Friday - Life Lessons
Apr. 27th, 2012 11:27 am![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
mahmfic.livejournal.com posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
comment_ficTGIF everyone! (okay I totally read that in Professor Farnworth's voice) I am your host ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
mahmfic. Today's theme is Life Lessons. Today is about those important (or unimportant) things our characters learn.
Rules:
No more than three prompts to a single fandom
No more than five prompts at a time
If your prompt or fic has spoilers, please warn and and leave at least three spaces
Format:
Fandom, Character, Prompt
Fandom, Character/Character, Prompt
Examples:
RPF, Jamie Hyneman/Adam Savage, When in doubt... C4!
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Billy, Follow your dreams
Don't feel like having our characters 'learn' something today? Pop over to the lonely prompts.
tag=lifelessons
mahmfic. Today's theme is Life Lessons. Today is about those important (or unimportant) things our characters learn.Rules:
No more than three prompts to a single fandom
No more than five prompts at a time
If your prompt or fic has spoilers, please warn and and leave at least three spaces
Format:
Fandom, Character, Prompt
Fandom, Character/Character, Prompt
Examples:
RPF, Jamie Hyneman/Adam Savage, When in doubt... C4!
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Billy, Follow your dreams
Don't feel like having our characters 'learn' something today? Pop over to the lonely prompts.
tag=lifelessons
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 03:35 pm (UTC)Author’s choice, author’s choice, Have you ever held a butterfly in your hand and then spread your fingers to let it go? You’ll never feel stronger.
FILL: Little Victories [Grimm, Monroe, G]
Date: 2012-04-27 07:28 pm (UTC)It wasn't that he'd ever been all about the killing. He'd just been into having a good time, and sometimes that included killing. He was out of control, and that was what scared him. Now he had routine. He had yoga and soy-bacon BLTs from the hippie deli across the street from the park.
Monroe didn't know a lot about Monarch butterflies outside of being able to recognize one. Were they common to the area, or was this some kind of sign? Did butterflies have symbolism somewhere? He curled his fingers up, making a cage around it so it couldn't fly away.
He could crush it. No one would fault him for it. It wasn't a human or another Wesen. It was a bug. It probably didn't even have conscious thought. It wasn't something he'd even have to talk about in the support group.
He could feel the orange wings fluttering against his fingers. The butterfly was alive.
Yes, he could crush it, but what would it accomplish? He was in control. He could do this.
Monroe opened his hand, and after a moment, the butterfly took off. He looked up, keeping his eyes on it until it was simply an orange speck in the trees.
Letting out his breath, Monroe squeezed his empty hand into a fist.
He didn't have to give in. He could be in control of his own actions.
Celebrate little victories. One baby step at a time.
Re: FILL: Little Victories [Grimm, Monroe, G]
From:Re: FILL: Little Victories [Grimm, Monroe, G]
From:no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 03:36 pm (UTC)Glee, Kurt, to thine own self be true
no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 03:36 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 03:37 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 03:37 pm (UTC)Filled
Date: 2012-04-28 04:17 am (UTC)He had grumbled and complained when Shannon had urged them to "say cheese!"; though he would sometimes take the camera from her when the mood struck him and make sure she made it into a few shots.
Now, though, he's greatful for Shannon's shutterbug ways. It's the only thing he has when he feels his memories fading: when he can't remember if Kelly's hair was light brown or dark blonde. When he can't remember exactly how Shannon's eyes crinkled when she smiled.
When he has the nightmares that they were never real and he just made them up to soothe his loneliness.
Some of the pictures are worn around the edges from constant handling. Others are nearly pristine. He's watched the tapes so often he's memorized every word.
And still there's the ever-present feeling that he could have done something... Should have done something. That if it hadn't been for him they'd still be here; Kelly in college or in the Navy the way she sometimes claimed she might do, Shannon having that camera store she'd always wanted.
Gibbs presses a kiss to the photo on his nightstand, The one of Kelly and Shannon after Kelly's first track meet. Shannon had sent it to him while he was on assignment in Germany. She hadn't known he was in Germany.
Gibbs is never more thankful than he is now that she was so into photography.
Re: Filled
From:Re: Filled
From:Re: Filled
From:no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 03:37 pm (UTC)Phineas and Ferb, Phineas and Baljeet, "All of the Above"
Date: 2012-04-28 04:20 am (UTC)"Baljeet, you're looking at things the wrong way," Phineas said with a small smile. "You're so determined to map your path for the day that you're missing all of the fun and amazing possibilities that are branching off of it."
"I do not understand what you are saying," Baljeet returned, his voice and expression both confused.
Phineas paused and tried to think of another way to express his thoughts. "You're looking at each day like a math test," he finally said. "You see each block of time like an equation to be solved, and there can only be one answer."
Baljeet frowned. "Actually, with more complicated mathematical concepts and equations there can be more than one answer, or even a range of answers..."
Phineas held up a hand to interrupt the Indian boy. "You're missing the point, 'Jeet. And if it helps, think simple math."
"Yes, of course," Baljeet said, a bit embarrassed. "Go ahead with what you were saying."
"What I'm saying is this: there's never just one answer for life," Phineas continued. "When Ferb and I wake up in the morning, we rarely know what we're going to do that day. We look at our options, think about how we're feeling, see if anyone else has anything they want or need to do..." He shrugged.
Baljeet sighed. "I have never been able to understand that, how you can accomplish so much when you rely so heavily on improvisation."
Phineas smiled again. "Well, if it makes you feel better, there are some things we have to plan once we've picked our project for the day."
"But why could you not do what you do if you were to plan it beforehand?"
"Planning every detail makes your thinking too rigid," Phineas replied. "Creativity comes from an ability and willingness to roll with whatever the day gives you, and creativity is at the core of what we do and why we do it. That's where the joy of life is for us." He grinned. "I've noticed you feeling that same joy with us, don't deny it."
"I would not deny that," Baljeet said, smiling despite himself.
Phineas gave a little chuckle then returned to the topic of discussion. "But to put it in terms of a test, life isn't like a math test. It's not a fill-in-the-blank exam. There are too many different options out there."
Baljeet considered it, the beginnings of understanding struggling to come to the fore. "So it is like an essay examination?"
Phineas shook his head. "Nah. Life's a multiple choice test, and sometimes there's almost a whole alphabet to choose from. And sometimes the answer is 'all of the above'." He gave his friend a pointed look. "Most importantly - now brace yourself for this - you can't always study for it. Sometimes you just have to trust that what you already know will be enough to get you by."
Baljeet surprised the redhead by smiling at that. "I understand the concept of pop quizzes." He smiled even wider. "That is why I like to study as much as I do. That way I am as prepared as possible at all times."
The two of them laughed, then Phineas threw an arm around the black-haired boy's shoulders. "So did I answer your question? Are we good?"
"We are fine, Phineas," Baljeet assured him, allowing the other boy to start to lead him toward where their other friends had reappeared with the last of the supplies they needed for that day's big idea. "And I think I am beginning to understand what you are saying. It even makes sense."
"Great!" Phineas enthused. "You think about it, and in the meantime let's do this thing!" He gave the other boy a friendly pat on the back and started to close the remaining distance to the others with a jog.
Baljeet smiled at Phineas' back fondly for a moment before running to catch up. The whole concept was getting clearer and clearer the more time he spent with his friends, and that made him happy. As for today...
It was definitely an "all of the above" kind of day.
Re: Phineas and Ferb, Phineas and Baljeet, "All of the Above"
From:Re: Phineas and Ferb, Phineas and Baljeet, "All of the Above"
From:no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 03:38 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 03:38 pm (UTC)Supernatural, Dean & author's choice, your praise is not worth dying for
Filled.
Date: 2012-04-28 04:34 am (UTC)He gave up his every dream the day his mother died, because his father might as well have died for all that he's there when Dean or Sammy need him. He gave up everything to raise Sammy. He learns to be a hunter to protect Sammy and to try to earn his father's approval. The only thing he ever earns is his father's disappointment when he lets himself slip, lets himself be a kid for just a moment, just long enough to put Sammy in danger.
Perhaps that is why he fights so hard against the angels. Fights against what Castiel tells him about his own part in the greater cosmos.
It's definately the reason why, when he finally gets a chance to meet God, Dean tells the being to go fuck himself.
Because he's learned over a long, difficult life that no one's praise is worth dying for. Family is all that matters and that determination is his greatest strength.
Re: Filled.
From:Re: Filled.
From:Re: Filled.
From:Re: Filled.
From:Re: Filled.
From:no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 03:39 pm (UTC)White Collar, Mozzie & Neal or Neal & Peter, there is no person who is not dangerous for someone
White Collar, Neal et al, there is no person who is not dangerous for someone
Date: 2012-04-28 12:26 am (UTC)He's also a good-looking guy, so really, avoiding notice isn't something isn't something he's been able to do with any regularity. Mostly Neal deflects attention like a magician; directing people away from the real action with the touch of a master manipulator. Girlfriends have never felt more desired, guys gain cool points just by hanging out with him - even his marks feel flattered that they had something he wanted.
There are few who are allowed close enough to experience Neal with his gloves off. Those who are bask in his attention like flowers in the sun; flourishing under his watchful eye. They begin to discover that the sharp conman personality hides a dense core of vulnerability and fear of rejection. It arouses protective instincts; whether maternal, filial or the urge to defend a mate, it hardly matters. There are few in Neal's life who won't go the mattresses for him, even among his acquaintances.
But that kind of affection - love - it's dangerous.
That kind of affection makes demands on him too.
Mozzie steals treasure for him. Drops everything to back his plays. Steals getaway vehicles. Compromises his covers. Befriends a suit. Abandons the USA. It's frightening what Mozzie will do for him, will give up for him, but at least Mozzie was in the life before he met Neal.
El has given more. She was never as black and white as Peter, warming to his charm almost immediately; more importantly, she trusted him first. She knew her husband and somehow she knew him; she let Peter have him - becoming a willing accomplice and enabler in their relationship, even urging him into crime to protect Peter. Her hands are no longer clean, but he cherishes them more because of what that dirt signifies.
Peter is a tough nut to crack, or at least he tries to be ... Neal's eager-to-please boyish charm and scary intelligence endear him to Peter despite Peter's frequent doubts as to Neal's innocence on many matters. It's fair enough, Neal thinks; he is rarely innocent on any matter. But Peter is possessive, and he doesn't give up, and Neal is Peter's work-in-progress, so his attitude to Kramer is fuck you when he tries to steal Neal.
Neal slides his eyes closed and leans back on the headrest, shutting out the view of the US dropping away beneath them out of the window. He's left two of the closest people he's ever had in his life behind, for the moment, and he's considering ditching Mozzie too, once they land.
"Don't even think about it," Mozzie drawls. "I promise you won't like me if you make me chase you."
Neal smiles, his eyes still shut. He likes the adrenalin rush.
Re: White Collar, Neal et al, there is no person who is not dangerous for someone
From:no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 03:40 pm (UTC)Highlander, Methos, if you live long enough nothing is sacred
no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 03:41 pm (UTC)Not a fill
Date: 2012-04-27 04:10 pm (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 03:42 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 03:45 pm (UTC)The Walking Dead, Daryl, "Haven't you people ever heard of closing the god damn door?!"
Date: 2012-04-28 02:34 pm (UTC)There wasn't a damn thing that was being done. They all just sat around on couches yacking, and Daryl felt like he had ants in his pants what with all the not doing anything going around.
Why did there have to be some big moral debate about every damn thing? If it needed to be done, do it, and stop worrying about the right or wrong of it so much. Everything about the world was wrong these days, ain't nothing they could change about that. He appreciated that Rick tried to do the right thing most of the time. It was a good difference from his brother and the way he was used to things going. But this was ridiculous.
Here they were picking their noses in some dead peoples living room of a half a million dollar lake house out in cabin country and they were wondering if it was okay or not to move the original inhabitiants out of the bedroom upstairs they'd shot themselves in the head in.
Apparently it was one thing to loot and take over a house where the people had wandered off and probably been eaten while trying to get somewhere safe, but not when they were still decomposing upstairs.
It was stupid. This house was perfect for staying in for the time being. The lake for fishing, the woods all around for hunting, it was secluded and off the road and so the chances of being over run were minimal. The dead guys upstairs weren't going to have any objections to anyone moving in.
A scrape and moan came from the front door and Daryl crossed the living room to look around the corner. This area wasn't clean of walkers, but there sure as hell were a lot fewer than anywhere else they'd stopped yet.
He brought up his crossbow and a bolt sank into the eye of the shambling mess creeping up through the front door. A collective gasp escaped the group.
"Haven't you people ever heard of closing the god damn door?!" Daryl grumbled as he retrieved his bolt and dragged the walker back outside where it should have stayed in the first place.
(no subject)
From:Re: The Walking Dead, Daryl, "Haven't you people ever heard of closing the god damn door?!"
From:no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 03:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 03:51 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 03:53 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 03:55 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 03:56 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 03:59 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 04:02 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 04:03 pm (UTC)Highlander - Rule 1: Live
Date: 2016-03-22 06:21 pm (UTC)The first rule, Methos has told hundreds of children over the centuries, is to live. No more and no less. Survive, by whatever means necessary. It will hurt, of course, and it will be difficult, but even if you die, you will always awaken again. Mortals do not have that certainty, but Methos tells every child and every student in his care, we do. We will live.
Pain is fleeting. Even if you spend a decade here or a century there utterly miserable, it will always pass, if you are clever or determined enough.
Live, he commands, no matter the cost.
Everything else is gravy.
Re: Highlander - Rule 1: Live
From:Re: Highlander - Rule 1: Live
From:no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 04:09 pm (UTC)(quote from Goodfellas)
no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 04:13 pm (UTC)way future!fic, Kurt & Blaine / OMCS
Date: 2012-05-01 02:07 am (UTC)Kurt will never forget his first love. He will swear until the day he dies that Blaine saved his life, and they remain the best of friends.
They don't go out in a blaze of glory, in doors slammed or phones thrown against the wall. They fade away, a lingering burn they feel even years later, sometimes, when their eyes meet across the room, Kurt’s arms around Ben and Blaine holding Theo’s hand.
I still love you, you silly, wonderful, boy, Kurt thinks, listening to Blaine talk about the kids in his music class, knowing that if it only took love, they’d be together until the end of the world. But no one can live on dreams and hope and the flame of love, and he looks at Ben, laughing at Blaine’s anecdote, and then at Theo, gazing at Blaine like Blaine used to watch Kurt, and he knows that being friends for life is amazing, too.
no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 04:13 pm (UTC)Glee, Blaine +or/ Cooper, Cooper is the worldly older brother, but Blaine is the one who always ends up trying to protect Cooper from realizing that the world isn't as shiny and perfect as Cooper likes to think.
no subject
Date: 2012-04-27 04:14 pm (UTC)