#and Levi as hope/the potential for growth

[daydreamerdrew]

The Swamp Thing (2021) #2

[zoroara]

Okay so, one of my parallels that I really, really like in the Varia dynamics, is actually Levi and Squalo's. Envy and Pride dynamics are, very fun. Especially if they appear very similar on the surface but when you break them down the two couldn't be more different, and god that's what you have with these two.

I'll break down what I mean by this, it might get long though. This is a complete ramble though so warning it's not as structures as my others.(implying those were structured)

Firstly the most important thing is to understand envy, and Levi's envy.

Envy, is greatly different from Jealousy, but shares similar roots Jealousy, is wanting something someone else has Envy, is being willing to take it, make sure that they don't have it. it's a spiteful emotion, Someone can't be better than you, they can't even be equal, You need to have what they have and they can't have it either This means, the object or the target of Levi's envy, isn't Xanxus it's Squalo

The reason it's Squalo is that not only does Squalo have genuine confidence in himself and doesn't need other's approval. It's also that Squalo has everything Levi desires, or is at least perceived to. He has the attention of Xanxus and by rainbow arc, the recognition of strength being built up.

Levi's feelings towards Squalo are incredibly one sided, as where Levi feels like Squalo is in the way of what he wants and needs his power taken from him and swept away (Levi purposely trying to convince others to not listen to Squalo, and arguing against his orders) Squalo barely Acknowledges it unless it's actually getting annoying. To him Levi is just an annoyance, a gnat, not worth his time and easily settled with force.

Where as Squalo inherently commands respect and is more than capable of putting people back in line if they don't respect him Levi demands respect, but has no bite to back him up, Squalo forces other's praise with skills to back him up, he works and makes Xanxus realize his power without making it top priority Levi begs for praise, and while working makes noise and calls attention to himself in the hopes that he will be acknowledged.

Squalo is deeply enviable for a person like Levi, because he is everything Levi wants to be and isn't. And their dynamics bleed into this, Squalo treats Levi as nuisance, deepening this feeling in him. Meanwhile all he can really muster for the strong feelings Levi has, is a quick one and done dealt with him. Mild acknowledgements like "What are you glaring for" Major at most kicking him over and telling him to stick to the mission.

But their contrasts with their boss

Oh how they interact with Xanxus.

Squalo doesn't hold Xanxus too highly, certainly as a good person to follow due to his endless potential of growth. But the person attached to that? Annoying, surly, pain in the ass. He does come around more but he'll never hold Xanxus the person above himself, even if he may even see them as equals.

Levi, oh Levi... Xanxus may as well be an untouchable god who can do no wrong. No matter what he asks for, no matter what he does no matter how unreasonable no matter what. Xanxus is perfect, and Levi would sooner allow himself to be tortured than admit Xanxus is a flawed individual.

Which is exactly why Xanxus would never acknowledge him.

Why would he?

Levi has marked himself as scum below Xanxus, meanwhile Squalo actively pushes against him and attacks with confidence.

Only one of these methods would ever allow Xanxus to turn around and see them, to let them walk beside him.

And it's certainly not Levi's.

[the-one-where-casey-watches-tv]

The Morning Show episode 3.10 "The Overview Effect"

The season of Alex Levy! It’s been awhile since I really felt proud of a character the way I feel proud of her. It’s also not too often in shows that you get to see a character grow and actually implement that growth. Typically, a character ‘learning their lesson’ marks the end of the story, but The Morning Show has a really unique pacing that does wonders for character development. They all contain multitudes and nuance and flaws and strengths, and that complexity of every individual is the exact thing that fuels the chaos behind this show.

I also think this show is slept on for some reason? I never hear anyone talk about it which confuses me with this kind of cast. From what I gather, it does too good a job capturing all the problems in our society and that’s a downer. I’ve always been impressed by that quality about it, the whole thing would feel silly if it didn’t feel authentic. But for anyone who feels that The Morning Show is just a stressful and sad reminder of the state of US capitalism and media- this season surprised me by building to an incredibly hopeful and empowering conclusion. One all about growth and accountability. I honestly feel like I have a better understanding of what the phrase “doing the work” actually looks like in the context of social justice and power after watching this.

Jennifer Aniston in "The Overview Effect". Image courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter.

Before this season’s finale, my opinion was leaning the complete other way. Bradley, who I’ve always identified with and loved, covered up her brother’s involvement January 6th. Hal wasn’t just there; he attacked a cop- and people were looking for him. Bradley didn’t just discretely ignore it, she doctored him out of footage, lied to the FBI, and continued reporting on the event. To me, she lost all her ethical standing with this, and she continued doing the news for a long time before anyone found out. As Laura Peterson told her, “It’s obscene”.

But then again, Laura only found out about it by scouring all of Bradley’s leaked emails and texts in search of evidence of Bradley sleeping with Cory. Before Alex got involved during “The Overview Effect”, I was rolling my eyes at the both of them. It was screaming ‘liberals who can’t get off their high horse but also aren’t ethical in their own lives when it really comes down to it’. Laura being so insecure about Bradley sleeping with someone when they weren’t even together to the point that she would violate her privacy like that felt incredibly low for Laura. Almost out of character. Her finding out about the Hal situation and her subsequent breakup with Bradley is what catalyzed the climax of this season, but I really wish she had found out some other way.

Nonetheless, I saw a glimmer of hope for Bradley when she resigned on-air. It was dramatic, as she and Alex both often are, but it was a step towards accountability. Losing her girlfriend, her job, and potentially the rest of her career made me feel like she is, indeed, paying the price for her choices.

Something else also happens here that manages to put Bradley’s transgressions in perspective. Paul Marks stops by Bradley’s green room right before what would be her final broadcast, blackmailing her with his knowledge of how the January 6th cover up could blowback on Laura, and telling Bradley to stop digging into Hyperion. “The Overview Effect” opens with Paul blatantly (to us) lying to Alex about that conversation, telling her instead about the support he offered Bradley in that moment.

Paul Marks was a great character addition this season. They planted the seed well that he was ‘not what he seemed’ and had something going on with Hyperion, his independent space company that was working with NASA. Stella had an old friend who tried to blow the whistle, but Stella really straddles the line between empowering from the top down, as she claims to do, and simply playing the game. She scared the friend away, and so enlisted Bradley and Chip to help her get to the bottom of whatever it was that she now regretted ignoring. All we knew for most of this season was that he didn’t assault anyone- he was “too smart” for that- but he sure did something, and absolutely no one would come forward.

Jon Hamm and Jennifer Aniston in "The Overview Effect". Image courtesy of TV Line.

The chemistry between Jon Hamm and Jennifer Aniston is really the thing that made him- and her- compelling. It was so genuine, and his affection for Alex is the one thing about him that I do still believe to be true. I’ll say it, he had great charisma and calming DILF energy. Without knowing what exactly he had done, the smitten part of me wanted to believe that it was nothing. Seeing that side of him, understanding what Alex saw in him, makes what she does in this episode all the more impressive.

Ever since her live resignation, Alex has been texting and calling Bradley to no avail. After her conversation with Paul, the one where he lies through his teeth, Alex decides to go check on her. When she shows up at her apartment, Bradley looks unhinged. Disheveled and manic, Bradley tells Alex she can come in if she leaves her purse and phone in the hall. Alex obliges, and when Bradley gets talking, it all makes horrifying sense.

Bradley admits to everything about January 6th, but then says something else- Paul knew about it too, and in their conversation, he referenced things he could only know if he had been listening to her fight with Laura. Alex is shocked, but, to her immense credit, not disbelieving. Bradley says she’s going home to West Virginia for awhile to take care of things with her family. Alex leaves, wrapping her head around the possibility that Paul is surveilling Bradley- and who knows who else. On the way home, she texts Bradley that getting away for a bit is a good idea, and that she should go back to West Virginia. After a moment of thought, she changes West Virginia to Hanover, a place they didn’t discuss, and hits send.

Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston in "The Overview Effect". Image courtesy of IMDb.

Alex’s little experiment proves fruitful. She gets back to her apartment and tells Paul that she went to visit Bradley. They chat about it, Paul playing a supportive boyfriend. So supportive that he wraps Alex in a hug and says Alex is right, Bradley should get away for a bit, go back to Hanover and recoup. Alex freezes. She doesn’t give herself away though. She agrees, hugs him back, and spends the night sharing a bed with someone that we and she now all know is very scary.

Then she pays a visit to Laura. A plan is formed, but we don’t find out about until the Hyperion-UBA deal is minutes away from going through. Right about as people are ready to start pouring champagne, Alex says there’s just enough time to put a counteroffer on the table. Laura has worked some magic at her network, NBN, and she and Alex are proposing a merger. They will share resources to save costs and form a true journalistic partnership.

Paul is caught completely off guard. He asks to speak to Alex in private, where they round a corner to come face to face with Stella and Kate- the original Hyperion whistleblower. They give Paul an ultimatum- walk away from the deal and come clean to NASA about sending them falsified reports on his rockets- or they will report on everything. Oh also- the transmission break when Bradley and Cory went to space? Not a broadcast issue, Paul cut the feed because the ship’s navigation system malfunctioned. Alex was absolutely right not to get on that thing. Also did this plot line remind anyone else of a certain submersible?

Paul, of course, accepts these terms because the alternative is life-ending, but he’s still flabbergasted at Alex’s turning on him. It’s a little sad, he really did love her and didn’t see it coming whatsoever, but not that sad because he was doing some fucked up shit.

For all of Cory’s heart attack-inducing running around this season, it was Alex single-handedly saving UBA multiple times over. She brought Paul Marks to the table, and she kicked him back away from it. And none of it was selfish. She was so thoughtful this season it blows me away. While Paul and Cory were both leaking scandals like chess pieces, Alex was processing them all with poise.

Billy Crudup in "The Overview Effect". Image courtesy of IMDb.

The idea that all the things that consume a news cycle, that prompt a notes app apology on Instagram and cost people their careers, are, at their source, a meaningless power play by executives with zero genuine interest, is the saddest thought posed this season. It was demoralizing to see Cory drop a bombshell and pretend to care about it when really all it meant to him was a successful board meeting. Knowing that origin of all these scandals, watching Alex, Chris, Mia, and Yanko put so much heart into thinking through these issues of race and pay inequality is just sad in some ways. The people at the top were preying on these ethics, on the outrage, on the news cycles, and people’s careful attempts to do the right thing were the very things executing Cory’s delicately laid plans.

Cory’s last-ditch attempt to reconcile with Cybil to save UBA really cements that all these issues of inequity meant nothing to him. He’ll go whichever way the wind blows. Alex, meanwhile, rejected Cybil’s pleas for allyship and engaged with her just enough to hold her accountable (“It isn’t just an email. You paid a black person less than a white person for the same job.”) She also knew when to take action and when to step back. She interviewed Paul on her own show and I truly don’t think their relationship ever clouded her work, but when Cybil was going to be interviewed, she was the one who arranged for it to be Chris doing the interviewing.

And in the end, Alex didn’t let a trail of injustices cloud her perspective. She was able to put what Bradley had done on the backburner for a moment, and get Laura to do the same, to tackle the wrongdoing of all wrongdoings. She did what Paul was relying on our society not being able to do- seeing through a scandal to its source. And she didn’t do it to save her own job- she was about to get the rebrand of a lifetime- she did it simply because it was the right thing to do.

But she didn’t forget about everything else. Before the credits rolled, Alex was holding Bradley’s hand as she and Hal stood outside an FBI office. Alex tells her it’s going to be okay, that she’ll be there for her, but that she has to do this. Bradley knows she does. This is what friendship should look like. Both unconditional support and accountability. I love this example proving that you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. That someone can have room for growth, and they can do it by your side, with your support. That’s how we all get better.

Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston in "The Overview Effect". Image courtesy of IMDb.

I’m just so thrilled to see The Morning Show go this way. If you know me, you know I love a happy ending, and this may not be that, but it is hopeful, empowering, and motivating. And that’s what it’s all about, I think.

[onigiri-dorkk]

Hey! I loved your content and the recent post

Somehow I can’t comment under the post so I decided to write here)

Hope I am not too inappropriate )

You know when I think of Mikasa’s lack of character development … I remember Sarah Connor. You know the Sarah Connor from the 1984 Terminator movie.

For me Sarah starts as a cliche girl in trouble who actually at first hates the man that saves her life again and and again. But then Sarah grows. She learns. She feels and starts to care. And we start caring about her. She develops so much that we absolutely believe that a man can fall in love with just her photo. A good man who wills to sacrifice himself not only for her for - you know - for the sake of humanity. A good man who she is loyal to for many years later and we don’t judge her because well he was the one. The kind of hero that actually sacrificed himself (not the fake leg and the rest of the world) but himself just because it was the right thing to do. The man not very likeable at first sight, the man of few words.

Oh if only poor Mikasa could meet someone like that . Oh, wait?

And by the way. In the Terminator 2 Sarah tells Kyle (when sees his ghost) this: “Stay with me”. Such an iconic love story.

Wait is there a line like that in AOT ?)))

Hello hello @foxandcakes!!! Welcome to the fandom and we're so glad you're here!! This isn't inappropriate at all -- sorry you couldn't respond to the post for some reason but thanks for reaching me here <3

Honestly, I have to rewatch The Terminator (it has been YEARS) but that sounds like what we wanted for Mikasa! If Yams was committed to writing a good, developed romance arc into the story he should have committed to giving individual Mikasa growth, no matter who she ended up w. We should see her motivations, self-conflict, inner thoughts change and transform for the better as a result of her love for Eren. That is the creme de la creme for any story -- you go through the journey of seeing this character transform, and that transformation is what makes plot points matter to a reader. The reason why you feel connected to Sarah Connor is likely because she was given a personal arc, showing who she is and her motivations, and it makes you invested in her growth...

It's a general agreement that Mikasa didn't fully get this, and it's why people's opinions on her are so polarized -- you either love her/how she's written while dismissing the failure of her character writing, or you loathe her because of the failure of her writing. I've been fascinated with our rivamika fandom because it seems like we tend to view her in that middle/balanced lens -- we're extremely disappointed with her writing, but adore her for the potential arc she could have had, and we enjoy that in our own writings and such.

Anyway, I guess that's a huge tangent LOL but basically, it would've been really fuckin cool to have this main female Character A who is unendingly in love with Character B, and that this love is all she knows, until she meets Character C (Levi!!! Or SOMEONE honestly!!) who shows her a powerful example of what real, genuine and healthy love is which would TOTALLY shift and transform her entire idea of what love even is; that the infatuated young love she experienced with Character B doesn't even compare to with Character C, and they grow because of that. There are a ton of fantastic stories with this type of arc! Instead, we get Character A pining over Character B to the very end, no matter how badly he treated her... It's just strange. It's cliche, it's honestly not a great example, it paints yet another image of a a man being able to treat a woman like crap for years but still has her devout love and loyalty anyway... I know the general fandom accepts and even enjoys this, so to each their own, but it's not my cup of tea and I wish we got more for Mikasa. And Levi.

adsjlfkjsalkfjdklajflksjfklasdjlfajslfjsklf

ANYWAY

I wouldn't have known that Terminator has the "Stay with me" line!!! EEEEEEE that's amazing! Thanks for the fun comparison! I'll have to rewatch soon :)

For now, we'll continue to enjoy our quality fandom content. <3 The dissatisfaction just makes our fics and head canons even better. Cheers!! And congrats on finding the gem ship that is Rivamika <3333

[influencermagazineuk]

China's Consumer Price Growth Declines Ahead of Communist Party Economic Meeting

China's consumer price growth decelerated in June while factory prices eased but remained in deflationary territory, raising hopes for stronger economic stimulus measures at an upcoming Communist Party policy meeting. According to official data from the National Bureau of Statistics released on Wednesday, consumer prices rose by 0.2% year-on-year in June, down from a 0.3% increase in May and below the 0.4% growth forecasted by a Bloomberg poll of analysts. The producer price index fell by 0.8% year-on-year last month, an improvement from May's 1.4% contraction. Although the factory gate price index has strengthened over the past three months and met analysts' expectations, the data highlights ongoing concerns about weak consumer spending in the world's second-largest economy. “The risk of deflation has not faded in China,” noted Zhiwei Zhang, chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management, pointing to continued weak domestic demand. Falling food costs significantly impacted consumer prices. Fresh vegetable prices dropped by 7.3% year-on-year in June, while fruit prices fell by 8.7% and beef prices declined by 13.4%. Low business confidence has left Beijing heavily reliant on exports and industrial output to drive economic growth. However, this strategy is becoming less viable as trade partners, including the EU and the US, push back against a surge of cheap goods, accusing China of dumping. The EU recently imposed new import tariffs of up to 38% on Chinese electric vehicles. Even developing countries with typically favorable trade relations with China, such as Mexico and Brazil, have imposed new levies on Chinese steel products. This growing global backlash has prompted Beijing's policymakers to explore alternative ways to support the economy, which is also hindered by a prolonged property sector slowdown. Ahead of the Chinese Communist Party’s third plenum, a key economic policy meeting scheduled for next week, Premier Li Qiang has been conducting a listening tour to gather input from Chinese economists, entrepreneurs, and foreign businesses. However, experts argue that Beijing's current policies have not been sufficient to stabilize economic growth. A government fund to purchase unsold housing inventory has not stopped the decline in real estate prices, and a “trade-in” program for home appliances and other durable goods has had limited success due to restrictive conditions. Top Chinese economists are optimistic that President Xi Jinping will introduce new policies at the upcoming plenum to boost domestic demand, including enhancing the social safety net as part of his "common prosperity" initiative. Analysts suggest that anticipated rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve, potentially as early as September, would give the People’s Bank of China more leeway to loosen monetary policy without putting pressure on the currency. “We believe real interest rates are too high given the current state of the economy and think that the economy would benefit more from rate cuts,” said Lynn Song, chief China economist at ING. Read the full article

[hardynwa]

767 manufacturers shut down in 2023 – MAN

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has said that 767 manufacturers shut down operations while 335 became distressed in 2023. This came against the backdrop of exchange rate volatility, rising inflation and other economic challenges that have worsened the investment climate. MAN stated this in a statement in which it condemned the recently introduced Expatriate Employment Levy by the Federal Government. The association said it was struck with disbelief, seeing that the levy runs contrary to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the kernel of his Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform initiative. According to MAN, the unintended negative consequences on the manufacturing sector are humongous and cannot be accommodated at this time of evident downturn in our economy. The statement read in part, “The imposition of EEL poses a potential impact on the manufacturing sector and the economy at large. “This will in turn mark an unwarranted and unprecedented addition to the cost of doing business in Nigeria, especially to manufacturers. The manufacturing sector is already beset with multidimensional challenges. In the year 2023, 335 manufacturing companies became distressed and 767 shut down.” The statement further noted that capacity utilisation in the sector has declined to 56 per cent amid rising interest rates and scarcity of forex needed to import raw materials and machinery. It added, “Inventory of unsold finished products has increased to N350bn and the real growth has dropped to 2.4 per cent.” MAN also said it was concerned that the EEL contradicts our international trade agreements and the obligations contained therein. It argued that Nigeria is a signatory to the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement, which seeks to promote the free movement of skilled labour across the continent, which is complemented by non-discriminatory measures against fellow Africans. The association expressed worry that the introduction of the levy could trigger retaliatory measures against Nigerians working across Africa and other nations of the world and may also frustrate regional integration efforts and portray Nigeria as a spoiler among her peers. “We are equally worried that the imposition of such a levy could have far-reaching implications for our national economy and potentially exert pressure on our national currency could be introduced through a Handbook, rather than a law enacted by the National Assembly. This levy, if not reversed, might expose the Federal Government to a plethora of lawsuits that would distract Government from the task of salvaging the current dire situation of our economy,” the statement added. In its recommendation, MAN urged the president to direct that the implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy be discontinued. The Expatriate Employment Levy, a new policy introduced by the Federal Government aims to address wage gaps between expatriates and the Nigerian Labor force while encouraging skills transfer and the employment of qualified Nigerians in foreign-owned companies. The new levy is $10,000 for staff and $15,000 for directors. This represents a significant shift from the $2,000 paid by foreign nationals for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card. According to NBS, Nigerian nationals constitute only 59 per cent of total jobs in Nigeria, their wages account for less than 45 per cent of total wages, and the average basic salary of expatriates stands at more than 45 per cent above the basic salary. However, the introduction of the EEL has been met with strong criticism from members of Nigeria’s Organised Private Sector, who argue that the policy may negatively affect Foreign Direct Investments in the country. In a statement signed by its Director-General, Chinyere Almona the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it is concerned about the likely perception by foreign investors that the Nigerian government is not accommodating to foreign workers. The chamber expressed concern that this perception would be harmful to our drive for Foreign Direct Investments inflows. The statement read in part, “The Expatriate Employment Levy may cause unintended consequences that may trigger the relocation of foreign companies to neighbouring countries that present a more conducive and less expensive environment for business. “The imposition of this levy may likely spark retaliatory actions taken by other countries by imposing levies on foreigners and particularly targeting Nigerian workers. This will in turn affect diaspora remittances from Nigerian workers resident in other countries.” In the same vein, the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, in a statement signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Muda Yusuf, criticised the new policy directive. The Centre said that the policy could be a major setback for the continental economic integration vision. The statement read, “There are serious implications for diaspora Nigerians. The policy may trigger reciprocal actions from other countries and this may affect Nigerians in the diaspora. “There are currently over 17 million Nigerians in various countries around the world doing extremely well in the fields of education, medicine, health, sports, media & entertainment, leadership & politics, finance, science & ICT, transportation, tourism, industry and agribusiness.” Read the full article

[worldofwardcraft]

How he plans to wreck the economy.

March 7, 2024

Most of the alarm over a second Donald Trump presidency revolves around his authoritarian fantasies of turning the office into a dictatorship and using it to extinguish the criminal prosecutions against him, sic the justice system on his perceived enemies, jettison the Constitution, and deport or imprison migrant refugees (starting, he says, with "the bad ones").

Meanwhile, little attention is being paid to the potential damage a Trump 2.0 could have on the American economy. The LA Times suggests one possibility:

Trump hasn’t outlined much of an economic program, but he has promised to impose a massive increase in tariffs on imports from almost all foreign countries — everything from bananas and baby formula to computer chips and machine parts.

Trump, of course, still doesn't have any idea how tariffs work. He continues to believe other nations pay the taxes on imported goods and not the buyers of them (like Walmart shoppers and American companies that depend on foreign products). Trump regales gullible GOPers with tales of how his trade wars brought billions of dollars into the US Treasury — money that actually came out of the pockets of American consumers and businesses.

Thus, the clueless economic ignoramus has announced his intention to compound his error (if elected) with a worldwide 10% tariff. And, just like last time, his proposed tariffs will curb investment growth and spur unemployment. As ABC News observed,

In all, the U.S. levied tariffs on thousands of products valued at approximately $380 billion in 2018 and 2019, according to an analysis by the nonprofit Tax Foundation. Trump's tariffs decreased U.S. employment by 166,000 jobs, the group found, citing increased import costs for U.S. employers.

Trump's plans to reverse America's currently robust economic growth (thanks, President Biden) also include reducing the labor supply by cracking down on immigration and deporting workers already here, expanding the budget deficit with more tax cuts, and gutting federal agencies charged with protecting workers and regulating markets.

In addition, the AP reports that he has proposed "a four-year plan to phase out Chinese imports of essential goods, including electronics, steel and pharmaceuticals." And, according to The Washington Post, "Trump has lately signaled plans to strong-arm the Fed if he recaptures the White House and force it to cut rates."

In a televised interview in January, Trump said he hoped an economic crash would come in 2024 because "I don't want to be Herbert Hoover." But if he ever gets to carry out his moronic plans for our economy, he'll make Hoover look good.

[calgarymover]

Calgary will see a lot of positive changes in 2024

2024 CALGARY ECONOMIC OUTLOOK We have completed an extensive market research on Calgary economic development in s2023 and 2024 and outlined our major findings in this article. Calgary, the vibrant city in Alberta, Canada, is poised for a series of positive changes in 2024, reflecting its dynamic and forward-thinking nature. This article will delve into these transformative developments, offering a comprehensive overview of what residents and visitors can expect in the coming year.

Moving Companies Calgary

Economic Growth and Business Success The Calgary and region business community is entering 2024 with a positive outlook. This optimism stems from various factors, including robust commodity prices, increased consumer spending, and record population growth. These elements are expected to bolster Calgary's economy, positioning it and Alberta for a prosperous year ahead [6].

City of Calgary Approved Updated Off-site Levies Bylaws City Council approved an updated Off-Site Levies Bylaw, an important measure to support local development and fund growth-related infrastructure required to meet the needs of Calgary’s growing population. The bylaw will come into effect on March 1, 2024, and will see an 8% increase to the off-site levy rate, from $564,000 per hectare to $609,0000 per hectare. This increase will contribute to the initial expenses of crucial infrastructure, such as water pipes, roads for transit and community access, and emergency service stations to name a few.

Housing Market The Calgary real estate market is showing signs of robust growth as we look towards 2024 and 2025. This growth is underpinned by several key factors, including economic recovery, demographic shifts, and market dynamics. Calgary's housing market is expected to witness a significant price increase in 2024. Aggregate home prices are forecasted to jump by 8% year-over-year by the end of 2024. This growth is consistent across various reports, emphasizing the market's strong recovery and growth trajectory [6], [7]. The projected average price for a home in Calgary is estimated to be around $711,612 to $720,000 by the end of 2024. This indicates a return to the pandemic peak levels, suggesting a strong rebound and investor confidence in the market [8], [9].

Government and Budgetary Developments In November 2023, the Calgary City Council voted in favor of budget adjustments for 2024. These changes reflect the council's commitment to sustainable financial planning and addressing the city's evolving needs. The budget adjustments aim to balance fiscal responsibility with strategic investments in public services and infrastructure [2].

Salary Increase for City Council Amid Challenges As Calgary homeowners prepare for a property tax increase in 2024, the city council will receive an automatic 2.41% salary increase. This decision has been made amidst various economic challenges, reflecting the council's efforts to maintain a balance between fair compensation and the city's financial health [3].

Boost in Film and TV Production Calgary is set to experience significant growth in its film and TV production industry. After meetings with major Hollywood studios, the city is hopeful for increased production activities in 2024. This growth in the entertainment sector is a testament to Calgary's appeal as a location for filmmaking and its potential as a cultural hub [4]. MovieMaker Magazine ranked the 25 best places to live and work as a moviemaker(opens in a new tab) for 2024, with Calgary – called an “affordable, thriving and growing film hub” – coming in at number eight on the list.

Health Care System Transformation In a significant move, Alberta's Premier announced plans to launch health care changes in 2024. The Alberta Health Services (AHS) will be replaced by four agencies, with AHS taking a more focused role in acute care. This restructuring aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health care delivery in the province [5]. In summary, 2024 is shaping up to be a year of positive change and growth for Calgary. From economic development to the arts and health care, the city is embracing transformations that promise to enhance its standing as a dynamic and progressive urban center. These developments not only bode well for Calgary's future but also demonstrate its resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. 🌐 Sources

calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com - 2024 Economic Outlook: Calgary set to navigate…

calgaryherald.com - What did Calgary city council members say about the 2024…

cbc.ca - City council gets automatic 2.41% salary increase for 2024

calgary.ctvnews.ca - Calgary hopeful for film, TV production growth in 2024

globalnews.ca - Alberta premier to launch health care changes in 2024

calgaryherald.com - Calgary house prices projected to climb 8% next year

newswire.ca - Canadians to adapt to new reality as housing market…

bnnbloomberg.ca - Home prices will return to pandemic peak by end of 2024

ratemasters.ca - Calgary Housing Market Forecast 2024, 2025, 2026 & 2030

https://newsroom.calgary.ca/city-council-approves-updated-off-site-levies-bylaw-to-support-the-development-industry-and-growth-related-infrastructure/

Read More: Cross Country Movers

[calgarymoverssparta]

Calgary will see a lot of positive changes in 2024

2024 CALGARY ECONOMIC OUTLOOK We have completed an extensive market research on Calgary economic development in s2023 and 2024 and outlined our major findings in this article. Calgary, the vibrant city in Alberta, Canada, is poised for a series of positive changes in 2024, reflecting its dynamic and forward-thinking nature. This article will delve into these transformative developments, offering a comprehensive overview of what residents and visitors can expect in the coming year.

Moving Companies Calgary

Economic Growth and Business Success The Calgary and region business community is entering 2024 with a positive outlook. This optimism stems from various factors, including robust commodity prices, increased consumer spending, and record population growth. These elements are expected to bolster Calgary's economy, positioning it and Alberta for a prosperous year ahead [6].

City of Calgary Approved Updated Off-site Levies Bylaws City Council approved an updated Off-Site Levies Bylaw, an important measure to support local development and fund growth-related infrastructure required to meet the needs of Calgary’s growing population. The bylaw will come into effect on March 1, 2024, and will see an 8% increase to the off-site levy rate, from $564,000 per hectare to $609,0000 per hectare. This increase will contribute to the initial expenses of crucial infrastructure, such as water pipes, roads for transit and community access, and emergency service stations to name a few.

Housing Market The Calgary real estate market is showing signs of robust growth as we look towards 2024 and 2025. This growth is underpinned by several key factors, including economic recovery, demographic shifts, and market dynamics. Calgary's housing market is expected to witness a significant price increase in 2024. Aggregate home prices are forecasted to jump by 8% year-over-year by the end of 2024. This growth is consistent across various reports, emphasizing the market's strong recovery and growth trajectory [6], [7]. The projected average price for a home in Calgary is estimated to be around $711,612 to $720,000 by the end of 2024. This indicates a return to the pandemic peak levels, suggesting a strong rebound and investor confidence in the market [8], [9].

Government and Budgetary Developments In November 2023, the Calgary City Council voted in favor of budget adjustments for 2024. These changes reflect the council's commitment to sustainable financial planning and addressing the city's evolving needs. The budget adjustments aim to balance fiscal responsibility with strategic investments in public services and infrastructure [2].

Salary Increase for City Council Amid Challenges As Calgary homeowners prepare for a property tax increase in 2024, the city council will receive an automatic 2.41% salary increase. This decision has been made amidst various economic challenges, reflecting the council's efforts to maintain a balance between fair compensation and the city's financial health [3].

Boost in Film and TV Production Calgary is set to experience significant growth in its film and TV production industry. After meetings with major Hollywood studios, the city is hopeful for increased production activities in 2024. This growth in the entertainment sector is a testament to Calgary's appeal as a location for filmmaking and its potential as a cultural hub [4]. MovieMaker Magazine ranked the 25 best places to live and work as a moviemaker(opens in a new tab) for 2024, with Calgary – called an “affordable, thriving and growing film hub” – coming in at number eight on the list.

Health Care System Transformation In a significant move, Alberta's Premier announced plans to launch health care changes in 2024. The Alberta Health Services (AHS) will be replaced by four agencies, with AHS taking a more focused role in acute care. This restructuring aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health care delivery in the province [5]. In summary, 2024 is shaping up to be a year of positive change and growth for Calgary. From economic development to the arts and health care, the city is embracing transformations that promise to enhance its standing as a dynamic and progressive urban center. These developments not only bode well for Calgary's future but also demonstrate its resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. 🌐 Sources

calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com - 2024 Economic Outlook: Calgary set to navigate…

calgaryherald.com - What did Calgary city council members say about the 2024…

cbc.ca - City council gets automatic 2.41% salary increase for 2024

calgary.ctvnews.ca - Calgary hopeful for film, TV production growth in 2024

globalnews.ca - Alberta premier to launch health care changes in 2024

calgaryherald.com - Calgary house prices projected to climb 8% next year

newswire.ca - Canadians to adapt to new reality as housing market…

bnnbloomberg.ca - Home prices will return to pandemic peak by end of 2024

ratemasters.ca - Calgary Housing Market Forecast 2024, 2025, 2026 & 2030

https://newsroom.calgary.ca/city-council-approves-updated-off-site-levies-bylaw-to-support-the-development-industry-and-growth-related-infrastructure/

Read More: Cross Country Movers

[spartamover]

Calgary will see a lot of positive changes in 2024

2024 CALGARY ECONOMIC OUTLOOK We have completed an extensive market research on Calgary economic development in s2023 and 2024 and outlined our major findings in this article. Calgary, the vibrant city in Alberta, Canada, is poised for a series of positive changes in 2024, reflecting its dynamic and forward-thinking nature. This article will delve into these transformative developments, offering a comprehensive overview of what residents and visitors can expect in the coming year.

Moving Companies Calgary

Economic Growth and Business Success The Calgary and region business community is entering 2024 with a positive outlook. This optimism stems from various factors, including robust commodity prices, increased consumer spending, and record population growth. These elements are expected to bolster Calgary's economy, positioning it and Alberta for a prosperous year ahead [6].

City of Calgary Approved Updated Off-site Levies Bylaws City Council approved an updated Off-Site Levies Bylaw, an important measure to support local development and fund growth-related infrastructure required to meet the needs of Calgary’s growing population. The bylaw will come into effect on March 1, 2024, and will see an 8% increase to the off-site levy rate, from $564,000 per hectare to $609,0000 per hectare. This increase will contribute to the initial expenses of crucial infrastructure, such as water pipes, roads for transit and community access, and emergency service stations to name a few.

Housing Market The Calgary real estate market is showing signs of robust growth as we look towards 2024 and 2025. This growth is underpinned by several key factors, including economic recovery, demographic shifts, and market dynamics. Calgary's housing market is expected to witness a significant price increase in 2024. Aggregate home prices are forecasted to jump by 8% year-over-year by the end of 2024. This growth is consistent across various reports, emphasizing the market's strong recovery and growth trajectory [6], [7]. The projected average price for a home in Calgary is estimated to be around $711,612 to $720,000 by the end of 2024. This indicates a return to the pandemic peak levels, suggesting a strong rebound and investor confidence in the market [8], [9].

Government and Budgetary Developments In November 2023, the Calgary City Council voted in favor of budget adjustments for 2024. These changes reflect the council's commitment to sustainable financial planning and addressing the city's evolving needs. The budget adjustments aim to balance fiscal responsibility with strategic investments in public services and infrastructure [2].

Salary Increase for City Council Amid Challenges As Calgary homeowners prepare for a property tax increase in 2024, the city council will receive an automatic 2.41% salary increase. This decision has been made amidst various economic challenges, reflecting the council's efforts to maintain a balance between fair compensation and the city's financial health [3].

Boost in Film and TV Production Calgary is set to experience significant growth in its film and TV production industry. After meetings with major Hollywood studios, the city is hopeful for increased production activities in 2024. This growth in the entertainment sector is a testament to Calgary's appeal as a location for filmmaking and its potential as a cultural hub [4]. MovieMaker Magazine ranked the 25 best places to live and work as a moviemaker(opens in a new tab) for 2024, with Calgary – called an “affordable, thriving and growing film hub” – coming in at number eight on the list.

Health Care System Transformation In a significant move, Alberta's Premier announced plans to launch health care changes in 2024. The Alberta Health Services (AHS) will be replaced by four agencies, with AHS taking a more focused role in acute care. This restructuring aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health care delivery in the province [5]. In summary, 2024 is shaping up to be a year of positive change and growth for Calgary. From economic development to the arts and health care, the city is embracing transformations that promise to enhance its standing as a dynamic and progressive urban center. These developments not only bode well for Calgary's future but also demonstrate its resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. 🌐 Sources

calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com - 2024 Economic Outlook: Calgary set to navigate…

calgaryherald.com - What did Calgary city council members say about the 2024…

cbc.ca - City council gets automatic 2.41% salary increase for 2024

calgary.ctvnews.ca - Calgary hopeful for film, TV production growth in 2024

globalnews.ca - Alberta premier to launch health care changes in 2024

calgaryherald.com - Calgary house prices projected to climb 8% next year

newswire.ca - Canadians to adapt to new reality as housing market…

bnnbloomberg.ca - Home prices will return to pandemic peak by end of 2024

ratemasters.ca - Calgary Housing Market Forecast 2024, 2025, 2026 & 2030

https://newsroom.calgary.ca/city-council-approves-updated-off-site-levies-bylaw-to-support-the-development-industry-and-growth-related-infrastructure/

Read More: Cross Country Movers

[ammg-old2]

Mr. Lukashenko has tried to position himself for greater things since he rose to power in 1994. In the late 1990s, he helped create a union-state — a confederation of sorts — between Belarus and Russia, which he must have eventually hoped to head once the ailing Russian leader, Boris Yeltsin, departed the scene. But Mr. Yeltsin’s successor turned out to be Mr. Putin, who had no intention of playing second fiddle to the head of a minor European state. Instead, as he accumulated power, Mr. Putin exploited Belarus’s deep economic dependence on Russia, especially on heavily subsidized energy, to peel away its sovereignty. Instead of heading a major world power, Mr. Lukashenko found himself trying to fend off a suffocating Russian embrace.

After Russia illegally seized Crimea in 2014, Mr. Lukashenko’s saw his most promising chance to assert himself. Taking advantage of the estrangement between Russia and the West after the invasion and Russia’s backing of a rebellion in eastern Ukraine, he promoted the Belarus capital, Minsk, as a “neutral” venue for East-West dialogue. The city became the place where the warring parties and Russian and European leaders convened to hammer out a deal to end the crisis. The ensuing deals, christened the Minsk Agreements, spelled out provisions for a cease-fire and the reintegration of the rebellious regions into Ukraine, but were never carried out.

Nevertheless, Mr. Lukashenko had demonstrated Minsk’s potential as a meeting place. In 2018 Mr. Lukashenko inaugurated the Minsk Dialogue Forum, which brought together American, European and Russian foreign policy experts for debates on global issues and provided him a invaluable platform to present himself as a statesman uniquely qualified to ease tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

Mr. Lukashenko’s second opportunity to reduce its reliance on Russia came in the form of Belarus’s booming tech industry. Since the mid-2000s, it has been a key driver of Belarus’s economic growth, accounting for 7 percent of its total G.D.P. by 2020. It was also an important export sector, sending much of its product to the West, and a magnet for Western investors attracted by Belarus’s well-educated population and low wages. The economic dividends helped provide the funds to transform Minsk itself into a comfortable European city, which enhanced its appeal as an East-West meeting place.

But Mr. Lukashenko’s good fortune came to a screeching halt after a few short years — and fully as a consequence of his own actions. His flagrant rigging of the 2020 presidential elections, in which he brazenly claimed to have won with 80 percent of the vote, touched off a huge nationwide protest movement. Mr. Lukashenko’s government detained tens of thousands of citizens. Hundreds were reportedly mistreated or tortured in custody, and dozens of websites were blocked. With his political survival at stake, Mr. Lukashenko turned back to Russia, which was only more than willing to help at the price of his country’s autonomy.

Mr. Putin stepped in to the rescue, backing Mr. Lukashenko’s harsh tactics. He approved a $1.5 billion loan to ease Minsk’s debt burden, sent in “media” experts to help discredit the protesters as pawns of foreign powers, and announced the formation of a Russian “police reserve” that could be deployed to Belarus should the situation further deteriorate.

The crackdown prompted tech workers, who had been at the forefront of the protests, to flee the country in droves. It also made Minsk off limits as a meeting place, as the West levied sanctions and isolated Mr. Lukashenko diplomatically. The situation only grew worse as Russia began using Belarus as a staging ground for the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Mr. Lukashenko, now totally dependent on the Kremlin in his bid to cling to power, was in no position to resist.

Now he has agreed to give refuge to Mr. Prigozhin and some unknown number of his infamous mercenaries who will go to Belarus with him. Mr. Prigozhin cannot feel safe in Belarus knowing the fate of others who have drawn Mr. Putin’s wrath. Mr. Lukashenko won’t benefit in any way from Mr. Prigozhin’s demise on his territory and probably hopes his sojourn is brief. Despite this uneasy arrangement, Mr. Lukashenko will likely not be able to resist the temptation to embellish his role; he’s already claimed to have offered Mr. Putin advice on how to handle the situation. He will endeavor to play the great statesman for as long as he can.

[zebu-helan]

What Impacts The Performance Of A Mutual Fund?

People have access to a wide variety of mutual fund investments. Mutual fund investments can be made for a variety of reasons, such as receiving assistance from a seasoned asset manager.

Investors put their trust in fund managers to make wise investment decisions. It is vital to understand how fund managers perform their duties if you are an investor.

Here are a few elements that affect a mutual fund's returns.

1. Fund operating expenses

The expense ratio, also known as the fund management fee, is a standard fee that the fund house levies on investors to cover expenses like operating expenses, payroll, compliance expenses, administrative fees, etc. The typical percentage of the investor's mutual fund holdings is displayed. The 2/20 model, which allows them to take 2% of the fund's AUM as a cost ratio and 20% of the fund's profits as performance fees, is used by the majority of hedge fund companies.

2. Illusionary window decoration

Mutual funds occasionally utilize "window dressing" to make it appear as though they are performing well while actually underperforming. They are not required to provide an explanation for their poor performance. A potential investor should thoroughly examine the fund's performance in the past and how it invests generally before putting money into it.

3. Using indexing to reduce risk

Investors value fund managers' stock selection abilities. However, a large number of mutual funds now invest in a portfolio that resembles an index. It decreases their risk and enables them to obtain comparable results. However, if they charge you a management fee, this may not be the greatest investment strategy for you.

4. Placing a higher priority on short-term growth than long-term growth

The short-term growth of the fund may receive more attention from fund managers in an effort to make it appear more desirable to individual investors. The fund manager may be forced to ignore the wider picture and concentrate only on how the upcoming quarter will turn out due to this lack of long-term thinking. Your performance as an investor may be impacted by a fund's short-term objectives.

5. Inducements

To enhance their market share and profitability, mutual fund companies must boost AUM. They frequently solicit investments via marketing and advertising strategies. There isn't much time left for the fund manager to administer the fund as a result. But none of these changes enhance the fund's efficiency. Small investors can avoid being impacted by the objectives of the fund management by making investments in index funds that are passively managed.

How to evaluate the performance of a mutual fund

For your investing, establish goals.

Know what you hope to gain from an investment before you make one. To choose the best mutual funds, you must first determine the answer to the question.

choosing among mutual funds

Comparing the returns of various comparable funds is the greatest technique to identify the top mutual funds.

See how things operated in the past.

Even while a fund's previous performance cannot predict how it will perform going forward, understanding how it has performed under various market conditions may be useful.

Comparing their performance to the index

Management fees need to be paid even if the fund performed poorly. So, compare the fees before investing in a fund. Better funds will typically cost you more.

Returns that are risk-adjusted

Your capital risk must be considered by mutual funds. Risk-adjusted returns are when a fund generates a profit over its overall risk.

Conclusion

In order to have more influence over your finances as an investor, you should be familiar with how typical fund management operates. By opening a demat account, you can begin investing in mutual funds with Zebu right away.

[still-a-morosexual-help]

Agreed on the favoritism by the devs, i think both Luci and Mammon are the most fleshed out characters in the entire game and the way their relationship with MC grow. As a Mammon and Lucifer stans this pleases me but i do hope the other charas will get more development, like i think in the halloween event, Mammon's locked part got longer story than the rest of the brothers and i ofc hugely biased feel like he got some of the best devilgram stories

Honestly yes, there's such a clear difference/growth in their characters and relationship with MC between S1 and S2 - which we unfortunately don't really get to see with the others. I'd even go to say that Lucifer's character growth surpasses Mammon's, which makes sense considering Lucifer had more to work on than Mammon. And it made him go from my least favourite character to my second favourite.

I'm not sure if we'll see more character growth from the others in s4 though? Because it looks like they're gearing up to introduce the new angels and they may focus more on them.

BUT S3 really saw a lot of development for Satan which I was really grateful for cause along with Mammon & Lucifer he's got the most potential for growth. I think there were three different times where Satan and his relationship with Lucifer was a major focus in S3

And S1 and S3 gave us more depth to Beel & Belphie.

Right now it's Asmo & Levi who are getting the shortest end which yeah - I want more from them.

But S3 also put a lot of focus into developing all the side characters while leaving enough questions open (particularly about Solomon, Simeon & Barbatos) for S4

And I have hope that open questions for Solomon will also lead to more depth for Asmo, cause the two seem to have a much closer relationship than what's initially seen. I 100% see them being as close as Mammon & MC are - and by that I mean partners in crime though you can take it in either a platonic or romantic sense. And the only reason they aren't closer than MC & Mammon, with the hundred of years working together they have over the two of them, is cause Solomon only stopped seeing Asmo as a pawn or a means to an end recently

All of Mammon's parts of the story seem longer to me than the others but I'm pretty sure that's just a consequence of me being totally gone for him...

I think it's cause his devilgrams give a lot more depth to him? I haven't seen that as much in the others' ones or maybe I'm at that point of simping where I didn't notice it? Like the office devilgram, the guardian demon, the mammon way, the Cinderella one, the butler one, the tsl one, Too Many Insults, the eclair/punishment one with Lucifer, even the water park & parfait ones - they all significantly add more to his entire character. They're not there just so MC can have a cute moment with him and steal a kiss without being interrupted by the others. All those devilgrams I mentioned are actively fleshing out his character.

[hardynwa]

767 manufacturers shut down in 2023 – MAN

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has said that 767 manufacturers shut down operations while 335 became distressed in 2023. This came against the backdrop of exchange rate volatility, rising inflation and other economic challenges that have worsened the investment climate. MAN stated this in a statement in which it condemned the recently introduced Expatriate Employment Levy by the Federal Government. The association said it was struck with disbelief, seeing that the levy runs contrary to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the kernel of his Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform initiative. According to MAN, the unintended negative consequences on the manufacturing sector are humongous and cannot be accommodated at this time of evident downturn in our economy. The statement read in part, “The imposition of EEL poses a potential impact on the manufacturing sector and the economy at large. “This will in turn mark an unwarranted and unprecedented addition to the cost of doing business in Nigeria, especially to manufacturers. The manufacturing sector is already beset with multidimensional challenges. In the year 2023, 335 manufacturing companies became distressed and 767 shut down.” The statement further noted that capacity utilisation in the sector has declined to 56 per cent amid rising interest rates and scarcity of forex needed to import raw materials and machinery. It added, “Inventory of unsold finished products has increased to N350bn and the real growth has dropped to 2.4 per cent.” MAN also said it was concerned that the EEL contradicts our international trade agreements and the obligations contained therein. It argued that Nigeria is a signatory to the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement, which seeks to promote the free movement of skilled labour across the continent, which is complemented by non-discriminatory measures against fellow Africans. The association expressed worry that the introduction of the levy could trigger retaliatory measures against Nigerians working across Africa and other nations of the world and may also frustrate regional integration efforts and portray Nigeria as a spoiler among her peers. “We are equally worried that the imposition of such a levy could have far-reaching implications for our national economy and potentially exert pressure on our national currency could be introduced through a Handbook, rather than a law enacted by the National Assembly. This levy, if not reversed, might expose the Federal Government to a plethora of lawsuits that would distract Government from the task of salvaging the current dire situation of our economy,” the statement added. In its recommendation, MAN urged the president to direct that the implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy be discontinued. The Expatriate Employment Levy, a new policy introduced by the Federal Government aims to address wage gaps between expatriates and the Nigerian Labor force while encouraging skills transfer and the employment of qualified Nigerians in foreign-owned companies. The new levy is $10,000 for staff and $15,000 for directors. This represents a significant shift from the $2,000 paid by foreign nationals for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card. According to NBS, Nigerian nationals constitute only 59 per cent of total jobs in Nigeria, their wages account for less than 45 per cent of total wages, and the average basic salary of expatriates stands at more than 45 per cent above the basic salary. However, the introduction of the EEL has been met with strong criticism from members of Nigeria’s Organised Private Sector, who argue that the policy may negatively affect Foreign Direct Investments in the country. In a statement signed by its Director-General, Chinyere Almona the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it is concerned about the likely perception by foreign investors that the Nigerian government is not accommodating to foreign workers. The chamber expressed concern that this perception would be harmful to our drive for Foreign Direct Investments inflows. The statement read in part, “The Expatriate Employment Levy may cause unintended consequences that may trigger the relocation of foreign companies to neighbouring countries that present a more conducive and less expensive environment for business. “The imposition of this levy may likely spark retaliatory actions taken by other countries by imposing levies on foreigners and particularly targeting Nigerian workers. This will in turn affect diaspora remittances from Nigerian workers resident in other countries.” In the same vein, the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, in a statement signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Muda Yusuf, criticised the new policy directive. The Centre said that the policy could be a major setback for the continental economic integration vision. The statement read, “There are serious implications for diaspora Nigerians. The policy may trigger reciprocal actions from other countries and this may affect Nigerians in the diaspora. “There are currently over 17 million Nigerians in various countries around the world doing extremely well in the fields of education, medicine, health, sports, media & entertainment, leadership & politics, finance, science & ICT, transportation, tourism, industry and agribusiness.” Read the full article

[sonofthesaiyans]

I’d like to change my previous statement....

There’s a heart to every series, but it’s one that isn’t necessarily carried by one character alone. I realize I’ve neglected to mention it so I just want to say; 

There is no Attack on Titan without Sasha Braus OR Hange Zoe. 

What can I say about both girls that hasn’t already been said? And what about them have I not ranted about already? 

A lot of people think Eren is the heart of the show, especially since now we know just HOW MUCH he was driving the entirety of the plot.....for worse, I have to say. Others think it’s Armin for essentially becoming the antithesis to all the shit in the world, some think it’s Mikasa for her determination to do what is right. Some think it’s Levi because.......Because he’s Levi “Fuck You” Ackerman, that’s why. 

But I very much believe that title goes to Sasha and Hange, the two most vibrant and most endearing personalities on a series that has been nothing but a living hell. 

They simply are the real soul of this franchise, both brought a levity and hopefulness that cannot be overstated. And they were the ones to bring the most laughs in a series that was devoid of any heart by the time of its final act. Every other character became a hollow imitation of their former selves, brought down by a gradual lack of importance, confused motivations, and a story that prioritized its dangerous political agenda over character growth. 

But NOT Sasha and Hange. They stayed true to themselves the entire way. And while everyone else around them burned out into either gradual irrelevance or full on hate sink territory, they remained the adorable standouts they were from the start. Sasha with her gradual evolution from a naive and easily frightened recruit to a true warrior in her own right, and Hange for her eccentricities and her fast wits and energetic charm. It was because of their integrity and their strong sense of justice, as well as their humanity that they are so beloved. They were never tainted by the relentless corruption and chaos that they were constantly thrust in to, and always offered hope in even the worst situations. 

I will FOREVER stand firm that the decision to end Sasha’s life as Isayama did is not only the most fucking unforgivable thing in the series barring that inexcusably confused finale, but it was the moment that ruined the show. Without Sasha, there were too few others to root for and her absence was far too great to be ignored even momentarily. I still get physically sick that there’s people out there trying to rationalize Gabi Braun’s actions as not only justifiable, but NECESSARY to the plot. I think the finale proved that to be a lie from the start. What was gained was NOT worth the cost in that one decision to take Sasha out of the story. And the insult dealt by that decision throughout all of the timeskip is simply reprehensible. 

That same timeskip was enormously disrespectful to Hange and was not a testament to her brilliance as a naturally gifted soldier. And the decision to kill her off in the manner chosen was the last straw for me. If “Assassin’s Bullet” was the killing blow to the series, “Wings of Freedom�� removed the last shred of humanity to be felt in a finale struggling for a point among all the death, betrayal, and destruction. It may have been a conscious act of self-sacrifice but in the end too many agreed that it wasn’t at all justified. 

We were robbed of Sasha’s big heart and her many connections that were touched upon but NEVER allowed to become fleshed out. Her parents, Kaya, Mikasa, Niccolo, even Eren.........All of it wasted for such a shallow end. And we were robbed of Hange’s backstory, something we’ve all demanded for years but never got. And of the ending she almost certainly should have gotten with Levi, as she was his last true connection left in all this. And the story suffered HARD for both. 

Without them, there was no longer a point to being invested. Nobody else brought to the table what they did. And the potential lost with both is as great a crime as the many things to carry fault in the finale. It was simply going too far and both deserve immensely better, as so many other characters I have mentioned still do. 

Either Sasha or Hange would’ve made immensely better main protagonists than Eren and/or Mikasa. I’ll gladly debate this with any who might disagree. 

And if they had become Titan Shifters themselves admit it......that’d have been intriguing to see too. 

I cannot accept what happened to them. I love them both too much for that, and we still are owed far more from the both of them. FROM Isayama. The potential they still carried cannot be left unrealized.

So this is my shoutout to the two best girls in the series. 

There is no Attack on Titan without Sasha or Hange. 

You folks can quote me on that. 

[jean-does-not-have-a-horseface]

Only Time Makes It Human 3

Part 1 | Part 2

A/N: hi and sorry for the long wait, I had to squish my brain real hard to get this chapter out, but I hope you like it, I decided a chapter about growth wasn't enough and y'all gave me an idea for angst so I just splashed it there and we'll delve into it more on the next chapter. 10/10 the idea works well enough for me to bring Levi and reader together even more. So don't call me out on being random. This is raw, un fucking edited, I'll edit later 💗

Pairing: Levi/ Reader

Tags: modern au, college au

Warnings: mentions of blood

Special kudos if you figure out why I used this gif ;)

The problem with your feet being numb in the morning when you woke up wasn't supposed to phase you as much as it currently did, but the weathering cold that had barged its way to your room silently begged to have you feel something other than the everlasting whirlpool of regret.

Which was -unsurpisingly- something you had been spiraling into a lot lately.

Your ringtone -or rather the caller that had caused it to go off- nontheless remained mercilessly unforgiving to your current condition. The brute vibrations that accompanied your once favorite song ripped through the air and bounced on every wall inside your room before it wooshed inside your eardrums.

You fucking finally had to change that ringtone, you thought.

Your feet, moist and heavy as they buzzed with the aftermath of the coma-like sleep you had just gone through, struggled to wiggle from underneath the comfort of your blankets. Your hands instinctively rubbed the underside of your nose as you sniffled all the cold of the room around you. Throwing the blanket off of you, you groaned at the non stop ringing of your phone.

The few steps to your desk felt like an eternity of having to walk with a badgy weight on your feet, but the faint feeling in your body didnt come to an halt even after you picked the device in your hands. Your eyes couldn’t really adjust well to make out the ID of the caller, of course, sleep hadn't rubbed off your eye lids yet, but still you slid the emerald button to acceptance with no resistance.

“Hey” you sleepingly moaned.

“Hellooo! (Y/n)!” Hange called enthusiastically for the other line, her joyous voice piercing your eardrums “Where are you booo?”

“I just woke up why?” you yanwed.

Pacing your eyes around your room you noticed the dull daylight creeping in through your blinds, signaling the gloom of another potentially snowy day for Trost. You blinked as you took notice of the few articles of soon to reside in the laundry bin clothing as well as the dress that hung from your closet door.

And then, it all snapped.

“Oh. shit!”

Anxiety rushed through you like a bullet to the gut, gushing numbness and waves of cold sweat from the point of impact. Forcefully, you ripped your phone off your ear and double tapped at screen to make it light up. The date read December 25, and below it, laid numerous notifications of your alarm and even a pop up reminder from last night to not forget the food you had to take with you.

Thinking back to that, your head started spinning like crazy, the familiar, yet bizarre feeling of your stomach dropping overtaking you. You hadn't cooked, rather, you had spent all night drinking and sulking on your own, cursing yourself for all your choices up to date.

"Yes, oh shit!” Hnge laughed “Oh! You forgot?”

"Hangeeee stop screaming oh my god no I didn't forget, I'm on my way okay?"

A little yelp came out of your mouth as the cable of your charger prevented you from taking another step closer to your bedroom door; letting out a curse under your breath though you quickly unplugged your phone, and rushed over the mess of your room and out to your living room.

"But you said you just woke up."

"Ahhh," you scratched your head, feeling your loose t-shirt sliding down your shoulder "no!" You said, then in a sterner voice you repeated "No! I uhm, I was just-"

Your poor excuse to communicate after having just woken up didn't startled Hange. If anything, she seemed to find it amusing because she burst into joyous, bubbling laughter at the sound of your despair. And you couldn't blame her for it; were you under any other circumstance you would be laughing with yourself as well.

"It's fine. Erwin and I are making a cake for shorty so if you want to cook here you have plenty of time yet. I'm going to say it though, we could really use your pastry skill."

You let out a sigh as you took your phone off your ear and pressed on the speaker icon. Your hands worked fast to grip onto the hem of your shirt and then, even faster, they managed to pull it off of you in shift movements.

"I'm just going to have a shower, dress up and I'll be on my way. It shouldn't take more than 30 minutes."

Hange exhaled in utter relief through the phone and you could practically feel her sheepish smile as Erwin shouted a big fat 'thank you' from the depths of his kitchen. Bringing out a hand to grap your shower cap -the only shower product you loathed using- you ripped the cap off its place on your cabinet and messily shoved all of your hair in it in rushed movements.

"Got any questions before I hit the shower Hange?"

"Please ask her" Erwin was heard and you cocked your head to the side at the sound.

"No Erwiin, we got it under control okay?"

"No we don't."

Shaking your head to prevent yourself from zoning out, you clicked your tongue before opening your mouth to address your two friends. Asking as to what they were referring to was easy, although it was obvious that Hange felt confident in succeeding in the task Erwin was referring to. Knowing Hange though, you thought you could guess perhaps what exactly was going on.

"Please don't mix food coloring with spinach juice to make the cake green like two years ago."

Erwin's laughter was pretty much evident through the other line as Hange went on blubbering about how she wasn't going to do it again giving extreme emphasis as to why she couldn't understand the reason it tasted bad in the first place but would go with what you said nevertheless. At that point Erwin was laughing hysterically, telling you how Hange was once again, indeed, thinking about it and the sound of his laughter grew even louder than Hange's words.

"Do you have food coloring?"

"Yes Hange I have food coloring."

"Plea-pleaee bring some. Dammit Erwin what's gotten into you- gotta go (y/n) see you in a while."

The beeping sound from the other line left you little to no time to properly reply to your friends with a much wanted greeting, though, you didn't think much of it. You were going to spend the whole day with them, so getting upset over not getting the chance to say goodbye over the phone wasn't something that should have caused guilt to spurt in you.

But surely, this wasn't the only cause of your overly bubbling guilt. The actual cause of the knot in your gut laid to the fact that within the time span of two weeks you had managed to to drag Levi and yourself into a rather steep rabbit hole. There was going to be a serious impact of your relationship with your friends had the two of you made it known to them; everyone would scold you -and they'd be right at that- and maybe this time they'd pick sides as to what wrong or not. And you didn't want that.

Although you secretly wished everyone went with Levi. Or at least you had come to the conclusion that that was what you deserved.

You had been feeling bothered and repulsed by what had caused you to make out with him that night, given the fact that you had been the one that initiated the kiss. And just as much, you had been feeling furious over Levi allowing this to ever happen. But looking back at it now, you couldn't say you regretted getting close to him even in such way. And that was probably the most infuriating thing of all.

Nevertheless, there was also the fact that you would be seeing Levi today and frankly you didn't know what to do with that. Should you act like everything was fine? Should you simply ignore him? Was Petra going to be with him?

Speaking of Petra it would be best if you straight up let her know of what had happened. Acting shady with another woman's man behind her back was outrageous for anyone to do and you hated being in that position like the next person.

Your stomach twisted dangerously at your spiraling thoughts, but you chose to ignore the tight knot, attributing the loud growl you had heard to one caused by your excessive hunger.

Perhaps, your shower was going to help you sort out your thoughts and intentions.

With a twist of your wrist the water started sprinting out of the tap in your shower. Your eyes were fixated on your phone, your thumb roaming through Spotify in hopes to find the perfect song to company your bath with. You simply said good for a Christmas playlist that Spotify suggested, tapping on that, a list of numerous jolly songs popped up in your screen and you simply pressed the big shuffle button before putting your head on your cabinet.

..

The walk to Erwin's house was very much and as previously expected, quiet. The sidewalks on your way were all covered in sugary white snow, decorating each different apartment complex in the non urban side of Trost along with the standard holiday decorations.

Taking a deep sigh you brought the back of your finger to the metallic button of Erwin's doorbell. Blinking rationally, you looked around at the marble front door frame of his apartment complex, your blood subtly rushing to your feet. You dragged the tip of your combat boot over the snow, curling your toes on the fuzzy material that covered the inside of the shoe.

You were beginning to become impatient as you waited on the doorframe, Erwin was taking way too long to open the door and you were practically freezing out there; the dress you wore did almost nothing to keep you warm. Despite you taking precautions by wearing a cardigan and the leather coat that you had snatched from your brother, the cold still pierced through your sheer black pantyhose, as if your efforts to stay warm were ridiculous.

The sound of footsteps was what startled you next but still your head didn't turn to the source of the buzzing noise. Your nose simply nuzzled to the scarf you had wrapped around yourself as you rubbed your face onto its warm fleece material.

"Uh, hi."

This time you could help but turn around to check who had thrown a greeting at you.

A familiar puff of ginger hair greeted you as you snuck your nose out of the edge of your scarf, two big and round hazel eyes stared right at you as you blinked rapidly back at them.

Great. Just great.

"Hey."

Petra wiggled her nostrils once to the left and then to the right, seemingly scratching the awkwardness in the atmosphere away. She blinked her eyes a few times into yours, her lips pursing together slightly as if she was coming up with a good comeback to your greeting, yet it never came.

"uhm, what's up?"

Your fingers slightly clutched the edges of your coat, crossing over your chest as you felt your jaw start clattering. Your pupils gathered at the corners of your eyes, catching small glimpses of Petra as you eyed her up and down.

She too had opted for a cardigan and a dress. A very safe choice if you were in a place to express your opinion but hers, despite being adorned with numerous tiny and dainty coral and red flowers, looked so thin and tule like and it barely covered her thighs, so much that you felt a pinch of concern run through you that you were slow to decide on whether you wanted to brush off or not.

"I'm.. good." She managed to let out, but you noticed how her lip trembled.

She was definitely shivering, if that wasn't concerning enough you didn't know what was, and she looked so frail and out of place that she could definitely beat you at it. Plus, the lack of a warm jacket struck somewhat of a nerve at you. Even feeling so much guilt over being in her presence you couldn't help but feel your motherly friend instincts wash over you; why wasn't she wearing something warmer? And why were you seconds away from taking off your jacket to offer it to her when you knew she wouldn't even accept it.

"Damn, Erwin's sure taking long, do you want my jacket?"

"Uh-"

Once again and mostly out of instinct, your finger tapped over the metallic button, covered by the edge of your sleeve. Suddenly, the familiar buzz of the intercom growled in your eardrum and you shook your head to its direction automatically.

"I'm so sorry!" Erwin said. "Come in!"

"Hey Erwin!" Petra spoke before you had a chance to say your wanted reply.

Even if you couldn't see him, you knew how shocked of an expression he was wearing.

Taking the few steps into the apartment complex's yard, you rushed to the next door and waited for the known buzz which signaled that Erwin had finally let you inside. With awkwardness spread over your face though, you pushed your lips into a thing line, holding the door back as you signaled to Petra that she should be the first to come inside.

"Thank you." She muttered.

"No prob."

You watched as Petra hesitated to push the elevator button; with a set of trembling fingers her palm rested only a few inches before the metallic button that was lit in a red arrow. With another smile you came closer to her and went to check in which floor the elevator was currently at. Whether she flinched intentionally or not, you didn't know.

"Wanna share a lift? It'll be a while till it comes down again." You offered.

"Uhm, yeah okay."

Once she responded, Petra tapped onto the elevator button with her thumb.

Petra looked at you and clung onto the edged of her cardigan once again. You took notice of how she looked a little more casual and unkept, despite being dressed on point; the lack of a jacket and her tousled naturally wavy bob betrayed an unwillingness to be present to today's event and it's was painfully obvious.

"I'd like to" Petra hesitated, "I'd like to talk to you about something."

"Oh sure, what is it about?"

"It's about Levi."

Dead silence fell as Petra didn't dare turn her gaze to your direction. The little screen over the elevator button still showed that your lift was taking long to come down as if it mocked you, but you couldn't find it in you to tap into the button once again.

"Would you like to grab some coffee with me tomorrow?"

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow.

To say that you were panicked would be an exaggeration and probably a degradation to Petra's feelings. Her breathing was heavier than your own, frankly because for her it must have been even more uncomfortable than it was for you. You couldn't blame her for that.

Nonetheless you couldn't help but be genuinely curious as to what she had wanted to tell you? It was evident that she knew something. What's slipped you was whether or not she want to bash you for your actions.

She had every right to do so.

"Yeah. Of course, uhh, tomorrow sounds good."

....

Christmas day wasn't as bad as you had expected it to be when Hange had announced to you that Levi would be coming alone with Petra.

For starters, the food was in plehtora; Erwin had cooked your jolly favorite roasted chicken, Mike and Nanaba had brought an enormous plate of their creamiest, most mouth watering souffle, Levi had made some god tasty pumpkin soup and Hange had taken actually good care of fixing a custom non alcoholic cocktail to each one of you.

All of this drool worthy deliciousness had caused, and non surprisingly at that, your body to submit in that peaceful demi slumber that tagged along with the fullness of your tummy. Frankly, it had been so long since you had enjoyed such a good meal and you didn't think you would be enjoying another one until Mikasa's birthday.

Thus, the cool evening sir that entered the room when Erwin opened the window door to the balcony, found you laying on the floor right next to the tangerine fire that danced in the fireplace. You could faintly feel Nanaba's hand scratch at the roots of your hair, her almond tipped nails slowly running in purringly mellow lines over your sculp that sent you to pure delight.

Levi's eyes danced over your form more than he'd like to admit so. Ever so slightly his pupils would travel up and down your thighs and calfs, examining the material of your sheer back pantyhose but whatever emotion overcame him wasn't the animalistic lust he had expected to feel.

He felt rather guilty. And not only for staring at your legs. For bringing himself upon the situation he was in.

It wasn't easy to think with a throbbing head but in Levi's world this poor condition was translated as a prompt to try to get out of whatever shithole he had found himself in. Maybe. Because there was also a certain part inside of him that bashed him to no end about his previous and degrading actions to both Petra's and his person, which part he completely and rationally justified.

With a quick glance at Petra, Levi brought his hand to his face to hopefully wipe any of the numbness his guilt had got him feeling. Petra seemed to enjoy herself as per usual. With her soft smiles and the mellow sway of her hair over her shoulder, she'd often reach for the hem of her white wooly cardigan to cover her shoulder while cooing into the soft material and onto the side of the couch she was seating in.

It would be hard for anyone to guess that the two of them had broken up.

She was unsurprisingly sitting as far off him as she could; the fact that they hadn't announced to anyone they had broken up because they didn't want the Christmas party at Erwin's to be ruined didn't mean she owned Levi to act like his faithful and bubbly dog.

It happened that night after he had stood her up at the movies.

Levi had gathered all of his determination and had managed to push all thoughts aside from the back of his brain, as he was despairate to ignore that feeling your make out session had brushed on him. He had walked up to Petra, all dissolved and stoic, his chest swelling with anxiety. He had stared at her with an agape mouth, he had been muttering words so honest that he felt were fatally brute and Petra had digested them all without any difficulty.

And before he knew it, he was over and done.

Petra hadn't cried, she hadn't wept, she had only answered him with a smile that she'd rather just be friends with him if things weren't going to work between them.

And to an extended it tortured the ravenette, mostly because he remembered the hurt look in her face before she had managed to hide it with her usual mellow smile.

Taking another sigh, Levi stared at Petra's hand while she played silently with the lettuce hem of her dress. Her hazel orbs were fixed on you, who laid before the fireplace like a stray cat on the tire of car during a snowy day. Levi couldnt exactly place the exact emotion behind Petra's expression, though it would be perceived by most as a saddened one. There were specs of regret gathering at the corners of her eyes, reluctance gathered at her slightly puckered lips and a hint of determination to the front tips of her eyebrows.

Maybe Petra's inner strength was something that Levi deeply admired.

Levi made no effort whatsoever to reach out to her to ask what was going on, not even to show some seemingly convern. The more he looked at Petra, the more it felt utterly wrong for him to simply stand next to her, knowing what he had do behind her back. Whether he loved her or not, it wasn't like him to be caught up in such stupid drama.

"Shorty!"

Levi looked up to an enthusiastic Hange with much tousled hair and a big grin on her face that spread from one ear to another. With another, more thorough glance, he quickly became aware of the cake in her hands; a cake covered in white frosting, decorated with soft pastel green letters that wrote a simple birthday wish to his person. He couldn't help but let out a sigh.

"For you!" Hange smiled further "Erwiiin, come light up the candles!"

Looking around the room he noticed how all of his friends' gazes were on him. Mike and Nanaba remained cuddled on the couch opposite to the one he was on, Petra was mellowy smiling at his eith her cherry lips pressed into a thin line and you were fiddling with what seating arrangement was most comfortable for you at the moment.

"We're celebrating another year where you went up in age and down in height, how delightful." Mike commented, causing laughter to spark between the small group of people around you.

After the spur of happiness died out your eyes met with Levi's, briefly and then they traveled anywhere else in the room altogether.

"Let's light up the candles!" Smiled Erwin as he flicked the small metallic button of his lighter.

"I don't want too many, shit. The last time you took my lungs out."

"Not our fault that you're old Levi!" You spoke, earning a half smile by the ravenette.

"Very old!" Hange agreed.

"Tch, I'm only turning twenty six shut your shitty mouths!"

The warm light of the fire licked each waxed strip of wick that hung from the candles, illuminating Hange's face in warm orange light. Once done with lighting up the candles, Erwin plopped himself in between Levi and Petra, crossing his hands over his knees as he shifted his bottom in the most uncomfortable seating on a couch you had ever witnessed.

You merely caught a glimpse of Hange kneeling before Levi as you dragged your gaze over to Petra, fixating it on her for the thousandth time this evening.

There only was one thing in your head that bounced between the crevices of your brain like crazy. Just one simple words that held so much behind it.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow you were going to apologize to Petra and try to make amends. Being the despicable toxic person you had turned into didn't suit you. Owing up to your mistakes was the first step to redemption and you weren't afraid to take it.

As you fell into a spiral of thoughts and guesses about tomorrow though, you couldn't help but subtly ignore the cheerful sing alone to Levi's birthday song.

.....

"Thank you for coming!"

Petra's hair was messily swaying all over her face, falling a direct victim to the frozen December air, yet she smiled as if nothing was going on.

The park around you was covered in snow. White was primarily the color that was plastered on everything, save for the dry stems of trees that were once covered in forest green leaves.

Your peeping hot coffee did nothing to warm up your hands, despite your best wishes and in the moment you had called victim to some specs of jealousy over Petra's gloved hands as they rubbed soothing over her own coffee.

"Of course, I had been meaning to talk to you as well."

"Oh you did?" Petra spoke with her eyebrows following the little surprise that was masking her tone. "To be honest, I didn't think you'd come."

"Yeah about that-"

"Can I please go first?" Petra cut you off.

Her huge hazel eyes that blinked into yours from your left side left you little to no space to deny her wish. Thus, by taking a sigh, you pushed past the quick beating of your heart and gestured her to go first with a kind smile on your face.

"Okay oof, thanks!" Petra huffed "look. Levi and I broke up. Now I know that you'll say it doesn't concern you, and frankly it'd be ideal if it didn't, but I know it does, because Levi explained to me what happened."

At that Petra slightly paused.

Naturallye first thing that came to your mind was the need to express an apology. Although, you weren't that sure if Petra would perceive the apology as sincere, you felt like you ought to give one to her. Yet her eyes blinked into yours further as she took another turn down the path you were walking on and you wordlessly followed asuit.

"I love Levi you know," she sighed "but Levi loves you. You're not over each other and it's painfully obvious, I mean you did just collided to eachother quite literally, not giving a single care about whether you couldn't have each other or not."

A sheer red colored tint painted your cheeks at her words.

Your skin pricked you, burning up a stingingly painful path to all of the pores on your face as shame took the form of an earth shattering wave. Your heart started heaping beats, hollering into the depths of your chest and you could hear it bounce inside your eardrums as if your whole body was hollow save for the jolting organ and the echo of the sound it made was bouncing around each fleshy wall.

Petra was right and you couldn't help but accept but stand the as she was lightning you with her words.

"It hurts to see that someone that I love doesn't love me back but it hurts more to see that you two are very miserable without eachother. I really thought you were a bitch you know."

At the sound of that, you let out a startled laugh.

"Me?"

"Yeah, you just gave us looks when we'd shoe up together somewhere or you'd simply leave, but I don't like turning my back on people and judging them like that. I'm in no place to judge anyone a coping mechanism."

Petra sighed. Her fingers curled strongly onto her cup, while her left palm went to support the cup by the bottom as she angled it on her lips. She made a tiny gulping noise as she drank a sip from her latte, her nose crinkling up as the hot beverage brushed over her sensitive tongue. In turn, you sipped similarly, mimicking Petra just hoping it would serve as a sign for her to go on with her speech.

"I might be hurt, but I vouch to help you and Levi resolve what's going on and get back together."

"You do?"

"Mhm"

"Petra I, I don't know what to say you- you're a literal angel." You admit and the guilt in your stomach only growled in its awakening.

You and Levi had hurt a wonderful person. Petra didn't need to be nice to you, she didn't need to offer to help you with anything but once you made yourself step inside her shoes you were able to see why she had perceived you the way that she initially had.

"I'm sorry."

Your voice was silent and stripped of any emotion other than shame yet Petra was beaming at you in response.

Her warm smile was elegant and comforting as she stared at you, taking another gulp of her drink with a soft giggle. Your eyes were locked with hers, saddened (e/c) irises staring into her hazel ones, as she smiled even more little by little.

It was strange.

There was a different kind of bubbling inside your chest and you knew because your heart wasn't hammering anymore, not was your stomach trying to be ripped apart in tiny pieces after it vored into your other intestines. You felt serene, at peace even.

It clicked to you that this is what must feel to be forgiven.

"It's fine, plus you guys kinda deserve each other." Petra laughed at your chocked inhale, pressing a comforting, gloved palm to your shoulder. "I'd rather find my happiness when I'm not in between two people that struggle to find theirs."

Petra nuzzled to the comfort of her jacket, giving you a scrunched up bunny smile. You knew it's not that she hoped you could be best friends after this. She simply wanted to make sure that she could do her best to help two people find happiness. And it wasn't all that bad, you figured. You didn't know what you would do were you in her place.

In a way, you admired Petra for being so strong.

"Besides, girls shouldn't bring down other girls."

"Yeah, and I'm sorry about what I did behind your back. I own up to my mistake. I can't take it back but I can promise that I won't become this toxic ever again."

You shot an apologetic side smile at her as you followed her tracks.

Taking a new look in your surroundings, you deeply inhaled the cold air, filling your lungs in shivering winter freshness. A few specs of snow were adorning Petra's hair as the fell from the sky in a dainty manner, licking the stray threads that popped from her wooly gloves.

There definitely was a commotion a few blocks away. You could hear sirens go off not so far from your spot but you chose to ignore them, it was typical for a city person to filter out unnecessary noise, and having to live in Trost added tons to what you had to filter or not.

"It's December twenty six and the two is back to being a Mayhem." Petra sighed.

"It's like we're Gotham or some shit."

"Gotham?" Petra blinked at you, earning a gasp from you.

"Step one to being the friend of someone who's majoring in comics-"

"Oh, friends yay!"

Shaking your head, to ignore the child like enthusiasm, you continued, "Please know the most well known fictional city, it's Batman's city too."

"OH!" Petra's mouth fell agape as she took in the information, but she quickly giggled again as she saw that you easily took a gulp of your beverage "you're right."

For what seemed like a second you felt at peace once again. Petra bubbled about how she wanted to apologise to Levi about her rather cold behavior last night, and explained in the most non detailed way how it was the memory of the passing of her mother that had caused her to become this grumpy.

"Don't worry Petra! But beware, you could be turning into Levi version two point oh and-"

A loud sound startled you, sending both you and Petra back a few steps. Dumbfounded, you stared at each other and around you, locking eyes with different by passers that were just as shocked as you.

"Maybe we should go back!" Petra suggested. You simply nodded, hearing a good amount of running footsteps coming to the direction of the block you were in. In any way, getting caught up with a manhunt wasn't in your plans for today

"Yeah maybe we shou-"

Your words were cut off absurdly, harshly and shockingly all together. As gunmetal orbs locked with yours, your eyelids shot open, hour mouth dropping to the snow covered concrete.

"Levi?"

Wait, Levi? That was actually so random

Before you could manage to process what was going on around you, or why on earth Levi had just popped up from the alley right across you another head splitting sound filled the air.

Levi -yes, this was indeed Levi, you just didn't really know how to process this- collapsed on his knees like a rag doll, his torso and head giving in to the exhaustion of his body. Once he fell, you stood frozen, shieldimg Petra with one hand as the two of you watched in horror while crimson started littering the sugary snow.

"Call an ambulance." You spoke dryly, eyes still wide with horror.

The people who had seemed to be after Levi quickly fell onto the hands of the hands of a handful of police men who were on their tracks, but you couldn't care to look at their faces. You just run towards Levi, always followed by a petrified Petra, your feet giving in as you kneeled right next to him, your fingers gingery ghosting over him just to inspect what was his condition.

You listened as Petra spoke with the emergency center in horror, explaining what was the scene before her eyes while struggling to keep herself from trembling.

"What's going on?" Shy muttered once she detached the phone off her ear.

"I'm pretty sure now is not the right time for a story, but Levi used to be in a street gang in his teens."

"Oh boy."

Oh boy indeed.

Here's your gentle reminder that constructive criticism makes me cry because I'm a baby

Taglist: @sasageyowrites @liddolwhynot2000 @ackermans-freedom-inc @callmepromise @nobody-knows-anymore @levisbrat25 @thethyri @hawkssnugget @berrijam @melancholicmonologue