#ANOTHER WIN FOR MARTHA

[marthajohnsonbakes]

Fuck Diane I am glad she's dead or buried alive or whatever horrible circumstances she is in rn

I love unspecified meat and will eat all that you serve me my beautiful and most beloved Martha

🥧💍

THIS NOW HOLDS UP IN A COURT OF LAW AND YOU CANNOT RUN, INTERNET STRANGER!!! 🥰🥰🤩🥰🤩🥰🤩🥰🥰😂🥰🤩🥰😂😇

TAKE THAT, VAMPIRE BITCHES!! I AM MARRIED TO A FACELESS GREY CIRCLE!! WITH SICK SUNGLASSES!!

Love,

Martha 💍

[wonderjanga]

Ms. Kent and Billy

it’s 1959 and it’s been a year ever since Billy got his powers. Life is good and he found out about a pie eating contest happening in some little town in Kansas called Smallville. If you were to win, you’d get a whole $100.

Billy: “A hundred whole dollars… I could get food for weeks- no, months with that!”

Martha(Ma Kent): *appeared behind him* “Are you gonna participate in the contest?”

Billy: *startles* “Uh… Yes?”

Martha: “Aren’t you a little skinny for that?”

Billy: “Wha- I’m not skinny! I don’t think I’m too skinny at least.”

Martha: *looks him up and down wondering if he’d let her cook a bunch of food for him* “Sure. Hey, I don’t think I’ve seen you around here before. Are you new to Smallville?”

Billy: “Yes. This is my first time here actually.”

Martha: “Oh? So you’re just here for the pie contest?”

Billy: “Yup. I’m gonna eat as much pie as I can, and then I’m gonna get the money.”

Martha: “Will you tell me if they’re good?”

Billy: “Sure? Why?”

Martha: “Cause me and my mom made all the pies for the competition!”

Billy: “Oh, that’s amazing!” *looks starstruck*

Martha: *sounds proud* “I know.”

Billy didn’t end up winning the competition. He actually ended up vomiting after his first pie because his little malnourished self couldn’t handle all of that. Martha was there though to clean him up with a rag. They got to know each other better after that and soon enough, Billy would transform into Marvel, fly over to Smallville, and hang out with her. Martha even got to know Freddy because he would sometimes fly over with Billy too. Then the time bubble happened and fast forward 50 years. Billy, after panicking about his entire life and everything he knows it being over, went to go see Martha, who was conveniently still near Smallville.

Billy: *knocks on the door*

Martha: “Coming!” *opens the door and looks around seeing no one*

Billy: “Down here.”

Martha: *looks down to Billy and pauses to stare*

Billy: “Heeeeeeeey Martha.” *awkward wave*

Martha continued to stare at him for a solid minute before she rubbed her eyes, and then rubbed them again for good measure.

Martha: “Billy…?”

Billy: “Martha…?”

Martha: “Oh- my… Oh my Gosh!” *kneels down so she can look him over even going as far as to pinch his little cheeks to make sure he’s real*

Billy: “Ow! Martha, stop!” *bats away her hands*

Martha: *keeps trying to pinch him aways* “Are you real?”

Billy: “Yes?”

Martha: *has seen too much nonsense due to Clark* “Well, if you’re the real Billy uhm… Where did we first meet?”

Billy: “A pie eating contest here?”

Martha: “Hmm… That might be too easy… What pies did I make for the contest?”

Billy: “Wha- I don’t know!? How am I supposed to remember that??”

Martha: “Okay… Too hard. How about you tell me something only you would’ve known about a fourteen year old me.”

Billy: “Like what?”

Martha: “Like something secret I told you.”

Billy: “Uhm… You had a crush on Elvis and said you wanted your future husband to be just like him?”

Martha: *stares before feeling herself cringe at her teenage self* “Okay, I’ll assume you’re the real Billy. Come in, bud.”

They caught up after that. They even decided to make pies together again. It was fun. You would just see them in the kitchen together talking about whatever, normally old lady stuff, and baking. Then, when Grandpa Kent came home…

Jonathan(Pa Kent): “Martha, I’m home!” *walks to the kitchen and pauses when he sees Billy and Martha*

Martha and Billy: *stare back at him*

Jonathan: “Martha is that an another grandbaby, clone, or cousin of Clark’s?”

Martha: “None of those. This is Billy. He’s a friend of mine.”

Jonathan: “Martha, you’re just befriending eight-year-olds now? Where are his parents?”

Billy: “They’re dead, mister! But don’t worry, me and Martha met back in ‘59. We go way back.”

Jonathan: *stares for a solid minute* “Wait a darn moment… were you caught up in all that Fawcett business?” *heard about it on the news*

Billy: “Yup!”

Martha: “What Fawcett business?”

That’s how Billy was led to explain the entirety of the time bubble and suspendium and all that. The Kents thankfully welcomed him with open arms. After this entire incident, Billy showing up to the farm was a regular occurrence. He could bake with Martha and help Mr. Jonathan out as much as he could on the farm. Then, one of the Kents other grandchildren showed up. (Billy was basically their grandbaby too, not that the Batson knew)

Jonathan: *trying to fix their tractor because it broke down for whatever reason*

Billy: *standing to the side, holding a toolbox and giving him tools whenever he asks*

Jon: *flies over from Metropolis* “Grandpa! Grandpa-” *does a double take when he sees Billy* “Wait, who’re you?”

Billy: “I’m Billy!”

Jonathan: “You heard him Jon. He’s Billy.”

Jon: *suddenly self-conscious of the fact that he’s flying in front of this kid and kinda just revealed his identity* “I’m uh… Jon.” *slowly floats down to land on the ground*

Billy and Jon: *stare at each other*

Jonathan: “Billy, can you pass me the diamond tip screwdriver?”

Billy: “Sure!” *passes it to him*

Yeah… Jon was a little confused as to who this random kid was. He was also a little confused as to why he refers to Jon’s grandpa has Mr. Jonathan but refers to Jon’s grandma as Martha. Did he live with grandma and grandpa? Is he another one of his dad’s cousins? Jon doesn’t think the boy’s a kryptonian but he might be wrong. Anyways, he’s making everything weird! Though it’s a sort of good kind of weird? His grandma is acting… younger? They also keep referencing things Jon has no idea about. (Late 50s pop culture) The kid- Billy, seems nice enough though. He has no problems playing with Jon so that’s awesome! Jon is so happy to have a friend away from home, but he’s still confused as to why Billy is at the farm.

Jon: “Dad, why do some people live on farms?”

Supes: “Because they’re farmers…?”

Jon: “No, but like what if they aren’t farmers, and they just help the farmers that are already there? Like one day they just showed up and decided to help around.”

Supes: “Well, I guess the closest thing you’re looking for would be a farmhand. Why are you asking?”

Jon: “Well, there’s this kid that lives with grandma and grandpa now-”

Supes: “WHAT?!”

Yeah, neither Ma Kent or Pa Kent have told Clark about this. It kind of slipped their minds.

Bonus interactions:

Before Pa Kent Came Home…

Billy: “Who’s that?” *looking at a photo of Pa and Ma Kent together*

Martha: “My husband.”

Billy: “Husband…?” *suddenly sad he missed a bunch of stuff from Martha’s life* “Oh…”

Martha: You sound upset. What’s wrong?

Billy: “Nothing.”

Twenty Years Ago When Clark Was Still a Kid…

Supes: Ma, who’s that? *looking at a photo of a nine year old Billy and a fourteen year old Martha*

Martha: “Oh, that’s Billy and I.”

Supes: “Who’s Billy?”

Martha: “An old friend of mine. He uhm… disappeared one day. I don’t know what happened to him.”

[sexiestpodcastcharacter]

Sexiest Podcast Character 2024 — Scripted Redemption Bracket — Round 5

Propaganda

Madge Stallion (Fawx & Stallion) (Boba Count: 2):

This is the woman who always has anything you might need in her bustle. Portable phonographs, certainly, but what else? Alcohol, without doubt. Knives? Probably. More knives? Wouldn't be surprised. Candy? Always good to have something to mollify Hampton with. More alcohol? Well, James can always do with a little nip. Another knife? Why not? Lockpick set? I mean, where do you keep yours?

Everyone messaging us “please let Madge kiss [redacted]” we will remember your support during this difficult time should this go our way

But MADGE NEEDS TO WIN THIS ONE, JUST LOOK AT THE PROPAGANDA MAN

Antigone Funn (Wooden Overcoats) (Boba Count: 2):

What on earth could possibly be sexier than being presumed dead by the village she lives in at large. She genuinely cares about funerals as an art form, she puts so much care into her work. Possibly bisexual if that helps. Ghost wrote a wildly popular erotic novel with the help of village’s reverend. Come on just please vote for Antigone I’m so very sleepy and I can’t think of more reasons but I promise they’re there

Antigone's mess might be an acquired taste, but I think it's a deeply attractive mess.

SHE WAS IN LOVE WITH A BLOND GUY ONCE SHE EARNED HER REST

Art of Antigone Funn with thanks to @acornzest.

Additional propaganda below the cut:

Madge Stallion (Fawx & Stallion):

Madge Stallion was submitted without propaganda.

we gotta get our girl some propaganda. she would hate it, but the mystery of it all is kinda part of the appeal here.

Madge stallion NEEDS no propaganda

Madge: so sexy she needs no propaganda

#madge stallion is a great woman to lose to

#Madge she's a sassy lesbian detective what else do you want

#madge stallion needs no propaganda #by virtue of being madge

This is propaganda for all the female characters. Voters please remember how pretty all women are and factor that into every single vote you make. Thank you.

Raging lesbian in a lavender marriage

Seduced someone working for the enemy

Is just as chaotic and at time brain cell-less as her male companions

Loyal but still willing to call her friend since childhood out on his bullshit

She canonically fucks. Like in canon she fucks so much. See above about seducing the enemy and then pepper in her on again off again romance with Martha Hudson.

#madge propaganda time : #she will flirt with basically any girl she sees and oh she does it so well #also !!! she once flirted and got on with technically an enemy in the middle of a spying mission ???? #she went like 'oh sorry just gotta go to the loo' to go spy in the house got caught and flirted so well she 1/ got laid 2/ got information #3/ came back like nothing happened #with some motivation she could flirt and get a boner from a dead rock tbh #madge stallion IS THE SEXIEST

#it's that time again #madge madge madge #she's earned it

#!!!!!

#home stretch

MADGE MADGE MADGEEEEE

Madge propaganda from a show that had the pleasure of guesting with her! At the end of the day no matter how you squeeze or present it, a great character is a great character and Madge is the best by a mile. Wonderful one-liners, complex and layered relationships with everyone in the cast around her, a messy and real depiction of female sexuality (especially a lesbian!) that she is never punished or demeaned for, and all of this brought to life in a performance that could make a phone book fun. Look and you’ll see: Madge’s writing and acting speaks for itself!

#madge here #yes you have to choose #choosemadge #we need the points #much appreciated #very sincerely yours

Antigone Funn (Wooden Overcoats):

Amazing character arc/growth; shadows follow her around; afraid of the sun; methanol is her drink of choice; is often told “I thought you were dead” despite a complete lack of evidence other than her deathly paleness; the morgue is her personal sanctuary; absolutely hilarious character; demanded to be co-owner of Funn Funerals with her brother rather than allowing him to continue running the business alone;(spoiler) decided NOT to get with her frenemy who she had been doing a will-they-won’t-they thing with the entire series!; writes smut in her free time

#antigone!!!!!!!!! #i just need one chance with her #she's perfect

#antigone!!!!!

*Cracks knuckles* Team Antigone is back and ready to do some damage. #antigone sweep year 2

#YEAR TWOOO

#Antigone sweep #!!!!

#thrilled to participate as always

This is propaganda for all the female characters. Voters please remember how pretty all women are and factor that into every single vote you make. Thank you.

VOTE FOR ANTIGONE!!!

What on earth could possibly be sexier than being presumed dead by the village she lives in at large. She genuinely cares about funerals as an art form, she puts so much care into her work. Possibly bisexual if that helps. Ghost wrote a wildly popular erotic novel with the help of village’s reverend. Come on just please vote for Antigone I’m so very sleepy and I can’t think of more reasons but I promise they’re there

EVERYONE VOTE ANTIGONE FUNN PLS

I'm voting for Antigone not because she's sexier (she is) but because she needs at least One Win in her life. #girl failure solidarity

1. she is very sexy. We know she's deathly pale, she's described as transparent more than once as well as green and blue-skinned, she's 35~38 depending on what season you're listening to. She's allergic to like everything.

Her hair is canonically always a mess and she uses it to hold on to bones and things she's gonna need later. She wears the same dress every day (it has a hole in it)

She's one with the shadows and can blend in with her surroundings to a supernatural degree.

2. She is rough and socially inept and artistic and the most passionate person you can imagine. She puts her heart and soul into her work as a mortician, SHE CREATES PERSONALIZED EMBALMING FLUIDS TO MAKE THE CORPSES SMELL NICE and she WILL tell you about it.

She is somehow always angry or flustered about something and she will pull victorian era phrases you cannot imagine. She's been saying Christ Alive since before it was cool.

3. SHE LOVES SEXY THINGS!! she is the most fitting for this tournament cause she's the queen of learning to accept her desires!! She loves old french films and their weirdly shot sex scenes, she's canonically really good at writing erotica and likes to read it too. There's a whole episode dedicated to her conquering her fears and appearing on a naked calendar. Also we hear glimpses of her fantasies and she wants to tie up and dom the guy she likes so there's that too I guess.

She spent 17 years locked in her mortuary cause she was sad. SHE WANTED TO BECOME A CLOWN AS A KID. She is everything to me and I love juno very much but she is sexier and deserves to be known that way. VOTE ANTIGONE

[neat-crows]

So I've been re-watching dr who for the first time ever rn, with a friend who's never seen it before, so I'm seeing all these episodes for the first time since I was 13 and picking up on a LOT that I never noticed before, and holy shit the tenth doctor is SO WEIRD to Martha Jones, and nothing exemplifies that more than the sontaran stratagem/the poison sky.... like..... he is SO weird the whole way down.

When they first see each other again their introduction directly mirrors Jack and The Doctor's in Utopia

"Doctor" "martha Jones" laugh and hug

"doctor" "captain Jack" laugh and hug

And then! they have a normal interaction!!! WIN he asks how her family is and how she is, and they're smiling and genuinely seem like friends very happy to see each other!

And then.... donna drops the fiance bomb.

He turns with a look of.... almost anger? disbelief? and asks WHAT MAN?? Then martha explains who he is and the doctor....

he looks? upset? and then like, resigned? AND THEN martha admits that her fiance is kind of similar to the doctor, and then donna asks "Is he skinny?" and his reactions

is to make a face like "yeahh" AND START NODDING????? like he's taken Martha's admission to mean she's with a man that's just like him, and honestly seems a bit smug over it, and then when Martha says no-

he looks so taken off guard and betrayed ??????????? BRO we are less than 5 minutes in..............

He then proceeds to be tetchy with her, and to be fair this is mostly because of her involvement with unit, and his discomfort with how militaristic she's gotten - which I think comes both from anger at himself for how he's changed her, and also discomfort that she's no longer "his" Martha, she's changed, and he doesn't know her as well anymore.

he tells her off, he's snide and judgmental, he won't even look at her until she tells him to, and he's honestly bitchy - Until she explains herself, and tells him off for being so judgmental, i also think his line "oh so it's my fault" is very telling because..... it literally is? like yes, you put her in situations where she had to become harder and more used to violence......... and he KNOWS it. He's doing what he did all through series 3, which is feel guilty or bad and then take it out on Martha (that's for another post though) until she stands up for herself (get his ass!!) and then when she's finished she looks at him

determined, but eyes darting back and forth waiting for his reaction, on some small level hoping for his approval

and only THEN does he start to smile, and he tells her "that sounds more like Martha Jones." she's back to feeling like she's still his (to him, Martha is acting incredibly normal and platonic). The doctor has always had a weird possessiveness with Martha, going all the way back to their first episode where he hand picked her, and in this second of her looking for his approval, he feels that again, and he IMMEDIATELY started flirting again - please go watch the scene it boggles my mind how fast he switches.

I also want to be clear, Martha isn't flirting back, she's acting extremely normally. She's clearly taken the time away from him to get over, not only romantic feelings, but any anger as well. She seems to have come to terms with how she feels with everything that happened, and she loves and cares about him, but she's not naive to his faults - I also don't think she even picks up on him being weird to her in this scene. She's no longer in tune with his every mood swing, she's not here to fix him, or cater to his needs, and so she no longer notices these small moments from him.

AND THEN.... the clone.

He never flirts with the clone. The ONLY time, is the very first time they interact, before he's realized something is wrong.

he calls her over to come with him, and his face is honestly way too close to hers. bro is a menace. but then, maybe 2 minutes later, he immediately clocks that this is not Martha.

he realizes there has to be a spy and only has to consider for half a second before he turns and asks about her family, he's already realized she's acting a little off, and the second she answers he's 100% certain.

and he gets MAD. he tells her Donna went home because she's not like her, she's not "a soldier" clearly a shot at the sontarans, but also another subtle test, the real Martha wouldn't let that slide, and he wouldn't say that to the real Martha. He continues saying Avanti, instead of Allonse-y, which is interesting, because he already knows. He's not doing this to confirm his suspicions, he's doing this as retaliation. To confirm to himself he knows Martha better than this fake, he's toying with her. BUT. He doesn't go to save Martha.

The next episode, the doctor's daughter, he refuses to accept the label of soldier, but Jenny rightfully points out that he strategizes like one And this is one such moment. He knows Martha is a clone, he's mad and upset, he could go save her right away, but he doesn't. He doesn't because it serves him best to allow her to keep shutting down the nuclear launch.

It reminds me a lot of when Cassandra possessed Rose in New Earth, he played a long for a little bit, but that was just to figure out what was happening. He IMMEDIATELY tried to fix it, I just wonder if it was any other companion if he would have done this. If it was Donna would he have left her for so long? even if it was strategic? it's this weird conflict the doctor has now that he's very very protective and a bit possessive, but he also treats her like an equal on the battlefield, and it's a weird... trust? he has in her to take care of herself.

I kind of don't want to call it trust because that sounds too positive, but I don't know another way to phrase it, but it's a forced independence and self sufficiency.

but then, he finally goes to save her

He goes and cradles her face gently, and NOTABLY says "good, still alive" MEANING HE DIDN'T KNOW??? and still left her for that long...

but he holds her gently, and fully ignores the clone. He has his back to her, and then proceeds to taunt her. He tells her he clocked her right away because of the pupil size, thin hair, and he says she smells. but we know this isn't true.

Sure maybe those physical traits are true, but that's not how he figured it out, we saw how he did it, he clocked on because he knows Martha so well, but he can't admit that. He can't admit that he knows her just as much as she knows him, just like he couldn't tell Rose he loved her.

He is so deeply angry at this clone, he makes fun of her, he yells at her, he looks at her likes she's nothing

This is his face when he kills her. He doesn't talk to her, or even TRY to save her. And we know she is alive, she has memories, and her own thoughts and feelings, and the doctor kills her while gloating because of his immense anger for hurting Martha. An anger that is also guilt.

he does not speak to her like a person (which directly leads into his treatment of Jenny in the next ep).

Parallel that to how Martha treats her, they talk about their family and she even calls the clone Martha. She really is a doctor in a way ten tried and often failed at.

And then at the end, Donna asks Martha to come with them, and she says no, and that she's happy at home, but she's better for having traveled and come back.

And the doctor looks at her

With an obvious sadness, but also acceptance. He clearly wants her here, with him, but I think he's finally come to accept that that'll never happen, and he needs to let her go.

Edit: I Like their dynamic(mostly) This is not an anti tenmartha post Him being a freak is compelling

[demetriscorazon]

I wrote to as an anon on this blog once, I already forgot the name of the blog but I do remember what I wrote since I have them on my drafts. Anyways...

It's a DC x DP fanfic, of the GIW being good guys and actually training the residents in the Amity Park once abilities started appearing because of the ecto-contamination of the town. Of course everyone in the town are Ecto-Contaminated, but Danny's Class are more than Liminal, and they're not exactly normal people (outside of their liminality, that is). I managed to at least write 1,900 something words of the idea.

Contaminated

Danny stared blankly. Tucker choked on what he was eating with Star quickly patting his back. Sam sighs alongside Paulina. Wes whimpered, hiding his face. Dash hit his head on his desk. The rest just stared. Lancer groaned at the side.

It was not a reaction the people in front of the class expected. James Howard was the head of the Martha Wayne Foundation, he oversee the foundation and made it part of his work to deliver the news in person. It was the reason why he and his group came to Amity Park. It was odd when he received the paper, it was filled with nonsense at the same time it made sense. Besides, they're better than the rest so they got the Free Trip.

"I take it it's not a good news?" James sighs which snapped everyone out of their spiral.

"NO!" He jumped at their shout and stared bemusedly.

"Mister Howard, this class was not supposed to win... It would cause problems..." He stared at the teacher blankly before breathing in and stared at the Class.

"Raise your hand if you have any relation with the Rogues of Gotham or any enemy of the Batclan, or anyone at Gotham, at all," He toned and didn't blink seeing hands raised. Gesturing at one of them, he waited patiently.

"Not Batman but Superman... My father is his... Archenemies," The girl hesitantly says and he could feel their eyes judging his reaction heavily. There's no doubt that if he reacted negatively, he'll find himself thrown outside.

"I see, what's your name miss?" He asks, taking out his Waynetech Tablet.

"Paulina Alexandria Luthor, sir," He nods before gesturing to another one.

"Wes Weston, sir. The Riddler is my maternal uncle," He nods and typed that down.

"Tucker Foley, sir. Commissioner Gordon is my maternal uncle," He hums and nods.

"Sam Manson, sir, Poison Ivy is my older half-sister," He made an acknowledging sound.

"Dale Thomas, sir, Duke Thomas is my second cousin,"

"Star Al Ghul, sir. Yes...those Al Ghuls... I'm related to them through Grandfather Ra's eldest son,"

"Theodore Drake, sir, Timothy Drake-Wayne is my older twin brother," That earned gasps from the rest of the class and even James looked up, only to withheld a sigh as Theo proceeded to remove his mask. Of course, the younger twin would have the Drake thinking and hid his appearance well.

"Garrett Crowne, sir. Richard Grayson-Wayne is my... Clone?" James stared blankly as he typed that down.

"Jackson Todd. I'm his twin brother," Jackson said and James nodded, immediately knowing which brother he was talking about.

"Kwan Napier... My father is Joker,"

James Howard nodded as he typed that down and close his tablet. He pinch the bridge of his nose before looking up to.

"Was that the reason why you deliberately made a mess of the paper?" He asks and one of the girls raised his hand.

"We're also not sure if we are allowed in the city, sir. We're all more than Liminals here, we have superpowers. We know how the Bats dislike those with superpowers in his city," She explained earning nods.

"Right. But that's only because they refuse to fight mind controlled, overpowered children," He explains.

"Besides, I did my own research, you children could handle yourself than the other schools who wanted to go to Gotham for shits and giggles," He dryly says.

He handed out slips of paper before reminding them of the itinerary. He gave a few more warnings before leaving, but not after leaving his number to be used just in case of emergency. He nodded at the men in White suits guarding the school and left for the gates.

Seems like Amity Park is another Gotham, but not that bad. James has a lot for things to report to the CEO.

Back to the classroom, there was chaos at the sudden reveal. It suddenly made sense for everyone involved, they only quietened down when Danny whistled sharply.

"Alright, since secrets are out, let's all plan what are we going to do in Gotham,"

"Let's just go with the flow. Knowing our luck, the itinerary won't be followed," Paulina huffs earning laughs from the rest.

"Like that trip in Nanda Parbat," Star dryly says earning groans from the rest, recalling that particular field trip. It was a mess in epic proportions but they got a weird grandfather out of it. A very rich grandfather who still sent them allowance every week.

"What hotel did you choose?" Lancer curiously asks and Danny smiles.

"Grandfather hijacked my selection and decided that Raal Hotel would be better," He said in amusement making the rest snort.

"That's his hotel, isn't it?"

They broke out into laughter before they decided to simply mingle around.

THE NEXT DAY

James Howard raised an eyebrow when the Class turned up. They're not wearing bright colors nor dark, but neutral colors it seems, and they wore hair clips in their heads, even the males, it looked like it was customized and cared for.

He nodded in greeting and they chirped back their own replies. He tilted his head at how unhuman sound it was, then remembered the pamphlet he received from those guys in white when he arrived in the town of the people no longer being human due to exposure and then shrugged.

"Mister James, you should wear this, so we're the same!" Star chirped and he accepted the hair clip. He eyed it for a moment before clipping it on his hair earning cheers from the rest. He chuckled and ushered them towards the private plane.

"Mister Wyane agreed to my request of borrowing his private plane for this. While I know you have control of your superpowers, I also know you like it if you're not hiding them," He said with a soft smile. He laughed when the moment they entered the plane, they started floating around. It says a lot of the training the crew had that they didn't flinch.

He blinked when they decided to fuse some glowing green goop all around the plane and looked at Lancer for explanation.

"Since they're more than Liminal, bordering Ghost, there's a high possibility that the plane would glitch. This way, everyone is safe. Let Mr. Wayne know though, he might react negatively that his plane is... Haunted," He explains and James nodded, already typing away on his Amity Phone. Negative energy and all that causes glitches so he has to buy a new phone from the town itself. And he had to send another piece for the CEO when the man practically begged to have one.

Receiving an affirmative, he gave the man a small smile and a thumbs up before settling down on his own seat. When the plane is in the air, he simply sat as the students started wandering around.

Or in case of Garrett and Theo, cartwheeling on the aisle.

He chuckled and activated the Wayne Kids code. The plane was designed to keep passengers entertained, designed by one Richard Grayson-Wayne, putting his siblings in mind. He watched as students stilled before some went straight to the shelves filled with books, some went to the area filled with board games then some went to the game station. He eyed their teacher who was fast asleep, wearing noise canceling earphones and his eyes covered.

He decided to quietly watched over them in the mean time.

Arriving at the airport, James sighed when he saw a few Rogues milling around. And despite wearing a disguise, people could still identify them. He hid his laugh seeing how the Class eyed them dubiously, some even facepalmed and groaning in their hands. Still, they did not approach the Class even if he ushered them to the mini bus. James raised an eyebrow to the driver who grinned and winked.

"Alright kiddos, for the duration of your field trip, I'll be your only driver. No substitutes and all, and even there is, I'll let your teacher and Sir Howard know. The names Jay," He said with a grin.

"Now what's the name of your hotel?" He asks.

"Raal Hotel!" Jackson chirped, not knowing the other class was eyeing Jay and Jackson discreetly. He gave kudos to the man who didn't outwardly react other than nodding and starting the bus.

"Everyone, control them for the duration of the drive," Lancer reminded making everyone nod and took out things. James realized it was to keep them calm and distracted. He looked at Lancer curiously who sighs.

"As long anything works on electricity, it affects them," He said making him hum and nod in understanding. Arriving at the hotel, he chuckled when the children practically ran out, some exited through the window before they started jumping on their toes.

Lancer sighed and nodded at them. In no time, they disappeared. James, Jay, and the discreet guards looked towards Lancer who smiles and gestured for them to head inside. They were then led to one of the rooms by a receptionist when Lancer asked for the visual room, a room with multiple screens that soon lit up the moment Lancer pressed a button.

"What are they doing?" He couldn't help but ask as he look at the Children that split off.

"Burning off the excess energy," Lancer says pointing at one Samantha Manson, who was growing a lot of green on another side of Gotham. Tucker Foley was by the beach making huge sand castles. Dale was in the sky, shooting light making it look like lightning.

He'll have to tell the Bats to ease their paranoia. He mused eyeing the rest of the children.

A few minutes later, they all disappeared from the cameras, Lancer then ushered them to the lobby and waited. The first to enter were Paulina and Star. Both wore different clothes than they wore a while ago and had handful of shopping bags.

"Don't worry, Mister Lancer, we did pay for them," Star says with a huff earning a fond eye roll from him.

The next to arrive were Dash, Kwan, Wes, and Dale. Dash was carrying two closed boxes while Dale was carrying three. Wes was only holding one and Kwan has two.

"They keep appearing in my direction!" Wes was quick to say when Lancer pointed the box filled with grappling hooks and shurikens.

"I hope you don't hand them out to your classmates, hm? They're destructive as it is, no need to add weapons in their arsenal," Wes nodded with a blush, his face turning green. James didn't blink at that he already saw them back in Amity, how even their blood has a tigne of green.

Valerie, Garrett, and Theodore stomped inside and Lancer readily opened his arms to which the trio went and slumped, switching to their small forms and curling up around the man.

Tucker arrived smiling sheepishly as sand followed his steps. Sam arrived cradling a plant and smiling innocently at Lancer who merely shook his head.

When Danny and Jackson arrived, everyone in the class stared and Lancer sighs.

"Danny, JJ, why do you have a child?" Lancer asks and Danny giggles hugging the child close with Jackson doing the same.

"Mine," They hissed and Lancer sighs.

~

Somehow, the child multiplied overnight and Lancer was used to it that he ushered the group to a mall to buy new things. Danny and Jackson with the help of Garrett and Theodore, the four children made sure to hold the hands of the kids who were swimming in the clothes they wear. Star and Paulina alongside Sam was gleeful in picking out clothes. Kwan, Dale, and Dash was behind them pushing the carts. Valerie, Wes, and Tucker was busy with shopping grocery.

The Gothamites gleefully scanned their purchases, if those kids were Gothamites and some assassins, well, good for them. It's pretty clear the kids are loaded, with how willing they are to spend a lot just for clothes. Good for them.

[intermine]

Even if you bribe a kid into accompanying you, there is no guarantee that said kid would behave, there are negative guarantees if the kid is Richard Grayson.

Of course Bruce could just leave him at the Manor, but his helicopter parenting keep too many terrible scenarios of what might happen with his kid and, most importantly, he would have no excuse to leave the galas early. Taking Dick to the galas was for his benefit more than anything else. But he also knows that if he takes that path his responsibilities double.

Dick needs to be entertained, which is no problem, even though Alfred has a no-screen policy, Bruce is delighted not to be entangled in any unfruitful small talk and just have conversations with his son ward all night.

Dick doesn’t like any of the other kids from high society, so Bruce is prepared to have a child-shaped koala with him all night. They just need to get to 9 o'clock, and then Bruce can excuse them because Dick is tired.

The real problem was the speeches, oh my god, the speeches.

They were too long for Dick’s attention span, and there was not much a napkin could do to distracted someone, they couldn’t talk, or it would be seen as disrespectful (they did it once, and this led to Alfred scolding them both). So, the solution they found was Bingo.

Dick's family used to play Bingo with him while traveling with the circus. “The showman will forget his lines,” or “The clown will have its nose stolen by a baby,” or even “It will rain” – anything was on the table. The bingo cards were made beforehand by them and could list at most 10 things they thought would happen while in the city. Whoever got the most correct wins and could ask for anything they wanted.

Alfred found the idea genius. He did something of the sort with Bruce when he was younger, trying to distract him while Martha and Thomas mingled with the society. By that day beyond, the Waynes had a bingo card for almost every gala they attended. It also served as memory game, trying to remember everyone in high society, and made both of them train their stealth. No one could know what they were doing or the game was lost. The most common to appear was “Drakes will not go” since they were always traveling, and “Kate will be late” once they knew their cousin would do everything in her power to not make an appearance.

The rules were simple: 1 - Behave, if there’s anything but a well behaved appearance the game is over; 2 - The events can not be provoked, you can’t influence the outcomes; 3 - No one can know what they are doing.

Even Barbara got to play! Alfred described it as a gladiator's fight, both having competitors' souls and hating to lose for one another; the end of the night, when the points were counted, sounded like a deputy election. Jim almost never went to galas, but he was glad they were having fun, he was content with free babysitting and a entire day to himself.

And so, the tradition carried on. By Jason's first gala, Dick was so excited that he even spent the night before at the manor helping him complete his card. Soon enough, they noticed the great sibling bonding time in that. Sadly, Bruce had lost his spot in the competition but was happy his kids were having fun together. Tim received his at a patrol before the gala from Dick and just went, “Oh, that’s what you guys were doing all along?” He admits it was his funniest night and less stealthy bingo ever. The Drakes were seated two tables away from the Waynes, and Dick couldn’t stop glaring at him every time Tim made a point. “Just how the kid predicted a whole fight between two mistresses?” The first place was never more difficult to win.

Cassandra and Stephanie almost couldn’t contain their laughter when they scored “Mayor will say ‘and’ at least 27 times,” poor guy got more nervous by each laugh and the point was almost lost because “he started to gag more because of them”. By Damian's time, it was a day’s thing preparation. The whole family was entangled in gossip about high society; they knew about pregnancies, affairs, money laundering. Damian found the game nonsense and refused to play, but they could see him perking by Dick's shoulder to see if he got the point or not.

When Jason was back from the dead and in civil terms with the family, he was given a card by mail and small instructions on the back. Somehow, Jason got the second-highest score that night. When Duke came by, it almost looked like a cambio house! They started to make chips to know how many times someone won (also a attempt to accompany Bruce to the galas with more frequency) and they were exchanged it regularly, it could also be passed down for favors with each other. Bruce and Alfred were the only final line; they cashed the chips for days without patrol, favorite foods, bigger allowances, etc.

They are pretty serious about their game, Cassandra has the most chips but only use them to scape shores, Tim is the champion six galas in a row and Dick as not won a game since he was 17.

[dereks-unrelenting-heart]

Okay, I finally got to watch today's video, so here's the not-quite-live commentary/chaotic highlights post I promised about it :)

Not entirely video related, but I love that as usual, I see a bunch of people in the comments saying "Woah I never knew AJ stood for Alexander Jeremy" while I'm here like. I don't think I've ever heard any of them refer to Tom as Thomas before this intro. Do they normally introduce him that way and I just never noticed or-?

Eve is an icon, love the vibes going from "oh fuck" in response to "what is your name?" to her pulling a "your mum" on Sam. Got her confidence back real quick there

Not to mention the fact they actually used 'your mum' as the stimulus-

"My mum is lovely" *5 seconds later* "You ring the bell, I don't want to" Something is telling me her mom isn't that lovely

AJ saying the name Martha, trying to figure out who it would make sense for Martha to be, and then giving up by saying his character panicked. Love it

"She's a massive *bleep*" Censors aren't allowing me to hear Tom say 'bitch' and I won't stand for it

I saw a comment say it as a joke, but it really was funny how Sam kept saying change until Luke made them a straight couple (calling Tom's character 'Suzanne') lmao

Darren: "Listen, I'm gonna win her over, okay?" Suzanne, about to sob: "yeah-?"

The whole coming onto Suzanne's mom bit was gold "He's coming onto me" "Sorry I'm panicking" "Why am I coming onto my mom??" "You're panicking!"

"I wish I had his muscles.." "Oh you'll catch up with me, don't worry" Tom you're so fucking funny-

The slight hesitation from Luke at the 'men' suggestion, followed by all of the other three being like "Fuck yeah, let's complain about men" is so good and lowkey reminds me of Tom's vs everyone else's reaction to the Evil-Make-A-Wish-Kid title

"Because you have one thing on your mind" "Yeahhh" "Podcasts" "🤨"

"Take 2 steps towards your progress" is the new "Today embarks on change"

Legendary Letters/Time Warp crossover we didn't know we needed

Words can't describe how much I expected and wanted the last line to be "Now you are our bitch" goddamnit-

Sam entering the scene, eating a large block of cheese while moaning, and waiting for another character to interrupt him, only for AJ to fuck it up immediately upon doing so, this is what we love to see

Something about Sam going "I love cheese :D" makes me very happy

"No one wants me to say" He's right, I absolutely do not want him to say what's so different, not while knowing SFTH's history with dairy products

I know everyone's been saying this, but yeah Sydney is definitely cosplaying as Sam in this video and I respect that

Luke's character quickly becoming problematic throughout Pillars is great. First he's unfaithful, then he's saying 'gay people' and 'the t-word', and by the end he apparently represents all of the world's problems smh

"I'll just sign this myself and do it in your writing" Heathers: father's will edition

Speaking of him, are we gonna acknowledge that he's trans-? "When I gave birth to you, do you know what I said to your mother?" Because none of the guys mentioned it, which is unlike them

"Daddy, I just want a fucking hug!" The first uncensored 'fuck' in the video!

Tom describing AJ's Tindr profile while AJ tells him to shut the fuck up-

"Sorry Mum!" a necessary apology from Sam, although at this point in his career I feel like it has a lot of ground to cover-

Thought for a second we were gonna get another one of Sam's iconic animal characters. But instead we got a surprise Henry VIII reference??

All in all, good shit as always, though the censorship did throw me off, idk what that's about-

[arctickat2400]

Tornado Troubles ∞ Clark Kent

Clark Kent x F!Reader

Word Count: 1799

Disclaimer: This is not how I would react to a tornado. Actually I don’t know, since I’ve never been in direct contact with one. But in my head, I’m pretty sure I’d react differently. But this is just what I came up with and how the story played out. Hope you enjoy it!

A/N: This was a spontaneous story. Before I had written this, I hadn’t even planned to. I’ve had the idea in my notes, and another idea had popped into my head to go with it, so I was like, okay, let’s write. So I apologize if it’s not my best work. (Sorry for the dumb title too lol)

* * *

His heart began racing the second he heard the all too familiar siren. You and Clark had come to Kansas to visit Martha, which had started out well. It was always nice to see her. She was like a mother to you. Well, technically she was your mother - your mother-in-law, for that matter. But even before Clark, you’d known Martha and she had instantly become part of your family, followed by Clark (but that’s a story for another day). 

Martha was at work and there was a crime in the minute town of Smallville that had pulled Clark away from you that afternoon. You were left to your own devices and you’d decided to work on your art and listen to some music to take your mind off the fact that Clark was out dealing with some sort of danger. Yes, of course you know he’s more than capable of taking care of himself and that he’s Superman and deals with this stuff all the time, but that still doesn’t make the heaviness in your chest any less heavy when he’s not by your side.

Since no one was around, you had your music blasting to drown out your anxieties. You’d been half way through one of your drawings when you could have sworn you heard something apart from your music. However, your mind tended to play tricks on you, and even then, the music was too loud to even be sure. So you ignored it and continued with your work. 

Clark, having been flying home with a smile on his lips at the thought of seeing his love again, began to panic as he stopped mid air after having caught sight of the rotation of air and debris in the distance, passing by just outside of Smallville, right by his mother’s work, thankfully not having hit. 

Usually he wouldn’t be worried about tornadoes after having experienced several during his years in Kansas. But the tornado was, in fact, spinning straight toward the Kent Family Farm, straight toward his precious baby girl who has never experienced a tornado and who has always feared that the day would come where she would have to experience such devastation. What worried him more was that he was not with her, that she was all alone, and the tornado was coming in fast. 

Clark didn’t waste another second as he sped through the air towards his baby who, if she hasn’t heard it yet, will soon start to panic. He finally caught sight of his house and, using his x-ray vision to see inside, saw you sitting peacefully at the table only to be startled when you finally heard the sirens. Clark spotted the fear in your eyes instantly as you stepped up to the window, turned down the radio, and froze at the sight of the tornado.

You didn’t know what to do. You’d never been in this situation. You never thought you’d have to experience something like this since you live in the city. Your eyes were locked on the column of air spiraling towards you, your body frozen in place. 

“Y/N!” It wasn’t until you’d heard Clark’s booming voice that you finally snapped out of it. You watched as Clark made his way to you, tears stinging your eyes. 

“It’ll be okay, baby. Let’s go,” Clark assured you, taking your hand in his, his warmth providing the smallest bit of comfort in this terrifying moment. The phone rang as you hurried through the halls. Clark figured it was Martha calling to see if everything was alright, but there was no time. He had to get you to safety. 

Clark led you out of the house and towards the storm cellar, the wind whipping your hair around, blinding your view of where you were going. Luckily, you had Clark to lead you, but halfway there, you made the mistake of looking back, only to be met with the colossal tornado looming over you. You froze once again as Clark went to open the doors to the storm cellar, but even when he’d called out to you, you found yourself unable to move despite the swirling column coming closer and closer. 

Clark was quick to get to you, picking up your terrified body, holding you to his chest, your eyes locked on the tornado above as he rushed you underground, the doors slamming behind you. He sat on the old couch that was kept there for this exact situation, holding your trembling body on his lap. You clung onto him as he pulled his cape out from behind him and wrapped it around you before wrapping his own arms around you for extra protection, holding you close and rocking you soothingly in his arms. 

The sudden thunderous sounds of the tornado shredding through the surface above made you jump, tears streaming down your cheeks, causing Clark to hold you that much tighter.

“Shh, it’s okay, my love. Everything will be alright. You’re safe with me,” Clark comforted you, his fingers brushing through your hair as an act to calm you. You hid your face beneath his cape, against his chest, your mind telling you that you’d be safer there. 

It had felt like hours but was only minutes before Clark had told you it was finally safe to go outside. If it had been anyone else, you wouldn’t have trusted their judgment. But Clark’s enhanced abilities provided you with the utmost comfort that always allowed you to feel as safe as ever (since he was able to sense what was and wasn’t going on outside). 

Slowly, you lifted your head from Clark’s chest, coming out from your red silk hiding spot as Clark’s protective hold on you just barely loosened. He looked down at your red, flushed features to gauge your reaction as you looked at your surroundings. 

“Are you okay, sweetheart? It’s over now. We’re okay,” Clark vowed softly as he lifted his hand to your cheek to brush away the tears, tucking your hair behind your ears. You looked up, meeting his eyes, and he gave you a sweet, reassuring smile. You nodded hesitantly in acknowledgment as Clark placed a loving kiss to your forehead.

Unwrapping his cape from around you, Clark kept you in his arms as you clung to him, standing and making his way up and out of the cellar. You whimpered as you watched the tornado continue its path away from the farm, away to destroy whatever else it could find. Then, you felt the hitch in Clark’s throat, causing you to pull away slightly to see the damage behind you - the Kent's home was destroyed. 

It was Clark’s turn to freeze in place. You dropped from his arms and turned to face the only home that Clark had ever known as a gasp escaped from your throat. Of course, he still has his apartment with you in Metropolis to go back to, but it’s his childhood home. And Martha, what about her? She’s going to be devastated. You turned back toward Clark, his body motionless, his face expressionless as he stared up at his house, or what was left of it.

 “Clark, I’m so sorry,” You didn’t know what to say. What could someone possibly say to make this better? You pulled him back into your arms, making it your turn to comfort him. His arms wrapped around your waist, nuzzling his nose into the crook of your neck. Clark finally came to his senses, though, the senses he’d been accustomed to since he became Superman, the need to make sure everyone else is okay.

“I’m just glad you’re okay, darling. Just the thought of you having to go through that alone made me come home that much faster to get to you. I don’t know what I would have done if something had happened to you, my sweet girl,” Clark professed. You couldn’t believe what you were hearing. His house was gone and he was worried about you?

You pulled back to look him in the eyes, placing your hands on either side of his face, his hands on either side of your waist. “But, Clark, your home, it’s…” But you couldn’t finish when you both turned at the sound of a horn, the horn of the Kent’s truck. Martha was driving down the road towards the farm. But Clark wasn’t done with your conversation yet.

He guided his hand to hold yours against his cheek, gaining your attention back, your eyes locking with his as he rubbed his thumb soothingly over the back of your hand. “You’re my home, baby. This is just a house,” He gestured to his childhood house. “But you, my darling, I couldn’t live if something had happened to you. But you’re okay. We’re all okay, and that’s all that matters to me,” Clark declared, his eyes showing the immense love and adoration he felt for you. A smile lifted your lips as your forehead met with his, finally letting out the breath you’d been holding, knowing now that everything was going to be okay. 

“Are you guys okay?” Martha’s worried voice rang out after the sound of the truck door slammed closed. You both turned to her, Clark offering an encouraging smile to her.

“We’re okay, Ma,” Clark spoke first.

“Martha, I’m so sorry about your house,” You replied. You couldn’t even begin to imagine what Martha could be feeling after seeing the devastation that was her home. You met her in the middle and pulled her into a hug. It was the most motherly hug you’ve felt in a very long time. Clark had come up behind you, placing a comforting hand on your waist. Martha had noticed and pulled him into a hug of their own. 

“Oh, my boy,” Martha smiled, thankful that her son was okay, tears threatening to spill at the thought of almost losing the only family she had left. Unusual because Martha was not one to get emotional. She’s such a strong, independent woman, someone you looked up to. 

“It’s okay, Ma. You know it’ll take more than a tornado to take me down,” Clark joked in an attempt to make his mother feel better. 

“Yes, but not this one here,” Martha smiled pointedly at you, placing her hand gently against your cheek as you hold it there with a smile, her other hand holding onto Clark. “I’m just glad you both are okay,” She added.

“I’d never let anything happen to my girl,” Clark smiled at you, taking your hand and pulling you into his arms. That was what you loved about the Kent Family - it didn’t matter if they didn’t have much in the matter of the material things. As long as they had each other, they would be okay. 

[sy-on-boy]

My 2 cents on the plot / thematic relevance of Ch 95

This is not about advancing Plot B or showing Anya's school life (which is still true but has been discussed), but rather the overall theme of education and war. There was an excellent post about how Eden is at the frontline of the cold war and it is subtly shown through the innocent lens of the first graders (I can't find it now, would link it if I could). And I think that perfectly applies to Ch 95.

Quick recap on some references about education/students/war throughout the series (that I remember at the moment):

Sylvia gravely condemning the Berlint University Student Terrorists during the Doggy Crisis arc (Ch 20) and saying "did you learn nothing about war at your university?"

Henderson talking about his experience as a history teacher (Ch 27.5, Short Mission 4) and quote: "Yes, well, I have always maintained that there is nothing to be learned from the memorization of time lines. From the grand efforts with which our forefathers crafted society to the foolish notions that sent them racing to war, to not study the human element at history's root is to not understand history at all"

Note that Damian's best subject has been established to be history, and his family (father) has been involved in war, at least Donovan was PM during most of the war (established by Melinda in Ch 91). Donovan is also a graduated Imperial Scholar (Ch 64).

The Red Circus group started out as a peaceful student demonstration "advocating for peace and quality" (Ch 72) and "speaking out to protect the weakest members of our society". And Billy Squire said, "We were a respectable movement that fought for our cause with respectable means. It was the state that turned violent against us. So I'm not taking criticism from a member of the establishment (referring to Henderson, an educator). I'm gonna see to it that they reap what they've sown." Billy's daughter Biddy was killed by the state at a protest.

Less of a point, but Becky is the daughter of the CEO of a major military manufacturer. Despite their very likely involvement in military conflicts because they sell arms, the Blackbell cohort has been depicted positively so far: Becky being a kind, wonderful friend to Anya, Becky's father doting on her, and Martha again being kind and dignified (and also being an ex-soldier and acquainted with Henderson).

Eden Academy is a major setting for SxF and the themes of politics, education, and war are embedded in it. The students involved in protests/groups are older (the university students, Billy's daughter), but the political implications remain even among the youngest of the students— the first graders.

Hence, Ch 95. When mere first graders are shown to fight to gain connections, which can be political as pointed out by Henderson: "In the world of politics, dances serve as major social events". But of course, they are kids, so they see it more playfully and innocently, especially Becky with her shipper lens on.

Of course, there is also the aspect of getting to know other people better out of interest (the boys asking Anya and Becky to dance because they were impressed after the bus hijacking). But as people have mentioned, nobody mentions this to Damian despite him being equally involved in saving the class (all three of them got a star). The girls aren't interested in Damian as a person, they're interested in him as an asset because of his family and their power.

And I can see the teachers trying to diffuse the tension and create camaraderie with their friendly competition. To me, this reads as the teachers fully realizing "the battlefield of political maneuvering", and they want to remind the kids to have fun, to show good sportsmanship, to unite the kids, to operate as a class and be friendly with one another, and overall make it more lighthearted. It's nice to see the classes work together and get excited / win as a unit, especially compared to the more "individual" bits of fighting for a dance partner later.

We get a bit of comparison between Bill and Damian, with Bill showing good sportsmanship while Damian scoffs at him. But Damian ends up becoming ultra competitive and telling his classmates to not screw it up.

Like the Dodgeball chapter, Damian is clumsily attempting to lead the class by doing good in his quiz, while getting stressed and yelling at his peers when they don't succeed like he did. So he's not really a good leader. Like how him being good at history does not necessarily mean he is good at being peaceful (Short Mission 4 ends with Henderson staring in exasperation at Damian + Anya bickering with each other). But obviously, he is merely a child, and he is naturally immature.

At first Loid is all for advancing Plan B and analysed Anya's suitors in a rational (reductionist?) way by ranking them in terms of gaining intelligence, but he remembers this is just a dance, Anya is a kid, and she should do whatever she wants. Loid (and the adults) are very aware of the political side of the gala, but ultimately they want the kids to have fun and not worry / worry less about politics.

Because they're kids! They'll grow up and learn more and be politically active later, but right now, they're just kids. Kids who don't know much about the world but are eager to make the world a better place.

In the end, we get a panel of Anya and Loid "teaming up" to win Damian's hand for Plan B / world peace. The Damian-Anya dynamic is cushioned with the silly crushy feelings, but underneath it, Operation Strix continues to be a core motivation.

I find it interesting that Endo chooses to focus on the first graders and their innocent view of the world / politics. It's embedded everywhere and especially in a prominent school like Eden, but the kids don't really realise it / realise the severity of it. Heirs and heiresses are educated at Eden and grow up to have incredible influence and the power to shape the world. Our protagonist's best friend comes from a family that manufactures arms. Henderson mentions the importance of learning history to avoid making the same mistakes (ie. war).

So Ch 95 is a cute prom chapter. But I think it also helps to show the themes underneath the fun, bubbly interactions.

[marthajohnsonbakes]

Rebound: acquired 🥧💍

Validation I crave: received

Problems: ignoring

Head: not bitten like an apple

Irritation: CAUSED!!

It’s all coming up Martha, folks 🥰🥰

[zolabeano]

Btw I don't think the child Hannah has with Wöller in the corrected timeline is another version of the Jonas we already know. I think he'll be a different person entirely. Like already with the implications that Sonja is Jonas, we know that his and Martha's souls actually do get a happy ending as Sonja and Marek. By my logic they both survive for being saved by their reincarnations. I think the fact that Hannah glances at the rainjacket, has that feeling of deja vu and still wants to call her son Jonas doesn't mean he survived through her and still ends up being her son. I think what is surviving through Hannah is the love she had for Jonas in another life, which will now be given to the child she has with Wöller. So Jonas' soul survives, another one is created and the love that was once there can be given to someone new. Imo it's a good analogy for moving on from grief and the opportunities it creates. Everybody wins (except literally everyone else in the Knot that doesn't exist in the origin world, they're not getting reincarnated anywhere 💀)

[a-purple-girl]

welcome to my rant about the current political situation in romania

this is the online dictionary, and this question popped up when i opened it today

"EU i support europe! EU" (european union) the answer choices are "of course" and "niet", the russian word for no.

some basic electoral info you need to understand this rant: the voting process in romania consists of two rounds of voting. the people who end up first place and second place at the end of round 1 are the only ones that make it to round 2. the winner of round 2 becomes president. the voting takes place in november/december. makes sense?

now, as most of the world is aware, our elections got cancelled back in december because of russia swaying the results . (and some fraud). essentially, thousands of bots based in russia started promoting a far right candidate named Calin Georgescu. they then paid actual people to promote him without divulging it. no one even knew who he was prior to election day. he won by a landslide, surprising everyone.

i mean it when i say this man in genuinely out of his mind. he has made many delusional declarations, such as:

repeatedly stating that he admires Corneliu Zelea Codreanu, calling him a “hero.” why is this a problem? because he founded the “legionary movement” in 1927, aka the iron guard, an religious fascist movement and political party that carried out political assassinations and participated in the romanian holocaust. over 200,000 jews and rromani people were deported and exterminated. the victims are so numerous that the exact number is not known even today.

he is also against c-sections because, and i quote, "the divine thread is being broken." 28% of women in romania cannot give birth naturally. without a c-section, there's a significant chance that they would die.

he admires Putin and says he's a wise leader.

he said romania gained nothing by being part of the EU, despite them providing our country with millions and millions of euros to catch up with the west after a dark, tyrannical, communistic period.

anyways, the elections got cancelled, as i previously said. the first round took place two weeks ago ish, and the first candidate was another far right man named George Simion. (he's the guy most people were scared of winning back in december). the second is the mayor of the capital, Nicusor Dan. he's almost disgustingly educated, like he graduated the Sorbonne?? as in one of the best mathematics universities. he also won gold in multiple international math competitions and graduated high school with a score of 9,87 out of 10.

the final round takes place this weekend. all estimates show a difference of 0.02% votes maximum. maximum. everyone is scared. i have friends that will genuinely move out the country if this guy wins. my friends are volunteering to give out flyers, despite exams, because you can't vote at 17.

and, here comes the funny part. this rapper named Martha Logue got out of retirement to release a Simion diss track. this guy is like the romanian equivalent of Yuno Miles (if you're not familiar with him, look up yuno miles- martin luther king)

the song is called "votati cu cap nu cu CUR"/"vote with your head not with your ASS" (making fun of the party "AUR" that Simion is a member of)

the lyrics are: "Îmi bag pula-n gura lor, îl votez pe Nicușor Flutur chiloții mamei lui George Simion Ca pe tricolor, legionarilor, fasciștilor Auriștilor, georgiștilor, bag pula-n gura lor" // "I put my dick in their mouths, I vote for Nicușor I'm flying George Simion's mother's panties Like the flag, for the legionnaires, for the fascists For the Aurists, for the Georgists, I put my dick in their mouths"

sources

https://www.digi24.ro/alegeri-prezidentiale-2024/declaratii-controversate-ale-lui-calin-georgescu-nasterea-prin-cezariana-este-o-tragedie-3020759?__grsc=cookieIsUndef0&__grts=58244274&__grua=80c6f2a6f29118cb043240a02d30efe3&__grrn=1

https://declaratiicalingeorgescu.ro

[aspirationalpeony]

Quit Playin' Games (With My Heart)

Summary: While you're trying to puzzle out the mysterious Ms. Schemmenti, Janine invites you to a dinner party--at Melissa's house. Board games, bonding, and lasagna... What could go wrong? (See author's note at the end for prompt credit.) Content Warnings: A brief paragraph discussing homophobia. AO3 Link

Does Melissa Schemmenti like you?

You've got everyone else figured out. Janine would befriend an electrical pole if it had a smiley face stapled to it; Jacob befriends anyone Janine befriends. Gregory stays a little aloof, but he's been warming up the more you show him your LEGO sets. Barbara--well, she sees you as another one of the kids, you think, but you know she appreciates your self-sufficiency, tolerates you with a smile when you're in the conversation. And Ava is... Ava.

Melissa? Who knows? She called you by the wrong name the first month you were at Abbott, knowingly, watching your face with a wry twist to her mouth, waiting for you to take the bait. When you didn't, you earned your name back. She started making dry comments to you, like "You got enough glitter glue there, Martha Stewart?" as you passed her in the hall, arms full of art supplies. She saw you struggling with the copy machine one day and said, "Here," giving it a swift kick that brought it wheezing to life, but followed up with, "Thought your generation was good with tech. What do we keep you around for, huh?"

After those backhands you'd be in a spin, wondering and confused; then later that day or the day after she'd say something else, like, "Hey, not bad, shortstop," when you got something off a high shelf for her (why shortstop when you’re taller than her? Reverse psychology?), or "Good job on lunch duty. They didn't kill ya," and you'd go warm all over and your confusion would deepen and all you would think was: does she like me or not?

You’re just not sure. So you try not to listen the day they’re all in the break room, talking about a party at Melissa’s house. You can’t help but overhear snatches—Janine insisting she’ll bring lasagna, Jacob saying he’ll do dessert, Melissa saying “oh, brother” and Barbara assuring her gently, a smile in her voice, “And I’ll bring the wine”—but you keep your head down over your lunch and turn the page of your lesson plan and ignore them until Janine realizes, suddenly, that the room isn’t empty, that you’re at the table just next to them, and burbles, “Hey, you should come, too!”

Your eyes go to Melissa right away. She glances up over her cat-eye glasses and her look is inscrutable.

“Oh,” you say, “um, I don’t know. I have, like, a thing—“

“C’mon, it’ll be fun!” Janine says. “We’ll eat some amazing food—“ she flicks a curl over her shoulder, playing at an Ava-like preen—“we’ll play board games, we’ll bond…”

“I don’t want to intrude.”

“You’re not intruding!” Janine looks imploringly at her friends. “Right?”

“Yeah,” Melissa says at last, still looking at you. Your heart thumps. “You should come.”

And that’s how you end up here: Melissa’s house. You crossed the welcome mat reading GO AWAY, a cheesecake in your hands, and tried not to make it obvious how badly you wanted to stare around yourself, scrutinize every photo and every piece of furniture, trying to get a window onto this woman you can’t figure out. Everyone’s piled onto the couch or onto chairs, plastic creaking under them as they lean forward to the table to swipe a snack or their glass of wine, and there’s an open box, a few stacks of cards.

“I found this amazing get-to-know-you game,” Janine declares, sliding down to sit on Mel’s carpeted floor. “So, you spin the spinner, right, and whatever it lands on, you take a card with the same color, and then you ask the question that’s on it, and everybody answers, and—“

“How do you win?” Melissa says. She’s holding a glass of wine, its rim printed with her pink lipstick. She’s got her hair in a ponytail that leaves lots of little curls hanging everywhere. She’s wearing a tank top. These details feel incredibly important; you try not to think about them.

“Oh, uh…” Janine frowns at the instruction booklet. “I don’t think you win.”

“What’s the point of a game if nobody wins?” Melissa leans over to the coffee table, grabs a grape off a serving plate, pops it into her mouth. She glances over at Barbara, who’s perched very straight-backed in a plastic-covered armchair, nursing a little bit of wine.

“I, for one,” Jacob says, “think competition is over-valued in our society. American individualism—"

“Just spin it, Janine,” Barbara says.

Beaming at the approval of her mentor, Janine spins. She plucks a blue card: “What’s your favorite sexual—“ her eyes widen. “Uh.”

“Oh, this just got interestin’,” Melissa says, and sits up straighter.

“Let me take another one.” Janine puts that card aside. “Have you ever had a threes—okay, no. Are they all like this?”

Gregory, a silent presence sitting stiffly alongside Janine, turns over a card from the green and red piles. He reads one: “How do you like your partner to style their pubic hair?” Then, the red: “Confess to a sexual fantasy you’ve had about… A member of the group.” The questions sound even more bizarre in his level voice, although his lifted eyebrows and widened eyes telegraph his discomfort. His gaze darts to Janine, then away.

“Janine, what’s the name of this game, please,” Barbara says, looking as though she’s one syllable from combustion.

Janine lifts the lid of the box. “Adult Dinner Party. But I thought, you know, adult dinner party, a classy kind of—oh.”

Jacob picks up a blue card gingerly and turns it over. “Have you ever had sex in a public place?”

“I have,” you say. Every face in the room turns toward you. Your cheeks heat. Your eyes flicker between each incredulous look. “What? We’re supposed to answer them, aren’t we?”

“This just got interestin’,” Melissa repeats. There’s a strange look on her face, not quite amusement; you wonder if it’s respect. “Me, too.”

“Melissa!” Barbara gasps.

“What? You never got fingered in a dark ride at an amusement park?”

Barbara stands up with her wine and walks out of the room, muttering to herself. Glances pass between the rest of you. The corner of Melissa’s mouth curves up. “Spin again,” she says.

The next few questions are mercifully tamer: do you think French kissing is overrated, what’s one thing you’ll never do for a partner? More wine is poured, Melissa going around and topping off each glass, saying to Gregory and Janine, “Lighten up a little, will you?” Eventually she comes to sit on the floor with everyone else, four people around the coffee table. She’s picked a spot right at your side, your knees bumping, thighs aligned.

“Is Barbara okay?” you ask. You can smell her perfume; it’s spicy and floral and it makes you feel tipsier than you are.

“Oh, she’ll be fine,” Melissa says. “You don’t wanna know how many of my parties she’s walked out of. Hey, Barb!” She bellows it close to your ear, making you wince; it’s followed by a twinge of peculiar affection that so much volume can come from one little woman. “Check the lasagna, will ya!”

There’s an indistinct answer from the other room, full of barely-contained irritation. Melissa slugs back another swallow of wine as Jacob flicks the spinner.

He draws a card and reads, “Have you ever kissed a member of the same sex? Oh, well—obviously.”

Gregory and Janine shake their heads.

Melissa says, “Listen, what happens in cheer squad stays in cheer squad, alright,” to scandalized gasps from her audience. She looks at you. “How about you? No girls, huh?”

You’re arrested by her green gaze so close, the wine on her breath, the question itself. You start to tell her, yes, plenty of girls, but you’re blushing again, embarrassed, all your bravado from earlier draining away into the floorboards.

“Here,” she says, and leans in. You register the thought Holy shit in the moment before her lips touch yours. Her nose brushes your cheek. Her mouth is very soft and a hot breath puffs over you in the instant before she delicately parts her lips and you feel the sweet flick of her tongue. She leans back again. “Now you’ve kissed a girl.”

“Melissa!” Janine says, outraged, bewildered.

“I bet Ava would have come, if she’d known it was this kind of party,” Jacob mumbles to the bowl of pretzels in front of him.

“I’m going to go check on Barbara,” Gregory says, his shellshocked eyes firmly on the ground as he gets up.

“Hey, I’ll come with you,” Janine says, all nerves, “maybe the lasagna needs more parm,” and scrambles up after him.

Melissa’s pouring herself the last of the wine. She’s smiling to herself. You don’t get it: what was that for? Was it bait, like your name, like the ribbing comments, trying to get a rise out of you? Or maybe just out of the people around you—trying to be the most shocking in the room? You stare, trying to read the look of satisfaction on her face.

"I'll--the bathroom," you say, and get to your feet. "'Scuse me."

You've got kind of an idea where it is. The problem, you realize, is that you have to cut through the kitchen to get there. It's savory-smelling, rich with tomato scent, and full of furious whispering that dies instantly as you cross the threshold; Janine, intently grating parmigiano into a bowl, gives you a guilty look as Gregory quickly parts from her side. Barbara is at the island counter, maybe only half-participating, but she looks at you, too, and you know they've told her.

You feel it all over again: these are people who've had years to get to know each other. Who are you to them? Not really a friend, just a colleague, half-acquaintance. You're the new invitee, the odd one out, and even though it was Melissa that kissed you, you'll be the one who gets the blame for the ruined party, the awkwardness now swamping Mel's rowhouse. Your gut clenches. "Excuse me," you repeat and dart past them to the bathroom.

You run cold water from the tap and stick your wrists underneath the faucet, like you've got heatstroke. You wet your hands and press them to your cheeks, your neck, your nape, trying to quiet your thumping heart. You look in the mirror: there's a glazed look in your eye; you're conscious your lips are tingling. Why'd she do that?

You've been played with by straight women before. Not always out of conscious cruelty: some women, you've realized, are hungry for a kind of attraction that doesn't have fear and imbalance, and they can't always have that with men. They want to be wanted by someone they think won't hurt them, and they pick you--never thinking about what it does to your heart; never imagining that desire for a woman can be real, that it can mean anything to anyone.

Is that Melissa? She said that thing about the cheer squad. If she likes women, too, why would she mess with you? If she thinks you're straight, is she just trying to shock, the way she did Barb with that dirty answer about fingering, needling at what she thinks are your reservations and limitations? Because that's what she does, what she's been doing. Poking and poking, trying to get a rise. Should you have shouted? Should you have cried? What would satisfy her?

"Melissa Ann Schemmenti," you hear Barb say from the kitchen, muffled on the other side of the door. You freeze a moment, heart pounding all over again, then turn the water down to a trickle and inch toward the door, leaning closer. All you can hear are bits and pieces of what must be a thunderous lecture: "That girl... Well, I won't... You know that... Sweet, but... Learn to behave."

There's a sulky rumble in Mel's voice in answer.

You're going to have to go out there eventually. You listen a few more seconds, but if there's footsteps of people dispersing, or more conversation as they linger, you can't hear it. You resign yourself, turn off the water, dry off your hands. You give your cheeks a last press with your cold fingers, trying to ground yourself. You'll go out there and pretend it didn't happen. You'll make it through the night and see what happens tomorrow. That's all you can do.

Of course, you go out into the kitchen, and everyone else is gone, and Melissa's there.

She's frowning deeply and scrupulously wrapping the parmigiano in plastic. She says something under her breath; you catch a Sicilian curse and a "kids don't know..." When she hears the bathroom door click, her head goes up, and there's a moment, her eyes meeting yours, where she looks as nervous as you feel. She looks back down at the cheese, tightly sealing and wrapping its edges, then crosses to the big stainless fridge to put it away.

"Guess I scared you back there," she says. There's a challenge in her voice. Suddenly, your fear and loneliness uncoil; they spool out into anger. It's one thing to mess with you in words. You could call that friendliness, call it teasing. It's not fair to mess with you like this.

"You didn't scare me," you say. Your voice is stronger than you expected. Not loud, but sure. "I've kissed more girls than a cheer squad."

"Huh, look at you," Melissa says, "big player."

"What is your problem with me?"

The question catches her in the act of moving to the oven. She looks sharply at you--then away. There's something strangely un-Melissa about the act. She fiddles with the oven dial, then leans her hip against the counter and folds her arms over her chest. "Hon, if I had a problem with you, you'd know."

"Then what the hell was that?" You catch yourself starting to cross your arms, to mirror her, and lower them to your sides, where your hands clench tightly.

"I kissed ya." She lifts her chin and looks at you. "What, you didn't like it?"

Your anger wobbles; the question stumps you. "It--that doesn't--look, you've been doing this all year. Pushing me around. I don't get it. I didn't do anything to you. Maybe you think I'm annoying, or stupid, or--"

"Pushing you around?" Mel moves closer. Her voice gets a little tighter, a little louder. Her eyes glitter with challenge. "I invited you to my house."

"Yeah, you invited Jacob and Janine to your house, too."

"I don't like them the way I like you," she says, and freezes. You have a sense she's blurted something she didn't mean to say. It's stopped her right in the tracks of what she might have made an argument, draining the confidence out of her posture.

Your heart is thundering in your ears again. You replay that delicate, barely-there kiss: her face leaning toward yours, spicy scent of her perfume, wine on her breath, her green eyes, her soft, hot mouth. Her tongue. "What?" you say.

Her mouth twists. There's something faintly absurd about it, how it turns a grown woman toddleresque, and you get another pang of that strange affection from before, when she yelled right in your ear. It's strong enough to filter through your anger.

She shifts from foot to foot. With her shoes off in her own home, she suddenly looks half her usual height. Fondness washes against you. "Look," she says, "I'm forget-about-it years older'n you and I don't have time to play games, so--"

"This isn't playing games?"

She ducks her chin toward her chest. It's another gesture that's strangely unlike her. You hear Barbara's voice in your head: Melissa Ann Schemmenti... Learn to behave.

You move closer again. Her eyes flick up to yours and there's a sulky defiance in them, even when they drop briefly to your lips.

"Is this..." You don't know how to ask it. How do you ask Melissa Schemmenti do you want me in her own kitchen? "Melissa, what do you want?"

"C'mere," she says. She takes your chin in her grasp and brings you closer and kisses you again.

Wine, perfume, her skin. This time, it's not some playful schoolgirl thing. You can feel intention behind the slow press of her lips against yours. She lets it linger for a second, two, then leans back, looking into your eyes.

Whatever she sees has her turning you, your back against the counter, a hard line of granite. This time, you lean forward into her kiss. Her body presses into yours, all hips, soft belly, breasts. Her hands bracket your body against the edge of the countertop. Her way of deepening the kiss is to nip your lower lip and make you gasp, so that her tongue can flick into your mouth, brushing against yours and sending tingling ripples through your whole body.

You cup her jaw. She’s so, so warm. You slide a hand back and brush some of those loose, careless locks of red hair behind her ear. You kiss her and kiss her; when your tongue teases against hers, deliberately now, she makes a sound like a whimper that you feel head to toe, like a current of lightning passing through you, dispersing into the ground.

“So,” she says, with you securely pinned, flushed, breathing hard, “what do you think?”

What do you think? You go back in for another kiss. She chuckles against your mouth and can barely kiss you back for her smug smile. This time, it’s your kiss, not hers, and you explore exactly how you want to: sucking and nibbling her lower lip, licking into her mouth, your hands dropping to her waist, pulling her against you. She melts into you, and there’s a thunderous sense of power and desire in you, tied to how her arms come up to loop around your neck, how her spine softens and her body sways into yours.

When you’ve got your breath back, you ask her, “Should we go back out there?” You know you have to, but you don’t know how you’ll manage it. You’re sure you have this moment written all over your face, glassy-eyed and out of breath. Melissa does, too: her lipstick is smeared. “Maybe in a few minutes?”

“I think,” she says, “I should kick all of ‘em outta here, and you’n’me keep the game and the lasagna, and we have some fun.” Her hand drops, intervening between your body and the counter so she can firmly grab your ass. You squeak. “Huh?”

“I—I think that would be pretty rude.”

She rolls her eyes. “Yeah, yeah,” she says, though she doesn’t let go of your ass. “And they planned this whole thing for us, so…”

“Wait—” you lean back a little to get a clear picture of her face. “What?”

“Janine’s idea,” she says. “I found out after they invited you. They knew I thought you were cute—“

“You told them that?”

“Course I didn’t,” Melissa says, “I look like somebody who goes splashin’ their business everywhere? ‘Specially where Janine can hear it? I’ll tell you about what she did to me’n my sister some time. They figured it out on their own. I mighta been lookin’ at your ass at work.” She gives it a pinch.

“So the board game…” You frown.

“I think that was an accident for real.” Her face pinches in a frown. “‘Magine Janine tryin’ to get us to talk dirty to each other out there?” The frown vanishes and the leer she gives you makes you feel very, very naked. “We could talk dirty in here, if you wanna.”

“Okay,” you say, “I think we have to go serve dinner.” If you let her keep going, you don’t know if you’ll have the will to stop her. You hear the next thought in her voice: What? You never got fingered in a kitchen with all your coworkers right outside? “Wait—“ your brow creases. “Did Barbara seriously go along with this?”

Melissa clears her throat. “She didn’t know at first—and then, I wanted her here, y’know, in case, uh…”

“Things went badly?” you supply. Melissa pinks. You smile at the sweet strangeness of it. “Were you guys going to drink a bottle of wine so you could… Mope about me?”

“I wasn’t gonna mope about ya,” Mel says, “because I knew you weren’t gonna turn me down, and you’d be an idiot if you did, so.”

“I would,” you agree, and have to go back in for another kiss, two, three. “I would be an idiot,” you murmur against her.

“Okay,” she says when you can finally stop kissing her, “okay.” She gives your ass a slap that makes you gasp. Her eyes narrow, cataloguing that response, and her smirk, of course, resurfaces. “You take the lasagna out of the oven. I gotta fix my lipstick.” She steps away, and pauses. “You might wanna…” She gestures to her mouth.

You rub your tingling lips and your fingers come away with the pink of her lipstick. Your face heats.

“Or keep it,” Melissa says, “looks good on you,” and she gives a preening toss of her high ponytail as she turns away to the bathroom.

You watch her go, her hips swaying as she moves. You have a sense of the world tilted on its axis: all that teasing and game-playing—because she likes you? More than likes you—wants you? Janine inviting you, Jacob and Gregory playing along—because they really do care? Barbara scolding Melissa in this kitchen—because she wants her best friend to treat you right?

You find a napkin and scrub the lipstick off your mouth. Each step you take across the kitchen feels like levitation, an inch or two above the floor. You check the lasagna. There’s two: one big lasagna, and another small, plain one for Gregory. You lift each casserole dish out of the oven, and they smell better than ever in a house full of friends.

You cross to the doorway and peek out into the living room. “Lasagna’s ready,” you say to the four faces that turn to yours, and you know you’re smiling like an idiot, but you can’t help it.

Janine bounces up. “I can’t wait for you to tryyyy itttttt,” she sing-songs. “I learned from the best!”

Barbara passes you to find plates and ready the table. She gives your arm a little pat as she goes—the first time she’s ever touched you. You feel a Janine-like burst of effervescence at the thought that Melissa’s best friend approves.

Melissa reappears. She picks up a cutter for each lasagna, an armful of cloth napkins, another bottle of wine. Jacob and Gregory gather the glasses from the coffee table. You stick your hands back into the oven mitts to carry each dish in.

As everybody gets settled in, pulling out chairs, Janine proudly adding her bowl of grated parmigiano to the table (“just in case!” she burbles), you catch Melissa’s eye. She’s looking at you, a soft fondness in the gaze; the tender creases at the corners of her eyes make your chest squeeze around your heart, which feels three, four times as large as it was before.

“What do you think?” you ask the table. “Should we bring over the cards?”

Your friends laugh. Barbara shakes her head and rolls her eyes. Melissa Schemmenti, looking at you, smiles.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

Author's Note:

My next fic was intended to be a sadder hurt/comfort fic, but I received the following prompt from @morgana-larkin:

I love your first fic and I wanted to know if you could do one more on the fun side. Where the whole group goes to either Melissa or reader’s place for game night and they all end up playing truth or dare while drunk and someone dares one of them to kiss the other. Then after everyone leaves the two of them end up admitting their feelings. Thank you!

I did make some tweaks to the premise to suit my storytelling style, which I hope is okay. I did my best to honor this fun and lovely prompt. Thank you so much!

[aq2003]

really love how throughout a lot of smith and jones martha is really skeptical and apprehensive towards ten (+ one of my favorite exchanges between them - "what, people call you 'the doctor'?" "yeah?" "well, i'm not. far as i'm concerned, you've got to earn that title."), not taking everything he says at face value, even doubting the fact he's an alien until over halfway through the episode.. And like. i really truly think the thing that wins her over isn't him kissing her or any of the other insane mixed messages he manages to send, it's this scene here, where he /earns that title/ in her eyes:

(+ david's bit in the commentary, where he says: "[the doctor] has actually sacrificed himself, and - i would say, that that final act of selflessness is what finally, eventually, welds martha to him. [...] and she now returns it. she returns that act of selflessness.")

this is what their relationship is built on. it isn't about martha being the second-best replacement to rose or a rebound or whatever. bc it isn't really about rose. it's about doctor-in-training martha meeting someone (quite literally, "the doctor") whose ideals she aspires to, and doing her best to be the same person to him as he is to everyone else. it's about ten in return admiring her intelligence and inquisitiveness and how she cares for human life, recovering his compassion, letting himself lean on her for support - and then remembering at the most inopportune moments that he's supposed to not need anyone and be on his own forever. And around in their little nightmare loop they go where they save each other over and over until one of them breaks

i've seen ppl look at martha and go "why she does she admire/why is she so in love with ten if he acts like that to her?" or something along those lines and like. it's not just the fact she's in love with him (in fact i'd argue she actively tries to push it aside post-gridlock). it's the fact that she knows he's the kind of person to put everyone else's lives/well-being over his own. she trusts him to save her when she's in trouble even though it's been like two days at most that they've known one another bc she recognizes that same "deep all-encompassing drive to help others" in him. and she also recognizes, much much earlier than him, that he needs someone to save him, especially when he's unwilling to save himself. and yeah for a bit she thinks he returns her feelings and is just playing hard-to-get, but she realizes pretty early on that this probably isn't the case, and i think that realization fully solidifies here:

(this is when she's listening to ten talk abt gallifrey). And idk it might just be me but i think this expression isn't just her empathizing with his loss. it's also guilt, for wanting something from him that he's clearly unable to give when he's wracked with so much grief. (and you see it in the next episode, where tallulah asks if they're together and martha says for certain that they're not, and that he doesn't know about her feelings for him. she keeps everything to herself bc she now knows that when he shut her flirting down at the end of 3x01 it was the genuine reaction of someone who a) isn't interested and b) is scared of getting close with someone else again)

freema described their dynamic as "she's keener than him" and i think about this all the time. martha doesn't really take what ten throws at her. what she does instead is constantly poke holes in his already-failing front of "i will show someone the wonders of the universe so i can ignore what is wrong with me". what she does is stand up and fight him when he tries to go off on his own. what she does is put aside her well-being in favor of helping someone - just like what she saw him do for the people in the hospital when they first met. tldr, that's the doctor and his doctor and rip martha you would've loved who's gonna save u now by rina sawayama

[milk-is-stable]

The Shoot From the Hip Hunger Games: Final Eight Tribute Family Interviews

Masterpost (<-START HERE! the posts are best read in order)

The television glows to life and the Capitol TV theme music blares loudly from the speakers. Andre Beetroot runs out onto the stage, his jacket glittering under the stage lights, and the live studio audience bursts into applause.

"HEY HEY HEEEEEYYYYYY!" he cries, waving to the crowd. "I am Andre Beetroot and YOU are watching Capitol TV! Welcome to the show that you've all been waiting for, it is time to speak with the families of the final eight tributes still competing in the arena. This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the remaining contestants and place your final bets and sponsorship bids, so pay close attention folks!"

Andre takes a seat in a large plush chair center stage and holds out a hand, gesturing to the empty chairs beside him.

"Starting us off tonight, we have a REAL TREAT for you folks. Making her first televised appearance in over ten years and here with us today to discuss Alexa from District 1, please welcome the one, the only, the magnificent Madame Petrova Romanoff!"

A tall, slender woman with silver-streaked blonde hair tied up in an elegant bun comes into view onstage. Despite her age, her movements are deliberate and graceful as she makes her way across the stage to her chair, and Andre Beetroot takes her hand and plants a kiss on the knuckles as she takes her seat.

"Welcome, Madame Romanoff, welcome! It is such a treat to have you here with us today. I must admit, when I saw you on the call sheet I was surprised; I did not know the most famous ballet star of the last century had a child!"

"Ah, no Mr. Beetroot, you are mistaken. Alexa is not my daughter."

"It says here that you're the only one who answered the interview request...what exactly is your relationship to our young tribute?"

"She was one of my students," Madame Romanoff explains, and Andre Beetroot leans forward.

"Ah, it is well known among those who follow the ballet world that you do not take many students. Young Alexa must be something very special indeed to have caught the attention of the great Petrova Romanoff! Please, tell us about her."

"Da, it is true, I do not take many students. I wish to commit myself fully to training only the best." Madame Romanoff looks out over the crowd as she speaks, her eyes distant. "And Alexa very well could have been. I believed her capable of reaching prima ballerina status before the age of twenty."

"Do you think this is still achievable for her, should she win the games?"

"That depends..." Madame Romanoff says. "If she continued to train with me, then perhaps. But even if she wins these games, I do not think she will return to my school. She is a girl of great spirit, and dislikes it when other people attempt to use her for their own purposes. She made it very clear when she left that she was going to forge her own way forward. Still...I think she has much potential. It would be a tragic waste to lose such a bright light from this world so early."

"Thank you so much Madame Romanoff, that's all the time we have for now, but folks! Give her a massive round of applause, and don't forget to sponsor Miss Alexa if you wish to see what her future holds!"

Madame Romanoff rises from her chair and nods to the audience before gliding away offstage.

"Now folks, we have another wonderful guest here with us tonight, everyone put your hands together for the District 3 football sensation and father of two of the tributes from this year's games, Alan Beckham and his wife Martha!"

The couple walks out on stage, Alan waving at the crowd with a smile. Andre Beetroot shakes both their hands and they take their seats.

"First off, let me say my condolences for the loss of your younger boy Janae," Andre Beetroot says. "Such a tragedy to have two children be reaped at once. Please though, tell us about Johnny."

"He's a sweet boy," Martha says, sitting up straight and folding her hands in her lap. "He and his brother were very close, and I can't..." she looks up, taking a deep breath through her nose. "I can't imagine what he's feeling right now, in that arena."

"He's a sensitive soul," Alan adds. "Overly so at times. If I'm honest, I'm surprised that he has lasted this long in the arena; Janae was always the mature one."

"He's an odd child, but that doesn't make him a failure or a disappointment," Martha says sharply, and Alan raises an eyebrow.

"Despite what some people have said in the past?" he asks, and she glares at him.

"Oh ho ho! I'm sensing some family drama here!" Andre Beetroot says, rubbing his hands together. "But alas, our time is very short. Mr. and Mrs. Beckham, please tell us: what would having a Hunger Games victor in the family mean to you?"

"We don't need a victor," Martha says sharply. "This family's been too obsessed with winning, if you ask me. What we need is for our boy to come home to us. I...haven't been the best mother, at times, and I'd give anything for the chance to tell him that I'm sorry."

"Wonderful, wonderful! Folks, if you want to give this mother a chance at reconciliation with her child, you know what to do!" Andre Beetroot cries as Alan and Martha get to their feet, still glaring at each other as they exit. "Now, our next tribute is Julian Bowman from District 4, and here to talk to us today is his mother Mary Louise and his father Harold! Give them a warm welcome, folks!"

The pair walk out onto the stage holding hands, and it becomes clear after a moment that this is not merely affection: Mary Louise is leading Harold as they walk.

"Mr. and Mrs. Bowman, welcome," says Andre Beetroot as he shakes their hands and they sit. "Your boy Julian has been involved in a series of alliances with several of the other tributes. Has he always made friends easily?"

"Aye, yes, he's a very friendly boy, and very trusting," Mary Louise says. "That used to worry me so much you know, and it has gotten him into some trouble in the past, but it can be a real strength of his as well."

"Where is Julian?" Harold asks abruptly, and Mary Louise lays a hand on his arm. "He's fighting in the Hunger Games dear, remember? We're here to tell people about him so he can get sponsors."

"Mrs. Bowman, is your husband well?" asks Andre Beetroot, and she purses her lips.

"He's been struggling ever since he had a stroke early this year," she says. "He has his good days and his bad days, and this is one of the poorer ones, that's all."

"Now, back to Julian. What are some advantages he may have that could help him in the arena?"

"Well, it should come as no surprise that he's a wonderful swimmer," Mary Louise says. "And as I said, his kind and trusting nature can be a strength of his as well. Just look at how showing kindness to that boy from District 12 saved him today. After everything we've been through as a family...I'm just so proud of how much he's grown. And he deserves the chance to grow even more."

"When is Julian coming home?" Harold asks suddenly, and Mary Louise takes his hand and gives it a squeeze.

"Hopefully soon, darling, hopefully very soon."

"And maybe if you out there watching give him a hand, then he will!" Andre Beetroot says, winking to the camera as Mary Louise and Harold get to their feet. "Now everyone, please give a big round of applause for the parents of our tribute from District 6, Anthony and Jennifer Murdoch!"

Anthony walks out onstage, then he turns back and holds out a hand to his wife. Meekly, she follows him onto the stage and takes his hand.

"Now, your Benjamin is currently allied with two of the tributes we've already spoken about this evening," Andre Beetroot says as they sit down. "Tell us, does that surprise you?"

"Oh no, not at all," Anthony says. "He's a very sociable lad."

"We took in several orphaned children after a train accident about a year ago," Jennifer adds. "And he always got along well with all of them. He and Clarissa were particularly close, though. Anthony and I are still grieving for her, if we're honest."

"Oh, so sorry to hear that!" Andre Beetroot exclaims. "That song of hers that Benjamin sang was certainly lovely. Now, what would you say is your boy’s greatest asset?"

"Before the games began, I would have said his curiosity or his kindness," says Anthony. "He's always been eager to learn about the world, and to help others. And he was quite good in school as well, he has hopes of designing new, more efficient motor cars and safer trains. In the arena though..."

He trails off, and Jennifer takes over.

"He's a strong boy. Like a lot of others his age in our District, he's worked as a coal shoveler for the railway for many years. And don't let his sweet demeanor fool you: he's seen his share of danger in his life, and he's managed to overcome it despite the odds."

"He's very brave," Anthony agrees. "He perseveres, even in the face of hardship."

"Fabulous! Folks, if you want to benefit from the bright, bold mind of a future engineer, then consider sponsoring Benjamin in the games," Andre Beetroot says, leading the audience in applause as Anthony and Jennifer get to their feet. "Now, next up to talk about Michael from District 7, please give a warm welcome to his parents Brandon and Carol Wilkinson!"

The couple arrive onstage arm in arm, and each shake Andre Beetroot's hand firmly before sitting down.

"So Brandon, young Michael told quite the harrowing story yesterday about the two of you surviving the viral outbreak in District 7! Care to expand on that at all?"

"Well...there's not much more to discuss, if I'm honest," Brandon says, clearing his throat. "It was a very harrowing few months. I lost my sister to that outbreak, as well as many of our friends...it's not a time I like dwelling on these days."

"One good thing did manage to come out of it, though," Carol pipes up. "We were separated before the outbreak, but afterwards we both realized that it was important to hold onto one another and work through our differences. Seeing the two of you come back out of those woods alive was one of the happiest moments of my life.”

"I have to imagine it was quite the blow then, to have to send your son off to the Hunger Games!" Andre Beetroot exclaims. "After you'd finally gotten your family back, it once again is threatening to break!"

"Maybe so, but I have to believe that Michael has what it takes to make it all the way to the end," Carol says. “It’s why I took up a collection back home to pay to send a sponsor gift to him…a photo of the three of us together, taken not long after we reunited."

"He's adjusted remarkably since the incident, so you wouldn't know it just from talking to him, but the things we had to do to stay alive..." Brandon trails off, and Carol takes his hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze. "He's not a violent boy by nature, but this is not the first time he's had to fight for his life. I believe he'll do whatever is necessary to win."

"And what would that victory mean for you as a family?" asks Andre Beetroot.

"District 7 is still in desperate need of rebuilding," Carol says. "And Michael has a very good head for planning and building...just like his father," she adds, shooting Brandon a smile.

"The money would help us rebuild," Brandon agrees. "But the prize for winning is secondary. We just want our son back with us...we just want to be a family again."

"Truly heartwarming!" Andre Beetroot says, placing his hand on his chest. "Folks, you know what you have to do to make this family reunion happen! That's all the time we have for this interview, please welcome now from District 9 Inga's father Otto!"

Brandon and Carol exit, still arm in arm, and Otto enters to take their place.

"Now Otto, this is the second solo interview I'm doing tonight. Is there no one else besides you in your daughter's life?"

"Her grandmama helped me to raise her," Otto explains, "but she is too frail to come and interview in person. And her other closest friend...well, it was that little boy who burned. Hugh."

"I see, I see!" exclaims Andre Beetroot. "Now, I think we all want to know: where does your daughter get her fierce determination from? She's been quite impressive in the arena so far!"

"Well, I had hope that she would do well," Otto says. "She's always been very independent...she's also an adept woodsman, and a tremendous help at our family flower and herb shop. I did not fear that she would be claimed by the elements. However, I did worry how she would fare with the other aspects of the games. I see now though that I needn't have fretted so; she is a strong willed girl, and very tough, just like her grandmama."

"She certainly is! I'd hate to be on the receiving end of one of those kicks of hers," Andre Beetroot says with a chuckle. "Now tell me. What would it mean to the three of you as a family if Inga were to win this thing?"

"Ah, Inga and I have always shared a dream," Otto says, his expression wistful. "We wanted to expand our shop and its clientele, maybe even as far as the Capitol. I used to believe that it was my responsibility alone to make this happen, but Inga always wanted to play a bigger role, and I see now that I should have let her. If she is able to win this and come home to me, I will spend the rest of my days making it up to her, and we'll have the best flower shop in the entire nation!"

"Fantastic!" Andre Beetroot cries. "Imagine, buying an arrangement from one of the Victors of the games! If you'd like to make that a reality, then please sponsor Inga today! Thank you, Otto!"

Otto nods, and waves to the crowd as he gets to his feet and leaves the stage.

"And now everybody, the reason we have THREE chairs set up across from me today, please welcome from District 10, Peter Steven's family!"

Andre Beetroot leads the crowd in applause as two men, one brunette and one bald, and a blonde woman walk onto the stage together. The woman takes a seat in the middle of the other two, then reaches out and takes the brunette man's hand.

"Now, let me see if I can get you all straight," Andre Beetroot says. "Peter Steven is the tribute we're here to discuss. And you are his mother, Jemima Steven, correct?"

"Jemima Jeffrey now, actually" Jemima says. "And yes, I'm Peter's mother."

"Now, we have a Jim Steven here with us," says Andre Beetroot, and the bald man raises a hand.

"Yes, that's me."

"So you're Peter's father then?"

"Actually, I'm his father," says the other man. "David Jeffrey."

"We asked Peter if he wanted to change his last name, after we told him the news," Jemima said. "But he said that he'd rather not get even more confused about it, so he kept Jim's last name."

"But Jim is not his father?"

"Not in a biological sense, no," David says. "But he raised him for the first eight years of his life, and we all decided that it was best that he remain a part of Peter's life."

"Look, the three of us?" Jim says, gesturing between them. "We have our differences. But the one thing we all agree on is that we love Peter very much, and we always try to put him first."

"Wonderful, wonderful, you love to see it!" says Andre Beetroot with a clap of his hands. "Tell me about Peter, then."

"Oh, he's a wonderful boy," Jemima says. "I couldn't be more proud of him."

"Yes, and he's got a heart big enough to fit the whole world inside it," Jim adds, and David nods in agreement as Jemima continues on.

"He loves to play out in the garden, explore the outdoors, go with his father on the morning milk-runs..." she trails off, and puts a hand over her mouth, tears welling in her eyes.

"It's alright love, it's alright," David murmurs, rubbing her shoulder.

"I'm sorry," she says, sucking in a breath and shaking herself. "It's just...I don't know what I'd do without him, I honestly don't."

"Aye, but he's a strong lad," David says. "And resilient as hell, too, you saw him in there today. He's got what it takes to win this thing, I know it."

"Well, I think I speak for the whole audience when I say I hope that you're right! And folks who want to make sure that's the case, remember! Sponsorship gifts help YOUR favorite tribute make it to the end. Give it up for the family members of Peter Steven!"

The three get to their feet, David still holding Jemima's hand as they exit.

"Finally folks, it is time for our final interview of the evening, so PLEASE put your hands together and give a warm welcome to Cliff Davidson, the father of Chip from District 12!"

A tall, lanky man walks out onstage and gives Andre Beetroot a nod before sitting down.

"So Cliff, tell us. Chip mentioned that he takes after his mother at times, but she's not with us here tonight?"

"No, no," Cliff says, shaking his head. "His mother passed about a year ago."

"Oh, so sorry to hear that! And Chip is your only child?"

"Yes, that's right. He's all I have left of her now...we've done a lot of healing together over the last several months, but the grief still feels quite fresh some days."

"I'm sure it's harrowing, having lost your wife and now seeing your son in constant danger every day."

"It is, it is," says Cliff, clasping his hands tightly in his lap. "Chip takes after the both of us in different ways, but when he's in the arena I see so much of my wife in him. He has her fearlessness, her intelligence..." he trails off, and shakes his head. "I just hope he holds onto who he is. My wife lost herself in her final days, and I regret every day that I wasn't able to help her more. I want more than anything for my son to come back to me, but I also fear for what winning the games would do to him. How do you as a parent reconcile the fact that your child is alive because twenty-three others are dead? How does a CHILD live with that fact?"

"Alright, WELL, that's all the time we have for today!" Andre Beetroot says quickly, flashing a bright smile to the crowd. "Everyone give it up for Cliff, and remember to sponsor Chip in the arena if you're so inclined!"

Cliff frowns slightly, but he gets to his feet, raises a hand to the crowd, and heads offstage.

"And THERE you have it Ladies and Gentlemen and ALL other configurations of being, I hope you had a FANTASTIC time getting to know our final eight tributes and their families a bit better! A sponsorship can mean the difference between life and death in the arena, so please, don't hold back! And don't forget to tune in tomorrow to our broadcast LIVE from the arena so you don't miss a SECOND of the action! My name has been Andre Beetroot, and on behalf of Capitol TV, Goodnight Everybodyyy!"

This broadcast will now break for commercial. Please tune in again soon to see what else will become of our tributes during the games!

— — —

Not really any meta today, so instead I leave you with a poll:

[frownyalfred]

hi there big fan of your work and absolutely adored and so is love (ROY!!!! hiii) and i kept thinking about Dan’s comment about instincts in traditional pack structures and Roy’s reflections on Ollie as an alpha (kinda lacking) and I was wondering if you had any meta about different pack structures in the coral universe? are traditional packs structures common? are they the societal ideal or kinda outdated? i love the world you’re creating thank you for sharing 💖

Yes! Thank you so much. I talked about this a little bit in the context of beta mothers in another post but I think the meat of your question is still answered:

Excellent question. You'll probably have noticed that the references to beta mothers in the fic are purposefully toward older beta women, or those who are from a few generations back. They're the last holdover of the pack mentality before the nuclear family shift. And you're absolutely right, they serve as parents and/or communal carers in the pack hierarchy, despite not being childbearers.

But, now that packs are dying out and shifting to a more nuclear family model, beta mothers are feeling that shift the most. They don't have 'children' in the sense of alphas and omegas, in that they are children they sired. But back in the old ways, any child they parented was theirs, just as much as it was the alpha or omega's.

This new mindset definitely pressures betas to fall into relationships with other betas, and yes I'd imagine some would adopt. Others fall into nanny/caregiving roles for alpha/omega pairs but fall short of being allowed to use the 'beta mother' title, since it's essentially defunct. And those alpha/omega pairs rarely induct those folks into their pack, largely because they don't have one anymore outside of their mating bond.

Alfred is a good example of a pack beta / beta mother holdover from the earlier times. Thomas and Martha were old enough and from old family lines that they still thought of their possible children, their house, and their future as a pack. As we see in one of the spin off fics, Martha refuses to proceed with her pregnancy (jokingly) until Thomas names Alfred as pack beta. I truly believe their plan was to have many children, and to start a formal pack that way. Which they would be allowed to more easily by society, as they were old and "eccentric" as opposed to trying to fit into the modern working nuclear family mindset.

A big theme I was kind of putting off to the side in ASOH (but talked a lot about here) is how Bruce + Clark are bringing back some older traditions, thanks in no small part to Lex. They prioritize a pack mindset and rarely even think about the more modern family setup others follow. This puts them in conflict with folks like the huffy alpha junior (I forget what i named him -- Graham?) at the gala who is rude to Lex, only for his father (Senior) to treat Lex with older omega customs and respect.

So yes, in a long winded answer to your question: betas probably suffer the most in this new world, because they are forced to curb their instincts that would normally be flourishing in a pack hierarchy. Alfred did this for a while when Bruce was going through his own issues with being an omega -- but it's clearly not ideal for him, and certainly hurt him long term after operating as a pack beta for his parents.

This is also a bit of a joke for myself, but the beta mother joke Lex makes precedes him going over and introducing himself to them in order to win favor. He immediately asks them if any of their sons are single -- this is a subtle way (ish) to indicate that while he's younger, he respects the beta mother role and sees them as valid parents. Of course this wins them over right away, as we see briefly. Clark also wins them over by politely chatting with them in their beta capacity, though he's not as aware of the high society lines as Lex or Bruce are.