#i just think that priest!ian

[mishervellous]

(@thisdivorce ily i’m gonna keep making memes until you block me)

go read Change Like Shifting Shadows i’m not asking 🔪 🙏🏻 (insp.)

[garaktime]

I'm Catholic only in the residual way now but once I'm further along in my transition and I get top surgery I wanna go back to my old church and reintroduce myself to people I knew for years, see if anyone looks at me for just a bit too long.

[gotham-ruaidh]

now i lay me down to sleep - a 7x05 and 7x06 story

I had thought it would be easy to sleep in the tent that night – after a few uncomfortable days on the road, preceded by my brief yet searing stint back at Ticonderoga worrying for my patients and for Jamie, not to mention the stress we’d both felt before the fort was abandoned as our well-reasoned advice fell on deaf ears.

I’d mastered the art of sleeping in a tent, with the low noises of men camped all around me, during the war. My war, to be precise – on the blood-soaked fields of France. Too quickly I’d had to put that habit to use in the months we’d spent camping with Charles Stuart, and then again not too long ago, in those terrible days of the fruitless skirmishes with the Regulators.

So I’d thought that the murmured campfire conversations, and occasional snorting of horses, and all other manner of noises would lull me to sleep this night.

Yet I lay awake. Too tired to sleep.

Mind racing.

Walter’s last breath.

Ian looking at Rachel, as she helped Denny and I bandage a man who had discharged his musket into his foot.

The shape of William’s nose and chin.

Brianna smiling.

I sat up in the bedroll, and swung out my legs from under the blankets.

Jamie’s hand found the small of my back.

Peace.

“When Bree was small and she couldn’t sleep, sometimes she’d get frustrated. So I told her to rest her eyes instead.”

“Hmm. Did that work?”

“Well, it soothed her. I convinced her that laying still with her eyes closed was more restful than not doing so.”

I heard him sit up behind me. Felt his arms wrap around my middle, and his head settle into the curve of my shoulder.

“And if she didnae like what she saw when she closed her eyes?”

I found his hands and squeezed. “I would ask her to think about something she did like.”

He smiled into my neck. “Well then. I just need to keep looking at you, Sassenach. Cannae think of a better way to fall asleep.”

I flushed with pleasure, and turned to kiss him. It was hard to see in the dark, and we fumbled a bit, laughing, and he tasted of happiness.

We broke apart at a whoop from somewhere not too far from the tent.

“Christ,” Jamie whispered. “I’ll need to have a word wi’ Morgan in the morning. Cannae have the men making such a stramash. It will just cause confusion that the Mohawk or others are attacking, and we dinna need that just now.”

“I’m sure he’ll enjoy talking to you about it.”

He didn’t say anything, and let the moment stretch. Still we held each other’s hands, not fully awake, not willing yet to sleep.

“Do you see something you don’t like, when you close your eyes?”

It was always easy to talk in the dark – even with Jamie, who knew me better than anyone had or would.

“Ye ken weel about my nightmares. But before you ask more about it – no, they’re no’ back, or at least any more than they have always come and go.” His thumb traced my silver wedding ring. “I – only – hmm. I need to ask ye something, and as I turn it over in my mind it feels verra foolish to even say out loud.”

I smiled. “Surely you don’t think I’d laugh?”

“Ye have laughed, and ye will keep laughing at me, since the first day we wed, Sassenach. That’s no’ what I keep seeing.” He paused, and I knew there would be lines forming in his brow as he thought what to say.

I gave him as long as he needed.

“Do you think any less of me, Claire, that I couldnae save you myself?”

“What on earth?” My hand found his shoulder. “What’s this?”

I felt his eyes on me. “I came for you at Fort William wi’ nothing but an empty pistol. I found you after that time wi’ the crazy priest who married Fergus and Marsali. I found you in the forest after the Browns had taken you.”

“Yes,” I said patiently. “I remember.”

���So – at Ticonderoga I relied on Ian to find you. And when you were held prisoner by the governor, on that ship in Wilmington harbor – I relied on Tom Christie.”

“Yes.”

His words came all in a rush. “I couldnae save you those times, Claire. I had to ask other men to do it for me.”

My hand shifted to cup his cheek. “Because you were being pragmatic. You’re older than you were at Fort William. You have a lot more to lose.”

“If I lose you, Claire, I lose everything. Do you no’ ken that?”

“And if in so doing you lose yourself – where does that leave me? I’d rather have a dozen men help me get back to you, than you risking yourself to do it.”

He sighed. “I felt I betrayed my vow to you.”

“Nonsense. You kept it, by enlisting others to help me. Were they not happy to do it?”

“They were.”

“Then don’t tell me that’s beside the point. I’m here, with you, because you asked for help. That’s no small thing.”

A beat.

“And don’t you go doubting yourself. Not now. You need to have a steady mind. To shoot your rifle straight.”

He turned his head, and kissed my palm. “I’m daft.”

“You are. But you knew that already, and I knew that already.”

“And yet somehow, you still love me for it.”

“Despite it.”

I leaned in for a kiss. He drew us back down into the bedroll.

“Rest wi’ me, then, until the dawn. Maybe I’ll dream of the lass and her bairns.”

I settled closer against him. “I’ll dream of you and me, back on the Ridge, in a fine new house.”

He kissed my forehead.

[yanderelovlies]

Dino here! Not on my account because too lazy to log in. XD But for a request... How about the boys' reaction to y/n wearing a halloween costume that hits all of those types of taste. And I don't mean just general like wise, but also hits all the right kinks wise. >3c

Aaaahh Dino! I missed you 💕💕 and of course I can do that! It is spooky season after all. Though when you says boys I'm assuming Jack, Shaun, Ian, and nick?? (I hope so...)

Sunny Day Jack

🔪THIS FIC IS 18 + AGELESS AND BLANK BLOGS WILL BE BLOCKED 🔪

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I see Jack as a switch personally. His purpose to please his sunshine. He NEEDS them to need him. So he is willing to play whatever role you need him to.

If Jack is Dom in the relationship as stated in my Halloween special I really think he would get a kick out a sexy revealing ringmaster costume.

Somewhere deep down (*cough* Joseph *cough*) he likes to the idea of taming you. Of REALLY making you his. So when you dress up and act like your in charge he is more then ready to pounce.

Without even knowing it he is also really into over stimulation. See you writh, moan, and squirm cause of him does something to him. Needless to say you be the one in the Ring master costume, but Jack is the true master.

That being said if he is Sub he is like puddy in your hands. Especially if you put on sexy law enforcement costume. Something about a flashing badge makes him more submissive (and breedable)

Wanna experiment put vibrating bullets on his dick as you pound into him? Do it Wanna pull his hair causing his head to go back with ever thrust? Please do it feels amazing. Wanna use hand cuff and cuff his hands together or to the bed? Get ready for a sweaty, moaning mess on your hands.

Look he may throw around the prises, but this man has a prose kink of his own. So please call him your pretty boy as you pound him. He NEEDS to hear you say it.

Jack likes being a sub more then cares to admit. It's nice to let someone take over for a little while, and take care of him. He might to do it more often. (Vut not all the time because there is still that nagging feeling in the back of his mind that if he isn't in charge things won't go like he needs them to.)

Shaun

Daddy? Sorry. Daddy? Sorry.....ANYWAY Look it's no lie Shaun is Dom it feels more natural to him then being a sub. (But if you bat your eyes nicely me MIGHT consider it.) He also kinda basic in the aspect that a sexy cat costume really gets him going.

Something about your long sleeved leotard, accompanied by your fuzzy cats ears and tail, and knee high boots get his hard and ready to breed you to the fullest.

Leash and collar play FOR SURE. He likes to tug you closer to where he wants you by the leash. He said himself this man has a daddy kink, but I wouldn't put it past him to have a master kink 👀. Also keep in mind d he has a brat taming kink.

He isn't huge on bondage, but he indulges on occasion. See after he is done thoroughly fucking you he likes to have cuddles and aftercare. Rope and cuffs just make that process longer.

Shaun is the true master in this relationship, and he WILL breed you till you remember it.

Ian

Sub 100%. This man's pleasure is your pleasure, and he doesn't mind. Having the family he does it's not a wonder why he fell into the sub role so easily. That being said the costume that really Ian going would either be a sexy priest/nun or a sexy devil. The shame of comminting such sin with a member of the church or a devil turns him on immensely.

Ian really like bondage and whips. Bondage because the feeling of the rope wrapped around his body as you hold his hips and he brunches off your dick/strap-on make each orgasim that much more delicious. As for the whip...sin that's all.

He also has a mommy/daddy kink, and praise kink. Please call him your good boy, or tell him how pretty he looks taking your dick. It sends him to cloud 9 every time.

Letting go of things, and letting people take the reigns is second nature for Ian. So he has no problem letting you be the Dom in this relationship.

Nick

I'm sorry this man is Dom for fun. You see his favorite thing to do is let his partner believe is submissive, until they are the ones face down ass up as he pull the leash attached to your collar with each thrust.

Very much into bondage. You look so pretty tied for him it feels like he is unwrapping a gift from God. Overestimating is another big thing for him. He really likes to see how far he push it before you are BEGGGING him stuff you full.

I do wanna say thought he isn't all rough all the time. He will only push you as far you want him to, and makes sure a safe word is in place. Like the others Doms your security and safety is top priority.

That all being said Nick is a professional Dom so he is careful, efficient, and above all else loving. You are his top priority.

[mmmichyyy]

🖤gallavich fic rec list🖤

i combed through my ao3 bookmarks and tumblr archive so here are some (but not all!) of my fave one-shots, wips, completed fics and tumblr ficlets i read & reread this year, ranging from newer fics to ones published in the past years ✨ there's almost 50 (!!) recs here so hopefully you'll find something new to read 🖤

check out the fic rec list i compiled last year!

(i didn't include the fics i've already mentioned in the last list plus the endless fics posted this year to avoid making this list longer than it already is, but if i had infinite time & space i'd include them all 🥰 onwards!)

one-shots:

seal my fate by allyasavedtheday (s2 canon divergence)

fix me up by biblionerd07 (Mickey has a lot of scars. Ian has a lot of feelings about those scars.)

shut the door and let go by @tellmegoodbye (s3 sleepover re-write)

these days, life is better by biblionerd07 (Ian realizes Mickey is the most romantic guy on Earth.)

in the romance section by kissteethstainred (When Ian moves to a new area, he starts to frequent the local bookstore. Eventually he begins to visit the bookstore for the owner more than the books themselves.)

icarus is online by @mishervellous (AnonMate is all everyone is talking about. Ian wants in on it.)

beginners by @bravemikhailo (Ian and Mickey meet the day they graduate college and all they've got is one night together.)

start again by allyasavedtheday (A little look at how Ian (and Mickey) comes to terms with his bipolar disorder.)

falling for you without a second look by xylodemon (s3 roadtrip)

for his honey by @squidyyy23 (ian’s impressed when his husband’s business savvy helps them expand their farm. and he's going to make sure he knows it.)

'tis the damn season by @sweetcresta (Ian comes home for Christmas and old habits die hard.)

sneaking in by @ianandmickeygallavich (Sneaking into a movie feels different. It shouldn’t, friends go to the movies, families go to the movies. But….Ian can’t help thinking about the fact that it’s a classic choice for a date.)

eighty-four by kissteethstainred (college/time-travel au)

if you love me, won't you let me know? by kissteethstainred (college au)

five times mickey wears ian's clothes and one time ian wears mickey's by @teatimeallovertown (A brief look at the journey of Mickey and Ian through the clothes they share.)

i'd follow your love down a dead end street by zoeplacid (Ian Gallagher wishes his soul mate was Mickey Milkovich, but the universe seems to have other ideas.)

wildfire by ilostyournumber (Ian is a bipolar stripper and Mickey is deep in the closet and they try not to tear each other apart.)

'til our compass stands still by biblionerd07 (Mickey just assumed they'd have smooth sailing from here on out. It never occurred to him being in prison together might be the easiest part of their relationship.)

wips:

sweetpea by @whatthebodygraspsnot (shapeshifter!cat!mickey! 🐈‍⬛)

reckoner by @thisdivorce (Ian Gallagher is married, stable, happy working as a Paramedic and trying to start a family, but a chance encounter with the foul-mouthed father of one of his patients—who has more ties to Ian than either of them know—threatens to blow it all up.)

selfless acts of the illegal variety by @abundanceofnots (The last thing Ian Gallagher thought he'd be at 19 is married—and to a grumpy Ukrainian bouncer called Mickey who's barely said ten words to him since they first met, no less. But when a rare chance at love knocks on your door, you don't just send the cute guy in dire need of a green card back to his homophobic father in Kyiv, right?)

your question has been received by @celestialmickey (a tumblr AU with a bit of a twist)

change like shifting shadows by @thisdivorce (priest!ian)

bound & free by @sunoficarus (magic/fantasy + marriage of convenience au)

a beginner's mind by @spoonfulstar (a collection of stories that take place after the events of ch. 27 of you'll never see us again)

the fine art of falling for you by @goodkwuestion (Teaching the Arts is hard enough, but mastering the art of falling in love might just prove downright impossible.)

paragraphs by @palepinkgoat (Ian has an opportunity to be a reading tutor for ex-convicts. He meets one in particular that catches his eye.)

things beyond mistake by @gallavichy (Ian, a high school teacher in need of a fresh start, returns to his childhood home after nearly 20 years to find himself once more sharing a lonely dirt road with Mickey, the boy he once knew and the man he's desperate to get to know.)

rebuilding (series) by freespiritedone (After almost 6 years in prison during which he was simultaneously built up and torn down, Mickey is free and embarking on a brand new life in New York City. Everything is different and yet some things never change - even if he wishes they would. Coming to terms with a new life while contending with the old is harder than anything he could have imagined. *long, slow burn)

completed:

technically by @annatrow (Ian Gallagher has grown up in the foster care system for most of his life, and he’s pretty sure he’s got his future figured out. That is until he falls for the bad kid who is about to change the entire course of his life.)

please don't say i'm going alone by biblionerd07 (Ian shows up at Mickey's wedding and asks him to run away together. Somehow, Mickey finds himself stupid enough to say yes.)

geometric progression (series) by romanticalgirl (angsty s4 au) *sidenote: i reread this all the time when i feel down just to feel even more depressed :')

these foolish games by @suzy-queued (A workplace rivalry becomes a love quadrangle. With laser tag.)

through the dawn (series) by spock (a semi-au set in a universe where mickey and ian didn't grow up in the same neighbourhood.)

SLOML (series) by @good-then-dont (short fics exploring Ian and Mickey’s own exploration of their relationship in a world where 3x6 never happens.)

ian the friendly ghost by @sunoficarus (ghosts au where Mickey thinks the house he moved in is haunted because the doors seem to close on their own and his shit somehow gets neat and tidy and Ian's just a very polite ghost who's got a bit of a crush on the adorable grumpy guy who's just moved in)

the little things give you away by kissteethstainred (When Ian first sees them, he thinks they’re twins. They both have similar looks, with pale skin, dark hair, and blue eyes. They act similar too—both of them are quiet, they fidget in the same way, and they make some of the same facial expressions. Ian wants to know them.)

my nine lovers by @annatrow (Secret Agents Ian Gallagher and Mickey Milkovich find themselves working together multiple times over the course of ten years.)

mickey mantle vs. the t-rex by zoeplacid (angsty alternate s5)

broad-shouldered beasts by biblionerd07 (Six years after Mickey goes to jail, he's released on parole. He does his best to build a "normal" life and a relationship with his son while juggling the scars of his past.)

OSHA compliant by romanticalgirl (It's been two years since they broke up. And Mickey's got his life together. Which means it's about time for something to come along and screw it up.)

you make me feel human by dragona (In which Ian is a cold-blooded serial killer with a soft spot for a certain South Side asshole.)

tumblr ficlets:

fiction in the archives by @gardenerian (ficlets and 5+1 prompts)

what we talk about when we talk about love by @bravemikhailo (a collection of one-shots, ficlets and prompt-fillers originally posted to tumblr)

tumblr fics ✨ by @gallawitchxx (collection of ficlets, 5+1 prompts, scene fillers)

time travel au part one / two / three / four / five by @whatthebodygraspsnot (s1 ian & mickey meet their s11 selves)

who's more cold & happy husband weight gain by @iansfreckles (& all their drabbles!)

magic au & migraine ficlet by @arrowflier

& of course, check out @galladrabbles for a wide range of 100 word ficlets written by our talented community & @gallavichfanficlibrary for more specific rec lists ✨

[xxmoonch1ldxx]

I just. So many thoughts rn and none are coherent.

It's Anthomy's funeral roast. FUNERAL ROAST. There was no initial reason to go that extra with the theme and stuff, yet they did; and it's extra cool. Making Ian a priest fits the theme! Shayne and Courtney as known and popular characters? Makes sense! Anthony's first look with the torn shirt and the demon thing? Very in theme too, he's supposed to be dead!

But the other look. The goddamn lace shirt.

W H Y???

Who thought about funeral roast and went "You know what it's missing? A see through lace shirt."

And WHY DID ANTHONY ACCEPT???

WHY IS HE OUT THERE RELEASING MORE PICS THAN IN HIS DEMON LOOK??? SHOWING SKIN???

There was no need to do that, and no reason I can find. This doesn't even fit! And yet. And yet. And yet he's here being a fucking WHORE on main.

I'll never be normal about this again, you can't even understand. I've been going feral since lilac sent me the new picture. I don't think I'll ever be coherent again.

He's taunting us. He's taunting ME. I just.

If you find my lifeless body, the culprit of my death is Anthony Padilla and this fucking lace shirt.

[hiswordsarekisses]

“I once read that the human brain is fifteen times more likely to come up with a criticism than a compliment.

Years ago I heard a priest recalling something he read from a neuroscientist.

The neuroscientist said that, when it comes to negativity, our brains are like velcro but when it comes to beauty and gratitude, our brains are like teflon.

I think William Arthur Ward was right when he said:

"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings."

I think we all could use a little more of that in our lives.

The truth is, Thanksgiving isn't just a holiday.

It's a posture.

It's a way of seeing all of life,

It's a way of seeing all of life, everything this side of the grave, as a gift. It's not merely counting our blessings, it's savoring them. It's gratitude for the mountaintop and the mundane - the breathtaking and in simply taking a breath.

I am learning, by God's grace, to be grateful for the mundane and easily overlooked blessings in my life.

Imagine what could happen if we began and ended each day with thanksgiving.

So, here's what I'm going to do.

Every day from now until the end of the year, I'm going to begin the day with gratitude, writing down three things, big or small, that I’m grateful for.

It's not magic, but I know it's transformational.

Even if just a little bit.

Who's in?”

~ Ian Simkins

[madmarkinabox]

Season 1

The Aztecs

After the travellers emerge from an Aztec tomb, Barbara is mistaken for the reincarnation of the god Yetaxa. She plans to use her knowledge of their history to change the Aztecs' course to a less violent path, but the high priest of sacrifice, Tlotoxl, doubts her divinity. Can Barbara maintain the ruse long enough for the travellers to find a way back to the TARDIS within the tomb?

I won't lie, I wasn't looking forward to this one. We know Verity Lambert wanted the show to have an educational slant, and I thought this was definitely going to feel like a history lesson. I resigned myself to thinking "just watch it, then we're one step closer to good stuff like The Dalek Invasion of Earth and The Tenth Planet." But for what I expected, it wasn't all that bad! Yes, it started off feeling like a history lesson, like something they'd put on at school on the TV/video trolley, but once it found its feet, it was enjoyable enough.

This story is Barbara's time to shine. We've already seen a little bit of how she responds to being treated like royalty in episode 2 of The Keys of Marinus, but here she's seen as a goddess and clearly relishes the opportunity. Ian has a fun sub-plot as he has to learn to be a warrior, using his common sense against his rival Ixta's brute force, and the Doctor, despite his warnings that you can't change history, finds himself stumbling into a romance. It's also nice to see him finally treating Ian as a friend, looking out for his wellbeing and actually calling him by his first name. The TARDIS crew is starting to feel like a family unit now. Unfortunately this is another story where poor Susan gets the short end of the stick, pushed into a seminary where her brains are mostly ignored/forgotten about and her attempts to chart her own course in a rather feminist way are pushed aside by the Aztecs.

Perhaps the real star of this one however is John Ringham as Tlotoxl, creeping about like the Joker playing Jafar, mugging and leering in an almost pantomime fashion, and chewing more scenery than a Drashig at an open buffet. The scenes where he and the high priest of knowledge, Autloc, are trying to outwit and trump each other are rather reminiscent of The Road to El Dorado. He's so crazed and devious it's hard not to enjoy his performance. Overall, not a bad story at all, but if you're looking for aliens and spaceships, you might want to give it a miss. But give it a shot anyway.

Next time, we meet The Sensorites.

[crazy56u]

Whelp, I just woke up, and (without naming names) I just saw a reaction that I am 100% taking with a grain of salt.

Let’s take a look.

Okay, if they’re bringing up the chip subplot now after it supposedly got resolved, that’s not a good sign.

Also, Ben got fucked out of saving Hannah’s husband. And having seen the synopses for the last two episodes of the season [sidenote, NBC, ya gonna fucking announce a renewal or… …?], long story short, oof.

And we’re at a funeral reading in 1953, and Ben may or may not be the maid.

Okay, no offense, that vase looks like shit.

“Is this a joke?” I know, right?!

Oh, so Daddy was too busy being Indiana Jones to remember how money worked.

“To my fearless Dina-” “It’s Dean.” …misspelling, or deadnaming? Is this a trans plot?

A ship in a bottle, I don’t know if they make those anymore.

And it goes smash. …revealing a map; okay, Ben won this will reading.

Addison, why the fuck do you continue to have the shittiest timing

“Hey, I know we’re supposed to be working, and Ben just leapt in, but you wanna ditch this episode?”

Okay, legitimately, I couldn’t tell if Ian was wearing glasses or not.

“I planned a wedding once. That led to me burying a not-dead man’s belongings in the park; the cops are still nagging me to dig that shit up.”

Yeah, remember, you have jobs?

“Are you sure I’m not rushing you?” You want to get married a day or so after proposing. What do you think?

Like, not to make a controversial statement, but Ross Gellar at least had the foresight to wait a few months.

“Do not wait to live your life. Otherwise, time travel will fuck you over.”

And the horrible vase is dead.

San Patricio… Quick Google search gave me this little number, so my interest is peaked…

…okay, I don’t think Wikipedia mentioned cursed jewels, so fuck me, I guess.

Okay, wait, I just realized: is Sarah played by Veronica from Riverdale?

How much longer until they realize the Accelerator isn’t doing shit, and it’s Ben?

I agree: Family bullshit is less enticing than being Indiana Jones. But unfortunately, it’s this show, so you should already know the punchline.

“[Dean] is the key to all this.” Like how Horace was the key to Halloween Havoc.

I love the Kramer entrance Ben just pulled.

Teamwork makes the dream work, and maybe Veronica can stop bitching.

I love how Will Man is intentionally withholding the lore unless it’s for dramatic moments.

Okay, quick math time; 40 mill in 1953 would be about… almost half a fucking billion in 2024, so…

This looks less like Mexico and more like The Darjeeling Limited.

Who sings opera while biking?

Yes, that’s right, make Addison bring up the wedding now of all places…

“Hey, I know you’re talking to ghosts, but check out the map!”

Well, given how the priest killed for those jewels, blood probably did get on them, so he wasn’t wrong…

That wasn’t “fashion advice”, that was “we’re going on a treasure hunt, don’t overload the fucking suitcase” advice, Veronica.

“Okay, maybe let’s stop deadnaming and let’s get crunk.”

[Okay, how have I not noticed the producer is named “Meg Fister” until now?]

Yes, Jenn, Ian does want to do their job, that’s not a shock.

“Look, if we’re still pretending 2023- now 2024- is supposed to be 2026, then Addison and Tom can get married. That’s the law.”

[I will fucking laugh if my long standing theory pays out, and Ben undoes the time skip.]

“Hey, Rachel, I just said a sitcom line-” “Ian, we are fucked, they remembered the chip subplot.” “I thought we finished that!”

…is Tom a puppet?

And, in a rather appropriate cutaway, we go to the bar.

A bar is not a place to yell, pleas calm down.

“Nadia, where did you learn Spanish?” “From a person who speaks Spanish.”

I don’t like how the bartender is immediately in the know.

And that satchel is going to get taken in 5… 4… 3…

Ben, with that type of scratch, you can change all their fucking lives.

“And what are we doing?” Not looking after a satchel?

Why does their dad look like Santa?

And it’s now a race.

Ben, he was clearly lying about not believing the treasure was real.

Sarah, you don’t just get to decide to abandon the episode after fucking everything up.

“I have a very good memory, and I’m friends with a ghost.”

Sarah, if you hadn’t left the satchel, this wouldn’t be as bad, stop denying fault.

Meanwhile, back in Subplot 2.

Look, Ian, if it makes you feel any better, given how next week involves a leap into the 1980s, dealer’s odds Ben accidentally erases Gideon from the show.

Meanwhile, back to the treasure; this is a packed week for everyone, isn’t it…

Well, this is Indiana Jones coded, so one of you had to do the snake line…

“Well, I am not climbing down that.” Okay, die then.

Okay, you won’t drown, but if you slip, you will break something. Small miracles.

So the jewels are a metaphor- okay, if the plot twist is that the dad hid the jewels back home, due to “home being the real treasure,” I will piss blood.

“Some say it was Saint Patrick. Some say it was Santa.”

Okay, I thought that was gonna be a zombie.

Either bartender wanted to cover his tracks, or bartender is under those rocks.

“Is there another option?” Get to fucking digging.

Sarah, legitimately, stop being a bitch.

God is getting angry now, that’s how much we’re approaching the Family Bullshit Event Horizon.

Okay, that’s peak comedic timing. “THE ROCK’S FAKE! :D”

Dad’s pun fetish, I swear to God.

Stephen King had once again gotten his grubby mitts into an episode of Quantum Leap.

They found the prop wall.

That was not fucking funny, that got me.

…well, I mean, to be fair, the key to all great comedy is misdirection… 🥁

And of course.

[I choose to split this up now.]

[davros42]

Rewatching Classic Doctor Who, some episodes I haven't seen in years, some of the animated reconstructions I haven't seen at all.

The Aztecs AKA Serial F

The Aztecs is an incredibly strong showing this early in the series. Once again, when the team is on their A game (as they are in this episode), the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts.

John Lucarotti turns in an excellent script, drawing on his own experiences in Mexico and interest in Aztec culture to produce a wonderfully nuanced look at the Aztecs. The costuming is fantastic, the sets are great (despite some all-too-obvious backdrops), Jacqueline Hill goes to town in the lead role, William Hartnell gets a chance to do something besides be bitchy, Carole Ann Ford spends half the serial literally on vacation and still gets a great scene where Susan decides the true injustice of Aztec society is arranged marriage. Easily the best plotted and paced storyline so far, there's a reason most of the old serials ended up in the 4 episode/approximately 90 minute bracket. Oh and John Ringham turns in a marvelous performance as Tlotoxl, the show's first standout antagonist, performed with just the right amount of ham and cheese to give him a memorable Shakespearean flare without going too far over the top.

The TARDIS arrives in an Aztec tomb. Fortunately Axtec culture is Barbara's specialist subject. She grave robs a bracelet and when the crew exits the tomb... she's mistaken for a reincarnation of the priest Yetaxa but also a god? The Aztecs get full credit for not minding at all that their previously male priest has been reincarnated as a (white) woman. Barbara immediately decides to try to alter history, the first time one of the crew actively takes steps to interfere. She thinks (correctly) that despite the Aztec's bad reputation they deserve better than colonization and genocide at the hands of the conquistadors. And with her head full of the very best ideals of English white saviour-ism, she will force the Aztecs to cease human sacrifice by fiat. Which will in turn convince the Conquistadors (despite being just about the most ruthless, dishonorable, violent assholes in history... which is some stiff competition) to let them live in peace as co-equals. The Doctor reprimands her, insisting that you cannot change history despite having previously given fire to primitive humans, genociding the Daleks on behalf of the Thals, going on holiday with Marco Polo, and genociding the Voords. Ian goes off to warrior training, which he has quite a knack for, being a much better melee combatant than Ixta who has been training for life. Susan gets sent to a nunnery to learn how to be a good wife. And the Doctor gets sent to the Aztec equivalent of an old folks home. And then he accidentally gets engaged.

Barbara's plan goes as well as you might expect. The Aztecs, it turns out, quite like their culture the way it is. Instead of some hand wavey "fixed point in time" nonsense, this story makes it clear that history has an inertia. One person in the right place at the right time, more often that not, can't make a difference against history's flow. Barbara did manage to make an outcast of the Priest of Knowledge Autloc which the show counts as a win but... I'm not so sure. Tlotoxl is the real winner in the end, proving that Barbara was a false god and continuing on with his role, supporting the status quo and letting perfect sacrifice be made as the TARDIS crew moves on to new adventures. But not before the Doctor decides to take the bracelet from his Aztec fiance with him as a memento.

Next up: The sensual Sense-Sphere!

[mermaidsirennikita]

how would you cast a remake of ladyhawke?

LIV I'M SO GLAD YOU ASKED.

Etienne of Navarre--easiest, this would be Adam Driver, with someone (or like six someones) dragging him by his lush long hair to play a romantic lead, and justifying it by telling him he's a wolf for like half the movie. Adam has the physicality, and can you IMAAAAAGINE the pure unadultered angst that would be him bellowing into the snow after Etienne and Isabeau get THISCLOSE to touching in their human forms as the sun breaks the horizon??? MY. GOD.

Isabeau of Anjou--this has to be a woman who's so beautiful that you have to believe that her rejection would drive a psychotic priest to great villainy, drive a man to save her even after he's been turned into a wolf by night, and also walk in the footsteps of Michelle Pfeiffer. a HEAVY task all around. I also think the physicality of these roles is important. So you've gotta have someone who's god Cheekbones.

And this is where I get a bit controversial and say I would indeed cast Zendaya as Isabeau against Adam Driver's Etienne. "Oh, there's a 13 year age difference" well how about this??? A) that is almost the same age difference Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer had in the original and B) I don't give a fuck.

It has long been a secret, except not secret to you, desire of mine to see these two play off each other, and THIS! THIS IS WHERE I WANT IT! Imagine him spinning her around at the end? Spinning her around like she is but a feather in his meaty paws? How happy I would be. I'd almost forget that I live in a dystopian nightmare.

There'd be a scene where he bench presses her in a flashback just for meeeee--

Philippe Gaston "The Mouse"--Tom Holland nah we're gonna do something good here. The Mouse is a guy I find a bit annoying in the movie because he's like, intruding on my tragic cursed love story, but he's also funny because he basically has the same reactions I do. He watches Etienne scream into the void and he like, sobs, and same. So I'd cast Justice Smith as The Mouse, because he's funny and charismatic and also would, I think, actually be hilarious next to brooding Adam Driver Etienne. OR. OR we'd do something totally different, rewrite the role entirely, and it would be Jack Black. Those are the options I offer.

The Bishop--Ian McShane. That's all. You're good. And you know, Ian McShane is so charismatic that we'd be all "maybe in another life--" until he did something super bad.

There you goooo

[toburnup]

hello vio! i don't know if you've answered this before but what made you ship steddie in the first place? was it a specific moment from the show? and more in general, do you have specific dynamics you like in terms of ships? i'm really curious about your OTPs (is my age showing using this term?) in other fandoms, if you have any (and if you want to share, no pressure)

i haven't answered this before!! but i love thinking about it.

i've enjoyed tossing steve into ships since s1. so it tracks that steddie would pique my interest. but if i'm honest, when i first watched s4, i liked eddie and nancy. i just!!! i liked how he helped her onto the boat lmao. that's the kind of thing that gets me (and it was a fun twist on eddie throwing his vest at steve. guess i liked jealous!eddie from the start).

but once eddie and steve had their little forest stroll, i thought, okay, eddie has chemistry with most people. so while i write steddie, i read for a lot of different pairings. i like allllll the possibilities. like when i find a rarepair i'd never considered, and someone writes them and it WORKS? and for that brief period of time, i'm like fully immersed in it? nothing beats it.

some ship dynamics i enjoy: we're stronger together. you make me want to be a better person. my love for you scares me (and even though it scares me, i can't imagine stopping).

i like it when there's a character who's tough on the outside but is secretly soft, and when they don't laugh all that often but when they do, it's with each other (looking at you rick & michonne from twd). i like the 'you're terrible but i'm also kind of terrible so i guess we work' dynamic (ian and mickey from shameless). i like 'no one gets me quite like you, but our timing is shit' (marianne and connell from normal people, fleabag and the priest). also some non-romantic dynamics like 'we're amazing partners and i respect you above all others' (joan and sherlock from elementary, hardy and miller from broadchurch).

thank you for this very very fun question!

[renee-writer]

What If It Were Brian Chapter Two

AO3

“Enough!” His shout startled her and her nursing son. Both jumped.

 

“Frank, what in the world?”

 

“It is bad enough that you didn’t give him a bottle as an infant like I said. But now, he can walk for goodness sake’s! And still at your breast. It is unseemly.”

 

She soothes her year old son back to feeding before addressing Frank. “It remains good for him. You see how strong and healthy he is.” A braw lad, Sassanach. You are doing well, she hears her true husband say in her head and has to stop herself from smiling, “that has a lot to do with what he is getting from my milk. “

 

“How much longer will you allow him to be attached to your breast?” He is still glaring, his hands on his hips. She simply glares back.

 

“As long as he will have it.”

 

“You would have him coming home from kindergarten and asking for a drink?”

 

She rolls her eyes. “Bloody hell Frank! No, nor would he. Most children self wean by 18 months to two.”

 

“Where are you getting those statistics from as most decent women in this day don’t …” He gestures to the nursing boy with disgust.

 

“You know perfectly well were I get them from.” They stare at each other until Frank breaks eye contact, “a shame. A man jealous of his own son.”

 

“What?”

 

“Brian here is where you want to be. It just won’t happen Frank.”

 

“You are my wife Claire. If I want you in bed, bed is where you will be!” he thunders. Brian comes off the nipple and starts to cry. “Christ!”

 

She rocks him soothingly against her. “Try it. You will regret it. I learned a lot in that time, including self defense.”

 

“I have no time for this. I am late to a meeting with my student assistant.”

 

“Have fun Frank.” Her tone tells him she knows exactly what goes on in those meetings.

 

“What else do you expect Claire? You aren’t being a true wife to me.” He slams out the door. Brian lays hiccupping against her.

 

“I am sorry, my love. Father and I shouldn’t fight in front of you.” She rocks him to sleep while thinking of other fights, fights that wouldn’t end with Jamie running after another woman.

 

Lallybroch

 

“He will be one now, or close to it. Is he walking yet? Talking?” he muses aloud as he sits at the table. Jenny listens as she trims up his hair. “I see Janet and Michael and try to picture Brian. Silly, I know. He could look like Claire or myself. I wonder if this Frank is treating her right, her and the lad.”

 

“Or lass?” his sister says as his red locks fall across the floor. “She could have a lass.”

 

“Aye, I just always picture a lad.”

 

His sister chuckles. “Men usually do.”

 

She and Ian were shocked when Murtagh brought him home, severely injured, without Claire. After getting him healed ( a time that none of them like to think about), he told them all. Starting and ending with the Stones. Things that hadn’t made sense before, suddenly did. Not that it was easily accepted. They are Scots, after all, and came to know the truth of it. That hadn’t kept Jenny from fussing at him, asking why she and her child were sent away.

 

She still wonders. On days like today when he longs for them so, she longs to shake him again and ask him.

 

Fergus comes running in. “Auntie Jenny, Mílord! Redcoats!”

 

They know what to do. Jamie is ushered down to the priest hole, expanded to be livable for him. Jenny dusts the red hair off her while Fergus sweeps it away. She goes to greet her guests.

[yukidragon]

Hello, Ms. Yuki Dragon.

I know this is a bit forward but I have a suggestion related to AphroDesia.

Remember when Jambeebot had that picture of Jambee as a priest and Tmon as a clergyman?

Maybe it was some kind of religion that practices beliefs in love and "other things"? *ahem* 🤭

How would you write an AU like that?

Sadly, I must have missed that picture myself. It sounds really interesting though.

I assume you’re asking how would I write a religious-themed AU involving SDJ? That would be an interesting idea.

Jack, being charismatic, would have to be a minister with a large following. He is well known, leading the main church for the religion, and most everyone respects him. He has such a sweet and wholesome, squeaky clean image.

Let’s not stick with any real world form of religion and stick with more fantasy-based ones, shall we? Let’s say this particular religion has a chosen one of sorts, a saint who is granted holy powers by the god they worship. They heal the devout worshippers, slay evil, and all that good stuff.

Now... such holy symbols are meant to be pure and untouched by the sinful world. Wouldn’t it be a shock if the congregation knew that the leader of the church was showing his love for the saint in far more carnal ways?

It would be such a scandal! But Jack insists that this is just another form of love. Still, they won’t make their relationship public since the followers need time to warm up to the idea of a saint who knows the pleasures of the flesh.

Also, it’s a perfect way for Jack to keep certain rivals away, such as demon hunter Shaun, priest-in-training Ian, and member of the church Nick. They can’t try to seduce the sunshine saint if that’s against their religion’s rules after all.

Oooh, I even have an idea of how to inject a little more SDJ flavor into this AU. Just as a heads up I’ll be switching from general MC to my personal version, Alice.

Jack, being head priest, faces off against demons and what not. His desire for love, real love and not just the shallow surface level of love, leaves him vulnerable. A demon attacks him and forces him to experience hell.

It was after hours at the church when it happened. A lone soul came to pray for guidance despite the late hour, feeling lost and hurt because her fiancé... ex-fiancé cheated on her.

It was absurd... Ian was training to be a priest, and because of that they had to be chaste... Alice was fine with that, relieved in fact that the pressure was taken off. It wasn’t that she didn’t have urges, but it was intimidating, and she felt more comfortable taking things slowly. Once his training was done, he would be allowed to get married, and only then they could consummate their relationship. It was a huge deal, especially to him, that they had to wait before doing anything more intimate than a kiss.

At the same time there were moments when their making out went a bit too far, when things got so steamy between them. Ian would panic after realizing, especially if Alice signaled it was too much, he was being too rough with her, and he would beg her for forgiveness before praying to their god to help him resist temptation.

That’s why Alice never thought in a million years that Ian would come to her door in the middle of the night, sobbing on his knees, covered in lipstick and bite marks. He confessed that he was weak; he gave in to the temptations of another woman. He will confess in the church and get guidance from the other priests and their god as well, but he had to confess to her first. He needed her to forgive him first.

Heartbroken, Alice asked for time to think and pray. It was the best she could do when she was in so much pain over his betrayal. Even still, it took a while to convince Ian to give her space to think, as he was so desperate to be forgiven and to not lose her.

Which leads Alice to the church at a late hour. It was a bigger church than the one near her home, but she couldn’t risk running into Ian while praying, not when he was so reluctant to let her go. She expected even the priests to be asleep and maybe she could pray and light a candle privately, maybe receive a sign from their god on what to do... when she came across thick miasma of cold darkness, and the head priest curled up in the middle of the floor, caught in a silent scream.

It had been a routine blessing, or at least it was supposed to be. Jack is popular and was given donations to him and the church. Among the coin tidings, there was a curious medallion adorned in jewels that looked like a smiling mouth surrounded by flourish gold trim to look like sunlight. It’s not too dissimilar from the smiling sun symbol their church uses to represent the sun god they worship.

Jack had felt something... compelling about the medallion beyond its obvious value. Only too late did he realize that a demon had cursed it, no doubt snuck it in to target him directly. It was tailor made to corrupt and seduce his worst nature, make him unleash all his most sinful desires.

Jack resisted, but in that resistance he was locked into hellish torment that turned minutes into years. Slowly, slowly the solitude and cold of the curse was breaking his resolve despite his divine power as head priest, making him so painfully aware that the love people felt for him was just as the face of their god and not for him as a man.

Then a miracle happened.

When Alice saw Jack caught in the throes of agony, she ran to him. Some power she never realized she possessed came to life, and she knew instinctively how to banish the demonic miasma from the church.

It was when Alice awakened as the holy saint, the being blessed by their god who would use their power to do good in the world. She didn’t realize this of course, but Jack did when he woke up and saw her leaning over him, glowing gently with divine power.

Jack instantly fell in love.

As the saint, Alice needed to move to the church to better use her powers for good. Jack was so grateful and gave her everything she could want. He guided her on what to do as the saint... and what to do about Ian.

Well, it was obvious wasn’t it? Ian betrayed her, he broke sacred pledges of love and the priesthood. Oh, their god is merciful and will forgive him if he repents properly and cleanses his soul, but Jack worries that if he could be tempted once, he might be tempted again.

It was the right thing to do to end the engagement and to have a fresh start at Jack’s church. Alice had a whole new life ahead of her, a greater destiny after all.

Alice wasn’t used to all the attention, being prayed to and having so many look to her for holy blessings and healing with her new divine power. Fortunately, Jack helped her, kept her company, and was a true friend.

Over time that friendship developed into something... more.

This time it was Alice who was caught with feelings of shame. The saint must be chaste, right? To remain pure in mind and body for the sake of gaining their divine powers. Once priests finish their training, they’ll have earned their divine powers and thus they can have relationships. A saint supposedly has the ability to keep gaining power from their god, thus needs to remain pure... or some such.

Jack, fortunately, brought up one day about how the practice is an antiquated throwback to older beliefs written in by more restrictive priests in the past. Now, he wouldn’t ever even consider saying anything bad about his predecessors, but sometimes even the most devout of them can be tempted by being given power over people. It’s why he prays to their god daily, and he knows she’s been feeling that burden since she became a saint.

Sadly, most people are comforted by the idea of a pure, chaste saint, so it will take time to help them come around. Still, Jack assures Alice that such feelings she’s having are normal.

Alice asks what feelings Jack is talking about, evasive and in denial.

“Why, love, of course,” Jack says with a knowing smile.

Alice sputters, face flushed, and at first vehemently denies it. Jack says gently he believes her, but insists that if she does feel that way, she can tell him. He just wants what’s best for her.

At one point a line is crossed. Alice panics at kissing Jack (even though he guided her in for the kiss), but he reassures her that it’s okay. More kisses follow and it feels so good, so inviting... then one of the priests knocked on the door because the saint was needed for something and the two of them hastily had to cover up to hide the signs that they made out.

Alice angsts a bit about how things have changed between her and Jack, but he makes sure to keep reassuring her that it’ll be fine. They can be together if she wants it. The world might not be ready to understand what they have, but that’s okay. What’s important is that they love each other and that it’s not a sin to love, no matter what older doctrine might say.

Interestingly, as their relationship deepens and gets physical, Alice’s divine power gets even stronger, and Jack’s as well. It seems as though some misinformation was recorded in the past at some point, as their love seems to get even more of their god’s blessing.

It’s more reason for Jack to use his sermons to change the misconceptions of the other members of their faith so that one day he and Alice can make their relationship public. Then, they’ll be able to get married and their love can shine brightly in the light for all to see.

@channydraws @earthgirlaesthetic @sai-of-the-7-stars

[thisdivorce]

2022 fic writer's interview

Thank you for the tag @energievie! i love this little end of year tradition.

1. How many works do you have on AO3

12 (gallavich and one debbie/sandy work)

2. What’s your total AO3 word count?

325974 (this is why i now have carpal tunnel....)

3. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

conflict of interest

reckoner

change like shifting shadows

want your around

strangers on a train

4. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

Yes, all of them! comments make me so happy.

5. What’s the fic you’ve written with the angstiest ending?

i've written some angsty galladrabbles but i don't tend to write angsty endings. i guess conflict of interest is a little angsty, but really hopeful at the same time

6. What’s the fic you’ve written with the happiest ending?

i think the ending to truth or dare is happy! it's also a new year's eve story!

7. Do you write crossovers?

not really, but i do borrow a lot of material from other media, so change like shifting shadows is heavily influenced by the tv show midnight mass and other priest media.

8. Have you ever received hate on a fic?

yes, delete and move on.

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

heck yes, i write a lot of smut in my multi chaps. i write all kinds of smut! soft and loving smut, soft d/s, angsty smut, etc

10. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

not that I know of.

11. Have you ever had a fic translated?

nope.

12. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

yes, strangers on a train series with @breedxblemickey - part 3 to come!

13. What’s your all-time favorite ship?

guess

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

everything i posted i plan on finishing. i've started some other fics in my WIP folder - who knows, i might finish them!

15. What are your writing strengths?

world building, just building up a lot of different story elements, i like my side characters and using them to impact the story in major ways. i think i have good flow and dialogue. but ask my beta's lol

16. What are your writing weaknesses?

Descriptions and flowery prose 😖 <- EVIE BIG SAME LOL

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

doesn't matter to me if it's all in context

18. What was the first fandom you wrote for?

queer as folk US

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

none, i have to be really obsessed with a ship to write anything for them and it's only been brian/justin and gallavich for my whole life. i'm stuck here.

20. What’s your favorite fic you’ve written?

right now it's conflict of interest because it's finished, but i know that will change.

tagging @ian-galagher @lalazeewrites @gallawitchxx @squidyyy23 @mickeysheart @auds-and-evens @depressedstressedlemonzest @suchagallabitch @bravemikhailo @arrowflier

[anthrofreshtodeath]

Untitled Thing

This is such a hot mess LOL. I may continue it, I may not. 🤷🏻‍♀️ If I do, would you consider/be interested in reading more?

Maura Isles, staunch atheist, a social scientist of the highest order, finds herself more and more in churches. 

Catholic ones. 

They tie directly to her current research, as an anthropologist at BCU - in fact, probably the anthropologist there, since her father left to pursue his work in the Amazon. Maura’s current studies focus entirely on Christian folkloric traditions in Western Europe, and her most recent comparisons between the werewolf stories of Sicily and Germany. Maura has chosen the West to diametrically oppose her father and all his interests, to spite him by becoming his mirror image, an anthropologist dedicated to all the things Arthur Isles has declared most boring and harmful in this life. 

Maura has to admit to herself as she crosses to Mount Auburn street at dusk that she harbors just as much distaste as her father for the church’s actions throughout history, but surprisingly, churches are where most of the documents she wishes to study are found. A surprising number are here, in Cambridge and Boston, too - maybe the most she’s encountered outside her actual travels to her ancestral homeland. This church especially - St. Paul’s parish - carries a number of first- and secondhand accounts of stories relevant to the wolves she hunts (intellectually, of course - there are no such things as werewolves), and so she arrives there for the fourth time over the past two weeks.

And… she admits to herself when she approaches its stone steps, its Romanesque walls, she feels a certain sort of kinship here. She feels, specifically when she comes around the setting of the sun - her first time had been in the midmorning hours of a Tuesday, when she had a break between classes - like she is being guided. Guided? No, that’s not quite it. She doesn’t believe in the coaching of a divine hand, even though she supposes that if there were one and it were sending her anywhere, here would probably be the place. No, she hasn’t felt the least bit guided in her entire thirty-six years of life, not by any heavenly father, nor her earthly parents. Guarded is the right term here. Watched. She is not sure if the watcher is a benevolent one, but she is equal parts pleased and scared when she comes to St. Paul’s in the evening time. Something, or someone, watches her enter, and watches her leave. It never makes itself known, it never interrupts her, and hell, it may just be the workings of an overtired mind, genius though it may be. But it stirs feeling in Doctor Maura Isles. 

Because, she surmises, she is incredibly lonely. Ian, her ex-fiancé, is in Africa, on a surprise stint with Doctors Without Borders, one he told no one about, including her until after he left. And with him gone, any real social connections she had, besides those with her colleagues and students, vanished. She waves at the priest now, Father Kelly (oh how wonderfully Irish this town could be!), and it’s the first interaction with a man outside of the anthropology department she’s had in months. “Good evening, Father,” she says, though his title drops like a stone out of her mouth. She hates it. She used to call Arthur “father,” and he’s spoiled the word entirely. 

But, Father Kelly is a kind man, with his black shirt tucked into his black pants, his belly protruding over his belt, and with his priestly collar on full display under his round, red face. He pushes up his square glasses as he smiles at her. “Doctor Isles,” he greets her back, genuinely pleased to see her. Maura blushes when she sees it. “Back for our archives?”

“I’m afraid you’ll be tiring of me,” Maura tells him, pursing her lips just before smiling back at him, “I don’t think I’m even halfway done.” She holds her leather bag in her hands and wrings the handles, facing the priest on the top step while he holds open the side door of the vestibule to speak to her.

“Oh we could never-” his response begins emphatically, but he is cut off by the barking of a loose dog streaking down the street. The dog is large, ferocious-looking as saliva flies from its jowls on its way toward what seems to be BCU campus. Maura catches only a glimpse of it, its broad and black back, and its enormous hind paws, but it startles her nonetheless, sends her heart to her throat.

“I-I hope-” she is yanked by Father Kelly before she can complete her thought, right into the safety of the church.

A car whizzes by just after the dog, and Father Kelly nods to it. “Animal control,” he says sternly.

Maura’s erratic pulse begins to slow. She swallows, gulping down the lump of adrenaline in her throat. She feels in her arm where Father Kelly had snatched her. Feels fingers. She knows he didn’t mean to hurt her, but she detests the sensation nevertheless. “It’s good that they’ve been alerted,” she replies. “You don’t see that very often.”

Father Kelly peers outside again, with Maura safely behind him, and she notes the perspiration on his brow, uncharacteristic of the mild late spring weather and his usual calm demeanor. When he looks back at her, his glance flits to her bag before finding her eyes again. “Where’s your car?”

“I… I walked here,” Maura answers him, confused by the nonsequitur. “My place is only a few blocks away.”

He licks his lips in thought, as if he’s deciding something. “When you’re ready to leave, let me know,” he says. “I can walk with you.”

“Oh, Father, that won’t be necessary,” Maura chuckles dryly. “I highly doubt that dog will still be out when I’m finished.”

“Let me know,” he repeats. “Come on, let’s go. I’ll open the archive for you.” He is serious, but his affable demeanor seems to be slowly returning as they walk through the nave and take another door to a fenced in courtyard that leads to the church’s library.

___

When Maura finally finishes handling the documents she came to St. Paul’s for, she looks at the clock: it is just after eleven PM. She sniffles, the only sign that she is shocked that so much time has passed, and then she stands. She begins the methodical process of replacing the documents in their respective coverings, ones she has made notes about for when she goes to Sicily in the summer. She has crafted culturally specific questions to ask the researchers and the priests there, and she hopes that Father Kelly will have finished his digitizing of the documents by then, so that she can present them. 

After she has returned the sources to their rightful spots and checks her list one more time, she closes her notebook and sticks it back in her bag. Every time she comes, the intrusive thought of theft enters her mind for a split second, and she has to pause. 

Of course, as a serious scholar, she never would. But her brain asks her what if you just took them home, then returned them on your next visit? At least once every time she sits in this chair, at this table, in this temperature controlled room. 

She shakes her head, and then she pushes her chair in again. When she exits the door to return to the courtyard, now engulfed in darkness, she remembers Father Kelly’s plea. She turns her head toward the direction of his office slowly, suddenly afraid of what she might see. His light is still on, but despite the sweat on her spine, there is no other presence with her in the courtyard. 

She has a moment of unbelieving defiance when her bravery returns to her in doses - this is ridiculous. Her nervous system is responding to an admittedly frightening, yet completely explainable experience: the dog shooting down the street in an aggressive streak of black and cacophony. Add that to the tales of Sicilian werewolves she spent the past five hours reading, and her brain alerts her to danger that simply doesn’t exist. She turns up her nose at the row of offices, and makes her way to the door of the church nave instead. 

She is an accomplished professor. She is rational. She will walk herself home, thank you very much.

She curls an errant lock of brown-blonde hair behind her ear as she crosses into the church, eerily dark save for the hanging candles near the altar. Her brain sends off alarm bells again, and she shivers to suppress them. Her feet do carry her quite quickly to the vestibule, however, where she can see the streetlight in the small window of St. Paul’s main entrance. 

She bursts into a full trot on her way out, and enters the Cambridge night like a sort of birth, with the way she stumbles back into reality, having leaned heavily on the door to push it open. She rushes down the few steps, looking at her watch instead of where she’s walking, and… “oh!” 

She collides with soft flesh in a hard stance, impossibly cold under the black button up tucked into gray slacks. There is no give, though one arm wraps around her tightly. “Whoa there,” a voice, deep and fluid and intensely quiet says as she is set right again. “Gotta watch where you’re goin’.”

Maura looks up, intent on apologizing to the person that has saved her from eating pavement, but for the second time, her heart beats just above her larynx, preventing any words from escaping.

The person… the figure, really, has one hand in her pocket, and is bending down to retrieve the bag Maura dropped in their collision. Her skin is olive toned, her hair is long, black, and wild around her head, and her shoulders are broad. Strong. 

She is striking, yes. But when Maura catches a glimpse of her eyes, golden yellow just for a fraction of a second before turning brown again, she knows she’s seen her before. Somehow. Somewhere. “I…”

“Need an escort home,” the figure interrupts, standing at full height again. Her accent… Bostonian mixed with what Maura thinks is Sicilian, but again, the reading. She can’t trust her mind to suss out anything Italian with integrity right now. “I know. Father Kelly gave me a ring. Thought I’d be in the area and that you’d be more comfortable with a woman.”

Maura wants to ask if the person is indeed a woman, but that question falls short. Her brain says you want to ask if she’s human, but that makes no sense, either. “Who…?”

The woman, handsome as can be, with a Roman nose and a crooked smile that showed the most brilliant of white teeth, holds her hand out. Her wide palm with long, strong fingers. “Jane. Uh, Rizzoli,” she says. 

Maura swears that her canines appear longer than they should be, though she is no dentist. They look… sharp. God, how she needed some sleep. “I’m… I’m Doctor Maura Isles. I teach anthropology at the University here.”

Jane, as she has asked to be called, closes her lips when Maura shakes her hand. “Oh yeah? Which one?”

“BCU,” answers Maura. She points down the way as a pretense for dropping Jane’s cold hand. “My building actually isn’t that far from here.”

“Is that so?” says Jane. She pockets her hands again and stands aside for Maura to lead the way. “Well, Doctor Isles, either way, you gotta be careful. Beware of loose dogs this late at night.”