#jim becomes grace tolerant become of this

[beestalesofarcadia]

Hello beestrollhunterplace! Might I request either Blinky or Dictatious with a human librarian s/o? Maybe she had first joined the group when the kids asked for a ton of troll books, she notices all of their scars and bruises, she investigates and discovers their secret. She's not at ALL happy that a minor was picked to be the Trollhunter but she tutors the kids to help them in school.

This is literally so late I apologize 😭 

★・・・★⊱••✩••⊰•★・・・・★

Blinky with a human librarian s/o

Jim is super obvious when he’s trying to hide a secret, especially the first few weeks he becomes the Trollhunter. Toby doesn’t help either. Their time at the library would become more frequent than usual, with him visiting every so often to pick up books from the fantasy section. “Didn’t take you as an avid reader, Mr. Lake.” You remark one day, to which Jim sheepishly replies with, “Well Mrs. (l/n), I’m just… trying to find myself through uh… reading!” You glance at Toby, who normally picked out comic books or mangas, with a 1000-page textbook about ancient folklore. With the bruises littered throughout their body and the sudden change in personality, you made it your duty as a librarian to make sure these kids were alright.

One night, you decided to stay at the library and catch up on work. A loud thud had distracted you from your paperwork, and curiously, you couldn’t help but walk over to investigate. “Keep it down, guys-!” A voice hissed, sounding strangely like Jim. “Psh, relax man, it’s not like anyone else is in here.” You could recognize that voice anywhere: Tobias! Considering that they broke into the museum a few nights before, it wasn’t really far-fetched that they’d do the same here. Geek duo, you thought to yourself as you shook your head. With a sigh and roll of eyes, you popped out from behind the bookshelf, pinching the bridge of your nose. “Listen, kids, couldn’t you break in somewhere else…” Your voice trailed off as you saw a large, brute of a stone, and a pair of six-eyes staring right at you.

You thought it was bullies at first. You thought it was adults at first. Hell, you even thought that it was some mafia that was threatening these kids. Not once did you consider the possibility of it being trolls or any other magical creature that existed. Of course, you freak out, with your first initial reaction to grab a book and throw it at the larger troll. With ease, he opened his mouth and swallowed it. He smiled and rubbed his stomach, humming “tasty.” You pulled Toby and Jim back, shielding them. “BACK AWAY- YOU BEASTS-!” “Pardon me madam, but we are trolls!” Despite his best efforts to dwindle the situation, it was futile. It took Jim and Toby having to stand in front of you to calm you down. They assure you that they would explain the situation, but you just needed to take a seat. Shakily, you agree to do so.

After a recap of the events of those past few weeks, your fear had shifted into anger. Mainly directed at Blinky- as you were under the impression that he chose Jim to become Trollhunter. “He’s a kid! He has school, he has finals, he has girls to worry about-!” “I understand your frustrations about Master Jim’s current predicament but realize that is the amulet’s will. It is his destiny. That, we cannot change.” Unless he died, you soon realized.

The weeks that followed soon became routine for you. You’d assist the kids, going as far as to help them even during school hours. Anything that they needed you’d get for them. Access to the classrooms after hours? You got it. Security camera footage of Strickler? That’s pushing it, but yeah. Your car keys? … There’s a line that needs to be drawn somewhere.

Outside of that, you become a frequent visitor to Trollmarket. Despite the other trolls’ blatant dislike of another human gracing their grounds, Blinky and Arrrgh are quick to be at your side. Vendel tolerates you since you seem sensible enough. But the minute you cause any ruckus around Trollmarket, you are out. Blinky assures him that it would never get to that point, to which you quickly agree. “I won’t tell a soul or cause any trouble,” You bow out of respect before continuing. “Cross my heart and hope to die.” “… A strange proclamation, but admirable effort nevertheless.” Now you gotta explain what idioms are.

Your intelligence is what initially draws Blinky. Whether it be from your wide range of vocabulary (as he’s seen whenever you’ve explained words that he couldn’t understand), or even the suggestions you’ve thrown into plans. Then it becomes your courage and selfishness, which you had demonstrated many times. From defending the kids to even fighting alongside them at the Killahead bridge. The determination and fierceness he saw in your eyes as you freed him from his bindings. No longer were you the little, fearful librarian he had met. You were now, as Tobias would put it, the “kick-a$$” librarian.

Post Killahead bridge is where you both get closer. Alone time becomes more frequent, as Arrrgh still remains Toby’s roommate/Wingman. You keep Blinky company, and his mood lively with the quick quips you often exchange with him. You tell him of the books you’ve read recently, even giving him a few copies to read himself. Although he’s more interested in historical fiction (“As a witness, I can tell you this is quite inaccurate-”), he doesn’t mind indulging in a few other genres here and there. Romance is a big guilty pleasure, followed by the occasional fantasy books (he thinks their interpretations are interesting). You two often find yourselves sitting together, reading and talking amongst yourselves. You would lay against him, your soft skin contrasting his own stone texture. It would always catch him off-guard, but that soft smile that grew along his face would always follow. Idle moments like those were what caused Blinky to realize his feelings for you.

Courting was difficult- mainly because Blinky can get in over his head. While he was going to go for the Troll customs, he then decided to go for the humans. But upon researching it, he found it so strange. Poisoning yourself, then actually turning out alive, then going back to your lover only to realize they offed themselves? Such oddity. Wait, that was Romeo and Juliet…

Blinky settles to do a combination of both. He manages to forge a small dagger for you (with Draal’s assistance) before shaping a crystal into a flower. Both are gifts that he hopes you would love, as small as they were. His confession was within his own library. He could never forget the soft expression as he handed you the gifts, the smile as he spoke, and the warm embrace that followed after his declamation of love.

★・・・★⊱••✩••⊰•★・・・・★

#trollhunters x reader #trollhunters #blinky x reader #blinky #blinkous galadrigal #headcanons #romance

[rahnekat]

OFMD and Love

"Love your neighbor as yourself."

"I loved you best I could."

Spoilers for S1 and the first 3 eps of S2, along with triggers in those episodes.

I'm sure there will be a lot of deep and insightful metas about the themes of OFMD from people who are far better writers than I. (For example, I think we're very clearly seeing the effects of toxic masculinity in Ed. Ed's inability to healthily process emotion becoming violence towards himself and others is often the conclusion that toxic masculinity barrels towards.)

However, what's really stuck out to me on this first watch is love or possibly the inability to love. Another way to look at it is that I'm having feelings about stupid fucking Izzy Hands.

Season 2 starts with Izzy getting what he wanted. Ed loves him. Ed even admits it in the second ep. The problem comes when you realize that Ed loves Izzy as an extension of himself. Izzy is possibly the part of himself that Ed identifies as Blackbeard. I think Izzy even starts to see it since he asks Ed what he is to him, tells Ed he has love for him, and gets nothing in response.

Since Ed sees Izzy as part of himself, Izzy becomes victim of Ed's self-image. Purgatory!Ed didn't have to say that he thinks he's unlovable when he shows it every moment. He repeatedly maims Izzy in order to torture himself. He lets Izzy rot for an indeterminate amount of time with his infected leg wound before giving him an out.

Even the fact that Ed tries to push Izzy into killing him shows that Ed sees Izzy as part of himself. (I'm about to start reaching so stick with me please.) Ed seems to still have his hang up around killing. The only murder we personally witness him do this season is a guy who has a sword through his chest and will die anyway. He can explain that away as putting him out of his misery. Now, you might think his killing ~*thing*~ is why he didn't just commit suicide but I think it's more than that. I think its because Ed thinks he's unlovable and also doesn't love himself. He's in so much emotional pain that death would be a mercy, in his mind. The problem is that mercy and grace are forms of love. Ed doesn't think he deserves that or is even capable of having it. I think Izzy confessing his love is the tipping point and the reason Ed is finally ready to end it. If Izzy is telling the truth, that's enough love for Ed to get his peace. When that doesn't work, it's not long before he uses Jim and Archie's relationship to try for his mercy.

This is all a big long way of saying that Jenkins & Co. seem to really believe in the idea that "you can't love anyone until you love yourself." Since Ed cannot currently love himself, the love others have around him becomes poisoned like an infected wound. I personally think you can love while still learning to love yourself, but for the purposes of the story, I think they are right about Ed. He needs to reach a point of self-tolerance at the very least if not self-love. He can't rely on a fantasy to save him. (It doesn't matter how adorable merStede is.) This all leads me to believe that the love story for this season will be Ed/self. Stede's in it for the long haul; he'll wait around until Ed figures himself out.

Note: This didn't come out quite the way I hoped, though that's gonna be because I haven't completely figured out what I want to say. I have thoughts brewing under the surface about several other themes though I doubt I'll end up writing anything about them. So, um, fix-it fic writers got their brief with "warmth, good food, and orgasms," huh?

#ofmd s2 #spoilers #ofmd spoilers #meta #our flag means death s2

[edwardastormwrites]

Juice Wrld and Why do I always add #thelight to my posts

written by Edward Storm

My name is Eddie Storm and I'm a writer.  I'm a poet.  I've been writing since age 13 and this is about the age when I started to become totally obsessed with music. Over the years I found myself obsessed with the huge variety of genres of music and many different particular artists.  My first musical hero was Jim Morrison.  He died in his addiction many years before I was born.   I was 14 years old when Kurt Cobain died.  I was 15 when Jerry Garcia died. Over the years many many more unbelievably talented musicians have died young as the result of substance abuse.  One of the shining stars of the hip hop industry to recently pass away was the one and only Juice Wrld.

He was an amazing talent. I loved how multifaceted he was as a singer and how brave of a musician he was regarding the different genres he would blend together.  I have never seen anyone free style like him.  He wasn't afraid to collaborate with a wide range of musicians in the studio and on stage.  His music to most people would be considered rap or hip hop but it clearly transcended those two genres.  His lyrics were direct and to the point.  Burn, burn, burn.   He was a modern day soul singer and did not mind airing his darkest secrets and failures through his lyrics.  He was a poet.  He was also a kind hearted tolerant human being.  He was a force for good.  I get emotional thinking that the world lost such a great soul so young.

Bob Dylan is another poet.  It turns out that just like Mr. Higgins, Mr. Zimmerman is also a remarkable human being n a force for good.  I was a kid who started to appreciate his music at a very young age of 17.  I saw him live for the first time at the age of 17 in Tinley Park, Illinois . Between the age of 17 and 40 I saw him live in concert almost 100 times on his never ending tour. Mr. Dylan has challenged himself time and time again to incorporate different types of sound into his studio albums and into his live performances. When he was very young he was considered a folk musician then he moved on to loud electric rock then country rock then gospel then bluesy gritty rock and blues then swinging country music then serious minded Grammy winning albums like Time out of Mind that discussed very heavy things like the loss of health, love, dreams, and much more. Today at the age of 80 he recently released one of the best albums of his career and has been touring ever since playing some of the best shows of his career. 

When I listen to the music of Jarad Anthony Higgins  I can hear the same sense of joy and courage that to marked Dylan as a performer and songwriter.  Sadly we will never know what else the young man could have done with his career because of his problems with addiction. There are millions of us in America and around the world who suffer from the disease of addiction. Many of us never even have the chance to get any help or treatment.  I am one of those people who suffers from the disease of addiction.  Some of the most inspirational people in my life have also been some of the people who have had the most self-destructive habits. One of these was my mother, a person that I have spent 28 years of my life missing dearly. She seemed to handle situations with ease in life that would leave other people completely stumped and at a standstill. She did it with grace.  I found this hilarious!  Losing her a month before my sixteenth birthday was tough, but luckily she haf already instilled a pretty realistic “theory of everything” in me.  I understood that life was not fair and it never would be but that everything was still ok.  Accept it and get ahead of it as fast as possible.  Have as much fun as you can doing it, see, life is simple. . She was not an artist of any kind by this I mean she was not a painter nor a photographer nor a poet nor a professional comedian, I guess I would say that instead the world was canvas and she herself was the art.  She was the type of person that rarely shows up in photos but when they do they seem to be popping out of the photograph.  Do you know these type of people? The way she moved the way she talked the way she inspired it was masterful, one of God's many many masterpieces.  You are not perfect, and by a long shot my friend but I promise you are a masterpiece.  If you haven’t realized that you are a masterpiece well that is ok, you just have to hit the books a little harder You know what my mother’s job was? She taught kids with severe behavioral disorders.   The type of kids who will knife a teacher in the back at age 14.  No one knifed my mother.  She was their defender, the told them they had the right to be themselves and that those who didn’t want our attention were not worth it anyway.  This takes love.  She showed love, they gave it right back even harder.  Love wins.  Love can live forever but we do not live forever.

I am so sick of losing not only family but close friends to the disease of addiction. In 2022 I lost two friends both under the age of 30 to senseless overdoses. I can no longer count the number of people I have known over the past 10 years who have suffered a death in some way related to addiction. 

One of my favorite songs by juice wrld is THE LIGHT.  About a month ago I opened an Instagram account for the first time to start to promote my poems and flash fiction .  Every little thing I write is for all of you like Juice Wrld who struggle through each day with addiction.  Each day your memory keeps me brave and keeps me writing on.  The light is with me, the light is with you, the light is millions of souls bright and don't you ever forget that.  Keep the good fight for freedom burning through your sharing my people.  When it's dark outside you're always the light.

-Eddie Storm

#poetry #poem #edwardstorm #music #poetryisnotdead #eddie storm #read poetry #soundcloud #poetryisnotaluxury #poetrytribe #poetryforever #poemsofchange

[zaraegis]

BBC Sherlock| Shoulder Angels| T

Synopsis:It would figure that Sherlock Holmes’ shoulder angel carried a gun and his shoulder devil didn’t wear his wings as they clashed with his Westwood suits.

The day Sherlock Holmes was born, Shoulder Entities agencies in both Heaven and Hell had been completely overturned in panic. Mere seconds after Sherlock had cried out his first breath, a note on his file showed up in heaven.

Jim Moriarty was his shoulder devil.

The Director was said to have slammed his head down on the considerably big file of the youngest Holmes. It was a stack of blank papers and documents about five inches long. Except for his Birth Certificate, they were all blank; as many papers would be filled along the course of his human life. It later would baffle many angels and demons that noticed, oddly enough a death certificate would be in the middle of the file with no explanation.

This was all pretty routine, a human was born, and they would either have volunteers already lined up for a soul as soon as they were conceived, or they would be assigned one their first day on earth.

No one wanted to work with Jim Moriarty, and several angels who were considered threatened to hand in their resignation.

Even Irene had declined because of her first dibs on a new soul that would desperately need her. And she wasn’t sure that she could keep both her charge and herself alive with Moriarty there.

No one blamed her.

The last angel to partner with Jim was still in therapy. He’d been given permission to handle pens just last decade.

“Oh! Thank goodness you’re here!”

John smiled awkwardly at that and raised an inquisitive eyebrow at the frazzled looking secretary. She tried to make herself seem less desperate and forced herself to not clutch at his lapels. During this the man he came to see came out of a nearby office.

“John! Good to see you, and just the angel I was looking for.” Mike Stamford smiled and exchanged looks with the secretary who slumped back in her chair and gave off the relieved of someone whose washed their hands of a very messy problem.

John was beginning to question his decision to meet his old friend again. Especially suspicious that he asked him to meet in the Reassignment office in what amounted to neutral territory.

“There was a bit of an uproar in Up There and Down Here, have you heard?”

John was tempted to ask if gossip was all Mike called him out for but refrained. There was an air of someone leading to something and to humor them.

“I noticed something was up, but I never got too many details. Something about a human…?”

“Yep,” Mike beamed,“There’s this one human born, and his future is so ambivalent that there’s a perfect 50/50 chance to go either way. Not to mention they feel this one’s gonna send waves out in the human world. Heard his file was 5 inches thick too.”

John whistled, his own file was 3 inches thick, and he was a good bit older than even Mike, who remembered the old days when Lucifer was still sporting a pair of pearly white wings.

Out on a tangent Mike asked about his latest charge. John grimaced and rubbed at his shoulder, feeling an answering twinge in his leg.

“He’s getting settled pretty well Up There, went to have a drink with him once or twice this past month.”

Mike seemed to realize he’d hit a still sore spot because all he said was a “That’s good news at least.” before nodding at his shoulder and wing.

“Still bothering you then? That wound.”

“Yep. You’d think after a century or so it would begin to heal properly but no—"He cut himself off, the last word spitted out with old bitterness, hand shaking where once he would have been steadier than a rock. He took a calming breath and was suddenly so glad that he wasn’t conversing with someone from home. They would have frowned at his showing of negative emotions and checked that his wings were still feathery and glowing with angelic power.

Demons, on the other hand didn’t put up too much fuss when confronted with an angel getting snippy, as long as any and all holy weapons were kept sheathed. Mike held true and didn’t remark or seem to notice anything out of character, at least outwardly.

On his bad days, John sometimes wondered what it said about him that he felt more at ease conversing with demons that most other angels.

Especially since most of his demonic acquaintances were those he had fought fiercely during the Great War against. And hadn’t killed.

Mike brought him back from his reverie, whip-like tail waving through the air in a decidedly languid fashion. "So, do you have another charge for Guardianship?”

Another twinge, but this one was almost easily ignored. “Not really, I don’t think I can go through that so soon,” His wings settled in a tight manner close to him. Bill Murray was the first human under his new job as a Guardian Angel, after a couple of years after being honorably discharged from Warrior Angel status by a lucky shot through his shoulder and wing both during a skirmish between demons that the Angelic Forces decided to crash. His hands weren’t steady anymore, and his healing was iffy.

He could see why he was discharged, an angel who couldn’t confidently heal others or aim correctly wasn’t any use in a war. He was more a liability.

It didn’t stop the feelings of uselessness.

So as soon as the full body spasms stopped completely and his healer confirmed that the malicious energy in his wound had finally been purged away, he had registered himself for Guardianship. And had been given Bill Murray, a chance to actually see the human world for the first time, and his sense of duty back.

In protecting little Billy from dangers, scrapes and trying to do life damage control; John lost his limp, and his hand was ever steady, his Angelic Will never faltering. He had never felt so alive and useful and such a deep abiding Love for a human. Ever since he had glimpsed his soul as the first thing to see coming down to earth, he had been given the Guardian Angel’s defining characteristic to so purely love their human charges.

He had taken years to study human medicine and had endeared himself to a strange succubus who went by different monikers every year or so on one of his trips to Hell, sword at ready, to visit Mike and ask a favor for human healing practice. Mike had actually gone up to the human world and earned a degree in medicine, and so had been a great help.

Anthea, however, had merely tagged along and steered him clear of less tolerant demons with an easy air. She never failed to show up every time he came before Hell’s gate. It was strange, but John didn’t mind, it was nice to have someone to chat with and eventually he noticed the burning curiosity of the human world that she had.

It took some serious sneaking around and some indecent flirting with a demon who guarded a little used gate, but he eventually had permission to bring Anthea (who was now called Athena, but John had been introduced to her as Anthea and so Anthea she had stayed to him) with him.

They attended Bill’s college courses, with John sneaking glances at another student’s medical text, and with Anthea taking everything in with the wide curious eyes that endeared her to him. He guided her through his knowledge of the human world that he had painstakingly learned in his years of Guardianship.

Last he had seen her was when she had shown up at Heaven’s gate, almost started an altercation with a guard and had hugged him tightly, cracking his ribs as he tried to explain that,no, she wasn’t here to cause trouble and yes, they were friends.

Anthea had applied for a human of her own to tempt as a shoulder devil. He had patted her shoulders proudly and felt the disbelieving stares of other angels as he exclaimed that he knew she would do a damned good job.

Hanging around with Bill and his army mates had done wonders for his swearing capacities.

She had only sent missives for the past years, and John amused her and her charge by sending scrolls of gold and silver in a show of pompous angelic grace use.

And then Bill had gone to Afghanistan. Most of the other Guardian Angels in his squad were relatively new to this human war, he ran himself ragged and stopped distinguishing his charge and theirs. Every human was their charge, and sometimes another angel covered for him while he recharged his “batteries” impatiently in Heaven as keeping bullets off their mark took more energy out of his Presence than merely keeping his form on Earth would.

It worked out great, for the most part, after the new angels began to fall in line like true warriors. And then everything was gone, in a single skirmish, most of their human charges were dead and their Guardians subsequently whisked off to Heaven. Bill had seen him, and closed his eyes and not opened them again. He flew back to Heaven with tears in his eyes and Bill’s soul cradled protectively in his hands.

No. He didn’t think he could do that again.

A paper was thrust in his face, and he momentarily went cross-eyed trying to focus out the words at the top.

Oh no. No, no, no, nope. No way. He slapped it back down.

“C'mon John!” Mike, that old tempter, wheedled,” No other angel is stepping up to plate because of Jim; would you really leave someone to a Moriarty’s mercy?” That gave him pause, he frowned at Mike.

“Moriarty?”

“The grandson of his, yeah. Goes by Jim. Got his last charges sent here early. Put other angels in intensive therapy.” Mike grinned the smuggest grin not seen since a snake got Eve to eat an apple.

John’s face didn’t move but his hand slowly steadied, his eyes scanned the waiting room they’d been sitting in. “Get real Mike. Look at me.” Spreading his arms, his left lower as to not irritate his wound. His sword clanged lightly from his hip, his ever present armor gleamed almost ominously in the cool lighting.“Who’d want me for a conscience?”

He was a Warrior first and foremost, and a small part of him wanted to sign up if only to see how he fared pitted against the latest Moriarty. A human didn’t need that kind of violence residing in the angel giving out good advice.

“I got word from a contact of mine.” No names were mentioned of course, Mike was nothing if not discreet, “There’s a death certificate smack dab in the middle of his file.” It would be a terribly powerful clairvoyant to see the words in the blank page of a human’s life.

John’s sword gave a gentle humming sound, and John cursed internally as Mike took out a pen and waved it in his face.

“No matter what you say about getting old,” John grumbled as he jotted down his info, “You still manage the temptations of man pretty well from where I’m standing.”

Mike grinned even wider the snakey bastard.

They got a confirmation not ten seconds after it was sent. Along with a sad little sticky with the words, “BLESS YOU.” in thick, underlined block letters.

John didn’t think it was very angelic, but he couldn’t deny the satisfaction he felt in flipping Mike off before unfurling his wings and taking off.

His laughter followed him all the way.

#sherlock bbc #This eventually becomes just Sherlock Jim and John fucking around and becoming good friends despite the granpa moriarty having it in for joh #shoulder angels #shoulder devils #my fanfic tag #john makes tea with angelic grace #nearly poisons jim trying to have a peace talk #jim becomes grace tolerant become of this #they just become really scarily stronger #idk #might have gone in a ot3 direction when sherlock's older #or might have stayed jimjohn

[dawna-the-daring]

Dawna the Daring

Information

Name: Dawna Annabelle Walthomew Nobel

Tilte: Dawna the Daring

Rank: High Noble

Species: Shapeshifter/Faye Mage

Nicknames: Dawn, D, StarLight, Favorite, Silver Knight, Morning Light, Moonchild/Moonbeam, Hope

Aliases: Diana, Dee, Delilah, Debra, Dot, Donnie, Deeadra. Depending on the time period or mission depends on the alias used. All names start with D to acknowledge the first name she was ever given

Multiple possible ships: Hisirdoux Casperan, Bular the Butcher, James the Changeling (o.c), Delilah the Deadly (o.c), Kelpy the Kindred (o.c), Noble the Nifty (o.c), Steve Palchuck, Claire Nuñez, and Jim Lake Jr.

[Can also be shipped with one of your o.c's if discussed and agreed with]

Stats

Intelligence: Very High

Fighting Skills: High

Magic Level: High

Strength: Above Average

Speed: High

Durability: Above Average

Profile

Age: 916 years

Gender: Female (Fluctuates)

Sexuality: Pansexual genderfluid

Weight: 210 lbs

Heigth: 5'8"

Skin Color: White

Ethnity: Camelot (European)

Hair color: Hazelnut Brown (Can change)

Eye color: Green (Can change)

Background

Weapons training: Dawn typically uses her magic in a fight but in cases where magic isn't practical she has extensive battle training from the Order, the Gum Gums, and the Trollhunters/Gunmars Resistance. She can use just about any weapon but her magic split blades are her favorite and what she's most comfortable with. One is named after herself and the other her sister (Dawn and Dusk) as they are twin blades that are split.

Dawn watched the Round Table train and learned how to weild a sword that way. She is also proficient in knife/dagger throwing. Can weild an axe and throw a spear with great aim. She can also use a bow and arrow though she doesn't like them as much. Anything around her can be technically be used as a weapon but that doesn't mean it's an effective one.

Abilities

- Dawn is a powerful mage who learned magic during Camelots golden age. Merlins books and teachings helped her but sneaking out from the castle and exploring the woods around Camelots walls allowed her to truly learn magic for herself and what it means too her as a mage. She is most powerful with elemental spells as she learned from the woods and not a proper teacher. She has trouble with things like teleportation, telekinesis, and transmutation spells/hexes unless the spell she uses is connected to elemental magic.

- Her elemental magic attracts animals. She is good at calming stressed/angry animals as they can sense her magic and trust her. She can not speak directly to animals but she has an understanding of what their saying/feeling when they talk to her. If she listens closey enough plants also emit feelings and tell stories.

- Knows many different languages as after Camelots fall she took the time to explore the world. Has a slight accent but does a good job in sounding like a local. Strickler also taught her several codes like morse and tap that they use to have conversations during boring meetings.

- She is very knowledgeable on subjects like math, science, history, psychology, philosophy, biology, art history, anthropology, sociology, and many other subjects. She loves learning and often reads for hours at a time in her freetime. She absorbs knowledge like a sponge and one of her favorite past times is to listen to someone tell stories of their culture/past. Listening to others inspires her own creativity. She could sit and listen to Nomura, Strickler, and Otto's stories all day.

- Very empathetic and kind she just wants everyone to win. Whether she's a GumGum, an Order Spy, a freelance agent, or part of the Trollhunters she knows everyone and has seen their better side. She wants to believe everyone can be redeamed. Dawn wants to bring peace and when peace isn't an option she's hesitant to kill and perfers to injure or incapacitate instead. By nature she is a loving person and this has been used against her but she refuses to let herself see kindess as a weakness even if it has hurt her.

- Dawn is very adaptable when it comes to her environment or status. It's why when she's taken into the Order she rises quickly in the Changeling ranks and becomes a spy. Throughout her long life she has lived as a princess, a noble, a hand maiden, a pauper, and for a time a servant. Going through these various statuses she has learned a lot about herself and the world. She tries to treat everyone with respect and decency depsite status.

- During the GumGum war she became an amazing strategist and spy. Her skills to shift into any form allow her easy infiltration into an enimies camp. She uses her spy skills to watch how someone fights before devising a plan to counter their style and bring them down. She's best at making her enimies fall by finding their weaknesses and using it against them.

- Borne before electronics were around, Dawn often turned to the arts for entertainment. Hundreds of years of practice makes her a talented artist and story teller/song writer. She loves drawing and writing and has made hundreds of journals over the centuries. She has met great artists who have changed history over her life. Some being William Shakespeare, Leonardo Di Vinci, Michelangelo, Donetello, Raphael, Vincent Van Gogh, Charles Dickens, Virgina Wolfe, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Frida.

Weaknesses

- Dawn usually thinks things out and takes a calculated graceful approach to her fighting but when it comes to her close friends or family she can be very impulsive. She sometimes rushes into dangerous situations head first. She's also very stubborn and often gets in trouble for her sharp tongue.

- She is very protective of her friends and family. Dawn will do anything to keep them safe and has struggled with a savior complex ever since the fall of Camelot. She deals with severe self worth problems from unaddressed feelings and this causes her to think everyone is above her and their life is worth more than hers. Dawn has gotten hurt many times because she fears loosing those closest to her.

- Dawn has severe memory probelms from trauma and magical accidents/incidents. This leaves her vunerable to manipulation and can make her gullible at times. She is not naive and is often able to figure out who is her true ally and who is not but it can be hard to realise what's happening if she feels she's surrounded by friends/family. The Order especially her designated guardian or mentor Strickler have made it hard for her know what's right and what's wrong.

- Since she has been hurt and manipulated most of her life Dawna struggles with sharing things. Secrets are a common occurence and this can cause tension in a group setting. She keeps much of her past hidden and feels guilty about the secrets she hides but feels her friends/family would abandon her if they knew how she really felt and what she's been through.

- When she's hurt she often ignores it and lets the problem get worse because she doesn't want to address it. Her friends often have to drag her to a healer for treatment. This causes a lot of problems. She struggles with opening up so if she admits she's hurt or lets you bandage/heal her it means she trusts you far more than she'll admit.

- As a shapeshifter Dawn can shapeshift into anyone. After joining the Order her powers are put to use for infiltration/spying. Wanting to impress her higher ups Dawn often took her assignments too seriously and forgets who she is. She has identity problems and this can cause her great distress. However she has found ways to cope with this and Otto helped her master her powers so she'd control them and they wouldn't control her.

- After the Fall of Camelot, growing up in the Order Dawn has suffered many punishments for messing up an assignment/job. Strickler and Otto shielded her from the worst of it and sometimes Nomura would take the blame for Dawn but she has a lot of unresolved trauma that is buried deep within her. She will always feel indebted to Strickler and the other changelings but she also knows the Order is not a good place for her. The only good thing that came from all the punishments she's endured is she now has a high pain tolerance and she knows how the Order works.

- Dawn's maturity often fluctuates. She goes from being a young teen to an older adult yet she's always in the body of someone inbetween. Dawn could change her shape but mentally she's still that teenager who watched Camelot fall and wasn't able to save her family before they destroyed eachother.

#trollhunters o.c #o.c #dawna the daring #dawn #trollhunters #trollhunters r.p #please interact!!!

[popculturebuffet]

Darkwing Duck: My Valentine Ghoul Review aka A Bad Episode Even by Valentine’s Day Episode Standards

Welcome back Darkwings of the Night. It’s time to go back to St. Canard for the very review that got me to finish up my look at the episodes that should’ve lead up to Just Us Justice Ducks and the episode itself last month. While I probably COULD have reviewed this one before finsihing that as continuity’s pretty loose here, I wanted to see Negaduck’s proper introduction first. So was it worth it?

Yeah while I was glad to get one of my retrospectives done and free up some room for other stuff, this episode..was an objective disapointment and might be even worse than “Brush with Oblivion”. If your curious to know why and aren’t already lobbing a harpoon at me for bashing an episode you liked, join me under the cut. 

On PAPER this episode sounded really good. Negaduck trying to seduce Morgana back to crime and in general after Darkwing once again neglected her is not at all a bad premise and the in episode conflict of Darkwing’s obnoxious supscioson of his girlfriend being an ex con, COULD’VE been really interesting. But there’s a reason Could’ve was in all caps folks: This episode is not very well put together and it’s gender politics have aged like fine santa liquor left split in a bathtub surronded by toxic waste for 20 years, and tastes just as bad. Trust me I know. My colon still hasn’t recovered. So let’s get into WHY shall we? 

So we open with a date in a graveyard with Darkwing and Morgana, unsuprisingly though Darkwing isn’t the fondest of their meal which... look like someone scrambled the Star-Spawn of Cthulu. He’s going to be pissed.. especially once I try some. Look i’m very curious and very hungry. 

But things take a turn when Darkwing brings up diamonds, because he’s fully insensitive enough to bring them up in front of his girlfriend. She does take the truth in stride: he’s not proposing he’s simply hung up on a case of diamonds going missing, and no solution and thus might have to cut the date short. She offers to go with him but he shoots her down, saying the last time she helped she turned him into a rutabega.. instead of you know TRAINING her and helping her on her aim.  Then the episode looses me.. and about how long into the episode are we exactly? Not taking the theme song into acount?

Yup. It takes around 2 minutes, with some change. for the episode to become absolutley terrible. But first off Morgana suddenly flies off the table claming he dosen’t trust her for being a former criminal and zaps him in vengance.. which is assualt. Cartoony assault sure but it still hurts and his reactoin is STILL pure feer as he’s turned into some kind of ball... I mean.. it’s not like he can’t fight crime like that. Some of the best have done it. 

But still she goes to physical violence at the drop of a hat this episode and Darkwing seems more than a little afraid of that happening again. Just... wow.  I thought, having finished the Legend of the Three Cablleros, i’d be done with writing so poor a character comes off as a domestic abuser, mental in that case phsyical here, but here we are. Now this is untetional so I don’t blame the writers as much.. but I still heft some blame on them for being SO bad at writing a woman that she can’t get angry without phsyically attacking her partner or grasping the implications there. 

Oh and it gets worse. Yes, it somehow gets worse from “Morgana attacking darkwing for upsetting her”. Darkwing proves to be pretty vile himself, as when Morgana accuses him of not trusting her due to her criminal past.... he says “You know what they say once a crook always a crook. “

My.. fucking.. god.... the show is stacking unfortunate implications on top of itself like lego bricks. And yes attitudes towards prisoners were much worse back then, I get that. Dosen’t make it tolerable to HEAR someone spouting that bullshit, let alone our protaganist. And while it doesn’t make her right to shoot lighting at him, as she does after this or attack him before... it does mean he’s a massive, mentally abusive dick who refuses to trust his partner who reformed FOR HIM, just because she used to do crimes. It takes a special kind of bad writing to screw up so badly that two of your heroes are immensley unikeable in the span of minutes but they did. CONGRADULATIONS DUMBASS!

So yeah Morgana breaks up with him and he tries to go after her  and Gosalyn, who was there the whole time with eek and squeak,  decides she needs to get the two back together. 

I mean at least Gosalyn MEANS well. As a result despite her helping them not being a good idea, she’s one of the most likeable characters in the episode. At least for now. The most likeable?

Yes. REALLY. Now granted he’s as much of a bastard as always; After seeing Morg’s tantrum he wants to seduce her back to evil to help with his diamond scheme, unsurprisingly he’s the one stealing them and his plan to do so.. is not all that bright as he fakes being good to get into her good graces.. forgetting that he’s going to need to show her he’s bad again for any of his plan to work, as during the climax i’ts revealed he’s using a candy company as a front for diamond smuggling. Now granted that.. is actually really clever as no one’s going to think to check a shipment of choclate boxes for diamonds unless their tipped off and he even mentions starting a candy company earlier, so that being his scheme dosen’t come out of left field and i’ts  a clever misdirect that you’d THINK he was lying about the Candy Company.  But while Negsy doesn’t’t escape the contagious case of stupidity everyone’s got this episode, he’s still entertaining as ever and Jim cummings manages to make saying “Well be the best of pals” pants crappingly terrifiying. So Negaduck is a delight as always even if his plan makes little sense, as his way of going about it is still clever: he fakes being good and both uses this to make darkwing jealous, thus making him seem irational, and to provide a shield and also forces himself on their valentine’s date. He even gets past Morgana rightfully beign supsicous by playing to her past. So yeah not the best plan OVERALL but damn if he still isn’t awesome.  They visit a carnival, ah feels like home, though this one has a freak show where MORGANA feels like she’s home. After trying to fry Darkwing and making him look like the bad guy Negaduck manages to seperate the two in the tunnel of love then use darkwing’s own jackassery against him by claming he left saying once a crook always a crook. He hten.. comes on way too strong, first asking if she’s thought about going back to crime when they get back to her place and then isn’t resceptive when he just tries to fully turn on the charm. Oh and Darkwing walks in and thinks his gilrfriend is cheating despite her not returning Negaducks affections because he’s a douchebag.  Gosalyn is in the house at the same time as after Negaducks earlier deception, Eek and Squeak flew her back to Morgana’s house to use the Necronomiduck, which talks like he just walked out of Beast’s house because of course he does, and gets a love potion.. which they accidently spray on Darkwing instead. So we do get one of the few GOOD parts of the episode where Darkwing acts all buddy buddy to negaduck and Negaduck even gets rid of him just by telling him to go jump off a cliff. And the combination of Drake acting all sachrine again, much like posiduck, and Negaduck’s clear annoyance and confusion is just comedy gold. 

Sadly that ends and Drake returns and a fight breaks out with Morgana accidently freezing darkwing and when trying to freeze negaduck, he simpy reflects it back the obsconds with her ice cube. 

While Gosalyn and co thaw her dad out, Negaduck explains the whole choclate scam and Morgana refuses and they fight, with Negaduck covering her in chocolate.. then darkwing when he shows up as you’d expect. Darkwing however has buzzsaw cufflinks, a wonderful 60′s batman type gag, and saves them both.. btu the love potion ends up on Gosalyn who covers her dad and possible step mom in frosting

Thankfully it wears off fast, and morgana gets the idea to put the love potion, which is air born into the gas gun, finally getting Darkwing to trust her and blasting Negaduck, then suckerpunching him when he gets close. Oh and despite her plan being VERY obvious , Darkwing STILL questions her flirting with the guy. 

So the day is saved and we end with him questioning her order at dinner that night and her .. attacking him. And Gosalyng saying “Well you always hurt the ones you love”

Final Thoughts: .I do not like this episode. I do not like it on a moat, on a boat or with a goat or in any way shape or form even though that breaks the ryhme. Reviewing it only had me finding MORE problems with it. Morgana and Darkwing are so unsympathetic here, with her violence towards him making it seem like “Aw all couples are just the woman chasing the man around with the frying pan.. or lighting bolts in this case” even though that’s sexist as hell at BEST and makes light of domesdtic abuse towards men at worst.  Darkwing gets off no better, being THAT kind of asshole who assumes just because someone used to be a criminal they always will be. Which even in pastiche makes no sense as I can name tons of superheroes, a who USED to be criminals or villians: Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, Black Widow, Luke Cage (Before becoming a superhero), Scott Lang Ant-Man, Hal Jordan Green Lantern, Cassandra Cain, Simon Baz, Mach 10, Songbird, Quicksilver, Rogue, Wonder Man, and Emma Frost. And that’s not getting into the number of heroes, including many on this list, who went evil fo ra bit and came back from it.. some of whom are on this list. Usually his black and white insanity schick works but the episode does nothing to punish him for it and instead makes Morgana seem just as irrational by attacking him. 

While this episode dosen’t use the love potion badly, thank god, with morgana even calling it a bad idea.. i’ts all I can give it outside of negaduck. The love potion and negaduck gags are both great.. but everything else is just so toxic and odious it makes it very hard to enjoy. And so.. this wins the DUBIOUS honor of being the worst Darkwing Duck episode i’ve seen so far. The plot’s weak, filled with horrible outdated ideas even by the time this was made, and no one is likeable, even Negaduck wears out his once he starts getting a bit too pushy with morgana. All in all a waste of potetial and a good episode. Until the next rainbow, this episode can step on a rusty railroad spike and get tetnus. 

#darkwing duck #drake mallard #gosalyn mallard #morgana macawber #negaduck #jim staring #disney #disney plus #valentine's day #ducks

[noblest-roman-of-them-all]

I don't post like this a lot here, but I kinda wanted to talk about something for a minute, so just bear with me.

I have...been really struggling with my mental health recently. Particularly with things to do with my identity and self worth, and I have become increasingly self-deprecating especially when it comes to the class I'm taking.

I was one of those kids that was praised for reading at a college level at eight years old, and now, twenty years later, I find myself really struggling with accepting that...I don't have to be the Gifted Kid anymore.

I know there's that post about giving your trauma to characters and writing about it as a way to process, and that's something I'd done for years before I knew it was a Thing. So naturally in discovering this, I was ready to ploy an angsty fic around Logan or Jim Kirk and Gifted Kid Syndrome and what ended up coming out was Name Calling.

And I realized...if I really want to work on the other things that I'm struggling with I need to start with a healthier way of talking to myself. Instead of getting angry at myself and calling myself really mean names and really belittling myself, I need to practice more self forgiveness for mistakes and allow myself the grace and kindness I would extend to a friend.

Because I can't work on the struggles I have with things like Gifted Kid Syndrome or Imposter Syndrome, when I'm really being a bully to myself about my intelligence.

I wouldn't tolerate going to a therapist office and having that person say things like "What's wrong with you, stupid?" So why should I tolerate it from myself?

I shared Name Calling with a friend off of Tumblr and they said they didn't know what to do with Janus using "babe" but... that's sort of the point of it.

When we consciously make that choice "I'm going to talk nicer to myself" it sounds weird and it can be a shock at first. And sometimes hearing it a sort of silly context at first makes the transition to using kinder words in a serious context easier.

I know...that I have a very long ways to go in this journey, but I feel like this is a good place to start. I think this is the place I have to start at.

I wouldn't go to therapy if my therapist was a bully, so if I'm going to trying implementing some self therapy, I have to start with not being a bully to myself.

#screaming into the void #messy thoughts #gifted kid syndrome #beSide myself

[ao3feed-superbat]

Sensible madness

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/34NkxPp

by Anna12aot

What if Kate and Bruce were born around the same time? What if the tragedies that made them the heroes they become, also happened around the same time? What if the two of them ended up living together? What if the two of them ended up as huge theater nerds? What if they had some actual healthy coping mechanisms along side their totally not super unhealthy vigilante detective hobby that nearly kills them on a weekly basis? What if everything wasn't a shitty cheap ass drama show written by racist, misogynist, homophobic, all the bad ism's and phobia's and ist's?

(No disrespect to the individuals who try to give us good diverse content. Actually, all the respect because DC as whole is a weak dumb ass bitch and kudos to those people for tolerating that bastard.)

Here is my sad, pathetic attempt to fix the DC universe that I am very much under qualified and under prepared for. Enjoy. (And I'll get to finishing the relationship tags soon, it's just not on the agenda right about now. There is just so many fucking characters. The character tags are technically unfinished because that won't be all of the characters showing up. Do I really hate myself and DC that much?)

Words: 633, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types, Batman (Comics), Superman - All Media Types, Superman (Comics), Wonder Woman - All Media Types, Wonder Woman (Comics), Red Hood and the Outlaws (Comics), Under the Red Hood, Red Robin (Comics), Young Justice (Cartoon), Justice League - All Media Types, Justice League: War, Justice League & Justice League Unlimited (Cartoons), Teen Titans (Animated Series), Teen Titans: The Judas Contract (2017), Teen Titans (Comics), Harley Quinn (Comics)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death

Categories: F/F, F/M, M/M, Multi, Other

Characters: Bruce Wayne, Kate Kane, Alfred Pennyworth, Lucius Fox, Jim Gordon, Helena Bertinelli, Harold Allnut, Hiro Okamura, Vic Sage, Renee Montoya, Patrick "Eel" O'Brian, Zatanna Zatara, Basil Karlo, Talia al Ghul, Selina Kyle, Holly Robinson, Kitrina Falcone, Dick Grayson, Slade Wilson, Rose Wilson, Grant Wilson (DCU), Joseph Wilson, Damian Wayne, Barbara Gordon, Gus Yale, Wendy Harris, Jacob Kane, Catherine Hamilton Kane, Diana (Wonder Woman), Jason Todd, Koriand'r (DCU), Roy Harper, Bette Kane, Duke Thomas, Tim Drake, Kon-El | Conner Kent, Stephanie Brown, Billy Batson, Harper Row, Cullen Row, Shawn Tsang, Natalia Knight, Sasha Bordeaux, Carrie Kelley, Jaina Hudson, Cassandra Cain, Cheyenne Freemont, Tiffany Fox, Luke Fox, Barry Allen, Wally West, Bart Allen, Jay Garrick, Iris West, Max Mercury, Clark Kent, Kara Zor-El, Kara Danvers, Lois Lane, Jonathan Samuel Kent, Jonathan "Pa" Kent, Martha Wayne, Martha Kent, Thomas Wayne, Sam Lane, Lucy Lane (DCU), Donna Troy, Cassie Sandsmark, Artemis of Bana-Mighdall, Akila of Bana-Mighdall, Queen Hippolyta, Atalanta, Antiope (Wonder Woman), Bana-Mighdall Amazons, The Amazons (Wonder Woman), Grace Choi, Anissa Pierce, Jefferson Pierce, Jennifer Pierce, Oliver Queen, Thea Queen, Emiko Queen, Dinah Lance, Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, Jessica Cruz, Simon Baz, Jon Stewart, Kyle Rayner, Jade Nguyen, Jennifer-Lynn Hayden, Artemis Crock, Ra's al Ghul, Nyssa Raatko, Silver St. Cloud, Wildcat (DCU), Tatsu Yamashiro, Jason Blood, Jason Bard, Crispus Allen, Kate Spencer, Onyx Adams, Boston Brand, David Zavimbe, Calvin Rose, Jean-Paul Valley, Santiago Varga, Baber Shah, Percy Sheldrake, Cyril Sheldrake, Jiro Osamu, Lonnie Machin, Harriet Cooper, Agatha Wayne, Vicki Vale, Harley Quinn, Pamela Isley, Harleen Quinzel, Harvey Dent, Joker (DCU), Jonathan Crane, Waylon Jones, Bane (DCU), Roman Sionis, Floyd Lawton, Hugo Strange, Thomas Elliot, Drury Walker, Jervis Tetch, Victor Fries, Oswald Cobblepot, Edward Nygma, Cyrus Gold, Solomon Grundy (DCU), Shauna Belzer, Peyton Riley, Ulysses Hadrian Armstrong, Vandal Savage, Noah Kuttler, Julian Gregory Day (DCU), Thomas Blake (DCU), Arthur Brown, Count Vertigo, Garfield Lynns, Warren White, Charles "Chuck" Brown, Zeus (Wonder Woman), Onomatopoeia (DCU), Peter Merkel, Peter Merkel Jr., Deever Tweed, Dumfree Tweed, Victor Zsasz, Ben Turner, David Cain, Titus (DCU), Lady Shiva, Lazlo Valentin, Barton Mathis, Matilda Mathis, Mark Desmond, Mortimer Drake, Alfred the Cat (DCU), Ace the Bat-Hound, Bat-Cow (DCU)

Relationships: Clark Kent/Bruce Wayne, Hal Jordan/Bruce Wayne, Hal Jordan/Clark Kent/Bruce Wayne, Hal Jordan/Clark Kent, Tim Drake & Dick Grayson & Jason Todd & Bruce Wayne & Damian Wayne, Dick Grayson & Bruce Wayne, Tim Drake & Bruce Wayne, Bruce Wayne & Damian Wayne, Kate Kane & Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth & Bruce Wayne, Jim Gordon & Bruce Wayne, Diana (Wonder Woman)/Kate Kane, Kate Kane/Renee Montoya (past), Talia al Ghul/Bruce Wayne (past), Kate Kane & Jason Todd, Helena Bertinelli & Kate Kane & Jason Todd, Kate Kane & Clark Kent, Kate Kane & Alfred Pennyworth, Kate Kane & Oliver Queen, Kate Kane & Damian Wayne, Kate Kane & John Stewart, Bruce Wayne & Kara Zor-El, Barbara Gordon & Bruce Wayne & Damian Wayne, Dick Grayson & Bruce Wayne & Damian Wayne, Bruce Wayne & Zatanna Zatara, Hal Jordan & Bruce Wayne, Talia al Ghul & Bruce Wayne, Lucius Fox & Bruce Wayne, Lucius Fox & Luke Fox & Bruce Wayne, Stephanie Brown & Bruce Wayne, Cassandra Cain & Bruce Wayne, Stephanie Brown & Kate Kane, Cassandra Cain & Kate Kane, Luke Fox & Kate Kane

Additional Tags: No Smut, No Incest, Implied/Referenced Rape/Non-con, Past Rape/Non-con, Implied Sexual Content, Implied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism, Implied/Referenced Suicide, Not Canon Compliant, Other Ships Not Mentioned in Tags, will try to remember to add them later, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, Fix-It, Fix-It of Sorts, I am trying to fix the entire DCU while very much trying not to, This was supposed to be like just about the Batfam, But I started doing research, and it was really confusing, Then I got angry, and then hyped, and this happened, The Author Regrets Nothing, The Author Regrets Everything, I Wrote This Instead of Sleeping, How Do I Tag, Batfamily (DCU), Protective Batfamily (DCU), Batfamily (DCU) Feels, Domestic Batfamily (DCU), fuck you dc, It's Not Paranoia If They're Really Out To Get You, Please Kill Me, I Tried, I Don't Even Know, some people die, no one stays dead, but god, God is Dead, Cause I killed him for letting DC continue this shit show, Nothing makes any fucking sense, This doesn't make any sense, It's a fucking mari go round of bullshit, enjoy, Explicit Language, To Be Edited, Not Beta Read, Bruce Wayne is Batman, Young Bruce Wayne, Bruce Wayne Has Issues, Growing Up Together, Romani Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne is a Good Parent, Kate Kane is a Good Parent, Alfred Pennyworth is the Best, Good Parent Alfred Pennyworth, Good Grandparent Alfred Pennyworth, Jim Gordon Knows, Everyone Needs A Hug, Everyone Has Issues, Everyone Is Gay, And they're all panicked gays, Fluff and Angst, Family Fluff, Romantic Fluff, Fluff and Hurt/Comfort, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Angst and Feels, Humor, Gallows Humor, Bruce Wayne's Sense of Humor, Jason Todd’s Morbid Humor, this is gonna get long, Like over a few hundred thousand, Or this will die after it's reached 3k, Don't Like Don't Read, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Trauma, Psychological Trauma, Childhood Trauma, Mental Health Issues, Mental Institutions, Because of arkham, Arkham Asylum, Eventual Romance, Eventual Relationships, read the tags, Tags May Change, Tags Are Hard, Body Image, Jewish Character, Canon Disabled Character, Canon Rewrite, Hispanic Character, Black Character(s), Native American Character(s), Arab Character, Arab Damian Wayne, We Die Like Men, Everyone is a minority in some way, This will have all the representation, Racism, Racist Language, They will suffer because of their racism, Don't worry, Don't Have to Know Canon, Hopefully you won't have to know canon, Because if I don't do this right, Than you will be so confused, Better Than Canon, I take most of my inspiration from the justice league cartoons, and from the harley quinn movie soundtrack, This Is Not Going To Go The Way You Think, Trans Character, Gay Panic

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/34NkxPp

#ao3feed #superbat #world's finest #Clark Kent/Bruce Wayne #Bruce Wayne/Clark Kent

[rachelkaser]

Stay Golden Sunday: The Engagement

In my continuing efforts to find time to write about things outside of the bounds of my job, I’ve been thinking about some old friends. If I’m going to write about anything in the wreckage of 2020, I want it to be something very close to me, something I know that others remember with as much fondness as I do.

So yeah: Let’s talk about The Golden Girls.

Thank You For Being a Friend

Given everything that’s happened this year, both to the world and me, I’ve not really been so interested in watching new shows as re-watching some old favorites. And out of those, the closest to my heart is The Golden Girls. It’s the show I watched the most with my late mother -- she and I bonded from my pre-adolescence to my late twenties on this show.

I was at the perfect age to absorb this show’s lessons, even if some of the raunchier humor went over my head when I was a kid. This is the show that taught me about strong friendships, how to love well, tolerance, acceptance, grief, humility, integrity and good humor. There are so many parts of myself I can trace, in some way, to Dorothy, Sophia, Blanche, and Rose -- and through them, my mother.

And I’m far from the only one. According to a report from The New York Times, the show became incredibly popular with 18-to-34 year-olds after it began airing on Lifetime -- the article charmingly refers to us as “The Grandchildren of the Golden Girls.” As you might expect, that’s not the projected demographic for a show starring four women over the age of 50 (yes, Blanche, you really are old enough to have a 16-year-old grandson).

If I had to pick a reason, it’d be a combination of the motherly warmth of the four main characters and the novelty (and reassurance) of a show that tells you life does in fact go on when you’re no longer in the bloom of youth. The NYT article features an interview with a Lifetime exec who theorizes that it’s because the women act in a way we typically associate with youth: “They all dated, they all talked about sex, they didn't care about what people thought about them. Those are all values that younger people share.”

I agree with that sentiment, though I will add an addendum: They act the way younger people want to act. Younger people want to be carefree and fun-loving in the way that the Girls are. More often than not, young people are -- and I say this with all the fondness and self-effacement of someone about to exit their twenties -- comparative basketcases. It’s like Mark Twain said: “Life should begin with age and its privileges and accumulations, and end with youth and its capacity to splendidly enjoy such advantages.”

Of course, there’s an alternate explanation: Golden Girls is really goddamned funny.

So every Sunday, I’ll recap and review an episode from The Golden Girls. Barring extraordinary circumstances, I’ll review every episode in order. Then I’ll give some commentary on the story, highlight any of those devilish inconsistencies, and pick a favorite line. I hope some of my fellow Grandchildren of the Golden Girls enjoy some of my thoughts on the episodes.

Picture it...

With all that being said (and I promise no long intros after this point unless it’s very called for), let’s get started with the pilot episode, “The Engagement,” which originally aired in September 1985.

The show proper opens with Dorothy Zbornak and Rose Nylund asking roommate Blanche Hollingsworth about the man she’s been seeing. Blanche tells them the gallant beau in question, Harry, has proposed -- in spite of the fact that, as Rose points out, they’ve only known each other a week. And Harry wants an answer tonight.

Meanwhile, the doorbell rings, and Dorothy answers to see her mother Sophia Petrillo, who says that her nursing home burned down. As Blanche has to explain to Rose, Sophia’s cutting words are the result of her stroke destroying her inhibitions. Sophia does indeed have the subtlety and diplomacy of a Sherman tank, but she at least thinks gay cook Coco is alright.

Harry arrives and schmoozes all of the ladies, though Sophia is not impressed. After he leaves, Rose has a soliloquy about how glad she was to move in with the other ladies, as otherwise she’d be alone, with her children grown up and her husband dead, and she’s not sure what to do now with herself. Sophia’s suggestion? “Get a poodle.”

Rose and Dorothy are divided on whether or not Blanche will accept Harry’s proposal, with Rose adamant that Blanche can’t be without male attention. Blanche returns, and reveals -- after a brief argument about the movement speed of oysters -- she accepted Harry’s proposal and they’ll be married in a week. When Rose asks where she and Dorothy will live once Blanche, who owns the house, is married, Blanche responds that they can stay for as long as they like.

A week later, Blanche is preparing for her wedding. Rose pulls Dorothy aside and says there’s something about Harry that makes her suspicious, but she’s not sure what. She tries to tell Blanche to call off the wedding, but Dorothy resorts to physical restraint to stop her from ruining Blanche’s happy moment, up to and including throwing Rose into Blanche’s closet.

Harry is late to the wedding, much to the frustration of the minister -- “This is Miami. I’ve got funerals backed up.” When the doorbell rings, however, it’s a police officer (played by a pre-Designing Women Meshach Taylor), who tells Blanche that Harry has been arrested for bigamy. Harry leaves Blanche a note telling her she was special to him.

Three weeks later, Blanche is still upset and refusing to leave her room. Rose and Dorothy discuss what to do, and Sophia’s only input is to ask to be left on the curb next to the trash cans when she goes. Blanche arrives, smiling, and says the girls helped her pull through her grief. The girls all go out to celebrate with dinner, but Sophia declines as she and Coco are going to the dog track.

BLANCHE: Your mother bets?

DOROTHY: No, she rides. She’s a dog jockey.

“It’s Miami in June. Only cats are wearing fur.”

For a pilot, this episode establishes the characters, their biographies, and their dynamics with incredible economy. What you see here is what you’re going to see for the next seven seasons, at least with regards to the four women.

For example, we know the moment she opens her mouth that Dorothy is a teacher -- that teacher, specifically. She’s smart and tough enough to tell her rebellious students to leave. She also complains that “all the single men under 80 are cocaine smugglers,” establishing pretty much all you need to know about the women’s dating lives. We also known from the moment we see Rose that she’s bright, cheerful, and a grief counselor -- she probably couldn’t say a stern or unkind word if her life depended on it.

Blanche, on the other hand, has to bear the first heartbreak of the series -- meaning she’s the first who gets her negative character traits examined as well as her positives. She’s refined, graceful, and sexy on the positive side. Unfortunately, she’s also desperate for romantic affection, so much so that she accepts the proposal of a man she’s only known a week and suffers for it. I don’t think there’s an actress in the world who could have sold this as well as Rue McClanahan did.

That said, I think it’s Sophia that binds the whole episode together. Without her sass, I don’t know if the three women would have held together as well as they do. While the opening moments of the show do have some crackle to them, it’s only when Estelle Getty walks on screen that the show really comes to life. Not only does her sharp tongue pair well with Dorothy’s own witty banter, she’s a great counterpoint to Rose’s bubbleheaded buoyancy and Blanche’s genteel manners.

As is usual for pilots, not everything about this episode stayed for the rest of the show’s run. The biggest example of this is Coco, the gay cook who appears only in this episode, but there are others. For starters, Blanche’s room is in a completely different part of the house, and she’s referred to by the name “Blanche Hollingsworth.” Sophia’s smart mouth is blamed on her stroke, rather than being who she is. The entire house’s furniture, decorations, and color palette would eventually change.

Coco’s a bit of an unusual example, because it feels like even the people who made the show didn’t know what to do with him. He’s given next to nothing to do. He has no stand-out personality traits like the ladies. Even most of the shots are framed in such as way as to exclude him: For example, he’s “on-stage” for the whole kitchen scene at the beginning of the episode, but look how these shots are angled so as not to show him:

That’s bizarre because, according to Golden Girls Forever by Jim Colucci, the “gay houseboy” character was apparently pretty important in the early script treatments. All of the writers apparently wanted to see more gay characters on TV and they thought he would add variety to the cast. But even one of the people who auditioned for the role said he thought the character was cheap and drew attention away from the women. The character was eventually dropped because it didn’t make sense for the women to be living together out of financial necessity and have a live-in domestic.

I didn’t think I was going to see inconsistencies in the very first episode either, but there is at least one: Blanche tells Harry about Sophia’s home burning down, even though Blanche wasn’t in the room when Sophia told Dorothy that. These little continuity errors have become a kind of trivia for Golden Girls fans, as fondly remembered as anything in accepted canon.

Overall, I can see why this script attracted three well-known TV actresses, and why everyone at NBC fell in love with it. I’ll work out a grading system for episodes later, but for now I’ll just say I’m so, so, so pleased for myself and the world in general that they managed to capture this kind of lightning in a bottle.

Favorite part of the episode:

ROSE: I can’t eat anything that moves. DOROTHY: Like what, Rose? Horses? ROSE: Like oysters. COCO: Oysters don’t move. DOROTHY: Coco, they could dance! Who cares?!

#golden girls #stay golden #dorothy rose blanche sophia #dorothy zbornak #sophia petrillo #rose nylund #blanche devereaux #the engagement #stay golden sunday

[ao3feed-batlantern]

by Anna12aot

What if Kate and Bruce were born around the same time? What if the tragedies that made them the heroes they become, also happened around the same time? What if the two of them ended up living together? What if the two of them ended up as huge theater nerds? What if they had some actual healthy coping mechanisms along side their totally not super unhealthy vigilante detective hobby that nearly kills them on a weekly basis? What if everything wasn't a shitty cheap ass drama show written by racist, misogynist, homophobic, all the bad ism's and phobia's and ist's?

(No disrespect to the individuals who try to give us good diverse content. Actually, all the respect because DC as whole is a weak dumb ass bitch and kudos to those people for tolerating that bastard.)

Here is my sad, pathetic attempt to fix the DC universe that I am very much under qualified and under prepared for. Enjoy. (And I'll get to finishing the relationship tags soon, it's just not on the agenda right about now. There is just so many fucking characters. The character tags are technically unfinished because that won't be all of the characters showing up. Do I really hate myself and DC that much?)

Words: 633, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types, Batman (Comics), Superman - All Media Types, Superman (Comics), Wonder Woman - All Media Types, Wonder Woman (Comics), Red Hood and the Outlaws (Comics), Under the Red Hood, Red Robin (Comics), Young Justice (Cartoon), Justice League - All Media Types, Justice League: War, Justice League & Justice League Unlimited (Cartoons), Teen Titans (Animated Series), Teen Titans: The Judas Contract (2017), Teen Titans (Comics), Harley Quinn (Comics)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death

Categories: F/F, F/M, M/M, Multi, Other

Characters: Bruce Wayne, Kate Kane, Alfred Pennyworth, Lucius Fox, Jim Gordon, Helena Bertinelli, Harold Allnut, Hiro Okamura, Vic Sage, Renee Montoya, Patrick "Eel" O'Brian, Zatanna Zatara, Basil Karlo, Talia al Ghul, Selina Kyle, Holly Robinson, Kitrina Falcone, Dick Grayson, Slade Wilson, Rose Wilson, Grant Wilson (DCU), Joseph Wilson, Damian Wayne, Barbara Gordon, Gus Yale, Wendy Harris, Jacob Kane, Catherine Hamilton Kane, Diana (Wonder Woman), Jason Todd, Koriand'r (DCU), Roy Harper, Bette Kane, Duke Thomas, Tim Drake, Kon-El | Conner Kent, Stephanie Brown, Billy Batson, Harper Row, Cullen Row, Shawn Tsang, Natalia Knight, Sasha Bordeaux, Carrie Kelley, Jaina Hudson, Cassandra Cain, Cheyenne Freemont, Tiffany Fox, Luke Fox, Barry Allen, Wally West, Bart Allen, Jay Garrick, Iris West, Max Mercury, Clark Kent, Kara Zor-El, Kara Danvers, Lois Lane, Jonathan Samuel Kent, Jonathan "Pa" Kent, Martha Wayne, Martha Kent, Thomas Wayne, Sam Lane, Lucy Lane (DCU), Donna Troy, Cassie Sandsmark, Artemis of Bana-Mighdall, Akila of Bana-Mighdall, Queen Hippolyta, Atalanta, Antiope (Wonder Woman), Bana-Mighdall Amazons, The Amazons (Wonder Woman), Grace Choi, Anissa Pierce, Jefferson Pierce, Jennifer Pierce, Oliver Queen, Thea Queen, Emiko Queen, Dinah Lance, Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, Jessica Cruz, Simon Baz, Jon Stewart, Kyle Rayner, Jade Nguyen, Jennifer-Lynn Hayden, Artemis Crock, Ra's al Ghul, Nyssa Raatko, Silver St. Cloud, Wildcat (DCU), Tatsu Yamashiro, Jason Blood, Jason Bard, Crispus Allen, Kate Spencer, Onyx Adams, Boston Brand, David Zavimbe, Calvin Rose, Jean-Paul Valley, Santiago Varga, Baber Shah, Percy Sheldrake, Cyril Sheldrake, Jiro Osamu, Lonnie Machin, Harriet Cooper, Agatha Wayne, Vicki Vale, Harley Quinn, Pamela Isley, Harleen Quinzel, Harvey Dent, Joker (DCU), Jonathan Crane, Waylon Jones, Bane (DCU), Roman Sionis, Floyd Lawton, Hugo Strange, Thomas Elliot, Drury Walker, Jervis Tetch, Victor Fries, Oswald Cobblepot, Edward Nygma, Cyrus Gold, Solomon Grundy (DCU), Shauna Belzer, Peyton Riley, Ulysses Hadrian Armstrong, Vandal Savage, Noah Kuttler, Julian Gregory Day (DCU), Thomas Blake (DCU), Arthur Brown, Count Vertigo, Garfield Lynns, Warren White, Charles "Chuck" Brown, Zeus (Wonder Woman), Onomatopoeia (DCU), Peter Merkel, Peter Merkel Jr., Deever Tweed, Dumfree Tweed, Victor Zsasz, Ben Turner, David Cain, Titus (DCU), Lady Shiva, Lazlo Valentin, Barton Mathis, Matilda Mathis, Mark Desmond, Mortimer Drake, Alfred the Cat (DCU), Ace the Bat-Hound, Bat-Cow (DCU)

Relationships: Clark Kent/Bruce Wayne, Hal Jordan/Bruce Wayne, Hal Jordan/Clark Kent/Bruce Wayne, Hal Jordan/Clark Kent, Tim Drake & Dick Grayson & Jason Todd & Bruce Wayne & Damian Wayne, Dick Grayson & Bruce Wayne, Tim Drake & Bruce Wayne, Bruce Wayne & Damian Wayne, Kate Kane & Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth & Bruce Wayne, Jim Gordon & Bruce Wayne, Diana (Wonder Woman)/Kate Kane, Kate Kane/Renee Montoya (past), Talia al Ghul/Bruce Wayne (past), Kate Kane & Jason Todd, Helena Bertinelli & Kate Kane & Jason Todd, Kate Kane & Clark Kent, Kate Kane & Alfred Pennyworth, Kate Kane & Oliver Queen, Kate Kane & Damian Wayne, Kate Kane & John Stewart, Bruce Wayne & Kara Zor-El, Barbara Gordon & Bruce Wayne & Damian Wayne, Dick Grayson & Bruce Wayne & Damian Wayne, Bruce Wayne & Zatanna Zatara, Hal Jordan & Bruce Wayne, Talia al Ghul & Bruce Wayne, Lucius Fox & Bruce Wayne, Lucius Fox & Luke Fox & Bruce Wayne, Stephanie Brown & Bruce Wayne, Cassandra Cain & Bruce Wayne, Stephanie Brown & Kate Kane, Cassandra Cain & Kate Kane, Luke Fox & Kate Kane

Additional Tags: No Smut, No Incest, Implied/Referenced Rape/Non-con, Past Rape/Non-con, Implied Sexual Content, Implied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism, Implied/Referenced Suicide, Not Canon Compliant, Other Ships Not Mentioned in Tags, will try to remember to add them later, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, Fix-It, Fix-It of Sorts, I am trying to fix the entire DCU while very much trying not to, This was supposed to be like just about the Batfam, But I started doing research, and it was really confusing, Then I got angry, and then hyped, and this happened, The Author Regrets Nothing, The Author Regrets Everything, I Wrote This Instead of Sleeping, How Do I Tag, Batfamily (DCU), Protective Batfamily (DCU), Batfamily (DCU) Feels, Domestic Batfamily (DCU), fuck you dc, It's Not Paranoia If They're Really Out To Get You, Please Kill Me, I Tried, I Don't Even Know, some people die, no one stays dead, but god, God is Dead, Cause I killed him for letting DC continue this shit show, Nothing makes any fucking sense, This doesn't make any sense, It's a fucking mari go round of bullshit, enjoy, Explicit Language, To Be Edited, Not Beta Read, Bruce Wayne is Batman, Young Bruce Wayne, Bruce Wayne Has Issues, Growing Up Together, Romani Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne is a Good Parent, Kate Kane is a Good Parent, Alfred Pennyworth is the Best, Good Parent Alfred Pennyworth, Good Grandparent Alfred Pennyworth, Jim Gordon Knows, Everyone Needs A Hug, Everyone Has Issues, Everyone Is Gay, And they're all panicked gays, Fluff and Angst, Family Fluff, Romantic Fluff, Fluff and Hurt/Comfort, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Angst and Feels, Humor, Gallows Humor, Bruce Wayne's Sense of Humor, Jason Todd’s Morbid Humor, this is gonna get long, Like over a few hundred thousand, Or this will die after it's reached 3k, Don't Like Don't Read, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Trauma, Psychological Trauma, Childhood Trauma, Mental Health Issues, Mental Institutions, Because of arkham, Arkham Asylum, Eventual Romance, Eventual Relationships, read the tags, Tags May Change, Tags Are Hard, Body Image, Jewish Character, Canon Disabled Character, Canon Rewrite, Hispanic Character, Black Character(s), Native American Character(s), Arab Character, Arab Damian Wayne, We Die Like Men, Everyone is a minority in some way, This will have all the representation, Racism, Racist Language, They will suffer because of their racism, Don't worry, Don't Have to Know Canon, Hopefully you won't have to know canon, Because if I don't do this right, Than you will be so confused, Better Than Canon, I take most of my inspiration from the justice league cartoons, and from the harley quinn movie soundtrack, This Is Not Going To Go The Way You Think, Trans Character, Gay Panic

#ao3feed #fanfic #batlantern #dcu #bruce wayne #hal jordan #batman #green lantern #hal jordan/bruce wayne

[thegreenfairy13]

A Tale of Two Fathers (1/2)

Another take on the series finale. Jim never arrested Oswald, and now,  years later, he’s faced with his daughter’s development into Batgirl. You can also read it here on Ao3.

Jim Gordon, the Commissioner of Gotham City, looks at the elegant invitation for the third time, shakes his head in exasperation, and pockets it carelessly.

Twenty-one years , he thinks bitterly. And that’s how it ends.

Taking another swig directly from the bottle, he tries figuring out how to deal with the bone-crushing tiredness about to swallow him whole. His head feels as if it had been stuffed with cotton-wool and set on fire. His vision is blurry, his hands shaky, and yet he knows exactly if he’d lie down right now sleep wouldn’t be as merciful as to take him. He’d probably just thrash around for hours on end before the dreams would come and shortly after another morning would start already.

Was it worth it? he wonders every day. Gotham demanded so many lives and cost him so dearly. Yes, he might still be alive but that’s no grace - it’s a curse, and considering his luck, he isn’t sure if death will ever truly claim him.

The entire world has turned into a circus. When coming to Gotham all those years ago, Jim had no idea how easy, how innocent the city had been. And now? Now the mob is the least of his problems. True Gods have risen, like Superman, the self-proclaimed protector of Metropolis, as well as true monsters. The entire country is torn in an unmatched war between heroes and villains. This country isn’t fighting humans any longer, but meta-humans, beings with unprecedented possibilities, created in secret laboratories by crazed scientists like Hugo Strange; and the whole spectacle had been funded by the government itself when it feared losing power and influence.

Ah, whom is he kidding? If it was only the government, the situation might still be under control. It seems nowadays each and every bored person with too much money at their disposal has nothing better to do than looking for a way to gain immortality and influence.

This country is at war with literally everyone and Jim Gordon stands in the middle of all this chaos. Not knowing any longer who to trust, he made the decision of protecting the citizens of Gotham - even if that means sacrificing his marriage, his integrity, and his principles.

Amidst that chaos, Gotham is only allowed to thrive somewhat safely due to Bruce Wayne’s massive financial support, a vigilante’s protection, and last but not least the notorious umbrella of one infamous mobster turned mayor again who refuses to pick any side but his own.

Everything considered, Jim had no other choice to side with Gotham’s criminal underground if he wants to prevent the citizens from becoming casualties in war beyond his comprehension - at least that’s what he tells himself every day.

But it wasn’t easy. The idealistic man who came to this city all those years ago would have never tolerated the course of action he had chosen. He would have loathed and despised the corrupt Commissioner who even went as far as disposing of evidence that would have brought the current mayor behind bars for a considerable amount of time.

Had it been the right the decision all those years ago when he warned Oswald Cobblepot about the warrant? Jim still wonders if the stability he undoubtedly brought was worth the stream of blood the Penguin leaves in his wake.

He’s still calling the mobster out for his mishaps though, attacks him almost on a daily basis, yet at the end of the day, he finds himself working alongside the criminal more often than not. It’s pathetic, really. Like a poodle, Jim Gordon is all bark and no bite and ends up being nothing but a constant nuisance for the mobster.

Maybe that ends today, though.

Rubbing his face wearily, he throws over his coat and pockets the little card. He’s being summoned, like a servant. This time, Oswald has the perfect ammunition not only to humiliate him, but to force him to dance to his tune however he sees fit.

And what about Gotham’s other infamous criminal? The caped-crusader, the self-proclaimed warrior of justice?

Yes, Jim might have betrayed his ideals but the vigilante committed an even greater crime: he took his only daughter.

When siding with the Penguin, Jim bore his daughter’s silent contempt, understood it, even. After all, she was his little girl - just better. His innocent girl was what he could never be, not even on his best day, and he forced her to witness how her daddy openly sided with murderers for the greater good .

And then she had met the Batman, the man who never made foul compromises.

Jim had been painfully aware of what was happening from the first time she sneaked out of the window to fight for justice, admired her even. He didn’t stop her, simply pretended not to notice. When she called him a hypocrite and a fraud, he didn’t protest. When she gained control of her trust-fund at the age of sixteen and moved out, he didn’t put up a fight.

Whenever he could, he would follow her into the night and make sure she’d see the light of dawn again. But last night, he had failed her. And the Batman had failed her too.

How could he? Jim wonders as he approaches his car. How could the Batman allow for a teenager to break into Gotham’s most famous crimelord’s home? She barely made it out alive, had been shot at, had been cornered. If they had caught her, she might have been killed or jailed, and it would have been up to him to snap the cuffs around his own daughter’s hands.

So yes, Jim is not only bitter but infuriated. He can’t stop thinking about his beautiful baby-girl lying on the ground, slowly bleeding to her death, or locked behind bars.

He’s sure her escape is no lucky coincidence though - the ‘invitation’ in his hands if proof of that. No, she merely escaped because Gotham’s mobster number one would never harm his goddaughter while passing off an opportunity to get at her dad instead.

For the first time ever, Jim is absolutely willing to do everything what the criminal demands - in exchange for Barbara’s safety.

He already wants to unlock the car when another wave of fatigue hits him with the force of a truck. Whenever the anger wears down for more than a second, Jim is reminded of his weakness. Weeks without proper sleep have taken their toll on him and he stumbles against the hood of his car. To anyone passing by, he looks like a drunkard, a filthy, useless part of society that refuses to do the only noble thing: to finally die.

Jim has the sense of pulling out his phone and calling a cab, least he might drag some innocent bystanders down with him. The brightness of the display feels like it is directly burning his retinas and he doesn’t even know how he manages to type in a single number.

Thankfully, it doesn’t take his driver long to pull up the sidewalk. Jim doesn’t waste a single second before falling into the seats. Almost unconsciously, he mutters out the address as the motor starts.

“Hey, you’re Jim Gordon!” the cabbie exclaims excitedly. “Gotham’s white knight, they call you,” he adds with a nod.

Jim offers him a lopsided grin in return but doesn’t reply.

#gobblepot #fanfiction

[lovelykhaleesiii]

Choices (Chapter 2: New Girl)

Pairing: Michael Langdon x fem!Reader x Jim Mason

Words: 2,957

Summary: Palos Verdes was the place to be for a fresh new start. It would be hard to adjust with such a change, though it was all too perfect. The families here seemed vibrant and happy, although it’s only when Y/N comes across Jim and Michael Langdon, that she has to make a choice…

Warnings: fluff, mentions of swearing, High School AU 

A/N - Posting the chapter then I’m outieessssss!!!

The weekend had flown past like a breeze. It was as though you were on clockwork, bustling in and out of the house, unpacking boxes in each room, trying to help your parents in refurnishing the house and assembling the furniture, only to be delegated, from time to time, the job of baby-sitting your younger sisters. By the end of the weekend, you were completely exhausted. And as a consequence for that, you were already late to your first day of school…

You’d arrived late to your meeting with the Principal, although she was quite understanding, yet her time with you was in a rush, considering she had other appointments and meetings to attend to: She’d greeted you, informed you about the rules and policies of the school, as well as warning you of the various students to potentially avoid.… Michael Langdon was one name amongst the many. She’d encouraged you to take pride in your studies, just as you always had, hence, there was no need to remind: you always strived to be a diligent student. Although besides, what you’d already known, she’d wished you luck before you had the chance to ask any further questions. She’d directed you to one of the office ladies, who then led you to your first class, excusing your lateness to your English teacher, personally. 

You’d walked into the classroom, and felt an intense feeling of fear gush over you, as you felt the burning sensation of  multiple pairs of eyes staring at you intently. It was as though they were soaking in every fine detail they could of you, hearing a couple faint murmurs here and there, before you’d walked over to your seat beside the window. It seemed after that, everyone returned to whatever it was that they had been doing before you’d arrived so abruptly. 

“Well welcome, Y/N! I will be your English teacher, for the remainder of this new year, Mr Smith. I do hope you’ve already managed to settle in to our lovely town, and that if you need anything, our staff will be more than happy to help. Now I do hope, you have read the study outline, so we can just get right into the nitty gritty of our topic, Shakespeare! So as I was saying” 

Nodding to his kind words, you felt a little relieved, to say the least, that at least he wasn’t mad for interrupting his class. And much to his pleasure, you had managed to skim through your study outline…You always preferred to be prepared. Just as you were unpacking your notebook, and stationary, you heard a faint ‘psst’ sound, from behind, and gradually turned to see the same, homily blue eyes you’d first met a couple nights before…Jim. 

“Looks like we’ll be tackling Shakespeare together huh?” He whispered, with that familiar, friendly smile spread across his face, as his body leaned eagerly over his desk. 

“I can’t believe you’re actually here. What are the chances,” You utter, trying desperately to keep your voice low, your excitement and relief discrete, as you at least, had one familiar face to count on already. 

Before Jim had the chance to exchange his excitement, the loud ‘ahem’ sound that escaped from Mr Smith, left you both aware of how you’d once again interrupted his monologue, before he could resume again. You gave Jim a slight nod of approval, before turning back around, the biggest smile on your face, as you knew from then, you were in safe hands. 

For the duration of the period, you’d focused on Mr Smith and Mr Smith only. He was quite impressed to say the least, as he’d approached you, whilst you were busy packing for your next class, confessing how glad he was to see how attentive you were despite being the ‘new girl.’ As you’d thanked him, you’d made your way towards the door, your eyes glued to your time table as you tried to figure which lesson in which room  exactly you were needed in next. 

“Let me help you with that-” 

Looking up, once again to be greeted by Jim’s glowing, tanned face, your modesty had taken the best of you. 

“Jim, really it’s fine! I’ll figure it out, I have to some time soon. Wouldn’t want you to be late for your next class now because of-” 

“Y/N, please I insist…” 

Before you knew it, his hand had snatched the paper from you, as he studied your week. 

“Biology, wow, okay! So your next class will be in the labs! Here, I’ll show you.” 

The feeling of his large hand instantly gripping your wrist, had caught you off guard. He gently began to tug your body, leaving you no choice but to follow, as you he pushed through the crowded hallways, making sure, at least, that your pathway behind him was clear. 

You’d felt so embarrassed, so ashamed to have already become a burden on him, that along the way, you’d repeatedly apologised, only to be met with that fucking smile, and a kind ‘no need to apologise’ sort of look. You’d managed to make it to your class, in time for the second and final bell to ring, before insisting that Jim leave right away, before he’d be caught late. 

“Wait-Here’s my number, just message me if you need anything, okay Y/N? Let me see who’s in that class, just don’t hang around with those girls there, or those guys by the back and-”

“Jim, please! I’ll be fine, now you need to go, Mr!” You insisted, as you gently pushed his body away from the class’ entry. Your palms pressing against his firm chest, you could feel yourself blush and dared not to look up at him. You could feel him looking down at you, a slight chuckle escaping his mouth before he’d agreed and walked off down the hallway once more. 

You’d entered the lab, with a less intrusive feeling, as students were still unpacking, talking amongst themselves unaware of the stranger that was you. You’d found a spare, vacant seat and immediately dropped your books to the desk, not wanting to risk losing it. 

You obeyed Jim’s advice, in practically staying clear of the right half of the classroom: you were certain to avoid any sort of trouble, at all costs. You really didn’t want to fuck up this new chance of life. As you’d made yourself organised and comfortable, the teacher made their way, and this time, was less lenient on the late comers rushing behind her. 

“This year has no room for disobedience!-” 

Not even a welcome, perhaps? You really wouldn’t want to get on her bad side, you’d thought.

“I’ll start with roll-call, and need I remind you…Lateness will no longer be tolerated in this class anymore. Principal Harley has granted me the discretion of forwarding detentions, do I make myself clear?” 

Silence…

“I said, do I make myself clear?” 

The jointed muffled sounds of ‘yes’ was all that she’d gotten, before rolling her eyes in annoyance of the poor attempt. It had come to your conclusion that she really must’ve had issues with her past, fellow students from years before… As she’d began yelling out the names of her students, all obediently responding back with ‘present’ you’d seen her face contort with confusion, as you knew she must have finally come across yours…

“Do I have a Y/N Y/L/N here?” 

Hesitantly, your arm raised up awkwardly into the air, causing her head with the heads of nearly everyone else in class to direct their attention towards you. 

“So you’re the new girl, huh? I had a read over your file, and saw that your past involvement in Bio was quite….Exemplary. let’s hope you can continue that sort of performance here, perhaps you’ll finally be the saving grace this class really needs,” She scoffed, chuckling at her somewhat poor attempt of a joke, before marking you down as ‘present.’ 

You hadn’t even responded to her compliment: though as your head gradually turned towards the remainder of the class, had you noticed that the rest were still eyeing you out. It was an uncomfortable feeling, but you’d resumed your gaze back to your books, hoping desperately that the unwanted attention would drift away. 

“Oh for Christ sake-”

The poor excuse of a whisper, as you keenly heard your teacher swear beneath her breath, distracted your thoughts away from the issue at hand. 

“Is Mr Langdon here? Michael Langdon?” 

Silence at first, before one of the girls Jim had pointed out from the group, a dark-haired brunette with pretty features had readily answered, as though on his behalf. 

“Oh no, Miss Shaul, you must forgive Michael. He told me to give you this-” Ardently she stood from her seat, and made her way to the front, handing the teacher a crumpled piece of paper. How childish, you thought…Surely this wasn’t Jim’s twin. 

“Of course he’s ill… Perhaps Heather, he should be the one giving this to me, instead of seeking you out, convincing you to do his dirty work, hmm?”

As the girl, or ‘Heather’ you’d realised, had given her teacher a what seemed to be a neighbourly smile, was in fact a false reaction. As she turned on her heels spontaneously, strutting her way over to her seat, where her friends sat huddled, ignorantly laughing in defence, had she rolled her eyes to the words of her teacher. 

Now you knew exactly why Jim insisted you’d avoid them… 

This lesson now, was not so much eventful. You did however manage to met a new friend, who wasn’t related to Jim nor Medina, nor Michael of that matter. 

His name was David, and to be quite frank, he was extremely sweet: quite the geek too. He was just as interested in Biology as you were, and much to your teacher’s approval, she was pleased to see her star pupil befriending the next hopeful candidate, that was you. And both on your behalf, she’d allocated you two as lab partners for further practical lessons, as she had with the remaining class. Many were displeased to be separated from their friends, though you had to admit, you were glad to know you were once again, in safe hands. 

Just as the class had been dismissed for recess: you felt your nerves creeping back up. You found yourself completely alone, before realising you still had the small, ripped parchment that held Jim’s number. You immediately dialled for him, messaging him for his whereabouts. You felt like a hopeless fool, asking for help, when you knew, at a time like this, you needed to be independent… You couldn’t keep relying on Jim, that was just unfair for him, but before it was too late to delete the message, he’d replied instantly, giving you the directions to the cafeteria seats outside, where he stood waiting for you by his table. 

The sudden brightness of the sun and its rays made your face contort away, holding your hand up to shield your eyes, you began to scan the vicinity of the field, trying desperately to find Jim. 

His arms waving, as he gestured for you to join, it was only then that you’d noticed Medina sat in the opposite bench completely and utterly by herself. 

Before you’d even walked over to Jim, he’d noticed you looking over at Medina, before looking back at him. Pointing at yourself as you pointed towards her, he knew exactly what you’d met and nodded in approval, although you could sense some disappointment in his eyes, as he slowly sat himself back down, inattentive to the surrounding conversation. 

“Hey Medina!” You gleefully exclaimed, as you seated yourself opposite of her. It seemed you’d caught her by surprise as she slightly jumped in her seat, before realising it was only you. 

“Sorry about that-“ You sincerely uttered, your eyes growing worried, unsure if she’d even recognised you. 

“Y/N, no that’s fine…Not use to company that’s all-” She laughed, before hastily moving her books from your end towards her, sparing you some space. 

“So how’s your first couple classes been so far? You enjoying Palos Verdes High?” 

“They’ve been okay, I suppose! English was a breeze, considering Jim’s in my class, the teacher was pretty nice, unlike my Bio teacher, Miss Shaul, is it?” 

“Yeah, she’s known to be one of the strictest teachers alive…You kind of get used to her ways though.” 

As Medina, resumed to eat, you were sort of hesitant to tell her about Michael. Unsure of if you were in the rightful position to tell her that her own brother had missed his first class of Bio for the year. Although, it seemed your mouth had a mind of its own, as you felt yourself blurting out the words. 

“Your brother Michael is also meant to be in my Bio class, actually…” Your tone at first was loud, though as you carried on the sentence you felt it becoming quieter.

“What do you mean by ‘meant to’?” She smirked, as she looked up at you with a hint of confusion. 

Surely, she must have been aware of her older brother’s ways. 

“He -uhh, didn’t show up to class. I was hoping to meet him, but I guess I’ll have to wait” 

You tried to laugh it off, hoping that would elevate the mood, but it seemed Medina was unstirred.

“Oh yeah, Michael isn’t one to show up. It’s ever only on the rare occasion where the teacher’s sort of threaten him with expulsion will he attend… He hates getting my parents involved, but he isn’t 100% committed either. Never was, so don’t mind him. Not to mention, Miss Shaul and him, kind of hate one another, he annoys her and she annoys him, it’s just a cycle.” 

“Oh… I mean, I guess that’s understandable! It happens…” 

For the remainder of the break, Medina sidetracked from Michael or anything related to school and delved into the topic of surfing…It seemed she had quite a passion for it. And you didn’t dare interrupt her, although your mind still remained on Michael. You were really anticipating to meet him now, more than ever, but it seemed ‘fate’ just wouldn’t allow you. 

Not that you were expecting to, although you were simply curious… 

The ringing pitch of the bell had dragged you back to reality, as you noticed Medina was already mid-way into packing her things. You immediately realised that you had History, though had no clue as to where the class was. You pulled out the timetable, hastily asking Medina for the directions, in which she insisted you go through the shortcut. 

“Just go around the building here, turn left and you’ll see a white door. Walk in down the hall, and you’ll find the classroom, they usually have the name of the room up on the door anyways! Sorry, but I gotta run, I’ll see you soon!” She rushed, before bolting away, disappearing into the crowd of students that were bustling their way back through the main entrance. You would have followed them all, but she’d given you the directions through the back way, where you noticed, no one seemed to take. Looking back to where Jim once sat, he was already gone, so you really had no choice but to trust Medina’s words. 

You began to power-walk, by the dodgy looks of the shortcut, you were certain this would be a one time thing only. You were even looking forward, too busy looking behind and back down to your timetable, trying to memorise the name of your room, until you felt yourself walking into a solid wall. You would have fallen back painfully, if it wasn’t for the quick instincts of the person you’d walked into. 

You were embarrassed beyond measure, as you felt yourself growing red, unable to look up at what seemed to be a tall, brooding figure. Knowing your luck, you must have walked into the wrong type of person, considering they hadn’t said a word. 

“I’m so very sorry, I really didn’t mean that. I wasn’t looking where I was going and-”

“Ah, you were in my Bio class…The new girl.” 

Interrupted mid-way into your rambles by a voice from behind the, you’d recognised the face of one the boys Jim had pointed out to you. You looked at him with fright before you felt your gaze travel up instinctively towards the boy you’d just so ignorantly walked into. 

You felt his grip on your arm release, as he looked down at you. All those stares you’d felt before in those classes, would never have amounted to how intimidated you’d felt as of this moment. But those eyes…They looked incredibly familiar, yet so unnerving. 

This was no boy, surely. He had a towering, broad frame and his features were far too mature than most of the students you’d come by. And his hair, strawberry blonde and long: flawless you’d thought. He even dressed quite peculiar yet unlike the average teenage boy in Palos Verdes, with the denim on denim action. 

His chest heaved deepily, making him look much larger than he already was, much more menacing before exhaling. 

“New girl…” Was all that escaped those plump lips, the deep vocals of his voice for that brief moment was all that you had heard, before you felt your body move around the group hastily, not wanting to spare another second in their unwanted company. 

You practically began jogging to that white door Medina had mentioned, finally disappearing from their view into the building. 

You knew only now, that you’d finally met Michael.  

Taglist (for “Choices” series) - @jimmlangdon @langdons-rep @bademliimagnum

#michael langdon #jim mason #Michael langdon x fem!reader x Jim mason #michael langdon imagines #michael langdon imagine #michael langdon fanfiction #michael langdon fanfic #jim mason imagine #jim mason imagines #jim mason fanfiction #jim mason fanfic #ahs apocalypse #tribes of palos verdes #cody fern #american horror story

[scottishvix]

Family Reunion

The lovely @thesecondsealwrites who asked for “A reunion kiss (platonic or romantic, your choice of characters).

Thank you so much for this! I have actually been wanting to write this part of Sai’s story for ages, I just needed the inspiration to start. I really hope you guys like it.

It had started just after Vastra had told Cullen why Sai never spoke of her parents. Sai was only just back from a trip to the Emerald Graves that had shaken her badly. The horrors her team had found at the Chateau d’Onterre had been eased by an epic game of Wicked Grace, but he knew it was still eating away at her.

They were sitting in Vastra’s rooms, Marie and Kitty having been escorted to bed by Nettie, when she finally opened up on the subject. “Vastra? If I wrote him a letter, do you think Papa would read it?”

“Yes,” Vastra’s answer was simple and without hesitation.

“You sound so sure.” Sai’s voice was small and uncertain. Cullen leaned over and wrapped his arm around her. He hated seeing her so fragile and vulnerable like this.

Vastra smiled and moved to the small desk she used for her correspondence. A few moments rifling around in one of the drawers produced a small, sealed letter. As the older woman passed it to Saibra, Cullen recognised the seal as the Trevelyan family crest. Sai took it with trembling fingers, but hesitated to open it. “How long?” she asked quietly.

“Since I wrote to him to say the girls and I were with you and safe. He said to wait until you were ready to read it.” Vastra settled herself back in the armchair. “You don’t need to read it tonight, Skint. Now you have it, it can wait until you’re ready.”

“No.” Her voice was stronger now, more certain. “I want to read what he has to say.” She broke the seal and unfolded the paper. It was a single side, the handwriting strong and clear enough that Cullen could read it too.

Saibra,

I hesitate to call you my little dove, the way I did when you were a child. I lost that right when I sent you to the Circle without a word. I know it broke your Mama’s heart that we were not reconciled before we lost her. I am ashamed of the way I treated you.

It was not that you were a mage. Please never think that it was your magic that scared me. It was having to send you away, knowing you could never truly come home. You were the light of my world; letters and short visits would never have been enough and it would have broken my heart every time I had to say goodbye to you. I thought it would be easier to have one permanent farewell. I was wrong.

I was your father and you were my frightened little girl. I thought the pain of letting you go would ease in time but it never did. I have wanted to write to you so often and ask your forgiveness, but I could not bear to think it would be sent back unread. My only hope is that you show any desire to contact me so Vastra can give you this letter. If you are reading this now, I may have some small chance of earning your forgiveness.

Vastra writes to me often of how you fare. Even in Ostwick, we hear often of your bravery, compassion, and wisdom. I am so very proud of you and I love you so very much.

Your papa,

Fulke Trevelyan

By the time she got to the end of it, Saibra was red-eyed and trembling in his arms. He pulled her closer, rubbing her back. “He really misses me?”

Vastra nodded sadly. “He asks about you in every letter. It’s your decision, but I hope you will write to him. At least to let him know you read it.”

Sai nodded, slowly. “I will, just… give me some time.”

It hadn’t taken long. Two days later, she borrowed White Star to send a reply. From there, they had set up a tentative correspondence. As they rode out the highs and lows of the search for Samson, and the revelations about the Seekers, Bianca Davri, and Blackwall’s identity, Saibra’s mood could rise or fall with the presence or absence of a letter from her father at the right – or wrong – moment.

Cullen tried to be there for her. In sympathy, he had begun his own fragile correspondence with Mia. Her letters were full of more scolding than Bann Trevelyan’s to Sai ever were. It was still different; even if he hadn’t replied, Mia had always tracked him down and sent letters anyway. There had been no contact between Saibra and her father since she was eight. They had to get to know each other again, and Sai was always terrified the letters would stop. Cullen wondered if Mia felt the same.

They settled into a regular correspondence as the battle in the Arbor Wilds approached, and continued up until the moment of Corypheus’ defeat. Cullen watched, fear gripping his heart, as she hugged Vastra before going out to face the magister for the last time, pressing a letter into her sister’s hands. “For Papa. Just in case.”

He promised himself that if she came back to him, he would make sure she and her father had a proper reunion.

Cullen rubbed his face in irritation. Josie had spent a full week draping Skyhold in pink and red fabric, and he hadn’t said a word. His men and women had been distracted for just as long, whispering in corners and becoming distracted over who would be sending anonymous gifts to who, and he had allowed for their lapses in attention. He had even tolerated Marie and Kitty begging for his help making paper crowns with them. But to be ordered to attend a Kissing Day ball in the main hall tonight? When he had so hoped for some time alone with his betrothed. It was the last straw. Especially when his gift for her hadn’t arrived.

The knock at the door made him glare. “This had better be important, Jim.”

The door creaked open. “It’s a good thing that it is. And that I’m not Jim,” Vastra grinned at him as she slipped into the room, closing the door softly behind her.

Cullen tensed. “It’s here?”

“Safe and sound,” Vastra assured him, “and hidden in my rooms.”

“And Saibra doesn’t suspect?”

The lady rolled her eyes at him. “My daughters are experts at distracting their aunt, as you well know. She has no idea.” She smoothed down his shirt, straightening out the creases with an expert eye. “Go and get her.”

“She… she won’t be angry?” Cullen had spent weeks planning and arranging this. Now it was here, he wasn’t sure he had done the right thing.

Vastra stood on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “She will be delighted. Go to her. It’s past time.”

He followed her to the gardens and almost hesitated to interrupt. She looked so beautiful and happy, sitting in the middle of the grass, a crown of pink paper flowers on her head, laughing as Marie and Kitty showed her a dance they had created for the day. When the girls finished with a curtsey to their Aunt, he joined in her applause. A warm happiness crept over him when she turned her face up to him, eyes full of joy and love. She scrambled to her feet as he approached and he bent slightly to kiss her cheek. “Are you ready for your Kissing Day gift, sweetling?” he whispered in her ear as Vastra herded up her protesting daughters.

She beamed up at him and nodded. Kissing Day, she had informed him the previous year, was something she missed from home. She knew he wasn’t fond of the holiday, and was grateful for any little show of celebration on his part.

Cullen led Saibra through the keep, stopping constantly to allow her to be wished a happy Kissing Day by what felt like half the population of Skyhold. He hated the interruption, nerves being stretched raw by each fresh delay.

Finally, they made it up the stairs, and Sai frowned as he stopped outside Vastra’s door instead of carrying on up to their rooms above. “I don’t want us to be interrupted,” he told her, gently kissing away the confused look on her face. “Close your eyes.”

She did as he asked and Cullen gently guided her through the door. Once he was sure she was steady and facing the right direction he took her hand. “Open your eyes.”

Saibra blinked, adjusting to the bright light streaming in the windows. Then she blinked again at the sight before her. Standing from where he had obviously been sitting on Vastra’s sofa was a lean man, his hair and bear the same strawberry as Vastra’s, eyes the same pale blue as Kitty and Marie. “Papa?” Sai whispered. She took a couple of stumbling steps forward, hand reaching out to graze his sleeve, afraid that he might be an illusion that would disappear if she touched him.

He didn’t his arm was solid and warm under her fingers. And then she had his arms around his neck and his were around her back and his lips were warm on her cheek, kissing away her tears even as his own ran into his beard. “Happy Kissing Day, my little dove. My Saibra.”

Watching as his love embraced her father for the first time in over 15 years, Cullen felt a certainty this had been the right idea. Maybe he next year he could invite his family to spend Kissing Day with them.

#Seal's Kissing Day Celebration #Dragon Age fanfic #Love in the Time of Corypheus #for thesecondsealwrites #Vix writes

[atc74]

Blood Bond - Chapter 1

Word Count: 1383

Warnings: Mild language, angst

Characters: Sam Winchester, Dean Winchester, Moira Stewart, Ainsleigh Stewart, Rowena, Crowley, Cas, Mary Winchester

Pairing: Sam Winchester x Ainsleigh Stewart, Dean Winchester x Moira Stewart

Summary: A blood bond oath must be honored or there will be consequences for each generation until the bond is fulfilled. With each generation that passes, the bond requires more. How much will each family have to give before the bond is satisfied? Is it too late to break the curse after more than 300 years?

A/N: This was co-written with the amazingly talented and twisted, my Angel of Angst, @chelsea072498. We are beyond excited to bring you this story.  We hope you love it as much as we do! We will be alternating posting each chapter and will be posting Sundays and Wednesdays unless life gets in the way! An enormous thank you and a large bottle of wine is owed to the best beta EVER @just-another-busy-fangirl. Laura, thank you for your patience and keeping us on track!

Don’t want to miss out? You can add yourself to the tag list here.

Blood Bond Masterlist

The Bunker, Lebanon, Kansas ~ 2016

Dean Winchester walked into the kitchen just as Sam said into his phone, “I’m sure that Dean will complain but he’ll get over it.”

“I’ll get over what?”

Sam turned, stunned. “I’ll call you back soon.” He smiled, ignoring Dean for a moment. “Yeah, you too.”

Dean stared at his brother as he hung up the phone. “I ask again, what am I going to get over?”

“Ainsleigh called. She and Moira are in Montana. They’ve hit a wall with this case they are working on. It looked like a simple salt and burn from what they were told. Now they’re thinking witches.”

“Moira wants our help?” Dean asked, his eyes narrowing on his younger brother. “Moira has barely looked at me in almost ten years.”

Sam shrugs. “Ainsleigh called…”

“You two still sleeping together?” Dean asked.

“Dean.”

“What?”

“We’ve….It’s none of your business,” Sam snapped. He stood and started walking out of the kitchen. “I’m going to shower and pack. We’ll leave as soon as we’re both ready.”

Dean called after him, “It’s okay if you’re getting laid, Sammy! At least one of us is getting some!”

“Jerk!”

“Bitch!” Dean smiled as he poured his coffee. He suspected there was more going on with Ainsleigh, but he’d never push the topic. Not really. He sipped his coffee, slowly letting it sink in that he would see Moira again.

Dean wondered if they’d finally have a chance to make things right. After all these years, Dean hoped he’d have a chance to tell Moira the truth about what happened the day he sent her away from Bobby’s.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota ~ Spring, 2007

Moira saw him by the Impala. The look in his eyes broke her heart. Dean would never talk to her though.

Talking had never really been part of their arrangement.

“Want a beer?” She slowly approached him, holding two bottles. “Maybe we could go for a walk. You’ve been out here all day…”

“I don’t need a walk.” Dean grabbed the beer from her. “What do you want?”

Moira took a deep breath. “I’m worried about you, Dean.” She stood in front of him. “I know losing John hasn’t been easy. You went through a traumatic experience yourself. I’m worried you’re pushing yourself too hard.”

“Moira,” Dean slowly moved his hands to her waist and pulled her closer. “I need you to go.”

“I’ve given you space, Dean.” Moira moved her hands to his face. His hands moved to cover hers. He moved them away before letting go and turning away from her. “Dean?”

“We’ve been wasting our time on this thing for too long. It’s never gone anywhere. It’ll never go anywhere. You’re a great lay at the end of a hard day.” He closed his eyes. “We’ve been doing this for ten years, Moira.”

“Dean, we have something…”

Dean forced himself to laugh. “Yeah, great sex.”

Moira walked to him and grabbed his arm. “Look at me!”

“Bobby will never turn you away. I know that. I’m just asking you don’t come around when my brother and I are here.”

“Dean, why are you doing this?”

Dean’s expression was blank, his eyes cold. “You think I could keep fucking someone who blames my brother for all the messes in her life? Do you ever think about how annoying it is when I call you and you want details about everything I’ve been doing. I know you want to know if I’m sleeping with other women. But we were never anything serious.”

“I get that. Now.” Moira shook her head. “If you need anything…”

“Right.” Dean looked at her for a long minute. “I’ve never had a problem finding someone to take to bed.”

There were a million things she could have said or done in that moment. She wanted to slap him. She wanted to kiss him. She wanted to say so many things to Dean Winchester in that moment.

Moira decided that walking away was the best thing she could do.

Sam and Ainsleigh were coming outside as she approached the house. Ainsleigh knew immediately something was bothering her sister.

“Moira?”

“There’s a case. South Carolina.”

Sam nodded. “I’ll get Dean.”

“We don’t need the two of you!” Moira snapped. “Ainsleigh, we’re pulling out in fifteen.”

Fifteen minutes later, Dean watched as Moira pulled out of the salvage yard like a bat out of hell. He saw Bobby glance at him, but he turned away quickly.

Moira blamed Sam for Pastor Jim’s death, and that wasn’t fair. Sam didn’t even know anything about any of this until recently. Moira was known for holding grudges.

Dean knew this excuse would only go so far.

Bobby was next to him a few minutes later, fresh beers in hand. “Idjit.”

“I don’t need this right now, Bobby.”

“You just sent away the one person who would see you through anything and everything. Moira’s been your best friend since you were kids.”

“I know that.” Dean opened his mouth to spit out more excuses, but he knew Bobby would see through his lies.  He sighed in defeat. “Bobby, this is getting too dangerous. I care about her too much to drag her down with me.”

“She’s a grown woman, Son. She also loves you.” The fear on Dean’s face caused Bobby to laugh. “After the things you’ve faced, you’re scared of love?”

“I’m not scared of it, Bobby. I just know I’m not capable of it.” Dean took a long sip of his beer. “I care about Moira, and Ainsleigh, and I don’t want them to become casualties of something they shouldn’t be involved in.”

Whitefish Montana ~ 2016

Moira looked at her twin sister with shock. “You called the Winchesters?!”

“Sam helped us out in Texas a few months ago!” Ainsleigh asked. “He’s been great when we need information on something.”

“I tolerate Sam. Things have been tense with him for years, but he’s helped us.”

Ainsleigh rolled her eyes. “You’re worried about Dean? After all these years?”

Moira sighed. “When are they coming?”

“You always do this! You worry about seeing Dean and then you fight with him. One of you tries to talk to the other and I’m convinced the two of you end up in bed…” Ainsleigh stopped talking when she saw her sister’s face. “I’m sorry, Moira.”

“When will they be here?”

“Sometime tomorrow,” Ainsleigh answered. “I told Sam we were staying in Rufus’s cabin. He said they came here with Bobby once, so they know the place. I’m going into town so we can start looking through the articles and hopefully have something by the time they get here.”

“If we figure this out and can tell them to turn around….”

“Yeah, yeah,” Ainsleigh rolled her eyes. “I’ll be back soon.”

Moira poured a glass of whiskey and downed it quickly. She followed it with three more. Dean Winchester was coming. She was angry, annoyed, happy, and excited. Seeing Dean was always a mix of emotions. Moira often wondered if she’d ever get to the point where she could see him and not feel anything, but she knew that wasn’t possible.

Her phone rang and she answered it immediately. “Leigh, I’m getting everything sorted…”

“It’s me.”

His deep voice brought a smile to her lips. Her body shook in excitement and apprehension. “Dean.”

“We’re heading your way. I wanted to make sure you’re cool with us crashing there.”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

Dean chuckled. “I can think of about a decade of reasons why you wouldn’t want me around.”

Moira bit her lip. “This place is yours as much as ours. You don’t have to stay in a motel.”

“You’re sure?”

“Dean, yes.” Moira closed her eyes. “I think it makes more sense for you two to stay here. We’re nowhere near the town, so there’s no chance of anyone catching all of us together. It makes the research easier…”

“Will you actually talk to me? We’ve got a lot that needs to be said,” Dean asked. “I think it may make life easier for Sam and Ainsleigh, too.”

Moira was quiet for a few minutes. “Let’s get the case solved and then we’ll talk.”

Dean was smiling on his end. “Promise?”

“Pinky promise.” Moira smiled. “I’ll see you soon.”

Chapter 2 - Coming Soon

Blood Bond Tags: @paintrider13-blog @just-a-touch-of-sass-and-fandoms @just-another-busy-fangirl @waywardjoy @ellen-reincarnated1967 @iwantthedean @d-s-winchester @winchesterprincessbride @like-a-bag-of-potatoes @mamaredd123 @death2thevirgin @tankcupcakes @dustycelt @ashstrom87 @spntrista @feelmyroarrrr @docharleythegeekqueen @winchester-lover95 @bellatrix-skr @itseverythingilike @ohmychuckitssamanddean @badsongwinchester @maui137 @kitchenwitchsuperwhovian @tas898 @evansrogerskitten @hexparker @grace-for-sale​ @melbelle45  @grrlplay  @scxrchy @goldenolaf25   @charliebradbury1104 @jinksy-ride-with-your-ass @driadgoch @jajanewaymarc @meeshw777 @alicat-life  @crystalleeannluvsu

**If your URL is crossed off, I cannot tag you**

#Blood Bond #dean x ofc #sam x ofc #dean winchester #sam winchester #supernatural fanfiction #son fanfic #OFC's Rule! #collaboration #chelsea072498

[rosiep66]

Ross Poldark and Noblesse Oblige

"ROSS POLDARK AND NOBLESSE OBLIGE" "You are mistaken if you think greed and exploitation are the marks of a gentleman." - Ross Poldark to George Warleggan, "P0LDARK" (2015) When I first heard Ross Poldark speak those words to his nemesis, George Warleggan in Episode Eight of the current "POLDARK" series, I found myself wondering if Ross might be full of shit. Or perhaps he was either illusional . . . or a class bigot. Regardless, I could not help but roll my eyes at his remark. I realize that some might wonder how I could accuse Ross Poldark . . . Ross Poldark of class bigotry. This man has been a champion of the working-class in his little part of Cornwall. He has managed to befriend his workers. He has spoken out on behalf of them and other members of their class. And he has been willing to make any effort to come to their aid - especially those who work on his land, even if he sometimes come off as patronizing. He has certainly expressed anger when he believed any of them has needlessly suffered, due to the actions of the upper-class or other wealthy types. Ross had spent days in a state of drunken anger after one of his former employees, Jim Carter had died after spending over a year in prison for poaching. He had also married his kitchen-maid, Demelza Carne, despite the tongue-wagging of his elite neighbors and family members. Also, one cannot deny that the Warleggans deserved Ross' scorn. George Warleggan's grandfather had been a blacksmith who eventually became a moderately wealthy man. His sons - George's father and uncle Cary - acquired even more wealth, leading the family to become their parish's wealthiest bankers. George was the first in his family to be and his family were a money hungry bunch that resort to grasping ways - legal or illegal - to not only acquire money, but also rise up the social ladder in order to become part of Cornwall's upper-class. They are pretty much an ambitious and venal bunch. And yet . . . the interesting thing about the Warleggans is that they had managed to acquire great wealth on their own - meaning without the help of some aristocrat or gentry landowner. So, why did I have a problem with Ross' words? Were viewers really expected to believe that only noveau riche types like the Warleggans were capable of greed and exploitation? History tells us that the landed gentry and the aristocracy were just as guilty of greed and exploiting not only their workers, but their land. Years of land exploitation, living greedily from their profits and doing a poor job of managing their money led to a decrease in their wealth. This was the case for Polarks, the Chynoweths and other upper class families - fictional or not - who found themselves cash poor by the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. British landowners had been enclosing their lands - forcing tenant farmers to become agricultural laborers - since the late seventeeth century, at least a century before George Warleggan had enclosed the Trenwith estate, following his marriage to Elizabeth Chynoweth Poldark. And they continued to do so well into the nineteenth century. If Ross regarded himself, his uncle Charles Poldark, his cousin Francis Poldark and other members of the landed gentry like Sir Hugh Bodrugan, the Treneglos, Ray Penvenen and Unwin Trevaunance as "gentlemen", then his comments to George were spoken in error. Most, if not all, of these gentlemen were capable of greed and exploitation. Ross might occasionally criticize the behavior of his fellow members of the upper-class, just as he had did following the death of his former employee, Jim Carter. But he has never expressed antagonism toward them with the same level that he has toward the Warleggans. It is quite obvious that he regarded these men as "gentlemen". He seemed to have no problems with socializing or forming a business enterprise with them. And if this is the case, I cannot help but wonder about the true reason behind Ross' antipathy toward the Warleggans. Had Ross' antipathy originated with his exposure of the Warleggans' cousin, Matthew Sanson, as a card cheat? I rather doubt it. Ross and some of his other acquaintances had been making snide comments about the Warleggans' rise in wealth since the series began. No matter how many times George tried to befriend Ross throughout most of Series One, the latter would dismiss his effort with a sardonic or nasty comment. Yet, Ross seemed to have no problems with socializing with the likes of the snotty Ruth Teague Treneglos and her ineffectual husband; the money grasping blue-blooded politician Unwin Trevaunance, who sought heiress Caroline Penvenen's hand for her money; or the self-absorbed Sir Hugh Bodrugan, who seemed to have no concern for anyone or anything, aside from his own pleasures - including Demelza Poldark, whom he pursued like some aged satyr. Even Ross is not the epitome of "gentlemanly" sainthood. He seemed so hellbent upon finding a wealthy source of copper or even tin from his mine, Wheal Grace that he failed to consider that he lacked the funds to ensure a safe environment for his workers. This greed and determination to strike a lode without any safety measures led to an accident and the deaths of a few men. And his aggressive, yet adulterous actions against his widowed cousin-in-law (I might as well be frank - his rape of Elzabeth) in the eighth episode of Series Two made it perfectly clear that "gentleman" or not, Ross can be repulsive. And yet, despite all of this, Ross seemed to regard the Warleggans as an unworthy lot. I am not saying that George and his uncle are a nice pair. They can be just as repulsive and greedy as their upper-class neighbors. And on several occasions, the Warleggans have made derisive comments about Demelza, who happened to be a miner's daughter. All this tells me is that contrary to Ross' comment to George, the latter's family is no better or worse than the other upper-class characters in the "POLDARK" saga. They are quite capable of being snobs. But what about Ross? Is he a snob? He may be friendly toward his workers and willing to help them out, but his positive regard toward them seemed to have a patronizing taint. In fact, his love toward his working-class wife Demelza seemed to have the same taint. Although his good friend, Dr. Dwight Enys, managed to rise from his working-class background to become a doctor, he did so with the help of upper-class patronage. And Ross provided his own patronage toward Dwight in helping the latter establish a medical practice in their part of Cornwall. Ross even helped Dwight in the latter's romance with the blue-blooded Caroline Penvenen. I cannot help but wonder if the Warleggans had the benefit of "noblesse oblige" in their rise to great wealth, would Ross have been less hostile toward them? Perhaps it is one thing for Ross Poldark to help the lower classes have a better life - by offering them jobs or homes, providing patronage for someone like Dwight Enys, or marrying his kitchen maid. It is another thing - at least for him - to tolerate people from the lower classes like the Warleggans to rise up in wealth through their own efforts and not via the benefit of the "noblesse oblige". And my gut instinct tells me that the Warleggans’ rise via their own grit, ambition and brains was something that Ross could not stomach.

#poldark saga #poldark #ross poldark #george warleggan #class bigotry #francis poldark #ray penvenen #sir hugh bodrugan #charles poldark

[cynthiadshaw]

What’s the Most Important Lesson You’ve Learned Along Your Journey?

Every twist in our story, challenge we face, and obstacle we overcome is an important part of our story.  These difficulties make us stronger and wiser and prepare us for what’s ahead.  As we grow and succeed we may imagine that soon the challenges will fade away, but in our conversations with business owners, artists, creatives, academics, and others we have learned that the most common experience is that challenges never go away – instead they get more complex as we grow and succeed.  Our ability to to thrive therefore depends heavily on our ability to learn from our experiences and so we are asking some of the city’s best and brightest: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?

A. J. Legrand | Artist

@wafflesweekly

I guess in the journey of life—well I think it’s relevant to the artistic journey, as well—I think it’s important to remember that it isn’t a sprint, but rather a feat of endurance, if you’re really going to create your best work—or live your best life.

Generally speaking, I think artists improve with time. As artists age and continue to create and continue to become more aware of themselves and the world around them, I think the art improves.

I would say the same of all humans too—the more awareness, the more a person is able to contribute to the world and the lives of others.

So, stick around. Don’t rush. Enjoy the process. Don’t waste your one life.

I’m sure that your best is yet to come.

@a.j.legrand ajlegrand.com Merrick White | Blogger and clothing designer

The best way to learn is to just jump in and figure it out!

@merricksart merricksart.com

  Antoine Johnson | IT professional and Co-host of Unspokn Konversation Podcast

Consistency is the only way to accomplish sustainable success.

@antoine_da_source @unspoknkonversation unspoknkonversation.com podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unspokn-konversation/id1403657527

  Lindsay Robison | Fashion Influencer

The most important advise I have would be to ignore comments to do what you love & be you, because at the end of the day it’s your life & no one can change that! Be happy & be authentic.

@linkxoxo @Linkxoxo Facebook – Lindsay Robison

  Clint Palmer Jr. | Actor | Model & Security Lead

KJW Photography

The most important lesson I’ve learned so far is patience and to accept being told No. Cause 1 no could lead to your next big opportunity in film or Modeling.

@ClintonPalmerJr @ClintonPalmerJr

  De’Yara “”Buttagoharder”” Hardy |  Rapper/Singer/Writer/Actress/Creative Video Director/Stylist/Entrepreneur 

The most important lesson (s) that I’ve learned thus far, is to not rush or get discouraged by the process. I believe that any idle time you’re allowed, should be used to perfect your craft , educate yourself and strive to be greater. Be consistent. We are all unique individuals, embrace your imperfections and don’t ever think you’re not good enough. Control what you can and don’t stress about what you can’t. You will never please everyone, so do what feels right to you, you’ll be much happier.

@Buttagoharder buttagoharder.com

  Josh Butler | Athlete & videographer

The most important lesson that I’ve learned in my journey so far is to never give up and try your best to keep a positive mindset. Being able to have self motivation to persevere through the toughest situations in order to achieve your goals and beyond.

@joshbutlertv @JoshButlerTv

  Kristin Djurdjulov | Cheerdrop Owner & Designer

Every day seems to teach me a new lesson or dispel one of my beliefs! One of the biggest lessons so far is learning how to stop comparing myself and the state of my business to others and give myself more grace. I follow and have had the pleasure of meeting some super talented designers and business owners and along the way…I have been every shade of green with envy and comparison which has only hindered my progress and positivity. The comparison track playing in my head repeats “they have thousands of followers and I barely have any, they have been more successful in a shorter timeframe, they have a better story than mine, they are selling more, etc.” I have had to consciously stop looking at their work and posts so that I can focus on seeing the beauty of my own. There is most certainly a place for everyone to succeed and everyone’s pace and circumstances are different. I am sweetly reminded with every new customer I meet and every sale I am fortunate to get that the right people are finding my work at exactly the right time.

@cheerdropjewelry @cheerdropjewelry etsy.com/shop/cheerdrop Rene Hernandez | The Organic Gangster, Certified Personal Trainer

You can’t do it all by yourself!

@dallasthenics on all social media platforms @organic.gangster

  Dae | Recording Artist

The most important life lesson for me is knowing that whatever is meant to happen will happen on Gods timing. We all have a purpose and nobody can rush your process… not in how you find that purpose and neither in how you finish.

soundcloud.com/daetimemusic @daetime.tv

  Mayra Leon | dance fitness instructor/ wellness coach

I think the biggest lesson I have learned in this journey is that every challenge is made to make me stronger. Sometimes we ask God for greatness and with greatness comes great challenges. So I think that every challenge comes to make you stronger and builds you’re character. Along with patience, and tolerance because in my buissness you need a lot of that.

@mayras_fitjourney

Email: [email protected]

Danny Hernandez | Contractor & Painter/Remodeler

Something I’ve learned from working in the painting business is my love for transformation. I love arriving at a location and getting inspired to transform something that may seem ordinary into something extraordinary by simply changing the color. I have also learned the importance of communication with your clients and team members. In a small business everyone plays a big role in getting things done, so it is important to to have great communication both w our employers and our employees.

@Dna.painting

 Cristina Toledo | Paloma Accessories Co

@monicasalazarphotography

The most important lesson I’ve learned in my journey so far is to trust myself and to be confident in the decisions I make. I tend to be indecisive at times. With that said, this journey has taught me to be confident in the decisions I make, from branding to choosing the right pair of earrings for my followers. I’ve always believed that in order for me to start a small fashion/accessory business I had to have the “”fashion background”” or merchandising degree. That’s definitely not the case in my experience! Take a good look at trailblazer/elite celeb stylist Rachel Zoe, she majored in sociology and psychology. Hillary Kerr, majored in journalism at NYU and she is now the co-founder of Who What Wear and launched Clique Media Group in 2006. Accessories are my passion! It’s almost like a sixth sense. It truly drives me and gets me excited!

@palomaaccessoriesco

Kenndrea James | Licensed Hairstylist & Extension Specialist

The most important thing I’ve learned in my journey is to just do what makes you happy. In a profession like mine there’s so much that you can do. I love extensions, I love HEALTHY HAIR, & I love Big Hair so that’s what I do. I’m looking forward to growing and taking over the Dfw One Strand at a Time.

@iamdreathestylist @DtHextensions @DreastotalHair @DreasTotalHair

Michael and Nette Bolden | Owners of Gigi’s Cupcakes | Mansfield

Be patient. Everything is coming together. Whatever you are waiting for is on its way to you.

gigiscupcakesusa.olo.express/menu/gigis-cupcakes-mansfield gigiscupcakesusa.com

 Ernesto Baez | Owner of Baez Maintenance Services  Office Cleaning & Janitorial Services

@Soapsterz_shop

In my short but fast uprising journey, I have encountered many lessons. The one that stuck out the most is that you must not settle for what you think is enough and no matter how much you dream of something with no actions it will not become a reality. You have to work like there is no tomorrow, sacrifice time to build your vision but you must do everything with an open heart loving to serve others in a business it is important being humble and remembering that love is the answer to many things. Success truly comes when you absolutely love what you do.

baezmaintenance.com @baez_maintenance_services

Jim | Pitmaster and Mandi | Boss Lady

What I have learned is bbq is not a genre of food but an extended family.

LilliansBarbecue.com @lilliansbbq @lilliansbbq

Amanda Calhoun | PR Professional & Digital Content Creator

The most important lesson I’ve learned so far is to celebrate tiny victories! I put this practice into place in my career, family, friendships and relationships. I truly believe that by acknowledging those things that seem small, we empower ourselves and those around us to dream big. Too often, we wait until the BIG things (anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, etc.) to take the trip or do the thing, but why is it that we put such a focus on milestones, when the moments that matter are happening every single day. So, in my life, we celebrate WINS, big or small, and while they all might not warrant a grand gesture, it’s always the thought that counts.

@missamandadeann

Micah Unger | Owner, Casa Boho

The most important lesson I’ve learned in my journey so far is that no matter how big and successful your business becomes, at the end of the day, family comes first! I had a baby last year, at a time when Casa Boho had just gone through it’s biggest growth yet, and sales were at an all time high. Although it was hard at first, I made the choice to take a bit of a break so I could focus solely on my new little one and enjoy that new stage in life. I missed out on some big opportunities and my business took a bit of a hit as a result, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing!

shopcasaboho.com @shopcasaboho

Tony Dao | Dallas Nightlife and Hospitality Entrepreneur

“The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering” – Bruce Lee

So be grateful and be prepared for all the wonderful opportunities in life.

Develop your Craft and your Brand as a weapon. Strike and Risk Strategically and be prepared for failures which will come in all aspects of life. To maintain your moral compass as a human being and no matter what happens… both your personal and professional life will be worth remembering.

thetdcagency.com collectivemark.com

Norman and Lakeisha Willis | Husband and wife of 13 years & Co-Owners of Willis BBQ Company

The most important lesson we have learned in our journey thus far is to consider all options and explore every avenue prior to making every decision. Do not be afraid to change the plan! When we initially started our catering business, it was called Norman’s Holiday Smoke & Catering. Our initial plan was to limit our catering services to the holidays only. We thought it was all we could handle given that we had recently had our second child. Within 3 months, we outgrew that vision. We had not considered all of opportunity that awaited us. So, we decided to start again. We had to re-brand every portion of our business.

During the re-branding process, we decided to go as for as our abilities could take us; no more limiting ourselves. We acknowledged that improvements were necessary. Our branding needed to mirror the delicious Smoked Meats, Homestyle Sides and Cupcakes we were serving our customer. We expanded our target market to include corporations, wedding venues and individuals that needed special event catering. We also decided to use our abilities and time to feed the less fortunate. And so it began, we decided to build a 22 foot food trailer; a food trailer that any company or person would love to have at their event. We changed our name to Willis BBQ Company, re-designed the logo, designed a website, created elegant menus and changed our packaging. We were all in!

Thankfully, we realized we could do more and be more. Re-evaluating our business plan early allowed us to course correct with minimum losses.

willisbbqcompany.com @willisbbqcompany @willisbbqcompany Phone: [phone] [email protected]

Desiree Davis | Mental Health Advocate and founder of United Black Women

The most important lesson I’ve learned on my journey is “if there’s a will, there’s a way”. It’s an expression my father used to say to me growing up. At times I find myself struggling with doubt and uncertainty. “”How can I accomplish that?”” “”Is this even possible?”” “”But no one has done it before.”” Those thoughts are nothing more than my fear of the unknown attempting to paralyze me back to my comfort zone. When those thoughts come to me I just remind myself “if there’s a will, there’s a way”. That phrase pushed me through college when I couldn’t afford my last semester. It pushed me through depression when I had no one to turn to. And most importantly that phrase is leading me to my purpose of helping others find their ’will’ and ‘way’ today.

@desiree.r.davis @unitedblackwomen

Alexa Lopes | Food Photographer

The most important lesson I’ve learned in my journey is to give all of yourself to your craft, but to always leave space to learn, improve and grow.

@fortworthfoodtographer @fortworthfoodtographer

Taylor Morrison | licensed registered dietitian and certified sports dietitian

What I have learned on my journey so far is that it’s easy to start looking at what others are doing or get distracted by shiny opportunities that don’t actually lead you in your desired direction. It’s important to stay true to yourself and to stay focused on what you are doing and what your purpose is. I continue to ask myself, “What is it that I’m passionate about? What gifts has God given me?”, This keeps me focused and ignites that feeling of purpose that keeps me moving forward towards my goals.

taylored-nutrition.org @taylormorrisonRD

    Brittney Fernandes | Hair stylist | Bridal Stylist | Makeup Artist

The most important lesson I’ve learned in the beauty industry is that with every client, each time they’re in your chair is a gift and fresh opportunity to bless them and showcase your best self and talent.

http://www.beautebybrit.com/ @beautebybrit

Relax Bodyworks | bodywork geared towards relaxation

Tiffany Harper

Probably the most important thing is realizing that every time I put my hands on a new client, I use my intuition to learn something new. I’ve learned to trust that more than anything else because it never steers me wrong.

relaxbodyworks.com @relaxbodyworks

Johnnie Hoang | Food lover & Owner of Hoang’s Noodle House

The most important lesson I have learned in my journey is that teamwork and patience is crucial in any business. At Hoang’s Noodle House, teamwork helps with the flow and quality of the dishes. Patience plays a very important role as well, as some of our food items we serve require time to prepare. We definitely focus on providing fresh and quality food. My biggest reward is seeing and hearing people enjoy the food that I have invested time in preparing. My secret ingredient to all my dishes is passion. I have always enjoyed cooking for others. I believe that food brings people together and therefore you end up with a unique experience. Good food and good company.

@Hnoodlehouse Hoangsnoodlehouse.com

@HNHFoodTruck

Shawna Fitzpatrick | Illustrator & Urban Photographer

Ignore the naysayers, regardless of who they are. You already know the answer in your heart. When you allow the noise in, you just invited in a world of chaos and confusion.

shawnafitzpatrick.com @the.real_shawna.fitzpatrick @therealshawnafitzpatrick

Matt (mattman) Pearce | photographer

I would have to say that being a professional photographer you need to be creative and share. Be creative and look for something that is different that maybe no one else sees. Share your ideas, techniques and knowledge with other photographers. I truly believe that there are two types of photographers, one who creates the image like wedding or portrait photographers. The other type is the one who captures the image like shooting sports, news, concerts or events. I like to capture the image! There’s nothing more exciting then capturing that moment in time whether it’s a singer at a concert or a Dallas Cowboys touchdown or a Dallas Stars goal or even a stock car going by you at 190mph just three feet away! It’s the passion of capturing that moment in time! LOL, I have people ask me all the time, “”do you shoot weddings?”” LOL, I tell them no, I leave those to the professionals, I just push a button for a living…

@mattman1310 @mattman1310 @mattman1310 [email protected]

Rosy Gamez | Photographer and Crafter

Rosy Gamez

There are always a million reasons not to do something,” was a quote I heard Jan Levinson (The Office) say 5 times now in the last 6 years. As a hardcore fan of the show, her small quote resonated with me every single time I heard it, and throughout the 5-year journey of what was my freelance side business never once did I notice that I was living out those million reasons.

After the birth of my second son, I realized how much a 9-5 job took me away from my boys. I knew the best way to predict the future was to create it. I balled up those million reasons “why,” tossed them away, and introduced my crafts and designs to the world. I am an entrepreneur building my business, using my creativity and expertise for my family. The rewards are ten fold. I set my hours, earned back time with my boys and loving husband. I no longer have someone place a limit on my income because now it is limitless.

I guess you can say, the lesson learned was that you have to want it, believe it, and do it, and grasp the handful of reasons why you SHOULD and take that plunge, why, because trust me, you will be forever grateful that you did. Think about it, what’s the worst that can happen? Say you fail, well, get up and try again…and again…and again. Either way, at least you can say you tried, and that is infinitely more than others can say.

@serenestudiophotographyanddesign @serenestudiophotoanddesign

Beth Holland | Fine Art Photographer

I have learned to experience the exhilaration of seeing another side of our beloved National Parks, free of crowds, tour buses and the cacophony of civilization at night. Seeing the wonders of the familiar in a different light with the stars, moon, and milky way above is just awe-inspiring and keeps me going at 2:00 am to get that shot!

BethHollandPhotography.com @BethHollandPhotography

  Rod Castor

Most important lesson would be to keep being consistently on working on your skills.

@t.r.l_photography

Ericka Estrella | Photographer/Traveler

I would have to say, that the most valuable lesson has been to take one day at the time, to look beyond the fingers like our friend <Patch Adams> will learn in the movie from 1998, and really See what is before us the opportunity to be in this world yet another day, must be truly treasured, for there is no guaranteed there will be a tomorrow.

Therefore, witness the beauty and love around each and everyday, even in the simplest things like the half and half coffee blending dance, or the sunrise backlighting a window plant.

Photographing peoples most important moments has been and continues to be an amazing gift.

@ErickaEstrellaPhotography @ErickaEstrellaPhotography

Bob Brooks | Photographer

Starting your business without a mission statement is like taking a long road trip without a map. You can get lost easily within a short amount of time. Having something to reference later will help you keep grounded to your original goal. Knowing your target demographic is also one of the most important things. And finally for the person just starting out, don’t fall into the trap that shooting every day will help you capture better images. It’s better to choose one day out of the month, bring only one battery with you or just 2 roles of film, shoot till it’s gone and then don’t edit or processes them for 6-8 weeks and then look at then for the first time. Trust me, shooting 30k-50k in six months only gets you burned out, and from there, you loose your passion for photography all together. The old saying “Do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life” this couldn’t be further from the truth, getting the paying jobs and prospecting for work is the real work, this represents  about 80% of the work of the photographer, not the other way around.

@rlbrooks_photography Facebook: Bob Brooks @rlbrooksphotography

Eric Ziegler | Landscape and nature photographer

I think the most important thing I’ve learned is that you’re never too old to learn.

I started the hobby of photography as a teenager, and although I’ve been working at it for almost 30 years, I still feel that my work is not where I want it to be. I am always looking for new techniques and ideas to help me become more creative, and it is fun sometimes to compare my work from several years ago to see the growth I’ve achieved.

ericzieglerphoto.com @ezieglerphoto

The post What’s the Most Important Lesson You’ve Learned Along Your Journey? appeared first on Voyage Dallas Magazine | Dallas City Guide.

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