#BENEFITS OF MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM

[drewharrisonwriter]

Friends Without Benefits

Status: One Shot, Complete

Summary: Even if you don't believe it, Dieter Bravo is actually capable of having platonic friendships.

Word Count: 10.5k words

Warnings: strong language, heavy flirtation, sexual tension (no smut--can you believe it??), mentions of past affairs and scandals, alcohol consumption, references to Dieter’s reckless behavior, mentions of drug use, emotional vulnerability, humor, inappropriate jokes (because, Dieter!), legal contract about not fucking

A/N: Okay, I know what you're thinking… another Dieter fic? Yeah, I know—it’s like my fourth one, so clearly, the brain rot is real, and I’m trying to get it out of my system (seriously, I’m trying… sort of). I know I haven’t updated Lifeline in a hot minute, but we’ll get to that later, lol. This fic is a little different from the usual—there’s a lot more fluff and friendship stuff, but I really enjoyed playing with the dynamic of two people who could totally cross the line but decide not to (because, honestly, it’s working for them as is). Also, apologies for any typos—I tried proofreading, but doing it on my phone isn’t exactly ideal. Thanks for reading, and let me know what you think!

P.S. My laptop, which served me well for 5 years, just gave out. With grad school, the recent loss of my stepdad, and ongoing medical bills, finances are tight. I’m currently managing writing commissions and my dissertation from my phone, which is okay but really challenging. If you can help with a donation or by commissioning some of my writing, or just by simply commenting or reblogging, it would mean the world to me. 💜 Thank you from the bottom of my heart for any support you can offer. 💜🙏🏻

Read this on AO3 | Check out my Masterlist

It started with a rejection email.

Not the kind that offered hope for future opportunities, but the type that crushed your spirit in one curt sentence:

"We regret to inform you that your application for the Screenwriting Development Program has not been accepted."

She read it over twice, then a third time, hoping something had been missed. A reason, some constructive feedback, anything. But it was just a copy-paste response sent to dozens—maybe hundreds—of other hopefuls like her. She blinked away the sting in her eyes and put the laptop to sleep.

The screen faded to black, reflecting back an image she barely recognized anymore: tangled hair, circles under her eyes, and the lingering trace of a smile she hadn’t used in days.

“Whatever,” she muttered to herself. “I didn’t need it anyway.”

That was a lie.

The Screenwriting Development Program was her shot, her dream, the chance to step out of her day-to-day grind and into the world she’d always wanted. A world where she wrote stories that people would actually care to hear.

But she didn’t have time to dwell on it. In fifteen minutes, she had to be at the diner. She grabbed her apron off the back of a chair and stuffed it into her bag before heading out.

As usual, the shift was long. And slow. She spent most of her time refilling coffee for the regulars and plastering on a smile that barely reached her eyes. The rejection lingered like a dark cloud, reminding her how close she was to giving up completely. By the time her shift ended, she was so exhausted that she didn’t even change out of her uniform. She just grabbed her bag and headed out into the night.

The long walk up to her apartment felt heavier than usual. It wasn’t until she reached her front door that the next wave of despair hit her like a punch to the gut.

An eviction notice.

She stared at the paper taped to her door, her heart sinking.

“Great,” she whispered bitterly, ripping it off and crumpling it into a ball before shoving it into her bag.

Four weeks. She had four weeks to come up with the rent, or she’d be out on the street.

Later, she sat on her couch in her underwear and a camisole, trying to ignore the cold chill of the eviction notice that still hovered at the edge of her mind. The TV buzzed in the background, Dieter Bravo’s voice filling the small apartment with a familiar rasp. A half-eaten carton of ice cream sat beside her, its contents softening to a puddle as she mindlessly scooped the melting mess.

Hunger Strike was playing again. She’d lost count of how many times she’d watched it by now. Dieter’s performance was the kind that stuck with you, the kind that won awards. It wasn’t just a movie anymore; it was the movie that had put him on the map—had made him a star and earned him that Oscar. She didn’t care if everyone else had moved on to the next blockbuster; for her, Hunger Strike was it. Every look in his eyes, every rasp of desperation in his voice felt real, almost too real. It was like he wasn’t acting at all.

"We don’t need them. They need us!" His character was yelling now, his voice hoarse, raw with intensity. She could practically feel his pain, his determination radiating through the screen.

She wiped at her eyes, even though she wasn’t sure why. Maybe it was everything—her life, the rejection, the eviction notice looming like a ticking time bomb. Or maybe it was just Dieter. Watching him made her feel seen, like somehow, through all the chaos, someone else understood what it was like to be on the edge.

The credits rolled on Hunger Strike, but instead of turning off the TV, she did what any fan would—she went down the rabbit hole. The screen filled with suggested videos, interviews, and, of course, the latest tabloid scandals. Dieter Bravo was all over the place lately. She had seen the headlines—everyone had. It was impossible to ignore him, even if you tried.

She grabbed her phone and scrolled through Twitter, where his name was trending yet again.

"Dieter Bravo's Latest Scandal: Sex Tape with Male Assistant Exposed!"

"Gender Identity Crisis or Another Stunt? Dieter Bravo Caught in Love Triangle with Married PA!"

"Oscar-Winning Actor, Homewrecker? Dieter Bravo Linked to Personal Assistant's Broken Marriage!"

She exhaled sharply, half-amused, half in disbelief. Every few months, it seemed, something like this would pop up—another scandal, another explosion in the media circus surrounding him. But this one? A sex tape? With his male personal assistant, who was married to a woman?

It was outrageous. It was chaotic. It was exactly what you'd expect from Dieter Bravo.

How does one even make this shit up? she thought, as she tapped one of the articles. The details were just as wild as the headlines. Apparently, the PA was a guy named James, and he’d been with Dieter for years—right up until last week, when everything blew up.

An article excerpt says: "Sources say that the sex tape in question was filmed during a drug-fueled party at Dieter’s mansion. It shows intimate moments between the actor and his assistant, James, who is reportedly married to a woman. James has since left Dieter’s employment amid the scandal, and insiders claim the actor is ‘unapologetic’ about the affair. This is just the latest in a long string of public meltdowns for the once-revered actor. Dieter Bravo’s chaotic lifestyle has led many to question his mental stability and even his gender identity, as he continues to defy traditional labels."

She snorted, shaking her head. “Unapologetic? That sounds about right.”

It wasn’t that she supported his reckless behavior, but there was something about Dieter that always seemed to push boundaries in every direction. He lived like a car crash happening in slow motion, and yet, people couldn’t look away. The scandals, the chaos—they were just part of his public persona. But there was more to him than that.

She clicked on an older interview from the Cliff Beasts 6 press tour. That was the movie where everything started to unravel for him. The film was supposed to be a big comeback, but instead, it had exposed the man behind the Oscar-winning actor—drugs, sex, alcohol, and a level of unpredictability that no one in Hollywood could quite handle.

Interviewer: “Dieter, after your incredible performance in Hunger Strike, people expected another award-winning role in Cliff Beasts 6, but... that’s not what happened. Can you talk about what went wrong?”

Dieter Bravo (slouching, visibly tired): “Cliff Beasts 6... yeah, man, that was a mess. But, like, it was supposed to be a mess, wasn’t it? I mean, we were trapped in that goddamn bubble for months longer than planned, and by the end, it wasn’t even a movie anymore. It was survival.” He laughed, a rough, bitter sound. “I overdosed on camera, for fuck’s sake. People thought it was part of the documentary. Maybe it should’ve been.”

Interviewer: “So, the extended shoot during the pandemic—did that affect the film’s outcome?”

Dieter (rubbing his temples, shaking his head): “Affect it? It was the outcome. By the time we got to month six, no one gave a shit about the movie anymore. It was just about getting out of there alive. People wanted me to deliver some award-winning performance? Dude, I was barely holding it together. I mean, look at the film—Cliff Beasts was never about art. By the sixth one, it was just... noise. Star-studded, CGI-filled noise. People expected something big, but I gave them a disaster. Maybe that’s what it needed to be.”

Interviewer: “The overdose incident—was that something planned for the documentary, or did things just... get out of control?”

Dieter Bravo (smirking, then shrugging): “Planned? Nah, man, nothing was planned by then. I mean, the cameras were always rolling, right? So when I went down... they just kept filming. Thought it’d make for good behind-the-scenes footage or something. But that’s Hollywood for you.” He paused, letting the weight of it sink in before adding, “People don’t care if you’re falling apart. They just want to know if it’ll sell.”

Interviewer: “That’s pretty heavy. Do you think Cliff Beasts 6 was the start of your... well, decline? It’s no secret you’ve had a rough few years since.”

Dieter Bravo (lighting a cigarette, ignoring the studio's no-smoking policy): “Decline? Maybe. I dunno. I think people were already looking for a reason to tear me apart. Cliff Beasts just made it easier. It wasn’t the overdose that got people talking, it was the fact that it happened while I was making a movie no one cared about anymore. The sixth installment, man. By that point, the franchise was running on fumes, and so was I. But people love a good downfall, right? They see someone on top, and they wait for you to crash. They’ll stick a camera in your face and call it a documentary when really, it’s just a freak show.”

She paused the video, the cigarette smoke still curling from Dieter’s lips frozen on the screen. The words hung in the air, heavy and raw. It was no wonder the media loved to tear him apart; they were practically fed the narrative on a silver platter. His whole life had become the entertainment industry’s favorite sideshow.

She stared at the screen for a few more moments, Dieter’s face frozen in that half-smirk, half-exhausted expression. He was unraveling, and everyone was watching. Cliff Beasts 6 might have been the breaking point, but it wasn’t the cause. No, Dieter had been falling apart long before that.

In a different world, she imagined, she and Dieter could be friends. He’d probably laugh at the mess she just made, tell her not to sweat it. In another life, maybe they’d meet over coffee or work on some crazy indie project together. They’d both be swimming in their own chaos, but maybe that’s what would make their friendship work.

She wasn’t delusional; she knew Dieter Bravo was a celebrity—someone she would probably never meet, never know beyond the screen. But sometimes, when he said things like that, it felt like he was speaking directly to her. Like maybe, in some other life, they’d get along. They’d get each other.

Her eyes drifted down to the eviction notice sitting on the coffee table. Four weeks, it said. Four weeks to come up with the rent, or she’d be out on the street. It was hard to feel hopeful when every option felt like a dead end. And yet, watching Dieter talk about his own collapse, she didn’t feel so alone.

Her phone buzzed on the cushion beside her.

She ignored it at first, assuming it was just another bill reminder. But when she glanced at the screen, her breath caught.

Studio Callback - Screenwriting Internship.

Her heart stopped. A callback? After all this time?

Without thinking, she sat up too fast, the ice cream carton tipping over the edge of the couch and spilling melted chocolate onto the floor. “Shit!” she cursed, grabbing a towel and wiping at the sticky mess with quick, frustrated swipes.

It felt surreal. She had applied for that screenwriting internship months ago and had long since written it off as a missed opportunity. But here it was—another chance.

She stood there, towel in one hand, her phone in the other, staring at the message like it might disappear if she blinked. Four weeks until eviction, a job that barely covered her bills, and now, out of nowhere, this lifeline.

Her eyes flicked back to the TV, where Dieter’s face still stared back at her.

She picked up her phone and, without hesitating, replied to the message. Yes. I’ll be there.

–

The next day…

The waiting room buzzed with the same dreary energy it had since she’d arrived nearly an hour ago. Grey walls, uncomfortable chairs, and that humming fluorescent light that seemed to buzz directly into her brain. She sat on the edge of her seat, fingers tracing the spine of her portfolio, glancing at the door every time it swung open.

But this time, it wasn’t her turn.

It was him.

Dieter Bravo stormed into the room like a hurricane, sunglasses still perched on his face even though the room was dim, his hair a chaotic mess, like he’d just rolled out of bed—or maybe stumbled out of a party. His team trailed behind him, all looking frazzled and overworked. He barely acknowledged them as he flopped into a chair across from her with a sigh that seemed to carry the weight of the world.

“Well, this is bullshit,” he muttered, crossing his arms. “I’m a goddamn Oscar winner, and they’ve got me sitting in this dump of a waiting room like I’m some extra on a low-budget indie film.”

She bit her lip, trying to hide her amusement. She knew who Dieter Bravo was the second he’d walked in—who didn’t? His face had been plastered on every tabloid for weeks. But there was something surreal about seeing him up close, in the flesh, like he’d been plucked straight from her TV screen. Don’t freak out, she told herself. He’s just a person.

Still, the excitement bubbled up inside her, and for a moment, she just stared at him, feeling the shock wear off.

He caught her staring. “What? You think this is funny?”

She blinked, pulling herself together, giving him a deadpan look. “I think you’re acting like someone who’s forgotten what a waiting room is.”

Dieter raised an eyebrow, his mouth twitching like he wasn’t sure whether to be offended or intrigued. “And you are?”

She shrugged. “Someone who’s been sitting here for an hour. Pretty sure I’m about to merge with this chair if they don’t call me soon.”

Dieter snorted, sitting up a little straighter, like he wasn’t used to people talking to him like that. Not outside his circle, at least. “An hour, huh? That’s it? Try six months trapped in a COVID bubble filming Cliff Beasts 6. That’s real torture.”

She laughed softly. “Yeah, I saw that movie. Pretty sure it was a crime against humanity.”

He cracked a grin. “Hey, that movie’s still paying my rent.”

“Is it? Seems like you should be able to afford better waiting rooms, then.”

Dieter leaned back in his chair, adjusting his sunglasses even though they weren’t needed. “Touché.”

There was a pause, a silence between them that felt more comfortable than awkward. They were sizing each other up, like two kids sitting next to each other on a school bus, deciding if they wanted to be friends.

“So,” Dieter said, shifting his gaze toward her again. “What are you here for? You in trouble, too?”

She smirked. “I’m always in trouble.”

He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Yeah, well, me too.” He ran a hand through his messy hair, looking around the room as if just noticing how drab it was. “You work here or something?”

She shrugged. “Depends if they think I’m good enough to work here.”

“Good enough for what?”

“I’m a writer,” she said, half-smiling, but there was a vulnerability in her voice. “Or at least I’m trying to be.”

Dieter’s eyes lit up with genuine curiosity, which caught her off guard. “A writer, huh? You got anything out there I’ve seen?”

She snorted, shaking her head. “Only if you read stuff on Medium and Tumblr.”

Dieter laughed, the sound deep and unexpected, like he wasn’t used to laughing like that. “Tumblr, huh? So you’re a real writer.” He gave her a playful look. “What do you write? Fanfiction about guys like me?”

She rolled her eyes, but there was a teasing glint in her gaze. “Nope. But if I did, it’d be better than that train wreck you called Cliff Beasts 6.”

Dieter clutched his chest dramatically. “Ouch. Right in the ego.”

She smirked. “Ego as big as yours can take it.”

For a second, he just stared at her, genuinely caught off guard. He wasn’t used to people talking to him like this—like he was normal, not some Oscar-winning disaster wrapped in a scandal. She didn’t seem to care who he was or how many headlines he’d been in. It was refreshing, and he found himself more interested in her than he had been in anyone outside his usual crowd in a long time.

“So what do you do?” she asked casually, keeping the banter going.

Dieter laughed, a full, deep sound that made him look younger than he usually did in the tabloids. “What do I do? I’m a professional disaster. You haven’t heard?”

She chuckled, nodding toward the door. “I think you’re better at it than you are at acting.”

Dieter looked at her for a beat, his mouth twitching into a smirk. “You know, I don’t get a lot of people talking to me like this. Most people, they want to kiss ass or they just want something from me.”

She shrugged, her eyes flicking up to meet his. “What can I say? I’m not most people.”

He leaned forward, intrigued. “You like books?”

She raised an eyebrow. “What kind of books?”

“The kind that make people uncomfortable.”

Her lips twitched into a smile. “I see you’ve read Camus.”

He grinned. “The Stranger. Ever read it?”

“I did. Twice. Though I’m more of a Kafka fan.” She paused for a beat, her voice deadpan. “I like my existentialism served with a side of why is everything a nightmare and also I’m a bug.”

Dieter laughed again, clearly impressed. “You’re alright, you know that?”

“You’re not so bad yourself,” she said, her tone casual, but inside, she couldn’t quite believe she was having this conversation. With Dieter Bravo. Of all people.

They stared at each other, neither blinking, as if trying to see who’d crack first. But before either could say anything more, the door opened again.

“Mr. Bravo?” A frazzled assistant appeared in the doorway, eyes wide as they motioned for him to come in. “We’re ready for you.”

Dieter groaned dramatically, rolling his eyes as he stood up. “Finally.” He paused, turning to her with a smirk. “Don’t go anywhere, book lover. We’re not done with this conversation.”

She gave him a small smile, though inwardly she rolled her eyes. Yeah, sure. Like you'd remember me in two minutes, she thought. Dieter was famous for being distracted, for forgetting people as soon as he turned a corner. Everyone knew about his ADD—it was practically part of his public persona. He’d probably forget her name before the door even shut behind him.

Inside the meeting room…

Dieter slouched into a chair, his eyes flicking toward the group of studio executives sitting across from him, all with tight-lipped expressions. They weren’t here to chit-chat. They were here to clean up his mess. Again.

“Alright, what’s the damage?” Dieter asked, tapping his fingers on the arm of the chair.

One of the executives, a tall man with silver hair and an expensive-looking suit, sighed heavily. “We’ve already settled with James and his wife. They’ve agreed not to divorce, but we’re paying for damages—and couples therapy.”

Dieter raised an eyebrow. “Couples therapy? Really?”

The man didn’t blink. “Yes, Dieter. Really.”

The room was thick with tension, the kind that only came when the stakes were sky-high. Another executive chimed in. “The headlines are out of control. We need to distance you from this. Fast.”

“What do you want me to do? Apologize? I already said I was sorry.” Dieter’s voice was tired, edged with sarcasm, but underneath, there was a flicker of frustration.

The silver-haired executive leaned forward. “Dieter, this isn’t about a simple apology. You’ve gone beyond that. Your lifestyle—this hedonistic, Roman emperor routine you’ve got going on—it’s not just damaging your reputation. It’s hurting us. The studio. The people you’re supposed to be representing.”

Dieter blinked, caught off guard by the harshness in the man’s tone.

“We’ve invested millions in you,” the executive continued, “and right now, you’re a liability. There’s talk of ending your contract early. Cutting ties before you bring the whole house down.”

Dieter’s jaw tightened. “You’re kidding, right?”

“No,” the man said coldly. “I’m not.”

For a moment, Dieter just sat there, staring at the man, trying to process what he was hearing. They were serious. He was this close to losing everything.

Another voice chimed in—his publicist, trying to smooth things over. “We’re not saying it’s over, Dieter. But we need to fix this. Charities. Positive press. You need to lay low for a while.”

The executive nodded. “No public appearances, no parties. We’re going to find some charity work for you, get the public to see a new side of you. You’re going to disappear for a bit. When you come back, you’ll be better. Clean. Understood?”

Dieter clenched his fists, the frustration boiling beneath the surface. “Yeah, sure. Whatever you need.”

“And we’ll get you a new PA,” his publicist added. “Someone who can keep you grounded. Keep you out of trouble, hopefully, someone you could not fuck.”

Dieter waved them off, already bored with the conversation. His mind drifted back to the waiting room, to the girl sitting across from him, trading quips like they were old friends. At least she’s interesting, he thought.

Back in the waiting room…

She sat there, slumped in her chair, staring blankly at the wall. The interview hadn’t gone well. She hadn’t gotten the job. The casting director had been polite but distant, and she could tell by their expression that they already had someone else in mind. Her stomach twisted with disappointment.

No extra job. No extra paycheck. And no way to make rent by the end of the month.

She stared down at her portfolio, feeling the weight of her failure settle in. She’d have to start packing soon. Maybe call her mom, tell her she was coming home. She could already imagine the conversation.

“We told you so,” her mom would say. “You should’ve gone into nursing. Writing was never going to pay the bills.”

Her stepdad would nod in agreement, disappointed but unsurprised. “Creative writing? Really?” he’d say. “What did you think would happen?”

She swallowed the lump in her throat, trying not to think about it. But the thoughts kept coming, relentless. She’d have to pack up, move back home, admit defeat.

God, I’m such a screw-up.

The door creaked open, and Dieter stepped out, glancing around. His entourage had already disappeared down the hall, leaving him standing alone for once. He spotted her instantly.

“Still here?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

She forced a small smile, shrugging. “Didn’t get the job.”

Dieter nodded, slipping his hands into his pockets. “Yeah, well... my meeting sucked too. They’ve decided I’m officially the next Caligula.”

She snorted. “That bad?”

“Worse,” he said, shaking his head. He stood there for a beat, looking around the room, then back at her. “You know what? Screw this. Let’s go grab a drink.”

She blinked, surprised. “What?”

“I’m serious,” Dieter said, eyes glinting with that familiar mix of mischief and exhaustion. “I need a drink. You’re funny. Let’s go.”

She stared at him, unsure if he was joking or not. But he wasn’t. She could see it in his eyes—he was serious.

“You buying?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Dieter grinned. “I’m an Oscar winner. Drinks are always on me.”

She hesitated for a moment, then slowly stood up, tucking her portfolio under her arm. “Alright, Bravo. Let’s see if you can keep up.”

He smirked, leading the way. “Baby, you don’t know who you’re talking to.”

–

The black Audi’s engine purred as Dieter navigated the dim streets, his phone vibrating endlessly in the cupholder. Text after text, call after call—all from his team. They were probably losing their minds, wondering where he’d disappeared to. He glanced at the notifications, scoffing, and shoved the phone further out of reach.

“So,” she said, glancing at him from the passenger seat, “do you do this often?”

Dieter smirked, keeping his eyes on the road. “Do what?”

“Pick up random strangers and ask them to grab drinks with you.”

He laughed, the sound low and lazy. “No, I mean, I pick up random strangers... just not usually for drinks.”

She chuckled. “Well, you should probably get better at vetting your strangers. I could be a serial killer, you know.”

Dieter shot her a quick glance, grinning. “Even better. Might actually enjoy being murdered by you.”

She snorted, shaking her head. “You really are a disaster, aren’t you?”

“Disaster, masochist, artist... depends on the day.” He glanced over at her, eyes twinkling with mischief. “You’ve got a hell of a sense of humor, though. I like it.”

“And here I thought you were the sadist for thinking being murdered sounds fun.”

“Nope.” Dieter grinned. “Definitely a masochist. But don’t let that scare you off.”

She smirked, leaning back in her seat. “Too late. I’m terrified now.”

They drove in comfortable silence for a while, the city lights flickering through the tinted windows, casting shadows on Dieter’s face. It felt surreal, sitting in the passenger seat of Dieter Bravo’s car, heading to God-knows-where. But she didn’t feel uneasy. In fact, she felt strangely comfortable. It was weird how easily they’d fallen into this rhythm, like they’d known each other for years.

“So,” she asked, breaking the silence, “where exactly are we getting these drinks?”

Dieter’s smirk grew as he pulled into a parking garage, winding his way up to the fifth floor. “Here.”

“Here?” she echoed, raising an eyebrow.

Dieter parked the car, and without another word, led her to the elevator. When the doors slid open, she was met with the sleek interior of his penthouse. Glass walls, dark furniture, and a view of the city that stretched on forever.

“Oh,” she said, stepping inside, taking it all in. “I thought we were going to a bar or something.”

Dieter chuckled, locking the door behind them. “Yeah, well, I’ve been told not to be seen in public too much for a while. You know... the whole ‘clean up the image’ thing.”

She turned, leaning against the counter, a smirk tugging at her lips. “Right. The scandal.”

He shrugged. “Yeah, that.”

She tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes. “So, should I be worried now? You could be the serial killer. I didn’t tell anyone where I’m going.”

Dieter grinned, moving toward the bar in the corner of the room. “Well, if I am, at least you’ll die with a good drink in your hand.”

Dieter’s penthouse bar looked like it had been pulled straight out of a high-end hotel. Polished wood, rows of bottles perfectly lined up, and a set of cocktail tools that would make any bartender proud.

He moved behind the bar with a familiar ease, pulling out a few bottles and setting them on the counter. “What’s your poison?”

“Vodka, Negroni... surprise me.”

“You got it.” He started mixing, moving around the bar like he’d done it a thousand times. She followed suit, sliding behind the bar beside him, the space between them feeling natural.

As they worked, they fell into a rhythm, like two old friends who’d done this countless times before. It was easy, the way they passed bottles back and forth, the clink of ice in glasses punctuating their conversation.

“So,” she said, shaking her drink, “you always this smooth with your guests, or am I special?”

Dieter smirked. “You’re special. I don’t let just anyone behind the bar.” He watched her expertly pour out the drink, nodding in approval. “You’ve got skills.”

She chuckled. “I bartend. Well, I used to, now I just work at a diner, but it counts.”

He laughed. “I used to bartend, too. Before all this.” He gestured vaguely to his sprawling penthouse. “I kinda miss it.”

“Miss what? Making drinks for drunk people at 2 a.m.?”

He shook his head, grinning. “No, the simplicity of it. The quiet moments before the rush. And, I guess, the people. You get to talk to all kinds of weirdos.”

She handed him the cocktail she’d just mixed, and he took a sip, his eyebrows raising in surprise. “Not bad. Actually, really good.”

She smiled, taking a sip of his creation in return. “Yours isn’t half bad either, weirdo.”

He snorted as he finished drinking, “Looks like we’ve both still got it.”

They clinked their glasses, a quiet laugh shared between them.

–

They moved to the couches near the window, drinks in hand, and the night outside stretched on in glittering silence. It was one of those rare moments when the city was alive, but they were in their own little world, insulated by glass and a few too many drinks.

She stretched out on the couch, swirling the last of her drink in the glass. “So, this is what it’s like, huh? Being Dieter Bravo. A penthouse with a killer view and a bar that puts most cocktail lounges to shame.���

Dieter leaned back, grinning. “You sound impressed.”

She tilted her head. “I mean, it’s nice. But I’m not that impressed.”

He snorted. “Figures. I’ve gotta work harder to impress you, huh?”

“You said it, not me.”

There was a beat of silence before he broke it. “So, what’s the story? Why’re you still working at a diner when you’re clearly way too smart for that?”

She shrugged, taking a sip. “You make it sound like I had a choice. You think I want to be a waitress?”

“No, but...” He trailed off, clearly thinking. “I don’t know. You strike me as someone who should be... doing more.”

She arched an eyebrow. “More, like what? Writing fanfiction for Cliff Beasts 7?”

Dieter laughed, the sound filling the space. “God, no. Please, spare me.”

She grinned. “It’s not for lack of trying. I just... haven’t found my place yet. It’s not as easy as, ‘Hey, I’m talented, someone notice me.’” She shook her head, her voice growing quieter. “It’s a lot of failing. Mostly failing.”

Dieter nodded, leaning back in his seat, his expression more serious now. “I get that.”

“Do you?” she asked, her voice softer but still edged with sarcasm. “Because from where I’m sitting, you’re pretty damn successful.”

Dieter looked at her, really looked at her this time. “You think success means you stop failing?”

She didn’t answer, watching him with curiosity.

He set his drink down and ran a hand through his hair. “You fail more when you’re successful. Trust me. People are just waiting for you to screw up. And when you do... they’re there to watch you burn.”

“You’re talking about the scandal.”

He nodded, taking another sip. “It’s not just the scandal. It’s everything. There’s always someone out there with a camera, waiting for you to mess up. They don’t care about what you do right. Just the crash.”

“So you’re saying you’re a slow-motion car crash?” she asked, her tone dry.

He smirked, nodding. “Exactly. A car crash people pay to watch.”

She stared at him for a moment, her mind working through his words. “That’s... kind of tragic.”

Dieter raised an eyebrow, his grin fading. “It is, isn’t it?”

They both went quiet, the weight of his words settling between them. But then she leaned forward, her eyes narrowing playfully. “You ever think about, I don’t know... getting out of the car? Stopping the crash?”

He barked a laugh, shaking his head. “And do what? Go back to bartending? Give up the Oscar for a shaker and ice?”

“Maybe.” She shrugged, her voice light but serious underneath. “Or maybe just... do something real. Something that’s not about everyone else’s expectations.”

Dieter looked at her for a long moment, something in his expression shifting, like he was seeing her in a new light. “You really believe that, don’t you?”

She nodded. “I do. Look, I might not be some hotshot writer, but I’ve always believed that what matters is the stuff that’s real. The art you make when no one’s watching. The stuff people don’t get to tear apart.”

“Yeah, but the problem is, everyone’s watching.”

She leaned back, crossing her arms. “So maybe that’s their problem.”

Dieter laughed, and this time it wasn’t the careless, guarded kind of laugh he usually gave. It was genuine. “You’ve got a point.”

“Of course I do. I’m always right.”

“Okay, Camus,” he teased, rolling his eyes. “You’re officially hired as my life coach.”

She leaned back, eyes glinting with mischief. “I don’t know if you could afford me.”

Dieter snorted, swirling his drink. “How expensive are you?” he asked, playful but intrigued.

She paused, pretending to consider it for a moment. “Depends… do you personally know Gérard Depardieu?”

Dieter grimaced, raising an eyebrow as he took another sip. “Gérard Depardieu?” He repeated, blinking in confusion.

She nodded, downing the rest of her drink in two big gulps, the alcohol warming her throat. “What? You don’t know him?”

“I mean, I do, but wow...” He let out a low whistle, shaking his head with a chuckle. “That’s a... pretty weird choice.”

“Well, what can I say? I like them like that.” She shrugged, her expression completely serious as she set her glass down.

Dieter threw his head back, laughing harder than he had all night. It was loud, unfiltered, and completely genuine, the kind of laugh that came when he wasn’t performing for anyone.

“You’re a trip, you know that?” he said, still grinning as he wiped at his eyes. “Gérard Depardieu. Damn. Haven’t thought about that guy in years.”

She raised an eyebrow. “What, are you saying you don’t have weird celebrity crushes?”

He tilted his head, considering the question for a second. “I mean... I am the weird celebrity crush.”

She rolled her eyes, but a smirk tugged at her lips. “How humble of you.”

“Hey, I’m just saying,” he replied, taking a sip of his drink. “You should hear the shit people say about me online. I’ve been everything from someone’s ‘gay awakening’ to someone’s inappropriate uncle.”

She snorted into her drink, barely containing her laughter. “Jesus. People are wild.”

Dieter smirked, leaning forward with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “So, c’mon. Who else you got? Who’s on your weird celebrity crush list? Lay it on me.”

She took a slow sip of her drink, savoring the moment, then said with a completely straight face, “Willem Dafoe.”

Dieter almost choked on his drink, eyes widening in disbelief as he stared at her like she’d just told him she was into cryptids. “Dafoe? Willem Dafoe?”

“Yeah,” she said, completely deadpan. “What’s wrong with Dafoe?”

He blinked, still recovering from nearly spitting his drink out. “I mean, nothing’s wrong with him, but... wow, that’s... unexpected.”

She shrugged, taking another sip of her drink. “I already shocked you with Depardieu. What were you expecting? Besides, Dafoe... he’s got range.” She gave him a wicked grin and added, “Plus, you know he’s freaky in bed.”

Dieter let out a loud bark of laughter, nearly doubling over. “Holy shit... you’re a freak. A true freak.”

She raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

“Oh no, it’s definitely not a bad thing,” he said, still chuckling as he reached over to refill her glass. “I’ve met some freaks in my time, but this? This is different. I like it.”

She eyed the freshly poured drink, tilting her head. “Not sure if I should feel good about that comment.”

Dieter grinned, clinking his glass against hers. “You should. Trust me.”

They both chuckled, the easy, playful energy between them lightening the mood even more. But then Dieter leaned back, giving her an amused look. “You know, I actually know Willem.”

Her eyes widened, her curiosity piqued. “No way. You know him?”

Dieter nodded, taking a slow sip. “Yeah. Great guy. Not as intense as his characters would make you think. Really down to earth. Freaky in his own way, sure, but... I get it. I guess I see what you see in him.”

She smiled, leaning back. “Well, that’s comforting.”

Then she paused, glancing down at her drink before adding, “I actually met him once. Worked as an assistant on a theater production he starred in a couple of years ago.”

Dieter’s eyes lit up. “No way. Seriously?”

“Yeah, seriously,” she said, nodding. “It was this small indie thing in New York. I wasn’t his assistant or anything, just part of the general crew, but I did get to work around him a bit. He’s... different, in a good way.”

Dieter leaned forward, intrigued. “Okay, now you’ve really got my attention. You’ve done PA work before?”

She shook her head, swirling the ice in her glass. “Not really. That was more of a part-time gig while I was in school. I applied for a real PA job a few years back, but it didn’t exactly go well.”

Dieter’s brow furrowed. “What happened?”

She sighed, her smirk fading as she stared down at her drink. “Well, I got all the way through the interviews, and then the celebrity—someone old-school—told me I was too chubby to work for them. Said I wouldn’t look good in photographs.”

Dieter’s face immediately twisted into a mix of shock and disgust. “Wait, what? Are you kidding me?”

“Nope,” she said, the bitterness in her voice barely masked by the nonchalance she was trying to project. “I didn’t even bother applying for PA jobs after that. Figured it wasn’t worth the hassle.”

Dieter shook his head, clearly appalled. “That’s... Jesus. I mean, I get that people in this industry are eccentric as hell, but that’s way too much. Who the hell cares what you look like in photos? You’re supposed to be doing a job, not starring in the damn pictures.”

She shrugged, a small, sad smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah, well, some people care. Guess I wasn’t the image they wanted.”

Dieter looked at her, his expression softening with empathy. “That’s seriously messed up. I’m sorry you went through that.”

She waved him off, smiling more genuinely this time. “It’s fine. Honestly, it was a while ago. I just stuck to writing and waitressing after that.”

“Well, for what it’s worth,” Dieter said, leaning forward, “that guy was a complete idiot. You’d make a damn good PA.”

She laughed softly, shaking her head. “Thanks. But I think I’m done with that world.”

Dieter studied her for a moment, then raised his glass in a small toast. “Well, here’s to not being the kind of asshole who judges people by how they look in photos.”

She clinked her glass against his, smiling again. “I’ll drink to that.”

The conversation lingered in the air after their laughter died down, a comfortable silence settling over them. She leaned back against the couch, her gaze drifting to the massive windows overlooking the city, the skyline glittering like a distant dream.

“Gotta say,” she began, her voice soft but still playful, “this penthouse is... something else. It’s almost too perfect, though. Feels more like a set than a home.”

Dieter glanced around the room, smirking faintly. “Yeah, that’s because it’s not home.”

She raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “It’s not?”

He shook his head, swirling the last of his drink. “Nah. It’s just a place I own. I use it for... all the shit you probably hear about in the tabloids.”

She snorted, leaning in. “You mean the orgies and sex scandals?”

“Pretty much.” Dieter chuckled, but there was something more behind the laughter. His expression softened as he set the glass down on the table. “It’s not where I live. My real home is out in Sherman Oaks.”

She tilted her head, surprised. “Sherman Oaks?”

“Yeah,” he said, his voice quieter now. “It’s an actual house. Big, built for a family, but too large for just me. I don’t bring anyone there. Not my... conquests, not my parties. Just me. I paint there, you know? I’ve got this studio in the back, and when the world gets too loud, that’s where I go. It’s the only place I feel... I don’t know, settled.”

Her eyes softened as she listened. She hadn’t expected this level of honesty from him, but the vulnerability in his voice was unmistakable. “That sounds... nice, actually. Quiet.”

“It is,” he agreed, his gaze distant, as if he could picture the house in his mind. “But the silence can get too loud sometimes. Especially now that I’m older. That’s when I come back here. The penthouse. To drown it out.”

She frowned slightly, her fingers tracing the edge of her glass. “The silence?”

Dieter nodded, exhaling softly. “Yeah. You wouldn’t think silence could be so damn loud, but it is. Especially when you’re used to everything being... chaotic.”

She didn’t respond immediately, just watched him, the weight of his words sinking in. There was a loneliness there, one that no amount of parties, conquests, or tabloid headlines could fill. It wasn’t just about being alone—it was about being seen. About finding a place where the chaos didn’t define him.

She took a breath, her tone gentle but sure. “You don’t strike me as someone who likes the noise. Not really.”

Dieter blinked, turning his gaze back to her. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, people see the chaos, the headlines, the scandals. But I don’t think that’s really you.” She paused, her voice steady. “You’ve got a whole world inside you that no one bothers to look at. You’re not just the guy who parties and ends up in the tabloids. You’re more than that.”

His eyes flickered with something—surprise, maybe, or recognition. He opened his mouth to say something, but she continued before he could.

“They don’t see the parts of you that matter. The parts that create, that make something out of all this mess. The fact that you’ve got a studio and you paint—that tells me a lot. You’re more than just an actor, Dieter. You’re an artist. And not because you say so, but because you are.”

For a moment, Dieter just stared at her, as if her words had landed somewhere deeper than he’d expected. She was looking at him like no one had in years. Not like a star, not like the scandalized mess the world saw. She saw him. The real him.

His throat tightened, and suddenly, the air felt heavier. “You really think that?”

“I know it,” she replied, her tone matter-of-fact. “You’re not just memorizing lines. You’re putting something into the world that most people don’t even take the time to understand. But that doesn’t mean it’s not real. It’s real, Dieter. And it matters.”

He blinked, the familiar burn of tears stinging behind his eyes. It was strange—he hadn’t felt this exposed in so long. The vulnerability, the rawness of being seen for more than just the surface.

A tear slipped down his cheek, slow and steady. He swiped at it quickly, but another followed. It wasn’t a sobbing mess, no dramatic breakdown. Just a quiet release, like the weight of everything he’d been carrying finally had somewhere to go.

“Damn,” he muttered, laughing softly through the tears. “You’re really messing me up here.”

She smiled, nudging him gently with her elbow. “You needed to hear it.”

He wiped his eyes, still grinning despite the tears. “Guess I did.”

For a long moment, neither of them said anything. The silence between them wasn’t heavy or awkward. It was comfortable, filled with an understanding that went deeper than words. In the quiet of the penthouse, with the city lights twinkling in the background, Dieter felt something he hadn’t in a long time.

Peace.

But of course, Dieter couldn’t let the moment just sit there. He leaned over slightly, raising an eyebrow as a mischievous grin spread across his face. “So... is this the part where we kiss?”

She burst out laughing, her head falling back as she clutched her sides. “Oh my God, Dieter, you’re such an ass.”

For the first time in a long time, Dieter didn’t feel even a twinge of offense at being laughed at. In fact, her reaction made him laugh, too—a deep, real laugh that didn’t feel performative. It was just them, laughing like idiots in the middle of a moment that could’ve been serious, but wasn’t.

He shrugged, grinning. “Hey, had to shoot my shot.”

She shook her head, still giggling as she nudged him. “You’re impossible.”

“Yeah, but you like me,” he teased.

“Debatable,” she shot back, smirking. “But that was not the move, Bravo.”

He threw his hands up in mock surrender, still laughing. “Alright, alright, no kiss. Got it.”

She rolled her eyes, the amusement still lingering in her expression. “Seriously, though. You’re an ass.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that before,” Dieter said, smirking. But beneath the joking, there was a warmth in his eyes, a softness that hadn’t been there before. He liked this—being around someone who could take his nonsense and throw it right back at him, without missing a beat.

–

They had been hanging out for days—Dieter laying low like his team had asked, and her finding herself more and more wrapped up in his world. It was easy with him. The lazy mornings that bled into afternoons, the spontaneous outings, the hours spent talking about nothing and everything. It was like living in a bubble, where the real world and all its mess didn’t exist.

But it couldn’t last forever.

They were lounging in his penthouse, another aimless afternoon with the TV buzzing in the background, both of them lost in their own thoughts.

“So,” Dieter began, his tone casual, but there was an edge of hesitation in it. “I’ve been thinking...”

She looked over at him, raising an eyebrow. “Uh-oh. That sounds dangerous.”

He chuckled, but there was a nervousness in his smile. “No, I mean... I’ve been thinking about you. Us, I guess.”

She frowned slightly, sitting up a bit straighter. “What do you mean?”

He rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding her gaze for a moment. “I think I... I really like you. And I want to stay friends, you know? If you’re cool with it.”

Her heart skipped a beat, and she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Of course he liked her—they got along too well not to. But she knew what had to happen next.

She swallowed hard, forcing a smile. “I don’t think we can keep doing this.”

Dieter’s face fell, his brow furrowing in confusion. “Wait, what? Why not?”

“I can’t afford to stay in LA anymore,” she said, her voice quieter now. “I’m going home. To my mom’s and stepdad’s. The diner job just doesn’t cover rent or utilities, and figuring things out in this city isn’t really feasible for me right now.”

Dieter stared at her, the words slowly sinking in. His expression shifted from confusion to something deeper—sadness, maybe even panic. “You’re... leaving?”

She nodded, trying to keep it together. “Yeah. I’ve got no choice.”

For a moment, he didn’t say anything, just looked at her like she’d just ripped the floor out from under him. Then, true to form, Dieter went into full dramatic mode.

“Are you serious?” he groaned, throwing his head back dramatically. “This is the worst thing that’s ever happened to me. Like, ever.”

She laughed, despite herself. “Dieter, stop.”

“No, seriously,” he continued, flopping onto the couch like a petulant child. “You’re leaving me to fend for myself in this godforsaken city, and for what? Your mom’s house in the middle of nowhere? This is cruel and unusual punishment.”

She rolled her eyes, amused but touched by how much this seemed to affect him. “You’re being ridiculous.”

“Where’s your loyalty?” he muttered dramatically. “I thought we were in this together.”

She snorted. “I didn’t realize hanging out with you was a lifelong commitment.”

Dieter sat up suddenly, his eyes lighting up as if he’d just had the greatest idea of all time. “Wait a second...”

She eyed him warily. “What?”

“You still need a job, right?”

Her eyebrow arched. “...Yes?”

“I still need a PA,” he said, the excitement building in his voice. “My team hasn’t found anyone, and let’s face it—they’re probably going to stick me with some lifeless corporate robot.”

She blinked, not expecting this. “Wait, are you offering me a job?”

“Hell yes, I am,” he said, grinning like a kid with a new toy. “You’d be perfect. I mean, you know me. You get me. And you’re already here half the time anyway. Why not make it official?”

She hesitated, her mind racing. “I don’t know, Dieter. It feels like... I don’t know, like you’re just offering it because you feel bad.”

He shook his head, his expression softening. “No, I’m offering it because I need you. And not in a weird way, okay? I mean, yeah, it’s a job, but it’s also more than that. I trust you. And I don’t trust a lot of people.”

She bit her lip, still uncertain. “Yeah, but it comes with a paycheck, right? That’s gonna make me feel... really dirty.”

Dieter laughed, leaning back into the couch. “Oh, come on. It’s a legit offer. And I’m paying you well, so you’ll get used to feeling dirty real quick.”

She chuckled, shaking her head. “You’re impossible.”

“Seriously,” he continued, his tone softening again. “Think about it. It’s not charity. It’s not a handout. I really need your company, and I think you need this too.”

She exhaled, staring at him for a moment. “I’ll... think about it.”

A few days later, she was back at the penthouse, this time with Dieter’s manager, his lawyer, and Dieter himself, all sitting around the sleek kitchen island. It felt surreal.

The manager went over the details of the contract, but it was hard to focus on the specifics when her mind was spinning with how fast everything was happening.

“And, of course,” the manager added sternly, “we have to include the no-fucking clause. If you two get involved, it’s not only grounds for termination but also blacklisting.”

Dieter raised an eyebrow, looking slightly offended. “Seriously? That’s a bit much, isn’t it?”

She snorted, waving it off. “It’s fine, Bravo. I don’t think you’d want to fuck me anyway.”

He frowned, almost hurt. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

The manager chuckled, shaking his head. “He fucks anything that moves.”

She furrowed her brows briefly, her face showing a flash of disgust at the comment, but she kept her mouth shut. This wasn’t the time to start an argument with his team. Still, she couldn’t shake the sour taste the comment left in her mouth.

Dieter noticed her reaction and shot his manager a look, but the moment passed quickly as the lawyer handed her the contract to sign.

Once the papers were signed, it was official. She was now Dieter Bravo’s new assistant.

After the contract signing, they were back in the quiet of the penthouse. She stretched her arms out, feeling a mixture of excitement and disbelief at the day’s events. Dieter leaned against the counter, still processing it all too, and for a moment, the two of them just stood there in silence.

Then she clapped her hands together, breaking the moment. “Okay, Bravo, I’m treating you to dinner.”

Dieter blinked, confusion crossing his face. “Wait, what? You’re treating me?”

She grinned, nodding. “Yeah, to celebrate. You know, new job and all.”

He hesitated, raising an eyebrow. “You just signed a contract. You shouldn’t be spending money on me.”

She waved him off, rolling her eyes. “Take a chill pill. I just landed a sick new job with a really dirty paycheck. I’m excited, let me have this.”

Dieter chuckled, rubbing his neck sheepishly. “I’ve taken way too many pills in my life. Not sure I remember which one the chill pill is.”

She burst out laughing, grabbing her jacket. “Well, then this will be the antidote. C’mon, we’re getting Five Guys.”

Dieter’s grin grew wider, his eyes lighting up. “Damn, baby, you know I can’t say no to Five Guys.”

She shot him a smirk. “Then let’s go.”

They drove in Dieter’s car, windows heavily tinted, cruising through the LA streets as the sun dipped below the skyline. They grabbed their order from the drive-thru window and found an empty parking lot, parking under the dim glow of a streetlight.

Dieter reclined his seat all the way back, pushing the front seats to give them more space to lounge. She did the same, their legs stretched out as they unwrapped their burgers.

“So,” he mumbled around a mouthful of fries, “what now?”

She shrugged, her voice muffled as she stuffed more fries into her mouth. “Idunno.”

They ate in comfortable silence for a moment, the radio playing softly in the background, the quiet hum of the city far off in the distance.

Dieter glanced at her sideways, studying her face. “You seem a little... off.”

She paused mid-chew, looking at him. “What do you mean?”

He shrugged, biting into his burger. “I dunno. Just felt like something’s been bugging you since we left the penthouse.”

She exhaled, setting her burger down, wiping her hands on a napkin. “Well... your manager pissed me off. Big time.”

Dieter stopped chewing, his eyes widening a little. “What? Why?”

“That comment he made,” she said, rolling her eyes, “about you humping everything that moves. It was gross. And unnecessary.”

Dieter’s face reddened, the blush creeping up his neck as he rubbed at it, a little embarrassed. “Yeah, uh... that’s just how he is.”

She raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “That doesn’t make it okay.”

He chuckled awkwardly, setting his burger down. “I mean, he wasn’t wrong. You’ve heard the stories, read the articles, right?”

She stared at him for a beat, then sighed. She knew he wasn’t trying to defend his manager, and in a way, she found that endearing—his loyalty to people even after everything they’d said about him. All the rumors, the scandals, the affairs. But she tucked that thought away for another time.

“That’s not the point,” she said, shaking her head. “As someone who works with you, the first thing your manager should be doing is protecting you—even from your own team.”

Dieter blinked, her words hitting harder than he expected. He felt something crack open in his chest. She wasn’t wrong. And hearing her say it so plainly made him realize just how much he’d let slide because of loyalty. Because of fear.

He smiled softly, biting into his burger, his voice quiet. “Thanks for saying that.”

She shrugged, offering him a small smile in return. “It’s true.”

Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she leaned over, wiggling her eyebrows. “Besides, you haven’t tried to fuck me yet, so I don’t think what your manager said was true.”

Dieter choked on his soda, laughing and coughing at the same time. “Jesus Christ,” he wheezed, shaking his head. “You’re unbelievable.”

She grinned, leaning back into her seat. “What? Am I not fuckable enough for Dieter Bravo?”

He immediately shook his head, his voice firm. “No, baby–you’re...fuck– you’re hot. Like, really hot. And I’m an idiot for not jumping you the second I met you.”

She snorted, clearly amused. “But?”

Dieter sighed, running a hand through his hair, his voice quieter but more grounded now. “Look, if we hadn’t had that first conversation, that night in the waiting room... I probably would’ve tried to sleep with you.”

She gasped dramatically, her eyes widening in mock horror. “Excuse me? What made you think I’d even want to sleep with you?”

Dieter burst out laughing, shaking his head. “Oh, c’mon, I’ve got ways. If I really wanted to, I could have charmed you into it.”

She snorted, shoving another fry into her mouth. “Yeah, right. You can’t charm your way into everyone’s bed, Bravo.”

Dieter stared at her, deadpan, raising an eyebrow. “Uh... yes, I can.”

They both broke into laughter, the moment light but laced with a shared understanding. Once their laughter died down, he leaned back, the humor fading slightly as he spoke again, this time more serious.

“But seriously,” he continued, his voice softer now, “I didn’t want to cross that line with you. Because... you’re different.”

She glanced at him, curious now, the playful energy between them simmering down as he opened up.

“I’m a messy person,” he admitted, his gaze dropping to the steering wheel, fingers idly tracing the edges. “In every sense of the word. My life, my relationships—they don’t end well. And I’ve ruined... too many things that mattered. I can’t ruin this. I won’t.”

She tilted her head, watching him closely. “Why do you think it would ruin things?”

He took a deep breath, the vulnerability flickering in his eyes as he finally met her gaze. “Because when I sleep with someone, I lose track of... what’s real and what’s not. It always starts out fine, but I mess things up. I make it complicated, and then it all falls apart. And I don’t want that to happen with you.”

She studied him for a moment, seeing the weight behind his words, the sincerity he rarely showed to anyone. This wasn’t the over-the-top, scandal-filled Dieter Bravo the world knew. This was a man who was genuinely afraid of ruining something good.

“Wow,” she muttered, trying to break the heaviness. “So you’re saying I was basically a goner if we hadn’t talked that first night?”

He chuckled, giving her a teasing grin. “Oh, absolutely.”

She laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. “You really are full of yourself.”

“No, I’m just honest,” he said with a playful smirk. “But really, I don’t want to just fuck this up. You get me, more than anyone has in a long time. And I don’t want to lose that because I was... impulsive.”

She looked at him for a long moment, their earlier banter giving way to something deeper. It was clear that he meant every word, and it made sense in a way she hadn’t expected. Dieter Bravo might have been a disaster in relationships, but he was choosing not to be a disaster with her. And that meant something.

“Well,” she said, her smile returning as she reached for another fry, “that’s good to know. I mean, you’re still a complete disaster, but you’re my kind of disaster.”

Dieter’s grin widened, the tension finally easing as he leaned back in his seat. “I’ll take it.”

She chewed thoughtfully for a moment, then added with a smirk, “Besides, now I’m legally being paid to not fuck you.”

He laughed, throwing his head back in genuine amusement. “And I’m legally paying you to not fuck me.”

She nodded sagely. “Sounds like a pretty sweet deal if you ask me.”

Dieter chuckled, the heaviness of the earlier conversation replaced by their usual playful energy. “Yeah, it’s working out pretty well so far.”

They both sat there, comfortable in the aftermath of the conversation, knowing that while the chemistry between them was undeniable, the friendship was what mattered most. And neither of them was willing to risk it, even if they joked about it.

They sat in the car, the remnants of their Five Guys feast scattered on the console between them. The night had slipped into a comfortable quiet, the kind that came from hours of laughter, honest conversation, and greasy burgers. Dieter stretched, glancing over at her with a lazy grin.

“So, what’s the plan?” he asked, wiping his hands on a napkin. “You heading home now?”

She nodded, finishing the last of her fries. “Yeah. Gotta pack up my stuff and get ready for the big move.”

Dieter raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a smirk. “Right. Moving in with me. Never thought I’d reach this point in my life where a woman’s moving in with me... and I legally can’t fuck her.”

She snorted, shaking her head as she leaned back into her seat. “Welcome to adulthood, Bravo. Full of responsibilities and boundaries.”

Dieter’s grin widened, leaning a little closer. “So, about this moving in thing—are you planning on, like, wearing layers of clothing at all times? Because I don’t need to make this harder for myself than it already is.”

She shot him a look, deadpan. “Harder for yourself?”

He wiggled his eyebrows at her, eyes twinkling with mischief. “You know what I mean.”

She rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help the grin spreading across her face. “Listen, I promise to be fully covered in the ugliest, most unflattering pajamas you’ve ever seen. Think, like, thermal underwear, oversized sweaters, maybe a balaclava if I’m feeling extra considerate.”

Dieter threw his head back laughing, slapping the dashboard. “Jesus Christ, I don’t know if I should be grateful or terrified.”

“Both,” she said with a smirk, grabbing the last fry from the bag and popping it into her mouth.

Dieter leaned back, sighing contentedly. “I still can’t believe it though. I’m actually gonna live with a woman. And she’s not some wild fling, but an assistant I’m paying not to fuck. Talk about a plot twist.”

She laughed, wiping her hands on a napkin. “Well, you better get used to it. I’ll be back in the morning with all my crap.”

Dieter grinned, clearly amused by the whole situation. “Promise?”

“Promise,” she said, flashing him a smile. “Bright and early. So you better get your beauty sleep.”

He chuckled, looking at her fondly. “I’ll try.”

She reached for the door handle, pausing for a moment before looking back at him, her tone soft but teasing. “Try not to miss me too much tonight, alright?”

Dieter winked. “No promises.”

She stepped out of the car, waving as she walked toward her building. “See you tomorrow, Bravo.”

He watched her go, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Yeah,” he muttered under his breath, leaning back into the seat. “See you tomorrow.”

[analyticstraininghub]

What is Management Information System | Complete Guide 2023

What is a Management Information System?

(management information system)The study of people, technology, organizations, and their relationships is known as management information systems (MIS). MIS specialists help enterprises get the most out of their people, technology, and operational procedures investments. MIS is a people-oriented sector that focuses on employing technology to deliver services. A degree in MIS might be right for you if you’re interested in technology and want to utilize it to improve people’s lives.

What is the purpose of an information management system

The following are some of the reasons for having an MIS system.

●To make wise decisions – Decision-makers require information, which is possible thanks to management information systems (MIS).

● Short Message Service – Employees within the business may readily obtain the necessary information for day-to-day operations thanks to MIS systems, which promote communication inside and outside the organization. Communicating with clients and suppliers from within an organization’s MIS system is feasible thanks to tools like Short Message Service (SMS) and email. ●Keeping Records – Management information systems capture every business transaction that takes place within an organization and serve as a permanent record of such transactions.

Important Components of MIS

The following are the main elements of a typical long-form MIS (Management Information System):

●People – People who use the information system ●Data – The data that the information system records ●Business Procedures – Procedures put in place on how to record, store and analyze data ●Hardware – These include servers, workstations, networking equipment, printers, etc. ●Software – These are the applications that manage the data. These include applications like spreadsheet software, database software, etc.

How MIS Makes Business Better

Businesses use information systems at all levels of operation to gather, process, and store data. Management compiles and distributes this data into the information needed to run the firm daily. Everyone who works in business, from those who manage billing to those who choose who gets employed, uses information systems. A vehicle dealership could use a computer database to monitor the best-selling items retail businesses might use a computer-based information system to carry out online sales. Many (if not most) firms focus on matching MIS with business objectives to gain a competitive advantage over other companies.

For data management, MIS qualitative research refers to information systems (i.e., storing, searching, and analyzing data). To meet the demands of managers, employees, and clients, they also handle a variety of information systems. MIS experts can play a significant role in information security, integration, and exchange by cooperating with other members of their work group as well as with their customers and clients. You may improve the efficacy and efficiency of your organization by learning how to creatively design, implement, and use business information systems as an MIS major.

How many Types of Management Information Systems

●Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)

The daily operations of a business are tracked using this kind of information technology. A Point of Sale (POS) system illustrates a transaction processing system. The daily sales are recorded using a POS system.

●Management Information Systems (MIS) Tactic managers employ management information systems, or MIS for short, to direct them while they make semi-structured judgments. The MIS integration system receives its input from the transaction processing system’s output.

●Decision Support Systems (DSS) Top-level managers use decision support tools to make semi-structured decisions. The decision support system’s input is derived from the output of the management information system. DSS systems also get data input from outside sources like competitors, market forces, etc.

Important Significance of MIS In Industries

MIS, the department, and the system software can give businesses a competitive edge. Managers can make better decisions on sales, manufacturing, resource allocation, and other issues by using the data maintained by an MIS system. By allowing employees to spend more time on productive tasks, the MIS department and software systems both assist firms in boosting productivity.

Within an enterprise, the MIS department is crucial in delivering various support services:

●Governance Systems and restrictions on how employees use computing equipment are included. The company’s network infrastructure and technology access policies are defined, managed, and enforced by the MIS department. In addition to regulating computer system use norms of behavior, MIS is in charge of IT security.

●Infrastructure These include phones, desktop/laptop computers, servers, application software, cloud computing, and other technology systems that support daily business operations. The MIS division offers internal help desk and support services, aiding staff members and resolving infrastructure-related problems.

●Data Management It entails setting up and maintaining the systems that let staff members access and modify crucial corporate data. The MIS department must guarantee the data management systems’ accessibility and security.

Benefits of management information system

A good management information system must be able to assist the analysis that management needs and not just be utilized for storing electronic data. The manager uses the many benefits of MIS to accomplish the company’s objectives.

A robust MIS may offer the advantages listed below.

●Higher Customer Satisfaction ●Better quantity and quality of information ●Better quality and quantity management decisions ●Higher responsiveness number of the competitor’s condition ●Improved operational efficiency and flexibility ●Better operational efficiency and flexibility ●Improved quality of internal and external communications ●Improved quality of planning ●Improved quality control and supervision

The business foundation has always been management information systems. In the ensuing years, that engine will be even more crucial.

Some useful Link is Below:

To know more about MIS Certification Course

To know more about our Data Analytics Certification Course

[femmefatalevibe]

Femme Fatale Guide: 15 Essential Business Skills Everyone Should Master

Articulate, confident communication

Crafting effective, compelling pitches

Operating and communicating through a solution-oriented framework

Research of all types (Google, market research, studies, polls, interpersonal conversations, etc.)

Learning how to streamline, edit, and organize information in a clear and logical way

Accumulating high-level working knowledge/proficiency in all tools and programs directly related to your type of work/industry

Budgeting and financial optimization (investment, tax benefits, etc.)

Reading and interpreting legal contracts/documents

Setting rates, boundaries, and learning when/how to delegate

Good posture, direct eye contact, and a firm handshake

Building streamlined systems for onboarding, different repeat project scopes/workflows, and KPI measuring

The art of following up, listening to (potential) clients' needs, asking thoughtful questions, and benefit-oriented salesmanship

Consistently reading, learning, and studying current events/cultural platforms/industry and field-related knowledge

How to spot customer/client/business partner red flags

Self-management, task/project prioritization, and optimization of your personal energy clock + levels

[bitchesgetriches]

On leaving home for the first time:

Leaving Home before 18: A Practical Guide for Cast-Offs, Runaways, and Everybody in Between

Ask the Bitches: “I Just Turned 18 and My Parents Are Kicking Me Out. How Do I Brace Myself?”

Ask the Bitches: I Want to Move Out, but I Can’t Afford It. How Bad Would It Be to Take out Student Loans to Cover It?

How To Start at Rock Bottom: Welfare Programs and the Social Safety Net

Advice I Wish My Parents Gave Me When I Was 16

Ask the Bitches: How Can I Make Myself Financially Secure Before Age 30?

You Won’t Regret Your Frugal 20s

Master the Logistics and Etiquette of Moving Out

Season 2, Episode 5: “What Do I Need to Know about Moving into My First Apartment?”

On basic finance:

How the Hell Does One Open a Bank Account? Asking for a Friend.

How Do You Write and Cash Checks? Asking for a Friend.

Budgets Don’t Work for Everyone—Try the Spending Tracker System Instead

You Must Be This Big to Be an Emergency Fund

A Hand-Holding Guide to Getting Your First Credit Card

How to File Your Taxes FOR FREE: Simple Instructions for the Stressed-Out Taxpayer

Dafuq Is Credit and How Do You Bend It to Your Will?

How to Save for Retirement When You Make Less Than $30,000 a Year

Dafuq Is Interest and How Does It Work for the Forces of Darkness?

What’s the Difference Between Savings and Checking Accounts, and How Should I Be Using Them?

Dafuq Is a Down Payment? And Why Do You Need One to Buy Stuff?

Dafuq Is Insurance and Why Do You Even Need It?

Investing Deathmatch: Investing in the Stock Market vs. Just… Not

Dafuq Is a Retirement Plan and Why Do You Need One?

Do NOT Make This Disastrous Beginner Mistake With Your Retirement Funds

On managing your household:

How the Hell Does One Laundry? Asking for a Friend.

How the Hell Does One Wash Dishes? Asking for a Friend.

Ask the Bitches: Why Are Painted Mason Jars the Internet’s Only Solution to My Tiny Apartment Woes?

9 Essential Tools for Apartment-Dwellers (and 6 That Are Kinda Useless)

Ask the Bitches: How Can I Survive in an Apartment with No Heat?

How to Save Money on Your Beloved Pets

Bullshit Reasons Not to Buy a House: Refuted

How To Maintain Your Car When You’re Barely Driving It

25 Tricks to Stay Cool WITHOUT Air Conditioning

On feeding and caring for yourself:

You Should Learn To Cook. Here’s Why.

How to Shop for Groceries like a Boss

If You Don’t Eat Leftovers I Don’t Even Want to Know You

I Think I Need to Go the Emergency Room?

Ask the Bitches: Ugh, How Do I Build the Habit of Taking Meds?

On maintaining relationships:

Season 1, Episode 8: “My Mother Demands Information About My One-Night Stands.”

Season 1, Episode 3: “My Parents Have Bad Credit. Should I Help by Co-signing Their Mortgage?”

Ask the Bitches: How Do I Say “No” When a Loved One Asks for Money… Again?

Ask the Bitches: My Dad Sucks with Money. How Do I Make Him Change?

You Need to Talk to Your Parents About Their Retirement Plan

Season 2, Episode 1: “I’m Financially Stable, but My Friends Aren’t. The Guilt Is Crushing!”  

On starting your career:

22-Year-Olds Don’t Belong in Grad School

High School Students Have No Way of Knowing What Career to Choose. Why Do We Make Them Do It Anyway?

The Actually Helpful, Nuanced, Non-Bullshit Way to Choose a Future Career

Your College Major May Not Prepare You for Your Job—but It Can Prepare You for Life

The Ugly Truth About Unpaid Internships

Your School or Workplace Benefits Might Include Cool Free Stuff

[glowupwithamy]

Finish what you started and transform your productivity

Recently i picked up a book i hadn't read in a long time for the past week i hadn't been able to work properly my tasks were going unfinished so i opened my cupboard and saw that book right in front of me. Then i read the whole book in just a one night and it sparked inspiration in me ..So i thought why not share everything i learned with all of you?

So I'm giving you guys a structured summary of Finish The Art of Following Through - Taking Action, Executing & Self Discipline by Peter Hollins -

1. The Importance of Execution

The ability to follow through allows you to create the life you desire rather than settling for the one you currently have. The process consists of focus, self-discipline, action, and persistence

2. Barriers to Follow Through

- Inhibiting Tactics: These include setting bad goals, procrastination, succumbing to distractions, and poor time management.

- Psychological Roadblocks: These encompass laziness, fear of judgment or failure, perfectionism driven by insecurity, and lack of self-awareness.

3. Staying Motivated

To remain motivated holds both external and internal motivators -

- External Motivators: These involve utilizing other people or resources to encourage action, such as accountability partners upfront investments and self bribery

- Internal Motivators: These focus on understanding personal benefits and improvements. Ask yourself questions such as How will this benefit me? and How will my life improve?

4. Developing a Manifesto

A manifesto is a set of daily rules that guide your actions so her are the some key rules -

- Rule 1: Identify if you’re acting out of laziness and avoid it.

- Rule 2: Limit yourself to three major tasks per day.

- Rule 3: Establish daily limitations and requirements

- Rule 4: Reaffirm your intentions through statements like I want I , will and I won't

- Rule 5: Reflect on the future consequences of not following through

- Rule 6: Utilize the concept of "just 10 minutes" to push through discomfort.

5. Follow Through Mindsets

- Mindset 1: Recognize the worthiness of your efforts.

⭐ Mindset 2: Become comfortable with discomfort.

- Mindset 3: Understand that learning comes from completing tasks.

- Mindset 4: Manage stress and anxiety effectively

6. Overcoming Procrastination

Procrastination can be managed through strategies such as:

- Temptation Bundling: Combine unpleasant tasks with enjoyable activities.

- Creating Momentum: Make starting tasks as easy as possible to gain momentum.

- Leveraging Fear: Use productive paranoia to spur action but cautiously

7. Minimizing Distractions

Create a work environment free from distractions and focus on

⭐ Single Tasking: Avoid multitasking to eliminate attention residue ( I will also create a separate blog on this topic i used to face this problem earlier and i have used many methods to reduce my habit of multitasking so i will write a blog about it. Don't worry )

- Batching Tasks: Group similar tasks to improve efficiency.

- Creating a Don't-Do List : Identify tasks to ignore and avoid ( This method is literally too much helpful )

8. The 40–70 Rule

This rule suggests acting when you have 70% of the necessary information as waiting for 100% is unrealistic

9. The Importance of Rest

Recognize the value of rest and relaxation as essential for mental recovery

10. Common Pitfalls

- False Hope Syndrome: Avoid unrealistic expectations and set achievable goals.

- Overthinking: Avoid excessive rumination and focus on taking action.

- Worrying: Concentrate on the present and control what you can.

11. Developing Daily Systems

Establish daily behaviors that promote consistency and long term success

⭐ Keep a Scoreboard: Track progress for motivation ( Ive been using this method for the past four days it literally shows me where I am making mistakes and what I need to do to complete my unfinished tasks )

By following these structured advice you can improve your ability to finish what you start and achieve your goals

If you have any questions or tips to share feel free to drop them in the comments in here to chat , Stay connected for more tips and insights thanks :)

[sinybird]

MİDHEALT - PLATİN (2)

Unlocking Wellness: Explore a World of Health Tips, Vegan Meal Prep Ideas, and Insights on Medical Treatments at Midhealth

In the quest for optimal health and well-being, access to reliable information and resources is paramount. At Midhealth, we strive to be your trusted companion on your journey to wellness, offering a wealth of knowledge on health tips, vegan meal prep, medical treatments like ketamine therapy, and even insights into specific health conditions such as Cushing's disease in cats.

Health Tips:

Midhealth is your go-to source for valuable health tips to help you lead a balanced and fulfilling life. From nutrition advice to exercise recommendations, stress management techniques to sleep optimization strategies, our platform provides practical insights to support your overall well-being. Whether you're looking to boost your immune system, improve your mental health, or enhance your energy levels, Midhealth has you covered with evidence-based tips and guidance.

Vegan Meal Prep Meals:

For those embracing a plant-based lifestyle, Midhealth offers a treasure trove of vegan meal prep meals ideas to inspire your culinary journey. Discover delicious and nutritious recipes crafted by our team of experts, designed to nourish your body and tantalize your taste buds. From vibrant salads to hearty stews, wholesome bowls to decadent desserts, our vegan meals prep meals make it easy to enjoy flavorful and satisfying dishes while prioritizing your health and the planet.

Ketamine Treatment Cost:

Exploring innovative medical treatments? Midhealth provides insights into the cost of ketamine therapy cost, a promising option for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression, chronic pain, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. Our comprehensive information helps you understand the potential benefits, risks, and financial considerations associated with ketamine treatment, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health care journey.

Cushing's Disease in Cats:

Pet owners seeking information on specific health conditions will find valuable resources at Midhealth, including insights into Cushing's disease in cats. Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for this hormonal disorder, enabling you to provide the best possible care for your feline companion.

In essence, Midhealth is your virtual wellness hub, offering a diverse array of health tips, vegan meal prep inspiration, insights into medical treatments, and resources on various health conditions. Whether you're embarking on a journey to better health for yourself or seeking guidance for your furry friend, Midhealth is here to support you every step of the way. Explore our platform today and unlock a world of wellness possibilities!

[mariacallous]

If you’ve rented an apartment in the US in the past several years, you may have had the sense that the game was rigged: Prices creep up not only at your building but at others throughout the city, seemingly in lockstep. A new civil lawsuit brought by the US Department of Justice today alleges that in many cases it’s not just in your head—and that a single company’s algorithm is to blame.

That company is RealPage, a Texas-based firm that provides commercial revenue management software for landlords. In other words, it helps set the prices of apartments. But it does so, the DOJ alleges in its lawsuit, by effectively helping its clients cheat; landlords feed rental rate and lease terms into the system, and the RealPage algorithm in turn spits out a suggested price that enables coordination and hinders competition.

“By feeding sensitive data into a sophisticated algorithm powered by artificial intelligence, RealPage has found a modern way to violate a century-old law through systematic coordination of rental housing prices,” deputy attorney general Lisa Monaco said in a statement.

RealPage’s reach is broad. It controls 80 percent of the market for software of its kind, which in turn is used to set prices of around 3 million units across the country, according to the DOJ. It already faces multiple lawsuits, including one from the state of Arizona and another in Washington, DC, where RealPage software is allegedly used to price more than 90 percent of units in large apartment buildings. RealPage’s algorithmic pricing first gained broader attention when a 2022 ProPublica investigation detailed how the company’s YieldStar software works.

The DOJ civil lawsuit, which was joined by the attorneys general of eight states, is a significant escalation in legal action against the company. It’s also a first for the DOJ, according to officials speaking on background during a call to discuss the complaint. While the government had previously filed criminal charges against an Amazon seller for algorithm-enabled price-fixing, this is the first civil action in which the algorithm itself, the Justice Department official says, was effectively the means of the violation.

The complaint itself quotes RealPage executives allegedly acknowledging anticompetitive aspects of its product. “There is greater good in everybody succeeding versus essentially trying to compete against one another in a way that actually keeps the entire industry down,” one RealPage executive allegedly wrote.

RealPage has repeatedly denied any allegations of antitrust violations, going so far as to publish a six-page digital pamphlet that claims to tell “the Real Story” about its products, along with an extensive FAQ page on a dedicated public policy website. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment. “Attacks on the industry’s revenue management are based on demonstrably false information,” one section of that site reads. “RealPage revenue management software benefits both housing providers and residents.”

“We are disappointed that, after multiple years of education and cooperation on the antitrust matters concerning RealPage, the DOJ has chosen this moment to pursue a lawsuit that seeks to scapegoat pro-competitive technology that has been used responsibly for years,” said Jennifer Bowcock, senior vice president of communications and creative at RealPage, in an emailed statement. “RealPage’s revenue management software is purposely built to be legally compliant, and we have a long history of working constructively with the DOJ to show that."

The DOJ disagrees. “Algorithms don’t exist in a law-free zone,” said Monaco in a press conference to discuss the case. “Training a machine to break the law is still breaking the law.”

In this case, the complaint alleges that those algorithms consistently drove rental prices upward. “RealPage’s software tends to maximize price increases, minimize price decreases, and maximize landlords’ pricing power,” said the DOJ in a press release. RealPage also doesn’t just recommend prices; in many cases, it actively sets them.

“RealPage actively polices landlords’ compliance with those recommendations,” said US attorney general Merrick Garland in today’s press conference. “A large number of landlords effectively agree to outsource their pricing decisions to RealPage by using an ‘auto-accept’ setting that effectively permits RealPage to determine the price a renter will pay.”

The DOJ also claims RealPage has created a “self-reinforcing feedback loop” with its data intake and pricing recommendations structure that also gives it an alleged monopoly in the apartment revenue management software industry. Any competitor who plays by the rules, the DOJ claims, is at a distinct disadvantage.

The Justice Department has spent the past several years staffing up with technologists and data scientists, better enabling them to “interrogate the code,” as multiple officials described the investigative process. While this is the first major algorithmic collusion case, DOJ officials suggested it would be far from the last.

[molosseraptor]

what is the advantage of a clicker compared to just praising the dog or giving it a treat? bc as I understood even if you use a clicker you still have to give a reward every time you click, so why not just do it directly? adding a clicker seems like adding an extra step

It's correct that you have to give a reward every time you click, but the clicker itself isn't used as a way to reward behavior. It’s to mark correct behavior. You don't have to use a clicker if you don't want to, but you do have to mark behavior in some way if you want the dog to learn faster and with reduced confusion/frustration. Some people opt to mark with a specific word like "yes" or "good" or a distinct sound. Other people, like myself, use multiple marker systems that tell the dog not only that they're getting food or a toy but also where and how those items are being delivered.

There was a great recent podcast that gives some nice entry level information about multiple marker systems and how you can apply them by Shade Whitesel, one of the pioneers of using multiple marker systems, if you'd like to learn more about what that means and how it might apply to your own training.

As far as the clicker itself, there are several benefits over just using a generic marker word.

It has a clear, distinct sound that the dog doesn't hear any other time so it's obvious that they've done something correct and reinforcement is coming. Sometimes our words fade into the background, especially in busy environments.

It sounds the same no matter who is doing the clicking. That’s a nice way to maintain consistency in a multi-person household. Even if everyone uses the word "yes" our tone, pitch, and cadence are all a bit different. Dogs can and will cope with that, but consistency can speed up learning.

We also tend to have a bit better timing with our clicks than our words. Most people have faster reflexes than they do speech, so you're more likely to be able to mark the exact moment the dog does the correct action. I tend to use a clicker most when I'm shaping or working on skills that really require excellent and precise timing.

Last, the clicker ,and marking in general, helps with reducing reinforcement and getting food out of your hands and off your body.

The order of events should always be: behavior -> marker -> pause -> reward

The marker lets the dog know they were correct in the moment and buys you 3-5 seconds (longer if you have a robust marker system that the dog trusts) in which to get the reward from your bag/pocket or somewhere nearby and give it to the dog.

If you don't mark behaviors at all, by the time you get that reward and give it to your dog, they might be doing an entirely different behavior that you are now unintentionally reinforcing through lack of clarity. It slows the learning and confuses the dog. Most people don't need a million markers, but using something consistently is far better than using nothing when it comes to the efficacy of your training. Of course dogs can learn without markers. They’re amazing and so resilient in the face of our poor communication, but why make things harder for you both?

In my pet dog classes I teach four main food markers and add two others for my more advanced/sport students. For pet people, come to the food (yes/click), i'm bringing the food to you (good), tossed food (get it), and treat scatter (find it) markers are pretty much all you need to have some really good clarity and management tools for you and your dog. For my advanced students I add a "dish" marker (you're allowed to go eat off a specific plate or bowl) and "party" marker (the dog and I are going to get a reward from elsewhere like on a table/chair/crate/etc.). I don't do much toy work in my classes because that's all so individual based on the dog and your sport goals, but I have many toy markers for my own dogs and other food markers as well.

[direquail]

My specific read on John is not that he's a nice guy, either. It's that, like any good character (specifically a tragic character, which, TM has said that he is modeled on a mythical tragic hero, so) he has a flaw that dooms him. And what that means is, when he has the choice to change what he's doing, that flaw either prevents him from taking the option he's aware of, or prevents him from being aware that there is another option altogether.

And so as a writer, what I look for are moments where either:

something good about a character becomes an excess that harms themselves or others

we receive information that shows a persistent blind spot a character has

we look for times when a character gives their view of the world/a situation and it Does Not Match Up with reality, or is hinted that it doesn't

we look for evidence of something simmering under the surface that clashes with their outward, agreeable presentation

What fills that role for John?

Yep.

When this first pops up, it's pretty easily dismissed as yet another layer on the falsehood he's propped up. Admittedly, he's been doing it for ten thousand years, so it's probably got a few layers to it.

However:

This one, to me, gives us a hint about what John is blind to: That his friends see his vindictiveness and his failings and that they could still love him. This is where it crosses into tragedy, for me; where his own inability to forgive blinds him to the capacity that other people have for generosity--and so, to a world where "justice" means more than "vengeance for the dead".

And this illuminates the whole chain of events that leads him to that climactic scene in Harrow the Ninth, telling Mercy that she never would have forgiven him anyways:

John is, at heart, deeply angry--like most characters in the series, and like a lot of people who grew up in poverty, especially if they managed to escape it. He also has some deep sense of justice, and deep sense of judgment.

So we have this cycle of related emotions and ideas: Justice, judgment, outrage. And a human measure of selfishness, amorality, double standards, etc.

In one situation, this allows him to throw himself completely into the cryo project, something that (if it hadn't been sabotaged politically) could have made a difference to humanity. He brings in people who work to make it even better, who demonstrably want to make the outcome as just and humane as possible. It's also implied that this is part of why he received those powers; "I chose you to change."

(And, I'll be honest, one of the other things that I see that chafes me is the implication that there was nothing about John to recommend him to the Earth. I'm actually of the opinion that there was; she chose him, and I don't think she just rolled a d100 or drew a card off a tarot deck and called him up. John is also still a human, flawed person.)

Then, the situation changes. It's no longer an issue of dedicating expertise to solve a problem; this is a political issue, and specifically of rich people using their resources to shift outcomes towards the one they think will benefit them the most, that will secure their survival, explicitly at the expense of everyone else.

And their strategy is, profoundly: short-sighted and unnecessary (pooling resources would help create a better outcome for everyone, including the rich, by reducing global trauma and preserving more of the systems that already structure their world); bigoted and uninformed (many rich people think that the world has to be a certain way, generally that the world is violent, competitive, dog-eat-dog, etc., and someone has to be "on top", and there will always have to be a loser, or lots of losers); and utterly cruel, unjust, and pointless.

And John--John, who grew up poor, who grew up aware of the despair around him and the injustice of his position and more than likely made use of that anger to achieve what he had up to this point--John is so angry.

Because they're all the same. They're all the same. It's the same song, over and over again, no matter how stupid and pointless and unnecessary. He is certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that it doesn't have to be this way. He passes judgment.

But John is losing to them, because he doesn't have the resources they do. He can hate them and fight them all he wants, and it doesn't matter, because he's nowhere near in the same league as they are politically.

And then, after the cryo project is cancelled, he gains his powers.

The thing about anger and judgment is that the deeper it runs, often, the more invested the person who holds that anger in themselves is in not seeing what they hate in themselves. E.g: John has conceptualized the people he's resisting as fundamentally unjust, cruel, amoral, and bigoted. There's a very good chance--to different degrees, depending on the person--that becoming aware of similar traits in himself might wake up those feelings he has towards those other people--aimed at himself (that is, cognitive dissonance). He can't see the things he's passed judgment on in himself and function. He's not like them; he's trying to fix things, to bring about justice.

Of course, there's justice as in "living in a just society", and justice as in "justice for the dead". But that's a later realization, because right now, everyone is still alive.

So John hides those parts of himself; from himself, from other people. So thoroughly he can exclude it from his consciousness and pretend it doesn't exist. He thinks no one sees the real depth of his own rage, his own cutthroat pursuit of a solution. And then, when he can't pretend it doesn't exist, he can still pretend to be the man he thinks they need him to be. He can "fool" them. He can say--he's trying. He screwed up. He doesn't know what he's doing.

And then, Casseiopeia says, No, actually, we know you, and we know you're horribly vindictive. And we're on your side--we're on the same side--our fight is your fight--and we love you. But your drive for revenge is seriously limiting your ability to imagine and create a living, just world, and that's what we're fighting for. Remember? That's what we set out to create.

And John's brain can't quite handle this; he can't imagine that they could actually see him and still be on his side. Because he couldn't see that and still be on his side. He can't forgive; he can't imagine forgiveness.

He can't see the things he's passed judgment on in himself and function.

And, by this stage, in some ways, it's already too late to change course. But this is one of several "come to Jesus" (no pun intended) moments where John could become aware of alternatives, or could change his behavior--and doesn't.

And I think this is where we get that self-awareness from, the thing that makes him creepy and tragic but also infuriating: He is aware, but apparently that's not enough to stop him from being his worst self--so is he just pretending to be moral? Capable of making different choices but choosing not to? And the weird statements he makes later:

This is, imo, not a power-hungry dictator who genuinely doesn't care about the cost of his throne, or a gleefully predatory abuser. This is a dude who's committed to a course of action and doesn't feel great about it. This is a guy who has violated his own sense of justice and has to live with it.

This is a guy who set out to save the world, killed it, and now the only thing that's left to him is to avenge it.

And like, from a mythology standpoint, that is exactly what the Erinyes are, like the Furies and Alecto. They are not the justice of Apollo or Athena. They are screaming for blood. They are hunting their quarry to the ends of the universe. They are chthonic.

Again: This isn't what Cassieopeia or Christabel said to him. This is what John has said to himself. This came from him. This is a reflection of what he believes.

And it encapsulates, exactly, why he erased their memories. Why he took away their agency.

The difference between him and many, many people is he had the power of a god and no one to check him when he was struggling with his own worst impulses. And then, he created a world where no one could, not just because then he could do what he wanted and pretend to be kind and loving and moral, but so that he would never have to lose the love of the people he needed.

Because, unfortunately, he still needed them.

It just took ten thousand years for the lie to unravel.

[paper-gold-theories]

The New Kid

(Made this fic idea inspired by this fic by Bell_Enchantress from Ao3 and a combination of theories I made about Flug and GoldHeart's friendship origin story and how they become Arch-Enemies. This was supposed to be a draft but it ended up being a super long summary and almost complete fic, which took about a whole month to make 😂 Note: Still in beta process though definitely make some edits after reading a few times)

Flug stares at the "History of Planes" book he wanted to borrow on the high shelf in annoyance. He can't reach it even if he stands on is tip toes so he has to jump a few times to try to get it.

Flug always had a gut feeling that the school staff were also out to get him. And seeing that the book was not arranged according to the duodecimal system Flug concluded that the librarians probably done this to spite him, knowing he was the only person in the school to read and borrow books on planes.

Flug was about to reach out and jump to get the book he wanted when he suddenly felt a presence behind him followed by a large muscular arm reaching out for the book he wanted. Turning, the first thing he saw was a gold streak of hair as he came face to face with the eyes of Herbert Leth, the new kid in his Hero Psych 101 class.

"Hi~" Leth says casually smirking at him like the cat's got the cream.

Flug panics and immediately backs away at the sudden presence and close contact only for his back to hit the shelf.

"You were trying to get this right?" Leth holds the book towards Flug teasingly.

Flug thought it looked like a hunter trying to tempt his prey with bait.

Students, (with the exception of Cecilia) often approach him for ulterior motives. Either for homework or just to bully him for fun. So Flug wouldn't be surprised if the new student is the same.

Flug looks at him suspiciously, going over the possibilities of Leth's actions, and even looks around to see if the student has any friends around watching him and jump him just as soon as he takes the book and lets his guard down. Concluding there is no harm in taking the book he slowly takes the book from Leth's hand eyeing it as if it were a ticking time bomb.

____

A mysterious new kid joins Black Hat Institute and wants to befriend Flug. Flug is of course suspicious of him, as anyone who approaches him often has ulterior motives.

However GoldHeart manages to get Flug to give him a chance because a lot of villains value brute strength over brains and strategy. Flug however believes brains and strategy are just as important or even more important than brute strength.

GoldHeart says he shares the same opinion as Flug and agrees and says brains and strategy are just as important or even more important than brute strength.

Flug was stuntlocked but he was like "Finally! Someone gets it!"

Flug likes his charming, blunt and easy to talk to personality, and his blunt and sadistic sense of humour.

And they eventually become friends.

_____

Meanwhile GoldHeart has the most difficult P.E.A.C.E. reconnaissance mission of infiltrating Black Hat Institute (while he still has to fight crime and go on heroic missions at the same time)

He knows that hero has ever come back alive from the school.

However he is doing this because even though he was already the best and most popular hero student in P.E.A.C.E Academy. But if he does this he'll be able to stand amongst the others and maintain his position as the best and secure the future and the rewards and benefits that comes with it once he graduates.

GoldHeart believes in order for this mission to be successful he has to be sociable in order to gather as much information as possible but at the same time not draw too much attention to himself.

To do that he decides not to put on the usual popular hero act like he does in P.EA.C.E. Academy and his public persona while he is undercover, as he knows people tend to want to pry into the popular people's business and know more about them, but just put on a persona to make him self likeable by his peers.

But he also needs to make at least one friend so that he doesn't stand out and looks suspicious. As a new kid attempting to befriend the popular kids with families who are members or are close to Black Hat Organisation, would look suspicious. These affluent villain children would definitely be used to having people get close to them for ulterior motives such as many power or using them for information like him and would most definitely do a background check before anyone can join their friend group.

That's what the previous hero kids who got caught did.

However if he befriends a not so popular kid without any ties to Black Hat Organisation, It would act as a shield to avoid suspicion.

Because why would a spy do that?

So if he wants to gather information, he would need to get the students to come to him, that won't be a problem as one thing he knows is how to get people to like him.

Hence he decides to befriend Flug, the nerdy and not so popular boy in his Hero Psyc Class (oh the irony), who is also super cute and fun to tease to boot. And perhaps he can have some fun while he's here...

However GoldHeart didn't expect to get along and genuinely connect with Flug, a villain no less who heroes are supposed to hate and take down.

GoldHeart had to admit it was nice...

GoldHeart thought things would have been smooth sailing but he didn't take into account one thing...

____

Cecilia absolutely hates* Herbert Leth and his new friendship with Flug. Flug didn't have any other friends other than her and after he befriends Leth he is taking the attention from Flug away from her.

To overcompensate for the lack of attention Cecilia sends Flug a text saying she needs help every day instead of three times a week knowing Flug would sneak out of his dorm room and see her more. Knowing that her crush and that stupid Leth kid would definitely be hanging out together.

____

Flug is mad every time he goes there to see it's all just an act just as he was about to leave Cecilia fake cries and says she needs to talk to him and needs his advice.

Flug has previously called her out for her actions and asked her if she really wants his advice or just his attention. And said that if she really needs to talk to him they can do so at her usual reading they're reading spot which they go to every day. And not pretend she was in danger or in trouble to get him to sneak past the guards to see her in the middle of the night, which could have deadly consequences if he were to get caught.

But then Cecilia just ignores him and says since he's here already he might as well talk to her now.

Flug, too exhausted to argue with her and agrees to listen to her fake attention seeking claims, just to get over it as soon as possible so that he can go back to his dorm room and get some well deserved sleep.

However he ended up staying there almost the rest of the night as he couldn't bear seeing Cecilia sad.

He ended up extremely exhausted and almost falling asleep in class. The two things keeping him awake are his extremely strong coffee he made himself and the fear of the teachers cruel punishments if he does so.

____

Despite GoldHeart's intention to use Flug for his reconnaissance mission he can't help but feel sorry for Flug and suggests Flug should just stop going to her. However Flug says he can't do that because he is worried what if this time when she texted him it wasn't just an act and she really does need his help.

Cecilia: First you sit with us at lunch and now you want to sit at our reading spot too?!

Flug: Leth, could you excuse us for a second?

[Flug pulls Cecilia away from the bench he and Leth were sitting on towards the tree to talk]

Flug: Cecilia, what's with you?

Cecilia: Why do you want him as a friend when you have me!?

Flug, annoyed: Why can't I be friends with both of you?

Cecilia: Because I don't like you paying attention to him when you should be paying attention to me!

Flug: I pay attention to both of you.

Cecilia: I want you to pay attention to ONLY ME, Fluggy!

Flug, sighs exasperated: Look, just because I'm friends with Leth and pay attention to him too, doesn't mean I care about you any less, you're my best friend. So can't we all just get along and be friends?

Cecilia: No, way! I am not going to be friends with a beaver teeth loser!

GoldHeart, who has super hearing and was listening the whole time: Beaver teeth, really? I can easily conclude with that unoriginal insult that you're tiny brain would have seeped out of your pores long ago if it wasn't so clogged.

Cecilia attempted to claw Leth's eyes out only to be held back by Flug.

GoldHeart knows she can't do anything to him because of his invulnerability but he would definitely slap her face if she tried to gets close.

*(Note: My headcanon is that Miss Heed loves GoldHeart because he is popular. So without the popularity lens she absolutely hates him. 😂. This is basically an unofficial interview meeting her celebrity crush and ruined her chance of having a first good impression and ruined any possible chance of having any positive relationship with him as a team mate when she joins The Golden Rule)

____

Being around an attention seeking spoiled brat would obviously draw a lot of unnecessary attention to himself.

GoldHeart would have chosen a different friend group if he wasn't so invested in his plan (and definitely not because he also Flug's enjoyed company so much)

So he tries to work around this problem focusing mainly on Flug, but calls her out and curses at her for her unbearable behaviour when she pushes it and tests his patience.

____

Flug tries to diplomatic with both sides and tries to calm both sides and maintain peace (the irony 😂), but this proves difficult and often ends with failure as he never had friends before this, much less two and always thought that if he had some they would get along with each other, seeing as Leth and Cecilia also have a buch of things they have in common he thought they would get along as well.

However as he can clearly see he was proven wrong...

He once tried to suggest to them to hang out without him and find some common ground for both of them to get along.

But both rejected the idea. Saying they can't stand the presence of each other now and that spending time without Flug would be much worse.

What convinced Flug to stop try get the both of them to become friends was when Leth, says has a lot of hero friends in his old school says just because your friends with lots of people doesn't mean all your friends will get along with each other.

Flug accepts that and just instead ops to intervene and calm both parties down when the two fight.

____

Shortly afterwards Cecilia stole his thesis and left school to become a hero.

It is not uncommon for students to suddenly disappear without a trace. Flug thought she was dead as he believes she would at least tell him that she was leaving school.

Leth console and comforted Flug while thinking 'good riddance to that annoying spoiled brat. Thank goodness I don't have to deal with her again.'

____

After Cecilia left, Flug and Leth's relationship flourished even more without the interruptions. They spent most of their days together in school, doing homework and projects, studying, eating together, playing video games, watching TV, going to the arcade or just hanging out.

GoldHeart's reconnaissance mission also went smoothly. His likeable personality led to the popular students with connections to Black Hat Organisation inviting him to parties and gatherings which enabled him to learn about their family ties and connections with Black Hat Organisation.

He also invited Flug to all the gatherings, parties, (much to the reluctance of the other popular kids) and school dances. He even tried to teach the cutie how to dance.

____

Flug previously didn't go to all these events and gatherings because, being one of the unpopular kids, he was never invited and even if he was all his bullies would be there, and he would definitely be a target for them.

During school dances he would only go for awhile because his mother forces him. Spend a couple of minutes there and take a photo or two there and send it to his mother before leaving to binge watch some old Codigo Guajalote episodes in back his dorm room.

____

As a bonus of how well connected Leth is with the other students the teachers also made him deliver homework to the other students who are absent from class due to sickness, or any other reason.

This led to the teachers making him prepare some faculty documents.

The reason the teachers do this is because, Black Hat Institute, despite having the money to hire enough staff to delegate and split the work and duties to a reasonable amount, the evil school chooses to squeeze every bit of work they can possibly get out of the minimum amount of staff as much possible.

As a result the overworked teachers delegate their responsibilities the student council, hall monitors, teachers pets and whatever students the deemed as useful in exchange for "extra credit" for their free labour.

GoldHeart uses this to work in his favor.

Flug being the sweet friend, asks him if he is alright and says he can help him come up with excuses to get him out of helping them.

Leth says Flug is a good friend and says "it's not a big deal and he can handle it.

When secretly, in reality he considers this a huge bonus as if he won the jackpot as not only he gets critical information on the students, by helping the teachers he also gets critical information on the school curriculum, staff, and how they operate which P.E.A.C.E. Academy can be used to teach their own students to counter the villain students.

All the information he gathered, he relayed to P.E.A.C.E. in exchange he gets benefits and privileges for him and his team. Such as more money while doing heroic missions, sponsorships, brand deals, magazine and newspaper articles, modeling gigs, access to attend events and represent P.E.A.C.E. and most of all be the top consideration to be the next generation of The Seven Nobles.

____

However all good things must come to an end after The Golden Rule's 100% successful mission rate, having the best public reputation out of all the other heroes , and GoldHeart's gaining invaluable information from Black Hat Institute, The Golden Rule was finally selected to be the next generation of The Seven Nobles.

The whole team was ecstatic. However, in order to prepare the heroes to take over the title they will have to be mentored under the guidance of General Falchion, the current leader of P.E.A.C.E.

This came as first priority and as a result, GoldHeart's reconnaissance mission had to end, and he had to go back to P.E.A.CE. Academy.

GoldHeart had to admit he was going to miss Flug.

Despite being a villain, he truly does enjoy Flug's company, talking, bantering, listening to his cute evil friend. He even let some of his true personality show behind the act and even genuinely opening up to him about his personal feelings and opinions. He never does this as he had to maintain a reputation as a hero and his pristine public image and hence afford saying anything controversial, rude or unpopular.

____

"Flug I need to tell you... I'm leaving Black Hat Institute," GoldHeart decides to spill the beans to Flug the next day after school while they are studying together. Better to rip off the bandage now than later.

Flug was stuntlocked unable to process the information for a few seconds.

"Why? What happened?" Flug managed to ask his friend. Concerned about his sudden reason to leave the school.

To avoid suspicion, Leth made up a believable story where his family was unable to afford the tuition in school so he had to leave.

Flug asks him how he feels about all this.

Leth says he is happy about this because he said he was never really that passionate about evil so he is glad he gets to go to a normal school afterwards.

"We'll, as long as you're happy," Flug says.

"I am," GoldHeart says. More about getting to be a Seven Nobles and living this shit hole of a school rather than leaving Flug.

"You would have made a really great super villain," Flug says honestly.

"Hmm better than you?" GoldHeart teases.

"Don't push it," Flug teases back playfully shoving his friend.

Both of them burst out laughing.

"I'm really going to miss you, Leth" Flug says finally calming down from his laughter.

"Me too," GoldHeart says honestly.

"Well keep in touch right?" Flug asks sounding hopeful.

This was the time that GoldHeart should say "no" and just rip the bandage off his and Flug's relationship. Perhaps make up some half assed excuse about long distance calls being expensive. He got what he wanted from Flug and became a Seven Noble and doesn't need him anymore.

GoldHeart l took a look at Flug's teary and hopefully expression.

"Of course..." GoldHeart said instead.

The ecstatic look on Flug's face was rewarded enough. Damn he was truly whipped for this boy

He wraps his arms around Leth giving him a big hug. And GoldHeart hugs him back enjoying the contact.

"When will you be leaving?" Flug asks him.

"In a month," GoldHeart says.

"So soon?" Flug asks sad that he has to part with his friend so quickly.

"The news was unexpected to me too," GoldHeart explains.

"Well, let's enjoy the time that," Flug says pulling GoldHeart out of the chair

"Where are we going?" GoldHeart asks, letting Flug pull him out the door.

"We're going out to have some fun!" Flug declares.

"What about studying," GoldHeart asks.

"Forget that! We need to make this every second count!" Flug says enthusiastically

"Alright," GoldHeart laughs enjoying how out of character Flug was acting.

____

Flug is sad that Leth had to leave and sadden to see another friend go. But unlike Cecilia at least he is still alive and happy about leaving the school and as long as Leth is happy he is happy.

Both of them decide to clear their entire schedule to spend the remaining time with each other. Only doing the bare minimum and finishing their homework so that the teachers won't kill them.

They went to different places in the city. Doing fun things both of them loved, such as going to the arcade, carnival, movie theaters, museums, concerts, science exhibits, dinners at the best restaurants, airplane shows, spas, and hotels. Flug even made fake ID cards for the both of them so that they both can go clubbing.

On Leth's last night Flug helped him pack his belongings in his dorm room. Both of them were having so much fun that Leth forgot to pack till the last minute.

Both of them got emotional on the last day and thing led to another and both of them ended up spending the night together.

Both of them spent the night together.

____

GoldHeart's Plan B was to make the last moments together in school with Flug the best in his life, before ghosting him completely and blocking his calls the moment he left Black Hat Institute. It was better for the both of them not to be friends due their hero-villain identities.

GoldHeart held himself back from doing anything intimate with Flug, although GoldHeart entertained the idea when he first came to the school, but after getting to know Flug and befriending he felt ... (umm what's the what people called it...Oh right guilty. felt guilty (an emotion he rarely felt) if he started something with Flug while he was using him for the mission and leaving.

But emotions ran high on their last night together and one thing led to another and they ended sleeping together.

As much as GoldHeart tried to deny for as long as he was in that school, the realisation hit him and he can't deny it any longer that he was in love with Flug.

GoldHeart always thought people were dispensable but after befriending Flug, spending time and genuinely getting to know him, he felt like with Flug, he has someone he can finally connect and truly understand him. And as a result became an irreplaceable part of his heart.

That's why after they made love and Flug asks him if this means they were dating. GoldHeart immediately said yes.

____

The movers (secretly disguised P.E.A.C.E. employees) came in and carried all of GoldHeart's items as well as checking them for any possible trackers before moving them into the truck and driving off with the items. Some school curriculum and textbooks were to be brought to a P.E.A.C.E. investigators to be studied while the rest were to be burned just in case there was any evil contamination or curses.

While waiting for the cab to send him to the airport, both of talked to each other talking about their memories together.

GoldHeart even promised to call him once he got back home from his flight.

GoldHeart gave him one last kiss before entering the cab. Waving goodbye until Flug was out of sight. And he slumped in his seat.

The cab driver drove him to the airport. But instead of boarding a plane GoldHeart changed into his hero costume in a secluded alleyway before flying back to P.E.A.C.E. HQ for his final mission report and a meeting with Falchion.

While alone flying in the sky, GoldHeart was able to think about everything that happened.

He and Flug are boyfriends.

Part of him was ecstatic and giddy, but remembering the harsh reality of his life made his high come crashing down.

Flug is a hero and GoldHeart was a villain and things will never work out between them unless one of them gives in-

The realization hit him like a ton of bricks.

The answer was so obvious why didn't he think about it before?! That the only way for Flug and him to be together was for Flug to redeem himself. Yes he's a genius.

Sure Flug wants to be a successful villain once he graduates, but he is confident once he knows the benefits and perks becoming a hero has to offer he will definitely choose to become a hero.

P.E.A.C.E. will definitely accept Flug, they have accepted villains before as long as they have something to offer.

Flug is a genius so he will definitely be an asset with his brains and inventions to the heroes and be accepted into P.E.A.C.E. easily.

And a great addition to GoldHeart's Golden Rule Team.

All GoldHeart had to do was subtly convince Flug about the benefits and perks of being a hero and then convince him to redeem himself after revealing his identity.

____

GoldHeart knows keeping such a big secret would come out eventually at P.E.A.C.E. and would definitely look bad unless it came from him.

So he decides to come clean to General Falchion, confident he can convince the General to take his side on redeeming Flug and being on his time.

And immediately tells him during the meeting about his plan to General Falchion about redeeming the villain student Flug and on his team and how much of a useful asset to P.E.A.C.E. and the heroes he can be with his genius.

Falchion says after reading GoldHeart's report about Flug's genius, he definitely agrees he will be an asset to the heroes. And agrees to let Flug join P.E.A.C.E...

ONLY if he agrees to swear his loyalty to P.E.A.C.E. and leave all his ambitions as a villain behind.

GoldHeart says he will definitely convince Flug to do so.

Falchion would advise GoldHeart not to form any feelings or attachments in the meantime with Flug until he has officially joined P.E.A.C.E. but he can see he has clearly already done so.

GoldHeart, stunt locked asks him how does he know.

Falchion says he has been a General of P.E.A.C.E. for a long time and has seen many heroes become friends or fall in love with heroes and knows how to look out for the signs. And it was obviously given the way GoldHeart has talked about Flug in his report.

He also says to GoldHeart that because of this attachment the heroes would end up betraying P.E.A.C.E. and the heroes and end up becoming villains as well. And bluntly ask GoldHeart how he can be sure that while trying to convince Flug to become a hero, GoldHeart won't end up becoming a villain instead?

GoldHeart bluntly retaliates he is absolutely loyal to P.E.A.C.E. and to prove this he will continue to relay any critical information Flug tells him to Falchion until he can convince Flug to become a hero.

____

Afterwards GoldHeart and Flug called or video chat each other nearly everyday. Flug asks Leth about his new school and GoldHeart tells him as much as he can about class, friends and his schoolmates, while leaving out all the important hero activities of course.

While Flug excitedly tells Leth he got accepted into V.A.S.A. (Villains Aeronautics and Space Administration) to get his commercial pilot licence. Despite being younger than all the other students, he became the top student there and the instructors told him he can skip a few programs and will definitely get it sooner than the usual time students get it.

(Flug also, not to worry his boyfriend decides not to tell him that ever since Leth left school his bullies have come back to bully him and only stopped because he was hanging out with Leth.

His bullying also became worse ever since he became the top student at V.A.S.A. due to Miss Valdoom, a wealthy villain heiress to The Valdoom family with ties to Black Hat Organisation for many generations who was jealous at becoming number 2 in class ever since his arrival and made his life a living hell along with the other students in V.A.S.A. unless he quits.)

GoldHeart says he is happy for Flug and asks him about V.A.S.A. and tells him everything about the lessons.

GoldHeart as promised relayed everything Flug told him about V.A.S.A. to Falchion.

GoldHeart feels absolutely guilty. At school the guilt was at the back of his mind and easy to repress because he was in denial about his feelings for Flug but now that he has accepted his feelings he feels like a total scumbag.

But tries to convince himself that this was the only way to continue to be a hero and get Flug to redeem himself.

Flug will definitely understand once he explains his reasoning and he becomes a hero.

Right?

Of course he will!

He has to...

____

Spending the night with Leth was the best experience of his life. And even better when Flug hesitantly asked Leth if this means they were dating and Leth immediately said yes.

He and Leth are boyfriends!

Flug thought giddily.

But he has to leave the next day. Making the leave even more sad the next day Flug had to admit he was a little insecure that once Leth moved away he would find someone better and forget about him.

But Leth kept his promise to keep in touch with him through phone and video and even made plans to meet up during long weekends the summer. Much to the excitement of both parties.

However he also has been getting strange questions from his boyfriend. Such as...

How he feels about heroes? (Specifically P.E.A.C.E. heroes)

Flug says, although he has never met a hero in real life, he wants to become a successful villain so he sees heroes are his enemy and it won't benefit him anyway if he thinks about them any other way.

He says that every villain and their grandparents know that P.E.A.C.E. is a hero organisations that deploys for money and power. When Villains do this and are always upfront about it with their community. But the frustrating thing about P.E.A.C.E. is that when they do it they try to deny it and worse still they think they are better than villains just because they are heroes.

They're some genuinely good heroes out there from P.E.A.C.E. but as Flug mentions he wants to be a successful villain so it won't help if he to gets too friendly with them and becomes tempted to reform because of this.

How he feels about becoming a hero? As they get money, power and fame which Flug says he always wants to get fame, recognition, and money from his genius and inventions.

Flug says he never once thought of becoming a hero because he has always had love and passion for ever science ever since he was a kid and wanted to be a villain to pursue that passion after getting enrolled in Black Hat Institute his belief was reassured.

Leth asks him what he thinks about the super hero GoldHeart?

Flug says he has only seen him on the news fighting villains and being known as the "hero with a heart of gold". But to him he gives off a vibe of being overcompensatingly and being too good to be true. Then again he has never met him before so perhaps he shouldn't pass judgement too quickly and perhaps he is genuinely one of the good heroes.

For some reason Leth sounds disappointed with all of his answers...

____

One day he asks Flug if there was anything that could convince him to be a hero.

Flug then asks him where are all these questions coming from?

GoldHeart realises that he was laying on it a little bit too thick with his questions and casually mentions that his new school supports heroes and he wants to know what Flug thinks about all of this.

Flug asks him to be careful. Worried he might be bullied because he came from a hero school.

GoldHeart tells Flug he is sweet, but reassures him he has nothing to worry about.

____

Another thought comes to light after Flug tells him how he feels about his hero persona. Part of him is glad that he doesn't hate him per say but more because he's a villain and he has to hate heroes.

GoldHeart always thought Flug would only find out his secret identity after he convinced Flug to want to become a hero and he would tell him. There would be some arguments, that's pretty understandable but Flug will eventually forgive him after he tells him the full story, his feelings about and their future they have together.

But what if Flug finds out that he was GoldHeart and he would hate him afterwards and he will definitely lose him.

He can't let that happen!

He can't!

____

GoldHeart invited Flug to spend summer vacation for 2 weeks at a five star beach resort (fully paid for by P.E.A.C.E rewarding them for their successful mission) with him and The Golden Rule so that Flug can get to know his future team and his team will get to know their future teammate.

And also get them to help him to try to convince Flug to be a hero...

When Flug was out of sight and hearing range GoldHeart asked his team what they thought of Flug, specifically of him becoming a hero and part of their team.

The team told their leader that they agreed that Flug was a genius and that it would definitely benefit them having him on their team. However they also think he's nerdy and weird and believes he won't fit the image of a hero, especially in their team which has an image of the best and coolest heroes to uphold.

Hence think that Flug is more suited to be a scientist of The Golden Rule rather than a hero team mate.

But GoldHeart puts his foot down. Saying that there is a lot of wasted potential if they just made Flug into a scientist. Strongly believing that his genius strategic skills that can rival his own will be suited as a hero and his unique personality will be a good dynamic for the group.

The team was still reluctant to have Flug on their team as a hero. However GoldHeart always considers his strategies and planning to be the best so him saying someone's strategic skills can rival his own is a pretty big deal...

Their leader never steered them wrong, hence they all agreed that Flug should be on the team and will try to help GoldHeart convince Flug to become a hero.

Plus they knowing the real golden rule of the team is whatever GoldHeart wants GoldHeart gets and are also too scared and intimidated by GoldHeart to argue with him further knowing their leader will make their life a living hell if they go against his wishes, especially if he is this determined.

Perhaps they can benefit and curry favour with GoldHeart by being nice to his boyfriend Flug.

____

GoldHeart then asks Flug how he likes the vacation so far.

Flug says he is having a good time and appreciates Leth treating him to vacation*

Though he had to admit when Leth says they could go spend summer vacation together he kinda hoped they would be just the two of them.

But it was really nice staying in the same room together. Especially since they haven't been umm... intimate (Flug blushes) since Leth left Black Hat Institute.

GoldHeart smirks loving his adorable reaction. And says after this he and Flug can go on a trip together just the two of them, much to Flug's delight as he hugs and kisses his boyfriend, much to GoldHeart's delight as well.

*(Note: GoldHeart actually requests P.E.A.C.E. for an additional plane ticket, hotel accommodations were not necessary as Flug is staying with him but he tells Flug he is the one treating him as it would be suspicious as to why Leth's school is agreeing to pay a for a trip for a non student)

Leth then asks what he thinks about his friends.

Flug says they are ok, but doesn't want to elaborate, as he doesn't want to make it awkward. But GoldHeart really wants to know. So Flug says he feels like Leth's friends are only nice to him because Flug is his boyfriend. The obvious sign was that they don't even refer to Flug by his real name, just Leth's boyfriend.

[Flashback]

[Eating Breakfast Buffet at the Hotel's Restaurant]

[Golden Rule Member]: Hey Go-Leth's boyfriend can you pass me the salt

Flug: Sure, its Flug by the way.

[Golden Rule Member]: Thank you Leth's boyfriend.

[End of Flashback]

"Yeah they're like that. I'll have a word with them," GoldHeart says, knowing they are doing the bare minimum to tolerate Flug to curry favour with him as his boyfriend. But it could be worse...

____

For several months GoldHeart has been continuously going back and forth with the questions as well as dropping subtle hints through casual conversations to try to influence Flug to become a hero like the benefits about being a hero and how you can get away with things by being a hero instead of a villain.

However there was still no success or even any progress with convincing Flug to become a hero.

This made him realise redeeming Flug was a lot harder than he thought.

With the shitty horrible villain school Flug goes to. As well as GoldHeart's exceptional people skills to get people to do anything he wants, he thought it would have an easy walk in the park to get Flug to want to be a hero.

However this was far from reality as Flug was stubborn as he is beautiful.

Flug was determined no matter what to become a villain scientist and pilot and work hard to succeed no matter the obstacles and shitty people are in his way and there was no changing his mind.

And unfortunately things are going to get much worse...

____

It was Friday and GoldHeart was currently packing his bags. He and Flug planned to go on another trip together as a long weekend was coming up.

Suddenly an announcement was made on the school speaker ordering all P.E.A.C.E. Academy hero student to go to the main hall for an emergency briefing.

Surprisingly, General Falchion was there and informed the hero students that 100 planes in 15 different countries and their passengers have gone missing.

This has caused a diplomatic crisis between the affected countries and a widespread panic around the world leading to countries pointing their fingers at each other of who caused this. If they don't get to the bottom of this soon, they could be looking at an escalation resulting in war.

Hence Falchion has ordered all heroes to be on red alert to find and capture the culprit(s) bring them to justice. Any information provided about these incidents and the culprit(s) will be greatly rewarded.

____

GoldHeart was panicking.

What if Flug was the one who caused this?

The profile of the crime sounded like someone Flug would do.

Part of the reason why he could convince Falchion to give Flug a chance at being a hero was because he hadn't done any crime (or at least any obvious crime) as far as he knows.

Falchion says that integrating a villain who has done crime especially violent and destructive crimes (like this one) comes with a shit ton of baggage of reputation damage control that he believes is not worth the effort.

Falchion also recently told GoldHeart not to waste any more efforts on getting his boyfriend to become a hero, telling him some villains are a lost cause and he should be focusing on other more important things like gaining more popularity so that he can be more profitable for P.E.A.C.E.

If Flug had something to do with the planes and passengers disappearance, his plans or worse, their relationship would be totally screwed...

Immediately right after the meeting he changed into his uniform and flew to Black Hat Institute as fast as his super speed would let him.

Stopping several building blocks from the school dormitory, he changed into his civilian attire before stopping outside the entrance in front of the security guard at Area B and called Flug on his mobile phone to let him know that he's outside.

Flug met GoldHeart outside to let him in and they walked him to his room. Flug says he was not expecting him for another few hours and thought they were going to meet at the airport.

GoldHeart says he took an earlier flight here and couldn't wait to see him.

The school dorm was just eerie and creepy as he remembered, with a sense of evil in the atmosphere.

Not wanting to be distracted any further GoldHeart asks Flug if he had anything to do with the plane disappearances he saw on the news (which was broadcast just after Falchion's announcement)

Flug opened the door to his room to reveal the stolen planes in mini size and in jars.

"Did you do this?" GoldHeart says trying to stay calm despite how freaked out he is.

"Yes, I did," Flug says nonchalantly.

"How did you make the planes so small?" GoldHeart asks again, carefully.

"I shrunk it down with this shrink ray I invented." Flug says holding out his invention.

"That's pretty impressive," GoldHeart partly remembering that he was supposed to keep up the villian-supporter act and also genuinely impressed by Flug's invention. Even the top P.E.A.C.E. scientist struggled to invent shrinking technology. And Flug a villain student who has not even graduated from school beat them to it. He is truly a genius.

"I know," Flug says proudly.

"What happened to the people inside?" GoldHeart asks.

"They shrunk down with the plane of course," Flug explains.

"A-are they still alive?" GoldHeart asks Flug hoping if Flug didn't murder a bunch of people, at least he can still vouch for him for that one thing.

"They aren't now. Those mayonnaise jars only have so much air in them," Flug says nonchalantly.

"Mayonnaise jars?! Why mayonnaise jars?" GoldHeart spitters almost not believing what Flug just said.

"Well that's it's funny story actually," Flug chuckles recalling the memory.

"I was passing by the dumpster behind the cafeteria and I saw a lot of empty mayonnaise jars thrown and I thought it would be a cool way to display my model airplanes. But then I thought I just made a new shrink ray and got my V.A.S.A licence so why don't I just test it out and shrink some planes in them."

"As you can see I got a little carried away," Flug says gesturing to the dozens of planes in his room.

GoldHeart wanted to laugh at the insanity Flug's crazy outlandish reasoning and storey for wanting to putting planes in mayonnaise jars. Freaking mayonnaise jars! And cry at the same time, feeling their future of their relationship together slipping away through his fingers.

(Note: GoldHeart was not upset at Flug stealing planes and murdering thousands of people in the process 😂 but more of the scandal it caused and how it affected his plan to redeem and his relationship with Flug)

____

GoldHeart was unable to enjoy his vacation with Flug too distracted by the difficult decision: Should he tell General Falchion about Flug or not?

Despite how he tries to justify himself, deep down GoldHeart knows that telling Falchion about all the information Flug has told about school and V.A.S.A. is already pretty low. But if he tells Falchion that Flug was the one who stole the planes this will definitely be the worse thing he has ever done to Flug as he knows Falchion will definitely make GoldHeart arrest Flug for his crimes and he can't do that to his boyfriend.

However what if P.E.A.C.E. found out about this anyways? They have skilled agents and informants that could easily track down the culprit in no time.

And worse General Falchion finds out he will definitely know that he knows, being in contact with Flug, but he didn't tell them there will be consequence.

So he had to tell the General the truth before anyone else!

He is a brilliant strategist and with a high EQ, and the best people skills known to man. He can talk his way out of getting Flug out of this...

Right?

Right. And if he goes down, there will be no one to protect Flug. So he's making the right decision in telling Falchion. This is the right decision that will benefit both of them in the end.

Right?

____

After their vacation GoldHeart with a heavy heart, goes to P.E.A.C.E. HQ to tell Falchion that Flug was the one who stole the planes.

He explained how Flug was able to make the planes and passengers disappear was by shrinking them and putting them into mayonnaise jars. (This word mayonnaise jar made Falchion raise his eyebrow in question, but GoldHeart couldn't bring himself to explain the crazy reasoning even if he tried)

All the shrunken passengers were unfortunately dead due to suffocation... in the mayonnaise jar.

Falchion said that this was perfect, making GoldHeart confused about the General's reaction.

Falchion said that him and the other P.E.A.C.E. higher ups were looking through several lists of villains to assign GoldHeart and The Golden Rule their Arch-Nemesis.

And seeing how much this plane incident became the latest biggest worldwide panic and uproar, shaking the whole world with fear. The only thing people can talk about nowadays was how to bring the one responsible to justice.

If GoldHeart, the next generation leader of The Seven Nobles fought and defeated in battle and brought the one responsible him to justice. This would be a major boost to his popularity and reputation. As well as cementing GoldHeart's validity and capabilities as the next generation of The Seven Nobles and P.E.A.C.E. would reap the profits.

Falchion says GoldHeart will need to find out from Flug when his next plane heist is and inform Falchion who will arrange every news station to be in the area to cover and broadcast the fight with GoldHeart and his Arch-Nemesis's debut. Where GoldHeart takes down the horrible plane obsessed villain and bringing him to justice.

GoldHeart felt like he wanted to crawl into a hole. This was worse than what he thought would happen.

GoldHeart can't fight Flug and put him in jail!

To buy himself some time to come up with a plan to get out of this horrible mess, he tried to give Falchion several suggestions like perhaps they should not rush into things and make Flug his Arch-Nemesis there are plenty of other evil supervillains, maybe they should wait first before they go after Flug, perhaps it's just a one time thing and he'll never do it again...

But Falchion put his foot down. Saying that if GoldHeart can't do this then it not only does it prove that GoldHeart is just another incompetent hero who lets his emotions and feelings for a villain cloud his decision but is also siding with the villians.

Furthermore a leader's actions represent their team's and GoldHeart's incompetence proves the incompetence of his team.

And PE.A.C.E doesn't need that there were plenty of other hero teams to choose from to be the next generation of The Seven Nobles such Villain Slayer that could easily do the job and fight Flug.

So GoldHeart had to fight Flug and throw him in jail.

(Note: Falchion could have just ordered GoldHeart to lure Flug into a trap and arrest him however if GoldHeart publicly fought Flug and defeated him as the "public display of heroics" would make GoldHeart and P.E.A.C.E. look better and more heroic in the eyes of the public which would equal to more profits. Even though the fight could cause more property damage and possibly killed a bunch of innocent people it was a collateral damage he was willing to take and could easily blame it all on the villain and no one would be wiser)

____

The next day, a press release covered by several newspapers such as The Daily Chirping and Arenque News published the story that "after finding new discoveries at the scene of the crime" that can conclude the plane incident was caused by a villain. The passengers were dead but P.E.A.C.E. will send their strongest hero with a heart of gold, GoldHeart, to avenge these passengers and bring the vile villain to justice and save the day once again.

____

GoldHeart video calls Flug on the same day after the press conference and asks him if he has seen the news.

Flug says yes he did. GoldHeart thought he was a lot calmer than he expected.

GoldHeart then suggested Flug should lay low from doing a crime for a few weeks, months, years, forever (then he wouldn't have to have to fight and arrest his boyfriend)

Flug tells GoldHeart not to worry and just said that he anticipated this was bound to happen eventually and was in fact planning another plane heist at Flight City Airport at Terminal 3, next Saturday.

GoldHeart's heart sank and tried his absolute best to convince Flug not to go through with it, but Flug was determined, much to GoldHeart's dismay.

____

After racking his brain for ideas for the past few days, GoldHeart manages to find the best outcome to the situation, managing to convince Falchion to put Flug in P.E.A.C.E.'s in a luxurious penthouse their Recovery and Rehab Institute for Heroes instead of an actual prison.

(Note: Similar to what they did to Miss Heed)

And just inform the news to tell the public that Flug has been sent to a high maximum security prison.

And the public wouldn't be any wiser about this. So everyone wins.

Falchion reluctantly agrees to GoldHeart's compromise but says GoldHeart has to pay for the cost and amenities for housing Flug in the rehab and GoldHeart gladly agrees to do so.

GoldHeart's plan is to keep Flug in the rehab until he becomes a hero.

Flug is absolutely crazy for wanting to be a villain instead of a hero and they have the most talented psychiatrists, therapists and rehabilitation workers there surely they can get to the psychological root of the problem and find a solution to it.

Sure Flug would be pissed and hate him at first when he reveals to Flug his identity after he had arrested him and found out he's been lying to him ever since they met each other.

But he knows Flug will love him for this once he sees the bigger picture and become a hero and their relationship would go back to normal, no even better this time with Flug by his side and no secrets between them.

Until then GoldHeart will visit him as much as possible and be there every step of the way.

____

Next Saturday, GoldHeart was at The Flight City, Terminal 3 Airport wearing an inconspicuous baggage handler disguise, even wearing sunglasses and a cap to hide his gold eyes and gold hair steak. He did this so that he can be in an airport runway and get the element of surprise on Flug and has his superhero costume underneath to jump into battle immediately when Flug arrives.

The reporters were also there in the airport looking inconspicuous.

However after two hours Flug was a no show. Which was odd because, on the information he got from Flug, his next heist was going to be at 10 am.

Making GoldHeart hopeful that Flug changed his mind about lying low.

Suddenly there was a blinding flash and faster than he could blink a large cargo plane fell from the sky at high speeds and from the sky and crashed onto him.

GoldHeart pushed the large plane out of the way, fortunately he was invulnerable so the impact didn't even leave a scratch on him.

Suddenly a large blue light surrounded him, immobilizing his movement. Making GoldHeart realise that the plane crash was a red herring to distract him.

Then as the smoke cleared from the crash and debris, a figure appeared in front of him, wearing a mask, white lab coat, a plane flight suit and the most noticeable was the robot suit he was wearing which had hand attachments that looked like plane propellers.

Even with the mask GoldHeart could tell that that person was Flug...

"You lying manipulative bastard..." Flug says voice dripping with venom at every syllable.

"Flug let me explain..." GoldHeart says, obvious that Flug figured it out before he could tell him. Despite mentally preparing himself for Flug's reaction on the reveal, seeing how hurt Flug was, his heart twist.

"Shut up!" Flug yells punching GoldHeart in the face using his robotic arm.

GoldHeart could feel a bruise forming at his cheek.

That hurt, that actually really hurt.

"You had all the time in the world to explain! But instead you choose to use me for your own heroic gain!" Flug said, voice shaking with anger, as he lift his robotic arms up and preparing to shoot GoldHeart with his lasers.

GoldHeart can clearly see that Flug was not in the talking mood to talk and focus instead on the fight. The reporters and cameras were there and he had to put up a good show in apprehending the villain.

With a blast of gold light from his body he manages to break away from the immobilizing beam as well as free him from his disguise and reveal his superhero costume in all of its glory. Then charge after Flug flying.

GoldHeart thought that he would have to hold back against Flug but his boyfriend was a lot tougher than he looks and was able to hold his ground in a fight and actually proved to be a challenge for him, which has never happened before.

So he had to give it all to subdue Flug.

Their fight lasted a gruesome five hours, resulting in destroying the entire airport in the process before he manages to destroy Flug's robot suit, take away his weapons and restrain him.

The P.E.A.C.E. crowd control team managed to evacuate all the civilians from the airport, so there were no casualties in the fight (so no hush money needed to be given out this time)

GoldHeart gave his interview to the reporters about the fight and adding some template buzz words about "the never ending battle between good and evil", "justice always prevails", and "heroes always wins" blah blah blah.

Before carrying Flug and flying him to the rehab centre.

____

GoldHeart enters the large glass penthouse suite Flug was kept in carrying a tray of Flug's favourite food - seafood pasta with a side of salad, lemonade and and a lemon tart for dessert.

The suite Flug was kept in was the largest one they had. The room was furnished with expensive furniture in yellow, Flug's favourite colour, such as a large king size bed, sofa, coffee table, a large bookcase full of books on airplanes and science, and a study table at the corner with boxes

The only downside of this rehab was there was no internet. Which was no issue as despite Flug's genius in creating advanced technology, he has never used the internet other than for school work. (If it were someone who was addicted to social media and the internet, this place would have been an utter nightmare for them)

His boyfriend was currently sitting at the corner of the bed, bandaged and bruised and refusing to even take at his direction even when he came in.

"I thought you might be hungry," GoldHeart says placing a plate of pasta onto the table, before sitting down on the other side of the bed.

Flug still refused to look at him.

"How did you find out?" GoldHeart asks trying to begin the conversation.

Flug continues to ignore him.

"Okay let's try this, let me put in my theory when you manage to figure it out," GoldHeart says trying to compromise on the situation.

"I didn't notice it at first but you've always told me everything, but you never told me about how you graduated from V.A.S.A and your plans for the heist. I also realized that you have been a bit more vague about school for about a month, so I'm guessing you found out I was GoldHeart about two month ago, am I right?"

Flug remained silent and GoldHeart thought it was going to be like that through this whole visit when Flug let out a hollow chuckled and finally turned to look at him

"Fair play right?" Flug finally says. "You kept things and lied to me to get ahead as a hero. I kept things and lied so that I could successfully complete my heist."

"How did you find out all this?" GoldHeart asks again.

Flug looks like he was contemplating for a few seconds before sighing and giving in, "Black Hat Institute and V.A.S.A. informed the students that there was a data breach from P.E.A.C.E. which coincide with things only you had access to at the same time.

I didn't want to believe it at first. Trying to deny it was just all a coincidence.

Even when you asked me all those questions about how I felt about heroes I believed you when you said you just wanted to know how I feel about this because you went to a school that supports heroes as there was no way my boyfriend would lie to me about all this."

GoldHeart couldn't help but wince at Flug's words.

"But I still couldn't help shake the gut feeling. I felt bad for even suspecting you, so I decided to do some digging and research on P.E.A.C.E. just to get rid of the feeling and prove myself wrong.

I couldn't find much at first, P.E.A.C.E. had an immaculate PR team and a difficult cyber security to break into.

But then saw a newspaper article GoldHeart online. I never thought about him twice before but I remembered how you mentioned him once and as I stared into the photo in the news I couldn't help but notice how similar you look to him."

GoldHeart remembers the time he asked Flug what he thought about his hero persona.

"Even then, I still denied it, as celebrity looks alikes were the same.

I tried to used a facial recognition software on your picture and his and compared the audio recording of videos of the interviews you did to the voice messages you left me just to prove I was wrong.

But every evidence points to the same thing that you Herbert Leth are GoldHeart."

GoldHeart tries not to flinch at Flug's stare.

"All this time you used me! For months, ever since we met, you lied used me for information to give to P.E.A.C.E. for your own heroic gain. You befriended me, dated me, slept with me, and even made me believed that you loved me!"

GoldHeart could hear the Flug's voice cracked on the verge of crying.

"I really do love you Flug," GoldHeart says truthfully.

"LIAR!" Flug suddenly yells absolutely livid, suddenly grabbing GoldHeart's collar in a threatening hold.

"It's true! I did this for us, Flug!" GoldHeart took Flug's hands that were on his collar and held it in his arms.

"Look I admit it didn't start out that way at first. Yes, I was a spy for P.E.A.C.E and I befriended you for the wrong reasons, but as I got to know you I truly started to care about you then when l fell in love with you and we started dating I realised I can't live without you. That's why I've been trying for months to redeem you and get you to reform because I want us to stay together," GoldHeart explains.

Flug gave GoldHeart a cold hard stare before pulling his hands away from him. GoldHeart tries not to look hurt.

"You expect me to believe that?" Flug asked, voice as cold as liquid nitrogen, suddenly his eyes widened in realisation,"You're trying to use me again aren't you..."

"Flug I'm not-" GoldHeart tries to explain but was interrupted.

"Trying to get a villain, your new Arch-Nemesis to reform, just after one battle, to make yourself look good! Then once you have me wrapped around your finger again your going my genius and inventions for your own personal gain!" Flug said literally shaking in anger.

"No, Flug. Listen to me! I'm telling the truth! I really do care about you. You got to believe me this time," GoldHeart attempts to persuade his boyfriend.

"Believe you! BELIEVE YOU!" Flug spats out the words like it was a curse.

"Ever since we met you have been lying to me and using me to get ahead! And this is no different! Give me one good reason why I should believe you this time!" Flug stares at GoldHeart with challenging conviction.

"I-" GoldHeart tries to come up with something, but for the first time ever he was lost for words. Flug was right. What reason can he give for Flug to trust him.

"That's what I thought..." Flug says.

____

GoldHeart left the rehab centre with a heavy heart. He knows he's doing the right thing.

But why does he feel like his not?

____

He got a call from his agent telling him to come back to Flight City as the mayor wanted to give him the key to the city for defeating Dr.Flug.

GoldHeart says he'll be there in 15 minutes. The interruption was welcomed, hopefully giving him time to come up with an answer for Flug.

"I have to go...," GoldHeart says standing up. I'll be back in a few hours. Well continue this later, alright. I love you."

"Fuck off!" Flug yells. The look of contempt and hatred Flug gave him before he left would forever haunt him.

____

Not even five minutes after GoldHeart left he got a call from Captain Eugenia, the head of security at the rehab, informing him that Flug had escaped.

GoldHeart flew back to the rehab faster than a speeding bullet going back to the penthouse and just as he was told Flug was gone.

He searched around the rehab and around the city but it was too late...

Flug was long gone.

GoldHeart angrily questions every single one of the guards and demands they tell him how this happened and how could they let this happen?!

All the guards said the same thing the lights went off in a sudden blackout and when they went to check the patients, they found that Flug was missing.

GoldHeart could only smash the wall with his fist in frustration.

____

When Flug found out the truth on GoldHeart he broke down crying at the utter betrayal of the person he thought was most dear had been using him to gain information.

Before doing anything drastic, Flug needed to know: Is Leth's feelings for him all a lie as well?

Flug decides to test Leth and at the same time prepare for a contingency plan for the worst outcome.

Flug would be graduating V.A.S.A. soon and has already brainstormed an idea for his first ever heist He knows if the tells Leth, it would be an utter failure, so he decides to tell him about his heist only after he has done it.

(Note: The mayonnaise jar story was a lie Flug told GoldHeart to throw him off that he was planning his heist for months. But Flug did need to use the mayonnaise jars he found outside the cafeteria because he ran out of bell-jars because of an experiment😂)

This would also be a way to test him.

Leth was the one who only knew the passengers were dead.

And if P.E.A.C.E. found out anything about that (which they would most likely put in a press release and publish on every one of their news outlets), it would prove that GoldHeart doesn't love him at all and their relationship was all a lie. He just sees him as a source of information to use for his benefit and would sell him out to the heroes when given the opportunity.

Flug hoped that this wouldn't be true, but his worst fears came true as on the next day he saw on the press release from P.E.A.C.E. that confirmed his fears. Even more so when the press release informs them that they are sending their best hero GoldHeart to "bring him to justice".

There were obviously signs from the start but he chose to ignore it and think with his heart instead of his head.

He was never going to make that same mistake again...

Flug gave it his all in the fight and didn't hold back, taking all his anger, frustrations and feelings of betrayal his been bottling for months all out on fighting GoldHeart, the boy who he loved and thought loved him.

Using the backpack strength suit he created specifically to fight GoldHeart and counter his invulnerability, powers, and super strength, in case the worst of his fears came true. He even testing his teleporter to teleport one of the cargo planes he stole to crash into GoldHeart. The look on the hero's face was hilarious.

The fight lasted for a few hours before he was apprehended, Flug didn't expect to win, that's why he attached his shrink ray to his heli-bots and program them to steal the planes from the other terminals before anyone could notice while GoldHeart was busy fighting him and the P.E.A.C.E. evacuation team and reporters were so focused on the fight. Of course P.E.A.C.E. and their one sided news never covered it. Saying that the missing planes from the other terminals were destroyed in the fight by Flug to hide GoldHeart and their embarrassing oversight.

Flug stared at all of the furnishings and all his favourite items in the penthouse in discontent as if to hide the fact that this is another form of jail. The place was a literal screaming definition of a golden prison.

He expected to be placed in one of the jails owned by P.E.A.C.E, not a penthouse suite in their rehab centre, preparing detailed plans on how to easily break out of nearly every prison except for Mictlán.

Even with the most detailed planning Flug would need a team of at least a team of two to break out of the most heavily guarded and secure prison in the world.

Fortunately the rehab was not like Mictlán Even with GoldHeart most likely upping the security here because of his stay, from his observations when he was escorted by the security guards to his room the place's security was nothing as compared to a prison. Noticing the cameras had more blind spots than he can count and most of the staff were able to go in and out of most rooms without a pass.

Flug sat on the bed thinking about his plan. The glass doors to his room opened, accompanied by cautious steps and the smell of pasta, his favourite food, Flug didn't need to be a mind reader to know that it was GoldHeart. No doubt here to use the honey hatchet method to get more information from him.

He didn't want to deal with GoldHeart's manipulative lies now.

Flug ignores GoldHeart's question on how he found out, hoping he would go away if he ignores him long enough and he had enacted his escape plan until GoldHeart came up with his own accurate hypothesis. Flug decided to give in.

Flug wasn't the one to monologue, one of the most important things for a villain is to give as little information to the hero as possible. Perhaps he was exhausted. The two months of planning had taken a toll on him. Or perhaps he just wants to let everything out after bottling up, knowing that things will never be the same between him and Leth ever again. So decides to break the rules for once and tell him everything and get everything off his chest and out in the open.

Flug was pissed that GoldHeart told him about wanting to redeem him. This was obviously a lie. The two faced lying scumbag still had the audacity to keep up his caring boyfriend act. And he wasn't going to fall for it, not this time.

GoldHeart was a manipulative liar and everything he says cannot be trusted no matter how sincere he sounds.

Then it dawned on him that perhaps GoldHeart was not lying, he must want to redeem him to make himself look better, being able to redeem his Arch-Nemesis and use his genius afterwards, not because he cares about him.

He was proven so when GoldHeart can't even answer a simple question of why he should trust him.

And even so when he overheard GoldHeart was going to get a key from the city for defeating him.

After GoldHeart left it was easy for him to escape.

While in the blind spot of the camera at his room, he used the tools from the airplane model set to craft a device that would cause a power outage as well as using the device to surcharge the doors to open it and electrocute a few guards walking his direction before they even notice him. Then he managed to steal their clothes and go down the stairway and out the exit before anyone was wiser.

By the time GoldHeart got there it was too late...

____

Afterwards fights would go on and on the same way.

Flug would win some and escape. GoldHeart would win some and put Flug in jail only for Flug to escape immediately after he leaves.

GoldHeart has tried multiple times to reach out to Flug but he would not listen.

What's worse, Flug's eyes that would once look at him with love and adoration now looked at him with contempt and hatred.

He can't take it! He can't be without him!

GoldHeart has attempted to redeem Flug multiple times in the past but the old resulted in failure.

So he came to a conclusion, if Flug won't choose to become good, then he will just not give him a choice and end villainy forever.

____

Afterwards GoldHeart opened a new position for his team with someone who can help his cause to end villainy forever. He didn't care if the person had super powers or not.

Unfortunately the person who fits the roll was Miss Heed...

____

GoldHeart was shocked and displeased that the annoying spoilt brat was still alive. Worst still when she found out that she has a creepy obsessive crush on his hero persona.

He definitely didn't want her on his team but

Unfortunately she has the formula he needs to end villainy AND GET HIS FLUG BACK!

So beggars can't be choosers...

____

When Miss Heed found out that GoldHeart and Herbert Leth were the same person she was utterly humiliated and regretted it thinking that she ruined her chances of making GoldHeart fall in love with her and attempts to backtrack her behaviour saying that it was all just a joke and she was totally a different person now.

GoldHeart tells her to fuck off. Saying the only reason why she is allowed on his team was because of her formula which is needed to end villainy other than that he doesn't care if she get killed by a villain I'll get a ride over by traffic.

So she better work hard in perfecting the formula or else...

This made her scream and humiliation and become more determined to win GoldHeart's love.

She also can't let GoldHeart ever know that she stole the formula for Flug. However she also needs him to perfect it otherwise GoldHeart will never love her. Perhaps she can spray Flug with her perfume and make him into one of her followers...

____

The Golden Rule Members absolutely hated Miss Heed. Her obsession wanting to be the centre of attention resulted in her habit of stealing ideas and the spotlight from her own team.

This made the team think that perhaps they were a bit too harsh on their judgement of Flug. And kinda wished they tried harder to get him to reform. The nerdy boy was a breath of fresh compared to this hysterical attention seeking monstrosity. And now they have to deal with her on a regular basis as their team mate.

They complained relentlessly about her to GoldHeart who says he will get rid of her once she creates the perfect formula to end villainy forever. In the meantime he tells them to treat her like a part time member or an intern. He will also reduce the amount of team interactions with her such, as group collaborations, sponsorships, meetings, casual team meetups, ect with her as much as necessary and create a separate group chat without her in it.

Afterwards The Golden Rule limits their interactions with Miss Heed as well as made her life a living hell behind the scenes in the meantime hoping to make her quit

Miss Heed was not used to this kind of treatment. In school she could easily bribe the villain students not to bully her. But now she has no such leverage on her hero team mates.

She complained to GoldHeart but the hero paid no heed (heh) to her complaints knowing that she won't quit.

She has a creepy obsession with him of wanting him to be her boyfriendz which would definitely won't happen, and reeks of desperation for attention.

Hence he knows that she knows if she leaves the most popular hero team she will be less beloved, popular and given less attention. So she would definitely rather be treated like crap in the most popular hero team rather than to be treated nicely in a less popular hero team.

____

When Flug saw Cecilia on TV being initiated as the new member of The Golden Rule by GoldHeart he was absolutely shocked. Part of her was glad she was alive while the part was thinking "what the hell was going on?".

He concluded that not only did GoldHeart use him for information but while GoldHeart was in Black Hat Institute must have convinced her to become a hero, most likely for her family's wealth and influence. As much as he thought he knew Cecilia wouldn't do this, being obsessed with popularity and fame which would definitely come at being a hero, she would most likely have taken the deal.

Perhaps he didn't know her at all...

Perhaps all that fighting they did in school was all just an act in front of him to make her less suspicious about any ties with GoldHeart.

And she left earlier than him as two students disappearing from school would be more suspicious. Her father most likely covered her tracks and made her disappear so that she wouldn't be hunted by the school.

This revelation absolutely hurts. He can feel his heart absolutely breaking and being smashed into a million pieces.

Having not only been betrayed by his boyfriend but also his first ever and best friend.

Flug never had any personal vendetta against heroes, only knowing fighting them comes with the package of being a villain. But after everything he experienced with those two he can easily conclude...

Heroes are the absolute worst.

[analyticstraininghub]

(management information system)The study of people, technology, organizations, and their relationships is known as management information systems (MIS). MIS specialists help enterprises get the most out of their people, technology, and operational procedures investments. MIS is a people-oriented sector that focuses on employing technology to deliver services. A degree in MIS might be right for you if you’re interested in technology and want to utilize it to improve people’s lives.

[wingzie]

Keeping a "Safe Place" on Social Media (As Army and a Jikooker)

In my opinion, social media needs to take responsibility for what it has become. I don’t think it ever will, because it feeds on negative attention, but I try to focus on what I can do to help. For myself and others.

My bio on Twitter includes the sentence “A Positive and Safe Space for everyone” and I take this very seriously. As a baby Army, I used to be in several GC’s for report pages. Back then, reporting used to be primarily done in GC’s privately and we tried to limit any engagement. Soon afterwards, I started to witness a change: Egos started to get big, there was a saviour complex with Y/N tendencies, some would start engaging with the posts we reported and deals were being made behind the scenes to protect certain accounts. It made me sad to see this change in priorities and it wasn’t why I joined them in the first place, so I left when things started to go bad.

What did I do instead? Mute, block and report with my own system. I tend to “mute” someone first if they really annoy me and then “block” a second time if they are a repeat offender. I will automatically block and report someone if they say something really bad. I do not engage. That includes: liking, retweeting or quoting. It boosts the harmful tweet. Even more so if your display name includes something related to BTS or the members and it will add to the trends. By taking away the engagement, you are taking away their audience that they are hoping to gain.

I have mentioned before how a particular anti revealed that they would aim to get on a report page's radar, because the posts on them helped advertise their posts and accounts. Their plan was rather like a business model and it was scay how well thought out it all was. It was also clear that they had help and was in a GC thrmselves, just like the report pages were. When report GC's started to die out, they grew even more with how public the fighting became. The antis figured out how the change in social media worked in their benefit, before the rest of the fandom and even the social media creators itself did. They still fail to this day to understand how fandoms (and the language within them) changes over time. The algorithm encourages these type of negative posts too. On my second account I accidently liked a BTS tweet and my feed suddenly contained so much negativity about them, rather than about their projects or joy.

But how is all of this linked with being a Jikooker? Because we sometimes end up boosting that negativity that we really shouldn't. I quite honestly do not care what their theories are, but I always end up seeing them somewhere. More than I see actual posts about Jikook sometimes. Someone reached out to me that they felt like they knew more about tker theories than about BTS or Jikook as a whole. It's also why, whenever something negative happens, I start to spam more Jikookry instead. It's actually how the Live Reactions series was created, because I wanted to counter those talking bad about it. And to help us relive it with fondness.

I also think there is a lack of understanding about what the word "cult" actually means. It is up to an individual to try to break free, but it might also be difficult. There was a post by a young girl who had been added to a tker GC by a friend from school. She wanted to leave, because it was quite frankly bullshit, but was afraid to because she had given the GC owner some private information that they had threatened to leak if she left. That is terrifying and I sometimes think back to that girl and how she is doing. If she did manage to leave or not. For some, they are persuaded to stay whether they really want to or not.

That adds an entire new layer to all of this: Children being on the internet too young or not understanding the implications of certain things. I am a 90's kid. It was drilled into me religiously about the dangers of The Internet. That doesn't seem to be a thing anymore though, or they are quite literally left to their own devices. Because of this, we sadly saw an increase of online crimes aimed towards children during lockdown. There needs to be more done and again social media needs to be taking responsability. Ticking a box claiming your age does nothing to protect anyone. Not every Army with questionable intentions is a child though, of course. There are those that refuse to watch content or rely on heavily edited clips. I get a lot of those edits myself in my inbox, either by tkers or jkers who have found them and asked if they are true. My common answer: No. This is also why I try to give sources and encourage anyone to try to watch all the BTS content that they can. I know there is a lot, but it will help you on your journey. What can be done to stop them? Honestly, not much. We can hope to encourage them though and stop those that wish harm in their tracks. How do we do this? By being louder in our support. Because, at the moment, we're being louder with our hate and social media is boosting that even more. Rather than the praise and love that BTS and Jikook deserve.

[sag-dab-sar]

Clarification: Generative AI does not equal all AI

💭 "Artificial Intelligence"

AI is machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and more that I'm not smart enough to know. It can be extremely useful in many different fields and technologies. One of my information & emergency management courses described the usage of AI as being a "human centaur". Part human part machine; meaning AI can assist in all the things we already do and supplement our work by doing what we can't.

💭 Examples of AI Benefits

AI can help advance things in all sorts of fields, here are some examples:

Emergency Healthcare & Disaster Risk X

Disaster Response X

Crisis Resilience Management X

Medical Imaging Technology X

Commercial Flying X

Air Traffic Control X

Railroad Transportation X

Ship Transportation X

Geology X

Water Conservation X

Can AI technology be used maliciously? Yeh. Thats a matter of developing ethics and working to teach people how to see red flags just like people see red flags in already existing technology.

AI isn't evil. Its not the insane sentient shit that wants to kill us in movies. And it is not synonymous with generative AI.

💭 Generative AI

Generative AI does use these technologies, but it uses them unethically. Its scraps data from all art, all writing, all videos, all games, all audio anything it's developers give it access to WITHOUT PERMISSION, which is basically free reign over the internet. Sometimes with certain restrictions, often generative AI engineers—who CAN choose to exclude things—may exclude extremist sites or explicit materials usually using black lists.

AI can create images of real individuals without permission, including revenge porn. Create music using someones voice without their permission and then sell that music. It can spread disinformation faster than it can be fact checked, and create false evidence that our court systems are not ready to handle.

AI bros eat it up without question: "it makes art more accessible" , "it'll make entertainment production cheaper" , "its the future, evolve!!!"

💭 AI is not similar to human thinking

When faced with the argument "a human didn't make it" the come back is "AI learns based on already existing information, which is exactly what humans do when producing art! We ALSO learn from others and see thousands of other artworks"

Lets make something clear: generative AI isn't making anything original. It is true that human beings process all the information we come across. We observe that information, learn from it, process it then ADD our own understanding of the world, our unique lived experiences. Through that information collection, understanding, and our own personalities we then create new original things.

💭 Generative AI doesn't create things: it mimics things

Take an analogy:

Consider an infant unable to talk but old enough to engage with their caregivers, some point in between 6-8 months old.

Mom: a bird flaps its wings to fly!!! *makes a flapping motion with arm and hands*

Infant: *giggles and makes a flapping motion with arms and hands*

The infant does not understand what a bird is, what wings are, or the concept of flight. But she still fully mimicked the flapping of the hands and arms because her mother did it first to show her. She doesn't cognitively understand what on earth any of it means, but she was still able to do it.

In the same way, generative AI is the infant that copies what humans have done— mimicry. Without understanding anything about the works it has stolen.

Its not original, it doesn't have a world view, it doesn't understand emotions that go into the different work it is stealing, it's creations have no meaning, it doesn't have any motivation to create things it only does so because it was told to.

Why read a book someone isn't even bothered to write?

Related videos I find worth a watch

ChatGPT's Huge Problem by Kyle Hill (we don't understand how AI works)

Criticism of Shadiversity's "AI Love Letter" by DeviantRahll

AI Is Ruining the Internet by Drew Gooden

AI vs The Law by Legal Eagle (AI & US Copyright)

AI Voices by Tyler Chou (Short, flash warning)

Dead Internet Theory by Kyle Hill

-Dyslexia, not audio proof read-

[fuck-customers]

Ok hi hello, how the FUCK are we supposed to reach the "goal" if we're literally not told what the fucking goal is? And wtf is this passive-aggressive bullshit?

So my work has one of those phone number scams where they make us bully customers into giving us their phone number to have in our computer system that does not benefit the customers in any way. No rewards. No discounts. Nothing.

SO I had assumed that the register system automatically kept track of how many signups we were getting and all that shit. Literally what's the point if it's not? I still don't know. All I know is last week, one of the managers said "we're going to start keeping track of signups again" and I was like you weren't doing that the whole time?? Why the fuck did I bother doing the stupid ass signups for all that time then?

ANYWAY

The point of today's story is this:

I go into the breakroom at work and there's a printout of all of us employees and our phone number percentages. (employee numbers only, at least we weren't 100% put on blast, but it wouldn't be that difficult to narrow down which number was whose) with the employees who were under a certain percentage highlighted with a passive-aggressive note written that these employees need to reach "the goal."

1. WHAT fucking goal? Nowhere on this stupid public shaming attempt does it have any indication what the goal is that were supposedly working towards. Are we trying to reach 50% signups? 60%? 70%? Fuck if I know.

2. Even if there WAS a numbered goal, there's no way for the cashiers to know if they're hitting the goal or not until the week's results have been printed out and posted, which it appears management intends on doing. It's not like the registers have a little percentage in the corner so we can keep track of our own progress. Literally only management has access. So we have to blindly hope that we're reaching this unspecified goal.

3. There was absolutely no reason whatsoever to post that information to shame us. None of us were informed that we were supposed to be working towards any goal at all.

And 4. Ok so let's say we reach this mystery goal....and? What? What is that going to do for us? Or we don't reach the goal? And? So what? Management has lied in the past about if our numbers go up, so will our hours and that was a fucking lie.

I cannot stress enough just how useless the phone number thing is. It is not a store credit card signup where customers have to get approved or anything like that. The customer gets absolutely nothing out of providing their personal information. If they want coupons or discounts or rewards, they have to download the store app onto their phone. We cannot access any rewards or discounts on the register. At first, managers tried to lie to customers to say that if they provided their phone number, they could do returns without a receipt.

Except...you can do a return without a receipt no matter what. It's the exact same process/policy for every single customer. Whether or not they provide their phone number, every single customer doing a return without a receipt will automatically get the lowest price for those items in the last 90 days back. Period. There's not even a way to pull up old transactions from a customer's phone number if they lost their receipt. It is 100% useless. I personally suspect there's something shady going on and the company is selling customer's personal information or tracking their spending habits for advertising or something sketchy.

So anyway, someone who definitely was not me wrote a note back telling them to tell us what the goal was or else we cannot reach it.

If you decide you want to fudge the numbers a bit here are some random numbers to use.

Buena Vista Water Sports 407-239-6939 Sky Venture 407-903-1150 Orange Blossom Balloons 407-239-7677 Kennedy Space Center 407-522-5911 Silver Springs 352-236-2121 Cypress Gardens 1-863-324-2111 Fun Spot 407-363-3867 Gator Land 1-800-393-jaws or 407-855-5496 Green Meadows Petting Farm 407-846-0770 Holy Land Experience 1-866-872-4659 or 407-872-2272 Orlando Science Center 407-514-2000 WonderWorks 407-351-8800 Ripley’s Believe it or Not 407-345-0501 Boggy Creek Airboats 407-344-9550 Orlando Museum of Art 407-896-4231 Central Florida Zoo 407-323-4450 Leu Gardens 407-246-2620 Old Town 407-383-6126 Daytona USA 1-386-947-6530 Wekiwa Springs State Park 407-884-2008 Richard Petty Driving Experience 1-800.BE.PETTY Jungleland Zoo 407-396-1012 US Astronaut Hall of Fame 1-321-269-6100 Magical Midway 407-370-5353 Citrus Tower 1-863-324-2111 Sky Coaster 407-397-2509 Scenic Boat Tour of Winter Park 407-644-4056 Orlando Helitours 407-397-0226 Star Flyer (located at magical midway) 407-383-6124 Dotties Orlando Comedy Theatre 407-226-3680 192 Flea Market 407-396-4555 Visitors Flea Market 407-396-0114 Maingate Flea Market 407-390-1015 Medieval Times Dinner Show 407-396-1518 or 1-888-WE JOUST Pirates Dinner Adventure 407-248-0590 or 1-800-866-2469 Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show 407-363-1985 or 1-800-393-1985 Capone’s Dinner Show 407-397-2378 or 1-800-220-8428 Arabian Nights 407-239-9223 Walt Disney World Resort 1-800-W-Disney or 407-824-2222 Hoop Dee Doo Review 407-WDW-DINE Wide World of Sports (407) 939-2040 Disney’s Polynesian Luau 407-WDW-DINE Sea World 1-800-327-2424 or 407-351-3600 Discovery Cove 1-800-327-2424 or 407-351-3600 Universal Orlando Resort 407-363-8000

[dimespin]

What are the social implications of saratoans deciding to live outside the house system? What are some difficulties a pair who decides they want to live on their own might face? What are some of the advantages?

A lot of professions tend toward living this way so that the person can live in the same building as their office or business - it's especially common with people who work with secret, private or valuable information or materials, where reducing the number of people constantly walking around the area helps make security simpler, and maintaining a quiet home work space is desirable.

Lawyers, spellwriters, librarians, and accountants often live separately from their family in smaller homes, depending on the kind of work they do in their fields.

For that reason, while it's viewed as eccentric and antisocial, possibly curmudgeonly, and often seen as shirking family responsibility to some degree, it still has an air of respectability. Professional recluses (Atlas fits the stereotype basically)

Not everyone who chooses that lifestyle has the benefit of a respected career though, they tend to be viewed more negatively in that case, often associated with having troubles too great to allow a person to live with others or being too toxic even for the houses that take just about anyone like dead houses (like PenWell's) often do.

The pros: more control over one's own life, reduced responsibility for others (like avoiding being roped into childcare with no warning), less involvement in complicated family drama, fewer interruptions or disruptions of your work,

The cons: more responsibility for basic home management planning and chores (getting food, tracking when things will run out, tracking and paying bills, cleaning, building maintenance etc., - in the normal house system these are elder duties to either perform or keep track of and assign to others), more expensive due to economy of scale, risk of social deprivation and the negative effects to mental health that that causes, less social support when they need it if they haven't maintained relationships

[elk-scribe]

you know what since I was talking about the rain world ending and i rambled a little about the karma system and how its all fake.

Big spoilers ahead and whatever I will be talking thoroughly abt the game lore (excluding downpour i don't consider it canon).

Karma in rain world isn't real and we've all been tricked to think it matters at all.

Here's a list of things we should consider regarding the information about karma.

We start on the lowest karma, and as slugcat rests it goes up until it caps at 5. Each of these karma levels represent the basic animal urges. Violence, lust, companionship, gluttony, survival.

The ancients are the ones that considered shedding the base natural urges of an animal necessary for ascension.

The ancients are also the ones that proposed the idea of ascension, and declared that the cycle of life, death, and rebirth is so awful that no creature would want to be a part of it.

(light blue pearl, outskirts)

Now, a lot of this game is about religion- and in the case of the ancients it touches upon the idea of the opressiveness of religion and exploitation therein. Anytime I think about how the ancients left behind the iterators to "solve the problem" for the rest of the creatures, it makes me think of how missionaries go to places to try and "save" the people there.

The ancients' religion is a manipulative cult. First, they convince (almost) all of their people that life is awful. Then, they continue with proposing the idea of solving that problem- no longer living. But there's a catch! You have to die correctly. You have to EARN this "blissful" release from the horrible fact of living. Either by rigorous torture (living off of tea and starving yourself) or by paying money.

(Bright red pearl, farm arrays)

Then, they make it a societal norm- an HONOUR to die in the way They Think Is Correct. But you HAVE to do everything they say to shed yourself of those nasty animal urges and be ready for ASCENSION. And they put a price on it.

But we have to remember, not only did they create a religion that convinced them all that living is horrible...

They destroyed the entire ecosystem that used to be there and replaced it with ruins or whatever managed to descend from purposed organisms.

The ancients were able to alter cells of creatures- the ability to do such a thing at all is described here.

(Gold pearl, Chimney Canopy)

So who is to say that they didn't alter the cells of their own people? That they didn't create all purposed organisms with that idea of karma inside of them? The gates respond to the slugcat, it reads something about its karma. Its a machine reading something within its genetic data. The guardians respond to creatures with karma- and in fact are hostile to anything NOT at karma 10.

But the guardians were made by the ancients to protect their temples. To prevent anyone "unworthy" from going down.

The iterators are forbidden from altering their own karma- how is that something you can do if its not an actual, physical trait somewhere within them? Somewhere within their genetic code that the ancients tampered with?

But most notably-

Cheesing your way past the guardians using flashbangs and throwboosts is an intended feature of the game, and you can go down and into the sea and ascend with no issue. If karma truly mattered for ascension, then why can we ascend without the approval of the guardians?

Slugcats are descendants of purposed organisms, they have this "karma" meter wired into their bodies.

So anyway karma isn't real and the ancients forced a mass suicide of their own kind as Im sure whoever benefitted from exploiting their own citizens had been long gone, leaving behind nations of people desperate to leave the world behind as they have been convinced its the only thing to save them from the horrors of living.