#family court lawyers near me

[referpro]

Types of Attorneys Explained

Your Local Guide to Finding Lawyers Near Me

When to Seek Legal Help: Recognizing the Signs

Knowing when to seek legal help can be crucial in navigating complex situations. You might find yourself in need of an attorney when facing legal disputes, contract issues, or even personal matters. Recognizing the signs early can save you time, money, and stress. Common indicators include receiving legal documents, being involved in an accident, or experiencing workplace discrimination. Each of these situations can have significant implications, and having professional guidance can help you understand your rights and options.

Another sign to consider is if you are contemplating a significant life change, such as marriage, divorce, or estate planning. These events often require legal expertise to ensure that your interests are protected. If you're unsure about the legal implications of your situation, it's wise to consult an attorney who specializes in the relevant field. A knowledgeable lawyer can provide clarity and assist you in making informed decisions.

Finally, if you're feeling overwhelmed by the legal processes or terminology, it’s a strong indicator that you might benefit from professional assistance. Legal matters can be intricate and confusing. An attorney can demystify the process, guiding you through the necessary steps with ease. Trust your instincts—if something feels off or complicated, it’s always better to seek help sooner rather than later.

How to Choose the Right Attorney for Your Specific Needs

Selecting the right attorney is essential for achieving favorable outcomes in your legal matters. Start by identifying your specific legal needs. Are you dealing with a family dispute, a workplace issue, or perhaps a personal injury claim? Understanding the nature of your case will guide you toward the appropriate type of attorney. For instance, if you’re grappling with a family law issue, a family law attorney will be best suited to address your concerns.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to research potential lawyers near you. Online reviews, testimonials, and recommendations from friends or family can help you gauge an attorney’s reputation and expertise. Don’t hesitate to verify their credentials, including their experience and any specializations they may have. A good attorney will not only possess the necessary qualifications but also have a track record of success in cases similar to yours.

Finally, consider scheduling consultations with a few prospective attorneys. This allows you to evaluate their communication style, approach to your case, and overall compatibility. A solid attorney-client relationship is built on trust and open communication, so ensure you feel comfortable discussing your situation. After these evaluations, you will be better equipped to make an informed decision.

The Benefits of Working with a Local Attorney

When searching for legal representation, opting for a local attorney can provide numerous advantages. Firstly, local lawyers have a deep understanding of the local laws and regulations that may affect your case. They are familiar with the courts, judges, and legal procedures specific to your area, which can significantly benefit your case. This familiarity can streamline the process and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Additionally, working with an attorney in your community allows for easier communication. Face-to-face meetings can enhance the attorney-client relationship, allowing for more effective discussions about your case. With a local attorney, you can quickly address any concerns or questions that arise, facilitating a smoother process. Moreover, convenience plays a vital role; being able to meet in person can save you time and help you stay engaged in your case.

Lastly, local attorneys often have established relationships within the community, including with other legal professionals and potential witnesses. These connections can be advantageous when building your case. You may find that a local attorney can leverage these relationships to your benefit, whether it’s negotiating settlements or gathering crucial evidence. For these reasons, considering a lawyer nearby can be a wise choice.

Online Resources for Finding Reputable Attorneys in Your Area

In today’s digital age, numerous online resources can assist you in finding reputable attorneys in your area. Start by checking legal directories, such as Avvo, FindLaw, or Martindale-Hubbell, which provide comprehensive listings of attorneys based on their specialization and location. These platforms often include ratings, reviews, and detailed profiles that can help you make an informed decision.

Social media and professional networks like LinkedIn can also be valuable tools. Many attorneys maintain active profiles, allowing you to learn more about their experience, professional affiliations, and client interactions. Engaging with them through these platforms can provide insights into their communication style and areas of expertise. You can also ask for referrals from your network or local community groups, which can lead you to trustworthy legal professionals.

Lastly, your local bar association can be a vital resource. Most bar associations offer referral services that connect you with qualified attorneys in your region. They can provide tailored recommendations based on your specific legal needs, ensuring that you find an attorney equipped to handle your case. Utilizing these online resources can simplify your search for lawyers near me, making the process more efficient and effective.

Understanding the Legal Landscape: Types of Attorneys Explained

Navigating the legal landscape can be daunting, especially when it comes to understanding the various types of attorneys. Each type specializes in a specific area of law, and knowing which one you need is essential. Below, we delve into several key types of attorneys, providing clarity on their roles and specialties.

Bankruptcy Lawyer

A bankruptcy lawyer specializes in helping individuals or businesses navigate the complexities of bankruptcy. They can represent either debtors seeking relief or creditors aiming to recover debts. Whether filing for Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, these attorneys provide crucial guidance on the legal requirements and implications of each option. Their expertise is invaluable in helping you make informed decisions about your financial future.

Civil Litigation Lawyer

Civil litigation lawyers, often referred to as trial lawyers or litigators, represent clients in various civil disputes. This can include contract disputes, property issues, or personal injury claims. These attorneys are skilled in negotiating settlements and, if necessary, representing clients in court. Their experience in trial settings allows them to build strong cases and advocate effectively for their clients' rights.

Criminal Lawyer

Criminal lawyers defend individuals accused of crimes ranging from minor offenses to serious felonies. They provide essential legal representation, ensuring that their clients receive a fair trial and protecting their rights throughout the legal process. If you’re facing criminal charges, having a skilled criminal lawyer can be the difference between acquittal and conviction.

Employment and Labor Lawyers

Employment and labor lawyers focus on workplace-related issues, advocating for employees' rights and addressing workplace injustices. They handle cases involving discrimination, harassment, wage disputes, and wrongful termination. If you believe your rights as an employee have been violated, consulting an employment lawyer can help you understand your options and pursue justice.

Estate Planning Lawyer

Estate planning lawyers assist clients in preparing for the distribution of their assets after death. They help create wills, trusts, and other legal documents that ensure your wishes are honored. An estate planning attorney can also advise on minimizing taxes and navigating complex family dynamics. Engaging with an estate planning lawyer is vital for securing your legacy and protecting your loved ones.

Family Law Attorneys

Family law attorneys specialize in domestic legal matters, including divorce, child custody, and adoption. They guide clients through emotionally charged situations, providing legal advice and support. If you are facing family disputes or changes, a family law attorney can help you navigate the legal system and protect your interests.

Patent Attorney

A patent attorney focuses on intellectual property rights, specifically helping clients obtain patents for their inventions. They navigate the complex patent application process and ensure that clients' innovations are legally protected. If you have a new idea or invention, consulting a patent attorney is crucial for safeguarding your intellectual property.

Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal injury lawyers advocate for individuals who have been injured due to others' negligence. Whether it's an auto accident, slip and fall, or medical malpractice, these attorneys work to secure compensation for their clients' injuries. They handle negotiations with insurance companies and can represent clients in court if necessary, ensuring that you receive the justice you deserve.

Intellectual Property Lawyer

Intellectual property lawyers specialize in protecting and managing clients' intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. They provide advice on how to safeguard your creative works and navigate potential infringement issues. If you are an artist, inventor, or entrepreneur, consulting an intellectual property lawyer is essential for protecting your innovations.

Real Estate Lawyer

Real estate lawyers handle legal issues related to property transactions, including buying, selling, or leasing real estate. They ensure that all legal documents are in order, conduct title searches, and assist with closing processes. If you are involved in a real estate transaction, having a real estate lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure a smooth process.

The Importance of "Near Me" in Legal Searches

When searching for legal assistance, the phrase "near me" plays a crucial role in finding the right attorney. Proximity matters for several reasons, including convenience and accessibility. Local attorneys are familiar with the laws and regulations specific to your area, which can significantly impact your case. This localized knowledge allows them to provide tailored advice that takes into account jurisdictional nuances.

Additionally, having a lawyer nearby enhances communication. Face-to-face meetings can foster a stronger attorney-client relationship, enabling you to discuss sensitive matters more openly. Being able to meet in person can also facilitate quicker responses to urgent issues as they arise. The convenience of local representation allows you to stay engaged and informed throughout the process.

Lastly, searching for "lawyers near me" can help you find professionals who are connected within your community. Local attorneys often have established relationships with courts, judges, and other legal professionals, which can benefit your case. Their understanding of the local legal landscape can provide strategic advantages, making it essential to consider proximity when seeking legal help.

Client-Attorney Relationship: Building Trust and Communication

Establishing a strong client-attorney relationship is vital for a successful legal experience. Trust and communication form the foundation of this partnership, allowing you to work collaboratively toward your legal goals. From the outset, it's important to choose an attorney with whom you feel comfortable discussing your concerns and expectations. A good attorney will prioritize your needs and keep you informed throughout the process.

Effective communication is key in this relationship. Your attorney should be responsive to your inquiries and provide regular updates on the status of your case. If you ever feel uncertain about the direction of your case or have questions about the legal process, don’t hesitate to reach out. A strong attorney will encourage open dialogue and welcome your input, making you an active participant in your legal journey.

Additionally, building trust takes time, but it is essential for a fruitful partnership. Your attorney should demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to advocating for your best interests. By fostering a relationship based on honesty and transparency, you can work together to navigate the complexities of your legal matters successfully.

The Consultation Process: What to Expect When Meeting a Lawyer

The consultation process is a critical first step in engaging with an attorney. During your initial meeting, you will discuss your legal situation and explore potential options. It’s essential to come prepared with relevant documents and details about your case, as this will help the attorney understand your circumstances more thoroughly. Be ready to answer questions about specific events, timelines, and any previous communications related to your legal issue.

Your attorney will likely outline their approach to your case and the steps they recommend taking. This is an excellent opportunity for you to gauge their expertise and communication style. Pay attention to how well the attorney listens to your concerns and whether they provide clear explanations. A good attorney will take the time to address your questions and ensure you feel comfortable with the proposed plan of action.

After the consultation, you should have a clearer understanding of the potential costs, timelines, and strategies involved. This meeting not only allows you to evaluate the attorney’s fit for your needs but also helps you feel empowered in your legal journey. Remember, this is your opportunity to assess whether they are the right advocate for you.

Legal Ethics: Ensuring Your Attorney Adheres to Professional Standards

Legal ethics play a vital role in ensuring that attorneys operate within the boundaries of the law and maintain professionalism. Each state has its own set of ethical rules governing attorneys' conduct, addressing issues such as conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and client representation. When choosing a lawyer, it's important to ensure that they adhere to these professional standards to protect your interests.

One of the core principles of legal ethics is the obligation of attorneys to act in their clients' best interests. This includes providing competent representation and communicating honestly about the progress of your case. An ethical attorney will prioritize transparency, keeping you informed about any developments and potential challenges. If you ever feel that your attorney is not acting ethically, you have the right to seek a second opinion or report any misconduct to the appropriate bar association.

Additionally, ethical attorneys will maintain confidentiality regarding your case. This means that any information you share with your attorney should remain private unless you provide consent for disclosure. Trust is crucial in the attorney-client relationship, and adhering to ethical standards is essential for fostering that trust.

Legal Fees and Payment Structures: What You Need to Know

Understanding legal fees and payment structures is essential before hiring an attorney. Different lawyers may charge differently, and being aware of the potential costs can help you budget effectively. Common fee structures include hourly rates, flat fees, contingency fees, and retainers. Each structure has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the nature of your case.

Hourly rates are common for various legal services, where you pay for the time the attorney spends working on your case. While this can provide flexibility, it’s important to keep track of the hours spent to avoid unexpected costs. Flat fees are often used for specific services, such as drafting a will or handling an uncomplicated divorce. This structure provides predictability in costs, allowing you to plan accordingly.

Contingency fees are often associated with personal injury cases, where the attorney only gets paid if you win the case. This arrangement can be beneficial if you are concerned about upfront costs, but be sure to clarify the percentage the attorney will take from any awarded damages. Understanding these payment structures will enable you to make informed decisions and avoid surprises down the line.

Conclusion: Empowering Yourself with Legal Knowledge and Representation

Navigating the legal landscape can be challenging, but empowering yourself with knowledge and professional representation can make a significant difference. By understanding the different types of attorneys and knowing when to seek legal help, you can confidently pursue the assistance you require. Whether you need a family law attorney for domestic matters, an employment lawyer for workplace disputes, or a personal injury attorney after an accident, recognizing your needs is the first step toward securing the right legal support.

Additionally, remember the importance of local representation. Choosing attorneys near you can provide valuable insights into local laws and foster strong communication. Utilize online resources and personal networks to find reputable lawyers who align with your specific requirements. Building trust and maintaining effective communication with your attorney will further enhance your legal experience.

Ultimately, being informed about legal processes, ethical standards, and payment structures will empower you as a client. Take the time to research and consult with potential attorneys to ensure you receive the best possible representation. Your legal journey is a collaborative effort, and with the right support, you can navigate even the most complex situations successfully.

If you’re ready to take the next step in securing legal representation, don’t hesitate to reach out to local attorneys today. Your legal concerns deserve the attention of a skilled professional. Start your search for "lawyers near me" and empower yourself with the knowledge and support you need to achieve the best outcome for your situation.

Copyright ©2025 Rich image, ReferPro.net & ReferProNetwork.com / ReferProNetwork.net

[thefamilylawco]

Choosing a family law solicitor is a significant decision.

Choosing a family law solicitor is a significant decision, as the right solicitor can provide support, clarity, and effective representation. Here’s why working with the best family law solicitors in Maitland and Newcastle is essential:

Local Knowledge and Experience Solicitors in Maitland and Newcastle are familiar with the specific legal frameworks and court processes in their areas. This local experience can simplify your case and ensure all aspects comply with regional guidelines.

Skilled in Conflict Resolution Family law cases can become contentious, particularly in areas such as child custody or property division. The best solicitors are skilled in alternative dispute resolution methods, helping you avoid court and reach fair agreements through mediation or collaborative law. This approach can reduce the emotional and financial stress associated with family disputes.

Personalized Attention and Compassion The best family law solicitors provide more than just legal advice; they offer empathy and personalized support. They understand that family matters can be overwhelming and emotionally charged, so they work to offer compassionate guidance tailored to your specific needs and situation.

Website - https://familylawco.com.au/

[kjconroyco]

Lawyer

We deal with all types of disputes so no matter what your problem may be, you can feel confident that by coming to our office, you will be on the right track to a suitable resolution.

We practice law in many different areas, including Divorce, Personal Injury, Motoring Offences, Family Law, Commercial Disputes, Contract Disputes, and Professional Negligence claims and in certain cases offer ‘No Win No Fee’ representation.

We are members of the Birmingham Law Society. In 2020/21, we were nominated and were finalists for the Birmingham Law Society small firm of the year award.

Business phone: 0121 212 1575

Business Email: info@kjconroy.co.uk

Website URL: https://kjconroy.co.uk

[quitealotofsodapop]

So how does courtnapping work??

"Courtnapping"; a mix of "courting" + "kidnap", is basically the demonic version of a proposal.

When demons were still scattered clans/prides across the mortal realm, it was very difficult for clans to interact without a lot of violence involved. Either because of competition for food, or because someone mistoke a glamoured demon for a mortal animal and starting biting.

What's a prospective lover to do if their beloved's family won't let them near without a fight? Easy; steal their lover away so that they can court them (among other things) in private.

As society grew; "courtnapping" became part of the demonic consciousness as a legitimate dating strategy. It was a loud way of announcing your intentions to the intended's family that you wanted them as a mate, whilst also showing off some muscle/magic.

However, demons are not animals. And if the kidnapped party rejects their captor's affections, it is considered polite to let them go. Only *uncouth* demons dare to lock their beloved away without contact with their family. And only truly vile ones (like Kui Mulang or Sai Tai Sui) keep them as forced spouses.

It's downright expected that a demon whisks away their future spouse - after all, who doesn't want to be swept off their feet?

Among wealthier Underworld clans who've adopted celestial/mortal practices, courtnapping isn't as common. Imperial China-style arranged marriages were the norm for the longest time up until a certain Bull Prince fell in love with an Iron Fan warrior, changing the desire among noble demons towards love matches. Courtnapping is considered a legitimate way of declaring "I object!" to an arranged marriage by giving the bride/groom a second option and a moment to rethink the arrangement.

Some wedding parties even hold a mock courtnappings between the new couple so that they can run off from the festivities and enjoy their honeymoon. Think how Spartan weddings involved the groom "kidnapping" the bride from their own ceremony.

Also because of some hilarious idea sharing with @soniclozdplove, we agree; People were kidnapped by demons so frequently in the Imperial era, not because of demon's eating them - but because of *marriage fraud*.

Think of it like this:

China is under strict Confucian and filial piety ideals. If your parent wants you to marry a specific person, you have pretty much no say in the matter.

Unless.

You just so happen to be kidnapped by a demon who wants to keep you as their legally binding spouse.

Human: "Oh no~ I'm captured by an hunky demon who wants to marry me! Guess I'm going to have to stay here and miss out on my arranged marriage." ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Demon: "And we can no-fault divorce at any time!" Human's Family: "We'll just take them back!" Lawyer: "Actually you can't. It's a legally binding marriage. Unless the captive expresses their rejection or wants to leave; it's legitimate." Human's Family: "Crap. Well, we'll just hire a mercenary or warrior to reverse-kidnap them back!" (*Later...*) Mercenary: "Avast foul demon! I have been sent to reclaim your stolen bride/groom!" Demon, turns to "captive": "Yay or nay, hun?" Human, looks at mercenary: "Ew. Nay. He's older than my dad." Demon, turning on dramatics: "LEAVE THIS PLACE YOU SOLIDER OF FORTUNE! ONLY ONES WITH PURE HEARTS SHALL TAKE THEM BACK!"

Heres a PortSherry comic I feel is very appropriate.

In more serious scenarios, a courtnapping can be faked to safety remove a person in an abusive home. Abusers can't control you if you're behind a giant lumbering demon with a prenup.

DBK got into this in the Tang-era when he and Princess Jade Face were "married". He was just helping her claim her inheritance, since her dad's will would only pay out if she was married (the Underworld Earth-Fox Clan are the "mimicking human/celestial"-trends types). PIF knew of this arrangement, but was still jealous af and nearly blew the whole of Thunder Mountain in her rage (it was how they learned she was pregnant with Red Son).

Zhu Bajie is an odd duck in this case; since he married Gao Cuilan the normal human way, but his instincts told him to steal her away when her family suddenly became hostile towards him. Cuilan didn't really object because she truly loved him, but was upset that contact between her and her family was cut. Even after the couple are legally divorced; Bajie still considers Cuilan his wife - because in a demonic sense, she's still his willing mate. Lots of stories written about the Pilgrims post-Journey have Bajie go back to her so that they can (in human sense) remarry.

Courtnapping still occurs in the modern day; just with a lot of pre-arranged consent involved. Racing, mock-battles, and the spat with between the lovers' parents - demons do love the thrill of the chase after all. But unplanned kidnappings of desired spouses do still happen.

In Red Son and MK's case; they've accidentally been courting each other for a long time. Mostly because they're dorks who don't realise what their rivalry looks like from the outside - especially during the Season 1 era.

Red Son, showing off his plans: "Here is my current brilliant idea for reclaiming our power! Step 1; We engage Noodle Boy and his friends in battle. Step 2: While you two are occupying Dragon Girl and his fathers, I capture Noodle Boy. Step 3: I keep him hidden in my old base in Fire Wind Cave. Step 4: I have full access to the Staff and all of Noodle Boy's magical abilities! It's foolproof!" DBK & PIF: (*share knowing smiles*) PIF: "Dear, I'm glad that you've finally developed an interest in romantic matters - but our current goals do not align with planning a marriage just yet." Red Son, confused: "Huh?" DBK: "And while it would be advantageous if you married Sun Wukong's heir, I feel that tensions between our families are too high to consider even a superficial union." PIF: "It's really sweet that you considered it though." Red Son: (*turns back to planning board, realises that his plan to capture MK resembles a traditional courtnapping*) Red Son, nearly magenta from embarrassment as he tears up the plan: "Err... never mind then."

In season 3 when Red Son saved Mei, Sandy, and MK from the dessert; DBK & PIF weren't mad that they had enemies at the dinner table - but because at a glance it looked like Red Son had stolen himself a spouse without warning them! And he brought some of his spouses family members to hammer out the details!

If the gang hadn't immediately brought up the Samadhi Fire; DBK's next sentence would have been asking them; "What are your intentions with my child? Do we need to provide a dowry? Is there plans for grandchildren?"

Red Son might have died on the spot. XD

[only-the-shippers-can-bully-nrmt]

(Original Japanese on the left with translations under the break, Fan Translation in the middle, and Official Translation on the right.)

Saw some things flying around that have (unintentionally or otherwise) been giving people the wrong idea, so here are the comparisons to show that, yes, Miles was referring to Phoenix near the end of the second Miles Edgeworth Investigations game. Miles does bring up Gregory too, but Gregory being "that man" during the famous "shines brilliantly" scene was actually a change in the official English release that does not line up with the original Japanese version (even MTLs will get across the Wright meaning).

Also, "shining brilliantly in one's eyes" can be both how a son might look up to his father but also how a ruffly prosecutor might strongly/romantically see his courtroom partner; the line is simply intense enough to not easily carry the label of an "average" relationship. We don't need to elaborate when we tell family members/friends/significant others "I love you" (even if it's at the same time) for similar reasons, and I don't see anyone arguing that this means that Miles must see Phoenix like a father because he grouped them together in some form.

TL;DR: The official translation mucked up some context and stuff happened because of it. Keep shipping and feel free to use this as a reference post because the shippers did not misinterpret anything. We can have a conversation about how the change affected the moment, but the original context is still important and Phoenix was part of it.

Besides the translations, there are other points under the break as well, including a bonus of one of the nice and harmless additions the official translation changed/added with the "saved me from myself" line:

Translations (provided by a friend of mine who knows Japanese; edited at times to sound more natural in English or help get across the intended meaning)

........以前、 ある男が言っていました。

……..In the past, a certain man once said:

被告人の唯一の味方になって あげられるのが弁護士だと。

the only one willing to be the defendant's ally is their lawyer.

依頼人を信じることで、《真実》に近づいていく････

By believing in the defendant, the truth draws closer....

その男の姿は、私の目にも まぶしく映りました。

The image of that man was so bright in my eyes, it was engraved into my mind.

There's a bit more added here for clarification's sake and people like me who have a habit of taking metaphors too literally; essentially, the first part that's in the game is saying that the sight of "that man" was so blinding that it stuck in Miles's mind/memory eternally, so the translation in the fan version is correct in a direct translation and what it means is closer to the official.

(fun fact that if you go for an MTL, a translator may translate what in English was "image"/"sight" as "appearance" or "figure" which is technically accurate but obviously not the intent when translated, just as "so bright"/"shining brilliantly" may become "dazzling"; doesn't mean I won't mention it for people to imagine/have fun with though :3c "That man's figure was so dazzling in my eyes." my god)

法廷で戦う父と、同じように････

In the same way my father fighting in court does….

(without the clarification it's more like "In the same way my father fought in court...." but as above, message is clearer this way)

しかし、それはあくまで その男や父の生き方です。

However, that's just the way that man and my father lived their lives.

This is the big one since it makes a clear and blatantly obvious separation between "that man" and Gregory himself.

Here's another translation in a reblog of the post I linked, which follows even closer to the fan translation and is more straightforward.

My asks are open for any further translation clarifications people may want to make (don't want to bog down reblogs when edits can simply be made) but this was a long-winded way of saying that the fan translation was super on point with accuracy and the only thing of note is the "burning into memory" that the official one has to help get the point across (though I think more was definitely lost the way it was done).

Other Points

1 - Staying on the official translation, its use of "that man" is rather... bizarre, even if one hasn't seen the original. Such a use is typically for:

someone the game wants the audience for figure out on their own (so the character knows it but the player needs to go talk to the person themself once they figure it out)

someone who the character speaking isn't really familiar with (like, "oh yeah, that guy, I kind of remember now")

someone the game tries to keep secret a little longer for the sake of mystery (example being the fan translation where Ray refers to Gregory without a name drop for the build up that Ray worked for him)

Miles using the phrase and then saying "my father" in the very next sentence made me do a double take because I was totally caught off guard by how it was done.

The shot of Miles sepia toned in the courtroom (the fourth shot) doesn't even make sense anymore if he's only talking about Gregory since obviously he's never seen Gregory from across the courtroom while Miles has been behind the prosecutor's bench (nor do they do a camera slide as if Miles is only imagining himself across the courtroom from him; it flashes to white instead). It only makes sense if he's taking about Phoenix.

2 - Looking at it from a fan's perspective, it makes 150% sense why "that man" would immediately be associated with Phoenix in the context of the moment. Not only did the last case of the first game have that exact thing too ("In a situation like this… what would that man do…? What would he who can turn any desperate situation around do…?"), thus making it a near-perfect continuation of that, but "a defendant's only ally being their attorney" was a huge part of the original trilogy.

In fact, the official translation actually actively makes it weirder to leave Phoenix out of that bit because of the change "a friend to the friendless" it did, which catapulted me back so violently to Turnabout Sisters - the first serious case in the entire series - that it could've put me in a coma.

This is even disregarding how important the whole "trusting clients" and "finding the truth" stuff was in cases, especially 2-4.

It's like, "ah yes, Mr. Fender, that was yours and my father's life, not mine and also no one else's; honestly, not a single other important person in my life who I could have mentioned comes to mind" lol)

3 - From my own personal perspective, I'm not stirring up a fuss over shipping, it's not about that (though shippers getting thrown under the bus absolutely sucks). I'm far more baffled that it takes the already-not-around Phoenix and chucks his mention away for later.

4 - Anyone lamenting the loss of "shining brilliantly" for something else without the context has every right to be confused and should not be criticized for it. Shipper or otherwise, most wouldn't imagine for a second that the end of Miles's arc/self-reflection would have a significant change that takes 50% of the original meaning out.

This taken into account with my comment about the visual aid of Miles behind the prosecutor's bench in sepia during that very line furthers this. Obviously people will (still) think it's about Phoenix.

5 - I only linked to one of the comments/posts I saw in case I was accused of making things up. I don't actually recommend approaching/confronting anyone because I don't think it's worth the time/effort, so this is more for anyone who felt gaslit/like they'd gotten it wrong or wanted the actual evidence. I did check the blog of the person who I linked and they made a long answer to a person who was complaining about the people complaining about said post, but hadn't made an edit to their original post telling people that there were misinterpretations being made.

That's not actually me being aggressive in any way (it's their business and their blog), but pointing out that it's not something important to people like that. I'll also grant that some might simply not know enough about the fan translation/original meaning to get it, so don't stress about it is all I'll say. :)

6 - Here's the "saved me from myself" line as promised, congrats on listening to me babble and making it all the way down here~

[novankenn]

Better Ring Roman Problems in SMALL Packages

(Spin-off of "a Mafia" & "From Assassin to Sales Clerk" AUs)

Roman was seated at a back booth of a rather non-descript dive bar. He puffed upon his cigar as he regarded the petite young woman seated across from him. He was well informed on who she was, and whom she was associated with. Who wouldn't be? While he was a lawyer, he also had one foot firmly planted in the underworld... so when Weiss Schnee contacted him on his private line asking to meet him in Argus... he did what any self respecting individual with a closet full of skeletons and dirty laundry.

He agreed and showed up. Now he was seated in this place, well inside the overlap of the Schnee and Malachite territories. The news was full of the raid upon the Schnee holdings that lead to the arrest and detainment of Jacques and Willow Schnee, along with the fostering out of their youngest child Whitley to his older sister Winter. The only one that hadn't been swept up in that near cluster fuck was the young woman seated across from him.

Her story was... believable. That she fled jumping the first flight to Argus she could get on. Though having her "crush" bail on her left the young woman rather heart broken. Which was something Roman was not equipped to deal with.

"So," Roman paused to take a sip of his whiskey before continuing. "You're parents got themselves nicked. You brother lucks out to be handed over to your sister and you bailed on the whole... mess. That correct?"

"Yes." Weiss answered her voice cracking with emotion, that Roman wasn't sure was entirely focused on the current familial situation.

"So seeing as you contacted me, you must have some questions or a plan?"

"I need to get a message to the Arcs."

"Okay." Roman sighed, "I assume it's not something that can be dealt with via a scroll call?"

Weiss shook her head.

"Well that complicates things."

"How?" Weiss asked. "Can't you just get me on a flight to Vale? I can pay you back. I will pay you back."

"It's not that simple. Due to the... events surrounding your family you lucked out in getting to Argus the way you did." Roman informed the young woman. "You've by now been reported missing, and there will be bulletins out seeking either your whereabouts or detainment. SO just hopping on a flight is a sure fire way to get snatched."

Weiss' shoulders dropped, and the hopeful look that was upon her face fell away. Replaced with one of mourning. Roman was about to say a lame joke to try and cheer her up when his associate Neo. HIs Paralegal, investigator, and "muscle" swooped in next to the young woman and pulled her into a hug.

"Neo?" Roman asked totally taken aback by the uncharacteristic display of affection and empathy. Roman didn't follow up when Neo shot him a look that basically told him to "fuck off".

Downing the rest of his drink, he signaled the bartender for another, indicating he wanted a double. Roman remained silent as he watched Weiss melt into Neo's embrace. This worried Roman. As long as he had known and worked with Neo he had never seen her act this way. It was a change to her that he wasn't comfortable with. The waitress placed his order on the table, and Roman quickly took a drink, before clearing his throat.

"Okay. If you are done getting handsy with each other, I have some options for your situation."

"Okay?" Weiss answer-asked while staying close to Neo... hip to hip close, with Neo's arm wrapped about her shoulders.

"So we can TRY and smuggle you into Vale, which is risky and expensive. You're a hot commodity right now, and there are no guarantees that whomever we contract to won't be... tempted."

"So the other option, and the one I have more faith in is the legal one." Roman informed his soon to be client.

"Legal?"

"Yes. We're going to sue your family for Emancipation."

"Huh? How does freeing slaves have to do..."

"No. It's a legal action that gets the courts to declare you an adult regardless of your current age. You're what sixteen? Seventeen?"

"Seventeen."

"So you have two years before you're considered a legal adult." Roman took a swig from his drink before continuing. "Which would allow you to treated as a separate individual from your family, so..."

"If I get this emancipation, I can't be forced to return to Atlas or taken into custody for what my family is accused of?"

"To a point. We will have to show that you were not aware of, or took part in the less than legal activities the investigators are digging for." Roman took a puff on his cigar. "Also by retaining me as counsel anything has to go through me and my associates. So requests for extradition, court summons and even being detained for questioning are forced to go through my office first."

"Do you think this can work?"

"It's you best shot, has the least risk to you, and it's something I know I can do."

"But I have no..."

"We can settle up after everything calms down, in fact depending on how hard you want to push this separation we could go after the Schnee estate for any funds you are legally entitled to."

"So what do we do first?"

"First, Neo escorts you to a safe house, and I'll make some calls to see if it is better to sue from Argus, or Atlas." Roman took another puff on his cigar. "So Neo if you don't mind. Please see our CLIENT's needs."

Neo nodded, before sliding from the booth. She held out her hand, a coy smirk curling her lips, which was answered by a blush from Ms Schnee. Roman slammed down the rest of his drink as he watched Neo lead Ms Schnee from the bar.

"Gods damn it Neo." Roman cursed as he saw the his associate pull their client close with an arm about her narrow hips. Just before vanishing from sight, Roman's head dropped forward as Ms Schnee leaned into Neo. Her head laying against the similarly tall woman. "Of all the times to suddenly become interested in someone... it's now?"

Signally for another double, Roman pulled out his scroll and prepared to make some calls. Time was not on their side.

(A/N - I Don't know what it is about this AU that lends itself to so many cross-overs and spin-offs. So if everyone in RWBY is going to be a member of some crime syndicate, why not make one of the actual criminals from the show... the MOST EVIL thing in existence? A Lawyer... a slightly immoral, but talented one. Anyway hope you enjoyed.)

[daxerian]

Teenage Love

Charles Leclerc x reader

Author's note: this is like the longest fic i have ever written and omg i feel excited for you to read this! Also i write like every story for my friend so it's kind of written in 3rd person so i hope that doesn't bother you!

Words: 7k (and some more)

Warnings: divorce, a bit of smut (not explained of course just a bit) and i think that's all

Ps: it's kinda rushed so don't expect much

Edited!

Y/n and Charles had the teenage summer love, but for them, it kinda seemed that it's a forever kind of thing you know? They somehow made it work with Charles' rising career in Formula 1 and y/n wanting to finish her Business degree. It worked, Charles got into Formula 1 and y/n finished her degree and got a job.

They got married in 2021 but since then their relationship wasn't it. There wasn't excitement in y/n's eyes when Charles came home after a race late at night. There wasn't any interest on Charles' face when y/n wanted to tell him about her day. Their relationship was falling apart. But they never mentioned a divorce, maybe they were scared to talk about it, or maybe they didn't want to throw all the memories they made over the 8 years of their relationship and 10 years of their friendship.

What should they do? Y/n already started looking at apartments in the city she grew up in, Spain. Of course, it was out of boredom then it started to get serious. Y/n found a job near the location of the apartment and it paid well. Charles found out about this a few weeks later because of his job. The argument was born just like that.

"What are you looking at?" Charles asked quite confused why his wife is looking at homes in Spain. "Nothing" y/n answered not wanting to talk about it but she knew that Charles would eventually find out. "Then why are you looking at apartments in Spain? Is it for a friend or what?" he asked and of course getting a bit mad, "No it's for me Charles, not any friends or family, just me" "But why?" "Charles, don't you understand everything that has been going on for the last 2 nearly 3 years of our marriage? We are more like roommates that don't like each other than happily married couple!" y/n answered Charles rather harshly than expected.

Charles became quiet because he knew y/n was right about their whole marriage being nothing but a failure of love. "Our marriage started to fall apart after our honeymoon. We pretend to love each other and I'm sick of it Charles! I no longer feel like I'm in a fairytale story with a loving husband in this beautiful city, your fans know that our marriage is falling apart but not you!" y/n told him this in a very mad but sad tone in her voice.

"Oh, you think I didn't notice that our relationship is falling apart? You don't know how many nights I spend wondering if you want a divorce or not! I ignore that this life that we created is not falling apart because I only imagined it with you y/n!" Charles told her sadly but he tried to hide it with frustration and anger. Y/n didn't know how to answer because she knew Charles told the truth that needed to be said.

"I never truly wanted this end with you Charles, all I wanted with you was a happy marriage and after time kids that could be a carbon copy of us you know? The happy life, not this stuff. And I also think that divorce would be the best option for us, we're not happy anymore so" y/n had a hard time saying this and obviously with the divorce part but she knew it was for the best.

Charles didn't know how to react to y/n asking for a divorce but he had respect for so he told her that everything was going to ok. "I'll call my lawyer to get the divorce petition so we can file it and then send the request for court okay? It will take a few months but not forever so we can fly to Spain and look at the apartments you have been looking for so you know which one is the best for you" At this point, Charles was trying not to cry.

Y/n was stunned, she just told Charles that a divorce would be the best thing for them and he said okay. "You would do this for me?" "I would even if I didn't want to"

*2 years later*

Y/n and Charles remained friends, they contacted each other twice a month to see how the other one is doing y/n also went to the Spanish GP to show support to Charles even if they were no longer together. Some fans still believe that the whole split up was something made up and the couple was still together but you know Bety and Charles ignored them, because even after the 2 years they wanted to keep it for themselves.

A lot of things happened since the divorce. Charles still interacted with his fans but not as often as before. Y/n couldn't focus on her work stuff anymore. They missed each other so much but they didn't dare to admit it. It's like 2 years ago when they were both scared to talk about their failing marriage.

They were meant to be but they did it wrong.

Well, one day everything changed. It was a beautiful summer day like every other in Madrid but at the end of the day it started raining so much, so y/n took care of herself you know? Washed her hair, did her skincare, made some late-night dinner that wouldn't make her stomach upset, and turn on a movie.

It was halfway through the movie and she heard her doorbell ring of course she wondered who the hell is here at 10:30 pm. She looked through the peephole and saw Charles with soaked hair, hoodie and sweatpants. She quickly opened the door and instantly felt worried. What the fuck is Charles doing here?

She softly asked him "Charles what are you doing here? And why are you crying? Come inside please" Of course she still cared, he was still her friend. "I'm so sorry," Charles said with tears in his eyes. "Sorry for what Charlie? I don't understand" "I'm so sorry for not trying harder in our marriage. And I fucking hate myself it took me 2 fucking years to realize that I should try harder and I shouldn't even be here your boyfriend-" Charles said slowly because he was crying.

"What are you talking about? I don't have a boyfriend" Y/n answered him still talking to him softly because she couldn't stay mad at him. "You don't? After all the time?" Charles was confused cause y/n is still the prettiest woman he has ever seen and she could be with anybody she wants. "No Charlie I- you know what? I'll find some clothes for you and you go take a shower okay? The bathroom is down the hall" y/n told him "Okay, thank you"

Y/n never told anyone but when she was packing her stuff she sneakily 'stole' two pairs of Charles' sweatshirts and a pair of sweatpants, they were big on her of course but they were her favorite pieces of clothing of his, so how could she let them go? After some time they stopped to smell like him and it kinda hurt her. Because Charles has this smell of his own that reminds her of home.

After some time y/n asked Charles softly if he wanted to talk about what was troubling him. Charles shook his head and said that all he wanted was her. Y/n tried to remind him that they couldn't act on their feelings, but he insisted that he knew she wanted him as much as he wanted her. Against her better judgment, y/n found herself kissing him passionately.

It all happened so fast through. They were kissing passionately on her couch after 2 years of trying to act like friends even when they knew, they could never be just friends. It got carried away to y/n’s bedroom and it happened, it happened with love. Lingering touches were exchanged. Words of affirmation too. They somehow found themselves in love again.

*10 years later*

Charles and y/n got re-married after getting back together all these years ago. They are both 37 and living the best life they could ever imagine having. With Charles having 3 World Titles on his check he decided to retire after being in the sport for a lot of years. Y/n started working from home so she could finally had much more time to spend with her family.

They also got 2 beautiful daughters. Stella and Rose Leclerc. Those 2 girls brought so much joy to their lives. Stella being the fantastic 6-year-old kiddo and Rose being the fabulous 4-year-old, were living like one. There weren't arguments between the 2 sisters. They were their Angeles.

And now they are living their best life in their house in the beautiful country of Monaco.

[someone-will-remember-us]

It was November 2011, and Gisèle Pelicot was sleeping too much.

She spent most of her weekends in a slumber. She was annoyed, because during the week she worked hard as a supply chain manager, and her time off was precious.

Yet she could not seem to stay awake, often drifting off without even realising it and waking hours later with no memory of having gone to bed.

Despite this, Gisèle, 58, was happy. She counted herself lucky to have her husband of 38 years, Dominique, by her side. Now their three children Caroline, David and Florian were grown, the couple were planning to soon retire and move to Mazan, a village of 6,000 people in France's idyllic southern region of Provence, where Mr Pelicot could go on bike rides and she could take Lancôme, their French bulldog, on long walks.

She had loved Dominique since they met in the early 1970s. "When I saw that young man in a blue jumper it was love at first sight," Gisèle would reflect, much later. They both had complicated family histories marked by loss and trauma, and had found peace with one another. Their four decades together had hit rough patches - frequent financial troubles and her affair with a colleague in the mid-1980s – but they had made it through.

Years later, when asked by a lawyer to sum up their relationship, she said: "Our friends used to say we were the perfect couple. And I thought we would see our days through together."

By that point, Gisèle and Dominique were sitting on opposite sides of a courtroom in Avignon, not far from Mazan: she surrounded by their children and her lawyers, and he, dressed in grey, prison-issue clothes, in the defendants' glass box.

He was facing the maximum jail term for aggravated rape and was rapidly becoming known in France and beyond as – in his own daughter's words – "one of the worst sexual predators of the last 20 years".

But in 2011, when Gisèle felt she was sleeping too much, she couldn't have guessed that was how things would play out.

She had no idea that, in his late 50s and nearing retirement, her husband Dominique Pelicot had been spending a lot of time on the internet, often talking to users on open forums and chatrooms where sexual material – often extreme or illegal – was freely available.

In court, he would later pinpoint that phase as the trigger for his "perversion" after a childhood trauma of rape and abuse: "We become perverted when we find something that gives us the means: the internet."

Sometime between 2010 and 2011, a man claiming to be a nurse sent Mr Pelicot photos of his wife, drugged with sleeping pills to the point of unconsciousness. He also shared precise instructions with Mr Pelicot so that he could do the same to Gisèle.

At first he hesitated – but not for long.

Through trial and error he realised that with the right dosage of pills he could plunge his wife into a sleep so deep nothing would wake her. They had been lawfully prescribed by his doctor, who thought Mr Pelicot suffered from anxiety due to financial troubles.

He would then be able to dress her in lingerie she refused to wear, or put her through sexual practices she would have never accepted while conscious. He could film the scenes, which she would not have allowed while awake.

Initially, he was the only one raping her. But by the time the couple had settled in Mazan in 2014, he had perfected and expanded his operation.

He kept tranquilisers in a shoebox in the garage, and switched brands because the first tasted "too salty" to be surreptitiously added to his wife's food and drink, he said later.

On a chatroom called "without her knowledge" he recruited men of all ages to come and abuse his wife.

He would film them too.

He told the court his wife's unconscious state was clear to the 71 men who came to their house over the course of a decade. "You're just like me, you like rape mode," he told one of them in the chat.

As the years went by, the effects of the abuse Ms Pelicot was subjected to at night increasingly began to seep into her waking life. She lost weight, clumps of hair fell out and her blackouts became more frequent. She was riddled with anxiety, certain that she was nearing death.

Her family became worried. She had seemed healthy and active when she had visited them.

"We'd ring her but most of the time it was Dominique who picked up. He would tell us Gisèle was asleep, even in the middle of the day," said her son-in-law Pierre. "But it seemed likely because she was doing so much [when she was with us], especially running after the grandchildren."

Police station visit changed everything

Sometimes, Gisèle came close to having suspicions. Once, she had noticed the green colour of a beer her husband had handed her, and hastily poured it down the sink. Another time, she noticed a bleach stain she couldn't recall making on a new pair of trousers. "You're not drugging me by any chance, are you?" she remembered asking him. He broke down in tears: "How can you accuse me of such a thing?"

Mostly, though, she felt lucky to have him with her as she navigated her health issues. She developed gynaecological problems, and underwent several neurological tests to determine if she was suffering from Alzheimer's or a brain tumour, as she feared, but the results didn't explain the increasing tiredness and the blackouts.

Several years later, during the trial, Dominique's brother Joel, a doctor, was asked how it was possible that medical professionals had never put the clues together and understood Gisèle was a victim of the little-known phenomenon of chemical submission – drug-facilitated rape. "In the field of medicine we only find what we're looking for, and we look for what we know," he replied.

Gisèle only felt better when she was away from Mazan – an oddity she barely noticed.

It was on her return from one of these trips, in September 2020, that Dominique told her, in floods of tears: "I did something stupid. I was caught filming under women's clothes in a supermarket," she recalled during the trial.

She was very surprised, she said, because "in 50 years he had never behaved inappropriately or used obscene words towards women".

She said she forgave him but asked him to promise her he would seek help.

He acquiesced, "and we left it at that", she said.

But Dominique must have known the end was near.

Soon after he was arrested in the supermarket, police confiscated his two phones and his laptop, where they would inevitably find more than 20,000 videos and photos of his wife being raped by him and others.

"I watched those videos for hours. It was troubling. Of course it had an impact on me," Jérémie Bosse Platière, the director of the investigation, told the court.

"In 33 years in the police, I'd never really seen that sort of thing," his colleague Stéphane Gal said. "It was sordid, it was shocking."

His team was tasked with tracking down the men in the videos. They cross-checked the faces and names of the men carefully logged by Dominique alongside facial recognition technology.

They were eventually able to identify 54 of them, while another 21 remained nameless.

Some of the men who were unidentified said in conversations with Dominique that they were also drugging their partners. "That, for me, is the most painful part of the case," Mr Bosse Platière said. "To know that there are some women out there who could still be victims of their husbands."

On 2 November 2020, Dominique and Gisèle had breakfast together before heading to a police station, where Mr Pelicot had been summoned in relation to the upskirting incident. She was asked by a policeman to follow him into another room. She confirmed Dominque was her husband - "a great guy, a good man" – but denied ever taking part in swinging with him, or engaging in threesomes.

"I will show you something you won't like," the police chief warned her, before showing her a picture of a sexual act.

At first, she didn't recognise any of the two people.

When she did, "I told him to stop... Everything caved in, everything I built for 50 years".

She was sent home in a state of shock, accompanied by a friend. She had to tell her children what had happened.

Recalling that moment, Gisèle said that her "daughter's screams are forever etched in my mind". Caroline, David and Florian came down to Mazan and cleared out the house. Later, photos of a seemingly drugged Caroline were also found on Dominique's laptop, although he has denied abusing her.

'You cannot imagine the unimaginable'

David, the eldest child, said they no longer had any family photos because they "got rid of everything linked to my father there and then". Within days, Gisèle's life was reduced to a suitcase and her dog.

Meanwhile, Dominique admitted to his crimes and was formally arrested. He thanked police for "relieving him of a burden".

He and Gisèle wouldn't meet again until they sat facing one another in the Avignon courtroom in September 2024.

By then, the story of the husband who drugged his wife for a decade and invited strangers to rape her had started to ripple across the world, aided by Gisèle's unusual and remarkable decision to waive her anonymity and open the trial to the public and the media.

"I want any woman who wakes up one morning with no memories of the night before to remember what I said," she stated. "So that no more women can fall prey to chemical submission. I was sacrificed on the altar of vice, and we need to talk about it."

Her legal team also successfully pushed for the videos taken to be shown in court, arguing they would "undo the thesis of accidental rape" – pushing back against the line of defence that the men had not meant to rape Gisèle as they didn't realise she was unconscious.

"She wanted shame to change sides and it has," a woman who came to watch the trial in Avignon said in November. "Gisèle turned everything on its head. We weren't expecting a woman like this."

Medical examiner Anne Martinat Sainte-Beuve said that in the wake of her husband's arrest, Gisèle was clearly traumatised but calm and distant – a coping mechanism often employed by survivors of terrorist attacks.

Gisèle herself has said that she is "a field of ruins" and that she fears the rest of her life may not be enough to rebuild herself.

Ms Sainte-Beuve said she had found Gisèle "exceptionally resilient": "She turned what could have destroyed her into strength."

Days before the trial started, the Pelicots' divorce was finalised.

Gisèle has gone back to her maiden name. She went by the name Pelicot for the trial so that her grandchildren could be "proud" of being related to her and not ashamed of being associated to Dominique.

She has since moved to a village far from Mazan. She sees a psychiatrist but doesn't take any medication, because she no longer wants to ingest any substance. She continues to go on long walks, but is no longer tired.

In the early days of the trial, Caroline's husband Pierre took the stand.

A defence lawyer asked him about the Mazan years, when Gisèle was suffering from memory loss and her husband was dutifully accompanying her to unfruitful medical appointments. How could the family not have realised what was happening?

Pierre shook his head.

"You are forgetting one thing," he said. "You cannot imagine the unimaginable."

(archive)

[cillians-sweetheart]

𝓟𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓮𝓬𝓾𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂 ☣︎ Chapter 30

Description: Johnathan Crane x Patient Reader. An 18 year old girl suffers from a mental disorder that Dr Crane takes an interest in, but It isn't just the disorder that catches his eye. Their love becomes so strong it drives her dangerously mad... more mad then she or him could ever imagine. 

ROMANCE + HORROR + SMUT STORY

No Batman and not everything about crane that's mentioned is correct to the actual character in DC.

TW: Violence, Sexual Content, Alcohol/Drug Use, Gore, Mental Illness, Parental Issues, Smut, Murder, Extreme Kinks (dom/crane, blood, choking, hair pulling, spanking, age gap, toys, dub-con and daddy kink) and Mention of Abuse, Assault and SA.

Not all warnings shown will be used in this exact chapter! Bold warnings are some to be expected throughout the chapter below!

Johnathan ripped his mask from his face as we were now back in privacy. I handed him the mall I had gotten and he began to quickly rip them open. His eyes scanned quickly over every word. A look in his eyes showed he still wasn't satisfied by what he saw.

"what's wrong hunny?" I held onto his bicep, lightly running my fingertips over his blazer sleeve.

"I have a trial tomorrow and I still have not gotten anything from the judge with any further information."

"Trial? You didn't tell me you had a trial?"

"Yeah because you don't need to worry about my work life."

"Who's it for?"

"Some thug who works for me. I make it my deal to get him out of jail time." Johnathan slammed the useless letters onto the kitchen island and rubbed his forehead.

I pulled myself into his arm and cuddled to it. "Do you want me to come with you?" I asked softly.

"No No. It's not safe."

"Not safe how?"

"I don't need you being anywheres near the public unless it is my work."

"But there will be police there, no one will hurt me."

"That's the problem. The police."

"Oh..."

"Sorry sweetheart." Johnathan tussled my hair around while grinning at me reassuringly.

Tomorrow

"Mr Gray. You have been brought here to my court today with charges of drug trafficking, drug possession, aggravated assault, 2 counts of murder and possession of multiple illegal weapons. My Finch, please come to the whiteness stand." The Judge spoke as the opposing lawyer, Mr Finch stood.

"Thank you your honour" He bowed stepping into the stand. "In my belief, My Gray is a sociopathic threat to our society. Our streets of Gotham were in deep harm because of this mans thoughtless crimes. Many innocent lives were taken and/or harmed. I say My Gray is a perfect candidate for life in prison. With no parole."

"Objection!" Mr Thatcher, Mr Grays lawyer, spat out while standing. "My client has been recently admitted to experiencing psychotic type symptoms, making his actions completely unpredictable. Yes he is dangerous but, your honour, he is unable to read the rights and wrongs of our world, due to his possible condition. Mr Gray here is sick and does not deserve a punishment for his illness. As human rights go, he should be evaluated into his mental health before a prison sentence is made."

The Judge sighed and laid his hands flat onto the platform in front of him. "Very well. Mr Finch, is there anything you wish to add?"

He thought for a moment. "No your honour."

"You may be dismissed."

"Thank you your honour." He bowed again before returning to the opposing side of Mr Thatcher.

"Any more words? Mr Thatcher." The Judge raised his head.

"No your honour."

"Thank you. Dr Crane, please step forward."

Johnathan came from the gallery where people of the public and the families of Mr Gray sat. He straightened his tie then proceeded to sit at the whiteness stand.

"In my opinion, Mr Gray is as much a danger to himself as to others. And prison is probably not the best environment for his rehabilitation."

"Objection your honour!" Mr Finch stood. "This man is just as guilty as the accused. I've done some review on Dr Crane here's cases and it seems that there's been many of his thugs put into his asylum with no real signs of psychosis."

"I can assure you Mr Finch, my patients are very well ill." He pushed his glasses up from the bridge of his nose. "I'd love if you came and took a look for yourself."

"Okay Okay." The Judge interrupted. "Dr Crane. Please, continue"

"Thank you." Johnathan continued. "I will have Mr Gray admitted into my ward until he is throughly investigated for psychosis. And I'm sure I will not disappoint you Mr Finch with my diagnosis. As I am the best doctor Mr Gray will find in Gotham."

"Your honour I apologize but this man is acting like an imbecile. It is clear there are no signs of psychosis in Mr Gray."

"And I apologize to say you Mr Finch, are not the one with a medical degree. Yes?"

"Alright." The Judge slammed him hands down. "Mr Gray will be sentenced under investigation to Arkham Asylum until further notice on his mental stability." His mallet came down confirming the sentence. "Dr Crane, you may be dismissed."

"Thank you your honour." He smirked giving a devious look to Mr Finch.

During Johnathan's trial I stayed home watching the television and looking at Johnathan's weird books. I missed him terribly, so much it made me feel physically ill. My head hurt and I felt empty inside. All the channels on his television were medical documentaries, the news and some weird science show where they dissected animals. Nothing was pleasing to me so I just turned it off and went to the bedroom to lay down. Hopefully I was able to let my headache fade on its own. In the bedroom I snuggled myself into his side of the bed; As I always did when he was gone. His pillow smelt of his hair and the blankets smelt of his cologne. I closed my eyes pulling the blanket over my shoulders.

The time passed very quickly. Within of what felt like 10 minutes was really several hours. By the time the front door opened, it was already 8pm. I was half asleep in bed as the sun just began to set. Johnathan kneeled down beside the bed watching me as I slept. He entered the house so quietly I didn't even know he was home.

While I was asleep I began to dream of my mother again. Her tormenting me and screaming at me for killing her. Maybe the drama with the police dialled down but she didn't. She still haunted me every time I closed my eyes.

Suddenly my dream paused and all I saw in my mind was black. I began to feel something that slowly woke me. I squirmed and groaned before I jumped awake. Johnathan was in front of me kissing my face while I slept. My eyes opened and he backed away quickly, pretending he wasn't just kissing my cheeks and forehead. When I saw his face I was suddenly very awake as I jumped at him wrapping my arms around his neck and pushing my face against his. "Johnathan!" I cuddled my face close to his, giving him millions of kisses on his cheek.

"Yes Hi" He pulled his face away and sat onto the bed next to me.

"I missed you so much" I whined grabbing his arm and pulled him to me.

"I missed you too hunny."

"Come here!" I pulled him harder onto the bed so he was laying down next to me. I instantly crawled on top of him and snuggled myself as close as I could to him. I laid on his chest while I looked onto his face, touching it gently with my fingers. "How did it go? Did you win?"

"I'm not a lawyer sweetheart. I can't win."

I took his glasses off him and threw them on the nightstand. "I know but did you get the results you wanted?" I laid my cheek on his, his other cheek being rubbed by my hand. He seemed to feel a bit overstimulated by all the touching but I couldn't help myself. He looked so sweet and felt so soft like a baby.

"Yeah. It went well."

"Aw I'm glad" I kissed his plump lips. "And I just missed you so much.." I pouted.

"Yeah?"

"Mhm"

"Aw you missed daddy?" He smirked, I nodded. "How sweet. Were you good while I was gone?"

"Yes" I moved my head down to rest in the crook of his neck. I deeply inhaled his musky cologne. My tiredness returned as I felt myself melting into him, finally feeling fulfilled by his presence.

"The lobby's filled with police.." Johnathan whispered catching me off guard. I lifted my head up and looked into his eyes.

"What?"

"Yeah but you'll be okay"

"Will you?"

"Yeah most likely. I've been in court all day remember?" He smirked touching my cheek.

"You need to be more careful. If you get taken away who will help proceed with this mission of yours."

"I won't get taken away. The scarecrow is never caught my sweet." He pushed my head down to his lips, kissing my forehead. "And if you'd stop putting yourself in situations like this I wouldn't need to blow people's brains"

"I know... but you look cute while doing it" I blushed.

"I'm not cute."

"Yes you are"

"No, I am well proportioned."

"Same thing." I kissed his cheek. "I'm tired I wanna go to bed now." I rolled off of him and pulled the black duvet over my shoulders.

"Alright." Johnathan sat up from the bed and pushed himself up. I watched him, peaking over the covers, as he began to pull his tie off. He threw it into the closet and began undoing his blazer, then pulling off his knitted sweater underneath. The process of him undressing was always better than just seeing him undressed. The way his abdomen looked as he stretched his arms above his head; Giving the perfect view of his V line coming up from his low waisted pants. He never liked it when I watched so I pretending not too and peaked through one eye.

Johnathan was my sexual awakening. I never felt lust for a man or even myself before him. But the day his hands slid down and between my thighs I've never felt the same. Suddenly after that the male anatomy was all I thought about, and all I wanted. Johnathan portrayed the look of a man better than any I've met before. He looked and acted more masculine than any boy I've seen. But that's probably because he wasn't a boy, he was a man.

[thefamilylawco]

What Are The Role of a Family Court Lawyer? 

Family law matters are often emotionally charged, intricate, and legally complex. When facing issues such as divorce, child custody, alimony, or domestic violence, individuals may find themselves overwhelmed by the legal processes involved. In these situations, a Family Law Maitland becomes an invaluable ally, guiding clients through the legal maze while advocating for their rights and best interests.

Understanding the Role of a Family Court Lawyer

A Family Court Lawyer Near Me specializes in handling legal matters that pertain to family relationships. They possess in-depth knowledge of family law statutes, regulations, and procedures. Whether it's negotiating settlements, representing clients in court proceedings, or providing legal advice and support, their expertise is essential for navigating the complexities of family law.

For more detail please visit our website: https://familylawco.com.au/

[nullbutler]

I can't even begin to articulate how nice the past few days have been after going on medication

Like. okay. imagine you've got this worm in your head. maybe you already have one, but just, imagine yours acts the way mine did. you're constantly in a debate - its a fucking debate worm. every single action you take is leveled against judge jury and executioner. every punishment is the exact same: the punishment is the trial. however long the trial goes on, that's your punishment. but the jurys in for ages. weeks. months. recurring days spread over months. you think there's recess, there's no recess. the worm is the judge.

and, like, okay, you can distract yourself. you can laugh with friends, you can have a nice time. but every time you have too nice of a time, the gavel strikes and something invasive forces its way into your head. something that makes your heart sink. it's like a scab is open on your chest. you dont know if the anxiety is where your stomach is, or in your heart, or in your soul, or attached to the back of your ribcage. you just know that the longer you let it set, the more it'll glue into your bones, and the more it will become a fixture

the court loves the idea that you're a terrible human being. that you acted inappropriately to that friend of yours from a few years ago, that you creeped out your crush, that you're sending bad messages, or worse, that you're lying, betraying, scheming, awful person, awful friend.

the court also hates the people who are close to you. everyone is under the intense eye, however, only you can take the blame. if they're bad? leave them alone. If they'll hate you? leave before they can show it

So that whole mess. the most rancid dark disturbing things you can think about. there's no reprieve. and before you ask, yes, trying to 'write it out' did nothing. thinking it out did nothing. getting enough sleep, going on walks, meditation, distraction, yoga, other problems, NONE of that HELPED at ALL and god knows I TRIED

and you never think about the amount of resources and energy it must take to upkeep the court. tax payer dollars. hah. why else am I exhausted all of the time? what am I paying for? why can't I move? why is it so hard? i don't think about the worm, the leech, the parasite. it doesn't exist. that's my guardian angel, she means me no harm.

and then bam

gone.

no more of that shit.,

it's just OVER

I was so used to feeling such an overwhelming rush of anxiety...so much assault of violent, vile, cruel, untrue images. lawyers lobbying my execution. defendants and debates and anguish and frustrating and thinking God should not have said that should not have said that then. All of that, my autonomy stripped away, and its just. all gone. I'm in complete control of my mind again

it's slow, I feel numb, my appetite is no where to be seen, my headache is near constant, i'm giggly and impulsive when i talk to family

but GOD I'm alive

[walker-extended-universe]

Announcing Liam Appreciation Day!

Unlike the city of Austin, on this blog we appreciate both Walker brothers equally. And if you've been keeping up with the calendar, you know that that means that September 4th is Liam Appreciation Day!

From dominating in the court room to his near undying loyalty to his family, there's a lot to appreciate about Liam. So on that day, this blog will be a hub for all Liam appreciation and positivity. I'll be reblogging old posts and making new ones about our favorite former lawyer. I'll also be putting up some polls and reblog games for easy participation. If anyone wishes to create something of their own, please use the tag #liam walker day so I can find your post and reblog it here. If you want to make sure I see your post, you're more than welcome to tag me or DM me.

I can't wait to see y'all there!

Taglist below the cut (if you want to be added to the taglist, see this post)

Taglist: @lixmwalkers, @theladywyn, @jaredwalkertexasranger, @laf-outloud, @aborddelimpala, @mysterybeau, @sweet-sammy-kisses, @kickingitwithkirk, @rhl74, @peachparakeet, @dumb-fawkin-bitch, @loveforwomenstuff, @low-soduimfreak, @ihavepointysticks, @waywardmaslow, @arte-mishuntress, @the-slythering-raven, @deeranger, @duo-kun, @inafieldofdaisies

[thechaotictheoryy]

Unravel | 8. Why Do Parents Break Hearts?

summary: What if you had chains around your heart but you were the one who put them there? If you took a look at Parker’s heart, you would see a nice beating heart but Parker felt there were heavy metal chains wrapped it. After years of a disconnected relationship with her parents and a hard break up with her boyfriend of four years, Parker Williams made her heart mentally chained. Declaring to never fall in love again but what happens when she meets a witty musician who is all about seeking love?

pairing: main character x Hongjoong ft. ex! Yeosang

genre: (18+ minors dni), romance, fluff, lots of angst, coming to age, college au, smut, strangers to lovers, self discovery

word count: 2,760

chapter warnings: short flashback, a lot of crying, slight violence, rejection, heartbreak

song rec for this chapter: Alone by Jimin

Five years earlier. 

Summer of 2016

“And the winner of the Mid Summer Art Show is painting number thirty two!”

My mouth dropped and I slowly walked up to the stage as everyone around me was clapping. There were over 200 entries and I had just won first place at my third art competition. When I got there, I was handed a trophy and an envelope with the prize money. I had to take a few photos beside my painting and I saw other people just smiling at me. The only people I wish were here to see me smile weren’t here. 

My own parents. 

After all the photos and talking to the director, I was out standing near the bus stop. My parents didn’t support my dreams, they wanted me to be a lawyer. I knew as soon as I got home, I would have my study session with them and talk about entering the internship for high school students at their firm. I hated talking about that with them because they knew I didn’t want to be a lawyer or run my own firm. 

I saw the bus pulling up and I hopped on as soon as it stopped. I found a long seat and sat down, putting my painting beside me. I didn’t mind riding the bus to things like this because I enjoy them. I get to see views of LA that I never seen so I take a different route every time. Sometimes we would pass USC and I think about how that was my dream school growing up and I’ll more than likely end up there. 

The bus rides always took about 30 minutes because I live in a private gated area. My parents have been lawyers for about 30 years so all the money they have is understandable. They wanted their daughter to follow in their footsteps. They sent me to private schools, took me to their law firm when my school was out for two weeks at a time, and always made me look at educational videos about court cases. When I finally reached the 8th grade, I begged for them to let me go to a public high school. They let me go on the condition that I have study sessions with them three days a week before dinner. Even though the idea was a bad one, I agreed and I finally feel like a regular teenage girl. 

Well at least a little bit. 

I got off the bus as it stopped at the gates to my neighborhood. I waved at the bus driver and made my way inside after putting in the code. My house was at least three blocks so that gave me time to think and get my mind together before this session. 

My parents both came from nothing. My dad is from New York and his family were lower middle class, which means his mom only made enough to keep a roof over their head and put food on the table. No buying him the newest shoes or the trendy clothes, he mostly wore sweatpants and hoodies to school. Going to college and making into law school, all the expenses my dad worked his ass off to get scholarships for. It gave me no time for friends or other things in his life. My mom was from the southside of Chicago when she had the chance to make it out of Illinois, she took her chance. Her chance was her getting into Cornell then getting into Harvard. My parents met in a class they had together while at Harvard and ended up being in the same study group through friends. 

Yeah my dad finally made friends in law school. 

They decided to move to LA because this was somewhere they wanted to raise their child and they loved the gated communities here. They both also hated cold weather, considering they are from states where it snows a lot that is very understandable. 

They both think that I do painting as a hobby and have no intentions of making it a career. That wasn’t in their life plans. They didn’t want their child to be anything else but what they wanted me to be. I’m lucky to have made friends and have time for other things. I was a social person for the most part so it wasn’t that hard, I think I got that from my mom. 

I finally made it to my house and walked in. I kicked off my shoes and walked towards the living room. My parents were at both of their desks and didn’t even lift their head when they heard my footsteps. 

“I’m home” 

“Good, go get your binder,” my mom said, typing. 

“I won today.. Again” 

“Good job, your session will only be two hours today,” my dad said, looking up at me. 

“Prize money was a thousand,” I rubbed my neck. 

“Parker please, go put the painting up and go get your stuff,” my mom finally looked up. 

I shook my head and walked upstairs to my room. I put my painting in my closet and grabbed my binder and textbook off my dresser. You would think they would be proud, right? They could care less in all honesty. If it wasn’t related to the career they had planned for me, they didn’t care to listen. Even when I told them I was pansexual, they didn’t really care. As long as it didn’t affect me career wise, they were okay with it. I also think they were okay with it because there was still a possibility I would end up with a guy and have a nice family. 

Little did they know. 

When I went back downstairs, we immediately had my session. They lied to me, the session went over the two hours and my brain was close to being fired for all the information they were trying to put in my head. We ended up even ordering pizza for dinner because my mom didn’t feel like cooking. It was quiet, all you could hear was the documentary about famous black lawyers playing and the smacking of my dad chewing on his pizza. Maybe I should have this talk with them now. The sooner the better right? 

“Can I talk to you guys about something?”  

“What is it?” my dad said, staring at the screen. 

I took a deep breath. 

“I don’t want to be a lawyer” 

The TV paused and I could feel the tension in the room become so strong. 

It was suffocating. 

“What?” my mom said, turning to me. 

“I want to be a painter, I’m good at it and I want to make a career out of it” 

“Parker, this is not the time for j–”

“I’m not joking,” I stood up and looked at both of them. 

I paced a little then stopped and faced them. Their expressions showed disappointment and a little anger. I knew this would be the response from them but I was tired of wasting my time doing this and I didn’t want to give anymore false hope of something that I truly didn’t want to be. 

“I've been into art since I was a kid and technically I’m still not all the way grown up but I have two more years left of high school then I’ll be in college. I want to go for something I love. Painting, creating, possibly sculpting is what I want to do” 

“Parker, that’s not realistic” my dad stood up. 

“How is it not realistic? Picasso, Claude Monet, Andy Warhol, Grant Wood. They all made a living out of painting” 

“And what is the one thing they have in common? They are white men,” my mom said, crossing her arms

“Gordon Parks, Kara Walker, Sam Gilliam, Charles Alston, I could name so many more! They are all black painters and made a career out of it” 

“The answer is no Parker, you will be a lawyer or an attorney! You will go to law school! And you will work at a firm! Me and your mother did not work our asses off for you to pick such a low tier career when you could possibly be broke!” My dad yelled. 

“What if I go against you huh?! You're going to disown me? Throw me out? Because of my differences? Because I’m different from what you wanted me to be?!” I yelled back. 

I felt a burning sensation on my cheek. I didn’t even realize my face wasn’t facing them anymore but I slowly turned my head to them. My mother was the one who had her hand raised. She slapped me again and I stumbled back. 

This is what everything has come to, huh?

I felt the warmth of my tears fall down my cheeks. 

“Do what you want Parker, okay? We won’t throw you out, we won't do anything but you won’t disrespect us,” she shook her head and walked away. 

My father followed behind her, I heard them put on their shoes and grab a set of keys. The door slammed so hard that it rang in my ears. 

Don’t cry Parker. 

Don’t cry Parker. 

You’re crying Parker. 

It’s loud Parker. 

Your heart is broken Parker. 

The voices in my head kept telling me to stop, to be strong. I couldn’t stop the flow of my tears or lower the volume of my cries. My knees went weak on me and I put my face in my hands.

This hurts. 

It fucking hurts. 

Why does it hurt so fucking bad? 

All I wanted was support and I can’t even get that from them. What was so bad about my dream? What so bad about what I wanted to be. It’s one thing to not agree but you can still support your kid even if it’s just a little bit. I’m also in shock that my mother actually put her hands on me. She has never done that but also I never was a bad child but that’s because of their strictness. When I took a quick look at my dad’s face when it happened, he seemed to be in shock a little bit because of what she did. My parents went through so much when they were my age that they said no violence was never a way to discipline me. 

I guess my mom changed her mind.

I took some deep breaths and walked upstairs to my room. I wanted to get out of the house but where would I go? Most of my family lives on the East Coast now and Jessica was in New York for the summer. All I could do was lock myself up in my room and just try to see what happens in the morning. I wonder what the outcome of the rest of my life would be after this. Would my parents just get over it? Would they really decide to disown me? How was this going to affect my relationship with them? 

Was my mother going to apologize for hitting me? 

I doubt it but if she did, I would respect her so much more for it and be out their hair. I just had a strong feeling everything was going to be different for me moving forward. 

A month has passed since that night and I was back in school. I told Jessica what happened and she was just as shocked as I was that night. She was mad at her stuff because she wasn’t here to be there for me but I reassured her it was okay. I wasn’t going to always have someone there to pick me up when I have slip ups or fall. 

After that night, my parents had a conversation two days later at dinner. They basically told me they would support me financially until I was out of college. They would never support my career. They didn’t care about choices I made from now until forever. I had to get into a university by myself with none of their help. When they said they would support me financially they just meant keeping me fed, clothes on my back, and dropping an allowance in my bank account once a month. They felt like otherwise, they had no reason to communicate with me. 

They were cutting off their daughter without really cutting me off. 

My mother didn’t apologize for hitting me, she just apologized for the bruise she left on my left cheek. 

It made my heart hurt even more but I didn’t fight with them, I just listened. 

If they felt like this was the right thing for them to do then so be it. 

I haven’t had any conversation since then with them. I only see them in the morning when I have breakfast and when we have dinner. They even work at the firm sometimes at night just so they wouldn’t have to see me. They don’t understand the mental damage they are doing to me and I wouldn’t expect them to give a shit. 

“I think they will come around, you will still be there for two years,” Jessica said. 

We were at lunch, I just want to thank whoever made our schedules to where we have lunch at the same time. I honestly don't know what I would do without her honestly. 

“They might be done with me and that’s okay,” I bit into my sandwich. 

“Parents just can’t be done with their kids that easily, especially your parents. They invested so much time into making you some big time lawyer”

“It was a waste of my time and theirs but what was I supposed to do? What did I look like at nine, telling my parents I didn’t want to be a lawyer? I had no choice then” 

“Mm, I have faith that they will come around” 

I’m glad you do Jessica” 

She knew to end the conversation there and change the subject because this whole thing was still kind of sensitive for me. 

Well in her mind it was. 

I really just went with the flow of things. That probably stems from me not really having that warm relationship with my parents. Maybe as a baby, everything was different. Maybe they were warmer and felt like parents. All I ever remember were my parents being strict teachers and not my parents. Even with this new found freedom, I still don’t feel like it’s freedom. Being in a house where your two caretakers don’t speak to you felt like hell. 

A tortuous hell. 

How do you even survive in a tortuous hell? 

The school day kind of went by after that, Me and Jessica had decided to walk home this time. The real reason was because Jessica wanted to stop for ice cream. We lived in the same neighborhood, her mom was a doctor and her stepdad was an engineer. Even if people called us rich little kids, we didn’t feel like it. We just felt so normal, probably because our parents didn’t spoil us like rich kids. I was grateful for that, I couldn’t imagine myself so snobby. 

I waved at her as I walked inside my house. I could hear my parents talking in the kitchen, they probably didn’t hear me enter. I took off my shoes and began to make my way to my room. 

“I think Philly would be pretty nice,” I heard my dad say. 

I stopped and decided to listen closely. Are we moving? 

“We both hate the cold though” 

“It’s a good city through for our professions, we can move after she graduates” 

“Very true, I think I can stay here just watch her fail in life” 

“Me either, I wish she just made better choices,” my dad sighed. 

“A painter, what a fucking joke,” I heard my mom start putting dishes away. 

I let out a breath and made it to my room. I threw myself on my bed and stared at the ceiling. I wanted to cry but no tears would fall. What was the point of crying though? The damage was done and it was no point in spilling tears every time I heard them talk bad about me. 

To them, I was bound to be a failure. 

I wanted to prove them wrong. I wanted to show them I was going to be something. 

I’ll keep entering competitions. 

I’ll improve. 

I’ll make it to USC without them. 

I’ll be something without them. 

“Why?” I asked myself. 

Why do parents break hearts? 

taglist: @hwaslayer

previous. next.

[mesetacadre]

hypothetically if i were to visit spain, what would be the itinerary you would organise on the first day

Assuming you're arriving in the morning (and in Madrid, as you told me), I'd first get to the center near Atocha train station. This is because it's really close to the three big museums, the golden art triangle, I know you like those. The closest is Reina Sofía, that focuses on art from the 20th century. The most famous painting here is Guernica, but there are many others just as good. Next would be the Prado museum, which focuses in the period between the 12th century and early 20th century, and broadly based on the spanish monarchy's collection. It's by far the biggest collection in Spain, one particular author who stands out is Velázquez, the court's painter during what is known as the golden age. Last is the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum, it also focuses on the 20th century, movements like impressionism and expressionism, and it is based on the private collection of the family whose name the museum bears, according to Wikipedia it used to be the second largest private art collection behind the British Royal Collection.

After that, if you don't spend too much time, you'll have spent the entire morning between museums. After eating, and I don't know any good places to eat in Madrid because it's a city hostile to all human life, I would just have a leisurely walk around the city center, it's not too big but it's also not small. Places like the Atocha statue to the murdered communist lawyers, Puerta del Sol, the Debod temple (Egypt gifted an entire temple to Spain after it helped with some flooding and they literally deconstructed it, shipped the individual stones, and reconstructed it in Madrid), the royal palace, the western park (site of many vestiges of the civil war) spring to mind. So after spending a good few hours walking around I would invite you to escape Madrid and visit where I live, but alas I won't doxx myself. I promise there are very interesting things to see though

[wrathfulmercy]

//hey sweetpeas, a short update I will post under a read more cause it might be heavy for some. Mind the tags.

my original plan was coming back September when it hopefully calms down with the heat, but today I sadly was informed about a death in the family. As most of you know that doesn’t affect me emotionally since I have no contact for years, but it will cause some heritage problems and fights with lawyers in court for sure (swear it’s rl succession and I’m not even exaggerating). So please don’t send me condolences the only thing I need is strength to get over these horrible court fights that will probably await me in the near future (and all the horrible lawyer stuff). If I’m not here, keep that in mind. Love you 💕

[foundtherightwords]

The Road Forgotten - Chapter 3

Pairing: Arthur Havisham (Dickensian) x OFC

A/N: I made Arthur bisexual and paired him with a female character in this. I know some writers have gotten flack for pairing Arthur with a female character (or reader), so if it's not your cup of tea, please walk away.

This is mostly based on the events of "Dickensian", but I've also incorporated some elements and characters from "Great Expectations". Most notably, Satis House is in Kent (as in the book) instead of in London.

Summary: A few years after his plan to swindle his sister ended in tragedy, Arthur Havisham is a shadow of a man, living in guilt and fear. When Elsie Bradford, a young woman also wronged by Compeyson, enlists Arthur's help to hunt down his former partner-in-crime, Arthur must face his demons and other strange, new feelings, to redeem himself.

Warnings: slow burn, angst, guilt, revenge, psychological trauma, mention of prostitution, mention of suicide/suicide ideations, some violence, a bit of smut

Chapter word count: 2.6k

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Elsie agreed to meet Havisham on Little Britain to visit the office of a Mr. Jaggers, the Havisham's family lawyer. According to Havisham, Jaggers knew of his dealings with Compeyson and therefore might have discovered some useful information.

Elsie had walked again, choosing to save money over the safety of a hackney cab, yet she still arrived way before their appointed time. She cast her eyes up and down the gloomy street, taking in the anonymous façades of the many offices and shops that lined its sides, and noting, out of habit, where the best escapes were. A knot of people was mingling about, all looking desperate, restless, or both. She saw the sign MR. JAGGERS painted on a door nearby and realized they were there for a similar purpose as she. She chose a spot a little farther on, near a pawn shop, and pretended to browse the meager offerings on display while keeping an eye out for Havisham.

He had asked her to meet him outside the office at two in the afternoon, but he didn't show up until well after the bells of Great St. Bart's had rung the half-hour. From her position, Elsie saw him approaching on unsteady feet, and she felt a sense of annoyance. She had taken care never to order brandy for him again, not wanting to make the same mistake that she had in their first meeting, but he clearly had other ways to procure it.

As he drew near, however, her annoyance faded, for she saw now that his stumbling gait was due to nervousness rather than drunkenness. He was too alert for a man who was drunk or had recently been drunk. His shoulders were hunched as usual, his head turned slightly to the inside of the street, his grip on the top of his cane was white-knuckled, and under the brim of his top hat, his eyes kept their frantic darting motion. He looked a man permanently in fear. Elsie's conscience pricked when she remembered Havisham's white-faced horror at seeing Marianne. She hadn't planned to use her sister to appeal to his decency, and she certainly hadn't planned to bring on one of Marianne's attacks—Mrs. Gordon had spoken so encouragingly of Marianne's progress at her last visit—but she couldn't shake off the feeling that she had ill-used both of them.

Havisham walked right past Elsie without seeing her. She gently put a hand on his sleeve, and he jumped, almost flying off the curb and into the street. "Mr. Havisham, it's me," she said quietly.

Havisham visibly relaxed. "Miss Bradford, apologies for my late arrival," he said.

"It's all right. It looks like the office isn't even open yet," Elsie said, indicating the waiting queue.

"Jaggers must be in Court then. His clerk will let us in." Havisham straightened up and squared his shoulders, trying to put on an imposing air but only ended up looking like he was trying on an ill-fitted coat. He led her past the queue.

"But they've been waiting long before us!" Elsie spluttered in protest.

"Isn't this why you need my help, to get you into places?" asked Havisham, rapping on the door with his cane. Elsie tried to smile apologetically at the people still waiting, and only received some sullen stares in return.

A clerk with a square, wooden face and small, glittering black eyes opened the door.

"We're here to see Mr. Jaggers," Havisham announced.

"And you are...?" the clerk said.

Havisham tried to look indignant. "Do you mean you do not recognize me?"

The clerk squinted at him. An uncomfortable moment passed, and Elsie could almost see Havisham shrink within himself. Too aware of the resentful eyes behind their backs, she took pity on him and stepped forward. "It's Mr. Havisham," she said.

The clerk's eyes widened. "Oh, it's you, Mr. Havisham! I do beg your pardon, it's been so long since you... do come in, sir. And you too, ma'am."

He opened the door for them. Angry voices rose behind them in protest, and the clerk stepped out to talk them down. Elsie could hear snatches of his words, "Mr. Jaggers will see all of you as soon as he returns... one of his oldest clients... yes, that Havisham... yes, such a shame what happened..."

He then returned and directed them into an inner office, a small, rather dismal place, dimly lit by a single, patchy skylight, and filled with odds and ends. There were a few uncomfortable-looking chairs of black horsehair studded full of brass nails, and Elsie and Havisham sat down on these, facing the lawyer's empty desk.

"I thought you needed my help," Havisham said petulantly.

"It doesn't hurt to be a little more polite to people, Mr. Havisham," was all Elsie said. She glanced at Havisham. Even in the dim light, she noticed that he had made some effort to clean himself up - he had shaved, put on a clean shirt, and brushed back his unruly curls. His eyes were still slightly sunken, but the glassy film covering them had lifted somewhat. However, he seemed rather nervous - he was alternating between tapping his cane on the floor and twisting it in his hands. She wondered what he had to be nervous about. Talking to a lawyer would not be her first step in the search for Compeyson. She had rather hoped Havisham would take her to places he and Compeyson had frequented or to their mutual acquaintances. But asking "So where did you meet the man that ruined your life?" would not be a good conversation starter, so she kept quiet.

There was a commotion outside. It appeared Mr. Jaggers had returned, and the people waiting now crowded around him, all vying for his attention. Jaggers was barking orders left and right, while the clerk scurried off to do his biddings, and the clients, having had their questions answered and their worries relieved, left one by one, shaken off by Jaggers like a man taking off his outer clothes upon entering his home.

Jaggers walked into the office, a burly, imposing man, very dark. He looked not much older than forty or fifty, but the top of his head was already balding, and he seemed to make up for it by cultivating a pair of bristling eyebrows over his deep-set, suspicious eyes. Havisham stood up, then sat down, then stood again. Elsie was uncomfortably reminded of her own uneasiness before seeing Marianne, and she found herself drawing back, blending in with the dark, greasy wall of the office, wishing to give Havisham some room as he had with her and Marianne. Jaggers stopped upon seeing Havisham.

"Arthur," he said, looking none too pleased. "What are you doing here?"

"I have a question for you," replied Havisham.

Jaggers threw the papers he was holding onto the desk. Some sheets fluttered to the floor to join their fellows, but the lawyer didn't seem to care. Elsie wondered how he got any work done at all, in such a mess.

"If this is about your allowance again..." Jaggers said, sounding annoyed.

"No, no, I know the board has been more than gracious in that matter," Havisham said through gritted teeth. Again, Elsie could almost see him writhing in humiliation and felt a surge of compassion. Perhaps, like her, it wasn't easy for him to meet someone from his old life again. No, it was even worse for him, because he was the direct victim and had to take the brunt of judgment, like her poor father, who hadn't been able to bear the shame.

"So what is it?" Jaggers asked tetchily. He still had not seen Elsie.

Havisham looked back at Elsie. This alerted Jaggers to her presence, and his bushy eyebrows merged together quizzically as he looked at Havisham for an answer. Havisham grabbed Jaggers's sleeve, pulled him toward a far corner of the room, close to the desk, and dropped his voice. Elsie was unwilling to follow. She didn't want to hear her story told by another. But she could tell when Havisham's mouth formed the name "Compeyson", and Jaggers's expression turned thunderous.

"You ignored all my warnings, and now you have the nerve to come here and ask for my help?" he grumbled.

"I'm not asking for me," Havisham said. He looked toward Elsie again.

"And since when did you become such an altruist? Or are you cooking up another one of your foolish schemes? Haven't you learned your lesson?" Jaggers was actually shaking his finger at Havisham, who hung his head like an admonished child, his earlier bluster at the door was completely gone. "Who is this woman? What do you even know about her? She came to you with some tragic tale and you fell for it..."

"She didn't—" Havisham began, but Elsie could no longer keep quiet. It was one thing for this man to bully his client, but she wouldn't stand his insult.

"Excuse me," she said, stepping forward. Jaggers barely gave her a glance. "We came here because Mr. Havisham believed you could help us discover Compeyson's whereabouts. If you can't, just say so and we'll be on our way. You need not berate Mr. Havisham or slander my honesty. It wasn't our fault that we fell victim to Compeyson's deviousness!"

"Wasn't your fault?" Jaggers repeated, finally looking at her. "Forgive me for speaking the truth, ma'am, but the moment you let a man such as Compeyson into your life, you knew you were making a deal with the devil." He gestured toward Havisham. "Ask him! Ask him what he—"

"We should go," Havisham interrupted, taking Elsie's arm.

Jaggers went after them. "I'm giving you true counsel," he said. "Forget this ill-advised quest for revenge. Both of you. Go home, Arthur."

A look of despair came into Havisham's eyes. "You know I can't," he said in a small voice and guided Elsie out of the office.

"He has no rights to blame you—blame us!—for what that... that fiend did to us!" she fumed, futile tears stinging her eyes. She hated herself for crying, for showing weakness, and tried to tell herself that people who did not know about her father or Marianne would be quick to judge, but she could not stop the fiery anger from flaring up within her.

Without waiting for the clerk to see them out, Elsie shoved the front door open, nearly colliding with a man loitering outside. "Beg your pardon, miss," he said, quickly moving off. There was something familiar about the man, but she couldn't quite place him, and she was still too furious with Jaggers to remember.

Havisham seemed defeated. "I'm sorry, Miss Bradford," he said. "I really thought Jaggers would help. He did warn me about Compeyson, but I didn't listen to him, like the fool I was. After I... lost my share of the Havisham brewery, it was only thanks to Jaggers that I retained a small allowance. Not enough to live on, but enough to starve away in gentility, if I so wish. It's too bad that I don't." The corner of his mouth lifted up in a self-deprecating smile. "He has every right to be angry with me."

His self-loathing saddened her. "There is nothing to apologize for, Mr. Havisham," she said, laying a hand on his arm. He peered at her tear-stained face, and his smile brightened briefly with gratitude. Then he fumbled in his pocket for a rather wrinkled handkerchief, which he offered to her.

Elsie stared at it. "Why are you giving me this?"

Havisham was discomfited. "Isn't... isn't this what a gentleman is supposed to do when a lady is in distress?" he said, his pale face turning pink.

Elsie had to laugh. It was a clumsy gesture, but she was thankful for the thought. "Thank you, but I'm not in distress. I'm just mad," she said, digging in her reticule for her own handkerchief and wiping her face. "So what do we do now?" she asked.

Havisham looked back into the dark mouth of the office, lost. Then his eyes landed on the clerk, still bustling about to carry out Jaggers's various orders. A look of recognition, of remembrance, came into Havisham's eyes. He took a decisive stride toward the clerk. "Didn't Jaggers order you to look into Compeyson, five years ago?" he asked.

The clerk paused, his brow furrowed in recollection. "No, that wasn't me, Mr. Havisham. That was Lowten. He left Mr. Jaggers's employment soon after."

Havisham slumped down, only to perk up again when the clerk said, "Though he did give me a few papers to keep before he left. Said he'd come back for them, but never did."

"What papers? Do you still have them?" Havisham all but seized the clerk by the neck of his jacket with such an intensity that surprised Elsie.

The clerk looked confused. "But I remember Lowten telling me—didn't you—"

"Never mind that," Havisham interrupted, casting a furtive glance at Elsie. "I want it now. Do you still have it? Or remember what was in them?"

"It's been such a long time, Mr. Havisham..."

Elsie approached them. "Please, Mr...?"

"Wemmick, at your service, ma'am." The clerk tried to balance a stack of papers with one hand and touched his forelock with the other.

"Mr. Wemmick. Please. Anything you remember at all would be a great help to us," she said, putting on her best ingratiating act, one she would often use whenever she needed to ask Mrs. Hill for a favor or some money she could send home to Marianne. It hadn't always worked with Mrs. Hill, who had taught Elsie some of the tricks herself, but it seemed to work with Wemmick. He puffed up his chest, proud of being wanted. Elsie guessed he didn't receive much appreciation from the bullying Jaggers.

"Wait now, I got it!" Wemmick's poorly chiseled features lit up. "I brought it home. I couldn't remember what possessed me to do it. I never brought anything from the office back to the castle, but that time, I thought, well, it wasn't of the office anymore, seeing how Lowten was no longer employed, so what was the harm..."

"Yes, yes," Havisham said impatiently. "Can you go home and retrieve it?"

Wemmick hesitated, looking rather uncomfortable. "Wemmick!!!" Jaggers barked from his office, and the clerk jumped. Elsie quickly realized the cause of his fear.

"Of course, we cannot possibly ask you to leave the office in the middle of the day," she said. "But we could come back tomorrow..."

Wemmick scratched his chin. "Well, now, if it's not a huge imposition, would you mind waiting until the end of the day and walking down to Walworth with me? It would do all of us good to stretch our legs. And I would be honored to introduce you to my castle and the aged."

Elsie shared a look with Havisham. The man was talking nonsense. But he was their only hope. Elsie was about to accept Wemmick's offer, when Havisham piped up, "Perhaps I could go with you alone, Wemmick. The walk may be too tiring for Miss Bradford..."

Elsie was not having it. "Not at all," she said, shooting Havisham a look to say she was perfectly capable of making her own decision, thank you very much. "In fact, my lodgings are close by in Southwark, so I'm walking that way anyway. Thank you, Mr. Wemmick," she told the clerk. "We'll walk with you."

Chapter 4