feel ashamed of needing help, because shane leads to avoidance and avoidance leads to unintentional preventable harm, and if this is REALLY what you want to do, you need to take that seriously

Week 2: what does "learning to fail safely" look like for you? How do you recognize when you are failing/have failed and how do you take a functional look at how that went down without personalizing/internalizing any commentary about yourself from the experience (how can you learn to hold yourself and others in unconditional regard without sacrificing safety, boundaries, or needs of well-being)? What thoughts intrude in your mind when you have made a mistake or realize you don't know what to do? Until we understand how to help you actually hear what failure has to tell you about the path to success, the shoulds and shouldn'ts will control your decisions in ways you probably won't even notice. Who and how were you taught to feel ashamed of needing a period of adjustment/learning curve when interacting with a new skill or idea? What function does that shane serve for you?

Week 3: what is your actual learning process? Like specifically, i don't care WHAT YOU THINK YOU KNOW i care HOW YOU CAME TO "KNOW" WHAT YOU THINK YOU KNOW. Knowledge is inherently contextual and subjective. Are you aware of how that cookie crumbles for you specifically? Able to see both where you may be internalizing information you don't mean to and how you go about intentionally adding to or changing your knowledge? Where could this process change or improve or be adaptable in non-ideal circumstances?

Week 4: what skills do YOU think you are strong in? Which are still feeling vulnerable? Lets learn how you internalize/cultivate feelings like security, stability, confidence, compassion, etc. Lets talk about how to "self-reflect" without "self-interrogation/self-doubt" and how to sit in uncomfortable tense realities that need reconciled or processed. How do you let multiple things with overlapping conflicted areas be true at once?

Week 5: lets learn HOW to ask questions. In part we do this by introducing "case consultation" where an intern comes into group, describes a hypothetical (or real and fully anonymized) situation and asks for the group's thoughts on any dilemmas or uncertainties you see. But in part it's also about how *I* answer their questions. Because I don't "answer them" for the most part. I let the other interns answer directly, and I exclusively either INTERROGATE THE QUESTION ITSELF (why are you asking x and not y in this case? How have you heard the person discuss this related component? What are YOU feeling and how is it motivating the choices you're making and the options you're considering? What do you know already about this symptom/experience you are describing? That sort of thing) or I provide first person narratives from past clients, colleagues, and intra-communal conversations that may offer context and compassion for where that person is and WHY they are there.

Week 6: learn how to give feedback. What is criticism actually? What's the difference between "speaking a difficult truth" and "being cruel or inappropriate" or between "helping someone find language to communicate their experiences/needs" vs "putting words in someone's mouth". How do you find feedback easier or harder to provide? How do you provide it in ways that maintain accountability while mitigating feelings of defensiveness or rejection from the other party? What does it mean for feedback to be CONSTRUCTIVE and how do you decide to prioritize functional guidance to a peer? How do you root out the desire to "go easy" on peers in the field when they make choices or take actions that are harmful or unacceptable? How do you help each other grow in ways that DO NOT rely on or reinforce shame.

Week 7-14: start demonstrating to me your understanding of these concepts by assuming gradually increasing levels of personal and group responsibility for A) your personal learning, B) the learning/growth of your peers, and C) the form that the internship programming takes in order to acheive the above desired functions

Essentially, those first 6 weeks are heavy on really explicit and visible cognitive untangling of your processes as a person and as a professional, and then the remaining weeks are about building confidence/mastery in these processes such that by term 2 [weeks 15-28] I'm only a facilitator, not a teacher, and by term 3 [weeks 29-42] you should be assuming a teaching role for the new first-term interns. I am here to help you trouble shoot these processes until you feel confident in both cultivation of your OWN self-concept and skills, AND the support/facilitation of OTHERS' self-concept and skills.

We talk a lot about the inherent value of every voice, even in voices we fundamentally disagree with in every way, because communication is still communication even when we don't like or agree with what's being communicated, and understanding how to act on that mechanism with others around you is often a huge part of learning not to feel ashamed of the space you take up in the world, including the space of practicing a new skill or activity.

Conceptually, it seems really straightforward, but we meet probably at least once a day for at least an hour to do this stuff, and we do that for a YEAR, and by the end of it, we have a solid floor of self-esteem and security in the idea of imperfect enactment of human life being inherently valuable regardless of what comes next. It's a lifelong thing for sure tho. I organize these same talks as a continuum for past interns who have become staff and current internship supervisors helping the interns develop their skills, and while our conversations can often have different forms, they are often very similar if not identical in our goals. So like. Straightforward or not, this isn't easy or fast, and I try to emphasize as much as possible that it is also an endless process, not an outcome based static state we can one day acheive. So part of the process also needs to be learning how not to hate or be ashamed of past us no matter how much we had to grow away from past us. That shame will always keep us locked in that little bit of threat around change unless we are consistent with ourselves in kicking it to the curb when it shows up.

I will say, that this is a curriculum I can do because it is a small group (no more than 5 interns per group with 1-2 facilitators) that allows us to pivot and customize the bones of it as needed. I doubt it would function the same way alone or in a large group setting, but I imagine the principles of it could still be helpful in finding what IS functional in those circumstances