#kevin most with on court issues and matt off the court

[luvbug724]

i really think its a good thing that andrew isn't the type to comfort neil/treat his problems with patience, especially not in those first few years, because it forces neil to rely on other people and not isolate himself around andrew

[xxxbabyinatrenchcoatxxx]

Angsty thoughts about Neil and if he died at the hands of his father. If Stuart was a few minutes too late.

The foxes would not survive. By that point Dan and Matt had become parental figures in the form of best friends. They would see the quiet places Neil used to occupy and see it empty. No more little quips or questions would come from it. Matt would start sleeping in the girls room again because his room is too quiet. Seth and Neil both dead within the span of 8 months. Their empty beds would be a constant reminder that he couldn't deal with. Allison would lean on Renee like she did with Seth. Renee would push her own feelings behind as she checked on everyone else, making sure they were okay, that they would lean on each other and nothing harmful to themselves. Nicky would still be the connection the monsters have to the upperclassmen. He would keep them updated if Renee or Dan asked how they were doing but he would stay by them for the company only. Aaron and Andrew are quiet in their grief. Aaron would see how Neil's death effected his brother, but wouldn't understand anything more than Andrew lost someone he said he would protect. He would see what would happen if he left his brother. Kevin would be plagued with the truth. He would know the intimate details of how Neil was taken apart, even if they weren't true. He'd remember seeing Neil's father in the Evermore tower and his brain would supply images of Neil in this position. He'd go to Wymack and ask why a father would do such a thing, asking if Wymack would do it to him. Wymack would put the peices together and discover his long lost son in the form of a drunken striker grieving the loss of a brother. Wyamck should have been used to it. Hed lost all of his first pick foxes. Whether it was due to drugs, suicide, or something else. They were all gone. He had high hopes for Neil. Starting as a runaway with trust issues but made connections in the team. He pulled everyone together after Seths death. He pushed the team to be better. He even got through to Wymacks most difficult player. Andrew. Andrew. Andrew would barely make it. He would retreat into himself, allowing his apathy to take full control and let himself drown in his memories. He'd stop going to Wednesday meetings with Bee. Stop responding at all. The monsters would lose him. Renee would find him at the court starting at the pictures on the wall, trying to remind himself that Neil existed and he wasn't a hallucination that he clung to desperately trying to be seen. Neil existed. He was right here, documented on the walls of the Foxhole Court. Andrew contemplates suicide on more than one occasion. First was about a week after Neil's death. There was no funeral. Nothing. No one even acknowledged it other than to say the Foxes forfitted championships to the Ravens. But then Aaron came back and asked if he was going to return to Wednesday meetings with Bee, reminding Andrew of his promises. The next time was after graduation, Aaron going off to Med School and Kevin safe with his father as he played professional Exy. Andrew had gotten his degree, but it didn't mean anything to him. There was nothing for him left in the world. Aaron dropped him immediately and Kevin didn't hold up his end of the bargain. Bee kept telling him things would get easier over time, but that was a lie too. But then Renee texted him asking to meet up for lunch. She asked what his first memory was. He didn't hide, didn't sugar coat anything for her, told her the cold hard truth. Renee wasn't expecting the accuracy of his memory. Then she asked if he killed himself, how would Neil's memory live on? The pictures would eventually be covered up at the court, he would be forgotten in exy. That's when Andrew decided he'd live, if only for Neil's memory to live on with him.

[jtl-fics]

Fluent Freshman - 38

PREV

If it weren’t for the fact that he and Riko had stumbled across a truly traumatizing video of his birth that they had watched secretly in Tetsuji’s office when he was away on a business trip one weekend Kevin would believe that he was born with an Exy racquet in his hand. But the image that is seared into his retinas to this day has proven that he came into this world empty handed.

That doesn’t change the fact that Kevin has spent the majority of his life utterly and completely submersed in Exy. He was trained as a Raven, he was court, he was a champion as both a Raven as a Fox and if he had his way he’d leave college with more Championships under the orange and white than the black and red.

Exy was everything in the world to him.

He could overlook many personality defects if someone brought something to the Court.

Apathetic five foot nothing who was more likely to stab him than shake his hand? Well, he’s the best goalie that Kevin had ever seen in his entire life (and that was saying something).

Tight ass who has anger management issues and will not shut the fuck up about his girlfriend now that he’s not even allowed to have? Well, he is a very solid backliner who has excellent ball handling skills (even if Aaron keeps telling him to stop saying it like that or why he keeps yelling that he’s straight).

Overly touchy, too emotional, will not shut the fuck up about his fiancé in Germany? Well, he is a very solid backliner who is great at rebounds (Kevin doesn’t get why Nicky gets mad when he says that or why he brings up Erik).

Guy who actively dislikes him and is dying for any chance to punch him and also being overly attached to his friends? He’s a great enforcer on the court and had the stamina to play far longer than the other two backliners (Why Dan always said “yeah he does” whenever Kevin commented on Matt’s stamina he will never understand, and he also doesn’t want to.)

Suspicious kid from Millport with a mouth that could strip paint and a past so shrouded in mystery that it even had Andrew perking up in interest? Well, he’s the fastest Striker in the game and the only person that has ever kept up with Kevin’s obsession with the sport. (There was the minor downside that he was the son of the Butcher and almost died before the championships, but Neil pulled through.)

He tolerated all of them and now they’re his best friends.

There are some who he does find personally objectionable but so long as Jack and Sheena manage to continue to be good on the court he doesn’t care about the many many faults in their personalities. They’re his teammates, they aren’t his friends.

He accepted that he might not like any of the others that came onto the team. For the most part he had never given a shit about before the Foxes, content with his brotherhood with Riko even if it wasn’t…perfect. Then he became friends with FF and FF had done him a truly large favor and Kevin wanted to pay that back the best way he knew how. Through his truly infallible health advice and through perfectly crafted smoothies.

Then Daniel appeared with the truth that FF truly met all requirements to be a Fox and Kevin tasted his own smoothie for the first time.

He considered both revelations to be equally upsetting.

Still…

FF was one of the best dealers Kevin had ever had the pleasure to be on Court with. The man knew his position well and interrupted offensives with an enviable ease that made Kevin wish to possibly strap some sort of device onto him and figure out how he did certain things.

It wasn’t that far off to believe that a man raised in the same environment as FF could possibly have similar talents and since Lisa fucked off back to some small town cult they really did need a good sub. Sheena was a good offensive dealer but they had games coming up where defense would be imperative and FF did not have the stamina for a full game and likely would not for quite some time considering he’d be recovering from being stabbed.

So, he’d defended Daniel’s right to try out.

At first, he had felt vindicated. Daniel kept up quite well during the initial warm-ups. Kept pace with Jack, Sheena, Aaron, Andrew, and Nicky. Kevin had been bringing up the rear mostly to make sure that Andrew didn’t stab the guy during warm-ups.

Then it was time for the first precision drill.

The other thing about how Kevin was raised is that he was raised surrounded only by the best of the best. The Ravens were at the top of the Collegiate hierarchy. The National Court used their stadium for practice.

The worst Exy that Kevin had ever seen in his entire life up until the moment that Daniel took hold of an Exy racquet was still only the worst team in Collegiate Division 1 Exy.

Then Kevin watched the ball go so wide that the entire court went silent.

All of the drills that followed were as bad, if not worse.

Kevin felt himself start to vibrate with anger the longer it went on. He started to shout corrections at Daniel but the younger man merely rolled his eyes, “I think I know what I’m doing.” He would say before pointedly proving that he did not.

Kevin only realized nearly an hour in that he had wasted his entire practice shouting himself hoarse at the actual waste of human life that was Daniel Stanton.

Kevin could accept being bad at Exy and having an inoffensive personality. Kevin could accept being good at Exy and having a bad personality.

Kevin could not accept being bad at Exy and having a bad personality.

Coach Wymack called the practice to an end and Kevin thought that he’d manage to keep his anger mostly inside (he is ignoring the near hour of practice he spent screaming directions) when Daniel decided to deliver the Coup de Grace.

Sweat soaking his bangs, panting, and without a single thing done correctly (even the way he was currently holding his borrowed Exy racquet set Kevin’s teeth on edge) the man had the gall, the gumption, and the absolute AUDACITY to come up to the coach.

“So, where do I sign?” he asks.

Kevin sees red and unleashes hell.

***

This was the most fun Andrew has had at a practice since he started having to come to them.

The look of embarrassment on Daniel’s face as Kevin accurately tore into everything he did wrong on the Court and every personal failing that Kevin could home in on. His attention shifted away to FF sitting in the stands near the University official who was shaking her head at the obvious poor showing. The University may have wanted Daniel around to spruce up the Fox’s marketability but even they couldn’t let someone so obviously awful onto one of their few Division 1 teams.

FF was sat sipping one of Kevin’s god awful smoothies looking completely unshocked by Daniel’s showing.

Kevin turned his attention to FF, “You said he was good!” Kevin points at the freshman as he continues to sip the drink.

Andrew interrupts, “He never said he was good.” He remembers the conversation so exactly and there are few things he loves more than having the opportunity to rub it in Kevin’s face when the man is wrong, “He said ‘Daniel has always been athletic’ never anything about him being good.” Andrew reminds.

Kevin whips back around to Daniel, “Have you ever even played Exy?” Kevin demands.

“I didn’t think it’d be hard to pick up.” Daniel argues crossing his arms defensively.

It sets Kevin off on another furious rant.

Andrew had thought that FF didn’t have a mean bone in his body and he’s quite pleased to have been proven wrong. The thought that FF had let Daniel get all the way into embarrassing himself in such a way?

Andrew had to give him props.

“How does it feel getting to watch this idiot crash and burn?” he asks coming to the glass.

“Really thought he could manage it if I could.” FF says with a shrug that has Aaron bark out a laugh.

“You really figured?” Aaron asks coming to stand next to Andrew.

FF just shrugs again, “I mean I also started not knowing how to play and now I’m on a pretty good team.” He says as if FF starting as a child not knowing how to play is the same as someone walking in demanding a spot on a college team.

Nicky lets out a laugh.

“Oh, Smithy I could kiss you.” Nicky laughs and makes his way towards the Court entrance to likely do exactly that moving past a Daniel who was so red in the face with embarrassment and anger that he looked as if he was about to turn purple.

Andrew tuned in.

“…small pond. The only reason you ever felt like you were worth anything is that Smiths was too nice to put you in your place before now!” Kevin was probably talking about medium-sized fish in a small pond but Andrew didn’t really care to know.

“Are you going to let him talk to me like this?!” Daniel finally turned to Wymack.

“Kevin, you shouldn’t talk to the public like that.” Wymack says without a hint of chastisement in his voice.

Kevin still straightened at the reminder, “You’re right. Sorry coach.” Kevin sneered at Daniel, “Get off the court before you taint it.” He hisses.

“You’re really not going to sign me?!” Daniel demands.

“Why would I?” Wymack asks with a raised brow.

“You took a chance on John!” Daniel points towards FF.

Andrew watches as Wymack’s face does something he’d rarely seen it do, it goes utterly and completely cold. “I don’t take chances with my kids.” He spat, “I give my kids a second chance. Get the hell off of my court.” He hisses.

Daniel’s face purples further before he stomped off of the Court.

“Don’t you dare walk off with that racquet! It’s worth more than you!” Kevin shouts after him and Andrew in that moment realizes that Daniel is going to do something stupid.

And FF is on the other side of the Plexiglass with only Nicky at his side.

It’s like watching a train crash.

Daniel might say something, but Andrew doesn’t know. He sees Neil rushing as well, his sense of danger always well-honed but Neil had been in Captain mode in the moments before walking some of the sophomore and freshmen through what they had done wrong.

Neither of them will make it in time.

Daniel throws his racquet, and he throws it right at FF barely 5 feet away in the stands.

The Racquet blows past FF’s head and Andrew lets out a breath.

Then before it could crash into the seats behind him and break FF’s hand wrapped around the shaft of the stick and stopped it’s trajectory.

“Your aim really isn’t getting any better by not listening to Kevin’s advice.” Smith says as he twirls the racquet in his hand so that the net was on the ground. “Also, don’t break the equipment, like Kevin said it’s pretty expensive.” He says.

Daniel let out a primal scream but where Andrew had stalled out to watch the miraculous catch Matt Boyd had not. Daniel was tackled to the ground by the backliner, “Absolutely not.” Matt said with a scowl.

“Smithy are you okay?” Andrew hears Nicky ask.

“Yeah, why?” FF asks as if he hadn’t just been attacked but considering everything that Andrew had seen it wouldn’t shock him if Daniel’s attacks were just par for the course back home for FF. “The racquet looks okay too.” He adds.

“Coach Wymack,” The University representative made their way down looking flustered at the outburst of violence.

Obviously not someone who regularly watched Exy or paid attention to their team.

“This is why I wanted absolute control over who does and who doesn’t get a shot here.” Wymack hisses pointing at Daniel as he struggled under Matt.

“You have our sincere apologies for this.” She says looking at Daniel, “He didn’t… we thought he’d be good for the team’s culture but it seems like we may have misjudged-“

“That guy just tried to take Smithy out!” Nicky interrupts.

“I told you he was dangerous.” Neil adds.

“Can someone call campus security?” Matt asks from the ground, “This jackass keeps aiming for kidney punches and I would like to not be pissing blood during winter break.” Matt requests.

“O-of course!” the University representative says fumbling for her cell phone.

Andrew looked at Matt and figured that the backliner had a handle on that particular mess at the moment.

He made his way over to FF and Nicky who was checking over the freshman.

“Nice catch.” He says.

FF shrugs, “It’s my racquet he was borrowing.” He says, “I didn’t want to get a new one.” He adds.

***

FF watches as campus security took custody of Daniel as he continued to spit and scream. There are talks about pressing charges, but FF just wants Daniel off of the campus and away from him. It’s Jack of all people who says that getting a restraining order is a great way to make sure Daniel stays the hell away from him and FF nods consideringly.

Honestly, he’s still mostly in shock he managed to catch his racquet the way he had. His reflexes weren’t quite up to snuff since he’d been trying to catch the netting, but his hand only closed around the shaft.

Embarrassing.

He really hopes no one teases him about his slower reflexes.

“He needs to be charged for assault at least.” Kevin hisses as they watch the security officers take Daniel away.

“It’d be attempted assault.” Aaron corrects.

“He assaulted my eyes with his Exy.” Kevin insists.

“If that counted as assault, don’t you think I would have pressed charges for all the times I have had to see you dance at Eden’s?” Neil asks. “Also, you’re the one that insisted he try-out.” He reminds.

“Smiths told me he was good!” Kevin screeches.

“No, we’ve been over this Day. Smithy said he was athletic.” Nicky reminds. “Are you going to do what Jack suggested?” he asks turning to FF.

“I’d like to see significantly less of Daniel.” FF admits.

“You know he did actually commit assault, if I pee blood I’m making Kevin go buy me pads.” Matt says.

“Whatever.” Kevin says as they continued to make their way back to the dorm to get ready for the day.

MASTERPOST FOR ALL PARTS OF FLUENT FRESHMAN AU

NEXT

[captain-sunshine-11]

more kevseth hcs. you cant stop me:

Kevin has a vendetta against Strawberries (he ate one once and it was mushy asf) so Seth eats them instead

When Kevin wakes up from nightmares, especially if they are bad enough, he will be hyperventilating for a while. Seth wakes up when he realizes Kevin isn't laying down anymore and he just puts a warm hand on Kevin's back--an offer to come back when Kevin is ready

Even if Seth has made it past most of his internalized homophobia, he still has lingering toxic masculinity issues. So he rarely cries if he can help it——the first time Kevin sees Seth cry is after a panic attack

The cause of the panic attack had to do with his near-death experience with the Ravens and neither of them are having a great time. All Kevin can do is let Seth rest his forehead on his shoulder and hold onto his shirt like a lifeline

Back to the fun stuff, they practice just the two of them sometimes. Even after Seth graduates he comes around during holidays and Kevin misses playing Exy with his bf

Seth would call Kevin a plethora of unflattering/embarrassing nicknames (Sugarbear, Lovey-Woo, Hunny Pot, Your Highness, etc) all of them are said sarcastically

Kevin rarely calls Seth anything other than "Seth" but as they get older and out of college Kevin would drop "Babe" every once in a while

Out of the two of them, touch is more important to Seth. They are both touch starved but Kevin is unaware that gentle touch is something he needs (guy thinks that teammates' touch on court is all he needs smh my head). So Seth is more opt to initiate anything

But like anything with them, it has an adjustment period. Kevin isn't used to touch that doesn't mean "pain" or "command". And Seth is still dealing with the remnants of internalized homophobia, but they get to casual hugs and kisses eventually

When they tell Wymack, they were both scared

Kevin, because he just got his dad. What if this makes things worse somehow?

Seth, because he doesn't want to hurt Kevin and disappoint Wymack

Wymack, for all he is concerned, is confused as fuck. Like... wasn't I just telling you guys to knock off the fighting?? I didn't say kiss about it??

(hes happy for them and Seth gets invited to dinners at Abby's house)

Their favorite way to sleep is when Kevin is on top of Seth like a weighted blanket, Kevin having his head resting against Seth's chest and just laying together

One time Seth gets drunk with Matt and Kevin walks over to their dorm because he hasn't got a response to his text in two hours. When he opens the door Matt is drunkenly staring at a very drunk Seth ranting about how pretty Kevin's face is ("He'ss got those green eyes, man... can't believe they came that way.. fuckin gorgeous lipss too...")

Kevin is embarrassed enough when he realizes Aaron is tiredly making coffee while listening to the bullshit behind him, but it gets worse when Seth starts talking about how Proud he is of Kevin. At that point Aaron tells Kevin to get Seth out or to wrestle him into bed

("This is his dorm, Aaron." "Does it look like I care?" "Kevi?? Izzat you? I was just talkin about you. You shit..what are ya doing in here?")

Kevin gets Seth into bed and he falls asleep in Kevin's lap. He wakes up very confused but happy against Kevin's thigh. And then he remembers what happened the previous night and runs away to the bathroom

Kevin laughs at him when Seth returns and they wrestle and makeout a bit

[nanatsuyu]

I feel like it’s not talked about enough that early in the books Kevin is the only person we see Andrew initiating any type of physical closeness/touch with at all … also thinking about how they’re described physically with each other in Son of Nefes like. so much tenderness (@ your tags about how Andrew carries himself around Kevin and Neil)

I definitely think their closeness in the beginning gets overshadowed a lot by how close Andrew and Neil get later in the series. And that's not a diss on andreil! I think it's important to Andrew's character to see that while Neil played a very large part in letting Andrew explore his boundaries and grow comfortable with physical affections, there were others that helped in that healing along the way too.

One of my favourite scenes is the one where Kevin takes his glove off for Andrew to inspect his hand for any damages. It's written in such a way that implies they weren't paying any attention to the rest of the world around them. Matt had been carded, the play was over and a fight had broken out, and during that sliver of time, either Andrew had hailed Kevin over or he'd gone of his own volition to the goal for Andrew to give his injuries a one over. Kevin knew he was going to get swapped out, and they both turned somewhat surprised when Dan called out to Kevin, as if the game being in play was an afterthought. (Which, considering it's Kevin, seems somewhat ooc since he always knows what's going on on court).

And, although we don't have the exact words regarding Andrew's deal with Kevin, it was implied in the most basic terms that Andrew would protect Kevin from Riko. (There's obviously nuance here given Andrew's bodyguard tendencies when Kevin gets into later spats with people, but for the sake of how vague most of Andrew's deals are spoken aloud, I think it's safe to assume he promised to protect Kevin from his big bad not sibling in the same way he promised to have Neil's back). All that just to say... It wasn't really in their deal for Andrew to protect or look after Kevin outside of his affiliations with the Ravens. And yet, even after threatening to break his own hand before all this, because Kevin annoyed the piss out of him so much, here he was, inspecting Kevin's hand and putting the game on hold to do so.

This injury has nothing to do with Riko or the Ravens. So, in terms of their deal, he didn't really need to dote on Kevin like that. And yet.

And yet.

And this is really only one instance of them being glued at the hip. Andrew does a lot of redirecting of Kevin's person in the same way we see him do later with Neil. Like you said as well, Kevin's the only one for some pages that we see Andrew physical with that isn't necessarily reactionary or defensive. I know Andrew was still on his meds at the time, but this line came across to me as him literally shoving Andrew down court who didn't seem to take much issue with the it:

He doesn't make much mention of it, but if I had to wager a guess, these moments of familiar contact are not a new thing upon Neil's arrival.

(Also it's been a hot minute since I skimmed through son nefes (the ec and I are on cherry picking terms most days) but I know Renee saw it too.)

Like it makes me insane to think about how their deal didn't have to incorporate all that closeness. It didn't require Andrew to become intertwined with the rest of Kevin's life and daily going on's. He could have agreed to keep him on a leash from getting dragged out of the fox den by the Ravens and called it a day, but we can see clear as day that Andrew treats his relationship with Kevin far more delicately than that. In terms of canon, the best friend (platonic soul bond or whatever title floats your fancy) behaviour jumped out of Andrew so fast, I'm shocked how anyone could overlook it.

And I haven't even touched on how Wymack views their relationship, or Kathy's show, or the role Andrew plays as Kevin's other half post Evermore, or the first genuine smiles are the ones they give each other, or the pseudo threat of the butter knife scene, or whatever they had going on here:

Like, there are certainly motions that can be considered varying levels of tender, but I do think it's important to remember that Andrew's gestures should not be measured with the same scale as say someone like Renee. We can obviously see in later chapters that Andrew can be incredibly gentle (ie the hip kiss that ruined my life), but I think it's a disservice to Andrew's character to understate how close he and Kevin are through the series, both physically and emotionally.

[ma-lark-ey]

Summarizing the Foxhole Court cast as artists I follow on Spotify and why (and with links to the artists/songs);

Neil;

Set It Off, thinks he’s so cool and edgy and for the most part he is but also there’s too much time where’s he’s a silly goose. Specifically, he’s Cinematics Era because yeah they have some emo bangers like Partners in Crime and I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead but also Dad’s Song is on that album as is Dream Catcher

Andrew;

Chase Petra. Intense, overwhelming, takes awhile to understand, either is super mellow and chill or the pop punk anthems are GOING. Particularly, Andrew reaks of Monet Issues and Soapy Water, but I also believe he could jive with Reliable Narrator, not to mention In An Emergency Such As The End Of The World

Kevin;

Noah Kahan. It's abut the complex relationship with where you grew up and having a deep, inescapable loving and loathing for that environment. You're Gonna Go Far is just so Kevin coded, and also recognizing you are simultaneously your problem and your solution, like Dial Drunk. And All My Love is just sooo Riko and Kevin (I mean, 'No winter coat could keep out the cold of your atmosphere // We once sang Retrograde, we'd shake the frame of your car // Now I know your name but now who you are')

Aaron;

Alec Benjamin. A lot of people find him unassuming and whatnot, but honestly he'd kind of devastating and we should be cautious. Particularly, Boy In The Bubble & Outrunning Karma I feel have a very fitting energy. My Mother's Eyes (Unreleased) also has something distinctly Aaron about it, as does The Knife In My Back (Unreleased)

Nicky;

The Moondivers. Similar genre feel to Chase Petra but has a more lo-fi undertones. Stays at a pretty level sixty but can go either direction pretty fast. Particularly, Lovely has very Nicky energy to, lacking commitment but also not lacking the love and the need for the person.

Wymack;

Fall Out Boy. Very gruff and rough and tumble on the surface and has that iconic emo energy, but under all of that harsh exterior there’s an underlying message of community and healing and acknowledging the depression and the darkness but also learning to heal. Things like Save Rock & Roll as well as The Kids Aren't All Right show that distinct want to improve and move on with life while we also have songs like My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark and So Much (For) Stardust keep us in that depressive state.

Dan;

Sabrina Carpenter. It took me awhile to figure this one out, but I think this is the one. Pretty much everyone knows who she is but doesn't realise just how much she's done. The energy of this low-level A-lister who everyone knows and respects at least a little bit, but doesn't have the public in the palm of her hand the way other women like Beyonce or Swift do. Also the vibes are entirely correct, she's in the car karaokeing this shit with Matt tell me I'm wrong. She's jamming out to Feather and Sue Me and Thumbs like it's nobody's business. The entire summary of emails i can't send just feels so Dan I can't explain it.

Renee;

Julian Moon. Has this softcore vibe about her, but it powerful and doesn't put up with a lot. Particularly, Siren Song I think fits Renee really well, and Pomegranate Seeds feels like something that'd be on her playlist. Savior matches her role amongst the Foxes (also the intense religious imagery in this song and this EP as a whole needed to be referenced).

Matt;

Placebo. It's glam rock but also not. It's kind of undefinable. You're not really sure what's going on with the music, but you know it's slaps. It's been around a long time and has it's own respect. tbch I don't know massive amounts of Placebo's stuff, mostly only know one album right now because I feel the need to completely dissect an album from an artist before I move on to the next one, but their cover of Running Up That Hill is fantastic. From their actual discography, I think Matt has the vibes/would enjoy Brick Shithouse, Pure Morning, and Burger Queen

Seth;

Eminem (YES I listen to Eminem unironically). He doesn't give a fuck what you think about him, he says a lot of shit he probably shouldn't say, but he's also got points sometimes. Without Me is playing in the background when he comes back in book one. Love The Way You Lie is him and Allison core. Just Lose It is just funny and something he'd listen too all the time. He'd also think he was cool and different for listening to him.

Allison;

Maisie Peters. As much feral crazy ex-girlfriend music as there is sad depression bops. Unpredictable in every measure. Is here for a good time not a long time. BSC is very Allison core, and I think History of Man as well. Boy also reeks of her and Seth's relationship, and Blonde is what she blasts in her bedroom to get ready in the morning.

Abby;

Kesha. She's got a history to her, she fits with the Foxes. She's one of this insane pack, but also she's working on helping fix this insane group. She cares abut their wellbeing, she wants the best. She's got the energy of Resentment, Learn To Let Go, but also she knows these are kids who are gonna do insane things, so let's through in Hymn and Raise Hell. She knows her role in the group, but also she'll stray out of it and test new things. Also, she has to be a bit crazy to be able to manage Andrew's lot.

okay thanks for coming to my tedtalk

[jeanmoreaudefensesquad]

Dads' Trip

I can't speak for other sports, but dads' (and occasionally moms', but mostly dads') trips are common in the NHL. This is just where the dads of the players come along on a road trip, and you can see a short (~2:30 minute) clip of one such dads' trip here.

Anyway, I'm imagining professional exy doing the same thing. Specifically, Kevin's team.

Calling Wymack up to invite him is one of the more awkward conversations they've had

By this point Dan has been hired as an assistant coach at Palmetto State, and it's only three days anyway, so he leaves her in charge

If she could wrangle the Foxes during Neil's freshman year, then she can handle anything

Wymack shows up with the other dads, and it's awkward right off the bat

Because they're talking about being their kids' first coaches

And Wymack didn't even know he had a son until said son was 21.

But he still coached exy! At a higher level than any of the others, too

These dads helped coach like little league and stuff

You know, like some dads (my dad) do

Anyway, he makes it through the awkward introductions while their kids are getting geared up

They go out to the court to watch practice

All the dads have comments to make, because, you know, dads. Wymack, used to coaching at a higher level, is biting his tongue, but also making notes on his phone, because he knows his son, and knows that Kevin will want the feedback.

He's right, of course

Once the players have all changed out, the dads are invited back to the locker room to be welcomed by the team and staff.

Kevin is very Kevin about it

Make of that what you will

Anyway, they make it through all that and head out to get on the plane

Kevin usually sits alone, because he likes to obsessively go over plays and lineups, whereas other players like to socialize or read or sleep

But Wymack joins him

They start off talking about exy

Then move into talking about the current Foxes

Kevin says he watches all their games

Even the ones where he can't watch them live (he has a streaming subscription)

And Wymack admits that he doesn't watch all of Kevin's games, because he feels almost as responsible for watching Neil's and Andrew's and Matt's and any other former Fox who went pro

And he doesn't have enough free time for that

But he gets the alerts for Kevin's team on his phone

And he always watches the highlights

And that is enough

They land in wherever they're going

The game isn't until tomorrow

They always travel at least a day early so they have time to practice the next day

The dads are paired up with their kids in two-bed rooms at the hotel

I was going to say that this is the most one-on-one time Kevin and Wymack have had, but Kevin hid out at Wymack's apartment in Son Nefes

And I like to imagine they had some sort of father-son bonding after Riko died

Because Wymack stayed with him in West Virginia

And Andrew and Neil left for a bit to go on a trip a different time so Kevin stayed with Wymack

But that's irrelevant to this post

I just have a lot of Kevin and Wymack feels

Anyway

They're paired up in a hotel room

Wymack snores. Kevin could sleep through the apocalypse, so this isn't an issue

Kevin isn't a morning person. Wymack, however, very much is. But, once again, Kevin can sleep through anything

The kids go off to practice

The dads go off to tour some place in the city they're in

(I know the Penguins' dads have toured a brewery, and Fenway Park in the video I linked earlier, so imagine something along those lines)

Wymack does his best to fit in. He just puts on his coach face and tags along like this isn't completely out of his depth.

It's a lot better once it comes to game time

Because, when it comes to exy, he can absolutely keep up with the others. Their kids' pasts? No. Little league? No. General human interaction? Sort of. Exy? Absolutely

So the dads are all in a box together, with their kids' jerseys on

(Wymack has never been so proud to have a "Day 2" jersey on)

Of course Kevin keeps his 2 it's a Brand at this point even though he's no longer second

Kevin scores an impossible goal and all the dads go wild

Wymack is quiet, but in that way he does, where he's very proud but he's not a sentimental man so he's quietly proud

It's visible on his face, for those who know to look for it

He's getting slaps on the back and whatnot from all the other dads

It's celly time, baby

Kevin's team wins

To outsiders, there's not a lot of sentiment shared between them

Because they're still learning to be father and son instead of coach and player (coach and former player)

But there's a firm hand on Kevin's shoulder, and soft but sincere congratulations

And that means more to either of them than the more boisterous other pairings

[thespineoftherighteous]

foxes phrases

when you spend a lot of together with the same people, sometimes you start to pick up on each other's language and this just becomes like a level of normalized inside jokes with the foxes

firstly, they all have bits of The Riko Roast at least partially memorized and they all use parts of it here and there (ex: nicky is whining during his missing Erik hours and allison goes "aww are you having iNtRIcaTe aNd EndLeSs daddy issues?") but most frequently used is just "you know, i get it"

"i hate this fucking family". (I've seen this in sm tfc posts and i think it's wonderful) this is used over the smallest things: Nicky is outnumbered in what restaurant to go to, Allison is in pain when nobody can tell the different shades of nail polish apart, Aaron is called a simp when he gets off a phone call with katelyn, Kevin is horrified when neil messes up basic us history.. he later finds out he does it on purpose, matt is coerced into trying octopus at a restaurant, wymack is buried under a pile of sweaty kids after winning a game, etc.. and has lost any meaning

this isn't a phrase but they are athletic jocky jocks so they refer to each other by their last names to emphasize like...toughness (fuck off josten, look alive reynolds, what's the matter day) but specifically it's just "shut up [...]"

"what in the name of the everliving fuckity fuck"... or some variation of one of wymacks catchphrases (let's be honest the foxes have practically trademarked most of the things that come out of his mouth) Dan was once recording a video of aaron and neil arm wrestling and it wasn't until they watched it back that they heard Wymack in the background shout this from his office and from then on everybody uses it..and it works for more occasions than you'd think

"god damn it, neil". they've all heard this used more times than they can count and nobody even recognizes when exactly it is that the team starts saying it but they use it for literally e v e r y t h i n g. neil doesn't even respond to it anymore so matt has to nudge him to let him know when someone is actually talking to him because everyone around them uses it. neil himself uses it. Renee uses it. lord knows Wymack uses it. but the best is when Aaron uses it for the first time, at a point where he and neil are grudgingly building up their relationship. his head shoots up when he realizes what he's said and neil is already grinning at him. Aaron rubs at his forehead in self disappointment and the others burst out laughing

"no Kevin..you fuckin weirdo". (from that vine, you better know it) the foxes introduce neil to vine and he becomes so freaking annoying about it (he and Aaron will literally have conversations composed entirely of insulting vines) but when he first pulls this one out on Kevin (all poor Kevin asked was for Neil to pass him his textbook) everyone loses their shit and they all start using it. it was banned rather quickly tho when they were clowning around during a practice and Kevin shouted "CAN'T YOU GUYS AT LEAST PRETEND TO PUT IN ANY EFFORT" and, in horrifying unison, everyone on the court goes "no kevin..fucking weirdo" and Kevin nearly starts crying. he coincidentally had an appointment with bee and spends nearly fifty minutes going "i hate this fucking family"

[eponinemylove]

some things i would like to remind everyone about aftg

kevin day is not a coward, he’s learning to overcome his trauma and fear of his abusers. even before he’s dealt with any of his shit he still manages to stand face to face with the moriyamas, and he put up with everything they did to him since he was a child. he’s a strong fucking character. also, he actually gets into a lot of fights, many of which he picks himself. he’s honestly almost as bad as neil in a lot of ways

nicky is more than just an over-the-top, horny gay. he’s pretty well adjusted considering the trauma he went through—before he even took on the added responsibility and trauma of the twins—and he’s so dedicated and loving to his family, even when they treat him like shit. he’s deep, optimistic, forgiving, faithful, and also a very strong character. he’s more than just some twink, guys. nicky gets pretty serious in some of his scenes, and we all remember thanksgiving.

just the fact that ALL of the foxes dealt with some serious trauma and shit in their lives, not just neil and andrew. all of them

aaron did hard drugs to cope with his mothers abuse and he has serious problems with older women/potential mother figures. i really feel like everyone just completely forgot aaron is a recovering drug addict? bc that’s a significant part of canon

while we’re on the subject, matt is a recovering drug addict too. like, hello, his track marks anyone?? it’s one the the first things we’re told about his character. also that ANDREW was the one who led to matt’s eventual rehab (through some... questionable means, definitely)

dan, renee, and allison were Not friends their first year

allison reynolds can and absolutely Will throw hands. she is not afraid to fight someone on or off the court. also, she genuinely cares about exy and gave up her family and inheritance to play!!!

not only was dan (unapologetically) a stripper, but she keeps in touch with her stage sisters and i think invited them to their final game?

ANDREW HAS A PERSONALITY MORE THAN JUST INTENSE SILENCE AND “YES OR NO”. like, don’t get me wrong, those are very much Andrew, but don’t erase medicated andrew’s whole personality! sure it wasn’t exactly him as himself, but it’s the andrew we saw and knew for at least two books. and medicated andrew was an Experience. he was hilarious and sassy and frankly kind of unbelievable. he delivered a lot of great lines

neil josten is not soft. he’s not even nice. he is an asshole (we been knew) and i mean seriously, just genuinely a dick. we all know and love his roasts and sassy moments, but my boy has some highly questionable morals, a concerning lack of empathy at times, just awful priorities really, and a whole crap ton of anger and trust issues. also, he has a habit of picking fights and then just hightailing it the fuck out of there, letting someone else step in to try and diffuse the situation. he’s exactly like a cat that makes eye contact with you as it knocks a vase off the counter and then pretends it did nothing wrong and can’t understand why you’re upset

aaron was interested in meeting andrew when they first found out they were twins

aaron is actually pretty protective of andrew in his own way!!!

there are a lot of parallels between aaron and neil, but one i particularly want to point out is that neil gave aaron so much shit about still holding that resentment about andrew and everything that went down with their mom BUT neil was in a very similar situation (we all know neil’s mom beat the crap out of him) and he still mourned his mom!! in fact he never decisively villianized his own mother while having no problem villianizing tilda to try and justify andrew’s actions (ik this sounds biased but i’m not casting judgement here, i understand why andrew did what he did and i can’t say i hate him for it)

coach wymack is very mindful of all his foxes’ traumas and while he doesn’t pretend to be a particularly pleasant or coddling authority figure, he does go out of his way to accommodate for them however they need it. he won’t yell or make himself opposing with neil. he follows and deals with andrew’s touching rule. he indulges in the monsters’ trips to columbia as long as they stay out of trouble for the most part. he knows his players and what they’ve been through, and he does everything he can to get them help, whether they know they need it or not. he gives second chances. he makes sure they feel safe.

also, and this is on such a different note than the last couple of points, but even though the foxes supposedly sucked as a team before neil got there (and well into his first year), the student body was still pretty supportive?? like ok ik there was the vandalism thing and no one actually expected the foxes to win or whatever, but they still turned up to the games and cheered. if i remember correctly, the wore orange on game days and booed the opposing teams. was there a song? there might’ve been like a school song too

[neilmfjosten]

aftg quotes that make me go absolutely feral

“You were supposed to be a side effect of the drugs.” “I’m not a hallucination,” Neil said, nonplussed. “You are a pipe dream,” Andrew said.”

Thank you," he finally said. He couldn't say he meant thanks for all of it: the keys, the trust, the honesty and the kisses. Hopefully Andrew would figure it out eventually. "You were amazing.”

“Who said 'please' that made you hate the word so much?"Andrew gazed at him in silence for a minute. "I did.”

This,” Neil flicked his finger to indicate the two of them, “isn’t worthless.” “There is no ‘this’. This is nothing.” “And I am nothing,” Neil prompted. When Andrew gestured confirmation, Neil said, “And as you’ve always said, you want nothing.”

“I didn't think I was a personal problem. You hate me, remember?" "Every inch of you," Andrew said. "That doesn't mean I wouldn't blow you." The world tilted a little bit sideways. Neil dug his shoes harder into the floor so he wouldn't fall over. "You like me." "I hate you," Andrew corrected him, but Neil barely heard him.”

“Andrew kissed him like this was a fight with their lives on the line, like his world stopped and started with Neil’s mouth.”

“You know, I get it. Being raised as a superstar must be really, really difficult for you. Always a commodity, never a human being, not a single person in your family thinking you’re worth a damn off the court— yeah, sounds rough. Kevin and I talk about your intricate and endless daddy issues all the time. I know it’s not entirely your fault that you are mentally unbalanced and infected with these delusions of grandeur, and I know you’re physically incapable of holding a decent conversation with anyone like every other normal human being can, but I don’t think any of us should have to put up with this much of your bullshit. Pity only gets you so many concessions, and you used yours up about six insults ago. So please, please, just shut the fuck up and leave us alone.”

“Yes or no?" "It's always yes with you." "Except when it's no." "If you have to keep asking because—I'll answer it as many times as you ask. But this is always going to be yes.”

“Better luck next time, Neil," he said. "I warned you once already, didn't I? I don't feel anything." “Anymore," Neil said, barely a whisper.”

“Ninety percent of the time the very sight of you makes me want to commit murder. I think about carving the skin from your body and hanging it out as a warning to every other fool who thinks he can stand in my way." “What about the other ten?”

“If it means losing you, then no.”

“Truth is irrefutable and untainted by bias. Sunrise, Abram, death: these are truths.”

“Don't look at me like that. I am not your answer, and you sure as fuck aren’t mine.”

“Andrew flicked his pack of cigarettes at Neil. "Give me one good reason to not push you off the side." Neil shook a stick out and lit it. "I'd drag you with me. It's a long way down.”

“Let Riko be King," Kevin said, with the exaggerated enunciation of the thoroughly sloshed. "Most coveted, most protected. He'll sacrifice every piece he has to protect his throne. Whatever. Me?" Kevin gestured again, meaning to indicate himself but too drunk to get his hand higher than his waist. "I'm going to be the deadliest piece on the board."

“It's always been 'go'. It's always been 'lie' and 'hide' and 'disappear'. I've never belonged anywhere or had the right to call anything my own. But Coach gave me keys to the court, and you told me to stay. You gave me a key and called it home.”

“"No, but really," Nicky said, looking wide-eyed at Neil. "What happened?" "Neil hit Riko," Matt said. "It was beautiful.”

“Kevin was silent for an endless minute, then said, "You should be Court." It was barely a whisper, but it cut Neil to the bone. It was a resentful goodbye to the bright future Kevin had wanted for Neil. Kevin recruited Neil because he believed in Neil's potential. He brought him to the Foxes intending to make a star athlete out of him. Despite his condescending attitude and his dismissals of Neil's best efforts Kevin honestly expected Neil to make the national team after graduation. Now Kevin knew it was all for naught; Neil would be dead by May. "Will you still teach me?" Neil asked. Kevin was quiet again, but not for long this time. "Every night.”

“You never explained the change of heart." “Maybe I got tired of seeing Kevin bend. Or maybe it was the zombies. A few weeks back you and Renee argued contingency plans for a zombie apocalypse. She said she'd focus on survivors. You said you'd go back for some of us. Five of us. You weren't counting Abby or Coach. Since you trust Renee to handle the rest of the team, I'm guessing the last spot is for Dobson. I didn't say anything then because I knew I'd look out for only me when the world went to hell. I don't want to be that person anymore. I want to go back for you.”

“Is your learning curve a horizontal line?”

“I won't be like them. I won't let you let me be.”

“I will ask you only once to tone down that animosity." "I can't," Neil said. "I have a bit of an attitude problem."

“My name is Nathaniel Wesninski," he said, "and my father is dead." It wasn't at all funny, but a second later he was laughing. It sounded hysterical but he couldn't stop.”

“You couldn't at least use an Exy idiom? I hate baseball.”

“Neil sucked in a deep breath that ripped him open on its way down. "I'd ask you how it feels, but I guess you've always known what it's like to be second, you worthless piece of shit.”

“This was everything he wanted, everything he needed, and Neil was never letting go.”

[twiniyard]

‘all for the game’ characters as tea

neil: yunnan - a type of black tea that is dark and simple upon appearance, like neil, before he opens up to the foxes. however, yunnan is more complex than your average english breakfast. this tea can have sweet chocolate/malt flavors (neil’s side with the foxes) or various spicy flavors (neil’s side with anyone he doesn’t trust). his brain and legs are never calm and he is caffeine in human form.

kevin: pu-erh - this is a high maintenance and expensive tea that goes through various ageing/fermenting steps that can take up to three years. pu-erh is darker and less astringent than other green teas. kevin is reflected in this tea through his endless and vigorous years of exy training which brought about his dark, brooding attitude. 

andrew: ginger tea - as a root, ginger keeps you, well... rooted. it is also known to help calm stomach issues. andrew likes to stay still and he prefers to keep his family rooted next to him where he knows they’re safe. he is their rock and rule-maker whose strong flavor can often mask his love and care for them. 

aaron: sencha - a green tea with a bitter taste that can either be grassy, melon-y, or pine-y. aaron is often labeled as the ‘normal one’ but his actions and moods are unpredictable as sencha can be. a ravenclaw at heart, aaron favors green tea which stimulates the brain and provides caffeine 

nicky: mint tea - when brewed correctly, mint tea is a burst of flavor that makes you feel awake, clean, and playful. however, if steeped for too long, the flavor becomes overbearing and bitter. this fits nicky perfectly because hes is a great joy to have in your life but in small doses

dan: roobios tea - roobios, an herbal tea that pairs well with cinnamon and other warm flavors, has been known to protect against stress. dan is the core of the foxes and her level-headed nature helps to keep order among the foxes. her past provided her with patience when operating with all of the contrasting personalities and she welcomes anyone who needs a family. roobios has strong connotations as it has been known to strengthen teeth and bones. though she holds grudges, dan is strong enough to forgive.

matt: chai - chai is a black tea steeped with warm spices and often mixed with milk as sweet latte. off the court, matt is the least intimidating fox. his smile spreads warmth to every corner of the room and even touches ‘the monsters’ when their guards are down. on the court, matt and his family are not to be messed with. his height and heart make him incredibly terrifying to an enemy but his eyes go immediately soft when he looks to his teammates. “first they’re spicy, then they’re sweet” -dan probably

allison: hibiscus tea - the hibiscus flower tastes as good as it is beautiful. allison’s confidence and personality makes her easy on the eyes to most people. though this is a floral tea, the hibiscus flower provides a more tart flavor than other calming white teas. allison’s red aura is always visible and her passionate ego is contagious to the other foxes and deadly to their opponents

renee: bai hao yin zhen - this rare, white tea is steeped using full flower bulbs and young leaves. the young flowers and leaves reflect renee’s new life and outlook on humanity. she sees the goodness in people where she once saw the evilness. white tea has a calming effect when drunk, similarly to renee’s personality. light, floral, and delicate flavors may not mirror renee’s flighting or goaltending skills, but they reflect her new goals in life

~bonus~ my main source

bee: matcha- her green aura keeps her planted/balanced and allows her to guide people towards healthy change. matcha is known to have a bittersweet flavor which reflects some of the foxes trusting bee and the others not so much

abby: oolong - oolong tea often has a light and delicate taste. this tea also promotes healing of the mind and body, similarly to what abby provides for the foxes

katelyn: chamomile - made from the pretty, delicate chamomile flowers, this tea is most famous for its calming and therapeutic effects. though kate is high energy and talkative, aaron’s distrust of bee brings about katelyn’s good-listening and comforting skills

wymack: black fucking coffee- bitter but gets you where you need to go

[ao3feed-thefoxholecourt]

wink murder

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/39dORUN

by set3

Evelyn Cherry was good at Exy, brilliant at it, in fact. So good that she was almost recruited by the Edgar Allen Ravens. Almost.

The issue with Cherry, and it was an issue that had plagued her throughout her whole life, was she wasn't inclined to letting anyone in — or letting anything about her slip out, actually. Cherry was a fortress of the greatest secrets you'd never know — a scorpio, if you will — and Zay Mitchell, striker and one of the most valued members of Edger Allens well polished team had started asking questions, it was Cherrys first instinct to pull out her switchblade on the girls throat, a thousand threats on the tip of her tongue in an instant.

Edgar Allen was a no-go and instead she had been picked up by an eyesore of a team who were just as likely to pull a knife on her as she was on them. This lot were just as nosey as the Ravens but their egos much more suited to taking Cherry's blows. And to top it off, she was just a substitute. Cherry held a burning hatred in her heart for Zay and is fully prepared to take the bitch down (in, or out of game, and in more ways than one.)

Words: 8670, Chapters: 3/?, Language: English

Fandoms: All For The Game - Nora Sakavic

Rating: Not Rated

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/F, F/M, M/M, Multi

Characters: Andrew Minyard, Aaron Minyard, Matt Boyd, Danielle "Dan" Wilds, Nicky Hemmick, Neil Josten, David Wymack, Allison Reynolds (All For The Game), Allison Reynolds, Renee Walker (All For The Game), Original Female Character(s), Kevin Day

Relationships: Original Female Character/Original Female Character

Additional Tags: Hate to Love, Enemies to Lovers, Vendettas, Revenge, Smoking, Exy (All For The Game), Self-Destruction, Book 1: The Foxhole Court, Violence, Drug Use, Slow Burn, Making Out, Family Issues, Arson, cherry is a SHIT STIRER, she loves causing drama, she wont admit it tho

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/39dORUN

[bountyofbeads]

ICE raids targeting migrant families slated to start Sunday in major U.S. cities

https://wapo.st/2Y4UG11

🚨 BREAKING NEWS ALERT 🚨

ICE raids targeting migrant families slated to start Sunday in major U.S. cities

By Nick Miroff | Published June 21 at 1:50 PM ET | Washington Post | Posted June 21, 2019 |

President Trump has directed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to conduct a mass roundup of migrant families that have received deportation orders, an operation that is likely to begin with predawn raids in major U.S. cities on Sunday, according to three U.S. officials with knowledge of the plans.

The “family op,” as it is referred to at ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, is slated to target up to 2,000 families facing deportation orders in as many as 10 U.S. cities, including Houston, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles and other major immigration destinations, said the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the law enforcement operation.

[Trump vows mass immigration arrests, removals of ‘millions of illegal aliens’]

Acting DHS Secretary Kevin McAleenan has been urging ICE to conduct a narrower, more-targeted operation that would seek to detain a group of about 150 families that were provided with attorneys but dropped out of the legal process and absconded.

McAleenan has warned that an indiscriminate operation to arrest migrants in their homes and at work sites risks separating children from their parents in cases where the children are at day care, summer camp or friend’s houses and not present for the raids. He also has maintained that ICE should not devote major resources to carrying out a mass interior sweep while telling lawmakers it needs emergency funding to address the crisis at the U.S. border.

Trump has been determined to go forward with the family operation after tweeting Monday that the immigration raids were coming “next week” as a first step toward his pledge for “millions” of deportations. The White House has been in direct communication with acting ICE director Mark Morgan and other ICE officials, circumventing McAleenan, three officials said.

DHS and White House officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

[Before Trump’s purge at DHS, top officials challenged plan for mass family arrests]

ICE has been preparing agents and equipment for the operation, which is expected to unfold across several days starting Sunday morning, the officials said. Discussions about the scope of the operation continued Friday at ICE, DHS and the White House, two officials said.

The agency is planning to use hotel rooms as temporary staging areas to detain parents and children until all the members of a family are together and ready for deportation. Officials also acknowledge that they might arrest individuals they cannot immediately deport — known as “collateral arrests” — and likely will release those people with ankle monitoring devices.

Morgan, deputy ICE director Matt Albence and others are eager to begin the operation despite the risk of a public backlash against an agency after calls to “Abolish ICE” intensified in the wake of the administration’s failed “Zero Tolerance” crackdown last year that separated more than 2,700 children from their parents.

ICE agents have limited intelligence on the locations of the families with court-ordered deportations beyond their last known addresses. But White House and ICE officials believe agents will be able to make many “collateral arrests” by vacuuming up foreigners living in the country illegally at or near the target locations.

Large-scale immigration enforcement operations are typically kept secret to avoid tipping off targets, but Trump’s tweet Monday blew the cover off the roundup in advance. That the operation was revealed publicly stunned law enforcement officials, and they believe it gave them more latitude to discuss the raids.

[Trump, questioned on child separation policy, insists, ‘I brought the families together’]

Some within DHS and ICE say the president appears to be using the operation for political purposes as he begins his reelection bid. Law enforcement officials worry that by publicly discussing the plan, Trump has undermined the chances of capturing those on the target list, as it likely pushed migrants with deportation orders underground.

But others say the president’s advance warning was welcome because of the public distrust generated by “Zero Tolerance.”

“‘Zero Tolerance’ was not telegraphed and didn’t come out very well, so now the idea is to make sure everyone knows what’s coming,” said one senior administration official. “The thinking is ‘Let’s do this a different way, by explaining that these are people with final removal orders who have refused to go.’”

Morgan and others at ICE insist the operation is crucial to uphold the integrity of the U.S. immigration system. There are nearly one million immigrants living in the United States who have been issued deportation orders, they say, and ICE is averaging about 7,000 deportations from the U.S. interior each month.

According to DHS statistics, fewer than two percent of the families who arrived from Central America in 2017 have been deported.

“In February, we sent letters to these individuals telling them they had an order of removal,” Morgan told reporters this week. “We’re at the point right now where we have no other choice but to use our interior enforcement statutory authority to identify where these individuals are and remove them.”

Families cannot be exempted, he said: “The law must be applied fairly and equally. We’re going to do that with compassion and dignity, but we’re going to enforce the law.”

The expedited family court docket, or “rocket docket,” was developed by Trump officials late last year in an effort to deport more migrant families with the belief that a highly visible roundup operation could have a deterrent effect on others in Central America considering the journey.

The Department of Justice fast-tracked the cases of thousands of families in major cities, obtaining “in absentia” deportation orders for thousands of families that did not show up for their court hearings.

The plan to carry out those deportations has been stalled, however, over concern that it will enrage Democrats and sink whatever chances remain for achieving a bipartisan deal to close the gap in the dysfunctional U.S. asylum system.

Trump ousted former ICE acting director Ronald Vitiello and then-DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen in April when they challenged the “family op” plan, urging more deliberation.

Nielsen was replaced by McAleenan, who has made significant inroads with leading Democrats, including Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) toward the request for $4.6 billion in supplemental aid to address the humanitarian crisis at the border. Most of that funding would pay to care for unaccompanied children who arrive at the U.S. border without a parent.

Democratic senators indicated a willingness to work with Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) on proposals to fix the asylum process. On Wednesday, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted 30 to 1 to approve the supplemental funding in a rare example of bipartisan cooperation on immigration. The White House has been warned that a large-scale “family op” along the lines the president wants could scuttle the deal.

[Senate panel overwhelmingly approves emergency border funding]

McAleenan has argued that the crisis at the border — where 144,000 were taken into custody last month — remains the most urgent problem for DHS. Following Trump’s threats to slap tariffs on Mexico, he led negotiations with Mexican officials that resulted in commitments to dramatically toughen enforcement and begin work on a regional asylum overhaul that would allow the United States to send asylum seekers back to Central America.

Officials say McAleenan does not oppose ICE interior enforcement against families with deportation orders, but he wants a more phased, limited approach that averts a repeat of “Zero Tolerance.”

Morgan this week urged families with deportation orders to turn themselves in to ICE, and said that operations targeting those who defy court orders would reinforce the administration’s broader deterrent efforts.

“The message has gotten out that if you bring a kid, nothing will ever happen to you,” Morgan said. “We need to make sure we’re sending the message that will not be tolerated any more.”

Seung Min Kim contributed to this report.

[eddycurrents]

For the week of 26 November 2018

Quick Bits:

Action Comics #1005 gives us a reappearance of The Question and a HERO Dial--possibly counterfeit, possibly just doesn’t work for villains--amidst an advancement of the underground mob arc, a surprising “conclusion” to the arson case, and a revelation of who the Red Cloud is. Although there are many spinning plates, and a decided lack of conclusion to most of the arcs, I actually quite like how Brian Michael Bendis is crafting this story. You could argue that it’s decompressed, but it feels a bit like old school superhero soap opera, and that feel really works for Superman. It’s also aided immensely by the gorgeous artwork from Ryan Sook and Brad Anderson.

| Published by DC Comics

Amazing Spider-Man #10 concludes the “Heist” arc in a fairly impressive manner. Nick Spencer really seems to get Spider-Man, Mary Jane, and their world and is delivering some great character moments here, with great heart and humour. Humberto Ramos, Victor Olazaba, Edgar Delgado, Michele Bandini, and Erick Arciniega also do a wonderful job with the art.

| Published by Marvel

Aquaman/Justice League: Drowned Earth #1 concludes the “Drowned Earth” event in fairly epic fashion from Scott Snyder, Francis Manapul, Howard Porter, Scott Godlewski, Hi-Fi, and Tom Napolitano. While this even is definitely a vehicle to move Aquaman to his new status quo for incoming Kelly Sue DeConnick, it’s also been a great story in its own right. Building on Aquaman and Justice League mythology, while also advancing the Legion of Doom and Totality story for the main Justice League book. Also, Super-Pirate should continue as one of Superman’s looks.

| Published by DC Comics

Archie 1941 #3 explores bits of basic training with Archie getting into the usually kind of hijinks that he would and the problems back on the homefront with those left behind. I really like how this series is coming together, looking at some of the basic personal fallout from the war. Also, Peter Krause and Kelly Fitzpatrick’s art remains a huge boon to this series.

| Published by Archie Comics

Barbarella #12 brings Mike Carey and Kenan Yarar’s run on the series to a close, with a kind of retrospective as one of Barbarella’s early antagonists attempts to exact revenge. Very nice guest piece illustrated by Jorge Fornés and Celeste Woods. This has been a fun and entertaining series, definitely feeling like some of the stranger sci-fi that you see out of Europe. 

| Published by Dynamite

Batgirl #29 has some great art from Paul Pelletier, Norm Rapmund, and Jordie Bellaire for this conclusion to “The Art of the Crime”. Also some very interesting development in the status of the Dark Web and Grotesque.

| Published by DC Comics

Beyonders #4 takes a different approach to the material that the team already has, leading them to a new location wherein they hope to save the world and unravel the mystery. The light humour adds a nice touch to the otherwise dense subject matter.

| Published by AfterShock

Black Panther #6 gives some much needed backstory, focusing on the Emperor, his rise to power, and his connection to the Wakandan pantheon. Very interesting implications to both where the gods went and in the Emperor being a host for a symbiote. Beautiful guest art from Jen Bartel, Paul Reinwand, and Tríona Farrell.

| Published by Marvel

Coda #7 has some pretty big revelations as Hum & Co. confront the Pilot, and his schemes to “fix” his wife look like they’re baring fruit. Si Spurrier and Matías Bergara really are creating something epic here.

| Published by BOOM! Studios

Daredevil #612 concludes “The Death of Daredevil” from Charles Soule, Phil Noto, and Clayton Cowles and with it Soule’s run on the title. It’s good, with some nice character bits and twists for this final chapter.

| Published by Marvel

Die!Die!Die! #5 burns Bethany and Theodore as “Paul” turns on them for his side of the battling senators, even as John confronts his side alerting them to something nefarious being afoot. This is still mostly an insane action book, but at least there is something resembling an overarching plot and direction developing. 

| Published by Image / Skybound

Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Terror #2 gives us an entertaining and somewhat strange adaptation of Poe’s Ligeia from Rachel Pollack, Rick Geary, and Michael Garland. Also a very different take on Jules Verne from Stuart Moore, Ryan Kelly, Rico Renzi, and Rob Steen. This issue is rounded out by a poem, another prose piece, and a wonderful new Black Cat short from Hunt Emerson.

| Published by Ahoy

Faith: Dreamside #3 takes Doctor Mirage and Faith into the deadside where they’re searching for Monica Jim’s soul. Very interesting landscapes and characters from MJ Kim and Jordie Bellaire, capturing the oddity of what’s going on in the story.

| Published by Valiant

The Flash #59 continues the “Force Quest” arc with a cursory investigation of the slaughter of Gorilla City. We don’t really get any answers there, but there is a broader bit of information about the four forces as a means to protect the multiverse. Also we learn just how bloody that Gemini are willing to get. The avatar of the forces motif that Joshua Williamson is bringing in is very reminiscent of the rainbow-coloured Lanterns of Geoff Johns and of the various Parliaments (and the Red and the Rot) in Swamp Thing and Animal Man, but it’s interesting to see where he’s going with this.

| Published by DC Comics

Hellboy and the BPRD: 1956 #1 begins the next chapter in the BPRD’s history, with change definitely coming as they begin operating under the government’s purview and start having more overt bureaucracy and demands on results. You can definitely see that change in the feeling of alienation that Hellboy’s having from his friends and family as he tries to deal with the loss of his dog. Interesting decision to have different plotlines illustrated by different artists, it kind of echoes the previous breakdown of the series’ stories as discrete units, but now under one umbrella much like the changing nature of the Bureau. Great art in each too from Mike Norton, Yishan Li, and Michael Avon Oeming.

| Published by Dark Horse

House Amok #3 starts to break the illusion, with Dylan relating how she became disillusion with the madness that her family is living. Gorgeous artwork from Shawn McManus and Lee Loughridge.

| Published by IDW / Black Crown

Infinity Wars: Arachknight #2 isn’t a bad conclusion to this origin story for the Spider-Man/Moon Knight mash-up character. Great art from Alé Garza, Victor Olazaba, and Ruth Redmond. Really like the design for Arachknight’s costume.

| Published by Marvel

Infinity Wars: Weapon Hex #2 finishes up one of the more balls-out insane Infinity Warps origin tales, from Bens Acker & Blacker, Gerardo Sandoval, Victor Nava, Israel Silva, and Joe Caramagna. This one has been an entertaining mash-up of X-23 with Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver that ports over a lot of the irreverence of an All-New Wolverine or X-23 tale and all the nervous energy of Honey Badger into this story.

| Published by Marvel

Ironheart #1 is off to a pretty good start from Eve L. Ewing, Kevin Libranda, Luciano Vecchio, Geoffo, Matt Milla, and Clayton Cowles, working to give a bit more personality and relatable situations for Riri Williams. There’s still the cold and awkward behaviour from Riri, but Ewing is spotlighting that she’s distancing herself and that may not be great for emotional development. Wonderful artwork from Libranda, Vecchio, Geoffo, and Milla.

| Published by Marvel

Justice League Odyssey #3 sees Philippe Briones and Jeromy Cox take over the art duties from Stjepan Sejic, It’s definitely a different style, but it still looks good.

| Published by DC Comics

KINO #11 continues this fairly dramatic change in tone and status quo for the series from Alex Paknadel, Diego Galindo, Adam Guzowski, and Jim Campbell. It is really damn good, bringing in a fair amount of mystery and intrigue, with two Alistair Meaths running around.

| Published by Lion Forge / Catalyst Prime

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #33 gives us a bit of Ellarien’s history as she navigated this universe tending towards entropy and found herself as its sole Ranger. I really like the new direction and mythology that Marguerite Bennett and Simone Di Meo are building.

| Published by BOOM! Studios

Old Lady Harley #2 introduces us to a very frightening extension of the Batman idea with Bruce plugging himself in to the Bat-computer in order to police Gotham through his Bat-robots. It’s interesting, though, how Frank Tieri can go from this grim vision of the future to the more ridiculous hilarity of Arkham Asylum as an old folks home.

| Published by DC Comics

Paradise Court #5 brings the series to a close with the revelation of what’s been going on in the planned community and what its true purpose really is in dramatic fashion. This has been a good little horror thriller from Joe Brusha, Babisu Kourtis, Leonardo Paciarotti, and Taylor Esposito. If you enjoy Bentley Little or Scott Nicholson novels, you’ll probably like this.

| Published by Zenescope

Quincredible #1 is the first Catalyst Prime series to be co-branded with the Roar imprint, Lion Forge’s teen label, (though I suppose at least Superb was also rebranded with it) and it’s a pretty good debut from Rodney Barnes, Selina Espiritu, Kelly Fitzpatrick, and Tom Napolitano. This first issue introduces us to Quin, another teen affected by the Event, who has developed what might be invulnerability. Barnes focuses the story on his community involvement in New Orleans, bringing up class and racial divides, as well as a problem Quin has with bullies, to really make the story feel rich.

| Published by Lion Forge / Roar / Catalyst Prime

Regression #12 continues to be bleak, entertaining the very real idea that the “bad guys” are going to win. I think that’s probably one of the reasons why I like this series, not because the Valgeroti are right or worth cheering for, but because Cullen Bunn has created a compelling horror tale where the wrong thing feels like a satisfying end resolution. Also it comes with some phenomenal, beautiful, and grisly artwork from Danny Luckert and Marie Enger as they work their terror.

| Published by Image

Scarlet #4 is an interesting penultimate chapter to this mini from Brian Michael Bendis, Alex Maleev, and Josh Reed. Most of it is discussion of what will happen when Scarlet surrenders and her giving her goodbyes to her friends. Really makes you wonder what’s going to happen in the finale.

| Published by DC Comics

The Silencer #11 begins “Cold Cold Heart” and it feels like the title is working towards an end. I know that many of the other New Age of Heroes titles have been cancelled and are winding down, but I’ve not seen anything in that regard to this one. It could just be working its way through change. In any event, it’s pretty damn good. Seeing all of Leviathan as it exists now is fairly neat and the art from Jack Herbert, Tom Derenick, and Mike Spicer is great.

| Published by DC Comics

Spider-Girls #2 takes a bit of time to trade stories about Normie Osborn before going to him to warn him about the Inheritors on their world and work some magic on the scrolls of the Spider Cult. Nice character development from Jody Houser here.

| Published by Marvel

Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider #2 explores an alternate reality where Harry Osborn was Spider-Man and Gwen became the Green Goblin. It’s an interesting emotional ride as we see what happened in this reality, beautifully illustrated by Rosi Kämpe and Ian Herring. One thing that isn’t quite clear, though, is why having our Gwen help their Peter find their Gwen because she’s necessary to help our Gwen is blackmail, though. Maybe I missed something, but it seems like the heroic thing to do.

| Published by Marvel

Stranger Things #3 largely works to create an atmosphere of despair and defeat as Will continually tries to reconnect with his mother, or anyone, back in the real world and fails. The artwork from Stefano Martino, Keith Champagne, and Lauren Affe perfectly convey that feeling.

| Published by Dark Horse

Strangers in Paradise XXV #8 takes a running leap into the strange. Or stranger, as Katchoo returns with the package for Jet. Terry Moore is really taking this tale into a different direction from the initial intrigue thriller plotline. Also, a nice return of Libby and Sam from Motor Girl.

| Published by Abstract Studio

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #88 has quite a few “holy crap” moments as the Mutanimals aid the Turtles in repelling the EPF from Burnow Island. Huge revelations about Bishop’s history and a hero moment from Slash. Dave Wachter and Ronda Pattison deliver some incredible artwork all throughout. 

| Published by IDW

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Macro-Series: Leonardo #3 is one of the most beautiful Turtles books I’ve seen. The art from Sophie Campbell and Brittany Peer is gorgeous, guiding us through a fairly introspective tale of what Leonardo really wants out of life, while still advancing major plot points with the fate of the Foot Clan.

| Published by IDW

These Savage Shores #2 continues this brilliant series from Ram V, Sumit Kumar, Vittorio Astone, and Aditya Bidikar. It is a thoroughly stunning combination of horror tale, tragic romance, and political drama rolled into one absolutely beautiful package. The world is deep and enthralling, brought to life in amazing use of mostly variants on 9-panel grids from Kumar and Astone. The design sense alone makes this series interesting to read just from a technical perspective, but Ram V and Kumar put so much into the story and storytelling that it transcends just style. This is a truly great comic.

| Published by Vault

Titans #30 continues to break the team into pieces. The rebuilding, if they ever make it there, should be interesting.

| Published by DC Comics

Vampirella/Dejah Thoris #3 nicely moves this along, introducing even more of the various peoples of Mars as Vampirella searches for aid for her people. Great art from Ediano Silva and Dinei Ribeiro. 

| Published by Dynamite

The Warning #1 is fairly decompressed, slow, methodical, but there’s still an interesting premise here of genetic manipulation of soldiers and an alien invasion. The art from Edward Laroche and Brad Simpson is very nice. Laroche has a style somewhat akin to Chris Sprouse and Jonathan Luna and it works to give this a bit of distance echoed by the existential narration.

| Published by Image

Wonder Woman #59 continues G. Willow Wilson and Cary Nord’s first arc on the series, with an interesting rebirth and reinterpretation of Ares that’s possibly deadlier than the previous one. Love the artwork from Nord, Mick Gray, and Romulo Fajardo Jr. So far this has felt a lot like Greg Rucka’s original run on the series over a decade ago, a nice mix of modern sociopolitical analogues and DC’s take on Greek mythology.

| Published by DC Comics

X-O Manowar #21 sees Juan José Ryp somehow level up his artwork. The designs, detail, and storytelling this issue are just incredible, made even more beautiful with Andrew Dalhouse’s colours. Matt Kindt, Ryp, Dalhouse, and Dave Sharpe are crafting a very interesting next chapter in what started as the Divinity saga, building upon the recent Eternity mini as Aric and co. confront David Camp in New Eden.

| Published by Valiant

Other Highlights: Atomic Empire, Books of Magic #2, Come Into Me #4, DC Nuclear Winter Special #1, Fantastic Four #4, Hex Wives #2, Invader Zim #37, Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Under the Spell #1, Man-Eaters #3, Marvel Action: Spider-Man #1, Marvel Two-In-One #12, This Nightmare Kills Fascists, Oh S#!T It’s Kim & Kim #4, Old Man Hawkeye #11, Pandora’s Legacy, Red Sonja #23, Redneck #17, Rick & Morty #44, Sex Death Revolution #2, Spider-Man/Deadpool #42, Star Wars: Darth Vader #24

Recommended Collections: A Walk Through Hell - Volume 1, Amazing Spider-Man - Volume 1: Back to Basics, Black Hammer Library Edition - Volume 1, The Book of Ballads and Sagas, Eternity Girl, GI Joe: A Real American Hero - Volume 21, Harbinger Wars 2, The Highest House, The Mighty Thor - Volume 5: Death of the Mighty Thor, Quicksilver: No Surrender, The Realm - Volume 2, Spider-Man/Deadpool - Volume 7: My Two Dads, Summit - Volume 2: Price of Power

d. emerson eddy does not know, and has never met, those three people who have never been in his kitchen.

[justafangirlwithideas]

Hey! I’m super interested in the book you have been blogging about (I wasn’t able to catch the title but it sounds amazing. Maybe Foxhole Court?) do you mind telling me what it’s about?

Hey!!! Ahhh this ask made my day!!! I’ve been waiting for someone to ask me about this books for ages!! 

So, I will try to keep the capslock in this post to a minimum. I would say I’ll try to keep it short, but… I know I won’t.

First thing you need to know is that these books are my favourite of all time, along with TSC possibly.

It’s a trilogy called All For The Game, and the first book is called The Foxhole Court. It’s written by Nora Sakavic, and it’s self published. The first book is available for free online, and the next two only cost a dollar each as ebook. They are also available as physical books, but those need to be ordered online, as bookstores do not stock them as far as I know (as they are self published).

Now onto the story… It’s quite complicated and I can’t say too much because of spoilers but I’ll do my best. With which I mean I have had this ready for two years waiting for someone to ask me but I’ll probably get over excited and make a mess of what I’m trying to say so I need an excuse.

Okay so, the story follows Neil Josten, the runaway son of a crime lord. He was on the run with his mother, but when she died he decided to pick up exy again, which she had always forbidden. Exy is a sport made up by Nora Sakavic, and it’s kind of a weird combination of lacrosse and rugby. The rules are really clear though, and trust me, you don’t need to care about sports to read these books. By the end of the first book you’ll wish exy was real though so you could show off your knowledge. Anyway, Neil gets recruited to a college exy team. He knows he shouldn’t go, that he should run, but he loves exy to much to let go. So he goes to university and joins this exy team. 

 But this team is infamous for being dead last every season, and the coach is believed to be a misguided idealist who only recruits players he believes need a second chance. As a result the team is a fractured mess and half of the players hate each other.

Now this is where I lose my cool because I’ll give you a run through of the characters…. And I love them all so much… Get ready for this rant. 

SO FIRST. NEIL. LIKE I SAID, RUNAWAY SON OF A MAFIA BOSS. KINDA AN ASSHOLE FOCUSED ONLY ON HIS OWN SURVIVAL AND EXY (AT LEAST AT FIRST) BUT YOU CAN’T REALLY BLAME HIM. BASICALLY A PATHOLOGICAL LIAR WHO CAN NEVER KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT AT THE RIGHT TIME AND I LOVE HIM!!

ANDREW!!! EVERYONE THINKS HE’S A PSYCHOPATH AND HE’S UNBELIEVABLY VIOLENT. PROBABLY SHOULD’T CROSS HIM IF YOU WANT TO STAY ALIVE BUT THE WHOLE FANDOM LOVES HIM!!! ALSO HE’S THE MUM FRIEND AND A MIDGET

I should probably to Andrews group first and then the upperclassmen (that’s the main two groups the team is divided into) but I’ll just kinda rant about whoever comes to mind first.

OBVIOUSLY NEXT IS RENEE!!!!!! RENEE MY SWEETHEART!! SHE’S MY FAVOURITE IF YOU COULDN’T TELL! SHE’S THE SWEETHEART OF THE GROUP AND KEEPS EVERYONE IN LINE WITH HER KINDNESS AND GENTLE QUESTIONS! SHE’S REALLY CLOSE FRIENDS WITH ANDREW THOUGH, WHICH THE REST OF THE TEAM DISAPPROVES OF BECAUSE THEY ALL LOVE RENEE AND EVEN THOSE WHO DON’T HATE ANDREW…. DON’T WANT HIM TO INFLUENCE HER

KEVIN!!! KEVIN DAY IS THE STAR OF EXY. HE WAS A NATIONAL CHAMPION. UNTIL HE BROKE HIS PLAYING HAND AND FELL FROM GRACE. THE FOXES (the team) TAKE HIM IN AND HE LEARNS TO PLAY WITH HIS WEAKER HAND. ALSO AN ABSOLUTE HISTORY NERD!! OH AND HE’S A HUGE ASSHOLE BECAUSE OF HIS SINGLE MINDEDNESS AND NEED TO BE THE BEST

NICKY!! ANOTHER CINNAMON ROLL WHO IS OCCASIONALLY AN ASSHOLE. HE DOES NOT DESERVE THE CRAP HE’S BEEN THROUGH…

DAN!!!! DANIELLE WILDES IS THE FOXES CAPTAIN AND THE MOST BADASS, STRONG FEMALE CHARACTER I HAVE EVER READ ABOUT!! SHE’S GOTTEN SO MUCH SHIT THROWN AT HER, BUT SHE STAYS STRONG, EVEN WHEN NO ONE BELIEVED IN HER!!!

MATT!! DAN’S BOYFRIEND AND JUST WOW!! THE ONLY GUY ON THE TEAM WHO IS NEVER, NEVER AN ASSHOLE! HE’S SUPER SWEET AND SUPPORTIVE AND PROTECTIVE, OF ALL HIS FRIENDS

ALLISON IS DESCRIBED AS A CATTY BITCH, AND YEAH SHE IS. BUT SHE’S ALSO BADASS AND AMAZING. SHE’S THE RICH GIRL WHO GAVE UP HER INHERITANCE AND GOT DISOWNED TO PLAY EXY

THEN THERE’S AARON. ANDREW’S TWIN AND ONE OF THE BIGGEST ASSHOLES. HE DOESN’T LIKE ANYONE, EXCEPT MAYBE HIS COUSIN (NICKY). STILL… YOU MIGHT  LIKE HIM BY THE END OF THE BOOKS

LAST IS SETH. HE’S JUST AN ASSHOLE AND I DON’T LIKE HIM. @ali-fairchild DOES THOUGH SO…

Okay so i didn’t describe all there pasts, but like I said, all of them need a second chance for some reason or another. Some of their pasts are revealed immediately, some throughout the books. All I’m gonna say is that AFTG has the best characterisation I have ever read, and that’s a HUGE compliment.

Now, like I’ve mentioned in a lot of posts there are quite a few trigger warnings. These books are really intense and deal with a lot of issues, so I’ll list a few warnings below.

first of all, there’s a crazy amount of (casual) violence

physical abuse

substance abuse (alcohol and drugs) including by minors

domestic violence (not actually detailed in the books but past events mentioned)

sexual abuse and harassment 

rape

medical drugs

mafia

torture

Here’s a very extensive list, if you’re unsure whether you are okay with these.

ANYWAY, I REALLY REALLY HOPE YOU DECIDE TO READ THESE BOOKS (THAT GOES FOR EVERYONE) AND IF YOU DO, TEXT ME!!! I CAN FANGIRL WITH YOU!! 

MY FOXES, MY BABIES DESERVE SO MUCH MORE RECOGNITION!!

Also one last thing, if you do read them, please, please don’t spoil yourself. I know it’s like that for every book, but especially this one. So many things, especially character backstories, are revealed bit by bit, but it’s for a reason. 

HAVE FUN READING THESE IF YOU DO 

OMGGGGG I CAN’T THESE BOOKS

*fangirls for the next few hours*

I hope this has convinced you these books are totally worth it. Any more questions, let me know.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

Heather Cox Richardson

April 5, 2021

For people sick of news, there is nothing happening that cannot wait, so tonight’s letter is a good one to skip.Otherwise, there are lots of developing stories today. Top of the list is the story of Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who is implicated in what appears to be a significant sex scandal involving underage girls.

Running a close second is the story Shane Goldmacher at the New York Times broke this weekend: in the closing days of the 2020 election season, the Trump campaign scammed supporters out of more than $122 million by tricking them into “recurring” donations. The campaign had to refund those donations after the election, and it apparently did so by using money raised after the election by asking for funds to challenge the election results. In effect, supporters unknowingly made a no-interest loan to the campaign.

Today’s overarching story is connected to this one. It is the same as yesterday’s big story, and the day before that, reaching on backward until the 2020 election. Republican Party leaders continue to insist, without evidence, that former president Donald Trump won the 2020 election and that Democrats stole it from him through voter fraud. A new Reuters/Ipsos found that six in ten Republicans believe this Big Lie.

This falsehood has been rejected by bipartisan election officials and the courts, including the Supreme Court, but in 43 states Republican legislators are using it to justify election laws that will make it significantly harder to vote.Those new laws have met with significant pushback, leaving Republicans scrambling to argue that the laws actually make it easier to vote, not harder. This is not true. Former Wall Street Journal correspondent Douglas Blackmon wrote a tremendously clear thread on Twitter spelling out how the Georgia law, for example, makes it illegal for Georgia voting officials to send absentee applications to each voter, and makes it harder to get absentee ballots. It eliminates most drop boxes for ballots, as well, and makes it harder for working people to vote. Blackmon says the law’s “intent seems to be causing much longer & slower lines at the polls, which… will mean large numbers of working class, elderly, and sick voters who just give up and go home.”

The passage of a new voter suppression law in Georgia has opened up a rift between Republican lawmakers and corporations, which in the past have been firmly in the Republican camp. After all, Republicans hailed the Supreme Court’s 2010 decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which overturned election restrictions that had been in place for more than a century and permitted corporations to spend unlimited amounts on elections. The justices argued that corporations and other groups had a right to spend money under the First Amendment’s right to free speech.Now that corporations are taking a stand against the Georgia election law, Republicans are no longer so keen on corporate free speech. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who has long advocated the use of big money for his political causes and who in 2020 got the most money from the nation’s top chief executive officers, today issued a statement calling the corporations who oppose the Georgia election law bullies. He said: “Corporations will invite serious consequences if they become a vehicle for far-left mobs to hijack our country from outside the constitutional order. Businesses must not use economic blackmail to spread disinformation and push bad ideas that citizens reject at the ballot box.”

McConnell’s sudden turn against corporate political speech is not as counterintuitive as it seems. He wants corporate support in general, of course, but he also appears to need corporate money to fend off a revolt in his caucus. While corporations got cold feet about the Republicans after the January 6 coup and the refusal of 147 Republican lawmakers to count the certified ballots for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, small donors turning out for Trump’s Big Lie made up for the lost corporate money. Now, as corporations stand against the Trump wing of the party in Georgia, it appears the power in the party is shifting away from McConnell’s corporate wing and toward Trump followers who like the extremists promising to continue fighting the culture wars.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is similarly struggling with his conference as far-right representatives like Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) try to use procedural tools to snarl congressional operations, turning every last House operation into a partisan fight.While Democrats are pushing quite popular legislation, Republicans are shifting toward lawmakers who are not only aiming a wrecking ball at Congress, but also are facing one of the biggest sex scandals in a generation and one of the biggest funding scandals ever.It’s no wonder McConnell is unhappy.

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON