#truly me 122

[desertdollranch]

Right now as of late 2022, there are four American Girl dolls with the Joss face mold, which was introduced in 2020 when Joss Kendrick was released as Girl of the Year. There’s Joss herself (top left), Martiza Ochoa, Truly Me 121, and Truly Me 122.

Joss was given her own face mold specifically to accommodate the hearing aid she wears in her right ear. She is written as Deaf character who wears it. So the ear was formed with a round hole, in such a way that the hearing aid can click perfectly into place and be held there securely. This differs from the optional hearing aid add-on service that American Girl offers, where they install semi-permanent hearing aids onto any doll for an extra cost. This involves drilling a hole into their heads behind the ears. 

Joss was not given the standard hear aids, specifically so she can remove hers when she goes surfing and can’t get it wet. That’s part of her story. She takes it out when she’s in the water. 

When she’s bought brand new, the Joss doll comes with one hearing aid as well as a spare if she loses one. If you end up losing both of them, you can call up American Girl’s customer service and order replacement parts. 

Maritza and both TM dolls with Joss’s face mold also have the right ear that can wear Joss’s hearing aid. Despite that, none of those three dolls are sold with that hearing aid. 

So after Joss retires, which will probably be very soon, there will very likely no longer be a way to order a replacement hearing aid that will fit her. Meaning that you won’t be able to purchase a hearing aid for Maritza or the TM dolls that was made to fit them naturally. If you want them to have hearing aids, your only choice will be to have AG install the standard ones at an extra cost and which will permanently modify them.

Am I the only one that thinks this is terribly unfair? If American Girl is going to sell dolls that are able to wear a hearing aid, why aren’t they also selling that specific hearing aid? I definitely want to add at least one of those dolls to my collection some day, and I plan to give my doll the hearing aid that she was deliberately designed to wear. 

If all three of those dolls eventually retire, then yeah I wouldn’t expect AG to keep the hearing aids in stock. But if there are three dolls available who can wear them, then doesn’t it makes sense to keep that part in stock permanently? And maybe offer them for sale on the website, rather than having them be available only through customer service? 

[sofs16]

just us- cl16

!! smau and real life

pairing: charles leclerc x celebrity!fem reader

summary: in which charles doesn’t know who y/n y/l/n is and yn doesn’t know who charles is

yn •••

liked by taylorswift, kyliejenner, and 7,202,686 others yn paris fashion week content upcoming <3 have a great day babes

view all 749,292 comments

ynfilmz MOTHER WILL SERVE !!!

givenchy 🤍🤍🤍

honeymoon Beauty ❤️

emmachamberlain see u lovely

yns16 AAAAAAAA LEETS GOOO HAVE A GREAT DAY 2!! august 13, 2023

yndaily •••

liked by ynstagram, and 3,282 others

yndaily 📸 | Y/n arrives at the Givenchy show for Paris Fashion week!

view all 43 comments

august 14, 2023

leclercupdates •••

liked by clec16, and 1,567 others

leclercupdates Charles just got inside the Givenchy show for Paris Fashion week!

view all 122 comments

chacha1655 you’re doing great hunny 😄📸

sainzleclercf1 serve

august 14, 2023

yn •••

liked by pierregasly and 8,292,697 others

view all 6,687 comments

leclerccccyn MOTHER ARE U BESIDE CHARLES?!?

august 14, 2023

leclercupdates and yndaily •••

liked by 16yln, and 10,5839 others yndaily 📸 | Charles Leclerc and Y/n Y/l/n sitting beside each other for the show! via @ voguemagazine and @yn’s post ! view all 1,010 comments

leclercpiano WHAT YNDAILY AND LECLERCUPDATES COLLAB POST????

user48393 WHAT THE FUCKKK

user9653 was not on my bingo card but YES

author lets pretend its them in the pic, kay? (:

august 14, 2023

yndaily •••

liked by 9,292 others

yndaily 📸| yn at the givenchy show! view all 684 comments

august 14, 2023

charles sat down quite early for the show. he had been invited to a few fashion shows this year and wanted to attend some as a break from racing. he was honored to be sitting first row.

charles was chatting with the people beside him when a girl took her seat beside him. he turned his head to her and he started to stare as you sent a smile to him.

he suddenly wished he took pierre’s advice and wore a suit seeing as you were wearing a stunning backless dress with a black train.

“charles leclerc” he smiled nervously “y/n y/l/n” you extended your hand and he shook it.

“y/n! can we get a photo of you!” 3 photographers rushed over to her and she nodded with a smile. she soon nudged charles, who was staring at her, to lean in and join.

“have a good night, boys” you turn back to charles “so, you go to these shows often?” “no-no not much, work keeps me busy. you?” “fashion week is my favorite week of the year so.. yes”

“you- are in fashion?”charles tilted his head “Oh, no! I’m just some actress” “ah really?” “mhm, but i’ve been on a break for a while now just enjoying things” you shrugged “can’t take breaks like that where i work” you laughed “what do you do?”

“Just a racer” “you look like a Mercedes or Ferrari guy” you squinted your eyes. “Ferrari forever, belle” charles let that last part slip but thankfully the show was starting and you both just smiled at each other.

yn •••

liked by charles_leclerc and 10,696,707 others

yn truly exquisite

@givenchy honored to be here

view all 1,110,696 comments

charles_leclerc Just some actress? 😂

⤷ yn @charles_leclerc just a racer? ⤷ charles_leclerc @yn You started it, belle.

⤷ yn @charles_leclerc je suis désolé, chérie. i’ll have to make it up to you next time

[liked by charles_leclerc] ⤷ f1yln @yn @charles_leclerc what the fuck just happened.

⤷ charlesupdates @yn @charles_leclerc the charles was too stunned to speak. SHE CALLED HIM SWEETHEART 😭

august 14, 2023

charles_leclerc started following yn. 2h ago

yn started following charles_leclerc. 1m ago

leclercupdates and yndaily •••

liked by 10,697 others leclercupdates y/n and charles both now follow each other! view all 2,697 comments

ynleclerc next thing u know they’ll be married 😏

ynmother not vroom vroom man stealing MY wife.

august 14, 2023

yndaily •••

liked by leclercupdates, and 1,607 others

yndaily 📸| yn arrives at the ysl show! view all 59 comments

august 15, 2023

leclercupdates •••

liked by ynupdates, and 1,060 others

leclercupdates Charles arrives at the YSL show!

view all 100 comments

ynleclerc my man squaring up knowing yn will be there 😭

gaslyleclerc SERVEDDDD

august 15, 2023

yn •••

liked by charles_leclerc, and 7,110,707 others

view all 91,696 comments

august 15, 2023

charles_leclerc •••

liked by yn, and 2,202,292 others

charles_leclerc Wow! @YSL ❤️

view all 224,696 comments

ynloml AHAAHHAA YN GOT CHARLES TO POST FASHION WEEK CONTENT DUBSS

yn told you u should post this ;)

⤷ charles_leclerc @yn It seems you’re always right 🤷‍♂️

[liked by yn]

august 15, 2023

yn •••

liked by charles_leclerc, and 11,586,596 others

yn winky winky

view all 1,202,696 comments

pierregasly winky winky

⤷ yn @ pierregasly alpine

⤷ pierregasly @yn @charles_leclerc taught you well

⤷ carlossainz55 @ pierregasly @yn winky winky

⤷ yn @ carlossainz55 forza ferrari ❤️

⤷ carlossainz55 @charles_leclerc she’s a keeper

[ comment was deleted!]

⤷ yn @ carlossainz55 @charles_leclerc is that so? august 16, 2023

yn •••

liked by charles_leclerc, carlossainz55, and 20,292,9494 others

view all 3,696,202 comments

charles_leclerc ❤️❤️❤️

⤷ yn charles_leclerc thanks for the racing lesson❤️‍🔥

⤷ charles_leclerc yn Anytime ;)

carlossainz55 Come to the paddock?

⤷yn carlossainz55 kinda wish the other ferrari asked me, but sure carlos!!!

⤷carlossainz55 charles_leclerc

⤷pierregasly charles_leclerc

⤷lewishamilton charles_leclerc

⤷landonorris charles_leclerc

⤷maxverstappen1 charles_leclerc

⤷danielricciardo charles_lecler

⤷scuderiaferrarri charles_leclerc❤️🏎️

f1griddd bro summoned the whole grid

august 17, 2023

Charles Leclerc ✓⃝

charles_leclerc

august 17, 2023

Charles Leclerc

Apologies, belle.

Would you like to come to the paddock at Netherlands next week? :)

yn

charles, if you’re asking because half of the grid just spammed you, please don’t feel pressured to do so. I was just kidding but if you want me there, i’d happily go

Charles Leclerc

No! I want you there but I was not

sure if you’d like to come

yn

25th, correct?

Charles Leclerc

Yes, belle❤️

yn

you better win leclerc❤️

Charles Leclerc

I’ll do my best, it would be a shame

if I lost within your presence 😂

yn

mhmmm in your dreams

night leclerc

Charles Leclerc

goodnight, belle

[ yn reacted with 💤]

yn •••

liked by chares_leclerc and 17,293,382 others yn red isn’t really my color but it’ll do for today

congrats on pole position leclerc charles_leclerc

view all 4,689,567 comments

f1rrari OH HE DOWN BADDDD LOOK AT THAT EYE CONTACT

charles_leclerc What are you talking about, you look great in every color, especially red❤️

⤷ yn charles_leclerc i guess you’ll have to invite me to more races so i get to wear it more 🤷🏻‍♀️

⤷ charles_leclerc yn I guess I will

august 26, 2023

yn •••

liked by charles_leclerc, and 30,181,595 others yn he said he’ll do his best…

i don’t know much about f1 but apparently leclerc got p1 (is that correct)?? and i could not be more proud of this silly guy! keep it up monaco’s princess 🏎️

view all 5,383,595 comments

scuderriaferrari Nice to have you at the garage ❤️

charles_leclerc Very proud you know what P1 is! Thank you, belle ❤️❤️❤️

ynbabes she really said fuck soft launches 😞

august 27, 2023

charles_leclerc •••

liked by yn, and 5,697,797 others charles_leclerc Very glad to be back on the podium! Congrats to carlossainz55 on P2! Thank you to yn, I could hear your screams a mile away even if you don’t know what is happening❤️😘

view all 1,585,494 others

yn oops.. was i that loud

⤷carlossainz55 yes

⤷danielricciardo yes

⤷landonorris yes

⤷charles_leclerc yes but it is the thought that counts🙂

august 28, 2023

charles_leclerc •••

liked by yn, and 7,394,696 others

view all 3,282,595 comments

august 29, 2023

charles_leclerc •••

liked by yn, and 3,689,595 others

charles_leclerc P1! Great race with everything maximized today🙂 Thank you to everyone, the team, and yn for screaming much louder ❤️❤️❤️

view all 1,383,595 comments

yn ❤️❤️❤️

ynleclerc YEAH THEYRE DEFO A THINGGGG

august 30, 2023

abbie🏎️ ynsleclerc • 1h

no bcuz why was charles spotted with a brunette a while ago………… YN BABY IS YNCHARLES STILL ALIVE??

yn •••

liked by charles_leclerc, and 43,282,585 others

yn my bad, i’ll stop coloring my hair so you guys don’t get confused ❤️❤️❤️❤️

view all 5,697,707 comments

charles_leclerc Only woman for me, belle❤️ Don’t get too jealous 😂

⤷ yn charles_leclerc my man, guys! my man!!!!!

pierregasly thank god it’s official. you’re all charles talks about

⤷ charles_leclerc what the hell, pierre!😂

ynleclerc should i change my username to reserve it for you?

[liked by yn]

charles_leclerc •••

liked by yn, and 16,373,595 others

charles_leclerc My belle ❤️ I do not know much about fashion but thank you to the person who seated us together. I will listen to you talk about which shirt matches which skirt for hours as long as it’s you talking. Te amo, Je t’aime, I love you in all languages ❤️❤️❤️

view all 5,696,607 comments

ynleclerc giggling silly gf x poetic bf

leclerc1655 THE TEXT ON THE 2ND POST??

⤷ charles_leclerc Just a joke but one day❤️

yn wait i feel bad for making my caption silly now..

⤷ charles_leclerc but it’s true… brunette, blond, or dark hair, you’ll always be the girl with me :)

yn je t’aime chérie, i’d learn f1 mechanics for you anyday and scream till my voice gives out<3

[landograndprix]

where your heart truly lies ✾ l.n

❧ in which you and lando are not together, right?

❧ a/n – no real ending because I actually wanted to make this into a mini lando series but I'm not sure yet 🤪

next part

y/nusername

liked by riabish, landonorris and 19,101 others

y/nusername roadtrippin' + maximilian 💫

tagged: riabish, yourbestfrienduser, maxfewtrell

view all 272 comments

lnfourrr lmao the y/n making a fool of max saga continues

ynloveee girls trip? new vlog soon? 👀

fewtrelllando since when is max a girl? 💀

yourbestfrienduser max has a serve case of FOMO, little bit obsessed with us if we have to be completely honest.

fewtrelllando just one if the girls 💅

riabish had so much fun ❤️

landonn4 can I join next time? I'm willing to pay a lot of money..

maxfewtrell you know what, I can't stand you..

y/nusername ❤️❤️❤️❤️

yourbestfrienduser you've never looked better babes.

landonorris mate you look amazing.

charlos_16 I need this friendship 😭

landonorris you could've picked me up along the way.

y/nusername we could but we didn't.

landonorris you're lucky you're cute.

papayaarmy flirting on the main?

landoscar lando get a grip, what about your actual girlfriend 🤡

☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

y/nusername posted to their story

y/nusername

liked by landonorris, yourbestfrienduser and 21,893 others

y/nusername @.yourbestfrienduser burfday weekend 🍸 ft. bradley fewtrell

tagged: landonorris, yourbestfrienduser, maxfewtrell

view all 289 comments

landoscar4 happy burfday @.yourbestfrienduser 🥰

yourbestfrienduser thanks for the weekend, lovers 💞

y/nusername ❤️

landonorris ❤️

maxfewtrell ❤️

carlandooo lovers?! How do I get in this group,I need to be y'alls friend, let me in pls 😭

y/nslandoo happy burfday gremlin #4 💗

charles_lec so did anyone check up on lando's gf?

chilisainz she doesn't even follow y/n, I doubt she's seeing this 💀

landofourr why do y'all feel the need to involve lando's gf in everything y/n does?

charles_lec because It's wrong lmao, lando should let his gf go if he's so in love with y/n??

norriizzoscar me reading these comments realising y/n is in fact NOT landos girlfriend 🙃

quadrantfewtrell where do I apply to join the group?

maxfewtrell you've got to be kidding me..

y/nusername absolutely not

landonorris you're looking cute mate

yourbestfrienduser you're looking fine af, stop complaining man

maxyn happy birthday muppet!

☆☆☆☆☆

y/nusername posted to their story

☆☆☆☆☆

y/nnorriss

liked by 279 others

y/norriss 'just friends' my ass 😂

view all 122 comments

lnfourlando is that y/n? 😭

y/nnorriss yeah

lnfourlando where'd you get this pictures from?

y/nnorriss my sister she worked for mclaren this weekend and the other one max accidentally posted on his stories but already deleted it

mclando lando I luv you but you better have dumped your gf 😭

suziee00 now fucking way lmao what???

norpias I know I've been joking about them getting together but I'm feeling sad for his gf now 😭

fewtrelllando am I the only one who's not surprised?

lanmax about damn time..

charles_26 someone please check up on his actual girlfriend, this is sad :(

[ms-scarletwings]

Aberrant Fish

!! Hi there, if you are reading this, know that this post is currently going through a sort of overhaul and revisit as of September. With the release of the Iron Rig DLC, and me finally getting around to finishing it, several updates to the hyperlinks below are in the works to fix some outdated numbering and account for the MANY additional aberrations that the latest expansion has added to existing regions.

The first hint many an angler will get of the dark, insidious secrets these waters hold,

and yet, they are the first thing to be accepted as only another flavor of mundane.

The game text calls them grotesque. The fishmonger calls them corrupted. You get to call them a bonus. Rather than fear and revile them, tradesmen will pay a shiny extra penny to add them into their stock. They are gestured to and spoken of, but never truly elaborated on by the townsfolk. They have probably been here long before most of them, and so will be here long after they are gone. They were certainly here before you. Maybe you don’t need their answers, and yet if you are like me, you still witlessly question and keep dredging for more.

Like many things pulled from those cursed depths, they whisper flecks of madness from an impossible voice. What messages do they carry, and what forces do they play vessel to? Are they the lingering embers from a long-extinguished calamity, or are they harbingers of the next one to come?

I believe we have already seen signs of fire with our own eyes- impossible, great beasts that prowl the four (now five) coasts, the dying cult, gibbering fog…. That damned book. These tortured creatures are but another form of the same smoke.

To the question of where they came from, if your fisherman pokes around enough and braves the darkness, he may have already found a response in one of the many obelisks scattered around the map. Specifically, I refer to this.

This would suggest the aberrants themselves are what leaked in through the cracks that the largest of all monsters wants to rend apart? Not entirely, but in part. For the researcher at the Stellar Basin came to her own conclusion I want to factor in.

Her words give credence to the possibility that it is actually those greater beasts themselves at the heart of the corruption. I think she was half onto something, because what if these twisted forms, both large and small, were blooms along the same set of festering roots?

The more dark stones you disturb in the frenzy of your own madness, the more you learn about the age before your arrival, about the islands, and especially about their current guardians. The Mindsuckers- carrion puppet masters given a home, the Basin creature- a spore that miraculously survived its dive to the abyss, and the Serpent- lifeless stone made animate and malicious, all had their creation remembered in great detail by the obelisks. Some hints point that their emergence was rather recent, relative to even more powerful beings, such as the leviathan.

Maybe there are even more unseen horrors far below, blessedly out of our reach, for now. My view is that the malformed beasts are the aimless children of such unfathomable things waiting beyond the veil. With them came its influence, and its corruption, and from them it continues to spread to all life surrounding. The smaller rifts were always a transformative disease upon the harbor’s fish, but with the rise of the new monsters, the sickness runs farther and less avoidably than ever. Whether these aberrant spawn are a gift to the worthy, or another deceptive evil that leads to madness remains left to be seen.

I will be giving a spotlight to each of these fascinating specimens at the back of Dredge’s encyclopedia, including those found in the expansions, for further comment and appreciation. Updating the list below as we go along!

[#79-84] [#104-109]

[#85-90] [#110-115]

[#91-96] [#116-122]

[#97-102] [#123-129]

[#103-108] [update still WIP]

[#109-114] [update still WIP]

[#115-120] [update still WIP]

[#121-126] [update still WIP]

[#127-132] [update still WIP]

[#133-138] [update still WIP]

[#139-144] [update still WIP]

[#145-150] [update still WIP]

[#151-156] [update still WIP]

[#157-162] [update still WIP]

[#163-168] [update still WIP]

[#169-174] [update still WIP]

[Bonus I. Night Angler]

[Bonus II. Serpent]

[Bonus III. Basin Creature]

[Bonus IV. Mindsuckers]

[Bonus V. Unseeing Mother]

[Bonus VI. “Narwhal”]

[idiotsonlyevent]

so i've been thinking about risu. "personality defines one's magic" lives in my mind rent free, and i've been trying to pin down how magic reflects the personalities of sorcerers we know. risu's curse magic is especially interesting due to its rarity and the nature of curse itself. so, what can curse tell us about risu, and what role does risu play in dorohedoro? (spoilers through the end of the manga under the cut.)

who is risu?

risu is a low-level sorcerer and a member of the cross-eyes. not much is known about his past, besides for the fact that he used to go to the zagan magic school, he was friends with aikawa, and he had an apartment where he lived alone and grew cacti. but what else do we know about him? what's he like?

i want to start this discussion based on asu's perceptions of risu in extra evil 16, since we, as the readers - and risu himself - get to be explicitly told what asu thinks of him. risu's interactions with asu and nikaido are particularly important because, unlike with the cross-eyes or en's family, risu isn't really putting on a front here. and since asu is genuinely trying to help by offering risu advice, we know this is what he really thinks - even if his devil traits are getting in the way of his delivery.

to summarize: asu characterizes risu as neurotic, high-strung, and repressed. these evaluations seem to be at least partially correct; asu is the catalyst for both moments in the manga where risu grows to better understand his magic - the first in spell 84 and the second in 122 - and he wouldn't have been able to do this if he truly didn't understand risu. and risu agrees with him!

this is interesting when contrasted with what we see of risu in one of the first flashbacks of the series.

we know that risu has a lot of doubts about the boss and the cross-eyes, but what he's saying here is really . . . idealistic? even in spite of any doubts or worries, risu says this to aikawa - and given how earnest risu is with him, i don't think this is a lie. on top of that, risu was pretty loyal to the cross-eyes and to aikawa. this is not to imply that pessimism and loyalty are inherently at odds with one another, but the way risu talks about aikawa and his own death really doesn't scream 'i see the worst in every situation'. i don't think risu's pessimism is the whole story. so, how does curse fit into all of this? why does risu have curse magic?

what is curse?

curse magic is considered rare. it's not well-understood by any characters, and especially early on, only asu and dokuga seem to have any understanding of how it works at all. curse is activated after risu is killed and remains active until the curse is 'complete.' after curse merges with risu after his revival, when someone tries to kill or harm risu, curse will activate, taking over risu's body and reflecting all attacks.

curse is angry and violent, and it is so overwhelming that risu has no control over it at all. faced with this, risu rejects the idea outright; this is all he knows. he's gotten so used to being controlled by his anger for so long that he can't comprehend any other options. he assigns everything to his anger. he's angry at everything, and he only acts because he is angry.

something that really stuck out to me is when risu says he's 'pissed off for making [him] kill.' it's unclear if he's angry at the cross-eyes or at curse, but it's really indicative that he doesn't want to be violent - he's been forced into it due to the circumstances of this world and his place in it. curse is not a representation of some inner desire to hurt or harm others; there's something else going on here.

(a brief aside, but this is the only time we're shown anything from risu's life before the cross-eyes, the magic school, and aikawa. he's younger - he looks about shin's age from his backstory ten years ago? so, let's tentatively call risu 18-ish here, placing this about 6 years ago, which should comply with canon. he's injured and alone - there's no mention of parents or any other caretakers. with how vague this information is, it's difficult to draw any definitive conclusions. one possibility is that risu was abandoned by his parents. i say this because a flashback of risu alone is paired with the the thought that others, specifically powerful sorcerers like the en family, look down on him, and there are multiple severed heads in the same shot, who are clearly not en family members or other cross-eyes. it could be that his family were powerful sorcerers who left him alone due to his 'weak' magic, and perhaps he himself killed them, which is why their heads are floating and detached. but i digress.)

asu says it best: curse is only part of risu. curse protects risu. it is not just risu's anger, but also what that anger is hiding - perhaps feelings of hopelessness, isolation, betrayal, etc. curse is a literal and physical obfuscation and reflection of risu's identity and feelings. risu needs to learn to control curse not because anger - or any of his other negative feelings - are bad. it's because he doesn't understand where they come from or why, and as a result they consume him. this is why risu's realization has him literally being freed from a physical trap, because risu is now the one in control, even if he lacks mastery. risu is angry, but that is not all he is; risu is angry, and that is okay.

so, what does risu do? why is he important?

risu actually has strong thematic ties with both caiman (the protagonist) and nikaido (the deuteragonist):

risu and curse's relationship parallels aikawa and hole's: a magic user with low/no smoke output possessed by a violent entity that is controlled by strong negative feelings and obfuscates their past.

curse foils nikaido's time magic: risu is controlled by dangerous magic that he has no control over while nikaido refuses to use time magic because she perceives it as dangerous and uncontrollable; both have realizations about their relationships with magic (with asu's help), and learn how to use their magic as part of their character arcs.

curse is a physically painful, like aikawa's headaches and nikaido's devil transformation.

risu, nikaido, and caiman all struggle with their identity: both how society perceives them and how the see themselves. all of them have complicated relationships with their magic, and they feel like they do not 'truly exist,' at least in part due to this.

also, risu is a big player early on in the story, if not arguably the most important one, especially when it comes to the mystery of derohedoro. risu's curse is the means through which caiman and nikaido can hunt sorcerers and is also the en family's first major lead in their investigation. risu is what brings caiman and the cross-eyes together. risu goes back in time with nikaido to learn the truth of caiman's past. risu is the one that kills aikawa. risu offers to restore caiman's original face at the end of the series. (i could go on!)

risu isn't rich or extremely powerful or a genius, but he feels important because he was aikawa's partner; their partnership is what gave aikawa's existence as a sorcerer legitimacy, and their bond persists through the entire series. risu may be a 'nobody' when compared to characters like en and nikaido, but he was somebody to aikawa, and that identity is consistently given the weight it deserves.

[molabuddy]

it would be insane to be a girlie who is just one of 100+ only slightly varying identical clones. would it be hard to form ur own sense of self? would u be clawing at the chance to have something thats truly your own, enough to pretend to be something youre not? would you just try to keep your head down and just be one of the hundreds. if you knew there was an 'original' would you envy her? would you pity her?

would u have favourites and least favourites among your sisters. "i know #134 is technically me but i can't stand her fake ass. #68 on the other hand is fucking awesome we play boardgames together. except its hard because we're always going for the exact same strategies." would it be hard to remember all ur sisters or would u have a sixth sense for it. "oh yeah thats #122 i can tell by her nose. wdym 'it looks exactly like mine' no it does not."

lots to think about...

[youcouldmakealife]

LBTE: Jared (122-124)

In which Jared and Bryce think they can interact in public without Gabe figuring out they're married, and Chaz Rossi would like to die.

If you want to follow along, the series page is here.

122. Subterfuge

Jared goes to dinner at Gabe and Stephen’s, and it’s nice. Well, nice might not be the right word — Gabe is totally right about the similarities between Jared and Stephen, and if he makes people feel as nervous that he’s judging them fiercely as he feels nervous that Stephen’s judging him fiercely, he is officially sorry.

Those poor Canucks rookies.

Not sorry enough to stop — he doesn’t even think he’s capable of that —

Those poor, poor Canucks rookies.

It’s nice. Would be even nicer if it was the kind of thing him and Bryce could do together, but he knows Bryce isn’t ready for it, and honestly he’s just happy Bryce is willing to meet Gabe at all, even if it’s not as Jared’s husband.

Like, one, progress, but also: hahaha you guys think you can pull this off.

Wins are hard enough to come by for the Oilers without the salt in the wound of a former player getting the game-winner and the insurance goal.

I would like everyone to enjoy the thought of an absolutely incensed Deslauriers during that game.

Neither of the goals against the Oilers were milestones, technically, but Gabe fished the first puck out of the net anyway, got their trainer Dillon to write ‘1st career goal against the Oilers’ on it

Gabe’s such a good A, truly. Would have done that for any of his guys.

If he isn’t careful he’s going to be grinning wide enough to split his face, and that would probably tip Gabe off.

They STILL think they can pull this off.

“My friend Chaz,” Jared says. “He was my linemate on the Hitmen. And um. Chaz’s teammate Bryce is going to be joining in a bit.”

“Nice to meet you,” Gabe says, and when all the introduction pleasantries are over Chaz gives Jared a completely disgusted look.

The way Jared low-key made it sound like Chaz went ‘hey, is it cool if my friend Bryce comes too?’. Chaz is beside himself. Why did he agree to this. (He did it for the lolz. But now that the day has arrived, he is not, in fact, loling)

They talk Juniors for a bit, Gabe telling them about his time with the Knights. He roomed with the captain of the Panthers, which is kind of crazy.

Hi Jake! And love Jared still low-key fanboying players.

“Hey,” Bryce says when he gets to the table, posture almost as awkward as it is when he’s got a mic in his face. “Jared. Long time no see.”

“Yeah,” Jared says. “Um. Nice to see you again.”

Chaz wants to die.

Dinner’s awkward. Well, he doesn’t think dinner’s actually awkward from Gabe’s perspective, at least he hopes not? But it’s honestly all Jared can do not to text Bryce under the table to meet him in the bathroom so he can just hug him, not even do anything else

The only thing more uncomfortable than third-wheeling a couple eye-fucking is a couple eye-desperately-clinging-to-one-another-for-dear-life-ing.

The only thing holding Chaz together right now is the group chat. Also the fact Gabe CLEARLY has figured it out so every extra moment of this is a shared suffering, as he now has a fourth wheel.

Jared would make a good spy, he thinks.

Oh my god, Jared.

“So,” Jared says, trying to think of something to say that isn’t ‘finish your beer, Gabe’. “Chaz. Known him for years.”

He is squirming in his seat he wants to leave so badly, and he is very red, and his fake casual voice is extremely stilted. Gabe is feeling deeply fond of him right now.

Gabe takes a sip of beer. It isn’t a big enough sip, in Jared’s opinion.

SQUIRMING. And Gabe’s been with Stephen long enough that he might just be taking his time because it’s hilarious.

“You know you can just tell me you’re married, though.”

“I did?” Jared says.

“I mean to Bryce,” Gabe says.

He’s still Gabe, though, so he doesn’t torture him with it too long.

“You’re both wearing wedding rings,” Gabe says. “Like, matching ones.”

“All wedding rings pretty much look the same,” Jared says.

Gabe raises an eyebrow at him.

“And I know he’s from Vancouver, because that always comes up when we play the Flames,” Gabe says. “And I know that you’re living with your mother-in-law right now.”

“That could be a coincidence?” Jared says weakly.

“Also you haven’t stopped looking at each other all night,” Gabe says. “And not glances or anything, that was full on—”

There is deductive reasoning happening here, but even if Gabe hadn’t noticed any of the other things, the eye pining would have done it. It was not subtle.

What’s he going to say? ‘No, he’s not my husband, I actually spent all dinner eye-fucking a dude who isn’t my husband’? That’s objectively much worse than eye-fucking your own husband, which Jared is morally and legally entitled to do.

It is Jared’s RIGHT and his DUTY.

“Um,” Jared tries, but he’s mostly blank. He’s not great at making excuses at the best of times, and definitely not when he’s been called out and has no proper defence on hand. He would, in fact, make a terrible spy.

I do appreciate that after Jared makes objectively absurd statements he’s often the first to acknowledge that they are, in fact, absurd statements. (Sometimes because they’re only occurring in his head, because fuck knows all his friends would burst out laughing if Jared made the mistake of saying ‘I think I’d make a good spy’ out loud)

“Totally get that,” Gabe says. “I’ve uh. I’ve heard some stuff about him—”

Great. Terrific. Jared’s very favourite topic.

“Before you say anything, he was like — all of that was before we got together,” Jared says. “And he was young and — the shit the media says about him—”

Gabe puts his hands up. Which means they’re off his beer, but Jared thinks he’s been given permission to book it, so that’s okay. “I didn’t mean it accusingly. You know your relationship better than anyone else.”

Couple fun things here — including Jared’s continued hawk eye on Gabe’s drinking speed — but yeah, Jared misinterprets Gabe a LOT at the beginning because Gabe is almost TOO nice, and Jared reads into things that aren’t actually meant any way other than Gabe said it? And here’s another incidence of it — if Jared had let Gabe finish his message it was assuring Jared ‘I vaguely read some shit but I don’t put stock in rumours and media and Bryce has a clean slate with me’. Basically.

“Hey Jared?” Gabe asks.

“Yeah?” Jared says.

“Nice,” Gabe says.

Look man this guy is common-law married to Stephen Petersen and longtime-liney married to Dmitry Kurmazov, he has to have a little bit of troll in him.

Gabe shoos him off, and it’s kind of embarrassing, the speed Jared leaves that restaurant.

Gabe describes this as, and I quote, ‘speed-walking like a snowbird in Florida on a grimly determined constitutional’

(If anyone’s unfamiliar with the term: snowbirds are people, generally retirees, from northern climes, especially Canada (especially ESPECIALLY Quebec) and sometimes the Northeastern US, who spend their winters in warmer climates. They fly south for the winter, like migratory birds. Florida is a particularly popular destination for snowbirds.)

A constitutional is walking (to aid one’s constitution). It’s dated as fuck anywhere outside like, Victorian fiction. I love Gabe.

123. Quiet Night In

Jared is vaguely out of breath when he reaches his apartment, which might say something bad about his cardiovascular fitness. Or, more realistically, it says something embarrassing about the speed he made it home, considering he’s fit enough to handle second line minutes in a damn hockey game.

Snow birded the whole way home, but I think the anticipation have something to do with the shortness of breath.

He takes a moment in front of the door, partly trying to find his key — he’s got way too many on his keychain now — but also so he doesn’t barge in looking like a complete idiot, not that he thinks Bryce would mind, or like, even notice.

Jared has finally accepted how rosy Bryce’s glasses are when it comes to him.

“You’re home early,” Bryce says, and glances at Chaz, in a way Jared can totally see is a ‘Jared’s home, get the hell out of our apartment so we can hug and then fuck’ look, though Chaz appears not to notice.

Chaz notices. Chaz is ignoring it, because it is rude to give that look to your guest.

“He sort of figured out we’re married,” Jared says. “Something about the matching wedding rings and you being from Richmond and the fact we wouldn’t stop staring at each other the whole time.”

There was pining. There was yearning.

“He said he won’t tell anyone,” Jared says. He’ll save the addition of ‘and complimented me on my impeccable taste in men’ for when Chaz is gone. Which should be soon.

“Okay,” Bryce says, and glances over at Chaz again.

The looks they’re both giving Chaz right now almost make dinner subtle in comparison.

“Out of my house,” Jared says. “Now.”

“I’m literally putting my shoes on right now,” Chaz says. “What more do you want from me?”

“Put them on in the hall,” Jared says.

Jared is actually the worst.

“I missed this bed,” Jared says.

“You have the same one at my mom’s,” Bryce says.

“It’s not the same,” Jared says.

“Because I’m not in it?” Bryce says.

Well, also because this one just seems to know Jared’s body, but —

“Yeah,” Jared says. “Pretty much.”

Good use of your brain-to-mouth filter, Jared, you should do it more often.

“Gabe,” Bryce says.

“Oh,” Jared says, suddenly wide awake thanks to the rush of absolute mortification that runs through his body. Bryce was a great distraction from it, but he suspects that conversation is going to occasionally leap at him right when he’s falling asleep for like, the rest of his life.

Jared is so lucky it was Gabe that happened with, and not literally any other person, who would torture him with it for life, as is their right and their duty.

“No,” Jared says.

“But,” Bryce says.

“Wait your turn,” Jared says, doing his best to ignore Bryce looking sadly at him through the glass.

“But I missed you,” Bryce says plaintively.

Tragic. Heartbreaking. About to break Jared’s fragile anti-shower sex agenda.

124. Hospitality

“May the best team win tonight, hey?” his dad says. Erin’s in a Canucks jersey — Jared’s genuinely surprised she isn’t wearing his old Oilers one to troll both him and everyone in the arena, mom must have threatened her or something — but his dad isn’t, is wearing one from Jared’s Hitmen era.

Jared eyes him and his very Calgarian jersey. “That sounds mature of you,” he says.

Jared is correct about his sister, and his suspicions about his father are also correct, because they’re a bunch of gremlins.

“Dad’s very mature now, Jared,” Erin says. “He’s grown up a lot since you went to Vancouver.”

I love Erin.

“You want the Flames to win tonight, don’t you?” Jared guesses.

“You’re a lock!” his dad says. “The Canucks are making the postseason no matter what! The Flames need this game!”

“Don,” his mom says.

“I’m just saying that one team needs this game more than the other team does,” his dad mutters.

“You want Bryce to beat me tonight,” Jared says. “Like — just to be clear, you want Bryce to beat me? You want your only son to lose this game to Bryce Marcus. Bryce Marcus.”

“Fuck off,” his dad mutters.

“Don!” his mom says.

Jared can’t stop grinning. “I’m really proud of you, dad,” he says.

Simultaneously character growth and character regression because Don Matheson, everyone.

They look all — familial, Jared guesses? Like Elaine’s officially part of the family now, like there’s a Marcus-Matheson tribe. She’s probably going out with them before the game, sticking around after Jared flies out, staying in his and Bryce’s guest room, her and Bryce going to his parents’ place for dinner, eating his dad’s food while all the Mathesons pretend to be nice people for the length of her visit.

At a certain point is it still pretending, or do the Mathesons become nice people when Elaine’s around?

It’s weird how that makes Jared happier than it does like, left out? But good, he guesses. Like, he’ll probably end up sulking about not getting to stick around and eat his dad’s cooking and watch his family pretend they aren’t evil so that they don’t scare Elaine away, but the fact that they’re doing it even when Jared isn’t there, that they want to hang out is — nice. Nice in the same way seeing pictures of Bryce and Chaz and Ash hanging out together makes Jared feel — grateful it’s happening even if he can’t be there.

Jared feels selfless happiness for others and is confused by it.

They’re all chirping him, but Julius’ text is straight up mean. Jared sends back a mean one of his own, and in response Julius gets even meaner. It’s making Jared feel a little better.

Look at Julius knowing exactly what Jared needs.

miss you already Bryce texts, just after Jared replies to a text from Julius saying he hopes the Canucks make it to the Conference Finals. Which sounds nice, but Jared totally knows he means ‘and so do the Flames so you have to play against your husband, bitch’.

It means exactly that. Though Jared added the ‘bitch’ himself.

Soft, Jared replies, but can’t help but add a You too, because he’s also soft, he guesses. But only for Bryce. Julius is getting another mean text.

The duality of Jared.

“Kind of surprised you didn’t figure it out sooner,” Stephen says. “It was all over hockey news when it happened.”

“I was pretty much just following the Flames and playing my own game back then,” Jared says. “Also I was like, twelve?”

This was the meanest thing Jared could say and he wasn’t even trying.

“You’re a baby,” Stephen says.

“Hey,” Jared says.

“An infant,” Stephen says. “Maybe a toddler.”

“I am not a toddler,” Jared says.

“Kindergarten at most,” Stephen says.

Look how fast Jared’s growing!

“Twenty-one,” Stephen mutters. “Jesus christ.”

“Does it help that Bryce is twenty-four?” Jared asks.

“Does it—” Stephen says. “He’s twenty-four? You met — you were a baby.”

Jared is suddenly aware that it does not help that Bryce is twenty-four.

You would think at some point Jared would learn this, but you would be wrong.

“Do I need to call your mother?” Stephen asks.

“Stephen,” Gabe says.

“I’m calling your mother,” Stephen says. “What’s her number.”

As much as Gabe and Stephen never want Jared to meet their parents? Jared is suddenly just as intent that Stephen never meets his father. He feels like it wouldn’t go well for him.

“Stephen,” Gabe says. “Stop, he looks petrified.”

“I know,” Stephen says. “It’s hilarious.”

Jared can only DREAM of becoming Stephen Petersen one day.

[art-that-fucks-you-up-tournament]

SET ELEVEN - ROUND ONE - MATCH FOUR

"Hamlet and Ophelia" (2000 - Andrej Dugin) / "Two Earthlings" (2003/2009 - John Brosio)

HAMLET AND OPHELIA: [no additional commentary] (@angfdz)

TWO EARTHLINGS: This painting makes me feel so very, very sad. I hope you will count it if its the TITLE that really gives the final effect. It being "two earthlings" feels like this wave of oh... oh both me and a dinosaur are earthlings. Despite the astronomical differences between us, despite the fact we have never met alive, we are Two Earthlings. Every once-or-currently living thing shares this earth with us. If this planet is truly the only place with life in the universe, we all share a home. (@tangerinecat14) (also submitted by @wyrmsandrocs and anonymous, and 2 others who have commentaries)

("Hamlet and Ophelia" is a mixed media piece done by Russian-born German artist Andrej Dugin for an edition of Hamlet published in 2000.

"Two Earthlings" is an oil on canvas piece by John Brosio. It measures 48 x 48 in (122 x122 cm).)

[preciousqiqi]

Just started reading Peerless (ftl), and I think that Zhangsun Bodhi and Qiao Xian are so cute when they're thinking about their commander, Cui Buqu, like kids worrying about their elder brother or their parent.

---

My God, Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao are sooooo funny they're fluent in sarcasm and have similar tastes in humor. Particularly when Cui Buqu nonchalantly speaks nonsense and lies, lmao, he's a very interesting sickly guy.

---

I had to read it slowly because I'm not good with this sort of political storyline or anything that includes scheming. But I enjoy the story very much, just like when I enjoy reading Thousand Autumns.

---

Poor Pei Jingzhe, his salary will be reduced every time there's a snowstorm, rain, or even minor inconveniences coming to Feng Xiao, lmao.

---

I can't stand both of them sometimes. I think I understand how Pei Jingzhe feels now when he sees Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao bickering.

---

Ququ and Feng'er's methods of flirting are truly... unusual. They bicker while trying to out-flirt each other.

---

I'd say wushuang is more lighthearted and humorous than qianqiu. But both are my favorite now so I cannot tell which one is more favorable compared to the other. I enjoy both.

---

Goshhh, Cui Buqu is such an interesting character! Had to pause several times just to admire Ququ’s amazing scheming. Even when he lies in coma, his scheme keeps rolling.

---

“

You’re so cute even when you’re so mean!

— Feng Xiao to Cui Buqu

---

HAHAHA Feng Xiao trying to ignore Cui Buqu's safety but in the end, he feels uncomfortable and everywhere he goes it reminds him of his dear Ququ--this is too hilarious. Now, who falls for who?

Feng Xiao: There is only one Cui Buqu in this world. If he died, then where can I go to find someone so interesting again?

HAHAHA I wish I could jump into the story and laugh in front of Feng Xiao, to laugh at him, of course.

---

Feng Xiao: Look at my face, what do you think? Magistrate Zhao: Naturally, you have the look of a dragon and the grace of a phoenix, like an otherworldly being! Feng Xiao: Would you fall for someone uglier than yourself? Magistrate Zhao: ……Good point. I cannot deny it.

This man really... I'm at a loss for words. [x]

---

Y'ALL. IT'S. FINALLY. HERE. AND. I'M. SMILING. EAR. TO. EAR. [x]

---

This peacock is dramatic af, as always. [x] In the subsequent chapter, he then wonders if there is 'something wrong.' No, no, no, Sir, it's not wrong, it's just starting to be more interesting from now on.

---

That moment when Cui Buqu took Feng Xiao's name as his alias... [x]

---

Cui Buqu took Feng Xiao to his mother's grave... [c.100] My heart aches for Ququ.

---

Feng Xiao speak up for his soon-to-be lover [c.102]

---

“

How would I be willing to part with you? Days without you would have been lonely!

— Feng Xiao to Cui Buqu

---

This feeling again. The same heartbroken feeling I feel for Shen Qiao, I feel it again for Cui Buqu. [c.114]

---

Feng Xiao pondering why he falls for Cui Buqu is my favorit paragraphs to read over and over. [c.118]

---

It’s you.

⁠♡ c.122

Alright, Cui Buqu, just admit it that you also have the same feeling for Feng Xiao.

---

Pei Jingzhe: But what is so special about Cui Buqu?

Feng Xiao: That man surnamed Cui is not unusually handsome, has a sullen attitude, is stingy and revengeful, has a poisonous mouth, is calculative, oversteps bounds, and is far too ambitious who harbours malicious schemes in his heart all the time, running about daily trying to ravish credit. Without me at the Tiannian Mountain in Boling county, he would have died a few times. If one were to say that he is special, perhaps it’s his attitude that often enjoys seeking death?

c.130

---

A jealous Feng Xiao is definitely my favorite kind of Feng Xiao, even when it comes to a foe like Xiao Lu who played a ‘special piece’ for Cui Buqu with a zither. Of course, he had to ‘emphasize’ what was truly his, his only lover, by playing an actually-not-so-discreet-confession song as well. [c.139]

---

Oh, we love lovers who collaborate when facing such a complicated scheme by the enemy! This is one of my favorite chapters. [c.143]

---

Let alone one Feng Xiao, imagine three Feng Xiaos appeared before Cui Buqu's eyes, that would definitely give him a headache. [c.146]

---

Tsk tsk tsk, these babies, Pei Jingzhe and Qiao Xian, we can see throughout the story that Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao are truly like father figures for the both of them.

---

Cui Buqu: Feng Yuntian. Of what you asked me yesterday, I answer you now: I say, yes.

What Cui Buqu had asked Feng Xiao yesterday: Would you entrust your back to me? [x]

For a split second, it feels like he's answering a marriage proposal. Y'all I am actually screaming, crying, jumping around in excitement as I read those lines.

---

My jaw dropped as I read that last line from this chapter [c.149]

And the next chapter put me in a good mood and had me smiling wide ear to ear [x]

Feng Xiao: Cui Buqu, since your mouth is so poisonous, and your looks are lackluster, if you continue like this, you really will be alone until the end of your days. Cui Buqu: There is no need for yours respectfully to worry about it. Feng Xiao: Then for mercy’s sake, I should sacrifice myself to remain by the tiger’s side, so the world of mortals can avoid a calamity.

---

Feng Xiao: But what if I win? Cui Buqu: Speak. Feng Xiao: When you return to the capital, state it to the Empress that you wish to put off the engagement with Yuwen Xuanzhu. Cui Buqu: There is no engagement between us.

Boyyy, he's jealous! Can you see it? It's as clear as day. This orlean fairy, Feng Xiao, is not only peerless in beauty and martial arts, but feel jealous easily toward anyone who tries to get close or talk nicely to Cui Buqu. Tsk tsk tsk. Like I said earlier, a jealous Feng Xiao is my favorite kind of Feng Xiao. Because their ‘intimacy’ have progressed a lot up to this point, I am kinda impatient to see more hahahah.

---

So... ahem, I'm kind slow on the uptake, so... Cui Buqu leaned in to kiss Feng Xiao first now? [c.160]

---

Their love language is bickering.

Feng Xiao: Although one might say that there are no little amount of people in this world who admire my eminence and grace, if you hold such kindness, it’s only right for you to say them out loud.

Cui Buqu: Although one might say that I would never take a fancy on common mortals, that even if Second Commander Feng has fallen for me, I might not even bat an eye at you. However, with your manner of concealing your intentions in such a way, aren’t you disgracing your status and air as a top martial artist?

Feng Xiao: Who says I fell for you? How would I fall for an ailing invalid? Stop immersing in your fantasy. Could it be that you have fallen for me?

Cui Buqu: You think I would fall for a bald tailed peacock with a polished exterior who habours a disappointment on the inside?

---

Yang Jun: Have you met any beauties on this trip of yours?

Feng Xiao: There is.

Yang Jun: With your standards, the one you’ve taken a fancy on is an unrivalled beauty, surely?

Feng Xiao: Who could compare to me?

Yang Jun: …. Even if their looks couldn’t compare to you, at the very least there’s something that attracted you? When are you going to introduce them to me?

Feng Xiao: Their virtue is… when they scold people.

Yang Jun: ???

Feng Xiao: They also like to scheme behind everyone’s back.

Yang Jun: ???

Feng Xiao: They’re cold and bad-tempered; and if you caused them even a minor loss, they will swear to god to return the debt to you tenfold.

Yang Jun: Are you sure you are speaking of the person you like, and not an enemy?

Feng Xiao: All my enemies are dead, but this person cannot die. I want them to live their life in perfect health, and to live as long as a hundred years.

Yang Jun: I understand it now. You don’t like someone who is submissive to you, you love those that oppose you at all times around the clock. This is what we call masochism.

Feng Xiao: …

I'm cackling HAHAHAHA

[joesalw]

i am a firm hater of midnights, but my god do i hate this album even more. sure the production at the beginning of the album is way better than that of midnights, but then it devolves and i’m forced to listen to some of the most boring songs in existence. if you’re gonna have a 31 song version of the album, give it some more variety. the amount of times i’ve complained to my sister about how many slow songs with bare production was in it is absurd. truly, the only songs i came close to having a pleasant time listening to were the collab songs and The Prophecy. you know, i’ve not even listened to eternal sunshine in full, only bits and pieces of like four songs, except those four snippets i heard on Ariana’s much shorter, 35 min album was far better than Taylor’s whole 122 min album i listened to in full. this album was the most boring shit i’ve ever heard, with horrible one liner lyrics i know she’s 100% serious about. at least midnights was fun and each song sonically unique! what the fuck is this!

oh the way i reacted when i found out that taylor Did make songs about TK on the album, with actually football references that aren’t even metaphors she’s legitimately talking about football in a song called the Alchemy on an album called the Tortured Poets Department. like i knew this would happen, just not this soon.

I mean what's the point of 31 brand new songs when they all sound the same and repeat the same things she wants to convey...imo she did this to gain streams. again the ts strategy of "Quantity over Quality" or else how do you think she'd break the records? i have streamed eternal sunshine and let me tell you it's so refreshing and meaningful. even the shortest interlude puts so much more depth in the album. the into is so beautiful too and even after a divorce she doesn't sound so petty towards her ex husband as TS sounds in her one month's relationship.

[wrappedinamysteryy]

The promise of Ease

***QURAN***

Allah’s promise is ˹always˺ true. And whose word is more truthful than Allah’s? [4:122]

So, surely with hardship comes ease. [94:5]

Surely with ˹that˺ hardship comes ˹more˺ ease. [94:6]

After hardship, Allah will bring about ease. [65:7]

And whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make a way out for them [65:2]

and provide for them from sources they could never imagine. [65:3]

And whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make their matters easy for them. [65:4]

Indeed, Allah’s help is ˹always˺ near. [2:214]

Allah intends ease for you, not hardship [2:185]

Or ˹ask them,˺ “Who responds to the distressed when they cry to Him, relieving ˹their˺ affliction [27:62]

When My servants ask you ˹O Prophet˺ about Me: I am truly near. I respond to one’s prayer when they call upon Me. [2:186]

“My Lord! I am truly in ˹desperate˺ need of whatever provision You may have in store for me.”

[28:24]

Whoever does good, whether male or female, and is a believer, We will surely bless them with a good life [16:97]

And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: “If you give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allah), I will give you more (of My Blessings) [14:7]

Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying, etc.). I will remember you. [2:152]

————————————————————————————

***HADITH***

Ibn Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever increases his prayers for forgiveness, Allah will grant him relief from every worry, a way out from every hardship, and provide for him in ways he does not expect.”

Source: Musnad Aḥmad 2234 Grade: Sahih

Qatadah ibn Di’amatah reported: It has been mentioned to us that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, gave glad tidings to his companions about this verse, “Verily, with the hardship comes an ease, with the hardship comes an ease,” (94:5-6) and the Prophet said, “A hardship will never defeat two eases.” Source: Tafsīr al-Ṭabarī 94:5

Grade: Jayyid (very good)

Ibn Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Know that there is much good in being patient with what you detest, victory will come with patience, relief will come with affliction, and ‘with the hardship will come an ease.’” (94:5) Source: Musnad Aḥmad 2803

Grade: Sahih

Ibn Mas’ud reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Ask Allah for His favor as Allah Almighty loves to be asked. Among the best acts of worship is awaiting relief.” Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 3571

Grade: Sahih

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, was once standing over a hole and he said, “If hardship were to enter this hole, ease would surely follow it, go inside, and take it out.” Then, Allah Almighty revealed the verse, “Verily, with the hardship comes an ease, with the hardship comes an ease.” (94:5-6) Source: al-Mustadrak ‘alá al-Ṣaḥīḥayn 3552

Grade: Sahih

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, Allah is merciful, conscientious, and generous. He would be shy for His servant to raise his hands to Him and then not place any goodness in either of them.” Source: al-Mustadrak ʻalá al-Ṣaḥīḥayn 1832

Grade: Sahih

Abu Razin reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Allah laughs for the despair of His servant, as He will soon relieve him.” I said, “O Messenger of Allah, does the Lord laugh?” The Prophet said, “Yes.” I said, “We will never be deprived of goodness by a Lord who laughs!” Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 181

Grade: Hasan

Abu Qatadah reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, you will never leave anything for the sake of Allah Almighty but that Allah will replace it with something better for you. Source: Musnad Aḥmad 23074

Grade: Sahih

Ibn Mas’ud reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “When a third of the night remains, Allah Almighty descends to the lowest heavens, then the gates of heaven are opened, and He reaches out, saying: Are there any asking that might give them what they request? It continues as such until the rise of dawn.” Source: Musnad Aḥmad 3673

Grade: Sahih

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, mentioned the day of Friday and he said, “In it is an hour in which no Muslim stands to pray and ask Allah for something but that he will be given it,” and he indicated with his hand that the time is very short.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 935

Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas reported: We were sitting with the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and he said, “Shall I not tell you of something by which a man among you can supplicate to relieve the hardships or trials of the world when they descend?” They said, “Of course!” The Prophet said, “It is the prayer of Jonah, Dhul Nun: There is no God but You, glory be to You for I have certainly been among the wrongdoers.” (21:87) Source: al-Sunan al-Kubrá lil-Nasā’ī 10416

Grade: Sahih

The Prophet (saas) heard a man say: 'Allahumma! Inni as'aluka bi-annaka Antallahul-Ahadus-Samad, alladhi lam yalid wa lam yuwlud, wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan ahad. The Messenger of Allah (saas) said: 'He has asked Allah by His Greatest Name, which if He is asked thereby He gives, and if He is called upon thereby He answers. Sunan Ibn Majah 3857

Grade: Sahih

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace be and blessings on him, said, “Allah Almighty says: I am as My servant expects of Me and I am with him as he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I will remember him in Myself. If he mentions Me in a gathering, I will mention him in a greater gathering. When he draws near Me by the span of his hand, I draw near him by the length of a cubit. When he draws near Me by the length of a cubit, I draw near him by the length of a fathom. When he comes to Me walking, I come to him running.”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 7405, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2675

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Every one of you will have his supplications answered, as long as he is not impatient and he says: I have supplicated but I was not answered.”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6340, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2735

————————————————————————————

Du’a is answered when rain is falling, when battle is joined, when the adhan and iqaamah (call to prayer) are given, following prayers, when prostrating, and when offered by one who is fasting, one who is travelling and one who is oppressed, and so on. All of this is narrated in well-known haadeeths (reports) in the books of Saheeh.

————————————————————————————

***SCHOLARS***

Ibn al-'Uthaymeen.

{So verily, with the hardship, there is relief} ~Surah Ash-Sharh, 94:5

"This statement is news from who? From Allaah, And His news is the truest news and His Promise is never broken. So every time things become difficult for you, wait for the relief. Every time things become difficult for you, wait for the relief."

[tafseer surah ash-sharh]

Ibn al-‘Uthaymeen.

The test gets harder when the relief is close

Ibn Rajab.

Waiting for relief (from hardship) is worship, for verily the trials don't last forever."

Ibn Al Qayyim.

O you who are patient! Bear a little more, just a little more remains.

Ibn Al Qayyim.

From the perfection of Allah’s ihsan is that He allows His slave to taste the bitterness of the break before the sweetness of the mend. So He does not break his believing slave, except to mend him. And He does not withhold from him, except to give him. And He does not test him (with hardship), except to cure him.

Ibn Al Qayyim.

If Allah didn’t want to accept your dua, he would not have guided you to make the dua in the first place.

Imam 'Abdur-Rahmăn As-Sa'di.

{With hardship comes ease} 94:5

"(This contains] great glad tidings that whenever hardship and difficulty exist, then indeed, ease accompanies and is associated with it. Even if hardship enters a mastigure's hole, ease will enter upon it and drive it out. Just as Alläh, the Most High, said: {Allah will grant after hardship, ease. And as the Prophet said: 'Indeed, relief is with distress, and with the hardship, there is relief."

Shaykh Saleh al Fawzan.

Whoever is afflicted with a hardship, then ease is near. It comes with it…One hardship comes with two eases and one hardship will never overcome two eases.

Ibn Kathir.

(Allah will grant after hardship, ease.) This is a sure promise from Him, and indeed, Allah's promises are true and He never breaks them.

Ibn Kathir.

So just as there is hardship, its equal of relief will soon arrive

Imam Al-Shafi’i.

The dua made during tahajjud is like an arrow that does not miss its target

Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA).

I am not worried about whether my dua will be responded to, but rather I am worried about whether I will be able to make dua or not. So if I have been guided (by Allah) then (I know) that the response will come with it).

Copied

[hows-itgoagain]

i don’t think i’ll ever get over chapter 122 actually. like it’s genuinely baffling. it’s a wild fucking thing. to say something like that to a person. to then collapse in their arms. to have them cry over you thinking you died for them. it’s just…. holy hell. the things mashle does to me is unspeakable truly

[girloftheisland]

New doll display shelf. I like dressing newer dolls in "vintage" outfits. My favorite is the Sk8ter Girl assemble, though it's probably the least fashionable one here. The double layered shirts and cargo pants were definitely a moment in the 2000s.

Featuring:

Truly Me's #67, #79, #44, #122, #30

Kimmi Dolls and one real kokeshi doll

Corolle doll with the one and only Coconut

Samantha (nude) in rehab next to my "mini me"

Girls of Many Lands

Boyds Bears at the bottom

[grace-kami]

Happy anniversary Lies of P family!!!

I'm sorry I couldn't make something for the anniversary as these last two weeks have been stressful and today is also my mom's birthday so I'm a bit busy today, ya.😅

I owe a lot to the creators of this game for helping me find my new muse. I counted the other day, I have made 122 finished artworks within one year and that's not counting the sketches I've never shown. I've also filled 3 sketchbooks full of LoP stuff, that's crazy.😂So I guess I don't really need an anniversary to prove how much I love this game. Seeing my skill improve so much within a year is wild, and I truly couldn't do it without community support.

When I first start posting my artwork, I didn't think anyone would like it but I was very wrong. I love this community so much, I've make so many friends and have seen so many AMAZING artworks. Seeing the passion and love going into these artworks is extremely beautiful.

Thank you everybody for everything!! Happy LoP anniversary!!

I love you guys so much!!❤️🫂

[kimberlyannharts]

misc thoughts on #122 -

= Billy's actions do get framed as wrong I THINK but he still does that awful "yeah I'm sorry I guess but YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY I DID IT YOU'LL UNDERSTAND EVENTUALLY" bullshit that's been so prevalent in these comics and pisses me off every time. Oh was it ~hurtful~ for Aisha to call you a traitor? It probably hurt when Kiya and Alt-Trini kicked her ass and knocked her out because of what YOU told them to do, asshole

= Also if shattering the Grid really gets fixed as easily as "oh well the last remaining Egg will fix it" then Necessary Evil and the Omegas truly were giant wastes of time, weren't they

= Though while we're talking about it I have no idea of what the consequences of Billy shattering the Grid were besides everyone being pissed off at him (and Kiya and Alt-Trini might be out of the picture now; they don't show up in this issue and no one talks about them). Taking what was the foundation of an entire event - really, the foundation of the entire SERIES after Shattered Grid ended - and reducing it to two issues at the end of this one is definitely going to be a major part of my writeup

= We really didn't need the whole "Slayer and Ari fight" thing considering how fast it gets wrapped up

= Where the fuck was Kim. Tommy, Rocky, and Adam get one panel. good god the finale is going to be doing a lot of the heavy lifting of "actually feature the goddamn MMPRs"

= Jason gets weird over seeing Zack/Trini are together now. Make them a polycule you cowards

= Bulk calls Taylor hot??????? why do we need this??????

= obligatory Shattered Grid "everyone is here" scene is finally here but also kind of a shame that the guys they picked up in the montage were apparently the....ONLY guys they picked up lol

= Related to that we got further confirmation of characters who were previously just captured like Shelby and Danny are corrupted so truly what was the point of them just being captured

= Terona gets weirdly angry over Kendall....asking about Grace? "WHO TOLD YOU ABOUT HER??" Is this. like. a problem? That Kendall wants to know about Grace? Grace was the head of Promethea, why WOULDN'T Kendall know about her?

= I did like the memorial for the 1969 Rangers though, that was nice

= Same with how the issue didn't really give us any Salum/Maxie scenes, but them playing with Ari's kid in the bg was cute

= So was the "shocking cliffhanger that will leave you stunned" just......Ari opening the Void? Because that's not shocking. That's just what....needed to be done lol

[kavikasharma]

I did my first rewig! it was a Julie, and now she has Truly Me 122's wig. I think her name is going to be Imogen.