#and curb is eventually NO LONGER A CHILD OF DIVORCE

[1moreoffkeyanthem]

Excuse me?!?!? Yeah im gonna need more of this like neen I am WRITHING

… can we get the realer and worse toxic yaoi

oh don't you WORRY, my loves! i am...writing it. ;)

smh.

i'm miserable.

Slay Olay! <3

so i was thinking way too hard about kyle showing up on the doorstep of their apartment all fucked up from fighting transphobes and stan taking care of him eVEn thOugh thEy bRokE uP ( and broke the hearts of dawn spawn ravesey super fans everywhere, mind you! ) and i started writing something...it's not finished and it's in these weird stage directions while i try and write...better, less cringeworthy actions. but you know what, you asked, and you shall receive. but...

be careful what you wish for, darlings. xx

***

[ this is not his proudest moment.

he thinks as he drags his limp body towards the apartment, every step excruciating. kyle, mi amor, you're fighting again! stan would scold and curse under his breath, shaking his lovely head with his bangs in his eyes, a dark, natural brown, the way they always were when he was happy, healthy and well, with a tanned sun-kissed hand braced on his hip, his tattoos swirling enticingly beneath it. stan hated when he got into fights. but who gives a shit, right? surely not stan, because stan hated him even more right now, a terrible thought that thrummed all through his aching head as he finally made it to their front door.

...or, what used to be their front door.

it was late, the rest of the world was asleep, with craig's sister, who'd been cat sitting for them, hopefully all tricia tuckered out and in bed. he didn't want her to see him like this. he'd be absolutely horrified.

kyle hated being vulnerable...almost as much as he hated being alone.

but that was just as well: he was a hideous and unlovable thing.

which was why he couldn't say it. kyle grit his teeth. he was uncapable of it! he reasoned unreasonably, as he went to unlock the door, haunted and taunted by the silly novelty wine glass shaped housekey stan had gotten made for him as a joke at ace hardware when they'd first moved in together...before he'd fucked up everything.

the memory made him wince, but not worse than the stupid holographic key-chain that hung from the dumb key like a noose, a cruel, tacky reminder of their ruined relationship. because each time it flickered the acursed thing forced kyle to watch stan kiss his cheek,

over.

and over.

and over again.

he groans and twists the sharp metal shiv like a knife when the ghost of his favorite voice in this world and the next, cries out ]

“ — KY!”

[ the door swings open to reveal stan, silhouetted in moonlight and frozen there, in a fixed, but broken state of shock. kyle squints up at him, like that vision of radiance is some kind of sick apparition, a cruel trick of his waning conscious. because stan is supposed to be doing a show tonight, and yet...there he is. with his pretty face lightly flushed and his now bright red hair held back and still wet from the shower.

he’s standing in the doorway, cradling curb in his arms, wearing a plaid patterned pair of kyle's boxers and his beloved college sweatshirt, stained in small splotches around the collar with sweet-n-sour sauce and charcoal colored salt water. the hue of his eyeliner.

he looks beautiful, so naturally, kyle smiles and sways, causing his split lip to send blood same shade of stan's hair all over his teeth. ]

“Hey, Handsome.”

[ his ex-boyfriend's blue-silver eyes dilate in dizzying delight for a moment, lightening with longing before darkening again. he starts to say something, probably in admonition — he's not supposed to say shit like that anymore — when kyle stops him dead in his tracks. ]

“ — I wasn’t talkin’ t’you.”

[ the injured boy nods towards curb, who stan holds protectively over his chest, like he's hiding his heart, unaware of it's place on his sleeve. or his ring finger, where a tatted sun shone, proof of their covenant and devotion to each other. because rings didn't matter. they'd been married since sixth grade. or were...married. he was still getting used to that one. stan rolls his eyes, but he laughs a little in spite of himself.

so that line still works, he mentally notes with a smirk, clinging to that small sense of pride. even if they don't. curb makes a confused, concerned noise, a mournful meow. and kyle is so distracted by the two sets of blue eyes roving over him, that he almost forgets to ask: ]

“How’dya…” [ he pauses, narrowing his eyes. ] “Know it was…m-me?"

[ stan speaks too quickly, like the answer is obvious. he sputters out. ]

“You—You made a s-sound at the door! You groaned…”

[ but stan stops mid-word, choking back a sob at the sore sight of kyle's bruised and battered face. he whispers something in stannish, a soft, soothing hymn — into the crook of curb's neck before placing a small kiss at the top of his ochre head and lowering him down onto the carpet, where he skitters behind his dad's legs, looking equally fearful.

then, without thinking, stan surges forward to touch the bloody, war-torn battlefield of his ex-boyfriend's countenance, all to desperate to hold him, to comfort him. it's involuntary, its muscle memory, a force of habit, and his scared, shaking fingers were nearly curved around the raised, angry apple of the combatant's cheek, where a dark purple bruise had begun to blossom like the worst kind of rose, before, at the very last second, that helping hand jerks away and clasps over his wide, whimpering mouth like a lock, where through the watery, unforgiving valley of his fingers, stan mutters a sad and strangled… ]

“Oh—Oh my god…”

[ it hurts a hundred times more than all three broken ribs to hear the pain that stings in stan's voice, but the college student stubbornly soldiers on, trying to put on a brave face he attempts to pull all the pieces together. his ginger brow furrows pensively as he ponders, then hones in on an answer, his hypothesis rolling tentatively off his tongue before his bitter words back off, ripe with disillusion and disbelief. ]

“Shit. You…”

[ kyle’s sage eyes widen in realization, suddenly wrought with guilt. ]

“Felt it, didn’t ya?”

[ stan rubs his neck sheepishly and looks away, now studying the carpet with great sudden interest. he made a displeased clicking noise, like the logician was wrong, but kyle knew from the way stan’s lip twitched, he was right. after all, kyle could read stan like a book. it was his favorite one. which was clear from the way the scholar watched the rockstar's teeth thrash his lovely pierced lip.

stan was embarrassed. but kyle thought he was so goddamn cute when he got all nervous. which was a selfish and fucked up thing to think. but no matter, because when he looked up again, his once sky-blue eyes had gone grey like two summer storms. kyle's face falters. because, for the very first time, his favorite book...was unreadable. ]

“Let’s get you inside.”

i'm so sad this is the worst thing i've ever written, oh my GOD.

-uncle nina, captain of the ravesey ship which is sInKinG!!!!! :///

[floral-and-fine]

La Doular Exquise

Greg Lestrade x female reader

Mycroft Holmes x female reader (but one sided)

A/n: Suddenly had this idea even though I haven’t written anything for Sherlock before, but since I’ve been spending so much time at home, I’ve been re-watching a lot of shows! Anyways, I really like the direction this story ended up going, I may write a part 2 :) (Also think it’s been a long time since I’ve played Charades so sorry in advance)

Thank you @luna-xial​ for the help with the title!

Summary: Greg Lestrade is in a new relationship with y/n, and to everyone, they appear very happy together and very much in love. Surprisingly, Mycroft finds himself longing for something similar. 

“What’s wrong with Lestrade?” Sherlock questioned, staring at the inspector instead of scrutinizing the crime scene for clues.

“What do you mean what’s wrong with him?” John asked looking up from the dead body.

“He’s happy, very happy…” Sherlock muttered, narrowing his eyes. Slowly, he stood from his crouched position, no longer interested in the case.

“And that’s a problem?” John questioned in disbelief, he didn’t quite understand what Sherlock was getting at. “Also, shouldn’t we be focusing on what happened here?”

“Already figured it out,” Sherlock stated, stepping over the body, trying to get closer to Lestrade. “Isn’t it obvious?”

John looked at the scene before him, dead body on the ground dressed in a mascot costume, the man had somehow managed to drown despite not being anywhere near water and his costume was still completely dry.

“No it’s not,” he said, throwing his arms up in frustration.

For a few brief seconds, Sherlock observed Lestrade closely, before a smirk formed on his lips. “Aha!” He laughed triumphantly. “Gordon’s been dating someone… a woman… considerably younger as well.”

John shook his head, “how can you tell?”

“Well, for one the dramatic change in attitude, plus telling by his clothes and hair he’s taken a new interest in his appearance, typical of those in a budding relationship.”

“And how do you know she’s younger?” John pressed.

“See how he keeps checking his phone,” Sherlock pointed out. “He’s using a messaging app used by young adults, rather than middle-aged men.”

“So?”

“So,” Sherlock elaborated, with an eye roll, “he smiles like an idiot every time he gets a new message, hence, that's how he and his new girlfriend are communicating.”

John watched as Lestrade checked his phone again, pulling it out from his jacket pocket when he assumed no one was looking. He really did smile like an idiot, grinning from ear to ear as he quickly typed his reply.

“Good for him,” he said sincerely, John knew how difficult it could be trying to date, especially with a job like his. He deserved to be happy, especially after that nasty divorce he went through.

Tucking his phone back into his jacket, Greg noticed the pair watching him.

“Any ideas as to what happened here?” He asked, approaching them.

“Yes,” Sherlock said spiritlessly. “But it’s rather boring and dull, I’d rather talk about the woman you’re seeing.”

“Oh, you already noticed that?” Greg rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. “We’ve only been out a few times, we’re not exactly official yet.”

“Are you concerned about the age difference?” Sherlock interrogated, not caring how rude it sounded.

“Sherlock,” John muttered trying to urge his friend to shut up.

Greg just laughed lightly and shrugged, “honestly, I thought I would be, but I’m not.” Another big grin appeared on his face just at the thought of her. “I’m quite surprised by it all.”

“Well, why don’t you bring her for Christmas, so we can properly meet her?” John suddenly suggested.

Sherlock groaned loudly, he had forgotten all about the holidays, completely forgetting that his parents would be visiting. . . .

Mycroft stood outside of his brother’s flat, enjoying a quick smoke, before joining in on the festivities. He could barely keep himself from rolling his eyes, if it weren’t for the fact his parents were expecting him, he wouldn’t have bothered to come at all.

He sighed, knowing that he couldn’t postpone this much longer. Eventually, his mother would track him down and he’d be scolded like a child for making everyone wait.

Just as he was about to put out his cigarette, a taxi pulled up to the curb, and a woman, who Mycroft didn’t recognize, stepped out of the vehicle.

His eyes narrowed in suspicion, he knew everyone, and he literally meant everyone, his little brother was acquainted with. Rapidly, Mycroft assessed the stranger, she appeared relatively harmless, worked as a daycare worker or teacher perhaps. She dressed quite nicely and sensibly for the weather. Telling by the hair stuck to her jumper, she either had a cat or dog at home.

“Merry Christmas!” She greeted, waving at him cheerfully.

Mycroft nodded his head in acknowledgment, saying Merry Christmas back in rather bleak fashion. His eyes darted back towards the taxi as another person got out.

“Merry Christmas!” Inspector Lestrade waved.

The couple approached him, and Lestrade made quick introductions, “Mycroft, this is y/n.”

She extended her hand out, “Nice to meet, Mycroft.”

Mycroft took in several more details, before finally accepting her hand, like the shade of her nail polish to the choice of her shoes.

“Heard you’re smarter than your brother,” she complimented. “That’s pretty impressive.”

“I suppose,” Mycroft commented dryly.

“Well, we better go say hello to everyone else,” Lestrade said, nodding at Mycroft before taking y/n by the hand and leading her towards the door. The poor fool was smiling so big that it made him look completely mad.

“Aren’t you coming?” Y/n called out to Mycroft, her eyes filled with excitement before Lestrade knocked on the door.

“I’ll be up in a moment,” Mycroft said, taking out another cigarette and lighting it. . . .

As Mycroft entered the flat he noted that Mrs. Hudson and his parents were in the kitchen chatting away and preparing food. Molly sat watching Sherlock play violin awestruck. John and his date stood close by whispering to each other. And then there was y/n and Lestrade standing by the fireplace completely in their own world.

After saying a quick Merry Christmas to his parents, Mycroft sat alone on the couch. He wasn’t planning on staying long, just long enough that his mother wouldn’t complain about him leaving so early.

From the other side of the room, Lestrade groaned as his phone started ringing, giving his date a quick kiss, he excused himself taking the call in the hallway.

Y/n stood by the fireplace, her nails anxiously tapping against the side of her glass. Her eyes scanned the room until she spotted Mycroft sitting alone on the couch. “Mind if I join you?”

Mycroft nodded, scooting over a bit. He sat with his legs crossed, elbow resting on the arm of the couch with an umbrella in hand.

“Not planning on staying long?” She joked, gesturing to the umbrella.

Mycroft half smiled, “Just prepared to leave early, should things go awry.”

Y/n chuckled and continued to sip on her drink. They sat next to one another, in comfortable silence, while she patiently waited for Greg to return.

“Your brother plays very well,” she whispered, watching Sherlock who seemed like he was elsewhere mentally.

Mycroft was about to respond until he was suddenly interrupted.

“Sorry, love,” Greg said, abruptly re-entering the room walking towards y/n.  “That was work, afraid I have to go in.”

“That’s alright,” she reassured him, standing up and wrapping her arms around his neck. “It can’t be helped.”

With that she pressed her lips against his, Lestrade was quick to return the kiss, placing his hands on her waist.

Mycroft found himself looking the other way, uncharacteristically bothered by the display of affection taking place before him.

“I’ll call you tonight,” Greg murmured quietly, before he reluctantly pulled away from her, and grabbed his coat. “Merry Christmas, everyone!” He shouted as he rushed out the door.

Y/n clasped her hands together, looking around the room, “Well, I suppose I should go too.”

“Oh, don’t be silly, dear,” Mrs. Hudson tutted, waltzing into the living area carrying a tray with tea. “At least stay long enough to have something to eat.”

“Guess I could keep Mycroft company awhile longer,” she smiled, taking her seat back on the couch next to him. “If that’s alright with you?” She asked him.

“Be my guest.”

The rest of the evening progressed full of merriment, food, drinking, and Christmas carols.

At some point, Mrs. Holmes started sharing stories about Mycroft and Sherlock from when they were children. Which everyone found quite amusing with the exception of her sons, who shared an unamused look as she continued to describe the time she found them covered in some type of slime after a failed experiment.

Mycroft risked a quick glance at y/n who was hiding her laughter behind her hand. Watching her react so lively made him smile to himself, not that it lasted long. As soon as he noticed, he returned to grimacing as his mother started another story, this one was about when. Sherlock had borrowed his clothes and pretended to be his big brother for a whole week. . . .

“Why don’t we play a game,” John’s date suggested.

After some debate, the group finally settled on playing Charades. Somehow Mycroft had been roped into being y/n’s partner. Although She seemed rather pleased by it.

“Merry go round!” Sherlock shouted, staring at Molly, and becoming more irate by the second. “Ferris wheel! Clock!”

“Times up!” John announced, sounding rather pleased.

“Well, what was it?” Sherlock demanded.

“The solar system,” Molly muttered quietly, handing him the card.

Sherlock scoffed, “Who needs to know anything about the solar system! This game is ridiculous! Utter waste of time!”

“Stop being such a rotten sport!” His mother reprimanded from the kitchen, where she was helping Mrs. Hudson tidy up.

“Well, Mycroft and y/n it’s your turn,” John said, holding out the cards to y/n.

Mycroft watched her movements intently, “a book, two words…” he furrowed his brow slightly as he watched y/n imitate the action of stabbing or perhaps using a spear? Then a subtle smile appeared on his face. “Moby Dick.”

Y/n bounced up and down clapping excitedly, “you got it!”

Mycroft chuckled, feeling rather pleased with himself, and for a brief moment, he had forgotten that you weren’t with him. That y/n wasn’t in fact his date. He had been having such a good time that it had seemed to have slipped his mind.

His smile faltered, feeling rather odd about whatever he was feeling, but he hid it well, especially as she showered him with praise.

As John and his date took their turns, the game seemed to fade into the background. In his own head, Mycroft was having a rather difficult time trying to process what he was feeling.

He didn’t understand at all what he found so agreeable about her, why her company didn’t aggravate him. Typically, he became at least moderately annoyed being around anyone for such a long period of time.

Y/n gently placed her hand on Mycroft knee, “are you alright?”

Mycroft quirked an eyebrow in response, caught off guard that she noticed a change in his behavior.

“You’re just somehow quieter,” she explained, tilting her head.

“It’s nothing,” Mycroft replied with a small smile. Even despite all the confusion he felt, he managed to enjoy the rest of his time with y/n.

Finally, the night was coming to an end. Being the gentleman that he was, he stood outside with y/n as she waited for a cab.

“I had lots of fun tonight,” she shared suddenly. “Thank you for including me.”

“Of course,” he nodded, once again smiling all of a sudden.

Soon the taxi approached, and Mycroft got the door for her. He felt a sinking feeling in his gut, he wanted her to stay just a little longer, or he wanted to join her on her ride home. However, neither option was appropriate.

“Good night, Mycroft,” she said, as she climbed into the backseat.“And Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, y/n.”

...

Walking into his large home, Mycroft removed his coat hanging it up on the rack and placed his umbrella by the door.

He didn’t understand why this bothered him so much. Mycroft had encountered plenty of other happy couples before, but none of them had ever left him with this feeling of jealousy and loneliness.

As much as he tried to deny it, he knew deep down he envied Lestrade, which for Mycroft, was a hard pill to swallow. Before y/n, he practically pitied the detective. But now the inspector had something that Mycroft wanted.

What was so bewildering about it, was that he had never wanted something like that before. He never cared for or wanted any type of companionship or relationship. It seemed so frivolous,

But now his mind wandered to the what if’s, such as, what would it be like to not come home alone.

Despite his better judgment, Mycroft gave into his imagination. The downside of having a mind like his is that was how he could picture things so clearly in his head.

He could practically see her now, slightly tipsy, clinging to his arm with one hand for stability as she removes her shoes. Then, he would hear the soft pitter-patter of her bare feet as she made her way to the bedroom.

Mycroft started to loosen his tie as he walked towards his room.

As he would enter, he would find her jumper and leggings strewn about on the floor. But instead of making it an issue now, he’d ask her to pick them up in the morning.

Mycroft headed towards his closet, undressing and putting on his pajamas.

As he would step back into the room, y/n would pop her head through the door of the master bathroom, with a toothbrush hanging out of her mouth. She’d smile widely at him before finishing. “Almost done!” She would call out to him.

Mycroft turned out the light and climbed into bed. Despite having such a large bed to himself, he always slept on one side, never really spreading out.

He pictured what it would be like for y/n to join him in bed. She’d gently kiss him good night, before resting her head against his chest. He imagined what it would be like to hold her, feel the warmth radiating off her form, to caress her back in a soothing manner until she fell asleep.

Mycroft groaned loudly, rolling over and burying his face against his pillow. There was no point in indulging himself with these fantasies any longer. No matter how clearly he could picture it, this alternate life, there was nothing he could do to change his reality. She simply wasn’t his.

[mama-germany]

~i have been working on this for MONTHS~ 

this is a thus-far comprehensive bio of my edgy emo child Keira.  I’m using her in a Cyberpunk Red campaign so this is her bio as relates to the campaign, so some modifications have been made.  This is not her canon form, but it’s close.  if you’re part of the Swordfish campaign, go away, bc backstory spoilers.  And trigger warnings for, uhh, a lot.

Keira’s the oldest daughter of Joey Youngwood and his wife Olivia.  Her sister Carly comes along two years later, and two years after that, her parents go through a nasty divorce.  Because of Joey’s demanding career as a contract Samurai for Biotechnica, Olivia gets primary custody.  Keira’s childhood, while not particularly eventful, is marked by a distant relationship with her mom.  Keira is a daddy’s girl through and through, she takes after her father, she resembles her father, she cherishes her time with him.  Meanwhile she and her mom have little in common, and her resemblance to her father doesn’t really help.  Keira’s dad teaches her about guns and how to defend herself and plants the seed of a love for rock music.  He buys her her first guitar.

Andrew comes into the picture when Keira’s about 14.  Olivia’s new boyfriend, he started out mediocre enough, but didn’t take well to standing off against the rebellious, petulant, and disobedient teenager, especially compared to her agreeable mother and mild-mannered sister.  Their arguments turned physical more than a few times and Keira’s mother rarely intervened, on the basis of ‘Keira needing discipline’.  For the record, to the best of Keira’s knowledge, Andrew never raised a hand to Carly.

Memories of Keira’s teenage years include studying music, similarly emo (and short lasting) boyfriends, piercing her ears and face by herself or with the help of acquaintances, occasionally stealing cigarettes, hooking up with her boyfriends in shady places, and going to prom in a short quinceanera dress at the behest of her father.

The second Keira turned 18, she moves out of her mother’s home and starts getting tattoos.  She moves into her father’s Biotechnica funded apartment.  While her father is thrilled, he’s also a busy man and Keira can’t really be trusted to keep herself out of trouble.  He asks Skyler to keep an eye on her and keep her from getting herself hurt.  That’s how they meet.  Keira resents this straight-edge man trying to ruin her fun, but at least he’s cute.  Through him she meets the rest of his friends, all elite corporate Samurai and soldiers who’ve been raised most of their lives for this kind of work.  Maddelyn takes a shine to her, fascinated by how different her relatively normal life is by comparison to hers.  Her boyfriend Dean despises her - seeing Keira as a stupid, obnoxious brat just getting in the way - and the feeling is more than mutual.  Alina is ambivalent to her presence.  Luce dislikes her attitude and distrusts her, but eventually they come to friendly terms over some common interests.  Maddelyn and Keira eventually become close, bonding over Keira exposing her to things normal young women tend to do.  They paint their nails, go out to bars, and Maddelyn is always a willing audience whenever Keira wants to practice her guitar.

For a short period of time, Keira’s got a boyfriend, Hunter, whom she meets at a music club.  They manage to last a few months, longer than any fling she had in high school, but they too eventually split.  Keira was spending more and more time with Maddelyn and the rest of the squad and, of course, Skyler.  She’s very good at getting a rise out of this generally very even-tempered man, but at least she’s entertaining.  Turns out that when she’s sort of behaving herself, he doesn’t really mind her company.  He eventually shows an interest in her guitar, he asks her to attempt to teach him, and while he doesn’t take to it easily, it’s not too long before what do you know, Keira’s got a crush.  She secretly considers Bad Company ‘their song’.  

So her life’s pretty good, for a year and a half or so.  Out of an unsafe living situation and spending time with the people that matter to her, and a couple new friends.  That doesn’t last.  Her dad’s essentially a soldier, after all.  One day he leaves for work, and he never comes back.  None of his squad do.  Night City’s dangerous.  Something took them all out.  But Biotechnica’s excuses are pretty thin.  Not that it matters to Keira - at first.  Her father’s dead.  She sees his body sent to the ovens before her eyes.  She doesn’t know what to do, where to go. She won’t go back to her mom. Skyler lets her know that she’s still welcome around them. He and Mad look after her at their headquarters for the next few days.

The next few months after are her worst. She’s erratic. She’s impulsive. She’s drinking and smoking more. When she’s not doing that, she’s attempting to navigate Biotechnica’s departments to find out exactly what happened, what could have taken out an experienced Samurai squad with so little a trace, but Biotechnica is opaque. Maddelyn shares some of Keira’s suspicions, Skyler doesn’t. The others mostly dismiss her as well.

Several months after her father’s death, in that stage where you begin to claim you’re doing better but you’re really not, Keira finds herself with an older boyfriend. A little too much older. More of a sugar daddy, really, someone who can buy her all the liquor and cigarettes she wants. She just wants alcohol and a distraction. He wants a little more from her. One night he plies her with alcohol - she doesn’t exactly make it difficult - and starts touching her and doesn’t really take ‘no’ for an answer. Keira manages to bloody his nose and fight him off, she steals the keys to his motorcycle and leaves on it. But she’s drunk, she’s shaken, her nerves are fried, she barely knows how to drive as it is, and she crashes head-on into a curb. She wakes up in a hospital bed with Maddelyn and Skyler relieved she’s alive but not exactly happy with her. She’s got lots of breaks and dislocations, but at least nothing needs to be removed. Skyler angrily resolves to never let her out of his sight again, and Keira resolves never to let this happen again. She gets wolvers, Wolverine-like retractable claws, implanted into her hand a few days later. 

She stabilizes after that, sort of.  Sobered up, she spends more time with Maddy and Skyler and the others, taking them up on their offer to have a place to go.  She’s grown a lot more attached to Skyler.  A lot.  He’s barely let her out of his sight for months and she does not mind.  Maddy notices.  Oh she notices.  The sisterly pestering begins.  They go out drinking, Mad teases her about her crush on Skyler, maybe it’s a bit more than a crush, and she says Skyler likes her too.  A lot.  And Maddy’s right about everything, all the time, right?  So the day comes when Mad decides she’s had enough of seeing them dance around each other and takes it upon herself to lock them in a room together.  Keira takes the hint and makes her confession.  She loves him.  Skyler........... doesn’t really know what to make of that.  He’s shocked.  Kinda confused.  On the spot.  Doesn’t know how he feels or what to do.  He tells her people say and think crazy things when they’re mourning.  Don’t make big decisions about how you feel like this.  

~so that hurts~ 

Keira takes a deep breath and takes it like a big girl and tells him to forget this conversation ever happened. Forget she told him anything. She will too. And she keeps it to herself, but he’s her best friend. She can’t lose him. She doesn’t have much left. So she won’t press things and make him uncomfortable and alienate him. She’ll back off. Because she loves him. She hates Maddy at the moment tho. So does Skyler. Neither of them talk to her for a little while.

At least things return to normalcy, more or less, after a few weeks of avoidance and non-eye contact. Keira actually spends more time than ever with Alina, because she cares the least about her company. They have so little to bond over, but it’s the most comfortable silence Keira can find around others. But life goes on. Mad and Skyler and Luce are still her friends. As life goes on, Keira’s mind begins to wander to her future. She can’t stay there forever. She isn’t a Samurai. She isn’t one of Night City’s best and brightest, wasn’t born into the elite.  She can’t be one of them.  Over the next few months, Keira starts pulling away from the group bit by bit.  She uses the money her father willed her to move out of his Corpo apartment into a place of her own (it’s small and shit, don’t get excited).  She starts heading back into the chromer nightclubs, starts meeting new people.  She plays a couple of small gigs, the last of which she actually got paid a meager sum for.  Talks of starting a band are swirling around her head.  Her childhood dreams of becoming a Rockerboy begin to resurface. 

till they don’t. 

She’s out on the streets with the squad one night.  She met up with them during a routine patrol.  Hanging out with Maddy, trading insults with Dean, the usual.  They get an impromptu call to deal with a disturbance in the direction of Biotechnica’s offices.  No one’s very worried about it.  But they’re in one of the city’s combat zones and Keira’s a civilian.  She’s gotta go.  The rest of the squad’s written her off as Skyler’s problem, so he gets to escort her out.  The details are hazy, but when the groups part ways, they never come back.  

In Cyberpunk RED In their absence, there’s an explosion and an as-of-yet unknown team picks off the rest of the squad.  Maddy barely survives and Trauma Team manages to put back together what’s left of her, and she goes into hiding while she recovers.  She eventually hears rumors that the story is, she and her friends were eliminated for selling off company secrets.  Framed, of course.  It’s unknown what exactly happens to Keira and Skyler.

In my story canon, that takes place 200 years in the future instead of 20, everyone’s on a spaceship, doing routine things, shooting the shit, and they get that disturbance call.  Keira begins arguing with Dean about his treating her like a pet.  Maddy knocks her out to make everyone’s lives easier, and Skyler leaves with her.  She’s given an oxygen mask while she’s out cold to make the transition to the smaller ship easier.  While Skyler’s bringing her back to base, he begins feeling faint and passes out.  When Keira comes to, and sees Skyler unconscious, she knows something is deeply wrong, and manages to pilot them to a civilian hospital, not the base.  Not on her life.  

Skyler is sequestered and once he comes to, is told that the rest of his teammates are dead.  There was an accident on the ship after he left.  The reality is, time-release gas canisters were planted in the air ducts to dull their senses and knock them out, leaving them unable to defend themselves against another ship blowing them out of the sky.  

It’s been a few days.  Keira’s access to Skyler is restricted.  And he’s not recovering.  Maybe there’s something to the whole thing about dying of a broken heart, but Keira suspects he’s being poisoned instead.  During visiting hours, she asks a hapless nurse to take him for a walk, like an invalid, and she’s allowed to.  Once hidden in a back stairwell, she jams an adrenaline shot into his chest, sets the stairwell on fire with a can of hairspray and a lighter, and they escape as the fire alarms go off.  She brings him back to her apartment and nurses him back to health as best she can, just weaning him off the poison.  

In both stories, at least he’s still alive and he believes her now.  

Back to Cyberpunk RED, after a few days Keira helps Skyler find a place to stay, close to her, and they start trying to pull it together and make a plan of action.  All Skyler can think to do is Solo work, and despite his protests, Keira refuses to let him go it alone.  That’s how they begin their lives alone together in Night City, just trying to stay alive and find out what their loved ones died for.

[nazariolahela]

Something Domestic: Chapter 17

A/N: Hey y'all! This story is told in first-person narrative, from Riley’s (MC) POV. There will likely be smidges of canon in this, but not too much. Thanks for reading, and please leave feedback, and/or if you would like to be tagged.

I just wanted to give a quick thanks to everyone who read this series. It was so much fun to write. Big thanks to everyone who gave feedback and bugged me about releasing new chapters on time. (Which I couldn’t seem to do towards the end. Haha sorry about that.) Anywho, I really appreciate everyone who took the time to read my writing. Y’all are amazing. 😘😘

Catch up here

Series Tags: @burnsoslow @aworldoffandoms @dcbbw @ladyangel70 @texaskitten30 @sunandlemons @jlynn12273 @indiacater @jared2612 @rainbowsinthestorm @drakesensworld @badchoicesposts @msjr0119 @katurrade @blackcoffee85 @cynicalworlds-blog @hopefulmoonobject @cmestrella @sugarandspice-milkandhoney @superharrietsuper @custaroonie @lady-calypso @ritachacha @olympianpantsuit @desiree-0816 @the-soot-sprite @kate-mckenzie @narrytheworld @octobereighth @lynne1993 @queen-anastasia-universe @loveellamae @sarzkh31​ @iaminlovewithtrr​ @queenjilian​

Synopsis: When Riley Brooks takes a new job as a nanny for the affluent Rhys family in New York’s Upper East Side, she assumes she’s just going to care for the children of the couple who hired her. But instead of just school pick-ups and afternoon snacks, she also finds herself spending time with Liam, the handsome divorced dad. Can Riley control her feelings for Liam while still performing the job she was hired for?

All characters are the property of Pixelberry Studios. Thanks for allowing me to borrow them.

Chapter Summary: Will Riley and Liam get their Happily Ever After?

Epilogue - Six Months Later

Hana and I stand in the living room of our old apartment, packing up the last of the boxes. It still hasn’t hit me yet that this will no longer be our home. We had some good memories here. I pick up a framed photo of us in the Hamptons the summer after we graduated college. It’s only from a few years ago, but I can’t believe how young we look.

Hana balances a box on her hip, peering over my shoulder at the photo. “Oh my gods, look at us.”

I turn around and hold it out to her. “Do you want it?”

She shakes her head. “You keep it. I already took the one from our vacation at the shore. I look better in that one anyway.”

“Yes you do,” I laugh and set the photo into a box and tape the lid shut. I stand up and take one last look around the apartment, making sure we didn’t forget anything. I smile to myself as I recall the last four years. I remember we had to sleep on an air mattress in the living room that first night because the moving truck wasn’t scheduled to show up with our furniture until the next morning. The washing machine on our floor broke a week after we moved in, so we had to wash all our clothes in the tub. There was also the time our upstairs neighbor tried to get us to have a threesome with him.

Hana glances out the window then turns back to me. “Your ride is here. If you want, I can take the keys down to the landlord.”

I unhook mine from my keyring and place it in her palm before wrapping her in a hug. I can’t stop the tears from escaping. “I’m going to miss you so much.”

She laughs through her own tears. “I’m only moving to the West Village. It’s literally a 30-minute drive. I promise we’ll get together once a week.” Her hand moves to my cheek to brush away my tears and the sunlight pouring in through the window catches the diamond of her wedding ring. Hana and Meghan got married last week in an intimate ceremony. The engagement was a short one and caught everyone by surprise, especially Hana’s parents. They were against it at first, but eventually came around and walked her down the aisle. I stood in as Hana’s Maid of Honor, with Meghan’s older brother serving as her Best Man.

“Promise you won’t turn into one of those married bitches who ditches her best friend for her wife?” I sniffle.

“As long as you don’t turn into one of those trophy girlfriends who ditches her best friend for her rich boyfriend.”

We laugh and share another hug before I grab my boxes and make my way downstairs. When I reach the sidewalk, I spot Liam leaning against the side of his car, looking mouthwatering in dark wash jeans and a white t-shirt. A sexy smirk spreads across his face. After the drama with Madeleine, Liam and I became official. He wanted to move me into his penthouse almost immediately, but I told him I had to wait for my lease to expire before we took that next step. Although to be honest, I’ve been spending nearly every night at his place.

He approaches me, taking the boxes from my hands and presses a searing kiss to my lips. “Got everything?” he asks as he moves to set the boxes in the trunk.

“Yep, Hana’s dropping the key off right now.”

He slings an arm around me and pulls me to him, kissing my forehead. Hana emerges a few minutes later, holding her own boxes. Liam walks over and takes the boxes from her as she and I share one last hug.

“What are you doing this weekend?” I ask her.

She beams. “Well, we’re meeting with the adoption agency for a home study. But I’ll call you next week. We can get lunch.”

My heart warms. Hana and Meghan applied to adopt a child a few months ago. I was over the moon when she shared the news. We all suspect the sudden engagement and marriage was a way to fast-track the adoption process.

A few moments later, Meghan’s car pulls up behind Liam’s. Hana and I say our goodbyes as Meghan grabs the boxes from Liam and puts them in the back seat of her car. Hana hugs Liam then climbs in the front seat. I make my way over to Meghan.

“Hey! I just want to say thank you for always being there for Hana. Even when I wasn’t. She’s very lucky to have you.”

“I’m the lucky one. But thank you. I know we’ve had our differences, but you mean a lot to her, and I want you and me to be friends.”

“I think we can do that,” I say before pulling her in for a hug. “Take care of my best friend, please.”

“I will.”

Meghan gives us a quick wave, then climbs into her car and pulls away from the curb. I wipe the tears from my face as Liam comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around me, and plants a kiss on the top of my head. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m good. Ready to get out of here?”

“Ready when you are.” He opens my car door and holds it while I climb inside. He then jogs around the front to his side and slips in. He presses the push start button and the car roars to life. Shifting the car in gear, he pulls away from the curb and sets off down the street. I stare out the window and watch our old apartment building disappear. Liam reaches over and takes my hand, entwining our fingers, and presses a soft kiss to the back of it.

“Have you heard from Andrew lately?”

I dig through my purse with my free hand and fish out my cellphone. I open my messages and show him a photo of Andrew, Derek and Adam, and their new nanny Emily all lounging on the beach in Cabo. They all look so happy. Emily took over as Andrew’s live-in nanny a few months ago. I was the one who recommended her. She has a degree in early childhood development and she’s great at what she does. The best part was that she was more than willing to take the job. As much as I enjoyed working with Andrew and his dads, I just couldn’t commit to the live-in part. Thankfully, they were very understanding. They send me weekly updates, thanking me for bringing her into their lives. Although I will miss working with them, I know I made the right choice.

Liam glances at the photo and smiles. “I’ll take you to Cabo if you want. I’ll take you wherever you want to go. Just say the word.”

“You can start by taking me home. To our home.”

He nods and moves through traffic on the way to our home. I’m excited to see the kids. I ended up leaving the agency shortly after Liam and I got back together. It was hard at first, but I love that it gives me more time to spend with Charlotte and Philip. Now that Liam and I are a couple, we wanted to make sure the kids understood what was going on. After he gained sole custody, we sat down with them and explained our relationship. They were beyond elated to have me back. Philip immediately asked me if we could go to the park. Charlotte asked me if her daddy and I were getting married.

Liam pulls the car up to the building and parks it in the underground parking area. We grab the last of my stuff and make our way to the elevator. Once we’re inside, he gently takes the boxes from my arms and sets them on the floor. He then wraps his arms around me, gripping my ass, and pulls me to his body. Our lips meet in a passionate kiss. His lips trail down my neck and shoulder, sending chills throughout my body. I fist his t-shirt, feeling him grow hard against me. This elevator better hurry the fuck up so I can officially fuck him in our apartment.

When we reach the top floor, the doors glide open and two high-pitched voices break us apart.

“DADDY! RILEY!” Charlotte and Philip shout in unison as they greet us in the foyer. Belinda waves goodbye as she slips out. Liam decided to keep Belinda on as a part-time nanny. Meaning she only watches the kids when needed. Charlotte’s arms wrap around my leg. I pick her up and hug her.

“Riley! Can we go play with my new dollhouse?”

“Later, sweetie. I need to finish unpacking. Why don’t you go wash up? It’s getting close to dinner time,” I tell her, pressing a kiss to her rosy cheek. Philip runs up to me and hands me a picture he drew. I examine the artwork. Stick figure Liam and I are holding hands with stick figure Charlotte and Philip on either side of us. I smile and make my way into the kitchen, attaching it to the fridge. Liam comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my stomach, and nuzzles my neck.

“Look at my little van Gogh. Let’s take your stuff up to our room. Then we can order something to eat. And later, I can eat you.”

My cheeks flame. Thankfully the kids aren’t within earshot. Moments later they come bursting into the room. He smirks and disappears up the stairs. I call out to Philip and Charlotte. “Hey, guys! Dinner will be here soon. Let’s go get washed up.”

A little while later, the food arrives and we sit down to eat. I glance around the table and observe. This whole thing feels right. I have a perfect man sitting next to me, two amazing kids that love me and I love like they were my own. I also have wonderful friends who care about me. I have the urge to pinch myself because none of this feels real. Liam looks over at me and gives me a warm smile that sends the butterflies in my stomach aflutter.

Later that evening as we’re putting the kids to bed, Charlotte grabs my hand.

“Riley? Are you going to live with us forever?”

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Liam smirk. I crouch down and brush her hair out of her face. “I hope so, sweetie. I love living with you and Philip. And your daddy, of course.”

She nods, her eyelids growing heavy. “Good. You should stay here.”

I lean in and kiss her forehead, then make my way to Philip’s room. He is sitting on his bed, holding his favorite bedtime story. “Riley? Will you read me a story?”

I glance at Liam standing in the doorway, then turn back to him. “Isn’t that your daddy’s job?”

“I want you to do it.”

I chuckle and sit down at the foot of his bed, taking the book from him. He curls under the covers and waves his father over. Liam sits cross-legged on the floor next to his bed as I read to Philip from his favorite book. Within a few minutes, he’s out like a light. Liam smiles and takes the book from my hand, placing it in the bookshelf. He grabs my hand and guides me down the hall to our room. I swing open the door and notice the dim glow of candles and rose petals scattered all over the bedroom. So that’s where he disappeared to before dinner. My eyes widen in shock.

“Liam? What is all this?”

I turn around just as he drops down to one knee, pulling a velvet box from his pocket. His blue eyes glow in the candlelight.

“Riley Brooks, queen of my heart. Ever since the day I met you, you’ve changed my whole world. Every day with you these last six months feels like a dream that I don’t want to wake up from. You’ve embraced my kids and love them as if you gave birth to them. You stayed patient with me through all my ex-wife drama. And even when I put you through hell, you could have told me to fuck off and never talked to me again. But you didn’t. All I want in this world is to dedicate my life to being the best man that I can be… for you. I have yearned to say these four words for a very long time… Will you marry me?”

He opens the box and reveals the most stunning emerald-cut solitaire engagement ring. This bad-boy has to be at least 10 carats. I don’t even want to know what he spent on it.

“Ohmygods, Liam!” I choke out through my tears. “Yes! A thousand times yes!”

He grins from ear to ear and slips the ring from its box, then onto my finger. He rises to his feet and cups my face in both hands, his blue eyes staring directly into mine. “I love you, Riley.”

“I love you, too.”

He brushes his lips to mine in a tender kiss that quickly grows intense. He presses my body to his, and I wrap my legs around his waist. He carries me over to the bed and places me on the mattress, trailing his lips down my neck and across my collarbone. His hands go to work slipping off my shirt and bra.

“You won’t be needing these for what I’m about to do to you.”

Oh wow. A chill runs through my body, one he notices. He grins and trails hot kisses down my chest, taking one of my nipples in his mouth and gently tugs it in his teeth. The sensation shoots straight to my core and I let a soft moan slip from my lips. He begins to make his way down my stomach when I stop him.

“Wait!”

He looks up at me. “What’s wrong?”

I sit up and roll us over until I’m on top, straddling him. His eyes widen as I lean in and begin kissing my way down his chest. I don’t break eye contact as I slowly unbuckle and unzip his pants. His chest rises and falls in rapid succession.

“Riley, you don’t have to do this.”

I reach up and place a finger on his lips as I kiss a trail down his stomach until I reach the waistband of his boxer briefs. “Shh...Let me do this for you.”

I pull his underwear down and his cock springs free. I circle my tongue along the tip and pump it twice before wrapping my lips around him. His hands reach down to tangle his fingers in my hair, tugging it slightly. I take this cue to flatten my tongue and run it along the underside of his dick. I look up and see his eyes rolling in the back of his skull. I grin as I continue pumping and sucking, bobbing my head up and down.

His voice comes out as a harsh, husky whisper. “Riley, baby. I’m not going to last much longer.”

I quicken my pace, switching from long slow pumps to short fast ones. He grips my hair tighter and guides my rhythm, fucking my mouth. The tip of his cock hits the back of my throat, and I moan, causing him to moan in response.

“Riley… baby. Fuck… I’m gonna... come.”

I suck in my cheeks and pump harder and soon after he spills down my throat. I swallow and lap up his hot cum. He pulls me up his body, breathing hard, and presses a deep kiss to my lips.

“Holy shit. Would it be too much to ask for you to do that every night?”

I laugh. “Only for you, baby.”

He rolls us over and settles on top of me, fitting his long body between my thighs. “You couldn’t be more perfect if you tried. I love you. And I want to spend every day for the rest of my life showing you how much I love you. I know I already asked you this, but will you marry me?”

I smile and run my fingers through his hair pulling him closer to me. “Yes.”

[emeraldnebula]

In light my recent posts about the idea of creating a brand-new superhero love interest for Superman (the real one, not the impostor parading about in “Rebirth”), I thought it might be fair to share with you some old message board posts from the official DC Comics message boards, circa 2001-2005. This was back when the Superman fandom hadn’t atrophied to the point where only the regressive nutcases were running the show, so there were still some voices of sanity active at the time.

Even 13-17 years ago, DC’s arrogance, inability to accept criticism over their failures, and insistence of stagnation was a major sticking point, and it led to lot of debates over what needed to be updated about Superman to keep it alive, what was absolutely essential, and what needed to be kicked to the curb. I copied and pasted a lot of these conversations into Microsoft Word (I knew nothing of screen-capping at the time), so there’s some choice posts that, I think, are even more relevant than ever in light of “Rebirth” being a failure in every respect.

Some of these posts will be anonymous, as I no longer remember who exactly posted what. But some posters were fairly notable fan personalities, such as comic book blogger Bizarro Mark Engblom, a fan from the Silver Age days:

“ I wouldn't lose much sleep if Perry and Jimmy went the way of the dodo bird. I think they worked better in the age when newspapers were actually a vital element of our society, but they're now (at best) a quaint anachronism. An optional feature of our lives, rather than the necessity it was in past eras. Lois? The current interpretation of Lois is an annoying shrike, but I would think she would need to be around in some capacity. What that is, I have no idea. As it stands, she occupies a much more prominent role that I would ever give her. The real trick seems to be separating the “essentials” from what I like to call “furniture.” Essentials: Krypton explodes, Jor-El and Lara send their baby Kal-El (the baby's age never mattered much to me) to Earth, found and raised by the Kents as Clark Kent in Smallville. Grows up to become Superman. Furniture: Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, various Fortresses, super-pets, kryptonite, villains, blah, blah, blah. Of course, just as in my home I'm more fond of some pieces of furniture than others, it's still just furniture and, ultimately, expendable. From my perspective, there is precious little that absolutely must remain in order for it to still be Superman. Whenever the Superman experience starts to become more about rearranging the same old furniture than advancing the narrative into new territory (or, to beat the analogy to death, “buying some new furniture”), you know the franchise is stuck in a rut.“

An anonymous fan, quoting previous poster Cooky La Moo:

“You know, I kind of like the idea of The Daily Planet, Perry and Jimmy BEING an anachronism. Perry as an old-school newsman standing like Canute against the tide of time. The Daily Planet doesn't HAVE to be a great metropolitan newspaper, it could be seen as a somewhat eccentric throwback to a simpler age, sneered at by other media types, but respected when it can pull in stories like the debut of Superman. Maybe it could become “old-fashioned” in the same way that people see Clark's character itself as being “old-fashioned.” Or, like Cooky said, make the Planet a news agency. Or a web-based news site. How are magazines like Time doing? Are they being superseded like newspapers? Of course, is it necessary for Clark to be a reporter? With 24-hour news media, he doesn't need to be at a newspaper to get access to news stories. Could he be a teacher? Perry a principal, Jimmy a student teacher? Or some other profession? I've always thought that Perry, Lois and Jimmy should form something of an artificial family of some sort, so I think the characters should stay, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't get other jobs. You know the thing that annoys me? The fact that we sit here discussing issues like this when DC just doesn't seem bothered. What's going on?”

Two posts by DC forum regular Kilgore Trout:

“ The strict adherence to “continuity” is what got us to the point we’re at now. It has become impossible to just tell a story WITHOUT going through 16 years of “continuity” to make sure you’re not stepping into a pile of shit that someone left laying there 10 years ago. To me, continuity means this: Strange visitor from another planet [which is destroyed—along with his family—in a horrific cataclysm] rocketed to earth as a child. Raised by kindly older couple in the heartland of America. Has powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men. Works for a great metropolitan newspaper. And who, disguised as Clark Kent, fights a never-ending battle for Truth Justice et al…. Everything else is superfluous. Superman should exist inside AND outside of the DCU. The age of anal-retentiveness needs to end. The books are completely stifled under the weight of 16 years of step-by-step continuity. This isn’t the life story or autobiography of a real person. Superman’s story used to be BIG and GRAND. It wasn’t mired in small details and the mundane goings-on of normal folks. The “Hi, honey! I’m home!” approach isn’t working anymore and it’s why I am looking forward to Birthright and the promise it holds.“

“ Here's a simple solution... AFTER they revamp the current Moderateman and change him BACK to Superman, they can actually explain the Lois and Clark relationship in a way that would finally make sense. Here’s how: YES, Superman IS the OLDEST and most RESPECTED Superhero in the DCU BECAUSE of his MANY YEARS of service to and for humanity. And that would require that he's been around for over 60-some odd years, so here's my thought: Lois Lane is a woman that Superman USED TO have a thing with. She aged. He barely did. She is NOW about 60 and is his oldest friend and confidant. Nothing more and nothing less. The end. No marriage and no messy divorce. Just good friends and still an important part of the mythos.”

Responses to the above, from anonymous posters:

“ Kilgore Trout, I’m sorry but, huh?!? what do you mean exactly? Are you talking for TPTB up at DC to just reboot the titles to have it so that now in Post-Post-Crisis, both Kal and Lois have aged but within Kal's case though, the higher-ups have made it so that he has retained his youthfulness in his physical appearance, and so that Lois is now a grandma in the new DCU too? Yeah, I suppose that if done right it could work in the end. It would sure give another gal a shot at becoming his lover (Lana Lang, Chloe Sullivan, Wonder Woman, etc.).”

“ Do we NEED Lois and Clark to be lovers? Okay, sure we do at the moment, assuming there's no reboot on the horizon. But if things started again, do we NEED a Lois/Clark ‘ship? Yes, I know. They've been an item forever. Their names are linked together in the public consciousness, but...what if, in another universe, Clark and Lana ended up together? Or Clark and Chloe? What if—Shock! Horror!—Lois and Clark were just good friends, maybe even best friends, but platonic friends nonetheless? I know that the secret identity causing trouble for Clark's relationships is an important part of the mythos, but can that be played out in another form other than a love triangle? Could it work with friends like Jimmy and Perry if their roles were beefed up? Thinking about it, that sort of situation perhaps works best in a romantic relationship, but that relationship doesn't have to be with Lois. I know, I know. Lois is an important character. I think a lot of the problems are down to poor characterization and a lack of vision for the supporting cast. But sometimes, and especially in conversations like this, it’s worth throwing out ideas and thoughts and seeing if any of them stick, even if they're not how things have been in the past. We hear a lot about redefining Superman, but of all the aspects of the mythos, Clark's character is perhaps one of the things that doesn't NEED changing. Maybe Lois’ role IS something that could change…. (Is there a devil's advocate smiley?)”

Post by Elroy the Cat, specifically citing the Lois/Clark marriage as a death knell:

“ The more fundamental problem with Lois in current continuity is not whether she's married to Superman or not. It’s whether readers can understand what the fuck Clark sees in her, because Lois is either annoying or more annoying, depending on the writer who's handling her. She's a difficult character, apparently, for male writers to pull off successfully. And that's a problem, because you can [and already do] have readers going, “This man could have ANY woman he wants! Why this troll?” It's distracting, and no one has thought to explore whether or not it speaks of a deficiency in Clark that he should seek to be loved by someone as clearly flawed as Lois is. Great story there…but then you'd have to have a real writer to write it. Having said that, the marriage as an idea is only as good as its usefulness to the greater story. Presently, it’s about as useful to the greater “journey” of the character of Superman as shoes are to fish. And therein lies the problem. Bottom line: the marriage is the nail that makes an eventual total reboot of this version of Superman inevitable.“

Another anonymous post in response to infamous forum troll Michael “ManoftheAtom” Sacal, pretty much backing up Bizarro Mark Engblom’s previous argument:

“To me, all Superman needs to be is… An infant rocketed to earth from a dying planet. Raised by the Kents. A reporter. And THAT’S IT!! I don't understand what these “established guidelines” are, exactly. So you guys are saying that if Superman is rebooted 1000 times, he always has to live the same exact life in each and every one of them??”

Excerpt from another anonymous post, again in respose to Kilgore Trout vis-a-vis DC’s pet failed decisions:

“I could not have said it better [following a laundry list of bad ideas DC implemented]. Actually the addition of each of these things was usually a part of a good story. But retaining them after the story as part of the Superman legend has created this disaster that I describe as clutter. Besides, kids who are getting their driver's licenses today (and probably giving up comics) were not even born at the time of the Crisis. It is time to relaunch, have another Crisis, or simply designate everything since the last Crisis as having occurred on some alternate earth (like the GA's Earth 2 or the SA). Then start writing comics for the next generation. Superman could discover Kryptonite again. He could be a bachelor and play the field. He could marry Lana instead of Lois (and that would not require a divorce)—in this brave new world maybe he had been a Superboy before becoming a Superman. He might have a cousin, fly in space, or travel in time. Or maybe not. But there would be room to do new things without having to screw up everything that has gotten him to where he is today.”

Again, some of these suggestions are from longtime fans whose readership stretched back decades. And even as far back as the early 2000s, there were those pondering if perhaps the Superman franchise needed a drastic makeover. I can’t imagine those sentiments are any less now in the wake of DC’s regressive tactics.

[quantumrpg]

NAME: Kathryn Atkins AGE: 31 SPECIES: Human (Dormant Werewolf) OCCUPATION: Adult Film Star YEAR OF DEPARTURE: 2016, end of year RESIDENT FOR… two years FACECLAIM: Diane Guerrero

t i m e  i s  a n  i l l u s i o n,  b u t  n o t  o u r  s t o r i e s…

Thick humidity and patches of moss covered her childhood home. It was old, barely standing since it’s purchase in the early 1900s. In Delight, the hottest spot was a run down creek with empty beer bottles tossed between a few reckless teenagers. The small town barely held three hundred in its population. Her father worked in construction while her mother stayed at home to mold her children into model Evangelists. Between double shifts and late nights, Maria wasn’t tending of her children. So long as they remained well-behaved and docile, she didn’t make the effort. Instead, a string of different friends ventured to her room. She never caught their names.

A lover of God and extremely well read, the brunette would remain seated on the front row of service each Sunday. While her brother waved an acceptance letter from Harvard, Kat sat in the Arkansas musk near Wolf Creek with a stolen cigarette. Once Rob left, there wasn’t anyone to guide her. The role of both parent and sibling whisked away on a full ride to become a doctor. She didn’t admit the twinge of jealousy that twisted in her gut. He got to leave, but not many did. Her grades were mediocre in comparison. Everything was. The only way she could thrive past her brother’s shadow was through theater.

Maria hyper focused near the end of high school to ensure her daughter thrived. It was a double edge pressure. Kat would make qualms against her mother’s adultry to get away with what she wanted. Exhausted from the peering looks from her mother and the aggravated tone of her father’s as his greasy hands clenched on his fifth beer, Kathryn gave in. After applying around to different universities, the brunette merely waited on her decision. She was never necessarily passionate about school, despite her academic achievements. The ringing leader was NYU. She decided to take a trip, staying with her brother as he showed her around the campus. It was almost too good to be true - - - away from their soul eating parents, living on their own, and creating a new life for themselves. She accepted the offer.

She returned home with a newfound motivation towards high school graduation. After an after party near the outskirts of town, Kat and her best friend, Roy broke into private property. It was a drunken idea to create crop circles that ended with a gun pointed between a bottle of everclear. Roy was shot out of self defense, despite being unarmed. Rather than stay by her injured friend, the teenager stumbled drunk through corn husks until authorities stopped her by the main road. She was thrown into a squad car as the investigation continued. Eventually, it was swept under the rug.

As the summer drew to a close, Kat settled into an undergraduate degree of pre-med biology. Her first year at university felt like a hiccup. She finally settled into what her parents wanted, but none of it felt right. In a skew of finding herself, she went out on a limb. Her first job in college was nude photography. It lined her up for other opportunities aside from a wannabe SoHo magazine. The photography was just side money at first. She couldn’t afford her medication through the university insurance, and needed some way to pay for room and board. It wasn’t until her second semester at NYU that she dropped off the grid completely. She cut off all contact from her parents and anyone back home. Her photography progressed into a career in adult film. It fulfilled the checklist in her life: acting, fame, and money. She bounced between traveling around the nation and keeping up with contract jobs in porn. Bouncing from her girlfriend’s apartment, she hitched a ride with a band. Washable was on the rise, stationed on their second studio album. She bummed in the bus for the second half of their tour before stopping back in Los Angeles. 

From Los Angeles to New York City, Kat got a taste of what it was like to feel herself. She soon became a pillar in the adult community – striking a name recognizable almost anywhere. Between the twelve hour sets and hectic atmosphere in her friend group, she slowly slipped from recreational to substance abuse. It started off with prescription, popping a few Xans when she was wound tight. Then, it was almost daily. It was an issue well hid even from her current relationship. New York offered more than anything in LA. She kept her head down and worked hard on sets. In the string of highs and lows, she ended up hooking up with a familiar face from Washable. Rather than keep it casual, it eventually progressed to a full fledged relationship. The star juggled both until one merely favored over the other. As she progressed in the new relationship, so did old demons. He never mentioned her use and she mentioned his. Drinks and pills ran together well until it slipped down the wormhole. Nearing a year celebration of their relationship, Kat fell into heroin. It was cheap and easy to curb stress. It was the high she sought after, warmth gathered in a calm sleep. It should have worked well. She did what she could to hide her use from Jake. It all ended with dead eyes locking as she stretched in a tub. A spoon and a bundle was all the evidence he needed. Rather than confront, he left the apartment with a duffle bag. 

He was supposed to come back. She focused on the same voicemail for weeks as the come downs were harsher. She couldn’t stop, but the police knocked on her door. His friend, Silas filed a missing persons report. There were never any leads, but vague surveillance footage. It was as if the man simply disappeared. Kat plunged further in her use, only finding clarity when a pregnancy test pinged positive. She didn’t have a choice, but get clean. She forced herself through detox and religiously attended doctor appointments. A new start was born. She tried to focus solely on a child, hoping that everything else tied to. She hoped that a body would show up, or at least, him. It was a false hope that lead to a self concluded closure. 

She married, though the love wasn’t genuine. It offered a better chance for her newborn. Jonah was a focal point in her life. It was clear only seven months into the marriage that it wouldn’t last. Clarke wanted a larger family, determined to coax her out of sex work as a stay at home mother. He pleaded for her to consider her family, guilting every opportunity she returned to work. The final strike was a crack of her head while her son cried in the living room. She scooped the toddler and a duffle bag. The next day a lawyer served papers. It took months for Clarke to make a move. He refused to sign them without talking it through, while Kat refused to talk with him without a lawyer present. Eventually, the dotted line was signed. There was never a fight for custody, which only confirmed her suspicion that the man never considered Jonah as his. 

Throughout the divorce, she held onto friends. The tight knit group of Washable, coworkers, and brother was a large key for her sobriety. She clocked in three years as she considered the idea of dating once more. She kept it on the back burner as she started casually seeing an old friend. Jer was brash and confident. It was a strange change from her usual, but determined to keep them loose in terms of a relationship. She didn’t want anything after Clarke. Both of them needed to concentrate on their sobriety.

Her first relapse was six months into the eventual relationship. Breaking off four years was the hardest one to keep in the scale of a bathroom. It was hard to stretch her manipulation, breaking on the first call from a pseudo father. Another week and she was out of detox with Jonah convinced he spent a fun week over at his grandparents. It was difficult to maintain a relationship when the other half couldn’t remain sober. It only grew worse when Jer had tour. Things broke off quickly after an explosive argument and a mutual understanding. Another year stretched as her career progressed to more directing than acting itself. No one was keen to hire an addict for major projects. It took over a year to gain any project longer than a month. 

Before the #MeToo movement, the adult film industry generally swept everything under the rug. Once Kat approached the company with an assault complaint against one of her directors, they were quick to cut ties with her. She was dropped from the company and much of her contracts were burned. A lawsuit slowly followed from staff on set with similar allegations.

She slipped into a gas station restroom, a stop on her way to pick up her son from elementary. She stepped out of the restroom and continued onto the school as normal. When she couldn’t find her son, a frantic call from the police shoved her into the waiting room of the station. It took over a day to realize that her son wasn’t actually missing, but in a different space completely. 

It’s been a little over a year since she slipped into the liminal space. Her apartment is bare bones. Though her portfolio is still available, she struggled to find another job in the city. It took a few months and a lesser rate than her usual. She hasn’t moved past the idea that she’s stuck there. It took months for her to leave the apartment, forcing some semblance of a life. She couldn’t slip back down the hole, despite alcohol being an easier vice.

t e l l  m e,  a r e  w e  a  p r o d u c t  o f  w h o  w e  u s e d  t o  b e?

Lothric and brash, Kat packs a majority of her personality in wisecrack jokes, anger, and spontaneity. She is generally distant in personal conversations unless she’s familiar with you. She’s messy with relationships, breaking them off as easily as she gained them. She likes to pretend she’s enigma, but she’s really just an inked girl with a two dimensional personality with a bag of hot Cheetos.

[cityoflondon-rp-blog]

BASIC INFORMATION:

NAME: Rachael Montgomery.  AGE: 45. PLACE OF BIRTH: San Francisco, United States. RESIDENCE: South Kensington, Kensington & Chelsea. OCCUPATION: Businesswoman. Owner of Yours Truly escort service FACE CLAIM: Jessica Chastain.

BIOGRAPHY:

Rachael Montgomery was born and raised in San Francisco, California, along with her six siblings. She had loved the colourful atmosphere and she loved living so close to the ocean. So, as a child, she would roam the city looking for little nooks and crannies to explore. After she graduated from high school, she felt as if she had explored all she could and San Francisco, so she decided to move to a different city on the pacific coast. It was there that she attended college for a degree in business. 

While attending college, she and her best friend, Connie, shared a small apartment together. But the city living was expensive, so Rachael fell into a more unsavoury career to put herself through college. Rachael would study hard and attend classes during the day but at night, she worked as an escort. It was there that she met a wealthy man named Andrew, who was not looking for a quick one night stand, but was rather seeking companionship, and someone to talk to, after he revealed to her that his wife had recently passed away. It was this same man that helped Rachael start her own business after she graduated from college. With his help, she founded her own escort service, Yours Truly, so that she could help her employees earn a living while using Andrew’s resources to keep her girls safe. It was also Andrew that introduced to her to future husband, Johnathan. Around the same time Rachael and Johnathan got married, so did Andrew and Connie. 

Rachael loved her life with Johnathan, and was ecstatic that both of her close friends were happy together. Yet a few years after her marriage, Rachael caught Johnathan cheating on her with Connie, and her heart was broken, but she refused to tell Andrew about the affair. Johnathan came crawling back to Rachael after the affair, promising never cheat again. Rachael was hesitant at first, but her feelings for her husband were unchanged. The two reconciled, and shortly after, Rachael became pregnant and gave birth to their daughter Sarah. 

Six years after Sarah was born, Rachael caught Johnathan cheating on her again with Connie. Rachael fell apart. Rachael had her lawyer draw up divorce papers the very next day, and went to Andrew to inform him of his own wife’s infidelity. Whilst Rachael and Johnathan worked through their divorce, Rachael grew increasingly close to Andrew, and her affections for him grew. Andrew and Rachael sprouted their own intimate relationship during this time. After what felt like an eternity, Rachael’s divorce papers finally went through and she was free from Johnathan. Rachael and Andrew continued to see each other for a few months, but when Rachael found out that she was pregnant with Andrew’s child, Andrew threw Rachael to the side, refusing to leave Connie, despite her recurring infidelity. 

Rachael felt the cold embrace of heartbreak for the second time and could not bear it any longer. She needed to live the poisonous city where her marriage fell apart and the other love of her life kicked her to the curb. Rachael tied off loose ends back in the city before moving to the place she knew Andrew would not follow her: London, while bringing Sarah with her. Once in London, Rachael began starting up a new branch of Yours Truly for those in London.

Rachael now lives in South Kensington with her daughter, and works hard on her new Yours Truly branch. She is hoping that this fresh start will help her to deal with the pain from her past and allow her to move on, and raise both of her children in peace.

POSITIVE TRAITS: Amiable. Compassionate. Clever. Dedicated. Gracious. Humble. Hard-working. Maternal. NEGATIVE TRAITS: Businesslike. Emotional. Preoccupied. Stubborn. Erratic. Vulnerable.

SOCIAL CONNECTIONS:

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Single. FAMILY: Rachael has six siblings and a daughter, Sarah, who is seven. Unfortunately, they are all unplayable because they all live back in the United States. (Although I am willing to work with you if you are burning to play a sibling.) IDEAL CONNECTIONS:

#1 Friend. This could be someone from Rachael’s past, like a friend from college or her life on the West Coast. It could be someone new that she’s just met in London. Either way, she needs someone that she can hang out with other than her daughter.

#2 Second in Command. This person is Rachael’s favorite escort, and the person she considers her number two. She is grooming this person to eventually take over the business, or to head up a new branch in another part of the world.

[nathanielburgos]

EB-5 Final Rule

The EB-5 immigrant investor visa program was created by Congress in 1990 to allow foreign nationals acquire permanent residence or citizenship by investing a substantial amount of money into the United States economy. Over the past two years, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the agency overseeing the investment program, has been working behind the scenes to redefine the rules guiding the program.

The final rule was eventually published on July 24, 2019 by the DHS. It is the most significant change to the program since its inception in 1990. An overview of the major aspects of the EB-5 final rule, set to become effective by November 21, 2019, can be seen at a glance below:

The minimum investment amount will be $900,000 for Targeted Employment Area (TEA) projects and $1.8 million for non-TEA projects

Designation of the Targeted Employment Areas will exclusively be done by USCIS rather than the individual states.

The original priority dates will be retained by investors for subsequent EB-5 petitions.

An improved adjudication procedure for the removal of conditions on permanent residence.

As expected, existing and prospective investors are keenly interested in the details of these changes. This article gives you a breakdown of the EB-5 final rule.

EB-5 Minimum Investment Amounts

Since its inception, the minimum investment amount for the EB-5 program has been $500,000 and $1 million for TEA and non-TEA designated investments respectively. However, as of the effective date of this final rule, the new EB-5 investment amount will be $900,000 for TEA and $1.8 million for non-TEA endeavors. Understandably, this is the most significant change to the regulations for foreign investors, which is why the USCIS had to reconsider its earlier proposed amount.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the final rule would have had the TEA capital be 25% lower than the non-TEA amount, which would have meant $1.35 million for TEA investments. However, considering the review of comments from the public, the agency had to maintain the 50% difference between the two types of EB-5 investments.

Is the Increase in the EB-5 Minimum Amount Necessary?

Though many EB-5 foreign investors may be uncomfortable with the increase, from the perspective of the USCIS, it was a decision borne of sheer necessity.  While the minimum amounts have remained the same for the past three decades, the same cannot be said of the inflation rate.

Several significant changes have occurred in the inflation rate since 1990, as indicated by the consumer price index (CPI). The increase, therefore, is to account for inflation and help fulfill the core congressional intent for creating the program, which was primarily to improve the U.S. economy.

The increased amount isn’t going to just make up for the inflation rate, but will also improve the performance of designated EB-5 regional centers. Fewer investors will now be needed by each center to pool the required amount of capital for a project. With this, it will be less costly and less demanding to search for and match investors for a project.

Targeted Employment Areas Designation Final Reforms

A targeted employment area (TEA) is a rural area or a location with a high unemployment rate, meaning at least 150% of the national average rate. Currently, investors are to demonstrate that their investments meet the definition of a TEA in two ways.

They can do so by providing evidence that the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) where their businesses are located is a county or city with a population of 20,000 or more, and has experienced an average unemployment rate of at least 150%. The other way is to submit a letter from an authorized body of the state government where the business is located. The state can certify that their business is indeed located in an area that meets the definition of a TEA, and has been designated as a high unemployment area.

However, this is going to change. The proposed rule will eliminate state designation of high unemployment areas and also amend how investors can demonstrate that their investment is located in places with high unemployment rate. Instead, the designations would be made directly by the DHS based on the revised requirements. Cities and towns outside MSAs that have a population of 20,000 or more may be added based on high unemployment rate.

Impacts of the Final TEA Reforms

Although these reforms may cause some investments and projects to no longer qualify as being in a high unemployment area, it will help in increasing job growth in the targeted areas, consistent with the EB-5 program’s congressional intent. The new regulation will also restrict TEAs to the immediate environment of the EB-5 project, such as contiguous census tracts and adjacent areas.

Amendments on EB-5 Petition Priority Date

To ensure fairness in permanent residence issuance to all eligible foreign nationals, the Immigration and Nationality Act had to set a numerical limit for each country using the priority date initiative. This requires applicants from the same country to take turns in the visa waiting line.

A priority date is the date that the USCIS receives an immigrant investor’s EB-5 petition to participate in the program. It is your place on the green card queue and will have to become ‘current’, meaning you have reached the front of the queue and a visa number has become available to you. This is why the processing time can sometimes last for years, especially for nationals from countries with multi-year immigrant visa backlogs.

However, with the proposed rule, EB-5 applicants will be allowed to retain their first priority date and use it for subsequently filed petitions. Unless the petition is canceled by the DHS for a material error, fraud, or willful misrepresentation by the petitioner, the first date will remain valid.

If circumstances, such as termination of a regional center, a material change, or other situations that are beyond your control, require that you file another EB-5 petition, you will be able to do that using the same priority date given for the first petition.

The adopted changes will make visa allocation more predictable and reduce fluctuations in visa availability dates. Immigrant investors will also spend less time waiting for their visas. It will also make the program more flexible for investors, allow them to contribute to more viable investments, curb fraud, and improve job creation.

Procedures for Removal of Conditions on Permanent Residence

Additionally, the revision will address the technical issues affecting how EB-5 derivatives file an I-829 petition, a process which the existing regulation does not clearly define. The final rule will make the process flexible by determining the interview location and amend the regulation by which investors obtain their new green card after the approval of their I-829 petition.

This will help eliminate the existing confusion faced by beneficiaries who file their petitions separately from principal petitioners. Also, the amendments in the interview location will give applicants more options, allowing them to travel shorter distances and saving both time and money.

EB-5 visa derivative family members whose names are not included in the petition can independently file a petition for the removal of conditions on their permanent residence. Those included in the principal investor’s petition will not be affected by this regulation. The new rule also clarifies the following:

A child who is 21 and got married during the conditional permanent residence period may be included in the investor’s petition or file separately. The same applies to a former spouse who became divorced during the conditional permanent residence

If the principal investor is deceased, the children and spouse may be included in one petition or file separately.

However, whether you are using a joint petition or filing separately, the general EB-5 requirements for removal condition must still be met, especially the provision or preservation of at least 10 U.S. jobs. The DHS also reiterated that failure to properly file and submit your petition for the removal of conditions within the 90 days preceding the second anniversary of the date it was issued, “shall result in the automatic termination” of your permanent resident status.

Will the Final Rule Affect the Number of EB-5 Visas Available Annually?

The new regulations will not reduce or increase the number of EB-5 visas per year. The numeric limit will still remain at 10,000 visas for eligible investors. However, the number of applicants may drop significantly due to the increased investment amount, which will mean less competition for those who meet all the eligibility criteria for the program.

The $900,000 or $1.8 million of required capital may become unaffordable to many foreign investors. This regulation might see many investors opting for investment programs offered by other countries other than the United States. But the overall congressional intent for EB-5 program will be more feasible.

What If I File My EB-5 Petition Before November 21, 2019?

The new regulations will not affect EB-5 petitions that are properly filed before the November 21, 2019 effective date. Therefore, you can still leverage the existing EB-5 regulations by obtaining the required investment amount and filing your I-526 as soon as possible.

While doing that, ensure that you submit your petition with all the necessary supporting evidence, which may subject your application to a request for evidence (RFE) down the line. While you are still allowed to enjoy the current rules, you should keep in mind that petitions with little or no evidence that appear as mere placeholders will likely be denied by the USCIS.

EB-5 experts have predicted an increase in the number of I-526 petitions that will be filed between now and the November effective date, as many people will want to take advantage of the existing rules. To this end, you will need to ensure thoroughness in your application process.

What Are the Current Guidelines for EB-5 Petition?

If you would like to leverage the current rules and reduce cost, the most effective guidelines for EB-5 petitions are as follows:

Raise your investment capital of $500,000 or $1 million before the November effective date for the final rule.

Consult an experienced EB-5 attorney to help you prepare your petition and complete the process.

Find an EB-5 project to invest in.

Prepare your EB-5 business plan.

Put your capital “at-risk” by investing it in a project of your choice and submit your I-526 petition.

Apply for a two-year conditional green card.

Does the Final Rule Affect the Existing EB-5 Investors?

While the adopted changes will mainly be felt by investors starting after November 21, the existing EB-5 participants are also concerned in the proposed review. Every 5 years, there will be adjustments to the investment amounts in line with the Consumer Price Index.

The review, however, should not have a major financial effect on existing investors. Also, the differential between the two investments types will not be affected, as the equivalency difference will remain at a 50% difference.

How Our Immigration Attorneys Can Help

While the new EB-5 regulations may appear strict, the good news is that you still have four months to leverage the existing rules, especially the minimum investment amount. Keep in mind, however, that the four-month window will most likely witness an influx of EB-5 petitions.

This is why you need to engage an experienced EB-5 immigration attorney to help you file your petition properly with all the necessary evidence. Errors, either by omission or commission, can be detrimental to your application. This is where we can be of help.

At Immi-USA, we have a team of experienced EB-5 lawyers with many successful investor green card cases. We will help you prepare your petition and avoid RFEs so as to maximize the short window of opportunity and dramatically reduce the cost and time for your EB-5 green card process. Don’t wait, you can schedule a consultation with us today by filling out this contact form.

The post EB-5 Final Rule appeared first on SGM Immigration Law Group.

EB-5 Final Rule published first on https://ordergcmsnotescanada.tumblr.com/

[megjashi]

MACEDONIA IS THE ONLY COUTRY WHERE A CHILD LOSES ITS VIRGINITY DUE TO A FALL ON A ROLLING PIN Under the moto: All ideals are less important than the rights of a child, the First Children’s Embassy in the World Megjashi celebrates its 25-year jubilee. It is founded on 29th April, 1992 as a world Association and first registered international non-profit, non-partisan and non-governmental organization in Macedonia for protection of the rights of a child. Its founder, who struggles for implementation of the children’s rights and a man who has been its leader for 25 years, is Dragi Zmijanac. More than two decades the founder of the Children's Embassy has been working on projects and from year to year together with his team he records more and more successes in respect of children by protecting their rights. About the case of the loss of virginity of a child after a fall on a rolling pin, the changes in the Criminal Procedure Code, the return of the death penalty and the length of the prison sentences for pedophiles, sexual abuse of children and their protection and about the future plans of the First Children’s Embassy we talk with the founder. - The First Children's Embassy in the World Megjashi is celebrating 25 years of its existence. What does this mean to you as a founder and president, but as well as a person who always strives to protect the rights of the children? What are you the most proud of and what is your motto? In the struggle for a more righteous world for the children we crashed many taboos, stereotypes, we opened and initiate solutions to many problems that affect children, and we gave priority to the importance of respect to the child's personality and their best interests. We broke the silence of the suffering children from sexual abuse, physical violence, the problems they have when their parents are divorcing, the sadness of the adopted children because they do not have any access to their biological parents, from everyday problems that children face, of violence between peers, there are still children without birth certificates, children whose labor is abused, children who are not enrolled in primary education or are prevented to do the same. The motto of the Children’s Embassy Megjashi is: “All ideals in the world are less important than the tears of a child”. -You have managed to make changes to the Criminal Code, to introduce chemical castration and longer penalties for pedophiles. Has it been made a chemical castration so far and do you think the prison sentences of 12, 15 and life imprisonment are long enough for this type of crime? - A chemical castration is a human and preventive measure. The increasing of the penalties for pedophiles to a minimum of 15 years imprison , the introduction of a drug therapy, so-called chemical castration and a life imprisonment for recidivists are preventive measures aimed at this pathological phenomenon to be curbed, especially for the pedophiles recidivists. Do not forget that the prevention is the most effective form of struggle against child abuse. The sexual abuse is a particularly traumatic for the child and leaves far-reaching consequences for the overall development. It is necessary the children to be educated on how to act if they are in a dangerous situation and how to protect themselves from possible abuse. - Are you for or against the return of the death penalty for pedophiles? Macedonia is among the countries with the most rigorous measures for pedophiles. Our extensive advocacy for stricter penalties on pedophiles and the chemical castration as a preventive measure in reducing recidivism have produced results. The Macedonian deputies voted for our proposals for amending the Criminal Code that allow the start of the chemical castration of pedophiles in 2014. Moreover, on our strong advocacy, the maximum prison sentence for pedophiles was prolonged from minimum of 8 to 12 years. The Criminal Code provides a life imprisonment for serious forms of sexual abuse. The life sentence or the full isolation of the pedophile is a sufficient preventive measure that can help. - What form of abuse is the most common among children today? Is it the parental neglect and domestic violence, the sexual abuse or something else? Poverty is the biggest problem that the children in Macedonia are facing. The domestic violence is the second problem in which children are potential victims, unprotected and exposed to family violence. Although we often talk about violence against women or men, the most victims are children. The third problem is the divorce between former spouses which are more and more often and the long and painful divorce proceedings where children are potential victims of the violations of their rights. And the fourth problem is the sexual abuse of the children by a close person or an acquaintance of the child victim. - Has the sexual abuse of the children in Macedonia been growing and how to protect the children? The awareness has been growing that about the violence and in general about the abuse should not be silent, nor to be hidden. Any silence not only means complicity but we put in risk the life of another potential child victim if the sex offender is not apprehended, convicted and properly punished. Because of this there is an impression that the sexual abuse is growing. The awareness of the need to react, prevent and punish the malefactor has been growing. Of the total number of sexual assaults in Macedonia, about 2/3 are sexual assaults against children and minors. The victims were aged from 11 to 16 years, and the most frequent perpetrators of these serious crimes are fathers, relatives, friends or neighbors, mainly known to the children. Every child can be a potential victim and could easily fall into the hands of perpetrators. The prevention is the most effective form of struggle against child abuse. Therefore, the First Children Embassy in the World Megjashi issued a guide to prevention entitled "Let's protect children from sexual abuse, a guide for parents and teachers" with specific guidelines on how the parents and teachers can prevent a sexual abuse of children. It is important that the child can recognize and be encouraged to say if sexual abuse happens. The children need to know they have a right to privacy both for their space and their body and nobody is allowed to touch and upset them. If the child is familiar with the adult who reacts strangely or receives inadequate proposal and with that confuses the child with his demands ...that child need to be got away in time from the adult and tell his/her parents or close ones who believe the child about what happened to him/her. - The Children’s Embassy Megjashi has found its place in the textbooks for the fourth grade and the children already know and learn about your from younger age. Do they call to report any type of violence or is it done more by the parents, grandparents or teachers? Children rarely have the courage to report violence, they are scared and feel powerless. They do not trust the institutions that they will act on them properly, will protect and will not pose them to a further victimization in the process of proving the guilt of the suspect. Mostly the children who are victims of psychological, physical or sexual violence and abuse are afraid to report their parents or parents’ friends and relatives because their future is uncertain, they consider that it is better for them to be exposed to a constant violence than to be victims of extra institutional abuse. - Can you distinguish, from all these many years, an event which will always remain in your memory? A girl fell to a rolling pin and lost her virginity. Thus ended the case of then the nine-year old girl raped by a friend of her mother. Case closed! In cases of sexual offenses, the procedure for determining the origin of the injuries cannot be made by a gynecologist, but only the person who is a forensic expert. But then no one reported the case in the forensic medicine, where if there was a case of rape it would be found because of the specifics of the injuries. It was interesting that the two injuries that were discovered by the gynecologist, could not be caused by one fall, even it happened on the incredible rolling pin, but they were made at least on two occasions. So the case was closed, there were no suspects nor defendants. Macedonia will remain the only country in the world where by falling on a rolling pin a girl can lose her virginity! - Some time ago there was a case with a pedophile who through social networks lured minors to undress and to send him nude photographs on the grounds that he was their peer who lived in Serbia. It is startling that it lasted for four years until eventually a parent checked the mobile phone of the child and reported the case. Do you think that the parents are too busy and have little time to devote to their children and how to protect children from such cases? The parents play a key role in helping children to provide them safe and positive experience online. By understanding how the children and young people use the Internet, the risks they face and strategies for risk management, the parents can allow children to deal better with the Internet world. If the child uses the social networking sites, the parents should ensure that he/she understands the characteristics of privacy - how to edit the profile to be private and to restrict access to information. The parents should encourage children to examine the online friends and block those who send offensive content. - Are there any centers in Macedonia for protection of sexually abused children? What does your embassy undertake about this matter and do children recover at all of that trauma or is it something that not by their fault they carry as a burden during their whole life by themselves? Macedonia has no shelter to protect and care for child victim of sexual abuse. In situations where a child is a victim of sexual abuse, it is needed for children to be placed in a specialized shelter for child victims of sexual abuse, which will operate 24 hours. The children victims should receive basic conditions for recovery, rehabilitation, resettlement and reintegration into the community. The stay in this shelter should be temporary. The procedure for rehabilitation of the child victim of a sexual abuse should be guided by professionals and the first 48 hours is very important on what to

[megjashi]

MACEDONIA IS THE ONLY COUTRY WHERE A CHILD LOSES ITS VIRGINITY DUE TO A FALL ON A ROLLING PIN Under the moto: All ideals are less important than the rights of a child, the First Children’s Embassy in the World Megjashi celebrates its 25-year jubilee. It is founded on 29th April, 1992 as a world Association and first registered international non-profit, non-partisan and non-governmental organization in Macedonia for protection of the rights of a child. Its founder, who struggles for implementation of the children’s rights and a man who has been its leader for 25 years, is Dragi Zmijanac. More than two decades the founder of the Children's Embassy has been working on projects and from year to year together with his team he records more and more successes in respect of children by protecting their rights. About the case of the loss of virginity of a child after a fall on a rolling pin, the changes in the Criminal Procedure Code, the return of the death penalty and the length of the prison sentences for pedophiles, sexual abuse of children and their protection and about the future plans of the First Children’s Embassy we talk with the founder. - The First Children's Embassy in the World Megjashi is celebrating 25 years of its existence. What does this mean to you as a founder and president, but as well as a person who always strives to protect the rights of the children? What are you the most proud of and what is your motto? In the struggle for a more righteous world for the children we crashed many taboos, stereotypes, we opened and initiate solutions to many problems that affect children, and we gave priority to the importance of respect to the child's personality and their best interests. We broke the silence of the suffering children from sexual abuse, physical violence, the problems they have when their parents are divorcing, the sadness of the adopted children because they do not have any access to their biological parents, from everyday problems that children face, of violence between peers, there are still children without birth certificates, children whose labor is abused, children who are not enrolled in primary education or are prevented to do the same. The motto of the Children’s Embassy Megjashi is: “All ideals in the world are less important than the tears of a child”. -You have managed to make changes to the Criminal Code, to introduce chemical castration and longer penalties for pedophiles. Has it been made a chemical castration so far and do you think the prison sentences of 12, 15 and life imprisonment are long enough for this type of crime? - A chemical castration is a human and preventive measure. The increasing of the penalties for pedophiles to a minimum of 15 years imprison , the introduction of a drug therapy, so-called chemical castration and a life imprisonment for recidivists are preventive measures aimed at this pathological phenomenon to be curbed, especially for the pedophiles recidivists. Do not forget that the prevention is the most effective form of struggle against child abuse. The sexual abuse is a particularly traumatic for the child and leaves far-reaching consequences for the overall development. It is necessary the children to be educated on how to act if they are in a dangerous situation and how to protect themselves from possible abuse. - Are you for or against the return of the death penalty for pedophiles? Macedonia is among the countries with the most rigorous measures for pedophiles. Our extensive advocacy for stricter penalties on pedophiles and the chemical castration as a preventive measure in reducing recidivism have produced results. The Macedonian deputies voted for our proposals for amending the Criminal Code that allow the start of the chemical castration of pedophiles in 2014. Moreover, on our strong advocacy, the maximum prison sentence for pedophiles was prolonged from minimum of 8 to 12 years. The Criminal Code provides a life imprisonment for serious forms of sexual abuse. The life sentence or the full isolation of the pedophile is a sufficient preventive measure that can help. - What form of abuse is the most common among children today? Is it the parental neglect and domestic violence, the sexual abuse or something else? Poverty is the biggest problem that the children in Macedonia are facing. The domestic violence is the second problem in which children are potential victims, unprotected and exposed to family violence. Although we often talk about violence against women or men, the most victims are children. The third problem is the divorce between former spouses which are more and more often and the long and painful divorce proceedings where children are potential victims of the violations of their rights. And the fourth problem is the sexual abuse of the children by a close person or an acquaintance of the child victim. - Has the sexual abuse of the children in Macedonia been growing and how to protect the children? The awareness has been growing that about the violence and in general about the abuse should not be silent, nor to be hidden. Any silence not only means complicity but we put in risk the life of another potential child victim if the sex offender is not apprehended, convicted and properly punished. Because of this there is an impression that the sexual abuse is growing. The awareness of the need to react, prevent and punish the malefactor has been growing. Of the total number of sexual assaults in Macedonia, about 2/3 are sexual assaults against children and minors. The victims were aged from 11 to 16 years, and the most frequent perpetrators of these serious crimes are fathers, relatives, friends or neighbors, mainly known to the children. Every child can be a potential victim and could easily fall into the hands of perpetrators. The prevention is the most effective form of struggle against child abuse. Therefore, the First Children Embassy in the World Megjashi issued a guide to prevention entitled "Let's protect children from sexual abuse, a guide for parents and teachers" with specific guidelines on how the parents and teachers can prevent a sexual abuse of children. It is important that the child can recognize and be encouraged to say if sexual abuse happens. The children need to know they have a right to privacy both for their space and their body and nobody is allowed to touch and upset them. If the child is familiar with the adult who reacts strangely or receives inadequate proposal and with that confuses the child with his demands ...that child need to be got away in time from the adult and tell his/her parents or close ones who believe the child about what happened to him/her. - The Children’s Embassy Megjashi has found its place in the textbooks for the fourth grade and the children already know and learn about your from younger age. Do they call to report any type of violence or is it done more by the parents, grandparents or teachers? Children rarely have the courage to report violence, they are scared and feel powerless. They do not trust the institutions that they will act on them properly, will protect and will not pose them to a further victimization in the process of proving the guilt of the suspect. Mostly the children who are victims of psychological, physical or sexual violence and abuse are afraid to report their parents or parents’ friends and relatives because their future is uncertain, they consider that it is better for them to be exposed to a constant violence than to be victims of extra institutional abuse. - Can you distinguish, from all these many years, an event which will always remain in your memory? A girl fell to a rolling pin and lost her virginity. Thus ended the case of then the nine-year old girl raped by a friend of her mother. Case closed! In cases of sexual offenses, the procedure for determining the origin of the injuries cannot be made by a gynecologist, but only the person who is a forensic expert. But then no one reported the case in the forensic medicine, where if there was a case of rape it would be found because of the specifics of the injuries. It was interesting that the two injuries that were discovered by the gynecologist, could not be caused by one fall, even it happened on the incredible rolling pin, but they were made at least on two occasions. So the case was closed, there were no suspects nor defendants. Macedonia will remain the only country in the world where by falling on a rolling pin a girl can lose her virginity! - Some time ago there was a case with a pedophile who through social networks lured minors to undress and to send him nude photographs on the grounds that he was their peer who lived in Serbia. It is startling that it lasted for four years until eventually a parent checked the mobile phone of the child and reported the case. Do you think that the parents are too busy and have little time to devote to their children and how to protect children from such cases? The parents play a key role in helping children to provide them safe and positive experience online. By understanding how the children and young people use the Internet, the risks they face and strategies for risk management, the parents can allow children to deal better with the Internet world. If the child uses the social networking sites, the parents should ensure that he/she understands the characteristics of privacy - how to edit the profile to be private and to restrict access to information. The parents should encourage children to examine the online friends and block those who send offensive content. - Are there any centers in Macedonia for protection of sexually abused children? What does your embassy undertake about this matter and do children recover at all of that trauma or is it something that not by their fault they carry as a burden during their whole life by themselves? Macedonia has no shelter to protect and care for child victim of sexual abuse. In situations where a child is a victim of sexual abuse, it is needed for children to be placed in a specialized shelter for child victims of sexual abuse, which will operate 24 hours. The children victims should receive basic conditions for recovery, rehabilitation, resettlement and reintegration into the community. The stay in this shelter should be temporary. The procedure for rehabilitation of the child victim of a sexual abuse should be guided by professionals and the first 48 hours is very important on what to