#donna's face journey. help

[thelittlecoughsomewhere]

Whenever I think about how the Doctor and Donna causing the eruption in "Fires of Pompeii" narratively functions as a parallel/microcosm to the Doctor destroying Gallifrey in the Time War I go insane and have to lie down.

Because this time he isn't alone, Donna is with him and he says the words out loud "Push this lever and it's over. Twenty thousand people." and he is waiting for her reaction and she puts her hands on his and they pull the lever together. And this time he doesn't have to make the choice alone, so he subsequently doesn't have to carry the burden of guilt alone.

And maybe, just maybe, this can be seen as his first step into his healing journey regarding his Time War guilt. Donna Noble - a woman who he grows to love and admire and regard as his guiding light - made the same choice (yes on a much smaller scale, but functionally the same choice) he did when he destroyed Gallifrey. He will never ever forgive himself (at least during his time as Ten), but maybe when he realizes that he doesn't blame her and doesn't want her to feel guilty for what she did in Pompeii he starts to be a little kinder to himself. For Donna's sake.

I really believe that during season 4 both Donna and the Doctor are on a healing journey. They make each other better, they begin to heal the wounds of the other person. Donna's self-esteem grows and the Doctor's guilt complex gets a little less heavy. Just a little. Baby steps. But they are walking them together.

And then Journey's End happens, and their healing process gets interrupted and without Donna nothing makes sense and he almost turns into Time Lord Victorious (this arc is so insane)

Because why should he stick to the rules of a universe that took Donna from him?

But he gets stopped. Adelaide stops him and later he himself recognizes that he's lived too long.

And he turns from the man who regrets into the man who forgets.

And then day of the doctor happens. And Gallifrey falls no more. And yet, he still has to live with the memories of 4 incarnations (war, nine, ten, eleven) and hundreds of years during which he believed he killed his own people. But now he has an excuse not to face that.

Anyway, thesis statement: Donna helped the Doctor confront his Time War guilt complex in a way no companion before or after her did. (shoutout to Martha though for making him open up about Gallifrey!!!)

And neither the character of the Doctor in the show or the show itself narratively ever continued to truly confront the trauma of the Time War guilt or continued the healing process Donna started.

Until now.

[yannaryartside]

Sydney Adamu; Donna's antithesis

THE BIG PARALLEL: THE QUEEN OF THE KITCHEN

Donna's introduction to the audience is in her kitchen, where she is the leader, the center of the action; all orders come from her, and the dynamic in the family is created primarily by her. She has assigned (indirectly or so) the roles of all the family members that keep the family working in the way it does. She is the queen, the leader—a role she was given by nature.

And what is Sydney's job in the kitchen? The CDC, even when she was a sous, she was already taking the responsibilities of the CDC. She is their queen, their leader in their kitchen—a role she was given by choice.

The writers had given Sydney every opportunity to be Donna so they could show us how much of Donna she is not. Here are my favorite examples of it. 

Donna brings guilt, and Sydney brings grace.

Donna created her daughter's nickname after a mistake she made as a kid (probably when Nat was nervous and afraid to fail her), messing up a recipe.

Sydney gave grace to Tina when she messed up the recipe for the mashed potatoes. Sydney could have used that opportunity to get back at Tina for making her look bad in front of Carmy and all the other stuff. Sydney decided to be the bigger person; God, Sydney was not trying to make Tina own or like her. She just decided that is not what she is. She acknowledged that Tina was trying something new and wanted to be available in case Tina needed help. Sydney gave Tina clear expectations, recognized the task's difficulty, and offered help. Later, she was graceful when a mistake was made, and gave positive reinforcement when the job was well done. We learned then that Tinas was terribly afraid of being displaced or not good enough. Sydney is giving Tina all the things Donna should have given Nat.

Another exmaple of this is when Richie and Sydney are shopping for caulk. She just buys the right one; she doesn't rub it in his face or call him stupid or careless. In all their conversation, Sydney tried to understand more, not put more fire into the pile. Richie recognizes that, and I think this is when he starts to respect her, even a little.  

Donna brings chaos, Sydney brings order. 

Both women have the role of being the center (heart) of the kitchen. Only Donna can touch the food in her kitchen, while Sydney delegates the kitchen tasks to the restaurant employees.  

Donna gives the absence of self, and Sydney brings purpose. 

To please their mother, try to win her love, or just survive the household dynamics, the Berzatto siblings had to adopt behaviors/personalities that were not natural to them. Mickey was at least 18 when his father left; he took the provider position by helping her mom run the restaurant. He also took care of his siblings. He was his ultimate ally in helping the family feel like a family, particularly by always being capable of "dialing a room" to make everyone feel entertained, appreciated, have fun, and be a family. For all these reasons, he was Donna's favorite, and the other two siblings were neglected because of it. Neither Nat of Carmy felt really like she was there for them; she probably didn't encourage Carmy to draw or Nat in anything. Nat and Carmy grew up believing their talents/nature were useless because they didn't please their mom. Neither of them recognizes the things they are good at outside the kitchen: Nat diminishes her husband's compliments on her hard work, and Carmy ignores compliments on his drawings. 

Sydney, on the other hand, can encourage Marcus to follow his passion for baking. She supports Tina in her culinary journey to the point of her becoming the third person in charge. She asked Nat to be the project manager because, in the few interactions she had with her, she perceived (or it was intuition) Nat's attention to detail, caring nature, and responsibility. In the climax of the second season, she trusts Richie to do the calling of the orders when she has no reason to believe he can, and he solidifies his purpose. Sydney "nurtured" everybody's natural talents and trusted them to walk independently. That is what a good parent or leader does. It is such a brilliant subtext. Important to note she doesn't do that with Carmy, because Carmy is her equal, her partner-to-be.

Other ones:

There is also to mention the fact that Sydney was a professional driver, and Donna tried to crash a car in her own house. Talking about metaphors. 

Also, Sydney doesn't indulge in any of the toxic behaviors that the Berzattos learned from Donna, neither Carmy nor Richie's bullshit nor the rest of the staff. Little by little, she fought fire with water, and she won, maybe because she is more like a river than a drop. She had a purpose on her own, an identity, a past that she kept to herself, and a desire to move forward. People started to respect her the more they relied on her and the more she didn't give in to the toxic traits that were ruling them before. They saw the good and followed it.

Sydney may not rely on toxic dynamics to lead her kitchen, but she will not let others take advantage of her. She did not pick on Carmy's slack last season for him but despite him. She doesn't believe that is what she is supposed to do, not only as her employee but friend and possible romantic interest. She calls the bad behaviors/tendencies by it's name. And communicates she won't have it, while also saying she belives in him.

I think most of the audience (besides the ones in this fandom) really doesn't understand how extraordinary Sydney is. If she wasn't as well-written as she is, with defects and fears, people would think that she is the "saint woman/magic woman" archetype, making everything previously broken work in her presence. I also think it is because she is a woman, and women are expected to bring magic and be fixers and helpers. There is also the fact that she is a black woman, and everything that comes with that, but I cannot comment on that, so I am not going to. Just saying she is one of the most amazing role models I have seen, decorated with the price of also being one of the most complex female characters on screen. She is not perfect as a person and has not reached her whole potential, and she wants it. I respect and admire her so much. Even when Carmy seems to have a longer path of healing ahead, I want Sydney to win the most, not just heal. I want to know more about her, her intimate desires, and why is her heart broken. Long gone are the days when women lived on screen to make everybody around them better and happier. All the things she is extraordinary for, the ones I talked about, are not just reasons why Carmy had admired her or fallen for her. She is, for me, a champion preparing for live-defining battles. We know who she is, and we get to discover what else she could be, to grow in her self-confidence, her purpose, and what brings pleasure to her soul. She is considered now the show's co-protagonist.

And I hope in s3 we are in for a journey. She made all the difference. Thank you for reading.

[theetherealbloom]

WHERE DO WE GO NOW? - CH. 1 | 14th Doctor

Chapter One: After All Of The Time, And Give An Actual Try

Summary: An enigmatic old face makes a reappearance, heralding unforeseen events. A mysterious spaceship plummets to Earth, bringing chaos and prompting the Doctor's intervention. Amidst the unfolding narrative, a cute and endearing creature seeks assistance, weaving together elements of mystery, adventure, and companionship.

Pairing: 14th Doctor x Fem!Reader

Warnings: Hurt-to-Comfort, Angst, Fluff, Possible Plot Holes, Vague Background, Aliens, Mild Horror, Violence, Past Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Timey-Wimey Stuff, Star-Crossed Lovers, Second Chance 

Word Count: 12.2k

A/N: Surprise! I love Doctor Who too. I’m a huge nerd, I know tehe. I hope you enjoy this mini-series I have planned for the 14th Doctor! As we know, he is played by the beloved David Tennant who is one of my favorite Doctors ever.

Song: Where do we go now? By Gracie Abrams

→ Next Chapter | Series Masterlist | Main Masterlist

Dividers by @/saradika-graphics

MILLSON WAGNER STEELWORKS, NORTH LONDON – EVENING, DECEMBER 2023

A UNIT team was promptly dispatched as the spaceship breached Earth's atmosphere, making its way North of London. Both serving as scientific advisors, you and Shirley were on-site where the ship had landed.

While some military personnel were busy extinguishing the flames from the spacecraft and securing the perimeter, preventing you from delving further into the investigation, you found yourself engrossed in studying the ship's scans displayed on the monitor in your hands, attempting to unravel the mystery.

"Miss them, do you?" A voice called out from behind.

You averted your gaze from the tablet, turning to find Shirley maneuvering her wheelchair next to you. Curious, you asked, "What? Who?"

The redhead sported a cheeky smile. "The Doctor, of course."

It was widely known that you had journeyed alongside the Doctor and his myriad companions. Images of their faces flashed in your mind as you reminisced about those exciting adventures. Rose, Donna, the Ponds, Clara... you longed for them. There was a noticeable absence of the Doctor that left a gaping black hole in your chest.

You shook your head, muttering to yourself, "Can't let the Doctor catch a glimpse of me again; the entire universe might just fold in on itself once more. Already me being here is a problem since there’s a possibility he could pop out at any moment. I’m only on duty since I owe Kate a favor."

Shirley hums and responds, "I've read the files, you know. You two were quite the team. Everything that had happened… was in the wrong place at the right time. Still, it could happen, the two of you… together."

You raise your eyebrows at her and offer a small smile while shaking your head, scoffing, "The Doctor was unaware before, and I won't be the catalyst for another cosmic meltdown due to my selfish reasons. Besides... the Doctor doesn’t know I’m still alive and UNIT is already on my arse for even existing on this timeline.”

The redhead emits a sympathetic murmur and pats the side of your thigh, "Wasn't your fault, love. A colossal tear in time and space that dragged you in here... sounds like fate, or destiny even. If anything, maybe it was supposed to happen... like you and—"

The tablet beeps, abruptly halting Shirley's train of thought. You glance at the monitor, furrowing your brow, then hand over the device to her, saying, "You need to see this. I believe there's more to this than we initially thought."

“Now I think we’re making a fundamental mistake. ‘Cause maybe that spaceship was a collision course to start with, but look.” Shirley says while the UNIT soldier looks at the tablet, “At the last minute, it pulls up, then settles. What I’m sayin’ is, that ship didn’t crash. It parked.”

As Shirley presents her observations to the UNIT soldier, you can't help but notice the intensity in her gaze, the lines of concentration etched across her forehead. The soldier queries, "No signs of life?" You step forward, interjecting, "Not yet. But we don't know what kind of life we're looking for."

Suddenly, an unexplained shiver races up your spine, goosebumps breaking out on your skin. A palpable sense of familiarity and the eerie feeling of being observed by someone you know too well. Your expression shifts into a frown, and Shirley catches on, concern knitting her brows. "What? What's wrong?" she asks.

You open your mouth but hesitate, exchanging glances with Shirley and the UNIT soldier. Shirley, sensing the urgency, instructs the soldier to step aside. Both of you retreat to a secluded corner, where she probes, "What happened? You look like you've seen a ghost, dear."

You exhale shakily, "I... I think he's here. He's back."

Shirley blinks, seeking clarification, "You mean..."

"The Doctor. The Doctor, he’s here."

"Shirley, I need to leave, immediately," you declare, attempting to stride away with urgency.

"Wait, hang on a second," Shirley interjects, gripping your wrist and compelling you to halt. "He's already seen you, yeah? Looks like nothing bad has happened and—"

"Nothing bad has happened yet, Shirley. The stars could go out; millions of galactic species could die if we so much as breathe in each other's direction. I can't risk it. I won't."

Tears well up, and Shirley guides you to a stop near one of the staircases, settling herself in her wheelchair. As you take a seat, you rub both hands over your face, wiping away the tears. "I should have died that day."

Shirley remains silent, allowing you to continue as you shakily sob, "I should have died. But I didn't, and I'm still here."

"I lied to him, Shirley. I lied. He... he might never forgive me for it," you confess brokenly. Shirley shrugs, offering, "You won't know unless you talk. And it seems to me that whatever was keepin’ you apart before… is tellin’ you two maybe now is the right place at the right time."

Deep in contemplation of your choices, someone suddenly seizes your wrist, muffling your voice as they pull you close, your body pressed against a comforting warmth.

"Hey, it's me. It's the Doctor," he reassures, and you instinctively push away, allowing some distance between you two. Both of you stand there panting, but he breaks the silence first, shouting, "I thought you were dead!"

Throwing the words back at him, you retort, "I was supposed to be dead!"

"Why aren't you dead?" he demands, and frustration laces your high-pitched response, "Are you bloody serious in asking me that?”

 “No. Yes! Argh, I don't know!"

Shaking your head and taking a step back, you declare, "I need to leave."

The Doctor firmly grabs your wrist, halting your escape. "No. Not again."

With determination, you wrench your wrist from his strong hold, shouting, "The universe could collapse! Again! We weren't ever supposed to meet. It was a mistake."

Wide-eyed, the Doctor gazes at you and replies in a breathy tone, "Is that really what you think?"

Paused, unable to respond, you hear his voice in your head, a telepathic whisper so familiar. "You and I both know, that it wasn't a mistake."

Glaring at him, you muster as much resistance as possible, but those big dark brown eyes make it challenging. "That's not fair. Get out of my head," you retort with furrowed brows.

The Doctor whispers your name, barely audible, causing you to flinch and look away. Instead of acknowledging his presence, you pivot to a question, "You regenerated… But why this face? Why are you back?"

"Why do you ask? You don't like this one?" he retorts.

Crossing your arms, you roll your eyes, "With you, there's always a reason for everything."

The Doctor admits, "Must be why the TARDIS brought me to you and Donna."

You regard him with a concerned gaze and tone, "What? You saw Donna, did she recognize or remember you?"

"The fail-safe worked; she just commented about my clothes. She has a daughter named Rose," the Doctor hums, kicking a small piece of gravel on the floor. You nod, "Yeah, I keep tabs on 'em. Making sure they're alright. Even though Donna gave all that money away to charity."

"Do you know why she did it?" The Doctor asks.

"I don't. But I have a couple of guesses," you reply with a close-lipped smile and a shrug. The Doctor brings his gaze to you, and you can already feel the question before he says it.

"I thought you were dead, for fifteen years."

You scoff, "Oh, that's nothing for you, Time Lord and all."

The Doctor throws his hands up in frustration, "Oh, don't do that."

"Do what?" you demand.

"Pretend that it was nothing for me! You were everything to me," the Doctor says, taking another step closer, and you take a step back this time. You look at him with narrowed eyes, and in a low tone, you say, "You and I both know that's not true."

"What happened? Where did you go?"

"You and I both know what happened after Arcadia. I was ready to die. I thought I had served my purpose, what I was made for. I got shot midway through the regeneration process, and I felt it. I felt myself slipping away... I could only see the two suns, and then when I closed my eyes, there was this surge of energy... I couldn't explain it back then, and I can't now. But it was like someone had given me their regeneration energy... but when I looked around, no one was there, and I was no longer on Gallifrey."

The Doctor finishes the sentence for you, "You were brought to Earth."

You nod, "I still have no idea who did it. But now, I can't leave. And all those years, my memories were locked away in that old pocket watch until I met you... and then the stars started to go out once more, and I knew I had no choice… I couldn't stay with you."

"All those years... you were alone, just like me," the Doctor says, and you look away before sitting atop one of the crates by the pillar, sighing, "I need to leave again... planets could disappear and galaxies could collapse at any second, and we'd be back where we started."

The Doctor remains silent as you close your eyes, resting your head on one of the stacked crates behind you. You yearn for him. Every atom in your being longs for his presence, yet every angle you examine seems to present an unsolvable puzzle. Thus, you convince yourself that distancing is the best course for everyone involved. How does one repay a sacrifice of such magnitude?

Then, you detect his approaching footsteps, and he settles comfortably beside you, shoulders brushing as he leans in. "Or... we could finally figure out a way to solve the paradox."

Opening your eyes, you shoot him a pointed look. "Doctor, we're in the middle of yet another crisis. A spaceship just landed, and we have no bloody clue who the hell we're dealing with right now. And you want to solve the impossible with our situation?"

"Who says I can't multitask?" he retorts, wiggling his eyebrows playfully. You lightly smack him on the arm, feeling warmth flood your cheeks. Memories of the carefree early days flash through your mind, recalling lingering gazes and soft touches exchanged. Licking your lips nervously, you release a heavy breath, "One problem at a time. We have another alien on the loose."

The Doctor takes that as a win, a calculated risk, with the universe as a potential consequence. He's never demanded anything, and for the first time, he yearns for something for himself. He envisions it — hope — the prospect of finally rewriting the ending you both desperately desire.

The sonic clicks and buzzes as the Doctor conjures a holographic screen, displaying the schematics of the spacecraft that recently landed nearby. He retrieves his glasses from his coat pocket, donning them as he peruses the screen. Pressing a few buttons, he zooms in on the bottom part of the ship before highlighting the drive.

Frowning, your eyes narrow as an unsettling weight settles at the pit of your stomach while reading what's on the screen.

"Too good for us now?" Shirley remarks as she rolls up in her wheelchair. The Doctor briefly glances at her, nodding, and casually greets, "Evening."

Shirley smiles knowingly as she looks between the two of you. "Doctor. I see you and my colleague have talked. Has galaxies and universes collapsed yet?"

The Doctor hums, "Mmmm, not yet. Soon maybe, if I could get her to kiss me."

You smack him on the shoulder a little harder this time, and he yelps out, "Ow!" Making a face at him, you retort, "Oh, sod off!"

The Doctor gives you a cheeky smile while Shirley chuckles next to you. She then looks at the holographic screen on display, and the Doctor brings his focus back to the problem at hand, saying, "That’s a double-bladed dagger drive, damaged by laser fire which means we’ve got two sets of visitors at war with each other."

He glances at Shirley politely, "Nice to meet you. Did you get the heat readings on deceleration?" Shirley chuckles and clicks her tongue, "Oh, I got everything." She unfolds her tablet to give to the Doctor, who presses a button on his sonic screwdriver to close the holographic screen. Taking the tablet, he begins to analyze the readings as your colleague introduces herself, "Shirley Anne Bingham, UNIT Scientific Advisor number 56."

The Doctor sounds delighted, saying, "Oh! I was Scientific Advisor number one."

Shirley smiles, "No, I know. I’ve read the files. I’m gonna get a bonus just for meeting you."

The Doctor makes a face, not used to humble praise. "Oh."

Shirley then asks, "But why are you hiding away? We’re on the same side and it can’t be ‘cause of her now." She looks at you, and you also turn your attention to the Doctor.

He slightly groans and inhales sharply before replying, "It’s all a bit mad, Shirley. I don’t know who I am anymore."

Shirley crosses her legs in the wheelchair and says matter-of-factly, "Well, you look like the Doctor to me."

The Doctor shrugs, "Well, exactly. The one in the skinny suit. After that, I wear a bow tie. After that, I’m a Scotsman. After that, I’m a woman."

Shirley frowns, "But that’s your future. You can’t know that. It’s forbidden."

The Doctor replies, "I regenerated. And she became me."

Both of Shirley’s eyebrows rise, and her eyes widen as she says, "You got your old face back?"

The Doctor replies with a resounding pop, "Yep."

"But why?" Shirley asks, and the Doctor sighs, "Well, that’s what I’m worried about."

He then inhales deeply before continuing, “Because, besides this lovely stubborn woman right next to me,” you pinch the bridge of your nose briefly as he continues, “I've got this friend called Donna Noble. She was my best friend in the whole wide universe. I absolutely love her as much as I love this one right here.” The Doctor pulls a face and pouts, puffing out a breath as his thick eyebrows furrow, he says, “Oh. Hmm. Do I say things like that now?”

Shirley smiles at him while commenting, “Sounds like a good thing to say.”

You mumble, “I’m not used to this.”

“But Donna took the mind of a Time Lord into her head. I had to wipe her memory to save her life. If she ever remembers me she will die. So what happens next?” The Doctor said with emphasis and leaned closer to you and Shirley, “I get this face back, and the TARDIS lands right next to her. I turn around, there’s her husband. A spaceship crashes in front of her. That led me here to my other best friend in the whole wide universe, my Time Lady who I thought was dead for many years. It’s like she’s drawing us in.” The Doctor finishes, and you and Shirley give each other a look, processing everything he has just said. Especially you, who was processing the fact he called you his. You and Shirley blinked a few times before Shirley said, “What? She’s making it happen?”

The Doctor shakes his head, “No, she’s got no idea. She’s so ordinary. She’s brilliant. She’s got this beautiful daughter. She’s happy. Is she? Hmm.” He pauses before saying in a lower tone, “But the universe is turning around the two people I love the most again. I don’t believe in destiny, but if destiny exists, then it's heading straight for Donna Noble and quite possibly the love of my life right next to me.”

You blink in surprise, opening your mouth to try and say something, maybe correct him, but nothing comes out, so you sit there, mouth gaping next to him like a fish while Shirley has a toothy grin as you say to the Doctor, “Okay, I’m still not used to whatever this is… and I don’t think I ever will be. You’re kind of freaking me out a little, dear.”

The Doctor grins, “Ooh, are we doing pet names now darling?”

You rub your right eye, feeling a migraine beginning to form, “I… What the hell is happening? You sure you’re alright? Last time you regenerated into this form you had a high fever and you were… completely out of it.”

The Doctor scrunches his nose and sniffs, “I feel great. Fantastic even!”

You purse your lips, observing the Doctor from head to toe, and then focus on his eyes—those warm, inviting brown eyes. Softly, you remark, “You've grown.”

The Doctor returns your gaze, his lips forming a quirked-up smile that reveals a dimple. "Just a little bit, yeah."

Shirley interjects, steering the conversation back on course, “You said it was also heading for Donna. What for?”

The Doctor responds with a swift, “I don’t know.” Shirley replies with an, “Oh.” The Doctor continues, with deep emphasis, “But she can’t remember. I won’t be the one who kills her.”

Shirley nods, and the tablet in the Doctor’s hands beeps. He looks at it, saying, “Right. There’s no sign of a pilot, but that’s not an automatic drive, so you should look for–”

“Ma’am,” a soldier interrupts, cutting off the Doctor. He slinks back into the shadows, and you and Shirley listen to what the soldier has to say. “We found the escape pod. No sign of life, but we’re moving out to secure the site.”

Shirley quickly replies, “Good work, soldier. Go get it.” Dismissing the soldier and watching her walk away, the Doctor moves to stand, removing his glasses and putting them away, ready to follow the soldier. But Shirley raises her hand and says to him, “Uh, yeah, yeah. Not you two, mate. I’ve got this. Off you pop. Bye-bye.”

Shirley begins to roll her wheelchair away, leaving the Doctor and you confused. The Doctor then calls out to her, “Waited your whole life?”

To which Shirley throws a look over her shoulder as she responds with a smirk, “You wish.”

The Doctor looks at you, and you look up at him. He turns his hand, palm up, waiting for you to take it with your hand. You glance at his hand and back to his eyes; he sees the uncertainty swirling through your gaze.

The Doctor speaks gently, “I know you aren’t ready and you’re scared… but I know you’re brave. And the universe listens to the brave. C’mon, it’s time to be brave again.”

You release a shaky exhale, swallowing the lump in your throat and dismissing the rational urge to walk away from him. Taking his hand, he tugs you along, pushing his legs into a run with you, hand-in-hand.

He thrusts the exit door open, utilizing his sonic screwdriver with his other hand on the back of the UNIT truck, the chains rattling as the trunk hatch pops open, pulling you with him to settle at the back of the truck.

As the UNIT truck pulls away, you see Shirley waving you off, and the Doctor gives her a small salute while you offer her a faint smile.

CHISWICK, LONDON – EVENING, 2023

You constantly poked your head out to see the stars, in case anything had changed. The Doctor held your hand, squeezing it every time you did, quietly reassuring you that whatever you faced, you'd do it together.

Arriving in the residential area, a long street lined with cars and now multiple UNIT trucks and soldiers running around, you could hear Donna shouting, “Oh, what the hell is it doing in my shed? Get out of my garden!”

The Doctor ran towards the sound of her voice, and you followed him. Reaching Donna's home, the Doctor pounded on the door, “Let us in! Let us in!”

Sylvia glared at the Doctor as she briskly walked towards him, but he exclaimed happily, “Sylvia! Oh, Sylvia! So nice to see you again. Could you let us in?”

Sylvia angrily whispered, “You said that if she sees you again, she will die. Well, no. If – if she remembers me. That’s slightly different.”

You heard and saw Donna through the stained glass yelling from down the hall, “No such thing as spaceships? We’ve got a bloody Martian in the shed!”

Sylvia angrily said, “Just get out of here, now.” But the Doctor knelt down to peek through the mail slot to see all the commotion, finding a small white fluffy creature with big eyes. “Oh, wow. He’s so cute,” the Doctor mumbled. With no other choice, he used his sonic to unlock the door as Sylvia told Donna, “Don’t look! Don’t look. It doesn’t exist.”

As the Doctor walked down the hall, with you trailing behind him, Sylvia whirled around to slap the Doctor. He grunted and groaned, “Here we go again.”

“It’s that man!” You recognized Rose say as Donna pointed at the Doctor, “Oh, it’s the skinny man!”

Sylvia continued to try and gaslight Donna, outstretching both her arms to block both of you, “He’s not there! You can’t see him. And there’s no monster. Oh, for the love of God, none of this is real!”

You and the Doctor ducked down and crawled to the creature to help assist them. In the middle of all the shouting and noise, you saw Shaun Temple appear, saying, “Hey, hey. Dad’s home.”

Everyone stood at a standstill, wide-eyed and unsure of what to do next. After a pause, Shaun commented with a small smile, “Something smells nice.” Sylvia smiled, “Tuna madras.”

“Meep, meep.”

As you and the Doctor sat on the floor, he carefully wrapped Meep’s injury in his hands with medical tape, while you quickly assessed if the Meep had any more injuries. Sylvia spoke to Donna, “We should think about infection. I mean, I think this man should deal with this beast, and we can leave him alone and go back to mine.”

Donna pulled her arm away from Sylvia and gestured around the Meep, “Never mind. Never mind about the ferret from Mars.” She gave you and the Doctor a pointed look as she growled out, “Who the hell are you two?”

You looked to the Doctor for help, and he stumbled over his words, “I– um. What was it?” He looked to Shaun who replied, “A friend from Nerys.” To which the Doctor promptly agreed, “That’s it.”

Donna scrunches her nose and says, “Nerys. Well, now it all makes sense. That viper in the nest.” She continues and points to the Meep, “I’m not going anywhere. We could sell mad Paddington for a million quid.”

Everyone reacted, giving Donna a pointed look and a noise of disagreement, “Woah!” Donna tried to justify her comment by saying, “You fill the fridge!”

The Doctor’s expressive eyebrows furrowed, and he asked Donna, “What did happen to all your money?” Donna got defensive and threw back, “Why are you so interested in us? Everywhere you go, there you are. Now you got this woman with you,” She gestured to you, “are you sure you’re safe with him, darling? Is he forcing you to be with him? Did he kidnap you?!”

You blinked wildly at Donna, “Uh, no– I’m good. He’s my partner.”

The Doctor smirked at you, “Ooh, I’m your partner?” To which you narrowed your eyes at him, “Quiet, you.” He pouted but continued to finish wrapping the injury of the Meep, then the Doctor said, “There is one person missing. I used to know your grandad, Wilf.”

Donna shook her head, “He’s not with us anymore.”

The Doctor had a somber expression as he nodded, “Right. Course. He wasn’t young; he was—” His lower lip trembled as he admitted, “I loved that man. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

Donna shook her head, emphasizing, “He’s not dead.” Sylvia shot the Doctor a sharp look, “You idiot.”

The Doctor gaped at them, and Donna continued to share, “He’s in sheltered accommodation. He’s 94. He can’t manage the stairs.” Shaun took over, saying, “We were lucky. We couldn’t afford it, but this offer came along.”

Rose smiled, painting a vivid picture, “It’s amazing. He’s got this room, like a cottage and a garden, and it’s almost free.”

“Run by that lot in the middle of town? UNIT? This woman in charge, Kate, she says he’s an old soldier, she’ll look after him.” Shaun said, and the Doctor's face lit up, “Right. I know her. She’s looking after Wilf. Brilliant. Brilliant.”

Shaun tilted his head as he looked at you, “You look very familiar… Weren’t you with Kate as you were helping with the accommodations for Wilf?”

Your lips pinched together as you nodded, “Yeah, I work with UNIT. I check on him regularly; he’s wonderful.”

“Meep, meep.”

You and the Doctor turned to the fluffy white creature in front of you, and the Doctor’s eyebrows raised as he inhaled sharply, “Yes! The Meep. I promise I can help him get home. Then you’ll never have to see me, or well, the both of us ever again.”

Rose looked at the Doctor and gave him a questioning look, “You’re assuming he as a pronoun? Hmm.”

The Doctor took it in stride and nodded, “True. Yes. Sorry. Good point.” He quickly turned to the creature and asked, “Are you he, or she, or they?”

The high-pitched voice of the Meep responded, “My chosen pronoun is the definite article. I am always the Meep.”

The Doctor’s expression shifted to one of understanding as his thick eyebrows raised and he nodded, “Oh. I do that. But you were shot down. Who wants you dead?”

You tilt your head, captivated by the Meep's explanation, “The Wrath Warriors. They cultivate Meepkind for our beautiful fur. But then the galaxy said, ‘No more fur. It’s wrong. So the Wrath Warriors slaughtered their livestock.”

The Doctor crosses his arms, a thoughtful expression on his face, and leisurely leans back on the couch, letting his back rest against it, “You’re a fashion victim.”

A collective groan escapes from all the humans in the room, “No.”

The Doctor quickly mumbles an apology, and the Meep continues, “Now, they will hunt me down till there are no Meeps left.” The Meep sniffs, “It breaks both my hearts.”

You and the Doctor exchange surprised glances, both of your eyebrows raised. The Doctor shares with the Meep as he gestures to both of you, “You got two hearts? So do we.”

Donna quickly catches onto the Doctor's revelation and frowns, “You’ve got what?”

Sylvia tries to downplay what the Doctor just exposed, stammering as she speaks to Donna, “No. He means it like a metaphor. Like two minds. Do you?” You and the Doctor shake your heads, but suddenly there’s a pounding at the door.

“Open up!”

“Well, what the hell is it now?” Donna exclaims, her frustration evident as she wonders why all these strange anomalies keep happening. The Doctor pushes himself up, and you assist him with his navy blue coat as he puts it on. He continues addressing everyone in the room, “Ah, good. The soldiers! They can give us a lift.”

As he goes to answer the door, leaving you with the Meep and Donna’s family, Rose can't help but ask, “Are you two…”

Your cheeks feel flush, the tips of your ears turning warm, “Yep.”

Just as Donna is about to make a cheeky comment, you hear the Doctor slam the front door shut, loudly informing you all, “I think we need to run. Woah!”

Suddenly, an explosion rocks the backdoor, causing everyone to hit the ground with a collective yelp. You and the Doctor peek to look at the new visitor; arthropods, with a tough chitinous exoskeleton. With their external skeleton acting as a skelo-shield they had formidable strength. Their eyes were like large red lights. Seeing the Wrath Warriors enter while saying, “Wrath, attack formation! Surrender the Meep!”

UNIT soldiers burst in from the main entrance, their voices echoing down the hallway as they shout instructions to each other. The distant hum of gunfire and the vivid flashes of lasers light up the space, creating a chaotic symphony that fills your senses.

Donna, caught in the middle of the sudden onslaught, shouts in confusion and frustration, “What the hell is going on?”

The Doctor deftly manipulates his sonic screwdriver, adjusting its settings. He turns to Shaun and inquires, “Where’s your car?”

Shaun, bewildered but cooperative, responds, “Uh, five- five doors down.”

“Excellent.” The Doctor nods. He pivots, activating the sonic screwdriver to generate large, rectangular force fields. The blue glow emanating from the force fields reveals a recent upgrade, and you can't help but smile, commenting, “Nice upgrade, love.”

“Thanks, dearest. Help me move this, won’t you?” The Doctor passes the sonic to Donna, who handles it with familiarity. You and the Doctor work together to slide the force field into the first section of the hallway, dodging blaster shots as you go. Once in the living room again, you take the sonic from Donna, creating your force field with the Doctor’s scientific instrument. The Doctor observes you with admiration, and together, you slide the final force field into place, sealing off the area where the Wrath Warriors were firing from.

Immediately, the Doctor issues a commanding directive to the Noble-Temple family and the Meep, “Upstairs! Up, up, up, up, up, up, up, up, up!” They follow the urgent order, shrieking as they ascend the stairs, sandwiched between the force fields that shield them from the relentless onslaught of gunshots and laser fire.

“Come on, Meep!” The Doctor encourages, executing an energetic dance of hopping and flailing arms. The Meep responds with a whimper, “No.” Undeterred, you and the Doctor persist, the Doctor continuing his lively hopping routine, insisting, ��Come on! That’s it.”

You guide the Meep up the stairs, the Doctor closely behind. A reassuring hand rests on your back as the trio ascends. When you're halfway across the corridor, a deafening explosion erupts from behind. The Noble-Temple family screams in fear, and you're thrown to the ground. However, the Doctor reacts swiftly, his strong arms wrapping around your waist to break your fall. In a protective move, he cushions the impact with his body, leaving you on top of him.

You swiftly roll off him, your palms hitting the floor as you propel yourself upward. Grasping the Doctor's hand, you haul him to his feet, both of you swiftly turning around to confront the aftermath—a colossal, gaping hole now occupying the space where a window once stood. Donna's cry of agony echoes through the room, "My house!"

Despite the devastation, there's no time for dwelling. The Doctor urgently directs everyone, gesticulating emphatically, "Upstairs. Upstairs, upstairs!"

Observing the Wrath Warriors soaring menacingly through the breached window, and amidst the symphony of gunfire and laser blasts echoing from the stairs, you and the Doctor deftly ascend to the third floor. With a swift motion, he lowers the ladder leading to the attic, urgently urging everyone, "Up we go! Fast as you can."

The entire group efficiently ascends to the attic. Positioned beside a robust brick wall connecting attics along the street, you and the Doctor huddle close. The Doctor showcases the device in his hand, proclaiming, "This is a sonic screwdriver. And if it's good at one thing, it's resonating concrete." He flips it in one hand before activating it, causing vibrations to ripple through the mortar.

Shaun interjects, "That's not concrete. That's mortar." Donna, in her familiarly exasperated tone, sighs and quips, "Thank you, Bob the Builder."

With a determined push, you and the Doctor dislodge the bricks, prompting them to cascade down. Donna crouches beside the Doctor, complimenting, "Skinny minnie, you're not bad."

The Doctor grins at Donna, "You think?"

However, Sylvia intervenes, frowning as she guides Donna aside, firmly asserting, "No, she doesn't. Now move."

"Come on. Five houses down," the Doctor grunts, effortlessly moving aside a box brimming with Christmas decorations. He takes the lead, guiding the family through the interconnected attics.

Traversing through these loft spaces, you witness the chaotic scene unfolding outside, with laser beams and gunshots punctuating the air. Explosions resonate in the distance as you navigate the makeshift route, carefully descending a staircase. Along the way, you stealthily pass by someone deeply immersed in sleep on a couch, oblivious to the turmoil around them.

Upon reaching a door, the Doctor jostles it open, revealing a view of the black cab parked a few meters away. Amidst the cacophony of gunfire and distant shouts, the Doctor extends his hand and requests, "Can I have the keys?" Shaun promptly hands them over.

As the Wrath Warriors advance with their menacing backs turned, the Doctor swiftly swings the door open, directing the family and the Meep into the sanctuary of the black cab. Positioned in the passenger seat, you observe the Doctor deftly using his fingers to check the pulse of a fallen UNIT soldier. Abruptly, a Wrath Warrior pivots, growling, "Meep located. Stop the Meep!"

Evading blaster fire with nimble agility, the Doctor slips into the driver's seat, swiftly igniting the engine and propelling the cab into motion. The Meep whimpers, "Help! Save the Meep!"

As the Doctor skillfully navigates away, Donna exclaims, "Oh my God!" Shaun pivots within the cab, jubilantly stating, "You did it!" Meanwhile, Rose chimes in, "We're alive," and Sylvia expresses gratitude, "Thank you."

"Meep, meep."

While the Doctor keeps a vigilant eye on the side mirrors during the escape, there's a discernible shift in his tone, "Either we've escaped, or we've got things very, very wrong."

UNDERGROUND PARKING GARAGE, LONDON – EVENING, 2023

The Doctor skillfully maneuvers the cab, smoothly parking it in an underground garage. A contemplative furrow graces his forehead as he steps out of the vehicle. With an attentive courtesy, he opens the passenger door, gesturing for you to alight from the cab. Simultaneously, he opens the back passenger door, facilitating the exit of the Meep.

The Doctor deftly extracts a barrister's wig from the depths of his coat, perching it atop his head with an air of theatrical flair. Meanwhile, the Meep positions itself purposefully in front of the cab. In a tone of authoritative declaration, the Doctor announces, "This court is now in session."

With a swift motion, he retrieves his trusty sonic screwdriver, and it emits a distinctive whiz as he proclaims, "Intercept teleport!"

The Meep emits a piercing shriek, swiftly retreating a few meters behind you and the Doctor. Donna, emerging from the cab, questions, "What the hell are you doing?" The Doctor, with an authoritative air, responds, "Silence in the court."

In the blink of an eye, two Wrath Warriors materialize just across from you and the Doctor. You stand there, massaging your face with your hand, as he adopts a menacing tone and declares, "I’m invoking Shadow Proclamation protocols 15, P, and 6. Under my jurisdiction, there will be no violence until such time I deem it fit and proper. Is that understood?"

The Wrath Warriors nod in compliance, dutifully stowing away their weapons to their sides. The Doctor, brandishing his sonic, gestures towards the taxi, asserting, “Now, exhibit A. The taxi. No scorch marks. Donna, can you confirm?” Donna swivels around, inspecting the taxi behind her, and nods, “Um. Yes, no, nothing.”

You arch your eyebrows, interjecting, “We were hit by plasma bolts, but there isn’t a mark.” The Doctor affectionately kisses your forehead, remarking, “Clever girl.” You duck your head, feeling a slight warmth in your chest and cheeks. He proceeds, “And that soldier in the street. He was unconscious, not dead.” Pointing at the Wrath Warriors' guns with his sonic screwdriver, he continues, “Exhibit B. Those guns are stun guns. Is that correct?”

The right Wrath Warrior nods, “The guns apply a mild and harmless neural anesthetic. For the record, my name is Sergeant Zogroth.” The left Wrath Warrior adds on and says, “And I am Constable Zreeg.”

The Meep interjects from behind you, its large ears folding to the side, “But the evil Wrath Warriors want to kill the Meep.”

“The only ones out to kill were the soldiers with the swirling eyes,” the Doctor asserts, gesturing in a circular motion with his sonic, his eyes widening to emphasize his point. “Were they coming to hurt you, the Meep? Or save you?” The Doctor eyes the furry creature suspiciously.

“If I may speak,” Sergeant Zogroth says, and the Doctor promptly replies, “Address the court.”

“The story of the Meep is a tragic tale. Their planet basked in the light of a living sun. Until one terrible day, the sun went mad,” Sergeant Zogroth began, his voice laden with the weight of the narrative. Constable Zreeg chimed in, “A psychedelic sun.”

Sergeant Zogroth continued, “Its radiation mutated all of Meepkind into cruel beasts who live for conquest.”

The Doctor's face lights up with realization, "The eyes. That's solar psychedelia." Sergeant Zogroth adds, “It renders them as maniacs.”

“The Meep army captured the Galactic Council, beheaded them, and ate them,” Constable Zreeg revealed, sending shivers down your spine. You and the Doctor exchange a grimace at the horrifying revelation. “The Wrath Warriors were summoned. And we fought across the stars, a long and awful battle,” Sergeant Zogroth continued with a somber tone.

“Meepkind died rather than surrender. And now, only this one survives. Their leader, the most cruel and despicable of all,” he added, pointing to the Meep, who responded with a plaintive, “Meep, meep.”

The Doctor, adopting a composed stance, interjects, “Now. Let’s be fair. It’s your turn, the Meep. Witness for the defense. So, what do you say?” The Doctor crosses his arms, and you observe as the Meep's innocent visage transforms into something more sinister and monstrous.

The Meep's sharp teeth are bared as it growls defiantly, "Oh, to hell with this!" With a swift motion, it brandishes a weapon, declaring, "Exhibit C!" The Meep takes aim and fires, bringing down the two Wrath Warriors, their bodies collapsing to the ground. You, the Doctor, and Donna quickly rush to the fallen foes. The Doctor, during the action, removes his barrister wig. The Meep, in a sinister tone, adds, "No stun guns for me! Just die!"

Shaun leaps out of the cab, urgently shouting, "Donna! Donna, don't!" Despite his plea, Donna remains fixated on the fallen warriors, her concern evident. You find yourself beside the Doctor on the ground as the Meep triumphantly declares, "And here they come! My soldiers of the psychedelic sun!"

Suddenly, a convoy of UNIT vehicles arrives, accompanied by soldiers with their distinctive headgear, forming a protective perimeter around all of you. Their authoritative voices ring out, "Obey the Meep!"

Donna, her maternal instincts flaring, turns to Shaun and passionately commands, "Get out! Get Rose out!"

Shaun swiftly maneuvers to the driver’s seat while Rose and Sylvia settle back in the taxi. However, the UNIT soldiers, now under the control of the Meep, have you all surrounded with no clear escape.

“I don’t need to pretend, for I am the Beep of all the Meeps,” the Meep declares, grinning menacingly with its sharp teeth.

Sergeant Zogroth emits a final groan, his parting words being, “Sergeant Zogroth regrets retirement from active duty.” His eyes dim, and his body goes limp. Donna, disgusted, confronts the Meep, saying, “I was right. You are a monster.”

The Meep revels in Donna’s anger, taunting, “And you believed every word I said. You stupid woman! With your weird child!”

Donna, ready to confront the Meep for insulting her daughter, stands defiantly, retorting, “Oh, don’t you dare!”

The Meep, relishing the confrontation, points its weapon at Donna, threatening, “Oh, I dare!”

You quickly rise, positioning yourself in front of Donna, raising your hands in a protective stance. Simultaneously, the Doctor moves across the floor on his knees, hands raised, pleading, “No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! But— Last-minute evidence! Me.”

He emphatically points to himself and exclaims, “Why are there two more two-hearted species on this planet? Unless we are part of a strategy by the Wrath Warriors to outfox you? If you kill me and her and fail to take this family hostage, you’ll never find out, will you?”

The Meep hums, then commands the soldiers, “Bring them!”

The Doctor stands animatedly, “Good! Now, look, I can suggest a much better way off this planet than a double-bladed dagger drive. ‘Cause that thing is gonna—”

His sentence remains unfinished as he is abruptly knocked out by a UNIT soldier. The Meep cackles triumphantly as the rest of you are ushered into the back of a truck, alongside the unconscious Doctor.

On the truck's floor, the Doctor lay with his head resting on your lap, his unconscious form a testament to the challenges you faced. Your fingers moved soothingly through his untamed, spikey hair, offering a quiet comfort amid the tension.

Donna observed the scene, her curiosity getting the better of her. "How long have you two been together?" she inquired, attempting to place where she might have encountered you before.

"A good number of years," you replied, choosing to keep the more intricate details to yourself, considering the Doctor's timeless nature.

Rose, equally intrigued, posed another question, "Are you two married?"

A snort escaped you. "Nope. I don't think he wants that with me if I'm being honest."

“Why?” Rose pressed on.

Your gaze drifted, and you sniffed softly. "I’m all sorts of wrong for him. And sometimes, it scares me. The emptiness I see in my eyes,” you admitted, vulnerability seeping into your words. Your eyes lingered on the Doctor as you continued, “The Doctor is brilliant. He is truly brilliant. After all he’s been through... he deserves everything good and more… more than me.”

As your confession lingered in the air, the Doctor began to stir awake, bringing a momentary hush to the truck. His eyes fluttered open, and a low groan escaped him as he gradually sat up, settling next to you.

Donna eyed the Doctor with suspicion, her narrowed gaze fixed on him. "Who are you?" she questioned, her tone demanding answers.

The Doctor, still feeling the effects of his earlier unconsciousness, touched the back of his head with a wince. "I’m just passing by," he nervously replied, attempting to deflect her inquiries.

Undeterred, Donna redirected her attention to her mother, Sylvia, and pressed on, "Do you know him?" Sylvia, in an attempt to conceal any familiarity, shook her head, responding, "No."

Donna, frustrated and puzzled, continued, "You act like you know him. Ever since he arrived, it’s like—" She heaved a heavy sigh, abruptly halting her train of thought. "I’m so stupid!" she declared, voicing her self-reproach.

Shaun quickly reassured his wife, "No. No, you’re not."

Donna shook her head, lost in contemplation. "We could be living somewhere far away from here. Monte Carlo. Switzerland." She then turned to her daughter Rose, who sat beside her. "And you— And you’d be safe, Rose." Donna pulled Rose into a comforting side hug. "It’s all my fault. Gave away that lottery money."

The Doctor, unable to resist his curiosity, interjected, "Why?"

Donna shot him a glare. "Because. There are places out there where people are in danger. And in pain. And fear. And I could help. Just felt the sort of thing he would do." Her words hung in the air, revealing a sense of duty and compassion that drove her actions.

Abruptly, the truck jolts to a stop, resulting in the Doctor colliding with one of the crates, eliciting a pained groan. You swiftly move to assist him. The truck door swings open, and a stern voice commands, "Out!"

MILLSON WAGNER STEELWORKS 

NORTH LONDON, – EVENING, DECEMBER 2023

The UNIT soldiers briskly led you towards the heart of the steelworks, where the Meep's spaceship had strategically landed.

"It didn't choose the steelworks by accident. It came here to be mended," the Doctor remarked as the group neared the spacecraft. The Meep made a grand entrance, seated on a makeshift throne of steel carried by a procession of UNIT soldiers. With its menacing teeth and booming voice, it declared, "Hail to the Meep!"

A hypnotic chant echoed through the steelworks as multiple officers joined in unison, "Hail to the Meep. Hail to the Most High. Hail to the Meep. Hail to the Most High."

"Human scum, behold my vessel to the stars! Far beyond your tiny, grasping minds," Beep the Meep declares with an air of arrogance. You respond with an eye roll of annoyance, and the Doctor shakes his head while humorously interjecting, "I name this ship the Delusions of Grandeur."

Beep the Meep growls in protest, "Meep."

"You can't fire those engines. Not from here. A dagger drive gets its energy by stabbing down. It would extract, ooh, five square miles? The whole of London town burnt as fuel," the Doctor explains, his tone serious and concerned.

Rose, wearing a frown, adds, "But that's nine million people."

"A great day for Meepkind. And the start of a new reign of terror as the Meep return to the stars for revenge. And feasting. Now, activate the initializers," the Meep commands, its voice dripping with malevolence.

A disciplined UNIT soldier swiftly responds, "Initializers activated."

The low hum of the spaceship's engines reverberates through the steelworks as the Meep grins with an evil glint in its eyes, proclaiming, "Brandish the gravity stanchions."

"Gravity stanchions brandished," announces a focused UNIT soldier as the prongs of the spacecraft forcefully dig into the ground.

"Calibrate the flight deck," the Meep commands with a sense of authority, intensifying the tension in the air.

A disciplined UNIT member announces, "Flight deck calibrated."

The Meep, perched on its steel throne, commands, "Take the prisoners on board! Then I’ll decide which one to eat first. Hail to Meep!"

The rhythmic chant of the hypnotized UNIT soldiers fills the air, "Hail to the Most High! Hail to the Meep!" while the Meep indulges in a sinister cackle, reveling in its delusions of grandeur.

The liftgate slams shut, transporting you to a different floor. Thoughts of subduing the UNIT guards swirl in your mind as the lift grinds to a halt. As the gate creaks open, Shirley appears, wearing a mischievous grin. "Evening, boys."

With swift precision, she activates a concealed device beneath her wheelchair, firing two darts at each soldier. The tranquilizers swiftly take effect, rendering the guards unconscious.

"You've got weapons in your wheelchair," the Doctor exclaims, eyeing Shirley with a mixture of surprise and admiration. She glances back at him, a knowing look in her eyes, and responds, "We all have. You've got your girl to thank for that. Come on." With a nod, she leads the way, wheeling herself confidently through the complex.

"Right. You lot, the family, you can get out through that door," Shirley says, gesturing towards the exit on the right. She then turns her attention to you and the Doctor, her tone more serious, "You need to get to the engine control. But the port side’s guarded, and there's no way around it."

A quick exchange of glances between you and the Doctor precedes his question to Shirley, "So what do we do?"

With a confident smirk, Shirley retorts, "I don’t just fire darts, mate." She spins her wheelchair around, revealing hidden capabilities. With the push of a button, two missiles activate and blast through the wall, creating a makeshift path forward. The unexpected firepower leaves you and the Doctor momentarily impressed.

Shirley swiftly directs the family, "You lot run. I’ll fight them off at the lift."

The Doctor tightens his grip on your hand, leading you through the large breach in the wall. The chaotic, metallic environment of the spaceship's bridge unfolds before you. With his trusty sonic screwdriver, the Doctor deftly manipulates the controls, unlocking the gate to the engine control room. As the door creaks open, the two of you step inside, ready to stop the ship from taking off.

The Doctor removes his coat and hangs it on one of the pillars as the ship's system voice declares, “Dagger drive systems initializing.”

In a sudden burst of energy, Donna enters the control room panting, "That's enough… running. Blimey."

The system voice abruptly announces, “Chamber deadlocked.” Panic sets in as the only exit seals shut, leaving the Doctor frustrated. He slams his hands on the door, exclaiming, “No, no, no, no! I told you to go—just don’t!”

Frantically, he moves about the room, urging, “No time. I’ve got this. We’ve got it. We’ve got it. You stay there. Don’t move, Donna!”

The Doctor and you scramble around, pressing buttons and flicking switches, racing against time as the system voice declares, “Star launch in five minutes.”

Climbing up one of the pillars, the Doctor instructs you while you squat on the other side to manipulate hidden switches. Suddenly, the system announces, “Deadlock sealed.” A flicker of discomfort courses through both of you as the ship's mechanisms react.

“It’s been deadlocked,” you groan, and Donna questions, “What’s that mean?” 

The Doctor replies swiftly, “It means, we can do it by hand.”

You move to the far end of the ship, and the system voice chimes in again, “Maxifold bisecting.” A glass pane wall starts dividing the room, separating you from the Doctor and Donna. “You can stay on that side Doctor, I—” But then the Doctor rolls under the glass just before it seals, protesting, “Oh. No, no, no, no!”

“Double dagger drive installed and initiated.”

You can feel your eye twitch as you look at the Doctor standing next to you. “Okay, okay. Okay, we can do it with half the room. That’s fine.” The Doctor tries to reassure himself and you look at him wondering why he had to end up on your side of the room.

“Let me help.” Donna insists and the Doctor is quick to disagree, “No! You can’t get involved.”

Donna looks at the Doctor with a glare, challenging him and the Doctor tries to steady his resolve, “You can’t!”

It's then your turn to shoot him a pointed look. The Doctor groans and pants in frustration before finally surrendering. He instructs Donna, "Switches, the top ones, the blue ones, flick them all down."

Donna diligently follows his directions, swiftly flicking the switches down, while you navigate to a different section of your side of the room to spin a dial a few times. Despite your efforts, it proves futile, and you slump down in disappointment. The Doctor, leaning defeatedly on a pillar, somberly admits, "We've run out of time."

“Ignition in 230.”

The Doctor sighs with a heavy burden on his shoulders as he confides in Donna, "If there was anything else I could do, but there's one thing left."

"Well— Well, then do it," Donna urges, her tone laced with desperation. The Doctor, however, looks down in shame, prompting Donna to insist, "Hurry up and do it! What are you waiting for?"

Pushing himself off the pillar, the Doctor strides over to the glass partition separating Donna from the two of you. "I think… all that coincidence was heading here to save London from burning. 'Cause the three of us can stop this ship. Together."

Donna gasps in realization, "Oh."

As you rise and move towards the glass, locking eyes with Donna, you declare, "But it will kill you."

Donna sharply inhales, and responds easily, “Okay.”

The Doctor’s voice cracks as he says, “You’ll die.”

Donna's lower lip trembles, her eyes reflecting the imminent crisis, as she says, "My daughter is down there."

"Ignition in 180."

Tears well up in Donna's eyes, and her voice stammers with fear, "And it's not just Rose. It's nine million people. Who cares about me?"

The Doctor responds swiftly, his urgency palpable, "I do. We both do."

Donna takes a deep breath, mustering courage, and asks, "But why?" She pauses, gathering her thoughts, and continues, "I'm just no one."

The Doctor's expression shifts to one of anger, his eyebrows furrowing as he yells, "No, you are not!"

He takes a few steps back, the weight of the situation evident in his sob and scream, "Why does it have to be this?"

"Entering the final sequence."

The Doctor looks at Donna with a somber gaze, defeated, as he utters the words that trigger Donna's memories, "Westerly. Pelican. Dreams."

Donna is desperate as she says, "I don't— Look, I don't care what it is. All right. Just— just go on and do it, will you?"

"Ignition in 150."

"Tornado. Clifftops. Andante," the Doctor says.

"Get on with it!" Donna shouts.

The Doctor continues, "Grief. Fingerprint. Susurration."

Donna's eyes light up as she begins to remember her adventures, "Oh."

The Doctor and Donna utter the last few words in unison, "Sparrow. Dance. Mexico. Binary. Binary. Binary."

A golden glow emanates from Donna, the metacrisis shimmering through as she regains her memories once more. You and the Doctor press your palms against the glass, witnessing her transformative moment.

"Ignition in 100."

As the glow dissipates, the Doctor anxiously asks, "Are you alright?"

"Ignition in 90."

Donna pants, sighs, and sweeps her bangs away from her eyes as she glares at the Doctor. Inhaling deeply, she says, "I gave away my money."

"Ignition in 75."

The Doctor looks at her, puzzled, "Right, but—"

Donna, expressing a mix of frustration and anger, interrupts, "I gave away all my money. And do you know why, Doctor? I gave it away to be like you. So I could be kind. So I could be nice. So I could be helpful— I—"

Donna releases a frustrated growl as the system voice continues, "Ignition in one minute."

Moving her face closer to the glass panel, Donna continues, "I had a subconscious, infracutaneous, retrofold memory loop making me act as soft as you and give away 166 million pounds!"

"Ignition in 50."

The Doctor, wide-eyed, nods in agreement but attempts to refocus on the urgent matter, "Yes, Donna, but— Destruction of London?"

"Oh, I'll show you destruction, mate," Donna declares, intertwining her fingers before flexing them to crack her knuckles.

"Ignition in 40."

You and the Doctor observe in awe as Donna moves around the control panel with ease. "I'll triple-drive the particle manifesto, overstep the umbilical feed, vindicate the cyberline, and roast the hyperfeeds! Like this!" Donna exclaims, spinning the dial on the lower left of her.

The Doctor navigates about half of the room, deftly flicking switches while instructing, "Maximise the stressfold links!"

"Channel up the booster drive!" Donna commands, pressing a few buttons.

"Inculcate the plexidrones!" You chime in, flicking a few more switches.

"And shatterfry the positrons! Oh yes!" Donna exclaims.

"Twenty, nineteen..."

Donna interrupts, asking, "How long have I got to live?" as she switches off a few controls.

"...sixteen, fifteen..."

All three of you simultaneously answer, "Fifty-five seconds."

"Thirteen, twelve, eleven..."

"The best fifty-five seconds of my life!" Donna exclaims.

"Seven, six, five, four..."

"Because I get to do this!" Donna proudly announces, turning around and simultaneously flicking off several switches.

"Three, two— Ignition halted."

You three watch as the panel flies off the wall; the countdown has stopped, and Donna proudly states, "Donna Noble is descending."

"Ignition reverse. Ignition reverse."

"It’s working!" The Doctor's voice resonates with exhilaration as the tangible effects of the reversed dagger drive unfold before your eyes.

However, your joy is cut short when you notice Donna beginning to falter. Panic sets in, and you urgently cry out, "No. No, no, no, no, no, no, no!"

Swiftly, both you and the Doctor move in unison to catch Donna as she descends, cradling her fragile form in your arms. Donna sighs, her expression reflecting a mix of exhaustion and relief. The Doctor reassures her, "We did it. She’s fine. She’s safe. You saved her."

Donna smiles weakly, and you add, "You saved them all."

In a moment of introspection, Donna questions, "Why did this face come back?" She turns her gaze towards the Doctor, who responds with a sigh, "I don’t know."

"To say goodbye," Donna asserts with a soft smile. She then shifts her attention to you, saying, "Oh, the Stargazer. I’ve missed you."

"I’ve missed you too, Donna, every day," you confess, and the Doctor emits a thoughtful hum.

"Good fun, though," Donna remarks, her chuckles mingling with yours and the Doctor's. The lighthearted moment takes an abrupt turn as Donna's eyes flutter closed, her entire being going limp in the arms of her two closest companions.

A collective sob escapes from you and the Doctor as you sit there, cradling your best friend, a bittersweet mixture of victory and loss filling the air.

Abruptly, the door to the engine control room opens, revealing a cadre of UNIT soldiers with swirling, hypnotized eyes. The air tightens with tension as one of them declares, "We have orders to kill you."

Undeterred, the Doctor retorts defiantly, "Do what you want. This ship isn't going anywhere. You were beaten. By the DoctorDonna." The soldiers, rifles at the ready, cast ominous shadows in the confined space. You resign yourself to the impending threat, feeling the Doctor's protective instinct as he positions himself to shield you.

In a surprising turn, the psychedelic light emitted from the soldiers' eyes screeches and hisses, dissipating into nothingness. Bewilderment echoes through the room, and you join the Doctor in uttering a perplexed, "What?"

Even one of the soldiers can't help but question, "What?"

Donna, roused from her unconscious state, adds her own disoriented, "What?"

The Doctor, his voice tinged with disbelief, softly utters, "You're not dead."

A collective sense of confusion lingers, and Donna, now fully awake, queries, "But how?" as she steadies herself.

After a brief pause, Rose's voice resonates through the intercom, "Can you hear me? Mum? Doctor? Star? I think it's safe for you to come down now."

Donna responds, perplexed, "Rose?"

The Doctor's eyes widen with a sudden epiphany, "Too much power for one person, but you had a child, and the metacrisis passed down. A shared inheritance."

Donna grins, “It was always there. Shining out of her.”

“And she chose her own name,” the Doctor adds.

“Oh, the shed! The shed was her memory of the TARDIS. The toys! Every creature we met, she remembered as a toy,” Donna says with a glint in her eye.

You gape, suddenly realizing, “We are binary.”

“She’s not. Because the Doctor’s—”

The Doctor interjects, “Male.”

“And female,” Donna finishes.

"And neither. And more," Rose says, her voice carrying a warm smile through the intercom.

Donna rushes down the stairs, her steps echoing in the cavernous steelworks. Rose meets her halfway, and they share an emotional hug, Shaun joining in the embrace.

You and the Doctor follow suit, descending rapidly to the ground floor. Sylvia awaits, and as you approach, the Doctor wraps her in a jubilant hug. He inquires, “Happy now?”

Sylvia responds with a radiant smile, "My father would be impressed. I have no higher compliment." Laughter of triumph fills the air as you and the Doctor proceed to the nearby control center.

Shirley deftly maneuvers her wheelchair towards you and the Doctor, offering her unique perspective. She addresses the Doctor with a sly grin, “There’s a word for you, Doctor. And that word is jammy.”

The Doctor responds with infectious enthusiasm, “Jam on toast.” He decisively slams a button, activating the intercom. With authority, he speaks into the microphone, “Calling the Meep.”

The Meep's defiant voice crackles through the speakers, “You forget I still have my ship. And if I have to explode the engines and rupture this world and damn us all to hell, then I will!” A shared glance between you and the Doctor follows, and he graciously hands you the task of flicking the crucial switch.

With a resounding click, the Meep’s cockpit is ejected into the sky, accompanied by the unmistakable sound of the Meep's distressed shrieks. You and the Doctor gaze upward, drawn into the spectacle unfolding against the canvas of the vast night sky.

“There you go.” The Doctor points with a wry smile, observing the Meep’s cockpit deploying a parachute against the cosmic backdrop.

You feel the Doctor's reassuring grip on your waist as he pulls you into his side. Together, you look up, transfixed by the celestial display. The stars twinkle above, and in that moment, you choose to hope and believe that nothing universe-ending has transpired yet.

As the sun ascends on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the scene, the Wrath Warriors stand sternly with the imprisoned Meep, forming an uneasy tableau. You step forward, addressing them with a heavy heart, "Sergeant Zogroth and Constable Zreeg gave their lives, alongside many Earth soldiers."

The Wrath Warrior, resolute in the face of the aftermath, declares, "Their names will be included in the litany of crimes as the Meep atones in prison for 10,000 years." The Meep, defiant in defeat, mutters, "Oh, I will escape and have my revenge. So you beware, Doctor and Stargazer, because there’s one more thing."

With a determined stride, the Doctor moves closer, inquiring, "Which is?"

“A creature with two hearts is such a rare thing. And to have two of your kind here… Just wait till I tell the boss,” the Meep retorts, an ominous promise lingering in the air. The Wrath Warriors and the Meep vanish in a teleportation, leaving a sobering aftermath beneath the morning sun.

The Doctor, caught in contemplation, mumbles under his breath, "Cryptic. I hate that." He takes a deep breath, turning his attention to Donna and Rose with a sense of urgency, "But… we’ve still gotta fix you two. ‘Cause the metacrisis might have slowed down, but that thing is wrapped around your cortex."

Donna, with an eye roll and a knowing nod, quips, “Yes, we know.”

Rose adds confidently, “We know everything, thanks.”

Donna, in her typical nonchalant manner, shrugs, “And you know nothing. It’s a shame you’re not a woman anymore. ‘Cause she’d have understood.”

Rose, crossing her arms, asserts with confidence, “You’ve got all that power, but there is a way to get rid of it. Something a male-presenting Time Lord will never understand.”

Donna, ever pragmatic, advises, “Just let it go.”

The unity between mother and daughter becomes evident as Rose takes Donna’s hand, and together, they release the accumulated metacrisis energy. Shaun interjects with a grin, “Like I said, mate, how lucky am I?”

Rose, with a joyous laugh, concludes, “After all these years, I’m… finally me.”

CAMDEN MARKET, LONDON — MORNING, 2023

Shaun skillfully navigates the vehicle, bringing the group back to Camden Market in London. Earlier, you had informed Shirley about the intention to bid farewell to the Doctor and Donna before returning to headquarters. Shirley responded with a nonchalant, "Sure..." accompanied by a discerning look, rolling away from you in her wheelchair.

The Doctor maintains his characteristic chattiness as he informs Donna, "And UNIT has a splendid insurance policy for damage caused during an alien war. While they sort that out..." Approaching the iconic tall blue police box, the TARDIS, the Doctor gestures towards it, saying, "One last trip?"

"Uh, don’t you dare," Sylvie interjects with a pointed look. Donna, casting puppy eyes at both you and the Doctor, laments, “Do you know, I would love to.” She then takes a sharp inhale, sighs, and adds, “But… I have got adventures of my own, bringing up this one.” Donna points her thumb towards Rose.

“Can I see inside?” Rose asks the Doctor curiously, taking a step toward the TARDIS. Donna, however, swiftly moves her away, cautioning, “No. No! No. No.”

Rose sighs, and Donna playfully waves her finger, “No. Because summat will go wrong, and you’ll end up on Mars with Chaucer and a robot shark. And that’s actually happened, hasn’t it.”

The Doctor gives a sheepish, “Oh, yeah.”

“But I was thinking, we could go and see Wilf?” The Doctor suggests to you and Donna.

Donna then says, “Now that is cheating.”

The Doctor pouts, “Just a suggestion.”

“I mean it, don’t you dare.” Sylvie says, and Donna sighs, “But imagine his face, Mum. Oh, he would be so happy. All those secrets Grandad kept for years. He— He thought I’d never remember. And to see the Doctor. One last time.”

The Doctor and Donna make a puppy face to you and Sylvie, urging you to join them. Sylvie relents and gives in, “Oh, all right. But one trip. That’s all. Just one.”

The Doctor turns to unlock the door with his key while Donna laughs with glee, “One tiny, little trip. That is a promise.”

Donna turns to you and the Doctor and gasps in excitement, “It’s like the old days. Just me, the Doctor, and the Stargazer. Together.” She then turns to her family, “Is that all right?”

“Yeah, of course it is,” Shaun says confidently with a huge smile.

“Well, a lot of husbands would worry. You know, me, in a box, with another man.” Donna jokes, and Shaun shrugs and shakes his head, “Yeah. But not him.”

The Doctor looks somewhat offended, but then Donna shoos him to go inside, “Come on, space man.”

In the quiet aftermath, with Donna entering the TARDIS, the Doctor notices the unsure expression on your face. He whispers to Donna to go ahead, and she complies, leaving the two of you alone, behind the TARDIS, sheltered from prying eyes.

With a gentle gesture, he wraps an arm around your waist, pulling you closer. He cups your face with both hands, his smile revealing dimples that carry the weight of countless adventures. “The stars haven’t gone out.”

Your raised brows betray a hint of skepticism, “Yet…”

The Doctor locks eyes with you, his deep dark brown orbs conveying understanding. As tears well up in your eyes, you break the silence, your voice a fragile whisper, “You have no idea how bad it gets. How scared I am that all of this is temporary and I lose you… and I can’t have you.”

“Hey. Hey, hey. None of that,” he reassures, his gaze unwavering. “So far, everything has been leading me back to you. And when the time comes to face it… we’ll fix it… together. I can’t lose you again. Not ever again.”

His words linger in the air, a vow shaped by the quiet resilience of a Time Lord who has navigated countless challenges across time and space. You respond with a nod, sealing the unspoken pact, and tenderly kiss his wrists. In return, he draws you closer, planting a gentle kiss on the top of your head.

“When this is all over,” he declares, “we’re getting married.”

“What?” you screech, caught off guard by the unexpected revelation.

“We've waited this long. I’m not spending the rest of my how many years without you,” the Doctor insists, his eyes earnest.

“Is this a proposal?” you inquire, a mixture of surprise and delight in your voice.

“If you want,” he smirks, playfully nonchalant.

On tiptoe, you reach up to kiss the tip of his nose, a tender acknowledgment, “We'll see.” The promise of an unwritten future hangs in the air, held by the shared understanding that time and space will unfold their stories together.

THE TARDIS

The Doctor guides you inside the TARDIS and closes the door behind him and both of you are in awe of the major changes of the entire TARDIS. Huge curved white walls with round circles that glow with lights and many ramps that lead to different corridors.

The Doctor hangs his coat on one of the railings as he grins and laughs, “Whoa!” He begins to run around all the ramps with the energy of a little kid as he shouts, “This is amazing!”

“It changed! Oh, you clever thing! Look at that!” The Doctor laughs as he finishes his lap around the new interior of the TARDIS. He runs over to the console and smiles, “It’s got this!”

He pushes a lever forward, and the lights within the TARDIS shift to a vibrant orange, casting a warm glow. Your gaze is drawn upward in awe as the ambient hum of the time machine resonates around you. Running your fingers along the railings, you can feel the TARDIS responding, and you affectionately murmur, “Hello, sweet thing. I missed you too.”

Amid the luminous atmosphere, the Doctor darts around the console, engaging with switches and buttons on the refurbished device. Donna, observing the transformation, remarks, “It’s still a bit nippy.”

The Doctor protests, “Oh, come on!”

Undeterred, Donna concedes with a grin, “All right…” Her expression changes as she admires the surroundings, “It’s gorgeous!” Laughter bubbles up from both Donna and the Doctor, who joins in the jubilation, bouncing excitedly.

“It’s cleaner. And it’s grown,” Donna observes, her laughter echoing through the TARDIS.

Making your way to the console, you overhear Donna questioning the Doctor, “But I— I still don’t get it. I mean, the TARDIS can change all right. But what about your face? Why did it come back?”

“Does there have to be a reason?” the Doctor muses, and Donna, with a snort, retorts, “In your life? Yes!”

With a nonchalant shrug, the Doctor remarks, “Well, I’m stuck with it now.” He continues exploring the console, fidgeting with excitement, and comments, “Oh, this thing is brilliant. It’s even got a coffee machine!” Glancing at you and Donna, he inquires, “You want one?”

You shake your head, “No, thank you, darling.”

“You’re kidding,” Donna says with wide eyes.

“With cold milk, yeah?” The Doctor deftly presses a few buttons, and Donna, smiling, says, “Well remembered.” To your delight, a white cup materializes with coffee and cold milk.

He carefully hands the cup of coffee to Donna who says, “Thank you very much. Careful. It’s how I lost my job. Dropped a coffee in the computer.”

To which the Doctor just hums and moves to flick a few more switches around the console as you lean on a railing, to listen to him say, “I really do remember, though. Every second with you. I’m so glad you’re back ‘cause it killed me, Donna.” The Doctor clicks another switch as he continues on, “It killed me, it killed me, it killed me.”

"We can have more days, can’t we?" Donna inquires, her tone laced with a mix of hope and curiosity. Her eyes reflect a desire for a future filled with shared moments. Continuing with optimism, she suggests, "I mean, why is it such a big goodbye with you? Why is it one last trip? ‘Cause you could visit. With my family."

The Doctor, absorbed in examining a screw, listens attentively as Donna paints a vivid picture of ordinary yet precious moments. "We could do outrageous things, like have tea, dinner, and a laugh! And Rose’s school play. Well, maybe not that. She can’t act. She’s terrible. I don’t know how to tell her. But the point is, you’ve been given a second chance. You can do things differently this time."

Encouraging him to embrace change, Donna suggests, "So why don’t you do something completely new and have some friends?"

The Doctor contemplates the idea, responding with a hesitant "Maybe. Yeah." Donna chuckles, savoring the simplicity of their current moment. "Mmm. Like now," she remarks, lifting her cup as if to toast. "Here we are. Having a coffee."

Before the Doctor can respond, Donna's accidental spillage disrupts the calm, eliciting a gasp from her. "What’s gonna go wrong—" Her sentence is abruptly cut off as the spilled coffee interacts with the TARDIS console, resulting in sparks and flames.

With urgency, Donna questions, "What’s happening?" The Doctor, swift in his actions, ushers both you and Donna away from the unfolding chaos. The TARDIS groans and whines as its engines protest, and the cloister bell rings ominously in the background.

"We could end up anywhere in time and space," the Doctor confesses, a tinge of uncertainty in his voice. As the atmosphere fills with anticipation, you brace yourself, thinking, "Here we go again."

TAGLIST:

[jackles010378]

Regarding Y/n

What if it was you that got hit with the memory loss spell instead of dean? Dean and Sam try everything to cure you....

(Dean winchester x y/n)

In the quiet town of Lebanon, Dean and Sam, were grappling with a challenge unlike any other they had faced before. It began when y/n Dean's girlfriend jumped in front of him to shield him and accidentally became the victim of a powerful memory loss spell.

Dean paced back and forth in the bunker, his heart heavy with concern "I frickin hate witches" he yelled. He couldn't bear the thought of y/n forgetting him and the time they had spent together. She was the love of his life, and the idea of being a stranger to her was tearing him apart.

Desperate for a solution, Dean picked up his phone and dialed Rowena's number. The powerful witch, usually a source of knowledge and assistance, was the only hope he had left. But to his dismay, Rowena informed him that she had encountered this particular spell only once before and had been unable to find an antidote.

Left with no other choice, Dean set off on a mission to locate the witch responsible for casting the memory loss spell. Sam stood by his side, ready to help his brother however he could. He didn't want to leave y/n on her own so he phoned Jody and Donna, both women dropping everything to come be with y/n, the women that once saved their lives. Dean knew it would be a treacherous journey, fraught with danger and uncertainty.

Their first lead led them to a small town on the outskirts of Kansas. The locals spoke of a mysterious woman who had recently arrived and possessed unique magical abilities. Dean and Sam tracked her down and demanded answers.

The witch, Lilya, revealed that she had cast the spell under the command of a rogue coven, seeking to eliminate any traces of supernatural interference in their lives. The coven had brainwashed her, exploiting her powers for their nefarious purposes.

Determined to help y/n restore her memories, Dean and Sam convinced Lilya to guide them to the coven's hideout. They ventured into the heart of the forest, where dark magic permeated the air. The brothers had faced countless supernatural threats in the past, but this felt different. This time, their objective was not to destroy evil, but to save their loved one.

As they delved deeper into the hidden lair, Dean and Sam encountered a series of increasingly complex traps and spells meant to deter intruders. But nothing could stop their unwavering resolve. They fought through every obstacle, leaving no stone unturned.

Finally, they reached the inner sanctum, where the coven gathered to harness their powers. A battle ensued, the sound of spells reverberating through the room. Dean fought with all his might, his motivation fueled by the love he harbored for y/n.

In the midst of the chaos, Sam managed to find the original witch, the one responsible for casting the memory loss spell. Power crackled in her fingertips as she prepared to attack. But Sam, quicker than lightning, intercepted her, overpowering her with sheer determination.

With the threat eliminated, Dean rushed back to y/n, trembling with anticipation. He held his breath as he recited the reversal incantation he had discovered during the fight. And as the words left his lips, a surge of energy enveloped y/n, her eyes widening with recognition. After the spell she passed out. Sam Jody and Donna looked on, panic set in their faces. Dean picked her up off the sofa and carried her to their bedroom. He lay her gently on the bed fearing the worst.

A few days had passed and Dean was getting worried, but then she whispered his name as her eyes fluttered open, "Dean." Relief flooded through him, as though a weight had been lifted from his heart. y/n's memories returned, washing over her like a tidal wave. She held onto Dean, tears of joy and relief streaming down both their faces.

From that day forward, Dean and y/n cherished every moment they spent together. The experience taught them the importance of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bond they shared. And amidst the chaos of their hunter lives, they never took a single memory for granted again.

TAGLIST: @k-slla @cevansbaby-dove @kaleldobrev @janineb86 @deans-daydream @alternativeprincess94 @nescavaneck @angelbabyyy99

[callsigns-haze]

Short love: Chp 17

Summary: The is about widowed father Bradley Bradshaw who enlists his brother-in-law Jake Seresin and childhood best friend Robert Floyd to help raise his three daughters, eldest Donna Jo Margaret (D.J for short), middle child Stephanie and youngest Michelle in his San Diego home. 

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Reader

Warning: Fluff, flirting

After a blissful honeymoon in Bora Bora, Jake and Y/n finally returned home to their bustling household. As they stepped through the door, arms laden with suitcases and bags filled with souvenirs and memories from their trip, they were greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of their family.

"Watch your step," Jake chuckled, maneuvering their luggage through the doorway as Y/n followed closely behind, a playful grin on her face.

"Home sweet home," Y/n sighed contentedly, taking in the familiar surroundings of their cozy abode.

Their arrival didn't go unnoticed by the rest of the gang. From the living room, they were greeted with cheers and applause as Bradley, Bob, and the three nieces rushed over to welcome them back.

"Hey, lovebirds! How was the honeymoon?" Bradley exclaimed, enveloping them both in a tight hug.

"It was incredible," Jake replied, a smile spreading across his face as he glanced at Y/n. "But it's good to be back."

Bob chimed in, "Did you bring us any souvenirs?"

Y/n chuckled, handing out small trinkets and gifts she had picked up during their travels. "Of course! We couldn't forget about you guys."

As they settled back into their routine, surrounded by the warmth and love of their family and friends, Jake and Y/n couldn't help but feel grateful for the wonderful journey they had shared together. With memories of their honeymoon still fresh in their minds and hearts, they knew that no matter where life took them, they would always have each other and the cherished bonds of their loved ones to come home to.

The lively symphony of laughter and chatter echoed through the bustling household as Michelle, the spirited and adorable three-year-old, barged into the kitchen with unbridled enthusiasm. Her tiny frame radiated determination as she declared with pint-sized authority, "Let me at him!"

Jake, always ready to indulge in the playful antics that came with being the fun uncle, swiftly dropped to one knee. A mischievous grin adorned his face as he teasingly called out, "Short stuff!"

The anticipation in the air heightened, and Michelle, with her bright eyes sparkling, wasted no time in responding, "Big guy!" In a burst of infectious energy, she propelled herself toward Jake, her little feet pattering against the floor.

As she reached him, Jake's strong and capable arms enveloped her in a warm embrace. Their laughter intertwined, creating a melody that resonated with the sheer delight of familial bonds. The heartwarming spectacle drew the attention of the rest of the family, who observed the enchanting exchange with smiles of affection. In this simple yet profound moment, the kitchen transformed into a haven of love, where the playful dynamics between uncle and niece added an extra layer of joy to the homecoming festivities.

With a mischievous glint in your eye, you lean your head over the staircase railing, letting out a playful shout up to DJ and Stephanie, who are likely engrossed in their own activities upstairs.

"Hey, you two! Guess who's back?" you call out, your voice carrying with a mixture of excitement and anticipation.

The sound of your voice echoes through the house, reaching the ears of DJ and Stephanie, who pause in their activities, their attention suddenly piqued by the announcement.

"Y/n and Jake are back!" you continue, unable to contain your excitement as you eagerly await their response.

Within moments, the sound of footsteps can be heard as DJ and Stephanie bound down the stairs, their faces lighting up with joy at the news of your return. The reunion is filled with hugs, laughter, and exclamations of delight as you and Jake are welcomed back into the fold with open arms.

As DJ and Stephanie make their way down the stairs, the anticipation builds with each echoing footfall. Finally, they reach the bottom, their faces alight with excitement and curiosity.

"Y/n! Jake!" they exclaim in unison, their voices filled with joy as they rush toward you.

You and Jake exchange amused glances, knowing that this kind of enthusiasm is reserved only for moments like these. As DJ and Stephanie reach the bottom of the stairs, they envelop you both in tight hugs, their excitement palpable.

"We missed you guys!" DJ exclaims, her voice brimming with sincerity as she pulls away, a bright smile gracing her face.

Stephanie chimes in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "What did you bring us? Did you have fun on your trip?"

You and Jake share a knowing glance, prepared for the onslaught of questions and requests for souvenirs. But in this moment, surrounded by the warmth of your family's welcome, you couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness at being back home with the ones you love.

With a grin, you reach into one of the bags you've brought back from your trip, pulling out an array of colorful souvenirs and gifts for your family.

"For you, DJ," you say, handing her a seashell necklace that glimmers in the light, reminiscent of the beaches you visited.

"And for you, Stephanie," you continue, offering her a small wooden figurine carved with intricate designs, a memento of the local craftsmanship you admired during your travels.

Next, you turn to Michelle, whose eyes light up with excitement as you produce a stuffed turtle, complete with a bright Hawaiian shirt.

"And last but not least, Bob," you say, handing him a quirky bottle opener shaped like a palm tree, perfect for his next barbecue.

Finally, you turn to Bradley, offering him a traditional woven hat adorned with vibrant patterns, a symbol of the island culture you immersed yourself in.

As each gift is received with smiles and gratitude, you can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that you've brought a piece of your journey back home to share with your loved ones.

With a playful grin, Jake reaches into his bag and pulls out a tape labeled "The Great Adventure: Y/n and Jake's Hawaiian Escapade."

"We thought you might enjoy this," he says, passing the tape to DJ and Stephanie. "It's a little something we put together to remember our trip by."

DJ's eyes widen with excitement as she takes the tape, her fingers tracing over the label. "Wow, thanks, Jake! I can't wait to watch it!"

Stephanie nods eagerly in agreement, already envisioning the adventures captured on the tape.

You chuckle at Jake's comment, playfully adding, "Just the outside stuff, of course. Can't give away all our secrets."

With laughter filling the room, you and Jake exchange knowing glances, reveling in the joy of sharing your adventures with your family. As the tape is passed around, you can't help but feel grateful for the memories you've created and the bonds you've strengthened during your Hawaiian escapade.

Bob's entrance is met with surprised gasps and eager curiosity from everyone in the room. He presents the pile of tapes with a flourish, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

"Behold, the ultimate collection of memories!" he announces dramatically, waving the stack of tapes in the air.

As he distributes the tapes to each member of the family, excitement fills the room. Stephanie and DJ eagerly grab their respective copies, already envisioning the adventures they're about to relive.

"And what better way to start than with Bradley's pancake escapades?" Bob suggests with a grin, his enthusiasm contagious.

You and Jake exchange amused glances, recalling the chaotic but endearing moments of Bradley attempting to master the art of pancake-making.

With unanimous agreement, Bob pops the tape into the VCR, and soon the room is filled with laughter as the familiar scene of Bradley's pancake misadventures unfolds on the screen.

As the family settles in to enjoy the first of many recorded memories, you can't help but feel grateful for the love and laughter that fills your home, knowing that these tapes will be cherished for years to come.

tagging:

@callsign-magnolia

@shanimallina87

@callsign-dexter

@horseslovers2016

@rosiahills22

@djs8891

@hookslove1592

@emma8895eb

@hardballoonlove

@kmc1989

@dempy

@mamachasesmayhem

@senawashere

@buckysteveloki-me

@sweetwhispersofchaos

@itsmytimetoodream

@jessicab1991

@ahh-chickens

@86laura11

[fantastic-nonsense]

DC should give the Wonder Woman title to me instead of Tom King. I have whole arcs about Diana as a diplomat, politician, and teacher that I could write. DC PLEASE LET ME FIX HER JOB, DO AMAZONIAN WORLDBUILDING, AND BRING BACK HER CIVILIAN SUPPORTING CAST AGAIN!

Diana busts up an artifact smuggling ring and then has to deal with the international repatriation of ancient artifacts to their home countries. Bring back Helena Sandsmark and use Cassie in a supporting role.

Some major international incident occurs and Diana is running herself ragged trying to deal with it from multiple ends. She eventually has to choose between fulfilling her duty as Wonder Woman and dealing with the realities of being Themiscyra's official diplomatic presence at the UN.

Diana and Artemis have to work together to save some human trafficking victims and I get to write an exploration on the Themiscyran Amazons' isolationism vs. the Banas' interventionalism as methods of protection, self-defense, and dealing with collective trauma.

While setting up a cultural exchange project between the different Amazon tribes, Diana is appointed as the neutral representative to oversee an all-Amazonian Olympics/games festival. Shenanigans ensue as the goddesses start picking favorites and the games get gatecrashed by a mythological threat (aka "what Trial of the Amazons should have been about")

Diana, Artemis, and Donna decide to take Cassie and Yara on a traditional Amazonian coming-of-age journey. The story acts as a way to explore important touchstones of Amazon culture and the differing cultural and societal expectations they might face as adult women, both in their respective Amazonian tribes and in Man's World.

Nubia enlists Diana to go with her through Doom's Doorway to help retrieve some Amazons who were sucked in by a mythological threat while on guard duty. If they're still alive, they will be brought back to Themiscyra in celebration. If not, their bodies need to be retrieved for funerary rites and the women's re-entrance into the Well of Souls.

Exploring Donna as a linchpin connection point between the human world, all of the Amazon tribes, and the gods.

And so many others, because these are all largely Man's World and worldbuilding stories. Digging into her actual rogues gallery (Circe! Ares! Silver Swan! Doctor Poison!) and setting up bigger conflicts would be so much fun.

[gingerdunbroch]

a list of vague descriptions of doctor x rose fics i’ve read and can’t remember the names of

one where Rose gives Tentoo the cold shoulder post Journey’s End to try and spare him but he gets curious, and finds out Rose and the rest of Torchwood are being forced to work for the daleks—the story’s climax involves daleks asking either Rose or Tentoo to pick a planet to destroy, they put in “coordinates” that initiate a self-destruct sequence, but i’m pretty sure they both survive, if rather injured

one where Rose predicts her own future via drawings; pretty sure it was canon compliant thru Journey’s End and i think it was on teaspoon (whofic)

a WIP that was like 6 chapters long on fanfiction.net where Rose had just taken over her father’s company after he died and she’s so stressed that Donna (her secretary? i think?) recommends she go to this wellness center to see AU!Ten (i think his name is Smith?). oh and Martha works at the center too. but yeah John is like an energy healer or smthn like that?

i think this one was called like Rose on the Vine or smthn and it was on ao3 and had a sequel, but it was an all human AU where Rose was a stripper and keeping it a secret from her friends

a Ten/Rose reunion fic where Rose mentions having run into Eight in Paris while Dimension Hopping and spending the night with him

a Nine/Rose fic where nine has to go to a planet that isn’t human-safe so he makes rose a sonic pen-type thing that can um, simulate different…parts for…fun times

a Ten/Rose reunion!fic where Ten makes it back to Pete’s World, and disguises himself to suss out if Rose is happy/would want to come back. i think it was on teaspoon

a Tentoo/Rose fic where Tentoo has nightmares and Rose gives him this special stone that helps, and eventually he finds out that he’s the one who gave it to Rose in the first place (i think the implication was she was going to kill herself pre-dimension cannon), meaning he has to complete a circular paradox. i remember Tentoo wouldn’t let past Rose touch him bc then she’d know he was human. i think it was on teaspoon. it’s possible this could have been 2 separately posted connected fics and i’m just smushing them into one

a fic where the Doctor and Rose have a daughter before he regenerates into Ten and then he has to get his daughter used to his new face, I think it mostly took place as a telepathic conversation between them? also i think it was on teaspoon

a fic where Ten keeps licking Rose and can taste her emotions, no idea where i read it tho

a fic (2 parts, on i think both teaspoon and ao3) where right after Bad Wolf Bay pt 2 Rose and Tentoo get teleported to an elf-like world where “queen” Rose has to settle a debate about ginger between three farmers and Tentoo is given a red velvet suit and then gets drunk from consuming too much ginger

a 2 chapter fic (on tsp?) where Ten and Rose observe their future selves getting it on in like a meadow on an alien planet and then Ten gets squirrely about fulfilling the circular paradox, saying “time is in flux”. there’s a scene where they’re talking to each other on either side of Rose’s bathroom door. chapter 2 is them going back to complete the paradox

i’ll add more to this post as i randomly remember more fics i neglected to bookmark anywhere

fingers crossed someone sees this post and remembers the name of at least one of these fics!

[paradox-n-bedrock]

Here to help in your quest to bring back tumblr ask culture, but I literally only have Doctor/Donna brain rot, so!

Do you have an ultimate Doctor/Donna song?

Yesss, it's all good, they occupy 90% of my brain right now.

But one? One song? I have a playlist. I can give you top three four.

Moment in the Sun - Sunflower Bean

Partners in Crime. Donna has been searching for the Doctor, she regrets the time missed out on by saying no the first time. Everyone thinks she's drifting through life but she's chasing what she needs, because everything seems to pale in comparison to what she can do by the Doctor's side.

Please Don't Say You Love Me - Gabrielle Aplin

This is very series 4 in general, where they're so concerned about how the other might perceive their relationship. They're tied together irrevocably and they adore each other but after what they've both gone through, there's still that need to keep a little distance and not speak too much aloud, especially to each other's faces.

Destiny - Chloe Ament

Journey's End. "All I wanted was you for forever, But it seems like destiny doesn't want us together...The universe is at our door, And I don't have it in me to watch you meet your end"

Francesca - Hozier

If I absolutely had to pick a single song, this might be it. I know it is for a lot of people. I mean, what can I say, they would do it again. Canonically. Even 15 years without her memories couldn't strip the love from Donna--she wasn't kidding back when she told Martha she was built different. (Which isn't a slight against Martha, if DoctorDonna didn't have the very specific dynamic they do, her willingness to stand by them through anything would be Bad™️) She'd throw herself into trouble after the Doctor again without hesitation, with or without knowing who they are. And you'd have a hard time convincing me they don't think a billion years of missing her is worth a little more time for the two of them--let alone living out the rest of her life together.

[khruschevshoe]

"You too, huh?": An Unhinged Ten/Jack/Martha Meta

Alright, so, Ten/Martha/Jack's dynamic has been rotating rent free in my brain all week. You have two people- Jack and Martha- who both admit to fancying a man who could never love them back, a man who is so embroiled in grief over a woman that Jack clearly once loved as much as he loved the Doctor, a man who showed them the stars and showed them the horrors of the universe. A man who directly leads to them both becoming greater and worse than they ever were before, a man who took their lives and twisted himself inside of every strand of them forever, a man who offered them a hand and kissed them and became the best and the worst thing to ever happen to them.

And it's not just the Year That Never Was- it's more than that. It's Jack dying for the Doctor and then being cursed with eternity and yet despite a century of being tortured by Torchwood/waiting for the Doctor, he never lost hope in the Doctor being able to fix him. It's Martha going through some of the worst shit any companion has had to in a single season (the racism/hopelessness she had to face in Human Nature/Family of Blood, being stuck in the 1960s for months and having to get a job with no guarantee that she'd ever make it out, having to walk the dystopian earth for a year with the weight of the literal world on her shoulders, nearly burning to death due to a living sun, taking on the psychological weight of keeping the Doctor steady- hell, the Doctor's purposeful ignorance of her feelings isn't even at the top of the list and yet it still did damage) and yet managing to find the strength to respect herself and leave.

It's the way that both of them have their images of the Doctor irreversibly cracked at the end of the Year That Never Was. They still believe in the Doctor, would still go to the ends of the earth for the planet, as we see in Journey's End, but they don't quite fancy him anymore. They can't. Jack was tortured and killed over and over again by the Master for a year straight and Martha was forced to walk the burning earth for a year straight while her family was tortured and yet at the end of it all, the Doctor didn't comfort them. He cradled the Master in his arms and begged him to regenerate and sobbed when he didn't.

It's the way that Martha and Jack are the ones to make the initial threats to Davros in Journey's End. (Yes, Sarah Jane helped with the warp star, and made threats of her own, but Martha and Jack opened up the comms. They looked the creator of the Daleks in the eyes and said do you hear me?) Martha and Jack walk off at the end of Journey's End holding hands, because they're so similar, at the end of the day, because they understand each other, because "you too, huh?"

But it's also the Doctor looking at them both and seeing Jack and seeing something wrong with the man he once loved (don't tell me that Nine didn't reciprocate his feelings, I've got a whole post on the Rose/Jack/Nine dynamic) that he can't ignore, because he's the last one of his species and he's the only one left to pay attention to the laws of time. It's the Doctor needing a doctor of his own, someone with a better grasp on themselves than he does, and completely ignoring the damage that it does to her to keep him steady.

It's the Doctor being unable to love Jack while Jack over and over again coming to his call. It's the Doctor coming the second that Martha calls him in the Sontaran Stratagem and maybe, just maybe, realizing that he got something wrong. It's about Martha being a doctor being a soldier and the Doctor being a soldier who never wanted to be a soldier but won't admit that he's a soldier and Jack being a con-man who was fixed and broken by a doctor and so became a soldier to find his Doctor.

(It's about the fact that after Journey's End happened and the Doctor lost Donna and Rose, he really should have realized what he could have had waiting for him. Maybe gone back and groveled and maybe gotten slapped and then gotten hugged. Or kissed. Or they slept together, if that's your jam.)

[enmuswife3]

Fluffy/domestic scenarios with some of my favorite Genshin dudes

Characters involved: Childe, Diluc, Kazuha

For some reason, Tumblr deleted half of a kazuha fluff fic and now I’m pissed off cause I spent a lot of time on it but anyway I’m back from the dead here to deliver something that’s been in my drafts for the longest I’m trying to post again because I’m on a break so let’s get into itttt😝

Childe

You and Childe had just made a delicious meal and now you were setting up the table slowly pouring soup into the bowls and pouring tea into the fine China you pulled out for this special occasion that you got to share with your lovely harbinger boyfriend you sat the chopsticks on the table and saw your boyfriends smile turn into a blank stare “are you okay honey?” You asked thinking you did something wrong “no no it’s just- I- don’t know how to use chopsticks” the flustered man spoke covering his face in embarrassment “aww baby I can help~” you mused and to think one of the most dangerous men in the world didn’t know how to use a pair of wooden sticks to eat “here it’s like holding a teacup,” you said as you fixed his hands. A few moments later you had successfully taught your boyfriend how to hold and use chopsticks “thanks honey” Childe said as he kissed your cheek.

Diluc

You decided that you were gonna surprise your boyfriend by popping up at his job you put on one of your sun dresses that he loved to see on you and walked out of your shared home and began your journey to the city of Mondstat when you entered the city of freedom you where greeted with the delicious smell of hash browns a meal that you and your boyfriend loved. You decided to grab a few to munch on and some for Diluc as well you walked into Angels Share and saw Donna drunkenly trying to hit on your boyfriend for the nth time this week. He looked unamused until he looked up at you entering he smiled lightly and clocked out to go on break. You sat down in a secluded area and waited for him to make his way toward you. “I was just thinking about you my love” he muses while giving you a bear hug “ I got you our favorite” “hash browns? Aww thank you my flame,” he says as he kisses your cheek.

Kazuha

You had a long and tiring day and all you wanted to do was go to your shared room on the Crux. You finally made it to the harbor and walked to the docks and boarded the ship greeting everyone while making a beeline toward your room. Once you entered you were pleasantly surprised with a sleepy Kazuha in your shared bed. “I’m home~” you whispered while kissing his hair and leaning into your touch “‘m missed you come to bed” “okay let me take my clothes off”. A few minutes later you came back in a t-shirt and shorts and climbed into bed. “Aww look at how cute they are~” Beidou whispered slowly peaking into the doorway” ahh you might wake them up come on let’s go back to bed I’m tired” Ningguang sighed “sorry they are just too cute~ alright let’s go”.

[ratofthemedievalsewers]

To Walk Among the Gods - Part I

Steven Grant x Male, Avatar Reader

Word Count: 3.9K+

Warnings: Canon Typical Violence and Language

After the soul has passed into the next world its heart shall be weighed. Should it be balanced and pure then it shall venture to the A'Aru, the Field of Reeds. Yet if the soul is cruel; filled with hatred, brutality and deceit, then it shall be cast away to the desert and dragged beneath the sands - Their journey ending before it could even begin.

Aside from the groups of local school children, the museum was barren, as it often was in the middle of the week. The Egyptology display was quiet, seeming to emit an ominous aura, not helped by the towering replica statues that stood, intimidating, at the display's entrance. Y/N seemed to be in a silent sort of contemplation, focusing on one of the Ennead displays. Behind the glass case, the jackal-shaped statue of Anubis sat, withered and worn with its great age. Text detailing the history of the Anubis Shrine sat in front of the display, clear for the viewer to read.

"Anubis is often mistaken as the God of Death and Evil, but he was actually a protector of burial sites and graves..." The sudden voice beside Y/N made him jump, ripping him out of his thoughts and to the man beside him.

"He would also guide souls into the afterlife," Y/N spoke up, seeming to wince at breaking the silence that had surrounded the both of them.

The man beside him, whose nametag read as 'Steven' gave a smile. "Anubis also judges the souls that pass through to the underworld, the Duaat, with a set of scales. But even though he is the God of Death, he's not the god of the dead, that would be-"

"Osiris, who is a god of both life and death, is also associated with agriculture, which is probably why their heaven is a field of reeds." Y/N turned back to the display of Egyptian artefacts, finding it hard to look into Steven's doe-like eyes any longer.

A moment of awkward silence passed between them, with Steven taking a sip of his, notedly empty, coffee cup just to fill the space. "Do you..." He cleared his throat, "Do you come to the museum often? I haven't seen you around before."

"No, this is my first time visiting," Y/N tugged on the loose thread of the dark jumper he wore, paranoid of the ink beneath becoming visible. "I could use a tour guide though?" He said that line as more of a request, turning his head again to Steven, but keeping his eyes trained on the open space beside him.

Steven sputtered for a moment, unsure if he had read between the lines correctly, "I... I could give you a tour... if you would like? I'm not an actual tour guide though... I just work at the gift shop... I'm a gift shopist," Steven internally cringed at the sound of himself rambling, unsure if he had immediately scared the other man away.

But instead, Y/N just smiled and chuckled slightly under his breath.

"I'd like that."

Steven let out a small sigh he didn't know he had been holding, releasing his grip on the to-go coffee that had caused it to slightly deform.

"Oi, Stevie, you're late... again," Donna called from just outside the barrier of the Egyptology exhibit, tapping the cheap watch on her wrist, a foul look on her face. "And stop bothering the customers."

Steven blushed in embarrassment as if he was a kid caught with his hand directly in the cookie jar. "Gotta dash," With an apologetic smile he turned, following Donna like a guilty puppy. It was only walking away that he realised he had no idea what the other man's name was, let alone a way to ask about their date-

No, not a date, just a tour.

*****

The rain was harsh as it spat on his face, the cold and damp soaking through the thin, light layers of his clothes and seeming to pierce his bare, ink-covered arms. The wind brushed up against him, pulling at the loose fabric of his clothes and tugging at the material of his hooded cloak. The ornate dagger he held in a tight fist glistened in the light of the moon, the refracted light hitting the loose stone of the rooftop.

"There is much work to do in a city of this size. With souls so corrupted their cruelty spreads like a plague." The jackal's voice was gravelly with its little use, it was unusual for him to speak unless it was to give orders to his avatar.

"What a ray of sunshine you are," The hooded figure's voice was muffled behind the half mask - The inside was shaped like the lower half of a human's face to sit comfortably, but with the outside moulded into elongated, tear-shaped nostrils and an open mouth, displaying sharp, beastly canines in a constant snarl. Paired with the relaxed eyes of its wearer, the mask didn't match the current tranquillity shared between the two.

"What I am trying to get across is... We shall be staying here a while longer than usual." The jackal crossed his arms over his chest, standing tall and almost defensive with his back completely straight.

"Anubis, we've talked about you being all cryptic and mysterious before." Y/N turned to face the god completely, mirroring his stance as the two stood in a combative silence together, one waiting for the other to crack.

The jackal sighed, relenting. "At the museum, the... gift shop-ist you spoke to, he seemed... interested in you."

"He also seemed interested in you, which is why I'm assuming you're giving me this little blessing of yours." Anubis let a smile grace across his animal features before his expression became sullen and serious. "Oh Christ, here it comes," Y/N muttered under his breath, not caring if the god heard.

"The work I give you can be a lot for a mortal mind to process. You need friends... connections, to keep your head to the ground and away from the vastness of the clouds and their foggy distortion. But as your time as my avatar, there have been too few and too brief moments you have truly allowed yourself to be in the arms of another."

Y/N gave Anubis a raised brow. "Are you saying I need to get laid?"

The god gave a sigh, "pesky mortal souls... but yes, I the Great Egyptian God of the Dead, Mummification, Embalming and Burials am telling you to get laid."

*****

Steven had jumped into the air like a scared cat when the to-go cup was placed on his desk. It was marked with the logo of his favourite coffee shop that just sat around the corner. Next to the small illustration of a bouquet of flowers was the name 'Y/N' written in rushed handwriting, the black ink of the permanent marker crisp and clear against the off-white of the cup.

"Looks like you could use a pick me up," Y/N leant on his arms against the desk, careful not to disturb the containers and displays of cheap, yet expensive, museum gift shop trinkets. He took a sip from his own to-go cup, shivering at the pleasant warmth that passed down his throat and settled against the bottom of his stomach.

Steven just stared for a minute, his brain not fully caught up and comprehending. "Th... Thanks," He took a precarious sip from the cup, not sure what to expect, but the taste on his tongue left him pleasantly surprised. "How did you..?"

"Psychic," Y/N wiggled his fingers in a playful manner. "I read the label on your cup yesterday and then prayed for the best." With his arms now resting on the counter again Y/N mindlessly played with the ends of his sleeves, tugging and picking at several loose strands he had been working on earlier that day. "So, when are you off work? You still owe me a tour."

"Erm.." Steven hastily checked his watch, forgetting for a moment how to actually read the time. "I'm off in an hour or so, is that too long?"

"I don't mind waiting. I'll be over by the display from yesterday when you're ready."

There were more people surrounding the Egyptology exhibit than yesterday, their voices hushed between each other but still disturbed the comfort the room offered. Even the large display of Set, a deity of chaos and disorder, offered a corrupt peace - A prayer statue of the Egyptian God sitting with his eyes in a state of repose that chilled Y/N to his bones. Something about it was disturbing.

"Nasty bugger was Set, but I guess you would be if you were a god of violence and storms and so on," Steven walked slowly to Y/N's side in an attempt not to scare him, speaking with a hushed tone so as not to disrupt the other people that slowly meandered the room, feigning an intellectual interest in the blocks of texts that sat in front of Egyptian artefacts they had already seen in the leaflets and adverts.

"He also killed and mutilated his brother Osiris," Y/N still held the to-go cup in his hand, now empty with the plastic lid warped at the edges with teeth marks. "But Osiris did marry his sister, so he kind of had it coming."

"The political aspects of Set are also quite interesting. You see, Set was always associated with foreigners, but during the later periods that held larger amounts of colonisation he became more associated with oppressive foreigners such as Persian and Kushite empires..." Steven spoke a hundred miles a minute as if the information contained within him could no longer be held or it would for sure cause him to burst.

"What got you into all this?" Y/N made a vague gesture with his arms as he asked Steven.

"Well..." He didn't know how to answer, "I just find it fascinating, like an interlocked, two thousand years old story. With so many interpretations and translations you can always find a new aspect of it to explore."

A moment passed between them.

"What about you? What got you into all this?" Steven copied Y/N movement, causing both to smile in amusement.

"A mix of interest when I was young and my career. I've always had a fascination with the Egyptian Gods and their history, there's just something about it that just seems to pull you in." Y/N turned to the statue of Anubis, sensing the god now present in the shadows of the room. "Anubis had always fascinated yet terrified me the most out of all the gods. His complete grasp on not just your life but your soul, your destiny... where you'd spend eternity. He can see everything you have done in your life, what you might have done given the chance and he judges your very existence on those thoughts, those tiny, unimportant thoughts."

Steven let out a long huff of air, "Blimey," He didn't exactly know how to respond to such a statement, "well let's hope he didn't see me nicking digestives from the biscuit tin."

"I'm sure he'll give you a free pass on that one." Y/N cracked the lip of the disposable drinks cup lid once more, his fingertips brushing along the edge of the new sharp splinter within the plastic, almost breaking the first few layers of skin. He could feel the harsh stare from Anubis, the feeling forcing the hairs on the back of Y/N's neck to stand tall. He shivered.

"Are you cold?" Steven moved before the other could reply, peeling the cargo-material jacket from himself and laying it on Y/N's shoulders, careful to not accidentally brush his fingers against his skin.

"Thank you."

Steven kept his promise in regards to giving Y/N a tour of the Ancient Egypt exhibit. They moved from one exhibit to another, with Steven rattling on about each artefact, his hands waving wildly in the air to further articulate each sentence. Y/N let him talk, only speaking up to add his own little pieces of knowledge or ask a question he genuinely didn't know the answer to.

"It is time."

"I enjoyed today Steven, thank you." Y/N still held onto the jacket that had been draped over his shoulders, pulling at the opening gently, already mourning the loss of the warmth provided before taking it off. "Would I be okay to give you my number?"

"Uh yeah... yeah, that would be brilliant, thanks," Steven took his jacket back when Y/N held it out to him, holding it on his lap despite the chill that had crept across him throughout the evening. "I really enjoyed tonight too, not many - or, well, anyone - listens to me ramble like that."

"Y/N, you are wasting time."

Y/N stood, attempting to ignore the bordering threatening voice that spoke at the side of him. "I'd be happy to listen to you ramble like that again." His arms twitched with the desire to hug Steven, but he kept them awkwardly at his sides, unsure what to do with them now.

A beat of delicate silence passed between them, both trying to find the words they wanted to say.

"I'll see you soon... I hope," Y/N made his move to leave first, shoulders hunched in self-consciousness, embarrassed by his own lack of social skills.

"That was hard for even me to watch."

Y/N cursed at Anubis under his breath.

*****

Y/N had not seen or heard from Steven in a few days.

It had been almost a week since Steven had given him a tour, followed by a few days of awkward, yet sweet conversations over text. Neither had drawn up the courage to arrange that second date; Every night Y/N would stare at the blinking line in the text box, the empty space mocking him with silent laughter. On those few occasions, he had the capacity to write the first few words, but none of them ever seemed to sound quite right.

Anubis had taunted him relentlessly over his 'weeping heart' every time he checked his phone for a notification he might have just missed.

The museum was more crowded today than it had been the day they met. With so many heads surrounding Y/N, he couldn't pick out Steven's. The counter at the gift shop was occupied by another face, one that looked mind-numbingly bored as they scanned items and handed receipts to customers they barely spoke more than a few words to. Maybe he had a different shift?

Y/N felt Anubis' presence beside him, the people surrounding the both of them moving through the god as if he were a ghost.

"There is something wrong here."

Those simple words send a spike of anxiety straight into Y/N's core, the cold wash of adrenaline already circulating through him. He thought of Steven first and he made a move for the Egyptology exhibit out of impulse. "What can you sense?" Y/N spoke under his breath, barely moving his lips in an attempt to keep his question to the god between them.

"It is faint, but I can taste the ancient power behind it... tread lightly."

Y/N felt their presence as soon as he passed the threshold of the exhibit, the hair at the nape of his neck bristled as the centuries-old instinct of terror nestled its way into his gut. He kept himself to the shadows that the replica obelisk graciously provided from the overhead lights.

"I'd assumed Steven Grant was an alias, imagine my surprise to find you here," An icy chill washed over him - he knew that voice. It's gentle, bittersweet tone that promised a paradise yet spoke of an apocalypse.

He heard Steven flag one of the security guards in a desperate attempt to escape, but he was surrounded by Ammit's followers - Harrow's lapdogs.

"Mate, I don't have your bloody beetle, I swear. I..." The desperation in Steven's voice made Y/N's heart ache.

"Oh, no. The scarab doesn't belong to me, it belongs to her. Do you know Ammit?"

"Do I know Ammit... No, not personally." Y/N summoned a dagger, to his hand, following Harrow as he backed Steven into a corner. Harrow's company was annoyingly organised, forcing Y/N to continuously weave through the spaced-out displays and columns. "Egyptian deity, right? Er... World's first bogeyman."

"She was only the bogeyman for evildoers," Steven knocked into one of the displays, causing it to almost topple over, "She grew weary of having to wait for sinners to commit their crime before punishing them. Would you wait to weed a garden till after the roses were dead?"

"I- I wouldn't do that?"

"The justice of Ammit surveys the whole of our lives. Past, present and future. She knows what we've done and what we will do."

"Great. Okay. Well, the books must have left that part out." The doors that Steven had been meticulously backing towards now slammed closed as another of Harrow's men stood in front of it, eyeing Steven with a look of challenge.

"Consider this. Had Ammit been free-" Harrow had made a move to take Steven's hands in his own, a potential death sentence should Steven's heart be unbalanced. Y/N had no doubt that Steven's heart would be true, but he was not willing to risk the unfair justice that Ammit brought.

"Had Ammit been free the world would have been bathed in nothing but fear and innocent blood," Y/N now stood from his place behind one of the displays, aiming to take Harrow's attention away from Steven long enough for the other to get out of arms reach. Y/N held the knife parallel along the inside of his wrist, concealing it from the other's view. "A soul is only guilty when its crime is committed. If they are taken from the physical plane before they are able to commit this crime then they are still of pure heart."

Harrow sighed in clear annoyance, picking up his cane for a moment, battling with the desire to slam it in frustration. But he kept his emotions under an unnerving grasp, softly placing the cane tip back on the laminate tile floor.

Steven was an easy character to read, his emotions flowing through his movement, saturated in the tone he used when he spoke. But the look on his face now was muddled and perplexing; Fear mixed with confusion and maybe something of betrayal laced within it.

"You are friends with an avatar of Anubis, Steven?" Harrow turned away from Y/N, an odd power play, willingly displaying his back to the enemy. He read the emotions etched onto Steven's face, his eyebrows knitting together as he solved the puzzle pieces. "You didn't know?"

"W-We've only just met."

"Then I assume you don't know of the contract that he has signed, or why he had to sign it in the first place," Harrow turned, a predatory look within his eyes as he locked onto Y/N.

"Don't." A small whisper under his breath, close to pleading.

"They say Anubis' meets his avatars once they have already passed over and their heart has been weighed. He never chooses those whose scales are balanced..." Harrow tapped his can on the floor twice, before Y/N could register its significance, two sets of hands grabbed hold of his biceps, locking him in place. "...instead he takes only those who accept that their scales will send them to the sands... I wonder."

Harrow rolled up his sleeve before he gripped Y/N's wrists in each hand, the underside of his forearms facing the ceiling to reveal the scales.

They didn't move.

Harrow gripped harder as if it would force the scales to weigh Y/N's heart. His hold finally loosened when he was certain that what he suspected was true.

"Fascinating," He spoke under his breath, more to himself than another. Still keeping one hand wrapped around Y/N's left wrist, he moved the thin fabric of his jumper sleeve, revealing the black ink beneath. The scripture of an Egyptian death right. "A living corpse, tied to Anubis on a leash. I wonder, what crimes did you commit in life to bring you to this moment."

"No worse crime than what you have committed Harrow, Amit is a hypocrite."

"Amit is desperate... She was betrayed by indolent fellow gods... By even her own avatar," Harrow made his way back over to Steven as he spoke, a look of fear still stricken on the other man's face. "Sometimes you must fight fire with fire."

"Steven has no part in this, let him be."

"There seems to be quite a few secrets kept between the two of you."

"Are you going to kill me?" Steven's voice cracked with the terror that had been growing inside him. The lights of the museum cracked and sparked with foreign energy, but only for a moment.

"It's maddening, isn't it?" Harrow's voice was low and soft as he spoke to Steven, Y/N had to strain his ears to hear him clearly. "The voice in your head. Relentless, forever unsatisfied. No matter how hard you try to please, it devours you until there is nothing left but a hollow shell." Harrow pulled up the sleeve of his right arm again, clearly displaying the scales to Steven who flinched at the sight of them.

"Harrow don't," Y/N pulled at the tight hold of the guards, a third holding him back as he saw the other two begin to struggle.

"And the more you ask for help, the more you begin to sound like the boy who cried wolf," Harrow held onto Steven's wrist with a gentle grip and in his fear Steven couldn't bring himself to move.

"I can't help you," Steven's breathing was heavy, panicked.

"I am trying to help you."

"GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF HIM!" Y/N roared as he tried to break free once more, managing only for a moment before he was tripped over onto his hands and knees. He couldn't tell how many bodies know lay holding him down as he fought against them with strength just beyond human.

"I saw you kill that woman in the alps."

"I only told her what millions more will soon learn. Do you want to know the truth?" Steven didn't pull away, instead, he looked at Harrow with eyes filled with conflicting thoughts.

Y/N heard the distant, ethereal ring as the scales began to shift. He had no doubt that Steven had a balanced heart, even from the brief time he had spent with him; there was no doubt about his crystal pure soul.

The scale didn't balance, but it didn't stop moving either.

"There's chaos in you," Harrow spoke in but a whisper.

The doors to the Egyptology exhibit opened and those that held Y/N down clambered off in a controlled rush. Steven pulled his arms to his chest as if now burned by Harrow's touch. Looking between both Harrow and Y/N, his mouth opened and closed repeatedly, struggling to get the words out - he only managed a single sentence.

"Stay away from me."

His eyes met Y/N's as he turned and left.

[my-ghost-monument]

thinking about rtd v chibs today, in terms of growth. when I realised that chibs had wrote my most upsetting torchwood ep, the finale to s2 where he brutally kills two characters, I was nervous for his dw conclusion. especially considering that in torchwood, tosh's death narratively serves only two purposes: to further the comparison for Owen, dying unfairly while she who had long pined for him dies too, like oh how tragic, these loves parted; and for shock value. Much like most of Tosh's character, she's often side-lined for others and never given as much depth as she should, and I always felt this extended to her death, which unlike Owen's felt cheap.

But in his dw finale, I felt like he had understood how to bring across great heart wrenching pain which served both of the characters perfectly. First, while the Doctor is killed technically, there's no brutal wow! shock! to it, and the same goes for Yaz's exit. Yaz is given agency in her ending, if not priority as her end was less 'guaranteed' (as in we always know the doctor will die, it's the whole point). The Doctor too is given time and respect to face the unfairness, and is allowed her own agency in how she meets it.

To compare to rtd: in a word, Donna. Donna's ending is honestly whip-lash, and there were so many ways to make it an actual tragedy, and not just shock value ending. Donna had to lose her memories, fine! But why reduce her back to what she feared the most, which is a cruel bitter taste for the audience. There could have been an idea where she could keep her growth, thinking she'd gone into volunteering and ending up helping people - oods could become refugees in her mind, the shadow proclamation becoming police or something. Something that would still be so sad and devastating, seeing a woman who was so bright unable to ever stand upon the universe again and declare it safe, but something where she would still get to be the person she'd become. This or something similar would be satisfying, whereas the reduction? it's cruel. It's a creator making a journey and then smushing it because it makes the doctor more upset.

I feel like this is the thing. Chibnall has grown as a writer across the years, but so far, what's been released for rtd's new era? he's literally going back, with the same doctor; the same companion; the same initials, look and age for his newer companion. even now, to the same series number. It doesn't give me faith in his ability to grow and change at all.

[the-quiet-blogger]

"The Giggle"

You know it's been a while since I've gone truly absolutely batshit over a Doctor Who episode, but here we are. Spoilers, obviously, under the cut.

First of all: UNIT

While I'm not a huge fan of The Doctor working for/with Earth-based Space police, I think it's a great idea to have the companions in a safe environment where they have a place to use all of the knowledge they've gathered during their journey throughout the starts. They get paid to continue doing what they love and while it does set things up to have future (LIVING) companions to make little cameos (or even an option for a spin-off series, I think that it's ultimately a good choice that RTD decided to let the companions have a space where they can live, grow, and continue to help.

One problem I have with this is that this is exactly where Martha and Mickey went at the end of 10's run -- and yet absolutely 0 (zero) mention of them or their whereabouts. They're the OG companions joining UNIT, so where TF are they??

Also this guy?? The Vlinx?? I both love and hated that we didn't get much explanation for this Guy in the Chair. Just "Oh you're helping?! Sure! Absolutely no reason to think that this new alien and the weird thing that's happening are related ANYWAYS--"

A bit like Panda from JJK where it's just "yeah and this is Vlinx, it works here, moving on,"

LOVE the jab about antivaxxers using the narrative of the Zeedex. It DOES help, but since you're asking the masses (who all wholeheartedly believe that they are right and everyone else is wrong) to put this on, it becomes a bit harder -- we saw how Kate reacted the moment she willfully put it on. Also return of our #Queen for her role as the News Anchor. Glad she has a name now.

Secondly: Donna <3 my absolute beloved. She has grown so fucking much. From yelling at the world because that's the only way to be heard to quietly asking The Doctor what is wrong. She has grown into her own woman, though of course still missing a lot of main action before the metacrisis was resolved (I could write a whole other deep dive about that episode too). When she noticed that the laughter was notes -- "The Giggle" hiding behind the screen, I was so proud of her. This is why the Doctor needs an "every day" human -- and Donna is so blunt that she won't hold back on her observations, though I have to wonder if the whole recorder conversation with Rose was how she came out. I hope so, that's just so chaotic.

I've seen some people argue that there is still some TimeLord in her because of how smart she's been in these last few episodes.

To that I say

"bitch, do you not remember the bees disappearing???"

Donna Noble is a genius and an idiot. Both can exist in the same person, in the same character, and that's exactly what they proved with the previous episode.

and SPEAKING OF her being a genius

She loves The Doctor, not romantically, but in a "platonic soulmate" kind of way that makes my heart full. When she realized that The Doctor never mentioned Mel or any of their adventures, she pointed it out. Not only that, she told The Doctor point-blank that there's always something that the Time Lord seems to be running from. There's never really been a moment when he's stopped and talked about any of the shit that he's been through and she can tell that it's starting to wear on him.

"Maybe that's why your old face came back. You're wearing yourself out"

and he immediately changes the subject and charges forward despite her telling him a harsh truth. She's travelling with him again, sure, but it was supposed to be some short little trip and I think the main reason she went with him in the first place (whether or not she will admit it) is because she saw her friend in crisis and wanted to be around to help -- to figure out what exactly he needed from her. With each episode, she's tried to guess why his old face came back, but nothing stuck.

The fucking puppet show.

Now, I feel like this is a great way to catch up new fans with any old Doctor trauma that they may have missed. It was also a way to shove it into The Doctor's face just how many of his loved ones that he was responsible for killing.

Now, before I hear any one say "but what about ______??"

Rory wasn't as close to The Doctor as Amy had been. "The first face this face saw" and while they did become closer later on, he would always have a special place in his heart for Amy. He watched her die for fucks sake.

Martha wasn't mentioned because as far as he knows, she's still alive and kicking ass. That's part of the reason he will up and abandon certain companions, so he doesn't get them hurt.

The Fam - left behind and alive. Remember 2/3 of the original Fam chose to step away from the TARDIS and Yaz was left before 13 could regenerate as she "needed to do this on [her] own". While, yes, I'm sure the Doctor feels guilty about leaving them behind, it's not nearly as bad as getting them killed.

Anyone else had either survived as far as The Doctor was aware, or hadn't been as close as those particular companions. That is why those 3 were chosen.

Now, back to the puppet show

Mentioning not only the lost companions but also the Flux

God I do not have the time to go into this half-assed recreation of a tragedy trying to be as big and bad as the Time War and Gallifrey. I feel like Chris Chibnall felt snubbed with a female presenting Doctor and gave us the most half-written mediocre bull shit he could have. RTD is already having to fix it with mentioning it several times and exactly what happened in the aftermath. Just looking up "Doctor Who Flux" you get so many results that all try to "explain" it.

If your audience has to look up how your writing makes sense, you aren't smarter or cleverer than the masses, it's just shit writing.

However,

While the actual Flux episodes and following regeneration made it hard to understand not only what happened, RTD breaks it down.

There was a terrible decision to be made. The universe was dying. The Doctor had to choose and a lot of deaths now lay on the Time Lord's shoulders.

BUT! That was also the only piece of The Doctor's trauma that couldn't be waved away with

Which is when The Doctor challenged the Toymaker to a game.

Back too 2023, we get...quite honestly one of the best scenes I've seen in New Who, only rivalled by Here Come the Drums with the Master dancing along. No, Rasputin doesn't come close to this cunty rendition of Spice Up Your Life.

Amazing, cunty, terrifying, entertianing, and fun.

"I think they're still falling" -- BITCH?!?!?! Ugh. I want more of the Toymaker. What a fun villain and Neil Patrick Harris knocked it out of the goddamn park. No matter what you thought about this episode, this dance routine was a highlight.

I also love the reference to when The Doctor had tried to reason with The Master, asking to go amongst the stars with fun filled adventures, taking on the burden of being their jailer and caretaker for the rest of eternity if it meant that humanity was safe.

Of course, we all know what comes after the Toymaker refuses the call to the stars.

I immediately started crying. Before The Doctor even started with those last words, I wasn't ready to say goodbye. We went from "I don't want to go" to "allons-y". From him dying alone in his TARDIS to being immediately surrounded by loved ones

"He's not dying alone"

And he didn't have to.

I choked on my crying so hard I almost died myself. I know David Tennant had always said that he thought The Doctor was asexual to some degree, but this is just ridiculous. /pos

But, when you consider the salt line at the edge of the universe and how that myth became a reality because of The Doctor's actions -- the fact that bigeneration was once a myth and now a reality suddenly opens up a whole door of possibilities for this upcoming season with Ncuti Gawa.

Now, The Doctor(s)

14 was consistently surprised in their actions, their off-the-hand comments. Something that 10 always struggled with was saying how much people meant to them.

And one thing about 14, they are filled with love. They openly say "I love ____" whereas 10 never did.

"Rose Tyler, I--"

Having to leave those he loved behind, never wanting to admit when he cared more than he did. As long as he spun and ran away from his feelings, they could never catch up to him. Right?

14 is different, always saying "I'm here", "You're okay" and slinging around the word "love" as if they would never grow tired of it. 14, obviously, is The Doctor after Amy, Clara, Billie, and the Fam. After avoiding a family with the Ponds, losing Clara after realizing they were toxic for her, a friend who never expected anything more from them, and Yaz's fam who only wanted to be a safe space for them to be able to turn to. Yaz, the last companion that was pushed away by The Doctor, had loved them and told them so and gotten nothing in return.

And there were so many different ways that 14 showed this love. So many hugs!! So many reassurances!! And so much love that The Doctor was sharing amongst everyone who could hear them -- and yet not a drop of that love or compassion showed inwards.

I am so emotional about this hug, it's not even funny. Literally healing their younger self. The love, the understanding, the "I'm here" -- finally someone who understands literally everything 14 has gone through. The acceptance of the hug (THE TUCK INTO THE NECK?!?!?FSKFBWILDNLADN) I fell to my knees!!!!! SOBBING!!!!!!!!

BUT!!! Not only is 15 born on the battlefield, but also born surrounded by love and fun. Pants or not, 15 is ready to save the world and make it a good time for those around them. Self assured, fun, smiling, and loving-- 15 jumps into the world with a confused hug and love for their past & current self. After years of therapy, I keep hearing some of the same phrases along the lines of "you have to look to your past/younger self and let them know that it's okay, that they shouldn't have had to go through all of that alone" and this was exactly that, only on a Time Lord scale.

Now, personally, I had fun watching the game of catch with the Toymaker after 15 was introduced. I thought it was a fun way to share the spotlight with Gawa as the 15th Doctor and let the audience know some hints as to what we have to look forward to.

The terms of endearment melted my little heart. I'm always a sucker for a good nickname, both in real life and in fiction and 15 was full of them.

"Honey, sweetie, pumpkin pie, you are too traumatized to be flying the TARDIS right now, get OUT and take a NAP"

That was basically what was said, right?

And then this...home. The Doctor having a family. This is quite honestly the perfect, happiest ending that The Doctor wearing this particular face could have had. All those years running away, fighting hard, and keeping on a strong face, and this is what that was for. All that running and avoiding, and love for everyone else but themself and now they finally can take a break and focus on taking time to say "what the hell". Maybe go to therapy. There's so much fic potential for this as well, the kinds of companions they could run into casually or little every day struggles that are literally alien to them.

I've seen a lot of posts upset that this plot point seemed to be circling around two points: 1) this a repeat of the metacrisis ending and 2) not the first time The Doctor had domestic bliss.

To that, I say:

the metacrisis Doctor was half human and would be able to grow old with Rose in that parallel universe. It was also the traumatic ending of the DoctorDonna (or so we thought) and on that beach, the Doctor, the Time Lord Doctor, still couldn't say how much Rose meant to him. He also said that living life, day after day, was the one thing that he could never have.

2. On Tranzalore, The Doctor was not resting. He was taking care of the tear in the universe and defending it from the monsters that would constantly be on the attack. Every day was a fight. And when he spent those 24 years with River Song, he knew that this was the last time they would meet before her end. How can you relax when you know that these are the last moments you're going to have with your loved one. You watched them die and this is the best that you can do with them in their last days, knowing that you can't stop death from coming.

And there is something so incredibly healing about The Doctor allowing themselves to stay here, with only occasional trips to the Moon with their favorite niece. and the possibility of them perhaps becoming a Curator -- who knows!!

And now we have Ncuti Gawa's 15th Doctor to look forward to and all of time and space!! I am so incredibly excited to see where this takes us on Christmas.

[callsigns-haze]

The Top Gun Masterlist

- WARNING - please understand that some of my stories contain, gore, smut and other adult topic. Minors are severally banned of my blog.

Jake "Hangman" Seresin

Haze and Hangman

Summary: Y/N has always got broken by the person she goes back to. Driving up to her wingman's house every time might sound crazy but the both of them are stuck in that haze…

Pretty like a crime series

Summary: Cobra is finally back on the agency and is finally back in the job. With Kai at home she has to jumble being a mother and a agent. She's sent to her first U.C mission but never thought that she would meet a blonde, green eyed Texan...

Loves Revolution (Ft. Bradley Bradshaw) ON HOLD

Summary: Bradley, Jake and Maddie have been friends for many years ongoing. Bradley from Cork and Jake and Madison from the troubled Dublin, have been close for life. Now fighting in the 1916 Easter rising and the ongoing history to the Treaty and the independence of Ireland their story lives on...

Short Love Summary: The is about widowed father Bradley Bradshaw who enlists his brother-in-law Jake Seresin and childhood best friend Robert Floyd to help raise his three daughters, eldest Donna Jo Margaret (D.J for short), middle child Stephanie and youngest Michelle in his San Diego home. 

Out of all

Summary: Brothers' Best Friend Series! Follow along as these characters navigate the treacherous waters of love, loyalty, and desire, all while facing the ultimate taboo: falling for your sibling's best friend. From heart-pounding moments to steamy encounters, this series is a rollercoaster of emotions that will keep you hooked until the very end. Brace yourself for intense romantic tension, sizzling chemistry, and enough drama to keep you guessing. Are you ready to embark on this captivating journey?

Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw

Loves Revolution (Ft. Jake Seresin) ON HOLD

Summary: Bradley, Jake and Maddie have been friends for many years ongoing. Bradley from Cork and Jake and Madison from the troubled Dublin, have been close for life. Now fighting in the 1916 Easter rising and the ongoing history to the Treaty and the independence of Ireland their story lives on...

[saiacross]

Bonds Unveiled

Supernatural FanFic: 9,178: Words: Series: Reader-Insert ⚠️ 18+ Content Spicy/Smut⚠️

Chapter 11: Together Again

This Work is part of an overarching story that can be read as a one-shot with little overlapping information from other chapters.

⬅ Chapter 10 Young Sam💜 Bonus Chapter 3 ➡ Master List

Chapter 11: Together Again It's been a couple of days since Y/N left, and the brothers have been looking for her, but no one has seen or heard from her. Sam's tolerance with Dean is running low when they seem to finally get a hit. But in the end, it's really Saia who does the saving in the end, but at what cost? ________________________ Main Story: Y/N is no ordinary Huntress and when she runs into the Winchesters her life takes a turn. As time unfolds, they get to know each other, rely on one another, and demonstrate they care for one another in their own ways. Y/N's life begins to unravel into her history, present, and what lies ahead. She faces resurfacing fears she believed she'd escaped long ago, aided by the Winchester brothers. Their journey together is one of confronting old horrors and finding newfound strength.

In the library, Sam sat hunched over his laptop, focused on searching for any trace of Y/N. His brow furrowed with worry as he typed away, trying to find any leads on her whereabouts. Meanwhile, Dean paced back and forth, his phone pressed to his ear as he made call after call, trying to reach anyone who might have information on Y/N's location.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Dean's phone call came to an end. He let out a frustrated sigh and sat down next to Sam, who had closed his laptop with a defeated look on his face. Dean's shoulders slumped with a mix of exhaustion and guilt.

"Jody hasn't seen or heard from her," Dean admitted with a heavy tone.

“What about Garth or Donna?” Sam would ask.

"Nothing, I also called Cass and even Crowley. Nobody knows where she is."

Sam shook his head, his expression a mix of frustration and concern.

"She's certainly good at hiding," he said, his voice tinged with disappointment.

Dean looked at Sam with a pained expression, wanting to say something

“Listen Sammy…” but before he could, Sam closed his laptop and stood up.

"Don't, Dean," Sam said, his voice firm but tinged with sadness. He picked up his laptop and walked away, leaving Dean to sit there in silence, his thoughts consumed with the weight of his actions.

Feeling guilty and defeated, Dean watched Sam leave without saying a word. With a heavy heart, Dean remained seated at the table, lost in his thoughts, his mind replaying the moments that led to this point. But for now, all he could do was wait and hope that Y/N would come back, that she would give him another chance. And in the meantime, he would continue to search for her, determined to make things right and show her that he was truly sorry for the hurt he had caused.

The war room in the Bunker was dimly lit, and the map of Delaware was up on the digital table as Dean and Cass leaned over it, their heads close together in conversation. Sam's curiosity was piqued when he heard their voices from the hallway, and he decided to investigate.

As Sam walked into the room, looked over Dean and Cass’s shoulders before they noticed him.

"Delaware?" Sam asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise. He wasn't expecting that particular location.

When Dean and Cass noticed him, they turned their attention toward him. Sam couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope, wondering if they had some information about Y/N's whereabouts.

Dean glanced at Cass.

Cass indeed his head "Yeah," His voice was as nonchalant as always. “I think that's where Y/N went."

Sam's expression softened as he absorbed the information. "Any idea why?" he inquired, hoping that they might have some insights into Y/N's motives for leaving.

Cass paused for a moment, his eyes filled with contemplation. "It's possible that she wanted to distance herself from the situation here," he explained. "After the heated argument with Dean.”

Dean closed his eyes and looked to the ground with a heavy sigh, trying his best not to just bite Cass’s head off. Sam gave an uncomfortable chuckle.

“Yeah, Cass we know that I meant what purpose did she specifically choose that state.” Sam further explained himself.

“Oh.” Cass looked back to the map with a fraud brow realizing his mistake. “Well perhaps because Delaware holds the greatest population of wild foxes in the State?” Cass would look to Dean and Sam in all seriousness.

Dean and Sam remained silent as they continued to study Cass, wondering if he was trying to be funny or not.

The Impala rumbled down the streets of Bayard, Delaware, as Dean and Sam searched for any signs of Y/N. Sam, sitting in the passenger seat, couldn't help but feel anxious, his eyes darting around outside the windows. He turned to Dean with a hint of doubt in his voice.

 "Are you sure this is the right place?"

Dean glanced over at Sam, his expression serious. "This is the place Cass said," he replied firmly, his eyes focused on the road ahead.

Sam continued to fidget, bouncing his leg restlessly.

"We'll find her, Sammy," Dean assured him, trying to offer some comfort. But Sam couldn't shake off his worry, his mind consumed with thoughts of Y/N's well-being.

"Yeah, I know," Sam said with a nod, still avoiding Dean's gaze. "But it's the condition we find her in that worries me."

Confused, Dean turned to his brother.

"What do you mean?" he asked, genuinely concerned.

Sam took a deep breath before explaining, "Her nightmares, Dean. Remember how you said she couldn't sleep the night you broke the spell on me? Well, it's been at least two nights since then."

Dean's jaw clenched with frustration as he processed Sam's words. "Son of a Bitch!"

The bar glowed with neon lights signs reflecting off the polished wooden counter. Sam and Dean stepped inside, the creaking of the old door announcing their arrival. The air smelled of alcohol and cigarette smoke, typical of a small-town bar.

“Dean, this isn’t going to work, she can change how she looks remember?” Sam would whisper as he walked alongside this brother as they headed for the bar.

“Don’t worry, I got a good feeling about this.” Dean would smirk with confidence.

Approaching the bar, a burly man with a grizzled beard and a friendly smile greeted them.

"What can I get ya?" he asked, his voice rough but welcoming.

Dean reached into his pocket and pulled out a picture of Y/N.

"Actually, can you tell me if you've seen this woman around?" he asked, holding the photo out for the bartender to see.

The bartender squinted at the picture, taking a moment to study it. Then, a hint of recognition crossed his face.

"Yeah, she's been by a few times," he replied, nodding.

Sam's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? She's been here?" he asked, unable to hide his shock.

The bartender chuckled. "Yeah, she's becoming quite the regular. Going to put me out of business soon as this rate." he laughed.

Dean and Sam both looked at the man as if he just misspoke.

“Y/- She doesn’t drink… like that.” Sam re-framed from saying her name but still voice his concern.

“Look do you know where she is or where she might be staying?” Dean asked though he was just as perplexed about the drinking comment as well.

The bartender scratched his head, trying to recall. "Well, last time I saw her, she mentioned she found a place at a small motel a few blocks away. Can't remember the name, though," he said apologetically.

Dean nodded, mentally noting the information. "Alright, thanks for the help," he said, slipping a few bills on the counter as a tip.

As they turned to leave, the bartender called after them, "You folks her family or something?"

Dean chuckled, not wanting to reveal too much. "Something like that," he replied cryptically, and with that, they made their way out of the bar.

As they drove through the town, Sam kept his eyes peeled for any sign of a small motel.

"Dean, look there!" Sam pointed out a sign that read "Bayview Motel" just a few blocks away.

Dean parked the Impala near the motel, and they got out to investigate. The motel looked modest, with a row of rooms lining the courtyard. They went up to the front desk, where a middle-aged woman was reading a magazine.

"Hi there," Dean greeted with a smile. "We're looking for a friend of ours, dark hair," he said, as he pulled out Y/N’s picture again.

The woman put her magazine down and thought for a moment. "Oh yeah, I remember her. She checked in a couple of days ago, she’s been a noisy one for sure," she said, glancing at the register. "Room 12."

Sam's face lit up with relief. "Thank you so much," he said gratefully, and they hurried off towards Room 12.

Outside the door, Dean took a deep breath before knocking. "Y/N, it's us, Dean and Sam," he called out. There was no response and the silence that followed worried both Winchester brothers.

Dean decided to check inside. He approached the window, cautiously peeking through the partially open blinds. His heart sank when he saw Y/N's bag on the bed, but no sign of her. Something else caught his eye, troubling him even more.

Motioning to Sam, Dean indicated that he should discreetly force the door open. Sam nodded and skillfully worked on the lock while Dean drew his pistol, preparing for the worst. As soon as the door was open, Dean entered the room, gun at the ready to clear the room.

The sight that greeted them was disheartening. The room was in disarray as if there had been a struggle. Furniture was knocked over, the lamp was shattered against the wall, and the phone had been ripped from the wall.. Dean's jaw clenched as he scanned the room for any sign of Y/N.

"Y/N!" Sam called out, his voice filled with urgency. "Are you in here?"

There was no response, and the silence seemed to echo through the room. Dean's heart raced, and his grip on the pistol tightened. He didn't like the feeling in the pit of his stomach.

"Sam, look," Dean said, pointing to a spot on the floor where blood stains were visible.

Sam looked at the blood on the floor and then again around the room. “Dean, I think Y/N did all this herself. The door was locked and I don’t see any signs of forced entry.”

Dean let out a frustrated sigh and holstered his gun. "The hallucinations must be back, damn it…”

Sam, meanwhile, walked over to the table where Y/N's belongings were scattered. He picked up a brochure from the Assawoman Wildlife Area, noticing a trail map on it. "Dean, look at this," Sam called out, holding up the brochure.

Dean walked over to Sam and took the brochure from his hands, studying it closely. "You think she went to the forest?" he asked, squinting at the map.

“Alright then let’s go hiking.” Dean nodded to Sam.

As they drove to the Assawoman Wildlife Area, Dean's mind was filled with worry for their friend. He knew firsthand how challenging it was to fight hallucinations and he had watched his brother go through it as well with Lucifer. The darkness that lurked within their world, he hoped that Y/N was okay and that they could find her before anything worse happened.

Sam and Dean enter the forest, their experienced hunter instincts guiding them as they stick closely together, following the main path. The dense foliage surrounds them, but their keen eyes easily spot a set of boot prints veering off the trail. Silent communication passes between them as they follow the tracks, their footsteps light and careful.

They walk for what seems like miles, branches crunching softly underfoot as they venture deeper into the woods. The sense of urgency grows with each step, knowing that their friend, Y/N, could be out here alone and in distress.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Sam and Dean arrive at a clearing near a glistening creek. The gentle sound of flowing water fills the air, and the sunlight filtering through the leaves casts a warm glow over the serene scene. But their focus is on something else entirely.

Standing several yards away from Dean and Sam was a figure that caught their attention immediately. The silhouette had a familiar set of fox ears and tails—it was Y/N. Dean's heart skipped a beat, and he started to approach her, but Sam held him back with a curious expression on his face as he observed Y/N from a distance.

Y/N stood in front of a small shrine, and the brothers watched in silence as she knelt down and began to take out several items from her bag. Sam whispered to Dean, "What is she doing?" Dean shrugged, equally puzzled, and replied, "Praying, maybe?"

They gave Y/N some space, watching her intently as she carefully placed the items on the shrine with a sense of reverence and dedication. Her actions were deliberate, and it was clear that this was a ritual she had performed before. The significance of the shrine and its contents remained a mystery to the brothers.

As Y/N stood up again, Dean could see the weight of her emotions etched on her face. There was something deeply personal and meaningful about this ritual. He glanced at Sam, and they both agreed silently to give her more time before approaching her.

The wind howled around them, a sudden burst of ferocity that caught Sam and Dean off guard. They shielded their faces from the debris kicked up by the forceful gusts, their eyes squinting against the onslaught. As quickly as it had arrived, the wind died down, leaving behind a sense of foreboding in its wake.

Looking around, Sam and Dean noticed that Y/N was surrounded by a group of people—many of whom Sam and Dean recognized all too well. They were demons, and among them were some of the henchmen who had served her father. It was a chilling sight, and it left the brothers seething with anger.

As Y/N turned and began to run, Dean wasted no time. "Son of a bitch, come on, Sam!" he shouted urgently. Without hesitation, Dean took off after Y/N, determination etched into his features. Sam was right behind him, his long strides matching Dean's pace.

The chase was on, and the woods seemed to blur around them as they pursued Y/N and the demons. The sounds of twigs snapping under their boots mixed with the echoing cries of the forest. The adrenaline surged through Dean's veins.

As they ran, Sam's mind raced, thinking of ways they could save her from the clutches of the demons. They couldn't let her be taken, not after everything they had been through together. Dean's voice echoed in his head, urging him to push forward.

Y/N was swift, her determination to escape evident in every step she took but she was also tired and the demons were relentless, gaining ground with each passing moment. Dean's heart pounded in his chest, and he willed his legs to move faster, to reach her before it was too late.

Y/N pushed herself to keep running but soon found herself tumbling to the ground, rolling through the leaves. Her weakened state finally gave way and the demons took this chance to jump her. Y/N struggled on the forest floor, fighting off the demons with all her remaining strength, Dean and Sam wasted no time in joining the fray. The brothers moved with precision and skill, each taking down a demon with their angel blades. But as quickly as they dispatched two, more seemed to emerge from the shadows, eager to take their place.

Dean swung his blade with deadly precision, his movements swift and calculated. Sam fought with a controlled fury, his tall frame moving with agility and grace. Together, they were a formidable force, but the demons were relentless, and their numbers seemed endless.

"Dean, we need a plan!" Sam called out, parrying a demon's attack and countering with a fierce strike.

Dean's eyes darted around, analyzing the situation. "We need to get Y/N out of here," he replied, his voice firm and unwavering.

Sam nodded in agreement, his focus on keeping the demons at bay. "I'll cover you, go!"

With a nod, Dean sprinted towards Y/N, who was still fending off the demons with fierce determination. He leaped into action, taking down any demon that got too close to her. Y/N's eyes met Dean's, and she knew she wasn't alone in this fight.

The forest was a chaotic battleground as Dean, Sam, and Y/N fought against the relentless onslaught of demons. Each swing of their weapons, each blast of power, sent demons flying, but they seemed to be endless in number.

Dean grunted as he threw one demon off Y/N, only to have another one immediately take its place. "Y/N, stay close!" he shouted, trying to keep an eye on both her and Sam as they fought side by side.

Sam's face was set with determination as he swung his angel blade, dispatching a demon with a fierce strike. "Dean, look out!" he warned, taking down another demon that was trying to sneak up on his brother. Y/N's heart pounded in her chest as she fought with all her might. She had faced dangers before, but this was just different.

As they continued to battle, the demons began to push them further apart, separating the trio in the chaos of the fight. But despite their best efforts, the demons seemed to be gaining the upper hand. More and more of them surrounded the three fighters, making it increasingly difficult to keep their defenses up.

Y/N's heart pounded in her chest as she fought off the last demon surrounding her. Her eyes darted around frantically, searching for any sign of Dean and Sam. The forest was filled with chaos, and the demons seemed to be scattering.

"Dean! Sam!" Y/N shouted, her voice echoing through the trees, but there was no response. Panic began to set in as she realized she had lost sight of them in the midst of the relentless battle.

Suddenly, a bone-chilling scream tore through the air, and Y/N's heart dropped. It was Sam's voice, filled with terror and pain. Without a second thought, she turned and sprinted toward the source of the scream, her adrenaline fueling her movements.

The forest fell silent for a moment as Sam's anguished scream echoed through the trees. The weight of the moment seemed to hang in the air as he watched his brother fall, blood staining the ground beneath him.

The demon that Dean had been fighting managed to get the best of him with a switch plunge of his huge blade into Dean’s stomach. Dean stumbled back until she met a tree and then slid his way down the trunk until he was sitting on the forest ground. Dean's face contorted in pain as he clutched his stomach, trying to staunch the flow of blood.

"No!" Sam roared, his voice filled with fury and grief. He charged at the demon who had attacked Dean, his angel blade gripped tightly in his hand. With a primal scream, he plunged the blade into the demon's chest with all his strength, the blade piercing through the creature's black heart.

The demon's eyes widened in shock as it gasped for breath, its body convulsing before finally going limp. Sam's breaths came in ragged gasps as he pulled the blade free, staring down at the lifeless demon with a mix of satisfaction and sorrow.

Turning back to Dean, Sam's heart clenched at the sight of his injured brother. He rushed to Dean's side, falling to his knees next to him. "Dean, hey, hey, stay with me," Sam pleaded, placing his hands on Dean's bloodied stomach, trying to apply pressure to the wound.

Dean's eyes were hazy with pain as he looked up at his brother. "Sammy..." he croaked, his voice weak and strained.

"I've got you, Dean, just hold on," Sam said, his voice trembling as he fought to keep his emotions in check. "You're gonna be okay. Just stay with me." Sam closed his eyes tightly to keep the tears back. “Damnit Cass, where are you?” He was a whisper.

Dean's grip on consciousness was slipping, but he managed a weak smile. "You're a good hunter, Sammy," he said, his words slurred. "Take care of yourself... and watch out for each other."

"No, no, Dean, don't talk like that," Sam choked out, his vision blurred by tears. "You're gonna be fine, okay? We're gonna get you out of here and get you some help."

But even as Sam spoke, he could see the light fading from Dean's eyes. He knew he was losing him. Panic and despair surged through him as he clung to his brother's hand, trying to will him to hold on.

As Y/N raced through the forest, her heart pounded in her chest. She knew something was terribly wrong, and she mentally urged her legs to move faster. Panic and fear gripped her as she neared the source of Sam's scream. When she finally spotted Dean and Sam, her worst fears were confirmed.

Her breath caught in her throat as she saw the blood-soaked ground beneath Dean, and the tears streaming down Sam's face. She slid to a stop on her knees in the leaves, trying to catch her breath as she scrambled to reach their side.

"No... no," Y/N gasped, her eyes wide with shock and worry. She looked at Sam, then to Dean's wound.

Sam's voice was thick with grief as he spoke, his eyes never leaving his brother's pale face. "We were ambushed by demons," he managed to say. "Dean... he got hurt trying to protect me."

Y/N's heart pounded in her chest as she tried to catch her breath, the fear and worry evident in her eyes. She gently touched his cheek, feeling the warmth slowly fading from his skin.

“Where is Cass?” Y/N asked as she looked down and over Dean’s body, he was still breathing but it was shallow.

Sam shook his head. “He hasn’t answered.”

“Damn Angels.” Y/N would cuss under her breath as she removed her jacket and rolled it up to place it under Dean’s head.

“Sam move over, give him to me.” Y/N would instruct as she basically pushed Sam out of the way so she could sit right in front of Dean’s wound.

Sam moved aside, allowing Y/N to get closer to Dean. He could see the determination in her eyes and trusted her instincts. Sam watched as Y/N removed Dean’s hands from his stomach and then lifted his shirt.  He watches as Y/N positions herself carefully, her hands hovering over Dean's wound

"Y/N, can you really heal him?" Sam asks, his voice filled with surprise.

"I’m going to try. I've never tried anything like this before, but in theory, if I can take then I can give," she admits, her hands now touching Dean's stomach gently.

Y/N takes a deep breath, closing her eyes to concentrate. Her hands begin to glow with a soft blue light as she channels her essence into Dean's wound. The air around them seems to hum with energy as Y/N focuses all her power on healing him. Sam's eyes widen with awe and relief as he witnesses Y/N's healing powers at work.

As the minutes pass, Sam can see the toll this healing has taken on Y/N. Her complexion turns paler, and her hands tremble slightly, yet she remains focused on her task. He stays close, silently offering his support, knowing how crucial it is for her to complete the healing.

Finally, Y/N removes her hands from Dean's stomach, and the glow around her hands fades. She lets out a deep, tired sigh, her energy drained from the intense effort she put forth.

As she sways and starts to lose balance, Sam acts swiftly, catching her just in time to prevent her from falling to the ground. He holds her gently allowing her to lean into him, concern evident in his eyes.

“Y/N!”

Y/N manages a faint smile, her breaths still labored. "Dean will be fine. He should wake in an hour or so.” Y/N's eyes close, succumbing to her exhaustion.

“Thank you..” Sam’s voice is filled with relief and gratitude.

Dean's eyes fluttered open, and he found himself in his room at the Bunker. He sat up, rubbing his eyes as he tried to piece together what had happened. The memories of the intense battle with the demons came flooding back, but something felt off. He couldn't quite believe what he was seeing.

"Sam?" Dean croaked, his voice scratchy from sleep.

Sam's face appeared in the doorway, and his eyes immediately lit up with relief as he saw Dean sitting up. "Hey, you're finally awake," Sam said, setting the tray of food and drink on a nearby table.

"Yeah... I think so," Dean replied, still trying to shake off the disorientation."How did we get back here?"

"You were out for almost 24 hours when Cass showed up. I had him bring you and Y/N home and keep an eye on you while I drove the Impala back."

Dean's brow furrowed in confusion. "Y/N's here?" he asked, hoping he hadn't imagined it all.

Sam's smile was warm and reassuring. "Yeah, we found her and brought her back," he said.

Dean let out a sigh of relief, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. "Good. I was worried we'd lost her for good," he admitted.

As Dean's hand instinctively moved to his stomach, where the pain had been, he said, "Feels like Cass patched me up good."

But Sam's expression turned serious. "Um, Dean, Cass didn't show up until late. Y/N is the one who healed you," he said, watching Dean's reaction closely.

Dean's eyes widened in astonishment. "What? Y/N healed me?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"Yeah," Sam confirmed. "She said ‘If I can take it, I can give it.’ Dean, I think she used her…. essence to heal you.” Sam was careful of which word he decided to use.

Dean's mind raced with thoughts of Y/N's act of kindness. "Damn," he whispered, "She really came through for me."

Sam nodded. "She always does, Dean. She cares about us more than you realize," he said gently.

Dean looked at Sam with a mixture of gratitude and guilt. "I treated her like crap," he admitted, feeling remorseful.

Sam placed a hand on Dean's shoulder. "Yeah, you did. But she forgave you and still helped save your life," he said.

Dean swallowed hard, feeling a lump in his throat. "I owe her," he said, his voice heavy with emotion.

Sam nodded again, understanding. "We both do," he said.

Dean took a deep breath, trying to process everything. "Let's go find her," he said, determination in his voice. Dean tossed his blanket off his legs and swung them over the side of the bed. Before he could stand Sam stopped him.

“Umm Dean.. Well, it’s about Y/N..” Sam was having trouble with his words, trying to pick the best ones so his brother would remain calm.

Dean's brow furrowed with concern as he looked at Sam. He could tell by his brother's expression that something was seriously wrong. He sat back down on the edge of the bed, his heart starting to race.

"What happened? Is Y/N okay?" Dean asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Sam took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Y/N's not doing well, Dean.”

Sam and Dean stand in Y/N’s open doorway looking over her. Y/N lay in bed, her face pale and covered in sweat, her breaths labored.

“Her fever has been really high for the past few hours, and Cass tried to help her, but it didn't seem to work," he explained, his worry evident in his voice.

Dean's eyes widened in alarm. "What do you mean it didn't work?" he said, his mind racing with possibilities.

"I don’t know it's like her body is resisting it," Sam replied, frustration and helplessness in his tone. "Between not sleeping, the hallucinations, being attacked, healing you, and who knows what else, I think she's just really drained. " Sam said, his voice heavy with worry.

Dean nodded, absorbing the gravity of the situation. He knew that Y/N had been through so much, and her body must be exhausted from all the trials she had faced. "Okay, so do that... that energy exchange thing," Dean suggested, trying to come up with a solution to help Y/N.

Sam looked at Dean with disbelief written all over his face. "Dean...," he began, his voice trailing off.

Dean shook his head and put his hand up to stop Sam. "I know, Sam. I know," he said firmly. He had seen Y/N's abilities before and of course, there was her unique way of recharging her energy. The very thing that started all this, and now Dean was relying on it… Man, he was really hating himself right now.

The atmosphere in the room shifted as Sam sighed in frustration. "I tried actually, but nothing happened," he admitted, his tone tinged with disappointment.

Dean glanced at Sam, slightly irritated that he would attempt the energy exchange without discussing it first, but he tried to let it go for the sake of helping Y/N. "Why didn't it work? You two did it before," Dean questioned, genuinely curious.

Sam looked down, feeling a bit embarrassed as he explained, "Well, Y/N did it, I just laid there, really."

Dean chuckled, knowing Sam was still a bit bothered by the failed attempt. "Bitch," he teased playfully.

Sam's head snapped up to look at Dean, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Jerk," he retorted, a hint of a smile breaking through.

n that moment, their playful banter brought a sense of normalcy back to the room, even amidst the serious situation with Y/N. They both knew that they were there for each other, even in their frustrations and failures.

In the dimly lit kitchen of the bunker, Dean stood at the counter, savoring the sandwich he just prepared. As he took a bite, Sam entered the room, heading straight for the fridge. Dean looked up, a concerned expression crossing his face.

"Hey, how's she doing?" he asked, trying to sound nonchalant despite the worry in his voice.

Sam shook his head, glancing inside the fridge. "She still hasn't woken up yet, and her fever is still high," he replied, his tone heavy with concern.

Dean swallowed his food and asked with a mouthful, "Like high for us or high for her?" The uncertainty in Sam's response only added to his anxiety.

"I don't know," Sam admitted with a sigh, closing the fridge door. He turned to face Dean, noticing the beer bottle in his hand. "Is that the last one?" he inquired, raising an eyebrow.

Dean's expression shifted to guilt as he glanced down at the beer bottle. "Uh, yeah, it might be," he muttered sheepishly.

Sam rolled his eyes, knowing his brother's tendency to prioritize certain pleasures even in tough times.

"I'm making a beer run, keep an eye on her and let me know if anything changes, alright?" Sam headed for the door.

Dean nodded, grateful for Sam's level-headedness.

"Will do," he replied, taking another swig of his beer."And hey, grab some bread too! We're running low." Dean raise the rest of his sandwich into the air as he spoke then processed to finish it.

Dean took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to face. He knew he couldn't afford to be weak or defeated in this moment; she needed him to be strong but Dean also wasn’t great at this kind of thing. With a determined nod, he quietly turned the doorknob and slowly pushed the door open.

As he stepped inside, he was met with a sight that tugged at his heartstrings. Y/N lay on her bed, it was clear that she was still in the grips of illness. Dean approached the bed, his heart sinking as he saw her like this. He sat down on the chair next to her bed, taking in the sight of her in her weakened state. Despite the worry gnawing at him, he managed to put on a small, reassuring smile.

"Hey, Y/N," he said softly, his voice filled with care. "It's just me. Sam had to make a beer run." He reached out and places his hand on top of hers. Y/N didn’t stir.

“Damnit, If you would wake up we could help you.” Dean huffed.

Dean's heart sank as he felt the intense heat radiating from Y/N's hand and forehead. He knew that her fever had spiked, and it was a clear sign that something wasn't right. With worry etched on his face, he gently brushed a few strands of hair away from her forehead, hoping to soothe her in some way.

Dean's concern deepened as he felt the heat coming from Y/N's forehead. He needed to figure out what was going on. Glancing over at the items Sam had left on the side table, he spotted a thermometer and a bottle of medication.

"I need to know if this fever is normal for her," Dean mumbled to himself, reaching for the thermometer. Carefully, he placed it on Y/N's temple and pulled out his phone. Dean began to type frantically, searching for any information on the typical body temperature of a fox, it was the best he was going to get right now. As he scrolled through the search results, he muttered, "Come on, come on. There's gotta be something here."

After a few moments of searching, he found a forum with a discussion on foxes. He clicked on it and skimmed through the comments until he found a post mentioning their body temperature. According to the forum, foxes typically had a higher body temperature than humans, hovering around 101 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit.

Finally, the thermometer beeped, and Dean quickly read the temperature. Dean's heart sank as he compared this to the reading on the thermometer. Y/N's temperature was well above the normal range for a human or fox, far higher than what would be considered safe. He knew that they needed to act fast to bring her fever down before it caused any serious damage.

Dean's heart raced as he hurried to the bathroom, the urgency of the situation propelling him into action. He knew that time was of the essence, and he couldn't afford to waste a single moment. With shaky hands, he turned on the faucet, adjusting the temperature until the water flowed cold and soothing.

Returning to Y/N's room, he felt a mixture of concern and determination coursing through him. Gently, he lifted Y/N into his arms, cradling her close to his chest. He could feel the heat radiating from her body, a stark contrast to the coolness of the air around them. He held her securely, careful not to jostle her too much as he carried her to the bathroom.

With tender care, Dean lowered Y/N into the cold bath, her body sinking into the water not bothering to remove her clothes. He kept her head above the surface, cradling it in his hands to provide support. Y/N's eyes fluttered slightly, and Dean could see the relief in her expression as the cool water enveloped her feverish skin.

"Easy, Y/N," Dean whispered softly, his voice filled with concern. "Just relax, you're gonna be okay."

Y/N's breathing began to slow, the rise and fall of her chest becoming less labored. Dean watched her intently, his eyes never leaving her face. He could see the subtle changes as her body responded to the cooling effect of the water. The tension in his shoulders eased slightly, knowing that they were on the right track.

Gradually, Y/N's fever began to subside, and the tension in her body lessened. Her breathing steadied, and a sense of relief washed over Dean. He continued to hold her, keeping her head above water, until he was certain that her fever was under control.

"You're doing great Sweetheart," Dean murmured, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I've got you," Dean said as he reached down to pull the plug from the tub allowing the water to drain, he then reached over and grabbed a nearby towel.

Dean's arms trembled slightly as he lifted Y/N out of the bath, cradling her in the soft towel. Her skin felt cooler now, and the fever slowly subsiding, but she was still weak. Gently, he dried her off, her tails were the challenging part but he was mindful of her delicate state, and made sure she was covered and comfortable in the towel.

With utmost care, Dean carried Y/N in his arms down the hallway, her head resting against his shoulder. He made his way to his room, intending to provide her with a clean and comfortable space to rest. Dean laid Y/N down on his bed, making sure to tuck the towel securely around her to keep her warm. He checked her forehead, feeling a slight fever still present.

Dean carefully laid Y/N down on his bed, ensuring the towel was in place to protect the bed from getting wet. He then swiftly moved to his closet and dresser, grabbing a t-shirt and a pair of boxers. With the clothes in hand, he returned to Y/N's side on the bed.

Gently, Dean sat Y/N up, supporting her back with one arm and sliding onto the bed behind her, allowing her to lean against him for comfort. He started to remove her wet clothes, and mindful of her weakened state he tried not to look as he did so.

Though with a playful grin, Dean chuckled nervously as he tried to lighten the mood, feeling a bit awkward about dressing her, "Though I gotta say, dressing you is new territory for me, I'm used to just taking them off, not putting them on." Dean paused for a brief moment when he realized that her tails possessed an obstacle he hadn't taken into consideration…

Dean carefully discarded Y/N's wet clothes, towel and difficult boxers to a corner of the room. He then pulled the covers out from under them and flicked them gently so that they softly floated down, covering Y/N in warmth and comfort. He began to shift away from behind her, intending to give her space to lie down properly.

However, as Dean started to move, Y/N instinctively nuzzled into him for comfort. Her actions caught him off guard and he suddenly regretted leaving her in just his oversized t-shirt. With a soft chuckle, Dean carefully rearranged himself, making sure that Y/N was lying comfortably against him as his back rested against the headboard. He wrapped his arms around her gently, creating a cocoon of warmth and safety, pretty sure that she would kill him later for his choices.

Y/N relaxed in his embrace, finding solace in Dean's presence. She felt safe and cared for, and that allowed her to let go of some of the tension she had been carrying.

Dean stayed there with her, his hands gently rubbing her arms as he kept a watchful eye on her. He wanted her to know that she wasn't alone, that she had someone with her so that she could rest comfortably, the same as Sam had done that night in the motel.

Y/N's eyes fluttered open, and her gaze wandered around the dimly lit room. She felt the soft mattress beneath her, and the sound of a steady heartbeat filled her ears. As she focused, she realized she was lying on a bed and could feel the rise and fall of someone's chest beneath her head. It didn't take her long to recognize the room; she was in Dean's room at the bunker.

Confusion washed over her as she tried to piece together the events that had led her here. The memories were hazy, like fragments of a dream. She could vaguely recall a battle, a fever, and Sam's worried face. But the details were foggy, and she couldn't quite grasp what had happened.

"Dean?" Y/N's voice was soft and shaky as she spoke the name. She lifted her head slightly, looking up at Dean.

Dean had been sitting in silence with his head leaning back against the headboard, but the moment she stirred and called his name, his attention snapped back to her.

"Hey there, Welcome back," Dean replied gently, offering a reassuring smile.

Y/N's voice was weak and barely audible as she tried to push through the haze of her fever, her body feeling heavy and drained. She struggled to keep her eyes open and Dean could see the exhaustion and weakness in her.

"Where is Sam?" Y/N managed to ask, her voice trembling..

"He left a while ago for food and beer," Dean replied gently, trying to gauge Y/N's condition. “He’ll be back soon.”

Y/N's breaths were shallow, and her eyelids felt heavy, but she mustered the strength to speak again. "Dean, I need Sam," she pleaded, the urgency in her voice clear.

Dean's heart sank as he understood the gravity of her request. Y/N had always been reluctant to accept her Kitsune instincts, especially the need to feed people to replenish her energy. But now, it seemed like she was reaching a breaking point, and it was the only option to keep her from fading away.

Dean's hesitation was evident, torn between his concern for Y/N's well-being and the reluctance to see his brother being fed upon. Yet, he knew that Y/N's condition was worsening, and time was of the essence. With a heavy sigh, he finally agreed, "Yeah, okay."

Reaching over to the nightstand, Dean picked up his phone and dialed Sam's number, hoping that his brother would pick up. As the phone rang, he contemplated what he would say to Sam, knowing it wouldn't be an easy conversation. However, the call went unanswered, and it went to voicemail.

"Damnit, Sam," Dean muttered under his breath, frustration evident in his tone.

"He isn't answering," Dean said, feeling a mixture of worry and determination. He looked at Y/N's pale form, her energy fading, and knew he had to act quickly.

Looking back down at Y/N, who lay weak and exhausted against him, Dean made a swift decision. He knew what Y/N needed, and if Sam wasn't picking up, then he would offer his own.

With a resolute expression, Dean made up his mind. "Y/N, you can use me," he declared firmly, not knowing if she could last until Sam arrived.

He gently moved Y/N to rest her head further up against his chest, trying to offer her some comfort as he prepared for the exchange. His heart raced with a mix of concern and fear, but he knew he had to do whatever it took to save her.

Y/N chuckled weakly. “Don’t be stupid Dean, we both know you hate that idea.”

Dean's clenched his jaw in frustration as he heard Y/N's insistence on not taking his offer. He was torn between wanting to help her and his own pride getting in the way.

"Dammit Y/N, listen to me," Dean said, his voice tinged with frustration. "I don't hate you, I just want you to get better, and if that means feeding from me, then so be it. Just let me help you.”

Y/N's weak chuckle was tinged with exhaustion, but there was also a hint of amusement in her voice. "You're a real pain in the ass, you know that?" she said softly.

Dean's lips twitched into a half-smile despite the seriousness of the situation. "Yeah, well, you're not exactly a walk in the park yourself," he retorted, trying to lighten the mood.

Y/N looked up at him, her eyes showing a mixture of vulnerability and gratitude. "I know you're trying to be noble, Dean," she said softly, "but this isn't about pride. I don't want to take from you like that."

Dean sighed heavily. “Y/N… I’m sorry. For everything. I don't hate you for accepting Sam, okay? I hate myself for putting us, for putting you in that position. You gave everything to save us, then I pushed you away when I should've been there for you in return. I've been a real jerk, and I'm sorry. I’m sorry for not trusting you and I’m sorry about the things I said… the things I called you.” Dean was never good with apologizes, matter of fact he usually tried to avoid them. So it came as no surprise to Y/N when his words were laced with frustration vs sympathy, but she knew that this was a genuine apology.  

Y/N looked up at Dean again, this time she was closer since he had pulled her up, and she reached out to touch Dean's cheek gently. "Dean, I forgive you," she whispered.

Dean cleared his throat and tried to put up a tough exterior despite the vulnerability he was feeling inside. "So, how do we do this?" he asked, his gaze focused on Y/N.

Y/N carefully lifted herself off Dean, wincing slightly from the effort. "Can you remove your shirt?" she asked, her voice weak but determined.

Dean nodded and quickly complied, taking off his shirt and revealing his bare chest. He watched as Y/N struggled to move, and his concern for her grew.

Dean watched Y/N's movements, her body seemingly weighed down by exhaustion. He was unsure of what to expect as she carefully positioned herself, straddling his lap and facing him. Her voice was soft, barely audible, as she pleaded, "Please forgive me."

Dean was taken aback by her vulnerability, his heart softening at the sight of her struggling. He wasn't sure how to react or where to put his hands, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside him.

Y/N gently wrapped her arms around Dean's neck, seeking comfort and support. She rested her forehead against his collarbone, her words reassuring him, "Just try to relax. As long as you're willing, you shouldn't feel any discomfort."

A small chuckle escaped Dean's lips at her choice of words, finding a moment of levity in the midst of the seriousness of the situation. "Discomfort could be applied to many things right now," he murmured, trying to ease the tension in the air.

As Y/N took a deep breath, she allowed herself to relax, trying to focus herself. As she inhaled, the familiar scents of Dean's aftershave and whisky reached her senses. It was a combination of smells she had come to associate with him over their time together, and it brought a sense of comfort amidst the uncertainty of the moment.

Dean also took a deep breath, mirroring Y/N's actions, and leaned his head back against the headboard of the bed. He tried to steady himself, knowing that he needed to trust Y/N in this process. His hands rested on the bed on either side of them, ready to support her if needed.

As Y/N began to draw out Dean's essence, she felt a warm, tingling sensation coursing through her body. It was a unique feeling, almost like an electric current flowing between them. She focused on channeling the energy gently, ensuring that Dean wouldn't feel anything. Dean’s essence had a kind of spicy savory taste to it, much different than his brothers.

As the exchange continued, Dean felt a sense of warmth enveloping him.

Dean’s skin glistens with sweat, his body tense, his chest heaving as his breathing becomes more labored. His gaze falls on now Y/N as he feels her body against his own, aware of every curve and movement she makes. He could feel a bead of sweat trickle down his back, and he felt the heat of her body pressing against his. His heart throbbing in his chest as the energy between them intensifies. His breath catches in his throat as Y/N meets his gaze, a low hum of anticipation growing louder with each passing second.

Dean's eyes were drawn to the hypnotic sway of Y/N's tails, his gaze naturally tracing the curves of her body all the way down to her exposed ass. Dean breathed quickly and heavily, filling the room with almost frantic energy. There is a slight groan from deep within him, a sound that comes from a place of pleasure and anticipation all at once. He felt a sense of primal lust as he noticed her hips hovering over his completely hard bulge in his jeans now threatening to break through the zipper. The heat radiating off Y/N’s body is intoxicating and Dean can feel it through his clothes.

“Please, Don’t touch.” Y/N pleads breathlessly against Dean’s collarbone.

Dean’s aching erect member throbs hearing Y/N’s plea, its tip bobbing menacingly against the tight fabric of his jeans. Dean can feel the heat radiating from it, begging to be touched as he feels Y/N’s hard exposed nipples rub against his bare chest, her heavy breathing had caused her shirt to ridden up between them. His mind is a fog of desire and arousal, the temptation to reach out and touch Y/N’s is overwhelming. His hands itching to reach out and grab a hold of her, pull her closer to him.

There is a low, primal growl emanating from Dean's throat as he finally loses control, letting out a deep raspy voice saying "I'm sorry". Dean's large hands take hold of Y/N's hips, the heat emanating from them causing warmth to spread throughout her body, as he slams them into his own. Y/N's hot slit meeting Dean’s hard throbbing member at last.

The sound of their joined moans fills the air, accompanied by the sound of Dean's throaty growls of pleasure.“Son of a Bitch.” His hips buck and thrust upward into Y/N as her hands cling to his back for support, responding with her own sighs of pleasure from the contact between them.

Y/N's eyes are closed as her body tenses and trembles in Dean's arms. Her lips part with a soft moan, and her voice carries over the sound of Dean's raspy growls as she repeatedly calls out his name. Dean's name echoes off the walls as it reverberates out of the depths of Y/N's throat. Her voice builds in intensity as her body approaches its climax, growing louder and more desperate as she yells out Dean's name in a release of pleasure. Y/N’s orgasm begins to take over. She grips Dean's back, digging her nails into his skin as waves of pleasure crash through her body. Her cries are sweet and full of surrender and relief as she is washed over with ecstasy.

Deep grunts and growls escape from Dean’s throat as he moves faster and faster. His hands grip Y/N’s body tightly as her trembling body sends waves of pleasure through him, the sound of his name from Y/N mixed in with her cries of ecstasy pushing him closer to his own orgasm. Dean moves in a primitive rhythm, pushing himself further and further until his muscles clench and release as the pleasure courses through him, his body shudders and trembles as his own orgasm follows hers.

Dean and Y/N find themselves leaning against each other for support, their foreheads against each other’s shoulders. Both are panting, trying to catch their breaths after…. the intense moment.

“Dean, are you alright?” Y/N asks without moving, still trying to catch her breath.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m fine. Just… wasn’t expecting that.” Dean swallowed hard, his mouth dry.

“I’m sorry..” Y/N’s voice was a whisper with embarrassment.

“Nah, it wasn't that bad. Just a little intense, that's all.” Dean smirked. “But um… please tell me Sam lost control too?” Dean’s voice suddenly changed from confident to desperate.

Y/N couldn’t bring herself to tell him so she just shook her head no.

“Son of a bitch.” Dean whispered, probably meant for just him but Y/N giggled when she heard him.

Sam rushes down the halls of the bunker until he sees Dean walking out of the bathroom, drying his hands on a rag he was carrying.

“Dean!” Sam called out in a panicked voice.

“Oh hey there Sammy, was wondering where you were going to make it back.” Dean greeted his brother.

“Dean, Y/N isn’t in her room.” Sam stopped just before Dean.

“Oh yeah, I moved her to my room.” Dean motioned down the hall.

“What? Why?” Sam’s face and voice were not filled with confusion.

“Well a lot happened while you were gone, I tried calling you but you didn’t pick up.” Dean started to explain.

“What happened?”

“Y/N's fever started spiking, man. It was getting bad, so I put her in a cold bath to bring her temperature down. Then, I moved her to my room so she could rest on a clean bed.” Dean looked at Sam with a mix of exhaustion and relief as he explained what happened.

Sam listened intently to his brother's account, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was different about Dean.

“What else happens? What did you do?” Sam asked concerned yet accusingly.

Dean hesitated, trying to find the right words to explain his actions.

“Y/N woke up Sam. So I let her….. feed off me to help her heal.” Dean was reluctant to actually say the words.

Sam's eyes widened in shock as he processed Dean's revelation. He couldn't believe what he was hearing, especially after the big fuss Dean had made about Sam letting Y/N feed off him the last time. Sam looked at Dean with a mix of disbelief.

“Wait, you let her feed off you? After all the lectures you gave me about the risks?”

“Look, it's not like that, okay? I just... She was fading Sam!”

Sam's concern softened as he listened to Dean's explanation. He could see the genuine worry in his brother's eyes, knowing that Dean would never do something like this lightly.

“I guess I’m more surprised that she accepted, ya know after all the things said.” Sam pointed out.

“Yeah well, I finally had that talk with her too.” Dean chuckled half-heartily. “She even forgave me.” Dean couldn’t bring himself to look at Sam right now.

“Really? She forgave you just like that?” Sam acted surprised but really he knew Y/N better than that.

“Yeah, I was shocked too.” Dean nodded.

“Well you're a good man with a big heart, and sometimes you're just a jerk.”

“Yeah, yeah, enough with the chick-flick moments, Sammy.”

Sam chuckled, glad to see that Dean had made amends with Y/N and that she was forgiving. It meant a lot to Sam to know that they could all move forward as a team.

“You got it, Dean. But seriously, I'm glad you two worked things out.”

“ Thanks, Sam. And... thanks for understanding.”

“Always, Dean.” Sam would nod but also had to poke the bear.

“So, you uh got to finish?” Sam looked to Dean with one brow raised.

“Oh grow up.” Dean scoffed as he turned to walk away.

“ Oh, what? You can ask, but I can't. Come on, Dean, spill it. It was intense right?”As they walked down the hall together, Sam playfully prodded at his brother, knowing he could get under Dean's skin.

“Shut up.” Dean would sim-playfully push Sam towards the opposite wall as well walked down the hall together. Sam laughed as he regained his balance, keeping pace with Dean.

“You know you can always talk to me, right? It's okay to have feelings, Dean.”

“You're enjoying this way too much, you know that?”

End Chapter

💜💜💜💜

This is the Female Reader-Insert Version of my Story, please consider taking a look at the Original with my OFC Saia.

[fdelopera]

okay okay so i was re-watching mk with a couple friends a lil bit ago and my jewish friend raised the point of marc sparing harrow because (im paraphrasing here and my memory is sketchy but,) judaism values all lives and the potential that people can change.

and that made me think about marc's relationship to his religion and god. marc having distanced himself from his jewish heritage because of the abuse he suffered and because of the passiveness of his father (and potentially other family members/community) in dealing with + protecting him from wendy's abuse.

tying that in to the deleted scene with wendy—marc deciding not to kill arthur and ammit stemming from reconciling (and/or releasing) the guilt (ammit/harrow) and anger (khonshu) he's held for so long, and in doing so, reclaiming his jewish heritage. (it's clearly something that's important with him given That Scene in ep 5; the trauma and grief surrounding wendy's death being confronted and managed during deleted scene helps him reclaim it for himself?)

i'm not jewish myself so i wanted to ask someone with that perspective about this aksdxjl -khonshoe

YESSSS!!! Yes, exactly. Judaism has no afterlife, and so we strive to always be better and do better here on earth. Life is for living. The goal is to be buried in Jewish soil in a Jewish cemetery, but the dead live on in our remembrance of them, not in a literal, physical heaven or hell, like in the Christian tradition.

In Episode 5, Marc is confused by the Egyptian afterlife, while Steven geeks out about it because he’s face to face with one of his areas of special interest, but neither of them feel a sense of BELONGING in the journey. Even when Marc reaches the Field of Reeds, he doesn’t know what to do with himself there. Not just because he has been separated from Steven, which is of course his greatest source of pain, but also because this is not the way it is supposed to be. Jewish people don’t live on like this after death. Life is where we experience change and growth and redemption; death is not.

Marc finally saying NO to Khonshu is his act of reclaiming his agency over his ability to choose, which reconnects him to his faith. Judaism is a religion that values free will. It is about choice, consequence, and the ability to change. I think that it is no coincidence that Marc is only able to reconnect with this aspect of his faith after he has connected with Steven. Without Steven, he wouldn’t have been able to defeat Ammit (the goddess of deterministic prejudgment).

Remember in Episode 2, when Steven has a full-on philosophical rant to Harrow about the nature of free will and the dangers of deterministic prejudgment? That’s also the first scene where we see Steven become Marc’s emotional protector. I’m writing a whole other essay on that. Stay tuned.

Steven is the one who maintains the strongest connection to their Judaism. Steven is the one who keeps kosher (trust me, it’s so much easier to say to someone like Donna that you’re a vegan than you keep kosher — that’s what most of my friends who keep kosher do). He’s the one who has a mezuzah on his door.

Layla reminds Marc that he has a choice, and indeed he does. He tells Khonshu NO. He chooses not to take another life. And yes, that leaves Jake, the physical protector of the system, to make sure that Marc is never hurt by Harrow or Ammit again, but it does not diminish the fact that Marc has made the choice of his own free will.

This is why I say that Moon Knight is a Jewish show. But you kind of have to be Jewish to know what to look for.

And trust me, I would so much rather have THIS kind of Jewish storyline — a philosophical debate between Free Will and Determinism — than one where a Nazi child killer posing as a Rabbi “gives” Marc DID. Because not only is that insensitive to systems (and also inaccurate to how DID is formed), it is also incredibly antisemitic. After the Holocaust, Jews were accused of allowing the Nazis to rise to power without doing enough to stop them (as if an ethnic and religious minority could have done anything). Yes, Bemis is Jewish by birth (not sure if he’s practicing), but it doesn’t change the fact that this storyline is terrible by any Jewish standards. Because the implication is that Elias and the Jewish community that the Spectors were part of didn’t do a good enough job of rooting out the Nazis in their midst. Which, again, is what Jews were accused of after WWII.

I’m also glad that we didn’t get the storyline where Marc gives up on God and joins with Khonshu (a deity of the Biblical enemy) because Marc views God as being weak for allowing Jews to suffer for millennia. Like, yes, that is a huge Jewish pain point. It totally is. Do I really want the discussion of that pain point in a mainstream television show where non-Jewish people delve into it? Honestly, I really don’t. It is still an incredibly sensitive topic, because Jewish people are still recovering after the Holocaust. One of my uncles was born in a displaced persons camp in Germany after the War. The family were in hiding, and so they managed to escape the concentration camps, but because of his mother’s malnutrition during her pregnancy, my uncle has no fingernails or toenails, and he has ongoing major health problems. Do I want a Marvel show delving into that, and getting it wrong? Nope, nope I don’t.

OKAY, I’ve rambled on for way too long now.

THANK YOU for your Ask!