#we're not even going to TRY asking??? or actually informing the other courts of whats going on so they have a chance to protect themselves

[acotarfrustrations]

Not only planning to steal the book of breathing but PLANNING TO ROB THE SUMMER COURT OF JEWELS??? LITERALLY W H Y? THE IC IS LITERALLY FILTHY ULTRA MEGA RICH??? THERE IS NO REASON?? AM I SUPPOSED TO LIKE THESE PEOPLE???

[songmingisthighs]

Oddeleny

introduction pt. i | pt. ii | pt. iii

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ch. xxx - peeking

ghost!yeosang × reader

genre : ghost!au

wc : 1.6 k

rating, warning : mature; crude jokes and filthy language, depiction of an accident; electrocution, head injury

buy me coffee ?

a connection once had, broken with the expectation that the ending is final. but life has an odd proclivity of making attachments from detachments. in the end, we don't know what we lost until we look at what we have

For a moment the room was quiet and cold.

Mingi had come in with cake and coffee and you both had been silently taking a bite, waiting for the other person to talk. Well, the people who could talk at least. You didn't realize it but you kept glancing at your phone, worried that Yeosang might accidentally make a noise as you had put him on a call.

"Waiting for someone?" Mingi asked after taking a sip of his latte.

You shook your head and offered him a polite smile, "Nope, just don't want anyone to disturb us while we talk," and you cleared your throat, deciding that you should be the one who directed the conversation, "And I guess we should start talking now." Agreeing, Mingi straightened up and nod, "If you don't mind, I would like for you to explain your side first. Not because of anything, but I would like to get all of the information so I can process my feelings accordingly with the information I will reveal." He sounded so stocky and it made you crack a grin because he didn't sound like his usual self while simultaneously being his absolute genuine self, someone who is just curious.

"Fair enough," you agreed, taking a moment to think where you should start your story.

"So you know that I grew up with Wooyoung and I befriended Yeosang in middle school. It was safe to say I was one of the less popular crowd because I was trying to excel in school in hopes that my parents would give a shit about me if I had an achievement of my own. I didn't realize then that no matter how many prizes I won for math, science, art, debate, English, and more, they would simply not care because I'm not Wooyoung, the child they actually want and the child who's actually theirs. They didn't want me so much that they just pawned me off to my grandma and took Wooyoung to wherever he wanted so it became GLARINGLY obvious they didn't care about my existence at all. So I was bullied and while Wooyoung was a bystander, at age 9, he suddenly turned on me and joined in on the bullying, even giving ammunition, leading the bullying, and sending people at me. I don't know what changed but I do know that when we got to middle school, he became more vicious because I got close to Yeosang. See, Wooyoung wanted to befriend Yeosang because everyone likes Yeosang. I befriended Yeosang because we're the top 2 in the high-achieving class and this pissed Wooyoung off because he couldn't get to the same class because all of his work, all of his tests were copies of mine. So he became resentful of me and my parents allowed it. One day, sometimes during gym class, Yeosang came up to me and asked for my water because he had finished his and couldn't bear the walk to refill his water so I did, I gave him my water bottle and he downed it in one go. I didn't think much of it but not even 15 minutes later, while we were resting by the court, Yeosang fell to the ground looking pale and clammy, he was shivering and he was crying saying that his stomach was hurting so he was rushed to the hospital and I went with him. While he was being treated, I was suddenly called out and brought back to school, to the principal's office where I was informed that Yeosang had gotten alcohol poisoning from my water bottle. Long story short, I was told that Yeosang no longer felt safe with having me around the school and I was expelled within a day."

Mingi didn't even try to hide the surprised look on his face. His jaw was practically on the ground by the time you told him how you got expelled so easily. "Wait, they can't just expel you like that without any evidence," he was getting emotionally involved. Mingi didn't like hearing injustice in general and hearing what happened to you made his blood boil. You shrugged, a little too casually for someone who was retelling her shitty past, but at that point, you had to shield yourself from feeling the negativities all over again. "There were eyewitnesses around, everyone saw me handing him my water bottle before he dropped to the ground so it seemed like the case was clear. To them at least. I tried pleading my case, I tried telling them that I knew nothing but they wouldn't hear. Not even my parents. In fact, My dad dragged me to the hospital to face the Kangs, well Yeosang's parents at least because apparently Yeosang was terrified of me, and forced me to bow and apologize. Then that evening he kicked me out of his house without saying anything else and I cried in front of the gate for a solid two hours before giving up and leaving to go to my grandma's by myself."

You didn't realize how it happened but Mingi pulled you into an immediate hug, his body shaking from anger because he couldn't help but think of the younger version of you being treated worse than trash by the adults in your life.

"Thank God you're okay now," he said in a whispered tone. It surprised you because you had imagined that Mingi would be siding with Yeosang and Wooyoung despite saying that he trusted that each story has two versions. You absolutely thought that he would simply accept that there was your side that he could hear if he wanted to but not to this extent, not him taking your pain personally. It didn't even occurred to you that you shed a tear or two, or five until Mingi pulled back and frantically trying to reach the tissue on your desk.

"Yeosang's situation was odd even to the police," Mingi started, knowing that it was his turn to talk without having to be urged by you.

After wiping your tears, you cleared your throat and prepare yourself to listen to what Mingi had to say.

"They were suspicious of the circumstances because Yeosang was admitted due to electrocution but they couldn't figure out the head injury he sustained. The doctors analyzed him and declared that Yeosang sustained the injury before he was electrocuted, so it wasn't like he banged his head due to being electrocuted. Heck, they even found where Yeosang injured his head and it wasn't the ground, it was the wall. They theorized that Yeosang must not have completely lost his consciousness and was trying to get up only to electrocute himself on the open wires dangling by the electricity pole."

Your head was trying to make sense of things but instead of getting answers, it generated more questions. "Couldn't he have fallen or slipped or something?" you questioned and Mingi nodded firmly, "That's what they think. Based on the height of the area where they found the trace of impact, it seemed possible that Yeosang had slipped and hit his head. But it still doesn't answer a crucial question, why was Yeosang in the alley in the first place? His car was on the left side of the building and the alley was on the right side, logically speaking, Yeosang had no business being there unless maybe he was urinating in public or something but we all know Yeosang would never do that. He wouldn't even chew gum in public places." You may no longer know Yeosang, but you knew him enough to agree with Mingi.

Then another question popped into your head, "Well were there CCTV around? They must've seen something," "They're still trying to get the footage from the establishments around but the thing is, the police are not even investigating this properly, Yeosang's situation is not a priority so they've just been passively looking things over." Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion and disbelief, "That makes no sense, they agreed that the circumstances were suspicious so why wouldn't they do anything?" "According to them, while it is suspicious, there were no evidence of foul play so they can't really do anything because, and i quote this directly from them, "there are more pressing cases they need to pursue", whatever the hell that means," Mingi huffed annoyedly.

Sure, you wanted to be as objective and as detached as you could towards the issue as this involved Yeosang, the same person who was part of the worst pain you've ever felt in your life. But you couldn't help but feel frustrated over the situation. You'd like to believe that it must have been because it would probably mean that you would be involved for longer than necessary. But you knew yourself well enough to acknowledge that the human side of you was trying to protest the unfairness.

"Hey," Mingi called out after a long pause, catching your attention. "I... This might mean nothing but I want you to know that I believe your side, I trust you," he looked abashed saying that and to be fair, Mingi didn't even know why he said that. What he knew was that you had been hurt by enough people, even people who were supposed to be your family. He didn't realize how much his consideration meant to you. Though you barely knew him, he had proven himself to be a trustworthy person who is capable of finding his own truth. So you gave him a small smile and reached forward to pat the back of his hand gently, "It means a lot to me, Mingi. Thank you," and Mingi, in return, broke out into a big smile.

Truly if life had taught you anything even after the worst of rain came down, completely drenching you and ruining your whole day, the sun will come out. It might take some time, and it might be infuriatingly slow, but it will. So with a glance at your strategically placed phone, you could only hope that your faith would not be shaken because boy oh boy it's going to be one heck of a rain.

network :

@cultofdionysusnet @sandsofire @kflixnet @pirateeznet

taglist :

@luvt0kki @aestheticsluut @stayatinykatsy @miaatiny @yukichan67 @maidens-world @wlv-asteria @bee-the-loser @junstulip @keinskpopcorner @donghyuckanti27 @axo-l0tl @aurora-tiny @cyber-innie @oddracha @dinossaurz @vcutparis @redzie02 @blackb3ll @mizumigi @jan-l @zoro-nanami-wifey @charreddonuts @angelicyeo @green-agent @teenyfinds @gxlden-bxbyy @that-irrelevant-ricecakeaddict @tinyelfperson @jenowithjaem @mayonnaisehoeshit @allisonleannn @raspberrysannie @surveilenceysystem @borahae-reads @watanabehan @boo-ven9eance @cosmolight @ateezourstars @potatos-on-clouds @iinsomiac

@starjoongie1117 @rheriver

[lunarcovehq]

Baby, there's a shark in the water I caught them barking at the moon Better be soon

THE CARNEVIL IS COMING

With the crisp October chill in the air and the distinct fog rolling in, the Coalition of Non-Supernaturals is in charge of hosting the annual Howl-o-ween festival and this year, the festivities will kick off with a carnival themed weekend across town. There will be a number of your favorite annual activities in the weeks to come counting down to Halloween, such as the return of the Costume Contest and the iconic hedge maze, but this year, the opening ceremony will be held at the Rec Center.

Around the Great Jack'O Lantern, you will be greeted by volunteer performers trying their hands at pyrotechnics (with some magical help of course) and acrobatics. You can test your strength with the Strength O' Meter or buy some cotton candy from the candy cart, before dusk settles in and you are ushered inside the Rec Center that has been transformed into a Fun House. You'll be wandering through the dark hand in hand, trying your luck in the hall of mirrors, making your way over gravity powered trippy floors and even sliding into a ball pit or two. But, what outsiders don't know is that those Lunar Covians who enter the Fun House, have all been secretly informed via their invitation that this opening Carnival Weekend will be a ploy to lure the Catalyst to town to capture Lorelai Cavanaugh once and for all.

The Coalition needs your help and, from what most experienced first hand when it came to the Campfire Retreat, is that we're better working together than apart. Each attendee has been advised to attend at your own risk, though the Pack, the Clan, the Coven, the Coalition and the Fae Court will all be working together to protect anyone who enters. Every attendee has also been given a floor plan of the Rec Center layout so that they know what to expect when entering the Fun House as to not be thrown off guard. Carnival themed attire is encouraged, though the Coalition asks that no one where a mask. While there are multiple fire exits throughout the building (each of which being guarded by a respective member of one of the five organizations), guests will only be permitted to enter the front entrance, so if anyone spots Lorelai Cavanaugh, they are told to alert their respective leaders immediately. Good luck, Lunar Covians. Look out for each other and guard each other's backs. This ends once and for all.

HOW THIS IS GOING TO WORK

THE EVENT HAS NOT STARTED YET. PLEASE DO NOT POST ANYTHING PERTAINING TO THE EVENT UNTIL SATURDAY 10/5. We're only dropping this now since we've received so many asks in terms of character outfits.

This is a plot-driven event that will span from 10/5-10/31 both IC and OOC, but unlike traditional events, we're going to do things a little differently

We're kicking off with our discord party where, as many of you already know, we will be playing out some chaos/working to wrap up our first story arc with our IC villain Lorelai Cavanaugh. This discord party will start Saturday, 10/5, and will act as a skeleton for a number of threads you can have on the dash going forward.

As always, if you can't make the discord party, don't worry! The discord party is merely a Choose Your Own Adventure format where our members get to decide how the course of events will play out. But, we will be posting a recap post of everything that happens during the discord event that you can later react to in detail on the dash.

After the discord party, we will continue to have several fun (and some even more chaotic) plot drops leading up to Halloween, so stay tuned and we hope you enjoy this fun countdown with us.

The tag for the event is lunarcoveevent13. Everything from pictures, outfits, Halloween costumes & threads etc. should be under this tag. Starters should have both the starter and event tag. There will be an actual Halloween costume contest later on, but if you want to make manips of carnival themed attire you can do so. Just please do not post anything until Saturday.

This event is mandatory, though the discord party is not, so if you can not make the discord party, you can always say your character chose not to attend, or can have your character have been there and have threads pertaining to the plot drops on the dash.

For anyone looking to bring in new characters, we will have acceptance this week, before we take a week off from acceptance to have everyone react to the chaos from the discord party and catch up. We will resume regular acceptance on the 16th.

Last, but not least, we hope you have some skele-fun!

[lunehong]

Black Pirates | Five

Modern era robin hood ATEEZ X Undercover spy fem OC

ship : ??? X OC

Genre : slowburn, angst, fluff, enemies to lovers

Synopsis : "The world may be unfair but it does not stop us from changing our own fate." Kang Sohyun tries to investigate a group of bandits who are causing havoc in all of Korea. As she gets into close contact with them, her view of them slowly starts to change. "Why do people even hate you?" "If we worried about what people thought of us, we would've all been in a slump of despair by now." 

Warnings : none

A/n : If anyone wants to be added to the taglist let me know !

Masterlist , Prologue , Chapter one , Chapter two , Chapter three , Chapter four

CHAPTER 5 

Sohyun said farewell to Jongho and was headed towards her apartment complex when suddenly, her phone started ringing. She searched for it in her purse while humming the tune of her ringtone.

 As she was about to press the answer button, the phone slipped from her hand and fell onto the hard pavement. Sohyun gasped and scrambled to pick it up, checking if it had any sort of damage. When she was sure it had none, she pressed the answer button of the call which was already ringing for the second time. 

"Hello? Who is this?"

"Hi, it's Juyeon from the information collection team."

"Oh, Juyeon! Yeah... did you find anything related to what I asked you to search?"

"As a matter of fact, I did. I dug up and found two cases that might be similar to what you're looking for."

"Alright, I'm listening..." Sohyun pressed the phone to her other ear and stood by the edge of the pavement to make way for the other pedestrians.

"One is the arson case against Lim Joon ki - a mall owner in Hongdae, who is accused of being the mastermind behind the burning down of another mall located in Gangnam. The incident has killed and injured more than 60 people at the least. However, he is still on trial and probably won't get bail so easily."

"Okay carry on. It probably isn't this one then," said Sohyun while looking back, making sure no one was eavesdropping and also to see if Jongho went back home.

"The second case is a lawsuit filed by multiple antique collectors who joined together from all over Korea. The charges are against a museum branch owner in Seoul named Lee Seok Min. He is accused of stealing multiple antique pieces without authorization and claiming them for himself. The pieces are on display at a branch of the Seoul Artistic Museum, which is owned by him and couldn't be retrieved until he was pleaded guilty."

"So, is he still in jail?"

"Actually, no. The trial continued for a while but Lee Seok Min was deemed not guilty and free of charge, even when the opposition had multiple proofs against him." 

"Bingo. When was he let out exactly?" 

"Wait...give me a minute..." Sohyun could hear the aggressive clicking of a keyboard and a yawn from Juyeon.

 “Okay, okay. So the court stated that he was free of charge exactly 5 days ago."

"Alright Juyeon-ah, thank you so much for this!"

"No need to thank me, I was just doing my job as an informant for the team."

"Still, thank you for going out of your way to find these for me!"

"Anytime, Sohyun-ah. I hope these help though, considering how little we know about case 1024 and we need to find a lead as soon as possible. We're all stressed over here."

"Yeah, I understand. I'm trying my best to contribute to the team as well." Sohyun shifted her weight from one foot to the other, feeling impatient.

"Don't burden yourself though! You're not even a full-timer here. Take it easy and I know you will find some connections. I believe in you Sohyun-ah!"

"Thank you Juyeon, take care. Bye!"

With that being said, Sohyun hung up, the cogs in her brain turning.

'You don't even know how much that intel is going to help dear Juyeon, but I can't tell the team just yet. I have to make sure the theory I'm going forward with, is indeed the correct one. I need to go on this mission myself. Even a small trace of them is going to be helpful.' She thought to herself.

Sohyun was ready to start walking again, shivering slightly at the sudden temperature drop, when her eyes fell on a black van that drove past her. It took the van only a few seconds to pass the girl and take a turn at the end of the road, but what she noticed during those few seconds was enough to make her eyes go wider and her heart beat faster. 

She observed that all the windows on the van were tinted except the driver’s and the one beside it. A familiar blonde man was driving the van while seated beside him was the same chequered shirt guy from the restaurant. Nothing was unusual until the guy took his black unkempt wig and faux moustache off. He had a stunningly eye-catching hazel mullet and was flashing his beautiful smile, clearly amused at something inside the van. 

Sohyun kept on staring at him until the van went out of her field of vision. Even if she saw just a glimpse of him, the mulleted guy lingered on in her mind. Sohyun definitely thought that he was very good looking and the air of authority she felt from him earlier, suited him well. 

'I knew something was off with that man. Him being undercover this whole time just proved my intuition right.' She thought, making a mental note to ask Song about it later.

The girl wasted no time and headed home. She stayed in her investigation room, planning and studying the entire weekend. Sohyun barely remembered to eat her meals and take a shower, only getting out when her stomach growled or she felt stinky. 

She hacked into the museum's security systems and obtained the blueprint of the place. She also found out all the entry and exit routes along with the number of security guards patrolling and their shifts on that particular day. 

Sohyun knew very well that 48 hours won't be enough to plan a whole encounter mission all by herself. Not to mention that the theory she had was just a possibility and she couldn't be sure that the Black Pirates would indeed raid the museum. Keeping all those in mind Sohyun tried to focus on how she would keep herself hidden and collect evidence of their whereabouts. 

Kang Sohyun was a person who never judged anybody based on what others speculated about them. Her views on someone depended on what she saw or experienced. She knew very well that a person always had more than one side to them. If someone was nice to her but mean to others or vice versa, they always had a reason behind it, however simple it might be. 

This was one of the reasons why she agreed to become a secret agent in the first place. Her curiosity to find the reasons behind people's actions were what led her to join the agency. 

Case 1024 was also no different to her. She wasn't contributing to her team because people thought that the Black Pirates were vicious bandits. There were many criminals out there who were more dangerous and destructive than these people but the media's focus wasn't on them right now. She was curious about the Pirates - how many members they had, how they executed their missions, why their raids were so meticulously planned etcetera. But most importantly, she wanted to know their motive behind doing all this. 

The 48 hours Sohyun had at hand were over.

She started getting ready to go to the Seoul Artistic Museum. She wore a black bodysuit for the mission, setting her gun holster with a loaded gun in place. Over it, she wore a white t-shirt, a long brown full sleeve coat and baggy jeans to hide the bodysuit. A bag was by the door, filled with multiple gadgets or necessities that Sohyun deemed important. She checked her attire and the stuff in her bag one last time before making her way to the parking lot. 

Upon arriving at the said location, she saw the museum somewhat crowded.

'Let me start patrolling the area. If they plan to steal the items in broad daylight amid a crowd, the alarms will go off. That is when I will try to chase them down.' She thought while circling the museum's perimeter. 

Hours had gone by and nothing unusual took place. Sohyun checked her watch, noticing that it was already closing time for the museum. She went towards her car which was parked behind a huge bush situated a little beyond the museum premises, waiting there until the staff members closed the museum down and left. 

The girl stripped out of her casual fit and tied her hair into a bun securing a cap on top of it. She retrieved her bag from the car seat and headed back towards the museum for phase two. 

'As they didn't attempt a raid in the daytime, their only option should be when the museum is closed and all the staff have left.' Sohyun searched for her agency card out of habit and panicked when she didn't find it. 

"Oh, right! I wiped my identity as a part of the agency a while back. Plus I won't be able to enter the museum using the card anyway, as that would alert the rest of the team..." She spoke out loud, slinging the bag over her shoulders while making her way towards the back of the museum. She spotted a water pipe that slithered to the roof of the building.

"How does this make me any different from the bandits anyway?" Sohyun asked no one in particular.

 She climbed the pipe as carefully as possible and jumped on the nearest window ledge on the second floor. Using a stick she found on the ground, Sohyun tried to create a gap between the window and the wall so that she could pop the lock open with the help of a hairclip. After fiddling with the lock for some time, the lock fell with a click and the girl sighed out of relief. She entered the museum through the window, locking it back and tiptoed her way to where those antique pieces were situated.

Next chapter

Tags : @wooyoos @jwnghyuns @starillusion13

[tellywoodtrash]

hello tt, can I ask you for some advice? I've been feeling really depressed ever since the supreme court's verdict on same sex marriages was declared. I'm a lesbian myself and in a committed relationship with an amazing girl but we are not even out to our immediate family because we don't think it's safe. tbh we didnt even have high expectations from this verdict but it wasn't until we actually saw the headlines that it really sunk in. i celebrated my 30th birthday last month and it's got me thinking about life and shit. i do wanna get married and have kids at some point. but me and my girlfriend don't even have the right to adopt under current laws. i wish we could just leave the country but none of us have the money to do that. so basically we're just stuck in a country where we have to hide ourselves and our love for each on a daily basis. it all seems so utterly pointless now. I'm having such a hard time dealing with this harsh reality. what do I do?

Dearest friend,

Sending you lots of hugs. 🤗🤗🤗 I can't imagine how upsetting it is for you, when I (just an ally, with no actual stakes) found the result to be a frustrating cop-out.

First off, I'd say allow yourself to be upset. Don't listen to those who minimize your struggles and gloss over them. Their lives and rights aren't being infringed on and they don't know what they're talking about. You are allowed to be hurt and angry. Let yourself feel it, coz the only way forward is through.

But please don't let the negativity consume you beyond a point. I knows it sounds alll ✨✨✨ woooo-woooo manifestation ✨✨✨ kinda bs, but I really think hope is one of the only things that really keep us going in life. These are really tough times, and I know that even trying to think optimistically is hard. But once you fall into that spiral of hopelessness, it's really difficult to break out of it. So many things are not in our control, so do things that YOU can somehow control and make your heart feel less raw and achy. Make sure you surround yourself with community who are understanding and trustworthy. Take care of each other; acts of compassion and love have been found to make one feel better and can form the very foundation of the resilience you need at a time like this. Get yourself any affirmative (both physical and mental) healthcare that you need to ensure that you are remaining healthy. If you feel up to it, volunteer yourself at a grassroots level for a cause that you really care about that makes you feel that you ARE making some kind of difference. Life rarely works out according to plan for any of us, on several different levels. We always have to find a way around these things. So try and gather information on how best you can circumvent these obstacles and live the best life you CAN. (Moving to a queer-friendly city, looking into how adoption can work out as single women, etc.) There's got to be some or other loopholes that will allow you to get away with what you want; especially in our jugaad-u country.

Most of all, please keep the faith. Even though we have seen this temporary setback, I am of the opinion that we WILL see change in our lifetimes. I hope that will come sooner than later, and you will get your moment in the sun. In the meanwhile, please know lots of us love, support, and are rooting for you. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

[layanasstories]

Lost and Found

Part 3

I didn't want to react, I didn't want to show any emotion. But before I knew it a gasp escaped. "Is this shocking to you?" he asks with narrowed eyes. I think for a moment before answering "Yes, actually. I have never witnessed any crime.". He continues to look at me with a penetrating look. "Are you absolutely sure? You and the accused were very close. Are you trying to protect him? Or are you in danger? Is he threatening you?". "What? No! I don't even know that guy.” I sigh, sit up and look at him. "Listen, I know a Jake. Only by name. I don't know anything else. I don't even know who he's supposed to have killed. So tell me what this case is about before I can tell you if I know anything." instead of being upset, I stay focused on getting information.

"Fine, in short. The victim Richy Roger was found dead in the Iron splitter mine, due to a fire. The only survivor of this fire is Jake Hernandez. He was arrested by the FBI as soon as he left the mine. You have been in conversation with this Jake, you two have been talking a lot. We have all the history on paper. It says he went into the mine. That he heard someone. You name it. And you were witnesses to that. That's the testimony we need on Monday.". "That's all?" I ask him. "Yes that's all we need from you." he answers me with a questioning expression on his face. "Then I'll see you on Monday." I get up and reach out my hand to say goodbye. The questioning and confused look has not disappeared when he shakes my hand.

I spent the rest of the weekend in the Aurora. I didn't drink a drop, not even at the last hour of the day. I briefed Phil on everything and he reassured me that I wasn't there to support the prosecution or the defense. I'm sitting there to give my testimony of what I witnessed. So Phil came with me to court today. We're in the hall, waiting for my call. I couldn't calm the nerves. I wasn’t nervous so much about what I was going to say, I'm sure about that. Only I had imagined our first meeting differently.

I'm staring into space when the clerk calls my name. "It's your turn now." she gives me a friendly but neutral smile, then she leads me into the courtroom. The judge tells me to take my oath and then to sit down in the witness stand. That's the first moment I look around the room. On the prosecutor's side, I see Mr. Hikes and on his right there are two other lawyers. And then I look in the direction of the defense. I swallow the huge lump in my throat. There he is, his black hair neatly groomed. A bit long, but maybe it's the way he always wears it. Strong jawline, with a stubble. And piercing blue eyes. He's not wearing a suit like you see on TV. But he is wearing the oh so famous orange jumpsuit, his hands and feet are cuffed. And it breaks my heart. I have never seen him, I have never heard his real voice. And now that he is so close. He is also so far far away.

But before I can wallow, Mr. Hikes stands up from his seat and starts his first question of the many that will follow.

Hikes: Can you state your name and age please?

Layana: My name is Layana Schmidt and my age is twenty-seven.

Hikes: Do you know why you are here?

Layana: Yes, I do.

Hikes: Could you please tell us, what you where doing on the night of December 6th?

Layana: Sure. I was on a video call with Alan Bloomgate. Also I was in contact via text messaging with Jessy Hawkins, Dan Anderson, Thomas Miller, Lilly Donfort and Cleo, but I do not know her last name.

Hikes: Was there someone else you where in contact with that particular night?

Layana: Yes.

Hikes: Do you know Jake Samuel Hernandez?

I force myself not to look at Jake. Because that would reveal the opposite of what I am about to say.

Layana: No.

Hikes: So you are saying you do not know the defendant?

Layana: I do not know the defendant.

Hikes: (while pointing at Jake) Do you know this man?

Layana: No I do not know this man, this is the first time I ever see him.

Hikes: But you said you where in contact with someone else. Right?

Layana: Yes, that is correct.

Hikes: You where in contact with Jake Hernandez, correct?

Layana: No. That is not correct.

Hikes: I would like to remind you, that you are under oath?

Layana: I am very much aware that I am under oath. And to my understanding I am telling you the truth.

Hikes: Then please can you explain to me, what this is?

He gets a large card box print out of the conversation between me and Jake. The one where he had send me a picture of the first tunnel he entered. Secretly I smile. That’s the night where he told me he loved me. Then I feel sad, because that’s also the night where he left me and broke his promise. But that’s not what I am here for. I am here to get him out of jail instead of in.

Layana: Can you please repeat your question again sir?

Hikes: Can you explain what this is?

Layana: It is a conversation via text. A picture is send and some jokes are made.

Hikes: Indeed. Is this you and the defendant talking?

Layana: No. It is not.

Hikes: Miss Schimdt. You are aware that the name above these text messages are stated Jake?

Layana: Yes, I am aware.

Hikes: And let’s be honest here, you know this Jake is now sitting in our courtroom, right?

Layana: No I am not. Is he? I never had the change to meet him.

Hikes: Oh.

I see him searching and rummaging through his papers. He had not expected this answer. Very carefully I look over at Jake, we make fleeting eye contact, but that's enough to see that a small grin has appeared on his face. Then I turn to the judge.

Layana: Your Honor I would like to tell something is that allowed?

Judge: Yes you may speak freely, but respectfully.

Layana: Thank you, Your Honor.

[feyrfiend]

I really need liberals to understand that leftists don't think that Trump would be better than Biden, and that this kind of messaging further alienates the exact people you're trying to get to see your viewpoint.

Democrats are not going to save us from fascism, their only goal is to uphold the status quo. Fascism is currently happening right now under Biden, and regardless of which president we get, it's going to continue. Voting Biden again isn't going to magically fix the world, it's just going to continue the current situation. There is no "harm reduction" vote in this presidential election because BOTH parties are actively supporting genocide and fascism both at home and abroad.

"What about project 2025?" They're quite literally following the plan on schedule right now under Biden. This is why the presidential election is actually far less important than congressional elections and local elections, just look at what's going on in states with conservative majorities in their state governments! And you'll hear a lot of people say "Trump packed the Supreme Court" and that's true, but guess who stopped Obama from adding a justice to the Supreme Court and fast tracked Trump's nominee? That's right. Congress.

Also Democrats are not going to win on "vote for us! We're better than the other guy who's gonna eat your babies and turn this country into a fascist dictatorship!!" messaging when they're actively causing babies to die and using fascist military techniques against student protestors. They're not even bothering to tell us why we should vote for them, only screaming that we shouldn't vote for the other guy.

You can't have it both ways, either the president is an extremely powerful position that can get anything that they desire done, or their hands are tied and they're extremely restricted by checks and balances.

Trump is not an undefeatable god or a devil or a monster, he is just a man who represents an idea and he is not working alone to make America more and more fascist. Everyone in the government is currently working to uphold the fascist police state that is America, both Democrats and Republicans alike.

And since you asked, here are some actual actionable alternatives to "voting for harm reduction" and what we can do to prevent the spread of fascism:

Support the national popular vote initiative and ranked choice voting initiatives in your state so we can one day have the chance to get an actual progressive in the oval office instead of being restricted across the two party lines by the electoral college

Local elections: this is where the most direct change happens that will affect your day to day life, research each candidate in the primary for local positions and vote for that person. Primary election is the keyword here because you can easily have two candidates from the same party where one is far more progressive than the other and that can directly lead to different policies and laws getting implemented in your county, city, or state

Congressional elections and down-ballot voting, let's make sure we get progressive candidates into those places to advocate for our rights and prevent fascist laws from getting passed. Even if you're leaving the "president" spot blank or voting 3rd party, the rest of the positions are still important (and you can actually get third parties into congress unlike the oval office)

Support ballot initiatives, a LOT of states have been codifying abortion rights into their state constitution this way

Go to your city council meetings, advocate for changes at the local level and show them that young people are invested in making your community better

Find your local leftist organizations, there's always people who've already been fighting the good fight for years and would be happy to have new people join in, they can even direct you to the right places (the public library is a great resource for finding this information)

Contact your local congressperson (phone, email, snail mail, fax, etc) and become the thorn in their side until they give in and actually start listening to their constituents, whether or not you're part of their party or voted for them they're supposed to represent all of their constituents, not just some of them

Protest protest protest! Now more than ever, even if you're not a student protestor you can join encampments, bring supplies, help advocate for them legally, etc, depending on whatever you're able to do, remember, the tactics the US employs overseas are all going to come back on the home turf in the future (and already are)

Spread news and information that legacy news media outlets might be burying or twisting, help people see an unbiased view of world events and understand what's going on, you'd be surprised by how many people have become radicalized over the last 5 months just from being able to see primary sources of information

Mutual aid networks: This is actually the biggest and most impactful form of harm reduction under capitalism. Become friends with your neighbors, make a plan for what'll happen if someone loses their job or if you need to strike. Unionize and support unions that advocate for shorter full-time work weeks and higher pay for regular people

And I'm sure there's many more things that you can do that I'm not thinking of right now, I encourage others to add more actions that we can all be taking as harm reduction and forces to drive change!

Real change is hard, it's messy, and people lose their lives trying to make it happen. It takes a lot of work and a long time, it's not as easy as checking "D" or "R" on the presidential election ballot once every 4 years. We're all on the same side here, we just disagree on the best way to move forward and fight fascism.

And this kind of scare-mongering implies that if your favorite candidate loses, then the fight is over and we've all lost and we're doomed. The fight is never going to be over even if your preferred candidates make it into office, and these are all things we should be continuing to do no matter what. Because the system itself was created to control and police and force us into line and the only way to create true change is to burn it down. (I'm so incredibly proud of all the student protestors doing just that, keep fighting the good fight)

Good luck to everyone, I hope that together we can make the world a better place 💖

Gonna need yall to stop putting Biden is Just As Bad propaganda on my dash. Had to unfollow someone because I don’t want to a start a fight with them over it, but I’m about to bite the next person who puts that shit in front of me.

If you don’t like Biden, vote in your god damn local and mid term elections for third party or further left candidates so that we get better democratic candidates for future elections. But this one is already fucking decided, and I’m NOT ending up under a Trump led dictatorship because yall value protecting your personal sense of moral purity over the collective good. Whether it offends your personal morals to vote for Biden is IRRELEVANT in the face of the alternative.

This isn’t a lesser of two evils situation. One guy sucks. The other guy is LITERALLY PLANNING TO OVERTHROW OUR DEMOCRACY AND INSTALL HIMSELF AS A PUTIN STYLE DICTATOR.

PLEASE look up Project 2025 and stop acting like abstaining is some kind of personal ethical decision!

[the-firebird69]

Trump can oppose releasing evidence in election interference case, judge rules - The Washington Post

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/09/27/trump-dc-trial-immunity-brief-objections/

Ha ha lol hehe

Zues Hera this is a great argument but I really want to see Donald Trump pay me defeated he's supposed to pay his lawyers and take them to court I don't understand what the f*** this butt f****** is doing I was right and they were wrong and I strongly suggested he looked at the idea not to help you sway and stuff really these guys did nothing but put about 50 nails into his own coffin

Tell you talking about you don't want to make the information public it's just no s*** Sherlock something what the hell is this mean the information they have is hard to read hard to understand we interpreted a few different ways and you have a cat litter leaves out to the living room and then goes outside I find in the woods and it comes back it took a poop there that's about the extent of it so I get something it's against the law to release it yeah who the hell is asking for that so anyways You released to the public he says it's causing confusion it makes it difficult and he says no that's not it he said it already it's against the law to release the public and the court is trying to do that someone with the hell is doing it for this is who the hell is that guy this is why what's that matter it makes the information you need admissible to court they have to remove it from the docket because it was released to the public and that's the way it used to be I don't know if there's a new law or maybe a lawyers should go back in time so they can study it again. That was he and she and I'll tell you what that makes sense that if you release it the parents can not be used against you and it's been tainted and it gets more tainted and I wanted it to myself again and I'm incriminating myself I'm looking like a popper because I'm some sort of Street person and it's starting to make sense

Trump

I did look at it and I said if they release it they might think it's true but it's actually kind of difficult to figure out convoluted there's a bunch of parties involved he said it turns into that and you only need like 1/8 of power to make it real confusing or even lead to who the real parties are and I said this why do we do that and I said I don't know but if they release that information the whole court case could be thrown out as well and those things are well known in court it's well known loss that they compromise the case and it causes a mistrial so I was glad you know I'm glad to keep it on track.. he says that he wants to us out of his hair cuz it's dangerous and we like these rogue people and it's really others a lot of times this it's starting to be disgusting and I have to go figure this out why would they even say that and he knows why and we didn't go along with it

Dave

You can personally cause you problems it's like slander it's complicated it's kind of like Nixon but it's not as illegal and it's kind of a convoluted it's like the third time you've done this the case of a Mar-A-Lago you can say this is what we thought it would be because you can say it's going to be more valuable when it's sold stuff like that it's really easy to get away with and people do it everyday and hear it possibly at work and you just keep on nailing yourself and I don't want to hear this anymore about him you're disgustingly stupid take him up there no one's going to let him near her

Tricia

It's kind of funny he says whatever happened to the other act yeah that's what she saying but yeah stupid this guy's right there's like five laws that have made a sweet it and we think that the judge is related and she said then fry yourself you idiot it was so sick of this s*** he's loud farts from him and he's a baby can't help it is Diet's a mess it seems we're harming the and it is not helping us we have to stop doing this crap we're going to get hurt I got to get out of this

Alicia

I just stop talking you'll meet with your lawyer it's a matter of fact why don't you listen to your lawyers don't bother the kid don't keep blabbing

Zues Hera

We don't want you doing it anyways it's you a lot of problems you're getting you're getting getting hit destroyed ripped apart we don't want you doing it because of that that's one reason the other is you're annoying us to do stuff your arm is still big but you know it's not necessary you're carrying on like you have stuff you don't need the public opinion and you're fixing the news the polls are not in your favorites you're fixing the poles and we are just looking at it I do understand something he's extorting us not to. It is way too easy sounding for him to get in and you find somebody wrong things and it has to be the empire but it's also this guy and he's doing a lot of three and using them as a cover going after him

Camilla

I find the situation to be horrible here what I'm doing is breaking the law all the time and telling people and I don't care about it and I should and everyone has a problem with it

Trump

Olympus yes print please

[northwest-cryptid]

So you don't like a social media website, what can you do about it?

I know many share in my feelings towards the way some totally generic and not specific social media website is ran; it's generally unfair treatment of LGBT+ individuals (especially trans women), the way it censors pro-Palestine voices; even just the aggressive monetization capitalizing on user made memes and the like.

Now clearly I'm not speaking on any specific website here, just a hypothetical of course; don't come at me with pitchforks and the ol' deactivation button.

The problem I see more often than not is a sort of mentality that we don't have anywhere else to go. That all the big social media sucks but that there's no alternatives. To which I need to ask you why you think that way? It's very likely that you think that way because you've been conditioned to not know any better. Centralized internet is designed this way, you probably know about a handful of "third spaces" for online social media, things like mastadon, bluesky, or maybe even SpaceHey. However I would argue that only a very small amount of individuals actually know about various webrings, forums, or other community spaces where they are not bound by the whims of a corporate overlord deciding what they can and cannot post.

Look this isn't a put down, I'm not trying to loom over you saying I'm somehow someone who's better, and more educated; and you're some sad centralized social media user with nowhere to go. I understand that many get defensive when I talk about these sorts of things, they view it like I'm talking down to them from my high horse. That's just, not at all the intention and I need you to lower your guard a bit and understand that I'm speaking to you not as someone who deems myself superior, but as a friend who sees you suffering and wants to lend a hand.

I ask you, how many of you actually have your own homepage? A place on the internet just for you? I know a great many people who do, and I know a great many people who don't. I won't say such a thing is absolutely necessary but I do believe it's a good place to start. Imagine if you will, having your own website, a website that can be made to whatever vision you have for it. Your own aesthetics, your own music, your own graphics; whatever layout you may want; whatever posts you may desire to put there. We're not talking about just another social media account with minor customization. We're talking about a space that is entirely your own, where no one and nothing can dictate what you say or do there. Want to write about trans issues? Do it! Literally no one can stop you! That information is now available on the web! Want to write about the genocide and provide helpful links that people can use to donate or provide aid? You can do that too! It's YOUR website, not your tumblr, not your facebook, not your twitter; those aren't YOURS.

As much as we may become attached to our blogs, our social media accounts ultimately belong to the company that provides us with them. I could post art that I spent years making but the second it's uploaded to tumblr, they could just slap it on some merch if it became popular enough. Because ultimately my blog and everything here on it belongs to tumblr; and while some of you may want to fight that notion with legal "got ya"s the truth is that none of us have the money to fight something like that in court even if we're in the right. Which like, we're not; sorry that's just how sites like this function; you don't own anything here, that's why tumblr can just up and deactivate your account if they don't like you; it's why they can sell your posts to AI companies even without your consent.

There used to be a widely understood rule of the internet, a few in fact; that once you put something out there, it was out there; and people would do what they wanted with it. Ultimately it was on you for deciding to put it out there. With the rise of social media becoming something that anyone had access to, and not just those who invested the time in making their own sites; we saw this sort of "ownership" mentality sprout up. This idea that this is MY blog and the things on it are MINE. We forget just how little power we have here, and there's this notion that kicking and screaming about it will somehow change things. It won't.

Look you can debate me on this all day, all you'll be doing is putting more money into the pocket of the company you hate. It doesn't matter if you use ad block, it doesn't matter if you don't buy their merch; if you're making posts on this site you're adding to it's user activity. That's what investors are looking at, that's what advertisers are looking at; that is what tumblr's success is based on.

You want to send a message? Silence yourself here.

But I get it, I do; that's not easy. Because we've become dependent on social media like this. Fun fact it's actually not an addiction! Addictions are scientifically defined as being something that alters your brain chemistry. Things like pornography, or even doom scrolling on things like tiktok are not addictions. They're actually just the easiest method of obtaining dopamine; something our brain wants. So when we start to run low on dopamine (something that happens very easily in people with depression and the like) our brain has been taught to turn to the quickest and easiest method of obtaining it. This is why when you're bored you likely open social media, scroll for a bit; close it and then open it again. You're not addicted, you're dependent. The reason I say this isn't just because it's something I see a lot of people talking about; but also because I think it's important to understand you can actually flip that dependency to something else. That may sound bad but I want you to consider, if you come to tumblr and you get upset about the way things work here, and you surround yourself with negativity; and sure it gives you dopamine to see numbers go up as notes flood in on popular posts and you maybe see a funny meme. Is that really "healthy" as much as say, surrounding yourself with conversation about things you like, positivity; and generally good things you enjoy? Sure it's social media either way, but at least now you're not negative and stressed constantly.

Regardless, I say all of this because I want to introduce you to something; the Web Revival Movement. You may have heard of this before, you may not have. You may not know what it means, and perhaps seeing the word "movement" is scary because it sounds like something with an agenda or rules or something it expects of you.

Eh, don't worry it's nothing of the sort... well not really; let me explain.

The Web Revival Movement goes by a few names, with this being the most popular I've seen. From what I understand the name comes from the Folk Revival, which promoted humanity, creativity, and equality during a time when it was heavily favorable to simply rely more and more on machines for everything. The Web Revival Movement aims to promote those same values during a time of relying more and more on digital means.

"Well hold on-" you might say, "this sounds like you're trying to tell me to get off the computer and go touch grass or something..."

I can understand where you may think this way, but believe me it's not like that. It's more about reclaiming the technology we use in our day to day lives.

This is why I mentioned earlier, you don't own your blog. You likely don't own a lot of what you use, not really. It's entirely likely that everything from your computer, to your phone, to even your car if you have something modern; is updating or collecting your data without your consent. How many times have you been fed up with your technology forcing updates? How often have you had to switch web browsers because the one you're using decided to do something shady? How often have you had to try to shield yourself from the ever present eyes of data collection?

Say before we continue, this site uses cookies; would you like to accept all of them... or just the ones I personally deem "necessary" for you to use this site? No is not an option :)

The Web Revival movement is about asking what you want from the tech you use, what do you want from social media? What do you want from your phone? From your computer, or even just websites?

When you hear "Web Revival" you may believe it has to do with exclusively bringing back the "old web" but that's not the case. It's about reviving what made the web so great in the early days of it's creation. The freedom of expression, the excitement of creation; the ownership you had over your experience.

In fact, the Web Revival Movement isn't even a singular movement; rather it's a collective of groups who all share the same manifesto in some way or another.

If you're curious what binds all these groups to the same collective, let me explain. At the forefront of the movement is creativity, you create this space, not the companies who want to censor you and control what you do and what you say. Your ability to design your own space, and do with it as you please is essential. Likewise, on the flip side we're very anti-corporate. We're tired of the constant monetization, data collection, targeted ads, we don't want to be a product to be harvested and sold. We want to be people! Speaking of people, the web should be a fun and friendly place. We uplift and support one another, creating a space that's fun and exciting to explore. We want to create a place for everyone, without paywalls, without boarders; it's not my fandom vs your community here. We're in this together, and we're all friends here. Likewise, when we create, we do so out of love for the craft. You make your own website because it's a place for YOU, not to market something to me, not to be popular; not to win points or fame. You create what you want because you want to! The freedom to create is important to us, whether it's digital or physical; and many will tinker with or modify as a form of protest for the way centralized internet tries to make us all use the same tech and fit the same mold. Lastly we're anti NFTs, we're anti crypto; we're anti unethically trained AI. We're not here for fancy buzzword tech.

We create what we can and make the web a bigger and better place for it.

I ask you, seriously; genuinely. Do you want to be marketed? Do you want to become a product for a company to harvest and sell? Do you want to be treated like less than a human? To be deactivated when you're no longer profitable? Is this what any of you want? It's not what I want.

Our goal is to combine what was great about the old web and what's great about the now; while making sure we don't allow greedy corps into it.

We don't want you to go "touch grass" we want you to help us build a sense of community, and optimism in the technology that exists today. There's no need for it to be perfect, we just want you to take the first step! To try something, to create something!

If you've made it this far and you're reading this going "yeah! YEAH!" Then I challenge you, go here to Neocities -> https://neocities.org/

Now sign up, use a throwaway email or whatever I don't care. Just name your website whatever you want; do the tutorial if you don't know HTML very well, or even look up layout builders! There's a ton of options out there! You don't need to know how to code you can pick it up as you go.

Make SOMETHING, make boring websites, make ugly websites; I don't care! Leave your mark, put something out into the world; this is how you take the first step!

Look we'll make this easy, we'll do it together; no I know that sounds cheesy and lame and stupid but hang in there for just a second stay with me here please. If you've made it this far I want to make it as easy for you as I can!

First off, go ahead and open that "index.html" file selecting "edit" when mousing over it! Neocities should have given you a few files in the "edit my website" part of the site. We're mostly concerned with index.html right now.

Now go ahead and get rid of the text there, and we'll be starting from scratch okay? Don't worry this is gonna be easy!

So we're coding a website right? So we need to create a space for that website, let's do that now, add the following:

<html>

</html>

^ Whenever we add something to the code, it's going to need to go inside these little < > brackets, that's how the code knows what we want. Likewise, we're going to need to group things within a sandwich of sorts. Think of the <HTML> sandwich as being the space your website is in. In other words if I do this:

<html>

</html>

<p> This is text I want displayed on my website :D </p>

^ The text won't show up! It's outside of the website bounds right?

We use the same command as the start of a command, to end the command; but we include a / before the command prompt to denote it's ending.

<p> is a paragraph command! That means it will display text we write between the opening bracket <p> and the closing bracket </p>!

Now, let's actually recreate the starting paragraph of this post but as a website!

First we'll start off by creating the space for the website, to do that we'll use the html command:

<html>

</html>

Now inside that we'll include a few things. First let's use <body> to tell the website that we want this text displayed on the "body" of the website. Think of a website in parts as accordingly:

The <head> will go above the <body> and the <body> will go above the <foot> that much likely makes sense to you:

This is a fun example because it will show you how forgiving HTML really is! Notice how both <head> and <body> don't require me to include end tags? You don't necessarily NEED the </head> and </body> calls for it to understand because it already has the starting tag of <body> for <head> and <foot> for <body>!

Your website would look like this:

But that's not recreating the opening of this text post is it?

In fact, we started with a large title! So then how can we make titles?

Turns out there's a lot of ways!

If that's all too small to read in pictures:

The <h1> </h1> command/tag creates a header, you can actually use h2, h3, and so on as necessary!

Then you have commands like <strong> and </strong> to create bold text!

You cal additionally use <big> </big> to make text larger, and you could combine this with <strong><big> </strong></big> if you wanted it to be larger and bold!

Then you have things like color, which can be set using the style tag!

<p style="color:red;"> for example, will make all the text inside the paragraph tag brackets red!

That means our code would look something like this:

And since Tumblr hates images that's super tiny, sorry!

Now granted, this is pretty bare bones, but it exists! The eagle eyed among you might even note that my code is actually not 1 to 1 with this, because I had used the <strong> </strong> tag on the words "deactivation button" for fun, but then deleted that bit of text for the screenshot. So hey, good on you if you caught that!

There are tons of cheat sheets out there for commands and tags, there's tons of different sites that will teach you about how to code in HTML, and the best of all is; no one cares/minds if this is what your site ends up being, if it's just some text on a page that you personally created and put out there. If that's all you want to create, that's fine! I think it's ultimately something you'll want to get better at and learn and improve with, but it's not something you NEED to. You can get involved through finding forums or other decentralized spaces to be a part of.

Now, if you'll allow me to further prompt action from you; I want you to go to the Neocities' search page, I want you to think of a tag, any tag; what are you into?

Anime? Games? Writing? Anything! Search for it, and go through other people's websites. Get lost going through web rings, click links and see where it takes you!

In fact, if you see something you like, right click on it -> Inspect Element and you can literally copy that bit of code to your own website and then you can swap out whatever link, image, or text was there with whatever you want! No one is going to mind, that's not stealing! Imitation is the greatest form of flattery!

Challenge yourself to find links that lead you to other places, find forums and explore the posts there, maybe sign up and say hi; go sign guest books on pages that have them.

THIS is the web! You're not limited to some poorly ran generic centralized social media site that is totally non-specific and doesn't rhyme with "...umblr" or something.

Remember, if it's shit, hit da bricks! Cultivate these online spaces, they may not be popular now; that's fine! They can be cultivated into something better when people are willing to come out and accept the wider internet culture! It's different, and I get that might be scary; but it's free and it's beautiful and it's fun! So get out there and make the web a bigger and better place! Stop feeling chained to the centralized web!

[chronicallylatetotheparty]

Float Like A Butterfly... Ch. 8: As It Should Be?

Summary: An unexpected revelation.

----------------------------------------------------------

"Father hasn't said anything so I don't think I can go out," Adrien stated gloomily, shoulders drooping.

"Dude, that sucks!" Nino scowled through the screen like he was contemplating giving Gabriel a piece of his mind. "... Waddya mean? Did he, like, ignore you?"

Adrien flopped onto his bed, holding the phone over him. "That implies he actually met with me," Adrien scoffed. "No, I asked Nathalie."

"Every time," Nino muttered, glaring past Adrien at the absent so-called parent. Shaking his head, Nino's expression softened as he refocused on Adrien. "We could video chat like we're doing now? Won't be the same as you being there but it's something."

Adrien smiled at Nino's thoughtfulness. "That sounds-"

Terrible.

Expression falling, Adrien pressed his lips together. Spending any time at all with his friends was always great. But... But he could be there! With them! Having fun instead of watching them have fun!

Adrien set his jaw and furrowed his brow. "Y'know what? No. I'll meet you guys at Alya's."

"You gonna sneak out!?" Nino leaned into the camera, a wide grin spreading across his face.

"Plausible deniability!" Adrien countered, trying to keep his twitching lips from morphing into a smile.

Vibrating in place, Nino's grin got even bigger. "Ooh! Whatever you say, bro. See ya there!"

Ending the call, Adrien leapt to his feet. "C'mon, Pollen! We're going to see my friends!" Adrien took out the Bee's comb and used it to anchor his ponytail.

Finishing the last of her brioche, Pollen dabbed at her mouth with a mini handkerchief.

Adrien resisted the urge to comment on how adorable she looked. "So cute," he whispered. Dang it.

Zipping toward him once she was done, Pollen dipped in a bow. "Alya, Nino and Marinette, yes?"

Brightening in excitement, Adrien nodded. "We're all going to Alya's place! I've never been but Nino and Marinette have gone tons of times!"

Pollen smiled softly as Adrien practically bounced on his feet. Hands animatedly flowing with his words.

"This'll be the third, no fourth, time I've been invited to a friend's house!" Adrien grinned. "I haven't hung out with them since..." He looked down, smile slipping hands falling to his side. "Since..."

"... Well, then we better make this time count," Pollen prompted gently. "Let's go have fun!"

"Yeah." Adrien shook his head and set his jaw. "Yeah! Pollen, transforme-moi!"

--------------

Aristos detransformed as he landed in a nearby alley, hanging back until his friend's arrived. Pollen ooh-ing at the Cesaire's apartment building. Adrien's foot tapping against the concrete.

"You mentioned that Alya runs the preeminent information network on superheroes in all of Paris?" Pollen asked.

Adrien felt a twinge in his chest at the mention of the Ladyblog but Pollen's curious eyes soothed it. "That's a good way to put it. Alya gets the best videos," Adrien smiled fondly, "She's a little too cavalier about rushing into danger though."

"How industrious," Pollen praised. "And Alya is courting Nino, your bond brother, correct?"

Adrien hid a giggle behind his hand. "I wouldn't call it 'courting' but yeah. Nino's the coolest! He always has my back and tries to include me in stuff. Like now, actually."

Catching Adrien's giggles, Pollen smiled. Watching Adrien light up as he spoke about his friends was definitely a highlight to being outside the Box. "And Marinette?"

"Oh, she's so thoughtful and compassionate and I really admire her for standing up for others." Adrien rubbed the back of his head. "I'm, so lucky to have them."

Pollen floated a bit closer to him. "I'm sure they're lucky to have you too, Adrien."

Adrien's smile softened at her words, ducking his head a bit. Eyes flickering to the alley's entrance he spotted an unmistakable red cap. "They're here! C'mon, Pollen!"

Zipping into his pocket Pollen peaked out as Adrien ran towards the entrance.

"Bro, you made it!" Nino offered his fist in greeting.

"Wouldn't miss hanging out with all of you, dude!" Adrien bumped it with a grin.

"Adrien! I'm-" Marinette cleared her throat. "Happy you could come."

"Right!?" Nino wrapped an arm around Adrien's shoulders. "It's been forever, dude."

Pollen felt Adrien lean into the contact as his heart sped up, just a bit.

"Yeah... Missed you guys." Adrien smiled softly.

Nino grinned. "C'mon, I wanna see if we can beat Alya and Mari's high score!"

In the end Adrien and Nino held the top spot just long enough for Alya and Nino to take it back. Adrien may have had more practice at dance games but that was by himself. Playing as a team wasn't the same. It was much more fun!

Sneaking a piece of Mme. Cesaire's cooking to Pollen when no one was looking, Adrien held a finger to his lips.

Giggling silently, Pollen nodded as she accepted the treat.

"They're so in sync," Marinette commented as Alya and Nino mirrored each other's dance moves.

"You're right," Adrien agreed, smiling fondly. "Someday I hope I'll find someone I can share everything with...like they... do..." A pressure bloomed in his chest, expression falling as Adrien gripped his arm with his other hand.

Marinette's brow furrowed as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "Adrien, you okay?"

"Big finish, here we go!" Nino flourished his arms over his head and stood on one tiptoe. "Yeah!"

Alya laughed at her boyfriend's pose. Nino grinning at the sound.

"Ah, shoot! Did I miss the ballet?" A mocking voice called from the entryway. Alya's older sister stood there with a bag slung over her shoulder and boxing helmet still on her head.

"Nora? Is your match over already?" Alya asked, surprised.

Adrien tried to shake off his melancholy. It was the first time he met Nora, or, uh, Anansi, after all. But still he could only focus on every other word. Like Nora being a professional boxer. That was cool. Adrien wondered how different that was from being a professional fencer. Besides the level of injury, obviously. Maybe he should ask her-

"-can go with Model Boy if they want but you're staying here! It's way too dangerous!" Nora declared.

Wait, what? Adrien's mind sprang back to the present.

"But Nora, I mean, Anansi. You can't do that!" Marinette protested.

Okay, if Marinette was against the idea it was probably bad.

"Yeah, no way, dude! We're not going without Alya!" Nino crossed his arms.

Oh, they were talking about going to the Place de la Concorde! Adrien smiled to himself for piecing it together. Then frowned as he realized Nora -Anansi- didn't want Alya to go with them.

"Listen, I appreciate you worrying about me and all," Alya began reasonably. "But I'm not a little girl anymore. Besides, Maman and Papa are totally cool with it!"

Nora tsk, tsk, tsk-ed at her sister's argument. "There have been way too many akumatized peeps in Paris these last few weeks. Look how many times you've been in direct danger! So you're staying home, safe and sound, period."

"That's so ridiculous! The twins were akumatized right here at home!" Alya pointed out.

"Well, that would've never happened on my watch! I won't let anybody mess with my family!" Nora boasted, slamming a fist into her palm.

Alya gave her a look. "You mean like the other day at the square?"

Adrien remembered hearing about the M. Banana incident. Oh, he'd needed that laugh!

"Uh, er, how was I supposed to know it was just some stupid costume? And besides," Nora deflected, "what would happen if the Ferris wheel stopped working 'cause some akumatized dude refused to pay his fare? Once you flyweights can actually defend yourselves like me-" Nora released a rapid series of attacks to her hypothetical opponent, "-we'll talk about it." 

"It doesn't matter because Ladybug and Ch- Ladybug would save us if there were any problems!" Marinette piped up.

"And she'd have Aristos' help!" Adrien felt pink tinting his cheeks for including himself but he wasn't wrong.

"Oh, yeah? And what are you gonna do if that pair of bugs gets hit with bug spray? What'll you do then?" Nora challenged.

Nino stepped up. "I can protect Alya if I have to!"

Nora laughed. "Yeah? And how exactly are you planning to defeat the villain? A dance off?"

"I-" Nino's brow furrowed, eyes downcast. "I'd do anything to protect Alya."

Alya looked at her boyfriend. Not quite able to place the feeling Nino's statement inspired in her chest.

Adrien placed a hand on Nino's shoulder. "And besides, he's got me backing him up!"

"You?" Nora scoffed. "What's a baby handed pretty boy like you gonna do?"

"Thank you," Adrien was oddly pleased Alya's sister thought he was pretty.

Nora's brow furrowed for some reason.

Pressing on, Adrien squared his shoulders and pointed a thumb at his chest. "I've been fencing since I was three and I'm the number one-" Number two but Nora didn't need to know that. "-fencer at the best school in Paris."

"Oh, really?" Nora leaned down so her nose was mere centimeters from Adrien's.

Suddenly very aware of his own heartbeat Adrien refused to break eye contact.

"...Heh. Alright, Alya can go with you."

Adrien blinked, a smile blooming on his face. "Really? That's-"

"But I'm going with you."

------------------

Alya smiled tightly as Nora scanned the Ferris wheel for threats.

"Are you sure it's okay that she came along?" Adrien asked with a frown.

"Yup! No problem. Why would it bother me that my older sister feels like she has to chaperone me?"

Adrien patted her on the back in sympathy.

Alya sighed. "Still, thank you. It's not easy changing Nora's mind, believe me."

Rubbing the back of his head, Adrien's smile softened. "I had to back up my bro."

They glanced behind them were Marinette was making progress with a slightly sulky Nino.

"Besides, I... know what it's like not being allowed out."

Alya bumped shoulders with Adrien and gave him a grin. "Good thing we have you then."

Eyes widening, Adrien averted his gaze. Suddenly warm and fuzzy all over. "Yeah-" he grinned, "-guess so."

---------------

"I can't believe you got akumatized over this!" Alya exclaimed, masking the tremor in her voice with annoyance. Anansi, currently a badass looking spider, unfortunately webbed up the Ferris wheel's workings so she could more easily grab the glass bubble they were trapped in.

"Told ya it was dangerous, little sis!" Anansi leapt from the wheel to the ground-

"WHOA!"

-and grabbed Alya from inside.

"Alya!" Nino grabbed for her but his hand closed around empty air.

"Thought you said you could protect everybody, Blondie!" Anansi called down from her perch. "Come and get her if y'all aren't flyweights!"

"No no no no!" Nino bolted after the akuma, dodging the webs she shot back.

"Nino!" Adrien and Marinette called in unison.

"I'm not a flyweight and I don't need your help to prove it!"

Adrien stared after him as Nino crawled over cars to avoid the webs. Hand outstretched...

"Adrien we should find somewhere to hide!"

Shaking his head, Adrien looked at Marinette. "Right... Probably better if we go separately."

"We don't have to- I mean! Yes, absolutely! It's... safer that way."

I don't need your help.

Shut up! Adrien ran as his heart was squeezed in a vice. He didn't mean it like that!

I don't need your help.

Finding a secluded corner, Adrien paused and took deep breaths.

I don't need your help.

Pollen flew out of his pocket and hovered uncertainly.

Exhaling shakily, Adrien glanced up at her. "That is the upteenth time... Hawkmoth has ruined my day."

"... Then we should educate him on how valuable a king's time can be, Adrien."

Adrien wiped at his eyes, which narrowed dangerously. "Hell, yeah. Pollen, transforme-moi!"

---------------

Ladybug swung down and transformed back into Marinette. Practically running towards Master Fu's door. Worry Nino might do something foolish gnawing at her insides. Aristos would come, Marinette knew he would, but he couldn't purify the akuma without her.

And that meant, she knocked loudly on the door, that she had to hurry!

The Miracle Box was barely open before she was reaching for his ring again.

"Marinette."

Something in Master Fu's voice made her hesitate.

Clearing his throat, the Guardian continued. "This is the fifth time in a row you've chosen the Black Cat Miraculous."

"I know, Master. But it's the only one that stands out! All the other Miraculous blur together but Chat's- I mean, the ring, calls to me... Because I know that he should still be by my side." Marinette gave him a pleading look.

Master Fu sighed, looking away. "Be careful, Ladybug."

Face falling, Marinette nodded. "I will, Master." And took her partner's ring from the Miracle Box for the last time.

--------------

Nino was being an idiot. He knew that. Letting an akumatized villain bait him into confronting her head on? Total noob move.

Still. Turning back never crossed his mind. Nino had always been the protective type... Granted his protection generally took the form of staving off Adrien's loneliness as much as he could or reminding his little brother to share his toys.

But still! Nora wasn't wrong. Nino did feel like he could be doing... more.

Hence him 'fighting' Anansi with a random pipe he found lying around.

"Babe, your doing great but I really think you should let the heroes handle this one!" Alya called down from the web Anansi had spun between the pillars of the Arc de Triomphe.

Nino swung again as Anansi easily evaded his attacks. "Everything's fine!"

"Psh! You haven't even landed a hit!"

As soon as the taunt left Anansi's lips Nino connected with her face. His pleased expression fading as she turned her glare on him.

"... Heh."

Nino was sure his screams could be heard in the next arrondissement as he sailed through the air.

"Gotcha!"

The sound of whirring preceded Nino's sudden shift in direction. Looking up from the strong arms keeping him from going splat he saw yellow. "Aristos!"

"Sorry I'm late!" The Bee grinned. "A naughty spider trapped a buncha people on a Ferris wheel!"

"You're not going anywhere!" Anansi launched a strand of webbing at the Bee; latching onto his ankle.

"Whoa!" Aristos curled around Nino as Anansi pulled them to the ground. Taking the brunt of the impact.

"You're just a little bug trapped in my web!" Anansi leapt forward with her right arms cocked back.

Without thinking, Aristos rolled over his best friend, back to Anansi. Nino's eyes widening as he realized what was about to happen.

"NO!"

Anansi was yanked backwards mid leap. Landing awkwardly as Ladybug reeled in her yo-yo, which was tied around two of Anansi's right arms.

"Not this time!" Ladybug called.

Turning on the ball of her feet Anansi rushed towards the hero. "Finally! You show up!" Her fists crack the asphalt where Ladybug was just standing.

Leaping over her opponent's long limbs Ladybug set her foot against Anansi's back. Taking the opportunity to tie her yo-yo around a left arm she pulled tight.

"Hey! Let go!" Anansi struggled against her restraints, muscles straining.

Ladybug's grip slipping. "Aristos now!"

"Venom!" Aristos launched himself forward.

Right as Anansi wrenched Ladybug off her feet.

Aristos had just enough time to twist his top away from Ladybug as they collided in midair. Top spinning away from him as a black blur did the same from her. Landing roughly in a tangle of limbs.

Anansi loomed over them with a triumphant grin. "Ha! Got ya now you flywei-"

There was a clanging sound as Nino got his second swing in. The metal pipe bending in the middle where he struck Anansi. Who slowly turned to face him. Glaring murder. An I'm-totally-gonna-die grin on his face.

But before Anansi could literally tear him apart Ladybug leapt onto the tall supervillain's back and wrapped her arms around Anansi's head. "Get him outa here!"

The breath was knocked out of Nino as Aristos tackled him over his shoulder none too gently and bolted.

"Get off!" Anansi pulled Ladybug off and hurled her away.

Only for Ladybug to wrap her yo-yo onto a nearby lamp post and use her momentum to swing herself into a flying kick.

----------------

"Um, dude, I think we're safe now."

"Right!"

"... You can put me down now, dude."

"R-right!" Adrien put Nino back on his own two feet and awkwardly gave him a once over. There was a beeping sound from his comb. "You seem okay..."

Brow furrowing slightly, Nino pulled out a small, octagonal, black box. "Yeah, but Ladybug dropped this when Anansi sent you two crashin' into each other. IDK what it is but..."

Adrien stared at the Miraculous box in his hands, mouth parting in a silent exclamation. He- He knew those symbols.

"Uh, dude?"

Reverently taking the box Adrien took a deep breath and opened the lid.

A blinding flash of green light shot out and materialized into a familiar face.

"Well, it's about time!" Plagg said.

"Plagg!" Adrien reached out and cradled the tiny god in his palms. "I- Um..." He rubbed the back of his head. "I'm glad to see you again."

"Me too, kid." Plagg zoomed to Adrien's chest to give him a hug.

Nino gapped at them as the realization that Aristos was Chat Noir clicked.

"... Ahem, well enough of that mushy stuff. We've got an akuma to catch!"

Wiping at his eyes, Adrien nodded. "You said it!" A spark of mischief lit up his face. "Hey. Hey! Let's have Nino use the ring!"

Nino shook his head to clear it. "Say what now?"

"Someone has to use it and it can't be me! We have to give you back after." This last part Adrien directed at Plagg.

"... Well, we don't have to."

Aristos snorted. "Tempting as that is, Ladybug has enough on her plate without losing half of the most powerful Miraculous."

"Bit late for that," Plagg snickered.

"Be nice."

"I'm always nice!"

"Sure you are." Adrien pet Plagg's head with a fond smile.

"Wait... You mean... I'm going to be Chat Noir!?" Nino pointed at himself in disbelief. "He's- I mean, you're, my favorite hero dude! It sucked when you disappeared. Man, I- Hey, you alright?"

"Yup!" Aristos squeaked, blinking back tears that had no business coming this easily damnit! "Totally fine!" Clearing his throat, Adrien straightened his shoulders and offered the Black Cat Miraculous to his best friend. Another beep sounding from his Miraculous. "What about it? Wanna help us kick some butterfly butt?"

Nino grinned as he accepted the ring. "Hell yeah!"

---------------

"Oh, Teacher's Pet has some backbone!" Anansi shot out webs in rapid succession.

Ladybug sidestepping them as she retreated. Anansi was too strong to take on directly; she really hoped Aristos would get there soon so she could tag out.

"Is that all you got?" Ladybug bluffed.

Smirking, Anansi grabbed a nearby car and threw it at the Bug.

Sliding underneath it Ladybug hooked her yo-yo around the vehicle and spun it back at Anansi.

The supervillain easily dodging as she raced toward Ladybug.

Bringing her yo-yo up as a shield Ladybug used her smaller size and greater maneuverability to evade Anansi's punches. Even with all the arms she had.

"Hold still!" Anansi demanded as her swings got more precise.

Taking a risk, Ladybug leapt back. "Lucky Charm!"

Anansi aimed three fists downward and struck the ground. Concrete cracking as the force of impact knocked Ladybug off her feet.

"Ugh, ow. Hey!" Ladybug protested as she was hoisted by her ankle. The world turning upside down as her Lucky Charm was kicked away.

"I said-" Anansi pulled her arm back. "Hold-" Aimed up. "Still!" And pitched Ladybug into her web next to Alya.

Squeezing her eyes shut as the web shook with the impact, Alya popped one eye open. "... This can't be good."

"Ha! Gotcha! Now there's only one left!" Anansi hit her fists into her palms in anticipation.

"Well aren't you buzzing with confidence," Aristos called from atop a lamppost.

Head whirling to the sound of his voice the supervillain zeroed in on the hero. "If Teacher's Pet over there didn't stand a chance against me what makes you think you do, Bumblebee?"

"What's the matter? Scared?"

Taking the bait Anansi charged at him.

"At least he's got his top again," Alya noted.

Just as a new face showed up.

"Uh, hey girls." The new guy balanced on a staff that extended all the way to the ground. Wearing a mostly black costume with green gauntlets and boots that went up to his elbows and knees. A hoody with cat ears framing a face covered by green tinted goggles. The Black Cat symbol emblazoned on his chest.

Ladybug's face drained of color as her eyes widened. Unable to pull her gaze away as her fingers clenched into fists.

"Alright dude- er, Ladybug."

Alya gave the cat an inquisitive look.

"Get ready to drop!" Wrapping an arm around Alya's shoulders he held the other above Anansi's web. "Cataclysm!"

Ladybug fell on her feet as the web turned to dust. The unknown Black Cat descending with a tight grip on Alya. Forcing her thoughts to move, Ladybug shook her head. "We have to help Aristos."

"Uh, I think he's done du- Ladybug." The Black Cat pointed at Anansi in a frozen position on the ground.

She blinked. "Aristos?"

"Here!"

Ladybug spotted his hand waving from beneath the akuma villain.

"A little help?"

Ladybug rolled the frozen Anansi over and gave Aristos a hand up.

"Thanks. That was a close call-"

Ladybug's grip tightened involuntarily. "W-why does he have that?"

Aristos followed Ladybug's gaze to see Alya asking for Nino's superhero name. Who was puzzling out how to break Anansi's helmet without Cataclysm.

"That's Chat's ring!"

Cruel warmth panged in Adrien's chest. Chat's ring... "Easy, Ladybug." Aristos placed a gentle hand over her own. "He's gonna hand it over-"

Ladybug's earrings beeped. "Like you did?"

Aristos stepped back, breaking contact, as he scowled. "Lucky for you he's not me then."

Wincing, Ladybug tried to backtrack. "I didn't mean-"

"Sure, sure."

"It's just... The Black Cat Miraculous is the most dangerous one of all. If the wrong person is chosen to wield it..."

"I think I know my Miraculous better than you, tha-" Adrien snapped his jaw shut.

A vice gripped Marinette's heart. "... Your Miraculous?"

Aristos backed away as blood drained from his face. "Slip of the tongue." He pulled out his top, ready to launch himself away.

"Chat wait!" Ladybug reached for him but her fingers stopped just shy of his suit. Her earrings giving out another beep.

Chat Noir stood stock still as his Miraculous echoed hers.

"Wait! Just... wait."

Adrien's shoulders hunched as he kept his eyes on his shoes.

Ladybug's chest felt like it would choke the words down. But she swallowed down the lump in her throat instead and forced them out. "Are- Are you okay?"

Hand going to the back of his neck Adrien glanced up at her. "I'm... doing better."

"Come back."

He jerked ramrod straight.

"Please, come back."

The beeping became more insistent.

"I'll... Think about it."

And then he was gone and Marinette had to catch a quickly tossed Lucky Charm, a Bee comb, so she could call down Miraculous Ladybug.

-----------------

Stupid, stupid, stupid!

Adrien shoved the voice down as he made his way to Nino's. A question turning in Adrien's head. Aristos landed at his open window silently.

"Okay, so how is this gonna work, little dude?" Nino watched in fascination as the kwami ate triple it's size in cheese without gaining an once.

"Eh, beats me. Don't know what she's thinking but Ladybug always has a plan," Plagg said before swallowing another wedge.

"O-kay?" Nino didn't quite follow but it looked like Plagg was going to stay a while. "Make yourself at home?"

"Trust me, he'll do that whether you like it or not," Aristos announced himself.

Nino jerked as he spun around. "Holy sh- You can't sneak up on a dude like that!"

"Sorry." Adrien gave a rueful smile as he rubbed the back of his neck.

The movement drawing Nino's attention for reasons he couldn't quite place.

"So she left the Miraculous with you?"

"Yeah, how did-"

Aristos pointed at the Miraculous on Nino's finger.

He blinked. "Oh yeah." Nino pulled it off and offered it to Adrien. "Dudette said to give this back to ya. Said it belonged to you anyway."

Adrien stared, eyes wide, as his heart hammered against his chest. Uncomprehending despite the simplicity of Nino's statement. Just like that? Ladybug wasn't one to put something like this in another's hands. Wasn't one to bend the rules more than necessary. She was too stubborn for that. But she had. For him. For him Ladybug had said fuck the rules.

Nino shifted awkwardly on his feet as Aristos just stood there.

"A-" Plagg hiccupped green bubbles. "Chat Noir?"

"...Fuck the rules." Aristos pulled his comb out, letting his transformation drop to reveal Adrien once the light faded.

Nino's jaw dropped.

Adrien's hand going back to rubbing his neck. Not quite looking at his best friend.

Pollen gave an encouraging nod which Plagg quickly copied.

"Um, hi?"

"...Bro." Nino's shock melted as his lips began to tremble. "Bro." Stepping forward, Nino placed a hand on both of Adrien's shoulders. Squeezing hard as his red eyes watered. "Bro." Nino pulled Adrien into a tight hug.

Adrien's arms returning the embrace, his surprise at the contact fading. Burying his head into Nino's shoulder as his face burned with it's own tears. Adrien's legs giving out as he sagged against his best friend. Body trembling as he took slow, shaky breaths.

"I got you," Nino promised, holding firm. "I got you."

[ask-maxie-boy]

"I think its a good idea."

"Dick have you gone insane?!" Tim gives him a harsh glance over his mug, much less interested in the laptop he had been looking at.

"We go under cover all the time!" Dick nonchalantly argues, putting his feet on the coffee table. "Infiltration is part of the game! How is this any different?"

"How is this- Dick, its the Goon Union! Yknow, the union of people whos faces we've been beating in for the past… however many years!"

[This is part 2. Part 3 can be found here]

"And stealing bones"

"And stealing bones, thank you Damia- wait what?" Tim looks to where Damian was standing, only to see empty space.

"Aw c'mon Timmers, it'll be fun! I hear they have tee-shirts and baseball caps"

"Dick, if you come back wearing a Goon Union-"

"Goonion"

"A Goon Union baseball cap, I swear to god."

"its just recon! I'm not actually gonna join the Goonion." He waves a hand dismissively, while Tim's eye twitches in annoyance. "Besides, Bruce said he wanted more information, right? What better way than from the horse's mouth?"

"He wants more information on Danny, the unknown meta who we still cant find legal identification of any kind for."

"You really think I'm not gonna get a DNA sample while I'm there?"

"Considering what happened after my interview? Yeah, I dont think you are!"

Dick got his feet off the table, and sat up a bit straighter. "...What happened after your interview?"

"Well, I got some hairs, got a stealthy blood sample"

"As you do"

"And when I went to check them out, all I found was a note in my pocket that says 'consent is king' and a little frowny face."

"Oh so he caught you. Nice try Timber."

"They were still there 30 minutes after Danny had left. I didn't lose them until I was in the cave"

"...Oh. Shit."

"This is serious, Dick! What if our identities are compromised?"

"Well, in section C23 of the Goonion Handbook, it says that revealing legal names of other goons, regardless of importance of the person the name is revealed to, can lead to severe penalties."

Tim's mouth hung open. Dick raised an eyebrow.

"Dick."

"Tim."

"Have you been reading the Goon Union handbook?"

"Have you... not?"

"No I haven't been reading the fucking handbook! I've had a legally nonexistent meta who's been stirring up shit in Gotham's underbelly I've been looking for! I don't even know his last name!"

"Daniel James Fenton."

Tim blinks. "...Excuse me?"

"Daniel James Fenton. Its right there on page 2, he's one of the authors." Dick pulls out the cheaply-bound book Daniel had gifted them and flips it open. "See? Right there."

Tim stares at the page, the name clearly printed there mocking him. He reaches for his phone, only to see someone is already calling.

"Oracle."

"Ooh! Put it on speaker phone!"

"Daniel James Fenton, born April 3rd, 1990, in Amity Park, Illinois. Cant find any info on job history, nor a current place of residence. In fact, I cant seem to find anything more than a change of residency, and that was when he was 16. Either someone's trying to hide his existence, or this isn't our guy."

"Anything else interesting?" Tim asks. "Criminal record, notable connections...?"

"Seems like hes got some tow in the wildlife preservation community. Looks like he saved an endangered species by accident for a school project... Oh, here's something. Seems like he has some kind of connection with Vladimir Masters, CEO and Founder of D.A.L.V Co."

"...Dalv co?" Dick asks with a slight grin.

"Yes."

"As in-"

"As in Vlad spelled backwards, yes."

"Fantastic," Tim comments, somehow sounding like he had missed another night of sleep on top of what he's already done. "Anything you can find on that guy, and anything that can be traced back to Danny?"

"Not anything incriminating for either. Theres some talk about DALV Co's shady practices, but despite a fair number of lawsuits none of them ever went anywhere."

"Settled out of court?"

"Nope. Every single one has always ended in favor of DALV Co."

"Thats not suspicious at all."

"Still, we're not here for him. Other than the godfather connection, I cant find anything that would say he and Daniel have been talking."

"Damn. Another lead down."

"I'll keep looking, and send something if I find it."

"Thanks Oracle!" Cheers Dick, "You coming for dinner soon?"

"B's calling. Oracle out." The line goes dead.

Dick sinks back into the couch again. "Coward. She just doesn't want to admit she misses Alfred's cooking."

"And you dont want to admit that joining the Goon Union is a terrible idea," Tim counters.

"Goonion. And I know it is! Thats why I want you as backup!"

"No, I'm not joining the Goon Union!" Tim slams his mug onto a coaster.

Dick grins. "Would you rather me bring Damian?"

"I'd rather you not go at all!" Tim says, pinching his brow.

"It doesnt seem like your other leads are getting you anywhere."

"I would enjoy the opportunity to learn more techniques for submission, something the Goonion has offered for no cost."

Tim is a robin. He has trained for years. Tim does not flinch. "Damian, please don't bring your swords to the Goon Union."

"Daniel said he would be fine with it. They are 'tools of the trade,' as he said."

Dick puts an arm around Tim. "Cmooonnnnn, it'll be fun! Plus, imagine the look on B's face when we come to him with the union rep and like. Demand fair compensation."

"We are not Suing Batman as a Joke!"

"Why, because its money laundering?"

"Because its BRUCE, Dick!"

"I think Father could stand to listen to us more often. The power of collective bargaining-"

"Yknow what!? Fine. We'll go to the Goon Union-"

"Goonion" Dick and Damian cut simultaneously

"Goon Union meeting. But if any of us end up with a crowbar across the face, don't blame me."

Damian's eyes darken. "If someone were to attempt to strike me with a crowbar-"

"You will NOT retaliate, Damian! We will be in the heart of the enemy, we cannot possibly take on all of them."

"I can."

"He probably could."

"Not helping, Dick!"

@akikkobara @thegatorsgoose @addie-lover-of-stories @apointlessbox @screamingtofillthevoid @semiprofessionaldumbass @sailor-goddess @malice-of-the-sunrise @savaton

Danny Fenton goon union representative (dp x dc fanfic prompt)

At no point in Danny’s life has he ever turned down a challenge, even when he had to deal with opponents bigger than himself. From dealing with everyone from Dash to Vlad to heck pariah dark, he’s learned to take down people bigger than himself. So when he overhears that his nice father of four neighbors has been having some trouble at work and has been unable to get some time off, he figures it can’t hurt to try to help such a nice guy out. And it does go ok, all things considered; I mean, what if the guy’s boss was the penguin, and so what if Danny maybe had to show off some of his less-than-human characteristics to get him to agree to let the guy have some time off? Everything worked out at the end of who cares.

Well, when word gets out that someone is not afraid to go tow to tow with the city’s villains, someone’s bound to either take him out or hire him. And when word gets around that he’s willing to help get better working conditions for Gotham’s goon workers, their union could use a new representative.

So Danny inadvertently gets a new job, wherein he gets to meet many strange characters around the city and help many friendly working-class people with their problems. Interchange the goons help hide Danny from the bat, and his no meta-rule, even if Danny doesn’t know they’re hiding him. But this does cause some problems because people like black mask don’t necessarily want to pay for their goon’s vision care or overtime and refuses to adhere to any of the union’s demands. Danny, for what it’s worth, did warn the guy because, unlike black mask, he has the goon’s respect and knows that they will listen to him, so when he proposes a strike, they readily agree to his suggestion.

And with all of this going down so quickly in the city, both batman and the red hood need to get as much info on this new player before things get even more out of hand. But with all of the normal underground information channels refusing to give them anything, they are forced to schedule a meeting with not only the union but its infamous leader, which is good for Danny because he wasn’t sure how to get into contact with batman anyway. He has some concerns with the level of violence used to take down some goons. And well, when they have no choice but to work in this industry, they should, at the very least, outline a clear code of conduct for all parties involved to ensure the safest possible work environment.

[boomtowngirl]

So we're talking Paz tonight and how he's a little clueless at first in realizing that you like him. Even though you've been hinting that you like him and flirting with him and all, he still doesn't get it. Maybe you heard that he has a sweet tooth and you decide to make him something to show how much you care, like cookies or your special cupcakes. Whatever it is you make sure it's delicious and you even decorate it with little hearts. What does he do when you bring the treats to him? Will he finally get the picture?

You have no idea how much I’m smiling right now, Wiggles 😍🥲 sorry for taking so long, I wanted to come up with something really nice and special for you since you gave me some inspiration about the reader being force sensitive

This turned out much longer than I thought it would be, I’m not even embarrassed to admit that

Clueless Paz x Force sensitive Reader

Ok so, you two met when he was doing a supply run, the new covert he and the other mandos found wasn’t too far from your village

He was lost looking at the variety of fruits on one of the stands when you offered to help him choose the best ones

Usually he’d refuse help from strangers but there was something about you that put him at ease instantly

He’d help carry your groceries back to your place before returning to the covert

After that day he’d find every single excuse to go to your village

He’d even linger a bit in the places you showed him on your way back to your house hoping to see you

As soon as you enter the main square you see him, it was hard not to, he was obviously standing out from the rest of the people

He’d immediately start to mess with his data pad, that wasn’t even on by the way, to pretend he wasn’t actually waiting for you

A couple of months go by with you tiptoeing around each other, sharing a bit about yourselves

After a while you eventually tell him about being force sensitive and he was fascinated, loving to learn more about it

You even helped heal him when he was limping after a rough training session, even though he tried to hide it from you

One day, as he was about to visit you, one mando joked to another one that Paz was leaving to see his girlfriend, that’s why he even put perfume on before leaving

On the way to your village Paz would be slowly admitting to himself that he had feelings for you. Well, how could he not?

However he never actually thought you’d feel the same towards him. You’ve never seen his face, don’t know his name, how could you possibly like him?

He’d continue to visit you, sometimes bringing you little things he thought you’d like, a flower he’d never seen before, a sweet he baked for you two to share sitting back to back

Even a heart shaped pebble he found that reminded him of you

This time when he arrived at your door you had something for him, some goodies you wanted him to eat when he got back at the covert

Paz would probably melt a little knowing that you actually spent your time baking something just for him, even going as far as wrapping it in a nice little box with a cute ribbon

He’d cradle the little box of goodies as if they were the most precious thing in the galaxy and wouldn’t let others even breathe near it

The other mandos would see him entering the covert and rushing back to his room, a bolder one might even stop him and try to take a peek inside the box to find out what got him in such a hurry, only to be shoved out of the way by Paz

He spends hours admiring the little details you made, the hearts, even the note you wrote for him and that now has a home under his pillow so he can read it over and over again

That was so nice of you, of course you must do this to everyone you consider your friend, right? Despite being a little upset, Paz is still happy to be included and rather be viewed as a friend than as nothing, even if his heart beats for you

The next morning the covert’s Alor, a very old, but wise, mandalorian calls him to discuss some important matters

She asks him if he started to court you and when he intended your riduurok to be, informing him that the whole covert was excited to meet you

After being speechless for a few moments Paz tells her that the feelings are one sided and that you never really showed interest in him

The A’lor wanted to hit him in the helmet with her cane. She had to explain that the little details are important and that he should pay more attention to them

On his way back to his room Paz starts to analyze every single encounter you two had, the little things you said or did that went over his head at the time

Maker, he was dense. Realization hits him like a wild Wampa running from fire and he had to brace himself against one of the walls

He can’t shake the smile from his face as he makes his way to your place. His cheeks hurt but it’s the best pain he’s ever felt

After knocking nonstop on your door he sees your confused face asking if something happened

He takes a deep breath, ready to tell you how happy you make him, how he feels invincible when he’s with you, how your smile and laugh are the first things he thinks about when he wakes up and the last things on his mind when he goes to bed, how he loves to share the things that happened on his day with you and how he loves when you share yours with him. Most of all, he wants to ask you if you’d like to share your days together, as a couple

But when he opens his mouth, his mind goes blank. He doesn’t even know his own name anymore, or how to breathe

Next thing he knows he’s waking up on your couch. Yes, the huge, dangerous looking warrior fainted when he tried to voice his feelings to you. He’s ridiculous

He briefly wonders how you managed to carry him but then remembers the force probably made him weightless to you

He sees you sitting by his feet and decides to try again after apologizing for the trouble

As he’s trying to remember the nice little speech he had planned he feels your hand on his

When he looks up you’re already smiling telling him you know.

You’ve been trying to tell him you felt the same way for a while now but he never noticed

You were running out of ideas and the next one would probably be writing “I love you Paz” on your forehead

He’s so embarrassed he didn’t notice it sooner

But most of all he’s happy that you can finally be with each other the way you both have been dreaming to

Well 🥲 it’s safe to say I’m an emotional mess. I’m so happy they got together though, I was rooting for them since the beginning

[athys-obelia]

summary: no one's evil au lmfaooo but make it pt. 2

character/s: anastacius de alger obelia, claude de alger obelia, athanasia de alger obelia, jennette de alger obelia

and here's part 1 <3

oh my god okay. okay. so.

ana, claude, athy and jennette - they go on a LOT of vacations

claude complains every single time but anastacius pulls his trump card and sends athy and jettie BOTH after him

u think he's strong enough to say no after that? lmao jokes

and their vacations always go this way:

jennette: isn't this scenery just gorgeous, uncle

claude: indeed it is. and...quiet

jennette: ...too quiet

[cut to anastacius in the distance, fighting a bear as athy cheers him on]

athy + anastacius, hands down the most chaotic pairing yes i will not be taking criticism

they have tea in ana's palace everyday, just the two of them, they're so poised and picture perfect through the entire thing everyone thinks it's just the emperor giving profound advice to his heir

it's actually them deadass scheming,,, ana has no qualms discussing everything from court gossip to military tactics, both of which she's so on top of all the time

if anyone shit talks jennette or claude, this tea party is where their slow and agonizing demise is planned out to the dot

[true story - count sivan once made the fatal mistake of expressing his favour for athy as the next empress, dissing jennette by comparing her to athy sm which inevitably sparked a debate that ranked the princesses. a week after athy's sources informed her of the kindling behind this new debate, the count's sudden divorce became the talk of the town, and the man's business faced bankruptcy all of a sudden. the sivans still haven't recovered.)

athy n jennette were actually allowed to visit kiel in arlanta a few times, except it was too dark at their first arrival, postponing the meeting to the next morning

buttt then jettie can't sleep and she decides on a midnight snack run (their hotel doesn't really have the maids the palace does, but oh well. she's left the palace w lucas n athy plenty of times)

felix tags along btw, he knows this trip is important to the girls since they're leaving the palace without their Overprotective Papas™ for the first time and want some sense of independence, but... she's just so smol n he couldn't bear it if anything happens so he just shadows her

she totally knows he's there

n e ways so there's a juice place right beside their hotel which she aims for, but when jennette reaches it, it's closed

and out of nowhere, a voice addresses her - "hey you, do you come here a lot?" she nearly jumps out of her skin at the brunette, relaxing when she sees he's literally a kid around her age and not a murderer lmfaoo "me neither," he continues without waiting for her, pouting at the closed sign, before he asks for her name and whether she's new in arlanta

she confirms that yes, she's only visiting, and refuses to tell the stranger her name, still feeling strange at being addressed as 'you' for the first time (well, minus lucas, but he was like her brother and had the emotional capacity of a teaspoon, so)

he eyes her. "you're so weird. i've never seen a girl out so late before, and alone too. are you stupid?"

(felix has his sword out at this point)

she's flushing now and has no idea why she's still out here, but then this stranger kid apparently senses her mood and tells her the best ice cream store in arlanta is not too far away

(he also explains he knows someone who's starts doing weird things when she's hungry as well, and tries to defend that ice cream is actually a healthy midnight snack, "you can just take a healthy flavour like strawberry or mango, mangos are healthy,,right"💀️💀)

so jettie has travelled all the way from obelia, she loves her papa but he would have a heart attack if he found out she was ever awake this late?? yeah bc she's never getting this chance again, jennette accepts the offer

the stranger boy seems to be taking the whole "i'm not telling you my name," thing like a joke, and asks what he should call her since 'you' was getting boring

she goes with "lady j" and like a knight, the boy becomes "sir c"

(felix is on the verge of committing a crime - the princesses can only have one knight, after all)

they walk as the the boy navigates the streets in the dark, and she asks whether he's from the academy, seeing his uniform

"of course i am! you could probably tell bc i look so smart, right?"

she snorts. "yeah, that."

she also comes to know that this guy,,,well he might as well be a tourist? she's out here asking stuff like "oh where's the statue of lady alphia?" or "aren't we really close to the museum where they keep the first emperor's sword?" and he goes "lady do i look like your brochure?? but if you turn right from here there's a cool arcade and across the street from there is the best street food vendor you'll ever eat from."

well at least mans had his priorities straight 😌

"so can you take this off?" he asks, pointing towards her dress once they've neared the store

um???????? sir tf????????????

anyways jettie has been living with lucas n her dad farr too long to not take this the wrong way?? "...no?"

the boy raises an eyebrow "look, it looks like an expensive cloak but i promise i'll return it, alright? i gotta hide my uniform."

ohhhhhhh. 😳.

so she unfastens the cloak and because he's kinda just staring at it cluelessly (he can't even tie his shoelaces fight me), jennette sighs and moves the clothing over his shoulder, fastening it in place at his neck

he's literally a tomato when she looks back up and realises that yes, we are way too close rn

bc she's ana's daughter, jennette by default cannot function when she's flustered. so she kinda stumbles backwards like a fish out of water (years of princess training n etiquette? where art thou??) and 'sir c' has to grab her forearm so she doesn't bump into the pillar behind her smfh

the shopkeep is definitely suspicious of this pair that's definitely too young to be out so late, but chalks it down to his sleeplessness

they escape the store with the ice cream before the shopkeep can ask any questions, and 'sir c' escorts jennette back to her hotel. he climbs onto the roof of the building, helping her up as well

(felix wishes he had a magic stone to capture this moment, this is the first time he's seen jennette become such fast friends with someone)

she stands on the roof (it hurts her butt so she doesn't wanna sit)

"my sister would be so jealous right now," jennette murmurs, "she told me her ideal first date would be either a picnic or something like a moonlit walk. we're having like a moonlit picnic."

it's silent for a few seconds the boy speaks up, "is this a date?"

oh-

oh.

"i mean- i didn't- i don't- uh."

give her some time lmfao she's loading

"i don't really mind that," he tells her, and she thinks she might just walk off the roof in her embarrassment - who just says something like that?? "you're probably feeling really lucky right now, right?"

jennette: ✊😔

he does look pretty in the moonlight, she admits to herself, listening as he excitedly tells her about his siblings at home and how she should send an offering to the gods since they gave her the good fortune to be on a date with the most good looking one of all four of them

in turn, she tells him about how she spent her childhood away from her amazing dad and had gotten closer to him recently, about her sharp-witted uncle, her sister and friends

(the 'friends' section includes felix and he's melting)

she smiles - it's almost as if, at finding out he treasures his family just as much as she does, they've gotten a bit closer

and he tries to listen. jennette had guessed that his temperament was somewhat like her dad's - her dad didn't know how to listen, always making his opinion known before anything else, though she supposes as emperor he could do that

'sir c', on the other hand, tried his best, his blue eyes focused on her as he almost burst from the unsaid words he was holding back, trying to let her finish. the sight was an odd mix of sad and insanely adorable that she couldn't help but let him tell her about everything he couldn't hold in

sensing she could pass out from her exhaustion nearly half an hour later, and 'sir c' escorts her to her window and helps her sneak in bc "what sort of knight would i be otherwise?!"

(felix can't stop shaking the entire night)

the next morning, jennette's heart is pounding as kiel shows her, athy and felix across campus - the chance is low, but still...

"ezekiel!" comes a voice, and the four watch as a turquoise haired boy waves down the alpheus heir "are these the guests you mentioned?"

kiel introduces the trio to johannes vastia before asking, "where's cabel?"

"at the training grounds, he asked if you could bring everyone there so he could show them around there."

"... they're my guests though?"

athy is quick to befriend johannes (i mean she and his sister are practically the same person, so) and at the grounds, jennette's blood runs cold

(so does felix's)

the brunette doesn't notice her at first, arguing with johannes about something as kiel introduces him as cabel ernst

jennette is hyperventilating?? actually back up is this girl even breathing??

cabel ernst from kiel's letters? the 'loud and obnoxious cabel ernst', who gradually turned into 'my acquaintance cabel ernst', then 'hardworking, passionate cabel ernst', and finally 'my friend cabel'?

she'd actually rather admired this slow build of respect between her friend and the ernst boy, and had even expressed her interest to meet him

"this is the first daughter of his highness prince claude de alger obelia, princess athanasia-" cabel mock salutes the princess before his mouth forms an 'o' and he remembers to bow, "-and here's the emperor's only daughter, her highness princess je-"

andddd his eyes widen comically "-hey, lady, it's you?"

yeah jettie is on the brink of literal death - her entire face reddens as this...cabel, grins at her

she watches as he glances behind her, "and you're the guy who was following us - sup?"

felix flinches "...you knew...?"

cabel shrugs. "i mean you do kinda suck ass at the whole subtle thing."

"don't say it like that," jennette retorts, "felix was trying his best."

"princess 😭😭 you knew as well?"

"uhhhh no?"

athy + kiel in a corner: 👁️👄👁️

they watch as cabel's eyes widen all of a sudden and he just,,,runs away

...🐦...🐦...🐦...

yeah well anyway he comes rushing back a few minutes later, a piece of cloth in his hand "...*huff* here *huff*...you go."

athy totally flips out "jennette is that your CLOAK???!??"

"uhhhhh no?"

"um do you realise uncle would literally wage war at this."

and as if it would make everything better,

"i washed it," cabel offers with a grin

"you didn't," the vastia heir deadpans

"i mean, johan helped a little bit."

kiel smiles murderously at the pair. "johan, did you know cabel took the princess out?"

"wait, you're a PRINCESS??"

your honour they aren't very smart

so the group orders some coffee (milk for cabel smfh) to find out what happened, cabel mentions "date" and everything goes to shit again lmfao

kiel and felix scheme against poor cabel while athy n johan get over that stage pretty quick ("listen. MY sister will be living with ME after the marriage and if your friend wants to be with her he'll have to come with us to obelia." and johan's just like "fine by me ✌️😊") and start planning the wedding

cabel + jennette dip n sneak out of the academy again to get the juice they couldn't the night before bc shit is getting awkward here

on another note, our uncle cius' musical intelligence is actually very high - he can probably play more instruments than i can name tbh, but he feels most comfortable singing and i shit you not, this man has straight up an angel's voice

(didn't like singing in front of others coz he was secretly a nerd and only knew old love songs with deep lyrics, athy found out and educated him)

jennette tends to have nightmares often, most often regarding their family - she's seen her father murder her uncle for the throne, and vice versa, athy admitting her affections towards jennette were a front to get the position of crown princess, her uncle killing her to solidify athy's claim, etc - her family is her everything, so despite however many times these horrible scenes play before her, she's left sobbing uncontrollably

and on these nights, she leaves for her father's room, who holds her close and sings her to sleep

also lucas n jennette are like sibling duo# 1,,, jettie is an active lucathy shipper even though he denies it sm - like their dynamic is just peaceful walks in the gardens as she watches the plants n lucas shi talks the nobility and kiel

claude and athy have a thing for each other's sleeping on each other? idk it's weird

athy once fell asleep on the couch while reading with him, and claude moved her head onto his lap so she wouldn't be uncomfy sitting - well, she woke up to his hand absentmindedly raking through her hair and it was just so soothing that whenever she's tired and he's working or reading, she just plops her head on his lap and zzzz

and claude wondered what was up with that, so she proposed they switch roles and he felt so awkward trying to lay down in front of her lmao

obviously athy noticed and she just started reading, thinking he might be more comfortable if her attention isn't on him completely - she ended up reading out loud while playing with his collar and he just,,,passed out

also anastacius has definitely pulled jennette aside regarding the issue of his heir at some point - she had been hesitant at first before admitting she wouldn't like to be the empress at all

i know we'd all love to see empress!jettie and her sister duchess!athy ruling the court, but i really really really can't see her wanting the title?

so thus start athy's empress lessons, but holy shit her teacher is mean

like this man makes me want to bash his face in?? so he doesn't like the idea of athy becoming empress over jennette at all, all bc of both hers and claude's mothers being commoners

he has one of those long ass sticks that you use in presentation to point at stuff?? idk but basically mans has athy name every region, its lords and their vassals during their first lesson

the first time she gets one wrong, she's too shocked as the stick meets the delicate skin of her forearm to react

now the thing is, wmmap!athy would probably stand up against this bc her dad is the emperor and she's his only heir, but i imagine with anastacius' social nature he holds many parties / balls where she's probably heard claude's mom + diana slander and it wouldn't be unreasonable for her to be self conscious abt it (now she's the emperor's heir while jennette, 100% royal + noble blood, is right there which probably makes her feel even less legitimate)

so she endures it, the light marks on her arms as well as the taunts of his she's too smart to not understand - perhaps this is the price to be accepted in jennette's place?

and honestly, no one really notices until at breakfast a few weeks in, where jennette mentions how her dresses are still so modest when sleeveless dresses were more in fashion - ana is suspicious because athy is always on top of these things, societal trends and such, and claude is sus from the way she hesitates slightly in her answer, "i haven't had the time lately, i suppose"

the lesson after focuses on ettiquete since everyone knows she's good at politics and such already, but now tears of frustration are pooling in her eyes because what the hell?? this guy had made an opinion of her long before he even met her, so anything she did would be wrong in his eyes

he gives her a sinister smile, "tired, princess?"

"no," she insists, keeping her voice level. he's about to spout some other nonsense, when anastacius enters the room, taking a seat across from her

anastacius watches quietly as athy answers the teacher's questions in her "public" voice. he watches as her usually cheery disposition is replaced by something far more...dead, despite the front she puts on for him. he's soundless as she hesitates in her answers where she normally would've been louder, more confident. he stops watching in silence when his niece flinches at the sight of the stick

oh.

he interrupts her lesson, not missing the way she winces almost imperceptibly when he grabs ahold of her arm, announcing, "we're going."

he just- it's just that that was the moment he knew for sure - the sight of his niece emotionally disheveled for the first time reminds him too much of how his own brother had once been, and he'd... he'd promised he wouldn't let anyone hurt his family anymore

he ends up taking her to the port with some of his advisors to welcome some royal guests, insisting that she would learn better from experience rather than books - but the guest delegation gets so boring that he sneaks her out of the meeting n they end up in the streets

now athy has no idea where they are, but apparently her uncle does?? ana has his hand on her head as he navigates the streets of the capitol as if he comes here everyday, using magic to casually disguise the two of them

in the meantime?

felix is at the port trying to cover for them smfh, he makes up this huge story about how the great wise emperor wanted to familiarize his heir with the locals, understand her subjects, yada yada

back at the palace prince claude is currently dragging a man by his collar and only upon jennette's insistence does he throw him in prison rather than literally kill him

(jettie visits him later in prison to give the guy a piece of her mind, after felix's visit he's sporting a few noticable bruises and the prisoner is practically unrecognizable once lucas visits)

back to athy + ana, they end up stuffing themselves with some super good street food as anastacius confesses that yes, he has definitely been sneaking out of the palace ever since he was a lil kid

athy almost mentions that she, lucas n jettie sneak out too but that might give him a heart attack, so

"it's so pretty, uncle cius," she says, gesturing towards the necklace he holds up. once he's paid for it, anastacius fists the necklace, opening it to reveal the jewel pendant - now imbued with his magic and replaced with gold lettering of the word athanasia

and she realises that yes, that's what both him and her dad have called her all her life, haven't they?

"you're my heir, athanasia," he uncle tells her with a small smile, "i am proud of that."

getting teary, she tells him, "i'm really proud of you too, uncle cius," triggering a very flustered + blushy anastacius

this mans craves validation - not from the sycophantic nobility, or the obsequious concubines he'd dismissed all those years ago, but from the family he thought he'd neither have nor deserve

and just the acknowledgement is so large for athy - he wants her as his heir, not because she's his niece, but bc he trusts her to look after his hard work after him??? - yeah she's totally bawling her eyes out

anastacius magics her a handkerchief but my mans magic isn't that strong?? lmao he's used up so much by now that the 'handkerchief' turns out to be some scratchy tissues

awkward amirite

nope! athy laughs at that, offering him a sip of her drink as she magics another straw and a proper handkerchief lmfaoo

n e ways so when they return, everyone's shocked to learn that the crown heir, princess athanasia will actually be joining the official circles as anastacius' temporary aid - he doesn't wanna entrust her to anyone but family, and decides that the best way to learn is by his side

(she's so confused bc lucas doesn't normally bat an eyelash when she wears the prettiest gowns, but he deadass can't look her in the eyes when she's in her aid uniform - it's more like a suit than it is a dress)

yes lucas women in suits >>>>>

everyone is STUNNED when at dinner, claude proposes they leave on vacation??

anastacius is just not having it?? like no, this is not my brother, and he throws a grape at claude to check if it's a clone or sum (¿¿how does that work??)

anyays so he ain't no felix, ana's aim is ass and it hits jettie instead

mans nearly gets on his knees to apologise

long story short everyone preps for vacation, but by some aCCiDeNt claude n athy end up at a different destination than jettie n ana, when she suggests returning to the palace to regroup, mans deadass sulks

"so you wouldn't like to spend this time with your father, despite barely visiting my office for weeks?"

o-oh

so at their return, the nobility starts pestering everyone that the princesses aren't independent enough, yada yada idc so to quell this annoyance, to the girls' joy, they get to move into emerald palace together, while claude and ana stay in the ruby and main palaces respectively

literally emerald palace becomes such a cool place to be in since it's the residence of the only decent people in this family, the brothers spend hours going through the requests of maids who want to be transferred

it's such a busy time because of athy joining the court and jettie starting her studies as well - naturally, since she isn't becoming empress, she'll be getting the duchy claude + athy were to be given in the beginning

speaking of futures, jettie's interest in plants and cooking has definitely branched out into herbs

claude notices her tending to a small garden during his visit to athy and even gives her a few tips (he had been studying medical since he was a kid, and picked it up again when athy was born and the empire stablised somewhat)

this soon becomes a routinely thing, and he actually starts reading up on some herbs and even orders a few for her prospering garden

after a month of her learning from books, claude proposes adding a medic as one of her teachers, and turns out his hunch was right?? she's excelling at medicine and they keep it between themselves for the time being

it doesn't last long though, bc they're on a hunting trip when ana injures his leg

and !! this girl istg, she gets to cleaning and wrapping the wound without blinking an eye, as if it's the most natural thing ever, and claude is just smirking while athy and anastacius and literally everyone else: 🌟💞✨jettie✨💞🌟

literal tears coming out of anastacius' eyes "how come my daughter is smarter than me😭💅"

claude: that's not a very high standard, brother

anastacius: ✨suddenly i'm an only child✨

behold, the people in charge of running an empire everyone 👏👏👏

even though jennette is claude's (unofficial) student and athy is her uncle's heir, they both ask their dads to the debutante

yes athy does dance with lucas, anastacius sent him an invitation even though he wasn't a noble (he's an active match maker 😌) and nobody dared question the emperor's special guest

at the end of the night, kiel gives jettie a letter from arlanta - it's an invitation to the academy during holidays, from a certain brunette

when she brings up the subject, felix lets out a squeak and literally everyone goes silent 😭😭

athy n kiel are just out here DARING him to spill them beans

but anastacius takes on look at his excited lil kid and decides that yups, she's going to get everything she wants

a/n: i literally don't know how many parts this should have lmaoo but y'all made it this far!! thanks for reading i hope you liked it<3

[theangryjikooker]

what are your thoughts on tkkrs going crazy about them posting always at the same time?

That they should put more effort into noticing how Tae and other members who frequently post have posted "at the same time" and should therefore also be considered couples.

Also, always? No.

In all seriousness, though, it's a type of cognitive bias taking place.

Relevant-ish story time (and permission from client, who happens to be a friend of a friend, was obtained):

Client "A" had suspected for a long time that "B" was cheating on her with a mutual friend, "C," because it had actually happened once before. A's proof the second time around, however--other than her hunch--lay with social media apps like Snapchat and IG. Anytime B would post a Snapchat story, A noticed C's Snapchat #s went up and vice versa. On IG, B and C could go for hours without being online, but then A would notice that they were logged on within minutes of one another and then simultaneously, then they'd both have lapses in activity at the same time.

A's ultimate concern with her observations was that B and C were simply talking to one another. Her fears that an affair was again developing was materializing based on this very specific information she was consuming.

It should go without saying that this debilitated her in a myriad of ways, but it was also very unhealthy and obsessive. In any case, it turned out that according to the timeline, C was getting involved with someone else--"D"--while B was busy courting a completely different person, "E." So while B was having an affair, it was never with C.

The subject matter of the above example is so much more serious and possesses way more nuance (e.g., certain variables went unnoticed) than the suspicions behind two idols' posting habits, but I did want to point out how this kind of observation isn't all that unusual. You or someone you know might even relate heavily to this. "A" wasn't my only client to experience this kind of bias (she's the only one I know well enough to ask to talk about it), and she won't be the last.

It happens a lot.

So it doesn't mean anything to me when shippers notice things that appear only relevant to their ship. I can say I disagree with it and think it's a load of hokum, but what I think will hardly stop anyone from believing what they want to. Shippers tend to be blind to anything outside of their biases while logic takes a backseat, but that's part and parcel of the whole experience if you're that passionate about it. As an outsider looking in, I find the behavior odd, but I'm also not a hardcore shipper to begin with and have always prioritized the boys' connections with one another at face value.

I think a good takeaway to remember, though, is that there's no equal measurement of the boys' online activity, given that a few of them are relatively inactive--a.k.a. it's an unfair assessment. Social media posting habits isn't indicative of what's happening in their real lives. And I'm not trying to dismiss Taekook's potential or anything, but I wouldn't rely so much on posting habits as proof for them or any of the boys.

I mean, what message would they have to send by coordinating their posts?

"Hey Tae, wanna put up an IG post/story around the same time as me?"

"So ARMY can put 2+2 together and find out we're secretly dating?"

"Exactly."

The whole thing is just very silly. What I feel about Tkkrs' IG theory is kind of how I feel about Jkkrs' numbers theory.

[nothorses]

So I have a question/something I'd like your input on, since I feel like you'd have something interesting to say about this.

Anyways, some background: i'm in a child and youth care program in a rather left leaning, relatively progressive college, in a rather left leaning/progressive city.

It's actually been a very validating experience so far--I feel so much more accepted here then at my last school, which, while it was located relatively close to the city, had a rather more conservative student body and faculty. I had to fight for accomodation and acceptance, and I didn't end up going to my convocation since, when I had asked, they said they wouldn't call my prefered name when I'd get the certificate at the ceremony, or use the right name on it (they made it seem that their hands were completely tied, even though I know of other schools who've done this exact thing, incl the school I'm at now, without needing proof of a legal name change).

Anyways, at this school, i'm even having instructors I don't even know well going to bat for me and using their connections to get the help I needed when I was having trouble with my name being displayed wrong in the online classroom. Like, thank god for having CYC's as profs, right?

So, to my point: one of our classes is all about inclusion and anti oppressive practices. It's literally the name of the class. I actually enjoy the class a fair bit--despite classes being virtual, my class is sharing a lot and there's a lot of bonding and openness going on in the virtual lecture space. It's encouraged me to be open about my own troubles as a trans person, and people have been v supportive.

In a recent lecture, we start talking about the different terms of discrimination against various groups that face oppression (like, racism, albleism, etc). So she asks us: what is the term for discrimination against trans people? And I say Transphobia. Because that's the term I see most often, and the one I say myself. Apparently the Proper term now is cissexism (or cisgenderism?), and I got chided for saying transphobia.

I went and turned my mic on and basically said that I feel like transphobia is the term the general population is only Just started to take seriously, and the instructor argued that as we're in an academic circle, and as CYCs, it's our job to use the most progressive terms to move things forward, and that we shouldn't be conflating the discrimination trans people face with a phobia. Since, not only does it validate the fear of trans people, but it's not fair to those that have legitimate phobias.

I dropped it there, but I was brave and I asked to speak with the instructor after class.

During that talk, I pretty much said that it's hard being probably the only trans person in at least first year, and being visible and open as one, and having to be told the "right" term to use for my own experiences. She could relate, she said, as she's a black woman, and have faced probably similar experiences from white people correcting her on terms she uses for her own experiences. She did say though, as she's in the role of an instructor, it is her job to educate herself, think on what they're saying, and potentially make changes to her language.

But, she also said she can't speak for my experiences, and she won't make me change my language.

I was appreciative, and I talked about things I've personally faced, and how, even just 10 years ago, trans people were treated so frequently as a joke. Even on screen deaths were funny in media. I brought up that the trans panic defense was still considered a valid defense to use in court not long ago (and still probably is in some places), and someone won a case recently that way. Even just the term "transphobia" is only just recently been taken seriously, in my eyes, while before it was often brushed off as not a legitimate concern. Even when I was first coming out, I was told I was just confused, or trans people were just doing it for attention. I still face open glares sometimes, purposeful misgendering, fights with my sister about some of her transphobic views she refuses to question... And while it was hard to be that vulnerable, the conversation ended on a very good note.

I personally don't feel ready to change this language. But I don't really know if I was in the right to argue all of this. I'm only one trans person, I don't want to talk over those who've probably fought to switch the language away from "transphobia" as the valid term. But, i'm in an awkward position of being an unofficial spokesperson as the token trans guy in the class, talking to a lot of folks who've admitted I am the first trans person they've met. So, i dunno, i'm weird with conflict and I was wondering what you're thoughts were on all of this.

This is kind of a tricky one for a lot of reasons, tbh? And I have... a few thoughts. This is already super long, so under the cut it goes!

The first thing is that “transphobia” and “cissexism” aren’t actually interchangeable; they’re different concepts. “Transphobia” refers to bigotry against trans people or transness in general, while “cissexism” or “cisgenderism” is appealing to (or is) the wider system of oppression. (x)

That’s not to say those words are actually used that way in practice, because they’re not, and I certainly don’t use them that way every time either. Like you said, “transphobia” is the word people more often understand. When I’m writing for or talking to audiences that don’t already have a strong background in trans theory, I stick to “transphobia” for clarity’s sake.

But if you’re positioning yourself as an educational authority on the subject, and even going so far as to correct trans people on those terms- you should know that. If your question is “which term refers to discrimination against trans people?”, your answer is reliant upon how you choose to define “discrimination” in that context.

It’s also reasonable to assume people would answer with the first term if they don’t know both of them, and what she’s set up sounds like an unfair “gotcha!” meant to cow uninformed cis people.

And tbh, I take issue with that. There’s a great essay on this- The Cycle of Socialization by Bobbie Harro. The core of this cycle, which allows oppression to continue and encourages its perpetuation, includes confusion and insecurity: oppression is complex, and big, and people are afraid of taking a stand and doing it wrong. They are insecure in their knowledge and position, and afraid that if they try, they’ll get it wrong, and they’ll be punished. So they stay silent. What is that “gotcha!” moment doing except enforcing that fear and silence?

The other thing here are her reasons for using “cissexism” instead. She’s absolutely right that there is dialogue about what terms to use, and her listed reasons are informed and well-educated. I don’t know how I feel about the discussion myself, honestly, as I’ve seen it from the start and I’ve watched it play out for multiple years.

I don’t know if I agree that it’s ableist, part of that being that the “-phobic” thing was originally created as a “compassionate justification” for people’s bigotry against gay people (though there is the “-misic/misia” replacement for “-phobia” if you prefer). That’s still problematic for different reasons; like she said, it might validate bigotry as “fear”. “Cissexism” illustrates bigotry as enforcing a system rather than being honestly rooted in feelings, and that’s generally a good thing, imo.

But, y’know, “transphobia” is what people readily understand, and punishing people for using it is counterproductive. Using “transphobia” as a starting point for a discussion and an understanding is helpful, too; it connects these ideas back to what people already know. It meets them where they are. If you want to add “cissexism” to their vocabulary from there, please do! But that shouldn’t be rooted in shame.

I don’t know if any of this is helpful, but I thought I’d throw out what seemed to be the core of the issue to me, in case it resonated with you. If you still feel weird about the interaction, it might be worth it to address that with her again; she seems like she’s genuinely trying, and cares, and like she’s open to making changes. If nothing else, you might be able to sort out what’s still bugging you and address it as a feelings issue, rather than a language one, if that works better for you.

Good luck! And sorry for the super long answer, lol.

[r-romanoff]

Photon Blasts & Spider Webs

Chapter: 2

Peter Parker x Male Reader

Masterlist

Chapter Summary:

September, 25, 2019

"I don't know what to do ned. I mean I don't want to lie to Y/N, I mean I don't wanna spy on him either but still you get the point." I turn to him for advice after fully explaining situation. "Peter this is something that Nick Fury asked of you personally-" "through Happy." I correct him; "None the less this is a big deal and think of it this way, if you to actually become really good friends it would be in your favor. It's a win win, for his mom Fury and you." Ned tries to point out the brightside for me the, me still feeling the same since the beginning of this conversation. "Dud his mom is freaking awesome, I met her while saving the world! Also all I'm saying is I don't want an energy Blasts to the face if he finds out even if it is just for a month." I inform Ned on an other one of the countless ways this can go wrong. "That is actually true." He kinda laughs back. "Dude it's not funny, I could die. Wow I never thought I would ever die at the hands of spying on an other teenager." I realise how strange that would be for me.

"Hey you guys coming or not you've been in the bathroom for a while and Mj, Betty, and I wanna head to the food court first." I hear Y/N's voice as he entered the rest rooms he was wearing a red converse, a worn pink jacket that looks like it could have belonged to a girl, and normal blue jeans. "Is that a girl jacket?" I turn to see ned speak the same question on my mind. Looking back to Y/N for a reaction to be met with slight giggling and an embarrassed smile. "It's um, my sister's" he answers Ned's question. "Hurry up I'm starving!" MJ's annoyed moan bounces of the bathroom walls from the entrance Ned and I rushing out not wanting to irritate her any more than we probably had for the last 7 minutes. "So, to the food court!" I announce stepping out of the bathroom, ned right behind me. "Ok actually. I'll meet you guys there I have to take this it's my mom, it's very important to me." Y/N starts walking away in the other direction immediately with a small sense of urgency. Without a second to ask what was going on he was gone, disappeared in the labyrinth which was the mall. "Wow I've never seen anyone that serious about a call from their mom before." Mj says before completely seeming to forget about it and beins to walk with Betty to the Food court Ned and I not straying far. "Do you think he talks to his mom often, considering her profession." Ned asks leading me to ponder. "I don't think so, I mean she's probably always busy. Also considering how her work tends to take her far I don't think the commune so often." I lay my thoughts out. "Are you two gonna keep talking about the new kid behind his back or are you gonna hurry up and get to the food court." Mj turns to sulk at us Betty also budding in. "Yeah you seem pretty interested in him for some reason, it's kinda wired don't you think. Also kinda rude talking about him like I didn't invite him." She continues to avoid walking into people on our way to get something to eat. "No not really, he's just an interesting person don't you think." I try to make it sound as normal as possible not wanting Mj to think I'm weird, nor Betty. "What does his mom do anyway, you were saying." Mj says keeping the topic going. Turning to Ned I shoot him an expression, basically saying I don't know what to say because well she's an intergalactic superhero. "She is a... Lieutenant in the air force" Ned quickly comes up with, I quickly high five him after. "That's pretty cool I mean kinda frightening but-" "I'm Getting Chinese." Mj interrupts Betty practically running into line as we finally made it to the area of scattered tables and groups of other teenagers. "I'm gonna get sea food, we can all find a table in a bit." Betty runs off her khaki plaid skirt swooshing behind her. "Pizza?" I turn to Ned being my last companion. "Combination." He answers both of us making out way down the court into line.

Eventually we all finished grabbing what we're gonna eat and made our way to a large circular table probably meant for a couple more people. Then again considering Mj bought half of the Chinese food in the entire mall was appropriate. "And that's why they are my favorite fictional eco goth bad of all time, but if I had to choose a real one It would be nirvana, or the killers, or the third blind eye. Probably, I don't know I listen to a lot of rock bands." Mj finishes, "Mine is Led Zeppelin." I answer, "No Doubt, is my absolute favorite." Betty shares as we finally begin digging into out food. "Panic at the disco." Ned gives his opinion on the matter. "Favorite musical?" Mj presents a new topic "Heathers is the best, however I like the movie better." I answer. "Hamilton or Phantom of the oprah probably." Mj shoots back. "Annie just because it's a classic." Ned reason's giving some sort of insight. "That's a tough one. Mean Girls, Chicago, or Wicked. Top three!" Betty exclaims "Wow Mj, your eating faster then Peter." Ned shifts the group's attention to the burnett who had just finished slurping down a bowl of chow mein. Accompanied by an empty bowl of rice and orange chicken.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This was supposed to be chapter 2 if anyone remembers me, if you want me to continue I will I have nothing else to do during quarantine, so I probably might idk.

Ps this hasn't been edited so if it's bad forgive me

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