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snarkywrites · 3 years

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August Horoscopes: Lion’s Roar

August is going to be a potent time for Fire and Fixed signs. Once again, we will experience the Fixed square energy since the Sun and New Moon will be in Leo. However, it will be a month with some smoother moments with many planets forming a stellium in Virgo, making us all more motivated to work and achieve success. The New Moon in Leo on the 8th will allow us to dream big, even if Saturn’s opposition adds some conflict. Venus enters Libra on the 16th, bringing magic since Venus is at home in this sign. With The Full Moon in Aquarius on the 22nd, we will be reevaluating lessons from earlier this year as the themes from Saturn are intensified with this second Aquarius Moon. Virgo season begins on the same day as well, pushing us to move ahead and prioritize our routines. And things cool off with Mercury going from exalted Virgo to Libra on the 30th. Our communication patterns will be more focused on partnerships and diplomacy. This month has a lot of things to offer and lots of opportunities for new beginnings. It’s all about how brave we feel to step out of our comfort zone.

Aries – As a Fire sign, the New Moon in Leo on the 8th will be a good time to initiate new beginnings that are going to fill you with much inspiration. Your romantic life could see a boost after this transit, or you might just be more concerned with expounding on your creative talents. Another exciting moment that will fuel your love life is Venus entering the sign of Libra on the 16th. Get ready to feel good about yourself and let others know it. You are radiant, confident, and ready to put yourself out there and find an emotional connection. On the 19th, Uranus will be retrograde, and this will initiate a period of instability with the Fixed planets squaring off until next year. If you have neglected finances, this is your sign to get them in tip top shape. Uranus can cause some shocks, but there could be blessings along the way if you are patient and not impulsive. On the 22nd, the Full Moon will be once again in Aquarius, finishing off this powerful transit from the previous Full Moon in July. A period to redo, to learn and to evaluate where you need to grow. You will focus on your friendships and social connections. Once again, you will see people for who they truly are. Rejoice! The Sun enters Virgo on the 22nd as well and we are in for a treat as this transit is going to get you up and ready to think more about yourself and how to show some care and devotion to you. Finally, Mercury enters Libra on the 30th, your communication style will be less chaotic and more subtle. A good period to express your love to someone or through art.

Taurus – The New Moon in Leo on the 8th is going to be a game changer. This transit is going to open many opportunities and ignite changes for you. Set your sights big now because you will accomplish a lot. A defining transit for you is Mercury’s ingress in the sign of Virgo on the 11th. You are going to be a lot more entertaining to be around with since you will be in a playful mood for the next several weeks. Venus, your ruler is entering the sign of Libra on the 16th, a good time to get in tip top shape with your goals, health and dreams. This is also a good time to analyze your routines and make some positive changes that will help you for the next several months. Uranus is currently in your sign and will go retrograde on the 19th. You have seen how the Saturn and Uranus square has transformed you this year. Go within and see how much you have grown and how much stronger you have become. The Full Moon in Aquarius on the 22nd touches on similar themes that the Uranus transit will bring. It is a period of your evolution, and it will feel unbearable at times but you are slowly becoming powerful in your own right. The Sun will join Mercury in the sign of Virgo on the 22nd, this is going to be a positive transit, adding more balance to the challenging transits, so use this opportunity to have fun and enjoy yourself.

Gemini – You will be grabbing the spotlight with the New Moon in Leo transit on the 8th of August and Mercury entering the sign of Virgo on the 11th. A period where you can shine and impress those in positions of power. During this month, you are very intellectually stimulated and everyone will take notice. Venus enters Libra on the 16th and this transit makes a positive trine to your sign, bringing those confidence levels through the roof for the next several weeks. On the 19th, Uranus will surprise us even more once it goes retrograde. This is a transit that will function like a spring cleaning, a good opportunity to clear out negative mindsets and let the positive vibes in. We will be repeating the lessons from the last Full Moon in Aquarius on the 22nd. We will prepare ourselves for round two. Here you are pushed to make some uncomfortable decisions, but it will be worth it in the long run. The Sun also enters the sign of Virgo on the same day, putting you once again at the top and everyone will be taking notice for the next month. You are also going to shine at home. Mercury closes the month by entering the sign of Libra on the 30th. It is going to be a fruitful transit, boosting your confidence once again and allowing you to meet new people.

Cancer – Leo season is going to bring abundance and luck beginning with the New Moon in Leo on the 8th. A good opportunity to make financial goals. On the 11th, Mercury enters Virgo, and you are going to be more social during this transit as friends invite you to have fun and the same energy will be repeated later in the month when the Sun enters Virgo on the 22nd. With the Venus in Libra transit beginning on the 16th, you will see the dynamics at home and work beginning to shift. This is your opportunity to bring balance and you will be successful. During this period, you’ll be able to make peace with those who continue to make war with you. But you’ll be victorious if you choose the diplomatic route. You are going to set your sights on home improvement and redecorating as Venus brings out your artistry. Uranus goes retrograde beginning on the 19th. You could see some turbulence in your friendship circles as you decide to end some connections. This is your time to reflect and see how you can grow from the knowledge you gain through this transit. On the 22nd, the Full Moon returns to continue themes from last month’s transit. Overall, this time around it should be easier than last month since Jupiter will be in the same sign, bringing you hope and healing energy to deal with these Saturnian transits. Set your sights to impress and outshine everyone when Mercury enters Libra on the 30th. You will have the ability to win everyone over and make great allies.

Leo – A New Moon transit in your sign is going to be magnificent for you since this is all about opening doors and making dreams more of a reality for the next six months. Mercury enters Virgo on the 11th, adding a dose of excitement since this transit can get you more focused on saving and building. Venus will enter the sign of Libra on the 16th, creating opportunities to meet and spend time with friends and family. On the 19th, Uranus will go retrograde, and it will impact your career. Expect some changes happening during this time, but do not make spontaneous decisions. While Uranus might bring the storm, the best way to handle is by being patient and learning. The Full Moon in Aquarius on the 22nd, sparks up everyone’s world once more and you are going to feel this energy in your relationships. The year has allowed you to grow and understand how your friendships are evolving as well as your romantic relationships. With the Sun entering Virgo on the same day, you are going to be more understanding and focused on treating yourself. Mercury will enter Libra on the 30th and this can bring a nice calming and relaxing period for you since you will be a lot more comfortable communicating and reaching out to others.

Virgo – Mercury is entering your sign beginning on the 11th and this is going to be a fun transit for you since Venus and Mars are already in Virgo. The New Moon in Leo will be on the 8th, and it will represent a closing of cycles for you and new beginnings since this is happening in the darkest corners of your chart. You will gladly welcome the Venus in Libra transit on the 16th, which can bring you luck and confidence with finances. On the 19th, you will welcome the Uranus Retrograde transit since it will be all about pursuing things you are interested in and learning more. Uranus brings excitement, so you might even contemplate learning new things to keep you entertained. If you are a creative, you might branch out and consider applying new technology or software for your projects. On the 22nd, the Full Moon will return to the sign of Aquarius and the Sun enters Virgo. Again, the focus with these two transits will give you a boost of confidence that is going to transform your work ethic and shift your dreams to greater things. Mercury closes the month, entering the sign of Libra and here you are going to consider the wonderful things you have accomplished and will learn to see your worth.

Libra – The New Moon in Leo on the 8th will change your perspective on romantic endeavors, adding a little more optimism when potential partners appear. Mercury will be entering the sign of Virgo on the 11th, and this is going to allow you get back to focus and clear your mind before Mercury enters your sign. During this period, you’ll be more reserved, and others will take notice. Use this time to recharge your batteries through resting. On the 16th, Venus enters Libra, and it will be a potent transit for your sign. Venus is happy in Libra, and you will be radiant. Uranus will go retrograde starting on the 19th, use this time for reflection and healing. The Full Moon in Aquarius returns once again on the 22nd and it will be a time for resolving some of the questions from the last cycle. Relationships become top priority now and you are going to feel more confident when it comes to your romantic life. On the 22nd, the Sun enters Virgo, initiating a period of more reflection, meditation, and spiritual awakening. This transit gets you ready for the next month when your season begins. Mercury will enter your sign on the 30th, a good time to get focused on the self and your needs. Act and shift your priorities to meet your goals and dreams.

Scorpio – The climb to the top is going to be interesting for you with the New Moon in Leo on the 8th. This is your time, the moment you have been working for and this transit will influence you for the next six months as you see some powerful changes in career, home and/or school. Mercury enters Virgo on the 11th, making this a good time to open those social calendars. Venus enters Libra on the 16th, which is a good transit for you if you have felt restless. Take a break, relax, and have fun reading a book or focusing on art. Uranus will be retrograde on the 19th and here you will experience some changes in your relationships that can either strengthen or reshape them. The Full Moon in Aquarius on the 22nd sets the tone for the next six months. Now that you have learned what the first half of the year has brought to the table, you will use this wisdom to plan and get ahead. The Sun in Virgo on the 22nd is going to allow you to be more confident and step out and shine. The month ends on the 30th with Mercury in Libra, offering a good opportunity to meditate, journal and release any hurts you have held inside.

Sagittarius – Get ready for the month of August as this fire energy begins to get you back on track. Your focus will be on philosophy and higher thinking with this New Moon in Leo on the 8th. It is a good opportunity to begin a new course or even consider going back to school if you want to pursue a new major. Venus enters Libra on the 16th, and this is a good opportunity to meet up with friends and reconnect if you haven’t seen them in a while. Uranus will be retrograde beginning on the 19th, so try and prepare for some upheaval regarding your day-to-day routines and work. As always, being patient is more favorable than acting impulsively with Uranus transits. The Full Moon in Aquarius on the 22nd and the Sun entering Virgo on the same day will be highlights for you. Career will see a positive boost with the Sun’s entry in this Earth sign. This is your chance to speak, to become more confident with what you have to say and claiming the spotlight will not be an issue. Once Mercury enters Libra on the 30th, you are going to feel more in command and optimistic.

Capricorn – During the month of August your relationship energy will be transforming thanks to the New Moon in Leo on the 8th. The perfect time to connect with your partner on a deeper level and discuss anything that could strengthen the bonds. Mercury will be making a favorable aspect to your sign once it enters Virgo on the 11th. This is a good transit to plan and make powerful moves to get you organized and prepared for what’s to come. A transit that will have you on your toes is the Venus in Libra transit because it will be at the highest point of your chart, bringing you luck and success in career and home for the weeks. You are on a roll, Capricorn, so keep doing you. On August 19th, the Uranus Retrograde might make others cower in fear but you are prepared especially with the trine Uranus is making to your sign. This is going to add excitement in your romantic life. Either a partner might surprise you with some adventure on the way or if you are single, you might meet someone unexpectedly. The Full Moon in Aquarius on the 22nd will give us all a chance to look back into topics in July and make some much needed adjustments. In your case, finances come to the forefront and there could be some huge investments on the horizon. Think things carefully before committing. The Sun enters Virgo on the same day, adding more of the hard-working element you welcome. It is a good time to seek a mentor if you feel conflicted or confused and learn how to craft your path to success for the months of September and October. Your vision is big and a teacher or your boss can set you on the right course with Mercury entering Libra on the 30th adding on to these themes as you consider more planning to get to the top.

Aquarius – Fixed signs will appreciate that the planets are slowly moving out of Leo and into Virgo. The month opens with a New Moon in Leo on the 8th, and you will be welcoming this transit since it brings the focus to your relationships. It can be a good time to meet people and those who are single will have great opportunities to enter relationships. On the 11th, Mercury enters Virgo and on the 30th, Mercury shifts into Libra. Both Mercury transits are going to bring some highs and lows since they will each come in contact with Uranus and Saturn. While you undergo the lessons of Mercury, it will start with a psychological reflection on your part and end up with a more spiritual connection once it is in Libra. Uranus adds more frustration to your sign once it is retrograde on the 19th, you are going to have see some changes at work and/or school, so the key here is being balanced and not trying to take control. Be patient and not hasty. The Full Moon in your sign will be on the 22nd and it is a repeat of the last one from July. Saturn is in your sign pushing you to mature and evolve. These transits will highlight the same themes. The Sun will be in Virgo on the 22nd and you are going to experience great wisdom and understanding from this transit as you will dive once more into introspection. The month ends on a positive note as Mercury moves into Libra, an enlightening and powerful transit.

Pisces – A glorious month for you since many of these transits will be highlighting your relationship house. It begins with the New Moon in Leo on the 8th, a reminder to get your priorities straight, especially if you have been slacking off. On the 11th, Mercury enters the sign of Virgo, joining Venus and Mars there. You are going to be more willing to meet people that can help you. If you are single, you have opportunities to start a potential romance. Venus enters Libra on the 16th, and this is a time of reflection and prioritizing yourself. Venus has you introspective and analytical, so use this opportunity to understand your needs and wants. Uranus will be retrograde on the 19th, sparking a period of transition when it comes to your communication style. This could add anxiety at first, but you will ease into is since Uranus will continue to make a positive sextile to your sign. Take it easy if you feel overwhelmed. On the 22nd, the Full Moon in Aquarius makes your dreams more powerful. It is a transit that will make you want to reflect and find comforts at home. The Sun enters Virgo on the 22nd, adding more of that relationship energy in your life. More analyzing here and if you have felt any confusion, you will feel awakened as you’ll have more confidence to decide on who is worthy and who isn’t.

#Horoscopes #Astrology #Aries #Taurus #Gemini #Cancer #Leo #Virgo #Libra #Scorpio #Sagittarius #Capricorn #Aquarius #Pisces

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issaxcharlie · 3 years

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We say we're friends, we play pretend (1/2)

Pairing: Charlie Gillespie x Fem reader

Summary: Charlie and Y/N were best friends and a couple as teens, after their breakup they meet again 4 years later on the bootcamp of JATP and have to work together. Will something else happen or they are just friends?

Charlie must have imagined something like this could happen. Since Kenny discovered her 5 years ago, she has been a really close friend to the director, participating in some way or another in almost all his projects.

In front of him after years, Y/N Y/L, his childhood best friend and ex-girlfriend. The young actor is not going to admit that he saw every single one of her projects or how moved he was by her in each one of them, many times even thinking of maybe sending her a little message saying the incredible job she did.

But he never found the courage.

It’s weird to remember how he spent most of his life next to the woman, now one of the top youth artists with multiple musicals and movies on her hits list. They always had a strong bond, every single day together. Sleepovers, music classes, dancing classes, homework, parties, movie nights, hockey, illness days, pretty much everything. At the age of 15 they began a very sweet and innocent relationship that ended at 18 when Y/N moved to New York to work in her first leading role.

The break up was on good terms but painful, so painful that both preferred to lose contact completely than to have the other from time to time opening the wound again and again.

And there she was. As beautifil as ever, speaking happily with Kenny while Madison and Owen jump up and down, Jeremy smiles and Charlie looks like he wants to throw up.

“Y/N Y/L, my golden star. She is the official composer of the soundtrack, and she will be supporting you throughout the album process as well as helping Paul and me in other creative aspects, I know she is the same age as some of you but she has a lot of experience in this and all the necessary preparation so don't hesitate to get all the knowledge you can out of her."

Everyone introduces themselves until the guitarist is the only one left, luckily for him, he’s in voice rest these two weeks so he literally cannot speak.

They both look nervous but the moment their eyes meet their complicity comes out and both smile slightly.

“He’s Charlie, he is in voice rest but we are fans of yours. We cried yesterday watching your last musical, it was just brilliant." Owen lets out hardly breathing, Y/N turns with a smile to see the Canadian boy who wants to kill his friend and then commit suicide.

“Thank you! This is going to be such an interesting experience.” The singer murmurs as she winks at Charlie.

2 hours later they had both been avoiding each other, Y/N writing in a corner while the band and Kenny discuss costumes with Soyon, in which at least half an hour has been wasted trying to understand what Charlie is trying to say with the few words he writes with an apple pencil on his ipad in his horrible handwritting.

Y/N gets frustrated and goes to where they are, approaching behind Charlie's shoulder to see the iPad. She quickly identifies the two words, one so crossed out that it looks like a doodle, but years copying each other's homework pays off.

"He's trying to say that if Luke isn't going to wear bandanas, at least consider wearing beanies." The young woman says as she leans on the shoulder of who was her first love.

Charlie freezes at their proximity, blushing a little at the feeling of being close after so long. Luckily his castmates don't realize it because all their attention is on her.

“You are just good for everything huh? Even deciphering hieroglyphs." Owen comments, smiling at her and winking exaggeratedly to make her laugh.

Charlie can't help but feel insecure with the situation. It could be a friendly thing but If Owen really tries to flirt with her, he doesn't know how he would react. Is sad enough not having her in his life anymore, having her as his best friend's girlfriend would just be too painful.

Now, he knows he’s exaggerating, and a lot. But he has to do something about it. Better safe than sorry.

He stretches his neck to meet the eyes of his ex-girlfriend, who is now only inches away. She quickly gets flustered, but hides it pretty well. The problem is that he knows every gesture perfectly and sees through her mask.

“Wh- What, Gillespie?” She manages to say, Charlie can’t help a smile seeing the way she still reacts towards him.

When you know a person completely, every facet, every gesture, every peculiarity, speaking without words is as natural as breathing. And they had both forgotten how amazing it feels to have someone in your life who is this compatible and magnetic.

They start a conversation, she answers to who secretly still believes as her person while he continues making gestures and mimics that no one else understands, writing a word from time to time to make the talk flow better.

"I know. Hey, it's not my fault! So you excuse yourself with the ‘can't talk’ thing huh? how convenient. Yeah, Ok, I will. I said I will!" Her words are the only thing that they manage to get out of the conversation that the secret ex-couple is having, since no matter how much attention they pay to him, they have no idea how Y/N manages to decipher it.

"I have no idea what's going on but I'll take it as a miracle, I was just going to suggest ignoring Charlie these 2 weeks." Jeremy jokes, everyone nods their heads.

“I mean, it’s still a good option.” Madison replies.

The 14 days go by quickly, and with the former couple spending time together daily, rehearsing Charlie's guitar solos together, with Y/N translating his horrible scribbles, or sometimes simply being close to each other enjoying the company, absentmindedly placing their hand on the other's leg or their forehead on their shoulder for a few seconds during the breaks.

Basically the whole team has noticed the flirtatious smiles and the looks, but Charlie was the weakest rival of both and the one who could release some information about it, and without being able to speak they basically ran out of an informant, since the young singer didn’t let go a word about her unexpected chemistry with the guitarist except the typical ‘we are just good friends’.

But without a doubt the energies began to multiply on Monday when Charlie arrived with the green light to be able to speak and start singing in rehearsals. Madison couldn't attend the first few hours because she was at school, so Y/N was going to cover her so the boys could practice.

“The first on the list is Finally Free, the place where we are going to record it only gave us two weeks from now so it will have to be one of the priorities. For the first rehearsal just vibe with the song and we’ll discover where to go from there. Oh, and good luck keeping up with my golden star, you’ll need it."

Y/N starts the first verse on the keyboard, and gets up to sing the chorus in the center, trying to ignore Charlie and looking up at Jeremy. She hadn’t heard him sing for a couple of years, but the same butterflies appear in her stomach and she knows that she will melt if she looks into his eyes.

Unfortunately for her, Kenny doesn't have the same plan, and just before the second verse ends he tells her to walk over to Charlie, who immediately smiles and sings the pre-chorus with much more enthusiasm. The energy they radiate floods the place, both getting closer and closer. By the time the bridge arrives, their foreheads are practically against each other, their lips only an inch apart, and with a confidence and comfort while singing to each other that makes all those who suspected that there was something between them now practically sure.

Luckily there are only Jeremy, Kenny, Owen and Paul in the room, who decide to play a game of divide and conquer now that the snitch part of the equation can speak.

“Y/N, can you come with me for a moment? I have a new idea for ‘Wow’ and a fresh pair of eyes is just what I need.” Paul says, sacrificing himself for the greater good.

“Yeah, of course, I’ll be right back.” The singer takes the opportunity to leave this staring game with Charlie and quickly walks away from the guitarist, who winks at her in a flirting way in response.

The moment they walk out the door, everyone turns to see Charlie, who has no idea what they're up to.

“What?”

"After what just happened you just can't keep pretending nothing's happening. Man, that was more intense than the whole Troyella moments during all three movies." Kenny pretends to be offended for a second and then nods.

"I have never seen anything like this in all my years of career."

“Yeah dude it was electric.” Owen replies, smirking.

“She’s my person.” Charlie mumbles.

If he’s being honest with himself, deep down he always knew she was the only one for him. But that realization was freaking scary. What's next if the only person for you has already turned the page? gave up without a fight? what's left?

"What?" The three ask in unison, and Charles begins to sing like a bird.

“We grew up together and then we lost the way. Like in those romantic movies where just everyone knows they belong together except the childhood best friends and then they end up ruining their lives by being in denial.”

“From what I saw getting back on track shouldn't be too difficult, Charlie. I assure you that whatever you feel she feels it too. Her eyes don’t lie." Jeremy tries to reason with him.

“Leave your teen problems behind. You are old enough to decide what you want and find a way to make it work. But you have to stop pretending that nothing is happening first." Owen scolds his friend.

“Do you love her?” Jer asks.

“That answer is always going to be yes, I just could never stop loving her even If I tried. And I did.” He really did. The surprise he got when the second he had her close to him his heart began to beat like crazy and all he wanted was to hug her and fix everything. It was as if when seeing her eyes time hadn’t passed, as if only the day before they’d been goofing around together. That bond is so big that he doesn’t believe it’s possible to break.

“Then do something about it, bro! Go get your girl back!” Jeremy advises while Kenny smiles.

“Yeah man, it’s ‘Now or never’ like her song, and I guess ours too now? Since she wrote it for Sunset Curve? Well, anyway, it’s like our song says.” Owen exclaims excitedly.

“Ohhh, musical inspiration, let me try. ‘Get up, get out, relight that spark’.” Jeremy sings to Charlie.

“Jer, you are a genius. If you think about it wake up is actually a pretty good soundtrack song for this situation. ‘It's not what you lost, It's what you'll gain raising your voice in the rain’.”

They both keep singing the song until they reach the bridge, Charlie tries to look frustrated but a slight smile escapes his face.

They are right, he still hasn't lost this fight.

👻PART 2 RIGHT HERE

#jatp fanfic #jatp imagine #jatp fanfiction #charlie gillespie imagine #charlie gillespie x reader #charlie gillespie one shot #jatp luke #luke patterson fic #luke patterson x reader

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batsandbugs · 4 years

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The Great IKEA Game

Chapter 3: Food Court Shenanigans

AN: Well, it’s two months later, but I’m finally back! Enjoy!

Chapter 1 Chapter 2

Cautiously they snuck around from display to display - hiding their cloth robins in increasingly creative places, on a corkboard, with a dining set, on a fake bird. It became somewhat of a competition to find the best place within the display room.

They remained serious in their mission at first, but soon conversation flowed. Snide comments about passing customers, little anecdotes - Damian’s humor was hilarious once you understood his sarcasm and pointed edges were just a defense mechanism (it reminded her of Chloe)- and joking around. Well, as much as they could be, being on the lookout for his older brothers.

Over an hour they hid over thirty birds, changed outfits twice, spotted Jason another time, which resulted in Damian diving behind some fake curtains while Marinette tried not to drool over a butcher-block table perfect for a sewing room (but which was way too expensive).

“Coast is clear,” Marinette called, once Jason once again disappeared. Damian slid out from behind the curtain and joined her by the table.

“This is nice,” he said. “But I like the dark oak better.” He pointed to the options available, and Marinette had to agree.

“Yeah, but my cabinets are light brown. Not that I need this or can afford it for that matter. I didn’t have a proper workstation even when I was in Paris.”

“Why not?”

“No room. My parents had the bakery downstairs, then they lived on the second floor. I lived in a converted attic, which was great - I even had a balcony, but my computer desk took up a lot of room.” She shrugged a little self-consciously. “Besides, my projects always ended up splayed all over the floor, anyway.”

“That’s fair,” he said with a small nod. He pulled out a map of the store, although Marinette couldn’t ever remember seeing ones to pick up. “We've neared the end of the showrooms - or at least the ones we placed calling cards in - once we enter the warehouse we’ll be out in the open. I’m sure one of my brothers are stationed there.”

“Question is do we want to leave calling cards on the shelves of the warehouse, or do we need to avoid them more?” Marinette asked.

Damian considered it for a moment, then shook his head. “We’ve still got several hours to go - open and bold moves now are an unnecessary risk. I would propose avoiding it altogether, but…” he trailed off.

“What?” she prompted. A loud rumbling sound erupted from her stomach, and Marinette instantly wanted to die. Damian bit his lip, holding off a small smile.

“Oh, laugh it up.” Marinette rolled her eyes, studiously ignoring the burning in her cheeks. “All I had to eat today was a pack of crackers.”

“I thought you might be hungry - you could go grab something to eat from the food court and take a break if you wanted?”

Marinette frowned. “But what about you? Aren’t you hungry?”

Damian waved her off. “Nothing I can’t handle. I’ve gone longer than a few hours without food before.” His eyes were hard and cold, opposite of the teasing glint that had been there a moment before. It sent a small shiver down Marinette’s spine. It was obvious to anyone - or maybe it was just her - that Damian had been through things.

But it didn’t sit right with her to head off to the safety of the food court and leave him alone and without food. While he had seemed perfectly capable of handling himself before she came along Marinette was very invested in how this turned out.

“How about I go grab both of us something to eat, come back here, and then we work on our next move from there?”

Damian rolled his eyes. “Fine, if it makes you feel better.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek black wallet.

Marinette shook her head. “No, no, I can-”

He shoved a black metallic card into her hands; it weighed more than she thought it should.

“I insist.”

“I have money.”

“So do I.”

“I don’t need your charity.”

“It’s not–it’s… payment.”

“I’m doing this for fun.”

“I won’t take no for an answer.” He crossed his arms and glared. It might have worked. If Marinette had been someone else. But she had been subjected to both Chole and Kagami’s overprotective and stubborn glares for years. This was nothing in comparison.

“I can pay, it’s nothing.”

He rolled his eyes again. “You’re a college student, it’s not nothing. Take. The. Card.”

Marinette threw her hands in the air. “Fine, you stubborn man.” A brief smile overtook Damian’s features, and then he dove out of sight. She turned to leave.

“I’m a vegetarian," he called. "Nothing with meat. And the pin is 1914.”

“Okay, I’ll be back in fifteen.” Walking away with the card in hand, she felt a little guilty for not fighting more. She was the one who was hungry, and who had offered to get him food. He didn’t need to give her his card.

Sighing in fond exasperation, she left the end of the display rooms. The warehouse section was large with rows upon rows of metallic shelving covered in boxes, but the food court sat off to the side; easy to find. It was mildly busy for a weekend afternoon, so she quickly stood in line and figured out what to order.

As she placed her order, she thought for a moment about just buying everything with her card, and then returning it to Damian as if she used it. She had a sneaking suspicion he would see right through that. Even after years of being a superhero, she still sucked at lying directly to someone’s face.

She scrolled through her phone, enjoying the slight break off her feet when she heard a familiar-sounding voice.

“Damn it, I don’t see the demon spawn,” growled an irritated voice.

Jason.

It was only years of practiced eavesdropping that stilled Mariette’s head from turning toward voice. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Damian’s older brother running a hand through his two-toned hair. A slightly smaller, but no less attractive man stood next to him, frowning at his phone.

“His credit card just pinged; he can’t have left that quickly.”

Marinette felt herself grow completely still at the mention of the credit card.

‘I am so going to tell him, I told you so,’ she thought furiously in her mind. How the hell would she leave without looking suspicious?

A third man jogged up to the two. A little older than them, but still just as attractive.

'This entire family looks like they could be on the cover of a freaking magazine,’ grumbled the part of her mind that was not overtaken with panic.

“I just checked the perimeter. No sign of him. Are you sure the charge was for the food court, Timmy?”

The man with the phone rolled his eyes. “Yeah–It comes out as $8.32, IKEA Food Court, order number 177.”

“Order 177. Order 177. Your food is ready,” called out a server. They placed the food on the counter, and Marinette saw the men all turn in sync to where the order laid innocently on the counter.

Marinette felt her stomach rumble again but knew the food was out of her reach now. Sacrifices had to be made to win.

‘Damn, I was looking forward to those meatballs and fries.’ No. She had to get out of here without Damian’s brothers noticing anything suspicious. They walked over to the counter, probably to ask the server who had ordered the food and which way they had gone.

Shit. She didn’t have any time.

Tapping on her locked screen, she placed it up to her ear as if taking a call.

“Hey Chole, yeah, no good to hear from you…” She rose from the plastic picnic bench. Only a few minutes before had seemed like such a nice place to rest, now it mocked her. She strolled away from the food court calmly, knowing one wrong move and she would be found out.

She reached into her bag, still walking normally, and grabbed a small metallic ball. It had a green paw print on the front.

Now, this was an experiment she and the kwamis had worked on over the summer. With a little help from Max–not that he knew what it was for–they had siphoned off a bit of pure energy from the Kwami’s and placed it into a small metallic ball that could be activated in a time of need. Mostly when it wasn’t safe to transform. It wasn’t super powerful and, so far, they’d only managed it with Plagg and Tikki, but it was something.

‘A bit of bad luck to distract them,’ Marinette thought.

Now, strictly speaking, this wasn’t exactly what they had in mind when creating the little devices, but desperate times called for desperate measures and all that.

She pressed the small paw print–using a bit of her own energy to activate the device–and threw it on the ground, letting it roll. She continued to walk calmly, and by the time she reached the entrance back to the showrooms, a clatter of noise erupted behind her. She only let herself glance back for a second, watching as a mostly empty display shelf collapsed onto an empty forklift.

Marinette winced. Hopefully, nothing was too damaged.

Off to the side she saw multiple people had gotten into a traffic jam with their shopping carts, and… oh, everything had spilled out of one, and another looked like it had lost two wheels.

… okay, maybe the balls were a bit powerful.

Seeing she wasn’t being followed, she picked up her pace and made her way back to the showroom she’d left Damian at. Along the way, she saw multiple employees rushing toward the warehouse section. She felt a little bad for them, it would be a mess cleaning all this up, but it was her best shot at a clean escape.

After what felt like forever, but was just five minutes, she made it back to Damian’s hiding spot. Taking a moment to check her surroundings, she glanced around, not seeing any of Damian’s brothers. She breathed a small sigh of relief. She entered the showroom and ducked behind the counter.

“We need to go,” she whispered.

“Where’s the food?”

She shook her head. “Who cares about the food, we have bigger problems. Your brothers were waiting in ambush.” She shoved his credit card back at them. “They tracked your card.”

“Damn it,” Damian muttered.

She paused, thinking over the absurdity of the situation. “Who tracks their brother’s credit card?”

“People who want to win. What about you, Miss Disguises-in-your-purse?”

“They’ve come in handy multiple times.”

“Attention all IKEA customers be warned that aisles seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, and twenty are now closed because of potentially unsafe shelving units. We’re sorry for the inconvenience.”

Damian looked at her with a questioning glance, “Did you…?”

“I needed a distraction.”

“How… you know what… no, never mind.” He shook his head, but a small smile told Marinette it amused him.

“They’ll know you’re working with a partner if they get anything out of the server at the register. We need a better hiding spot.”

“Well, while you caused chaos, I figured out our next move.” He motioned her to follow him, and they crept along the floor to the back of the showroom. He moved aside a curtain to reveal an air conditioning grate big enough for both of them to crawl into. “The ventilation layout shows this running straight back to the loading docks, which have rooftop access. We can access another shaft which will take us back to the front of the store. I figured the long route would be safer than going the ground route.”

“Genius.” Said Marinette in amazement, although slightly wondering how on earth he got access to something like ventilation layouts.

“I am aware.”

“But how will we get it off the wall? I have a sewing kit, not a tool belt.”

Damian reached into his pocket and pulled something out.

“That’s a pen,” Marinette deadpanned.

“It’s a specially designed pen.” He grasped the top. “Avert your eyes.” Marinette glanced away, but then heard the sizzle of metal, and felt the warm rush of heat.

She looked. In Damian’s hand was a small laser, shaped like a pen, easily cutting through the metallic grate blocking off the air shaft.

“It’s a LASER?” Marinette whispered in a shriek. “You… just have a laser in your pocket.”

“Well, you apparently disabled four industrial shelving units with your mind.” He grabbed hold of the grate as it came loose and placed it behind the curtain.

“I didn’t disable four shelving units. Just one,” she paused, “and a forklift… and some shopping carts. Just enough to cause a distraction.”

“Whatever,” he rolled his eyes, but she could see the glee lurking beneath the surface. She couldn’t help the smile spreading across her own face. Something about Damian was infectiously fun and absurd. Marinette was reminded of her earlier days as a hero before the weight of the city fully settled on her shoulders. Back when fights were simple, and midnight patrols were racing across the Parisian rooftops–making the blood in her veins pound with the rhythm of her steps.

She missed it.

“Ladies, first,” Damian said, gesturing to the vent.

“Thanks.” She crawled in, beyond grateful she decided to wear pants that day. Damian crawled in right behind her and readjusted the curtain over the uncovered air shaft.

She grabbed her phone from her bag and turned on the light. Holding it and crawling was difficult, but it was better than crawling around in total darkness. It was times like this where she questioned the absolute insanity of her life.

She wouldn’t have it any other way, though. Tag List: (Closed, sorry!! I’m so glad you all like it though.)

@multplelifes @bluesimani @justhugefangirl @nik-nak-3@redscarlet95 @purplesundaze @incredulous-reader @k-poplunardreams @our-preciousss @blackmagicforever @vgirl-10123 @lozzybowe @wannajointhecrabcult @dast218 @chaotic-mess-of-a-life @fidget-eep @kawaiigiantjudgefish @queenmj10@tumbling-down-hills-and-stuff @crazylittlemunchkin @fandom-writer642 @nach0ava @ladybug-182 @sam-i-am-0222@spyofthenightcourt @how-to-fuction-properly@emotionalsupportginger @dreamykitty25 @tomanyfandomsonmy-mind @mystery-5-5 @theatreandcomicfreak @weird-pale-blonde-person @whatthechickenfriedfuck @myazael@pawsitivelymiraculous @urbanpineapplefarmer @karategirl119@consumeconstantly @hauntedstudent99 @ertyzeta @thornalchemist23 @iloveitwhen @animegirlweeb@byronsacademics @i-wanna-be-a-ninja @moonlitjiminie@iglowinggemma28 @constancetruggle @catgirlkittypryde @waffelyunsure @maskedpainter @lilkymilky @unhappyraspberry @avengerthewarrior @quotesandanime @tbehartoo @clumsy-owl-4178 @g-arya @chocolateherringtacofan @jalaluvsu @crazyrandomrebel @fatimaabbasrizvi @thenillabean @goblinwhoships @bluefyoto94 @nerinalith @loopingtangent @demonicbusiness @hecate-hallow @themcclan @tropestropestropes @paintedhope7

#damimari #damianette #daminette #maribat #maridami #damian x marinette #mlb crossover #marinette dupain-cheng x damian wayne #fanfic

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anothertimdrakestan · 4 years

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Hot Stuff (Tim Drake x Reader)

Words: 3k

Req: “can you do a fic where the reader has to get protected and she doesn't want to and thinks it's dumb but like otherwise someone is gonna try to kill her so a batboy (of your choice) has to protect her and they like realize they like each other? i just think it would be really cute sorry haha you can ignore me.”

I’m not gonna ignore you!!! this is adorable! also i let ppl vote not knowing the prompt and they picked tim hehehe so this will be fun! you really left me a LOT of creative freedom lmao so i tried my best but had a lot of fun lolz hope you enjoy angel!

It had been at least 5 years since you had ever shivered. And the last time it happened you were like 20 seconds away from dying so the fact that it was becoming a common feeling was definitely a problem. But your near death every couple minutes was a pretty dumb excuse to get you holed up in the batcave being watched over by none other than Mr. Batman himself.

The whole problem arose when all the cold-powered super villains decided it was time for their equivalent of a crossover, deciding that if the world was frozen over they could... steal shit? Then unfreeze it or something? They were always a little slow (call it brain freeze if you will) but the beginnings of their plan worked and the temperature of the Earth was dropping steadily which didn’t bode well for a hero like you who’s powers revolved around heat and energy, the colder you got the weaker- making this the reason you were in a makeshift furnace set up discreetly in the Batcave.

“Morning y/n let’s see how you’re doing” Tim greeted you with a wave, grabbing a tablet that was tracking your internal body temperature and other boring statistics on whether or not you’d live. “Oh man, okay, lemme turn it up” Tim tapped at the tablet while you folded another paper airplane and threw it at the glass. “I feel fine man, like really, I’m just chilling” you shrugged, incinerating the paper airplane with a small flame in the center of your palm while Tim chuckled. “Well ya see, you ‘chilling’ is actually quite a bad thing, but yeah a couple minutes with extra heat and you can come to breakfast!” you rolled your eyes at his smothered laughter. “How long you been sitting on that one?” you teased him.

“Long enough Sparky, now warm up I’m hungry” Tim started you on a burst of energy while he moved on to the main BatComputer. “Whatcha solving today? Anything I can help with?” you squinted at the screen hoping for something interesting. “Bruce is going out to see if he can find the location of all the machines dropping the temp, and no, you’re definitely not going outside anytime soon” Tim chided you while you groaned and let sharp flames jutt from your clenched fists. “I’m not a child, I can regulate my temperature on my own, hell I can still make fire so clearly I’m fine” you said matter-of-factly holding up a flame and letting it dancing into a small burst.

“And I’d like to keep you that way y/n let’s not risk it, now c’mon I think you’ve taken in enough energy” Tim opened the door to your little glass room, his eyes widening at the heat that brushed over his face. “Dude you ever got hot in there?” Tim questioned, fanning his face from the exposure. “Nope, I’m kinda like that all the time” you explained, casually taking his hand to show him how your skin practically radiated heat. “Oh- wow, you’re really warm but it’s kinda cool.” Tim mumbled, pushing your palm flush up against his, the tops of his fingertips curling around yours while he grinned, “your hands are so small” you snorted, “whatever Drake, I could cook you like a bird if I wanted to,” you laughed, racing up the steps towards the kitchen ready to warm up some breakfast.

That afternoon you were helping Damian through homework hoping for any excitement in the pure boredom. “Alright, done. I’m going to take Titus out you can come- uh actually nevermind.” Damian shot you an apologetic look before grabbing Titus’ collar. “No actually I can go! I’m super warm and got the go ahead!” You quickly stood up, telling yourself a little getaway was necessary. “Really? I believe Drake said-” you cut Damian off, “Tim is like never right about anything yaknow? Let’s go!” You zipped up a couple of your jackets with a grin while Damian led you outside.

The air was crisp, like a fall day that was on the verge of shifting into winter. “You’re not going to die on me are you?” Damian glanced at you while you breathed in the fresh air peacefully. “No haha, this is just regulating my temperature using my powers for a little while, I get ill when I do it for too long, let’s go!” you raced down the street loving the freedom even though you could feel the cold creep in.

“Y/n? Y/n? Guys I think her eyelids are moving! Y/N! Can you hear me?” a familiar voice buzzed over the white noise while you began to regain your senses. Slowly you blinked your eyes open to see Damian, who looked pissed, Bruce, who also looked pissed, and Tim, who looked worse than ever. “WHAT WERE YOU THINKING YOU LIED TO DAMIAN TO GO OUTSIDE THEN ALMOST DIED!” Tim was waving his hands and showing you charts of your warmth-cold ratios being at all time lows and spouting off concerning facts about your health while Bruce just looked at the ceiling asking ‘why me’.

“I thought I’d be fine” you whispered, feeling your throat scream at it’s use. “It’s like freezing outside- freakin colder than winter- and you wanted to go outside???” Tim looked exasperated, he was in a loose tank top and shorts, it looked like he’d been sweating so he had probably been next to you for a while during your recovery. “I didn’t think I’d get so cold” you mumbled, flexing your hands while you tried to regain your strength.

Eventually Tim calmed down, he went back to working on cases but you noticed him frequently checking to confirm you hadn’t left your new room. Damian chastised you for lying and told you how you essentially fainted a couple blocks into the walk, it was just way too cold too for you to function outside. But the small taste of freedom was worth it.

“Hey hot stuff,” Tim gave you a little devilish smile at his new nickname for you. “Cute Drake, but what’s up?” you called back as he approached your makeshift oven-room. “Nothing much just thought I’d come hangout- warm up your cold dark heart for once” you shook your head at all his heat-centered puns. “Tough talk for a glorified shish-kebab” you said with a laugh, letting a little spark dance on your finger tips.

“What does it feel like? The powers and being cold?” Tim asked, his eyes still staring at your palm. “Mhm it’s a part of me yaknow? So when it’s cold its like a piece of my being is being stifled, like choked out of me. But normally, it just flows through me and I can channel it and what not but right now it feels... rigid, like every ounce of warmth is being used to circulate through my own body” you said with a sign, missing the freedom and immense warmth. “We’re gonna fix this y/n you know that right? This is only temporary, I promise.” Tim whispered, inching closer to the glass.

You felt a tear slip out, quickly you pushed it away feeling it evaporate in your hands you looked up at Tim who was inches from the glass, his cheeks were red from the heat radiating on him as he stood bundled in a sweater. Slowly he gave you a hopeful smile, putting his hand up against the glass. With a small smile you uncurled your hand up to meet his, for a second you just met his eyes and knew you were safe. Even when everything seemed so cold Tim was warm, and he was always there for you.

A couple days later you were stable, but constantly needing reheating. You’d spent a lot of time with Tim who had set up a little workspace outside your room. He’d work on cases and talk to you, sometimes he’d catch a few minutes of sleep, his cheek pressed adorably up to the warm glass while you stifle giggles as his sleepy breaths fog the glass. Your situation was bearable with Tim, and you were really starting to enjoy his company.

“Red Robin we’ve got something” you watched Tim shoot up from his work as Bruce descended into the Batcave. “Barry Allen and the rest of Star Labs have reason to believe the frost machines aren’t actually underground, but their above us. Think pumping out cold air like an AC machine for the Earth” Tim nodded, sitting down at the batcomputer as he began typing rapidly. You were straining your neck against the glass to try to see what he was doing.

“Got it, try here, here, and here” Tim was pointing wildly at a map while Bruce sent out the coords. “Suit up, if we’re right this’ll be a real fight” Bruce said as he left to go get the others. After Tim was in his suit he came up next to your room with a grin. You looked at him with hopeful eyes, “you think this is it?” you asked Tim while he flashed you a hopeful smile. “I hope so y/n, if we’re lucky this will be it” he answered, taking a deep breath and clenching his hands into fists. “Well you need extra luck” you told him, he nodded then stopped short when you burst out of the room, throwing your arms around his neck, pulling him into a hug. “My hugs are super lucky” you whispered into his chest while his hands wrapped around your back. “I’ll take all the luck I can get” he mumbled, lowering his head into the crook of your neck. The hug was easy and perfect- until you started to shiver. Quickly Tim deposited you back into your room, turning up the heat.

“Guess I’m not hot enough for you” Tim snorted while you rubbed your shoulders. “Shut up dork, now go fix the world so I can give you a proper hug” you placed your hand against the glass again. With a nod he placed his hand to yours, “will do” he said, dashing off towards Bruce and Damian who were also all suited up.

“Y/n I must inform you they have in fact found the base and will be going into battle shortly” Alfred called from the computers while he monitored the team’s location. “Yes!” you shouted, pumping a fist in the air while you paced around your room.

The plan was clear, there were 10 giant AC machines pumping out the frost across the world, some heroes had been separated into teams each tasked with taking out their respective machine then any hero strong enough to lift the machines were in charge of bringing them to an undisclosed location on one of Bruce’s private islands for inspection and dismantling. Alfred had Bruce, Dick, Tim, and Damian’s vitals displayed on the screen as their suits were consistently monitoring them and you’d been craning your neck to keep track of the little bars. “god Alfie how do you take it? You can see every hit they take, every injury, you’re basically looking at it all going wrong!” you felt like tearing your hair out, watching the screen light up with every hit each boy took.

“You get used to it Ms. Y/n you must have faith that they’ve seen worse and can survive anything” Alfred answered cooly but it didn’t stop you from wincing everytime Tim’s bar lowered or lit up meaning he took a hit.

Over the comms you heard Bruce and Damian confirm their machine was sufficiently broken, as well as 8 of the other machines. As it turned out, Tim, Dick, and one of those annoying speedsters had been sent to the head machine, a few members of the league were at the other. You watched Tim take hit after hit, clearly him and Dick were struggling. “Alf is it just me or are Tim and Dick’s bars not going up” you were pounding at the glass of your room. Slowly Alfred nodded, abruptly standing up. To your shock he began moving around the cave, setting up what looked like a makeshift hospital room. “There will almost assuredly be some injuries after this battle. But how are you feeling Ms. Y/n as over half of the machines have been taken down” Alfred drew you away from the flashing bars as you realized you were feeling better, still not top shape but better than you’d been in days. “Yeah you’re right I’m definitely feeling better-”

“Hey Alfie Tim just got buried in snow any recommendations?” you heard Dick’s voice come over the speakers. Your head whipped to his bar which was flashing wildly as you shrieked. Alfred replied quickly, “Master Dick you must remove him immediately and wrap him with something warm as his suit cannot regulate him in freezing temperatures.” as he made his way back to the batcomputer, talking Dick through his next actions.

“Will do, he’ll be okay but he’s kinda a popsicle right now” Dick’s voice came over the comms again while you let out the breath you’d been holding in as you saw Tim’s bar sliding back up. Shortly after they were aided by the rest of the league, promptly taking out the final machine and finding the villains hiding inside.

Dick, Tim, and Damian returned to the cave shorty, Bruce was busy with league business interrogating the villains. Damian came in first, declaring he now hated the cold after how freezing that mission was. Following him was Dick who was walking with a slight limp as he called to Alfred explaining that he just twisted it when he dug Tim out of the snow. And last, Tim made his way into the cave. His hair was wet, clearly melted from being buried under snow. He was wearing a Star Labs sweatshirt and sweatpants as he held his waterlogged suit in his slightly shaky hands, and a towel was draped over his shoulders. “Alf you want my suit? Pretty sure I fried half the tech” he called as he shook his head, little water droplets flying from his hair. “I’ll see to it’s repair Master Tim” Alfred nodded, gesturing for Tim to place it next to him. “Also, might I recommend you spend some time with Miss Y/n as she is quite capable of warming you up” Alfred gestured towards your room before going back to examining Dick’s ankle.

Tim nodded in agreement, giving you a little wave as he stumbled into the room with you. Letting the relief flood your head you quickly brought him into a warm hug, focusing on pushing some of your energy forwards to warm him up. “Mhm” Tim’s eyelashes fluttered shut against your neck while he melted into your embrace. “You’re so cold” you whispered with a giggle. “Yeah and you’re really hot” Tim groaned in reply, though you could feel his lips curl into a smile against your neck. “I think you meant warm” you tried to ignore the butterflies having a rager in your stomach. “Hm no I said it right” Tim whispered in your ear making your eyes widen at his upfront response. “Oh, I- uh, thanks? I think you’re pretty cool- no not cool cuz like that’s the opposite of hot- yeah you’re-” you were silenced as Tim pressed his lips to yours. Your eyes shot open at the feeling of his ice cold lips pressed to yours but they quickly fluttered closed when his hand wrapped around the back of your head, pulling you deeper into the kiss. His lips quickly warmed up against yours making your breath hitch when he slipped a cold hand around your waist pulling you flush against him. His fingers felt like ice as they grasped your back but you couldn’t but melt into his touch.

You pulled away first, taking in gasping breaths while you couldn’t help but grin. “You warm yet?” you teased, pulling his hand away from your back and placing your hand in his, giving it a warm squeeze. “Mhm one more kiss” he pouted, leaning down to place a smiling kiss onto your lips while you scrunched your nose. “I should seriously freeze to death more often if it means I get to kiss you” Tim said while you rolled your eyes. “Or you could just not die and I might give you a good-job kiss?” you offered with a grin. “Will do” Tim nodded, giving your hand a squeeze.

“Goodbye oven!” you shouted, practically kicking the door open as you finally got to leave the cramped room behind. Just a day later the Earth had returned to average temperature and you were free. “I am SO ready to go home, not that I didn’t like it here” you said, giving Tim a little smile as Bruce return all your belongings after a little over a week in Bat-Solitude. “Come back soon though?” Tim piped up with a hopeful looks. “Definitely, I won’t give you the cold shoulder” you snorted at your own joke while Damian groaned, saying something about being happy he’ll be free of your puns.

Tim walked you out, chatting your ear off about his next cases and all the time he had to come see you, over the course of the frozen-adventure you’d found a best friend and possibly something more, maybe the oven was worth it after all?

“Okay, so I’ll see you in a couple days?” you grinned as Tim nodded. “Yup! Now before you go, I need another good luck hug- they definitely work wonders seeing as last time I got buried in snow” Tim laughed, wrapping his arms around you as he chuckled into the hug. “Not my fault you turned into a snowman Drake” You gave him a squeeze before pulling away, locking eyes with him. His hand slipped to your chin again, but this time you wrapped your hands around his neck, pulling him in for a goodbye kiss, loving the way sparks danced on your lips. Pulling out of the kiss as the car arrived Tim opened the door for you like the gentleman he is, giving your hand a squeeze.

“See you later hot stuff” Tim winked at you, shutting the door and waving as you drove away, shaking your head at his never ending puns, you smiled to yourself as soon as he was out of view, loving the idea that you’d get to tease that cute dork for the rest of your life.

#tim drake #tim drake x reader #tim drake x y/n #tim drake x you #tim drake x fem!reader #damian wayne #batboys #dick grayson x reader #bruce wayne #tim drake fluff #tim drake fanfic #red robin #red robin x reader #batfam #batfam x reader #dc fluff #jason todd #dc fanfic #timothy jackson drake

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ofcloudsandstars · 3 years

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December Magical Dates and Astrological Transits

The final month of this leap year has arrived! It's finally December!! A lot of energetic shifts are coming at the end of the cycle marking a new beginning along with positive aspects from Uranus rx and harder aspects from Neptune forcing us to review our habits, old stagnating beliefs, spiritual deceptions hindering our path in order to evolve and create new philosophies, insights, expanded perspectives and a spiritual path that is aligned with our evolution, freedom and authenticity. Both Saturn and Jupiter are shifting into Aquarius focusing our energies and responsibility towards the collective and how we individually play a role in our communities. There is another eclipse this month during the New Moon in Sagittarius causing endings in regards to old dogmatic ideas and philosophies and helping us regain truths that will aid us and the collective towards a new future.

Tip: If you have a moon journal or a folder on your desktop, the best way I like to keep track of each day and transits is by copy pasting this info and writing over ideas for each day and what I should do. Examples would be: Moon In Cancer - Deep clean your room. | Sun Trine Mars - charge items and exercise. | Moon enters Capricorn - make candles. It doesn't have to be anything lengthy but just planning ideas both mundane and magical to do when the transits are best!

Week 30 - 6

1st - ☾♊ Mercury enters Sagittarius

December will start off feeling like a fresh chapter after the full moon eclipse in Gemini passing yesterday. Take note where changes could have caused shifts in your life and how they could align you towards your highest potential. The energy could have drawn our focus on the finer details of what we require to achieve our goals and give us the motivation to tackle our tasks. Now today Mercury enters Sagittarius giving us a mental shift for two and a half weeks as our mindsets become more expansive, curious and optimistic giving us grander ideas and the courage to tackle whatever we need as long as we feel great about it. Make sure to write down your introspections and keep focused on your goals as Mercury in Sagittarius can make us a bit disorganized as we can potentially take on too much thus biting off more than we can chew. Today will be a great day to work with the full moon energy (especially charging crystals and items since the eclipse has passed), and focus on expanding our minds and channeling this power.

2nd - ☾♋ Moon enters Cancer

When the moon is in Cancer it’s a good time for magic around the home (aka Cottage Magic) such as cleaning and cleansing, kitchen magic and bath magic. It’s a great time for self-care rituals and water-based magic. The theme of burrowing and hibernation will feel amplified today as the moon is in it’s home sign.

The moon will be here for the next three days as no major aspects occur so it's a great time for rest and reflection on the previous energy shifts.

3rd - ☾♋ Moon in Cancer

4th - ☾♋ Moon in Cancer

5th - ☾♌ Venus in Scorpio trines Neptune in Pisces Disseminating Moon | Moon trine Sun

Today's energy will feel creative, dreamy and imaginative with Venus trining Neptune and the moon in creative Leo trining the Sun in positive Sagittarius. We will feel more in touch with art or beautiful experiences which inspires our sense of spirituality and creativity and will feel inclined to express this or create with the moon in Leo. It's a great time to do self love rituals, art based magic, create a beautiful ritual, celebrate life and channel in this lovely energy. Also the Disseminating moon is a time of gratitude and reaping rewards of hard work accumulated during this lunar cycle. Appreciate where you have found success and benefitted from the work you have put in and if you feel unsatisfied, this lunar energy in the cycle is the second chance to work again towards it. If you are happy, it's a lovely time to relax and celebrate life.

6th - ☾♌ Moon in Leo

When the moon is in Leo it’s a good time for creativity, fire and light based magic and acts of self love.

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Week 7 - 13

7th - ☾♍ Last Quarter Moon in Virgo

As the moon enters Virgo today this lunar phase revolves around reflection of our journey so far since the Scorpio new moon in November and what we have learned verses what isn't working for us. It's a great day for reflection, meditation, journaling, taking stock and shadow work. With the moon in Virgo it's a great day for finding solutions or healing. Focus on how this lunar cycle was about shedding things your soul no longer needs or what was hidden by your shadow self (reflect on themes that the Scorpio New Moon brought up) and use this final quarter as a time to heal those qualities or find solutions.

8th - ☾♍ Moon in Virgo

When the moon is in Virgo it’s great to ground your tasks mentally in a to-do list, problem solve or focus on healing magic for yourself on a physical or spiritual level.

9th - ☾♎ Sun in Sagittarius Squares Neptune in Pisces Moon enters Libra

Be cautious today with your information and boundaries. When the sun squares Neptune we are subjected to deception, dishonesty intrusions and paranoia. Often I find with negative Neptunal aspects there is an increase of scammers or people that take advantage of this energy. Be careful! Put up wards today and be aware of your boundaries. Often this square can cause confusion as well and is not a great time to focus on hard work or do anything mentally taxing. This aspect can also make you more wary of health issues including mental health, however most of the issues you may uncover today revolving around health is just an illusion powered by paranoia and confusion so it's a good time to wait and see if your symptoms or worries persist until tomorrow. On a positive note this square is good for reflecting on your spirituality, seeing which truths hold up and how your path is serving you. If there is any corners where you have been dishonest with yourself or following/idolizing someone of your path who doesn't have your best interests at heart, it's time to take stock and make adjustments so that your path can be as genuine as possible.

10th - ☾♎ Venus in Scorpio sextiles Pluto in Capricorn Balsamic Moon | Moon sextile Sun Happy Hannukah!

The themes of shedding and cutting chords will be carried on today with the Balsamic moon which is a period of time that is ideal for cleansing the space, shedding what you no longer need, tying up loose ends and clearing this chapter before the next new moon. Whatever spiritual beliefs you've held that may not be truthful or aligned with your highest good, it's a good time to shed and shift your path today. In two days another transit will come which will make this theme more personal and focus our attention there.

Other energy we will feel today is the sextile between Venus and Pluto. This aspect will deepen our values, our bonds to our closest friends and our lovers helping us illuminate what is the most important things in our lives and helping us to shed whatever doesn't make the cut. With the moon in Libra our relationships with all kinds will be highlighted and if there are people in your life that don't respect you or have your best interests in mind, today may be the day where you need to let them go. Another influence this aspect can bring is obsessions on our crushes or things we value. In terms of crushes the energy today can help you uncover their secrets or how they feel about you. In terms of what you value, it's a great day to explore your creativity, artistic/aesthetic side or how you honor your values today.

Also Hannukah begins today! If you celebrate Hannukah then I hope you have a lovely 7 days!

11th - ☾♏ Sun in Sagittarius trines Mars in Aries Moon enters Scorpio

This is an excellent day to use for a boost of courage, taking risks and chances or applying a boost of energy towards whatever you desire. With the sun trining Mars (both fiery planets in fiery placements!) We will feel the power to charge onwards! However trines are very agreeable transits which can flutter by unnoticed so it's a good time to mark this date on a calendar as an opportunity to use the energy wisely. If you do not have an occasion to channel this energy, trines are excellent energy to charge your magical items with or channel within yourself. It's not necessarily the same as charging items under full moon light, however since the Sun is involved in the aspect you can leave some items out in the sun to soak in the energy. Additionally you can write the glyph of mars down or play it's frequency to bring in it's energy in your space and have your magical items be charged with it's fiery power!

12th - ☾♏ Moon in Scorpio

When the moon is in Scorpio it’s a good time for shadow work, trance magic, uncovering secrets, sex magic, blood magic and energy based magic.

13th - ☾♐ Mercury in Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces Moon enters Sagittarius

Another day for being wary with your boundaries! Mercury and Neptune squares brings about another day of confusion and a chance for predators to take advantage of our clouded minds and lowered guards. Take this day to also put up wards, be alert and not take on too many tasks or too much work. Today we can be especially deceived with the planet ruling our logical minds and processing being harshly aspected by the dreamy planet of illusions. There is potential for a lack of clarity, miscommunication and bad luck involving transport, plans, anything mercury rules. You should be especially wary of believing extreme spiritual views or conspiracy theories as people with agendas are sure to come out of the woodwork on this day. Especially with the moon in Sagittarius it's a good day to examine your own faith and any extreme views you may hold or beliefs that are deceiving you. Focus on the truth and creating a spiritual path that is authentic to you.

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Week 14 - 20

14th - ☾♐ New Moon in Sagittarius, Solar eclipse Mercury in Sagittarius trines Mars in Aries Venus in Scorpio sextiles Jupiter in Capricorn

This new moon in Sagittarius will not only be a solar eclipse but... it's ANOTHER square with Neptune in Pisces. Our spirituality or faith is being highlighted in this chapter and we may find ourselves completely shifting our beliefs especially as the sun and mercury may have highlighted some deceptions we possibly haven't noticed that were apart of our belief systems before. Mercury trines Mars today giving our minds a fiery boost as we could be showered with endless new ideas and be ready to expand our horizons and develop a new path. Venus will sextile Jupiter helping us create a new reality aligning our values with our true authenticity which will help us shape our new path that aligns us to our higher good. You may witness others coming up with new approaches to their path or even hear of new religions (or conspiracy cults depending on how others have taken in all of the Neptune squares). It's a fantastic day for shedding and reflection of our path and how this new lunar cycle will be focused on our faith and what lies and deceptions need to be addressed. The energies are aligned to help you uncover this and find the truths within yourselves.

15th - ☾♑ Venus in Scorpio sextiles Saturn in Capricorn Venus enters Sagittarius Moon enters Capricorn

Today is a lovely day to work on existing relationships or start a commitment that you would want to last long term, whether it be a project, a job or relationship. With Venus sextiling Saturn everything that we value can be improved on by solving any recent difficulties or by dedicating our time towards it.

Venus will then enter Sagittarius bringing us in a four week long new transit cycle where our values can be expanded upon and explored, we could expand our friendship groups and find values and pleasure in traveling, exploration and philosophy. It's a great day for love magic and doing blessings for yourself or loved ones.

16th - ☾♑ Moon in Capricorn

When the moon is in Capricorn it's an excellent time to get work done, get organized, address our tasks and responsibilities, do ancestor magic as well as earth and mineral based magic.

17th - ☾♒ Saturn enters Aquarius Moon enters Aquarius

Today we face a massive energy shift as Saturn enters Aquarius (officially) for the next two and a half years. With Saturn in Aquarius we can focus on improving our community and our individual roles we play within it. It briefly entered Aquarius earlier in 2020 spring showing in positive areas how community can be cared for and the standards of living can increase where as in negative areas (most of the earth) how some government's lack of care for their community is the base reason why so many have suffered and died due to Covid or Covid related issues that damaged the economy, cut jobs and tore people's access to money, food and shelter. Saturn in Aquarius in previous years brought about revolution and evolution, sparking awareness and anger of the government's failed response to AIDS, the end of the apartheid in South Africa and Civil Rights with Rodney King. Early 2020 got a taste as many were enraged with government's failed response to Covid, Police Brutality and community care. The term Mutual Aid was used more often and that theme may carry out and be improved upon with Saturn's transit through Aquarius. For us 1992-1993 babies this is our first SATURN RETURN baby!! For the next two years we will be facing a coming-of-age transit as we enter celestial adult hood and review all of the work we have put into this life, the foundations we've built, and how we can improve or tear down what is no longer working for us. Most people our age have suffered a lot with failed systems that promised to help us and instead we lost like.. everything.. in this lifetime. So this return may be how we create new sound structures to help ourselves and each other and get rid of what no longer works. It can be a challenging transit, however it will bring about needed change for us to thrive in the future. (We also have our natal Uranus and Neptune in Capricorn on our sides to help us dream up new structures and revolutionize the ones that already exist.) Emotionally we will be aligned and invested with this shift as the moon enters Aquarius today so it will be conjunct with Saturn. It's a great day to meditate with Saturn's frequency, write down insights, and see how you can get to work on yourself. Especially if this is your Saturn's return, it's an excellent time to GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER, cause honestly if you don't Saturn fucking will. So chat with Daddy Saturn, ask your guides for advice, channel the energy within and get organized!

18th - ☾♒ Waxing Crescent | Sun Sextile Moon

As the moon transits it's waxing crescent phase, it reaches it's sextile with the Sun today making it a great day to review the themes of the New Moon in Sagittarius and what we can do either as research, or experimentation to learn new materials and expand our horizons which can help us acheive our goals in the long run. This is a great time to try a new class, try something new or do some reading and research. Especially with the moon in Aquarius, the energy is all about new perspectives and new knowledge. In regards to the themes of Sagittarius new moon and our spiritual paths shifting, today is a great day to do some reading and research in regards to this or try new forms of magic, meditation, sound journeys or approaches to your spiritual path which can help broaden your horizon.

19th - ☾♓ Jupiter enters Aquarius Sun conjunct Mercury in Sagittarius Moon enters Pisces

Another major energy shift occurs today with Jupiter entering Aquarius. This energy is major and can help us create visions of a new future that is community focused (as opposed to needs of the wealthy few that run the government), expand on our technology, create new discoveries and expand on our collective freedoms. As the moon enters Pisces we will be dreaming of a new reality in this shift and this will be amplified with the Sun and Mercury conjunct in Sagittarius aligning our will and the themes of the day with our mind, new ideas and mental expansion.

With Jupiter transiting Aquarius we will see an expansion of our perspectives along with new perspectives which can incite reform or even experimentation to bring something new and revolutionary out of the ordinary all in a quest for a new, better life. This (especially with Saturn in Aquarius) can bring a surge for change which means more protests and rebellions however it will all be in faith for the future and in hope for a miraculous change. This transit will be a bit chaotic as Uranus (ruler of Aquarius and all about evolution, revolution and new perspectives) is currently in Taurus which will bring shocks and insecurity in our everyday lives by breaking the usual mold apart. The two planets are in conflicting fixed signs that will cause a square for most of Jupiter's early transit in Aquarius and since Jupiter takes a year to go through a sign, this will be felt for a good quarter of 2021 bringing challenges in regards to our freedom that we will feel inclined to fight for. However with hard work, realism, planning and perseverance, which Saturn will gladly lend a hand in, enduring alternatives can eventually be established.

20th - ☾♓ Mercury enters Capricorn

This is an excellent two and a half weeks to focus on getting things done, getting organized, focusing on tasks and prioritizing. Though Mercury in Capricorn may not be the most emotional placement, (there will be a time and place to process emotions so no worries), it's a wonderful transit and great timing with the Saturn and Jupiter shifts into Aquarius for us to review what we need to get done and how we can improve our lives and even the lives of others. If you are celebrating Yule or the Winter Solstice, it's a great time to get ready, make magic tools, plan rituals and get yourself prepared for early winter (and Capricorn season!) to come. -----------------------

Week 21 - 27

21st - ☾♈ YULE - Winter Solstice Sun enters Capricorn First Quarter Moon in Aries Jupiter conjunct Saturn in Aquarius

We've entered Capricorn season!! This will feel like a new start with the moon in Aries and will add a fiery element of new beginnings to the sabbat of rebirth and renewal. Additionally there will be a lot of intense saturn energies added today, not only as it's the beginning of Capricorn season but Jupiter and Saturn will be conjunct today in Aquarius expanding our mindset towards our liberation, our support of our communities and our mobilization. Especially coinciding on the Winter Solstice, a time for renewal and new cycles, this theme will highlight our solar cycle to come and be the tone set for 2021. This conjunction is also powerful and refered to as The Great Conjunction. It's a time of opportunity, growth and good fortune. We will feel we have reached the end of a phase of life and we will be advancing to the next higher level. This transit brings feelings of completion or alternatively it will highlight barriers to our progress which we need to overcome. If you are deeply disatisfied with your life or feel stifled by these barriers, you may feel that the restrictions are too much to cope with that this transit will cause you endless frustration that change becomes inevitable. Regardless this transit helps us seek greater freedom and prosperity. We may find the answers we need to push forward or to seek out our liberation. This Great Conjunction also brings fated events, lucky breaks and profound growth.

Regardless if you celebrate this sabbat, you can observe Winter Solstice from a secular celebration and plan a ritual revolving around rebirth and renewal with this energy. Especially as the moon is in it's First Quarter phase it's all about planning and strategizing. (Also here is a link comparing the lunar phases to the solar celebrations as Winter Solstice corresponds to the New Moon in the way that it is about renewal and new cycles, yet on a grander scale.) You can take the day to do some divination on the months ahead, channel the Saturn/Jupiter/Aquarius energies and how you would like to incite positive change for yourself in 2021, and focus on how you can renew yourself and focus on your growth.

22nd - ☾♈ Moon in Aries

When the moon is in Aries it's an excellent time to take on challenges, channel courage, do fire based magic or start something new.

23rd - ☾♈ Mars in Aries squares Pluto in Capricorn

With all of this revolution and evolution of course confrontation and power struggles will follow suit. This transit will unfortunately amplify that as we may feel the intense desire to fight for our rights and empower ourselves and may feel restrictions from the powers that be. It's a great time to reflect and strategize on how we can meet our goals instead of going face to face with where we feel restricted. People with more power will unfortunately have the upper hand during this transit so it's a good time to plan our success instead.

24th - ☾♉ Waxing Gibbous | Sun Trine Moon Moon enters Taurus

This lucky trine transit will be a great day to take action towards the goals we've set during the New Moon eclipse in Sagittarius. To recap the theme was about our spiritual path, our genuine beliefs, our truths or even deceptions we tell ourselves and how we can shed away past belief systems and dogma to reconstruct a better system of thinking, spirituality and philosophy that will align ourselves to our highest good. As the moon made it's waxing crescent in Aquarius (along when Saturn entered it), we experimented and expanded on different ways we could approach this. As the moon entered it's First Quarter phase in Aries (during the Grand Conjunction and Winter Solstice sparking renewal), we reviewed how this new energy can help us strategize on our freedom, expanded perspectives, new philosophies and paths and new visions for the future. Now as the Sun trines the moon it's a time for harmony and balance and a lucky day to focus and work towards our set intentions for the cycle. With Uranus rx in Taurus it's a great time to reflect on where we could feel restricted or stagnant and where we can change unhelpful beliefs or habits. With this aspect it's a good time to put work towards shifting our paths and our beliefs to ensure that our spiritual paths are aligned with our liberation and that we are not stagnating and able to evolve.

25th - ☾♉ Mercury in Capricorn trines Uranus rx in Taurus Merry Christmas!

The themes of yesterday continue on, now with Mercury in Capricorn trining Uranus rx in Taurus. With Mercury in Capricorn we can review our old habits and outdated beliefs with a more analytical and logical approach that won't be clouded by our emotional judgement. With this positive trine, we can find that we are able to shift our mindset, observe where we need to expand our perspectives and even bring new perspectives to other people. We will feel a shift and inner transformation happen on a mental level today.

If you celebrate Christmas then Merry Christmas! With the moon in Taurus it will feel like a relaxed and slow day with many sensual pleasures to enjoy such as scented candles, delicious food and presents. Take plenty of naps and eat plenty of cake.

26th - ☾♊ Moon enters Gemini

When the moon enters Gemini it's a great time for reading, learning, discussing topics which interest you, expanding your grimoire, meditating with sound baths or binural beats, doing air, writing or music based magic and socializing.

Happy Kwanzaa! Kwanzaa begins today. If you celebrate it I hope you have an incredible time!

27th - ☾♊ Sun in Capricorn trines Uranus rx in Taurus

Today's theme will be focused on self change and shifting our habits and perspectives as the Sun will trine Uranus rx. Already we have been dealing with this energy on different levels, on an emotional level with the moon and and Uranus rx conjunct on the 24th, a mental level with Mercury and Uranus rx trine on the 25th and now on a level that will impact our will and ego with the Sun making this trine. This is positive energy which can help us shift our reality to bring the changes that will help us feel more liberated, free to express ourselves and evolve. This energy will help us once again to break old habits and make shifts on an internal level that will benefit our external lives. It's a great time for transformation and renewal as the planets are helping us evolve from the inside out.

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Week 28 - End

28th - ☾♊ Moon in Gemini

Yesterday's energy will carry on to today. It's a good time to explore any insights you have gathered, do some learning, write down experiences, ideas or insights in your grimoire and do some meditation.

29th - ☾♋ Full Moon in Cancer

We are nearly towards the end of 2020 and it's ending on a full moon in it's native sign of Cancer. Our emotions will be so tactile they will take a life of their own. This full moon marks the feeling of Winter coming as we will feel the optimum need to be home, hibernate and be one with our emotions and feelings.

Reflecting back again to the New Moon eclipse themes in Sagittarius, this opposition gives us insight towards our emotions and how they can cloud our judgement and the truths in our spiritual/philosophical path (and highlight our defensiveness towards change) OR it can show how our emotions are a simpler messanger of truths we hold and potentially suppress in our shadows and how when we listen to ourselves and don't shut off our genuine feelings it can bring us in alignment with our needs. (It really depends on you individually where you sit in this equation). It's a great time for reflection, home-based magic (aka cottage witchcraft which includes kitchen magic, bedroom/dream magic, bath magic, green/garden magic, cleansing and cleaning etc.) shadow work, charging items and releasing spells (especially since our emotions will be so potent today).

30th - ☾♋ Venus in Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces

In the final segment of Neptune giving us a terribly hard time, we are now faced with Venus in an unpleasant aspect with the planet that loves to emphasize deception and illusions. Especially since Venus rules our finances, once again put up your wards and defenses and make sure to be careful with your money and valuables. On a personal note with Venus and Neptune in a square, this energy makes us focus on the alignment of our values and spirituality and where we could be deceiving ourselves. Relationships definitely could be involved and we may be faced with our moral compass and how our compassion or moral structure with helping/dealing with others could allow some unsavory characters to walk all over us. With the themes of spirituality being so strong in this cycle this could definitely point to a spiritual leader that could be taking advantage or someone demanding too much access to your resources or energy. Energy vampires will be revealed today and we should be sure to look at others with descernment for being too optimistic or positive can attract predators our way. Today is a good time to review how our spiritual beliefs align with our values, if our relationships are harmonious with our healthy boundaries and if we find a "no" answer to any of these, how we can shift our patterns, habits and behaviors to no longer harbor these beliefs or host these people in our lives.

31st - ☾♋ New Years Eve

With the moon still in Cancer and people stifled from traveling, I could see this New Years being indoors with a glass of wine and being lowkey. Many will be happy this wild ass year is over, however it will be clear that negative events just don't pop up in one cursed year but are incidences of past issues the privileged have ignored until they snowball into tragic events that will roll on into something larger and more abominable until we address it head on. However energetically it's a good time to celebrate with good food and maybe at home over zoom.

#december #astrology #transits #grand conjunction #witchcraft #magic #sagittarius season #eclipse season #new moon #eclipse #sagittarius new moon #saturn in aquarius

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ollie-ollie-oxenfreee · 3 years

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a study of souls (daemon au) - 2

Part two of this little character study series, now with 100% more swords, bad jokes and pre - canon feelings!

An important cute note: as an unsettled daemon, Helianthus changes her form a lot. Throughout the timeline of this little story, she takes the shape of an English mastiff, a reddish - brown border collie, a Samoyed and (though it isn’t mentioned) a very bulky, wolfish - looking Malamute.

The rightful penitents of the Ninth House were a serious, regimented people, and they had a serious, regimented set of standards to match. Proper Niners had dark hair and sloe eyes instead of bright red and yellow. Proper Niners didn’t concern themselves with things that weren’t bones, prayers or the various grim combinations thereof. Proper Niners were prickly and severe and imperiously melancholic, and they didn’t dare do something as undignified as ‘have an unsettled daemon’ or ‘experience more than One (1) Whole Emotion.’

Gideon and Helianthus were not proper Niners. Not by a long shot. Not even when they tried - and they honestly did try for a while. Shortly after the night outside the Tomb, wracked with guilt and loneliness, they devoted a solid six months to being good little church mice.

Gideon forced herself to sit up straight during prayer, fought the urge to fidget and whisper with her uncomfortably quiet daemon, did exactly as she was told even though she hated every fucking moment of it. And in the end it wasn’t worth it. Nothing changed. Even when they were on their best behavior the two of them were still less than dirt in the coal - black eyes of the Ninth.

So why bother? Why waste the energy? Might as well screw up on purpose. Give those awful old bats a good reason to hate them both.

( Maybe the hurt would be easier to bear that way.)

From that moment on they took to being the Ninth’s black sheep like a couple of fish to water. They spent the otherwise empty days of their youth learning everything they could about swordplay from Aiglamene and her ancient shepherd, plotting increasingly creative ways to get out of prayer and skipping evening chores to practice on their own in the training room.

They explored every last depressing inch of the rusted tiers and spires, searching for vulnerabilities that a couple of enterprising runaways could exploit. They picked fight after fight and honestly lost most of them but learned something every time they peeled themselves up off the dusty floor.

By the time they turned seventeen (and passed the grand old milestone of 80 failed escape attempts) they’d become a well-oiled combat machine. They fought together as easy as breathing, Helianthus knocking constructs off balance with a swipe of her powerful mastiff paw or shifting into a fleet-footed collie to herd them within range of Gideon’s blade. They were ready for whatever was waiting for them on the front lines. It was just a matter of getting there.

Attempt 81 at getting there was admittedly not great. Anastas, Harrow’s feral little gremlin of a daemon, caught them within a few minutes of leaving their cell.

Attempt 82 a few months later wasn’t much better.

83 and 84 brought the Reverend Daughter’s dabblings in poison into the mix, which sucked tremendously but meant that they had plenty of time to plan while they recovered. (It also meant that Helianthus would shift into her cuddliest form - a fluffy white cloud of a dog - and curl up on Gideon’s chest each night to keep her warm through the wracking shivers, which was nice.)

85 ended in failure and frostbite but also netted Harrow her first black eye in four years, so it wasn’t a total wash.

Number 86, on the night of their eighteenth birthday, was when things started to really get serious. It wasn’t so much an actual escape attempt as the first step in a more complex plan. Helianthus - amazing, incredible wonder that she was - had managed to steal a “birthday gift” for them both in the form of a shuttle request. A real paper, signed - and - stamped one. If they could get it filed without getting caught, in a few months’ time they’d have a legitimate means of getting off - planet and leaving the Ninth behind.

It would just require a little bit of stealth.

They crept through the halls that night like a heist crew from a comic book. Whispering wordlessly through their bond, a live wire of breathless nerves and excitement sparking between them, they were more in sync than they’d ever been. They made it up to the main office, scanned their form and slipped like shadows back down the corridor to where the creaky old elevator waited, scarcely believing their luck.

They didn’t even notice the little chips of bone scattered about their feet until the lift ground to a halt in midair, held fast by a net of interwoven skeletal arms.

Harrow had fucked them over again.

Right on cue, the baneful bone empress loomed out of the darkness like a particularly scrawny wraith. Her daemon settled at her side, his tail wrapped primly around his paws.

For a long, tense moment, they stared at each other.

Helianthus bristled with a low growl.

Anastas’s unsheathed claws gleamed in the dim light.

And Gideon did what she always did in these situations. She rested her hand on the pommel of her sword, flashed her brightest smile and said the first thing that came to mind.

“You come here often?”

Harrow’s reaction - a minute, sour pursing of the lips - wasn’t the most satisfying she’d seen, but it certainly wasn’t the least.

“Should I even bother asking what it is you think you’re doing?” she said at last. Acerbic disgust dripped from every word.

“Well, you see, I was going about my serf - ly duties and solemnly reflecting upon the tremendous debt I owe for being born, and I thought, hey! You know what? I could probably serve the ancient and noble House of the Ninth even better if I didn’t have to climb up ten flights of stairs to get to the next tier! So I did the logical thing and strolled on over to the lift, but now it seems to be kind of stuck, so if you could do a penitent girl a solid, I would really appreciate - “

A skeletal hand sprouted from the nearest pillars of bone and thwacked none too gently over her mouth.

“Evening curfew begins in five minutes. Against my better judgment, I will give you until then to return to your cell on your own. If you for some reason are still out wandering by the time the bell stops tolling, I will send the marshal to collect you and lock you in until morning. Nod if you understand.”

She nodded immediately, trying to bite back her smile. That was a far, far better outcome than she’d been expecting. They didn’t get caught. The request form had already been scanned and processed, and Harrow was none the wiser. Unsteady, bubbling joy surged through her bond with her daemon, and she saw Helianthus’s tail wag just a little out of the corner of her eye.

They’d done it. They’d actually done it. They were home free.

All they had to do now was wait.

#the locked tomb #tlt #daemon au #my writing #a bit of a longer one this time but gideon is my favorite #she deserves long chapters

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darlingdtarot · 3 years

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🌕 2/27/2021 - Full Moon In Virgo & Horoscopes For All Signs🌕

The Virgo Full Moon, where do we even begin? This is going to be an amazing time to take stock on what all is in your life. Where the New Moon is about setting new goals for yourself, the Full Moon is a wonderful way to reflect on what all has happened over the last month and how to be more in your own integrity. Are your current circumstances aligning with what you know is right for yourself and your Divine Purpose on this planet? This energy of rumination on what has transpired, and how this has either bettered your life, or made you a stronger individual, is almost palpable and you could very well be feeling it's effects days before the actual Full Moon itself.

Some might be feeling a little emotionally charged and might feel as if it's easier to judge yourself a little too harshly as Virgos can be very detail oriented about themselves. They can tend to be way too hard on their own projects, while being comforting and loving to other's. Show yourself and your dreams this same unconditional love and understanding that you would show others. Don't stoop to making self-deprecating jokes in the presence of others in the heat of the moment or setting the bar low on how you should be treated. Give yourself your dues – you deserve it for always pushing forward so courageously. No more cutting yourself into bite sized pieces to be more palatable for others. You are the spiciest, warmest, and most comforting cup of tea; but not everyone is a tea drinker. Some people enjoy coffee or hot chocolate and that's okay. Remember even though you might not be everyone's cup of tea, there are still a heck of a lot of tea drinkers out there in the world. Respect what sets you apart from others and what makes you different. These are things that others can't replicate even if they tried as they are unique to you. Embrace your uniqueness and authenticity with this Full Moon, and go into the month of March feeling empowered and strong.

Remember; this is a heavy time for everyone, so make sure that you're reaching out to those that you care about and seeing how they're faring with these newfound energies. They will be ecstatic that you took the time for them.

Rituals that you can do during the Virgo Full Moon:

Some of the best rituals to be doing for the Full Moon in Virgo are actually the most simple. We are going to discuss a few of the different ways we can utilize the energy of the Full Moon. Take what you feel called to, and don't feel as though you have to accomplish everything on this list. We go over a few so there are many different ways for many different lifestyles. The most important thing to take away from this is to be kind towards yourself during this Full Moon, and not to be so hard on yourself. Give yourself credit where credit is due, and respect your boundaries! If you're tired, take a nap. If you're hungry, get something good to eat. Which speaking of; Eating better such as making yourself a home cooked meal is a wonderful way to honor yourself during the Virgo Full Moon. Work with your Clairgustance and allow yourself to go all out when cooking yourself something. This could even include eating a bit cleaner – more water, more vegetables, and more fruits. It sounds so simple, but it's a great ritual to take part in on the Virgo Full Moon. Learning new recipes and offering some of the food to your ancestors is also a wonderful way to not only honor yourself, but also your bloodline that has come before you. This energy will be transferred to your living relatives as well, protecting and providing to both you and your loved ones. Virgo also reminds us to take some time to honor our living friends and relatives with a cooked meal, too. Sometimes we get so comfortable with them being around, that we can take them for granted. Do or say something kind ; remember, “a kind word can keep someone warm for years.” On that same note, volunteering at local charities and rescues would be another incredible way of utilizing the momentum of good karma coming your way over the next moon cycle. Remember, Full Moons are about reflecting on what we have had over the last moon cycle, while honoring that we are stepping into a brand new space yet again.

Baking some breads would also be a wonderful way to honor the Full Moon and the harvest it has brought into your life over this last month. I would love to suggest a braided bread with 3 strands. Each strand of dough will represent something different ; One being in reference to all that has been brought into your life, One Strand being what you are Currently Thankful for, and the Last Strand is going to be what you want to manifest into your life over this next period. There are many yummy bread recipes online, might I also suggest Butterswim Biscuits, Sweet Bread, or Gluten Free Socca bread. (There are many great ways to turn a regular recipe into a Gluten Free one as well, I love to make my dog's cookies using Chickpea Flour as they have sensitivities to gluten.) On the subject of our pets/babies, this is a wonderful time to make them treats or snacks of their own! Honoring your Fur-baby (Or Scalebaby, Featherbaby, etc) is a wonderful way to also bring in this Full Moon.

Cleaning your space and getting things in order is going to be incredibly beneficial for you also. You'll feel recharged and more inspired when your space is cleaner. For some in particular getting up earlier in the morning and making your bed is going to make you feel more encouraged to do other things. Remember to give yourself a pat on the back for all that you do though. The Virgo Full Moon wants us to remind ourselves of all that we do on a daily basis. Just getting up in the morning and pushing forward is so commendable and brave – and both The Universe and I couldn't be prouder of you, Darling!

Furthermore, this would be a wonderful time to work on getting into an exercise routine too. This doesn't have to be a super intensive workout session, but something that gets you going for the day and gets those endorphins going. Some are going to really do amazing with yoga, and this will bring you a more peaceful energy while you are practicing poses that provide mindful moments. Express yourself over all during this Moon Cycle, loved one.

Horoscopes for Each Sign over the Full Moon in Virgo:

(Please make sure to check your Sun, Moon, Rising, and Venus Signs as they might resonate with your current energy)

Earth: 3 of Pentacles – Working with others is going to be amazing this month, Earth Signs! You're going to feel excited to cooperate and share ideas with those around you. This is going to bring in eye opening conversations and you're going to really appreciate bouncing ideas off of those around you and have their input. Teamwork truly does make the dream work this month, Earth Signs. There might also be someone who wants to extend you a job opportunity or maybe wants to go in on a business with you. For some this could be a friend that gets you a job interview at their place of work, and you're feeling grateful to know them. Others might just be finding it easier in general to get along with coworkers or peers – even those coworkers that aren't always the easiest to work with. This is going to have you feeling more open to fellowship and conversations with like-minded individuals. Make sure you're not hiding yourself away as these connections are going to be incredibly important to you later on in life. The Virgo Full Moon is bringing things in that are meant to stay for the long-term, so don't be scared to be vulnerable with these new people joining your energy space. For a few Earth signs, The Universe says “Don't judge a book by it's cover.” Give new individuals a chance to be a part of your life. You won't be disappointed – that's for sure.

Taurus: 7 of Wands – You're fighting for what you want, Taurus, and now is not the time to back down from what you truly desire! What you hope for is in the homestretch, which might be adding to the surmounting feeling of needing to finish things up. You might be wanting to tie up any loose ends, but those around you might be giving you a little bit of a hard time to do so. Some Taureans are discovering who is really in your corner and supportive of you this month, which is going to be both liberating and a bit frustrating at the same time. When someone tells you 'No', you're going to laugh in the face of danger and show them what you're really made of. No one quite accomplishes those goals like Taurus does, and it's time you show them who is really boss. Some might be deciding to pursue an entrepreneurship with a craft of hobby that you are incredibly skilled at. Spirit wants you to disregard any of the naysayers and keep striving forward towards those dreams. A select few Taurus might feel as if they have been taking one step forward and two steps back, but The Universe wants you to know that this was for a reason. “If we gave you all your abundance at once, what would there be to fight for?” is their message to you, Taurus. Don't stop believing!

Virgo: The Star – Wow! You are feeling very hopeful with this Full Moon in your sign, Virgo! This energy is going to uplift you and make you feel excited to take action in many different areas of your life. No longer feeling stuck or stagnant, you're going to feel as if there is truly nothing holding you back or could get you down. You will be feeling very creative this month too. Some are going to be feeling hopeful in regards to business endeavors while others might be deciding to branch out in their hobbies. Now is a wonderful time to learn a new skill and to share your intelligence with others. Know that good fortune and incredible luck is coming your way. Some Virgos might be called to start writing as well, so if you have any ideas during this full moon phase be sure to write them down. Get out in nature too as it will inspire you, Virgo. You might be feeling called to sit near a small stream or take a long hike to clear your mind – and it will! This is going to be incredibly beneficial to you. Spirit keeps showing me that some Virgos need to clear their Solar Plexus Chakra, and loosen up their body – for some there is a need for a better posture as your neck and back have been aching. Take priority in yourself now, Virgo ; do your hair, sing in the shower, laugh loudly! The hardest part is now over. Now is the time for healing and honoring your space. You might have been carrying around stress for a while, but it will feel as if you've finally let out a breath you were holding in. Good for you, Virgo!

Capricorn: The Magician – You're manifesting great things into your life, Capricorn! Have you been working with the Law of Attraction more? If yes, then your harvest is coming in a lot faster than you originally anticipated. If no, The Universe wants you to start working with the Law of Attraction and Affirmations as soon as possible as this will really help you in so many aspects of life, Capricorn. Saying Affirmations that confirm that you are That-Bitch™. Know that you are worthy of achieving all your dreams as you're not just a snack; You're the entire Buffet. The Universe also wants you to know that you have all the resources that you need in order to achieve your goals. Anything that you can dream of can be birthed into being – you are the creator of your world, and someone who knows how to get things done. Mixing both your Logical mind with your Intuitive mind will help balance out decisions you have to make. Some Capricorns are manifesting a call on their cellphone from an Air or Fire sign. This is working, and you can expect some kind of a call very soon as this person has genuinely been missing you. Stay optimistic and envision yourself doing good in every scenario you desire, Capricorn. This is the key to manifestation. Your high vibration is going to bring your fruition in sooner than you could even begin to imagine.

Air: The Hierophant - Air Signs are being called to get back to basics and ground themselves. This could be through more mindful moments or actually meditating. Bringing a new plant into your space is a wonderful way to freshen things up and get some positive energy into your room. Someone might have recently gotten a succulent or have been planning on getting one – this is your sign to do so! With this plant offering some perspective you'll be able to take a hard look at your life in where you need to grow yourself. Some Air Signs are going to be receiving some sound advice from a Authoritative figure. This could be someone with a strong Paternal/Masculine Energy (Regardless of Gender), this means this person wants the best for you. They are protective, and want to offer you some words of wisdom on where to go next. Don't see this as the end all be all, but do take the moral from their story on whatever they're telling you as it might be incredibly important regarding where you're going in life. For some this is going to be a Grandfather, Father/Step-Father, or your Boss. Some might also be longing to follow tradition, perhaps getting connected with their heritage and culture. Some Air Signs are wanting to deepen a connection and having a stronger commitment. Stability is the name of the game right now, and something that is weighing you down a bit. Other Air Signs might be longing to have a promotion at work as well and step into your own position of Authority. As you already know, Air Sign, you are a natural born leader who is capable of doing so quite easily! You're going to be offered the chance to prove yourself worthy of what's next – either to a boss, the Universe, or someone shady. You've known your worth this whole time – it's about time they get on the same page. ;) One Air Sign in particular has been mulling over in their head if they are going to branch out into something new in regards to career. You're being asked to go towards what you know and are amazing at. This Air Sign in particular has dark hair with blonde highlights and beautiful eyes. You might want to start a Spiritual Youtube or Social Media account and Spirit is telling you to go for it as you truly have a gift for connecting with the Divine. Let nothing hold you back, Air Signs!

Aquarius: Knight of Pentacles – You're really making sure to take your time with something, Aquarius. You're deciding to stay very practical and not to just dive in head first to something. You're choosing to be cautious with everything that you do. You're seeing every angle of a situation or reading all the fine print. It might feel a little meticulous, but it will be something you'll be glad you spent the extra time on. For some Aquarius, you might be focusing more on your material wealth and finances. Some are very excited about a job they have, but they're having to learn how to pace themselves better. There might be a lack of boundaries that you have had in the past when it has come to job situations, and you're learning how to work smarter – not harder. You're feeling determined to do a job well done though, and who better to call for the job than you, Aquarius? Others are in a relationship that they might be wanting to pump the breaks on a little. This isn't out of lack, but wanting to regroup and have a bit more of a 'Slow-Burning Romance'. You might be saying, if it's meant to be they will wait for me. It seems as if you want to get your ducks in a row first before you proclaim a commitment of forever as well. There might be a Aquarius in particular that wants to get back to basics as well. Go for it!

Libra: 3 of Swords – You might be feeling a little down in the dumps about something, Libra. What has been getting you down? Was there an ending of something? Are you grieving something that you miss from the past? For some you might be feeling nostalgic, but it pains you to have to think about it. The Universe wants you to honor the memories, but honor yourself first. When you feel overwhelmed, feel your emotions, but then spend time picking yourself up again. Taking care of yourself, having a nice meal, watching that new series on Netflix. For some Libra, the song “Had to Lose You to Love Me” by Selena Gomez is going to resonate. Look up this song or read the lyrics as I feel it could pertain to your situation. It's not always easy to have to move on from a situation, a person, or a relationship – but not everyone is meant to be in your space forever. Some are meant to just be lessons in your life. For some Libras there is going to be a Dark Night of the Soul that makes you really look at what you've been doing leading up to this point. I see this card as the Soul Growth card as well – each sword representing a different cycle in our life that we are going to experience. The Maiden, The Mother, and The Crone all have their different lessons and morals to learn. You might be having a Coming Of Age or 'A-Ha!' moment that ushers in a brand new energy with new opportunities and blessings around the corner.

Gemini: King of Swords – Gemini, you're taking a logical approach to everything you're doing over the Virgo Full Moon. Some are taking a look at their obstacles or problems with a fine toothed comb – really seeing where they can improve or grow. This Full Moon is going to make you feel as if you are in your power and you're trusting yourself more. You might be focusing on your studies a lot more as well, and really putting your nose to the grind stone in order to make big waves. Even when trials or tribulations come your way over this period, you maneuver it with such ease that others are going to be shocked in this. You are going to see life as a beach with waves, and when a large one comes your way instead of panicking you're taking your surfboard out and riding this out. How incredible, Gemini! You're going to be focusing on yourself and the things you enjoy a little more as well, maybe not having as much time to just has conversations with anyone around you. You're being more discerning on how you spend your time or where your intention goes into. For some Gemini's you're going to be putting up better boundaries. There's a blue haired Gemini that is going to be stepping into their integrity and inner truth – this is going to bring new opportunities. For a blonde Gemini spirit is showing that you might be receiving a lot of signs and synchronicities through flowers. Make sure to look up the kind of flower you are seeing repeatedly in order to gain the full message. What an exciting time, Gemini!

Water: 4 Of Wands – Wow, Water Signs! That's all I can say right off the bat. Good things are coming your way – and fast. This could be in the form of stability, firm foundations, celebrations, homecomings, and inspiring thoughts. This is an amazing card as it shows people all together, celebrating the beauty of life and love. You yourself might be invited to celebrations yourself – perhaps baby showers, weddings, or birthday parties. Of course a lot of these might be virtually as well, because of the pandemic, but it will still be a good way to get you out there. For some Water Signs, it might be Bittersweet as you are wanting these things to come into your life also. So while you might be genuinely happy for others, you might feel a bit left out or contemplative on how to bring this into your life. Don't stress it, Water Sign. It's coming into your life when you least expect it – and that's the beauty of it. To manifest something, the Law Of Attraction asks us to let go of what we truly desire to be in the moment. This will bring more chances of what you want entering when we don't hyper-focus on 'when' or 'how'. Let the Universe work it's magic! In the meantime, enjoy basking in the celebrations and connecting with those that you love! I'm hearing the song 'Bittersweet' by Panic! At the Disco, so this might be a sign for some Water Signs.

Cancer: 9 of Swords - Are there worries on your mind that are keeping you up at night, Cancer? You haven't been sleeping very well, and this might be causing you to hyper-focus on or analyze the things that scare you. The Universe wants you to change the way you're seeing your situation in order to solve whatever this might be. Are you worried about someone in particular? Or are you missing a Passed Loved One? Are you worried about a Job position even? In the words of Newt Scamander, “Worrying is just Suffering twice.” Know that if this Job/Partner is meant to be yours, it will come your way no matter what. Get some good rest tonight and clear your mind. Know that you will also be able to think about it tomorrow when you start your day. To prepare for this, set your alarm 45 minutes earlier than usual to be able to think over everything that has been stressing you out. It will not only give you a quiet space to be alone with your thoughts, but also a dedicated time just to deciding what you're going to do going forward. Other Cancers feel as if something is on the horizon and just about to enter their life. This is causing you undue stress, because you might not be able to pinpoint what exactly it is. This makes you feel on edge and uncomfortable, but why not shift this energy to excited? Know that you are headed towards another new adventure, another new perspective, or another new connection. Be proud that you're going through another cycle in life! Some Cancers might be reminiscing on memories you spent with a passed loved one that you miss dearly. Your loved one(s) with you no matter what, in every walk of life, guiding you to something better. They want you to take care of yourself, and honor yourself too just as you honor them.

Pisces: 2 of Pentacles – Do you feel as if you have been juggling for a while, Pisces? There might be two different energies that are calling you in different directions. Some are struggling to divide their time between their loved ones and their studies or work. With all of this trying to be in many different places at once, you might be feeling a little unbalanced. Grounding yourself will do wonders over the Full Moon in Virgo. Some Pisces might be feeling a little drained. Spirit is showing me someone who feels as if they have ran an entire marathon – exhausted, sweating, but feeling excited for all the progress they've made. Victory theirs as they know their hard work wasn't in vain. Know that yours wouldn't have been in vain either Pisces. With this constant pushing forward or juggling you may feel pulled between what you want to do versus what those in your energy expect or desire you to do. You might feel as if something is going to have to give sooner or later. You're highly underestimating your phenomenal juggling skills though, Pisces dear. You have all the resources to get through this period of trials and tribulations. Others are trying to find balance between their logical mind and their emotions. Some Pisces have noticed that in the past they would over-react with others, but now they're realizing this came from a place of needing healing. You're pulling your energy back and honoring yourself more over this Full Moon – which is fantastic! You're more mindful about where you're putting your intentions – and this is going to bring a lot more happiness your way.

Scorpio: 3 of Cups – Your friends are thinking about you, Scorpio! Have you been wanting to spend more time with them? Or to get away from such serious, stagnant energy towards more productive and lighthearted fun? That's totally fine! Spirit is telling you to go for it now! Allow yourself to reach out to those that you care about; they're going to be extremely excited to hear from you. You might be wanting to hang out more with family members too during this time, perhaps wanting to play board games or have more family nights. Other's might be craving to have a drink with their longtime buddy. (Remember to be mindful with the pandemic, of course) This could be someone that you haven't talked to in a long time and you're wanting to change that. Regardless of what you've been manifesting, people are wanting to connect with you just as much as you've been wanting to connect with them. It's looking like setting aside a whole day to livestream a movie with your group would be more conductive and beneficial right now than constant working – so make time to find joy in your day. Some Scorpios are going to benefit from hearing other people's point of view. For one Scorpio in particular you might have a friends group with two friends, one with blonde hair and the other with auburn (you yourself might have dark brown hair). Something exciting is going to enter into you guy's space. You might have an opportunity to safely travel to see one another, or have a chance to come together through online video calls.

Fire: 2 of Cups – Fire Signs might be getting a deeper level of commitment! For some you might be going on a date with someone who makes you feel on top of the world. This person is supportive, kind, and they encourage you to do better in every aspect of your life. You both understand each other on a level that you've never experienced before, and it's both alluring and a bit terrifying at the same time. You two might be a lot like yin and yang. The Universe is highlighting for someone in specific “Sometimes Opposites Attract”. They are showing me a battery, and how there is a Negative and a Positive. You can't have one without the other, and this might be the same for you two's union. Let this love come in naturally. For Leo's especially there might be a solid offer of love headed your way. Fire Signs are also being asked to be flexible between Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine energy – to be comfortable with switching between being nurturing to protective, or logical to emotional, without missing a beat. This is going to get you the most out of every situation you find yourself in, so make sure to go with the flow. Don't be scared to be vulnerable with people around you. There are so many people that value your thoughts and want to cherish you, Fire Signs, allow others to celebrate you during this time.

Aries: Ace of Swords – Clarity is on the way fast, Aries! Have you been hoping for clarity in a situation with something or someone? Perhaps this is clarity on what you want to go towards or achieve during this next Moon Cycle. The Full Moon is going to make you reflective on where your energy has been going, and where you might have been overextending yourself. You're getting into the Driver's Seat and taking the wheel, which Spirit is very proud of! You're being asked to look at things logically right now when making decisions. For some Aries, you're deciding if you want to go back to school and pursue a different line of study. This could be something completely different than what you originally thought you would want to go towards, but it will be a better fit overall. You're going to decide to chase your intellectual endeavors in whatever means possible. This is going to inspire other people around you as well to do the same thing, and how amazing is that, that you are going to be making others strive ahead too? Some are deciding to finally cut energetic cords to people or places that no longer serve their highest good. You'll know when something isn't serving you, Aries. You're incredibly intuitive, and you know when to stay in something or when to disengage.

Leo: Seven of Cups – Leo, you are going to have a lot of options coming in very soon, but this might leave you feeling a little confused. With all of these opportunities, you might be feeling as if you could potentially make the wrong decision. There is never any wrong decisions in life, Leo. As long as you believe in your goal and yourself, you will always be able to make the right choice for what is correct and aligns with your integrity. Some Leo's might be confused on what it is that they want to pursue going forward into the month of March. Spirit also wants to remind you, Leo, that choosing to not make a decision is still making a decision. So make it count where it matters most! Again, there is no wrong decision. If you decide not to act towards the opportunities coming your way, know that better ones will come. Others are finding a way to get away from self sabotaging tendencies, and are taking a realistic look towards their life. Spirit says, “Someone is dropping the Rose Colored Glasses, and Seeing things the way they Actually Are.” The Universe wants to remind you that when someone shows you their true colors – don't paint them to be something else. Someone better will come in, but right now the name of the game is combing out the tangles in your life with a fine-tooth comb. This might feel a little tedious, but the meticulousness will pay off – I promise, Leo.

Sagittarius: Six of Wands – Victory is ahead, Sagittarius! Do you see it in the distance? It's a lot closer than you realize, and it might be a bit surprising. Some might be getting money for something that they put effort into a while ago, and it's finally paying off. Others might finally be receiving recognition at a job which will lead to promotion. Whatever these opportunities are, Sagittarius, one thing is for sure; it's finally coming full circle! For those that have been struggling, there will be relief and smooth sailing. Others are going to have a new mindset of 'Only Up From Here' – this is a perfect perspective to have, Sag! The Six of Wands also reminds us that whatever we set our mind to is definitely something that can be achieved. You will definitely be getting a lot of praise and recognition for all that you do though. Those around you are going to want to lift you up and honor you over the next few weeks. Are you ready for this? This recognition has been a long time coming, with some Sagittarius in the past feeling overlooked or overburdened, and it's something that you have been in the works manifesting in for yourself. There is an energy of not having to compromise your ideals or dreams in order to achieve amazing things either. Don't worry - Let the chips fall where they may, and know that a glorious outcome is yours, Sagittarius.

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badartfriend · 3 years

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There is a sunny earnestness to Dawn Dorland, an un-self-conscious openness that endears her to some people and that others have found to be a little extra. Her friends call her a “feeler”: openhearted and eager, pressing to make connections with others even as, in many instances, she feels like an outsider. An essayist and aspiring novelist who has taught writing classes in Los Angeles, she is the sort of writer who, in one authorial mission statement, declares her faith in the power of fiction to “share truth,” to heal trauma, to build bridges. (“I’m compelled at funerals to shake hands with the dusty men who dig our graves,” she has written.) She is known for signing off her emails not with “All best” or “Sincerely,” but “Kindly.”

On June 24, 2015, a year after completing her M.F.A. in creative writing, Dorland did perhaps the kindest, most consequential thing she might ever do in her life. She donated one of her kidneys, and elected to do it in a slightly unusual and particularly altruistic way. As a so-called nondirected donation, her kidney was not meant for anyone in particular but instead was part of a donation chain, coordinated by surgeons to provide a kidney to a recipient who may otherwise have no other living donor. There was some risk with the procedure, of course, and a recovery to think about, and a one-kidney life to lead from that point forward. But in truth, Dorland, in her 30s at the time, had been wanting to do it for years. “As soon as I learned I could,” she told me recently, on the phone from her home in Los Angeles, where she and her husband were caring for their toddler son and elderly pit bull (and, in their spare time, volunteering at dog shelters and searching for adoptive families for feral cat litters). “It’s kind of like not overthinking love, you know?”

Several weeks before the surgery, Dorland decided to share her truth with others. She started a private Facebook group, inviting family and friends, including some fellow writers from GrubStreet, the Boston writing center where Dorland had spent many years learning her craft. After her surgery, she posted something to her group: a heartfelt letter she’d written to the final recipient of the surgical chain, whoever they may be.

Personally, my childhood was marked by trauma and abuse; I didn’t have the opportunity to form secure attachments with my family of origin. A positive outcome of my early life is empathy, that it opened a well of possibility between me and strangers. While perhaps many more people would be motivated to donate an organ to a friend or family member in need, to me, the suffering of strangers is just as real. … Throughout my preparation for becoming a donor … I focused a majority of my mental energy on imagining and celebrating you.

The procedure went well. By a stroke of luck, Dorland would even get to meet the recipient, an Orthodox Jewish man, and take photos with him and his family. In time, Dorland would start posting outside the private group to all of Facebook, celebrating her one-year “kidneyversary” and appearing as a UCLA Health Laker for a Day at the Staples Center to support live-organ donation. But just after the surgery, when she checked Facebook, Dorland noticed some people she’d invited into the group hadn’t seemed to react to any of her posts. On July 20, she wrote an email to one of them: a writer named Sonya Larson.

Larson and Dorland had met eight years earlier in Boston. They were just a few years apart in age, and for several years they ran in the same circles, hitting the same events, readings and workshops at the GrubStreet writing center. But in the years since Dorland left town, Larson had leveled up. Her short fiction was published, in Best American Short Stories and elsewhere; she took charge of GrubStreet’s annual Muse and the Marketplace literary conference, and as a mixed-race Asian American, she marshaled the group’s diversity efforts. She also joined a group of published writers that calls itself the Chunky Monkeys (a whimsical name, referring to breaking off little chunks of big projects to share with the other members). One of those writing-group members, Celeste Ng, who wrote “Little Fires Everywhere,” told me that she admires Larson’s ability to create “characters who have these big blind spots.” While they think they’re presenting themselves one way, they actually come across as something else entirely.

When it comes to literary success, the stakes can be pretty low — a fellowship or residency here, a short story published there. But it seemed as if Larson was having the sort of writing life that Dorland once dreamed of having. After many years, Dorland, still teaching, had yet to be published. But to an extent that she once had a writing community, GrubStreet was it. And Larson was, she believed, a close friend.

Over email, on July 21, 2015, Larson answered Dorland’s message with a chirpy reply — “How have you been, my dear?” Dorland replied with a rundown of her next writing residencies and workshops, and as casually as possible, asked: “I think you’re aware that I donated my kidney this summer. Right?”

Only then did Larson gush: “Ah, yes — I did see on Facebook that you donated your kidney. What a tremendous thing!”

Afterward, Dorland would wonder: If she really thought it was that great, why did she need reminding that it happened?

They wouldn’t cross paths again until the following spring — a brief hello at A.W.P., the annual writing conference, where the subject of Dorland’s kidney went unmentioned. A month later, at the GrubStreet Muse conference in Boston, Dorland sensed something had shifted — not just with Larson but with various GrubStreet eminences, old friends and mentors of hers who also happened to be members of Larson’s writing group, the Chunky Monkeys. Barely anyone brought up what she’d done, even though everyone must have known she’d done it. “It was a little bit like, if you’ve been at a funeral and nobody wanted to talk about it — it just was strange to me,” she said. “I left that conference with this question: Do writers not care about my kidney donation? Which kind of confused me, because I thought I was in a community of service-oriented people.”

It didn’t take long for a clue to surface. On June 24, 2016, a Facebook friend of Dorland’s named Tom Meek commented on one of Dorland’s posts.

Sonya read a cool story about giving out a kidney. You came to my mind and I wondered if you were the source of inspiration?

Still impressed you did this.

Dorland was confused. A year earlier, Larson could hardly be bothered to talk about it. Now, at Trident bookstore in Boston, she’d apparently read from a new short story about that very subject. Meek had tagged Larson in his comment, so Dorland thought that Larson must have seen it. She waited for Larson to chime in — to say, “Oh, yes, I’d meant to tell you, Dawn!” or something like that — but there was nothing. Why would Sonya write about it, she wondered, and not tell her?

Six days later, she decided to ask her. Much as she had a year earlier, she sent Larson a friendly email, including one pointed request: “Hey, I heard you wrote a kidney-donation story. Cool! Can I read it?”

‘I hope it doesn’t feel too weird for your gift to have inspired works of art.’

Ten days later, Larson wrote back saying that yes, she was working on a story “about a woman who receives a kidney, partially inspired by how my imagination took off after learning of your own tremendous donation.” In her writing, she spun out a scenario based not on Dorland, she said, but on something else — themes that have always fascinated her. “I hope it doesn’t feel too weird for your gift to have inspired works of art,” Larson wrote.

Dorland wrote back within hours. She admitted to being “a little surprised,” especially “since we’re friends and you hadn’t mentioned it.” The next day, Larson replied, her tone a bit removed, stressing that her story was “not about you or your particular gift, but about narrative possibilities I began thinking about.”

But Dorland pressed on. “It’s the interpersonal layer that feels off to me, Sonya. … You seemed not to be aware of my donation until I pointed it out. But if you had already kicked off your fictional project at this time, well, I think your behavior is a little deceptive. At least, weird.”

Larson’s answer this time was even cooler. “Before this email exchange,” she wrote, “I hadn’t considered that my individual vocal support (or absence of it) was of much significance.”

Which, though it was shrouded in politesse, was a different point altogether. Who, Larson seemed to be saying, said we were such good friends?

For many years now, Dorland has been working on a sprawling novel, “Econoline,” which interweaves a knowing, present-day perspective with vivid, sometimes brutal but often romantic remembrances of an itinerant rural childhood. The van in the title is, she writes in a recent draft, “blue as a Ty-D-Bowl tablet. Bumbling on the highway, bulky and off-kilter, a junebug in the wind.” The family in the narrative survives on “government flour, canned juice and beans” and “ruler-long bricks of lard” that the father calls “commodities.”

Dorland is not shy about explaining how her past has afforded her a degree of moral clarity that others might not come by so easily. She was raised in near poverty in rural Iowa. Her parents moved around a lot, she told me, and the whole family lived under a stigma. One small consolation was the way her mother modeled a certain perverse self-reliance, rejecting the judgments of others. Another is how her turbulent youth has served as a wellspring for much of her writing. She made her way out of Iowa with a scholarship to Scripps College in California, followed by divinity school at Harvard. Unsure of what to do next, she worked day jobs in advertising in Boston while dabbling in workshops at the GrubStreet writing center. When she noticed classmates cooing over Marilynne Robinson’s novel “Housekeeping,” she picked up a copy. After inhaling its story of an eccentric small-town upbringing told with sensitive, all-seeing narration, she knew she wanted to become a writer.

At GrubStreet, Dorland eventually became one of several “teaching scholars” at the Muse conference, leading workshops on such topics as “Truth and Taboo: Writing Past Shame.” Dorland credits two members of the Chunky Monkeys group, Adam Stumacher and Chris Castellani, with advising her. But in hindsight, much of her GrubStreet experience is tied up with her memories of Sonya Larson. She thinks they first met at a one-off writing workshop Larson taught, though Larson, for her part, says she doesn’t remember this. Everybody at GrubStreet knew Larson — she was one of the popular, ever-present people who worked there. On nights out with other Grubbies, Dorland remembers Larson getting personal, confiding about an engagement, the death of someone she knew and plans to apply to M.F.A. programs — though Larson now says she shared such things widely. When a job at GrubStreet opened up, Larson encouraged her to apply. Even when she didn’t get it, everyone was so gracious about it, including Larson, that she felt included all the same.

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Now, as she read these strained emails from Larson — about this story of a kidney donation; her kidney donation? — Dorland wondered if everyone at GrubStreet had been playing a different game, with rules she’d failed to grasp. On July 15, 2016, Dorland’s tone turned brittle, even wounded: “Here was a friend entrusting something to you, making herself vulnerable to you. At least, the conclusion I can draw from your responses is that I was mistaken to consider us the friends that I did.”

Larson didn’t answer right away. Three days later, Dorland took her frustrations to Facebook, in a blind item: “I discovered that a writer friend has based a short story on something momentous I did in my own life, without telling me or ever intending to tell me (another writer tipped me off).” Still nothing from Larson.

Dorland waited another day and then sent her another message both in a text and in an email: “I am still surprised that you didn’t care about my personal feelings. … I wish you’d given me the benefit of the doubt that I wouldn’t interfere.” Yet again, no response.

The next day, on July 20, she wrote again: “Am I correct that you do not want to make peace? Not hearing from you sends that message.”

Larson answered this time. “I see that you’re merely expressing real hurt, and for that I am truly sorry,” she wrote on July 21. But she also changed gears a little. “I myself have seen references to my own life in others’ fiction, and it certainly felt weird at first. But I maintain that they have a right to write about what they want — as do I, and as do you.”

Hurt feelings or not, Larson was articulating an ideal — a principle she felt she and all writers ought to live up to. “For me, honoring another’s artistic freedom is a gesture of friendship,” Larson wrote, “and of trust.”

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Sonya Larson in Massachussetts.Credit...Kholood Eid for The New York Times

Like Dawn Dorland, Sonya Larson understands life as an outsider. The daughter of a Chinese American mother and white father, she was brought up in a predominantly white, middle-class enclave in Minnesota, where being mixed-race sometimes confused her. “It took me a while to realize the things I was teased about were intertwined with my race,” she told me over the phone from Somerville, where she lived with her husband and baby daughter. Her dark hair, her slight build: In a short story called “Gabe Dove,” which was picked for the 2017 edition of Best American Short Stories, Larson’s protagonist is a second-generation Asian American woman named Chuntao, who is used to men putting their fingers around her wrist and remarking on how narrow it is, almost as if she were a toy, a doll, a plaything.

Larson’s path toward writing was more conventional than Dorland’s. She started earlier, after her first creative-writing class at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. When she graduated, in 2005, she moved to Boston and walked into GrubStreet to volunteer the next day. Right away, she became one of a handful of people who kept the place running. In her fiction, Larson began exploring the sensitive subject matter that had always fascinated her: racial dynamics, and people caught between cultures. In time, she moved beyond mere political commentary to revel in her characters’ flaws — like a more socially responsible Philip Roth, though every bit as happy to be profane and fun and provocative. Even as she allows readers to be one step ahead of her characters, to see how they’re going astray, her writing luxuriates in the seductive power that comes from living an unmoored life. “He described thick winding streams and lush mountain gorges,” the rudderless Chuntao narrates in “Gabe Dove,” “obviously thinking I’d enjoy this window into my ancestral country, but in truth, I wanted to slap him.”

Chuntao, or a character with that name, turns up in many of Larson’s stories, as a sort of a motif — a little different each time Larson deploys her. She appears again in “The Kindest,” the story that Larson had been reading from at the Trident bookstore in 2016. Here, Chuntao is married, with an alcohol problem. A car crash precipitates the need for a new organ, and her whole family is hoping the donation will serve as a wake-up call, a chance for Chuntao to redeem herself. That’s when the donor materializes. White, wealthy and entitled, the woman who gave Chuntao her kidney is not exactly an uncomplicated altruist: She is a stranger to her own impulses, unaware of how what she considers a selfless act also contains elements of intense, unbridled narcissism.

In early drafts of the story, the donor character’s name was Dawn. In later drafts, Larson ended up changing the name to Rose. While Dorland no doubt was an inspiration, Larson argues that in its finished form, her story moved far beyond anything Dorland herself had ever said or done. But in every iteration of “The Kindest,” the donor says she wants to meet Chuntao to celebrate, to commune — only she really wants something more, something ineffable, like acknowledgment, or gratitude, or recognition, or love.

Still, they’re not so different, Rose and Chuntao. “I think they both confuse love with worship,” Larson told me. “And they both see love as something they have to go get; it doesn’t already exist inside of them.” All through “The Kindest,” love or validation operates almost like a commodity — a precious elixir that heals all pain. “The thing about the dying,” Chuntao narrates toward the end, “is they command the deepest respect, respect like an underground river resonant with primordial sounds, the kind of respect that people steal from one another.”

They aren’t entirely equal, however. While Chuntao is the story’s flawed hero, Rose is more a subject of scrutiny — a specimen to be analyzed. The study of the hidden motives of privileged white people comes naturally to Larson. “When you’re mixed-race, as I am, people have a way of ‘confiding’ in you,” she once told an interviewer. What they say, often about race, can be at odds with how they really feel. In “The Kindest,” Chuntao sees through Rose from the start. She knows what Rose wants — to be a white savior — and she won’t give it to her. (“So she’s the kindest bitch on the planet?” she says to her husband.) By the end, we may no longer feel a need to change Chuntao. As one critic in the literary journal Ploughshares wrote when the story was published in 2017: “Something has got to be admired about someone who returns from the brink of death unchanged, steadfast in their imperfections.”

For some readers, “The Kindest” is a rope-a-dope. If you thought this story was about Chuntao’s redemption, you’re as complicit as Rose. This, of course, was entirely intentional. Just before she wrote “The Kindest,” Larson helped run a session on race in her graduate program that became strangely contentious. “Many of the writers who identified as white were quite literally seeing the racial dynamics of what we were discussing very differently from the people of color in the room,” she said. “It was as if we were just simply talking past one another, and it was scary.” At the time, she’d been fascinated by “the dress” — that internet meme with a photo some see as black and blue and others as white and gold. Nothing interests Larson more than a thing that can be seen differently by two people, and she saw now how no subject demonstrates that better than race. She wanted to write a story that was like a Rorschach test, one that might betray the reader’s own hidden biases.

When reflecting on Chuntao, Larson often comes back to the character’s autonomy, her nerve. “She resisted,” she told me. Chuntao refused to become subsumed by Rose’s narrative. “And I admire that. And I think that small acts of refusal like that are things that people of color — and writers of color — in this country have to bravely do all the time.”

Larson and Dorland have each taken and taught enough writing workshops to know that artists, almost by definition, borrow from life. They transform real people and events into something invented, because what is the great subject of art — the only subject, really — if not life itself? This was part of why Larson seemed so unmoved by Dorland’s complaints. Anyone can be inspired by anything. And if you don’t like it, why not write about it yourself?

But to Dorland, this was more than just material. She’d become a public voice in the campaign for live-organ donation, and she felt some responsibility for representing the subject in just the right way. The potential for saving lives, after all, matters more than any story. And yes, this was also her own life — the crystallization of the most important aspects of her personality, from the traumas of her childhood to the transcending of those traumas today. Her proudest moment, she told me, hadn’t been the surgery itself, but making it past the psychological and other clearances required to qualify as a donor. “I didn’t do it in order to heal. I did it because I had healed — I thought.”

The writing world seemed more suspicious to her now. At around the time of her kidney donation, there was another writer, a published novelist, who announced a new book with a protagonist who, in its description, sounded to her an awful lot like the one in “Econoline” — not long after she shared sections of her work in progress with him. That author’s book hasn’t been published, and so Dorland has no way of knowing if she’d really been wronged, but this only added to her sense that the guard rails had fallen off the profession. Beyond unhindered free expression, Dorland thought, shouldn’t there be some ethics? “What do you think we owe one another as writers in community?” she would wonder in an email, several months later, to The Times’s “Dear Sugars” advice podcast. (The show never responded.) “How does a writer like me, not suited to jadedness, learn to trust again after artistic betrayal?”

‘I’m thinking, When did I record my letter with a voice actor? Because this voice actor was reading me the paragraph about my childhood trauma.’

By summer’s end, she and Sonya had forged a fragile truce. “I value our relationship and I regret my part in these miscommunications and misunderstandings,” Larson wrote on Aug. 16, 2016. Not long after, Dorland Googled “kidney” and “Sonya Larson” and a link turned up.

The story was available on Audible — an audio version, put out by a small company called Plympton. Dorland’s dread returned. In July, Larson told her, “I’m still working on the story.” Now here it was, ready for purchase.

She went back and forth about it, but finally decided not to listen to “The Kindest.” When I asked her about it, she took her time parsing that decision. “What if I had listened,” she said, “and just got a bad feeling, and just felt exploited. What was I going to do with that? What was I going to do with those emotions? There was nothing I thought I could do.”

So she didn’t click. “I did what I thought was artistically and emotionally healthy,” she said. “And also, it’s kind of what she had asked me to do.”

Dorland could keep ‘‘The Kindest” out of her life for only so long. In August 2017, the print magazine American Short Fiction published the short story. She didn’t buy a copy. Then in June 2018, she saw that the magazine dropped its paywall for the story. The promo and opening essay on American Short Fiction’s home page had startled her: a photograph of Larson, side-by-side with a shot of the short-fiction titan Raymond Carver. The comparison does make a certain sense: In Carver’s story “Cathedral,” a blind man proves to have better powers of perception than a sighted one; in “The Kindest,” the white-savior kidney donor turns out to need as much salvation as the Asian American woman she helped. Still, seeing Larson anointed this way was, to say the least, destabilizing.

Then she started to read the story. She didn’t get far before stopping short. Early on, Rose, the donor, writes a letter to Chuntao, asking to meet her.

I myself know something of suffering, but from those experiences I’ve acquired both courage and perseverance. I’ve also learned to appreciate the hardship that others are going through, no matter how foreign. Whatever you’ve endured, remember that you are never alone. … As I prepared to make this donation, I drew strength from knowing that my recipient would get a second chance at life. I withstood the pain by imagining and rejoicing in YOU.

Here, to Dorland’s eye, was an echo of the letter she’d written to her own recipient — and posted on her private Facebook group — rejiggered and reworded, yet still, she believed, intrinsically hers. Dorland was amazed. It had been three years since she donated her kidney. Larson had all that time to launder the letter — to rewrite it drastically or remove it — and she hadn’t bothered.

She showed the story’s letter to her husband, Chris, who had until that point given Larson the benefit of the doubt.

“Oh,” he said.

Everything that happened two years earlier, during their email melée, now seemed like gaslighting. Larson had been so insistent that Dorland was being out of line — breaking the rules, playing the game wrong, needing something she shouldn’t even want. “Basically, she’d said, ‘I think you’re being a bad art friend,’” Dorland told me. That argument suddenly seemed flimsy. Sure, Larson had a right to self-expression — but with someone else’s words? Who was the bad art friend now?

Before she could decide what to do, there came another shock. A few days after reading “The Kindest,” Dorland learned that the story was the 2018 selection for One City One Story, a common-reads program sponsored by the Boston Book Festival. That summer, some 30,000 copies of “The Kindest” would be distributed free all around town. An entire major U.S. city would be reading about a kidney donation — with Sonya Larson as the author.

This was when Dawn Dorland decided to push back — first a little, and then a lot. This wasn’t about art anymore; not Larson’s anyway. It was about her art, her letter, her words, her life. She shopped for a legal opinion: Did Larson’s use of that letter violate copyright law? Even getting a lawyer to look into that one little question seemed too expensive. But that didn’t stop her from contacting American Short Fiction and the Boston Book Festival herself with a few choice questions: What was their policy on plagiarism? Did they know they were publishing something that used someone else’s words? She received vague assurances they’d get back to her.

While waiting, she also contacted GrubStreet’s leadership: What did this supposedly supportive, equitable community have to say about plagiarism? She emailed the Bread Loaf writing conference in Vermont, where Larson once had a scholarship: What would they do if one of their scholars was discovered to have plagiarized? On privacy grounds, Bread Loaf refused to say if “The Kindest” was part of Larson’s 2017 application. But Dorland found more groups with a connection to Larson to notify, including the Vermont Studio Center and the Association of Literary Scholars, Critics and Writers.

When the Boston Book Festival told her they would not share the final text of the story, Dorland went a step further. She emailed two editors at The Boston Globe — wouldn’t they like to know if the author of this summer’s citywide common-reads short story was a plagiarist? And she went ahead and hired a lawyer, Jeffrey Cohen, who agreed she had a claim — her words, her letter, someone else’s story. On July 3, 2018, Cohen sent the book festival a cease-and-desist letter, demanding they hold off on distributing “The Kindest” for the One City One Story program, or risk incurring damages of up to $150,000 under the Copyright Act.

From Larson’s point of view, this wasn’t just ludicrous, it was a stickup. Larson had found her own lawyer, James Gregorio, who on July 17 replied that Dorland’s actions constitute “harassment, defamation per se and tortious interference with business and contractual relations.” Despite whatever similarities exist between the letters, Larson’s lawyer believed there could be no claim against her because, among other reasons, these letters that donors write are basically a genre; they follow particular conventions that are impossible to claim as proprietary. In July, Dorland’s lawyer suggested settling with the book festival for $5,000 (plus an attribution at the bottom of the story, or perhaps a referral link to a kidney-donor site). Larson’s camp resisted talks when they learned that Dorland had contacted The Globe.

‘This is not about a white savior narrative. It’s about us and our sponsor and our board not being sued if we distribute the story.'

In reality, Larson was pretty vulnerable: an indemnification letter in her contract with the festival meant that if Dorland did sue, she would incur the costs. What no one had counted on was that Dorland, in late July, would stumble upon a striking new piece of evidence. Searching online for more mentions of “The Kindest,” she saw something available for purchase. At first this seemed to be a snippet of the Audible version of the story, created a year before the American Short Fiction version. But in fact, this was something far weirder: a recording of an even earlier iteration of the story. When Dorland listened to this version, she heard something very different — particularly the letter from the donor.

Dorland’s letter:

Larson’s audio version of the story:

My own childhood was marked by trauma and abuse; I wasn’t given an opportunity to form secure attachments with my family of origin. But in adulthood that experience provided a strong sense of empathy. While others might desire to give to a family member or friend, to me the suffering of strangers is just as real.

“I almost fell off my chair,” Dorland said. “I’m thinking, When did I record my letter with a voice actor? Because this voice actor was reading me the paragraph about my childhood trauma. To me it was just bizarre.” It confirmed, in her eyes, that Larson had known she had a problem: She had altered the letter after Dorland came to her with her objections in 2016.

Dorland’s lawyer increased her demand to $10,000 — an amount Dorland now says was to cover her legal bills, but that the other side clearly perceived as another provocation. She also contacted her old GrubStreet friends — members of the Chunky Monkeys whom she now suspected had known all about what Larson was doing. “Why didn’t either of you check in with me when you knew that Sonya’s kidney story was related to my life?” she emailed the group’s founders, Adam Stumacher and Jennifer De Leon. Stumacher responded, “I have understood from the start this is a work of fiction.” Larson’s friends were lining up behind her.

In mid-August, Dorland learned that Larson had made changes to “The Kindest” for the common-reads program. In this new version, every similar phrase in the donor’s letter was reworded. But there was something new: At the end of the letter, instead of closing with “Warmly,” Larson had switched it to “Kindly.”

With that one word — the signoff she uses in her emails — Dorland felt trolled. “She thought that it would go to press and be read by the city of Boston before I realized that she had jabbed me in the eye,” Dorland said. (Larson, for her part, told me that the change was meant as “a direct reference to the title; it’s really as simple as that.”) Dorland’s lawyer let the festival know she wasn’t satisfied — that she still considered the letter in the story to be a derivative work of her original. If the festival ran the story, she’d sue.

This had become Sonya Larson’s summer of hell. What had started with her reaching heights she’d never dreamed of — an entire major American city as her audience, reading a story she wrote, one with an important message about racial dynamics — was ending with her under siege, her entire career in jeopardy, and all for what she considered no reason at all: turning life into art, the way she thought that any writer does.

Larson had tried working the problem. When, in June, an executive from the book festival first came to her about Dorland, Larson offered to “happily” make changes to “The Kindest.” “I remember that letter, and jotted down phrases that I thought were compelling, though in the end I constructed the fictional letter to suit the character of Rose,” she wrote to the festival. “I admit, however, that I’m not sure what they are — I don’t have a copy of that letter.” There was a moment, toward the end of July, when it felt as if she would weather the storm. The festival seemed fine with the changes she made to the story. The Globe did publish something, but with little impact.

Then Dorland found that old audio version of the story online, and the weather changed completely. Larson tried to argue that this wasn’t evidence of plagiarism, but proof that she’d been trying to avoid plagiarism. Her lawyer told The Globe that Larson had asked the audio publisher to make changes to her story on July 15, 2016 — in the middle of her first tense back-and-forth with Dorland — because the text “includes a couple sentences that I’d excerpted from a real-life letter.” In truth, Larson had been frustrated by the situation. “She seemed to think that she had ownership over the topic of kidney donation,” Larson recalled in an email to the audio publisher in 2018. “It made me realize that she is very obsessive.”

It was then, in August 2018, facing this new onslaught of plagiarism claims, that Larson stopped playing defense. She wrote a statement to The Globe declaring that anyone who sympathized with Dorland’s claims afforded Dorland a certain privilege. “My piece is fiction,” she wrote. “It is not her story, and my letter is not her letter. And she shouldn’t want it to be. She shouldn’t want to be associated with my story’s portrayal and critique of white-savior dynamics. But her recent behavior, ironically, is exhibiting the very blindness I’m writing about, as she demands explicit identification in — and credit for — a writer of color’s work.”

Here was a new argument, for sure. Larson was accusing Dorland of perverting the true meaning of the story — making it all about her, and not race and privilege. Larson’s friend Celeste Ng agrees, at least in part, that the conflict seemed racially coded. “There’s very little emphasis on what this must be like for Sonya,” Ng told me, “and what it is like for writers of color, generally — to write a story and then be told by a white writer, ‘Actually, you owe that to me.’”

‘I feel instead of running the race herself, she’s standing on the sidelines and trying to disqualify everybody else based on minor technicalities.’

But Ng also says this wasn’t just about race; it was about art and friendship. Ng told me that Larson’s entire community believed Dorland needed to be stopped in her tracks — to keep an unreasonable writer from co-opting another writer’s work on account of just a few stray sentences, and destroying that writer’s reputation in the process. “This is not someone that I am particularly fond of,” Ng told me, “because she had been harassing my friend and a fellow writer. So we were quite exercised, I will say.”

Not that it mattered. Dorland would not stand down. And so, on Aug. 13, Deborah Porter, the executive director of the Boston Book Festival, told Larson that One City One Story was canceled for the year. “There is seemingly no end to this,” she wrote, “and we cannot afford to spend any more time or resources.” When the Chunky Monkeys’ co-founder, Jennifer De Leon, made a personal appeal, invoking the white-savior argument, the response from Porter was like the slamming of a door. “That story should never have been submitted to us in the first place,” Porter wrote. “This is not about a white savior narrative. It’s about us and our sponsor and our board not being sued if we distribute the story. You owe us an apology.”

Porter then emailed Larson, too. “It seems to me that we have grounds to sue you,” she wrote to Larson. “Kindly ask your friends not to write to us.”

Here, it would seem, is where the conflict ought to end — Larson in retreat, “The Kindest” canceled. But neither side was satisfied. Larson, her reputation hanging by a thread, needed assurances that Dorland would stop making her accusations. Dorland still wanted Larson to explicitly, publicly admit that her words were in Larson’s story. She couldn’t stop wondering — what if Larson published a short-story collection? Or even a novel that spun out of “The Kindest?” She’d be right back here again.

On Sept. 6, 2018, Dorland’s lawyer raised her demand to $15,000, and added a new demand that Larson promise to pay Dorland $180,000 should she ever violate the settlement terms (which included never publishing “The Kindest” again). Larson saw this as an even greater provocation; her lawyer replied three weeks later with a lengthy litany of allegedly defamatory claims that Dorland had made about Larson. Who, he was asking, was the real aggressor here? How could anyone believe that Dorland was the injured party? “It is a mystery exactly how Dorland was damaged,” Larson’s new lawyer, Andrew Epstein, wrote. “My client’s gross receipts from ‘The Kindest’ amounted to $425.”

To Dorland, all this felt intensely personal. Someone snatches her words, and then accuses her of defamation too? Standing down seemed impossible now: How could she admit to defaming someone, she thought, when she was telling the truth? She’d come too far, spent too much on legal fees to quit. “I was desperate to recoup that money,” Dorland told me. She reached out to an arbitration-and-mediation service in California. When Andrew Epstein didn’t respond to the mediator, she considered suing Larson in small-claims court.

On Dec. 26, Dorland emailed Epstein, asking if he was the right person to accept the papers when she filed a lawsuit. As it happened, Larson beat her to the courthouse. On Jan. 30, 2019, Dorland and her lawyer, Cohen, were both sued in federal court, accused of defamation and tortious interference — that is, spreading lies about Larson and trying to tank her career.

There’s a moment in Larson’s short story “Gabe Dove” — also pulled from real life — where Chuntao notices a white family picnicking on a lawn in a park and is awed to see that they’ve all peacefully fallen asleep. “I remember going to college and seeing people just dead asleep on the lawn or in the library,” Larson told me. “No fear that harm will come to you or that people will be suspicious of you. That’s a real privilege right there.”

Larson’s biggest frustration with Dorland’s accusations was that they stole attention away from everything she’d been trying to accomplish with this story. “You haven’t asked me one question about the source of inspiration in my story that has to do with alcoholism, that has to do with the Chinese American experience. It’s extremely selective and untrue to pin a source of a story on just one thing. And this is what fiction writers know.” To ask if her story is about Dorland is, Larson argues, not only completely beside the point, but ridiculous. “I have no idea what Dawn is thinking. I don’t, and that’s not my job to know. All I can tell you about is how it prompted my imagination.” That also, she said, is what artists do. “We get inspired by language, and we play with that language, and we add to it and we change it and we recontextualize it. And we transform it.”

When Larson discusses “The Kindest” now, the idea that it’s about a kidney donation at all seems almost irrelevant. If that hadn’t formed the story’s pretext, she believes, it would have been something else. “It’s like saying that ‘Moby Dick’ is a book about whales,” she said. As for owing Dorland a heads-up about the use of that donation, Larson becomes more indignant, stating that no artist has any such responsibility. “If I walk past my neighbor and he’s planting petunias in the garden, and I think, Oh, it would be really interesting to include a character in my story who is planting petunias in the garden, do I have to go inform him because he’s my neighbor, especially if I’m still trying to figure out what it is I want to say in the story? I just couldn’t disagree more.”

But this wasn’t a neighbor. This was, ostensibly, a friend.

“There are married writer couples who don’t let each other read each other’s work,” Larson said. “I have no obligation to tell anyone what I’m working on.”

By arguing what she did is standard practice, Larson is asking a more provocative question: If you find her guilty of infringement, who’s next? Is any writer safe? “I read Dawn’s letter and I found it interesting,” she told me. “I never copied the letter. I was interested in these words and phrases because they reminded me of the language used by white-savior figures. And I played with this language in early drafts of my story. Fiction writers do this constantly.”

This is the same point her friends argue when defending her to me. “You take a seed, right?” Adam Stumacher said. “And then that’s the starting point for a story. That’s not what the story is about.” This is where “The Kindest” shares something with “Cat Person,” the celebrated 2017 short story in The New Yorker by Kristen Roupenian that, in a recent essay in Slate, a woman named Alexis Nowicki claimed used elements of her life story. That piece prompted a round of outrage from Writer Twitter (“I have held every human I’ve ever met upside down by the ankles,” the author Lauren Groff vented, “and shaken every last detail that I can steal out of their pockets”).

“The Kindest,” however, contains something that “Cat Person” does not: an actual piece of text that even Larson says was inspired by Dorland’s original letter. At some point, Larson must have realized that was the story’s great legal vulnerability. Did she ever consider just pulling it out entirely?

“Yeah, that absolutely was an option,” Larson said. “We could have easily treated the same moment in that story using a phone call, or some other literary device.” But once she made those changes for One City One Story, she said, the festival had told her the story was fine as is. (That version of “The Kindest” ended up in print elsewhere, as part of an anthology published in 2019 by Ohio University’s Swallow Press.) All that was left, she believes, was a smear campaign. “It’s hard for me to see what the common denominator of all of her demands has been, aside from wanting to punish me in some way.”

Dorland filed a counterclaim against Larson on April 24, 2020, accusing Larson of violating the copyright of her letter and intentional infliction of emotional distress — sleeplessness, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, weight loss “and several incidents of self-harm.” Dorland says she’d had some bouts of slapping herself, which dissipated after therapy. (This wasn’t her first lawsuit claiming emotional distress. A few years earlier, Dorland filed papers in small-claims court against a Los Angeles writing workshop where she’d taught, accusing the workshop of mishandling a sexual-harassment report she had made against a student. After requesting several postponements, she withdrew the complaint.) As for her new complaint against Larson, the judge knocked out the emotional-distress claim this past February, but the question of whether “The Kindest” violates Dorland’s copyrighted letter remains in play.

The litigation crept along quietly until earlier this year, when the discovery phase uncorked something unexpected — a trove of documents that seemed to recast the conflict in an entirely new way. There, in black and white, were pages and pages of printed texts and emails between Larson and her writer friends, gossiping about Dorland and deriding everything about her — not just her claim of being appropriated but the way she talked publicly about her kidney donation.

“I’m now following Dawn Dorland’s kidney posts with creepy fascination,” Whitney Scharer, a GrubStreet co-worker and fellow Chunky Monkey, texted to Larson in October 2015 — the day after Larson sent her first draft of “The Kindest” to the group. Dorland had announced she’d be walking in the Rose Bowl parade, as an ambassador for nondirected organ donations. “I’m thrilled to be part of their public face,” Dorland wrote, throwing in a few hashtags: #domoreforeachother and #livingkidneydonation.

Larson replied: “Oh, my god. Right? The whole thing — though I try to ignore it — persists in making me uncomfortable. … I just can’t help but think that she is feeding off the whole thing. … Of course, I feel evil saying this and can’t really talk with anyone about it.”

“I don’t know,” Scharer wrote. “A hashtag seems to me like a cry for attention.”

“Right??” Larson wrote. “#domoreforeachother. Like, what am I supposed to do? DONATE MY ORGANS?”

Among her friends, Larson clearly explained the influence of Dorland’s letter. In January 2016, she texted two friends: “I think I’m DONE with the kidney story but I feel nervous about sending it out b/c it literally has sentences that I verbatim grabbed from Dawn’s letter on FB. I’ve tried to change it but I can’t seem to — that letter was just too damn good. I’m not sure what to do … feeling morally compromised/like a good artist but a shitty person.”

That summer, when Dorland emailed Larson with her complaints, Larson was updating the Chunky Monkeys regularly, and they were encouraging her to stand her ground. “This is all very excruciating,” Larson wrote on July 18, 2016. “I feel like I am becoming the protagonist in my own story: She wants something from me, something that she can show to lots of people, and I’m not giving it.”

“Maybe she was too busy waving from her floating thing at a Macy’s Day parade,” wrote Jennifer De Leon, “instead of, you know, writing and stuff.”

Others were more nuanced. “It’s totally OK for Dawn to be upset,” Celeste Ng wrote, “but it doesn’t mean that Sonya did anything wrong, or that she is responsible for fixing Dawn’s hurt feelings.”

“I can understand the anxiety,” Larson replied. “I just think she’s trying to control something that she doesn’t have the ability or right to control.”

“The first draft of the story really was a takedown of Dawn, wasn’t it?” Calvin Hennick wrote. “But Sonya didn’t publish that draft. … She created a new, better story that used Dawn’s Facebook messages as initial inspiration, but that was about a lot of big things, instead of being about the small thing of taking down Dawn Dorland.”

On Aug. 15, 2016 — a day before telling Dorland, “I value our relationship” — Larson wrote in a chat with Alison Murphy: “Dude, I could write pages and pages more about Dawn. Or at least about this particular narcissistic dynamic, especially as it relates to race. The woman is a gold mine!”

Later on, Larson was even more emboldened. “If she tries to come after me, I will FIGHT BACK!” she wrote Murphy in 2017. Murphy suggested renaming the story “Kindly, Dawn,” prompting Larson to reply, “HA HA HA.”

Dorland learned about the emails — a few hundred pages of them — from her new lawyer, Suzanne Elovecky, who read them first and warned her that they might be triggering. When she finally went through them, she saw what she meant. The Chunky Monkeys knew the donor in “The Kindest” was Dorland, and they were laughing at her. Everything she’d dreaded and feared about raising her voice — that so many writers she revered secretly dismissed and ostracized her; that absolutely no one except her own lawyers seemed to care that her words were sitting there, trapped inside someone else’s work of art; that a slew of people, supposedly her friends, might actually believe she’d donated an organ just for the likes — now seemed completely confirmed, with no way to sugarcoat it. “It’s like I became some sort of dark-matter mascot to all of them somehow,” she said.

But there also was something clarifying about it. Now more than ever, she believes that “The Kindest” was personal. “I think she wanted me to read her story,” Dorland said, “and for me and possibly no one else to recognize my letter.”

Larson, naturally, finds this outrageous. “Did I feel some criticism toward the way that Dawn was posting about her kidney donation?” she said. “Yes. But am I trying to write a takedown of Dawn? No. I don’t care about Dawn.” All the gossiping about Dorland, now made public, would seem to put Larson into a corner. But many of the writer friends quoted in those texts and emails (those who responded to requests for comment) say they still stand behind her; if they were ridiculing Dorland, it was all in the service of protecting their friend. “I’m very fortunate to have friends in my life who I’ve known for 10, 20, over 30 years,” Larson told me. “I do not, and have never, considered Dawn one of them.”

What about the texts where she says that Dorland is behaving just like her character? Here, Larson chose her words carefully. “Dawn might behave like the character in my story,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean that the character in my story is behaving like Dawn. I know she’s trying to work through every angle she can to say that I’ve done something wrong. I have not done anything wrong.”

In writing, plagiarism is a straight-up cardinal sin: If you copy, you’re wrong. But in the courts, copyright infringement is an evolving legal concept. The courts are continuously working out the moment when someone’s words cross over into property that can be protected; as with any intellectual property, the courts have to balance the protections of creators with a desire not to stifle innovation. One major help to Dorland, however, is the rights that the courts have given writers over their own unpublished letters, even after they’re sent to someone else. J.D. Salinger famously prevented personal letters from being quoted by a would-be biographer. They were his property, the courts said, not anyone else’s. Similarly, Dorland could argue that this letter, despite having made its way onto Facebook, qualifies.

Let’s say the courts agree that Dorland’s letter is protected. What then? Larson’s main defense may be that the most recent version of the letter in “The Kindest” — the one significantly reworded for the book festival — simply doesn’t include enough material from Dorland’s original to rise to the level of infringement. This argument is, curiously, helped by how Larson has always, when it has come down to it, acknowledged Dorland’s letter as an influence. The courts like it when you don’t hide what you’ve done, according to Daniel Novack, chairman of the New York State Bar Association’s committee on media law. “You don’t want her to be punished for being clear about where she got it from,” he said. “If anything, that helps people find the original work.”

Larson’s other strategy is to argue that by repurposing snippets of the letter in this story, it qualifies as “transformative use,” and could never be mistaken for the original. Arguing transformative use might require arguing that a phrase of Larson’s like “imagining and rejoicing in YOU” has a different inherent meaning from the phrase in Dorland’s letter “imagining and celebrating you.” While they are similar, Larson’s lawyer, Andrew Epstein, argues that the story overall is different, and makes the letter different. “It didn’t steal from the letter,” he told me, “but it added something new and it was a totally different narrative.”

Larson put it more bluntly to me: “Her letter, it wasn’t art! It was informational. It doesn’t have market value. It’s like language that we glean from menus, from tombstones, from tweets. And Dorland ought to know this. She’s taken writing workshops.”

Transformative use most often turns up in cases of commentary or satire, or with appropriation artists like Andy Warhol. The idea is not to have such strong copyright protections that people can’t innovate. While Larson may have a case, one potential wrinkle is a recent federal ruling, just earlier this year, against the Andy Warhol Foundation. An appeals court determined that Warhol’s use of a photograph by Lynn Goldsmith as the basis for his own work of art was not a distinctive enough transformation. Whether Larson’s letter is derivative, in the end, may be up to a jury to decide. Dorland’s lawyer, meanwhile, can point to that 2016 text message of Larson’s, when she says she tried to reword the letter but just couldn’t. (“That letter was just too damn good.”)

“The whole reason they want it in the first place is because it’s special,” Dorland told me. “Otherwise, they wouldn’t bother.”

If anything, the letter, for Dorland, has only grown more important over time. While Larson openly wonders why Dorland doesn’t just write about her donation her own way — “I feel instead of running the race herself, she’s standing on the sidelines and trying to disqualify everybody else based on minor technicalities,” Larson told me — Dorland sometimes muses, however improbably, that because vestiges of her letter remain in Larson’s story, Larson might actually take her to court and sue her for copyright infringement if she published any parts of the letter. It’s almost as if Dorland believes that Larson, by getting there first, has grabbed some of the best light, leaving nothing for her.

Last year, as the pandemic set in, Dorland attended three different online events that featured Larson as a panelist. The third one, in August, was a Cambridge Public Library event featuring many of the Chunky Monkeys, gathering online to discuss what makes for a good writing group. “I know virtually all of them,” Dorland said. “It was just like seeing friends.”

Larson, while on camera, learned that Dorland’s name was on the attendees list, and her heart leapt into her throat. Larson’s life had moved on in so many ways. She’d published another story. She and her husband had just had their baby. Now Larson was with her friends, talking about the importance of community. And there was Dorland, the woman who’d branded her a plagiarist, watching her. “It really just freaks me out,” Larson said. “At times I’ve felt kind of stalked.”

Dorland remembers that moment, too, seeing Larson’s face fall, convinced she was the reason. There was, for lack of a better word, a connection. When I asked how she felt in that moment, Dorland was slow to answer. It’s not as if she meant for it to happen, she said. Still, it struck her as telling.

“To me? It seemed like she had dropped the facade for a minute. I’m not saying that — I don’t want her to feel scared, because I’m not threatening. To me, it seemed like she knew she was full of shit, to put it bluntly — like, in terms of our dispute, that she was going to be found out.”

Then Dorland quickly circled back and rejected the premise of the question. There was nothing strange at all, Dorland said, about her watching three different events featuring Larson. She was watching, she said, to conduct due diligence for her ongoing case. And, she added, seeing Larson there seemed to be working for her as a sort of exposure therapy — to defuse the hurt she still feels, by making Larson something more real and less imagined, to diminish the space that she takes up in her mind, in her life.

“I think it saves me from villainizing Sonya,” she wrote me later, after our call. “I proceed in this experience as an artist and not an adversary, learning and absorbing everything, making use of it eventually.”

Robert Kolker is a writer based in Brooklyn, N.Y. In 2020, his book “Hidden Valley Road” became a selection of Oprah’s Book Club and a New York Times best seller. His last article for the magazine was about the legacy of Jan Baalsrud, the Norwegian World War II hero.

Correction: Oct. 6, 2021

An earlier version of this article misstated the GrubStreet writing center's action after Dorland's initial questions about potential plagiarism. It did reply; it's not the case that she received no response. The article also misstated Dorland’s thoughts on what could happen if she loses the court case. Dorland said she fears that Larson would be able to sue her for copyright infringement should she publish her letter to the end recipient of the kidney donation chain. It is not the case that she said she fears that Larson might be able to sue her for copyright infringement should she write anything about organ donation.

#emmie this for you

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bettsfic · 4 years

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Hi Betts, hoping for your guidance if you have the time. No pressure really. But my course will be focusing quite a bit on Shakespeare for the rest of this year. Do you have any advice for someone who isn’t really a writer on how to understand Shakespeare better? Have you read much of it? How did you tackle understanding the language? Is it just reading a lot more of it and looking up words? I struggle getting through one play, but is it just pushing through it? Resources you found helpful?

i feel like i’ve been waiting my whole life for this question.

i’m feral for shakespeare. i have a hamlet tattoo. i have an unfortunate number of monologues memorized on the off-chance someone at some point goes “hey does anyone know any good monologues?” and i can be all “TO BE OR FUCKING NOT TO BE, BITCHES” or “ONCE MORE UNTO THE BREACH DEAR FRIENDS, ONCE FUCKING MORE.” i have an actual literal lecture on how richard ii is a greedy glamazon bitch, and an outline for an article on how lady macbeth can teach us everything we need to know about sympathy in fiction.

like many people, high school made me despise shakespeare. i can’t tell if it was the simple coercion of being forced to read things, period, or that we were made to treat everything so seriously, and expected to understand the use of language as if it were like anything else we were reading.

then when i was 23ish, i got obsessed with doctor who, which led me to david tennant’s filmography, and david tennant happens to have done really a lot of shakespeare. when i geared up to watch his hamlet, however, i thought, i want to read this first, so i can see how different it is from my perception of it.

cue me surreptitiously scrolling through the wikisource version of hamlet while pretending to listen to conference calls at work. i think that helped, making it something i wasn’t allowed to do. it made reading feel like an indulgence.

free of the constraints of “i’m going to have to write a five-paragraph essay about this when i’m done,” i began to read very casually, only trying to understand what was going on and not trying to find any profound meaning in it.

in doing that, i realized i was actually doing it correctly. these are plays, meant to be performed on a stage, to entertain, immerse, and evoke feeling. you’re supposed to be sad at the end of tragedies and happy at the end of comedies. however, reading the plays is a far different experience than watching them, and in many ways more of a challenge.

you can’t read a play, especially a shakespeare play, like a book. prose and poetry both lend themselves to crafting intentional images. the entire thing exists to be and only be read. but plays and scripts are just one piece of a much larger puzzle, involving directors and actors and costume designers and set designers. bringing a play to life is a team effort. when you’re reading, you’re only seeing the skeleton of the story. it’s like reading a guidebook for a vacation destination. you can get the gist of it but only truly know a place by going there.

you can’t read shakespeare as a reader. you have to read as a director. you have to envision each actor, and after every line, decide where they are standing on stage, how they deliver their line, and what happens between each line. shakespeare gives almost no stage direction, so you have a lot of creative license in interpretation.

another thing to remember is that shakespeare is first and foremost a rhetorician. he wanted his words to be memorable and beautiful, to persuade and delight. if he wanted to be understood simply, he would have written simply. but instead, he uses 17 lines where 1 would have sufficed. it’s helpful, after every line, to consciously ask yourself, “what has just been said?” and very often the answer is simple. a yes or a no, i agree or disagree, or even sometimes banal statements.

consider hamlet’s “to be or not to be.” he goes on and on and on, but he’s really just being the “guess i’ll just die” meme. in the comedies, shakespeare often uses this effect as a joke. one character will go on and on, and another character gives a simple and curt and blunt reply, and depending on the delivery, it’s hilarious.

you’re not supposed to love hamlet, or richard ii, or macbeth, or any other character. the tragedies are train wrecks that make you go “i get why you’re doing this but you need to Stop.” the comedies are similar, in that the characters sometimes make you go “you are being so fucking stupid.” it’s the sense of irony, the “i know what’s right in this situation but you don’t” that creates a huge amount of engagement. we’re always bracing ourselves for what comes next.

so here’s how i recommend reading shakespeare:

pick a play, and pick a version or two to watch afterward. here’s a really great list of productions. personally, i’d stick to ones where you’re familiar with the actors, which heightens the engagement.

before you start reading, consciously cast each character, using actors you really like. or, instead of actors, you can cast your favorite characters as if they were in an AU version of your current fandom. reading shakespeare as fanfic is a speedy way of ensuring your emotional investment.

pull up the wikipedia plot summary of the play to have on hand while you read. every few pages or so, line your reading up with the summary to make sure you’ve caught onto what’s been happening.

as you read, direct the actors you’ve chosen. how do they deliver the line? sometimes this takes a few tries. you can’t let your eyes move left to right across the page and just expect to miraculously understand it as if it were prose. you have to puzzle it out.

if you’re really stuck on something, pull up the spark notes version. there’s no shame in that. if you compare with spark notes enough, you begin to get a sense of the language and begin to need it less and less.

when you’re done, order a pizza, pour a glass of wine, and watch your chosen production version. delight in already understanding what’s happening, figure out where you might have been wrong or confused, and revel in the places you were right.

watch another production and see how your version, the last version, and this version all differ.

if you get all the way to this point and you’re not utterly in love, i don’t know what to tell you. i think i watched wyndham theater’s much ado over a hundred times. rsc’s hamlet probably just as much. i have yet to watch or read a single play i didn’t at least appreciate. i’m one of the few people who even enjoys titus andronicus.

shakespeare takes a lot of energy, but it’s worth it. once you get a feel for the strings he pulls and how he pulls them, it’s like opening a door to a whole other world. you see clips of phrases from this play or that, understand subtle references, and see how his influence exists in nearly everything. you can use his characters and plots and dynamics in all your own work. you can reach backward to see his own influences in greek plays, and forward to see his influences throughout all of literature. it’s amazing, not just who he was, but how his plays are still both so beautiful and so human.

i’ve skipped over rhetoric, craft, the sonnets, and a few other things that i really enjoy about shakespeare, but those are probably topics for another time. if you’re looking for somewhere to start, i highly recommend much ado about nothing, particularly the wyndham 2009 production with david tennant and catherine tate which is genuinely one of the funniest things i’ve ever watched. it’s fun to compare it to the 1994 kenneth branaugh film and then rage against whedon’s 2013 travesty.

best of luck in your shakespearean pursuit!

#writing advice #shakes #hammy #much ado #wicked-conspicuous

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dustofbrokenheart · 3 years

Text

The Lost Boys: A Good Night

Word Count: 2,071

Summary: Sometimes Dwayne feels the need to wander Santa Carla by himself. On one such night, he comes into some money, gets in a fight, and picks up an upgraded bike all while looking good. It’s hard to know how a night will go when it starts, but this one looks like it’s shaping up to be a good one.

Dwayne had been a calm, passive personality for most of his long life. That’s not to say he didn’t have moments of mischief or violence, because he certainly did both as a human and a vampire. But someone in their gang needed to ground the energy and that was a role he was comfortable filling.

Sometimes he wondered if he would have turned out the same if he had been born different. Maybe he would have been more assertive, or playful, if his brownness wasn’t a factor.

But it wasn’t something he liked to dwell on since wishful thinking never changed anything.

That particular night Dwayne was eager to leave the cave. The other boys were moving slower than usual that evening and he struggled to wait for them. Finally, he made eye contact with David.

“I’ll meet you guys later,” he promised quietly.

David looked at him for a moment then nodded once in assent. Dwayne flew out of the cave’s rocky mouth doing a few aerial flips before reaching the top of the bluff. Still airborne, he closed his eyes and breathed in deeply.

He could no longer enjoy the warmth of the sun on his face, but the feel of the wind playing with his hair and the salty ocean spray that tickled his nose were nice substitutes that he made due with.

The longer hair was a newer development. For the first time since early childhood, he was growing out his hair and the nearly shoulder length strands would his around his face when he flew. He had considered braiding it, or at least tying it back, but figured the length didn’t warrant that quite yet.

Dwayne had also recently become the proud owner of a new motorcycle after he had taken it from a victim about a month back. Seeing as how it was new, he was still in a protective mode towards it and tried his best to take care of it. So when he had wanted to upgrade some parts, he brought it to a mechanic shop to make sure everything was done as right as possible.

He was scheduled to pick it up tonight and he was excited to get it back after missing it for a few days. But before that happened, there was the matter of payment.

There would be more potential targets to choose from at the boardwalk, but most who frequented at this time of night were young people who weren’t exactly rolling in money. On the other hand, there was a ritzy social club just up the street from the boardwalk that was popular with Santa Carla’s upper class.

The stakes were higher, but so was the reward.

And not only was Dwayne a seasoned pickpocket, he was also a professional, which meant success was all but guaranteed. Plus, it sounded like more fun to rip off the rich.

Mind made up, he flew towards the restaurant and dropped down in an unlit alley behind the building, landing with a muted thump. He staked out the parking lot with his arms and hands loose, ready to make a move when opportunity presented itself.

His brown eyes tracked a couple exiting the social club, a young woman in her twenties and an again man with a pronounced gut, the latter pulling a wad of dollar bills from his pocket to hand some to the door boy. He put the money straight back in his jacket pocket instead of using a wallet.

Bingo.

Dwayne stayed back until the couple was a couple of feet away. Squeezing his way between two cars, he sauntered up the lot, making sure he was on the side closest to the man.

In the immediate moment preceding contact, Dwayne curved his body in such a way so as to make sure he would hit as much of the other guy he could. He bumped into him, hard, simultaneously snatching the money from the jacket pocket, faster and lighter than a normal human could sense.

The transaction was over in less than three seconds. Dwayne expertly stashed it in the waist of his jeans then turned, raising both of his hands with open palms to convince the other two that it was an accident.

The man made a surprised noise during the jostling, his eyes focused on Dwayne’s long, dark hair and his buck skin vest. Now that he had a clear look at who had run into him, distain showed on his face. “Never expected to see one of your kind at a place like this. Better watch where you’re walking boy.”

Dwayne’s face remained neutral.

He was dismissed by the couple and they continued onto their car, none-the-wiser that the jacket was lighter than it had been.

Dwayne walked calmly, but purposefully away into the darkened alley to count how much money had lifted. He was pleased to find he now had $60 in his possession.

He smirked at the couple’s car as they drove away. What a bunch of suckers.

He made sure the cash was secured and wandered down the sidewalk, deciding that he would go to the boardwalk next. Technically, there was still a little time left until he had to pick up his bike, and now that he had some extra cash, he was eager to check out the booths and tables at the boardwalk.

The blinking lights glow fantastically against the black skyline and the joyful screams of riders are audible even before entering official boardwalk limits. This spot has always drawn lots of people, locals and tourists alike, no matter the time.

Dwayne weaved through the thick crowds, which got thicker the further in he went, and found his way to the booths he was interested in. For the most part, they were all lined up in a row on either side of the wooden walkway. The things people were selling were fairly typically—art, clothes, and physic services, to name a few. The jewelry tables featured mostly handmade items that glittered under the streetlight.

One spot in particular, really caught his eye. Dwayne paused while he took in the heishi necklaces made with delicate fragments of shell, shiny silver earrings with bold turquoise pieces, and the selection of intricately beaded chokers. He looked at everything, picking up the cool ones to properly admire them.

The traditional influences of several tribes were represented: the Navajo, Kewa Pueblo, and Cherokee, among others. Other than the fact that they were North American tribes, there wasn’t any discernable theme that he noticed so the booth likely wasn’t run by someone with ties to a specific group.

He was proven right few moments later.

“The turquoise is really popular right now,” said a young blonde from behind her wispy bangs.

In his mind, Dwayne answered with a sarcastic no shit remark, but all he did on the outside was nod. Turquoise had been an important color, full of spiritual connotations, for the better part of the last couple hundred years in a lot of different tribes.

So, yeah. Popular.

Although, Hendrix wore that beaded fringe shirt with some turquoise to Woodstock last year… maybe the mainstream thought it was a trend.

“Ghost beads are also cool,” she continued. She lifted up a necklace with chunky round beads that were neutrally colored. “They’re supposed to protect you from evil.”

He could use some peace in his life, but he doubted this would help him out considering he was the evil spirit, the ghost, the nightmare, that it was supposed to ward off. Instead, he pointed to a white beaded choker with a turquoise centerpiece.

“What about this one?”

“I’ve had it a while. No ones been that interested in it.”

He rubbed it between the pads of his fingers. It was smooth to the touch and seemed durable when he tested its flexibility. “How much?”

The lady seemed surprised, then contemplative.

“Fifteen dollars,” she said in her best business voice.

Dwayne countered, “How about you accept five and then I’ll take it off your hands.”

She opened her mouth, but made the mistake of looking into his compelling dark irises. She readily agreed and he handed over a twenty, the smallest bill from his stack of borrowed bills. An illuminated clock post showed that he had fifteen minutes to get to the mechanic garage. He thanked her and left with his change and a brand-new necklace hanging from around his neck.

The flow of traffic had become even more packed in the short time he had been there, especially as he moved closer to the exit. He was nearly out when he accidently bumped into a random guy, this time entirely on accident. He had seen the run-in coming and tried his best to angle out of the way, but with so many people around, his shoulder still clipped the guy in the chest.

Since it was an accident, and because he had somewhere to be, he planned to shake it off and continue on. The other guy didn’t take it well.

Dwayne felt a hand grab his shoulder from behind and was pushed into a small alley between two stores. His back was slammed against the wall, his head taking a pretty good knock. A forearm pressed against his chest.

“Watch where you’re walking!”

It was easy enough to assess the easiest way out of the situation.

“Sorry,” he said quietly, throwing in a noticeable wince for good measure. People like this tended to back off faster if they felt he had learned his lesson.

It was annoying to be waylaid like this, but he kept that emotion absent from his face. He was much stronger than them physically and their attempts to hurt him were barely painful. With any luck, this one would get over it sooner rather than later.

“You should be, you redskin,” he yelled while poking the necklace.

F for creativity.

To stop from rolling his eyes he closed them in mock fear. Redskin was hardly the most creative slur that had ever been hurled at him.

But then the guy had the balls to spit at him.

Dwayne couldn’t stop his jaw from clenching as the spit soaked into his vest. Maybe he did have enough time to take care of this. Before he could make the guy sorry, a bloody hand burst through his soon-to-be-meal’s chest unexpectedly.

The hand retracted and there was confusion on the guy’s face at the gory hole in the center of his chest cavity that was pumping out a steady river of blood. Within seconds the body dropped to the wooden floor, dead.

Marko stood there with his vamped out face, shaking his hand to get some of the flesh out from under his claws.

“Racist dick,” he sneered. He turned to Dwayne, his features melting back to their soft human version.

“Hey man,” he grinned, waving.

Dwayne looked at him unimpressed. “I was taking care of it.”

“I know,” the blond admitted, sucking on his bloody fingers. “But I hate when they talk to you like that.”

Dwayne huffed but didn’t push the issue; the boys were all protective of each other, they were brothers after all, but they were extra sensitive with Dwayne. He appreciated the back-up most of the time, but in this instance, he was a little peeved that he had been robbed the satisfaction of the kill.

He toed the corpse with the bottom of his boot. “You made the mess, then you clean it up.”

Marko pouted but didn’t argue.

Dwayne patted the cash to settle himself. “I have somewhere to be.”

“Go. I got it. And don’t worry, we’ll find you someone to eat,” Marko waved him off.

He slapped the blonde vampire on the shoulder and left him to it.

A small bell jingled when he pushed the door open to the front office of the garage. A teenager with kinky hair was working the desk. He pointed at Dwayne’s choker.

“Cool necklace,” he complimented genuinely.

Dwayne nodded his head in thanks and watched the kid go bring the motorcycle out front.

The night was shaping up to be a pretty good one. He was getting his bike back, his new jewelry looked good, and his friends would have someone waiting from his to eat when he joined back up with them.

Yeah. A pretty good night indeed.

_______________

Thanks for reading!

I wanted to get this out in November since it’s Indigenous Heritage Month and a decent amount of fans headcannon Dwayne as being Native. Or at least not strictly white. Tribes had a Red Power Movement following Civil Rights era so I imagine this sometime in 1970.

Also partly inspired by how the boys jumped to defend Dwayne in the opening scene of the movie.

#the lost boys #the lost boys dwayne #imagines

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