#a) handling some legal documentation/their id

[wandixx]

Seriously chaotic fashion misadventures

I realized I posted a teaser and never really followed up on it, so here is some more of that

“Hey, Dami?”

Boy hadn’t looked up from the kittens he was bottle feeding but let out a hum indicating he listened.

“I'm thinking about trying out a more girlish style. Do you think it would suit me?”

Well, Damian had no idea but if Dani wished to give it a chance, then, well, the only proper reaction was to offer his aid.

*-*-*

“Father, I require access to your rouge gallery.”

Bruce almost choked on his breakfast when his youngest made this announcement.

Rouge gallery, as his children playfully called it, was vast collection of lipsticks, which he collected to uphold his Brucie persona. Famous playboy with head constantly in the clouds couldn’t not show up with discreet signs of scandal from time to time. And it couldn’t always be the same shade. Or scent when he choose more subtle approach and used one of his more feminine perfumes.

In all honesty, he enjoyed this.

But that’s not the point, point was that Damian wanted to use it and Bruce needed to know what disaster would fall upon him if he agreed.

“Mind telling me why, chum?”

Dick, who visited Manor for a weekend, barely stifled his laughter while Tim stared at his empty coffee mug like it personally betrayed him. Cass just wore her usual knowing and mischievous smile.

Damian shifted in his chair, hands clenching on butter knife. He was nervous and suddenly Bruce dreaded the answer he was about to hear.

“I don’t see how me sharing this information would change anything. It won’t be used to cause harm to anyone but it’s necessary in the extracurricular project I just started.”

“Dami, what project?” Dick asked, voice oozing with genuine curiosity and excitement. He was almost bouncing.

“I don’t want to disclose it.”

“Is this a hero or civilian type of deal?”

Damian didn’t look any of them in the eyes, both hands clenching on his seat as he kept shifting. Bruce narrowed his eyes. Was his youngest… flustered?

“Civilian”

“Alright, great” Dick swung back with single clap, almost tripping his chair over “I think B won’t have anything against you using his rouge gallery, will he?” Man knew his oldest son well enough to recognize his ‘don’t you dare to disagree’ tone. He was confused but there wasn’t any harm so he nodded with affirmative hum.

“Thank you, Father”

Boy practically inhaled rest of his food and rushed outside. Despite all his training and all his efforts, they clearly saw his excitement. Tim pinched himself and returned to staring at his mug.

“Cass, have you seen what I’ve seen or am I overreacting?” Dick asked, barely restraining his enthusiasm. Girl nodded eagerly, shoving more crumbs into her mouth. Young man cheered, throwing his hands up.

“What have I missed?” Tim mumbled, frowning a little.

“BABY BAT HAS A CRUSH!”

Cass nodded again with wide smile.

Oh.

Oh no.

Who were they? What did he know about them? Was Protocol 3r0s started? Did someone run a background check already? What could they do if they somehow hurt Damian? Was this person a risk to their identities? Oh gods, oh no.

He probably will have to do The Talk™.

He always dreaded having The Talk, with any of his kids. He felt The Talk with Damian would be even worse. Understandably so.

“Also sleep in at least three da-”

“Fuck off, dick.”

“Was this insult or-”

His children remained obvious to how much work it meant, cheering and sassing each other like they often did.

*-*-*

Damian did not know how it was possible but he lowered his guard enough to get caught.

"What are you doing?" Brown choked out after they stared at each other for a long moment.

"It does not concern you–"

"You're rummaging through my wardrobe, not many things concern me more and also, that's frickin creepy don't do it to anyone outside of the family"

She did have a point however he was not convinced it would be the correct approach if he shared his plan. Father's wards (even unofficial like Brown) tended to make assumptions and overreact based on these conjectures. Dani wasn't easy to scare off but he didn't want to check if his family would manage. They often did things thought to be impossible.

He tried to get away but the blonde stood fiercely in a door, leaving the window as the only way out. He wasn't this desperate. Yet.

Girl looked more and more angry at his silence. He had to give her some answers.

Now that he actually considered it, she could be a useful asset. She was far better versed in women's fashion and if he phrased it correctly, he wouldn't even need to bribe her. Question was, how should he phrase it?

"I have an acquaintance- I have a friend," he corrected himself "from the animal shelter I volunteer at. She mentioned wanting to try out more 'girlish style' and asked for my opinion. I wanted to see if you had any clothes that would fit her. She is smaller than me so I thought that whatever I take, it wouldn't be missed." 

Brown grinned with an unsettling gleam in her eyes. He suddenly regretted opening his mouth if not coming to this room in the first place. 

"Say no more, I have a plan Demon Child"

[thejakeformerlyknownasprince]

Oh man your comment about everyone thinking about their futures kicking and screaming reminds me: yet another reason Tobias refuses to go human nothlit is because not only does he not know how to handle all the bureaucracy and admin stuff that comes with being a human adult, but he refuses to learn.

Like, why does every document ask for his social security number? What are they, cops? Surely he doesn't actually need to renew his ID. Everyone knows who he is.

At one point he gets a sponsorship deal to do some commercial and hides the money under separate trees. Marco yells at him, opens a bank account for him, and gives him a folder of documents with his bank info to keep safe. Tobias keeps it safe by burying it under yet another tree.

I was about to be like "how did Tobias end up with cash to bury under trees if he didn't cash the checks" but then I realized that, of course, he balls up the checks and drops them through Marco's skylight for Marco to deal with.

And every time Marco is like "You forgot to endorse it!" and Tobias, while flying away, yells back «I endorse you to fucking do it!» before disappearing into the trees.

Eventually it comes out that Tobias doesn't have a legal signature, or at least his legal signature consists of Marco writing his name on things. Bonus if it comes out that Marco has been misspelling his name this entire time.

[gremlinmodetweeker]

Tiptoe Through the Tulips-Tiny Tim

Okay so after the prologue yesterday, I figured I'd post the first chapter and see what you guys think. Do you want to see more of this story? Do you like it? Please let me know!

TWs: slavery, ABO

Wordcount:

Art from This Post

Story below the cut

Tiptoe Through the Tulips-Tiny Tim

The crisp autumn wind whistled through the tunnels, howling out a wretched cry of despair before leaping onto the platform to stalk a wrought iron bench. On said bench sat a shivering woman carrying nothing but a briefcase and a sign. The sign was furled around the edges, and there was a stain of coffee on the upper corner that someone had obviously tried to get rid of but had decidedly given up upon, focussing more on keeping their fingers warmed up against their sides.

You sneezed and checked the overhead clock to see if the delayed train was on its way anytime soon. Your fingers were bright red, knuckles white from gripping on the sign firmly enough to crumple it. You gulped, the ticker’s orange lights above indicating that the train would indeed be another fifteen minutes before arrival. It seemed that there had been some sort of incident on the tracks. You wouldn’t have been surprised, really. Despite the fencing and the guards in the station, it was hard to prevent someone from slipping through the cracks. One would have thought a more effective solution would have been put in place by now, but it seemed such was not the case. In a way, you envied that ghost of your mind, freed from the world of shackles and hierarchies. And yet, you shuddered to think of all the bones that had been left behind on the rails.

You looked down to the briefcase and fiddled with the locks. There, inside the briefcase, were all the papers needed to ensure the entire arrangement went smoothly. There were your identification cards, the legal documents (already signed, you triple-checked), even the personal papers that your father had painstakingly wrote out to ensure that the guards would be sure of your identity, as if the chip in your bite collar wasn't enough proof. You thumbed the collar, mindlessly. You had your other ID card in your wallet, but most people liked to use the collar. You just wished you had an arm bracelet like the alphas and betas around you, but they said that the collar was more convenient. You just considered it an insult every time you had to present your neck just to buy some groceries.

The autumn air was brumous, doing nothing to really comfort you as you shuffled on the cold wooden bench. You checked over your shoulder, and saw naught but the staircase leading to the rest of the station. Behind you on your right was a cafe where a young beta B woman was sweeping some fallen leaves to the side. She didn’t seem tall, but you worried about how quick she might be. She certainly had long legs. It wouldn’t take much to come over and take you out from behind. It wouldn’t take much to collapse your trachea as she choked you out, and she could easily hide the body in the dumpsters. Damn the security cameras, when had those stopped anyone? Not when it was a crime against an omega, at least. You had been raised on warnings from your parents to be on guard. You needed to be on guard, you were an omega. Omegas were weak, omegas were pathetic, omegas were dead meat-

You slapped your leg, relishing in the pain that followed. You needed pain to focus. Pain was clear, simple. Pain had a cause and an effect. Easy to take, easy to understand. If you could still feel, it meant you were here, in the present. You were breathing, you were alive. And if pain meant you were alive, then by that logic, it meant that you could breathe, which was what you settled on doing.

You didn’t really understand why your father had to be so busy on that particular day. Normally, he would have been perfectly fine to go out and handle the legal proceedings himself. It would have been fine! Why was it that the cafe had been busy that day? Why did your father decide that his daughter, his omega O daughter,  needed to take responsibility and do something on your own? It was far too much pressure, and frankly, it was really not the brightest of ideas. After all, why were you here? You didn’t understand the legal logistics of all of this nonsense. You didn’t understand much of anything about this whole situation, if he was to be perfectly honest.

And yet, you sat on the bench regardless. You sat on that blasted bench with nothing but a sign and a briefcase. It would have been nice to have a coffee, but it wasn’t like you had the money to buy one anymore. Your father had always been tight on money, meaning he didn’t have much to spend paying his daughter. You had long since accepted that you’d work at the cafe for free until you inherited, if you inherited anything at all. After all, family helped family for free, didn’t they?

You sneezed. There wasn’t much around to really keep your mind off of the whole situation. Now that you noticed it, the train station was oddly quiet. It was midday on a Wednesday, certainly, but it still had your skin crawling. Save for you, the cafe worker, and the ticket taker, there really wasn’t anyone else there to take your mind off of why you were there.

Mind you, you supposed your grandmother wouldn’t have wanted you to be so anxious. She was always telling you that the only thing to fear was fear itself. There was no reason to be upset about someone sneaking up on you in a back alley. Why be worried when there is so much to do? Your grandmother probably would have been ashamed of her you for being so afraid… Oh, if she was here right now, she’d certainly hang her head in shame at what a wreck you were!

You slapped your leg again and let out a long shuddery breath. She wasn’t here right now. She would never be here now. No, Grandma was long gone. She had left this world with not much save a few precious belongings, which had been divided amongst the dwindling remaining family. She had always been a fair woman, if a bit harsh, and had seen to it that everything she owned went to the relative that had needed it most.

Jeremy, the eldest of your father’s family, was left her library. She had books collected from all around the world, in all sorts of languages in all states of being. In her collection was a series of bibles that had been out on display for all to see. Of course, her personal copy of the King James was by her bedside, but the display of bibles had been left to the eldest to learn from. Having been a man of God, Jeremy had been grateful about what had been left to him.

Amanda had been left in charge of the manor. The manor was truly an incredible estate, sprawling with unkempt wild gardens and a weird mish-mash of architectural styles to come together into a rickety castle of windows, arches and spires. It hadn’t seen much care in the final years of Grandma’s life, but it was still nothing to scoff at. Having struggled with obtaining a divorce from her overbearing husband, Amanda had been glad to finally have a place to call her own, to start a new life.

The youngest, your father, had been left with one allotment. A lump sum of money, the only remnant of the wealth the family once held onto. Years of the late Grandpa’s cunning business ventures and bold moves in the stock markets had led to quite a bounty to be had. However, once Grandpa had passed, much of his money was donated to local charities, with the grim remainders that were smuggled away left to his late wife for a safe life without him. Your father was glad for any money that could be had to support his coffee business.

The final recipient was a surprise for everyone. It had been none other than her youngest grandaughter, you. You were given the charge of your grandmother’s slave and closest companion, König. He’d been there as long as you could remember. Caring for Grandma in her twilight years, diligent and powerful, König had been her beloved slave. You had always found the gigantic man to be incredibly intimidating, what with his broad and deadly muscles wrapped around his tall, sturdy frame. Intimidating and always hidden behind an exectuioner’s hood. If one had thought to question the power in such a form, any doubt would have been quelled by the firm resolve held in those tired eyes. One had to question what lay beyond those eyes, what thoughts he had, what history lay behind him, who the slave really was. If there was one thing König was, though, it was loyal. Despite his biological tendency towards violence and the battered scars of past battles decorating his arms like medals on a soldier's chest, he was the gentlest and most caring man towards Grandma. You were absolutely terrified of him.

König, as he had been officially named, had done everything for Grandma Tweak without a single bat of his eyelids. He had been there to get her groceries, prepare her food, feed her and go so far as to wash her in the final years of her life. He had taken these burdens with pride and held his head high. He followed your fiery grandmother everywhere she went, taking care of personal matters and ensuring the elder was safe at all times. Grandma had supposedly died in his arms as he was reading her passages of the bible before bed.

However König, for all his care towards your grandmother, had not been one to extend any of his hospitality towards anyone else he came across, family member or otherwise. In fact, on your last visit to your grandmother’s home (roughly five years ago, if you counted correctly), you had been slammed against a wall for daring to disturb her during an afternoon nap. You had been seconds away from being torn to shreds when a small bell had pulled König away to stand behind your grandmother, who scolded you softly for making such a ruckus. You had wanted to argue that calling her for tea was not a reason to be thrown into a wall, but had simply stayed quiet, and accepted your punishment.

For the rest of the visit, you had been (understandably) nervous around König, who snarled if you so much as took a step out of place. Your grandmother had let it happen, and waived off your  father’s urges to call off her dog. He tried explaining that you were family. She had giggled, and replied, “Family means nothing in the eyes of vultures.”

You had been desperate to get your father to sell on the slave when you learned of your grandmother’s will, but your father had been keen on the extra pair of helping hands around the shop. Indeed, it also helped to deal with an ongoing issue within the cafe, which had led to many conflicts with the customers.

You knew that you couldn’t control who you were, or who you turned out to be, but you still couldn’t help but feel overwhelmingly guilty about how you had turned out. After you had started presenting as an omega omega, customers had been eager to see what they could get away with. Some had taken to mocking you, others turned to flirting with you, encouraging you to run away with them. Others had taken to scenting the cafe, becoming violent towards other customers, and on one occasion attempting to pin you down to mark you. After that incident, you had been forced to work alongside your father, who had been less than pleased to be at the front counter. Your father was much more inclined to work in the back-end of the cafe than to be forced to work with customers, and had made sure that you knew of his displeasure at every waking moment.

Indeed, life had started to become a sort of living hell for you now. You were constantly on edge around customers, barely had enough money and time to go to the pharmacy to get scent represent medications, and you were forced to endure the wrath of your father whenever you so much as clinked a glass. The one light in your life also had suffered, as your mother had fallen ill with a disease that your father couldn’t cure with over-the-counter pain medications.

You knew that if your father had more time in the back and away from you and customers, he would surely have more time to help your mother. So thus, if an extra pair of (unpaid) hands was what it took to ease up on the workload, your father was glad to jump at it. In the end you had little say when you were forced to inherit the bodyguard that had once looked over your frail grandmother.

Thus, this led to you being sat where you were, where you prepared to hand over documents to ensure that König was taken into your care. This entire exchange was what brought you to be sat out on a wooden bench, freezing and sneezing away while you waited for a delayed train to arrive and deliver the one person you’d hoped you’d never had to see again. And because your father refused to leave the cafe, he’d sent you in his stead. So there you sat, waiting and praying the train never arrived.

In the end, the wait for the train had proven to be far less painful than you’d expected. Being lost in thought, you’d shot nearly five feet in the air when you heard a loud tolling of a bell, then the low roar of an incoming train. The heavy clunking and chuffing of the wheels grinding on the tracks groaned to a painful halt in front of you. The doors of the carriage opened like a can to let out a stream of passengers fluttering by. You winced from the sound, stiffened up as the small throng of people piled out of the train and onto the platform, buzzing around you like blackflies, shooting you stinging glares as they passed you by.

In the end, you were left with three people standing in front of him. Two men dressed in grey suits were situated on either side of a tall, looming beast of a man. His face was encased in a ferocious mask, and he’d been stripped down to only a pair of dirty canvas pants held up by a hemp rope. One of the men in suits stepped forward, calling your name.

You nodded, trying but failing to suppress a particularly violent tic in your neck.

“Good afternoon, ma’am. We offer our condolences upon the death of your grandmother, Andrea Bower. However, we are glad to announce that you are now a proud owner of one König. Please understand that there are some papers for you to sign before we can let you go. And, of course, we do believe there are some payments to be made,” the first man said and stood back.

You handed them the briefcase. They opened it to examine the contents, and after a cursory glance they nodded and shut it with a click. They looked back to you with twin barren expressions. If you weren’t so nervous, you might have been able to strain yourself to describe their faces as smiling, but as it was you couldn’t read anything past their dark sunglasses. They passed you a leash that had been fastened to the muzzle of the slave, and the other patted his back.

“Please understand that as Andrea did not leave much to König, so we had to take back many of the items that König once ‘owned’. The only objects legally listed under König’s name are a mask, his personal files, and your grandmother’s diaries and paperwork. These will be brought to your home by tomorrow evening.”

The other man handed you a card, “If you have any further questions or concerns, please call your local Slave Department Headquarters for advice.”

You nodded. The man waved over his shoulder as he turned to walk out the door.

Left there on the station, alone again (aside from the other aforementioned staff), you were left holding König’s leash. With nothing left to do, you figured you needed to go home. You expected some resistance from König, but the man simply followed behind you like a dark shadow. You tried to ignore what you presumed to be König’s glare, and fished out your wallet. You had a little bit of cash, the remnants of your birthday money, then looked back to König’s (lack of) shoes. There was no way he could be comfortable walking home with just a mask and pants. No, you couldn’t let that happen.

You made your way onto the street when a sudden breeze had you shuddering. You turned back to look at your new slave. 

At that moment, with you looking at König shivering in the autumn  breeze and you tucking your jacket around you, you saw a man discarded by society. Maybe he was taken off the streets after being unable to pay for his identity card, maybe he was sold into slavery. Maybe, you shivered, he was born into this life. All you really knew was that this man had suffered enough. You couldn’t hurt him.

So thus, instead of listening to your father, you decided that you would do your best to take care of König. You turned to him shyly.

“So, you’re probably really cold. I’m cold at least. So… I’m going to get you clothes, okay?” you said as confidently as you could manage. Your father had always told you that you had to be strong in front of your slaves. Had to show them their place.

König didn’t respond, and you were left awkwardly holding the leash and shuffling from side to side in the cold. You tried to stand still, but quickly broke from the glare when a car horn startled you. You sighed and accepted defeat. This wasn’t a great start, but it was the start you got. You huffed and spun on your heel to lead König out into the small town.

Once you both were on your way, you got a chance to take a good look at König. This new mask on his face was somehow worse than the one he usually wore. He looked like an insect now. The eyes were a cavernous black, not even the blues of his eyes being able to find light in there. The rusted metal tube from his mouth was covered in a fine grate, looking almost like some crusted proboscis. When he moved, his bones twitched and stretched under his thin paper skin

He was your grandmother’s shadow, now yours. You could feel him following behind you as you walked through the streets. He haunted you as he moved. You felt like if you let go of the leash, you’d fly somewhere far away. Maybe somewhere nice and warm. Maybe somewhere where slaves were outlawed. You could fly away and never deal with König or your father or mother or anyone. You would be free.

The thrift store came up sooner than you expected. Had you really been so lost in thought? It’s a wonder you even made it. A part of you wondered if König had guided you here, but that was impossible. König had never been here before. Hell, had he ever left your grandmother’s side? You didn’t think so. It didn’t seem right.

The bell twinkled as you walked inside with a sneeze and a shiver. This was not a safe place. Only a thin layer of glass covered the antique knife set on display, and there were rows upon rows of clothes to get lost in. You had to be on your guard here. With that in mind, you grabbed the nearest basket and brought König over to the largest size of clothing you could find.

“You can’t go out in fall like that,” you muttered. You shook your head and dropped your hands to your side, limp and vapid. You took in a deep breath before turning to König.

“Let’s get you some clothes,” you offered, “it’ll be safer for you that way.”

König stood still. You felt so terribly small compared to this giant man, but you had to be brave. You had to be strong. So thus, you threw a few large shirts into the plastic basket, followed by a couple of pairs of pants, a jacket or two, and some socks and boxers. It was hard to find things in König’s size, but you were happy when you looked at your basket. But it wasn’t enough. You looked at König’s feet and frowned. You’d need to do something about that. How his feet weren’t already frostbitten was a wonder. 

You guided König over to the shoe section and glared at the unimpressive selection of footwear. The best you could find was either a pair of  red crocs, pink wellingtons, or a very heavy set of workboots. Crocs and wellingtons wouldn’t be enough to insulate König’s feet in the cold, nor would they look professional in a cafe. With a sigh, you bought the roughened work boots. You could imagine König taking these massive boots and using them to smash your head in. Shuddering, you came to the checkout and placed the clothing items on the counter. The cashier looked at you, and then followed the leash in your hand all the way up to König. She silently nodded and scanned the meagre selection you’d been able to gather. The steady beeping of items passing the scanner and being tucked into a bag was the last thing you cared about. You were far more worried about how König stood over you so hungrily.

You gulped and grabbed the bag quickly before hurrying out of the store, accidentally tugging on König’s leash along the way. You didn’t even notice how you were gasping for air once you burst out of the store. You sheepishly looked up at König. You grimaced and whispered a small apology before you turned ahead for the long walk home. You were careful to not tug on the leash anymore, or at least as much as you could be. König seemed like he was still adjusting to the new boots. You tried your best to hurry home, occasionally glancing up and startling whenever you’d lock eyes (or so you supposed, it was a bit hard to see his eyes under the muzzle).

You carefully led the man through the corridor of streets and houses. You’d lived her your entire life but you felt like you could ever really relax. You would jump at every car horn, you’d shudder when someone talked too loudly around you. You were terrified that your scent would attract someone wicked to your front door. You tried to move quickly to not let your scent really linger in any one area, but there was only so much you could do when you were forced into a coffee shop. As you neared the store, you tried to contain your urge to just book it and leave König behind in the dust.

It took ages to get to the cafe. The sun was about to duck beneath the horizon by the time you walked through the front door of your home. This small little coffee shop was probably the only place in the whole city that you could come close to calling home.You were here more than you were in your own room. If nothing else, at least you liked the coffee shop. Day and night, soothing music played through crackling speakers in the corners of the room. It was a nice, cozy cafe. This little shop had become your own little slice of paradise, and hell.

You were able to take in a deep breath, taking in the warm smell of spices and baked goods. Everything was quiet. All was right in the world.

You turned to König with a smile.

“Well, welcome home I guess,” your smile faltered as you looked at his blank mask.

You looked around the room and took it all in. Now that you had König, everything seemed different, but just the same. Now that König was here, you could have someone dust the rafters after work. Your dad was always harping on you to get it done, but even with a ladder you couldn’t possibly reach. You tried to explain that you were an omega, and omega O at that, but your father wouldn’t have it. He swore up and down about it, but there was nothing he could do to change your biology.

You were looking at the rafters when you heard a series of thuds coming from behind you. You could feel the hairs on the back of your neck raise as you turned to face the opening door.

Your father looked König up and down with a frown. He ran one hand through his full beard and looked at you.

“What’s this?” he asked gruffly.

“I got König from the train station sir,” you offered hopefully.

Your father glared at the bags in your hands.

“I got him some clothes,” you explained nervously, “I just thought he needed to look presentable for the cafe.

Your father narrowed his beady eyes, but he gave you a curt nod.

“Good thinking,” he grumbled, “but still, the money comes out of your paycheck. König’s your responsibility, not mine.”

You nodded shakily as your father made his was across the floor to stand in front of König. He glared at the mask before turning to you.

“What’s with this?” he raised a meaty hand to König’s mask.

“I didn’t put it on,” you furrowed your eyebrows as you looked at König, “I think they put it on him when they were transporting him.”

Your father slipped a hand into his back pocket and gave König a once-over.

“Whelp, he’d better do his job,” your father shrugged, “I’ve had it up to here with those sick fucks coming into the cafe.”

You nodded along. For once, you couldn’t agree more with your dad. Ever since you’d presented your tertiary gender, you hadn’t had a day of peace. Everyone seemed like they wanted a piece of a newly presented omega O. It was just unfortunate that you were on the receiving end of it all.

Your dad reached up and grabbed König’s chin, turning him side to side before plucking at hsi shirt with a grunt.

“Is something wrong?” you asked as you watched your father unclip König’s leash.

“He just seems… Different,” your dad muttered, “smaller. Did they do something to him? He looks like a scrawny wimp now. You sure he can manage to take care of you?”

“I mean, I think he must’ve lost a little weight after grandma died,” you offered, “König was always really close to her.”

“Too close, if you ask me,” your father added as he stepped back. He put his fists on his hips with a frown. “You’d better go get him settled in. You’re both up early tomorrow. And König,” your father’s eyes narrowed to mean slits, “don’t fuck this up.”

König gave him the slightest nod, but it was enough to satisfy your father.

“You go get your room ready, alright?” your father started up the stairs as you squeaked.

“My room? Isn’t König getting his own room?” you asked.

“What?” your father cast you a glare over your shoulder, “and put him where? There’s no more space.”

“But don’t we have the spare-”

“No.”

You watched silently as your father plodded back up the stairs. He slowly trudged up and out of view, leaving you alone with the buz of the heater and the smell of burnt coffee beans.

“So, that’s my dad,” you said, shuddering and turning around to look at König, “I guess he hasn’t really changed much since you last saw him.”

You looked up at König and frowned. You couldn’t really see much in this lighting. Maybe tomorrow you’d get König to change a couple of the lightbulbs. With the thought in mind, you fumbled around in the dark to follow your father up the stairs, only stopping briefly to flick the lights off once you reached the top.

You slowly made your way past your father’s room and to the kitchen. You looked at König and then at the fridge.

“Do you want something to eat?” you asked.

König stared at you blankly.

You nodded and turned ahead to your room, “I’ll get us something later then.”

You made your way to your bedroom without another word. Once inside, you glanced around the cramped room before looking back at König.

“Do you want to sit down?” you asked softly. “It’s okay to sit. I know you’ve been on your feet all day.”

König didn’t look at you. You didn’t think he even heard you until he lowered himself to lightly perch on the very end of your tiny bed. You glanced at your bed, and then at König. 

Without another word, you carefully pulled out a file from under your jacket and flipped it open. The first pages seemed to be detailed notes of König’s body. From the looks of it, König was only about five years older than you. With the way he looked, you’d thought he was at least a decade older than that. You glanced at the next set of stats. At the very top it listed König’s height, a startling six foot ten that completely dwarfed you’s meager frame. You looked down at your twin size mattress again. It wasn’t like König could sleep on the floor. You could, but you didn’t want to do any more damage to your already aching back. This room was crammed as tightly as it could be. The wardrobe at the foot of your bed only had just enough room to open enough to squeeze into the drawers and the table and chair to the left of your bed served a dual purpose of being both a desk and a nightstand. It was so packed in that you couldn’t imagine where König could possibly fit in.

You looked around and bit your lip. The ground was cold and hard. You internally cursed your father for not just setting up a cot in the stockroom at the very least, but it was of no use. You figured you’d just have to get used to König very, very, quickly.

You turned to said man, and stared at his heavy mask. “Hey, um, I’m going to take that off, ok?” you said and stood to face König.

You leaned in and tried to undo the fiddly clasps. There were so many hooks and rings and clasps and buckles; it was ridiculous. How did they even put this on in the first place? Why did they put it on? König had never been muzzled by your grandmother, even though he was an alpha. You never understood how brave she was, but you admired it anyways. If König could be good with your grandmother, then maybe you could trust him without a muzzle too. You let out a little harrumph and crawled onto the bed behind König to continue. God, it was complicated even from this angle! You shook your head and continued using your nimble fingers to undo the straps, wincing as you saw the red imprints they left behind. You finally managed to make a breakthrough and returned back to standing in front of König.

“Nearly there!” you chirped and continued to fiddle away. You cursed under your breath when you accidentally made a strap tighter and hurriedly undid it with a muttered apology. You had no idea why they would have this on so tight. Something wasn’t right about this.

You gave a final yank and winced when the final buckle was undone. The mask was now splayed open like a pair of perverse butterfly wings, still was held firmly in place. Your face slowly dropped in horror. There’s no way… That would just be too much…

“Did they… Did they glue this on?” you whispered, but König shook his head ever so slightly. He hesitantly raised a weathered hand and gestured at his jaw underneath the mask.

You were a bit confused and looked under his jaw. You could really barely see what you were doing in this light. You gingerly traced your fingers along his neck but didn’t feel much besides a greasy beard and tough skin. You pulled back and hummed. You were so confused. What was König trying to tell you? You gripped the mask firmly and pulled hard. König was wrenched forwards but pulled back on the post beside him. You put a foot up on the bed to pull back harder, and grunted with effort. Why was this mask on so fucking tight?

You let out another grunt but stopped when König let out a low, growling moan. “Shit, right. Sorry König,” you whispered and stepped back. You put a finger on your chin and hummed again. “What the fuck is keeping that thing on if it isn’t glue?” you paled, “Oh my God do they stitch it in place?”

König shook his head, again gesturing to his jaw. You clucked your tongue and checked König’s jaw again. You looked closer, closer and closer until you gasped. You saw a small set of straps firmly embedded in König’s jaw. A thin line of blood was flowing out from when you’d pulled on the mask.

“Your jaw… You can’t even open your mouth with this on, can you,” you whispered and König bobbed his head, jabbing the straps in further.

You turned to rummage through your shelves for a bit. You grinned when you came across a pair of scissors and turned back to König. 

“I’m gonna be as gentle as I can be here,” you whispered and carefully moved the scissors under the strap.

König tensed, but he held still as you managed to snip the strap off. You carefully tugged the barb out of König’s jaw, hissing as it kept coming out. In total, you estimated the barb to be at least an inch long. You shuddered at the sight.

König shuffled and leaned his face to the other side so that you could get a good view in the yellow-orange light. It was easier the second time, but you still winced as you pulled the barb out of his jaw. You’d have to get the medicine kit in the bathroom after this for sure. 

Despite the resistance, the straps in König’s jaw were now off and the barbs were out. Evidently, this was some primitive way to force König’s jaw tightly shut. yYu supposed König wasn’t meant to have the barbs so deeply buried in, but you had a stronger feeling that König didn’t give a damn. The fact that he hadn’t even winced once through the entire walk home blew your mind.

With König’s jaw now able to open up, you were finally able to pull the mask free. You pulled it down, and stared in horror at what was inside the mask. Right where König’s mouth would be was a short metal pipe. The inside was caked with what looked like mouldy food. Even from at arm’s reach you gagged at the smell. You rushed to the bathroom and rinsed it out, feeling more than a bit sick as you pushed your fingers down the pipe to get all the gunk out

You held the mask in your hands and shook your head. After a minute, you looked up in the bathroom mirror. Your eyes looked puffy. When you touched them, they felt wet and sore. At some point you must’ve been crying. When did you do that? You looked down at the mask in your hands. Slowly, ever so slowly, you raised the mask up until it covered your face. In the mirror, you looked like a monster. You looked so frightening that it was hard to remember that there was a human under all of it. You stared in the mirror, debating if there really was a person under the mask after all.

Konig Dump

Konig Alternative Universes

A/B/O Sci-Fi Slavery

[ben-learns-smth]

I've seen a lot of these recently and I like the idea! my version of a 2025 bingo full of all the things I want to do or keep doing. key mindset while making this: plan 2025 like you like yourself. set goals like you know you're already enough

I'm gonna cross them off as I go and most of them are optional and guidelines. the only one I really have as set goals are passing my teacher training and getting a new passport & id (yay legal documents)

2025 is about graduating and having as much fun while handling that

the bingo as a list (left to right, top down):

get the book bird tattoo

go out every day before 3pm

2-3 workouts a week

dance to music in my room more often

teach the cats 1 more trick

take a sign language class again

swim in the sea 3x

go to many concerts

take a bouldering class

tidy & sort the basement

tall to doc about seasonal depression meds

learn 1 new skill

start volunteer work

donate my old binders

do some body painting thing

pass my teacher training exams

buzzcut again

new passport & ID

visit norwegian friend (in norway)

try a new ice cream flavour

bake a lot (1x a month at least maybe?)

read more books from flatmate's shelves

attend queer events more often

cross stitch stardew valley animals amap (as many as possible)

[donnalawliet]

Coffee or Tea? (Five x Derek oneshot)

I really didn't like the way they handled Five's "love story" in Season 4. And even though he would have been fine without a romance too, here's my version of a Five experiencing love with a human. Not with Lila, but with Derek, Five's CIA colleague. This is set post S3 and pre S4. This is my personal addition to the Season 4 fix it movement. And even though it's set prior to that last season, I still think it counts.

I mentioned under a post that I would rather ship Five x Derek than Five x Lila. So...Here I am, doing exactly that.

Thank you @tuttle-did-it , @ashes-and-starlight and @xx-blood-lemons-xx for the initial inspiration! I hope you like it, especially you, @ashes-and-starlight . (I‘ll enjoy your Five diner fanfic when it comes out 😊)

I also wanted to thank @lookingforhappy for the post explaining why Five being a member of the CIA didn‘t make much sense. I attempted to explain some plotholes that you mentioned 😅

One last thanks goes to @i-am-tardis-locked for listening to me rambling all day, like always.

Anyway, let‘s get going!

—————————————

Summary: After being stuck in a reset universe without powers or siblings, Five joins the CIA to keep an eye on his family. There, he meets Derek and is suddenly confronted with all kinds of things he hadn't faced in years. Some of them seem uncomfortable at first, but he learns to warm up.

——————————————

Stranded in a new timeline, without his siblings or powers, Five was forced to adapt. Luckily, he was used to doing that. His father had once complimented his ability to adapt and Sir Reginald Hargreeves wasn’t exactly known for dolling out compliments for everyone and everything. In the four decades he had spent in the apocalypse, adapting to his enviroment was equal to survival. That included no longer feeling guilty for raiding corpses or no longer being picky when it came to food. The apocalypse was by no means a five star restaurant. When he transferred to the Commission, he had to adapt once more. New manners, new job, new people.

But through all of this adapting, one goal had stayed consistent. To save his family from the impending apocalypse, to go back for them. Once he left the courtyard without his siblings though, still coming to terms with the fact that he had his arm back…his goal had to adapt as well. This was no longer about actively saving his family. It was about keeping them safe. They came above everything else, not him.

Reginald had taught them a few things that back then, none of the Umbrella Academy members thought would be useful.That included obtaining legal documents, without the legal part. In the Commission, Five had sometimes watched the legal department, how they fabricated fake IDs, court orders or other documents with ease.

And even though he was nowhere near that level, he was good enough. It took him about a week to create an ID, a birth certificate and a high school diploma. All of it was a lot of work. He sometimes had to break into buildings to add himself to their records, but he didn’t care. It would be worth it in the long run.

————————————

Attending college was relatively easy in comparison, bordering on boring. Five’s father had prepared them quite well for that level of learning and in the apocalypse, he had become an expert on math and quantum physics. So a lot of the lectures ended up just being a formality.

Instead of writing things down, Five occupied himself with looking up his family. Allison was in LA with her husband, daughter and Klaus. Luther had found a new place of employment, along with Diego, who had welcomed his first daughter with Lila. Five quickly wiped at his eyes as soon as he read the announcement in the online newspaper. As much as he wished to be an uncle, he couldn’t. Not just yet.

Five finished college in record time. He didn’t attend the ceremony, even though a part of him wanted to. Only the weak need praise to carry on, he remembered his father’s words. And he didn’t have time to be weak. He had a job to do.

————————————

Protecting his siblings required sacrifices and overcoming personal challenges. That was something Five had realised a long time ago. But when he sent his application to the CIA, that realisation hit him like a ton of bricks once more. he roughly knew what a job like that was like. It required absolute loyalty, going undercover, a physical and psychological examination. All of it reminded him of the Commission. He would have an employer again, be stuck in an office instead of enjoying retirement.

Upon receiving his acceptance letter and the request to move to Washington DC for his training, Five slowly walked into his bathroom to look in the mirror. His fake birth certificate stated that he was 18, but in truth his body had just turned 16. Upon looking at his reflection though, he didn’t see himself. He saw an old man, traumatised by years of isolation and lack of things like food or personal hygiene.

“It’s going to be okay“, he whispered to himself, though it didn’t sound very convincing, “As long as they’re alright…it will be worth it.“

————————————

Throughout his training, Five felt an odd sense of numbness. He expected to feel disgusted by how much it reminded him of his training at the Academy or Commission. But there was nothing of the sort. No sense of anger towards the profiler during his psych eval, which he passed with flying colours. He knew what answers he had to give in order to be left alone. Five remembered how much the Commission profiler had bothered him, how he had hated getting his deepest insides get revealed in astonishing detail, until he had learned how to adapt.

But he felt nothing. Neither the obstacle course, examinations by a doctor or profiler really bothered him. He just went through the daily routine, like a zombie with just one goal. There was no anxiety when his test results arrived nor joy when the other cadets celebrated upon passing them. In what felt like a blink of an eye, his training was over and he was assigned jobs. And that was when he met Derek.

————————————

When Director Ribbons had announced that he wouldn’t be working alone, Five had been hesitant at first. Even back in the Commission, he had always insisted on working alone. No partner to bother him or distract him from his plans. But while the Handler had accepted this violation of protocoll, the Director didn’t.

“You’re a new and promising agent“, Ribbons had told him, without offering Five a seat to sit down in, “And despite your maturity, a partner will do you good, I’m sure of it. On undercover missions, you may go on your own, but I don’t see a reason for it in the office.“

Five bit his lip and shifted slightly. He liked being able to wear a suit again instead of the uniform that showed his knees to everyone. In a suit, people were forced to take him more seriously in some way.

“Sir, while I understand what you mean“, he hated having to take on a polite tone like that, “I really do work better alone. I’ll produce good results.“

Five wasn’t a fan of the whole respect game. But in order to stay employed, he unfortunately had to treat his boss with some level of respect, despite being much older.

Ribbons looked him over for a moment. Sometimes, Five had the feeling that his boss saw more than just an agent, but he couldn’t quite place it. Despite his request, he shook his head.

“You’ll be working with a partner. Go to your desk, he’s already waiting for you.“

Five had no other choice but to obey that order. If he protested more, it could result in another psych eval or unnecessary questions. So he simply nodded and made his way towards his desk, pushing the intrusive thoughts on how to quickly kill his boss out of his head. Ever since he had started to work at the Commission a few years ago, these thoughts refused to go away.

————————————

As soon as he entered his room, a young man stood up from his chair. If Five had to guess, he was only a few years older than himself, dressed in a dark green blazer, with a tie and light blue shirt underneath it. More casual than Five’s three piece suit, but still professional. His blonde hairstyle reminded Five a bit of the 1950s, but the glasses and soft facial features broke that illusion. Only a few seconds after entering did Five notice that he had been staring. His mind was really all over the place.

“I’m Derek Young“, his visitor eventually said after no introduction from Five came, “I’m your new partner, pleasure to meet you.“

He held out his hand to shake, a soft smile illuminating his features. Only then did Five regain his senses and shook his hand, making eye contact for the first time. He still wasn’t completely comfortable with touch, the sensation sometimes proved too much.

“Five, Hargreeves“, he replied, keeping it short and with no explanation on why he shared his last name with one of the most well known people in the world. Derek didn’t seem bothered by that cold introduction though, still smiling.

“Our boss told me quite a lot about you, Mr.Hargreeves“, Derek remarked while sorting through one of the files on the desk.

Five froze for a few moments. Not because of the first part of the sentence, he had heard that one many times. But never in his whole life had he been called Mr.Hargreeves by anyone. His siblings had called him Five, his father Number Five, the Handler and everyone at the Commission either those or Mr.Five on the rare occasion. But never Mr.Hargreeves. It didn’t feel like him, even though he was surely old enough to be called that. Still…it didn’t feel right.

“Please don’t call me that, Mr.Derek“, he told him, trying to keep his voice firm, but only being half successful. Five scolded himself for how weak he sounded. Why did a simple name break his mind?

Derek frowned for a moment, then shrugged like it was nothing.

“Very well. Is Mr.Five alright with you?“, he asked, almost carefully that time, as if testing out the waters, “Since you call me Mr.Derek.“

He had expected to not like that way of adressing him either. The Handler had called him that after all. And every time he thought of her, his stomach flipped upside down in not a good way. But surprisingly, Five felt oddly fine with it. Derek’s voice and body language was nothing like his former employer, there was no need to be alarmed in any way. He didn’t have to look up at him like he had always had to do with her and everyone else, they were roughly the same height. Five pulled himself out of his thoughts and shrugged.

“Sure, why the hell not. Do you know where in the building I can find a decent cup of coffee?“

The rush of caffeine always helped Five with distracting himself. No falling asleep, no nightmares, just work.

————————————

At first, Five had assumed that Derek would annoy him. He was much younger after all, there were still things like hope and life left in his eyes. His partner went to work with the genuine intention of helping others. He got Five coffee every morning, while he himself stuck with tea. And even though Five could never understand how one could prefer hot leaf juice over some roasted black coffee, he had to admit that Derek brought him some good coffee.

“Which machine do you go to?“, he asked one morning after taking his first sip, “No matter which part of the building I go to, all coffee tastes like absolute crap.“

Five wasn’t one for making small talk, so Derek was a bit caught off guard by the genuine curiosity. A light blush began to settle down on his cheeks and he cleared his throat a bit.

“I…I bring the coffee blend with me. I can give you the adress of the shop I go to, if that’s what you want, Mr.Five. It’s no big deal, I just thought you might enjoy it more. I can’t stand the tea they give out here either“, he replied and hid part of his face with his teacup.

For the first time in what felt like years, Five’s lip tugged upwards. It took him a moment to realise that he was smiling in  a genuine way, like an idiot. But he couldn’t bring himself to stop, a comforting warmth building up in his chest. He could barely remember the last time someone had genuinely cared about him in such a small way. Derek didn’t even like coffee, yet he brought a good blend of it to work, just so Five would feel a bit happier. The warmth in his chest moved upwards, settling in his cheeks in a similar way to Derek. He was blushing like a hormonal teenager, which he both was and wasn’t.

“Oh, I…Thank you“, he eventually managed to mumble, “That’s very kind of you. I’ll just…Go talk to our boss, he wanted something.“

Five quickly made his way out of the room, taking a few deep breaths as he leaned against the nearest wall. Ribbons didn’t even want anything, but he had needed an excuse to gather his bearings.

“Shit…get yourself together“, he whispered to himself, the taste of coffee still present on his tongue. And like every time he felt upset or overwhelmed, the last words of his former wife, Dolores, echoed through his mind: I want you to enjoy your life, Five. We had good years together, but it’s time that you learn to live without me. You fought so hard for your family, it’s time that you enjoy the results.

Five reached up as a single tear traced down his cheek, quickly wiping it away. He was a grown man, why was he so overwhelmed by this? He decided to avoid Derek for the rest of the day, he needed time to think.

————————————

A few weeks later, Five learned that if he wanted to, Derek could be just as sarcastic as he was. Ever since he had started working there, Susan had been a figurative pain in everyone‘s ass. But because she was a senior agent with a long history, almost no one dared say anything about it. One day, while waiting for their turn on the copier, she began to rant about all kinds of problems plaguing her. Five had to seriously focus on not snapping her neck, so he kept his mouth shut.

“Anyway, my son just introduced me to his boyfriend. Boyfriend?! He’s a man, how can he be attracted to another man? That’s not how it works!“, Susan exclaimed and looked at them, expecting nods or general confirming words.

Derek crossed his arms in front of his chest and looked her up and down. Five knew that look. He had given it to several idiots before.

“So you’re saying one should rather fall in love with a body than with a soul? That’s really shallow and sad“, he said and gave her a fake look of pity before grabbing the files from the desk next to the copier. While Susan still scrambled for words, Five turned towards Derek with surprise.

“Did you…Did you just…?“, he asked, lost for words for once. In response, Derek simply shrugged, a confident smile on his face.

“Somebody had to tell her, she was annoying me. Why, do you have a problem with that, Mr.Five?“

That last sentence had a certain edge to it, as if Derek was either scared or prepared that Five would say yes. However, Five shook his head almost immediately. He had been more surprised than anything else.

“No, not at all. Maybe she’ll keep her damn mouth shut for a few hours“, Five quickly deflected, still processing what had just happened. After that short conversation, they just continued with their day as if nothing had happened.

————————————

Later that evening, while reviewing his family’s files, Five’s thoughts began to wander once more. During the apocalypse, he had never really thought about his sexuality. He had Dolores, but she barely counted as a woman. He had never really felt the desire to have sex, he had more desired to just see a familiar face. Any human face, if he was being honest with himself. And the tough survival conditions didn’t leave much room to think about what he was attracted to. When he closed his eyes, he realised that he could see himself with a woman by his side just as easily as with a man.

And even though he knew how sex worked, the thought of himself having sex with anyone whatsoever left him disgusted. He vaguely remembered telling Klaus in 2019: What a disturbing glance into this thing you call a brain, when he had mentioned the topic.

Before his thoughts could go off the rails even more, Five pulled himself back to the present. He had to make sure his siblings were safe, that was why he had taken the job in the first place.

————————————

After a rather frustrating case that had taken weeks and almost made him bang his head against a wall, Five was exhausted, so was Derek.

“Would you like to catch some drinks later?“, Derek asked him as they both gathered their coats. It sounded so casual, in a way that Five could never do himself. In the last few years, Five had attempted to lower his alcohol intake, but he hadn’t completely succeeded in stopping completely.

“Oh, sure, but…I’m not a big fan of bars“, Five responded, sounding almost ashamed. He had gone to bars before, but had never been completely comfortable there. It had almost always been for work. He half expected Derek to decline as a result, mentally cursing himself for being so uptight. But surprisingly, that didn’t happen.

“That’s fine. We can go to my place, if you’d like. I don’t mind it, Mr.Five“, he said with a wink. That name had almost become a form of teasing that they used with each other. Five smirked a bit and put on his coat, a way of protecting himself from the cold November air.

“Lead the way, Mr.Derek.“

People had different types of reactions when they got drunk. Some got more angry and violent, others sad and melancholic, others happy and joyful. Five got more honest after a few drinks, dropping his walls a bit more. And after a few homemade martinis, he found himself relaxing a bit more.

“You’re quite nice“, he mumbled and took another sip from his glass, “Nicer than my family by a long shot. Why? What do you have to gain?“

Derek frowned and sat down on the couch next to him. His drinks had far less alcohol, so he was just feeling a bit tipsy.

“I’m not nice to you because I have something to gain, Five. Why would you think something like that?“ His voice got a bit softer, as if he felt that there was more behind that drunk question.

Five laughed in response, but it held no humor whatsoever. He was overwhelmed by all kinds of different feelings and thoughts.

“Because I’m a rude old man? Because I’ve never done anything to warrant friendliness from someone like you? You’re young, you could just ask for a transfer with someone who is…more like you.“ Five couldn’t care less that he had just hinted at his true age. If Derek left, it would just confirm his world view.

Derek blinked slowly as he listened to Five ramble. He couldn’t completely make sense of what he was saying, but asking would feel quite rude. So after a few seconds of silence, he set his glass down.

“You may come off as rude, yeah, but…That’s not who you are. Remember how you almost ripped Stacy’s head off because she called me a twink? You didn’t even know what it meant at the time“, Derek chuckled a bit and managed to get Five to smile as well, “I don’t care how old you are or how grumpy you can get without coffee. You deserve to be treated well.“

Five stared at him for what felt like hours, but was probably just a few seconds. He wasn’t even sure what his expression his face was making, he could be crying for all he knew. The last time he had felt close to that safe had been with Dolores in an underground bunker they had found.

He didn’t remember what came after, the alcohol sending his memory to nirvana. The next thing that Five knew, he woke up on a dark green couch underneath a knitted blanket. His head was pounding as if he was Zeus giving birth to Athena and the thirst was overwhelming. At the same time, the thought of moving was enough to make him groan.

“Shit…“, Five mumbled and lazily covered his eyes to avoid the sunlight. With it being November, that meant it must be quite late.

“Here you go“, he suddenly heard Derek’s soft voice right next to him. Slowly, Five moved his arm off his face and blinked up at him. The room was a bit darker now, thanks to the curtains. Derek was standing behind the couch so Five didn’t have to move his head too much, wearing his blue shirt without the tie or blazer. His hair wasn’t styled as neatly, it just looked fluffy and soft. But before Five could think about his hair further, his attention was drawn to what Derek was holding. A glass of water and a pill bottle, most likely aspirin.

“You’re my salvation“, Five mumbled and took both. The act of sitting up alone made him groan, but the feeling of cold water sliding down his throat made up for it. “What happened last night? After that…conversation we had.“

Derek cleared his throat a bit and sat down next to him on the couch, his expression unreadable.

“You had two more drinks, talked about your age, your ex wife, your siblings…then you threw up in my potted plant and passed out on my couch“, he explained and brushed his hair a bit more into place, “That’s it, I think.“

Five groaned and leaned back into the pillow that Derek had provided him with. He felt like he had ruined everything. The first casual relationship he had ever managed to build up with a human being that wasn’t his family or someone he had been tasked with assassinating…and he had destroyed it with alcohol.

“Shit…I really ranted a lot, didn’t I?“, he whispered, but Derek could still hear it, “I…I should go, I understand. I overstayed my welcome.“

He attempted to push himself up, his muscles aching from the hangover and hard couch he had been laying on. Though something inside of his chest ached as well. Before Five could stand up, Derek stopped him. The feeling of a hand on his shoulder was enough to make him freeze.

“Mr.Five, that’s not what I meant. You obviously needed to talk about it“, Derek took a deep breath as he looked him over, “And even though I didn’t understand half of it…You don’t need to feel ashamed.“

His words washed over Five like a wave, most of his focus still spent on the simple touch. He wanted to both pull away, overwhelmed by this simple act of comfort, but also lean into it like a starving man in the desert. So he ended up doing neither, just standing there until Derek pulled away again. Five wanted to say so much, but no words made it up his throat and through his lips. After a long and pregnant pause, he simply nodded and made his way out of the appartment. Derek didn’t stop him that time.

————————————

They didn’t talk about that incident for quite some time. For a few months, they went about their daily routine, making small jokes in between, drinking coffee and tea together in the morning. Until eventually, Five mentioned it again.

“What I said about my age, Dolores and my family…did it bother you?“

They were in the middle of sorting through reports, arguably the most boring part of their job, where it sometimes became necessary to fill the silence. Derek only glanced up for a moment before he grabbed his stapler off the desk.

“Why should it? You always seemed…more mature than others. And I’ve known about your family for months. I go through your files just as much as you go through mine.“

Five blushed a bit at the last remark. It was true, he had searched through Derek’s files on a regular basis. Maybe out of paranoia that he was working for the Commission somehow, even though that wouldn’t make much sense. And to know that Derek was doing the same…it strangely grounded him a bit.

As they continued to work in silence, Five’s mind went back to that morning when Derek had touched his shoulder. It hadn’t been an accidental or manipulative touch, it had just been a simple expression of human emotions. He recalled one time when he had been four years old, still thinking that parents were the heroes children made them out to be. They had watched a movie in which a son had hugged his father and his toddler mind had decided to recreate it. But instead of hugging him back, Reginald had pushed him away and sent him to bed without dessert.

Never trust a hug, he had sternly told his adoptive son, For it’s just another way to hide your face.

Ever since then, he hadn’t attempted to hug another human being. But that had been over five decades ago, surely it couldn’t hurt to…

“Could I try something?“, Five broke the silence once more. He hated how uncertain and young he sounded, like a teenager or child, but he couldn’t stop himself.

Derek noticed his different tone too, but decided not to comment on it. During the entire time that they had worked with each other, he had noticed that some things took more out of Five than the average person. So he simply nodded and stood up as Five approached, his arms hanging loosely at his sides until he realised what the other man was planning. Once the realisation dawned on him, he couldn’t hold back a smirk and lift his arms slightly.

It took Five a few seconds to bring himself to lean into the hug. The second that he did, fireworks went off in his brain. Sparks of colour and noise, all blending together into one picture. It was overwhelming, but he needed more. It was beautiful and hurt his eyes at the same time.

For just a few moments, everything melted away and time stood still. This wouldn’t heal all of his wounds by any means. He was still damaged, maybe beyond complete repair. But it was a start at least, a bandage on his cuts so they wouldn’t get infected. Even though he knew it wouldn’t last, Five allowed himself to feel happy, just for a few seconds.

————————————

During one of his days off, while watching a movie that Allison had recommended to him, Five’s phone buzzed. Strange, his siblings never texted him. They always called, ever since the attemp at a group chat had gone south. So he unlocked his phone and glanced at the text.

Derek: Hey, 5.  The pipes in my appartment burst and it will take a few days until it’s fixed. Would you mind if I maybe crashed on your couch?

For a few seconds, Five contemplated his choices. He could just say no, spare himself the trouble. But on the other hand…he wouldn’t mind not being alone for a few days.

Five: Sure, just stop by. You know the address, right?

Instead of getting a written response, he simply received an emoji of a hand holding its thumb up. Five still hadn’t completely understood the appeal of those modern hieroglyphics. He really was an old man.

Derek arrived not even half an hour later, carrying a bag that held the bare essentials. A few changes of clothes, toiletries and a book or two for entertainment. Five was sitting on the couch, on which he had placed a spare blanket and pillow for him. One cup of coffe rested in his hands and on the small table in front of him…

“You made me tea?“, Derek asked as he set his bag down and went to join him on the couch. The TV was on, playing a movie that he recognised as Brokeback Mountain. Normally he had always been the one to prepare their drinks and he hadn’t minded it either.

Five nodded, fiddling with his own fingers as he watched him pick up the cup. He had been a bit nervous about getting it right. Tea wasn’t his department after all. But the way Derek exhaled after taking his first sip, he knew that he must have done something right.

“Thank you, I appreciate it“, Derek smiled and kept his hands around the warm mug as he inhaled the familiar scent of green tea. It was quite comforting, just like Five’s presence next to him.

As the movie progressed, they both ended up shifting a bit more towards the middle of the couch. Sometimes Derek moved, sometimes Five did, almost like a dance, until they eventually touched shoulders. Five found himself relaxing sooner than the previous timest hey had touched.

When Derek’s hand moved to cover his own, he didn’t stop him, looking forward at the screen. It was slightly overwhelming, but nothing he couldn’t handle. During the climax of the movie however, Five gulped heavily and slowly turned towards Derek, who did the same.

“I’m way too old for you“, he attempted to lighten the mood, but it came out much weaker and desperate. At this point he could see every little detail of Derek’s eyes, the way the colours mixed together, every little imperfection and vein.

Derek cleared his throat slightly, for once not as light hearted. He seemed not as clueless as Five, but hesitant nonetheless. The coffee and tea on the table had been forgotten long ago.

“Your age is the least of my concerns right now“, he whispered back and readjusted his glasses before he repeated the same words that Five had said to him a few months ago, “Could I try something?“

At that point, Five felt like he was drowning. He felt lost, a sensation he had become rather familiar with. He could end this all with one simple word or one shake of his head, for he knew that Derek would respect his consent. But at the same time, he didn’t want to let this opportunity go. So despite not having taken in a breath for almost a minute, he found himself nodding.

Their lips didn’t touch. It wasn’t a desperate kiss like in romance movies meant for teenagers. Instead, it was a soft kiss on his cheek that he felt…warm and without the pressure to do more, not that Five would want that. Like a ray of sunshine warming his skin in the morning, right before the worries of life fully registered in his mind. Derek smiled as Five practically melted into the touch, pulling away after a few seconds.

“Good?“, he asked carefully, just to make sure he hadn’t gone too far. Five smiled a bit and brushed his chaotic hair back behind his ears.

“Yeah, good“, Five simply replied and pulled his legs up against his chest. He wasn’t sure whether he would ever be ready for a proper kiss or saying the three words that seemed to fall from people’s lips so easily. But that maybe wasn’t necessary. They communicated that through other means. Like how Derek prepared Five’s coffee in the morning or how Five’s expression lit up when his desk partner entered the room.

————————————

On the first of October in 2025, they decided to move in with each other. Five teased that it was merely to reduce costs, since they spent most of the time in Derek’s appartment anyway. It had much more life than Five’s place, with small things that made it feel like home. And getting his coffee before work certainly had its advantages. Derek simply smiled at that explanation, not bothering to engage in a meaningless discussion. Instead, he grabbed his coat and handed Five his cup.

“Happy Birthday, Mr.Five“, he said with a wink before heading off to work, leaving a frozen Five behind.

————————————

A few days after his birthday, Five started his investigation into the Keepers support group. Going undercover meant that he had to put on a disguise, so he went for a mix of Top Gun enthusiast and school janitor. The mustache had been his idea, mainly because he missed the facial hair he used to have. It at least made him look a bit older.

Derek chuckled the first time he saw him in disguise. It wasn’t clear whether he was simply amused or making fun of Five.

“What?“

Five couldn’t help but sound a bit defensive. He hadn’t gone completely over the top, right? No, this was simply a cover, for security purposes.

Derek stepped forward, carefully tracing the mustache and making sure it was secure. Five sometimes got figuratively sick at how soft he looked with such simple gestures.

“Nothing. I think it works, Mr.Five“, he responded and looked him over from top to bottom, “You should get going now or you’ll be late.“

Of course, Five couldn’t have that. He still had work to do. By going on undercover missions, he could rise through the ranks and gain more information on how to keep his siblings safe. But despite all of that…At the end of the day, enjoying coffee or tea wouldn’t hurt.

————————————

I hoped you enjoyed this oneshot! I certainly enjoyed writing it, distracting myself from the mess we got in Season 4.

If you liked it, leave a like or a comment. It really makes my day and encourages me to keep going. Also, I would have an idea for a smaller additional chapter, set during Season 4. It would also have some angst. Would you be interested in that? If you are, let me know!

Until next time,

-Donna Lawliet

[sweetfirebird]

More Things You Can Do

aside from protesting

There are a lot of boycotts going on right now. I have seen calls for an official day (February 28) of no shopping and others that are extended avoidance or limitation of using: Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, Amazon, Airbnb, Tesla, Meta, CNN, Fox News.

I've also seen boycotts, individual and collective, of businesses like Sephora or CVS, which voluntarily rolled back their DEI. (So did Disney, btw) But while boycott is a power you can flex (and save yourself money in the process), I think it's easier to list some places that have NOT caved on their DEI and/or who are even actively supporting it: Costco, Walgreens, Ulta, Lush, Penzey's, King Arthur Flour, Bob's Red Mill, Albertson's grocery stores (includes Safeway), Apple and more

Delete any Meta apps you aren't using/don't need. This includes Threads, Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, and whatever stupid VR thing they try next that will fail. If you do need to keep using them (small businesses, unfortunately, still often do), you can still keep Meta from profiting from you by going into your Privacy Settings and turning off any function that allows them to collect your information for ads. Meta does not make this easy to find, btw. And you are going to end up with weird ads, but just ignore them.

Go into all of the Meta apps you use, find the Privacy Center, under Settings, I think, find Ad Preferences or Common Privacy Settings. It's then going to make you click on more things, like Manage Settings. And then you can turn off settings like "Use your information to show our ad partners"

Then you have to find the other settings to turn off other companies sharing your information with Meta jfc

Here, John Oliver explains it better

Switch from Chrome. (I have to use Chrome to pay my electric bill, they won't let me use another browser. Dicks. But for everything else, I use Firefox or Ecosia) Firefox isn't Google but also Firefox lets you add extensions to block tracking or ads and I have one up to help limit Meta's information scraping anyway. And it's free! Switching only takes minutes!

Use Mapquest --Mapquest is not referring to the Gulf of Mexico as anything but the Gulf of Mexico.

If you are into these sort of podcasts, The Meidas Touch is openly critical of Trump and Musk, and just ousted Joe Rogan from Spotify's top spot.

This one is difficult for trans people right now but everyone, yes everyone in America, get your IDs in order and up to date. They are going to try to push some Voter ID shit too (where they haven't already) so take the time NOW to get your paperwork in order. Go request (or order through the mail) a certified copy of your birth certificates from the county where you were born. Going in means you only pay the County Clerk fees. Through the mail usually means you will have to have something notarized as well. (Hell, anyone who changed your surnames when you got married, maybe get a certified copy of your marriage license too.) Get a Real ID. Get a passport if you can afford it. Passports also require a certified copy of a birth certificate. If you have a valid passport, it will work in place of a Real ID but get both if you can. American passports are good for ten years (for adults).

Also, and this sucks, get your affairs in order. You could get hit by a bus or something, and you want to make sure your death is handled *how you want* and your loved ones get what you feel they should, regardless of your gender and how many roadblocks the govt is going to try to throw up in your way. Protecting Trans Bodies in Death and Making Your Death Plan (videos from Caitlin Doughty). Also and I know I keep harping on this, MAKE A WILL. MAKE IT LEGALLY. Look up your state's requirements for such a document or hire someone to do it for you. (Sometimes credit unions or regular unions will offer this as a service. LegalZoom also exists if that is more your jam.)

Fun stuff (cuz sorry about the death stuff!)

Got Spotify or Tidal or even Youtube? Start making playlists of POC and queer artists, and make them public. Search for BIPOC and/or queer podcasts and video essayists.

Personally, I've been putting on all the booktuber videos about ditching Kindle and just letting them play in the background while I do tasks. Someone is out there on Youtube speaking the truth? Like and Subscribe! (It helps them get visibility and shows Youtube there is an audience, and if it worries you... it's not permanent. You can unsubscribe later if you want.)

Like books by BIPOC and/or queer people?? Recommend that shit. Check it out from libraries even if you've read it before!

Be Kind. Be kind to people and to yourselves. Participate in boycotts and remember they can mean *totally avoiding* a store, or, if there is no alternative for what you need, then *spending far less* there than you normally would. Shop local. Shop small. Spread correct information as best as you can. Remember that Black lives matter, that trans lives matter, and that way more people on our side than they want us to realize.

[chaoticgremlinwholikescheese]

A Protest Introduction

As we head into these terrifying times, it is becoming integral for people to protest. Here is an intro guide on protest safety, structure, and tips for all our newcomers! Please feel free to send asks if you have any questions :)

LINGO

Here's some basic lingo you'll be seeing throughout this:

Action -> fancy word for a protest/rally/etc.

Red action -> an action with a very high arrest risk

Orange action -> an action with possibility of arrest

Green action -> an action with low to no possibility of arrest

Info sec -> information security (usually referring to tech safety)

PROTESTOR SAFETY

As a protest medic, this is something important to me. Here are some basic safety tips:

ALWAYS WEAR A MASK. It protects keep you from getting doxxed. No matter how small the protest, wear a mask. You can also cover your hair for extra protection.

Bring water and snacks for yourself. Self care is key!

Turn off face ID/fingerprint ID on your phone in case of arrest.

DON'T TALK TO COPS.

DON'T TALK TO PRESS.

Have an emergency plan. Have a contact number written down somewhere hard to see (ex. arm or leg), let someone know where you are just in case.

If you have medications you need daily/are life saving (ex. inhaler or epipen), bring it with you in case of arrest or need

Know your risk level. If you can't get arrested for any reason (especially documentation or parole), be careful of actions with higher risk levels. You are never obligated to participate in an action outside of your comfort zone.

PROTEST STRUCTURE

There are several facets of protest structure that are useful to know. I'll talk about them below, along with their basic roles.

Organizers

These are the people in charge of the action. They're often the ones who set it up and will be leading it and/or speaking.

Marshals

These are the people who handle safety. They'll often be in neon vests for easy identification. Their job is to provide a barrier between cops/counterprotestors and attendees, deescalate conflict, and help guide marches. Most have attended marshal trainings, something I highly recommend for anyone interested in marshaling. You can often find them free online if you can't attend one in person!

Medics

Medics are here to help in case of medical emergency and aid in preventative care. We always carry masks, cough drops, and other healthcare supplies. We're here to help anyone as needed. Medics tend to have different levels of medical training, but all should have received a specific protest medic training. Please come ask us for help if you need it!

Police Liaisons (PL)

These are the people who interact with cops. Unless you are trained as a police liaison, do everything you can to not interact with cops for your safety and the safety of others. It is always helpful to know who your PL is in case you need to grab them.

Legal Observers (LOs)

These are trained legal observers who work for the National Lawyers Guild (NLG). They are impartial observers who take notes on police activity to aid in legal defense for protestors later. The NLG is your friend, always know the number for your area and make sure to have it written on your body somewhere if you're going to a spicy action.

Press Liaisons

These are the people trained to speak with the press. It is always safer to let someone media trained speak with the press, especially when it comes to protecting your identity. Don't let journalists pressure you into speaking to them if you don't want to. 'No' is an answer all on it's own.

INFO-SEC

Especially now, it is very important to be careful with security. Here are some tips and tricks to keep yourself and others safe:

Use signal when communicating anything related to leftism/protest. It is much much safer than anything else

Turn off face ID/fingerprint ID when going to a protest

Use cryptpad when working with secure documents/information

Be careful with what you share. If it's something secure, don't talk about it outside of safe circles

Never give important information to cops, press, or anyone who isn't trusted

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Some of these resources are MA focused, but there are resources out there for everyone. Check out these zines and explore. Get to know the community resources in your state. Mutual aid is key!

And again, please feel free to ask me any questions you may have!

[pjstafford]

It's Time for Women to Reclaim their Born Identity- re: The Save Act

It probably surprises no one that I am against the SAVE Act which claims to be to prevention against voter fraud and is actually a voter suppression act. if passed by the Senate and signed by the President, it would mean that to vote the name on the registration must match your birth certificate. There are many reasons people legally change their names beyond women getting married. Trans people are another target of this act, but people also change their names for other personal reasons such as to distance themselves from family abuse or scandal, for safety to make it harder for an abuser or rapist to find a person, or to return to a name changed when their ancestors came to this country. So I understand that what I am about to propose doesn't "fix" the problems with the act.

However, the vast majority of people this would impact would be married women. Yes, I understand that there is a clause that puts it back on states to create a process to handle this concern. This opens the possibility that some states women the right to vote or make the process of voting for married women so complicated and complex that it will keep women from voting.

This is part of a targeted attack on women aimed at reversing voting rights and returning women to a property of status. It has after all only been a short 25 years since these rights were granted and rights women had fifty years ago have already disappeared in some states.

I am divorced, but even when married I retained my birth name. There were two times this came up as a concern. When my husband and I were in apartment management, our supervisor had a concern that because I wasn't using his name, it might appear as if an unmarried couple was hired which would shock the residents of the apartment complex so I hyphenated it- not legally, no change on my driver's license or paystubs, but in all apartment complexes newsletters or notices or when I signed leasing agreements. The second time was when I went to get a "real" ID. My driver's license and birth certificate have always matched, but at the MVD they asked me if I had ever been married and I said yes, but retained my birth name and was now divorced. The clerk said he needed to see my divorce papers because otherwise I was "supposed to" use my married name. Both of these events- one 30 years ago and the other within the last 10- are evidence of the mindset of narrow-minded people in the country and the country is now ruled by narrow-minded people.

I urge women, whether the SAVE Act passes the Senate or not, as an act of deviance to take back your birth name. It is, by current statute, a woman's choice whether or not to use your married or birth name. You will need to use your birth certificate and your marriage license to change your social security card and your passport and change all your legal documents. You should not have to go to court to change it. Will that upset the right-wing Republicans who believe that women are "owned" by men and that taking your husband's name is not an old remnant of past property laws but a decree from God? YES! That's the point. Republican knows that any proposals to not allow women to vote UNLESS they are married and have children is, at the current time, too extreme for even this congress. Yet, to assure future Republican victories, they want to solve their "gender" deficiency by making it impossible for married women to vote. This will make it easier for some states to change their statutes in time to address that it's not fair for unmarried women to vote if married women can't.

Let's say no to any notion of women being denied the right to vote and to any notion that women are the property of men. Let's Take Back Our Birth Names.

[dreamerandthedarkhalf]

Text reads: Okay gay friends, I've done this before so let's get ready for Round Two. You will need the following items. Now is better than later.

-update your drivers license if needed (This should reflect the two of you as having the same address) Make sure you have access to other forms of ID.

-Make sure you have a will that explicitly handles property and accounts. If you suspect that a non-spousal family member will make a grab for the cash, explicitly cut them out of your will.

- Buy plots for your burial that are together. At least make some plans for the visitation and funeral. If you don't (or do) want a religious ceremony, put it in writing.

- Medical POAs, and POAs are written as if you were not legally allowed to be married (like before we were allowed to marry) Make sure a copy is handy. If either of you go to the hospital, doctor's office, or any emergency office, take them with you. If the hospital ignores the documents, sue and sue hard.

-Recheck your beneficiaries on pensions, insurance, and other accounts.

If you're not married and want to be, let me know. I fully expect that many officiants will no longer perform certain marriages. (They refused before.) Just remember I will perform them if geographically able, or I'll help you find someone who will.

If you want to see what happens when you don't do this, find the movie "Bridegroom" which is a documentary of what happens when a young couple doesn't have their paperwork in order.

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

Character Information

Name: Vera Brooks Age: 42 Pronouns: she/her Face Claim: Christina Milian Occupation: Forgery specialist Neighborhood: Little Italy

Short Facts

Vera's forgery career kicked off not because she was feeling rebellious, but because her mom got cancer and Columbia College Chicago had to take a backseat.

Her first steps into illegal document creation were relatively innocent - making fake IDs for college students - before evolving into sophisticated document authentication and reproduction.

Beyond just forgery, she developed a unique specialty in recreating historical documents and artwork provenance papers, serving both legitimate museums and shadowy collectors.

Her 2021 move to Devil's Junction wasn't random - she timed her relocation during a period of heightened tension between crime families, positioning herself as a valuable neutral resource.

Her art restoration business isn't just a cover - she actively maintained it as a legitimate operation, showcasing real conservation work alongside her covert activities.

Even in her not-so-legal career, Vera kept her moral compass firmly in her pocket. Identity theft was a hard pass - she wasn't about to start messing with innocent people's lives just because she could.

She's developed a risk management strategy by maintaining strict professional discretion and balanced relationships with all crime families in Devil's Junction.

She gives back to the community through youth art programs, seeing herself in disadvantaged kids who need creative outlets like she once did.

Biography

Vera Brooks didn’t choose to enter the world of document forgery - necessity led her there. Born on June 18, 1982, in Chicago’s South Side to a single mother working multiple jobs, she learned early that survival sometimes required creative solutions. Her artistic talents emerged in high school, where she excelled in graphic design and fine arts, earning a partial scholarship to Columbia College Chicago. However, mounting medical bills from her mother’s cancer diagnosis forced her to drop out during her junior year. What started as a side hustle creating fake IDs for college students evolved into a sophisticated operation. Her attention to detail and steady hands earned her a reputation as a master document authenticator and reproduction specialist. She developed a particular expertise in recreating historical documents and artwork provenance papers, skills that attracted high-end collectors and museums - some legitimate, others less so. When heat from Chicago law enforcement intensified in 2021, Vera strategically relocated to Devil’s Junction. Her arrival matched the growing feud between the city’s crime families. Setting up shop in Little Italy, she carefully positioned herself as a neutral party, providing services to all while maintaining strict professional discretion. Her art restoration business is a front for her other work. The gallery showcases her art conservation, but her secret, illegal projects happen in her high-tech studio. She handles the city’s power struggles in a practical way, carefully balancing relationships to stay safe. Despite her chosen profession, Vera holds to a personal code. She refuses jobs involving identity theft that could harm innocent people and maintains a policy of destroying any work that she discovers might be used for violent purposes. This ethical framework, while sometimes costly, has helped her maintain respect among both the traditional families and the aggressive newcomers. In her rare downtime, she volunteers at a youth art program, believing in giving disadvantaged kids the creative outlets she once cherished.

[sastielsfandom]

I wasn't planning on doing anything this week, because of this weeks strike. But the environment me and my sister's are in isn't good for us.

My hair is falling out, I'm constantly in pain from stress, and my anxiety is so bad that I cannot sleep. Meanwhile my sister is bleeding from the stress. That's just the stress my older sister and I are going through.

Hello, if you aren't familiar with me, I spent 2023 homeless for majority of the year. We are living with someone else and have been since Thanksgiving. Since then, my sister got a job, I am working on getting my ID, i have the money for it, I just need to get to a DMV, and I am enrolling myself into school again.

I stay at home with my two younger siblings, one is still a minor, the other is an adult, but they're both disabled and need someone to help them fulltime. Hence why I stay at home.

We are with a legal guardian and their partner, but our legal guardian does not own the property. And it's unclear how much they know is going on with us and their partner who is making us stress out to the point we deem it unsafe.

This partner stated I cannot stay on the property to take care of my siblings unless I enroll into school. I am hoping I have everything I need to fully enroll because I have very few documents on me.

I am the primary caretaker for my siblings, my older sister is right after me. As I understand and meet their needs, they trust me to advocate for them and to protect them.

Making this stipulation has made trying to enroll even more stressful than it had been before. Hence the heightened anxiety.

My older sister and my other sibling, who are four years apart, had a dispute yesterday. The younger one did attack our older sister, our sister did not retaliate. It was all verbal except for that attack, however, this partner is claiming there's abuse.

They threatened to take it to CPS as we have an active case open, and despite trying to explain the situation, it changed nothing. They told us this is far from over and they know the system.

We have already talked about wanting to leave because of the first instance with me. Now, we believe we have no choice but to tell CPS about how uncomfortable we are in this environment.

If you can help us get out of this environment, here's some links that can help.

Cash.app

Paypal

I hate having to do this, but I cannot handle this constant pain and anxiety. I already have health issues that I constantly have to maintain, I am scared about the damage this is doing to me. I'm even more scared for my sister because she's having similar health problems our mom has had, and those are fatal.

So please, share or donate if you can. I apologize for having to do this again but I have put it off as long as I could.

[courierdelhi24x7]

Medicine Courier from Bangalore to New Zealand – Reliable Services with the Resources of Couriers24x7

In today’s global world, staying associated with cherished ones and meeting pressing healthcare desires for the duration of borders has become more important than ever. One of the maximum in-name for logistics answers is the Medicine Courier from Bangalore to New Zealand. Whether it’s for private use, to assist a relative in remote places, or for clinic requirements, turning in drug remedies across the world requires a specialized and legally compliant process. Couriers24x7 is your reliable partner for seamless, stable, and inexperienced treatment shipping to New Zealand from Bangalore.

Why Send Medicines from Bangalore to New Zealand?

Bangalore, known as India’s IT and pharmaceutical hub, offers get entry to to a sizeable variety of existence-saving tablets, pharmaceuticals, and Ayurvedic remedies at competitive prices. New Zealand, at the same time as having a sturdy healthcare dsystem may not always have get admission to to the same kind of medicinal drugs or may also require long lead instances for sure prescriptions.

Sending drug remedies internationally may be critical in situations like:

Continued remedy for Indian residents living in New Zealand

Availability of price-effective options in India

Emergency medical necessities for family contributors distant places

Sending Ayurvedic or homeopathic drugs now not without troubles available remote places

That’s wherein Couriers24x7 steps in with prevent-to-cease medicinal drug courier services from Bangalore to New Zealand.

What Medicines Can Be Sent?

Not all drugs are allowed for international transport, however Couriers24x7 ensures you live in the crook framework at the same time as meeting your urgent requirements. You can ship:

Prescription-based totally definitely allopathic drug remedies

Generic drugs

Ayurvedic and homeopathic remedies

Medical gadgets (at the side of insulin pens, inhalers, BP machines, and so on.)

Life-saving pills authorized for worldwide transport

Supplements and nutrients (as typical by NZ law)

We help in making sure right documentation, which include physician’s prescription, bill, and authorization in which required.

Legal Compliance & Safety – Our Top Priority

International shipping of drugs requires thorough statistics of customs recommendations, health protection pointers, and packaging protocols. Couriers24x7 ensures your parcel complies with:

New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority (Medsafe) policies

Indian export felony pointers for pharmaceuticals

Proper statement of contents at customs

Secure, leak-evidence, and temperature-controlled packaging if required

Our group will manual you on what documents are needed and assist you put together the entirety so your cargo isn't behind schedule or decrease lower back.

Temperature-Sensitive Packaging & Handling

Certain pills require unique care at some point of shipping, specially those trying refrigeration or protection from daylight. Couriers24x7 presents:

Insulated packing containers with ice gel packs

Tamper-proof sealing

Real-time temperature monitoring (on choose shipments)

Time-sure express transport to reduce transit delays

This guarantees that your pills preserve their efficacy upon shipping.

How the Process Works with Couriers24x7

We simplify the complete gadget of Medicine Courier from Bangalore to New Zealand into a few easy steps:

Step 1: Book Your Pickup

Visit our internet website or call our customer support to time table a free pickup from the doorstep everywhere in Bangalore.

Step 2: Documentation Assistance

We manual you through the paperwork, inclusive of:

Valid health practitioner's prescription

Medicine buy bill

Government ID proof of the sender

Authorization letter if sending on someone else’s behalf

Step 3: Secure Packaging

Our group guarantees expert packaging, specifically for fragile or temperature-sensitive gadgets. You can also choose our in-residence packaging carrier.

Step 4: Real-Time Tracking

Once dispatched, you’ll get hold of a monitoring ID to display screen your parcel’s progress in actual-time throughout borders.

Step 5: Hassle-Free Delivery in New Zealand

Our logistics partners manage the final-mile delivery in New Zealand. We cover all number one towns which include Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, and Dunedin.

Why Choose Couriers24x7?

With many courier alternatives available nowadays, what sets Couriers24x7 apart is our recognition on reliability, affordability, and accept as true with. Here’s why customers from Bangalore keep in mind us for global medication transport:

✅ Specialized in Medicine Courier We recognize the critical nature of healthcare shipments and make certain compliance, velocity, and safety in each shipping.

✅ Doorstep Pickup & Delivery From Bangalore to the recipient’s door in New Zealand, we provide a real give up-to-give up answer.

✅ Affordable Pricing Sending drugs across the world doesn’t have to interrupt the financial organization. We offer low in cost charges with pinnacle rate provider satisfactory.

✅ Express & Economy Options Choose from express delivery (3–5 days) or economy shipping (6–10 days) based totally on urgency and finances.

✅ 24/7 Support Our group is always to be had to reply queries, help with documentation, and offer updates.

✅ Customs Clearance Assistance International shipments regularly get not on time because of customs. We help in clearing parcels quick and legally.

Cities Covered in New Zealand

We make certain huge coverage across New Zealand which includes:

Auckland

Wellington

Christchurch

Hamilton

Tauranga

Napier-Hastings

Dunedin

Palmerston North

No matter wherein your family are dwelling, we’ll get the drug treatments delivered properly and on time.

Final Thoughts

Sending vital drug remedies from India to New Zealand is a accountable task that requires know-how, compliance, and care. At Couriers24x7, we satisfaction ourselves on providing a trusted bridge among sufferers and their life-saving medicinal capsules. Whether it’s a one-time need or a regular requirement, we ensure peace of mind, speedy transport, and steady dealing with on every occasion.

So, in case you are seeking out a reliable Medicine Courier from Bangalore to New Zealand, look no similarly than Couriers24x7.

[forcetrack]

Why Servant Verification Matters for Your Family’s Security

Hiring domestic help like maids, housekeepers, or drivers can significantly improve your daily life. However, without proper servant verification, this convenience could come at the cost of your family's safety. Many households today rely on domestic workers for cleaning, cooking, childcare, and driving, but neglecting to verify their background is a risk you should not take.

This article explains why servant verification is essential for your family’s security and how it helps protect your home and loved ones. We'll also explore how services like Force Track can help you conduct thorough background checks without the hassle.

Understanding Servant Verification

Servant verification is the process of validating the identity, criminal background, and past employment of domestic workers. This includes:

Collecting identity proofs like Aadhaar or voter ID

Verifying current and previous addresses

Checking for any police records or criminal history

Contacting previous employers (if available)

This type of background verification helps homeowners ensure that the person they are trusting with their home is reliable and poses no threat.

Why Servant Verification is a Must for Every Household

1. Prevents Security Threats

Domestic workers have access to your home, valuables, and sometimes your children or elderly family members. An unverified individual may pose serious security threats such as theft, data misuse, or worse. Verified domestic staff are less likely to commit crimes as they know their credentials are on record with law enforcement.

2. Protects Vulnerable Family Members

If you have children, elderly, or differently-abled members at home, their safety becomes even more critical. A verified maid or housekeeper ensures that your loved ones are in safe hands while you're away at work. Maid verification not only deters potential abuse or negligence but also gives you peace of mind.

3. Reduces Legal Liabilities

In cases of theft, assault, or other incidents involving an unverified domestic worker, homeowners can face legal complications. Performing servant verification adds a layer of legal protection and responsibility. In some states, it is mandatory to verify and register domestic help with the local police station.

4. Helps Track Movement in Case of Disputes

A verified record with updated address and contact details makes it easier to trace someone in case of disputes or issues. If a driver, for instance, suddenly leaves without notice or is involved in an accident, having their verified details can expedite police action and insurance claims.

Commonly Overlooked but Vital Verifications

Many households focus solely on maid verification, but it’s essential to apply the same rigor to other domestic roles:

- Housekeeper Verification

Housekeepers often handle valuables like jewelry, electronics, or important documents. Conducting thorough housekeeper verification helps prevent the risk of internal theft.

- Driver Verification

If your domestic help includes a personal or family driver, their driver verification must include checking their license validity, accident history, and prior employment. An unverified driver can risk not just your vehicle but also your family’s lives.

- Tenant Verification (in case of live-in help)

If your domestic help lives on your property, consider treating it like tenant verification. This ensures that their stay is legally documented, and their personal information is registered with local authorities.

Signs You Should Immediately Verify or Re-verify a Domestic Worker

They avoid sharing ID proofs or give fake documents.

They change mobile numbers frequently.

They were referred without proper documentation.

They exhibit suspicious or secretive behavior.

They’re unwilling to provide previous employment references.

These are red flags that should prompt immediate background verification.

How to Perform Servant Verification: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Collect and Verify ID Proofs

Ask for government-issued documents like Aadhaar, PAN card, and passport-size photographs.

Step 2: Address Confirmation

Verify the current and permanent address by asking for utility bills or rental agreements.

Step 3: Contact Previous Employers

If available, speak with past employers to understand the domestic help’s conduct, honesty, and reliability.

Step 4: Police Verification

Visit the local police station or use digital platforms like Force Track to initiate a background check. This includes checking criminal records and uploading the individual’s data for police registration.

Step 5: Maintain Records

Keep a physical and digital file of all documents submitted by your domestic worker.

Using Force Track for Hassle-Free Servant Verification

Manual verification can be time-consuming and complicated. This is where digital tools like Force Track simplify the process. While not promotional in tone, it's important to recognize that Force Track offers structured servant verification services that can:

Quickly initiate police background checks

Provide document uploading and tracking

Offer real-time status updates

Store verified data securely for future reference

Whether you're looking for maid verification, driver verification, or housekeeper verification, Force Track acts as a reliable digital solution to conduct these checks efficiently.

Why DIY Verification Isn’t Enough

Some people try to conduct verification on their own. While this may be useful for basic checks, it’s rarely sufficient for full background verification. Issues include:

Inability to access police records

Incomplete verification of address or ID

No legal documentation in case of disputes

Missing red flags that professional checks would catch

Using a dedicated platform helps you avoid these gaps and offers legal credibility.

What If You Skip Servant Verification?

Failing to verify your domestic help could lead to:

Criminal activities like theft or abuse

False identity usage by the worker

Legal issues if police involvement is required

Loss of trust within the household

Emotional and financial stress in case of incidents

It’s a small effort that can save you from major consequences.

Also Read : Servant Verification at Your Doorstep – Safe Hiring Starts Here

Final Thoughts

Your home is your safe space. Letting someone into that space without knowing who they really are is an unnecessary risk. In today’s age, where identity fraud and petty crimes are rising, servant verification should be non-negotiable.

Platforms like Force Track make it simple to validate and secure your domestic staffing. Whether it’s a maid, driver, or housekeeper, make sure you know who they are before handing them the keys to your home.

[dtdcaustraliasydney]

Sending Couriers from Australia to South Africa: What You Need to Know

With increasing global connections, sending packages overseas has become more accessible than ever. Whether you're sending documents to a business associate in Johannesburg or a gift to family in Cape Town, reliable courier services bridge the distance. For those living in Australia, understanding the process of shipping to South Africa from Australia is essential to ensure your items arrive safely, on time, and affordably.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about booking a courier to South Africa, from costs and delivery times to customs regulations and packaging tips.

Why Choose a Courier to South Africa?

Australia and South Africa share a strong business, education, and cultural relationship. People frequently send:

Personal items and gifts

Legal and academic documents

Excess baggage or unaccompanied luggage

E-commerce orders or business samples

Medical or essential supplies

Using a dedicated courier to South Africa ensures safe handling, online tracking, customs clearance, and timely delivery—all of which are difficult to guarantee with regular post.

Delivery Timeframes: How Long Does It Take?

The delivery time largely depends on the service type you choose:

Express Courier Services: 2–5 business days

Standard Courier Services: 10–15 business days

Sea Freight (for bulk shipments): 4–8 weeks

If you’re in a metro area like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, you can often benefit from faster pickup and dispatch services.

What’s the Cheapest Courier from Australia to South Africa?

Finding the cheapest courier from Australia to South Africa doesn’t always mean sacrificing quality. The final price depends on:

Package weight and dimensions

Shipping method (express vs. economy)

Pickup vs. drop-off

Insurance and tracking needs

Some of the most affordable options include:

Economy parcel services offered by international courier providers like DTDC, DHL eCommerce, or Sendle (via third-party logistics platforms).

Sea freight for large volumes or non-urgent shipments

Consolidated courier services where parcels are grouped to reduce costs

💡 Tip: Compare quotes from multiple courier providers and platforms before booking. DTDC Australia offers instant online quotes and options tailored for different needs and budgets.

Required Documentation & Customs Guidelines

When shipping to South Africa from Australia, customs documentation is critical. Most courier services will guide you through it, but here’s what you typically need:

📄 Required Documents:

Commercial Invoice (for businesses) or a Proforma Invoice (for personal items)

Packing List

Copy of Passport or ID (in some cases)

Waybill / Shipping Label

🚫 Prohibited & Restricted Items:

South African customs strictly prohibit or restrict items such as:

Firearms and ammunition

Narcotics and drugs

Perishable food

Aerosols and hazardous chemicals

Certain plants and seeds

Alcohol and tobacco (subject to strict regulation)

Always check with your courier service provider for the most updated list and ensure you're not violating any shipping laws.

Packaging Tips for Long-Distance Shipping

To ensure your parcel arrives in perfect condition:

Use durable, double-walled boxes

Cushion fragile items with bubble wrap or foam

Seal boxes securely with strong packing tape

Label clearly with both sender and recipient addresses, and include a duplicate label inside the box

Avoid overstuffing—items may shift during transit, increasing the risk of damage

DTDC and other courier companies often provide packaging advice and materials upon request.

Insurance & Tracking

While most international courier services come with basic coverage, it’s always wise to add insurance for high-value goods. Check what coverage your courier offers and if there are any exceptions or limitations.

Also, ensure that your courier provides real-time tracking, allowing you and your recipient to monitor the parcel’s journey from dispatch to delivery.

Pickup or Drop-Off: What Works Best?

Courier companies like DTDC Australia offer:

Door-to-door pickup: Ideal for convenience, especially for bulky or heavy items

Depot drop-off: A cost-effective option if you’re near a courier office

Airport/port drop: For commercial air or sea freight shipments

Choose the one that best suits your schedule and budget.

Courier Services You Can Trust

A few trusted names in the courier industry for routes from Australia to South Africa include:

DTDC Australia – Affordable and reliable with a variety of shipping methods including express, economy, air, and sea freight

FedEx – Great for time-critical deliveries

DHL – Known for extensive global coverage

TNT – Excellent for business shipments

Australia Post International – Good for small, non-urgent parcels

Each has different pricing, so take time to compare and read reviews for the most suitable option.

Final Thoughts

Sending parcels internationally doesn’t have to be stressful. By choosing the right provider, understanding customs requirements, and preparing your shipment carefully, you can ensure smooth shipping to South Africa from Australia.

Whether you’re looking for the cheapest courier from Australia to South Africa or a fast, premium service for urgent deliveries, there are plenty of flexible options. Explore your choices, get quotes online, and ship with confidence.

[aandhconsultantsdubaiuae]

Company Formation Consultants in Dubai: Your Gateway to Business Success

Dubai has become among the most vibrant business centers globally. With its favorable location, tax-free environment, sophisticated infrastructure, and secure legal system, it remains a magnet for entrepreneurs and investors worldwide. But company incorporation in Dubai can be a complicated procedure, particularly for uninitiated parties lacking knowledge of local regulations and procedures. It is where Company formation consultants in dubai come into their important role.

Why You Need to Hire Company Formation Consultants in Dubai

Opening a business in a foreign country entails a set of processes — selecting the appropriate business form, securing approvals where required, registering the company, opening a corporate account, and compliance with local legislation. For some, undertaking these procedures with no assistance can be time-consuming and daunting.

Company formation consultants assist in streamlining the process with professional advice and end-to-end assistance. Their deep understanding of UAE company laws and government procedures ensures that your company is established properly and efficiently.

Key Services Provided by Company Formation Consultants

Professional advisors offer a gamut of services which covers all aspects of business registration and company setup. Some of the most important services are:

1. Business Structure Advice

One of the initial steps in company formation is the selection of an appropriate legal structure. The available choices are mainland companies, free zone companies, and offshore companies. Each type has its pros and cons. The consultants analyze your business objectives and guide you towards choosing the most appropriate structure for your requirements.

2. Jurisdiction Selection

Dubai provides different jurisdictions like Dubai Mainland, several Free Zones like Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), and Offshore jurisdictions like JAFZA Offshore. Selecting an appropriate jurisdiction influences your scope of operation, rights of ownership, eligibility for visa, and tax. A professional consultant will assist you in choosing the jurisdiction best suited to your business model.

3. Company Name Reservation

Reserving a company name is an integral part of the setup procedure. Consultants ascertain that the name selected meets UAE's naming policy, is one-of-a-kind, and is available for registration.

4. Documentation and Approvals

Company registration entails documentation that is to be filed with different government agencies. Consultants help prepare the Memorandum of Association (MOA), agreements among shareholders, and other documents. They also handle coordination with authorities to procure requisite licenses and approvals.

5. Obtaining Trade License

Obtaining a trade license is mandatory to operate legally in Dubai. Depending on the nature of your business, you may require a commercial, professional, or industrial license. Company formation consultants handle the application process and ensure you get the appropriate license.

6. Visa and Immigration Services

Once your company is formed, you will have to get visas for yourself and your staff. Consultants assist in applying for visas, labor cards, Emirates ID registration, and medical check-ups.

7. Bank Account Support

The process of opening a corporate bank account in Dubai requires due diligence and document checks. Consultants deal with top banks in the UAE and assist you in selecting one that suits your business requirements, and walk you through the KYC process.

Advantages of Engaging Company Formation Consultants

The advantages of engaging professional consultants extend beyond time and effort saving. Some of the key benefits are:

Compliance with Regulations: Remain compliant with all local regulations to avoid penalties or delays.

Cost Savings: Save costs through professional suggestions on cost-saving setups and the avoidance of non-essential services.

Time Savings: Leave the setup to professionals and concentrate on core business activities.

Local Expertise: Consultants have connections with government ministries and banks, facilitating faster processing.

Picking the Ideal Company Formation Consultant in Dubai

It is imperative to choose the right consultant for a hassle-free and successful business setup. Consider the following:

1. Experience and Track Record

Choose consultants with a successful track record of company formations in diverse industries. Experience guarantees they can manage complexities and present effective solutions.

2. Transparent Pricing

An ethical firm will provide transparent and upfront pricing with no surprise charges. Steer clear of consultants who give ambiguous estimates or make unrealistic claims.

3. Customized Services

Each business is distinct. A good consultant will provide customized solutions and not a cookie-cutter solution.

4. Client Support

After-formation support matters just as much as setup. Ensure the consultant offers on-going support with renewals, amendments, and compliance requirements.

How A&H Consultants Can Help

A&H Consultants is a trusted name in business setup services in Dubai. The team comprises seasoned professionals who are well-versed in UAE’s legal and commercial landscape. Whether you’re a start-up, SME, or multinational corporation, they offer customized solutions to meet your business goals.

From selecting the most suitable jurisdiction to attending to all paperwork and obtaining licenses, A&H Consultants oversee the whole process with accuracy and effectiveness. Their complete services guarantee that company formation is stress-free, enabling you to begin operations as soon as possible and with confidence.

Final Thoughts

Dubai offers immense business growth opportunities, but without proper guidance, company formation procedures can be daunting. Recruiting seasoned Company formation consultants in dubai isn't only a wise decision — it's at times a necessity. With their assistance, you can have your company formed legally, quickly, and with a solid groundwork for longevity.

[kmsmobilenotaryservice]

Culver City's Secret to Stress-Free Document Signing

In a city as vibrant and fast-paced as Culver City, efficiency is more than just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Between the demands of work, family, and life’s unexpected curveballs, even seemingly simple tasks like signing important documents can become stressful. Enter Culver City's best-kept secret for hassle-free paperwork: Culver City Mobile Notary services. This modern solution is transforming how residents and businesses handle notarizations, offering unparalleled flexibility, convenience, and peace of mind.

Why Notarization Matters

From real estate deals to legal affidavits and power of attorney forms, notarization is a critical step in verifying the authenticity of a signature and deterring fraud. Traditionally, individuals had to visit a bank or office during limited hours, often waiting in line, only to spend a few minutes with a notary. In today’s world, that model feels outdated.

The Mobile Notary Advantage

Culver City Mobile Notary services offer a much-needed upgrade. Instead of rearranging your schedule to fit a notary’s availability, a mobile notary comes to you—whether you’re at home, in the office, at a hospital, or even a local coffee shop. This convenience is invaluable for people with mobility challenges, tight schedules, or urgent deadlines.

One standout in this growing field is KM's Mobile Notary Service, known for its reliability, professionalism, and client-first approach. Whether you’re closing a real estate deal or need a last-minute notarization for travel or legal purposes, KM’s Mobile Notary ensures that your experience is smooth and stress-free.

Stress-Free from Start to Finish

So, what exactly makes using a Culver City Mobile Notary such a stress-free experience?

1. On-Demand Convenience

Imagine this: It’s late in the afternoon, and you’ve just realized you need a document notarized before tomorrow’s deadline. Instead of panicking or rushing through traffic to find a notary before they close, you can simply call KM’s Mobile Notary Service. They’ll come directly to you, often the same day, with all the tools needed to get the job done.

2. Time-Saving Efficiency

There’s no need to take time off work or rearrange your day. Mobile notaries work around your schedule, often available during evenings and weekends. This is particularly helpful for families, professionals, and anyone juggling multiple responsibilities.

3. Flexible Locations

Whether you’re at a law firm, in a hospital room, or in your pajamas at home, KM’s Mobile Notary Service brings the notary office to you. This level of flexibility makes it easier to handle sensitive or complex documents that may require witnesses, ID verification, or other specific needs.

4. Professional and Confidential

Notarizing sensitive legal or financial documents requires trust. KM’s Mobile Notary Service is known for its discreet, secure handling of all paperwork. Clients can rest assured that their privacy is protected and that their documents are processed in full compliance with California laws.

A Solution for All Walks of Life

The benefits of mobile notary services aren’t limited to individuals. Businesses, law firms, and real estate professionals across Culver City are increasingly turning to Culver City Mobile Notary experts to streamline operations. By outsourcing notarization to a trusted mobile service, companies save on labor costs, reduce error rates, and increase client satisfaction.

Additionally, seniors and those with limited mobility find these services invaluable. With the option for a notary to visit assisted living facilities, hospitals, or private residences, important legal processes are made accessible and stress-free.

Ready When You Need It

What makes KM's Mobile Notary Service stand out is its dedication to prompt response times, clear communication, and client satisfaction. The team understands that some notarizations are urgent and offers rush appointments to meet tight deadlines without compromising accuracy or professionalism.

Contact Us

If you’re ready to experience the most convenient and dependable way to handle your document signing needs, look no further than KM’s Mobile Notary Service. With years of experience and a reputation for excellence, they’ve earned their place as the go-to Culver City Mobile Notary provider. Whether you're dealing with a single-page document or a stack of legal paperwork, help is just a call or click away.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment and discover why so many in Culver City rely on KM’s Mobile Notary for stress-free document signing.

In a world where time is precious and trust is everything, Culver City's secret to stress-free document signing is no longer a secret—thanks to KM's Mobile Notary Service, it's a solution that’s readily available, whenever and wherever you need it.

Original Link: https://mobilenotaryca.blogspot.com/2025/06/culver-citys-secret-to-stress-free.html